Category Archives: News and Happenings

Deborah Cox LIVE at ROSCOES!! March 22nd, 2013

THIS IS GOING TO BE OFF THE HOOK!

Deborah Cox will be starring in the re-staging of JEKYLL & HYDE and  will play the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph St.) for two weeks only, March 12 – 24, 2013.

American Idol star and Tony® Award nominee Constantine Maroulis joins with Grammy® Award nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox to inject new life into the classic tale of good and evil, JEKYLL & HYDE.  This is going to be a great pairing!! And headed straight to Broadway, after the Chicago opening.

SuperStar Deborah Cox will make a special  appearance at Roscoes on March 22nd!
Performing her awesome dance hit songs LIVE!

Roscoes  3356 Halsted st.   
 $5 cover after 11pm.

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Illinois Governor Reduces State HIV Funding = Cuts to ADAP

More cuts coming to ADAP.

Illinois
Governor Pat Quinn released a proposed $35.6 million state budget on
March 6 that would reduce state HIV/AIDS funding by $4.27 million, or 16
percent.

“Thanks
to President Obama, many people with HIV will gain new health insurance
coverage through the Affordable Care Act, providing partial relief to
the state’s AIDS Drug
Assistance Program (ADAP),” said David Ernesto Munar, President/CEO of
the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. “
Illinois has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reinvest ADAP savings to fund HIV prevention
and service programs that will reduce new HIV cases and improve health outcomes.”

Under
the Governor’s proposed budget, total state HIV spending would drop
from $26.23 million in FY13 to $21.75 million in FY14. AFC has learned
from sources at IDPH that the
funding cut would come from ADAP, which provides life-saving
medications to people with the disease.

In
2014, many current ADAP clients will transition to Medicaid or
subsidized private insurance programs available through new online
insurance marketplaces, also called exchanges. 
This shift will reduce the need for state spending on ADAP.  “Allegedly”. 

“HIV
is a communicable disease,” continued Munar. “The scientific evidence
is clear that when people with HIV receive clinical care, treatment, and
other essential services, the risk for
further HIV transmission is substantially decreased.” 

“About half of people with HIV are
not receiving medications or medical care,” said
Ramon Gardenhire, AFC’s director of government relations.
“Illinois should reinvest the savings from the ACA to connect people
with HIV to medical care: culturally sensitive boots-on-the-ground
outreach workers, substance abuse
and mental health treatment resources, and stable housing and
transportation options. Illinois should reinvest in these services since
the unmet need is so great.  Doing so will reduce new HIV cases and
future medical spending.”

If
enacted, HIV funding would be cut for the third year in a row. Since
2011, Illinois has reduced state HIV funding by $9 million, or 30
percent. 

“HIV
funding cuts have resulted in dramatic decreases in the availability of
HIV prevention, housing and supportive services across the state,” said
Gardenhire.  “It’s time for Illinois
to stop this trend and fund targeted investments that will help lower the burden and cost of HIV upon the state.”

To
ensure that people with HIV continue to receive services, the General
Assembly must immediately act to extend Medicaid coverage to all
low-income people, including people with HIV.

Sponsored by State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago),
Senate Bill 26,
pending in the Illinois House, would
authorize Illinois to take advantage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
to provide Medicaid to about 342,000 low-income Illinois citizens who
are currently uninsured, including thousands who are living
with HIV/AIDS. Thanks to health reform, Illinois will be able to offer
Medicaid to this population at no expense to the state for the first
three years, and in later years the state will never pay more than 10
percent of the coverage cost.

SB
26, if approved by the Illinois House, would shift costs for HIV
medication from the state to the federal government, yielding savings to
Illinois that could be used to strengthen HIV
care and prevention efforts.

AFC,
together with HIV/AIDS medical and community-based services
organizations, calls on the Illinois General Assembly to reverse the
proposed funding cuts and pass SB 26 to gain federal
funding to provide HIV care through Medicaid.

AFC
urges advocates to join us in Springfield to lobby for important
HIV/AIDS issues in April and May of this year. Contact Lucy Baglin at
lbaglin@aidschicago.org
for more information on Medicaid advocacy. 

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Discount Gucci and Prada in Chicago? Yep!

Just about 5 minutes from O’Hare will sit The Fashion Outlets of Chicago, the biggest retail
project to happen in Chicago in a very long time. 

 

They claim, it’s So Big you’ll be able
to see runway shows happening on the LED Screens from low  planes flying into
O’Hare. 
The anchors of the 2-floor 530,000 square-foot mall, opening  are Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, Last Call by Neiman
Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and Forever 21. 
Upstairs will be higher-end outlets ranging from
Prada to J.Crew.  J. Who? We’re talking Nike Factory
Store, Halston, Herve Leger, Helzberg Diamonds, Hugo Boss, Allsaints,
Andrew Marc, Brunello Cucinelli, Cole Haan, Georgio Armani, Michael
Kors, L.K. Bennett, Gucci and even Haagen Dazs.  
AND in addition to all these supah stah shops, representing the best of the best of 120 outlets, there’s two fine dining restaurants; Prasino
and Villagio and a first-level food court.
“Beyond the robust slate of retail and dining attractions, Fashion
Outlets of Chicago also will offer an exciting set of customer amenities
and social experiences, including a world-class art installation,” AWE
Talisman Chairman Arthur Weiner said in a statement.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago is located on Fashion Outlets Way off of
Balmoral Road in Rosemont and off of I-294 at the intersections of I-190
and I-90. The full store list can be found here.
OPENING  8-1-2013
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Out Lesbian Comic Judy Gold at UP COMEDY CLUB March 14-16th

JUDY GOLD! Coming to Chicago 

March 14-16th to UP COMEDY CLUB!

Emmy Award- winning actress and comedian Judy Gold is best known as the
star of the critically acclaimed long-running Off Broadway hit show 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother, for
which she was nominated for a 2006 Drama Desk Award.
Judy’s most recent show, The Judy Show – My Life As A Sitcom ran from June 2011 – January 2012  in New York and will be part of 2013 season at The Geffen Theatre in L.A. The NY Times made it a critic’s pick and called it, “Highly entertaining! Brash, Buoyant & Infectiously nostalgic.“ The Huffington Post said the show is, “Comedic Gold. A funny & fantastic ride! It’s the ultimate laughter-through-the tears tale.”
Gold won two Emmy Awards for writing and producing “The Rosie O’Donnell
Show”. She was nominated twice for The American Comedy Award’s funniest
female stand-up.  She has also appeared on Ugly Betty, The Glades, The Late Late Show with Craig FergusonLaw & Order, Law & Order SVU, Hollywood Squares, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and The Conan O’Brien Show, to name a few. This funny lady HAS DONE SO MUCH!
 Gold lives in New York City, with her two children. 
When asked, when did you first know you  were gay? Judy said, “I knew that there was something different about me at a very young age; at 5 or 6 I realized I’m not like them. I realized I was gay in adolescence, when most people become sexual beings, and I didn’t have crushes on boys.


My father asked me if I was dating anyone, if I had a boyfriend or if I had a girlfriend. I denied everything. Then he said, “Some parents have children who are gay or bisexual and they still love them.” The saddest part was I never told him, “Yes, I’m gay.” I wasn’t ready for it. I was so young. I was scared. I think deep down I was comforted by the fact that I knew that he knew, but it would have been nice to be able to talk about it. I know now, being out is the most important thing a gay person can do. 


I had sinus surgery and she was taking care of me. A few friends came over to visit and said they wished I had married their friend and kept (my then partner) on the side. I just changed the subject. When my mother came in she said, “I knew it!” Then, the first thing out of her mouth was, “why did you lie to your father?” I said I wasn’t ready to tell. I wasn’t comfortable. Even at that time, 20 years ago, it was a completely different landscape; it was still very difficult to come out.”
When asked, do you think its important, for celebrities who are out there and prominent to be OUT?
“Jodie Foster recently came  out – what did she have to lose? I think when people put their life on the line, and stand to lose it all, those are the true heroes. “
Catch Judy Gold in Chicago for just $20!  
The Up Comedy club is a beautiful space located on the 3rd floor of 230 W. North Ave.
They have a great food menu if you want a snack and the prices won’t kill you!
You can and should follow her on twitter @jewdygold and Facebook.
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Taverna 750 Charity Program, 100% Late Night Club



Taverna 750 is proud to announce their new charity program 100% Late Night Club.
Each month Taverna 750 will team up with different charities in efforts to build awareness and raise money for charities within their community. Taverna 750 will help raise money by dedicating a special part of their late night menu to 100% Late Night Club and 100% of the revenue that is earned from items that are ordered from that portion of the menu will be donated to the charity of the month. 
Each charity will be given an entire month to have the opportunity to raise money and spread the world about their organizations on Friday and Saturday evening’s from 11:00 PM –Close in a fun, energetic atmosphere.
Taverna 750  kicked off the 100% Late Night Club in collaboration with TPAN
last week and will run every Friday and Saturday evening from 11:00 PM – Close through Saturday, March 30, 2013. 

TPAN’s mission is to empower everyone living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS to live open, healthy, and productive lives. TPAN innovates to deliver peer-led support programs and collaborative wellness services and to communicate comprehensive information. TPAN will do so until HIV/AIDS is eradicated.
The concept of Taverna 750 was inspired by Paul D. Cannella’s Grandfather, Paul J. Loverde, and Uncle Chuckie Abruzzini’s restaurant. Grandpa Paul and Uncle Chuckie served up good times, great drinks, and classic Italian food to Chicago’s West Humboldt Park neighborhood between the 1940’s and 1960’s. Their recipes are the basis for several menu items. All of the entrees are small plates, which are meant for sharing with your party. They are served European style, so they will arrive at the table in the order in which they are prepared.
Taverna 750 . 750 W Cornelia Ave. Chicago, IL 60657 . 773-904-7466
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The Night Ministry Chosen as this years PROUD TO RUN Beneficiary

The Night Ministry is excited to announce that we have been chosen as a
beneficiary of the 2013 Proud To Run 10K run and 5K run/walk! Proud to
Run (PTR) is an annual charity event focused on celebrating pride in a
healthy way and raising funds to support the greater Chicago area
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning,
Intersex/Inquiring, & Allies (LGBTQI&A). Since 1982, Proud To Run has raised more than $320,000 for
local beneficiary organizations. All of the funds raised by the 2013
Proud To Run event will directly benefit The Night Ministry’s YouthOutreach Program, the Pride Youth Program of Links, and TPAN’s Mobile
HIV Testing Unit.

 

The Night Ministry
will be participating in several pre-event fundraisers and will also be
providing a team of volunteers for the Proud To Run event on Saturday,
June 29, 2013.
If you would like to volunteer or learn more, please
contact Tedd@thenightministry.org

To sign up to run in the race, please visit the Proud to Run.

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Under a Rainbow Flag opens in Chicago March 23-April

Leo
Schwartz’s musical 

Under A Rainbow Flag

Has its
world premiere of Saturday, March 23 at Main Stage

with
direction by David Zak, and musical direction by Robert Ollis

Please join us for opening
night March 23 at 7:30. RSVP here.

 

 Based on the real-life story of a
WWII naval corpsman Jon Philips (who lives in Evanston,
Illinois), Under
A Rainbow Flag
is an high-energy work about a group of soldiers who meet on
a transport train heading west from Chicago
and about the choices they make during and after the war.

 

Phillips (Sam Button-Harrison) meets Gibbs
(Nicholas Stockwell), Russell (James Nedrud), and Stefano (Jordan Phelps) on
the train. Stefano is an army surgeon headed to the Pacific theater, while
Russell is an auto mechanic stationed stateside. Phillips loses his heart to
Gibbs. But Gibbs has met a woman (Kyrie Anderson) who has plans of her own. Schwartz’
script, full of humor and surprise, explores all types of love – with its
satisfactions and heartbreak.

FIND OUT MORE and please support the important works of Pride Films and Plays!


Location                  Main
Stage, 4139 North Broadway, Chicago.

Previews                  March
21 and 22 at 7:30

Curtain Times                    Thursday,
Friday, and Saturday at 7:30. Sunday 2:30.

                              Also
Wednesday 7:30 on April 3, 10, and 17.

Prices                      $15
for previews, $20 for Wednesday and Thursday, $25 for Friday, Saturday and
Sunday

Tickets                    BrownPaperTickets.com
of 1 800 838 3006

Discounts
               For veterans, students, and
seniors. 

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Palm Springs Seeks Best Bartender in Chicago March 6th

Palm Springs is seeking the best bartenders at top clubs across North America, including Sidetrack in Chicago. Palm Springs is challenging bartenders to stir up Palm Springs inspired cocktails as part of the 4th Annual Palm Springs Summer Splash Cocktail Challenge presented by Here Media and Alaska Airlines. 

 Sidetrack is the place to be on March 6, 2013 to watch bartenders compete and create their own signature Palm Springs-infused cocktail using Stoli Vodka, and will be evaluated on taste, presentation and appearance. The bartenders will also be judged on creativity and attire, as well as presentation and audience participation. Club attendees will receive Palm Springs swag including free hotel stays and the winner of the Cocktail Challenge wins airfare and a two-night stay to the finale in Palm Spring.

A winner will be selected from Sidetrack and
brought to Palm Springs to compete against other national bartenders in
the Cocktail Challenge finale on May 30, 2013, which is also
the official kick-off of
Summer Splash presented by Desert Gay Tourism Guild.

 

Event: 4th Annual Palm Springs Summer Splash Cocktail Challenge

Date: March 6, 2013    Time:  8pm

Location: Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halstead Street, Chicago

Contact Info:
773-477-9189 /
 

For the Palm Springs Summer Splash Cocktail Challenge event schedule and participating clubs, visit
www.PalmSpringsCocktailChallenge.com and follow
www.facebook.com/visitgaypalmsprings to find out the inside scoop on the contestants, locations, sponsors as well as photos from the promotional nights.

 

Palm Springs is home to nearly 30 gay and
lesbian-owned and/or operated resorts and guesthouses, including many
that are clothing optional. Direct flights available to Palm Springs
from major cities. Palm Springs travel information at
www.VisitGayPalmSprings.com

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New Dinner and Drinking Place in Uptown! Reservoir

Beuna Park/ Uptown has a new local bar and restaurant, located right on Montrose.   Reservoir. 844 W Montrose (west of  Clarendon Ave & East of Sheridan, right off Hazel). 
It’s getting a very nice mixed crowd. On the evening we were there, there were a dozen other LGBT folks. The decor uses lots of  warm dark wood inside with clean lines,a long bar with comfy chairs.  Ample seating and room for groups or just a table for one or two. 
Barely 6 months old and they are doing great. Yelpers are giving them 4 and 5 stars, which is always a great sign!  Tuesday nights are drawing a crowd for their Trivia Contest where players compete for shots and prizes!

They offer  great QUALITY food, an extensive craft beer selection, a nice selection of wines by the glass starting at $7 and great specialty cocktails in a laid-back, casual atmosphere. 

Don’t be fooled, just because it’s a late night bar, it’s NOT bar food. Really nice menu featuring shared plates, some signature sandwiches, and plenty more to please your palette. And all at great neighborhood prices. Hommus or Hot Wings for $8. Tuna Caponata or Calamari $9, an AMAZING braised pork belly  for $11 made with parsnip puree scented with Madagascar vanilla, port wine poached apple, and sumac. Delicious!
There is also a selection of generously sized salads $7-$8.  Flatbreads $8-$9. Some great sandwiches, plus a few  entree’s! But overall, I would suggest sharing. There are lots of ways to mix and match and not cost you a fortune. It’s really good food, priced right. Robert the manager told us they will be changing up the menu in coming weeks.  Adding some new things and taking some things off. 

The 2 guys sitting next to me said, “While I love living in the Buena Park/Uptown area, I’ve always felt  frustrated with the lack of options for food/drinks within walking distance.  We came in here about a month ago and love it.  The food, atmosphere and service is great.  Portions are a good size and drinks are reasonable.  So far, my favorites are the mac and cheese and the Cobb salad.  Reservoir is a great addition to the neighborhood.

Brunch is served on Sundays from 11AM – 3PM. Lots of delicious dishes $8-$12.

This is a great neighborhood addition!

RESERVOIR   844 W. Montrose   (773) 275-4000

M-F 5pm to 2am

Sat 11am to 3am

Sun 11am to 2am

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Chicago Takes Off March 2nd 2013 NEO NOIR

Chicago Takes Off
Is an AMAZING  burlesque “style” show that features professional dancers in
energetic, choreographed performances engaging audiences in a
celebration of life—all in support of TPAN’s HIV/AIDS programs
and services which benefit more than 25,000 individuals through our
prevention, outreach, and direct care services and programs.

Talented male and female performers donate their time and talent for this annual event THAT ALWAYS SELLS OUT!
It will be happening this Saturday night, March 2nd. There are 2 shows. 7:30 and 10:30. And there are still some tickets left. 
NEO NOIR is this years theme – a slick and sultry artistic production, reminiscent of old Hollywood – but with a modern edge. 
This is the 7th year! And Todd Kiech and Kevin Elliott are the creative team who produce this fantastic show!
GET TICKETS BEFORE THEY ARE GONE!!
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Illinois’ subsidized high risk health insurance pool IPXP to stop accepting applications March 2nd, 2013

 

 The federal office charged with implementing health
care reform announced this past Friday that the subsidized  plans that
are currently insuring more than 100,000 individuals nationwide, will be
closing their doors to new enrollees months before other coverage is
available on the new insurance exchanges.

Although
most of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act do not become
effective until January 1, 2014, the law set up interim plans, called
“Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans” for people who could not buy
health insurance on the private market because of serious health
conditions, including HIV.  In Illinois, the state opened the Illinois
Pre-Existing Insurance Plan (“IPXP”) in August 2010.  Approximately 3000
people now have insurance though IPXP.  Although those people currently
enrolled in those plans will continue to have coverage until January 1,
2014, when they will be able to move to private insurance coverage,
Friday’s announcement means that no new applications will be accepted
after March 2, 2013. 

Ann
Fisher, Executive Director of AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, explained
why this is bad news for people with HIV or any other pre-existing
condition that blocks them from getting private insurance.  “IPXP has
been an important source of health care coverage for people with HIV,
including people on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program  whose income
climbs above 300% of the federal poverty level (about $35,000) but do
not have health insurance on the job and cannot afford to pay for their
medications themselves. “  The state has been able to refer those
individuals to IPXP, and to help pay the IPXP premiums, so that they do
not lose access to their medications.     

Fisher
explained that IPXP was always meant to be a temporary program, set to
expire once pre-existing conditions no longer prevent people from buying
insurance.  “But,” she added “we always assumed that IPXP would
continue to accept new enrollees until very close to January 1st.” 
“It appears,”  she added,” that IPXP is a victim of its own success. 
There was a limited pool of money available for the plans, and in order
to make sure they can continue to pay claims of current enrollees, they
now have to cut off future ones.”     

AIDS
Legal Council is getting out the word about the closing of enrollment,
and encouraging anyone who has been without insurance for at least six
months to quickly apply for IPXP. NOW!!

  ALCC is available to answer questions or assist with the enrollment process and can be reached at 312-427-8990.

 

Founded
25 years ago, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago works to preserve, promote,
and protect the legal rights of men, women, children, and families in
the metropolitan Chicago area impacted by HIV and AIDS.  The Council
provides free direct legal services to people in need, educates the
public about HIV-related legal issues, and advocates for social policies
that ensure fair treatment for all people affected by HIV and AIDS.

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Comedian Paula Poundstone Performs at AFC Dinner April 18, 2013

Renowned comedian Paula Poundstone will grace the stage as the guest of honor at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) annual Spring Dinner on Thursday, April 18 at the Hilton Chicago.

Armed
with nothing but a stool, a microphone and a can of Diet Pepsi,
Poundstone’s sharp wit and raw honesty promise an evening of
intellectual diversion and unrelenting humor. 

 This laugh-out-loud event will also honor two of Chicago’s finest philanthropic men, Robert Neubert and Randy Duncan for their commitment to fight against HIV/AIDS.

Funds
raised through the Spring Dinner will support AFC’s policy, outreach
and public education programs. AFC is the largest source of private
HIV/AIDS philanthropic support in the Midwest. To learn more visit www.aidschicago.org.


WHEN:           Thursday, April 18

5:30 – 6:15 p.m.   Reception

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.   Dinner and evening program, featuring stand-up performance by Paula Poundstone   

8:45 – 10:00 p.m. After hours meet & greet with Paula Poundstone (Premium and VIP guests)

                       

WHERE:        Hilton Chicago, Grand Ballroom  – 720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago

 

TICKETS:      General admission: $250 — Reception and dinner

Premium admission: $350 — Reception, dinner and after hours meet & greet with Paula Poundstone

VIP
admission: $500 — Reception, dinner, after hours meet & greet with
Paula Poundstone and tickets to exclusive event with renowned
choreographer Randy Duncan (to be held at a later date)

 

For tickets and information,

www.aidschicago.org/springdinner or call (312) 334-0935.


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Queer Comedy Night at Zanies February 26th

Queer
Comedy at Zanies has been named the Advocate.com‘s “9 LGBT Friendly
Comedy Shows You Should Be Supporting,”

  On Tuesday February 26th at 8:30pm, join us as we welcome back
Queer Comedy at Zanies favorite Matteo Lane, hosted by Bill Cruz
(Chicago Underground Comedy) and featuring New York based comic Jami
Smith (The Advocate) and Kelsie Huff (Feminine Comique.)

Presented by Outloud Chicago, OutLoud Chicago
is a series created by Adam Guerino to bring queer entertainment to
mainstream Chicago venues. Queer Comedy at Zanies showcases the best
queer and straight comedians of the country who have appeared on Comedy
Central, BET, TBS Just For Laughs, A Night At The Apollo and Last Comic
Standing. Each show has continued to show that no matter if the
comedians or audience members are queer or straight, laughter knows no
sexuality.

Headlined by Queer Comedy at Zanies favorite,
Matteo Lane. When Lane isn’t making murals for President Obama, or
creating storyboards for televised commercials, he is a national
stand-up comedian. He is the host of the show Abigoliahs Bizarre Bazaar
with Matteo Lane in Brooklyn and regularly performs in New York and
Chicago at venues including Zanies, Comedy Bar and more. For more from
Matteo Lane, www.MattLaneArt.com.

Hosted by Bill Cruz. Cruz is a cast-member of Chicago Underground
Comedy and a regular at Zanies comedy club and Mikey O comedy shows.
Outside of Chicago, Bill has been a finalist at the Cleveland Comedy
Festival, a featured performer in the OutLaugh 2005! Los Angeles Gay and
Lesbian Comedy Festival and has been featured in the book Out On The
Edge: America’s Rebel Comics.

Featuring Jami Smith. Comedian
and humorist for Advocate.com, Jami Smith has quickly carved out a space
for herself in the gay comedy scene. She has performed alongside such
as acts as Erin Foley, Dana Goldberg, Jason Dudey, and Sandra Valls and
has been seen in the 2011 Women in Comedy Festival as well as comedy
clubs in New York, DC, and Los Angeles. She also hosts a comedy Twitter
feed for The Advocate called @Gaysayer and was voted one of the “Top 25
Twitter Accounts To Follow” by Gay.com. Follow Jami on Twitter for show
updates and jokes at @jamismithcomic.

And Kelsie Huff. Huff is a
cast member of Comedy Sportz 100 Proof Comedy and teaches Feminine
Comique, an all female stand up class produced by Tight Five Productions
and can be seen performing stand-up comedy at venues such as Zanies,
Chicago’s Laugh Factory, Mayne Stage, and throughout the suburbs as well
as touring her critically acclaimed one-woman shows“Huffs,” and
“Bruiser: Tales from a Traumatized Tomboy.” For more from Kelsie, www.kelsiehuff.com.

Tuesday February 26th at 8:30pm, Zanies Comedy Club 1548 N Wells.
Tickets are $10 in advance (call the club or visit the Zanies website)
or $15 or at the door. Audience members must be ages 21 or over. com.

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Best Gay Brunch at La Grand Vie Sunday, February 24th

 Join us for a special GAY BRUNCH AT La Grand Vie, Sunday. Feb 24th. 1-3pm. 


This
new chic hotspot at 215 E. Chestnut is offering up delicious brunch
choices $10-$12.
 Add on bottomless bloodymarys or bottomless mimosas for
$15 more
and we’ll hold ya a spot!
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Taverna 750 is Mixing up Love Potions For Valentines Day

Taverna 750

is Mixing Up Love this Valentine’s Day

Looking
for something more than just your standard flute of champagne this
Valentine’s Day?  
Head over to Taverna 750 for romantic inspiration
where Benjamin Newby has created a Love Potion sure to sweep your
Valentine off their feet. 
 His Italian inspired Love Potion, L’Elisir
d’Amore, is full of natural aphrodisiacs like pomegranate and vanilla,
and is guaranteed to light a spark on the 14th.  
With Hennessy Black,
Newby’s own “love syrup” and a bit of Chandon sparkling wine, this
cocktail will certainly do the trick for those looking for love this
Valentine’s Day.  
L’Elisir d’Amore (Italian for The Elixir of Love)
Service for two, $30 
(includes a little extra Chandon)
Single service, $15
L’Elisir d’Amore
By Benjamin Newby: Brand Architect, Hennessy Black
2oz Hennessy Black
1/2oz Green Chartreuse
1.5oz Love Syrup (made with Pomegranate, Chili and Vanilla)
3/4oz Fresh Lime Juice
Shake with ice and refrigerate
To Serve:
Add ice to a champagne flute 
4oz of cocktail mix
Top with Chandon brut
Stir gently, and serve 
Taverna 750, 750 W Cornelia Ave  773-904-7466

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Razon! Fabulous Dining in Uptown on Marine Drive

RAZON! The reason.

What a great discovery we just found, and it’s in Uptown, just blocks from our house! A hidden gem! This restaurant is the best kept secret! But not for long.

 Located at 4250 N. Marine Dr, RAZON is located  on the Northside of the Imperial Towers high-rises. Razon opened last May and when I looked at reviews online, nearly everybody loves this place!

(photo above -shows part of the dining room—filled with Italian marble and Ferrari-red finishes—the bar itself came from Italy).

So I talked with Nash the general manager and we made plans to come check it out. They actually have a cafe area and a restaurant  area. “What we are trying to do here is follow biorhythm of this wonderful neighborhood,” explained Nash. “We open our cafe at 7am to 10 pm each day. With great artisan coffee & morning pastries selection, Razón cafe is your one stop morning destination. Once morning craziness is over, lunch is served & delivered through Lakeview & Uptown.”

He continues, “Finally, at 5pm we open the door of our restaurant. People have voted and gave us 4 and 5 stars – critics and press were wonderful too. With our great team and  chefs we’ve been working for many years back develop charming menu with delicious options, all with an Italian influence and eclectic approach. Simple Italian architecture, with Miami lounge type music in the background and Midwestern hospitality. Razon means “the reason”. The reason to get together, the reason to dine, the reason to rejoice and be grateful!”

We arrived at 6:00pm thirsty!  The handsome Russian bartender, Alex suggested perhaps a specialty craft
drink. $9! How can you go wrong? We each decided on a martini named
after nearby streets. Mine was the “Montrose,’ made with Grey Goose
l’orange. fresh cut ginger, some cranberry juice and house sour mix. It
was amazing. Looked and tasted like a $15 cocktail I have had at other
places.

Derrick had the “Razon.” Grey Goose Citron with fresh basil, house sour
and soda. Perfection. They were honestly a couple of the best drinks we
have ever had. And we like to drink!

Homemade gourmet food from local ingredients, made for what the owner calls a “casual-to-upscale” dining room, and a coffee shop with grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and bistro boxes for the Lake Shore Drive foot traffic.

For dinner, the staff suggested many great things and we tasted lots. The menu is  big, filled with salads, lots of small plates, several burgers as well as steaks, lots of pastas which you can also have made with their amazing creamy polenta, at least half a dozen pizzas and  some large plates. So there is something for everyone.

Nash explained he gets deliveries daily. “Fresh, fresh, fresh!” he explains, “As a family and as a company in the food business for over 30 years, we have developed many relationships with suppliers who take of us, with the finest selections of seafood and meats. We are constantly getting deliveries and picking things up, so that we can deliver the freshest quality to our customers. We print new menus about every two days because little things are always changing based on what is coming and going, what is fresh and what is seasonal.”

And he does not lie. The calamari was melt in your mouth, served with a nice, not too hot, smoked jalapeno aioli. The brisket sandwich was huge and also tasted great. “Our brisket is slow cooked in its own natural juices. No BBQ sauce added. It is not rushed. We do it old school-slow!”

We sampled a cheese platter with 3 different cheeses, some bread and berries. It was a beautiful presentation and only $15. “This is another great example of how we buy. We try to support as many local businesses as we can. Most of the cheeses come from Pastoral. We source as many local ingredients as we can.”

The polenta was whipped and fluffy! The salmon was fresh and cooked perfectly. We wanted a pizza, but we had no room! Next time! The 2 guys next to us had the Prosciutto di Parma pizza, with prosciutto, 5 cheeses and arugula.  They said it was delicious–the prosciutto especially! And  they come here all the time.

We did try a few desserts however. The cafe has a wonderful selection of gelatos. We tried a couple of those and their Tiramisu, which Nash says is one of the best in Chicago! And I have to agree, it was pretty great.

It’s very easy for 2 diners  to have a couple drinks, share 2-3 small plates, split a large plate, and get out for under $75. With tip.  Another diner told us, “If you’re looking for an upscale date night in Uptown, this is the place to go. It’s downtown chic at much more reasonable prices. Tip included, we pay about  $80 for an appetizer, two drinks and two large entrées — we even usually have some to take home.” And during the weeknights, they offer various specials.

Another diner we talked to said, “This restaurant is the best kept secret! I live right around the corner from the restaurant, and walked by it everyday. I finally decided to come in about 4 months ago, and boy am I glad. They have an excellent menu , and great food. They have everything you need in this restaurant from a great place to have dinner with friends at night, to a little cafe to get your work done during the day, and gelato!!!! The customer service is easily the best service I have received in years. They go above and beyond. I haven’t come across a place like this in a while. I just love it!”

You will find the staff her very passionate about the restaurant and the food! Items are thoroughly explained, right  down to where the meat, chicken and fish are from.

It’s one of those places that makes you feel cool from knowing it, and even more hip when you can recommend it to your friends. I just don’t want EVERYONE to know about it. Is that selfish of me??

RAZON…giving people more than they expect!
4250 N. Marine Dr  773-880-9115

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Best Gay Survey – Best Gay Chicago and Beyond

ARE YOU A FAN OF 

THE BEST GAY BRAND? 
Do you read our 
BEST GAY SITES??  
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take this quick survey – 
it is less than 30 seconds!!
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Pie Hole Joint Pizza Opens Second Location in Uptown

Great news for Uptown/Andersonville!

5001 N. Clark, the storefront that was once home to CLARKS ON CLARK and lately was home to Winston’s Internet Cafe for a while, is being taken over by PIE HOLE JOINT. 
 When
Winston’s closed, it was remodeled and rehabbed.  Rumors had it that Chipotle would be going in, but that didn’t happen, and Uptown Update posted back in November that Pie Hole was a possible new tenant.

They played coy for a while, but now owner Doug Brandt  made it official:

Pie Hole Pizza will be opening its  SECOND  delicious location and have chosen Uptown, at 5001 N Clark Street, at Argyle.  Projected opening date is sometime in April. Possibly April 1, April Fools Day. “We’re shooting for April 1,” Brandt said in another post. “If we miss, we can always claim ‘April Fools!'” says Brandt. 

Last month  Brandt admitted the new second location  was more than a possibility and started a crowdsourcing campaign to bring Pie Hole to the new location.  Must have been a success, because it’s official.

The Uptown expansion is a dream come true for the local small
business owner, who said when he saw the vacant storefront last year he
envisioned “bright neon signs” in his mind that told him it would be a
great spot for his second location.

Brandt said Pie Hole, which offers an an eclectic variety of custom
pizzas with crazy combinations such as marshmallow and sausage, has
always had an “underground, anti-establishment and irreverent vibe.”

“The fact that it is not in the most commercial location is actually a plus for us,” he said.

The new address is in a residential area, but it sits on bustling
North Clark Street at West Argyle Avenue, at “the end of the
Andersonville retail strip that is progressively growing a little
farther and farther south,” Brandt said.

“So, it has a lot of potential in the future.” – And this is interesting….Brandt initially had trouble finding a funding stream to tap that
potential — before $30,000 in loans raised via crowd-funding program LendSquare solved his problem in December. LendSquare asks members of the community for two-year loans that are paid back with interest. What a cool idea!

We are very excited about Pie Hole coming to Uptown/Andersonville and can’t wait to
dig into our first custom slice. 

PIE HOLE ON FACEBOOK
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Fashion Show and Dance Party for Men of Color Feb 16

The Q-List: Love, Sex & Fashion Takes Place

Saturday, Feb. 16, at Cuna Lounge on West Belmont
 With lights down, music up and smart fashion all around, The Q-List: Love, Sex, and Fashion takes over Cuna Lounge, 1113 W. Belmont Ave., starting at 8 p.m. Saturday,
Feb. 16. Geared for young men age 18-29, the one-night only event is a no-cover, free party full of fashion and dance.
Doors open at 8 p.m. with a reception, followed by a fashion show at 9 p.m. and DJ Dance Party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Everyone must be at least 18 to enter; 21 to drink. Food, beverages, and “naughty” goodie bags will be provided.
Hosted by Advocating for Community Empowerment (A.C.E.) and Prodigies of Pride (POP), the evening celebrates young gay, bi and queer men of color, supporting their leadership and sexual health. Free drink tickets will be given to all men age 21-29 who choose to get tested for HIV that evening; a free gift will be given to those age 18-20 who get tested.
A.C.E. is a program of CALOR. A fixture in the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood for many years, CALOR has offered HIV/AIDS prevention and education services since 2001. It is a division of Anixter Center, one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the state supporting individuals with disabilities and other challenges, such as HIV/AIDS.
POP brings together youth age 16-24 in the African American, Latino gay, bi and transgender
community.
For more information about The Q-List, call 773-385-9080, ext. 246. To learn more about CALOR, visit www.CALOR.org. For more information about Anixter Center, go to www.anixter.org.
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Chicago Takes Off for TPAN March 2nd

SKIN IS THE NEW BLACK!


March 2nd, the HOTTEST show of the year returns to Park West. 

This show ALWAYS SELLS OUT!  Don’t wait. 

Chicago Takes Off
Is a burlesque “style” show that features professional dancers in
energetic, choreographed performances engaging audiences in a
celebration of life—all in support of TPAN’s HIV/AIDS programs
and services which benefit more than 25,000 individuals through our
prevention, outreach, and direct care services and programs.
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
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