Letter from the Editor I can still remember like it was yesterday: walking up to the table in the middle of my alma mater’s grand ballroom, announcing my name to the judge, writing out my signature in a big book next to where my name was pre-printed, waiting in a line, walking into a booth, closing the curtain, and then finally pulling the levers of the voting machine in order to cast a ballot. I lost my voting virginity during a Presidential election many years ago and after emerging from the voting booth that day I felt like a man, an adult who was considered responsible enough to now do important adult things. It was an invigorating and exhilarating experience. Since popping my voting cherry, I’ve never missed casting a ballot: dragging myself one year out of my sick bed and several other times voting early due to business travel or a planned vacation. Doing my civic duty on Election Day is something I still take very seriously, and believe it or not I still get quite excited about the whole experience. When I depart from my polling place with a fresh “I Voted” sticker plastered on my chest, I walk proud with my head held high and a smile on my face. It may sound kind of corny, but I guess I’m that corny kind of guy who believes there are few things in this world more important than the franchise. In this country a whole lot of blood was shed and lots of lives lost to ensure my right to vote, to have my lone voice heard amidst the chorus of my fellow citizens. Voting shows respect for those sacrifices and losses. The old-school voting machines with the curtain and the levers have given way to ink pens and Scantron-like sheets of paper. But whatever the method to count my vote, my vote WILL be counted. The Illinois Primary is Tuesday, February 2, 2010; I hope your vote is counted too. Regards, Michael Pleasants Assistant Editor
3708 N. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60613 773.975.0264 boieditorial@aol.com Publisher/Editor Assistant Editor & Content
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PRIMARY PRIMER ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL GAYDART.NET INTERVIEW Restaurant guide IN THE Groove IN THE KNOW, ON THE GO In the know (continued) BARS & CLUBS DIRECTORY
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es, it’s only been a year since Barack Obama was sworn in as President of the United States following his historic election victory the previous November; but believe it or not the election season for 2010 is just around the corner. Up for grabs this year are all statewide offices (such as Governor and Secretary of State); state legislative offices (all State Representatives and certain State Senators); county offices (such as Cook County Board President); and each of Illinois’ U.S. House of Representative offices. While the actual election won’t take place until nine months from now in November, the primary election to determine the Democratic and Republican candidates is set for Tuesday, February 2. Why exactly is Illinois holding a primary so far in advance of the election? Well, you can thank special legislation from a couple of years ago that was designed in part to benefit the presidential candidacy of Obama during the 2008 campaign by advancing the date of the Illinois primary. Another reason for the early primary that gets even less press: the preference by those in charge – incumbents, ward committeemen and precinct captains – to have expected snowy, cold, and icy February weather conditions keep the primary turnout low, which usually benefits the status quo, which of course includes incumbents, ward committeemen and precinct captains. “Who is running for what office?” and “Who Should You Vote For?” In this issue of BOI we can help answer the former for certain of the high profile races, but we’ll will steer clear of the latter while providing some basic info and pointing you in the right direction for more candidate details. Here’s a look at some of the state wide races. GOVERNOR After much national embarrassment surrounding former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s scandalous ways, his impeachment, and subsequent removal from office, he was replaced by Pat Quinn, the then Lieutenant Governor, nearly a year ago. Quinn, a long-time political activist and reformer Democrat, is running for a full four-year term (quinnforillinois. com) and, in part, will likely benefit from incumbency to secure a spot on the November ballot. His only competitor in the Democratic primary is Dan Hynes, Democrat Pat Quinn Democrat Dan Hynes the current State Comptroller. Son of the influential former President of the Illinois State Senate, Thomas Hynes, the younger Hynes is explicit on his website (friendsofdan.com) regarding his support of GLBT equality and a woman’s right to choose. Hynes is considered a rising star within certain Democratic circles, but will he have to wait his turn as the “accidental governor” – Quinn – is given an opportunity to continue and finish what he started a year ago? On the Republican side of things, there will be a lot of names of the primary ballot: r Business man Adam Andrzejewski (adamforillinois.com) r State Senator Bill Brady (bradyforillinois.com) r State Senator Kirk Dillard (dillardforgovernor.com)
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r Former State GOP Chairman Andy McKenna (mckennagov.com) r Conservative activist Dan Proft (urqmedia.com/proft) r Former Attorney General and former DuPage County State’s Attorney Jim Ryan (jimryan2010.com) r DuPage County Board Chair Bob Schillerstrom (bobschillerstrom.com) While the Republican candidates have been busy presenting their plans to deal with the State’s finances and jobs - or the lack thereof - as a group there’s been a noticeable lack of discussion, much less support, of certain social issues such as GLBT equality and marriage. While Ryan has the name recognition edge, has his time passed with the likes of Dillard or McKenna leading the charge to the Governor’s mansion this coming November? LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: This race for second-in command is a bit of a free-for-all with six Democratic candidates and six Republicans. While the Dems slate includes three local legislators - Rickey Hendon, Terry Link (link30.org), Art Turner (turnerforillinois. com) – State Representative Mike Boland (bolandforillinois.com)from Moline is Democrat Mike Boland expected to have a strong showing as is community activist Scott Lee Cohen (scottleecohen.com), the man who started the Rod Must Resign organization . On the Republican side, Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole (teambrad.com) and Palatine State Senator Matt Murphy (murphy2010.com) are the frontrunners.
STATE COMPTROLLER: Since current Comptroller Dan Hynes is running for Governor, there are spirited races for both the Democratic and Republican nominations. The Democratic candidates include attorney and former Deputy State Treasurer Raja Krishnamoorthi (rajaforillinois.com), attorney Clint Krislov (krislovlaw.com) and dentist and State Representative David Miller (davidmillerillinois. com). While Krishnamoorthi has received key endorsements, all three candidates Republican Judy Barr Topinka Democrat Raja Krishnam have been widely praised for their experience and demonstrated abilities that will translate to this office. . On the Republican ballot, a very familiar name will appear: Judy Baar Topinka (judybaartopinka.com), the former State Treasurer and 2006 GOP nominee for Governor. The popular Topinka, who has had a good relationship over the years with the GLBT community, is proposing that the Comptroller and Treasurer offices be merged for a saving of up to $20 million in payroll and other costs. She will face strong competition from Jim Dodge (jimdodge2010.com), an Orland Park Village Trustee and marketing executive. Also on the ballot is Bill Kelly (williamjkelly.wordpress.com), a TV sports show host and former Executive Director of the National Taxpayers Union of Illinois. STATE TREASURER: As with Comptroller, the current Treasurer (Alexi Giannoulias) is running for another office and while the Republicans already have a general election candidate, there will be a Democratic primary contested by two well-regarded candidates. Former State Representative Robin Kelly Democrat Robin Kelly (robinfortreasurer.com) is currently the Chief of Staff to State Treasurer Giannoulias and has received numerous and a wide range of endorsement in the race against aviation security consultant and businessman Justin Oberman (obermanforillinois.com). U.S. SENATOR The Blagojevich mess included not only national ridicule and a substitute appearance by his wife on a reality TV show with the likes of Spencer and Heidi, it also featured the naming of Roland Burris as one of Illinois’ two U.S. Senators (Dick Durbin is the other). Burris took over Obama’s Senate seat and, as you probably remember, the circumstances surrounding his appointment by Blago were fishy indeed. Well, the Burris Senate seat is up for election in 2010 and since he’s not running, there’s a crowded slate of
Republican Patrick Hughs
Republican Mark Kirk
Democrat Cheryle Jackson
candidates on both sides of the aisle. For the Democrats: q Alexi Giannoulias (alexiforillinois.com) is the current State Treasurer and former senior loan officer at Broadway Bank. q David Hoffman (hoffmanforillinois.com) is an attorney, former City of Chicago Inspector General, and former Congressional Aide. q Cheryle Jackson (cheryle2010.com) is the President of the Chicago Urban League and former Press Secretary to thenGovernor Blagojevich. q Robert Marshall (marshallforussenate.com) is a physician and a Vietnam War veteran. q Jacob Meister (meisterforsenate.com) is an attorney and former Congressional Aide. This list of Democratic nominees is nothing if not diverse: Giannoulias is the 33-year-old son of immigrants who played professional basketball in Greece; Jackson is a successful Black female communications and PR executive; Meister is an out gay man whose politics and social activism started when he was 13 and in the 7th grade; Marshall has already been a nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives… twice… as a Republican; and Hoffman clerked for none other than the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. While Giannoulias has been considered the front-runner, Hoffman has garnered important major media endorsements, Jackson boasts two natural constituencies, and Meister has fared well in debates. There will be no surprise if the winner of this primary isn’t declared until very late on election night or early the next morning. The Republican Line-Up: r John Arrington (arringtonforsenate.com) is a former Harvey City Alderman r Patrick Hughes (patrickhughesforsenate.com) is an attorney and anti-tax activist. r Mark Kirk (kirkforsenate.com) is a U.S. Congressman representing the North Shore suburbs and an Afghan War Veteran. r Don Lowery (judgelowery4ussenate.com) is a retired Circuit Court Judge and former Massac County State’s Attorney. r Andy Martin (andymartin.com) is a legal activist. r Kathleen Thomas (kathleenthomasforsenate.org) is a college professor and former New Berlin School Board Member. As for the Republican primary for the open U.S. Senate seat for Illinois, it’s pretty much all about Mark Kirk. He has a commanding lead in the polls, a large advantage in campaign fundraising, and an impressive level of name recognition vis a vis his fellow candidates. Maybe Hughes rides a conservative wave to victory, but the odds are against him and in favor of Kirk.
Democrat David Hoffman
Democrat Jacob Meister
Democrat Alexi Giannoulias
All Politics Is Local By Michael Pleasants
W
hile the 2010 elections include high-profile races for one of Illinois’ U.S. Senate seats as well as the state constitutional offices (i.e. Governor, Treasurer), there are plenty of other local contested primary battles this year that will draw voters’ attention. COOK COUNTY BOARD PRESIDENT Democratic Candidates: ´ Dorothy Brown – Cook County Circuit Clerk (since 2000) friendsofdorothybrown.org ´ Todd Stroger – Cook County Board President (since 2006) strogerforpresident.com ´ Terrence O’Brien - President, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (since 1997) obrienforcookcounty.com ´ Toni Preckwinkle – Chicago 4th Ward Alderman (since1991) tonipreckwinkle.org Republican Candidates: ´ John Garrido – attorney and Chicago Police lieutenant garrido2010.com ´ Roger Keats – financial adviser and former State legislator keatsforcook.com Toni Preckwinkle
Even the best of interpretations would conclude that Democrat Todd Stroger has had a tumultuous first term as Cook County Board President, highlighted by his support of a one cent sales-tax increase, a combative working relationship with some of his colleagues, and a series of hiring controversies involving relatives and friends. He’s seeking re-election and in the primary is up against three other experienced and politically-skilled challengers, all of whom, unlike Stroger, advocate for some sort of roll-back of the penny-on-the-dollar sales tax hike. Both Republican primary candidates have pledged to eliminate the increased county sales tax.
ILLINOIS STATE SENATE - 7th DISTRICT The Democratic primary for the 7th District (Uptown, Edgewater, Andersonville, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, and parts of Rogers Park) is shaping up to be a interesting race between incumbent Heather Steans (senatorsteans.com) and challenger Jim Madigan (jimmadigan.com). While Steans has broad community support from her diverse constituency, openly gay Heather Steans Madigan has had an impact in his first run at elective office. 5th REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT Democratic incumbent Kenneth “Ken” Dunkin, whose 5th District includes the South Loop, Near North, Gold Coast, Woodlawn, Old Town, and Chinatown neighborhoods, is facing a primry challenge from two other candidates: openly gay David Schroeder (peopleforschroeder.com) and Gwendolyn “Gwen” Drake (gwenin2010.com). 11th REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT The 11th District encompasses Lincoln Park, DePaul, Wrightwood, Sheffield, Lincoln Square, Lakeview, North Center, Roscoe Village, and parts of Ravenswood. The incumbent John Fritchey is stepping down from office in order to run for the Cook County Board, thus leading to a Democratic Ed Mullen primary with openly gay candidate Ed Mullen (voteedmullen.com), Dan Farley, and Ann M. Williams (annwilliams2010.com). COOK COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE (Dolan Vacancy)
COOK COUNTY ASSESSOR
The Democratic primary has four candidates including Linda J. Pauel (lindajpauel.com), the openly lesbian candidate who has been endorsed by the Tribune and the Cook County Democratic Party.
Democratic Candidates: ´ Joseph Berrios - Commissioner of the Board of Review electjoeberrios.com ´ Robert Shaw - former aldermen and inspector general in the Village of Dolton ´ Ray Figueroa - former Circuit Court judge and 31st Ward alderman Since veteran Assessor James Houlihan decided to retire, three Democrats have emerged to run for the low-profile but important office that sets property values for tax purposes. All homeowners are acutely aware of this office and should take this race – that directly affects their bank accounts – seriously. METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) is a nine-member board whose responsibilities include protecting the water quality of the greater Chicago area and controlling storm water management across Cook County. In the primary election there are nine Democrats vying for three slots on the November ballot, including openly gay Todd Connor.
Linda J. Pauel
Primary Election Resource Center If you need information about where you should vote in the February 2 primary and/or want to take a look at a sample ballot, go to the City of Chicago Board of Elections’ website at www.chicagoelections.com In addition to local newspapers and media organizations, you may want to see how others are thinking about the various races and who has been endorsed by whom. Who are the Others and the Whom? Equality Illinois (eqil. org); Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund (victoryfund.org); Log Cabin Republicans (www.logcabin.org/lcrchicago); and IVI-IPO (iviipo.org).
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A
midst the clutter that currently defines gay online hook-up sites, there’s one name that is clearly gaining in popularity as it sets itself apart from the competition: Gaydar. net. Thanks to a recent re-launch (or rather, a re-introduction) of the site to the U.S. market and a wide range of offerings, including the platforms to find Mr. Right as well as Mr. Right Now, Gaydar claims to be the most popular and well-known gay site in the world with more than 5.6 million members. These members have the opportunity to upload up to 26 photos as well as videos with them doing everything from saying “hello” to getting it on with other men. And while members of other sites tend to hide their identities, Gaydar members are happy to show off their smiling faces.
Gaydar.net is known as a “meet Mr Right as well as a meet Mr. Right Now” site. Has that always been the case? Funny that you ask, the site was actually created by two programmers who thought the “new at the time” internet could be used to help a friend find a boyfriend. So it was initially designed to find Mr. Right. Currently it’s probably fair to say that there’s a 50/50 split amongst member looking for Mr. Right vs. looking for Mr. Right Now. As we know many of us are looking for Mr. Right but are happy to deal with Mr. Right Now until that special someone comes along. The beauty of Gaydar is that the profiles are not simply limited to sexual interests. You can get a real idea of what someone is like both in and out of the bedroom. This makes Gaydar much more interesting than other sites and really allows for a diversity of interests and desires.
Since Gaydar was showing up more and more on guys’ radar, I figured an interview with their Director of Marketing, Phil Henricks, was in order.
What two countries provide the most members on Gaydar.net? The U.K., Australia and the U.S. are the biggest markets. We have over 100,000 U.S. members and as a result of this new marketing push are adding close to 7,000 new members every month. Spain and France are the next biggest markets and we are also incredibly popular in Latin America. When members use the site they should be be sure to check out the “Travel Section” to see what sexy guys from out of town (or out of the country) are visiting their city!
What’s the basic 4-1-1 about Gaydar.net? Gaydar was started in London and launched in 2000 as one of the first sites for men to meet men. We are actually celebrating our tenth anniversary this year. You can join from over 150 countries and in nine different languages. Every night we have close to 50,000 guys online from every corner of the world. As one of our slogans says: “Fresh faces from around the world and around the corner.” 18 boi
You also have GaydarRadio.com. What exactly can folks hear on the
station? With more than 500,000 listeners, Gaydar Radio is one of the biggest internet dance websites in all of Europe. During the day they have DJs playing some of the latest dance music and remixes with occasional banter. There are also chats and interviews with the likes of Lady Gaga, Grace Jones, Erasure and Joan Rivers. At night and on weekends they have continuous dance mixes. As we know London is arguably the dance music capital of the world so it is a great place to base the radio station in order to provide some of the freshest beats to the audience. Finally, is Gaydar.net a free site or do you have paid memberships? There is a very generous free level that lets you use most of the site’s features. For FULL access there is a small monthly fee. However, right now we are giving a 1 month upgrade to all new U.S. members... no obligation whatsoever. So we’re encouraging guys to check it out; we are pretty sure they’ll like what they see.
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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 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
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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.
|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.
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.
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.
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 top-notch 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.
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.
ITALIAN
MEXICAN
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.
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.”
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!
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)
Chicago’s Pizza 3006 N Sheffield Ave | 773.755.4030; 3114 N Lincoln Ave |773.477.2777; 1919 W Montrose Ave
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!”
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By DJ Plez
T
he music industry will be busy praising its own at the upcoming Grammy Awards on January 31. Currently everyone is wondering if it will be a night dominated by either Lady Gaga or Taylor Swift, or if the academy will spread the goodies around. Here’s my two cents about a few of the major awards and the dance-related categories. Album Of The Year (Award to the Artist) X I Am... Sasha Fierce by Beyoncé X The E.N.D. by The Black Eyed Peas X The Fame by Lady Gaga X Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King by Dave Matthews Band X Fearless by Taylor Swift Despite two HUGE hits, The E.N.D. is not a likely winner. Big-timers Dave Matthews and Beyoncé will draw big support, but in the end this race should come down to the two biggest acts of the year: country darling Taylor Swift and dance diva Lady Gaga. Spawning four hit singles should lead The Fame to the promised land. Record Of The Year (Award to the Artist) X “Halo” by Beyoncé X “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas X “Use Somebody” by Kings Of Leon X “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga X “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift I was never a big fan of “Halo” and think that “I Gotta Feeling” is just a bit too pop-ish to win this award. I frankly believe that Kings of Leon should win but can see Taylor Swift snatching the trophy away from Lady Gaga. Song Of The Year (A Songwriter(s) Award) X “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga (written by Lady Gaga) X “Pretty Wings” by Maxwell (written by Hod David & Musze) X “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” by Beyoncé (written by Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart) X “Use Somebody” by Kings Of Leon (written by Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill & Nathan Followill X “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift (written by Liz Rose & Taylor Swift) I’m quite surprised Whitney Houston’s “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” didn’t make the cut, but since it didn’t, then without a doubt “Pretty Wings” deserves to win. I suspect, however, that a higher-profile artist and track will garner the Grammy: Miss Swift’s “You Belong With Me” perhaps.
X Silversun Pickups X The Ting Tings. Wow, compared to previous years’ slates, this group of Best New Artist nominees is the weakest I’ve seen in years. My hope is the academy taps The Ting Tings. Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical X Dennis Ferrer’s Objektivity Mix of “Don’t Believe In Love” by Dido X Jean Elan’s Remix of “The Girl And The Robot” by Röyksopp X Dave Audé’s Remix of “I Want You” by Dean Coleman Featuring DCLA X Anders Trentemøller’s Remix of “No You Girls” by Franz Ferdinand X David Guetta’s Electro Extended Remix of “When Love Takes Over” by David Guetta & Kelly Rowland “When Loves Takes Over” might have been hugely popular, but I don’t think it deserves this award and would argue it doesn’t even merit a nomination in this category. While the cream of the crop here are the remixes by Ferrer and Elan, I have a suspicion that Dave Audé’s name will be called. Best Dance Recording X “Boom Boom Pow” by The Black Eyed Peas X “When Love Takes Over” by David Guetta & Kelly Rowland X “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga X “Celebration” by Madonna X “Womanizer” by Britney Spears Ok, this is the category for “When Love Takes Over” and it should win; but the competition is brutally stiff as all the nominees are more than worthy. Best Electronic/Dance Album X Divided By Night by The Crystal Method X One Love by David Guetta X The Fame by Lady Gaga X Party Rock by LMFAO X Yes by Pet Shop Boys This is a really interesting group of nominees representing a wide range of musical acts; thus predicting a winner is difficult. If history is an indicator, The Crystal Method will win; however, I think One Love by David Guetto will ultimately garner a well-deserved Grammy.
Best New Artist X Zac Brown Band X Keri Hilson X MGMT
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January 28 – February 10, 2010
Right Here, Right Now This weekend gets off to a fun start with Roscoe’s monthly Wet Boxer Contest @ Midnight on Thursday, January 28 w/ Frida Lay as host. Prize money: 1st$300; 2nd - $200; and 3rd - $100. That same night at Circuit it’s another edition of Club Papi featuring DJ Rubin (Los Angeles) and a live performance by Maria Jose … On Saturday, January 30 the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Bebe Zahara Benet, will be performing live at Spin @ Midnight and 1am. General Admission is $10 while VIP tix are $15 and include a Meet & Greet after the second show … Serious dancing on this Saturday night include the Blackout Party w/ DJR and Phil DaBeatz @ Hydrate; Fedde Le Grande @ Crobar; and prog house master Nick Warren @ Vision. The weekend ends on a fun note @ Berlin on Sunday, January 31 with Prince vs. Michael.
Early February Happenings The brand new Rehab Lounge (in the front space of Circuit) presents Wiggin’ Out! with Miss Foozie on Saturday, February 6. A max of 7 Contestants will perform two songs each with the winner taking home $125 and the runner-up $25. Sign-up is @ 8pm; show starts at 9:30pm … Sunday, February 7 brings the monthly Madonnarama party to Berlin w/ DJ Riley York to Berlin … Nerds at Heart presents the 3rd Annual Love Fest on for gay nerds on Tuesday, February 9, 7pm-10pm at Holiday Club (4000 N. Sheridan Rd.). $20 advance/$25 door. For more info: 312.265.6085 or www.nerdsatheart.com … For househeads, Smart Bar presents a brand new Tuesday night option, beginning February 9, called CHILLED w/ DJ Diz and John Simmons spinning downtempo grooves.
Boystown Central At Roscoe’s, Frida Lay hosts Drag Race 2010 on Tuesdays while Miss Foozie takes charge of Male Call on Sundays …The video bar Sidetrack packs them in nightly with a popular line-up that includes Showtunes on Mondays, U-Video Request night on Tuesdays, and Comedy on Thursdays ... Over at Scarlet they present The First Ward Ball, weekly themed party, every Friday night while Sunday features a Liquid Brunch with $4 Bloody Marys and 34 boi
Screwdrivers … Other Boystown options include Halsted’s Bar & Grill (Team Trivia on Mondays), North End (TPAN’s poz-friendly Pulse on Thursdays), 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 cocktails on Wednesdays 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 Tuesdays at 9pm.
Everybody’s Dancing For after-hours dancing, the always popular Berlin has Cosmix Fridays w/ DJ Greg Haus and Twisted Saturdays w/ DJs Larissa and Chester while 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 which 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 Wednesdays – Sundays featuring the likes of DJ Chris Eterno and DJ Man… 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. When it comes to dancing early in the night, Spin has WTF $1 Drink Night on Wednesdays and a fun monthly rotation of parties on Friday and Saturday nights, including Couple Shower Contest on Friday, January 29 (sign-up @ 11:30pm; Contest @ Midnight) … 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 DigiDave. … In Uptown the Wild Pug features DJ Pervy every Saturday.
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. … Up @ Man’s Country, nothing is left to the imagination every Friday and Saturday @ Midnight with a dancer line-up that features Sean Taylor, Camron and Marlone on Friday, January 29; and Oscar and Luis on Saturday, January 30. 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 and Saturdays… Out in the suburbs: the Sarabia Go Go Boyz make frequent Friday night appearances @ Club Krave; Chicago Beef dancers visit InnExile on Fridays; and Hunters Hunks liven up Hunters on Thursdays w/ DJ Laura B on the decks.
Sunday Buffet) and the sports bar Crew (Project Runway Viewing Parties on Thursdays) … 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. Up in Andersonville you’ll find the popular 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 and Bear Chested Night every Wednesdays … Further north in Rogers Park is the very friendly The Glenwood.
House Music All Night Long
Suburban Sprawl
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: Dhanna on February 6) 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 Saturday nights w/ DJ Psycho Bitch 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/ resident DJs Michael Serafini, Diz, JustJoey & Uncle Milty
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 Bear & Cub Party party on Friday, January 29 w/ special guest dancer Ray Daniels … 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
Minority Report 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 boi 35
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