22.11 by boiMAGazine & boiMAG.com

boi

ISSUE 22.11

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY GIFT SUGGESTIONS

We’re winding up the year and Thanksgiving is the starting line of the mad dash of social and family events. Think of this issue of boi as your holiday survival guide. I hustled about my gourmet kitchen, developing foolproof recipes for an entire Thanksgiving feast. Of course I had to sample all the dishes to make certain that they’d meet our readers exacting standards and now I don’t fit into my holiday frock. We also offer up some advice on a Thanksgiving three-way. That’s not something you’d find at Steamworks, but three options for your holiday meal; eat out, do it yourself or bring it in. come to think of it, that does sound like something you’d find at Steamworks. If you make only one dish this holiday season, I highly recommend my “Trailer Trash Sweet Potatoes”. (recipe available on our website) I’ve made this dish every Thanksgiving and I’ve yet to meet one person, from a four-star gourmet chef, to my six year old niece who doesn’t love it. Bring it to a holiday meal and you’ll be the star of the show. And the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Ace Magyar comes through again, with advice on how to cope with uncomfortable family situations. As for you early holiday shoppers, Gregg Shapiro offers some gift ideas for the music lover on your list that are sure to be more surprising than an iTunes gift card. Meanwhile I offer some suggestions for the foodie on your list. Harry Taint has combed through calendars and websites and eavesdropped at bars and clubs around town to bring you the latest news and gossip on what’s happening in Boystown and around the city. This column he even ventured beyond the city limits to get in some suburban mischief. Have a terrific holiday and remember to do some good to show your gratitude for all we have. As that philosopher and Super Salesman Dave DeGraff says, “It’s called Thanksgiving, not Thanks-taking.” boi

Rick

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 Freddie Dave DeGraff

freddie@boimagazine.com dave@boimagzine.com

Photographers Oliver Aguilar Eamonn Sexton George St. George

Editorial Contributors Harry Taint Anita Taylor

Gregg Shapiro Ace Magyar

VIEW BOI ONLINE AT www.boimagazine.com

HOW TO CARVE A TURKEY FOOLPROOF HOLIDAY RECIPES THREE WAY THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY GIFTS OF FOOD & DRINK restaurant LISTINGS COVER BOI GIFTS FOR MUSIC LOVERS in the know, on the go! ASK ACE bars and clubs directory

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The Ten Secret Steps Revealed

Step Six

By Chef Karlin

Slice the thigh meat.

Forget the Norman Rockwell painting of Grandpa carving the turkey at the table. It’s a job best done in the kitchen. In the kitchen you’ll be able to easily do the maneuvering involved in handling a large bird, and if you’re in the kitchen you don’t have to worry about doing it while all eyes are on you. There are two essential tips. Always allow the turkey to rest at least 10 minutes after it’s brought out of the oven. It takes that long for the flesh to reabsorb all the juices. Secondly, if you’re not experienced or don’t have a very sharp carving knife, use an electric knife.

Step Seven

Now grab your knife, fork and a clean towel and let’s get to work.

Step Nine

Step One

Step Ten

Transfer the turkey from the roasting pan to a cutting board after allowing the turkey to rest. If you don’t have a cutting board with a trough, put your cutting board on a baking sheet to catch the juices.

For the breast meat, cut through the joint to remove the wing from the breast. Cut the wing in half through the joint and transfer it to the serving platter. Repeat on other side.

Step Eight

Remove the entire turkey breast in one piece by slicing along the breast bone, keeping the knife as close to the bone as possible, from top to bottom. You may need to make a horizontal cut above where the wing was to remove the breast in one piece. Slice the breast meat. Arrange the carved turkey slices on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs or seasonal fruits.

Step Two

Start by cutting through the skin between the leg and the breast.

Step Three

Continue cutting between the leg and the breast. Wrap a clean towel around the end of the drumstick and pull the leg away from the turkey. Cut through the joint to separate the leg completely. Repeat on other side of the turkey.

Step Four

Once removed, separate the drumstick from the thigh by cutting through the joint between them.

Step Five

To slice the drumstick, carve a slice, then rotate the drumstick to carve additional slices from each meaty side. Repeat with the other drumstick. Alternatively, place the whole drumsticks on the serving platter. boi

Holiday meals are usually heavy (pun intended) on guilty pleasures. To save time and mitigate some of that guilt add fresh, raw foods that require little, if any prep time. Appetizer trays of freshly cut vegetables are a great appetizer option. The deli department of your grocery store can be your secret weapon. Fruit trays are a time saving dessert option. With the vast number of gourmet grocery items available it’s silly not to save time by buying a number of side dishes and relishes, many of which end up being less expensive than it would take to make on your own. One good example of this is cranberry relish. Treasure Island’s deli has a cranberrypecan relish with a hint of brandy that I love. Whenever anyone asks what they can bring, I always assign that or a loaf of some the great bread available I the bakery department of any grocery store. Appetizers There’s really no need to cook appetizers at all. Most grocery stores now have an olive bar, pick up a variety of olives and cured vegetables, arrange on a plate with some cheese or hummus and crackers, add a prepared vegetable tray, and you’re done. If you’re feeling fancy buy some cooked chilled shrimp and either cocktail sauce or sweet chili sauce. If you want a hot appetizer, this recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time, pop it into the oven about half an hour before your guests arrive and you’re done. Baked Brie & Apple en Croute 1 wheel of brie 1 package of apple slices 1 jar of apple butter or apricot preserves 1 package of frozen puff pastry or pie dough In the center of the dough, spread a circle of preserves or apple butter roughly the size of your wheel of brie. Arrange apple slices on the spread and top with the brie. Fold dough up and over the brie as if wrapping a package. Remove excess dough and seal edges by lightly pinching together seams with fingers dipped in water. Place, seam side down, on a baking pan or aluminum foil. You may use the excess dough, cutting out interesting designs or shapes and attaching them to the top and/or sides of the crust (a dab of water will act as glue). All of this may be done up to a day in advance (if done in advance, seal well and keep in fridge). About a half hour before guests arrive, place the brie in the oven and bake along with the rest of your meal for about 15-20 minutes (use whatever temperature you have set your oven, shorten or lengthen the time as needed), or until lightly browned. Serve with crackers. 10 boi

First Course A first course is sort of like stretching before exercising. It should be a small dish, just enough to prepare you for the marathon of food that is to follow. It is also a time when you can give your other dishes those last minute touches that turn a meal into a feast. Traditionally a first course is either soup or salad, but it can often be served as the fish course as well. For a salad, here’s the chance to use that huge container of baby field greens that is always on sale. Add some crumbled blue cheese, dried cranberries and/or nuts and you’re ready to go. Salad can be prepared family style in a large bowl or plated as individual servings. Add a bit of cold crab, lobster or shrimp and the salad can do double duty as a fish course. Soup can be prepared a day or two ahead and kept warm in a crock-pot or on the stovetop (trickier). Most major grocery stores offer fresh soups that rival anything you could make at home or make yourself. If you prefer to use canned soup, try the miraculously easy recipe listed below. Tomato Bisque 2 cans cream of tomato soup 2 cups of cream 1 jar of marinara spaghetti sauce 1 lemon fresh basil Add soup, cream and spaghetti sauce to a sauce pan or crock pot. Stir to blend, then heat. Grate or peel lemon to remove zest (the yellow part). Chop the zest into small strips and set aside. Just before serving, remove large stems from basil and chiffonade (stack a few leaves, roll like a cigar and skinny strips crosswise.) Pour the soup into bowls and top with a few strips of the basil and a little lemon zest. An alternative serving method is to add the lemon and basil (and some shrimp, lobster or crab meat) to the bottom of each soup bowl before spooning the soup on top. The Entrée If you want to make things super easy, serve a spiral sliced ham. All you need to do is put it in the oven for a half hour or so, depending on size. The ham is already cooked and injected with enough liquid to keep it moist. If you want to glaze it, do so in the last 15 minutes or so. A quick and unusual glaze is to melt a can of cranberry jelly and just pour it over the ham. The same advice goes for a smoked turkey. For preparing and cooking a fresh or frozen turkey.

By Rick Karlin One of the things the Pilgrims never anticipated was the joy of Thanksgiving three ways. No we’re not suggesting a ménage à trois this holiday season, not that there’s anything wrong with that. No, we’re referring to the three different ways you can enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner; homemade, catered or dining out. In our special Thanksgiving issue we offer suggestions for all three ways to enjoy your meal. Of course, don’t forget that there is also joy to be found by helping serve a holiday meal at a soup kitchen or shelter, not just on Thanksgiving, but all year long.

locations; 25 E. Delaware, 1646 N. Damen and 2222 N. Elston from Tuesday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, 27. Orders must be placed by Monday, Nov. 21 at 3pm, and can be made by calling 773.792-7100 or at goddessandgrocer.com.

Whole Foods Market can cater holiday

meals from savory pre-made appetizers, salads, and side dishes to decadent cakes, pies and gluten free desserts. Holiday dinner packages feature Midwest-raised turkeys, organic turkey gravy and organic cranberry relish. With traditional turkey, ham, and vegan holiday dinner packages there are options to suit a variety of needs. Orders are accepted through Nov. 21 for Thanksgiving and Even if you like to prepare the majority of the meal throughout the month of Dec. Orders can be yourself, there’s nothing wrong with getting a little made at wholefoodsmarket.com or by visiting something extra on the side. Whether it’s the main Whole Foods’ in-store Holiday Order Table. course, a few sides or the entire meal some of the city’s top food shops and restaurants offer ways to Then there are those places that offer you an make your holiday meal planning easier. option either way. Call the bi-celebratory if you like. A number of restaurants will not only prepare Lillie’s Q, 1856 W North, where chef/owner food for you to take home (and pass off as your Charlie McKenna serves award-winning own, if you like), but will also be offering special competition BBQ along with Southern, is smoking menus on Thanksgiving. turkeys for Thanksgiving. Each 15-pound turkey will be dry-rubbed with “Q Rub”, and will be Chicago Q, 1160 N. Dearborn, can serve you a smoked over peach wood for about five to six holiday meal packages it calls “Family and Friends” hours at the restaurant. The cost is $75 for each which serves a group of 10-14 for, either dine-in or smoked turkey, and payment must be made in take home for $345. If you’ve got a smaller group cash. Orders must be placed by noon Tuesday, of 6-9, it will run $195. Call 312.642.1160 or go to Nov. 22 at the latest, call 773.772.5500 chicagoqrestaurant.com.

Treasure Island can cater anything from

an intimate turkey dinner to a feast featuring a suckling pig that serves 30. They can also prepare side dishes that you take home and stick in the oven and, if you buy a turkey they can even roast it for you. Call 773.327-4265 or check out the vast menu at tifoods.com

The Goddess and Grocer (stressed

over stuffing?) will offers an array of individual Thanksgiving favorites from roasted butternut squash soup to a brined and stuffed turkey with vegetable mirepoix, herbs and basted with butter to a complete dinner for 12. All items on The Goddess and Grocer’s Thanksgiving catering menu will also be for sale in-store at its three

The Chicago Firehouse, 1401 S. Michigan, offers the option of a buffet of holiday favorites from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for $45.99 for adults and $19.99 for kids, 5-12. Orders for to-go meals are accepted through Nov. 21 for pick up on the 23 or 24. The fully-cooked dinner that serves 6-8 and is $175, plus tax. Call 312.786.1401 or go chicagofirehouse.com

Tavern on Rush, 1031 N. Rush, will host a

traditional three-course prix fixe dinner for $39.95 adults; $15.95 for children under 12. For parties of four or more, family-style service will be available. The same three-course meal will also be available for the same price per person. Call 312.664.9600 or at tavernonrush.com. (continued on next page) boi 13

Three Way Thanksgiving Continued... Horizon Café, 3805 Broadway, offers a budget friendly, yet no less delicious four-course holiday dinner. Soup, salad, turkey breast with gravy, mashed potatoes, dressing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and green beans almandine and a choice of apple pie for dessert for less than $18.99 a person, dine in or for two bucks more, they’ll prepare it for carry-out or delivery. If you prefer not to fuss at all and sit down and let folks wait on you. There are a number of traditional and exotic options available.

Vermillion, 10 W. Hubbard, offers Indian/Latin

fusion fare, what better way to celebrate a holiday all about immigrants. Lauded by Bon Appetit and BBC World among others for its innovative fare Vermillion offers everything from fenugreek and black cardamom basted turkey to a feisty vegetarian feast. For more information go to vwermillionrestaurant.com or call 312.527.4060.

To quote the Pillsbury Doughboy, “Nothing says lovin’ like something from the oven.” And ever since Eve gave Adam that apple, gifts of food have been tokens of love. This holiday season show those you love how much you care with a gift of food or drink. Food is the perfect gift, it can’t be the wrong size or color and there’s no reason to worry that it will be “regifted”, except for allergies or addictions (and you should check those things out before you present the gift anyway.) From the traditionally tacky Hickory Farms sausage basket to gourmet items from Harry and David you can hardly go wrong with a food related present. How about buying that special someone an early gift of a ticket to AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s annual holiday fundraising event, World of Chocolate, held on Thursday, Dec. 1 in commemoration of World AIDS Day? For as little as $75 you can wow the chocoholic in your life with a general admission ticket that will allow him or her to revel in all the chocolate they can 14 boi

Millennium Park you can celebrate the

Thanksgiving holiday in the heart of Chicago while dining at Park Grill. The regular menu will be offered along with special holiday offerings. Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Call 312.521.7275 or go to parkgrillchicago.com.

Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort,

250 W. Schick Rd., Bloomingdale, will host a lavish holiday buffet 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $36.95 for adults, $15.95 for children ages 5-12. A separate children’s height buffet table will offer little ones exactly what they’re looking for with favorites such as; macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders and curly fries. Reservations are suggested, call 630.529.0200 x 6460 or at indianlakesresort.com.

LM Restaurant, 4539 N Lincoln, will present

a Thanksgiving four-course tasting menu for $45. The regular LM Restaurant menu will also be available; service is from 1-8 p.m. Make reservations at 773.942.7585 or lmrestaurant.com.

sample, and give back to the community at the same time (last year’s event raised more than $300k). Of course you could go all the way and become a sponsor for $1,500 and make five other choccos happy, too. Go to their site at www.aidschicago.org for more info. If you’ve got a wine aficionado on your list, give them the gift that keeps on giving; membership to the Vino 100 Wine Club. Located near Logan Square, 2711 N Elston, the $40 per month membership, includes two wines per month (one red, one white). Memberships are offered for a 3, 6 or 12-month period and members must pick up the wine in-store. For gifts that need to be shipped, there is an additional $20 charge. Call 773.489.9463 to sign up or check it out at www.vino100chicago.com. There’s something delightfully retro about Nuts on Clark, a pioneer in the nuts, candy, popcorn, caramel corn and cheese corn business. Create your own gift basket or pick up one of the pre-

made variety, they make great gifts for a dinner party host or a housewarming gift. If you find yourself flying home for the holidays, there are even Nuts on Clark locations at Midway and O’Hare airport. Folks may rave about Garrett’s, but the folks at Nuts on Clark’s claim that their caramel corn has named the “Best in the Country”, although to tell you the truth I couldn’t confirm this.

Shop In The Nude Buy your food gifts on-line this season and you won’t even have to get dressed. Boi presents our favorite on-line food retailers. Tastes of Chicago www.tastesofchicago.com Chicago is a food town and you can get things here that they don’t make anywhere else (or at least not as good as we make it here). If you’ve got an ex-Chicagoan on your list, this is the place for you. The list of items available is enough to make your mouth water; Lou Malnati’s pizza, Portillo’s and Vienna’s Italian beef and Chicago-style hot dogs, Eli’s cheesecake, Garrett’s popcorn, cholesterol rich fare from Manny’s Deli, candy from Long Grove Confectionery, Carson’s ribs and Hackney’s burgers. If only we could convince them to add Frango Mints to the menu, we could die happy. A Southern Season www.southernseason.com If you’ve got someone on your list from the south who mentions a food item they miss, chances are you can order it from Southern Season, which started off as a tiny coffee roastery in Chapel Hill, NC in 1975 and now ships southern treats all over the world. Whoopi Pies? Check! Pralines? Check! You name it, they’ve got it. Pastoral www.pastoralartisan.com You may have noticed this European-inspired specialty food and wine shop as you’ve walked along Broadway. If you’ve ever stopped in you know the food and wine are magnificent. The fact that company is gay owned (by a couple of bears) just makes it even better. You can order

on-line, but then you miss the chance to sample what you’re sending. Stop in at the Broadway store (near Wellington) or at The French Market in the West Loop. Share the delight with Pastoral’s on-line shipping beautiful gift baskets. Lobster-Gram www.livelob.com If you’ve got a seafood lover, this is the site for you. All of the live Maine lobster packages are shipped directly from Biddeford, Maine. Lobsters can live approximately up to 36 hours outside of water, depending on where you are shipping, overnight air delivery will get you live lobsters packed in a Styrofoam cooler with frozen gel packs to keep them cold, thirsty pads to keep them moist, and bubble wrap to prevent too much shifting. Locations off the coast get frozen product. Old Time Candy www.oldtimecandy.com Do you remember retro candies such as wax lips, ice cube chocolates, candy cigarettes, candy buttons on paper tape, Teaberry gum or Chick-o-Sticks? If those are too retro for you, how about Razzles, Pop Rocks, Gobstoppers or Runts? Any candy you (or your parents or grandparents) can imagine is available at this site. You can wander down the virtual candy aisle and pick and choose to fill a bag or order a “Decade Box”. The prices are surprisingly reasonable and they’ll ship with a personalized candy box top for a few dollars more. Club-Offers www.club-offers.com If you want someone to remember you, give a membership to a “gift of the month” club. At Club-Offers there is information on more than 150 “Gift of the Month” businesses from the popular “Wine of the Month”, “Fruit of the Month” and “Beer of the Month” to the more esoteric “Cigar of the Month” and “Olive Oil of the Month” Hey guys, how about a “Lube of the Month” or “Dildo of the Month”? And, of course, there are the big three, the super purveyors of on-line goodies: Allen Brothers www.allenbrothers.com, Harry and David www. harryanddavid.com, and last but not least, Omaha Steaks www.omahasteaks.com. boi 15

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AMERICAN___________

Ann Sather 929 W. Belmont 773.348.2378.

Hamburger Mary’s 5400 N. Clark 773.784.6969.

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.

“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.

The Bagel 3107 N. Broadway 773.477.0300 The

Horizon Café 3805 N. Broadway 773.883.1565.

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.

Chicago Diner 3411 N. Halsted 773.935.6696

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.

F.O’Mahony’s 3701 N. Broadway 773.549-0097

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.

DS Tequila 3352 N. Halsted 773.697.9127. An

Americanized sporty joint that features tequila & tacos.

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). The menu features such faves as hot wings, sliders and pizza served till the wee hours. Sunday’s $20 mimosa brunch is popular.

Nookies Tree 3334 N. Halsted 773.248.9888. A

Golden Nugget Family Restaurants

Lakeview institution has been catering to the afterbar crowds for decades, serving breakfast anytime along with typical diner fare. Open 24 hours

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,

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 3233 N Broadway 773.327.2060. This

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

Halsted’s Bar & Grill 3441 N. Halsted 773.348.9696 Tweet 5020 N. Sheridan 773.728.5576. An Uptown 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.

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.

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Hello there, my name is Justin, I’m originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. My family owned a farm which fell on hard times a few years back and we basically lost everything to the bank. My parents split up and mom ran off with a tractor salesman (for real) and my father moved in with my oldest sister. I used the opportunity to move to Dallas, Texas where I did some odd jobs to survive and ended up singing country music with a band in local bars and taverns. It was fun for awhile and I certainly enjoyed the attention. However, the attention usually wasn’t from anyone I would be interested in. Early into the gig, a 63 year old divorced mother who had two sons around my age, came to the bar every night I performed and hit on me. I never did anything with her, but we became good friends. I found out she had a straight son and gay son. You would think the gay son would be better looking, but not even! Her straight son was the looker and took an odd liking to me. He ended up getting married and I never saw him again. Womp womp... One night the band I was with got an out of town booking, which never happens... but one of the female regulars at the bar was getting married to a guy she met in Madison, WI. Since the marriage was taking place in Madison, she wanted us to come and play at her wedding. The price was right, so we did the gig. That’s all it took! We ended up staying the weekend and I fell in love with the city. Unfortunately it was the beginning of the end of the band, at least for me.

With the newly married ladies help, I moved to Madison and she and her husband helped me find a job. Who knew I would be a good hacker? Well, not really... I worked in a cellular shop who sold new and used cell phones along with repairs. I spent most of my days unlocking and jail-breaking iphones for people who hated AT&T. This was before there was a Verizon option for people. I must say, before moving to Madison, I never owned a cell phone, but now it seems like I can’t live without one! In closing, here is advice to anyone who don’t talk on the phone anymore except through text: Be careful, it can cause a lot of miscommunications and you may loose a friend over it. Also, texts can be used against you! OMG, LOL, W-E, WTF!! boi 21

Holiday grab bag: for the music lover By Gregg Shapiro In tribute to one of the most prolific and celebrated bands in rock music history, 40 Years of Queen/ “40 Years of Queen” (St. Martin’s Press, 2011, $35) by Harry Doherty with forewords by Brian May and Roger Taylor, honors both the formation of the band as well as the anniversary of the passing of flamboyant and beloved front man, Freddie Mercury, through rare photographs, memorabilia and an in-depth look at the iconic group. Now that R.E.M. has called it quits, the band’s front-man, Michael Stipe, will have plenty of time for other pursuits, including photography, an art form for which he demonstrates a flair in Two Times Intro: On the Road with Patti Smith / “Two Times Intro: On the Road with Patti Smith” (Akashic Books, 2011, $23.95), a video diary of photos of legendary musician Patti Smith (and others),taken over the course of two weeks in 1995, capturing her return to rare electric live performance.

“Love Goes to Buildings on Fire” / Love Goes to Buildings on Fire (Faber & Faber, 2011, $30) by renowned music critic Will Hermes, subtitled “Five years in New York that changed music forever,” takes an in depth look at the period from New Year’s Eve 1973 to New Year’s Eve 1977 and the impact of musical genres including disco and punk and artists such as New York Dolls, Ramones, Bruce Springsteen, Talking Heads, Blondie, Television and the aforementioned Patti Smith, as well as the numerous contributions by members of the LGBT community, among others. One of the most impressive CD box sets of the holiday season, Billy Joel’s limited edition The Complete Albums Collection / “The Complete Albums Collection” (Columbia) features all twelve of the “piano man”’s studio albums, as well as his “Songs in the Attic” live disc and “Fantasies & Delusions” classical offering, lovingly reproduced in heavy duty “album” jackets, complete with inner sleeves. Since most of Joel’s generation of listeners rely on reading glasses these days, there’s a lyrics & original liner notes booklet, along with a disc of “collected additional masters.” If that’s too much BJ for you, consider the double disc legacy edition reissue of 1973’s “Piano Man” (Columbia/Legacy), now expanded to include a live 1972 recording. Music journalist Ronin Ro explores the life and legend of the iconic musician Prince in the “authoritative” bio “Prince: Inside the Music and the Masks”/ Prince: Inside the Music and the Masks (St. Martin’s Press, 2011, $26.99), which also features the queer Wendy (Melvoin) and Lisa (Coleman). The Beach Boys’ much mythologized and never officially released (see Brian Wilson’s 2004 version) 1967 album “SMiLE” is no “Pet Sounds.” Once you get past that, it’s easy to enjoy the tripped out experience before you on the deluxe edition of “Smile” (Capitol). The psych-surf package includes two discs, featuring the 19track album plus bonus track on the first CD and a second disc of additional “SMiLE” sessions. You also get a colorful poster, a pin and a booklet. From the early 1980s hardcore punk scene to Seattle’s grunge scene of the 1990s, “How The Mistakes Were Made” (St. Martin’s, 2011, $14.99) follows the rock music career of Laura Loss.

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by Harry Taint

Thanksgiving Prep

Before you head home for the holidays, skip over to Steamworks on Friday, Nov.18 for your chance to “Be a Porn Star”. Now that will give them something to talk about at the holiday table! Actually it’s for “Barlesque benefit” a benefit for TPAN… If you need a few laughs to get you through family time, you might want to head over to Parlour on Clark on that same night where Sonya White, the hysterical comic and star you’ve seen on HBO, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, Star Search, and Southern Fried Chicks…Or ease yourself into the suburban life by attending the15th Annual OPAL Awards Gala on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the 9th Century Club in Oak Park. The west suburban lesbian and gay organization’s theme this year is “Giving Back” and the event will benefit five other organizations. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a buffet are followed by the Award presentation and live auction, then dancing until 11 p.m. Check out opalga.org for more info… Hydrate’s very own Amy Eisenberg brings home her one-woman comedy show: “Repeat Offender!” featuring cameos by Boystown’s finest: DiDa Ritz, Dominic Babbaro, Paul Montoya, Shane Frost, Kevin Paap, Donavan Pavlicek, Joshi James, Tajma Hall and Debbie Fox among others. It all goes down (so to speak) on Saturday, Nov. 19. Get the scoop on the Internets (as my mom would say) at hydratechicago.com.

Wake Up!

Shake off the last remnants of that post turkey coma on Thanksgiving by stopping in at Sidetrack for a few laughs during “Comedy Night” with hysterical viseos that will chase that image of Uncle Fred snoozing in the LazyBoy with his hand tucked into his waistband… Or head over to Scarlet as they host all frat guys and their fans. The club’s usual “frat boy” with plenty of real frat boys home for the holidays. And after spending the day with their families and juiced up on Scarlet’s 40-ounce beer specials, those boys will be hot to trot. Who knows, they may have found the sight of Uncle Fred with his hand in his pants stimulating. Whatever! Reap the benefit… Or go home after the meal and get a good night’s sleep, then head over to Steamworks on Friday or Saturday night where they’ll have a professional photographer who’ll get you a new shot

By Sunday you may be in the mood to eat again, check out Taverna 750’s “First Call” brunch. Sample the amazing food and drink as Taverna 750 unveils its tasty creations and wonderful libations. Drinks and food for $20? Score (and I don’t mean football)… If you’re still in need of some uplifting time on Tuesday, head over to Velvet Rope and join Miss Tajma Hall as she hosts Bottoms Up Bingo! The balls start rolling at 9:30 and enjoy wine by bottle or glass at 30% off. Check it out at velvetropeultralounge.com.

Spin Out

Saturday Nov. 19 “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season two winner Tyra Sanchez in two exciting performances at midnight and one a.m. Since being crowned, “The Other Tyra” has taken the world by storm with her beauty and talent. $5 Advance/$10 Door, $20 VIP (includes bar package from 11 p.m. to midnight and photo with Tyra). spin-nightclub.tix.com

Swing It & Sing It, Sister

We’re in the final stretch for the holiday season and that means music.The Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band concert will make your feet want to tap, stomp, and pirouette. Music from the fire and spirit of the “Russian Sailor’s Dance” to Grainger’s interpretation of “Molly on the Shore,” an Irish reel, will take you around the globe without leaving your seat. Saturday, Nov. 19 at Preston Bradley Center 941 W. Lawrence… Then get ready for the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus’ “Holly Follies” on Friday, Dec. 2 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. This is a show you can take your niece, nephew or folks to for a night of holiday carols including Aretha Franklin’s “Kissing by the Mistletoe;” “The Christmas Samba;” and two new Hanukkah pieces. Go to cgmc.org for the particulars… Then the next evening head up to Edgewater for “Sassy, Brassy Class” at Senn High School Hall, 5900 N. Glenwood, as Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria offer up a triple, sugar plum treat: a concert filled with a little sass, a little brass, and a lot of class, and even more important, free parking is available. Check out windycitysings.org.

Days of Note

Chocolate lovers are invited to satisfy their sweet tooth and commemorate World AIDS Day at “World of Chocolate”, AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s 10th annual one-of-a-kind event, where guests are invited to indulge on sweet and savory morsels from more than 30 of Chicago’s finest chocolatiers, restaurants and caterers. boi 25

28 boi

by Ace Magyar

Dreading Everything About the Holidays We’re spending the holidays with my husband’s family again. We’ve been together 12 years and his mother still refers to me as “Bobby’s special friend” whenever she has to introduce me to someone. We had a civil union this year and I want to stress how committed we are to each other and I feel she diminishes our relationship when she doesn’t acknowledge our status. They’re not conservative in any other way and have accepted me as one of the family in every way but this. What can I do?

DEATH (that’s an unfortunate acronym) Let’s just call you D

Don’t sweat the small stuff. If they’ve accepted you as a member of the family and include you in everything, the certainly know the value of your relationship. Have you told the how you want to be identified? They be waiting for you to give them a clue, this is new to a lot of people and they don’t have the words for it right now. Even many members of our community have some issues with what to call our other half. Personally, if I’m in a gay crowd, I use husband. However, if I’m with a group of folks who haven’t been around the gay community, I use life partner. I do this because in our community people realize that there can be two husbands and one of us doesn’t have to be the “girl” role. This is a new social phenomenon and it will take people a little while to get accustomed to new terminology.

Can’t Help Embarrassing Aunt Problem

I have an aunt whom I love dearly, but she is a lousy tipper. Even when she raves about the meal or the service, she rarely leaves more than 10%. She lives an urban area and she’s a pretty hip aunt who doesn’t look her age. I don’t want to offend her, but it makes me uncomfortable. At some of the places we go to eat, we sometimes have trouble getting service. She’s oblivious to the problem.

CHEAP

How long has she been living in the city? If she’s recently moved here she may not be aware that in large cities, people tip at a higher percent. If she’s an older person she may be tipping on what was customary many years ago or maybe she can’t afford it. Either way, she needs a reality check. Just bite the bullet and say “darling I love you, but you’re a lousy tipper.” Well, maybe not that bluntly, but perhaps something like, “I notice you tip only 10%, you are aware that in this area, it is customary to tip at 15-20%” and perhaps offer to pay the tip. Or you could be a little more subtle. The next time the bill comes to the table, get to it before she does and then mentally “calculate” out loud what 20% would be. Maybe she’ll take the hint, if not offer this advice, “Chicago’s tax is 10%, so figuring a tip is easy, just double the tax and round up or down depending on the service.” If that doesn’t work, you can do my sister does when dining out with her mother-in-law, she corrals the server early in the meal and mentions that her mother-in-law is a lousy tipper and slips him or her some cash ahead of time.

Wasn’t Too Funny

How does one deal with a friend who makes racist jokes and comments all the time? He is an equal opportunity offender, the jokes can be about someone’s race, ethnicity, gender. You name it he’s got a line ready. What do I do?

WTF

You drop him. You are indentified by the company you keep. Tell him it makes you feel uncomfortable. If he continues to make comments like that, you need to stop associating with him or you may be thought a racist as well. 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

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

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

30 boi

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