Archive for December 2007

When Chris Farley did his famous “Da Bears” skits on SNL - this was the Polishes he was talking about! Anyone who has spent more than five seconds in Chicago has undoubtedly heard of a Maxwell Street Polish, since that, hot dogs, beef sammiches and pizza are pretty much what we’re known for. Almost every stand offers one, but there is truly only one place in the whole world to get one, and you need to venture down by UIC to get it! It’s not actually on Maxwell Street anymore, and with so many copy cats, folks may be confused as to which one is the real deal. And besides, where else can $5 get you this full off a whole meal?

Back in the day, Maxwell Street was a pretty seedy area, and while the area has turned around a bit to accommodate the college, it still has its element. When dad said “Lock the doors, kids!” - he meant it! Even so, us white breads would make the trek out this way to get that unforgettable sammich, usually for sneaking into a Sox game, smelling up the car for days!

The Polish comes loaded with heaping piles of grilled onions and slathered with tons of mustard, served on a plain hot dog bun that fell apart within seconds. The free fries that comes with it end up making the paper bag break through, so it’s kind of important to ask for a double bag if it‘s being taken to go. Of course, most folks simply can’t wait that long, and will just eat it on the hood of their cars or on the end of the outdoor counter. Of course, this meal on a bun would not be complete without a grape pop to wash it all down. (Notice I didn’t say “soda”!) And oh yes, by the way - real Chicagoans order two!

Outside of the Polishes, the pork chop sammiches are also very popular, and to a lesser extent, the hot dogs and burgers. Actually, that’s pretty much it for the menu, but hey - when you do one thing right, that’s really all you need! If you want to make yourself feel a little bit less guilty for eating such a gluttonous, artery clogging meal on a bun, order a bottled water. But if you do, be prepared to get an eye roll from the guy in line behind you - the one with the thick mustache and the Bears sweat shirt!

No bull, just beef! At least that’s what their slogan should be! Of all the places in the city to get a beef sammich, Johnnie’s out in Elmwood Park is the place to go. The line is almost always out the door, but since people know what they want, it moves pretty fast. And people who actually take a second to read the menu will be visually smacked down by the guy behind the register! Let’s face it, the only things you should be ordering here are the beefs, the sausages, the beef / sausage combos, the fries (if you have room!) and the lemonade. If you want anything else, you should really go to that particular chain the novices rave about.

While Chicago is pretty much the only place in the world to get such a beast of a feast, there are plenty of places to go. However, just like our dogs and pizzas, there are really only a couple of joints that have perfected the art of making such a well crafted meal on a bun. Johnnie’s is so worth the drive to the border burb, though the folks who care about your health may bat a few eyelashes if you do so!

The meat itself is perfectly seasoned and literally shredding apart, the bread is gluey and thick and the peppers are definitely something to write home about. The sausages are just as perfect, unlike anything you could make yourself, and yes, they even got the au jus right! That, and the ratio to food vs. price is pretty on par. Plus, there is just something a little special about picking up greasy food from a place that really doesn’t care about setting a trend. They just are.

Folks in the know honker down for this feast on a bun, with both elbows firmly placed on the counter, so that the bread falling apart will make it to your mouth in time. This especially applies to the “soaked” orders, where the au jus almost completely replaces the bread! Now everyone around town has their preference as to how to order a beef sammich, but most want it wet, sloppy and very low brow, sided with extra napkins and wearing a shirt and jeans you don’t care much about staining. Of course, there’s the other argument on the whole sweet vs. hot peppers deal and the one about whether or not to make it a combo, but let‘s just leave that out of the equation for now.

If you are looking for real Southern style cooking in Chicago, this is definitely the numero uno place to go! There are just so much right with this place that it is really hard to be biased, even though I’ve yet to encounter any restaurant being perfect. The food is so right on and completely awesome, the portions plentiful, the atmosphere fun and kitschy, it’s BYOB (with no corkage!) and even street parking is a relative non issue! Don’t let the trendy sounding name fool you - Feed is da shiznit!

If you’ve never ventured out this way, you might miss the place. The yellow bar style sign with the silhouette of a chicken will lead you right to it! Inside, there’s a 45 spinning juke box, a plastic egg crane game and lots and lots of chicken stuff all over the walls! Every walk of life goes here, and the steady stream of customers is clue one this place lives up to the word of mouth. Also, since it’s location is right around the corner from a large band practice building, the crowd inside can be even more eclectic than the neighborhood itself, which seems to add onto the atmosphere.

The menu is ever changing, based by what’s on special and what the run out of, all up on chalk boards for all to see. “Prince Spaghetti Night” on Wednesdays makes me laugh! Favorites every patron needs to try include the rotisserie chicken, the pulled pork sandwich, slathered with sauce and served on a hamburger bun, and oh my yes - the corn pudding! The banana pudding, served in a Styrofoam cup, is the best around, and the fried okra is probably the closest you’ll ever come to what Maw Maw can whip up. Even the chicken soup is incredible! Who knew? Vegetarians can even go here, as they offer a 5 side deal to choose from.

Now some people may take issue with the communal seating, especially when the place gets hopping and folks are getting elbow to elbow. The big table in back seats 16, so be prepared to scoot yer rump over if your party is anything less that that. Also, the wait staff is pretty friendly, but can occasionally be a little spotty (nothing’s perfect, like I said). Also, I like my mac and cheese to have a little more oomph, but to be honest, it’s really just two ingredients, so not much can be done with it anyway. Also, make sure you bring cash - if you forget, the bar next door has an ATM.

These days, New Age and Occult book stores seem to be popping up all over the place, even in small, rural towns in the Deep South. In a city like ours, folks have quite a few choices when it comes to locating places to pick up themed books, ceremonial candles, oils and incense, but there are only a couple stores that truly cater to the magical community at hand. One store in particular is Alchemy Arts, and while they may have changed names and locations over the years, those in the know are fully aware of just where to go!

Of course, this sort of thing can be bought online just about anywhere, but nothing beats actually walking into a store and getting direct, first hand information. Besides, books bought from generic, sterile companies just don’t have that wonderful scent of incense enveloped within the pages, almost as if each book has already been enchanted, making the information that much more powerful!

What’s really great about this store is the people who own it: extremely knowledgeable and helpful folks truly dedicated to serving those who follow any of the hundreds of Pagan and Occult belief systems. They make their own oils right there in the store for any need or occasion, along with an excellent selection of new and used books, on top of pretty much everything else one would expect to find in such a store. The best part is of course how courteous and helpful the shop keeps are, no matter what their customer’s level of expertise happens to be. Unlike most New Age fluffy stores, they do not discriminate those who choose to work with the Left Handed paths and in fact have a wealth of products and information available.

On top of stuff to buy is their rotating list of special events, work shops, book signings and after hours get togethers. Once a month, like minded individuals drop by with food and libations to mingle with others and build up community, as well as learn from each other and network. Classes on a multitude of topics are held as well, and Pagan and Occult authors and musicians set up tables to sign their books and CDs while discussing in depth about their material.

No online store can surely offer all this, so those looking for more than the ordinary should definitely patronize this shop!

In a world seemingly consumed by coffeeholics, tea lovers and their kettles tend to be relegated to the back burner, with no outlets geared specifically towards them. This cute little shop just happens to be such a place, where a passion for tea is uniquely present. Whether you’re a true connoisseur of all things leafy and brewed or just love the tried and true, My Place for Tea will transform your entire essence and have you coming back for more. No commercialism, no arrogance, no fluff - just tea and tea accessories for real tea lovers.

So what can a novice only accustomed to Starbucks and the store shelves expect from such a place? Not only is it a place to chill with something hot and aromatic, but it is also a place to learn about the various health benefits from their extremely knowledgeable and passionate staff, as well as a fun shop to create your own concoctions based on where your taste buds take you and what inspires you. There is comfy wicker furniture near the windows to do a little people watching as well, since its location is surrounded by folks who are just as eclectic as the vast varieties of teas inside. Of course, you don’t have to stay there to enjoy the wonderful brews, but you are more than welcome to purchase some and enjoy at home or share with those who inspire you just as much as the leaves themselves.

Since us Americans over all tend to prefer our tea to come in its chilled state, My Place For Tea is armed and ready to make your acquaintance, especially with those yummy bubble teas. Don’t know what that is? If you like tapioca in its pudding state, then you’ll fall head over heels for this delicious drink with those gummy pearls you fell in love with as a kid. Outside of some Asian restaurants, this just may be the one of the only places in town you will be able to find this exotic drink!

On Saturday afternoons, you can also attend their free tea tastings and discover new favorites! Also, yoga classes are held at various times of the year, so be sure to sign up for their news letters to find out more!

While smaller in capacity to its sister venue down the street, the Aragon, and not quite as beautifully decorated, the Riv is still a pretty cool place to catch a show! It's pretty similar to the Congress in just about every sense of the word, with its dingy charm, balcony seating and overall capacity. It tends to fill up a lot tighter since they take on even more popular acts of varying styles, and like the Aragon, it's right next to the Red Line and all those wonderful places to eat and drink at. They also offer a coat check, so dress like it's the summer underneath those warm trench coats, since it gets really hot in there, even in the dead of winter!

Just like any other place that's all general admittance, it is always a good idea to get there as soon as possible to stake your claim, whether you want a balcony seat or a good spot in front of the stage. Late arrivals are generally subjected to getting stuck along the side lines, however the vantage points are really not too bad. Also, go ahead and bring a disposable camera and snap a few pictures. Just remember that anything more than five feet away really won't show up all that great, so capturing the moment is pretty much a hit or miss, and only if you get right up in front of the stage.

There are a few down sides to the Riv that can deter folks from going. For one thing, the bathrooms are located down in the basement, so when ya gotta go, you may want to make a bee line right before a set ends to avoid the crowds. It's also dirty, and I mean really dirty, with a tendency to flood, so do not wear your favorite shoes. Strangely, there are bathroom attendants, but one begs to ask what exactly they are attending to. Also, the place really does need a rehab, and it looks like at one time they were making an honest attempt but just stopped. I truly hope a portion of the money filtering into this place will go towards a fresh coat of paint. The security is pretty tight, so it can take a while to actually get inside, but they're pretty lenient once you're in. Finally, there is no in or out, which is understandable due to the size of the place.

Overall, the Riv really is a good place to see a show, if that is all you are there to do. Every other aspect of the evening should be done elsewhere.

If you want to see a big rock or metal show that has that arena look to it but not the feel, then taking a drive out to far suburban Mokena to the Pearl Room is the thing to do. The sound is beyond excellent in the main stage area, parking is free and ample, the bar is well stocked and well tended (though expensive), and there are a number of places to munch at afterwards. On top of that, this place really does a great job of taking on only the best local acts for openers, so no set features a “beer line band”, making it an excellent place to support your local bands.

Even though many A List bands perform here, the Pearl Room's policy allows fans to come in with their cameras and snap some pictures! Some shows even allow video cameras! Also, those who really want to meet their favorite artists can usually walk around back where the tour buses are located in hopes the bands will be gracious enough to pose for pics and sign autographs. After the show, you may even be allowed to go upstairs and party with them up in the green rooms! How cool is that? Those in the know are aware the folks running the merch booths are usually good friends with the bands, so buying at-shirt or CD and hanging out a while can also stand you the chance of meeting the artists in person!

The layout is very unique, as the Pearl Room is part of a big complex that is interconnected to a couple other clubs and even some strip mall type shops. The parking lot itself is also connected to a couple chain restaurants, giving folks time to sober up and chow on some pancakes before getting behind the wheel. People fortunate enough to get upstairs can actually look down through glass windows into the club connected below.

The one caveat to the place is there is no in and out allowed, so if you plan on buying up a lot of merch from the booths, you may want to ask if the vendors would be kind enough to hold onto your purchases. Don't wait until the end of the night, because just like everyplace else, e good stuff always goes first, as well as the most popular t-shirt sizes.

Here's an up and comer hangout the south side is taking full advantage of! It's blessedly free of self righteousness, sells a full line of beer and liquors, has a great juke box and even has it's own little pub grub restaurant inside that sells pretty good food at decent prices! Those driving down there at night might miss it on the first swing, as it's situated within a strip mall on a four lane street, across from Sprawl*Mart. There's plenty of parking along the south side, so there's no need to fight over the few spots up front.

Bands are just starting to get booked here, so for right now, it's still a bit of a word of mouth deal. Even so, word of good places to hang out and catch a show catches on fast, and this place is definitely getting the recognition it deserves. It seems the bands booked are pretty varied, though they seem to rotate within the rock and metal genres, as well as host their fair share of 80s cover bands.

There are two stages, thanks to its banquet hall adjacent to the main entrance, with the main stage opposite the large bar. The sound and lighting are pretty good and carries well, even into the bathrooms way in the back, which are somewhat clean. Merch booths for large show cases form just about anyplace that has room, though are mindful to keep the fronts of the stage areas open for the fans.

When the place gets busy, the one gripe is that there really should be more than a single server behind the bar. Even so, the girl I've seen back there seems to handle herself fairly well under the circumstances, though the wait can be rather annoying.

The very first thing most people notice about LSA is the fact this place looks strikingly similar to their high school gymnasiums, from institutional stair cases to the waxy hard wood floors, right down to the caged, high ceiling windows. In fact, the only thing missing

is the caged wall clock to protect it from ricocheting dodge balls! And, since it hosts all ages shows, the floors tend to be scattered with kids squatting on the floor with their friends in a circular fashion, almost in a surreal Duck, Duck, Goose! scenario.

The large stage set against the far back wall is somewhat risen with a very good sound and lighting system to counter act the natural, echoey acoustics and also offers a decent vantage point from just about everywhere. And, when the place is at least half full, the sound somehow fills the room fairly well, with notable exception to the tiny, pricey bar area and puny, dingy bathrooms, which all seem to have been built as an after thought.

Most of the booking is done by the Empty Bottle for acts and show cases that demand a larger venue (LSA has a 700 capacity). As such, the bands booked are just as varied, but are generally of a higher caliper, though door prices are just as reasonable. Bands set up their

merch along the right side of the entrance, leaving the left side open for those who want to scale the wall a bit for an even better vantage point or for copping a squat between sets. There is a mezzanine seating section above, though the stairway is typically roped off for band members and their entourage.

While parking can be a challenge closer to show time, the Blue Line Logan Square stop is directly across the street, and a decent amount of cabs and all night buses are nearby. The neighborhood is pretty safe, so finding non permit parking a couple blocks into the residential areas is pretty secure. Just remember to keep everything of value out of sight. Also, remember to bring cash, as no cards are accepted. Food is non existent, but in and out is perfectly fine, so feel free to head outside to Johnny's Grill, Lula Cafe or Dunlay's around the corner. Also, the bar in Lula's sells cheap PBRs!

One thing that I really don't like about this place, other than the parking issue and the pricey beer, is the security guys they use. It's rumored that many are off duty cops who take their jobs way too seriously, bouncing kids like rag dolls for even the most minor of offenses. If that one issue can be rectified, I would be a very happy camper.

Now here is a place you can go to any night of the week and, even if all the bands were worse than disappointing, you can guarantee you will have a good time. There are so many pluses to the Bottle that the few negatives that is has can be far out weighed.

First off, there is that no cover Monday night deal, where while the bands can be varied and inherently hit or miss, the drink prices are more than fair, and there's a little tucked away game room nook that allows you to escape from the occasional suckiness. When the bands are good, the place can get really crowded. Either way, take advantage of the game room to catch a breather, and don't forget to buy some merch! Also, not many places can boast of being able to offer change back for a fin, including tip, of which the servers more than deserve.

Since the bands booked at the Bottle can swing from one direction to another, it's a good idea to check ahead for their lineup. Quite a few great bands have played here right before they struck it big, so if you have even an inkling of wanting to check something out, you really should!

Parking and public trans are definite issues, and people not from the area can find the neighborhood to be a little on the scary side. The mirror in the women's bathroom is kind of a non point, since the graffiti all but covers it, rendering it useless. Then again, who really goes to a place like this to powder their noses? And yes, the Bottle has its fair share of douche bags, but they're at least the kind that regular folks can associate with, just as long as they don't talk over the bands performing.

Be sure to bring cash to this cardless bar, as the cash machine bears a sign warning users it is truly the World's Slowest ATM, if it's even working that night. There's a pool table, classic arcade games and a photo booth too, which are a whole lotta fun! Then there's that black cat people sometimes come across by the merch booths, though I personally have yet to see it. Non human residents are cool, okay, and trying to spy such a mythical creature makes for a fabulous, drunken quest between sets!