12.11 by boiMAGazine & boiMAG.com

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ISSUE 12.11

OUTDOOR DINING FOOD FESTS • FEAST FOR THE EARS

I’ve always felt that Pride week was the official start of summer and it seems, this year at least, that Mother Nature agrees with me. Pride is already just a memory and we’ve got about 10 weeks to enjoy the subtropical oasis that Chicago becomes for a short time. So it only makes sense that we kick things off by looking at all the things that make summer in the city so great. I was lucky enough to get the task of compiling a list of spots to enjoy al fresco dining. I’ve tried to include places at all price points and areas throughout the city. Yes, we do tend to favor lakefront neighborhoods, but it seems as if our readers do too. From a small sandwich shop in Oak Lawn to upscale eateries in River North, you’re certain to find someplace that fits your budget and your palate. I also give you the lowdown on the lakefront beachside dining locations that are becoming more common. Another joy of summer is the numerous street and neighborhood festivals. I’m especially stoked about is taking place at Galleria Marchetti on August 14 where there’ll be an assemblage of food trucks and carts offering samples of their wares. The food truck movement is huge all across the country and Chicago’s finally revamped its archaic food service guidelines, so we’re just getting into the trend. We also take a look at some of the biggest music fests, including Pitchfork and Lollapooza. Anita Taylor returns from her European sojourn and, though she had tons of fashion trends she wanted to discuss, In keeping with our dining theme, I asked her for her secrets on how to stuff a picnic basket. On second thought, perhaps I should have asked her to write an article on how to remove food stains from clothes. Elsewhere in this issue, we welcome back Ace Magyar, our advice guru. His column is a popular addition to our little magazine and though he has not been in the past three issues (those were program guides for IML, Midsommerfest and Pride Fest), we plan on keeping him busy the rest of the year. Gregg Shapiro also gives us the cinematic lowdown in his Screen Savor column, and of course Harry Taint has all the news about clubs and bars. boi

3700 N. Halsted St. #2S Chicago, IL 60613

773.975.0264

boieditorial@aol.com • boiads@aol.com Publisher Editor

Mike Macharello Rick Karlin

Layout & Design Titanium Graphics

Advertising Bill Gubrud Freddie Russena Simmons

bill@boimagzine.com freddie@boimagazine.com Russena@boimagzine.com

Photographers Oliver Aguilar Freddie

Cover Credits Cover Model: Matt Lieberman Cover Interview & Photographer: Steven Richards Cover Location: La Ciudad, 5415 N. Sheridan

Editorial Contributors Harry Taint Anita Taylor

Gregg Shapiro Ace Magyar

VIEW BOI ONLINE AT www.boimagazine.com

OUtdoor dining food fests picnic basket feast for the ears restaurant LISTINGS COVER BOI screen savor in the know, on the go! ASK ACE - ADVICE COLUMN bars and clubs directory

08 10 13 14 17 20 22 25 26 30

by Rick Karlin

In Fine Spirits The Andersonville wine bar

and store features an cozy patio and a relaxed atmosphere. Jitlada While not as centrally located as other Boystown dining options, it nevertheless turns out some pretty notable Thai fare. Kit Kat One of the most elegant sidewalk cafes; with a fountain, twinkling lights and upholstered lounge furniture. Combine that with their new summer menu and giant martinis and you may think that you’re on vacation at an upscale resort. You may even see Concrete Oasis • Al Fresco Dining A-Z a movie star (or a reasonable facsimile thereof.) La Ciudad A modern, artictic Mexican eatery Angelina The popular Lakeview spot doesn’t run by two brothers, Hugo and Armando de la have a huge outdoor dining section, but that Rose and the site of this issue’s cover shoot. just makes getting a seat at one of the sidewalk Moody’s Pub The old granddaddy of beer tables all the more special gardens, Moody’s two-tiered terrace provides Big Jones The popular Andersonville restaurant plenty of seating and some large tables for has a New Orleans-style courtyard with seating groups. for 24 tucked behind the Clark Street storefront.. Navy Pier Almost all of the dozen or so dining Cocktail This Boystown favorite is as known for places at Navy Pier, whether casual or fancy its food as well as its fabulous titular beverages. feature outdoor dining with the best views in The Gardens provide an excellent perch for the city. There are even spots where you can scoping out the beauties and some damn good enjoy an outdoor repast with something (or food. Don’t forget to check out brunch, served someone) you picked up in the food court. Sure, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11a-4p. it’s touristy, but where else would you bring out of town guests? Davanti Enoteca The popular Little Italy spot has added a second-floor patio. Between the Oysy It’s not often that you can combine sushi, retractable awning, lemon and fig trees, you’ll the South Loop and al fresco dining in one feel as if you’re in Sicily. place. In fact this is the only place you can, and Elate offers decent food at reasonable prices in the service is great to boot. the middle of the Gold Coast. Panino’s There area few chairs and tables outside the take-out section facing the parking Fiesta Mexicana whether you choose the lot, but the real star seating is at one of the Lincoln Park or Uptown locations, this is the dozen or so tables in front of the dining room, outdoor spot for home style Mexican fare at along Waveland. reasonable prices. Quartino is like sitting in an Italian garden Girl & the Goat It may be a bit easier to snag enjoying homemade antipasti, except that a seat at this trendy West Loop restaurant this summer, with its “first-come, first-served” policy you’re sitting on State Street with all the hustle and bustle. Be prepared to wait quite some time for the 20+ sidewalk café. for a seat at this place. Halsted’s The popular Boystown location Roscoe’s Seeside Sidewalk Cafe is the place nearly triples its capacity with the attractive to be seen during the summer and has some courtyard dining room tucked behind the of the best boy-watching spots in the city. The trendy spot. food’s pretty good too. Maybe it’s because we have such a short window of opportunity, but it seems as if restaurants all over the city are instituting outdoor dining. Some just throw out a couple tables, sometimes next to garbage dumpsters or bus stops, while others go all out. In this year’s round-up of those spaces that attempt to create an oasis in the concrete jungle, we try to find some out of the way surprises, but of course, include those favorites in the GLBT community.

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Selmarie This Lincoln Square European style

bakery and café has the good luck to be located right on the fountain square, so unless neighborhood kids are skate boarding around. Taverna 750 Scarlett’s folks have opened a French-Italian fusion dining experience in the old Cornelia’s space that has been getting pretty good reviews. Uncommon Ground Both the Lakeview and Edgewater locations offer outdoor seating. The Lakeview location can get raucous during Cubs games. Via Carducci La Sorella This Wicker Park stalwart puts out some pretty good fare and is a great place to linger over a bottle or two of wine. Wolcott’s Just a few steps from the Ravenswood El, seats 75, yet still feels like you’re having a drinks and a bite to eat in a neighbor’s backyard. Xoco Warm weather may cut the waiting time down at Rick Bayless’ legendary Mexican street food spot, but just barely. Y. B. Hungry The Oak Lawn delight looks like your typical “hole in the wall” sandwich shop, but once you enter you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Dozens and dozens of sandwich options on the menu and a cute little patio. Zapatista Mexican Grill The Lincoln Park sister of the South Loop fave fills its shaded patio with tables, flower-filled planters and twinkling lights for a true feel of Mexico.

On the Waterfront

What is it about gay folks and water? In most major cities the gay neighborhoods can usually be found near the closest body of water. Think about it. Both Boystown and Andersonville are lakefront adjacent neighborhoods, Manhattan’s an island, San Francisco’s a peninsula, even DuPont Circle in D.C. is home to the “P Street Beach” in Rock Creek Park. Whatever the reason, we love our waterfront locations, and Chicago’s got no shortage of waterfront dining. Let’s start south along the lakefront and head north. Parrot Cage Restaurant 71st St. and South Shore Dr. The former South Shore Country Club is now run by the Chicago Park District and the restaurant is a training spot for Washburne Culinary Academy students. The patio has a nice lake view, if not right on the lake.

Oak Street Beachstro Lake at Oak St. I’m never get tired of looking at the surprise on visitors’ faces when I show them the beach in the middle of downtown and its palm laden dining area. Castaways Bar & Grill Lake south of North Ave. The first level features an ice cream café and beachside burgers with casual walk-up stands. The rooftop features tasty appetizers, sandwiches, fresh salads and refreshing desserts and a great view. The Dock at Montrose Beach Lake at Montrose Ave. The 3,300 square foot patio deck is right across from the field where the gay softball teams play and just a short walk from the dog beach. And, as a bonus, there’s abundant parking Kathy Osterman Beach aka Hollywood Beach Lake at Hollywood Ave. It’s just a small snack bar with rainbow Adirondack deck chairs, but the real attraction is the hotties playing volleyball at the south (gay) side of the beach. The Waterfront Cafe 6200 north off Sheridan Rd. Berger Park’s little patio shop hasn’t got much going for it menu-wise, but with views like this, it doesn’t need them.

Rollin’ on the River

As Chicago cleans up the what was once a toxic mess, more and more places are opening up along the banks of the Chicago River. The Riverwalk is a collection of restaurants on the south side of the river between LaSalle and Michigan. There you can find outposts of some Chicago favorites such as O’Brien’s, Robinson’s Ribs and Cyrano’s Bistro. In addition you’ll also find these spots elsewhere along the river. Fulton’s on the River, Japonais Restaurant, Dick’s Last Resort in Marina Towers and Flatwater. Finally, if you want to dine on a boat but don’t want to go outside, check out the kitchy Port Edward Restaurant in Algonquin. The seafood restaurant takes the nautical theme to such extremes that they have a indoor floating boat. boi

Let’s face it there are only two reasons to go to street and neighborhood fairs; the hotties in little clothing and the food. There’s just something about men chomping on those giant sausages that they sell at most street fairs that makes me weak in the knees. Here’s a complete guide to summer street fairs and fests where you’ll find the best eats.

July

1-3: Wrigleyville Block Party

1-4: African-Caribbean Intnl. Festival of Life, Washington Park - 5500 S. Cottage Grove 8-10: Irish American Heritage Festival, Irish American Heritage Center - 4626 N. Knox 9: Chosen Few Old School Reunion Picnic, East 63rd & Hayes 9-10: Rock Around the Block, Lincoln and Belmont 9-10: Roscoe Village Burger Fest, 2000 W. Belmont 9-11: Boulevard Bash, Logan and Milwaukee 19-21: Halsted Tastes Better, Aldine Street and Halsted 10-11: West Fest, 800 N. Damen 15-16: Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party, Madison and Des Plaines 15-17: Windy City RibFest, Lawrence and Broadway 15-17: Taste of River North, 630 N. Kingsbury 15-17: Jeff Fest, Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence 17: Chinatown Summer Fair, 22nd and Wentworth 23-24: Wicker Park Fest, Milwaukee between North and Wood 23-24: Celebrate Clark Street, Clark and Morse 28-31: Fiesta del Sol Festival, 1400 W. Cermak 30-31: Summer on Southport, Southport and Waveland 30: Taste of Lincoln Avenue, Lincoln from Fullerton to Wrightwood 10 boi

August

6-7: Retro on Roscoe, Roscoe from Damen to Oakley 11-14: Taylor Street Festa Italiana, 1000 S. Ashland 13-14: Chicago Korean Festival, 3200 W. Bryn Mawr 13-14: Wrigleyville SummerFest, Seminary and School 13-14: Northalsted Market Days, Halsted from Belmont to Addison 14: StreetFood Artistry, Galleria Marchetti - 825 W. Erie 15: Taste of River North, 630 N. Kingsbury 20-21: North Side Summerfest, Lincoln and Belle Plaine 26-28: Uketoberfest, St. Joseph Ukrainian Chruch - 5000 N. Cumberland 27-28: Taste of Greece, 100 S. Halsted

September

3-4: Ravenswood Remix, 4000 N. Ravenswood 9-10: Windy City Wine Festival, 500 S. Columbus 9-11: Festival de la Villita, 2600 S. Kostner 9-11: German-American Festival, Lincoln Plaza at 4700 N. Lincoln 10-11: Ukrainian Village Fest, 2245 W. Superior 10-11: Wells Street Fall Fest, Wells between North and Evergreen 16-17: Oyster Fest, 2000 W. Roscoe 17: Musky Fest, 3030 N. Racine 23-25: Oktoberfest Chicago, Lincoln and Southport

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by Anita Taylor

One of the best parts of summer is going to outdoor concerts and having a picnic. Too often though, it ends up being a sandwich and chips on paper plates. There’s no reason you can’t have a little more style, and that doesn’t mean having to lug a steamer trunk full of supplies to the park and back. If you listen to Aunt Anita, I’ll make it cheap and easy, just like my first husband. I like to go to thrift shops for my supplies. First of all, it’s green, you’re reusing and repurposing. It’s also fairly inexpensive, especially if you go to one that has half-price days such as Unique Thrift on Sheridan just north of Montrose. By re-using materials you needn’t feel guilty about throwing them away after one use, and you get to use higher quality items as well. First thing you’ll need is a nice tablecloth or blanket to serve as your home base. Don’t forget to make it big enough to serve not only as a “table” but also as a seating area. Find a nice bedspread or blanket, preferably one that can be thrown in the washer (God knows where that thing’s been). I also pick up a shower curtain liner from the dollar store to add a waterproof barrier under the spread. Instead of paper napkins I buy packs of inexpensive dishtowels at the dollar store. When you’re at the thrift shop, look for some inexpensive china plates and silverware. You may also be able to find wine glasses, service pieces and a picnic basket (I once found an elegant candelabra for a buck.) Yes, this stuff will make your basket a bit heavier, but you’ll only need to carry it one way. It feels totally decadent to take china, glassware and everything (including the basket) and dump it after only one use.

Now, as for the menu; avoid anything that needs extensive refrigeration or could spoil quickly such as eggs, uncured meats, mayonnaise or milk-based products (other than cheese which just gets better as it sits out). If you choose your menu wisely you won’t need to worry about bringing ice. A few hours in the refrigerator will keep beverages cold, especially if you roll the bottles or cans in the napkins you’ve packed. If you like to slave over the stove, feel free. However, if you prefer to make it easy, mixed olives, some nice cheeses, bread, fresh fruit and shaved ham or roast beef make an elegant repast when paired with wine. Speaking of wine, don’t forget to bring a corkscrew if necessary. Many good wines now come in screw-top bottles, so why carry more than you need to? Other quick, easy and elegant menu items include roast chicken (available ready to take and eat at most grocery stores), salads from the deli department, raw veggies and dips such as hummos or cheese spreads. Another great dip for veggies is a simple paste made from grated Parmesan cheese and a bit of olive oil. Desserts are also easy if you stick to small pastries, brownies and cookies. In the words of food diva Sandra Lee, ”Keep it smart, keep it simple and keep it semi-homemade.” boi 13

Local festivals aren’t just about the food. Here are a few where music is the main focus.

Chicago Folk and Roots Festival,

Wells Park July 9-10 This benefit for the Old Town School of Folk Music brings out all the folks wearing their fair trade jewelry to enjoy music and dance performances, arts and crafts vendors, workshops and kids activities in Lincoln Square.

Pitchfork,

Union Park, July 15-17 The annual three-day indie music fest draws bands from all around the world. Three-day passes have sold out, but one-day tickets are still available to see performers such as;: Animal Collective, Neko Case, James Blake, Das Rascist, Fleet Foxes, The Dismemberment Plan, TV on the Radio, Cut Copy, Deerhunter and Kurt Vile among others. Check out pitchforkmusicfestival.com.

Lollapalooza,

Grant Park, August 5-7 The marathon mother of all concerts, offers more than any one person could take in. This year it’s $90 for one-day pass; $215 for all three days.Among some of the mega stars performing are; Coldplay, The Smith Westerns, OK Go, Christina Perri, Afrojack, Girl Talk, Crystal Castles, A Perfect Circle, Muse, My Morning Jacket, Deftones, Ellie Goulding, Skylar Grey, The Glitch Mob, Pretty Lights, Cee Lo Green, Eminem, Kid Cudi, The Cars, Arctic Monkeys and Foo Fighters. Call 888.512.7469 or go to lollapalooza.com for the full schedule.

Chicago Jazz Festival,

various locations, September 1-4 The city’s longest-running lakefront music fest, now in its 33rd year, features local, national and international musicians on several stages from the Museum Campus, Millennium Park and the Cultural Center, among others. 14 boi

North Coast Music Festival,

Union Park, September 2-4 The second annual fest features live music from more than 50 artists. With Wiz Khalifa, Thievery Corporation, Common, Lotus, Little Dragon, Neon Indian, Fatboy Slim, of Montreal, Major Lazer and others. Tickets are $40 for a one-day pass; $95 for all three. For more information go to northcoastfestival.com

World Music Festival, September 16 – 22,

Hyde Park Jazz Festival,

September 24-25 Various venues in Hyde Park host to the free and expansive jazz festival, now in its fifth year. Check out hydeparkjazzfestival.org for more information. From the sound of this next one, you might expect it to be all about food... well, you would be right. Of course there will be live music, but the focus is really on food samplings from the areas local restaurants. Tables and chairs help you sit and enjoy the entertainment while you chow down.

Halsted Tastes Better

Vive la France! Celebrate Bastille Day and summer at Halsted Tastes Better on Monday, July 11. Presented by the Northalsted Business Alliance, the festival offers visitors a vibrant mix of savory foods, refreshing drinks and lively music. It is the perfect way to enjoy the summer season. Crowds flock annually to the area to sample the finest dishes and drinks that the neighborhood restaurants have to offer. In addition to the culinary festivities, you can enjoy live music and cheer on your favorite server in The Waitperson’s Race. Halsted Tastes Better takes place on Aldine Street on the east side of Halsted Street. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door.

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 best known for hearty daytime offerings and their delish 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. 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. During the summer the outdoor dining space is lush and verdant. 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 of dancing and partying. Featured menu items include breakfast skillets that are served anytime. F. O’Mahony’s, 3701 N. Broadway | 773.549-0097 An Irish-named pub and grill, but mostly it’s a neighborhood hangout where you can order food to go along with your beer (or cosmo). While not prticularly exotic, the menu features such faves as hot wings, sliders and pizza served till the wee hours. Sundays $20 mimosa brunch is popular, get there early, this place fills up fast. 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. The large menu is sure to please. Everything is housemade, known for fluffy buttermilk pancakes, but dinners are hearty as well. 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 “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. 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 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. 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. M. Henry 5707 N. Clark | 773.561.1600 This popular Andersonville outpost serves breakfast and lunch daily and features creative fare such as pancakes with warm blackberries and vanilla mascarpone cream. Additionally there are many vegetarian dishes. Minibar Café 3341 N. Halsted Serves gourmet bruschetta, cheeses, panini, and entrees as well as a wide selection of wines (and cocktails) by the glass. Nookies Tree 3334 N. Halsted | 773.248.9888 A regular haunt for the locals of Boystown and popular with hangover recoverers, the diner serves made-toorder omelets, pancakes, waffles 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 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 Tweet 5020 N. Sheridan | 773.728.5576 An Uptown fave, serving breakfast and lunch only, 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. boi 17

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 Restaurant 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. MEDITERRANEAN____ Andies 1467 W. Montrose | 773.348.0654; 5253 N Clark | 773.784.8616 Specializing in Mediterranean and vegetarian cuisine, specialties of the house 18 boi

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; 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! El Tepache 3616 W. 26th Street | 773.521.4444 This South side Mexican restaurant is worth the trip! Delicious Mexican food with their own flair of family recipes. Dine in, carry out and even parking in the rear. Estrella Negra 3352 N. Halsted | 773.227.5993 If Ed Hardy had a taco joint, this might be it for flair. A skull-licious themed dining experience. Sure, you can get tacos, empanadas and burritos, but they are all of the gormet caliber. Owner Oto is the Chef and puts his own creative twist on everything. It’s BYOB. Las Mananitas 2346 W. Fullerton Ave | 773.528.2109 A long-time favorite with the GLBT community, the food is decent, but its the margaritas that you’ll come back for. Also great for boy-watching on the patio. 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

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Our Cover BOI for this issue is Matt Lieberman, hello Matt, tell me about yourself. I moved to Chicago in 2006 for new opportunities and to work as an office assistant manager at an interpreting agency, I also teach hearing people how to sign. A lot of people in Boystown come to me to learn sign language because they want to learn how to speak to deaf people. Are you saying that a lot of hearing people are learning sign language now? Is that fairly common? Yes, because many business and service providers want to communicate with their customers and clients. For example, a lot of bartenders and bar backs are learning sign language When you meet a new person, do you ever worry whether they will accept you as gay or as a deaf person? I used to worry about being deaf and gay in the past, but throughout the years I have become a confident deaf gay man, because I have been through this situation many times. As a deaf person growing up, I learned to speak, listen and read lips, then at age 16, I learned American Sign Language (ASL), and because of speech therapy, I actually spoke to my family when I was growing up. How is that different for someone that is deaf, that cannot speak at all? There are a lot of people that use different ways to communicate with hearing people. They can write things down; they can use their phone to text message; and there is also lip reading, it’s sometimes hard for them. But sometimes hearing people think we cannot speak at all. So how do you deal with that on a day-to-day basis and when you go out? Do you find that there’s a lot of people that don’t understand you? Yes, there’s still a lot of people that have a lot of fear about coming up to deaf people. They may have had a bad experience in the past or people believe in the typical stereotype or labels. It could be good or bad. Many deaf people like to stay with other deaf people because its comfortable. A few of my best friends that are deaf, they like to branch out, not stay with the same people all the time. And, what about you? I like to go to hearing events and parties and meet people that are hearing. Usually I’m the only one at an event that is hearing. I want people to know that deaf people can do anything. How do you like living in Chicago?

I love Chicago, there are plenty of opportunities here. I lived in several other states, New Jersey, Kentucky, St. Louis, Missouri. I went to Washington DC when I was 16 years old. Thats where I learned sign language, at Gallaudet University, and it changed my whole life. I became a strong leader and I came-out there being a new deaf and gay person. I loved the culture there, mainly the performing arts. I performed in numerous shows, especially at the John F. Kennedy Center. The performing arts director, at Gallaudet got me into non-deaf shows. He persuaded them to allow deaf and hearing people to perform on the same stage. We traveled to Europe, Canada, and all over the USA. The shows were not for deaf people only, but for everyone. So, if you were to tell the people what Matt Lieberman is all about, what would you want them to know? For me, I cannot live my life without color. I surround myself in my home with colorful things, and they are important to me. But the most important thing is, I want to break the typical stereotype of how hearing people view a deaf person and help educate them. As a Deaf person, being involved in a variety of theatre, drama, video, dance and film is unlimited for me. Because I’m not afraid of challenges and I love to reach out to new people with a positive influence. Do you have a mission in life, or a goal for society? I would like to be able to bridge the gap between deaf and hearing people. I’d also like people to see me as a person that can do anything, to be treated the same as other people and help people understand that we are all the same. My main goal in Chicago is to open more doors so I can be involved in the performing arts, just as I did in D.C. I have a lot of experience meeting new people without fear and always make sure that communication flows smoothly, it doesn’t matter if they know sign language or not. I want people to feel comfortable with me and able to come and talk to me as well. ©2011 ArtPhoto Chicago Studios, all rights reserved boi 21

By Gregg Shapiro Just like the song says, “...love hurts, scars, wounds and marks.” In Derek Cianfrance’s romantic tragedy “Blue Valentine”. There’s little doubt that married couple, house painter Dean (Ryan Gosling) and nurse Cindy (Michelle Williams), love each other when we first encounter them at home with young daughter Frankie (Faith Wladyka). But the unmistakable cracks are beginning to show, especially after Cindy fails to lock the yard gate and the family dog Megan gets out and is hit by a car. Another indication of trouble brewing is that Cindy’s boss, Dr. Feinberg (Ben Shenkman), has offered her a job that involves relocation, something she hasn’t yet discussed with Dean. It bears mentioning that Dr. Feinberg is also attracted to Cindy. Leaving the present setting, “Blue Valentine” sets up a series of flashbacks to the past to establish that Dean and Cindy’s relationship wasn’t always so tenuous. Dean, sweet and kind of goofy, interviews at a moving company and is hired, in spite of his lack of experience. Cindy is in college where she is studying medicine and dating jock Bobby (Mike Vogel). Cindy lives with her parents in a house clouded with tension and often visits her grandmother who lives in a senior’s facility. It is there that Dean and Cindy meet after the moving company that employs Dean assists in the relocation of an elderly man into the home. Back in the present, Dean books a room at a Sybaris-style motel so that he and Cindy can get away following the death of the dog. They drop Frankie off at Cindy’s father’s house and on the way to the motel they stop at a liquor store/gas station to pick up libations for the night and to refuel. Cindy runs into Bobby in the liquor store which has an unexpected impact on her, especially since he hits on her. Once in the car, she tells Dean about seeing Bobby, and he is visibly upset. Dean has good reason to be upset, as we discover in several of the flashbacks, because Bobby is a dark bruise in both of their lives. The scenes from the past provide viewers with an understanding of how Cindy and Dean arrived at the crucial point at which they find themselves. They are intimately rendered, with a combination of humor and 22 boi

raw erotic heat. Williams and Gosling believably portray the blush of new and real love and the devastation of finding yourself irretrievably out of love. DVD special features include deleted scenes, home movies, a “making of” featurette and audio commentary. “Gnomeo & Juliet”, a story that’s been told before, a lot, is told again, this time with an Elton John score and animated lawn ornaments that come to life. On Verona Drive, the Montague and Capulet neighbors don’t care for each other and that extends to their lawn gnomes and other yard decorations (including a fawn voiced by Ozzy Osbourne, a pink flamingo voiced by Jim Cummings and a fountain frog voiced by Ashley Jensen). It’s the Red gnomes (Juliet’s family and friends) versus the Blues (Gnomeo’s clan and compadres) in this story of star-crossed lovers kept apart by a longstanding family feud. Stubborn Juliet (voiced by Emily Blunt) doesn’t want to stay tucked away on a pedestal all her life, despite her father Lord Redbrick’s (Michael Caine) admonitions. She has her eye on an orchid in the neighbor’s garden. Meanwhile, Gnomeo (James McAvoy), beloved by his mother Lady Bluebury (Maggie Smith), is a typical dude, engaging in a lawn mower race with cheating Red Tybalt (Jason Statham). But one night, when Gnomeo and Juliet’s paths cross, the pair fall in love, in spite of their families’ dislike for each other. So, while the Reds and Blues become involved in a series of acts of revenge all in the name of righting a variety of slights, Gnomeo and Juliet meet in secret. Of course, once their love is discovered, the stars officially cross and they’re in line for lots of potential tragedy. Bursting with Shakespearean and pop culture references (ranging from revised versions of Elton John classics to “Brokeback Mountain”); “Gnomeo & Juliet” alternates between being lawn-gnome cute and creepy. It’s meant to be another G-rated flick for kids that won’t have parents, gay and straight, running for the exit. But even at only 84 minutes, “Gnomeo & Juliet” feels like it goes on too long. Blu-ray bonus material includes two (!) alternate endings, deleted and alternate scenes, behind the scenes footage with Osbourne and Jensen, the “Elton Builds a Garden” featurette and more.

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by Harry Taint The Homosexuals If you don’t do anything else “cultural” this summer, you must haul your ass over to Victory Gardens Theater on Lincoln to see About Face Theatre’s world premiere production of “The Homosexuals”. It is one of the finest pieces of theater I have ever seen. The play by Philip Dawkins is both comedic and heartbreaking, a “The Boys in the Band” for the 21st century. The acting is phenomenal, I wouldn’t be surprised if this play goes to Broadway. Black is the New Pride This weekend Black Pride events take place all over the city. THe “Urbano” Black Pride party is at Metro this Saturday (2nd), as is “Summer Heights: Chicago Black Pride Rooftop Event” at the Vertigo Sky Lounge in the Dana Hotel. Gay Life Beyond Halsted . Halsted may be the center of the gay universe, but there is life on other planets. Check out Queer Social Club meeting this Wednesday, July 6 at Archie’s Tavern, 2600 W. Iowa. Enjoy a casual evening for the LGBT community and their friends in the Humboldt Park/Ukranian Village area. As the folks that run this event say, “Just a fun night beyond the traditional outlets in Boystown. Doing our own thing across the Western Ave. divide!” It’s Britney Bitch! It’s a battle of the Britneys! Two bars are laying claim to the Official Britney Spears after-party title for Friday, July 8. Both Hydrate and The Call are having events, grab your blonde wig, python and/or Catholic school uniform and head to one of them. Fruit Pies CIrcle the date on your calendar for the Equality Illinois Celebrity Pie Toss. On Saturday afternoon, July 23, Sidetrack will host this annual event. This is your chance to throw a pie in the eye of your favorite community celebrity, bar owners, bartenders, politicians, drag queens and business owners will all take one to the face...“Halsted Tastes Better”, the mini “Taste of...” coincides with Bastille

Day this year. Stop by July 11... Psst, what executive director of a well known community organization is going to be out on his ass and doesn’t have a clue? Open Wide Watch for a new bar to open on Halsted, (cause we just don’t have enough, you know!) if it hasn’t by the time you read this. Elixr will be a swanky lounge right next door, Hydrate. A cozy set-up because it’s the same owners...On July 11, Mercedes presents her “Miss Gay USofA at Large” benefit show at Spin with more drag queens than you can shake a mascara wand at! The star-studded cast includes about two dozen drag queens and male burlesque artist Jett Adore. The event features a hosted bar and the suggested donation is $10. That’s a bargain rate of about a nickel a pound! Sad News Finally, it is with great sadness that I report the death of one of the most beloved members of our community. Roger “R. J.” Chaffin, who owned and operated a number of businesses in our community, passed away unexpectedly three weeks ago. Most recently R.J. was the coordinator of International Mr. Leather. Chaffin moved to Chicago in 1974 and was soon working as a delivery person for the weekly newspaper GayLife until 1982. He opened R.J.’s Video, the city’s first video store to offer a wide selection of general-interest gay and lesbian features in 1983. Other business ventures for R.J. included Gay Mart and Ragin’ Rae Jean’s. Chaffin also found his niche in special event planning. In 1985, he and friend Gary Chichester formed Back Door Promotions a production and event company which coordinated numerous AIDS and other charitable activities. He also co-produced Crimes of Hate, a film on gay-bashing. He was an active participant in all three national LGBT marches in Washington, and in many Pride Parades in Chicago. He was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1997. Memorial arrangements are being planned in Chicago for mid-September. boi 25

by Ace Magyar

Dreaming on Halsted I’m recently came out after being engaged (to a woman) for five years. I was brought up in an extremely religious community, so my fiancé and I never had sex. In fact until I met a guy at work about six months ago, I’d never had sex with anyone. Once I realized that I was gay, I knew I needed to move away from my family and community. That was about two months ago. Since I moved to Chicago, I’ve been having sex non-stop. I feel so alive and don’t regret making the decisions I made. Here’s the weird thing. I dream about flying all the time. These dreams are so vivid that I feel as if I’m almost on the verge of discovering the secret of flying. I know it sounds crazy, and I don’t plan to jump off a building or anything, but I’m starting to wonder if there’s a problem. DOH If you’re practicing safe sex, and your sex life hasn’t proved a problem at work or in relationships, there’s no problem at all. What you’re going through is common for gay men who haven’t had sex until after their teens. You’re experiencing what I like to call “gay adolescence”. It doesn’t matter what age you are, you’re dealing with the same issues as teenagers typically do in regards to sex. For most folks this phase lasts a few years. If it doesn’t, then you might need to think about whether you’re a sex addict. As for the flying dreams, dream analysts see a correlation between dreams of flying and sexual freedom. As long as you realize that these are just dreams, enjoy them. Aunt Flo My girlfriend and I are having a slight issue. She gets especially horny when she gets her period. That wouldn’t be so bad, except that’s when she seems to crave oral sex. She tends to have a heavy flow on those days and it just grosses me out. She gets angry and says it is a natural and beautiful thing and that if I truly love her, I would do it. 26 boi

AF The problem here is that both of you are right to some extent. Yes, menses is a natural body function; however, you also have a right to not want to do anything you find distasteful. Having a bowel movement is also a natural function, but I wouldn’t want to go down on someone while they were having one, but some folks would get turned on by that. This may be a case where you have to call a détente. Tearing My Hair Out My husband is amazingly handsome. He’s in his late twenties, tall and thin with a great head of strawberry blonde hair. He’s an actor. What they call a triple threat; he sings dances and acts. He also writes poetry and paints. I love him dearly, but he’s awful at everything he does. He thinks he’s some kind of artistic prodigy, but the only singing gigs he gets are at open mics. He hasn’t been cast in any role he’s auditioned for (unless you count extra work on a few local movie shoots.) His poetry sounds like the stuff morose high school girls write (kind of like lyrics to a Frank Wildhorn song) and his paintings are best left unmentioned. All the money he makes at his temp jobs go toward singing and acting lessons. What can I do to give him a reality check? TMHO It sounds like your husband has a lot of creativity and no talent. The perfect outlet for people like that is scrap-booking. See if you can get him to start one about his own career and rave about the finished project and mention how much happier you are that he’s home more often. Perhaps he can channel his creativity there. If that doesn’t work, try another craft. Eventually he’ll find something he’s good at. I’ve dealt with people like him in my private practice. Reality checks are rarely effective. 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 AskAce@boimagazine.com.

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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 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 773.549.0226 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 Southside

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 Juicy Fridays 2354 N. Clybourn Ave 773.383.5518 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

The Anvil 1137 W. Granville G, V @mosphere 5355 N. Clark G&L, V, GB Big Chicks 5024 N. Sheridan G&L, D, R

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

773.973.0006 773.784.1100 773.728.5511

773.667.6454 773.229.0886 773.582.3510 773.363.8555

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

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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The Call 1547 W Bryn Mawr G&L, D, DS, V, LM 773.334.2525 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’sAttic 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 Glenwood 6962 N Glenwood G 773.764.7363 Touché 6412 N. Clark G, V, LF, 4 773.465.7400

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