International Night at Map Room
Map Room really doesn't need to do much to lure people into this beer lover's paradise, but International Night, which takes place every Tuesday, is hard to pass up. Here's the concept: buy two drinks, receive a stamped ticket for the meal of the night. Each Tuesday features a different cultural cuisine; this month was Israel, Soul Food, Costa Rica, Nigeria and BBQ. Map Room boasts over 200 brands of beer, plus 30 something styles of brewing. They really mean business. If you really want to have a proper beer experience, I would probably advise coming on a less crowded night ...
Real Pirates at the Field Museum
Running now through October 25, 2009, Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship brings the age of pirates to Chicago and the Field Museum. More than 200 artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Whydah—the first fully authenticated pirate ship ever to be ascertained in U.S. waters. The Whydah was on of the most technologically advanced vessels of the era, but was captured on her maiden voyage as a slave ship by legendary pirate Sam Bellamy and his team. A couple modifications and a quick hoist of the Jolly Roger, the Whydah became ...
New Food: Tapas Valencia
Named for Valencia, Spain; this Spanish-style tapas spot is new to the South Loop/new Southside neighborhood (although a couple other restaurants have existed in the location) and is another addition to the growing dining scene in the are. The space is modern and on the edge of trendy: big, open loft-like accommodations with some industrial touches. It's bright orange and yellow touches of color on the walls and chair and there was some cool looking Mosaic tiles on the walls, but other than that, the place is pretty minimal on decor. The converted warehouse feel is left in tact with ...
Best Chicago Pizza Joints
As far as styles of pizza go, Chicago is parent to one of the most ubiquitous and well known: deep-dish. According to Wikipedia, "true Chicago-style pizza features a buttery crust, generous amounts of cheese and chunky tomato sauce," and I would have to agree. But not all the 'za coming out of the Windy City is "stuffed." Each pizza is different and delicious in it's own right. Many of the thin crust style pizzas served here are also unique to Chicago. Chicago and pizza have a pretty saucy (sorry) history. The first deep-dish came out of Uno's kitchen in 1943--so they ...
Arts
Real Pirates at the Field MuseumRunning now through October 25, 2009, Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah...
Printers Row Lit FestThe newly renamed Printers Row Book Fair is back June 6 and June 7, 10-6pm. It’s...
Radiohead: Working on New AlbumWell, god damn. It seems like just yesterday Radiohead released the beautiful and...
Fashion Treasures of ChicagoNormally high-fashion design conjures up images of Parisian catwalks, the streets...
Leonard Cohen Playing ChicagoLeonard Cohen will play the Chicago Theater next week for two sold out shows. This...
Chicago Latino Film FestivalThe Chicago Latino Film Festival celebrates its Silver Anniversary, as the “largest,...
Art Show: Gallery CabaretGallery Cabaret hosted local artists Mikey Rudnicki, Morgan Flahive-Foro, and Adam...
Read More Posts From This CategoryDrink and Eat
International Night at Map RoomMap Room really doesn’t need to do much to lure people into this beer lover’s...
Inidan and Nepalese Food: Chicago Curry HouseI’m always a little anxious trying new Indian restaurants. Because when it...
New Food: Tapas ValenciaNamed for Valencia, Spain; this Spanish-style tapas spot is new to the South Loop/new...
Ribfest ChicagoRibs! The annual event upped the ante and is up to three days now. Averaging 65,000...
Best Chicago Pizza JointsAs far as styles of pizza go, Chicago is parent to one of the most ubiquitous...
Ben and Jerry’s Free Cone Day, 4/21 or Free Stuff is like the Golden GirlsI was going to write a piece on the great parking meter tragedy of 2009, but my...
I am Not Going: Free Champagne and Fancy Doughnuts at Barney’sI am on some pretty weird email lists as a by-product for essentially spending too...
It’s Not Actually an Inn: Phyllis’ Musical InnA “Musical Inn” paints a very ‘Alice in Wonderland’ portrait:...
Don’t Wine: Try it FirstAlways a big fan of a sample, we were excited to find out one of our favorite wine...
Read More Posts From This CategoryMusic
Downtown Sound: New Music MondaysDowntown Sound: New Music Mondays is a new series bringing new indie/pop artists and groundbreaking rock veterans to the world renowned Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Each concert will be emceed by a performer from the innovative organization Young Chicago Authors. Concerts will take place on select Mondays, June 6—August 24. All events will take place at... [Read more of this review]
Radiohead: Working on New AlbumWell, god damn. It seems like just yesterday Radiohead released the beautiful and brilliant “In Rainbows,” but it looks like the boys are at it again. Radiohead reminds me in so many ways how bad other bands suck. Groundbreaking, with most steps — musically and business wise — Radiohead pushing out another obviously awesome... [Read more of this review]
Sure Thing: Phoenix at Park West 6/13If you have not heard of French quartet Phoenix, currently on tour promoting new album “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix”, you will be familiar with their catchy alt-pop soon. “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” is the fourth studio record from the alt-rockers, whose music can be likened to French friends like Justice, Air and Daft Punk. Phoenix... [Read more of this review]
Pitchfork vs. LollapaloozaThe two major musical festivals Chicago offers, Pitchfork and Lollapalooza have released their lineups, and it’s got me wondering which festival is actually “better?” It is sort of unfair to completely compare the two, since they are not trying to do the same thing…exactly. First of all, Lollapalooza (Lolla) is massive in every... [Read more of this review]
Wilco Streaming Entire New “Wilco (The Album)” On WebsiteLast night Wilco’s new record “Wilco (The Album)” leaked online and hungry fans started downloading it en masse. To give fans a legal option, Wilco has put the entire album up on their website, where people can stream it in it’s entirety. This is the Chicago bands seventh album. Wilco the band will take Wilco (The Album) out... [Read more of this review]
OMG: Smiths Cover BandNext Friday at Reggies Rock Club the Handsome Devilz will be paying tribute to The Smiths. The 80’s English band originally consisting to Johnny Marr (guitars) Morrissey (vocals), Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Critics have hailed their importance in the alternative rock scene of the 80’s and England and countless other acts... [Read more of this review]
Leonard Cohen Playing ChicagoLeonard Cohen will play the Chicago Theater next week for two sold out shows. This is the Canadian poet, novelist, and singer-songwriters first tour in 15 years. He also plans to tour major American and World cities including Paris, Berlin and Tel Aviv. A serious bout of bad luck may have been responsible for Cohen’s decision to tour. Unknown... [Read more of this review]
Rumors & Lollapalooza
Chicago’s biggest and most anticipated music fest still hasn’t released it’s confirmed Lolla line-up, but the buzz is growing over headliners this summer. Depeche Mode, Jane’s Addiction, and Beastie Boys are expected, but the word on the internets has got everyone from Lou Reed to Tenacious D getting on the bill. Are there that... [Read more of this review]
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