Category Archives: Restaurants and Dining
Boystown Chicago Northalsted Market Days 2021
Northalsted Market Days® is set to return to Chicago in 2021: August 6, 7 and 8, adding a Friday night edition for the first time. The 1/2 mile long street festival has been an annual summer tradition in Chicago for nearly 4 decades.
As widespread vaccinations continue making progress against the pandemic, planning is underway for a much anticipated comeback.
With safety at the forefront, planning involves continual contact with health officials in the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois and monitoring of CDC guidelines in order to take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe event.
Since the first Market Day in August, 1982, the LGBTQ+ positive event has grown from a handful of folding tables and chairs on the sidewalk, to a half-mile long, annual summer ritual on Chicago’s North Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison.
39 years later, Market Days is now considered among Chicago’s top ten festivals. Thousands attend from near and far enjoying all-day lineups of live music on 5 stages, hundreds of vendors, summer food & drinks, dancing in the street, and more. Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates and this year’s entertainment details.
A $15 suggested donation for entry helps cover festival costs, benefits local charities and supports year round Northalsted chamber programming in the community. Generous public donations, funded the Chicago Pride Crosswalks project, the longest installation of its kind in the world, covering 14 intersections.
Iconic Boystown Chicago to Get a Name Change
History is about to be erased and changed –
This is making National AND International news!
Chicago’s LGBTQ ‘hood has long been called ‘Boystown’, but business leaders have decided its time for a re-brand.
The move comes after a petition gained steam over the summer which described Boystown as the “only gendered nickname” of any city’s LGBTQ district. (The petition gained over 1,500 signatures, although a counter-petition to keep the name had over 2,000.)
HISTORY – The Boystown section of Lakeview was the first officially recognized gay village in the United States.
It is also the cultural center of one of the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities in the nation. Boystown has grown into a cultural center for the LGBT residents living within the Chicago metropolitan area. The district’s informal boundaries, overlapping with Lakeview East, are Irving Park Road on the north, Broadway on the east, Wellington Avenue on the south, and Sheffield Avenue on the west. The Center on Halsted, an LGBT community center, is also located in this area.
Boystown is known for its colorful, lively nightlife and inviting atmosphere. Boystown also includes some of Chicago’s off-Loop theater, specialty restaurants, greystone and brownstone walk-up buildings and other historic architecture, trendy fashion outlets, wine boutiques, chain stores, and independent shops. The city’s annual Gays and Lesbians Chicago Pride Parade begins at the intersection of Montrose and Broadway, runs south along Broadway then Halsted to Belmont, turns east on Belmont to Broadway again, then south to Diversey, and then east to Sheridan Road.
From QUEERTY –“Systemic transphobia, racism, and sexism have plagued our neighborhood for decades, and it begins at the top, with the all-male board of the Northalsted Business Alliance. It begins with the BOYSTOWN signs down our street announcing that this neighborhood is ‘for the boys,’ though the signs hang above our diverse Legacy Walk of several LGBTQ icons in our history.
“To promote the inclusion of transgender, nonbinary, lesbian, and intersex individuals, we submit this petition for the Northalsted Business Alliance to simply follow the other LGBTQ neighborhoods across the world by marketing the area based on its location, North Halsted, not the majority gender of those people who sit on the Northalsted Business Alliance board This is only the beginning of the many changes needed in the North Halsted area.”
So what’s going to be the new name?????? WHO KNOW’S ?!
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Master Class in Cooking with Chef Tong
Chicago’s Chef Tong is now offering something pretty cool! NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE!
Private Virtual Cooking Classes from My Private Chef
I love to attend Chef Tong’s cooking classes when he holds them in Chicago. But now with technology, you can cook alongside this world-renowned, international chef during a private, one-on-one video session!
Cooking is such a satisfying way of getting creative at home. Now, with a personalized class from My Private Chef, you get to expand your skills, or try new foods, or prepare old favorites. How about introducing a young family member to the world of cooking?
Here’s how it works: Chef Christopher Tong will work with you to create your menu, provide an ingredients list, recipes and a demonstration based on your selection. You set up a date and time via video conference. Chef Chris will lead you step by step to perfection.
Cooking at home has never been so fun!
For more details, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
Become a Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/ChefChrisTong
Cinco De Mayo and Mothers Days Carry Out Specials
Awesome CINCO DE MAYO and MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH
Carry out options!
You can still celebrate Cinco De Mayo & Mathers Day in Chicago, with food and drink from your favorite local Mexican restaurant!
Drink and Food specials
#SupportLocal
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Mothers Day Carry out!
Three Course Amazing Valentine Dinner in Boystown
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Treat your date to an intimate, candlelit dinner at El Mariachi Restaurant! We will be offering a special $40 Prix Fixe Valentine’s menu which will be available ALL WEEKEND from Friday 2/14 to Sunday 2/16
Our regular menu will also be available. But the Prix Fixe offers some amazing and unique specialties!
Click Here To Reserve Today! Space is limited!
Chicago Restaurant Weeks 2020
The weather outside might be frightful – but IT’S RESTAURANT WEEK!!
This year marks the 13th annual Chicago Restaurant Week, bringing discounted dining to Chicagoans from more than 400 restaurants in the city and suburbs. From January 24 to February 9 (that’s actually two weeks) stop by participating restaurants for a pre-fixe multicourse meal. It’s a great time to check out that restaurant you’ve been meaning to try or go to your favorite spot at a discount.
For $24, you’ll brunch or lunch, and for $36 and/or $48 you’ll score dinner (beverages, tax, and gratuity are extra). No one has the time to sift through the list of menus especially with more restaurants than ever participating this year. That’s where we come in. These are the best Chicago Restaurant Week deals.
IN LAKEVIEW – OUR TOP PICK!
Start Chicago Restaurant Week Right! For just $36, you can enjoy a 3-course dinner with many amazing modern Mexican features! Check out our menus and click on the link below to make a reservation! We hope to see you soon amigos!
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill!
3906 N. Broadway | Chicago | 773.549.2932
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill will be offering a mouth watering 3 course prix fixe menu with many modern Mexican features!
Click Here To Reserve for El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill
Check out these menus!
Boystown Winter Fun Feb 8th and 9th
FEB 8th! The Boystown Soup & Sip is a fun afternoon of sampling hot soup, cold beer, small bites, whiskey & more at 20+ locations!
Soup & Small Bites:
D.S. Tequila Company – Drew’s on Halsted – El Mariachi Tequila Bar – Elevate Coffee Company – Fajita Factory – #ForeverYogurt – Lark – Roscoe’s Tavern – The Chicago Diner – Wood Chicago – Whole Foods Market
Beverage Sampling:
Bacardi – Casamigos – CH Distillery – Crystal Head Vodka – DryHop Brewers – EFFEN Vodka – Fireball Whisky – Goose Island – Jameson Irish Whiskey – Maker’s Mark – Short Fuse Brewing Company – Sierra Nevada – Skrewball Whiskey – Virtue Cider
Locations:
Ahf Pharmacy/Out Of The Closet Thrift Store – CBD Kratom Chicago – Chicago Male Salon & Spa – Cram Fashion – Crosstown Fitness – Northside – Double Trip Press – FFC Boystown – Kozy’s Cyclery: Lakeview – Men’s Room Chicago – Sidetrack The Video Bar – Strong Hands Studio &Personal Training – Two Hearted Queen – Universal Wellness Source – Zea Salon
Also featuring Lakeside Pride Cabaret performing at Sidetrack and Pride Arts Center ticket giveaway
ADVANCE TICKETS $20 – soupandsip.com
FEB 9th – Join us for Boystown Ice Follies at Gallagher Way, an outdoor skate party & drag show!
It’s a Sunday Funday of skating hilarity, live DJ, hot drinks, cold beer/cocktails & drag entertainment. Featuring ice queen Denali @Denali Foxx, DJ @CircuitMOM & host Alexis Bevels.
Presented by Boystown & Circuitmom Productions
Part of Chill Out Weekend with Boystown Soup & Sip!
Boystown Ice Follies at Gallagher Way Chicago
3637 N Clark next to Wrigley Field
Sunday February 9, 2-5pm
Admission $12 at the door
Includes skate fee & 1/2 price skates
icefollieschicago.com
Then ride a special Boystown trolley to The North End for the Ice Follies After Party featuring drink specials & giveaways by Egoist Underwear & Pride Arts Center, and hosts Denali Foxx & Alexis Bevels.
The North End Ice Follies After Party
Sunday February 9, 4-7pm
3733 N Halsted St
New Years Eve and New Years Day Restaurant Pick!
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World of Chocolate Returns Dec. 5th
World of Chocolate is Chicago’s premier World AIDS Day event supporting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s efforts to mobilize communities, creating equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and related chronic diseases.
World of Chocolate celebrates the imagination and ingenuity of our renowned chefs from across Chicago!
THURSDAY, DEC. 5, 2019, 6 – 9 P.M.
AT REVEL FULTON MARKET
Enter at 1215 W. Fulton Market (Fulton and Racine).
The closest CTA L stop is located at Morgan on the Pink/Green Lines.
Complimentary coat check is provided.
Tickets purchased before Dec. 3 will be held Will Call. Check in with your name or your ticket purchaser’s name. After Dec. 3, General Admission & VIP tickets are available at the door for $150 and $250 respectively.
Parking: We recommend using public transportation or taxis. Street parking is available in the neighborhood — check parking signs and pay boxes for information.
Dress to impress! Your favorite holiday cocktail attire/business casual is perfect for the evening.
VOTE for People’s Choice! During check in, you’ll receive a red marble to vote for your favorite chocolatier. The event is bigger and better than ever, so plan your night accordingly by perusing our chefs and menu for the evening.
At 8:30 p.m., we’ll have a special performance to announce the judges’ picks for Best Sweet, Best Savory, Best Libation, Best Small Business, Best Large Business and Best Sculpture.
Knock yourself out! Punch Board and Luxury Raffle prizes will be announced Monday, Nov. 11.
Share the fun! Help us get the buzz going on Facebook and Instagram by using #AFChocolate
VIEW PHOTOS FROM 2018.
Art of Healthy Cooking with Chef Tong Oct. 26th
Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef returns to Bloomingdale’s for a Healthy Cooking demonstration during the Wellness Event. He will give tips about ingredients and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite recipes:
-Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Cumin and Curry
-Baked Salmon with Fennel, Bell Peppers, Kalamata Olives, Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
-Crustless Apple Pie, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
The demonstration will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue,Chicago. Culinary Kitchen on 1. Come early because the seats fill up fast.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Taste of Boystown September 24th
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Garden Chef Series September 15th
Chef Christopher Tong of My Private Chef, one of Chicagoland’s most versatile Chefs, will share one of his favorite recipes at Chicago Botanic Garden’s popular annual Garden Chef Series.
He will appear on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois.
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation, and come away with recipes that they can try at home. Chef Tong will give tips on ingredients, and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste! Seating is limited and on a first-come, first served basis.
Chef’s Recipe: Cantaloupe, Bell Pepper and Basil Salad with spiced Shrimp
Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden and Garden Chef Series is free. For more information about this Garden Chef Series event and parking fees, please call 847.835.5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.
We hope top see you there!
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!”
One Night Only Special Dinner Sept 5th
Exclusive Maestro Dobel Agave Dinner
Thursday, September 5th, 2019 | 7:00 p.m. | Chicago
Nothing makes us happier than a good tequila cocktail…and this event has THREE!
We’ll spend the night dining and drinking on El Mariachi’s patio with special guest speaker and field brand specialist, Dean Stojanov from Maestra Dobel Tequila.
For only $50/person Dean will take Lakeview Supper Club members through a 3-course Agave Dinner (see above for menu). *Gratuity not included. Members can bring up to 4 guests at membership pricing.
The password to purchase tickets is: TeAmoTequila
> Click Here to Purchase Tickets!
Labor Day Weekend Brunch at El Mariachi
Labor Day weekend brunch! Voted best brunch in Lakeview! El Mariachi has an extensive menu to choose from + unlimited Mimosas for $25! Reservations recommended!
This family has been a part of the community since 1996. They serve quality, fresh and authentic food.
#delicious
El Mariachi Tequila Bar and Restaurant
3906 N Broadway, Chicago
Glitzy Show Bar Restaurant LIPS Chicago Opens!
The ULTIMATE in DRAG DINING has arrived in Chicago!
WOWZA! Gorgeous place and fantastic food and drink! Opulence, darling!
Locations in New York City, San Diego, Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, now we can experience America’s #1 DRAG SHOW EXPERIENCE for over 25 years at Lips Chicago.
Lips offers nightly drag queen shows and dining experience with full bar. Every night a different drag queen show including celebrity impersonators in Dinner with the Divas, Twisted Broadway, Celebrity Divas and Dragalicious Gospel Brunch on Sunday. Grand Opening Weekend was sold out!
Not only do they offer the best in drag queen entertainment, but an exquisite menu from lobster ravioli, Filet Mignon to our chocolate sin dessert and more!
Little Goat Diner’s Tom J Schmitt is the executive chef! Everything I tasted was wonderful. They offer a VIP Prix Fixe menu option for $39.95 or you can order al carte. – Cover charge and minimums depend on what night you attend.
Lips offers an amazing ALL YOU CAN DRINK Drag Gospel Boozy Brunch in Chicago every Sunday for $30! Reservations for any night, are always required!
Lips is a Las Vegas-style drag wonderland with Four massive eight-foot crystal chandeliers that dangle overhead, offsetting pink leopard tufted walls, velvet curtains, and a bevy of bejeweled mirrors. The venue’s stage features a throne — the performers are queens, after all. The 8,000 square-foot space seats 174, so diners should expect a crowd.
Featuring primarily local talent, Lips’ queens will not only serve up a great show – they will also serve you dinner. Doubling as lively waitresses, the entertainers will take orders and deliver meals with a special side of camp, giving every audience member a front-row seat to the nightly show, which will include lip syncing, live vocals, bawdy humor, choreographed numbers and campy comedy.
2229 S Michigan Ave 312-815-2662!
Chicago Market Days 2019 Aug 10-11
Northalsted Market Days® is the largest street festival in the Midwest and Chicago’s hottest summer celebration, August 10-11, 2019.
The 38th annual Northalsted Market Days® is a weekend long festival celebrating life & community in Chicago’s historic Boystown/Lakeview district. The 1/2 mile long festival features all-day lineups of live music on 5 stages, 200+ unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJ’s and dancing, sponsor booths, and more!
Featuring live performances by Daya, Icona Pop, Sheila E, Deborah Cox, Jake Shears and more.
Admission: $10 Suggested Donation – All Ages
Location: Boystown on Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison
Hours: 11am – 10pm, August 10-11, 2019
Public Transportation: A short walk away from the CTA Belmont Red/Brown/Purple Line Station or the CTA Addison Red Line Station
Weather: Open rain or shine, please be advised that severe conditions may delay or cancel performances
Security: No large bags/backpacks allowed, all bags will be inspected prior to entry. No coolers or outside beverages.
Summer Menu Items at Fogo de Chao
Enjoy several new menu items this summer, for a limited time, at the fabulous Fogo de Chao! Temperatures are finally heating up in Chicago and the internationally-renowned Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão is inviting guests to beat the heat with refreshing menu additions perfect for summer. Fogo’s summer innovations offer something for everyone to enjoy at Fogo, from a new light but decadent cut of meat, seasonal fruits and vegetables to a zero-proof mocktail.
I LOVE WATERMELON!
And they have a delicious Watermelon Fresca Cocktail (Non-Alcoholic): Made with ripe watermelon, lime and ice, this refreshing mocktail is a seasonal addition to Fogo’s non-alcoholic beverage lineup, which includes fan favorites Grapefruit Elderflower Spritz and Pineapple Mint Lemonade. – But you can add a dash of your favorite vodka as well!
And on their Market Table you have to have some of Watermelon Feta Salad (juicy watermelon tossed with feta cheese, summer basil, fresh mint and black pepper) and Tomato Mozzarella Salad (ripe tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and whole milk Buffalo mozzarella).
I also really love cheese! Whenever I go to a Mexican restaurant I love the Queso Fundido! – Fogo does something kind of similar. Queijo Assado: A Brazilian-style cheese that, when grilled, becomes crispy on the outside, yet warm and melted on the inside, finished with a spicy malagueta honey.
A new summer meat choice is Grilled Pork Belly & Pineapple: Smoked pork belly is served with a balsamic glaze and roasted cinnamon pineapple. Simply delicious!
“At Fogo, every one of our tables is inspired by the best flavors of Brazil’s farms. Grilling has always been important in Brazil, but never more than during the summer season. That is why our new summer menu launch makes for the ideal time to introduce fire-grilled pork belly and queijo assado, a grilled Brazilian-style cheese, as a complement to churrasco,” said Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão. “Our guests can enjoy our light takes on summertime favorites, alongside our year round offerings that have made us a go-to destination for those looking to escape to Brazil on a moment’s notice.”
All summer innovations pair perfectly with Fogo fan favorites like Picanha, the prime part of the top sirloin and signature steak at Fogo, or delicately prepared seafood options, such as Mango Chilean Sea Bass.
For any summertime celebration or getaway, Fogo de Chão offers group and private dining options at all locations. From graduation dinners to wedding rehearsals, Fogo is well-suited for groups of all sizes with customizable menus, private and semi-private dining spaces, and complimentary A/V equipment. In addition, the Full Churrasco Experience is always complimentary for children under six years old and half price for those aged seven – 12.
For more information about Fogo de Chão, the new culinary and cocktail additions or to make dining reservations, please visit http://www.fogo.com.
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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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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