Archive for February 2008

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past couple of months, you're well aware Illinois is now a smoke-free state. However, there are still plenty of places you can go where you are more than welcome to light up. Just keep in mind, they probably won't be selling food or alcohol, as 80% of their business needs to be coming from tobacco. Even so, here's a quick list of places to check out:

House of Hookah: Right on the corner of Belmont and Broadway, this hookah lounge offers 80 flavors of tobacco, along with specialty cigarettes for the world traveler in you. Oh and yes, while hanging out and chillin' with your friends, be sure to order up an espresso or tea! Or, go ahead and bring something in with you, because they're also BYOB!

Guess Hookah: Another place to hook up with a hookah and BYOB, this time in the Wicker Park area! This place is also a full scale retail shop in all that is sweet tobacco, just in case you want to revel in the ambiance in the comfort of your own home. The lounge also offers free Wi-Fi as well as plenty of games to while away the hours.

Sigara Lounge: This place is also in the Wicker Park neighborhood, but the difference here is, besides the tobacco, the coffee and tea, this place has beautiful belly dancers on Thursday through Saturday nights after 10:30! Not only is this place is the first of its kind here, but it's also the best: you can reserve a private booth, or lay back on the big throw pillows scattered in classic Persian ambiance!

Iwan Ries: Unless it's Cuban, you can get it at this downtown location, because these guys really do have everything! They're the oldest tobacconists in the entire country in fact! Their website really doesn't do this shop justice; you really need to see it for yourself! If you want a lunchtime break from the ordinary, come on in, do a little splurging and feel free to light it up right there and then... whatever "it" may be!

Capitol Cigar Store: Located on the corner of 63rd and Pulaski, this place is really hard to miss. The shop itself is nothing special, but trust me - you might want to bring the camera, because old White Owl will be sure to greet you! And ladies, that giant Indian (errr.. Native American!) likes it when you scope out what's under his loin cloth! (Your best viewing angle is from looking northeast from the front of the flower shop across 63rd!).

Find additional Hookah Bars & Lounges

Whether you met online, through a personals ad or got set up through a mutual acquaintance, a blind date is still a blind date. In these situations, it’s always best to meet in some open, public place and depart from there as well. It is also a good idea to select a location you like but don’t frequent and is not near your home. You never know if things will work out or not, and well… you might not want to take a chance on bumping into this person again. And don’t forget, before you leave, be sure to let someone know where you’re going. It also might not be such a bad idea to have that someone call you at a specified time, just in case you feel the need to pack it in early.

With that in mind, I have a few restaurant ideas for places that are slightly outside the regular stomping grounds and offer just the right amount of privacy, they’re light hearted and fun and, since you might be splitting the check, are not too pricey.

The Sphinx Café: I’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t like falafel or kabobs, and for vegetarians and meat eaters alike, Mediterranean food is always a great choice! This place is an especially good choice, because belly dancing is just plain fun! And, if the night seems to be going well, feel free to stick around for when the place transforms into a night club!

Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine: If Indian food is on your mind but you want to take it up a notch, as well as guarantee finding a parking spot, be sure to hit this place up! The food is terrific, the $10 buffet on Friday and Saturday nights is really good, and the overall décor is quaint yet has a touch of class. Be sure to grab a mango lassi!

Addis Abeba: Ethiopian food at its most delicious and fun! It’s a great place to experiment something new while getting a sampling of something familiar at the same time. And communal, sans silverware eating is sure to strike up a conversation or two!

Al’s Char-House: If you like it big and beefy and ain’t shy about asking for a takeout box, then this is the place to go! And, there’s always the bonus of getting a great steak without breaking the bank!

Horan’s Snug: When Irish comfort food and casual dining is what you’re craving but you want to steer clear of the commercial and tacky, then be sure to give this place a try. And if you both also happen to be Karaoke lovers, then you’ll find yourselves in absolute heaven on Saturday night!

It’s no secret Chicago is home to a huge Irish population, whether residents are fifth generation descendants or new to the country, right down to our own mayor. So, it’s only fitting we host one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day parades anywhere in the world, along with a second one specifically geared towards those who live on da South Side! On top of that, we have a plethora of Irish pubs and restaurants to choose from and even a highly regarded Heritage Center! So even if you don’t have an ounce of green blood in your system, there’s no reason to not go a little green and take part in one of the city’s largest celebrations!

9th Annual Chicago Irish Film Festival - February 29th – March 5th: Kick off the festivities by checking out some great films new and old down in Beverly! Whatever your taste in cinema, there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy!

South Side Irish Parade - March 9th: This is how real people party, as the South Siders know they got it going on! Since many Chicago Irish are Catholic, it’s being held a week earlier than usual so the parade doesn’t clash with Palm Sunday. And hey, this way, you Heathens get over a week to party!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade - March 15th: They dye the Chicago River green around 10:45 and kick off the parade at noon. (Don’t worry – the dye is non-toxic!)

The Abbey Pub: Anyone will tell you, if you’re going to pull an Irish pub crawl, this place is a must have on da list! On the 17th, they have a huge party in store for you! St Patrick's Day Bash featuring Sand Carvers, Larry Nugent, Dave Dunne, Danny Bur- , Irish Dancers, Bag Pipers & more! Chicago's best St Patrick's Day Bash for over 25 years. Great music, dance and Irish fun. Traditional Irish food will be served. $10.00

Horan’s Snug: This charming little pub just outside the western city boundary serves up great food and karaoke on Saturday nights! Good brew selection as well!

Irish American Heritage Center: If you want a pint of the dark stuff and you want true Gaelic to go with it, then check this place out! They start partying on the 14th and head straight into Paddy’s Day itself! The 5th Province Pub’s inside the building and is open on the weekends; its authentic theme will really make you feel right at home!

Just because you didn’t get paid this week, don’t think you can’t afford to take someone out on a date. You may have to venture outside the confines of the city, but it’s definitely possible. Just hop on the blue line and take it to the very last stop: Forest Park. It’s here that you can find a few destinations that are not only fabulously romantic, they’re cheap, too.

The other day I met up with my date and we headed over to Todd and Holland Tea Merchants, a one-of-a-kind store located in Forest Park’s famed Madison Street area. I’d been in there once before, and the aroma walking in was enough for me to fall in love. Every kind of tea imaginable can be found here, as well as lesser known flavors that will have you longing for more. Right away, the store’s owner approached and offered us a tea sample. Poured into a small glass, this “Waikiki Beach” Japanese green tea was a unique take on an old favorite. Even without adding sugar, the tea had a sweet taste and an even sweeter aroma, thanks to a bit of pineapple. This lightly flavored delight really did conjure up images of breakfast with fresh fruit on a far-off Hawaiian beach.

My date and I slipped into a calming, tea-induced trance. The owner invited us to open small sample jars of tea and smell them, giving us a better idea of the flavors behind the clever names. Quietly, we perused the spotless, carefully arranged shelves full of high-end merchandise and both wished we had brought our credit cards. But the experience that the store provides (which is free) left us both feeling relaxed and comfortable, and ready for a good meal.

Across the street and down a little ways was our next destination: a charming, lesser-known pub-style restaurant called Skrine Chops. I’d passed this place before and took a look at their menu. Shockingly, this place features a pork chop dinner for $8.00! That in itself caught my eye, and on this night, I was determined to find out what it was all about.

Stepping in, it’s hard to tell if the restaurant’s name fits the atmosphere. With tarnished wood tables, stuffed remnants of hunted deer and other animals, and a miniature train set that runs the entire length of the restaurant, it definitely shouts “rustic cabin,” not-so-much “chophouse.” Right away a waiter came by and gave us menus—consisting of only a page—and in only a few minutes we had chosen from this modest list.

My date and I sipped frothy beers in big mugs and watched families and couples wander in. The crowd was boisterous and cheery, and we didn’t feel we had to speak softly. Minutes later, two hot plates arrived: mine with a sizzling pork chop and a huge helping of mashed potatoes and my date’s oversized grilled chicken sandwich dripping with barbecue sauce. This sandwich has a twist: the mashed potatoes are spread on top of the meat! It seems strange, but it tastes great.

My chop was tender and juicy and everything you’d want from an indulgent chunk of meat. The mashed potatoes were creamy, hot and irresistible. Tangy barbecue sauce finished off the combination perfectly, and before I knew it, I was full.

When the bill came, I wasn’t worried. Even with both of our meals and both of our drinks, the tab was only $25! And I honestly felt that my meal alone would have cost $25 in any other establishment. In no hurry, my date and I sipped the last of our beers and took advantage of the cozy atmosphere.

It’s nice to have money, but don’t let a lack of it hold you back. There’s lots to do in both the suburbs and the city that are fun and romantic and won’t leave you broke. Check out Skrine Chops next time you’re hurting for cash.

Ladies, it’s time to go out for a night on the town. You’re gonna meet up with the girls and hopefully, later on, meet up with some guys. So you throw on your black stiletto boots, tight jeans, strappy low-cut shirt and accessorize with sparkly, dangly jewelry. Right?

Wrong. It’s time to spice things up. You want to stand apart when you go to the bar, am I right? My advice is: head to store B in Wicker Park. This upscale antique/thrift shop is full to the brim with classy accessories and rare clothing finds that will have you looking like an old-time movie star at a glamorous premiere.

I stopped in there a couple of weeks ago and the glimmer of style from an era past caught my eye with every unique handbag, cute hat and sophisticated fur coat. This is where you go when you want to liven up your wardrobe in a way that is completely new as well as old.

Beautifully decorated, this place gives me a vibe that I don’t usually get in antique stores. No stinky, dusty smell, no junk, nothing that made me cringe. Just upscale, good quality clothing in a soothing, relaxed environment. The exposed brick, pendant lighting and elegant chandelier certainly bring a modern feeling to the space.

Trying on a couple of hats, I thought back to a girls night out I had a few years back, where I loaned out some of my vintage hats to some friends before we ventured out and painted the town red. Sporting our unique style, we got plenty of interesting looks and lots of compliments. Store B has a great collection of hats, so grab your girls and try some on.

You’ll also find plenty of gift items here, like unique glasswares and captivating knick-knacks. Personally, I can’t keep my hands off the adorable handbags, some in shiny patent leather and some with intricate beadwork. You’ll only find the best of the best here, but expect to pay a hefty price for it. A vintage handbag in good condition will set you back between $50 and $100 dollars.

Ever thought of wearing a vintage party dress to a dinner party? Check out their dress racks and see if you can find something that you can pair with an old handbag or a awesomely gaudy necklace. Since a lot of the newer styles are throwbacks to the fashions of past decades, you won’t look outdated at all, just vintage chic.

When you’re shopping with the girls in Wicker Park, make sure to stop by Store B. It may make you change your mind about antiques.

As too many Wicker Park restaurants rise out of my price range, and Starbucks replaces Filter, the Earwax Cafe remains refreshingly the same. Don’t be disgusted by the name, which came from the record store in the same location on Milwaukee Avenue, near the North/Milwaukee/Division intersection in the heart of Wicker Park. The café is now a delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee spot. The Earwax Café makes a perfect place to relax with friends before a show at the Subterranean or after hunting for second-hand treasure at Myopic Books or Reckless Records.

Groups of friends can sit in one of the high-backed gold and red booths by the old circus posters of Ostrich Boy and the knife thrower and the golden horned dragon head on the wall. You can talk for hours over the bottomless coffee ($3.75) and eat breakfast at any time of day. Vegetarian or vegan friends can dine well on the meatless burgers made from soy, or black beans, tempeh (soy, barley and spices) and even a seitan chorizo burrito. I was impressed by the Reuben with seitan (wheat gluten) seasoned exactly like corned beef. I would recommend the chocolate soy shake with ribbons of chocolate syrup to anyone. Carnivores can go straight for the pulled pork sandwich ($7.50) or Jamaican Jerk chicken ($8.95) with mashed sweet potatoes and rice. Crunchy, gingery sesame coleslaw and seasoned thin French fries make excellent sides and the vegan carrot cake lets you claim that your dessert is socially responsible. Get all your daily servings of produce at once in the Garbage Salad ($8.95) with romaine, spinach, carrot, bell peppers, mandarin oranges, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries and honey mustard dressing.

There’s no wine or beer here, but a good selection of espresso coffee drinks and loose leaf teas like oo long, sassafras and medicinal teas to fight off a cold. The Blue Velvet berry smoothie and Peanut Butter Chocolate smoothie are fun and filling. If your friends need a good meal before or after hitting the nearby bars, Earwax Café is ready for you.

Be warned, Earwax Café is cash only. The flyers for local art and music shows covering the wall and the litany of graffiti in the bathroom keep it real. This is the type of humble punk art place that made Wicker Park cool to begin with. Look for videos to rent and independent magazines in the back and downstairs.

There’s nothing like old world charm hidden away in a modern metropolis. I went out for a night on the town a few weeks back, and I found a little place that warmed me from head to toe—with both the hot tea and the inviting atmosphere.

It couldn’t have been a more romantic night. It started out with Mozart’s Mass in C Minor at a performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Up in the dizzying gallery, I could see the tops of all the musicians’ heads and the glimmer of the brass instruments. Surprisingly, there were tons of young couples there, dressed their best, sipping cocktails at intermission.

All told, it was a great show, and the perfect place to go on a date. But the best came next, when we skipped over to Russian Tea Time, a nearby after-concert hangout that drew us in from the cold with its cozy charm. Walking in, the place is decked out in lavish burgundy fabric and overly ornate chandeliers. Dark wood accents provided a nice complement to the neat, white tablecloths on the cramped tables. Truly, I felt like I was back in “the old country” (if I could claim a country other than this one).

Right after nabbing a seat a friendly waiter came over. “Russian tea?” And that’s when the evening really started. The waiter brought out a tea cup and saucer, along with sugar cubes and lemon, and then filled the cup to the brim. It wasn’t until I had a cup of that steaming, robust black tea that I knew that my night out was going to last until the early hours of the morning. Russian Tea Time describes their “Russian Caravan” tea by saying that the “unique aroma and taste is reminiscent of the campfires of traders as they made the camel-ridden long journey over the Silk Road.”

The tea really does take you to another place and time. Every time I would put my cup down after downing a huge gulp, the waiter would return and fill it back up with more hot, black liquid. All in all, I probably had four or five cups, and each sip was as hot as the last.

The menu there was amazing. Not only do they serve every kind of liquor imaginable, they boast a large wine selection, a sizable martini list, and of course, beer. On this particular night, though, I was sticking with the tea. If I’d had the chance to really peruse the menu first, I might have gone for their “Full Tea Service” deal: for $22.95 per person, you get a pot of tea, scones, “savories” (appetizers) and sweets.

Instead we ordered borscht and the pumpkin vereniky, which was served with a dark onion bread. I dropped a dollop of sour cream into the borscht, a soup made of beets and cabbage and spiced to perfection. The pumpkin vereniky—small, delicate dumplings—was a refreshing surprise. We spread the butter thick on the soft, dark bread, and after even more tea, realized we were full. And once our feast was over, we found ourselves conveniently nestled in the most romantic environment, full of deep colors, soothing music, and the sounds of gentle whispers as couples enjoyed their desserts from a decadent menu of blintzes, tortes, strudels and ice cream. We held hands on the table and I glanced down and caught a glimpse of one of the tea quotes printed on the menu:

“As long as it’s hot and wet and goes down the right way, that’s all that matters.”
–Duchess of York

Around midnight we left Tea Time and caught a cab over to Greektown. We were ready to paint the town red, and we ended up at a little neighborhood bar called “Spectrum Bar and Grill.” On this particular night, there was a live blues band, being enjoyed by an older crowd. We headed for the high tables and chairs in the back by the darts, and cuddled and talked until the band started to play. Pendant lighting created eerie shadows on people’s faces, and here and there was a creepy guy lurking.

But later, almost as if by clockwork, the crowd changed. Younger couples and groups poured in and immediately started with lively discussions, changing the atmosphere completely. By then, me and my date had downed a few drinks and were ready to come out of hiding. As the night went on, the place got livelier, until our eyelids were droopy and our tab was high and we decided to call it a night. But not before exchanging hugs and kisses to end one of the most romantic dates I’ve ever been on.

Take it from me; start with tea and see where the night goes.

After the barkeep has flipped on the lights and you have polished off that last beer, many night owls need to find that special all night diner that serves up more than a bad cup of coffee and silver dollar pancakes. Fortunately for us, we Chicagoans have quite a few options available to us that have nothing to do with the “International” chains. Here’s my picks!

Hollywood Grill: Located within walking distance of the Wicker Park / Bucktown scene, this retro diner is where just about everyone goes. Stick with the eggs, get some decent coffee and chill for an hour while you people watch! And be sure to tip the wait staff well, because boy howdy do they earn it!

White Palace Grill: Yes, there’s a lock on the front door, but “Why?” begs to be asked – they never close! Almost everything here is home made, and it shows! Try the veal parm or the Greek chicken – you’ll be really impressed!

Huck Finn Donuts and Snack Shop: Just what praytell is all that “Nom Nom Nom”-ing all about? The food is decent but nothing too special, the coffee is surprisingly good but nothing fancy, so what is it? Why, the fresh donuts, of course! You’ll never look at other donut shops the same way again! (Boston creammmmmmm!) Just be sure to hit the one on Archer, because that’s where all the cool kids are at!

Golden Nugget Pancake House: If you’ve spent more than a week in Chicago, you have probably found yourself at one of these seven locations. Golden Nugget is an institution around these parts and have probably employed half of all diner waitresses over the last forty years. The decor is awful tacky, but the pancakes are incredibly good and the prices can’t be beat. Oh – and be sure to go either the one in Ravenswood or the one in Irving Park; they’re the best overall.

Golden Apple Restaurant: They changed the Nugget to an Angel, and they improved on the speed. That’s really the major difference here. Well, that and their biscuits and gravy are pretty good. Just good, plain ole greasy drunk food, located in a good spot. If it’s before 11pm or after 5pm, go to Sam and George’s across the street instead!

So go ahead and check a few of these out. Your waistline won’t be too happy about it, but who cares – it’s good!

Want to go out with some friends in Wrigleyville without paying too much for drinks and having to yell at each other to talk over the game on TV? Pass Wrigley Field and continue west on Addison until you see the Guthrie's Tavern sign.

The red sign and corner door remind you of an English pub. Although you will find Newcastle, Sam Smith and Guinness on tap here, the interior of the bar feels more like an American den. Art posters stick to the walls and funky paintings cover the ceiling. The back room still feels like a screened-in porch, even with its heater and fan and red picnic cloths cover the tables.

Bartenders here are experienced and friendly. House cocktails include a creamsicle orange drink with whipped cream or juicy rum punch for $6, each a good deal. Your non-drinking friend can drink cider or hot chocolate here (depending on the weather) for $1.75. Beer drinkers will find plenty of domestics and imports, even my favorite Lindeman’s Framboise, the Belgian raspberry ale. The hard cider here is Woodchuck , which tastes like green apples.

Guthrie’s claim to fame is the huge wall of board games across from the bar. They not only have the everyday games like Trivial Pursuit and Monopoly, but also Balderdash, Scattergories, Operation and dozens of new and old games I had never heard of. Round up all your friends and go to Guthrie’s for a game night. There’s no loud crowd, jukebox or noisy TVs to interrupt your concentration at Scrabble or Apples to Apples. Plus, you can make the loser buy you a Sam Smith’s Nut Brown Ale.

Guthrie’s has a sparse and modest menu, just mozzarella sticks, buffalo wings and a few basic pizzas. However, they more than compensate for this by stockpiling takeover menus at the bar. No one here will object if you call for Mongolian beef, California rolls or a piping hot calzone from a neighborhood restaurant. When I played Taboo with my friends at Guthrie’s, a nice man came in selling six tamales for five dollars; I hope he is a regular because I am definitely going back.

Guthrie’s has served drinks here since 1986 but this location has been a bar since 1933 when the Moretti family opened it after Prohibition. The name Guthrie comes from a developer from the 1800s who contributed many buildings to the Lakeview neighborhood. With so many fun games and good drinks, all your friends can feel like winners at Guthrie’s.

In the former location of a Lakeview hardware store, the Wilde Bar opened in November 2007. Featuring two full bars, authentic Irish food, and a beautiful interior, the bar would not disappoint Oscar Wilde. Were he alive today, the great gay Irish playwright would feel comfortable here eating a plate of bangers and mash, drinking whiskey in the back with a boyfriend or seated by the fireplace writing something witty.

Inside, the Wilde Bar is much longer and broader than the narrow storefront would lead you to expect. Amber and bronze chandeliers hang over the two long dark bars, the leather booths and two fireplaces with portraits of Oscar Wilde. Portraits of other Irish writers like William Butler Yeats and Samuel Beckett hang on the walls. Two stained glass windows in the ceiling show red dragonflies and Celtic knots. The décor reminds you of Wilde’s insights about aesthetics; even the tile and wood beam floor looks beautiful. Two plasma TVs silently show basketball and other sports, so you can keep up with the games and keep up a conversation at the same time. Like a pub in Ireland, the bar features some booths with walls on three sides, called “snugs”. At night you could drink privately here with a date.

The menu features old-fashioned Irish with staples like lamb, chicken pot pie, champ (mashed potatoes with milk, scallions and butter ($2.95) and the enormous savory Irish breakfast with bungers, bacon, grilled tomato, mushrooms, baked beans, two eggs, toast and black and white (sausage) puddings. Other menu items put an Irish spin on American food like the burgers with Irish chips and coleslaw or the chicken salad with Irish cheddar and bacon. Two soups are on the menu; one is always vegetarian. Desserts include a Guinness chocolate cake, sticky toffee pudding and lemon syllabub with wine sauce. For a brunch, dinner or dessert date, portions are generous and satisfying. My only complaint about the menu is that beer does not come cheap here; Guinness is $6 and Bud and Coors or $4. This would move me to skip directly to whiskey and other drinks.

Service was prompt and attentive here and the food was the best I’ve had since I visited Dublin. The Wilde Bar and Restaurant combines old-fashioned beauty with American comfort and great Irish food and drink. There are DJs here on weekends and private parties. I have nothing to declare but its genius.