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Pride Films and Plays Announces Staged Readings and Screenplays Contest
Pride Films and Plays , a new not-for-profit, is proud to announce its inaugural activities as an organization. The first two events scheduled are Five Decades of Great Gay Theater, May 9 – June 13, a series of staged reading of great gay plays, Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 West Belmont, and the Great Gay Screenplay Contest, held in conjunction with Chicago Filmmakers.
The contest seeks new screenplays dealing with gay history, characters or themes and relevant to the world. The semifinalists will be read this fall during Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival.
All tickets for the Five Decades of Great Gay Theatre and the readings of the Great Gay Screenplay Contest Semi-Finalists are $10, and may be reserved by calling 773.250.3112 or 1.800.838.3006.
Tickets may also be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets
David Zak, executive director, says “Pride Films and Plays will educate the writers and the public on the great body of work that already exists in gay theatre and film and inspire the writers to contribute to the next generation of great gay writing.” Pride Films and Plays presents a brief summary of this history in Five Decades of Great Gay Plays as staged readings to play this May and June at the Theatre Building Chicago.
The series includes from the 1960’s Mart Crowley’s The Boys In the Band, Sunday, May 9 at 7 p.m., directed by Michael Lasswell and hosted by Dean Richards of WGN TV and radio; from the 1970’s Lanford Wilson’s The Fifth of July, Sunday, May 16 at 7 p.m., directed by Patrick Walsh and hosted by Misha Davenport of the Chicago Sun-Times; from the 1980’s William M. Hoffman’s As Is, Sunday, May 23 at 7 p.m., directed by Steve Scott and hosted by Alexandra Silets of WTTW Television; from the 1990’s Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing, Sunday, June 6, directed by John Nasca and hosted by Tom Chiola, retired judge and from the first decade of the 21st century, Take Me Out by Richard Greenberg, Sunday, June 23 at 7 p.m., directed by David Zak.
Theatre Wit in Chicago Has Grand Opening This Month!
THEATRE WIT (formerly theBailiwick Theatre ) is opening this month!
Theater Wit dedicates itself to producing plays that are both funny and smart. With groundbreaking new plays and classic works, we seek to engage our audience with wit and wisdom.
Come by and see the brand new, beautful performance home. In honor of this decade of effort, they are making the first two weekends of performances of Spin free to the public.
Performances begin April 22nd!
They also have a host of parties, tours and toasts for you, so check out the schedule of events on the left and join them for the launch of Chicago’s greatest new performance space.
When Brent loses his high paying job as an art director for a big name advertising firm and goes through a divorce, he falls back on his Plan B, resolving to remake himself. With a host of good intentions and self-help books about Buddhism he takes in a street kid and renounces worldly possessions. But when tempted with prestige and cash by an old advertising buddy, he sells his life over to a beer company. Literally.
When his best intentions bring him to a couch, a bomb, a celebrity hostage and the contempt of his co-workers and girlfriend, some serious self-examination is in order. The first comedy in a decade by Jeff-award winning playwright Penny Penniston, whose last comedy, now then again, ran for over 17 weeks at the Ivanhoe theatre, Spin is a farce that questions our own identity in the middle of a consumerist culture, and challenges us to consider what happens when consumerism ends and we need to rediscover ourselves.
Check out the Theatre Wit website for lots of cool opening parties!~
1229 W Belmont Chicago, IL 60657 773-975-8150
Gay Chicago Fun with Big Gay Brunch Club and Venga Bus Chicago
Last month we told you about a couple of Alternative and off-the-beaten-path things to do, this month we have 2 new ones for those looking for something new and different!
BIG GAY BRUNCH CLUB was formed 1 year ago by a small group of friends looking to get together over brunch at somewhere new and different. The next month, more friends joined, and the next month their friends joined in the roving brunch gathering!
The group now has over 300 friends on their FaceBook page and about 50-70 people show up at their monthly traveling brunch.
BGBC is a GLBT networking group to meet new people in the GLBT Chicago community. Keep an eye out for events and updates like brunch, wine tasting, BBQ etc.
April 25th at 1:30pm is the groups 1 year anniversary which will be at Broadway Cellars, 5900 N. Broadway, the spot where the group had their first brunch gathering!
Expect fun people, food and of course, mimosas and bloody marys!
VENGA BUS CHICAGO is another group that started by accident.
Vengabus takes Chicago’s 21 and over fun seekers on adventures!
Doug Collins who manages a local bus tour company decided to get a group of friends together, a bunch of liquor, and shuttle everyone up to LA CAGE in Milwaukee for an evening of fun!
Usually $10-$20 covers the gas and the driver and bus fee. It’s a BYOB party that plans to do possible getaways to places like Six Flags, Saugatuck and maybe even somewhere over in Indy.
Doug says to join his FaceBook page and “check out the links to our past events and watch and join our upcoming events!”
Best Gay Chicago
Girlstown in Andersonville is Just Wishful Thinking….for Now.
My phone has been ringing off the hook the last 2 weeks with questions about the the proposed “girlstown” idea for Andersonville!
Time Out Chicago ran a piece that claimed “Andersonville resident and out activist Pat Bushman recalls her first big encounter with Boystown’s phallic street statues more than ten years ago. “I was pushing my cat Xena in her stroller up North Halsted when I bumped into one of those ugly rainbow-colored penis things,” says Bushman of the pylons the city constructed in ’98 to officially designate North Halsted as gay-identified ’hood Boystown. “Suddenly, I had an idea.”
Girlstown in Andersonville is Just Wishful Thinking….for Now.
My phone has been ringing off the hook the last 2 weeks with questions about the the proposed “girlstown” idea for Andersonville!
Time Out Chicago ran a piece that claimed “Andersonville resident and out activist Pat Bushman recalls her first big encounter with Boystown’s phallic street statues more than ten years ago. “I was pushing my cat Xena in her stroller up North Halsted when I bumped into one of those ugly rainbow-colored penis things,” says Bushman of the pylons the city constructed in ’98 to officially designate North Halsted as gay-identified ’hood Boystown. “Suddenly, I had an idea.”
The Bangles Headline AIDS Foundation Chicago 25th Anniversary Gala May 1st
The Best Party in Town Returns May 1
to Raise Funds for Fight Against HIV/AIDs
After a four-year hiatus, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) signature spring gala, Not Just Song and Dance, returns as one of the city’s most exclusive events with a special performance by the iconic music group, The Bangles. AFC revives the black-tie affair, held at the Hilton Chicago on May 1, to commemorate a significant milestone for the organization, 25 years as a driving force in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dine on a delectable four-course dinner, have the opportunity to bid on extravagant packages during a silent auction and dance the night away, all while raising funds for AFC.
With a long list of hit songs, such as “Walk Like an Egyptian,” “Manic Monday,” and “Eternal Flame,” The Bangles made their mark in music history as one of the greatest all-female bands ever. In 1999, the group reunited to record the song “Get the Girl” for the comedy Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Today, The Bangles continue to tour and perform all over the country as well as in Europe.
Marking its 25th anniversary this year, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a driving force in the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS. Founded in 1985, by community activists and physicians, AFC collaborates with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; funds and coordinates prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champions effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy.
WHEN: Saturday, May 1, 2010: 6 p.m. – midnight
WHERE:
Hilton Chicago 720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago
TICKETS: $500 per person.
Corporate tables are available from $7,500 to $100,000.
Tickets and tables can be purchased by
calling 312-922-2322 or visiting AIDS Chicago
The Bangles Headline AIDS Foundation Chicago 25th Anniversary Gala May 1st
The Best Party in Town Returns May 1
to Raise Funds for Fight Against HIV/AIDs
After a four-year hiatus, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) signature spring gala, Not Just Song and Dance, returns as one of the city’s most exclusive events with a special performance by the iconic music group, The Bangles. AFC revives the black-tie affair, held at the Hilton Chicago on May 1, to commemorate a significant milestone for the organization, 25 years as a driving force in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dine on a delectable four-course dinner, have the opportunity to bid on extravagant packages during a silent auction and dance the night away, all while raising funds for AFC.
With a long list of hit songs, such as “Walk Like an Egyptian,” “Manic Monday,” and “Eternal Flame,” The Bangles made their mark in music history as one of the greatest all-female bands ever. In 1999, the group reunited to record the song “Get the Girl” for the comedy Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Today, The Bangles continue to tour and perform all over the country as well as in Europe.
Marking its 25th anniversary this year, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a driving force in the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS. Founded in 1985, by community activists and physicians, AFC collaborates with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; funds and coordinates prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champions effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy.
WHEN: Saturday, May 1, 2010: 6 p.m. – midnight
WHERE:
Hilton Chicago 720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago
TICKETS: $500 per person.
Corporate tables are available from $7,500 to $100,000.
Tickets and tables can be purchased by
calling 312-922-2322 or visiting AIDS Chicago
Barbra Streisand In Chicago – Up Close and Personal Concert with Steven Brinberg
HOW COOL IS THIS EVENT?!
On Barbra Streisand’s birthday weekend…
celebrate with us at the home of one of Chicago’s popular gay couples, Bill Buchman and Lee Lichamer, both of the Chicago Symphony Orchetsra on Sunday, April 25th. 4-6pm.
This once-in-a-lifetime event will leave you awed and amazed as Steven Brinberg looks and sounds like the legendary Barbra herself. No lip-sync here!
Lakeshore Salon Events are held in private homes with a limited number of guests, who can expect to enjoy food and drinks, including champagne and non-alcoholic beverages.
Meet new friends and enjoy scintillating unplugged entertainment. Proceeds from this event benefit charities such as the Trevor Project, Cabaret Foundation, Open Door Clinic and others.
Steven Brinberg has performed at many high-profile gatherings, including performances for Barbra Streisand herself. Other notable appearances include Steven Sondheim’s birthday concert at the Library of Congress, Carnegie Hall, The West End in London, and the Mohegan Sun Casino. He tours annually in Australia and the United Kingdom and has appeared on television in the Rosie O’Donnell Show, Jerry Springer, Sally Jessy Raphael and Fox News.
Tickets available ONLINE NOW -OR- Call 773-327-1919.
NOTE: No one under 21 years old will be admitted.
Barbra Streisand In Chicago – Up Close and Personal Concert with Steven Brinberg
HOW COOL IS THIS EVENT?!
On Barbra Streisand’s birthday weekend…
celebrate with us at the home of one of Chicago’s popular gay couples, Bill Buchman and Lee Lichamer, both of the Chicago Symphony Orchetsra on Sunday, April 25th. 4-6pm.
This once-in-a-lifetime event will leave you awed and amazed as Steven Brinberg looks and sounds like the legendary Barbra herself. No lip-sync here!
Lakeshore Salon Events are held in private homes with a limited number of guests, who can expect to enjoy food and drinks, including champagne and non-alcoholic beverages.
Meet new friends and enjoy scintillating unplugged entertainment. Proceeds from this event benefit charities such as the Trevor Project, Cabaret Foundation, Open Door Clinic and others.
Steven Brinberg has performed at many high-profile gatherings, including performances for Barbra Streisand herself. Other notable appearances include Steven Sondheim’s birthday concert at the Library of Congress, Carnegie Hall, The West End in London, and the Mohegan Sun Casino. He tours annually in Australia and the United Kingdom and has appeared on television in the Rosie O’Donnell Show, Jerry Springer, Sally Jessy Raphael and Fox News.
Tickets available ONLINE NOW -OR- Call 773-327-1919.
NOTE: No one under 21 years old will be admitted.
Chicago House Presents 2 days of Brunch and Fashion May 1 and 2
An entire weekend
of brunch and fashion events
to benefit
CHICAGO HOUSE!
The “Families for Families” Brunch
and the
Spring Brunch & Fashion Show:
“Cirque”
“Families for Families” Brunch
Saturday, May 1, 2010
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Chicago’s hottest new family event, with rave reviews from kids and parents alike!
Harold Washington Library
Winter Garden Room
400 S. State Street, Chicago
Junior Tickets: $40
Adult Tickets: $100
Family Table $750
The Spring Brunch & Fashion Show: CIRQUE
Sunday, May 2, 2010 11:30 am – 3 pm
Everyone’s favorite spring tradition! Welcome back the warm weather in the sunny Winter Garden room of the Harold Washington Library.
Harold Washington Library Winter Garden Room 400 S. State Street, Chicago
Premium Tickets: $175, Runway Tickets: $250, and Tables of 10 available
More details for both events online at Chicago House!
Chicago House Presents 2 days of Brunch and Fashion May 1 and 2
An entire weekend
of brunch and fashion events
to benefit
CHICAGO HOUSE!
The “Families for Families” Brunch
and the
Spring Brunch & Fashion Show:
“Cirque”
“Families for Families” Brunch
Saturday, May 1, 2010
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Chicago’s hottest new family event, with rave reviews from kids and parents alike!
Harold Washington Library
Winter Garden Room
400 S. State Street, Chicago
Junior Tickets: $40
Adult Tickets: $100
Family Table $750
The Spring Brunch & Fashion Show: CIRQUE
Sunday, May 2, 2010 11:30 am – 3 pm
Everyone’s favorite spring tradition! Welcome back the warm weather in the sunny Winter Garden room of the Harold Washington Library.
Harold Washington Library Winter Garden Room 400 S. State Street, Chicago
Premium Tickets: $175, Runway Tickets: $250, and Tables of 10 available
More details for both events online at Chicago House!
Gay Co Chicago Presents BREAST IN SHOW Lesbian Sketch Comedy
The women of GayCo
are out front in this
new original sketch revue.
Lesbian couples cope with the only thing worse than a relationship gone horribly awry – a relationship gone horribly aright. Dora the Explorer copes with a tell-tale haircut as she struggles to save healthcare; wymyn who love wymyn get defensive in Self-Defense class; and GayCo boldly embraces lesbian stereotype in their most epic Softball scene ever.
Six talented comediennes take charge in GayCo’s second Women’s show in 15 years, GayCo doesn’t just shatter the glass ceiling – they polish it up to a high glamour so that women can see through.
Runs Saturdays in May 10:30 PM
de Maat Theater at Second City 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago
TICKETS – $15 Available at the Door Or Call 312-337-3992
Read more about GayCo and their previous hits!
Gay Beach Chicago – 83 Degrees on April 1st! – No Joke!
HAPPY SPRING!
What a great week this has been here in Chicago! 75 yesterday and 83 today!
(Adam, pictured above).
The Winter snow fences have not even been taken down yet! But that did not stop the 50+
people, mostly gay men, heading out to Hollywood/Osterman
Gay Beach for some rays of sunshine!
It was a bit windy at times, but the fresh warm air felt great!
A few people even strolled out into the chilly waters!
Progress is slower than I expected on the new restrooms.
The foundation is in and the walls have started going up.
7 weeks until it is supposed to be done.
It will be so nice to have clean, updated bathrooms
and a concession stand!
Gay Beach Chicago – 83 Degrees on April 1st! – No Joke!
HAPPY SPRING!
What a great week this has been here in Chicago! 75 yesterday and 83 today!
(Adam, pictured above).
The Winter snow fences have not even been taken down yet! But that did not stop the 50+
people, mostly gay men, heading out to Hollywood/Osterman
Gay Beach for some rays of sunshine!
It was a bit windy at times, but the fresh warm air felt great!
A few people even strolled out into the chilly waters!
Progress is slower than I expected on the new restrooms.
The foundation is in and the walls have started going up.
7 weeks until it is supposed to be done.
It will be so nice to have clean, updated bathrooms
and a concession stand!
Chicago History Museum Steps Out – OUT AT CHM April 15
Chicago History Museum Steps Out
Think you have a solid understanding of the Civil Rights Movement? During a special April 15 program at Chicago History Museum, Kevin Mumford will make a case for putting sexuality at the center of the movement that may persuade you to reconsider.
Mumford is an award-winning historian known for his compelling revisions of standard history. His April 15 discussion on “Sexuality and Civil Rights: Rethinking the Sixties” is part of the museum’s landmark Out at CHM series, now in its seventh year. Previous Out at CHM discussions have explored how city space is reshaped for queer communities and how art and political change have intersected over the last 25 years, among other topics.
Cocktails will be served at 5:30 PM, and the program begins at 6:30.
Get complete details online, and plan now to attend this intriguing event.
Cost: $12; $10 members and students.
Best of Gay Chicago
Chicago History Museum Steps Out – OUT AT CHM April 15
Chicago History Museum Steps Out
Think you have a solid understanding of the Civil Rights Movement? During a special April 15 program at Chicago History Museum, Kevin Mumford will make a case for putting sexuality at the center of the movement that may persuade you to reconsider.
Mumford is an award-winning historian known for his compelling revisions of standard history. His April 15 discussion on “Sexuality and Civil Rights: Rethinking the Sixties” is part of the museum’s landmark Out at CHM series, now in its seventh year. Previous Out at CHM discussions have explored how city space is reshaped for queer communities and how art and political change have intersected over the last 25 years, among other topics.
Cocktails will be served at 5:30 PM, and the program begins at 6:30.
Get complete details online, and plan now to attend this intriguing event.
Cost: $12; $10 members and students.
Best of Gay Chicago
BestGay Chicago Recommends ZED451 – Best Gourmet Dinner Experience in Downtown Chicago
Last week we told you about an amazing wine tasting experience we enjoyed downtown at ZED451.
We had to get back there for dinner! So a few nights ago we did just that.
WOW! What amazing food and what a fantastic dining experience! ZED 451, while based on the concept of the Brazilian Steak Houses, takes dining to a new level. They pay the utmost attention to their ever changing menu’s fresh and seasonal food flavors and ingredients, as well as customer care and comfort. When dining at ZED451, expect a relaxed atmosphere where you are not rushed through your meal at all, matter of fact, quite the opposite. This restaurant is not concerned about how many times it can turn a table in an evening. They are concerned, however, that you stay and have an amazingly good time! What other restaurant do you know of that does that?! And if you make arrangements ahead of time, ZED451 will even drive to your Chicago location and pick you up in their private shuttle! And take you to your final destination when you are finished!
ZED451 started right here in Chicago two years ago. They opened in the suburbs first but the concept was not what suburbanites were looking for. So they brought the concept to downtown Chicago and the urban foodies LOVE IT! They have since opened in Boca Raton and are preparing a site in Boston for later this year.
ZED451 is a revolutionary restaurant concept featuring original cuisine and delivery, service intelligence and unprecedented design. The name, ZED451, is simply the end and the beginning. ZED, the last letter of the British alphabet, represents the culmination of all our restaurant experiences (the end) and 451, the degrees Fahrenheit that fire starts, represents the beginning.
Interior designer Julia Roth and Architect Chris Smith from CMS Design in New York took the original restaurant space which is over 125 years old (and actually still has a speakeasy window in it!), and kept much of the original steel and brick to keep an old, rustic Chicago look. Natural elements and lots of wood were used throughout the restaurant to provide a rich, organic, comfortable feel. From the design of the floors to the design of the menus, no detail has went overlooked. Soaring ceilings, dark wooden floors, glass walls and an eclectic mix of music give ZED451 a relaxing lounge feel. Even the restrooms have state-of-the-art Dyson bladeless super-fast hand dryers!
Before the meal experience even starts, you may want to try a seasonal sangria or mojito on the secluded rooftop when open! Or maybe a wine flight at the wine bar. Every juice used is fresh squeezed. If you order a drink “up”, expect to get freshly chipped, triple-filtered ice in your drink. House-Infused Spirits are available. Every detail is thought about here. Take your time and savor the comfortable surroundings! It’s all about dining in the same comfort you feel in a friend’s home. But with the full service, culinary offerings and ambiance of a fine dining restaurant.
THE CONCEPT is all about FRESH and SEASONAL. $44 for a full dinner. At the fresh harvest tables you find things like seasonal soups, well over 15 composed salads like Strawberry Rhubarb and Spinach Salad, Roasted Pineapple “Madagascar” with Orange Yogurt Dressing, and Sautéed Wild Mushrooms with Feta Dressing.
Plus an assortment of hummus,cured meats, marinated vegetables, olives, peppers, pepperoni, prosciutto, various artisan cheeses and breads. EVERYTHING is hand picked and hand selected by the staff. And it changes all the time. Feel free to graze and try as much as you want…but don’t forget, dinner is still to come!
Once you are ready to begin your main courses, the chefs are alerted and start to bring you their nightly offerings. Modern upscale grilling of fire grilled steaks, ribs, poultry, seafoods, wild game, served along your choice of comfort foods like smoked gouda mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, roasted corn with bacon or cheddar jalapeno potatoes.
Imagine being on the set of the Food Network and you want to try EVERYTHING! Everything smells and looks amazing. So just take a taste, a bite of everything, so that you don’t find yourself overeating and can taste as many flavors as possible~then go back for more of your personal favorites!
Unlike many Brazilian steak houses, it’s not all about the meat at ZED451. There are plenty of seafoods and other things to try as well. The evening we were dining, there was a delicious salmon entrée and a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth Mahi-Mahi dish.
You MUST save room for dessert. FAMOUS for their Butterscotch Bread Pudding and S’mores Pie. WOW! Not to mention Chocolate Strawberry Soufflé Cake and Vanilla Malted Creme Brulee’.
Tired of the same old brunch with Omelette’s and Eggs Benedict? This is the BEST BRUNCH IN CHICAGO and only $24! In typical Z fashion, a lavish gourmet brunch is presented every Sunday. Lavish abundance.
Chefs offer a variety of traditional and exotic dishes tableside while the Harvest Tables are transformed into a sea of fresh fruits, seasonal desserts and specialty items. Corned Beef Hash and Spinach and Egg, Italian Panettone French Toast with lemon curd, vanilla whipped cream and Vermont maple syrup. And of course, fresh fired meats and delicious fish. Their Maple Cajun Bacon is THE BEST!
This will be a fabulous place to spend Easter Sunday! And what about Mothers Day May 9th. MOM’s DINE FREE! That’s right! ZED451 believes mom should be treated like a queen and therefore should not have to pay on her special day!
This restaurant has it all. Whether you want to dine alone as a party of 1 or bring a group of 101, the restaurant has many floor plans and options for everyone to create the most memorable gourmet dining experience.
Pre-theatre drinks and snacks (like amazing $6 beer batter pearl onions and Lumpy Crabmeat Cajun sliders you won’t believe!); Rooftop cocktails; Romantic dinner for 2; After-Work networking event for 20; Sunday Wedding for 100. Tell them what you want and they will deliver. EVEN YOU! I mentioned earlier, call ahead and they will even pick up and deliver you! How is that for service?
INSIDERS NOTE: For those foodies who want to be close to the grilling action, there is a chefs seating area / counter in the grilling area that accommodates about 8 people. Reserve ahead if you wish to sit there.
* Best Gourmet Dining Experience in downtown Chicago
* Best Brunch in downtown Chicago
* Best Pick up and Delivery Service in Chicago
* Best Space to plan a party in downtown Chicago
* Best Wine and Cheese Tastings in downtown Chicago
Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 266-6691 We pick up and deliver!
The Best of Gay Chicago
BestGay Chicago Recommends ZED451 – Best Gourmet Dinner Experience in Downtown Chicago
Last week we told you about an amazing wine tasting experience we enjoyed downtown at ZED451.
We had to get back there for dinner! So a few nights ago we did just that.
WOW! What amazing food and what a fantastic dining experience! ZED 451, while based on the concept of the Brazilian Steak Houses, takes dining to a new level. They pay the utmost attention to their ever changing menu’s fresh and seasonal food flavors and ingredients, as well as customer care and comfort. When dining at ZED451, expect a relaxed atmosphere where you are not rushed through your meal at all, matter of fact, quite the opposite. This restaurant is not concerned about how many times it can turn a table in an evening. They are concerned, however, that you stay and have an amazingly good time! What other restaurant do you know of that does that?! And if you make arrangements ahead of time, ZED451 will even drive to your Chicago location and pick you up in their private shuttle! And take you to your final destination when you are finished!
ZED451 started right here in Chicago two years ago. They opened in the suburbs first but the concept was not what suburbanites were looking for. So they brought the concept to downtown Chicago and the urban foodies LOVE IT! They have since opened in Boca Raton and are preparing a site in Boston for later this year.
ZED451 is a revolutionary restaurant concept featuring original cuisine and delivery, service intelligence and unprecedented design. The name, ZED451, is simply the end and the beginning. ZED, the last letter of the British alphabet, represents the culmination of all our restaurant experiences (the end) and 451, the degrees Fahrenheit that fire starts, represents the beginning.
Interior designer Julia Roth and Architect Chris Smith from CMS Design in New York took the original restaurant space which is over 125 years old (and actually still has a speakeasy window in it!), and kept much of the original steel and brick to keep an old, rustic Chicago look. Natural elements and lots of wood were used throughout the restaurant to provide a rich, organic, comfortable feel. From the design of the floors to the design of the menus, no detail has went overlooked. Soaring ceilings, dark wooden floors, glass walls and an eclectic mix of music give ZED451 a relaxing lounge feel. Even the restrooms have state-of-the-art Dyson bladeless super-fast hand dryers!
Before the meal experience even starts, you may want to try a seasonal sangria or mojito on the secluded rooftop when open! Or maybe a wine flight at the wine bar. Every juice used is fresh squeezed. If you order a drink “up”, expect to get freshly chipped, triple-filtered ice in your drink. House-Infused Spirits are available. Every detail is thought about here. Take your time and savor the comfortable surroundings! It’s all about dining in the same comfort you feel in a friend’s home. But with the full service, culinary offerings and ambiance of a fine dining restaurant.
THE CONCEPT is all about FRESH and SEASONAL. $44 for a full dinner. At the fresh harvest tables you find things like seasonal soups, well over 15 composed salads like Strawberry Rhubarb and Spinach Salad, Roasted Pineapple “Madagascar” with Orange Yogurt Dressing, and Sautéed Wild Mushrooms with Feta Dressing.
Plus an assortment of hummus,cured meats, marinated vegetables, olives, peppers, pepperoni, prosciutto, various artisan cheeses and breads. EVERYTHING is hand picked and hand selected by the staff. And it changes all the time. Feel free to graze and try as much as you want…but don’t forget, dinner is still to come!
Once you are ready to begin your main courses, the chefs are alerted and start to bring you their nightly offerings. Modern upscale grilling of fire grilled steaks, ribs, poultry, seafoods, wild game, served along your choice of comfort foods like smoked gouda mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, roasted corn with bacon or cheddar jalapeno potatoes.
Imagine being on the set of the Food Network and you want to try EVERYTHING! Everything smells and looks amazing. So just take a taste, a bite of everything, so that you don’t find yourself overeating and can taste as many flavors as possible~then go back for more of your personal favorites!
Unlike many Brazilian steak houses, it’s not all about the meat at ZED451. There are plenty of seafoods and other things to try as well. The evening we were dining, there was a delicious salmon entrée and a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth Mahi-Mahi dish.
You MUST save room for dessert. FAMOUS for their Butterscotch Bread Pudding and S’mores Pie. WOW! Not to mention Chocolate Strawberry Soufflé Cake and Vanilla Malted Creme Brulee’.
Tired of the same old brunch with Omelette’s and Eggs Benedict? This is the BEST BRUNCH IN CHICAGO and only $24! In typical Z fashion, a lavish gourmet brunch is presented every Sunday. Lavish abundance.
Chefs offer a variety of traditional and exotic dishes tableside while the Harvest Tables are transformed into a sea of fresh fruits, seasonal desserts and specialty items. Corned Beef Hash and Spinach and Egg, Italian Panettone French Toast with lemon curd, vanilla whipped cream and Vermont maple syrup. And of course, fresh fired meats and delicious fish. Their Maple Cajun Bacon is THE BEST!
This will be a fabulous place to spend Easter Sunday! And what about Mothers Day May 9th. MOM’s DINE FREE! That’s right! ZED451 believes mom should be treated like a queen and therefore should not have to pay on her special day!
This restaurant has it all. Whether you want to dine alone as a party of 1 or bring a group of 101, the restaurant has many floor plans and options for everyone to create the most memorable gourmet dining experience.
Pre-theatre drinks and snacks (like amazing $6 beer batter pearl onions and Lumpy Crabmeat Cajun sliders you won’t believe!); Rooftop cocktails; Romantic dinner for 2; After-Work networking event for 20; Sunday Wedding for 100. Tell them what you want and they will deliver. EVEN YOU! I mentioned earlier, call ahead and they will even pick up and deliver you! How is that for service?
INSIDERS NOTE: For those foodies who want to be close to the grilling action, there is a chefs seating area / counter in the grilling area that accommodates about 8 people. Reserve ahead if you wish to sit there.
* Best Gourmet Dining Experience in downtown Chicago
* Best Brunch in downtown Chicago
* Best Pick up and Delivery Service in Chicago
* Best Space to plan a party in downtown Chicago
* Best Wine and Cheese Tastings in downtown Chicago
Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 266-6691 We pick up and deliver!
The Best of Gay Chicago
Gay Men Fight in Chicago’s Public Aid Office – Then Vogue
ALWAYS WELCOME!
Where am I? New York City?
No darling, you are in Chicago at the Welfare Office. A brawl broke out downtown and ended with a fierce attempt at Vouging!
Security guards were helpless to stop them.
Shocked onlookers began clearing the way as the two wielded chairs as weapons and used the floor space like a boxing ring as they engaged in a nearly minute-long battle.
But horrified gasps turned into bursts of laughter when the apparent winner of the fight began voguing to celebrate his victory. He even danced his way out of the building and blew kisses to the onlookers!
Best of Gay Chicago
Gay Men Fight in Chicago’s Public Aid Office – Then Vogue
ALWAYS WELCOME!
Where am I? New York City?
No darling, you are in Chicago at the Welfare Office. A brawl broke out downtown and ended with a fierce attempt at Vouging!
Security guards were helpless to stop them.
Shocked onlookers began clearing the way as the two wielded chairs as weapons and used the floor space like a boxing ring as they engaged in a nearly minute-long battle.
But horrified gasps turned into bursts of laughter when the apparent winner of the fight began voguing to celebrate his victory. He even danced his way out of the building and blew kisses to the onlookers!
Best of Gay Chicago
