Chicago 2023-24 by PRIDELY

CHICAGO | IL | 2023-24

The The Science Science of of Laughter: Laughter: Why Why We We Love Love to to Chuckle Chuckle Laughter is often called the best medicine, and for good reason. It’s a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, bringing joy and connection to people worldwide. But have you ever wondered why we love to chuckle so much? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating science of laughter, the benefits it brings, and why it’s such a fundamental part of the human experience.

The Biology of Laughter: A Brainy Affair When you laugh, your brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, flood your system, creating a sense of euphoria and reducing stress. Laughter also triggers the release of dopamine, a continued on page 10

neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This chemical rush is why we often feel so good after a hearty laugh.

The Social Glue: Connecting Through Chuckles Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it’s also a powerful social tool. Evolutionary scientists believe that laughter evolved as a way for early humans to bond and strengthen social bonds. When we laugh with others, it signals trust and positive interaction, reinforcing social connections.

The Laughter Contagion: Yawns Are Out, Laughter Is In You’ve probably experienced C HICAGO | IL | 2023-24 |

1 The Science of Laughter 4 Good Eats 6 Event Calendar 12 Street Food Delights 18 Money With A Twist 22 Recipe: Entrée & Dessert 26 Community Resources 28 Service Directory

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C HICAGO | IL | 2023-24 |

Restaurants The Capital Grille Outpost of the upscale steakhouse chain offers classic American fare & a clubby, refined setting. 633 N St Clair St, Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: (312) 337-9400 | Web: thecapitalgrille.com

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse Surf ‘n’ turf staple offering a classic menu & an extensive wine list in an upscale setting. 1028 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: (312) 266-8999 | Web: gibsonssteakhouse.com

Oriole Intimate, high-end kitchen serving an extended New American tasting menu in a stylish space. 661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661 Phone: (312) 877-5339 | Web: www.oriolechicago.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature? Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

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The Purple Pig

Virtue Restaurant

Expanded outpost of a famed pork & wine specialist with an open kitchen & chic, airy setting. 444 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL

Hearty Southern cooking paired with wines & cocktails in funkychic quarters & an open kitchen. 1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL

Aba

Alinea

Posh destination for elevated Mediterranean fare & cocktails, plus a lounge-style rooftop patio. 302 N Green St 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL

Chef Grant Achatz draws foodies with New American tasting menus featuring highly creative plates. 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL

Quartino Ristorante

The Gage

Bustling, bi-level spac, for small & large plates plus cocktails & carafes of wine. 626 N State St, Chicago, IL

Inventive American eats plus a long list of beers in a lively space with Millennium Park views. 24 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL

Boka

Tanta Chicago

Creative American cuisine in a stylish, modern setting with a lounge & candelit back garden patio. 1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL

Inventive Peruvian fare served in a stylish Peru-inspired space; known for its pisco sour cocktail. 118 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL

The Loyalist Rustic-chic gastropub with a seasonal patio offering specialty burgers, handcut fries & wine. 177 N Ada St #001, Chicago, IL

Longman & Eagle Hipster spot with modern farmto-table fare & nose-to-tail eats plus whiskey & craft cocktails. 2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL

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EVENTS 2023-24 Nov 11 The West Loop Spirits & Wine Fest with Artisan Creations The West Loop Spirits and Wine Festival is an annual event that celebrates the finest wines and spirits from around the world. Featuring a wide variety of tastings this festival is a must-attend for anyone interested in learning more about the art of winemaking and distilling. With delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to socialize with other wine and spirits enthusiasts, the West Loop Spirits and Wine Festival offers something for everyone to enjoy. Details at www.gourmetexpos.com.

Nov 18 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival A day-through-night, mile-long extravaganza drawing more than one million celebrants. Its centerpiece is the largest nighttime parade in the U.S. — a spectacular parade down Michigan Avenue. The parade features fabulous floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus, fireworks and more —illuminating one million lights on The Avenue’s 200+ trees. See complete details at themagnificentmile.com.

Dec 28 Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve The holidays rock a whole lot harder than they ever have thanks to TransSiberian Orchestra. By infusing seasonal classics with rock flamboyance, a symphonic sense of scope, and an eye-popping visual presentation complete with lasers and pyrotechnics. Learn more at rosemont.com.

Jan 13, 2024 Chicago Bacon Festival Baconfest Chicago is a nationally renowned, locally beloved festival dedicated to America’s favorite cured meat: bacon! At Baconfest, Chicago’s best chefs concoct and serve brilliant bacon dishes to thousands of passionate bacon lovers. Liquor sponsors provide cocktails, beer and wine designed to complement a bacon meal. Bacontrepreneurs and bacon-

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EVENTS 2024 friendly brands exhibit their wares and connect with our bacon community. A panel of judges bestows the Golden Rasher awards on chefs and guests for achievement in the bacon arts. It is a raucous, rockin’ good time for everybody involved. Details at baconfestchicago.com.

Feb 15 Nourished Festival All Gluten-Free & Allergen Friendly Expos have education, products, services, coupons, giveaways and community connections. Complete details and tickets available at www.nourishedfestival.com.

Mar 22-24 Chicago Tattoo Arts Festival The biggest tattoo convention tour is coming back to Chicago. It offers a wide range of vendors supplying tattoo professionals and enthusiasts with everything they need, including jewelry, clothing, and artwork. Attendees can also enjoy thrilling sideshow entertainment and live human suspension for a fantastic weekend of fun. Visit villainarts.com.

Apr 20 Chicago Rum Festival The boutique-style event will showcase a handful of brands that emphasize the education and premiumization of the rum category. The rum festival will be at the Logan Square Auditorium (2539 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647) Offering the opportunity to attend the Grand Tasting and seminar events. Four independent sessions are happening on this day. Below we will describe each session based on times and market. Learn more at chicagorumfest.com.

May 4 Cinco de Miler The Cinco de Miler 5-mile run returns to Chicagoland. Join thousands of festive runners as you take on the Montrose Harbor area of Chicago, running along the scenic miles of Lake Michigan. After your 5-mile run, shake it over the finish line where the famous, sky scraping, 3-story piñata

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the phenomenon of contagious laughter. When someone near you starts laughing, you can’t help but join in, even if you’re not sure what’s so funny. This contagious nature of laughter is thought to be linked to our mirror neuron system, which activates when we observe someone else’s actions or emotions. In essence, when we see or hear laughter, our brains mimic it, compelling us to laugh along.

The Health Benefits: A Chuckle a Day Keeps the Doctor Away Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it also offers numerous health benefits. Here are some of the ways laughter can boost your well-being: Stress Reduction: Laughter reduces the production of stress hormones like

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cortisol, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Pain Relief: Laughing triggers the release of endorphins, which can temporarily alleviate pain and discomfort. Improved Immunity: Regular laughter has been linked to enhanced immune function, helping the body fight off illnesses. Better Mood: Laughter can elevate mood and combat feelings of depression by increasing the release of dopamine. Strengthened Relationships: Sharing laughs with friends and loved ones fosters stronger social

bonds and increases feelings of connectedness.

The Laughter Perscription: Make Time for Chuckles Incorporating laughter into your daily life is a simple yet effective way to improve your well-being. Here are some tips to get your daily dose of giggles: Watch Comedy: Enjoy a funny movie, stand-up comedy show, or your favorite sitcom to trigger laughter. Spend Time with Funny Friends: Surround yourself with people who have a good sense of humor and enjoy sharing laughter. Laughter Yoga: Join a laughter yoga class or practice laughter exercises at home to reap the benefits of intentional laughter.

Find Humor in Everyday Life: Seek out the humor in everyday situations and don’t take life too seriously. Share Funny Stories: Share funny anecdotes and jokes with friends and family to create laughter-filled moments.

Embrace the Chuckles Laughter is a powerful and joyful force in our lives. It connects us, reduces stress, and brings a myriad of health benefits. So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of hearty laughter, remember that you’re not just having fun—you’re also giving your brain and body a much-needed boost. Embrace the chuckles, share a joke, and let laughter light up your life. After all, as the saying goes, laughter truly is the best medicine!

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Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions: 1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~ In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy. 2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~ Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise, continued on page 14

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cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite. 3. India: Samosas ~ Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try. 4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~ Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience. Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs. 5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork. 6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.

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7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple. 8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition. Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget! C HICAGO | IL | 2023-24 |

EVENTS 2024 awaits! This is nacho average after-party. There will be delicious food, Mexican Mules, beer, and a live mariachi band! Life is a fiesta — so let’s celebrate. Register today and cincodemiler.com.

Jun 22-23 Chicago Pride Fest Chicago Pride Fest® is a two-day street festival on June 22-23, 2024; the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (June 30, 2024). The 23rd annual Chicago Pride Fest is a celebration of LGBTQ+ life, culture and community in Chicago’s landmark LGBTQ+ Northalsted neighborhood. Pride Fest features live music on 3 stages, a Youth Pride Space for teens, best of Chicago drag performance, the Proud Pet Parade with prizes, dance exhibitions, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, guest speakers and over 150 food and merchandise vendors. Details at northalsted.com.

Jul 5-15 Taste of Chicago: Grant Park Taste of Chicago has been a foodie staple for more than 40 years. This year, the annual food and music extravaganza will include the return of the iconic lakefront festival, alongside neighborhood pop-up events throughout the summer. More details can be found on www.chicago.gov.

Jul 11-14 Windy City Smoke Out The Windy City Smokeout is a BBQ and country music festival featuring three days of live country music and beer in downtown Chicago. And ribs. So many ribs. Details and tickets at windycitysmokeout.com.

Aug 1-4 Lollapalooza Chicago It’s loud. It’s messy. It’s Lollapalooza. You got to hand it Perry Farrell, the bizarre and quirky visionary who reinvented the American music festival with Lollapalooza, first taking it on the road in the last century and then putting down stakes in Chicago. Despite a firm homebase in the Windy

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Money with a Twist: Fun Financial Tips

THE “HOW TO” OF FINANCE FUN Finance may not always be the most exciting topic, but it doesn’t have to be boring either. Today, we’re going to turn the tables on traditional finance articles and make managing your money a bit more enjoyable. Get ready for some financial tips that are informative and fun!

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GAMIFY YOUR SAVINGS: TURN SAVINGS INTO A GAME Saving money can feel like a chore, but what if you turned it into a game? Challenge yourself to save a certain amount each week or month, and then reward yourself when you hit your goal. It could be a treat, a special outing, or even a guilt-free splurge. Gamification can make saving more exciting and motivating.

SPICE UP YOUR BUDGET: MAKE IT VISUAL Budgeting doesn’t have to be dull spreadsheets and numbers. Create a visual budget using colorful charts or graphics. Visualizing your financial goals and progress can make budgeting more engaging and help you stay on track.

DIY FINANCIAL ART: GET CREATIVE WITH MONEY Express your financial goals through art or crafts. Create a vision board with images and quotes that represent your financial dreams. Crafting can be a therapeutic and creative way to visualize your financial future. continued on page 20

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4. THE FINANCIAL PLAYLIST: MAKE MONEY GROOVY Create a financial playlist of songs that motivate you to save, invest, and achieve your financial goals. Play it while you work on your budget or go for a run. The power of music can make financial tasks feel more enjoyable. 5. MONEY CHALLENGES: TURN SAVING INTO A COMPETITION Challenge your friends or family to a money-saving competition. Set a goal and see who can save the most in a month. The competitive spirit can turn a mundane task into an exciting race to financial success. 6. FINANCIAL FICTION: READ MONEY-THEMED NOVELS Pick up a novel that incorporates financial themes into its plot. Whether it’s a financial thriller like “The Big Short” or a classic like “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” reading can educate you about money while providing entertainment. 7. FINANCIAL PODCASTS: LEARN WHILE YOU LAUGH Listen to financial podcasts that combine money advice with humor. There are podcasts out there that make financial education both informative and entertaining. Finance doesn’t have to be a dry and dreary subject. With a little creativity and a sense of adventure, you can turn money management into an enjoyable part of your life. So, whether you’re gamifying your savings, or creating financial art, remember that making finance fun is not only possible but also a great way to stay motivated on your path to financial success. Cheers to a brighter financial future!

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Recipes: Entrée & Dessert

3 lbs beef ribs, cut Salt and black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup pearl onions, peeled 1 onion, chopped 2 tablespoons butter 2 carrots, chopped 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 celery stalks, chopped Salt and black pepper to taste 2 cups beef broth Chopped fresh parsley for garnish 2 sprigs of fresh thyme 2 bay leaves 1 cup red wine (preferably Burgundy)

• Season beef ribs with salt and pepper. Sear in an oven-safe pot. • Remove ribs and sauté garlic, onion, carrots, and celery in the same pot. • Return the ribs, add red wine, beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Simmer, cover, and transfer to the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 2-2.5 hours. • In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and pearl onions in butter until golden. Remove from skillet. • Make a roux with flour in the skillet and cook until golden. • Strain the cooking liquid from the pot, return beef, and add the sautéed mushrooms and onions. Thicken the sauce with the roux. • Return to the oven for 15-20 minutes. • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. • Enjoy with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

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ENTREE

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Recipes: Entrée & Dessert

For the Macaron Shells: 1 cup almond flour 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar 3 large egg whites 1/4 cup granulated sugar Gel food coloring (your choice) For the Filling: 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Fruit jam or chocolate ganache for filling

• Sift almond flour and powdered sugar. • Whip egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. • Fold in dry ingredients and add food coloring. • Pipe small rounds onto baking sheets and let rest for 20-30 minutes. • Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-18 minutes, then cool. • Prepare the filling by mixing butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. • Assemble macarons by piping filling and adding jam or ganache. • Optional: decorate with sprinkles. • Chill for 24 hours in the fridge to enhance flavor. • Serve and enjoy your cute French Macarons!

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CENTER ON HALSTED Center on Halsted is the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood. WWW.CENTERONHALSTED.ORG AFFINITY 95 Black- and queer-led group that works to advance social justice within and for Black LGBTQ communities. It has a book club, hosts support groups and organizes events to provide information about wellness and resources to people in need. WWW.AFFINITY95.ORG BRAVE SPACE ALLIANCE Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago, dedicated to creating and providing affirming, culturally competent, for-us by-us resources, programming, and services for LGBTQ+ individuals on the South and West sides of the city. BRAVESPACEALLIANCE.ORG EQUALITY ILLINOIS Equality Illinois protects the civil rights of LGBTQ people, and trains and empowers queer and allied organizations. It also has a political action committee that promotes candidates who support legislation that protects and empowers LGBTQ people. EQUALITYILLINOIS.US PRIDEARTS celebrates the queer experience through performances at its theater, as well as through film festivals and events that showcase short and feature films, as well as documentaries about LGBTQ life. It also works to provide queer artists with a safe space to explore their work. PRIDEARTS.ORG

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EVENTS 2024 City, Lolla hasn’t forgotten its traveling roots with editions in South America and Europe. Learn more at www.lollapalooza.com.

Aug 16 Fan Expo Chicago FAN EXPO Chicago is the ultimate go-to event for sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Chicago that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Everyone is a fan of something, and FAN EXPO Chicago is a place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph or a photo with your favorite guest then get the inside scoop about your favorite movies and TV shows at our celebrity panels! Watch professional comic artists battle it out in our popular Sketch Duels, learn from our "How To" workshops, and take photos with your favorite costumed characters! It's also a great place to buy a unique gift (or treat yourself!) with a huge show floor for shopping madness. Learn more at fanexpohq.com/fanexpochicago.

Sep 28-29 Hyde Park Jazz Festival The Hyde Park Jazz Festival is a well-programmed event that showcases a wide range of jazz performances. It features both established musicians and emerging artists, taking place in various venues across Hyde Park. The festival welcomes input and suggestions from the community. Visit www.hydeparkjazzfestival.org.

Oct 11-13 Scarecrow Festival The Scarecrow Weekend in downtown St. Charles, Illinois features a collection of 110+ handmade scarecrows, allowing visitors to vote for their favorites. There will also be a Family Zone with live entertainment and an Activity Zone with photo ops and family-friendly activities. Additionally, guests can explore the Autumn on the Fox Craft Show in Pottawatomie Park, where over 100 crafters will display a wide range of art and crafts. Details at www.scarecrowfest.com. C HICAGO | IL | 2023-24 |

AMBULANCE

Superior Ambulance.......................................................................................25 AMPHITHEATER

Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater....................................................................25 BREWERY

Half Acre Beer Company..................................................................................3 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Geneva Chamber of Commerce.....................................................................13 COFFEE SHOP

Necessary & Sufficient Coffee.........................................................................21 FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Truist Wealth....................................................................................................17 Mesirow Wealth Management............................................... front inside cover HORMONE REPLACEMENT

Regenerative & Sports Medicine..........................................back outside cover INSURANCE

Kane Insurance Group.....................................................................................13 LAW FIRM

A. Traub & Associates.....................................................................................21 Law Offices of Raleigh D Kalbfleisch............................................................... 7 LUXURY INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Nest Seekers Mexico.........................................................................................9 MASSAGE & PAIN THERAPY

North Center Massage....................................................................................13 OPTIMIZATION THERAPY AND WEIGHT

Regenerative & Sports Medicine..........................................back outside cover SECURITY SYSTEMS

Alert Protective Services, LLC.........................................................................25

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