Category Archives: Recommended
El Mariachi – Biggest Tequila Bar, Best Guacomole and Freshest Mexican Food in Boystown Lakeview Chicago
Established in 1996,
a father and his 2 sons opened a small 10-table restaurant in the Boystown/East Lakeview community. El Mariachi has gradually grown over the years by following a strict policy of only serving top quality, authentic dishes and margaritas. The restaurant steadily grew in popularity with the support of loyal patrons who loved the families recipes of authentic food.
At the newest location, El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill, they offer a much bigger menu, fresh tableside guacamole that is made to order and an extensive selection of over 175 tequilas! (all 100% Blue Agave). This makes it the biggest tequila bar in Chicago!
DID YOU KNOW? There are two basic categories of tequila: mixtos and 100% agave. Mixtos use no less than 51% agave, with other sugars making up the remainder.
When tequila is produced it can go thru many different stages and techniques, just like wines. Some distilleries cook mature agave in huge stone ovens, some may go through steam ovens, and some are allowed to ferment in wood tanks or stainless steel barrels. Each technique can produce different flavors.
Tequila is usually bottled in one of five categories:
- Blanco (“white”) or plata (“silver”): white spirit, un-aged and bottled or stored immediately after distillation, or aged less than two months in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels;
- Joven (“young”) or oro (“gold”): is the result of blending Silver Tequila with Reposado and/or Añejo and/or extra Añejo Tequila;
- Reposado (“rested”): aged a minimum of two months, but less than a year in oak barrels;
- Añejo (“aged” or “vintage”): aged a minimum of one year, but less than three years in oak barrels;
- Extra Añejo (“extra aged” or “ultra aged”): aged a minimum of three years in oak barrels.
If you’re lucky, on some evenings they pass around samplings to customers. Ask about some “sipping” tequila at the bar, and the staff will quickly educate you and even provide “flights” of tequila to show you the differences between the various grades and brands. A nice way to start off an evening. And of course the selection of Margarita styles and options is huge!
From the start, from the airy crisp fresh home-made tortilla chips to the 2 fresh flavors of salsa, the quality here is evident.
I have dined here probably a dozen times or more since this newest location opened. The food is always good and hot, presented in an appealing way, and most times comes up in a timely manner.
When I dine out, I like to split an entrée and have room to try other things as well. El Mariachi has some great starters that should not be missed. They offer one of the best black bean soups I have ever had and a delicious chipotle and tomato based tortilla soup, which is topped off with avocado and sour cream.
A nice appetizer I enjoy in the summer is their traditional shrimp ceviche. And in the winter I love their Queso Fundido. It is one of the best I have ever had. Just the right texture and not too greasy or oily. They use a very high-quality cheese.
Queso Fundido is billed as a “cheese fondue”. And I think many diners order this dish at Mexican restaurants expecting a warm semi-liquid sauce in a pot, to dip in. But it’s not. It’s more a cheese spread of sorts. It’s melted cheese, not a cheese sauce. It traditionally comes with chorizo sausage added, I like mine plain, but I have also ordered it with some chopped shrimp or chopped chicken added to it. And it is served with some flour or corn tortillas to make a little sandwich appetizer or I just like to scoop it onto their delicious chips and top it off with a dab of their salsa!
If you love guacamole, you have to get it here and they make it to order tableside. It’s ALWAYS good. Never thinned down like some restaurants will blend in sour cream. Just fresh, pure, quality ingredients. Just recently a new chef came onboard and suggested they add just a few drops of avocado oil to the guacamole which gives it a nice smooth texture and finish.
Entree’s range from a big assortment of carnes/meats, mariscos/seafood and pollo/chicken dishes. And all of the traditional Mexican favorites are here as well; Burritos, Flautas, Fajitas, Enchiladas, Tacos and a variety of combinations. People will tell me they don’t like Mexican food – I bring them here and they love it. There is something for everyone. Most of food is traditional Mexican but many come with a fresh approach. A variety of sides include Lime Rice and Mexican Corn. There are four Vegetarian dishes as well and many of the traditional fare can be made vegetarian.
The father here created a topping of specialty seasoned shrimp and sauce which he calls “Costena“. And it is available on the grilled steak, on the chicken breasts, or on the catfish, which I am told is extremely popular. I LOVE IT on the chicken!
I think most all of the entree’s here are generous portions and filling and it’s very easy to split an appetizer, share an entree and save room for a dessert. YOU WILL BE FULL!
Fresh made dessert includes traditional Flan (baked custard with light carmel sauce), Banana’s Flambéed with Tequila, melt-in-your-mouth Margarita Cheesecake, traditional Sopapillas (fried dough with cinnamon, honey and ice cream) and for the chocolate lover, a moist and rich flourless chocolate cake made with nuts and cherries and some gran marnier! See why I said you need to save some room for dessert?! Most people over eat at their meal and leave no room, and a taste of something sweet with a dash of Mexican coffee, is the perfect finish.
The back garden patio is fantastic in the summer. Unlike so many patios here in Chicago, you are shielded from the noisy street and the busy buses. Secluded with sunlight or shady spots, whatever you want…all tucked into a secret little garden in the back. Summertime heaven. The patio is not open real late at night, out of respect for the neighbors.
Also this summer, the restaurant will be offering some unique spaces on the property which will be available for rent for private parties and events. Then in the fall, the family hope to unveil their newest property; at 3445 Broadway (right by the original location 3420) in the old Triangle Photo Building will be home to their new (yet unnamed) traditional Steakhouse with Mexican flair!
There are lots of specials on various nights –
MONDAYS 1/2 Price Margaritas $16 Margarita Pitchers
TUESDAYS 1/2 Price Sangrias $15 Sangria Pitchers
WEDNESDAYS 1/2 Price Margaritas $16 Margarita Pitchers
THURSDAYS $4 Cantaritos $2 off any tequila
SUNDAYS $18 Rio Grande Margarita (60 oz.)
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS Special Brunch Menu 11 am-3 pm
$3 mimosas & bellinis $3 bloody marys
BE THEIR FRIEND/FAN ON FACEBOOK AND GET THE SPECIAL
SCOOP ON PROMOTIONS ONLY FOR THEIR FACEBOOK FANS
Adrian, one of the two brothers who helps run the restaurant has been working with his father since the age of 11! He prides himself on quality management. “We pride ourselves on selecting quality ingredients and not skimping to save a few pennies, like some restaurants might do. And we watch the restaurant very closey and listen to what the customers tell us for feedback. We run reports to see what sells best and we change the menu around as needed. We are going to launch another new menu any day now!”
The El Mariachi restaurants get awarded our FIVE CROWNS!
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill 3906 N Broadway Ph. 773.549.2932
Mon-Thurs. 5:00pm-11:00, Fri. 5:00pm-12am, Sat. 11:00am-11:00pm, Sun.11:00-10:00pm
El Mariachi Restaurant – Original 3420 N Broadway Ph. 773.549.7020
11:00am-11:00pm 7 days a week
Goode Plumbing – Best Plumbers in Chicago
BEST GAY CHICAGO RECOMMENDS….
A few months ago we needed a plumber ~ UGH, big sigh, we hate having to find contractors for anything… the drama, the unknown expense and the crazy service charges and fees when you don’t know the lingo and whether or not you’re simply being ripped off.
We needed and wanted a new kitchen sink installed to replace a really old one we hated and timely enough, our aging toilet was acting up and we decided to replace it as well and we were going to be “green” and get a dual-flush, environmentally-friendly low water usage toilet as a replacement.
We were flooded with memories… unfortunately, BAD MEMORIES of plumbers past! About 10 years ago, we had to hire a plumber to replace a hot water tank in our home! The guy had given us “an estimate” that seemed reasonable compared to 2 other plumbing contractors, but afterward, the job then allegedly “took longer” than he thought, so the final bill was $250 more than the original estimate.
Plus he was messy and we are clean freak queens! I had to do some major clean up after he left. Neat and tidy are not two words that are often associated with plumbers, or any contractor for that matter. In fact, many drive trucks up on your driveway leaking oil, leave supply packaging lying around your house, and drag who knows what into your home on their shoes! And can I just say, although it is so stereotypical, most of the time, I really do not care to see a service workers butt crack hanging out of their pants.
Fast forward back to present. Late last summer we had met the Michael J. Goode,the owner from Goode Plumbing at an LGBT Business Expo at The Center on Halsted. Thank goodness we had tossed Mike’s business card in one of our business card piles and easily found it!
We remembered Mike and his colleague, Jeff looked real professional in their uniforms (dark blue oxfords with company logo and khaki pants), were extremely friendly and seemed very knowledgeable in the few minutes we had chatted. So we had Goode Plumbing came out to our condo, give us a price quote, not an estimate, and again they seemed very professional and the type of contractors you could trust and were worth hiring. My partner wanted to get a second estimate, just for comparison, and so we did. The Goode Plumbing quote was better, o we hired them to do the work.
Mike Goode says, “We are really committed to providing the highest quality service in the industry. All of our work is done to a standard that we are consistently raising.
We make sure all of our technicians are polite, educated and complete extensive in-house training. Service and quality are so important. I promise to do my absolute best to ensure that a client’s experience with us is excellent. We don’t just promise you the best – I truly want to deliver that for a client.
Our claim of striving to be the best and to give you the best service in the industry is backed by our commitment to on going training, and by giving the best warranty in the business-if it fails because of the way we installed it, we’ll take care of it for as long as the building we put it in is standing.
We will sell and install only excellent quality parts, products and materials.
We believe in the products that we sell by backing them not only by their own warranty , but ours as well: labor is covered too (not just the parts!) and for a minimum of two years.”
They treat your home and property as if it were their own, leaving nothing behind but an outstanding plumbing job and your complete satisfaction. They even wear shoe covers/footies in your home.
I can honestly bestow the Best Gay Chicago 5 Pink Crowns Award to Goode Plumbing!
My other concern when hiring “contractors” are that many are no more than “handy-men”. They are not specialists or have limited knowledge in specific areas.
Goode Plumbing is not one of these “fix-it” guys who was “handy” and got into plumbing. Owner Mike Goode has 17 years experience and Mike has completed an apprenticeship under a service plumber who owned a plumbing company and had 30 years of experience.
With all the talk about the environment and GREEN, Goode plumbing is a leader in those new technologies and products and Mike is currently going through a state certification process to be licensed as a GREEN plumber here in Illinois.
“At Goode Plumbing, we are continuously working to make our company more ecologically friendly. We have available, and encourage clients to ask about our high efficiency water heaters, on-demand water heaters, on-demand water faucets and dual flush toilets. We now use VOX chemicals, including PVC cement and primer. We recycle all cardboard and plastic packaging and all metals. And, our Sprinter diesel vans and restored Volkswagen Vans (modified with emissions controls!) average 20-25 mpg vs. the typical plumbing truck which averages 8-12 mpg. We continue to make changes to our company that aid in the protection and preservation of the environment.
We offer Rinnai tankless water heaters, Eternal Hybrid water heaters, A.O. Smith Vertex water condensing water heaters, and Bradford White storage water heaters. There are a number of alternatives to large, inefficient units that can save you money, give you more floor space, and cause less damage to the earth. There are also a number of rebates and credits available for the selection of some energy efficient units.”
So next time you need a plumber – Don’t Panic! Take our advice and call GOODE PLUMBING!
They also have an outstanding history of happy customers, including ourselves with Angies List!
GOODE PLUMBING and GOODE PLUMBING TIPS
Best Gay Chicago
Goode Plumbing – Best Plumbers in Chicago
BEST GAY CHICAGO RECOMMENDS….
A few months ago we needed a plumber ~ UGH, big sigh, we hate having to find contractors for anything… the drama, the unknown expense and the crazy service charges and fees when you don’t know the lingo and whether or not you’re simply being ripped off.
We needed and wanted a new kitchen sink installed to replace a really old one we hated and timely enough, our aging toilet was acting up and we decided to replace it as well and we were going to be “green” and get a dual-flush, environmentally-friendly low water usage toilet as a replacement.
We were flooded with memories… unfortunately, BAD MEMORIES of plumbers past! About 10 years ago, we had to hire a plumber to replace a hot water tank in our home! The guy had given us “an estimate” that seemed reasonable compared to 2 other plumbing contractors, but afterward, the job then allegedly “took longer” than he thought, so the final bill was $250 more than the original estimate.
Plus he was messy and we are clean freak queens! I had to do some major clean up after he left. Neat and tidy are not two words that are often associated with plumbers, or any contractor for that matter. In fact, many drive trucks up on your driveway leaking oil, leave supply packaging lying around your house, and drag who knows what into your home on their shoes! And can I just say, although it is so stereotypical, most of the time, I really do not care to see a service workers butt crack hanging out of their pants.
Fast forward back to present. Late last summer we had met the Michael J. Goode,the owner from Goode Plumbing at an LGBT Business Expo at The Center on Halsted. Thank goodness we had tossed Mike’s business card in one of our business card piles and easily found it!
We remembered Mike and his colleague, Jeff looked real professional in their uniforms (dark blue oxfords with company logo and khaki pants), were extremely friendly and seemed very knowledgeable in the few minutes we had chatted. So we had Goode Plumbing came out to our condo, give us a price quote, not an estimate, and again they seemed very professional and the type of contractors you could trust and were worth hiring. My partner wanted to get a second estimate, just for comparison, and so we did. The Goode Plumbing quote was better, o we hired them to do the work.
Mike Goode says, “We are really committed to providing the highest quality service in the industry. All of our work is done to a standard that we are consistently raising.
We make sure all of our technicians are polite, educated and complete extensive in-house training. Service and quality are so important. I promise to do my absolute best to ensure that a client’s experience with us is excellent. We don’t just promise you the best – I truly want to deliver that for a client.
Our claim of striving to be the best and to give you the best service in the industry is backed by our commitment to on going training, and by giving the best warranty in the business-if it fails because of the way we installed it, we’ll take care of it for as long as the building we put it in is standing.
We will sell and install only excellent quality parts, products and materials.
We believe in the products that we sell by backing them not only by their own warranty , but ours as well: labor is covered too (not just the parts!) and for a minimum of two years.”
They treat your home and property as if it were their own, leaving nothing behind but an outstanding plumbing job and your complete satisfaction. They even wear shoe covers/footies in your home.
I can honestly bestow the Best Gay Chicago 5 Pink Crowns Award to Goode Plumbing!
My other concern when hiring “contractors” are that many are no more than “handy-men”. They are not specialists or have limited knowledge in specific areas.
Goode Plumbing is not one of these “fix-it” guys who was “handy” and got into plumbing. Owner Mike Goode has 17 years experience and Mike has completed an apprenticeship under a service plumber who owned a plumbing company and had 30 years of experience.
With all the talk about the environment and GREEN, Goode plumbing is a leader in those new technologies and products and Mike is currently going through a state certification process to be licensed as a GREEN plumber here in Illinois.
“At Goode Plumbing, we are continuously working to make our company more ecologically friendly. We have available, and encourage clients to ask about our high efficiency water heaters, on-demand water heaters, on-demand water faucets and dual flush toilets. We now use VOX chemicals, including PVC cement and primer. We recycle all cardboard and plastic packaging and all metals. And, our Sprinter diesel vans and restored Volkswagen Vans (modified with emissions controls!) average 20-25 mpg vs. the typical plumbing truck which averages 8-12 mpg. We continue to make changes to our company that aid in the protection and preservation of the environment.
We offer Rinnai tankless water heaters, Eternal Hybrid water heaters, A.O. Smith Vertex water condensing water heaters, and Bradford White storage water heaters. There are a number of alternatives to large, inefficient units that can save you money, give you more floor space, and cause less damage to the earth. There are also a number of rebates and credits available for the selection of some energy efficient units.”
So next time you need a plumber – Don’t Panic! Take our advice and call GOODE PLUMBING!
They also have an outstanding history of happy customers, including ourselves with Angies List!
GOODE PLUMBING and GOODE PLUMBING TIPS
Best Gay Chicago
Best Hair Design, Styling, Cuts and Color at VP SALON in Boystown, Chicago
BEST GAY CHICAGO RECOMMENDS…..
We moved from Michigan to Chicago in March of 2003 and of course, needed to find a great place to get our hair cut.
One day that Spring, we were walking past VP SALON on Broadway and Salon Owner, Vincenzo Papasidero, greeted us as we walked by invited us to come in and see him for a haircut next time we needed one (think thick, sexy Italian accent and very easy on the eyes). The Salon was still new and he was building his clientele. We took his card and, of course, said “Sure, we’ll give you a try,” and the rest is history.
Almost 8 years later, we are still just as elated with Vincenzo’s every hair cut as we were that first visit.
We call Vincenzo “Edward Scissorhands” because it is as though the scissors and comb are attached as extensions of his arms and hands!
He is truly an artist and expert when it comes to cutting and styling hair. He makes it look so effortless with unparralled precision and attention to detail specific to your head of hair ~ simply amazing to watch!
VP SALON ‘s focus is simple: “Making Your Hair Look Great!”
Don’t expect of wide array of additional services, like waxing or nails, VP SALON simply specializes in superior hair design – and it shows.
The VP professional team has been hand-selected and trained by Vincenzo to compliment his positive vision and energetic style in the salon.
They view themselves as consultants, and have the knowledge and ability to create individualized looks for any type of lifestyle.
Together with the VP professional team, you can both re-energize the way you look and the way you feel about yourself.
Vincenzo (center left) says “I began my career in hairstyling at the ripe old age of eleven years old.
Yes, like the most talented hairdresser on the planet, at eleven years old. Then, while in my teens, I moved away from my family to live on my own and very independently.
It was then that I took up residence in one of the most beautiful places in Italy – Sanremo – the Italian Riveria. It was here that I thrived and began to discover what life was about.
You can only imagine what my life was like, a very young hairdresser, trying to survive on my own, stay off the streets and succeed, it was there that I found my calling.
So, I remained calm, spiritual and ever trusting of life – and was able to discover that the art of cutting hair was already inside me.
I believe that using scissors on dry hair creates greater precision than any other styling technique—a unique approach that requires years of training, energy, precision, focus, and a desire to create art.
With dry hair, I can organically feel the natural texture of the hair and transform it into a shape that truly flatters clients of all ethnicities and with every type of hair: curly, fine, thick, course, wavy, dry and/or damaged.
Benefits of cutting hair dry are to give volume and body when needed, or take out unwanted bulk, dryness, and/or frizziness.”
VP SALON is located at 3321 N. Broadway between W. Roscoe and W. Aldine.
The Salon is open Mondays 2-8 PM, Tuesday thru Friday Noon to 9 PM
and Saturdays 10 AM – 6 PM, (773) 929 – 7909, info @ VPSALON.com
“Getting a great haircut should be a stimulating experience. If I could summarize my passion and life so far – I would say that I have evolved, grown and now thrive happily within the creative world, helping enrich my clients’ lives by bringing out each person’s natural beauty from within. I look forward to treating you!” Vincenzo Papasidero
See for yourself why Best Gay Chicago votes Vincenzo and his team of professionals at VP SALON – Best Hair Design in Boystown!
Beautiful Boutique Hotels in Chicago’s Gay Boystown Neighborhoods
BEST GAY CHICAGO RECOMMENDS….
LOCATION,
LOCATION,
LOCATION!
Many first time visitors to Chicago choose to stay downtown, near all of the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue. Once you have been there, done that, visitors realize all that Chicago has to offer beyond downtown. Plus, the entire LGBT community is 3 miles north of downtown and cabs can get expensive going back and forth.
Why not stay in the heart of Boystown and experience Chicago as the locals do? Stay in a neighborhood away from the craziness of touristy downtown. Dine where the locals dine, away from the big name chain restaurants. In Boystown/Lakeview you get small, intimate restaurants and a treasure trove of shopping neighborhoods with unique shops and art galleries! Golf courses, the Lincoln Park Zoo, Wrigleyville and the Cubs Stadium, Old Towne, marinas and harbors, Hollywood gay beach, Andersonville, plus endless waterfront walking and bike paths, are all very accessible!
We recently had family in over the holidays. They have stayed downtown before and we wanted to show them the neighborhoods of Chicago so we had them stay at the Majestic…what a beautiful spacious property! Located at 528 West Brompton Avenue. 52 rooms on 3 floors.
For years, visitors and locals alike have branded The Majestic Hotel the pre-eminent boutique hotel in Chicago. Offering the atmosphere of a well-appointed, upscale English country estate, this 100 percent, non-smoking Hotel offers the perfect haven of relaxation amidst the energetic city life found in the popular Lakeview neighborhood.
The City Inns of Chicago are comprised of three properties – The Majestic Hotel, The Willows Hotel & The City Suites – each welcome you with an abundance of personality, style and charm that epitomizes the essence of their environments.
Exuding the charm of historic buildings – circa 1920s – The City Inns are a collection of boutique hotels that combine a stylish, unique and alluring atmosphere with a location that is ideal and accessible – just 10 minutes north of downtown Chicago’s business, financial and shopping districts – and brimming with the quintessential qualities of an upscale, city hotel.
The Willows is at 555 West Surf Street. 55 rooms on 4 floors. 19th-century French Provincial style, opens onto a tree-lined street in Lakeview, a lively area three blocks from the lake and central to stores, restaurants, and movie theaters. The complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon cookies make it an inviting alternative to local bed-and-breakfasts. Workout buffs don’t despair: although there is no on-site fitness center, guests have access to a local Bally’s Health Club, which attracts many local gay guys.
City Suites is at 933 W. Belmont Ave with 45 rooms. Just steps from the El stop on Belmont Avenue, this former transient dive has been transformed into a charming small hotel. Most rooms are suites, with separate sitting rooms and bedrooms, all decorated in a homey and comfortable style. The overall feel is that of a bed-and-breakfast, with added amenities such as plush robes and complimentary continental breakfast. A bonus – or drawback, depending on how you look at it, is It’s a little noisier and the neighborhood is very bustling here, since the location is right on a main street. You also get free access to Bally’s health club 5 blocks away, and it has a very large gay clientèle.
The City Inns pride themselves on their personalized care, premier service and exceeding the needs of their discriminating leisure and business travelers. The staff is passionate here and ensure an enjoyable and memorable stay – something you don’t often see in the big hotels downtown. These properties boast a welcoming “neighborhood” charm yet with all the services and amenities of a full-service hotel. Many packages are available depending on your interests. Everything from theatre and dining to comedy and baseball!
For Valentines (or anytime) ask about the Cupids Arrow promotion.
Beautiful Boutique Hotels in Chicago’s
Gay Boystown Neighborhoods!
THE CITY INNS
The Best of Gay Chicago
Two of the Best Bakeries in the Chicagoland Area
For New Years Eve, we attended a party at a friends house in Boystown. We were treated to delcious desserts from his Polish friend and pastry chef Anna Majewski, from Sugar Hills Bakery. Cookies that were delicious, European pastries to die for and a cake that was out of this world!
The cake was NUTCRACKER. It was done in traditional European old-world-style. A combination of walnut cake filled with mocha kahlua and chocolate vodka REAL buttercreams, raisins and nuts! WOW! It was heaven!
From specialty and wedding cakes (yes they do very nice gay wedding cakes!) to elegant pastries and delectable cookies, this bakery has it all. Delicious goods made completely from scratch from only the highest quality ingredients with great attention to detail. “Because we are small we have complete quality control,” explained Anna. “I use only the best and finest ingredients. If I wouldn’t put it in my mouth – I won’t make it.”
Anna is a self-taught pastry chef spending most of her life working for various bakers and pastry shops. With her European background and pastry knowledge, she has a very strong decorating and design sense, as well as a real knack for pairings of flavors as well as delicious and unique combinations.
“Our options of flavors and fillings can be anything you like,” she explains. “From very simple like vanilla or more complex, such as Kahlua or orange flavored with Grand Marnier. You can choose anything, but I will draw the line with weird combinations. We’re not going to put together mismatched flavors, such as lemon and mocha. That’s not a good combination.”
Cake choices range from vanilla and chocolate to red velvet and lemon. Mouth watering fillings that like chocolate and vodka, mint white chocolate, mocha and Kahlua. Nearly 2 dozen different flavored mousses. And specialty cakes ranging from Raspberry Snow, Double Chocolate Passion and Straciatella, just to name a few!
Sugar Hills Bakery offers a daily selection of European style pastries and baked goods at their shop. Fruit tarts, napoleons, éclairs, tiramisu slices, pecan slices, lemon bars, brownies, apple and cherry slices, raspberry tarts, opera cake slices, French macaroons with fresh raspberries, cheesecake slices, chocolate rum slices, Italian butter cookies and cut out sugar cookies. But if you can’t make it to the shop, they will arrange delivery.
Sugar Hills Bakery has been in business since 2006 in Algonquin. Over 10 years of experience and offer unparalleled expertise. Count on them for upscale cakes and pastries, great catering services, and excellent attentive customer care. Customized bakery creations from shaped, iced sugar cookies to formal cakes, most designs can be created for any occasion with at least five days notice.
Custom orders are welcomed and on request, they will make special items that are a little gay & risque’ !
You will not find better baked goods in the entire Chicago area!
BEST BAKERIES / PASTRY SHOPS IN CHICAGO!
Visit their European-style bakery in Algonquin, near Barrington Hills,
at 644 S. Main Street (Rt. 31) PH 847-658-8765
The new location will be open in a couple weeks –
532 W. Dundee Rd. Wheeling, IL. 60090 PH 847-541-4800
Watch for a Chicago location in the city coming soon!
The Best of Gay Chicago
Think Spring…Think Gay Palm Springs…INNdulge Yourself!
Best Gay Chicago Recommends….
While the weather outside
may be frightful…
it’s HOT in Palm Springs!
We love California. And unlike Florida, which is susceptible to cool winter months, Southern California is pretty ideal, all year round. If you have never been, Palm Springs is a desert city in California – approximately 110 miles (177 km) east of Los Angeles and 140 miles (225 km) northeast of San Diego. Palm Springs is the jewel among desert cities and rightly so. Its village atmosphere has been preserved and embellished over the years.
The downtown area with its quaint lampposts, benches and Mexican tile-paved enclaves invites strolling among the shops, galleries, eateries and coffeehouses. Rich in history and blessed with glorious weather, it is a prime destination
of travelers from all over the world. ESPECIALLY this time of year!
Palm Springs offers over 20 top attractions , including Joshua Tree national park, the Living Desert, art galleries, casinos, and of course, endless golf! It’s a huge outdoor playground with consistently brilliant sunshine, great for sunning and all types of outdoor activities with the sweet, clean air.
It’s a very gay and gay-friendly city. Late March, early April thousands of LGBT tourists take over the city! March 31st – April 1st they host THE DINAH. It is considered the largest lesbian event in the world. Then April 9th-12th, it’s the Palm Springs White Party. A huge line-up of International Dj’s and 8 assorted parties and events.
Every Thursday night the main street in Palm Springs, Palm Canyon Drive, is closed to traffic and opened to a vibrant street festival. Food vendors, arts and crafts exhibits and loads of free entertainment by numerous artists. Strolling, munching, looking and sipping the length of Palm Canyon Drive from one end to the other in the heart of Palm Springs is a great way to ‘people and puppy watch’ for an hour or an entire evening.
The current gay and lesbian population in Palm Springs is estimated to be about seven times the national average. This concentration is even greater than that of San Francisco, which has approximately five times the national average. Gay residents represent about 35 percent of those who are year-round residents.
There are over 35 openly-gay resort hotels in the city to choose from. Our favorite is INNdulge A Resort Hotel for Gay Men. @ 601 Grenfall Road, Palm Springs CA 92264
PH 800.833.5675 / (760) 327.1408. Rest; Relaxation; and Pampering!
INNdulge is one of the most established guesthouses here in Palm Springs. Located in the Warm Sands neighborhood (an area flush with clothing-optional gay accommodations), this elegant award-winning 24-room facility offers several sizes of rooms, most of which look out on the spacious pool, open 24 hours. And by the way, it is actually cooled down in the hot hot summer months!
From breakfast time until well after 3AM each night, there is always something going on at this resort and you can’t help but get caught up in it. At any time of the day there is a whole crowd of friendly guys to mingle with, and you are sure to develop both instant crushes and lasting friendships.
INNdulge Palm Springs is a wonderful example of Palm Springs 50’s architecture. You can appreciate the architecture and the mountain views during the hotel’s free social hour that extends for two hours. It is a great way to meet the hotel’s wonderful owners, John and Jean-Guy, as well as your fellow guests.
Don’t take our word for it, just read the reviews left by members of the press worldwide.
INNdulge your fantasies, INNdulge your fancy, INNdulge your spirit!
Palm Springs is a great get away city. Sun, relaxation, shopping, dining and golf.
This week, while it’s 30 in the Midwest… It’s a gorgeous 75 there. Where would you rather be??
INNdulge Palm Springs
Best of Gay Chicago Best of Gay Palm Springs
