Category Archives: Outdoors
AIDS Run and Walk Chicago September 28th
.Area runners invited to help support life-saving HIV/AIDS care, prevention, and housing programs
WHAT: More than 3,500 runners will lace up their shoes and join in the fight against HIV/AIDS during the 12th Annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, September 28. The AIDS Run & Walk Chicago is the Windy City’s largest annual fundraising run/walk for HIV/AIDS.
This year’s event kicks off at Chicago’s iconic Soldier Field with the 5K and 10K courses winding along the lakeshore.
Funds
raised through the AIDS Run & Walk will benefit programs and
services for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and 34 other city
organizations that work with more than 25,000 people living with
HIV/AIDS in Chicagoland. Since its founding in 2001, AIDS Run & Walk
Chicago has netted more than $4 million to battle the epidemic.
To register, donate, or learn more, visit www.aidsrunwalk.org or call (312) 334-0946. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
WHEN: September 28, 2013
8:00 a.m. Event registration and packet pick-up
9:00 a.m. Opening ceremonies
9:30 a.m. 5K Walk begins
9:45 a.m. 10K Run begins
9:50 a.m. 5K Run begins
10:00 a.m. Post-race entertainment
COST:
Event registration is $30-$45 in advance; $50 on-site. Registration
includes the official t-shirt and other benefits. To register as a
fundraising individual or as a team, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call (312) 334-0946.
WHERE: Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605
NVRLAND Neverland Art Exhibit in Chicago July 12-14
art and original design into its events. In addition to throwing
Neverland parties, our creative team also owns the brands GayGlow and
Drag Carnage, which are exclusive to Hydrate Nightclub.
Founder & Creative Director – Anthony DiFiore
Founder & Head of Production – Damian Martin
Artistic Director – Ian Bulla (Fierce Finder Studio)
has partnered with Lacuna Artist Loft Studios in the Pilsen gallery
district of Chicago to present the “Neverland Art Exhibit” on July
12th-14th!!! This groundbreaking event–the very first time a circuit
party has held an art exhibit–will feature large-scale prints from our
photoshoots and events, original costumes from our parties, and
performance art, in addition to great house music and a NVRLND lighting
display.
OPENING RECEPTION – Friday July 12h
Time: 7pm-9:30pm (coincides with Pilsen Art Walk)
Location: Lacuna Loft Studio Rooftop Deck (http://lacuna2150.com/
DJ: Matthew Harvat of Circuit Mom Productions
Details: On Friday night we’ll be having a special opening reception on
Lacuna’s fabulous rooftop deck. This beautiful space overlooking the
Chicago skyline will be lit up with NVRLND lighting and the sounds of DJ
Matthew Harvat (Circuit Mom). We’ll be showcasing a sampling of the
prints and costumes that will be on display Saturday & Sunday in the
first-floor Gallery.
WEEKEND EXHIBIT – Saturday & Sunday July 13th-14th
Time: Noon to 7pm both days (coincides with Lacuna Art Walk & F.A.M.E. Street Festival)
Location: Lacuna Loft Studio Gallery (http://lacuna2150.com/
DJ: Jalil Z (Miami) on Saturday and Phil DaBeatz on Sunday
Details: July 13th-14th, during Pilsen’s F.A.M.E. Street Festival and
Second Saturdays Art Walk, Neverland will be showcasing all of its
photography, costumes, and performance art at the beautiful warehouse
loft Gallery inside Lacuna Loft Studios. We will be transforming this
amazing space with art, lighting, music, hot dancers, and our most
talented drag performers. We’re giving you a fierce daytime party inside
an art exhibit!!
Help us celebrate our 1-year anniversary in a truly groundbreaking and unique way!!!
EVENT PRICING: FREE
Guest Photographer and Videographer: Marco Ovando
Photography by: Fierce Finder Studio and Jonathan Mathias
Original costumes by: Damian Martin, Raul Redaggio, and Eddie Couture
Music by: DJ Matthew Harvat, DJ Jalil Z (Miami), and DJ Phil DaBeatz
Bike Sharing in Lakeview in Boystown
When I was Paris a couple years ago, I thought their bike rental program was pretty cool, with rental stations all over the city. Now, Chicago launches DIVVY bike sharing program , that will allow people to use bikes for $75 a year! By 2014, they want to have 400 stations all over the city.
where Lake View neighbors can pick up bicycles. The new cycles will
also be painted the iconic “Chicago Blue” to “provide a high level of
visibility on the street,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. Divvy is expected to launch downtown around Bike to Work Day on June 14, with about 75 stations.
Historical Chicago Walking Tours with Broughton Hotels and Tour Guide Sawyer
My name is Sawyer, like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. I’ve been
guiding individuals, middle school and high school groups, and senior
citizens for over two years.
I’m a midwestern boy with a love for our
region’s natural beauty, farmers markets, craft beers, small-batch
coffee roasters, antique shopping, thrift stores, vintage fashion, and
boutiques. I spend my free time studying Chicago’s rich history and
architecture, without which, Al Capone would never have been able to
host his most important clients and friends at the infamous Stratosphere
lounge in the crown of the Jeweler’s Building on the Chicago River. I
hope to see you on my next tour!
From JANUARY 7 – FEBRUARY 23, Join Sawyer (The Friendly Greeter!) and Broughton Hotels, on one of three historical walking tours and shop-alongs that take you off the beaten path in Chicago’s Loop, River North and East Lakeview Area’s. – I don’t care how long you have lived here! These tours are sure to show you new things. These are great tours for friends visiting and/or locals wanting to learn more about Chicago!
Majestic-chicago.com/chicago-hotel-deals Chicagocitysuites. com/packages Willowshotelchicago.com/ packages
Santa Speedo Run 2 Hits Boystown Dec. 1st
The 2nd Annual GAY Santa Speedo Run of Chicago takes place this Saturday, Dec. 1st at 1pm.
speedo sporting enthusiasts who thought “why not run down Michigan Ave. in speedos in the middle of December?!” While the event itself is a
bunch of ho ho ho’s, the event to raise awareness for
Diabetes.
braved the freezing temperatures and shed their running clothes in favor
of red Speedos to run one mile through Andersonville in the first
annual Santa Speedo GAY Run. The event organized by Karl Sponholtz and his
partner Jeff Colgan was a benefit for Vital Bridges.
This year, the gay run is moving to Boystown.
This year’s sign-ups are already exceeding last year’s numbers, so the duo decided to move the event from Andersonville to Boystown, PLUS, the weather for this weekend could be near 60! As opposed to last years freezing 28 degrees!
There is a $25 fundraising minimum to participate in the event, which
consists of running one mile in the cold, clad in nothing but a santa
hat, running shoes and a speedo, or some other holiday-themed costume. Over 300 people are expected to participate.
There will be a prize for the top fundraiser as well as a Christmas
raffle. DS Tequila has generously offered half-price food for all
participants on the day of the run and a myriad of other local
businesses, like Taverna 750, Burke’s Public House, Windy City Sweets and Sagin, LLC, have donated to the raffle.
Sign-ups start at noon at Sidetrack,
3349 Halsted St., with the run itself scheduled to take place at 2:00
p.m. For more information, or to see pictures from last year’s event,
check out their Facebook page at and RSVP to their Facebook event.
Final Weeks for Haunted Segways Tours Downtown Chicago
If you are looking for fun things to do in Chicago at night, why not try a classic Chicago haunted ghost tours?
stories of Al Capone’s haunted yacht, and the famous Chicago gangster’s
affiliation with a notorious Michigan Avenue hotel, allegedly the most
haunted hotel in the city. You will learn about the creepy things that
have happened in the hotel, such as a number of unexplained deaths and
the self playing piano in the grand ballroom.
Chicago AIDS Run Walk Deadlines
We’re only 15 days away from AIDS Run & Walk
Chicago. It’s shaping up to be quite a day with Wanda Sykes and Michael
Feinstein joining us at the start line, and Jamar Rogers from NBC’s The
Voice performing during closing ceremonies. September
30 will be filled with some great energy and awareness at Soldier
Field. Thank you for joining us for this spectacular event and in our
fight against HIV/AIDS.
Today and Wednesday are two very important
deadlines for the event.
Today is the last day that RUNNERS can
pre-register for the event.
For WALKERS, the last day to pre-register
will be end of day Wednesday, September 19. Interested participants
may pre-register online at Aidsrunwalk.org.
September 8 & 9 – Gay Six Flags and Gay Beach Parties
BY NOW, I hope most of you have your tickets for the BIG EVENT this Saturday!
You can buy tickets for $35 until late Friday night. Then the price goes to $45 PLUS another $20 for your parking. So SAVE $30 and buy by Friday night!!
A portion of ALL ticket sales will benefit TPAN!
And don’t forget, the FREE beach party the next day!
::::Retox Party::::
First, we are
OUT IN THE PARK
at Six Flags
(www.GaySixFlagsChicago.com)
then we are OUT AT THE BEACH
at Hollywood Beach!
A Retox Event with
BestGayChicago.com and Mini Bar!
CO$T: FREE.
Goes Noon until 6PM!
Music by Joey Kissling!
Suggested attire -Wear a WHITE bathing suit, swimwear, underwear
tightie whities, or board shorts. Prizes for BEST Basket, etc…
NO LIFEGUARDS will be on duty.
Dogs are allowed. So is drinking and smoking!
Come to relax, retox, & recover OR
to socialize & bump & grind
on the Beach with all the hottest Chicago guys & BestGayChicago.com and the Boys of MINI BAR!
MiniBar is the official sponsor and will be on hand to keep the party
jumping and the Official After The Beach Party…RETOX will happen
back at Mini Bar, in Boystown! 3341 N. Halsted.
With lots of cool drink specials!
Gay Day Gay Night at Six Flags Chicago September 8, 2012
An all-new private LGBT event featuring rides, live music and a party-like atmosphere
BestGayChicago.com and vitaminwater® are excited to premiere an all new LGBT event and fundraiser at Six Flags Great America. Out In The Park 2012 will be a private event for the LGBT community, their friends and families. “We are very excited Six Flags Great America is allowing us this unique opportunity to produce such an awesome event at their park,” said Derrick Sorles, owner of BestGayChicago.com. “We are proud to have TPAN (Test Positive Awareness Network) as our benefitting charity.”
On Saturday, September 8, 2012, from 9pm – 1am, the park will be closed to the general public for this private event. Guests will enjoy the music of DJs, Matthew Harvat and Phil DaBeatz, as it is heard live throughout the park. The DJs will be spinning together simultaneously as a team bridging two styles that compliment each other and bringing a signature dance floor experience to Six Flags Great America. This amazing LGBT event is expected to welcome people from the five surrounding states coming together to pride-fully celebrate!
Tickets purchased in advance are $35 which includes admission to the park all day long, free parking and admission to the Private Event! A portion of the advance ticket sales will benefit TPAN.
Tickets are available now online at sixflags.com using promo code OUT2012.
A limited number of bus tickets will be available departing from Uptown on Montrose Avenue, 1 block West of Broadway. Busses will depart at 3pm and also at 6pm. All busses will leave the park at 1am and return to Uptown. Bus tickets are extremely limited. Visit gaysixflagschicago.com for more information or call 773-878-5323.
A BIG THANKS to the generous support of our co-sponsors! ChicagoPride.com, GRAB Magazine, BOI Magazine, The L Stop, Rainbow Pizza, Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours, and Halsted Healthmart Pharmacy!!
BONUS WHITE PARTY – OUT on the BEACH!
Sunday September 9th – noon – 6pm
At the gay (Osterman) Hollywood Beach, in CHICAGO!!!
CO$T: FREE. Goes all day until 6PM! Music!
Come to relax & recover OR to socialize or dance!
About TPAN
Now in its 25th year, TPAN empowers 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.
About BestGayChicago.com
Since 2007, BestGayChicago.com has been providing the best of everything gay and gay-friendly in the greater Chicago area. Owned and operated by Best Gay Inc., their sites provide news, information, travel tips and entertainment for the LGBT community.
PRIDE North June 24th, After The Parade
Last year, 1000 people were expected
for The Glenwood’s post parade block party, and they got nearly 5000 to
see DJ Voxbox spin and 16 Candles perform.
Pride North is the block of Glenwood between Morse and Lunt. Take the
Red Line, get off at Morse (just 10 min from boystown) and it’s RIGHT
THERE at the bottom of the stairs.
Hosted by Moose
4-6pm DJ Voxbox spins T-Dance disco, retro, pop…all happy
6-8pm 16 Candles
Party continues inside the Glenwood till 2am with DJ’s Moose and Voxbox spinning dance favorites.
Andersonville Midsommarfest June 8 – 10
To me, Andersonville’s Midsommarfest is the real kick off for the Chicago festival season.
Midsommarfest is Andersonville’s annual summer street festival, now
entering its 47th year. Each year, nearly 50,000 people throng Clark
Street from Foster to Catalpa for two days of music, dancing, kids’
entertainment, and delicious food. Vendors from around the region sell
their wares to passers-by, while ethnic dance troupes and cutting-edge
bands keep the party going.
We are very excited to announce that this year’s 47th annual Midsommarfest street festival will kick off on Friday evening, June 8th with a special performance by 16 Candles!
This opening night celebration will take place on Clark Street between
Balmoral and Catalpa Avenues beginning at 5:00 pm, and will also feature
food from some of your favorite local restaurants and of course cold
beer and sangria.
More details and show schedules online.
Fortune Feimster Kicks off Gay Pride Weekend for Back Lot Bash
Back Lot Bash is an outdoor live music and
entertainment festival started in 2004 by three Chicago women. Back Lot
Bash is now one of the most highly anticipated and attended pride weekend
events for lesbians in the country.
Showcasing local and emerging musicians as well as established
performers of different genres, Back Lot Bash highlights unity, equality
and inclusiveness in an environment that is festive and celebratory of
everyone in our community.
Thursday’s Comedy Kickoff event will be held at Mayne Stage Theater
1328 W. Morse Ave in Chicago.
Fri/Sat/Sun will be in the heart of
Chicago’s diverse Andersonville neighborhood at 5238 N. Clark St.,
Chicago 60640. Back Lot Bash is easily accessible by both of Chicago’s
major north side highways and by public transportation.
This years line up is awesome! With 4 days of events!
Lesbian comedian from the Chelsea Lately show, Fortune Feimster makes her Chicago debut on Thursday 21st with a night of comedy.
Get ticket info and complete details at Back Lot Bash Chicago
Chicago Flower & Garden Show Running through March 18th
We got a sneak peak of this years Chicago Flower & Garden Show this weekend!
The show is running though March 18th @ Navy Pier.
This year the worlds of fashion and horticulture will collide, creating an experience that rivals the hottest runway show!
Lots of ideas to help you make your yard, patio or balcony the envy of your neighbors!
There is actually a lot more than think going on. Seminars and Workshops, a photography competition, Garden Gourmet cooking demonstrations, a huge Marketplace with more than 100 vendors of gardening, landscape and horticulture products
and services will showcase their green and eco-friendly wares at this
show favorite.
Designer Ramsey J. Prince and several other local designers have built some very cool home design vignettes.
Showcasing the latest in furniture and awesome accessories.
Show ends March 18th!
LOTS more photos on
our Facebook page
Set the trend – Order your tickets now!
Order your tickets online and save $2 off the box office price!
Chicago Flower and Garden Show March 10-18
HORT COUTURE!
This isn’t your grandmother’s flower show! While it’s still “all about the plants,” there’s much more to do, see, learn and experience than ever before. With the theme, “Hort Couture,” more than 25 featured display gardens take their cues on style and beauty from the incredible designs, colors, textures and fabrics found in high-fashion couture garments. Visitors of all ages experience can-do takeaways and discover the latest color combinations in hundreds of floral varieties.
The Chicago Flower & Garden Show – nationally known for its extensive displays of inspiring gardens, exciting and educational plant combinations and motivating industry leadership – is more than an event. The show’s director and owner of its production company, Flower Show Productions, Inc. – Tony Abruscato, who is very active in the gay community – is a philanthropist, too. In 2011, the show’s preview event benefited Chicago Gateway Green and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Show organizers estimate total value of cash and plant donations in 2011 exceeded $100,000.
Who: Landscape Architects, Garden Builders, Plant Growers, Artists
What: Chicago Flower & Garden Show
When: Saturday, March 10 through Sunday, March 18, 2012
Times: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Preview Benefit ~ 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, March 9 ~ Tickets are $125 per person. Proceeds benefit local sustainable charities.
Where: Chicago’s Navy Pier
Why: Inspire, educate and motivate visitors of all ages by offering can-do, practical tips and ideas for beautifying and enhancing their gardens, patios, porches, decks, lawns and landscapes.
Chicago Antique Market Randolph Street this Saturday Sept. 24
The Early bird gets…the DEALS!
And helps Charity!
Chicago Antique Market Randolph Street this Saturday!
Chicago House will be on site collecting gate donations during the early buy! Early buyers get the BEST deals, and $10 in shopping vouchers!
Come early, stay late…and shop til you drop!
This European-style, indoor-outdoor urban antique market in the historic West Loop neighborhood features 200 select purveyors of high quality, amazingly priced “finds”, offering unlimited creative inspiration and hours of fun. Shoppers can find furnishings, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles, etc.
Early Buying for Chicago House!
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2011 Time: 8 – 10 am
Where: Randolph Street Market, 1340 W Washington
Advance Ticket: $20 Day of Ticket: $25
(PS – Whoopi Goldberg is just weeks away! Do you have your tickets yet??)
PAWS Chicago Run Walk Fundraiser Sept. 25
PAWS Chicago’s 11th Annual Run for Their Lives to Benefit Homeless Pets By participating, collecting pledges, or both, you can win great prizes while helping PAWS Chicago build a No Kill city! A canine carnival, animal communicator and Disney Spooky Buddies Howl-o-ween dog/owner costume contest are just a few of the other attractions offered at the event.
A crowd of more than 5,000 runners, walkers and pooches are expected to attend!
The 11th Annual Run for Their Lives is expected to attract a larger crowd then ever before to raise money for Chicago’s homeless pets.
Support PAWS Chicago’s mission to build a No Kill city by running or walking for homeless animals. Bring the whole family to participate in the child and pet-friendly 4K Walk or compete against the clock in the 8K Run.
This annual event is extremely important in raising funds for PAWS Chicago’s life-saving programs. PAWS Chicago works to end the unnecessary killing of homeless pets through free spay/neuter for pets of Chicago residents on public assistance; adoptions through the Midwest’s only state-of-the-art, cageless Adoption & Humane Center; and community education programs.
Since PAWS Chicago’s founding in 1997, the number of homeless dogs and cats killed annually has dropped more than 50 percent. PAWS Chicago is working to build a No Kill Chicago—a city where pets are no longer destroyed just because they are homeless.
WHERE: Montrose Harbor
– Just east of the Montrose Harbor Drive and Simonds Drive intersection
– Parking is available throughout the park
WHEN: Sunday, September 25 9 a.m.
PAWS CHICAGO
Best Gay Chicago GAY SEGWAY Tour September 22
Join Michael and Derrick of BEST GAY CHICAGO and Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours on Sept. 22nd for an LGBT evening Segway Tour! (Photo of Steve and Drew) $10 parking available in the MILLENIUM PARK GARAGE – If you enter from the street level, the address is 337 E. Randolph Street
Something fun and different! Explore Chicago on the most original Segway tour Chicago has to offer.
The guided sightseeing tour covers 7 to 8 miles along the Chicago Lakefront. View the spectacular Chicago architecture, statues and fountains while we glide through the fragrant garden paths of Grant Park, Millennium Park, the Museum Campus, and Soldier Field.
Other highlights of this tour will be the sun setting on the skyline, viewing the skyline in all of its evening splendor is breathtaking. The buildings all look like they are highlighted in gold.
Capture the memory with the many photo opportunities of Chicago attractions along these spectacular Chicago tour routes. Invitations are being sent out all over the LGBT community – so it should be a fun networking event with a diverse group of people. Bring a friend or just make some new friends!
Segways are easy to learn and safe to ride.
This special tour is limited to 30 people.
Normally $65, this tour is being offered at $55.
Includes rentals, tour and taxes.
(gratuity to your tour guide that night is appreciated!)
Thursday, Sept. 22nd!
The tour is at 6:15 pm -8:15….People should arrive at 5:45-6:00
To make a reservation Call 312-552-5100 ask for Timmie.
NOTE – EAST MONROE GARAGE is closed.
Follow the Segway signs inside the parking structure.
Afterwards, we can swing by Downtown Bar, if people are up for it!
Chicago’s North Halsted Market Days 2011 Full of Surprises!
The 2011 Northalsted Market Days® will take place this weekend August 13-14, when a crowd of more than 100,000 from across the country will converge on Halsted Street to celebrate our annual event.
It’s the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest and lives up to its reputation as one of the country’s finest festivals!
It was recently announced GLEE STAR hottie Darren Criss will be here to entertain us – as well as the singing sensation Prince Poppycoock.
With temperatures expected to be 75-80, expect BIG CROWDS!
Other top names include Gloria Gaynor, Lisa Lisa and Expose.
See the full schedule online.
(check out the deep fried TWINKIES and DILL PICKLES
across the street from Steamworks!)
Absolutely the Best Segway Tours in Chicago
Did you know?? You can cover about 7-8 MILES of the city, sightseeing in about 2 hours?
Riding the Segway feels like nothing you’ve ever experienced because there’s never been anything like it. Step on and your instinct will be to steady yourself, as you would on anything with two wheels.
Almost immediately you’ll realize that the Segway is balancing for you, almost like it has become an extension of you. Just lean forward a little and you’ll see that the Segway isn’t moving you on its own; it’s moving in response to you and what you tell it to do. It all feels natural and really cool.
The Segway uses LeanSteer™ Technology to move you from Point A to B. Gently move the LeanSteer frame and handlebar left or right in the direction you want to travel and feel the machine respond almost instantly.
The Segway balances by using five micro-machined angular rate sensors and two accelerometers that sense the changing terrain and your body position at 100 times per second.
The owners of the company have over 50 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, having owned and operated some of the most successful, recognized and reputable restaurants and companies in the Chicagoland area. When starting Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours it was clear that they wanted to create that same memorable service, and to leave visitors with a wonderful impression of Chicago.
Whether you have lived here all of your life – or just moved here – riding and touring a Segway in Chicago, you learn SO MUCH! The Segway itself is only one part of the total touring experience. “We believe that your tour guide will have the biggest impact on your experience. At the risk of bragging, we have the best guides in the business, bar none. That’s because we only hire the best. They have undergone extensive Segway certification training. They have to be professional, courteous, and articulate. So whether the group is comprised of teens, grandmas, or corporate execs, our guides can connect with everyone.” says owner Timmie McGuire Cortina.
They offer several different tours and those can change with the season, and the weather. We recently took the 8 mile / 2 hour Museum Campus tour. Before you can go on a tour, you have to watch a short safety film, then there is a short “class” learning session. But it’s real easy.
With Summer reaching the half way point, get your butt out there and check it out! It’s a fantastic fun time!!
Absolutely Chicago Segways is located right near Millenium Park at 337 E. Randolph.
If you drive downtown and tour with them, you can park with them for $10 for the day.
Call 312-552-5100 to make your reservations
Tell them Best Gay Chicago.com sent you!
HELP WANTED – By the way, they are looking for Spanish Speaking/Bi-lingual guides. What a job?! Get outside and enjoy the summer weather, while touring the city and sharing your love of Chicago, with others! Send a resume to Absolutely Chicago Segways !
Center on Halsted ROOFTOP Alfresco Dining Returns July 13
Intimate dining experience on the Richard M. Daley Rooftop at Center on Halsted!
Led by celebrity chef Dan Smith of The Hearty Boys, sixteen burgeoning chefs enrolled in the Center’s Silver Fork Culinary Arts Program will present two weeks of fantastic four-course al fresco dining. Each week will focus on a different regional cuisine and feature dishes from guest celebrity chefs.
The Silver Fork Program at Center on Halsted is a twelve-week vocational training program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied young adults and adults (ages 18+), especially those who are unemployed or underemployed. The Dining on the Rooftop series is an opportunity for Silver Fork participants to showcase their new knowledge about fine cuisine and front-of-house dinner service. Potential employers will be in attendance at the dinners to discuss employment opportunities with the new graduates. Wednesday, July 13 and Thursday, July 14; 6PM Italy Under the Stars In our first week of the Dining on the Rooftop series, our young chefs will explore the savory and bold flavors developed over the centuries in the rolling hills of Italy. Expect refreshing appetizers, hearty pasta dishes, and tasty sweets from the birthplace of the Renaissance. Wine lovers should consider bringing a Chianti or a Cabernet Sauvignon to compliment tomato sauces. Beer lovers will prefer an American blonde ale or light lager for the evening. Wednesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 21; 6PM Une Nuit a Paris In the second week of our series, our chefs will make Julie and Julia blush as they master the art of French cooking. Traditional and modern techniques will be employed to achieve the refined flavors of several regions of France. Guests should consider bringinga Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the French flavors, or sneak across the French border by pairing with a tasty Belgian beer. Tickets are $25, and reservations can be made online at
During each session, 16 participants receive hands-on training in the culinary arts and job readiness training. Graduates of the program leave with BASSET (Beverage and Alcohol Sellers Servers Education and Training) Certification and State of Illinois/City of Chicago Food Safety and Sanitation (FSS) certification, along with the knowledge and skills to be successful placed in the hospitality and restaurant industry. COH also provides case management services to participants to link them to needed resources, and support them through the training, job search, and employment process.
The Schedule:
Centeronhalsted.org. The rooftop will be open for seating at 6pm, and dinner will begin promptly at 6:30pm. “Dining on the Rooftop” is BYOB, and drinks will be chilled and filled throughout the night. Artisanal iced teas and water will also be served. Please be sure to note all food allergies and dietary restrictions on the online registration form to ensure a positive dining experience. Vegetarian dishes will be available.
