Category Archives: Retail and Services
Cupcakes Cookies And Delicious Dessert Gifts to Benefit Chicago House
Nothing Says Happy Holidays
Like Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery!
Have you started making your holiday gift list?
It’s just WEEKS AWAY!!
Whether you are shopping for a foodie, a party host, or coffee enthusiast, the perfect gift is waiting at Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery.
This year, Sweet Miss Giving’s has created a wide array of gift boxes which include everything from spicy ginger and molasses cookies to red velvet cupcakes topped with creamy white icing. Are you attending a holiday party this year? Let Sweet Miss Giving’s deliver brownies, cheesecakes, or gourmet coffee right to the host’s door so you can effortlessly attend holiday parties while showing your gratitude.
Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery and Gifting is a premier bakery and jobs program that offers rich, decadent baked goods while providing a new reason to feel good about sweet indulgences: over 50% of all profits go to help the formerly homeless and HIV/AIDS-affected men, women, and children of Chicago House.
Call 312-575-0212 to place your order or visit Sweet Miss Givings to purchase online.
Check out their holiday gift brochure .
Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery-the Unquestionably Kind,
Unreasonably Good way to give this holiday season!
School of the Art Institute of Chicago Holiday Art Sale
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) Campus Life and Student Association proudly hosts the annual Holiday Art Sale on Friday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the MacLean Center Ballroom (112 S. Michigan Avenue).
The immense talent and creativity of more than 120 SAIC students is on display at this unique sale, which offers exquisite one-of-a-kind gifts such as photographs, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, prints and drawings, jewelry, fashion accessories and handmade paper designs.
Prices of works for sale range from $1 to $1,000+. Participating students receive 85% of their total sales; the remaining 15% goes to the SAIC Student Association to support the Art Sale and to fund future projects and educational programs.
SAIC Holiday Art Sale admission is FREE and open to the public. For more information, please call (312) 629-6880 or visit SAIC . SAIC’s New Artist Society also hosts a special Holiday Art Sale Preview Party Thursday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $35/person or $60/couple.
For more information about the New Artist Society Preview Party or to purchase tickets, call (312) 899-5158.
Andersonville Dental – Serving Chicago’s Gay LGBT Community Since 1997
Finding a good dentist
or doctor is like finding a good mechanic or any other service professional.
I read a poll recently with the question: Do you trust your mechanic?” And I was surprised to see that 46% of those who responded said “No”, they don’t. This got me to thinking, if you don’t trust your mechanic, why do you bring your car back to them?
If you didn’t trust your doctor, you would find another doctor. Your mechanic is very much like your/a doctor. They have to diagnose and treat your car. In fact, if you want to take it a step further, your mechanic has to be better than your doctor because your car can’t tell them where it hurts!
When I hire service professional, whether it be a mechanic, a plumber, a doctor or dentist, I want someone I can trust, someone who’s advice I value, and someone who will charge me a fair price for services provided and not rob me or overcharge me for things I don’t need.
When we first moved to the Chicago area from Michigan, we needed to find a new dentist, and new doctor. Some newly made friends gave us referrals for both. I had recently chipped a crown so I went to the dentist, I won’t say his name, and upon examining my mouth he told me I was in need in 5 crowns! WHAT? How could that be? I had seen my previous dentist just 9 months prior and had no big issues! I felt this dentist just wanted my $6000 to fund his next vacation! I think there is a difference between a dentist who has an aggressive strategy and those that just seek monetary gain, based on a client’s lack of knowledge. Let’s face it – overtreatment and even unnecessary treatment does exist. The vast majority of dentists probably strive to provide the best treatment possible. But like any profession, dentistry has its bad apples.
I quickly fired him and went to another referral, Andersonville Dental and Dr. Anita Shahin. She examined my mouth and recommended one filling and 1 “watch” for a possible crown down the road. Nothing in need of immediate replacement. WHEW! What a relief. An honest dentist! It’s like finding a good mechanic. Someone you can trust and feel comfortable with.
That was 7 years ago and my partner and I are still clients of Andersonville Dental and tell everyone we know about Anita Shahin. I am extremely confident in recommending Anita as one of the Best Dentists in Chicago. She provides affordable, honest & friendly dentistry. She does not try to sell you things you don’t need, she explains ALL options very well and is very conscientious of cost factors, insurance vs. no insurance, and above all, the client’s needs.
“I am an old school dentist most would say. I believe in restoring function to one’s mouth first and foremost, not cosmetic appearance initially. Many dentists look at cosmetic appearance first. There are a lot of dentists who try to persuade clients into getting things to make their smile better. Sure, I offer all of those services, but I am not going to try to sell them to you, if you don’t want them or need them. If you come in with a toothache, we diagnose and fix that problem.” says Dr. Shahin.
“I take a lot of pride in what I do and it is important to me to be able to do a good job at a fair price. I want to do the job right the first time. This makes me happy and most important it makes my customers happy.”
Remember that it is your mouth and your health.
You are ultimately responsible for making the right choices for you.
Your dentist should act as an expert advisor about the past, present and future health and goals of your mouth to help you make the right choices, not a salesperson.
Your dentist should be willing and happy to explain to you:
•Why they are suggesting the particular treatment
•What the treatment is and how it works
•What alternatives and choices exist (including potential consequences of not having the treatment)
•What the pros and cons of available treatment options are
•What treatment they would choose for themselves if it was their mouth!
Your dentist needs to explain and discuss things with you, in a language you can understand and be very clear on the out-of-pocket expenses. Only then can the two of you reach a joint treatment decision based on an informed win-win consent.
What others say about Dr. Anita Shahin and her Andersonville Dental Practice-
“Dr. Shahin has such a “mom” mentality, she’s great at soothing you through something uncomfortable and gently chides you when you’re doing things wrong.”
“The night before my Birthday, I broke part of my tooth off and I went in the first thing to get it fixed and they got me right in. She saw how panicked I was, made me feel comfortable and then asked me if I ate yet. I told her no, and actually my BF was making me a Birthday Breakfast. She told me to go eat and come back and enjoy my breakfast. So I ate, came back an hour later and she fit me into her schedule like I was important or something.. I love it! She won my heart over with her generosity and her passion to make her patients feel as comfortable as possible.”
“The prices are very reasonable, $75 for a cleaning, and she will do her best to work with you and keep costs down for more elaborate procedures if you need. I also really appreciate the fact that she does the cleanings herself and does not have a hygienist do it.”
“I have been going to Anita for over 10 years, and she is with out a doubt the most thorough, kind and conservative dentist you will find in the city. You definitely will not find yourself a victim of un-needed xrays and costly procedures. Dr. Shanin keeps your teeth healthy and intact with regular cleanings and exams. Her office and equipment are clean, and her employees are friendly and helpful. She takes most insurance plans. I highly recommend her to all my friends, and many have become regular patients.”
Andersonville Dental ~ Anita Shahin, D.D.S. 1700 W. Foster, (773) 334-4200
Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Bonding, Veneers, Crowns, Implants, Dentures, Extraction, Root Canals, In-house Laser Bleaching or at home Bleaching
Proudly and Honestly Serving the LGBT Community since 1997
Most Insurances Accepted
Mention Best Gay Chicago.com to receive a
15% NEW PATIENT DISCOUNT (For patients with no insurance)
Includes Free Consultation and Initial X-Ray
Consumers Research Council of America gave Dr. Anita Shahin their America’s Top Dentists Excellence Award. Consumers Research Council of America compiled an accurate list of Top Dentists throughout the United States by utilizing a point value system. This method uses a point value for criteria that they deemed valuable in determining the Top Dentists.
Dr. Anita Shahin is also a member of the
American Dental Association and the Illinois State Dental Society .
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!
From Barcelona Spain to Hollywood Gay Beach Chicago! ES Collection
is just weeks away!
(Depending on where you live…)
and if you want something NO ONE ELSE has yet, this hot new line from Barcelona is what you need!
ES COLLECTION
Previously only available in Spain, it is spreading worldwide this year, but still in limited quantities.
Now going into its fourth year of production they will be unveiling the 2010 underwear collection this fall in the US. I just got back from Barcelona and bought a couple of the swimsuits from the 2009 collection – VERY HOT! Clean lines, fresh styles, bold color combinations and amazing fit!
This swimwear and underwear for men, is honestly some of the hottest styles we have seen with PERFECT construction and craftsmanship. Made in Barcelona, “ES tries to be unique, different and fresh in a market that is fast and more brands are joining this fast market every day. Made in Barcelona with the best fabrics that we can get from the EU market but still we can be competitive with any other brand out there on quality, price,design and delivery.”
Their designs have a wonderful cut to them, accenting your body perfectly! I purchased some of their men’s underwear and men’s swimwear, and they fit comfortable and like a glove! Many of the swimsuits features the “Pack Up” system which can easily be removed if aren’t in the mood for extra padding however is perfect for giving you that perfect “beach bulge” if you want it! It does not make your package look HUGE or anything. But it just accentuates your own package nicely and provides a wonderful smooth fit.
One of the great things about ES Collection Swimwear is the high quality of craftsmanship. With extras like the metal grommet holes and the plastic tips on the drawstring you’ll never have to “fish” out the drawstring. They also use high quality zippers, rubber logos, and just overall high quality finishing.
Word of advice for Americans – As for sizing, I would suggest, if ordering from the US, order 1 size larger than usual. Both my partner and I are 32-33″ waist, and would normally buy Medium – but their Large fits perfect. I always find European clothes run smaller than most US brands are labeled.
And who doesn’t love a SALE! Each collection features “X” number of pieces in so many sizes. Each year when the new collection is launched, anything that did not sell from the previous collection, is marked down! So when you visit their website ES COLLECTION, make sure you check out the SALE OUTLET.
MUST SEE – VIDEO of the NEWEST ES STYLES and all of their HOT models!
If you are visiting Barcelona, stop by their main store and see the entire collection on display.
Consell de Cent, 218 and right around the corner is ES4U, the outlet store at Casanova, 56!
They also have a shop at 35007 Las Palmas de G.C., Carnary Islands and soon will have stores in Bilbao, Valencia, and Madrid!
And of course, you can order worldwide via their ES COLLECTION site! Suits range $50 – $100, and well worth it!
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