Welcome to Pridefest It is with great honor and Pride that the members of the NorthalstedBusiness Association (NBA) and those of us at BOI Magazine (the publisher of this Pride Fest Guide) extend a hearty welcome to all of you attending the 8th Annual Chicago Pride Fest, an event that has become a significant part of the city’s 2010 GLBT Pride events and activities. On this 41st anniversary of the Stonewall Riots the 1969 event in New York City that marked the start of the gay civil rights movement we look forward to joining you in the various festivities that will demonstrate to the city, and to the world, our collective pride as a GLBT community. Pride Fest has grown from being “the little party that could” into a 2-day event on the northern end of Halsted Street in the Lakeview neighborhood (between Grace and Addison Streets). As you walk around this year’s Pride Fest, we encourage you to use the Guide and refer to it often. It contains information about the various Pride Fest Vendors, a map to help you navigate around the festival area, and details about the exciting entertainment that’s on tap. As Pride Fest is part of Chicago’s celebration of Pride, you will find plenty of information in the Guide about other Pride-related events in the city. The expanded Pride Planner lists many political, social and cultural events that are occurring in and around the city during June and into July as well a details about the 41st Annual Chicago Pride Parade, Finally, as you read through the Pride Fest Guide, we hope you’ll take notice of the advertisers as well as the sponsors of Pride Fest and the businesses that make up NBA. They all have contributed to make Pride Fest a meaningful, vibrant, and joyful experience for those who attend, and in turn we encourage you to patronize their businesses during the weekend and beyond. Once again, NBA and BOI Magazine welcome you all to the 2009 Chicago Pride Fest. We hope you have wonderful time!
chicago pride fest 2010 guide
3708 N. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60613 773.975.0264 boieditorial@aol.com Publisher Editor
Mike Macharello Rick Karlin
Layout & Design Roberto Balderas
JR Garcia
Advertising Bill Gubrud, Manager Freddie Bain Korey Neibarger
bill@boimagzine.com freddie@boimagazine.com korey@boimagazine.com
Photographers Freddie Bain Korey Neibarger George St. George
Tim Hite - MTMChicago Frank Failing
Editorial Contributors Harry Taunt Special Events Management PRIDEChicago Northalsted Area Merchants Association
www.boimagazine.com www.northalsted.com BOI Magazine, Inc. © 2000−2010 All rights reserved
ABOUT PRIDE FEST ABOUT NORTHALSTED featured entertainment featured entertainment (CONTD) ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE VENDOR MAP vendor listing PRIDE PARADE PRIDE EVENTS IN THE KNOW, ON THE GO DINING IN AND AROUND PRIDE FEST TABLEHOPPING GAY AND LESBIAN HALL OF FAME BARS & CLUBS DIRECTORY
10 14 24 27 29 39 41 46 51 52 55 57 64 68
I
t’s all about LGBT pride at Chicago Pride Fest! Slated to be held June 25-26, 2010 —immediately before Chicago’s iconic Pride Parade on June 27— this festive two-day event marks the first official party of summer.
Hosted by (and benefiting) the Northalsted Business Alliance, the same group behind the wildly popular Northalsted Market Days®, this equally crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride showcases an eclectic lineup of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages with one dedicated to some of Chicago’s fine performers in the gay community. For information on sponsorships, transit and vendors, visit chicagoevents.com.
10 boi
T
he Northalsted Business Alliance works cooperatively to maintain a diverse, safe and thriving shopping and entertainment district. In 1980, a small group of retailers in a four-block area along Halsted Street joined forces to promote the street and improve business conditions.
Since its inception, the Northalsted Business Alliance (formerly the Northalsted Merchants Association) has grown to represent more than 80 businesses along North Halsted Street from Barry Street to West Irving Park Road. The Alliance has been recognized by the media, the City of Chicago and local residents as a major force in the community, championing positive change and growth.
#18, the Northalsted Business Alliance’s street beautification program provides regular street and sidewalk cleaning, as well as the maintenance of our seasonal planters. Together with the Chicago Police Department, the Northalsted Business Alliance also administers the Special Service Area #18 Security Rebate Program, which encourages businesses and residents to make their properties safe and secure.
Northalsted Events The Northalsted Business Alliance hosts two of the city’s most popular events—Chicago Pride Fest® and Northalsted Market Days®—which bring thousands of people to our neighborhood. Halsted Tastes Better and the Northalsted Business Alliance-sponsored Halloween on Halsted parade also invite the community to gather and experience Northalsted.
Commitment to the Community Strengthening our community is a priority. The Northalsted Business Alliance has proudly supported The Center on Halsted since its inception and was one of its first major contributors. A focal point for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community of Chicago, The Center on Halsted serves the community’s diverse social, recreational, cultural and social service needs. In addition, the Northalsted Business Alliance regularly surveys area residents on our activities and programs to confirm that our efforts are benefiting and appreciated by our local community.
Neighborhood Beautification and Safety The Northalsted Business Alliance works diligently to maintain a safe and beautiful neighborhood for residents, business owners and visitors. Through Special Service Area
14 boi
Friday, June 25 6:30 p.m. Tiffany
When it comes to ‘80s teen pop music, you’d be hard-pressed to find a performer at well-known as Tiffany! At the time she was the youngest artist to have two releases peak at number one on the U.S. pop charts (“I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Could’ve Been.”) Since then, she has successfully recorded songs in a number of music genres, including country. Tiffany currently has continued to have a huge following with her numerous dance hits. In recent years she has also successfully tried her acting chops in several indie and widely-released movies. She also had a cameo in an episode of the popular CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother.” Tiffany performs at LGBT events worldwide and is mother to a young son. She divides her time living in Los Angeles and her husband’s native England.
9:00 p.m. Thea Austin
Since her claim-to-fame debut as lead vocalist for the Eurodance group Snap! on its 1992 mega-hit “Rhythm Is a Dancer,” Austin has gone on to have a wildly successful solo recording career in several music genres including house, soul, pop and rock. Best described as a sultry diva, powerful vocalist, producer, lyricist, stunning beauty and international performer, the sounds of the Pittsburgh born Austin defy easy categorization and cross several musical boundaries.
Saturday, June 26 2:30 p.m. Taylor Dayne
Multi-platinum pop-dance recording artist Dayne may call her new album “Satisfied,” but the world-class performer is anything but, as she prepares to release her first studio album in almost 10 years on her own Intention Music label. The New York born artist’s three albums for Arista Records, “Tell It To My Heart,” “Can’t Fight Fate” and “Soul Dancing,” produced a whopping twelve Top 20 singles, among them the chart-topping “Love Will Lead You Back.” Over the course of her career, she has sold more than 75 million albums and singles worldwide, and garnered three Grammy nominations along the way.
24 boi
4:30 p.m. Amber
Dutch-German singer/songwriter Amber’s music career took off when one of her demos, “This Is Your Night,” gained interest from Tommy Boy Records. Soon after its release as a single, it became one of the most successful songs of the late ‘90s. A full length album soon followed. It included other hit songs including “Colour Of Love” and “One More Night.” Since that time she has had a string of dance and club hits, received a Grammy nomination for songwriting, and written songs for artists such as Cher and Bette Midler.
7:00 p.m. Frenchie Davis
The R&B singer’s introduction to the world of pop culture was as a contestant on TV’s “American Idol.” Since then, she has earned widespread acclaim for performances on Broadway, including “Rent” where she performed before packed audiences for nearly four years. The Los Angeles native is an entertainment chameleon. In addition to music and rave reviews for her theater performances, she has also been a Grammy Music Awards correspondent for “Entertainment Tonight.” Her dance cuts are popular in the club community, and she’s planning to release a full-length debut album with songs spanning several musical genres.
8:00 p.m. Sophia May
Singer/songwriter Sophia May has reached top spots on the dance charts several times since she hit the limelight in 2008. The British-born chanteuse cut her teeth at the tender age of 16, opening and performing with some of the UK’s best acts including Bristol-based group Offside, Colourstone, Kosheen and Mercury Prize-winner Roni Size. May is a singer in hot demand and has performed in New York, Seattle and San Francisco alongside Lady Gaga, Michelle Williams and Cindy Lauper. She also manages to fit in new songwriting projects for both herself and other artists.
8:30 p.m. Inaya Day
Returning to Chicago Pride Fest again this year by popular demand, Day is a legend in house music circles and for her energetic stage performances. Born in New York City, she started her singing career in church in Brooklyn and later studied musical theater at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. In addition to chart-top dance singles, Day has appeared on Broadway and in other cities in productions of “The Wiz” and has extensive experience as a session musician with such iconic performers as Michael Jackson, Al Green, Sean “Puffy” Combs and Queen Latifah. She also has written songs for artists ranging from Randy Crawford and Bootsy Collins to Missy Elliot. boi 27
Chicago Pride Fest Schedule a
FRIDAY, JUNE 25 South Stage
4:00 p.m. The Joans 6:00 p.m. Rock Candy 8:00 p.m. Sixteen Candles North Stage 5:00 p.m. Drag Show featuring Chicago’s best female impersonators 6:30 p.m. Tiffany 8:00 p.m. Drag Show featuring Chicago’s best female impersonators 9:00 p.m. The Austin
SATURDAY, JUNE 26 South Stage
12:00 p.m.Lakeside Pride Show Band 1:00 p.m. Pet Parade with Miss Foozie 2:30 p.m. Chicago RedLine 3:30 p.m. Kimi Hayes Band 5:00 p.m. ROTC 6:00 p.m. 7Deez 7:30 p.m. Cowboys 8:00 p.m. Wedding Banned 9:30 p.m. Chicago Spirit Brigade North Stage 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m 2:30 p.m 3:30 p.m
Pet Parade with Miss Foozie TBD Taylor Dayne Drag Show featuring Chicago’s best female impersonators 7:00 p.m. Frenchie Davis 8:00 p.m. Sophia May (UK) 8:30 p.m. Inaya Day
boi 29
boi 39
Businesses, Organizations & Individuals A la Card Chicago Aids Foundation of Chicago American Laser Center American Veterans for Equal Rights Animal Ark Veterinary Clinic, PC ARFhouse Chicago Barefoot Wines Bathfitter Bead Merchant Betty Sitbon Blue Star Energy BOI Magazine Brian Mancl Photography Chicago Gay Hockey Association Chicago House/ HPI Chicago Pride.com Chi-town Best Mask Christine Rommel Clearmetrics Con Agra Crabby Cakes Studio CVS Deniera Burks Elizabeth Salinas
Fagbug Sara Feigenhultz, State Representative Forever Sunglasses Gay Chicago Gay Match Chicago Grab Magazine Bridget Gainer, Cook County Commissioner Hep Team Human Rights Campaign Illinois Lottery Israel Government Tourist Info Jack FM Jessica Semanate JUDY’S Knecht Chiropractic Clinic Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles Leo Galvin Lesbian Connection / Elsie Publishing Lifetime mad dog cookie company Mercy For Animals mmm designs Mosaic Exp Group National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Neapolitan, Inc. New York Times boi 41
Northalsted Dental Center
US Wellness
OUT!wear
Welcome to Africa
Pallay Craft
Zea Salon
Petco
Zip Car
Pink Magazine Progressive Resistance, Inc.
Food & Drinks
Q101
Bo’s Concessions
Queer Your Mind
Calahan’s Taverne and Grille
r3 multimedia group
Chicago Classics
Raw Candles.Com
Circuit Night Club
Robert Hirsh
Cousin’s Incredible Vitality
Saraswati Thapa
El Campeon
Smash and Splat Toys
Genoa Italian Concession
Southern Illinois University Carbondale LGBT Resource Center
Greek Delights
SYCK Girl Games LLC Test Positive Aware Network The Civil Rights Agenda The Rice Guyz thenakedparrot.com TLA Entertainment Group Tom Tunney, Alderman University of Illinois at Chicago, Program Impact
Kit Kat Lounge La Fuente Lee Concessions Nicholas Quality Meats Paninos Pizza Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta Scarlet Bar Sergio’s Seafood Souchet Tropical Infusion
Unreal Tattoos
The North End
Urban Outsitters
Thomas Barbecue and Catering
42 boi
T
his year’s international Pride Parade theme is, “One Heart, One World, One Pride.” While LGBT rights groups have existed for decades, the “modern day” gay movement is traced to June 28, 1969 when patrons of a New York City Greenwich Village gay bar, the Stonewall Inn, fought back during a raid by police. At that time, gay bar raids had become commonplace in cities throughout the country. That night, patrons of the bar battled the police, and street demonstrations continued for several days. During that week, gay liberation organizations were formed thus, giving birth to the modern day LGBT rights movement. The Chicago 41st Annual Pride Parade is scheduled for Sunday June 27 at 12 Noon stepping off from the Halsted/Belmont corner. It will then proceed north on Halsted to Broadway; then south on Broadway to Diversey; then east on Diversey to Cannon Drive in Lincoln Park. Each year, Parade entrants, as well as groups sponsoring Pride Month events, have the option of using an international theme, or using a theme or slogan of their own choice. The Grand Marshal of this year’s Pride Parade is Chely Wright, popular country singer/songwriter who recently came out. She has appeared on the Today show, Oprah, Ellen and in “People Magazine” describing the painful process of growing up in a small town knowing that she was gay. Chely just released her new album, Chely Wright “Lifted Off the Ground” and her memoir, “Like Me” that describes her painful coming out process dealing with religious issues, among others. Chely is now working with several organizations including GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) that works to ensure safe schools for all students and Faith in America, an organization whose mission is to educate the public about harm caused to gay Americans when certain church teachings are misused to justify and promote hostile attitudes and actions toward LGBT Americans. The day before the Parade, there is 46 boi
a scheduled “Performance & CD/Book Signing” with Chely Wright at Borders in East Lakeview at 4 PM. The next day, she will be riding in a classic car near the front of the Parade. Every year, Pride is commemorated and celebrated around the world in many different ways. Events include Parades, marches, workshops, street fests, choral concerts, athletic events, etc. The bottom line is that these events bring together millions of people worldwide. Chicago commemorates and celebrates Pride with close to one hundred different events during June Pride Month. It culminates with the annual Parade, coordinated by the PRIDEChicago group, which draws up to 450,000 people. Capping off Parade day for the seventh year in a row, ABC 7 Chicago is planning to tape the Parade for a one-hour recap to be aired on the night of the Parade, Sunday June 27. Check local television listings or ABC7Chicago.com for air time. Regardless of how an individual wants to commemorate and celebrate Pride, there is an event or function that can fit the needs of most people. For more Chicago Pride Parade and June Pride Month Calendar listings go to PRIDEChicago’s web site ChicagoPrideCalendar.org or phone: 773.348.8243.
E
very year in Chicago, June Pride Month features dozens of social, cultural, athletic and political events. Various community organizations and individuals organize these activities, which take place in different areas of the metro Chicago area. Each year the folks at PrideChicago compile these events to create the on-line June Pride Month calendar and the annual Pride Guide booklet. They also provide much of the information listed in local publications. Check out the site at chicagopridecalendar.org. Among the highlights of upcoming events are: JUNE 19 “Sappho’s Salon 2nd Anniversary Bash” at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark. 7:30 PM. Special guest: Obie award-winning queer artist Holly Hughes. Info: womenandchildrenfirst.com or 773.769.9299. JUNE 20 “Take Me Out” a staged reading of Richard Greenberg’s 2003 Broadway smash by Pride Films and Plays at Theatre Building, 1225 W. Belmont. 7 PM. Tickets: $10 Info: pridefilmsandplays.com 773.250.3112 or 800.838.3006. JUNE 21 “Pride & Joy Reception” by the Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame at Circuit Night Club, 3641 N. Halsted. 6 PM to 10 PM. Tickets: $10 available at door, includes hors d’oeuvres & live entertainment by the Fabulous Circuit Cast. Proceeds benefit the Hall of Fame. Info: GLHallofFame.org or 312.744.7911.
JUNE 25 “Chicago Pride Fest” by Northalsted Business Alliance, Waveland at Halsted; to 10 PM (11 AM -10 PM Saturday). $7 suggested donation. Live music, food, arts/crafts, vendors, etc. Info: chicagoevents.com or 773.868.3010. JUNE 26 “7th Annual Backlot Bash” at 5238 N. Clark St. Hosted by DJ Nikki from B96 & actress & comedian Niki Lindgren. Also: Chicago’s own Betty Fords & Crazy Rocket Fuel, Shy Violet, DJ KT and Black Betty headliner. $10 cover before 5 PM ($15 after). Info: backlotbash.com (also on June 27). 29th Annual “Proud To Run” - 5k & 10k run & 2 mile fun walk presented in association with Frontrunners/ Frontwalkers Chicago. Montrose Ave. (4400 North), east of Lake Shore Drive), 8:04 AM. Awards ceremony & raffle at 10 AM. Info: frfwchicago.org/ptr or 312.409.8991
JUNE 23 Loyola LGBTQ Alumni social at North End, 3733 N. Halsted. 6:30 PM to 9 PM. Tickets: $20 (includes 2 drinks, snacks, & a $10 gift to Loyola LGBTQ Alumni Fund). The fund sponsors the Loyola Community in LGBTQ efforts and scholarships. Pride Series reading at Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville, 7 PM. Readers include: Darwyn Jones, Michael Burke, Stacy Fox, Goldie Goldbloom, Marty McConnell & Kurt Heinz. Info: gerberhart.org or 773.381.8030. JUNE 24 Birdhouse Art Auction & Cocktail Party by Chicago House at Room & Board Chicago store, 55 E. Ohio. 6 PM to 9 PM. Tickets: $65 advance ($75 door). Info: chicagohouse.org or 773.248.5200. Pride Series reading #2 at Gerber/ Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville, 7 PM. Readers include: Readers include: Sukie de la Croix, Barrie Cole, Carmen Abrego, Robert Klein Engler & Dave Awl. Info: gerberhart.org or 773.381.8030.
Dyke Rally & March at 2:30 PM at new south side location. Postmarch festivities in the park . Info: chicagodykemarch.wordpress.com. “Summer Camp” concert by the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus at Nettlehorst Auditorium, 3252 N. Broadway. 3 PM & 8 PM. Info: cgmc. org email: gm@cgmc.org. JUNE 27 “Girlblast” 2 PM to 10 PM. annual at Ann Sather Parking Lot, 909 W. Belmont Ave. Performances and DJ, wet t-shirt contest and kissing booth. Dance, eat drink . Info: Twitter girlblastchi or chicagogirlblast.com. JUNE 30
Windy City Black LGBT Pride has dozens of events scheduled for the LGBT Black Pride celebration kicking off this week. Info: windycityblackpride.org or 888.922.7244. boi 51
ON YOUR MARK At boi, we’re gearing ourselves up for all the pre-Pride Day hoopla. There’s barely enough days in June to contain all of our pride. So before we join country star Chely Wright as our grand marshall on parade day, let’s see what’s on the agenda: Thursday, RuPaul’s Drag Race tour pulls up to Roscoe’s… Saturday the 19th is Gay Day at Great America sponsored by Gay Chicago Magazine and the Wisconsin Gazette… Then there’s the “Pride and Joy” reception to support Chicago’s Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame on the 21st at Circuit, Stop by and enjoy a bargain buffet and mingle with the movers and shakers of the community… Darts Over the Windy City, the new organization sponsoring a big tournament in August, kicks things off with a party at Charlie’s on June 19th. From 2-4 p.m. there’s carnival fun and at 4:30 a mini-tournament. It’s $25 for all-you-can-eat, unlimited beer and entry into the tournament. For more info, check out their website at dartsoverthewindycity.com… The LPGA (that’s the Lesbian & Gay Police Association not the Ladies Professional Golf Association-although I admit it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference) is holding its national convention in town this weekend. If you want to play “good cop/bad cop”, it all starts on the 22nd. GET SET If you weren’t crowned queen of your prom, here’s your second chance. The Pride Prom is at Mary’s Attic on the 26th… If you like” “Big Tops” head over to Krush for the Friday night Pride bash. It’s a circus theme (I think, maybe it’s just dominant muscle boys)… Cocktail hosts “Come Out with Closet Works” on June 19th from 6-8, wine and beer tasting for 1st hour. $5 suggested donation benefits AIDS Foundation… Take part in Blatino Pride with the sexy dancers at the Urbano party at Circuit on Saturday… Finally, show your pride, or admire others, at the Ram’s Big Dick contest on the Thursday the 24th. If that’s a little too out there for you, stop by on Pride Day for DJ dancing. GO If the weather is too hot for your delicate nature, remember that Sidetrack shows live coverage of the parade on all video screens…If you need to get away from the madness on Halsted after the parade, skip up to Jackhammer for the BBQ and $7 Long Islands, or duck out back at Halsted’s beer garden… If your wallet’s a little on the thin side Sunday night, head over to Smart Bar for Dollar Disco night. It’s just $2 to get in and $2 drinks. Rip their ad from this issue and they’ll even waive the cover…
Berlin opens at 4 p.m. for Decibelle, Chances & Stardust to present the ultimate post-parade bash… Hydtrate goes all egyptian on our asses for Pride Day… BTW, Cocktail’s got sexy underwear models as go-go boys after the parade… Panino’s will feature live music and yummy eats… Speaking of post-parade fun, I have just six words for you… Frankie… Knuckles… Crimson… Lounge… Table… Service. ‘Nuff said, a’ight? STUDYING FOR THE BAR Berlin is moving Disco Obsession to the last Wednesday of the month… Do you have what it takes to be Miss Wicker Park (dreadlocks and a skirt over jeans?) Check out MissWickerPark.com… Blokes & Birds, a new club at 3341 N. Clark, may be open by the time you have this in your hot little hands. The owner Daily Webb (that’s his name, I’m not making it up), plans are for a plush, comfortable atmosphere and plenty of nods to Anglophile favorites like soccer and English rock. Blokes & Birds, which is British slang for guys and girls, will include a weekly “Blokes & Blokes,” gay-friendly soiree set every Tuesday, and an English rock night on Wednesdays showcasing the music of iconic British bands such as The Clash, Radiohead, Led Zepplin, Muse and Massive Attack. For info: 312.286.8485 or blokesandbirdschicago.com MUSIC NEWS Berlin will host a CD release party for “Night Work”, the third album from The Scissor Sisters, on Friday, July 2nd. In addition to previewing the music from the CD there will be special product give-aways at midnight… The Give a Damn Campaign has released a new video to highlight the discrimination that the LGBT community continues to face. The new video focuses on the verbal and physical harassment that students experience due to their sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. The message is delivered by educators, a mother and celebrities such as Clay Aiken, Margaret Cho, Kelly Osbourne and Kevin Alejandro. The call-to-action campaign also features videos featuring Cyndi Lauper, Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Jason Mraz, Cynthia Nixon, Anna Paquin, Sharon Osbourne, Judith Light, Kim Kardashian, Wanda Sykes, and Eric Roberts. To learn more about the Give a Damn Campaign, check out wegiveadamn.org… Universal Motown Records has signed singer and television hostess Kelly Rowland as a solo artist. ON STAGE & SCREEN About Face Theatre Board President Bill Michel has announced the appointment of Jason Held as AFT’s new Executive Director. Held brings his experience as a lawyer, political fundraiser and advocate for LGBTQ youth to AFT… The mysterious underground world of pornography comes front and center in “Pornography: A Thriller”, the latest DVD from Wolfe Video. The story concerns a popular porn star with “boy-next-door” appeal, who disappears. Three stories are presented in the movie. The first shows what may have happened to the star, the second concerns a writer’s investigation into the story, and the third is another porn star’s haunted production… Steppenwolf ensemble members Laurie Metcalf and Ian Barford have joined the cast of *Detroit*, the first play of the ensemble’s 2010-2011 season. They join Kevin Anderson, Kate Arrington and Robert Breuler in the world premiere of the Lisa D’Amour play directed by Austin Pendleton… Black Ensemble Theater’s current show, “Nothin But The Blues,” is currently scheduled to run through August 29.
Angelina Ristorante 3561 N Broadway | 773.935.5933 Hosting the coolest and hippest Sunday brunch crowd in Lakeview. Great for dinner, as well. Ann Sather 929 W. Belmont | 773.348.2378; 3416 N Southport | 773.404.4475; 3411 N Broadway | 773.305.0024 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. 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.” 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. Golden Nugget Family Restaurants 2720 N. Clark | 773.929.0724, 2406 W.Diversey | 773.252.8903, 1765 W. Lawrence | 773.769.6700. These places are a great place for after bar dining as they are all open 24-7, and all have free parking. Everything is housemade, known for fluffy buttermilk pancakes, dinners are hearty as well.
Horizon Café 3805 N. Broadway | 773.883.1565 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, 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. 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. 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 and a Divalicous brunch 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-toorder omelets, pancakes, waffles and crepes and other brunch fare all day. And it’s open 24 hours on weekends.
El Jardin 3335 N. Clark | 773.528.6775 A long-time favorite of the GLBT community featuring classic Mexican fare. Known far and wide for killer margaritas and a beautiful patio for al fresco dining.
Melrose Restaurant 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,
Fiesta Cantina 3407 N. Clark | 773.975.5980 El Jardin’s younger (and wilder) sister location. Enjoy the food, slam back a few cocktails and relax. Fiesta Cantina is all about enjoying yourself.
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.
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. Beers on tap are aplenty and the weekend brunch draws an attractive crowd.
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 both those in the restaurant as well as any number of hotties walking by outside.
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.
Queens Tavern & Bistro 750 W. Cornelia | 773.248.8333 Occupying the old Cornelia’s space, this charming new eatery is warm and inviting and features a value menu filled with both bar food and entrée items as well as daily specials.
boi 55
I
n addition to all the Pride events going on this month, there are also a number of food and dining related events of note.
Fizz Bar & Grill, 3220 N. Lincoln, has instituted “Beer Can Chicken Sundays.” Before you wet your panties, take note this is not an event with well-endowed young gay men (well, there may be some, but that’s not the focus of the weekly event.) It’s a patio party running from 2-5 p.m. The $10 per person fee includes one heaping plate of food featuring a choice of the eponymous roast chicken dish served along with burgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill and a variety of side dishes. Info: 773.348.6000 or fizzchicago.com
locations in Lincoln Park and Roscoe Village are among the first businesses to sign up. The band 10,000 Maniacs headlines the stage on Saturday, with the Gin Blossoms on Sunday. Info: chicagoevents.com or 773.868.3010.
Roscoe Village holds its inaugural “Burger Fest” on Saturday and Sunday, July 10-11, Noon-10:00 p.m. on Belmont at Damen. The celebration of all things burger also includes live music, arts and crafts and a chance to vote for Chicago’s best burger. The Bad Apple in Lincoln Square, Lakeview’s Select Cut Steakhouse; the Village Tap in Roscoe Village; Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro in the North Center neighborhood; and John’s Place with
Big Bowl in Schaumburg brings organic produce and local products to the community as a drop site for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Every Wednesday through October, consumers who have purchased a seasonal “share” of organic fruits, vegetables and other items from Simply Wisconsin can pick up their order at Big Bowl. A section of the restaurant will be reserved for CSA participants to enjoy complimentary appetizers, samples of seasonal sangria and mojitos will also be served.
Stetson’s Chop House, 151 E. Wacker Drive, has a new $38 three-course menu available daily before 6:30 p.m. and after 8:00 p.m. Guests select either French onion soup or Caesar salad; an entree choice of prime rib, salmon or roast chicken with side dishes; and chocolate cake for dessert. Complimentary valet parking is provided. Info opentable.com or 312.239.4491.
boi 57
O
ne of the signature events during June Pride Month is the Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame “Pride & Joy Reception.” Held this year on June 21 at Circuit Night Club, the annual event is a fun community gathering featuring the Hall of Fame Exhibit, music, live entertainment and an appetizer buffet. The origins of the Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame dates back to 1991 when it was established with the support of the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian Issues. The inaugural induction ceremony was the first event of its kind in the country and took place in June 1991. Hosted by Mayor Richard M. Daley at City Hall, the historic event had 14 inductees: Ortez Alderson, Jon-Henri Damski, James W. Flint, Gay Chicago Magazine, Renee Hanover, Howard Brown Health Center, Judith Johns, Carol Johnson, William Kelley, Marie Kuda, Chuck Renslow, Adrienne Smith, Ph.D, Max Smith, and Richard Turner. The Hall of Fame is a unique tribute that recognizes the volunteer and professional achievements of members of the LGBT community, its organizations, and allies. Induction symbolizes that the recipient has made a contribution with
64 boi
far-reaching effects on the quality of life for Chicago’s LGBT community or made a significant long-term contribution to the community’s well-being. The most recent inductees include the following individuals: Paula Basta, Lou Conte, Lori A. Cooper, Marcia J. Lipetz, Amy Maggio, Joey McDonald, Frank M. Robinson, Jane M. Hussein Saks, Zaida Sanabia, Patrick Sinozich and Jorge Valdivia. AIDS Foundation of Chicago was inducted in the organization category. Congressman Mike Quigley and Marilyn Urso, R.N. were inducted as Friends of the Community. The nominations process is ongoing for the 2010 class of inductees that will be honored and presented in the fall at a ceremony at the Chicago Cultural Center. Nominations forms can be picked up at the Pride & Joy Reception or found at glhalloffame.org. 19th Annual Pride & Joy Reception Monday, June 21, 2010 | 6pm-10pm Circuit Night Club | 3641 N. Halsted St. $10 Admission (Benefits the Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame)