Category Archives: Restaurants and Dining
Dining Out For Life Chicago 2013
Make reservations NOW for your favorite restaurant!
A dozen restaurants in Lakeview/ Boystown are participating.
By dining at any of the Dine on North Halsted restaurants
listed above on April 25th, a portion of the proceeds (33% for the most
part) will go to EdgeAlliance.
provide housing and life progress services to assist
individuals/families diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. With donations, they have
constructed a campus in the North Lawndale community consisting of two
family-focused apartment complexes and one for single women and men.
Taverna 750 Best Old School Italian with Contemporary Flair
Best Hidden Gem,
Best Date Restaurant,
Best Brunch,
Best Sidewalk Cafe.
And BestGayChicago.com gives them 5 pink crowns!
“My passion for food runs very very deep, as it is more than just a collection of ingredients and a means to satisfy ones hunger,” says Chef Coker. “My passion comes from the true power food possesses and its ability to do many things beyond simply nourishment.
much pricier downtown places like RPM Italian a run for their money. “Food also has the power to evoke a wide array of emotions and intrigue all of ones senses. That is what I hope to accomplish everyday through my food,” says Chef. “I want to use fresh seasonal ingredients as a vehicle to share my love for all things cooking, and hopefully have the diner experience that same appreciation. My goal is to sell an experience that tastes delicious and can be remembered far after.”
as they’re ready, and will be plated for sharing.Which is how I like it.
Brunch, dinner or late night bites, they have a range of items consisting of gourmet dinner, brunch and a full menu of amazing tasty crafted drinks. There is also a late night pizza menu for anyone looking for a nightcap and nosh.
Taverna 750 750 W Cornelia Ave Chicago, IL 60657 ph. 773-904-7466
Benjamin Newby Shakes up Spring Drinking at Taverna 750
Benjamin Newby, a big name in the Chicago restaurant scene, he is one of Chicago’s most celebrated and recognizable operators and mixologists. When it comes to mixology, Ben’s cocktails embody his heartfelt, experience-led concepts. He is known for creating innovative drinks enjoyed by both the connoisseur and the person looking for a great libation.
They are all good. Trust me, I tasted them all! But I have to say I really like the tequila-based “Smoky Paloma” is paired with Taverna’s housemade grapefruitcello, bottled overnight, and served in a smoking glass over a vanilla-bourbon ice cube the size of a softball with a sidecar in a fishbowl of ice, of course. Can you say FABULOUS?!
Also you should check out “San Remo“, made with Hennessy Black, Wild Strawberry Tea Syrup, Squeezed Lemon, Apertif, Topped with Wild Strawberry Tea Foam– the foam topping is awesome!
The OUT NYC planning to open OUT CHICAGO Hotel in Boystown
complex, serving as a travel and entertainment destination for visitors
and locals alike.
rooms, 3 outdoor courtyards, The Spa at the OUT NYC, a glass-covered
atrium, jacuzzis, steam room, sauna, 24-hour fitness center, XL
Nightclub, KTCHN Restaurant, and conference facilities available for
special events and catering.
SIDETRACK & Minibar and across the street from Roscoe’s (the 3 top
grossing gay bars in Chicago); this is in the epicenter of Chicago’s
‘gayborhood’ appropriately called “Boystown”. This 4 star Urban Resort
complex will include..….
– ±112 boutique hotel rooms (including Shared Luxury Accommodations & Extended Stay Suites)
– 1500SF full service Spa, Gym & Wellness Center – “The Spa @ THE OUT”
– 2500SF of Conference/Meeting/Event Space
– 3000SF Fully Enclosed Glass Atrium Courtyard – 1500 SF Enclosed
Rooftop Bar & Lounge with spectacular views of downtown Chicago
– “KTCHN Art” Restaurant (consultation and possible partnership with Celebrity Chef Art Smith)
– 2000 SF “XL Minibar” with Dance/Cabaret Space (acquisition and
partnership and/or management contract is currently in negotiations with
Minibar)
– Marketing Partnership with Sidetrack Bar and access to their 15,000 sf bar complex from the THE OUT CHICAGO Lobby.
– BOUTIQUE lobby shop.
About us…..
http://theoutnyc.com/media-
FODORS TOP 100: Our “Straight-friendly” Urban Resort (THE OUT NYC)
surrounding our XL Nightclub was named one of this year’s top 100 hotels
in the world by Fodors featured in the “Trendsetter” category and
featured on CNN.com and we are #3 on TripAdvisor (of 156 Specialty
Hotels in NYC).
THEOUTNYC.com (4 star resort + & $99 Euro style luxury hostel pods)
Xlnightclub.com (#1 night club in NYC)
Xlcabaret.com (major performance acts)
KTCHNnyc.com (Zagat favorite new restaurant)
Theoutnycspa.com (full service Spa&/gym)
The ManifestOUT.com (Cultural & Event Blog)
THEOUThousenyc.com (Private Membership Social Club like Soho House)
KTCHN: Zagat –
Thttp://blog.zagat.com/2012/
NY Times Article – “To be a Hotel and Gay in NYu” http://travel.nytimes.com/
TIME Magazine Article – “I Had a Gay Old Time” http://www.time.com/time/
It could mean big things for Lake View and Boystown. A study of the community
has long identified it seriously lacks hotels, a part of the reason why
the Ricketts Family now plan to open one near Wrigley Field.
One was also planned in the Addison Park on Clark development, but the developer behind that project recently announced the hotel deal fell through.
Officials with Ald. Tom Tunney’s office say a hotel in Boystown, however, might be just what the community needs.
“I actually followed up and saw the product, and it’s great,” said
Chief of Staff Bennett Lawson. “It’s very boutique. Our master plan
identifies we need more hotels in the area, so if the space could work
with the right kind of anchor tenants, height and zoning, we’re on
board.”
the 19th District Police Station Community Room. Everyone should
definitely attend and support this project. Chicago is very lucky to
have been chosen for their 2nd hotel location!!
Fresh Flavors of Spring with My Private Chef at Bloomingdales April 13th
Enjoy Fresh Flavors of Spring with
My Private Chef at
Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, Medinah Temple
for some fresh Spring menu ideas? If so, you will enjoy attending the
cooking demonstration hosted by popular Chef Christopher Tong, of the
upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef. He has been invited back to present a delicious Spring-inspired menu.
cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2013 from
2-4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah
Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago. Demo Kitchen on 1.
Chef’s Tong menu features:
Fresh Pea Soup with Mint and Crème Fraiche
Strawberry, Brie Cheese, Honey and Basil Crostini
Maple-Soy Glazed Baked Salmon with Spring Radish and Pea Sprout Salad
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask
questions, discuss preparation, and come away with fabulous recipes that
you can try at home. Chef Tong will give tips on shopping, ingredients,
and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact 312.324.7678.
Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite
private 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: “I love conducting cooking demonstrations where I get the
feeling the audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
For information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our website at www.myprivatechef.net
We hope to see you there!
Charity Bingo at Hamburger Marys April 8th
adoptable animals destroyed every year in the Chicago land area. Her goal is to Chicago a NO KILL city.
| 5400 N Clark St Chicago |
Taverna 750 Charity Program, 100% Late Night Club
Taverna 750 is proud to announce their new charity program 100% Late Night Club.
New Dinner and Drinking Place in Uptown! Reservoir
They offer great QUALITY food, an extensive craft beer selection, a nice selection of wines by the glass starting at $7 and great specialty cocktails in a laid-back, casual atmosphere.
The 2 guys sitting next to me said, “While I love living in the Buena Park/Uptown area, I’ve always felt frustrated with the lack of options for food/drinks within walking distance. We came in here about a month ago and love it. The food, atmosphere and service is great. Portions are a good size and drinks are reasonable. So far, my favorites are the mac and cheese and the Cobb salad. Reservoir is a great addition to the neighborhood.“
This is a great neighborhood addition!
M-F 5pm to 2am
Sat 11am to 3am
Sun 11am to 2am
Best Gay Brunch at La Grand Vie Sunday, February 24th
Join us for a special GAY BRUNCH AT La Grand Vie, Sunday. Feb 24th. 1-3pm.
new chic hotspot at 215 E. Chestnut is offering up delicious brunch
choices $10-$12.
$15 more
Taverna 750 is Mixing up Love Potions For Valentines Day
Taverna 750
for something more than just your standard flute of champagne this
Valentine’s Day?
where Benjamin Newby has created a Love Potion sure to sweep your
Valentine off their feet.
d’Amore, is full of natural aphrodisiacs like pomegranate and vanilla,
and is guaranteed to light a spark on the 14th.
Newby’s own “love syrup” and a bit of Chandon sparkling wine, this
cocktail will certainly do the trick for those looking for love this
Valentine’s Day.
Razon! Fabulous Dining in Uptown on Marine Drive
RAZON! The reason.
What a great discovery we just found, and it’s in Uptown, just blocks from our house! A hidden gem! This restaurant is the best kept secret! But not for long.
Located at 4250 N. Marine Dr, RAZON is located on the Northside of the Imperial Towers high-rises. Razon opened last May and when I looked at reviews online, nearly everybody loves this place!
(photo above -shows part of the dining room—filled with Italian marble and Ferrari-red finishes—the bar itself came from Italy).
So I talked with Nash the general manager and we made plans to come check it out. They actually have a cafe area and a restaurant area. “What we are trying to do here is follow biorhythm of this wonderful neighborhood,” explained Nash. “We open our cafe at 7am to 10 pm each day. With great artisan coffee & morning pastries selection, Razón cafe is your one stop morning destination. Once morning craziness is over, lunch is served & delivered through Lakeview & Uptown.”
He continues, “Finally, at 5pm we open the door of our restaurant. People have voted and gave us 4 and 5 stars – critics and press were wonderful too. With our great team and chefs we’ve been working for many years back develop charming menu with delicious options, all with an Italian influence and eclectic approach. Simple Italian architecture, with Miami lounge type music in the background and Midwestern hospitality. Razon means “the reason”. The reason to get together, the reason to dine, the reason to rejoice and be grateful!”
We arrived at 6:00pm thirsty! The handsome Russian bartender, Alex suggested perhaps a specialty craft
drink. $9! How can you go wrong? We each decided on a martini named
after nearby streets. Mine was the “Montrose,’ made with Grey Goose
l’orange. fresh cut ginger, some cranberry juice and house sour mix. It
was amazing. Looked and tasted like a $15 cocktail I have had at other
places.
Derrick had the “Razon.” Grey Goose Citron with fresh basil, house sour
and soda. Perfection. They were honestly a couple of the best drinks we
have ever had. And we like to drink!
Homemade gourmet food from local ingredients, made for what the owner calls a “casual-to-upscale” dining room, and a coffee shop with grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and bistro boxes for the Lake Shore Drive foot traffic.
For dinner, the staff suggested many great things and we tasted lots. The menu is big, filled with salads, lots of small plates, several burgers as well as steaks, lots of pastas which you can also have made with their amazing creamy polenta, at least half a dozen pizzas and some large plates. So there is something for everyone.
Nash explained he gets deliveries daily. “Fresh, fresh, fresh!” he explains, “As a family and as a company in the food business for over 30 years, we have developed many relationships with suppliers who take of us, with the finest selections of seafood and meats. We are constantly getting deliveries and picking things up, so that we can deliver the freshest quality to our customers. We print new menus about every two days because little things are always changing based on what is coming and going, what is fresh and what is seasonal.”
And he does not lie. The calamari was melt in your mouth, served with a nice, not too hot, smoked jalapeno aioli. The brisket sandwich was huge and also tasted great. “Our brisket is slow cooked in its own natural juices. No BBQ sauce added. It is not rushed. We do it old school-slow!”
We sampled a cheese platter with 3 different cheeses, some bread and berries. It was a beautiful presentation and only $15. “This is another great example of how we buy. We try to support as many local businesses as we can. Most of the cheeses come from Pastoral. We source as many local ingredients as we can.”
The polenta was whipped and fluffy! The salmon was fresh and cooked perfectly. We wanted a pizza, but we had no room! Next time! The 2 guys next to us had the Prosciutto di Parma pizza, with prosciutto, 5 cheeses and arugula. They said it was delicious–the prosciutto especially! And they come here all the time.
We did try a few desserts however. The cafe has a wonderful selection of gelatos. We tried a couple of those and their Tiramisu, which Nash says is one of the best in Chicago! And I have to agree, it was pretty great.
It’s very easy for 2 diners to have a couple drinks, share 2-3 small plates, split a large plate, and get out for under $75. With tip. Another diner told us, “If you’re looking for an upscale date night in Uptown, this is the place to go. It’s downtown chic at much more reasonable prices. Tip included, we pay about $80 for an appetizer, two drinks and two large entrées — we even usually have some to take home.” And during the weeknights, they offer various specials.
Another diner we talked to said, “This restaurant is the best kept secret! I live right around the corner from the restaurant, and walked by it everyday. I finally decided to come in about 4 months ago, and boy am I glad. They have an excellent menu , and great food. They have everything you need in this restaurant from a great place to have dinner with friends at night, to a little cafe to get your work done during the day, and gelato!!!! The customer service is easily the best service I have received in years. They go above and beyond. I haven’t come across a place like this in a while. I just love it!”
You will find the staff her very passionate about the restaurant and the food! Items are thoroughly explained, right down to where the meat, chicken and fish are from.
It’s one of those places that makes you feel cool from knowing it, and even more hip when you can recommend it to your friends. I just don’t want EVERYONE to know about it. Is that selfish of me??
RAZON…giving people more than they expect!
4250 N. Marine Dr 773-880-9115
Pie Hole Joint Pizza Opens Second Location in Uptown
Great news for Uptown/Andersonville!
Winston’s closed, it was remodeled and rehabbed. Rumors had it that Chipotle would be going in, but that didn’t happen, and Uptown Update posted back in November that Pie Hole was a possible new tenant.
Pie Hole Pizza will be opening its SECOND delicious location and have chosen Uptown, at 5001 N Clark Street, at Argyle. Projected opening date is sometime in April. Possibly April 1, April Fools Day. “We’re shooting for April 1,” Brandt said in another post. “If we miss, we can always claim ‘April Fools!'” says Brandt.
The Uptown expansion is a dream come true for the local small
business owner, who said when he saw the vacant storefront last year he
envisioned “bright neon signs” in his mind that told him it would be a
great spot for his second location.
Brandt said Pie Hole, which offers an an eclectic variety of custom
pizzas with crazy combinations such as marshmallow and sausage, has
always had an “underground, anti-establishment and irreverent vibe.”
“The fact that it is not in the most commercial location is actually a plus for us,” he said.
The new address is in a residential area, but it sits on bustling
North Clark Street at West Argyle Avenue, at “the end of the
Andersonville retail strip that is progressively growing a little
farther and farther south,” Brandt said.
“So, it has a lot of potential in the future.” – And this is interesting….Brandt initially had trouble finding a funding stream to tap that
potential — before $30,000 in loans raised via crowd-funding program LendSquare solved his problem in December. LendSquare asks members of the community for two-year loans that are paid back with interest. What a cool idea!
We are very excited about Pie Hole coming to Uptown/Andersonville and can’t wait to
dig into our first custom slice.
New Lounge Restaurant Downtown LA GRAND VIE
Just steps from Michigan Avenue, nestled inside The Chatelaine building at 215 E. Chestnut, is downtown’s newest hidden gem, La Grand Vie. A sleek new lounge/restaurant with signature craft cocktails and a menu to suit
(between Seneca St & Dewitt Pl)
(312) 643-1111
Chef Christopher Tong at Gildas Club of Chicago Feb. 12
The popular appearances of Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale private gourmet dining service,
My Private Chef, continue in the New Year with some wonderful menu ideas emphasizing healthy eating
so essential for Gilda’s Club members and their families. People living with cancer know that healthy
eating is important for the body and the spirit. The meals in this cooking series are designed to inspire
people living with cancer to eat well, serve beautiful food and stay healthy.
demonstration: Chicken Marengo with Crusty French Bread. The dish is named after Napoleon’s
battle of Marengo in 1800 and, lucky for us, it is filled with cancer fighting ingredients including
tomatoes, onions and olives.
The club is located at 537 North Wells Street, Chicago. 312-464-9900.
friends, join with others to build social and emotional support in addition to medical care.
Gilda’s Club is named in honor of the late comedian Gilda Radner.
demonstrations and conversations with Chef Tong.
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.
or visit www.gildasclubchicago.org
Boystown and Gay-borhood Happenings New Year’s Eve Chicago 2012
“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”
Undisputedly, no other holiday evening offers more event happening choices than New Year’s Eve! Whether you’re a lover or a hater or just indifferent, fact is New Year’s Eve returns every December 31st.
For Michael and I, unlike Thanksgiving and Christmas, our choices of who and where we spend New Year’s Eve with is not based on traditions (other than consuming an exorbitant amount of alcohol), but instead, what were going to do that night to celebrate is based on random criteria each year.
Today, we are still uncommitted to where exactly you’ll find us throughout the night, but we have narrowed or choices and want to share our recommended options with you (below list in alphabetical order).
Bonjonos Pizzeria: Sometimes the best New Year’s Eve simply requires having an amazing thin crust pizza and some buffalo wings, and staying in to watch the ball drop! Our favorite in Chicago, delivered to your doorstop and you can wash your edible indulgence down with plenty of your favorite elixir(s) of choice while ringing in the New Year.
Bonjono’s Pizza opened in 1996 at 4185 North Clarendon and Buena Avenue with a plan to make the best pizza, pasta and sandwiches in the neighborhood. The idea was to make everything as fresh as possible, crusts made by hand on site daily, sausage, pasta sauces, salad dressings and soup are also made from scratch. Owner Craig says “We think our customers appreciate our extra efforts and while not all menu items can be made in house, you can be assured that we only buy top quality ingredients and add our own special touches to them.”
Trust us as loyal customers of 13 years, they’ve stayed true to their original plan since opening. Our standing order with Bonjono’s is: a large, thin crust Margherita pizza with fresh tomato, basil and grilled chicken added with a couple side orders of buffalo wings with both ranch and blue cheese dressing sides-delicious! HEAVEN!
Bojono’s Pizzeria 4185 North Clarendon 773.404.9700
Delivery: from Bryn Mawr to Webster; from the lake west to Ashland.
Open daily from 11:00 AM until 10:00 PM
last pizza order 9:45, last delivery order 9:45
Cocktail
3359 North Halsted Street. Cocktail is one of the sexiest, most inviting, playful upscale bars and restaurants on the Boystown strip, less any attitude! Cocktail’s two gorgeous bars feature black crystal chandeliers, onyx-lit bar tops and pay homage to our favorite French Champagne, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin’s Brut Yellow Label available by the glass or a full or 1/2 bottle everyday!
Cocktail is the perfect place to sip sinful libations, especially near the front window to enjoy all the familiar and friendly faces passing by Halsted and Roscoe, enjoy great food and converse with friends old and new, or groove to the DJ’s beats while drooling over their world-class go-go boys bumping and grinding!
As you can see on New Year’s Eve at Cocktail expect doors open at 7pm with Hostess Cyon Flare, sexy sounds of REDUX, champagne toast at midnight and of course sexy go-go boys dancing up a storm!
Downtown Bar – 440 S. State Street. We’re so glad this place re-opened. Once the Gentry, then a straight bar for a short time, Downtown Bar and Lounge is now here to stay! I love the layout , because there nooks and crannies and want private space with somesome or you can join the gang downstairs or up at the big bar. Brian has recently done remodeling and repainting to create even more lounge spaces.
$6 stoli cocktails all night and NO COVER.
elixir Lounge 3452 North Halsted Street. For someone who “less is more” when it comes to sports bars, it was so refreshing to learn that when Elixir opened it was not a sports bar!!!
More and more, Michael and I actually prefer to go into and enjoy a place with no TV’s at all! When were out and about town were looking to get caught up with friends and make new ones. Not watch TV. Nothing more annoying than music too loud or so many TV’s its a struggle to talk to the person next to you.
I would definitely describe Elixir as upscale and friendly, the kind of place were proud to take our parents visiting us this week and sit and visit over a nice stiff cocktail! Be prepared, their specialty cocktail list, along with prohibition era classics, might put a little hair on Mama’s chest New Year’s Eve at elixir Lounge we think is a great deal (they would definitely lose money on us) $50 is all that is asked for an open Premium bar and light hor d’oeuvres from 10pm -1am. As you can imagine, it is an extremely smaller space than many, so tickets very limited, not a bad thing at all, so contact an elixir staff member and get your ticket!
HYDRATE – 3458 North Halsted Street. NYE 2013 at Hydrate! PREMIUM OPEN BAR!The Ultimate NYE Dance Party is here!
Don’t delay! Buy your tickets today! This event sells out every year!
NYE at Hydrate includes a premium hosted bar and hors d’oeuvres from 8pm
to 11pm, champagne toast at Midnight, and party favors for every
guest!!!
General Admission Tickets are only $30 before 12.15.2012!! $35 if purchased before 12.31.2012!
$50 VIP Tickets include all of the above plus in and out privileges all night long!!! Don’t get stuck out in the cold!
DJ Laura B spins from 8 till midnight
Greg Drescher finished out the night till 4 AM…
Hosted by Sorraya Dash!!
NEXT STOP: Established in 1996 by a father and his two sons, the original El Mariachi at 3420 North Broadway and Roscoe (still in business today) is a quaint, but small 10-table restaurant! Again, I’m sure it was the first Mexican restaurant Michael and I ate at when we first moved to Chicago in 2001.
El Mariachi grew in popularity over the years due to their commitment to only serving top quality, authentic, mostly family recipes, traditional dishes and the best margaritas made with fresh squeezed lime juice.
At the newest location opened in 2010, El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill at 3906 North Broaway and West Sheridan, you’ll find everything you came to love and expect at their original restaurant plus SO MUCH MORE!
No longer prohibited by lack of space, the new restaurant has 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!
In October of this year, their newest endeavor opened to rave reviews: Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse. 3443 N. Broadway. So take your pick or mix and match.
EL MARIACHI will have 2 seatings for a fabulous 3 course pre-fix menu ($30.00 per person) ( regular menu will also be available on new years eve) * 6 pm and 8 pm seatings available. 773-549-2932
After Party At Revolucion Steakhouse...$60 Drink package from 11:00 pm to 2:00 a.m. which includes: Unlimited margaritas, sangria, house wine, selected beer, appertizer buffet
served through out the evening with party favors and champagne toast at midnight Reservations are HIGHLY recommended 773-661-9894.
Roscoe’s Tavern 3356 N. Hasted . A boystown favorite! I love this place. As always, never disappointed in the music. Crowd is always friendly. I always meet new people here. Great dance floor. And fantastic pitchers of unlimited flavors of specialty drinks.
NYE2012 – New Year – New Tune – Presented by Absolut Tune – a sparkling fusion of vodka and Sauvignon Blanc
$25 General Admission Hors d’ouevres, Champagne Toast and $1000 Balloon Drop
$75 VIP Advanced Purchase*
-Dedicated Separate Entrance with Express Entry
-Unlimited In & Out Privileges
-Gift Bag
-Complimentary Coat Check
-5 Premium Cocktails
*Limited Quantity Available
Glitz and Glam with Aurora Sexton New Years Eve @ KIT KAT Lounge
AN EVENING of
The Entertainer Of the Year F.I. (EOY) contest system is a Fund Raiser
Event presented for The SLS Pride Foundation, Inc., a non-profit Arts
and Humanities foundation, “Dedicated to the betterment of Diverse
Cultures.”
Many community non-profit organizations have benefited from
the funds raised by The SLS Pride Foundation, Inc., including Metropolitan Community Church of Louisville, Kentucky Theater Project,
Louisville International Film Expo, Louisville Youth Group, Gallopolooza
Louisville Sidewalk Derby, Crusade for Children, Louisville Deaf Oral
School, Bluegrass Classic Tournament, William-Nichols Institute
Educational preservation fund, Fairness Education Fund, Beaux Arts Ball
for Voices of Kentuckiana, University Of Louisville Foundation, Inc.,
Kentuckiana Pride Festival, The Chance School & The Louisville
Visual Arts Association.
Aurora lives in Nashville but gets back to Chicago about once a month.
NEW YEARS EVE, see Aurora live – with 3 choices for the evening.
BOOK EARLY!
SLOTS WILL SELL OUT!
IT’S NEW YEARS EVE!!
Born and raised in Denver, CO, Aurora Sexton is no stranger to the
stage. With an early childhood start in theater and the arts, Aurora has
always been in the spotlight putting her creative talents to work.
With an illustrious career spanning over a decade and an accolade of
titles/crowns and accomplishments to her name, Aurora has become a
staple and well respected icon of nightlife in Chicago since moving to
the windy city 5 years ago.
From her dead on illusions of Dolly Parton to Marylin Manson, exciting
dance routines to swaying the melodies of a ballad, gorgeous glittering
showgirl pieces to barely there sex symbol, this multi-faceted blonde
bombshell will keep you guessing what she’ll come out with next and
always leave you wanting more.
In her time away from stage Aurora works as a freelance makeup artist
for weddings & fashion events, runs party events/promotions and is a
print ad model, most recently becoming the face of Starr Jewels, a top
of the line jewelry company for stage.
Roka Akor Steak and Sushi Welcomes Winter with Special Menu
Roka Akor Steak & Sushi, 456 N. Clark Street, proudly presents Executive Chef Ce Bian’s six-course kaiseki, $85.00, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner balancing the taste, texture, appearance and colors of cuisine.
Celebrate the winter season with artistic Japanese cuisine and culture featuring the premiere fresh seasonal, natural and local ingredients. This new seasonal menu will launch with the Winter Solstice, on December 21, 2012 and end with Spring’s start, March 20, 2013.
First Course: Oyster Trio; Kumamoto with ponzu mignonette, fresh chive, lime; Hama Hama Tempura with chile ginger, parsley puree, shaved vegetables; Roasted oyster with yuzu koshu soy butter. – These are all AMAZING! I got a taste the other night, and thought nI had died and went to heaven!
· Second Course: Flame Seared Uni Nigiri; Truffled Hotate Nigiri; Chef’s Special Sashimi Selection.
· Third Course: Gobo Soup with root vegetables.
· Fourth Course: Robata Grilled Alaskan Halibut with chile miso butter, parsnip chips and micro green salad.
· Fifth Course: Robata grilled Wagyu confit Short Rib with truffle maitake mushroom; Robata grilled Sweet potato with ginger teriyaki sauce.
· Dessert: Apple tartar with Fig puree, and Sancho pepper cream; Toasted Rice Ice Cream.
Roka Akor, voted one of the Top 10 Sushi Spots in the United States by Bon Appétit
magazine, is a stylish Prime steak and sushi restaurant that features
Robatayaki style “open charcoal” cuisine.
For Chef Ce Bian’s dining room
menu, the freshest fish is flown in daily, and sushi and sashimi are
carefully handpicked by region and seasonality. The menu also features a
variety of succulent steak cuts including Prime Rib Eye with Wafu
Dressing and Prime New York Strip Loin with Truffle Aioli, as well as
the highest quality of domestic and Australian Wagyu Beef. Inside the
Sake & Shochu Lounge — Roka Akor’s informal, yet sophisticated
dining environment — guests can feast on a selection of Japanese small
plates, which are designed for sharing.
Roka Akor,
owned by JNK Concepts, is located in the heart of Chicago’s River North
neighborhood at 456 N. Clark. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday
through Friday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is served
Sunday through Wednesday from 5 to 11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday
from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. The Sake & Shochu Lounge is open Sunday
through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m.
to 2 a.m. and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. For more information about
Roka Akor, please call (312) 477-7652 or visit www.rokaakor.com or the restaurant’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Big Gay Brunch Club Chicago Does EL MARIACHI for a Holiday Brunch Special
ANOTHER AMAZING
12-16-12
Mariachi Salad with Guajillo-Agave Vinaigrette
Chilaquiles con Huevo a la Mexicana y Queso
Scrambled eggs
Taquitos de Papa con Chorizo
Pollo a la Mexicana
Garlic-Epazote Rustic Potatoes
Primavera Rice
Salsa de 4 Chiles & Guaca Salsa
Kahlua 3 Leches Cake
Unlimited mimosas, Mexican Coffee and soft drinks
Homemade Chocolate Abuelita (Hot Chocolate)
$30 Per Person includes tax, gratuity and cash only.
Francesca’s Forno’s Drag Showcase Returns Monday, December 10th, 7-9PM!
calendars!
Back by popular demand, it’s Drag Mondays in Wicker Park at
Forno this time with “The Drag Queen Who
Stole Christmas” featuring spectacular,
live performances from superstars Mimi Marks, Mercedes Tyler (pictured above in photos not large enough to fit in full-on hair), Sasha Colby and
Tajma Hall (pictured below with reasonably sized back-dos).
and get in the spirit with these FABULOUS ladies performances and perhaps enjoy
the wine flight specials of the evening and the Chef’s selection of Artisanal cheeses
and Charcuterie!
priced, authentically Northern Italian food is ALL freshly made from scratch
with seasonal ingredients. The menu is stacked with amazing dishes that are
perfect for sharing.
From lighter salads and appetizers to comforting Paninis, pasta
dishes and FAB pizzas, truly something for every taste and appetite.
Of course,
stellar entrées featuring top grade fish, meats and poultry are expertly
prepared and available as well.
Weekend brunch at Forno is the place to see and be seen
in Wicker Park while sipping a handcrafted cocktail or special-recipe Mimosa.
Francesca’s restaurants, the staff is engaging, knowledgeable and always
willing to go the extra mile for you.
So what are you
waiting for? Gather up your friends and call (773) 770-0184 and RSVP Today!
Monday, December
10th, 7-9PM See you there!
Revolucion Mexican Steak House OPENS on Broadway
Revolución (3443 N. Broadway), is a a new Mexican steakhouse from the folks behind El Mariachi (3906 and 3420 N. Broadway). To my knowledge this is Chicago’s FIRST Mexican Steakhouse.
