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ISSUE 03.12
Benefit Season
CARRY OUT & DELIVERY
Chicago Takes Off Chicago Takes Off, March 3 at Park West, is one of the most popular events of the season as Chicago’s hottest dancers strut their stuff and take off their clothes in support of Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN). This year’s theme, “Chicago Takes Off: Game On!”, presented by Macy’s, takes a look at how naughty sporting events could be with a little bit of nudity and some sexy dancing. The event has proved so popular that they’ve had to schedule two shows (7:30 and 10:30) to meet the demand for tickets. There are a variety of seating options to make this a benefit accessible to all income levels. For more information, call 773.989.9400 or go to chicagotakesoff.org Ticket Options: Winner’s Circle Table for 6 situated at the end of the runway. Includes complimentary coat check, two Ultra-Premium drink coupons for each guest, hot hors d’ oeuvres and a bottle of champagne, $3,000. Courtside Table for 6 with premium seating. Includes two Ultra Premium drink coupons for each guest, a bottle of champagne and snacks, $1,800. Another option is a table for 4 with the same goodies for $1,200. Center Field Individual ticket for seating at tables of 4-6, $150. Goalies Box Individual ticket for seating at tables of 4, $100. Outfield Individual ticket for seating includes great views of the stage from an area on the main floor, or the balcony, $50. boi
3700 N. Halsted St. #2S Chicago, IL 60613
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CARRY OUT & DELIVERY CARRY OUT & DELIVERY (CONTD.) NOT JUST TAKE OUT SEEN ON THE SCENE restaurant LISTINGS DININING OUT FOR LIFE SPOTLIGHT: WILLIAM B. KELLEY in the know, on the go! ask ace bars and clubs directory
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CARRY OUT & DELIVERY Chicago Diner (Carry Out) 3411 N. Halsted, 773.935.6696 veggiediner.com You’ll miss some of the retro-hippie ambiance, but you can order any item to take home. Great I was chatting with some friends the other day veggie alternatives to classic drunk food are and somehow we got on the subject of our mothers’ cooking. As the others waxed nostalgic available; my favorite is the gyros. listing their favorite dishes, pot roast, meat loaf, spaghetti and meatballs I sat and listened. One Clark Street Dog (Carry out/Delivery) them turn to me and asked, “What did your 3060 N. Clark, 773.281.6690 www. clarkstdog.com mother make best? Every kind of fast food you’d want, including great versions of Chicago classic hot dogs, Italian I smiled and delivered the line I’d been waiting beef and fries with the perfect balance of grease to say, “Reservations.” and salt. Healthy? No. Delicious? Yes! My mother, a wonderful, creative woman who kept the cleanest house I’ve ever seen was not El Mariachi Tequila Bar (Carry Out) blessed with the ability to cook. Is it any wonder 3906 N. Broadway, 773.549.2932 then all my pleasant food memories involve www. Elmariachitequilabar.com Chinese take-out boxes, greasy bags filled with Some of the best Mexican food this side of the fries or pizza delivery men? Rio Grande, the only thing that would make it better is if they had some of those sexy waiters Luckily there are many options for those who deliver the food. Alas, it’s only when you pick-up can’t, or don’t want to, cook. Here are some that you get to ogle the guys. great suggestions next time you’re not in the mood to dine out or cook, and of course, all are more than happy to have you stop in for a meal Fish Bar (Carry Out) as well. Delivery times and areas vary so go 2956 N. Sheffield, 773.687.8177 online and check or go old school and call first. www. fishbarchicago.com You’d expect to find an unpretentious seafood Ba Le (Carry Out) diner like this in P-Town, Key West or New 5014 N. Broadway, 773.561.4424 Orleans, but certainly not in Chicago. www. balesandwich.com The best Bahn Mi sandwiches in town from the Golden Nugget (Carry Out/Delivery) place that started it all. Bright menu pictures 2720 N. Clark, 773.929.0724 and English-speaking staff make ordering easy. www. goldennuggetpancake.com All seven locations are the best bargain in town. Big Chicks/Tweet (Carry out) Where else are you going to get an entire dinner 5020 N. Sheridan, 773.728.5576 bigchicks.com for less than $10 or a stack of steaming hot Big Chicks’ terrific bar food is available for takepancakes to take home? out every night and you can order many of the same items, plus many more from Tweet’s menu Gyro-Mena (Carry Out/Delivery) during the day. 905. W. Belmont, 773.935.2600 gyromena.com Who doesn’t like a hot Athenian…gyro in their Bun Mi (Carry Out/Delivery) mouth? It’s the only place in Chicago serving 3409 N. Broadway, 773.661.228 Athenian-style gyros and they deliver until late at www. bunmiexpress.com night. Not quite as authentic as Ba Le, but on the flip side, they deliver, they’re in Boystown and you Halsted Bar & Grill (Carry Out) can order on-line. 3441 N. Halsted 773.348.9696 www. halstedschicago.com Calo (Carry Out/Delivery) Not just a place to hang out, drink like a fish and 5343 N. Clark, 773.271.7782 calorestaurant.com ogle men, the food at Halsted’s is pretty kick-ass They’ve been around for decades doing classic as well, especially the tater tots. Italian American fare. Check out the nightly specials, such as a full slab rib dinner on CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >> Tuesdays for only $14.
Get Up & Go or Sit & Wait by Eddie Gourmet
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Hamburger Mary’s (Carry Out) 5400 N. Clark, 773.784.6969 www.hamburgermaryschicago.com Part of the fun of Mary’s is the party atmosphere, but guess what? The food’s damn good, something you notice more when you’re chowing down in front of the tube. Horizon Cafe (Carry Out/Delivery) 3805 N. Broadway, 773.883.1565 www. horizoncafechicago.com Home-style cooking, diner fare standards, and classic Greek dishes make Horizon a winner. The award-winning soup selection changes daily. One of the few places to deliver breakfast fare as well. The fried chicken Benedict is to die for. International House of Pancakes (Carry Out) 3760 N. Halsted, 773.296.0048 www. ihop.com Cause you never know when you want a “Rooty Tooty Fresh & Fruity” at three in the morning. The Boystown IHOP (or Guy-Hop or Gay-Hop, take your pick) is open 24/7. Jaiyen Sushi Noodle (Carry Out/Delivery) 3736 N. Broadway, 773.404.0555 www. jai-yen.com When you’ve got a yen for some pan-Asian fare, who you gonna call? Not Ghostbusters, but Jai-Yen. Jimbo’s Red Hots & Signature Pizza (Carry Out/Delivery) 3617 N. Broadway, 773.868.9700 www. chicagopizza3617.com Okay, so get this, you can get perfect Chicagostyle hot dogs, burgers, breakfast dishes and sandwiches in addition to classic thin crust pizza and other classic Italian dishes 24/7 for pick up, but they also deliver until the wee hours. I think I’m in love. Masala (Carry Out/Delivery) 1002 W. Argyle, 773.769.5555 www. masalaindianthai.com For those nights when the two of you can’t decide between Indian and Thai, Masala offers a chance for détente. Nookie’s (Carry Out) Boystown 3334 N. Halsted, 773.248.9888 Edgewater 1100 W. Bryn Mawr, 773.515.4188 www. nookiesrestaurants.net You won’t get finer diner fare anywhere else and reasonably priced, to boot. 10 boi
Panino’s Pizzeria (Carry Out/Delivery) 3702 N. Broadway, 773.472.6200 www. paninospizzeria.com Known for hot and juicy slices of ‘za for pick-up, you can also get a whole pie delivered, as well as more unusual items such as the pot roast sandwich, or timpani , pasta in pizza dough. Pat’s Pizza (Carry Out/Delivery) 2679 N. Lincoln, 773.248.0168 www. patspizzeriachicago.com A long-time central Lakeview fave has moved a few blocks west, but don’t worry, they took the recipes with them. Philly’s Best (Carry Out/Delivery) 907 W. Belmont, 773.525.7900 phillysbest.com They claim to be the only “real” Philly cheese steak in town. While I can’t swear to that, I can state from first-hand experience, that they’re delicious. If you can handle 12 inches, go for it, if you’re a bit daintier, go for six, it’s a good starter size…for a sandwich. Also located in Evanston, Logan Square and Greek Town. Pie Hole (Carry Out/Delivery) 3477 N. Broadway, 773.528.8888 www. pieholepizzeria.com Keepin’ it in the community, gay owned and operated Pie Hole has been a Lakeview favorite for years. Pompei (Carry Out/Delivery) 2955 N. Sheffield, 773.325.1900 www. pompeipizza.com There are numerous locations for this Italian pizza bakery/café and the fans of the biscuit-like crust swear it’s the best in town. Sun Wah BBQ (Carry Out) 5309 N. Broadway, 773.769.1254 www. sunwahbbq.com Sure, anybody can order chop suey or chow mein. However, what about when you want something more exotic? Call Sun Wah for its ginormous menu featuring BBQ pork, Peking duck, deep fried pig intestine (well, maybe not so much) and just about any kind of fish or noodle dish you can dream up. Yummy Yummy (Carry Out/Delivery) 2901 N. Broadway, 773.525.6677 www. yummyyummyasiancuisine.com
Just about any classic Chinese dish, from Cantonese to Szechuan, Mongolian, Singapore and even a bit of Viet Namese & Thai thrown in for good measure. And, every dish is available in a vegetarian version as well using gluten and tofu, such as General Tso’s “chicken”.
Not Just Take Out by Eddie Gourmet’ There are times when having a meal delivered is just about perfect. There are other times when you feel like cooking, but don’t have time to shop. Or maybe, you need someone to help you make healthy choices and control portion sizes for you. One of the great things about living in a “major metropolitan area” is that you have many options to help you eat better, save money, save time or even all three. By now, just about everyone knows about sites such as Peapod, which allow you to shop on-line and have groceries delivered to your door at your convenience. What many folks don’t realize is that there are hundreds of companies that will tackle as many of the chores in food prep as you like, from delivering home cooked meals or doing the prep for you, letting you jump right into cooking when you get home. Here are some of my top choices. Grocery Delivery Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks
5625 W. Howard, Niles 847.410.0595 www.freshpicks.com Home delivery of local and organic produce, meat, dairy and eggs in the Chicago and North Shore area. Order specific items from the product list and/ or mark items to receive on a recurring weekly or bi-weekly basis to form a standing order.
Door to Door Organics
5412 W. Roosevelt 773.473.4872 chicago. www. doortodoororganics.com Subscribers to Door to Door Organics schedule delivery of organic mixed produce, veggies only or fruit only. Each Friday they receive an e-mail with a suggested menu from which they may substitute or make additions. Recipe recommendations allow subscribers shop-by-recipe or browse food categories. Free delivery is available for most locations. Box sizes, priced from $27 to $40. Newleaf Natural Grocery
1261 W. Loyola 773.743.0400 www. newleafnatural.com Offers weekly organic produce boxes priced from $15 to $33 for a mixture of fruit and vegetables to $15 for just a box of vegetables. Those willing to pick up a box at the store can do so without a long-term commitment. Delivery is available throughout Chicago and Evanston. Semi-Prepared Foods Meez Meals
5343 N. Paulina 773.844.7568 www. meezmeals.com Inspired by mise en place (French for the prep component of cooking), this company posts five new recipes on its web site each week. Customers choose the dishes they want and the folks at Meez prep everything in a commercial kitchen in Evanston, and deliver a One of the most popular items is the cooler box packed with ingredients “Fresh Picks” box, filled with local prepped for meals. Everything is labeled in-season produce and customized and the ingredients may be refrigerated according to individual needs and for a week. The meals are vegetarian, preferences. Prices range from $18 to and most meals are on the table in 20 $40, depending on the size of the order. to 40 minutes. Prices are surprisingly Delivery bins packed with materials reasonable; 5 meals for 2 people per such as ice packs and insulation keep week runs $85 or about $8.50 per orders fresh for up to 8 hours. person, per meal. 12 boi
Real Kitchen
1433 W. Montrose 773.281.2888 www. realkitchenchicago.com Real Kitchen offers a seasonal menu of everything from soups, salads, snacks, and sandwiches to complete meals to reheat at home. The three chefs behind Real Kitchen have worked at some of Chicago’s top restaurants including Charlie Trotter’s, North Pond, L2O and Nomi. The tiny storefront offers prepared entrees sold cold to be reheated at your convenience. Entrees range from $7 to $12 per serving, side dishes about $3 per serving. Delivery is available from 11 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. and fees run from $3-$10 depending upon distance.
right taste” or “the perfect moment” is a meal planning company where the emphasis is on keeping the client’s meals under the recommended number of calories per day. A suggested weekly menu of lunches, dinners, and snacks is delivered once a week with most clients enrolled in the five days a week plan. The women’s daily 1,200 calorie meals include lunch and dinner, the men’s plan is for 2,000 calories. Other dining plans are geared to athletes, glutenfree diets and low carb diets and run between $100-$00 a week, plus tax & delivery. Urban Essential Meals
312.523.7872 www. urbanessentialmeals.com Urban Essential Meals creates meals specifically designed for its customers Johnny Casserole 773.398.2407 www. johnnycasserole.com based upon such criteria as; age, fitness level, overall health goals, food The Midwest’s first casserole delivery service brings pre-made casseroles that preferences/allergies, etc. Following the assessment, a recommendation need only be baked. Each casserole as to how many calories should be serves up to eight and include: shepherds’ pie, jambalaya, chicken pot consumed daily. After reviewing the pie, lasagna, pizza strata, mac-n-cheese recommendations, clients receive meals that are prepared and delivered and one called “Ain’t your momma’s same day. Free delivery is included tuna noodle casserole.” Breakfast/ for locations between 18th Street and brunch and dessert casseroles are Addison, the lake to Western Ave. available as well. Prices range from $25-$40 and many dishes can be made with a choice of meats or as vegetarian Eat Like the Pros 708.792.3587 www. eatlikethepros.com versions. This organic meal delivery company is a subsidiary of the nutrition consulting Casseroles are delivered in aluminum company SportFuel. The focus is on foil pans, although those who join the organic and minimally processed whole company’s “Hot Dish Club” and pay foods. The two-step registration process a one-time deposit of $10 may have includes a calorie assessment and a their casserole delivered in a glass sample meal guide based on the results. baking dish, which is returned when Clients review weekly menus on-line the next order is placed. Deliveries are by appointment and must be placed at and choose items that adhere to their individualized meal plan. least one week in advance. Meal Planning Sazon
4737 N. Damen 773.230.0929 www. sazonchicago.com Sazon, which translates as “just the
Meals are delivered before 5:30 am and in soft cooler bags. Meals average about $35 a day, plus a delivery charge between $7.50 and $15, Delivery is available throughout the lakefront area and in some suburbs. boi 13
Seen on the Scene Eddie Gourmet Spring is the time when the flowers bloom and so does the restaurant scene. Here are some new and about to debut places we’re excited about. Alpana Singh’s New place Name and address TBA Sommelier and “Check, Please” host Alpana Singh will open a wine bar and restaurant in a joint venture with the owners of Bistronomic. Singh left her gig as wine director at Lettuce Entertain You in the fall after 12 years with the company, and has been boning up on cheese at Pastoral in the interim. Bonsai Bar & Lounge 3503 N. Halsted Offering a full cocktail & martini selection, a boutique wine list featuring bottle or by the glass options and sake as well as a small plate menu including a number of vegetarian selections, this new place from Frank Elliott “Will be a place for individuals who are open minded, looking for a friendly place where they can always feel welcome.” G.E.B. 841 W. Randolph Celeb chef and “MasterChef” judge Graham Elliot (of Grahamwich and Graham Elliot in River North) set to open in the next month or so. La Sirena Clandestina 954 W. Fulton Market Dodo owner Kim Dalton is partnering with former Mas and Branch 27 chef John Manion to open this restaurant in the Dodo space later this spring. Little Goat 820 W. Randolph “Top Chef” winner Stephanie Izard is putting her own spin on a classic diner just down the block from her popular Girl & the Goat restaurant. Oon Chicago 802 W. Randolph Chef Matt Eversman, formerly of Saigon Sisters, will serve his inventive take on Southeast Asian fare at his new restaurant, due to open 14 boi
next month. The name is an acronym for “out of nowhere”, a phrase used to describe Eversman’s meteoric rise to the top of the dining scene. Pillars Social Cafe 6800 N Sheridan At first glance you might think this new addition to East Rogers Park was just a coffee house, but the extensive menu features more than a dozen gourmet sandwiches and burgers, a number of yummy sounding salads and, of course, coffee and pastries. Nellcote 833 W. Randolph The owners of Old Town Social have commandeered the old Marché space for this restaurant and bar, which was just about to open as we went to press. Head chef Jared Van Camp will mill his own flour to make pasta and pizzas. Revolucion Mexican steakhouse 3443 N. Broadway The folks behind El Mariachi hope to have their new Latin influenced steak restaurant open in the old Triangle Camera space by May. Vegetarian Express 3109 N. Halsted This unassuming little spot opened just a couple of months ago and has already developed a devoted following, and not just among vegetarians, either. The house-made tamales are just one reason why folks love this place. Winery 1200 W. Randolph Music producer Michael Dorf is opening a second location of his NYC-based winery, sometime this coming spring. It will feature a 300-person music venue/private event space and a 150-person restaurant and bar. Eddie Gourmet is the pen-name of a service industry veteran who worked as a professional chef and menu consultant before changing careers to focus on reporting on the food service and hospitality industries.
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, BOI s Best Restaurants AMERICAN___________
Ann Sather 929 W. Belmont 773.348.2378.
5207 N Clark 773.271.6627 & 3411 N Broadway 773.305.0024. These bustling hot spots, serving traditional Swedish pancake house fare, are best known for hearty fare and delish cinnamon rolls.
The Bagel 3107 N. Broadway 773.477.0300
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.
The quintessential Jewish style deli is the perfect spot for a corned beef or pastrami sandwich, some chicken soup, lox and bagels or a full dinner that tastes as if someone’s Jewish momma made it.
“Eat, Drink and be... MARY” at this fun and popular Andersonville restaurant which features a wide array of burgers and sandwiches, along with an interesting selection of tasty appetizers. Wash it all down with one of Mary’s home-brewed ales.
Chicago Diner 3411 N. Halsted 773.935.6696
Horizon Café 3805 N. Broadway 773.883.1565.
This world famous vegetarian restaurant offers vegan and organic offerings. Organic beers, wine, and spirits are also available.
Cocktail 3359 N. Halsted 773.477.1420. The
kitchen at this popular bar serves up better and fancier food than it needs to. The menu ranges from gourmet salads and sandwiches to comfort food and fabulous brunch dishes.
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.
Deluxe Diner 6349 N. Clark 773.743.8244.
Conveniently located near Rogers Park’s gay triangle, the diner’s “open 24 hours on weekends” status is perfect after a night at the bars. Featured menu items include breakfast skillets that are served anytime.
Jimbo’s Red Hots 3617 N. Broadway 773.868-
9700. Steamed jumbo hot dogs from Red Hot Chicago with toppings such as pickles, lettuce, tomato, celery salt, onions & hot peppers; char dogs & foot longs too. Open 24 hours. Signature Pizza located in the same spot, serving pizza, pasta & burgers, also open 24 hours.
Golden Nugget Family Restaurants
2720 N. Clark 773.929.0724. 2406 W. Diversey 773.252.8903. 1765 W. Lawrence 773.769.6700. A great option for after bar dining as they are all open 24-7, and have free parking. The large menu is sure to please, especially the classic breakfast and hearty dinners. Everything is housemade, known for fluffy buttermilk pancakes,
Gyro-Mena 905 W. Belmont 773.935.2600.
Augments the Athenian Gyros by satisfying the American desire to pick our own toppings! True Athenian Gyros is a choice of all natural nonground meat (pork or chicken) stacked and cooked on a rotisserie.
This long-time 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 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.
Jury’s 4337 N. Lincoln 773.935.2255. Watch all
the poplular sports at this friendly neighborhood sports bar. Known for their killer burgers. They offer a late night menu along with daily specials and even brunch on Sundays.
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.. On Monday nights get 50% off your entire bill.
Nookies Tree 3334 N. Halsted 773.248.9888. A
regular haunt for the locals of Boystown and popular with hangover recoverees, the diner serves made-toorder omelets, pancakes, waffles and other brunch fare all day. And it’s open 24 hours on weekends.
Melrose 3233 N Broadway 773.327.2060. This
Lakeview institution has been catering to the afterbar crowds for decades, serving breakfast anytime along with typical diner fare. Open 24 hours
Philly’s Best 907 W. Belmont 773.525.7900.
Authentic Philly cheese steak sandwich. Their meat is brought directly from Philadelphia. Also, medium crust pizza, oven baked grinders & fresh salads.
Stella’s Diner 3042 N. Broadway 773.472.9040.
Friendly staff serve up delicious diner fare, such as; fresh salads, a large selection of wraps, sandwiches, hearty entrees, pastas, and homemade deserts boi 17
, BOI s Best Restaurants 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 such as chicken pot pie, meatloaf, 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 rangoon, pot stickers, tempura and nine spice curry items. Delivery available.
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 both those in and walking by the restaurant. Delivery available.
Young’s Chinese 3949 N. Ashland
773.248.7998. This well-regarded outpost has earned a stellar reputation for great tasting food 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 & 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 Monsieur and mufaletta sandwiches, almond-crusted stuffed French toast, and the free flow of Champagne mimosas. Brunch here is loud, raucous and FUN! Great for dinner, as well.
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.
Taverna 750 750 W. Cornelia Ave 773.248.8333.
This restaurant, formerly known as Cornelia’s is the latest trendy Italian restaurant in the neighborhood. New owners, new looks and a new menu is sure to make this a new hot spot. 18 boi
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. The Sunday buffet brunch is extravagant and reasonably priced.
Sayat Nova 157 E. Ohio 312.644.9159. Classic
Mediterranean-American fare served in comfortable surroundings Every Thursday night things get extra gay for the “Boystown in Downtown” party. MEXICAN/LATIN__________
Cesar’s 2924 N. Broadway 773.296.9097 and at
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.”
El Nuevo Mexicano 2914 N. Clark 773.528.2131. Cozy dining room along with authentic Mexican cuisine makes this a great place for delicious dining. Open for lunch & dinner, great patio for summer outdoor dining. Delivery available too!
Las Mananitas 3523 N. Halsted St. 773.528.2109. Traditional & regional Mexican dishes along with freshly squeezed limes for margaritas. Nice place to eat, drink and window watch people on Halsted St. Has a full bar & plenty of hardy dishes to satisfy any appetite. Serving the community for over 28 years. Fiesta Mexicana 2423 N. Lincoln Ave 773.348.4144 (2nd Location) 4806 N. Broadway 773.769.4244. Traditional favorites along with great ambiance. Nice place to bring your family, friends or bring a date to. The Lincoln location has daily specials & live music.
Mayan Palace 2703 N. Halsted 773.935.4200
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!” Is your target market is in our distribution area?? ADVERTISE YOUR RESTAURANT IN BOI MAGAZINE Call 773.975.0264 or email us at boiADS@aol.com More listings @ boimagazine.com, click on Dining link
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Dining Out For Life Where do your “Dining Out for Life” dollars go?
Manager at Halsted’s Bar & Grill and Hydrate Nightclub.
On Thursday, April 26, 2012 EdgeAlliance will hosts the 19th annual Dining Out For Life event in Chicago, benefiting children and adults living with HIV/AIDS. Chicago is one of 60 cities across the United States and Canada participating in the event, making Dining Out for Life the single largest HIV/AIDS benefit in the country!
While many folks are eager to participate, they seldom know how the money from “DOFL” is spent.
Last year more than 80 Chicago restaurants pledged a portion of the night’s proceeds to EdgeAlliance raising more than $125,000! This year, EdgeAlliance hopes to add to its list of esteemed Chicago dining spots. “Dining Out for Life is a great event! Not only does it provide additional sales but it lets a great organization raise much needed funds!” said Sean Kotwa, General
Funded programs conduct individual and group counseling sessions to support residents recovering from substance abuse and alcoholism.
Money is used for housing individuals and families who would otherwise be homeless. They also provide residents with transportation to doctor’s appointment or grocery shopping.
Among other things, they also provide children with homework help and actvities at the Kids Club after-school program. For more information, go to www.edgealliance.org.
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Chicago Spotlight: William B Kelley Interviews with leaders in Chicago GLBT community by Gregg Shapiro Bill Kelley is one of the forefathers of Chicago’s gay rights movement. Beginning his battle five decades ago, as a member of Mattachine, he took part in the first gay rights protests (in Philadelphia) in the mid’60s, long before Stonewall. As part of boi’s mission to preserve these memories and reintroduce some of the leaders of the GLBT community, Bill answered a few questions poised by Gregg Shapiro.
When did you come out and what was the experience like for you?
It depends on what you mean by coming out. As others have noted, coming out is a continuous process that takes a multitude of forms. Even though in an ideal world it shouldn’t be. That said, I’ve been publicly gay for 46 years. I unmistakably came out to myself when I started at the University of Chicago in 1959. I never explicitly came out to my Missouri birth family. I didn’t have to. Most family members have been friendly and supportive. I’ve always been outspoken about non-mainstream opinions,, so in a perverse way that may sometimes have helped pave the path for my sexuality to be quietly accepted by people who already knew me, just another of my “peculiarities.”
Please name five of your LGBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them.
• Bayard Rustin, who would have been 100 years old this year, organized the famous 1963 civil rights march on Washington, but had to take a backseat in the civil rights movement because his record of being victimized by a 1953 Los Angeles “morals” arrest would have been embarrassing to other leaders. • Alan Turing, the British mathematician known as the father of computer science, who helped end World War II by breaking German codes. • Magnus Hirschfeld, the German physician who, in 1897, founded what may have been the world’s first organization to advocate for homosexual rights. After the Nazis burned his institute and its library in 1933, he was an exile in France until he died in 1935. There were others who could bear the label, but you asked for only five.
What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the LGBT community in Chicago and at large?
Helping dream up and develop community organizations over the decades and in particular helping develop the gay press as an indispensable way of mobilizing, educating, and inspiring people, gay and non-gay.
I don’t really think of heroes, because my view of the movement is that it mostly depends on the contributions of each of us, and those who can be labeled heroes may not have had a lasting impact without a movement to carry on their work. If I had to pick out heroes, in no particular order, I’d include:
What are your future goals and aspirations?
• Frank Kameny, who persevered for more than 50 years and played a major role in changing the federal government’s employment policies as well as the psychiatric profession’s doctrines.
Words of wisdom to the next LGBT generation?
• Barbara Gittings, another pioneer who forsook a more conventional career to become active in the Daughters of Bilitis as editor of “The Ladder,” and played a major role in making libraries more inclusive of literature on sexual minorities. 22 boi
I’d enjoy some kind of government service, I’d like to organize my papers for archiving and write some memoirs, and I’d like to have enough health and money to do some more traveling.
Be patient and realize that progress takes time and continuous effort but it’s inevitable. Understand the connections between the rights of others and your own rights, that’s a classic part of supporting civil liberties, which we should all do. Live an honest life, know that you’re capable of influencing the world, and do your part to make it a better one.
In The Know, On The Go by Harry Taint
Put on Your Sunday School Clothes Confessional Sundays have begun at Hydrate. The folks at the popular club figured many of their customers attended religiously, so they’re making it official. Sundays will now feature $25 Svedka bottle service to help loosen those lips. I’m certain that confession isn’t the only reason some of those boys are kneeling…. Speaking of church, the awful weather might have diminished the size of the crowd, but not its spirit as GLBT rights activists and allies braved the bitterly cold temperatures Sunday, Feb. 12 to protest outside Holy Name Cathedral as part of National Freedom to Marry Day. Leaders pointed out that the event was “not an anti-Catholic demonstration, this was a demonstration against the Catholic leadership.”… Congrats to our editor Rick Karlin and columnist Gregg Shapiro, they made it legal after nearly 20 years by having a civil union ceremony in their Uptown home. Back to Basics Cocktail is back in business and back to basics. The bar will now be open now on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with an emphasis on drinking classic cocktails to some great ambient music. A bar where you can hold a conversation without going hoarse? What a concept… Manhole reunion alert! Hydrate’s hosting “Phys. Ed. - A Manhole Event“ on Saturday, Feb. 25… If you need to brush up on your jock status beforehand, head over to Crew the night before for its “Hot Jock” contest… Or maybe “Mr. Unionsuit” contest that same night at Touche is more your speed. I’m Seeing Little Gold Men Note that I said “gold” men, not “old” men. There are three major holidays in the GLBT community, Pride Day,
Halloween and, of course, Oscar Night. If you doubt the importance of Oscar night take a look at any community calendar for a list of events on Sunday, Feb. 26. “On the Red Carpet” is the Oscar party at Park West held as a benefit for Center on Halsted… It should come as no surprise that the folks at Sidetrack have a huge night planned. What’s nice is that this one is a freebie, a thank you to the folks that pack the place for show tune nights, evenings and afternoons… The Glenwood is combining a screening of the Academy Awards with a team trivia contest… Even the metal heads at Jackhammer are getting in on the fun with a party hosted by Chester Munro featuring a 50/50 Oscar ballot contest, Best Picture champagne toast, complimentary buffet, Best Song Oscar contest (hey guys, there are only two nominees this year. How hard could it be?), raffles, specials and prizes… Finally Vital Bridges viewing party at Hotel 71, “And the Oscar Goes to…” is all glitz and glam in the breath-taking 39th floor penthouse ballroom, with libations, bites, and raffle prizes. Out of the Closets And… into the Occupation. If you’re thinking about getting more involved in the Occupy movement, but weren’t certain if there were any other queers involved, head over to the Occupy Chicago HQ at 500 W. Cermak, 7th Flr, on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. And Into the Ballroom Nearly 1,000 folks attended Equality Illinois’ fund raiser, “Justice for All”. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Every Family” and among the family in attendance was Gov. Pat Quinn, Secretary of State Jesse White, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, Senate President John Cullerton, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and President Obama’s senior advisor Valerie Jarrett. boi 25
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Ask Ace
Relationship & Sex Advice
profound depression. Get in touch with a doctor and a therapist immediately. You need Two of my best friends, a wonderful pair to see a medical doctor to rule out a physical of older women, are breaking up after 20 reason for your lethargy and for a prescription years together. I’ve always known them as a couple and love them both. Each one has for anti-depressants. You will also need to find been a wonderful friend and I considered a good therapist to help you climb out of your them my role models. Since the break up, state. If you don’t want to take drugs, then try I’ve gone out to dinner with each of them a good brand of St. John’s Wort available at a separately and they’ve both poured out vitamin store, which can have an immediate their hearts to me. Frankly, I think that the separation is the best thing for both of them. effect on the way you feel. I want to be supportive to them both, but If cost is an issue, contact Chicago’s don’t want to get in the middle. What can I Department of Mental Health. Counselors are do? available on a pay-as-you-can basis. Similar programs are also available through the Dear TBTL Center on Halsted and Howard Brown. This First thing to do is be very up front with them. is not something that you wait and hope will Tell them you want to keep them both as your pass. friends and explain to each of them that you’re willing to be their sounding board, but that Your depression may have been triggered by the death of your cat. The death of a pet can be you will not offer any advice, nor can they as impactful as the death of a friend or relative. expect you to choose sides. Then, stand by Too often people dismiss the grieving process that. Under no circumstances should you tell as being inappropriate for a pet. It is not. By either of them that you think they’d both be not allowing yourself to accept and cope with better off apart. On the off chance that they the loss, you may have begun to spiral into a decide to reconcile, that would put you in a deep depressive state. When you feel better very awkward situation. If either of them starts emotionally, the work and household issues to relate stories that make you uncomfortable, will get taken care of. Right now, a messy stop them and then change the subject. Good apartment is the least of your concerns. luck, you’re walking a difficult path.
Torn Between Two Lovers
Blue Boy
Lately I’ve been so tired that I can barely push myself to get up and go to work every day. I just want to stay in bed and stare at game shows all day. When I am at work, I can’t focus and have been messing up a lot. I have no desire to go out. When my friends call I usually just let it go to voicemail. My apartment is a mess. I haven’t cleaned it in weeks; I just don’t have enough energy. My cat, which I’ve had since I was a teenager, died a few months ago and I haven’t even thrown out or emptied his litter box. His food bowl sits next to the refrigerator and I haven’t thrown that away either. Everything seems so useless.
Dear BB
While there may be a medical reason for this, my guess is that you are suffering from
Tickled on Talman
When someone tickles me, I get quite excited sexually. A few times, when I’ve been tickled, I actually shot a load. Is this normal?
Dear TOT
Normal? No, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s anything wrong with your feelings. Normal means common among most people. Most people don’t respond to tickling with an orgasm. Most people are right-handed, that means being left-handed is not normal, but it doesn’t make it sick or bad. If you enjoy being tickled until you achieve orgasm, go out buy a feather and have a great time. Don’t worry about what’s normal. Being normal isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. __________________________________________
Ace Magyar has a BA in communications, a MA in sex therapy and a PhD in zoology. He is a registered couple’s counselor specializing in the GLBT community. Send your questions to boieditorial@aol.com. boi 29
Chicago Bars and Clubs Boystown / Lakeview
3160 3160 N.Clark G&L, LM,DS Berlin 954 W. Belmont G&L, D, 4 Bobby Love’s 3729 N. Halsted G&L Buck’s Saloon 3439 N. Halsted G Cell Block 3702 N. Halsted G, LF Charlie’s 3726 N. Broadway G, D, W Circuit 2.02 3641 N. Halsted G&L, D, 4 Cocktail 3359 N. Halsted G, GB Elixir Lounge 3452 N. Halsted G, 4 F. O’Mahony’s 3701 N. Broadway G&L, R Hydrate 3458 N. Halsted G, D, DS, 4 Kit Kat 3700 N. Halsted G&L, DS, R Little Jim’s 3501 N. Halsted G, V, 4 Lucky Horseshoe 3169 N. Halsted G, GB Manhandler 1948 N. Halsted G, W, 4 Minibar 3341 N. Halsted G, R North End 3733 N. Halsted G Roscoe’s 3356 N. Halsted G, D, V, DS Scarlet 3320 N. Halsted G Sidetrack 3349 N. Halsted G, V Smart Bar / Metro 3730 N. Clark MS, D, 4 Spin 800 W. Belmont G, D, V, DS The Closet 3325 N. Broadway G&L, V, 4
773.327.5969 773.348.4975 773.525.1200 773.525.1125 773.665.8064 773.871.8887 773.325.2233 773.477.1420 773.477.1420 773.549.0226 773.975.9244 773.525.1111 773.871.6116 773.404.3169 773.871.3339 773.871.6227 773.477.7999 773.281.3355 773.348.1053 773.477.9189 773.549.4140 773.327.7711 773.477.8533
Chicago Downtown
Baton Show Lounge 436 N. Clark DS 312.644.5269 Club 720 720 N. Wells MS, D, 4 312.787.8720 Crimson Lounge 333 N. Dearborn MS, D, R 312.923.2473 Downtown Bar & Lounge 440 N State G 312.464.1400 Excalibur/Vision 632 N. Dearborn MS, D, 4 312.266.1944 Funky Buddha 728 W. Grand Ave. MS, D 312.666.1695 House of Blues 329 N. Dearborn MS, LM, 4 312.923.2000 Krush/Prop House 1657 N. Elston G&L, D, 4 773.486.2390 Second Story Bar 157 E. Ohio G, V 312.923.9536 Sound Bar 226 W. Ontario MS, D, 4 312.787-4480 Spy Bar 646 N. Franklin MS, D, 4 312.587.8779 Underground 56 W. Illinois MS, D, 4 312.644.7600 Vibe 1543 N. Kingsbury MS, D, 4 312.266.1900
Chicago Northside CONTINUED
Crew 4804 N. Broadway G&L, V, R 773.784.2739 Davenport’s 1383 N. Milwaukee G&L, LM 773.278.1830 Debonair Social Club 1575 N. MilwaukeeAve. MS, D 773.227.7990 Fat Cat 4849 N. Broadway MS, R 773.506.3100 Green Dolphin St. 2200 N. Ashland G&L, D, LM, 4 773.395.0066 Green Mill 4802 N. Broadway MS, LM, 4 773.878.5552 In Fine Spirits 5420 N Clark MS, R 773.334.9463 Jackhammer 6406 N. Clark G, D, V, GB, LM, 4 773.743.5772 Joi de Vine 1744 W. Balmoral L, R 773.989.6846 Kinetic Playground 1113 W. LawrenceMS, D, LM, 4 773.769.5483 Marty’s 1511 W. Balmoral G&L 773.561.6425 Mary’s Attic 5400 N Clark G&L, D, V, R 773.784.6969 Parlour On Clark 6341 N. Clark 773.564.9274 Mary’s RecRoom 5402 N Clark G&L, D, V, R 773.784.6969 Scot’s 1829 W. Montrose G&L 773.528.3253 SoFo Bar 4923 N. Clark G 773.784.7636 T’s 5025 N. Clark G&L, R 773.784.6000 The Call 1547 W Bryn Mawr G&L, D, DS, V, LM 773.334.2525 The Glenwood 6962 N Glenwood G 773.764.7363 Touché 6412 N. Clark G, V, LF, 4 773.465.7400 Uptown Lounge 1136 W. Lawrence 773.878.1136
Chicago Southside
Club Escape 1530 E. 75th G&L, D Escapades 6301 S. Harlem G&L, D, V, 4 Inn Exile 5758 W. 65th G&L, D, V Jeffrey Pub 7041 S. Jeffrey G&L, D, V, 4
Chicago Suburbs
Hideaway 7301 W. Roosevelt Forest Park G, D, V, DS, GB Club Krave 13126 S. Western Blue Island G&L, D, V, DS, GB, 4 Hunters 1932 E. Higgins Elk Grove Village G, D, V, GB, 4 Mission 209 E. Chicago Downtown Elgin G&L, D, V Encompass 24215 Rush St. Lake Station, IN G&L, D, R, DS Velvet Rope 728 Lake St Oak Park G&L, D, V, R
Adult Entertainment
Chicago Northside
The Anvil 1137 W. Granville G, V @mosphere 5355 N. Clark G&L, V, GB Big Chicks 5024 N. Sheridan G&L, D, R
773.973.0006 773.784.1100 773.728.5511
G------------------------------------------------------------------Gay Male L---------------------------------------------------------------------Lesbian G&L-------------------------------------------------Gay Male & Lesbian D-------------------------------------------------------------------Dancing V-----------------------------------------------------------------------Video GB-------------------------------------------------------------Go Go Boys DS--------------------------------------------------------------Drag Show R--------------------------------------------------------Restaurant, Food
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773.667.6454 773.229.0886 773.582.3510 773.363.8555
Banana Video 4923 N. Clark G, BK Bijou Theater 1349 N. Wells G, GB, BK Man’s Country 5017 N. Clark G, GB, BH Steamworks 3246 N. Halsted G, BH, FC The Ram 35111/2 N. Halsted G, BK, D
708.771.4459 708.597.8379 847.439.8840 847.488.0320 219.962.4640 708.358.8840
773.561.8322 312.943.5397 773.878.2069 773.929.6080 773.525.9528
4-------------------------------------------------------------Open til 4am MS--------------------------------------------------------Mostly Straight LF---------------------------------------------------------Leather / Fetish W-------------------------------------------------------------------Western LM--------------------------------------------------Live Music / Cabaret BH--------------------------------------------------------------Bath House BK----------------------------------Adult Book, Booth & Video Store FC-------------------------------------------------------------Fitness Club