Category Archives: News and Happenings
PRIDE NIGHT at Cirque du Soleil Soldier Field
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL VOLTA is hosting a special PRIDE Night on Tuesday June 18 @ 8pm at Soldier Field South Lot.
It will benefit the state’s top LGBTQ advocacy and education organization, Equality Illinois. The rainbow carpet will be animated by Chicago’s top drag queens from 7-8pm! Use code EQIL to save 15% @ Cirquedusoleil.com/VOLTA
Cirque du Soleil’s latest touring production, VOLTA, is now playing under its signature Big Top at the Soldier Field South Lot, 459 E. 18th Drive, Chicago, thru July 6, 2019. Tickets, starting at $49.
30 years in Chicago
2019 is a special year for Chicago and Cirque du Soleil as it marks the 30th anniversary of the coming of the circus troupe in the Windy City. Indeed, the first-ever Cirque du Soleil touring show to visit the USA, CIRQUE RÉINVENTÉ, stopped by Chicago in 1989 for the first time. This year, VOLTA will then be the 25th production to be presented in the area since the Canadian company first visited.
30 years in numbers:
- Cirque du Soleil visited Chicago for the first time 30 years ago with CIRQUE RÉINVENTÉ in 1989
- VOLTA is the 25th Cirque du Soleil production to visit the Chicago area
- VOLTA is the FIRST Cirque show to be presented at Soldier Field
- Chicago is the 10th city to be visited by VOLTA in the USA
- VOLTA employs 200 local employees from Chicago for the duration of its stay
The show
Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgement of others.
The Costumes
The stunning costumes of VOLTA have been designed by Emmy Award winner Zaldy Goco, famous for his work with Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani and on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
GET A GLIMPSE OF VOLTA HERE
Social Media:
Twitter: @Cirque #VOLTA
Instagram: cirquedusoleil #VOLTA
Free French Cooking Demo June 15
My Private Chef presents French Favorites
at Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store
A favorite whenever he appears, Chef Chris Tong of the private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef returns to the Bloomingdale’s for a French Bistro cooking demonstration.
Chef will prepare a mouthwatering menu and give tips about ingredients and serving. And, everyone will enjoy a taste of each dish.
Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite recipes:
- Escargot Bourguignonne
- Steak au Poivre
- Haricot Verts
- Pommes Puree
He will appear on Saturday, June 15 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Demo kitchen on 1.
For more information about this free Bloomingdale’s event, please call 312.324.7678
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services.
Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation
at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago.
Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining.
My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from
intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities. Being part of very special occasions makes my
work worthwhile. I also love conducting cooking demonstrations where I get
the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
We hope to see you there!
How About Brunch on Monday in Lakeview?
MONDAY Holidays
are getting like a BONUS SUNDAY!
Whether you are recovering from IML or Grabby Awards Parties, enjoy the BEST BRUNCH IN LAKEVIEW on MONDAY!
The Best Bottomless Mimosa Brunch
$25 for unlimited mimosas and it includes an entree from our extensive menu!
ALSO $5 House Margaritas at El Mariachi Tequila Bar
AND $5 Sangria at Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse
Reservations are recommended, walkins are accepted.
Reserve today amigos!
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Pride in the Park in Chicago June 29 2019
Tickets $50-$100
GA Tickets All Ages
VIP Tickets 21+ only
Held the day before Chicago’s annual LGBTQ Pride Parade, this ALL-NEW FEST at the Petrillo Bandshell will celebrate June’s Pride Month and will feature top national and local performers.
It will also feature an eclectic mix of food and arts & crafts vendors.
“We hope to build Pride in the Park into something people travel to Chicago for yearly, and something that will add to the already amazing Chicago Pride experience”
A portion of tickets processed will benefit the Center On Halsted. Center On Halsted is the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood.
Mothers Day Brunch with a Mexican Twist
This May 12th, treat Mom to something you know will make both of you smile: a delightful brunch or dinner with you!
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May 14th Cook Eat and Drink with Chef Tong
Chef Tong Presents a Taste of Spring at
Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park
Celebrate the arrival of Spring!
Chef Christopher Tong returns to present Spring fare that is sure to satisfy your gourmet tastes.
His demonstration will be held on Tuesday, May 14 from 7-9:00pm.
Chef’s Menu:
- Asparagus salad with red and yellow bell peppers, Champagne-saffron vinaigrette
- Lemon spaghetti, Parmesan cheese, basil, lemon zests, focaccia crisp
- Strawberry flambé with green peppercorns, vanilla bean ice cream
Chef will give you step-by-step directions and shopping tips, while answering all of your questions. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
The cost is $20.00 per person. The cooking class is on the mezzanine level in the on-site cooking classroom at the Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park,1550 North Kingsbury, Chicago.
Feel free to bring a bottle of wine as well! BYOB
Chef Tong’s classes are popular at Whole Foods Market so we suggest you sign up early to guarantee your place in the class.
To register for the class, call Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park at 312.587.0648 or sign up at the Customer Service Desk. Credit card or cash payment will hold your place in the class.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
We hope to see you there!
ABOUT CHEF;
Christopher Tong is the owner of My Private Chef, the elegant Chicago-based private chef and gourmet dining service.
Born and trained in Germany, Chef Christopher Tong has been creating distinctive contemporary Continental and French cuisine for more than twenty five years. After he was recruited to join the culinary staff of Ciel Blue, a famous award-winning restaurant in Chicago, he continued his career at prestigious establishments around the U.S., including the Walt Disney Swan Hotel in Orlando, the world famous Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills and the Sutton Place Hotel and Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.
Chef Tong’s cooking demonstrations are a favorite. He regularly appears on local television, at Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, Gilda’s Club Chicago, Whole Foods, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago’s Green City Market and In the Kitchen with Mariano’s at the Taste of Chicago.
Christopher was named one of the top 100 Chefs in Chicago and received the 2000 Gold Medal Award by the American Tasting Institute. He has served as a judge at the Illinois Institute of Art and is a member of the James Beard Foundation. He teaches his skills to students in the Culinary Arts Program at St. Augustine College.
FINALLY! Boystown Gets Rainbow Crosswalks!
Northalsted Business Alliance Announces Chicago Rainbow Pride Crosswalks
Boystown will get a little more colorful just in time for Pride Month this June with the planned addition of Chicago Rainbow Pride Crosswalks throughout the neighborhood. Initiated by the Northalsted Business Alliance, the rainbows will brighten the street at 14 crosswalks on east-west streets parallel to Halsted from Melrose north to Bradley, excluding Addison.
Thirteen of the crosswalks will feature the rainbow design that represents diversity and has become an inclusive symbol of the worldwide LGBTQ+ pride movement since the 1970’s. The 14th crosswalk will be dedicated to the transgender community. The blue, pink and white stripes found on the transgender flag will be located on Melrose south of the Howard Brown Health Center. This crosswalk will complement the mural at this intersection that has been dedicated to the queer and non-binary community.
The colorful crosswalks join the 20 iconic golden rainbow pylons, which are home to the Legacy Walk memorial plaques, the world’s only outdoor LGBTQ+ History Museum and now recognized by the Chicago Landmarks Commission as a Historic Landmark.
Funds for the Chicago Rainbow Pride Crosswalks come from Northalsted Business Alliance donated during the Chicago Pride Fest® and Northalsted Market Days® celebrations. This project has been in development since December 2018 with the Chicago Department of Transportation and the support of Alderman Tom Tunney and Alderman James Cappleman.
Northalsted President Ramesh Ariyanayakam explains the excitement around the additions.
“As an internationally recognized and historic landmark neighborhood, Boystown has been a place of acceptance and diversity for decades. These crosswalks show our commitment to maintaining a thriving LGBTQ+ community.”
About Northalsted
Since 1980, Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA) has worked collectively to enhance the entertainment district known as Boystown. Representing over 100 In & Proud businesses, NBA is recognized by the City of Chicago, national media outlets and residents for its leadership of advancing economic vitality and quality of life for the total community. To this end, NBA provides programs and services that will increase investment, security, opportunity and activity in our district
Best Cinco De Mayo WEEKEND in Lakeview!
Sure, Cinco de Mayo is one day – but celebrate all weekend!
Weather is looking nice! The patio will be open!
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, drink specials, brunch deals and more at two of favorite restaurants;
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill 3906 N. Broadway
and Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse 3420 N. Broadway.
Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day, which falls on Sunday, May 5 in 2019, is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.
Free Queer Prom this week – Center on Halsted
MIDNIGHT IN PARIS: QUEER PROM FOR LGBTQ YOUTH
Friday, May 10, 2019
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Center on Halsted
FREE TO ATTEND
EASTER BRUNCH! With a Twist!
2 amazing choices for Brunch this weekend!
One of the best deals in town with an awesome menu!
Celebrate the end of lent by bringing in the whole family in for Easter and leave the Easter cooking to us this year!
Celebrate Easter with a delicious $25 Bottomless Mimosa Brunch done with a Mexican Twist at Revolucion Steakhouse or El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill.
Brunch includes free flowing mimosas and an entrée from our Brunch Menu.
Brunch will be available from 10 am to 3 pm
Or if you prefer to come in for dinner, we will be open from 3:30 pm – 10:00 pm.
Come on over, and don’t forget to make your reservations ahead of time to be seated right away.
Simply call the number below or click on the website to make your reservations online.
Happy Easter Everyone and we hope to see you soon Amigos!
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2 Big Dance Parties by Circuit Mom For Market Days
THE BIGGEST DANCE PARTIES OF THE SUMMER!
Market Days Weekend August 10 & 11th at Aragon Ballroom!
CircuitMOM returns with a weekend of massive dance parties starting with “Comic Book Hero” on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the historic Aragon Ballroom with the dynamic DJ duo ROSABEL returning for their second year. Major venue improvements, more space for our guests, new bathrooms, location markers on the dance floor so you can find your friends and a ton of surprises are ready to go for 2019. Plus, this may be our last year for the “SuperHERO’ theme, so get those capes out and show them off!
With the amazing response we received in 2018 for the first “DRAMA” party on Market Days Sunday, we decided that we would keep the theme, but add more sass and more space for 2019.
We are very excited to bring you “DRAMA at the Disco” on Sunday, August 11, 2019. Not only are we bringing back superstar DJ/Producer Hector Fonseca, but we have invited DJ Suri (Spain) to come make his Chicago debut during Market Days. These two mega star DJ’s will be bringing you all the discoteque DRAMA, so be ready! More lights, lasers, and platform shoes than you can shake a polyester shirt at, we promise.
Last year, the DRAMA party sold out in record time and many out of town guests could not attend, so this year we are moving the Sunday night party to The Aragon Ballroom. We will be working overnight to transform the room from Saturday nights “Comic Book Hero” main event into a whole different space for our disco closing party on Sunday. The Aragon has more than tripled their bathroom spaces and added balcony seating and a whole new VIP entrance. We are adding balcony space for non-VIP guests this year in response to people’s requests for more room and a place to sit and recharge. Sunday night will look completely different.
Must be 21+
Get Your Weekend Pass Today!
Men’s Room Chicago. 3420 N Halsted
GA Weekend Pass: $150 (no additional fees)
No additional fees, however, purchases must be made in the store. No purchases can be made by phone. Cash or credit accepted. Tickets issued at time of purchase
Ticketmaster.com
Limited Quantities Available:
GA Weekend Pass: $121 ($146.29 including Ticketmaster fees)
VIP Weekend Pass: $201 ($233.99 including Ticketmaster fees)
Tickets issued at time of purchase
St Patricks Celebration Chicago- Mexican Style
Everything from green Mimosa’s to green Margarita’s!
2 days! 2 Restaurants!
The dyeing of the river will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 16 when the boats launch between Columbus and Wacker drives. After that, TIME TO EAT AND DRINK AND PARTY!
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Saturday & Sunday!
Saturday, March 16th doors open at 10 am for their amazing
Annual $25 Bottomless Green Mimosa Brunch!
Enjoy Unlimited Mimosas and an Entree from the Brunch Menu.
Brunch will be served from 10 am to 3 pm
All Day Specials:
$3 Bushmills Irish Whiskey Shots
$5 Green Clover Margaritas & $5 Green Mimosas
Then on Sunday, join us for a St. Patty’s Day Hangover Brunch!
Same Deal! Different Party!
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CHER in Milwaukee May 12th
CHER will be back in Milwaukee May 12th!
With her HERE WE GO AGAIN tour! This time, she will perform at the new Fiserv Arena at 111 Vel R. Phillips Ave.
The DRESSED TO KILL tour was the last time Cher was in MKE in 2014.
This new tour will support her recent 26th album, DANCING QUEEN! A reimagining of classic ABBA songs!
NILE ROGERS & CHIC are expected to open! An amazing night of dancing music!
Chef Tong at Bloomingdales Home Store March 16
A favorite whenever he appears, Chef Chris Tong of the private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef returns to the Bloomingdale’s for a South American cooking demonstration.
Chef will prepare a mouthwatering menu and give tips about ingredients and serving. And, everyone will enjoy a taste of each dish.
Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite recipes:
Hearts of Palm, Avocado and Tomato salad, Lime-Cilantro dressing
Marinated Flank Steak, Chimichurri Sauce
Argentinian Potato salad
He will appear on Saturday, March 16 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Demo kitchen on 1.
For more information about this free Bloomingdale’s event, please call 312.324.7678
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services.
Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining.
My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities.
Being part of very special occasions makes my work worthwhile. I also love conducting cooking demonstrations where I get the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
We hope to see you there!
Chicago Restaurant Week in Lakeview
JAN. 25 – FEB. 7, 2019
Don’t miss the biggest restaurant event of the year! Chicago Restaurant Week returns for two weeks of dining deals from hundreds of celebrated restaurants all across the city.
This year’s Chicago Restaurant Week will be the largest ever, with nearly 400 local restaurants participating. That includes over 100 first-time participants and 45 suburban restaurants.
The 12th annual culinary celebration features special prix fixe menus starting at $24 for brunch and lunch, and $36 and/or $48 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). It’s the perfect excuse to visit an old favorite or try somewhere new.
2 of our favorite places in Lakeview will be Participating!
Don’t Miss out – Get a reservation!
El Mariachi 3906 N Broadway
and Revolucion 3443 N Broadway
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CHER Feb 8th in Chicago
Just about 4 weeks away! Cher will bring her HERE WE GO AGAIN tour to the United Center with NILE RODGERS AND CHIC!
This is Cher’s first tour in five years. She will be hitting the road starting January 17 in Fort Myers, FL and will be crossing the U.S. with stops in Atlanta, Chicago, Brooklyn, and more before wrapping up in St. Paul, MN May 18th.
Cher never disappoints! And we are very lucky in Chicago to have Nile Rodgers and Chic playing the same night! Nile just recently released his first album in 26 years, It’s About Time.
The Rodgers/Chic sound has evolved in those 26 years. It’s a fun, solid return that brings funk and disco to modern pop, despite sounding like it’s reaching a bit too hard for modern relevancy.
Tickets are still available!