Letter from the Editor As I sit here in the opening week of 2010, working on this first issue of the year, I can’t help but think back on the year just ended; all that comes to mind is “good riddance!” While 2009 actually got off to a wonderfully fun start, it reached its peak for me about the middle of February and went seemingly downhill from there. Winter wouldn’t end, summer never really started, a friend nearly died from an overdose, the economy kept plunging, me and my belongings moved twice within a six month period, and by Halloween my father had died exactly one month after being diagnosed with lung cancer. After all that —and then some— I basically shut it down for the remaining two months of the year, knowing full well that no matter how much I partook of, and participated in, the holiday season, 2009 was destined to be about as bad a year as I’d ever experienced. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve were all low-key and, except for the company of my dog, lonesome. But 2010 is now here, and I am tired of lacking energy, tired of being sad, tired of holing up in an apartment spending more time with my canine best friend than with my human ones. Slowly I am waking up— to a new dawn, a new day, a new year— and stretching the muscles of both my physical body and my emotional being in order to be nimble and flexible enough to meet the challenges that life in 2010 has waiting for me. Be they challenges in my personal life or professional pursuits, including those here at BOI, I’m back in the game, confident and strong, and am looking forward to a year that will not only be better than the one before, but in fact will be exceptionally good. I sincerely hope that your 2010 is exceptionally good as well. Happy New Year, Michael Pleasants Assistant Editor
3708 N. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60613 773.975.0264 boieditorial@aol.com Publisher/Editor Assistant Editor & Content
Mike Macharello Michael Pleasants
Layout & Design JR Garcia
Roberto Balderas
Advertising Bill Gubrud Freddie Bain Korey Neibarger
bill@boimagzine.com freddie@boimagazine.com korey@boimagazine.com
Photographers Frank Failing
George St. George
Editorial Contributors Terrence Chappell Dennis Michaels
DJ Plez George St. George
VIEW BOI ONLINE AT www.boimagazine.com BOI Magazine, Inc. © 2000−2009 All rights reserved
2009 In review 2009 in review (continued) A day at the spa Fitness tips Gym & fitness club directory Restaurant guide IN THE Groove IN THE KNOW, ON THE GO In the know (continued) BARS & CLUBS DIRECTORY
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he last year of the Aughts (we explained that term in the last issue; it’s what the 2000s are being called) was packed with news, developments, deaths, adulterers, and oh so much more. Here’s a look at the past 12 months.
Top Stories of the Year What Recession? Oh That Recession! For a while it was thought that the downturn in the economy was having a muted effect on the urbane and urban, especially in Chicago neighborhoods such as Lakeview/Boystown, Andersonville and Lincoln Park. However, a national jobless rate in excess of 10% affects everyone, and the GLBT community here and everywhere else was not immune. A Black Man In The White House The inauguration of Illinois U. S. Senator Barack Obama as the nation’s first black president was indeed a moving and proud moment for many Americans; however, he soon was confronted with the sobering realities of governing as he worked to get the economy back on track and gain support for an ambitious legislative agenda. Porky Pig’s Revenge Swine flu (aka the H1N1 virus) struck tens of millions of people worldwide, including 200,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths in the U. S. After a slow start, vaccine supplies have been fortified. Gone But Not Forgotten The “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, died at the age of 50, triggering grief and nostalgia among his legions of fans and admirers around the world. Other notable deaths during the year: Senator Edward Kennedy; Actresses Bea Arthur, Britney Murphy, Natasha Richardson and Farrah Fawcett; Actors Patrick Swayze and David Carradine; Journalists Robert Novak and Walter Cronkite; Musical Artists Mary Travers and DJ AM; and Director John Hughes (“Sixteen Candles” and “The Breakfast Club”). Smooth Landing Dubbed “The Miracle on the Hudson,” a US Airways jet made an emergency landing in the Hudson River after both its engines failed shortly after take-off from NYC’s LaGuardia Airport. Thanks to the quick actions taken by veteran pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, all 155 persons on board survived. Cheaters 2009 had it’s fair share of cheaters, including New York Yankees star Alex Rodriquez who cheated the game with his admitted steroids use. However, the biggest
cheater of the year was Tiger Woods with his merry band of mistresses. Other notable philanderers this past year: David Letterman, Jon Gosselin, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, and Senator John Ensign,
2009 Pop Culture Quiz While the intellectual among us read the Sunday edition of the New York Times and watch C-SPAN and CNN religiously on cable, there are many who prefer US Weekly and the E! channel. For those in the latter group, we present this 2009 pop culture quiz. 1. Who sang the Etta James classic “At Last” as President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama danced at the inaugural ball? 2. Which actor declared victory over CNN after becoming the first user to reach the landmark 1 million followers on Twitter? 3. After Conan O’Brien succeeded Jay Leno on the Tonight Show what Saturday Night Live alum joined the NBC line-up by picking up Conan’s Late Night slot? 4. Name of the 33-year-old mom who now has 14 kids after she gave birth to octuplets in January? 5. Lady Gaga may have sang about a “Bad Romance,” but these two young superstar pop singers lived it out, especially when he was arrested and eventually pleaded guilty to assaulting her? 6. What is the name of Sarah Palin’s daughter’s baby daddy who managed to stretch his 15 minutes of fame to include a nude (but no full frontal) pictorial spread for Playgirl? 7. Whose concert tour with Lady Gaga was conspicuously canceled soon after he made a fool of himself at an awards show? 8. How many women are on Tiger Woods’ Ho Tally Sheet? 9. What CBS talk show host admitted on the air to having an affair with women on his staff after a would-be blackmailer threatened to go public with the information? 10. Pictures of what gold medal Olympic swimmer showed him getting high with the aid of a bong at a University of South Carolina fraternity party? (Answers to the 2009 Pop Culture Quiz can be found on the next page)
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M(squared): Music & Movies When it came to music in 2009, the popular landscape was pretty much dominated by two acts: Lady GaGa and Black Eyed Peas. The former came into the year riding a wave of momentum from the 2008 release of her debut album The Fame that spawned four hit singles, while the latter’s dominance of 2009 included two chart-topping singles that simultaneously held the top two positions on the singles chart for several weeks. On the motion picture front, the winner of the year was Avatar, which in only three weeks made it up to #5 on the list of Top Grossing Movies of 2009. Its worldwide receipts have already vaulted it to #4 on the all-time list with ascendancy to the top spot considered a foregone conclusion in the very near future. Top-Selling Albums of the Year 1. Kings of Leon - ‘Only By the Night’ 2. Various Artists - ‘Twilight (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)’ 3. Lady GaGa - ‘The Fame’ 4. Taylor Swift - ‘Fearless’ 5. Dave Matthews Band- ‘Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King’ 6. Michael Jackson - ‘The Essential Michael Jackson’ 7. The Fray - ‘The Fray’ 8. Jay-Z - ‘The Blueprint 3’ 9. Eminem - ‘Relapse’ 10. Black Eyed Peas - ‘The E. N. D. (The Energy Never Dies)’ (Source: iTunes) Top-Selling Songs of the Year 1. “Boom Boom Pow” - Black Eyed Peas 2. “Right Round” - Flo Rida 3. “Poker Face” - Lady GaGa 4. “I Gotta Feeling” - Black Eyed Peas 5. “Gives You Hell” - The All-American Rejects 6. “Just Dance” - Lady GaGa & Colby O’Donis 7. “Party in the U. S. A. ” - Miley Cyrus 8. “The Climb” - Miley Cyrus 9. “Dead and Gone (feat. Justin Timberlake)” - T. I. 10. “Use Somebody” - Kings of Leon (Source: iTunes) Top 10 Films of 2009 (based on domestic U. S. ticket sales) 1. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, $402. 1 million 2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, $302 million 3. Up, $293 million
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4. The Twilight Saga: New Moon, $284. 6 million* 5. Avatar, $283. 8 million* 6. The Hangover, $277. 4 million 7. Star Trek, $256. 7 million 8. The Blind Side, $209. 1 million* 9. Monsters vs Aliens, $198. 4 million 10. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, $196. 6 million Note: All films were released in 2009, with the tally ending Dec. 31. An asterisk denotes that the pictures are still playing in theaters and thus earning bank.
2009 Pop Culture Quiz Answers: 1. Beyoncé… and Miss James was none to happy about it. 2. Ashton Kutcher (aka Mr. Demi Moore) smoked CNN and in the process he and the cable news network agreed to donate mosquito nets to charity for World Malaria Day. 3. Jimmy Fallon… and with house band The Roots, the show is a formidable competitor in the late night ratings race. 4. Known worldwide as The OctoMom, her real name is Nadya Suleman. 5. Rihanna and Chris Brown, who hopefully won’t turn out to be the modern day version of Ike & Tina. 6. Levi Johnston… and he also went on a date with Kathy Griffin. 7. Kanye West… aka Jackass. 8. 11 thus far, but all precincts have not yet reported. 9. David Letterman, who must be thankful he’s not a professional golfer in light of the quick public forgiveness he’s received vis a vis Tiger Woods.
10. Michael Phelps… and it was obvious that he was not a novice.
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nlike our father’s quick trips to the barbershop, current day grooming regimens for men are defined quite differently and include a host of services and products once fussed over only by women. There are several spas and salons in Chicago that serve men’s specific wants and needs: some that offer comprehensive services and others that focus on just a few things that are expertly executed. HAIR & NAILS … and MORE
... and MUCH MORE
International Salon Spa 6560 N Sheridan | 773.338.2503 www.internationalsalonspa.com This Rogers Park salon offers the typical range of services for both men and women, including wash & cuts, hair coloring, and nail grooming (manicures & pedicures). They also offer Threading, an ancient method of hair removal (available only for trimming up eyebrows or the upper lip) that’s an excellent option for those with sensitive skin conditions and for those who use Retin-A, Accutane or similar products.
Lakeview OMS Med Spa 1628 W Belmont 773.472.7470 | www.lakeviewomsmedspa.com Lakeview OMS Med Spa is committed to providing comprehensive therapy for the renewal and rejuvenation of your skin. This includes Acculift, a facial contouring alternative to the traditional facelift, without full-sedation surgery or prolonged recovery time. Other services include Botox, peels and microdermabrasion, facials, waxing, and laser hair removal.
Flashes 3740 N Broadway 773.472.3355 | www.flashessalon.com Serving Lakeview since 1983, Flashes moved beyond just providing haircuts and now has added waxing (limited to eyebrows, the lip, and men’s back) along with body work to its list of offerings. The body work services include Swedish, sports, deep tissue, and Thai massages . Robert Jeffrey Hair & Skin Care Studio 3434 N Halsted | 773.525.8800 www.robertjeffrey.com Robert Jeffrey is a Lakeview-based hair salon (other locations in Andersonville and Lincoln Park) widely known for their hair coloring expertise. They also offer skin care expertise, including a variety of facials and microdermabrasion, as well as hair waxing for just about every part of the body. Chicago Male Salon 3418 N Halsted | 773.281.6005 www.chicagomalesalon.com At Chicago Male they used to say “It’s a guy thing!” But after being featured on Bravo-TV’s Tabatha’s Salon Takeover show this past year, the salon has gone coed. In addition to hair styling, the salon offers various facials as well as waxing and trimming services, and sells high-end grooming products. Zea Salon Inc 3707 N Halsted 773.248.0600 | www.zeasalon.com This East Lakeview salon focuses on hair styling and color with a well-trained staff that aims to create a look that’s best for each individual client. Their mission is to provide superior customer service in an upscale environment that’s relaxing and professional.
HALO (FOR MEN) 21 W Elm 312.642.4256 | www.halochicago.com HALO (FOR MEN) offers an escape while providing “a hip, guy-focused and relaxing environment” where male urbanistas can comfortably enjoy salon and spa services, including massages of differing types, facials, hot lather shaves of the face and skull, and waxing of hair ALL over your body. Limited service HALOs are located in the Loop, West Loop, South Loop, and Lakeview. Sir Spa 5151 N Clark | 773.271.7000 www.sirspa.com This distinctive full service Andersonville day spa offers a wide range of services, including massages, various facial treatments and nail grooming. Sir Spa also has specialized skin care services for the entire body with unique treatments like The Detox Mud Wrap and the Full Body Scrub. While offering an attractive list of amenities as well as trimming and hair removal services, they won’t manscape below the waist. Spacio 2706 N Halsted | 773.244.6500 www.spaciospa.com This Lakeview day spa complements traditional spa services (massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures) with medically-based treatments (microdermabrasion and cosmetic injectables) and its unique relationship with Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Associates. Spacio has a full service hair salon on premises and features a complete line of retail products including, Decleor, Bumble & bumble, Glo, Kobo, Ceci Cela, and SkinCeuticals.
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By Michael Pleasants
hether you’re a newbie at the fitness club or an experienced gym rat, there are simple tweaks and adjustments that can help you speed up weight loss, push through plateaus, and get more muscle-toning and building benefits out of every workout. Additionally, by tricking your body with the following tips you’ll jumpstart your metabolism and continue to burn extra calories throughout the day and also while you sleep. Refresh with Cool Water A fresh-from-the-refrigerator water bottle will energize you while exercising in a hot, humid, and sweaty gym environment, Studies show that those who drank refrigerated water (39°F) worked out about 25% longer than exercisers who consumed the same amount of warmer water… and they said their exercise sessions felt easier as well. Whether indoors or out, sipping chilled water both before and during exercise may help keep your body temperature down and your energy up for maximum calorie burn. Music & Headphones, Please Most exercisers know this already, but for those who don’t: a great way to fight flagging energy during a workout is with music. Researchers have found that music blocks fatigue, produces feelings of vigor, and helps you keep pace by synchronizing your movements and thus your favorite playlist can help you to go up to 20% longer and burn more calories. Add Some More Weight To increase your calorie burn, the size of the weights is actually more important than the number of reps. When exercisers lifted identical volumes (10 pounds 10 times vs. 20 pounds 5 times), those using the heavier dumbbells burned about 25% more calories when they were finished. That’s because there was more protein breakdown in the muscle, so your body has to use more energy to repair and recover. And as a bonus, working out with heavy weights even for as few as 3 to 6 reps increases your sleeping metabolic rate by nearly 8% (resulting in up to a 5 pound weight loss in a year) 18 boi
Short Circuit-ing Your Sets Instead of wasting time in between performing 2 or 3 sets of a single exercise (with 2 minutes rest between sets) before moving to the next exercise, do a circuit: complete just 1 set of a single exercise and then immediately move to the next exercise and do 1 set. Repeat the circuit 2 or 3 times. Studies show that the circuittrainers burned nearly twice as many calories postworkout as the standard-style lifters the heart rate stays elevated longer after circuit-training. Consult a trainer to determine which exercises would be best as a circuit for you. Set The Timer for 12 Minutes In order to really work the pounds off effectively you need to do at least 12 minutes of cardio (beyond a warm-up) of continuously moderate to high-intensity activity 4-5 days per week. Achieving this “training effect” improves your body’s ability to use oxygen and generate more fatburning enzymes while exercising and doing other activities during the day. Remember to Stretch Stretching keeps your muscles flexible, helping to prepare them for exercise and recover from the effort afterward. Skip the stretches, and you won’t get nearly the benefits you should from aerobic exercise and resistance training. Stretching helps you move freely during aerobic exercise, it enables your muscles to build more strength during weight training, and it helps keep muscles long and lean.
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fter a six-week period of holiday partying with lots of carbs and empty calories, your level of fitness and the size of your waist line is probably not where you want them to be at the start of this new decade. While some of you may seriously think about liposuction, most of you will decide instead to commit to a gym workout routine. If you are a newby looking for a gym to join, or if you’re dissatisfied with your current gym and are looking for a change, there are plenty of options. The following directory should be a useful reference. Fitness Formula Club 3228 N. Halsted 773.755.3232 fitnessformulaclubs.com Located in the heart of Boystown, this is an impressively large facility that features a massive array of cardio and strength equipment as well as three group exercise studios. There’s also FREE parking next door. Fitness Formula has nine other clubs in Chicago. World Gym 909 W. Montrose 773.348.1212 worldgymchicago. com This popular Uptown gym serves a varied clientele, from those who partake of yoga and aerobics to the gym rats who rely on free weights and Hammer Strength machines. The gym has long weekday hours (5:30am-11pm) and personal trainers on staff. Certain levels of membership allow access to their 6 sisters clubs in the area. Lakeview Athletic Club 3212 N. Broadway | 773.529.2024 lvaconline.com This 47,000 square foot facility offers state-of-the-art strength training equipment, two swimming pools (inside and an outer deck), a wide range of group exercise classes, and a rcok climbing wall. Part of the Chicago Athletic Club family, other facilities are located in Lincoln Park, Evanston, and the West Loop. East Bank Club 500 N. Kingsbury 312.527.5800 eastbankclub.com
The gold standard for fitness clubs in Chicago, the full-service high-end East Bank Club caters to an upscale clientele who demand the very best for their fitness and exercise needs. Additionally, the club offers amenities such as a fullservice salon and spa and several dining options. Cheetah Gym 5248 N. Clark 773.728.7777 cheetahgym.com An attractive workout environment, a parking lot and interesting group exercise classes make this Andersonville gym appealing to area residents. There are two other Cheetahs - in Edgewater and Bucktown. Quads Gym 3727 N. Broadway 773.404.7867 quadsgym.com Named recently one of the 10 best gyms in America, Quads has a “No Frills - Hands On” policy and a straight forward membership structure that involves no contracts and no initiation fees. Hospitable and welcoming to all, this gym is extremely popular with those who are serious about building up their muscles. David Barton Gym 600 W. Chicago 312.836.9127 davidbartongym.com The world famous New York City gym now has an outpost here in Chicago, offering personal training, unique group training
classes, and yoga. X Sport Fitness 3240 N. Ashland Ave 773.529.1461 xsportfitness.com Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, this is the preferred destination for night owls and those who work odd hours and need lots of flexibility. X Sport has 7 other locations in the city (including Pipers Alley in Old Town and in the South Loop) and 15 facilities in the suburbs. Equinox Fitness 1750 N. Clark 312.254.4000 equinoxfitness.com In addition to all the expected health club basics, this high end national chain also offers pilates training and has a full-service on-site spa. There are three other Chicago area clubs including 900 N. Michigan Ave. and in The Loop. Bally’s 2828 N. Clark 773.929.6900 ballyfitness.com This large national chain offers just about all you’ll ever need in a basic fitness center at a very reasonable cost. Located in the Century City mall, this locations features a pool, a large free weight area, and lots of amenities. Other nearby Bally’s locations include Webster Place in the Clybourn Corridor and up in Rogers Park near the Clark & Howard intersection.
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AMERICAN Ann Sather 929 W. Belmont | 773.348.2378; 3416 N Southport | 773.404.4475; 5207 N Clark | 773.271.6627; 3411 N Broadway | 773.305.0024 These bustling hot spots, serving traditional Swedish pancake house fare, are open only for breakfast and lunch and are best known for hearty daytime offerings and their famous homemade cinnamon rolls. Chicago Diner 3411 N. Halsted | 773.935.6696 This world famous vegetarian restaurant offers vegan and organic offerings using the protein-based meat substitute seitan. Organic beers, wine, and spirits are also available. Cornelia’s 750 W. Cornelia | 773.248.8333 A warm and inviting atmosphere along with hearty menu offerings and nightly cabaret entertainment make this a neighborhood favorite. Crew 4804 N. Broadway | 773.784.2739 More than just a sports bar, the menu includes a variety of hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and comfort food. Deleece Grill Pub 3313 N. Clark | 773.348.3313 This comfortable newly opened restaurant features eight different steaks, chicken and shrimp entrées, four different versions of mac and cheese, and a separate artesan cheese menu. Open until midnight (2am on Fridays and Saturdays). Deluxe Diner 6349 N Clark | 773.743.8244 Perched kittycorner from Jackhammer and Touché, the diner’s “open 24 hours on the weekend” status is perfect after a night of dancing and partying. Featured menu items include homemade chicken noodle soup, burgers, burritos, and breakfast skillets that are served anytime. Eat-A-Pita 3155 N Halsted St | 773.929.6727 In addition to kick ass sandwiches, they also serve up Grecian chicken and some of the best ribs in town. Delivery available. Halsted’s Bar & Grill 3441 N Halsted | 773.348.9696 This Boystown eatery serves up a wide array of tasty appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and popular comfort food items at very reasonable prices in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Beers on tap are aplenty and the weekend brunch draws an attractive crowd. Hamburger Mary’s 5400 N Clark | 773.784.6969 This fun and popular Andersonville restaurant features a wide array of burgers and sandwiches along with an interesting selection of tasty appetizers. Horizon Café 3805 N. Broadway | 773.883.1565 This longtime popular Lakeview family restaurant serves up big portions of creative homestyle dishes as well as healthy fare (broth-based soups and whole wheat tortilla wraps) and at affordable prices. Breakfast, including multigrain pancakes and egg white omelets, served all day long. Delivery available.
IHOP 3760 N Halsted | 773.296.0048 More than a pancake house, this 24-hour Boystown institution serves up affordably priced appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees that are sure to satisfy varying after-bar wants and needs. Joey’s Brick House 1258 W. Belmont | 773.296.1300 “Thelonious Brunch” with live jazz on Sundays features menu items such as a Cajun Scramble with andouille sausage, Crab Cakes Benedict, and the Hobo Skillet. Brunch includes 15 varieties Long Island Ice Teas. Kit Kat Lounge 3700 N. Halsted | 773.525.1111 Providing the best of diva entertainment along with a full dinner menu, they offer ½-price cocktails and Buy 1 Get 1 Free Entree on Wednesdays. . M. Henry 5707 N. Clark | 773.561.1600 This popular Andersonville outpost serves breakfast and lunch daily and features creative fare such as dulce banana rumba French toast, and pancakes with warm blackberries and vanilla mascarpone cream. Additionally there are many vegetarian dishes and traditional menu items like three-cheese omelets. Minibar Café 3341 N. Halsted This attractive and sophisticated space serves gourmet bruschettas, cheeses, paninis, and entrees as well as an impressive selection of wines by the glass from around the world. The Sunday brunch is tasty and impressive. Nookies Tree 3334 N. Halsted | 773.248.9888 A regular haunt for the locals of Boystown and popular with hangover recoverers, this upscale diner serves made-to-order omelets, pancakes, waffles and crepes and other brunch fare all day. And it’s open 24 hours on weekends. Melrose Restaurant 3233 N Broadway | 773.327.2060 This Lakeview institution has been catering to the after-bar crowds for decades, serving breakfast anytime along with typical diner fare. Open 24 hours, Orange 3231 N. Clark | 773.549.4400 This homey restaurant specializes in breakfast on a daily basis and hosts a full house on weekends for brunch. Unique menu items include green eggs and ham (eggs scrambled with basil pesto and pancetta), jelly donut pancakes, Chai tea-infused French toast, and pan-seared grit cakes. Stella’s Diner 3042 N. Broadway | 773.472,9040 Fine diner dining features fresh salads, a large selection of wraps, sandwiches, hearty entrees, pastas, and homemade deserts. Tweet 5020 N. Sheridan | 773.728.5576 This Uptown favorite uses organic ingredients when possible to create brunch items such as buckwheat pancakes, Danish beignets, Belgian waffles, and an impressive assortment of breakfast burritos and egg Benedict dishes.
Wally & Agador’s Café 3310 N Halsted | 773.325.9664 Chef Michael Lachowicz brings his classic French techniques to this gourmet sandwich shop. Selections from his award winning Restaurant Michael in Wilmette are also available. Wilde Bar & Restaurant 3130 N Broadway | 773.244.0404 This cozy upscale Irish pub offers a laid back and warm atmosphere and a wide ranging menu that is sure to please. Expect updated versions of pub favorites like chicken pot pie, meatloaf dinner, fish & chips, burgers and salads. ASIAN Jitlada Thai House 3715 N Halsted | 773.388.9988 This quaint family-owned eatery features Asian favorites such as pad Thai, pineapple fried rice, crab ragoon, pot stickers, tempura and nine spice curry items. Delivery available. Joy’s Noodles & Rice 3257 N Broadway St | 773.327.8330 This Boystown favorite has some of the best valued Thai food in the city with tasty appetizers, curry offerings, and classic noodle dishes such as Pad Thai and Pad See Eiw. Pingpong 3322 N. Broadway | 773.281.7575 This popular Lakeview restaurant features high-quality Pan-Asian cuisine in a hip and modern atmosphere as well as topnotch people-watching of those in the restaurant as well as those walking by outside. Delivery available. Young’s Chinese Restaurant 3949 N Ashland | 773.248.7998 While Chinese takeout is sometimes a bad and poor;y tasting stereotype, this well-regarded outpost has earned a stellar reputation for its use of fresh, high quality ingredients and delivery so quick you’ll swear there must be a wok in the car. ITALIAN Anna Maria Pasteria 4400 N Clark | 773.506.2662 Owned by sisters who hail from the Basilicata region of southern Italy, this neighborhood gem creates homemade modern and traditional Italian dishes that are authentic, delicious, and best of all: inexpensive. Angelina Ristorante 3561 N Broadway | 773.935.5933 Hosting the coolest and hippest Sunday brunch crowd in Lakeview, the menu includes Eggs Benedict, Fritattas, Croque Monsiuer and Mufalatta sandwiches, almondcrusted stuffed French Toast, and the free flow of Champagne Mimosas. Brunch here is loud, raucous and FUN! Chicago’s Pizza 3006 N Sheffield Ave | 773.755.4030; 3114 N Lincoln Ave |773.477.2777; 1919 W Montrose Ave |773.348.1700 The latest delivery available (until 5am)
from Old Town to Rogers Park fuels their popularity with night owls wanting chicken fingers, burgers, pasta dishes, and deep dish pizza. Panino’s Pizzeria 3702 N Broadway 773.472.6200 Panino’s has established itself as a Boystown favorite with its varied menu selections, including gyros and burgers, pasta entrees, and of course pizza. Delivery available. Pie Hole 737 W. Roscoe | 773. 525.8888 A “fully gay-owned” pizza joint, this Boystown favorite has a fun vibe and uses the freshest ingredients on its offering of specialty pizzas. Open until 3am (6am on Fridays and Saturdays) with delivery available until midnight. MEDITERRANEAN Andies 1467 W Montrose | 773.348.0654; 5253 N Clark | 773.784.8616 Specializing in Mediterranean and vegetarian cuisine, specialties of the house include steak kabobs, gyros, and poultry dishes such as Greek Chicken and Lebanese Style Chicken Kefta Kabob. And as befits the cuisine, desserts include a very tasty baklava. Istanbul 3613 N Broadway | 773.525.0500 Specializing in Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines, this recent addition to the lakeview dining scene has been attracting patrons with a varied menu, generous portions, and affordable prices. Reza’s 5255 N Clark St, Chicago | 773.561.1898 Offering Persian, Middle-Eastern, and Mediterranean food, this Andersonville institution has been serving this type of cuisine long before it became popular, pleasing vegetarians or meat lovers alike. MEXICAN Cesar’s 2924 N. Broadway | 773.296.9097; 3166 N Clark | 773.248.2835 This family-owned operation offers an enticing menu full of delicious Mexican recipes, popular house specialties, irresistible desserts, and their signature “Killer Margaritas.” Fiesta Mexicana 2423 N. Lincoln | 773.769.4244 Not your typical late-night taco & burrito stand, this Lincoln Park favorite serves up traditional Mexican dishes and seafood specialties. Open until 2am (3am on Saturdays) Mayan Palace 2703 N. Halsted Known to be one of the very best Mexican restaurants in the city, the focus is on using fresh, high-quality ingredients for its “south of the border” cuisine. Portions are generous and the cool Margaritas dubbed “The World’s Best!”
By DJ Plez
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e’re looking back onto 2009 in this issue of BOI and so that must mean it’s time for the 11th Annual Plez Awards, celebrating from my perspective the best in music and partying. Club Song of the Year: The hands down winner of this category is “When Love Takes Over” by David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland. Interestingly, upon my first listen I did not like this song that much, but it did grow on me, especially when I found the Laidback Luke Remix. The runnersup: the Warren Clarke Remix of No Halo’s “Put Your Hands Up” and the Soul Seekerz Dirty Vocal Mix of “That’s Not My Name” by The Ting Tings. Best New Remix of a Classic Dance Track: It seems like every week those of us in the dance music community are reminded that “what’s old is new again” with the steady diet of remakes and new remixes of classic tracks. Of the many to choose from, there were two that deserve accolades. On the house music front, the Fred Everything & Olivier Desmet Sf Vocal and Dub mixes of “Follow Me” by Aly-Us are absolutely stupendous. And on the clubby progressive side of things, the DJ Boris Believes Mix of “Unspeakable Joy 2009” by Kim English has given new life to this classic anthem. Best 2009 Dance Party Event: IML’s Black & Blue Ball at Excalibur Nightclub featuring DJ Ted Eiel
just edges out the Market Days edition of Superstar Sundays @ Crobar w/ DJs David Knapp and Ron G. On that Monday night of Memorial Day weekend, Ted was truly special.
- Miami 2009 mixed by Yass, David Penn and DJ Spen. The Gay Club/Circuit Division nod goes to Silver Label’s MOVE: Atlantis Dance 2009, an impressive effort mixed by London DJ Wayne G.
Best Vocal Dance Track: There’s a lot to choose from but my undisputed #1 is Whitney Houston’s “Million Dollar Bill,” in part because of all the fantastic remixes that were made. My absolute fave was by The Freemasons, but Frankie Knuckles and Peter Rauhofer delivered stellar efforts as well. Honorable mentions: “Make Me” (Moto Blanco Vocal Mix) by Janet Jackson and “Patron Tequila” (Dave Audé Club Remix) by Paradiso Girls.
Best Sing-Songy Song: There seemed to be plenty of songs in this category this year with “I Got A Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas coming out on top. “Party In The USA” by Miley Cyrus was a guilty pleasure for many.
Best Weekly Party Event: Cocktail has always occupied a unique position in Chicago’s nightlife scene and its weekly Thursday night original Spank party with DJ Michael Serafini and the Spank gogo boys is one of the main reasons why. The past year saw this night become a weekly must for party people in the know. Best Tribal/Progressive Track: Peter Rauhofer’s remix of “Whateva” by Ralph Falcon featuring Alex K & Alan T was a smoking hot tune that electrified dance floors. Second place goes to Dave Aude’s remix of “Everybody Shake It” by Ralphi Rosario with Shawn Christopher. Best DJ Continuous Mixes: In the House Music Division, the winner is Defected’s 3-CD In The House
Best House Music Tracks: In previous years I’ve split this award into Chicago House and International House subcategories, but this year there’s only one award and it goes to “The Ones You Love” by Frankie Knuckles and The Shapeshifters. This song is damn near perfect in my book. Artist of the Year: For the past 18 months, one name has dominated pop and dance music not just in America, but around the globe: Lady Gaga. Everything she touched turned to gold (or platinum), including her albums The Fame and the recently released The Fame Monster and chart-topping singles “Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” “Paparazzi,” “Love Game,” and “Bad Romance.” It has been a meteoric rise for Lady, but her talent is legit and fuels a popularity that has had very little negativity surrounding it. I love what she’s done in her relatively short career and anxiously await what her future will bring.
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January 14 – 27, 2010
On The Agenda This Weekend
Tuesdays at 9pm.
On Friday, January 15 there’s a Bear Shower Contest @ Spin, a live performance by Gretchen Bonaduce @ Circuit Night Club; DJ Chris Spinazzola @ Hydrate… The next night, January 16, features local favorite, DJ Phil DaBeatz, @ Jackhammer’s Underwear Party. Also in town this night: Ralphi Rosario @ Hydrate; Santiago and Switch (Dubsided) @ Smart Bar; and Blake Jarrell spinning a 7-hour set @ Vision.
Keep On Dancin’
Forward Thinking Next Tuesday, January 19, a new Kit Kat will be Revealed. The fun starts at 6pm with a 2-hour Effen Hosted Bar… Sidetrack will present a special Comedy Night on Thursday, January 21, complete with a DVD Release Party & Giveaway celebrating the Emmynominated comedy special Kathy Griffin: She’ll Cut A Bitch… It’s tuxedo time (though the event is actually black-tie optional) with Equality Illinois’ Justice For All gala on Saturday, January 23, starting at 6pm, @ Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan Ave.). For more information and to purchase tickets ($250 / $350 Premier) call 773.477.7173 or visit www.EQIL.org… The legendary DJ Roger Sanchez will be @ Crobar on Saturday, January 23… Crimson Lounge presents its Same Sax T-Dance: Madonna vs. Janet on Sunday, January 24. Local legend DJ Jesse de la Pena will his original remixes and there will be live performances by Circuit MOM and Tiara Russell. Doors open at 5pm, there’s no cover, and a $35 all-inclusive drink package is available.
Boys In The Hood The video bar Sidetrack packs them in nightly with a popular line-up that includes Showtunes on Sunday early evening and Monday nights, U-Video Request on Tuesdays, Comedy on Thursdays and High Energy on Fridays and Saturdays… At Roscoe’s, Frida Lay hosts Drag Race 2009 on Tuesdays while Miss Foozie takes charge of Male Call on Sundays… Other Boystown options include Halsted’s Bar & Grill (Team Trivia on Mondays), North End (karaoke on Wednesdays), Bobby Loves (karaoke on Fridays), Charlie’s (country line dancing lessons on Fridays), and Cell Block (leather/fetish/bears/jeans)… The Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club has Half-Price Martinis on Tuesdays and 80s Night with the Kit Kat Divas on Thursdays… Buck’s and Little Jim’s are always friendly hang-out spots while live entertainment shines nightly at both 3160 and Cornelia’s and during Voltaire Cabaret Tuesdays @ Hydrate on
When it comes to dancing early in the night, Spin has WTF $1 Drink Night on Wednesdays and a fun line-up of parties on Friday and Saturday nights, including the Posi+ive Spin dance party with hostess Saya and DJ Luis M on Friday, January 22… Down @ Minibar, Friday nights feature DJ Shawn Edwards lording over the bi-level party space while Roscoe’s boom bass dance floor gets worked by DJs Kevy, Ron G, and Eddy… In Uptown the Wild Pug features DJ Pervy every Saturday. For after-hours dancing, the always popular Berlin has Cosmix Fridays w/ DJ Greg Haus (January 15: Wax Trax Showcase), a special Viva La Vinyl w/ DJ Michael Serafini on Wednesday, January 20, and Disco’s Revenge w/ DJ Nate Manic a week later on January 27… Hydrate presents a weekly line-up that includes a DJs Greg Drescher (Sundays), DJ Laura B (Mondays); DJR (Tuesdays); and Phil DaBeatz (Thursdays)… Charlie’s rocks a hi-energy after-hours every night of the week w/ DJ LuLu and others… Jackhammer is the far north side’s late night dance option and features DJ Man on Fridays… The Ultimate After Hours @ The Ram (3am-7am) has DJs Ron G (Saturdays), Plez (Fridays), David C. (Thursdays)… There’s not a lot of dancing @ Closet, but it’s a fun, under-rated late night hangout for the drinking set.
Naughty & Oh So Nice Steamworks, the full-service all-male club, has a Lights Out party every Thursday and After-hours on Fridays and Saturdays with DJ Greg Ellsworth. The weekly Sunday Spin Cycle takes place 3pm-2am with DJs Chris Eterno and Peter Canellis handling the early shift until 8pm and DJ Jim B serving beats until 2am. The monthly The Bears, The Baths and Beyond play party takes place on Saturday, January 23 starting at 1pm… Up @ Man’s Country, nothing is left to the imagination every Friday and Saturday @ Midnight with a dancer line-up that features Giorgio, Diesel and Jovanni on Saturday, January 16 and Tristan, Alex and Nick on Friday, January 22. Lucky Horseshoe in Boystown has strippers nightly while they strut all weekend long at @mosphere: Hot Mess Thursdays/Club Manhunt w/ DJ Chris Eterno followed by DJs Eric Hall and Timmy Loop on Fridays and Saturdays, respectively… Both Spin and Jackhammer host Chicago Beef dancers on Fridays boi 29
January 14 – 27, 2010 and Saturdays… Out in the suburbs: the Sarabia Go Go Boyz will be @ Club Krave on Friday, January 15; Chicago Beef dancers visit InnExile on Fridays; and Hunters Hunks liven up Hunters on Thursdays w/ DJ Laura B on the decks.
House Music All Night Long The home for house music in Boystown is Cocktail with a DJ line-up that includes Michael Serafini (Thursdays), Freddie Bain (Fridays), Diva DJs (Saturdays: Heather Doible on January 16) and the troika of Chris Eterno, Uncly Milty, and Pete Augusta (Sundays). On Wednesdays, Twisted Trivia w/ Teri Yaki and Dusty begins @ 10pm… House music also finds favor at Scarlet on certain nights while outside of Boystown DJ Dana Powell delivers on Fridays @ Jeffrey’s Pub… Every Monday the Boom Boom Room @ Green Dolphin Street continues its success w/ guest DJ Heather on January 18 along with resident DJs Michael Serafini, Diz, JustJoey & Uncle Milty
Where My People At? The weekly Latino nights @ Circuit include Noche Latina, w/ hostess Veronica Zaid on Sundays and La Noche Loca on Thursdays featuring Miss Ketty’s Latina Review… When it come to an urban blend of hip-hop, R&B, house, and reggaeton, Fridays is all about The Rails @ Krush just west of downtown, while Saturdays sees folks groovin’ at the Urbano party in Boystown @ Circuit… Club Escape takes care of south siders on a nightly basis while Mz. Ruffy’s Cheap Drink Night gets everyone’s week off to a good start with $2 well drinks @ Republic (1520 N. Fremont) on Mondays… As for Chicago lesbians, You’ll also find them gathering @ Closet when hanging in Boystown and at several places in Andersonville, including T’s, Star Gaze, and Joi De Vine.
Fave Watering Holes The Uptown/Edgewater neighborhood is home to Granville Anvil; Big Chicks (with its popular Free Sunday Buffet) and the sports bar Crew (Hot Jockstrap Contest on Friday, January 22)… Scot’s is a friendly watering hole in Ravenswood while Manhandler sits in the heart of Lincoln Park… Downtown, Second Story Bar is the only gay bar left in the area while Davenport’s piano bar entertains over in Wicker Park. Also in Wicker Park, the young, fun LGBTIQ crowd will be at the monthly Chances Dances party @ Subterranean on Monday, January 18. Up in Andersonville you’ll find the popular 30 boi
neighborhood outpost SoFo, the martini bar Marty’s and The Call… Mary’s Attic features Rogue DJ for Feel Good Fridays and karaoke on Sundays and Wednesdays… The fetish community finds a home @ Touché with Hardcore Cruisin’ Night on Tuesdays, a Bear Chested Night every Wednesday, and a Gear Fetish Party set for Saturday, January 16… Further north in Rogers Park is the very friendly The Glenwood.
Suburban Sprawl Outside the Windy City limits, Hunters Nightclub features DJ Ron G on Friday nights and DJ Lawrence K on Saturdays while Club Krave presents its Retro Diva Dance Party on Saturday, January 23… Velvet Rope in Oak Park has karaoke on Fridays and DJs and a Brunch Buffet with Champagne every Sunday… In Lake Station, Indiana, Encompass hosts karaoke on Tuesdays and Fridays and the Rush St. Revue Show on Sundays