Storefront City Chicago

Archive for the category “Drink It!”

08 Feb 2013

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club

WHAT: Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
WHERE: 3700 N. Halsted St.

OUR RATING: Do It!

(kitkatchicago.com)

(kitkatchicago.com)

“Life is a cabaret, old chum” and that’s exactly the feeling one gets when stepping inside this exclusive, classic and campy “supper” club. With a themed menu featuring the likes of the Mae West (Southern style fried chicken) and Joan Collins (stuffed portobello mushroom) and a liquor cabinet stocked with over 100 martinis (crazy things!), you can’t really go wrong here. And the food isn’t all that’s cooking…

(kitkatchicago.com)

(kitkatchicago.com)

They also have projections of everything from black and white movies to (on some nights) Lady Gaga music videos – a plethora of themed-entertainment that changes on a nightly basis. And what Boystown event wouldn’t be complete with a few female impersonators? All in all, you get a completely fun filled and interactive experience unlike anywhere else in the city.

Lady Gaga Martini (cheekychicago.com)

Lady Gaga Martini (cheekychicago.com)

Adam: Storefront City has been wanting to try out Lakeview’s Kit Kat for a long time now, but due to the preposterously long lines on weekends, we had let it drop off our radar until we were invited to join the club to celebrate their 12 year anniversary by trying their new Gaga Martinis, based on the Lady herself, Hpnotiq and Pama. I wanted to try the Lady Gaga martini, for the singular reason that it included a glow stick. In fact, it turns out that you can ask for any of them with a glow stick, but we didn’t know that when we started. A sort of crazy combination of effen white, Hpnotiq liqueur, pineapple juice, triple sec, a glow stick and some rock candy. Actually, the drink wasn’t ridiculously sweet and was happily complemented by the candy. Never thought that combo would work–proven wrong every day!

(cheekychicago.com)

(cheekychicago.com)

We also tried an appetizer of their chicken satay, marinated in curry coconut and served with a peanut sauce. I’ve had a lot of satay, and this was alright, but I wouldn’t get it there again.

What really made the night was the fun of the place: flashing lights, upbeat music, nice people and an opportunity to see Gaga herself. Well, not really, but the impersonator did a pretty damn good job of it, and drew in the audience in an entertaining and fun way.

Gaga! (cheekychicago.com)

Gaga! (cheekychicago.com)

Alicia: I had such a blast at Kit Kat. I knew I would as soon as I saw that some of the martinis of the night were garnished with rock candy. Wait, and some of the martinis had flashing glow rings in them too? Gaga, divas, a super chic lounge, dessert martinis…I mean really! It’s no wonder why this is a Bachelorette party paradise.

(kitkatchicago.com)

(kitkatchicago.com)

I ordered the Bad Romance, made with Effen Vodka, Apple Pucker liqueur, melon liqueur and pineapple juice (although, they have changed the components of this drink just recently). MUCH more tasty than the Lady Gaga. When the waiter brought the martini to the table I was super disappointed – no rock candy. But he was more than willing to return with a stick once I requested it. I was much too nostalgic not to indulge in one, and it really did add a unique sweetness to the drink.

Samoan Girl Scout Martini(timeoutchicago.com)

Samoan Girl Scout Martini(timeoutchicago.com)

Kit Kat has a great selection of drinks and food whether you want to go light (relatively skinny martinis and some yummy sounding vegetarian food) or go all out (dessert martinis and fried chicken…do those mix though?). We couldn’t help indulging a little further, so we decided to order their Samoan Girl Scout martini with vodka, coconut rum, crème de cacao, butterscotch liqueur and a dash of coconut cream. What was brought to our table was pure decadence laced with swirls of caramel and chocolate syrup. It sounds evil and delicious and trust us – it was.

My favorite part of the night, however, was by far the ambience laced with the tableside entertainer, who performed two songs every 20 minutes. Gaga had some drop dead looks, dance moves and get-up, and I really couldn’t get enough!

Final thoughts: Fast for a day to prepare for this place, and be ready for all Kit Kat will throw at you. Reservations are required, so we suggest you ‘telephone’ and hop on this bandwagon, especially on a weeknight when they have amazing specials. Kit Kat will be sure to tantalize all your senses and provide a crazy fun night, with some pretty dirty martinis.

P.S. For fun, check out Project LUSH, a Time Out Chicago sponsored ‘blog’ where three guys take on the whole Kit Kat martini menu, and live to tell the tale.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Eat It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
07 Feb 2013

Lucky Strike Lanes

WHAT: Lucky Strike Lanes (Bowling)
WHERE: River East Center (322 E. Illinois St.)

OUR RATING: Skip It!

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

This is a super interesting location that seems to take bowling and make it a high class affair. On the second floor of the AMC River East movie complex, Lucky Strike Lanes boasts 18 lanes, 11 pool tables, a restaurant, bar and wine lounge. It’s darn swanky, and seems to get away with it. So, if you feel like bowling and being in a club at the same time, this place is perfect for you. If you’d prefer a more casual experience, stay away (there is even a dress code).

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

Adam: There are a lot of things I quite like about Lucky Strike – beautiful ambience, glittering lanes, waiters bringing food and drink direct to your group and the feeling that you are privileged to be there. Then again, there is a lot I find less than acceptable – front desk staff tend to be snippy and rude, the drinks are regular and uninteresting, and the food is fare food with no extra frills.

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

The major problem with Lucky Strike is its branding and message. It wants to be a celebrity filled almost L.A.-type experience, going so far as to mention on their website the numerous White Sox and Bears players who come to hang out there.

But, then again, it’s bowling, which I don’t really associate with celebrity or glamour. I was under the impression that bowling was a fun sport, much in the same way that soccer or croquet are quite fun. But, if someone told me that there was an exclusive croquet club, filled with celebrities dying to play and sipping on martinis, would I go? Probably not, because whatever the hell is being recommended is most likely a less than stellar experience (although I might go if it were some type of lawn party and only if Pimms was available).

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

The earliest evidence for bowling is from ancient Egypt, were the game was played as a child’s diversion. And that’s what it is, a diversion. Not a fancy, expensive diversion, just a fun, wholesome and good-old game. That’s what Lucky Strike doesn’t understand and what makes the entire experience so damnably insufferable.

Alicia: I grew up in one of the most bowling-friendly families you can have, with both of my parents in leagues and my mom bowling right up to the day she gave birth to me. My dad even used to work on the lanes at various bowling alleys and I would go right down the lanes with him checking the mechanics and using a level on the lanes….back then, I was his master assistant with a clipboard and carbon-copy paper.

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

Sure, this place is beautiful and swanky and a perfectly ‘fine’ institution with some okay weekly specials, but it just completely muddles what bowling is. It attempts to make it an upscale activity. Sorry, but it’s not, and I’d prefer to wear jeans over a pencil skirt as I stride with my bowling ball, thank you very much. And the food? Very, very poor.

I mean, we didn’t pay for any of it (we won some free games and food and took a few friends), and trust me – unless we win something free here again I probably won’t be coming back. There’s nothing terrible here, but it just completely muddies the sport and pastime of bowling, and is way too overpriced for what it really is. I’ll take some bar food and cheap beer at your average neighborhood bowling alley over this any day. Or those places that offer cosmic bowling with 90’s techno beats. That’s pretty sweet too.

Final Thoughts: Our feeling is: why bother. Go to your local alley, enjoy good food at cheap prices and have a relaxed night with friends. Bowling is supposed to be casual. Why screw up a good thing?

Warning: You must be 21+ to bowl after 8pm daily.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Eat It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
29 Jan 2013

The Burwood Tap

WHAT: The Burwood Tap (Bar)
WHERE: 724 W. Wrightwood Ave.

OUR RATING: Chance It!

(burwoodtap.com)

(burwoodtap.com)

Living only three blocks away from The Burwood Tap means that you would think we would have visited already for a review. Unfortunately, it was only recently that we set foot in this unknown, woodclad pub. We should have got there sooner to give you the full story.

Claiming to be the oldest neighborhood bar in Lincoln Park (founded in 1933), we certainly saw a dedicated crowd and friendly atmosphere. We think we’re going to have to come back a second time to fully appreciate the bar, but here we go–

(burwoodtap.com)

(burwoodtap.com)

Alicia: Give a girl free popcorn, free pool, a cozy aesthetic and some fun, intimate but low key lighting and you have her hooked. I may not be a fan of The Burwood Tap’s top-40 and pretty loud music selection or their numerous sports-on-TV screens, but you surprisingly don’t have to be a sports-loving DePaul frat boy to enjoy this place. Sure, there’s a lot of them here, but when a group of a few dozen current students and alumni from Geek-central University of Chicago can feel at home at this locale neighborhood bar, you can pretty much be anyone to come here. But you’ll definitely have to be in the mood to really try when socializing with others, as the music is pretty darn-loud (but then again, I’ve been to much louder spots in Wrigleyville, by far).

(burwoodtap.com)

(burwoodtap.com)

Adam: The Burwood Tap has a lot of pros: the previously mentioned free pool and popcorn, the friendly staff and a lovely interior. Unfortunately, certain aspects did not sit well with me, though they would have probably been tolerated by others. Drink prices were quite steep ($8 for a (small) Guinness draft) and bar staff, while attentive, took time chatting to patrons while fixing my pint (not a pint, by the way). I like efficient service with minimal time wasted. She was quite lucky I gave her the dollar tip at the end, but I felt that her convivial demeanor probably deserved a token of appreciation.

(burwoodtap.com)

(burwoodtap.com)

Other than this though, I thought this bar was pleasant and classic, and I’m sure that with frequent attendance a good relationship could be built with both patrons and staff. I’d come back for the drink specials and free buffet, but perhaps only order a domestic draft next time.

(burwoodtap.com)

(burwoodtap.com)

Final thoughts: We’ll definitely want to come back here on a Monday-Thursday night for a free buffet, and to check out their acclaimed Wednesday trivia night, but this may not be the best weekend-night out. You might be safer trying out a more well-known location, but the adventurous can experience Lincoln Park at its most authentic at this local little spot.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
22 Jan 2013

Bullhead Cantina

WHAT: Bullhead Cantina (Taco and Whiskey Bar)
WHERE: 1143 N. California Ave.

OUR RATING: Do It!

(bullheadcantina.com)

(bullheadcantina.com)

Interestingly, this particular eatery is west, rather than south, of the metaphorical border that is bourgeois Chicago. Yet its distinctive blend of hole-in-the-wall roadtrip interior design, artistic taco selection and hipster tunes beating through concealed speakers means that you will be enjoying more than just snacks at this cantina.

We decided to visit the Humboldt Park’s Bullhead Cantina on Thursday, because we’d heard that their epic 12 taco sampler, an array of three different taco morsels from their extensive menu, was only $12. Unfortunately, that doesn’t include the steak, brisket or tilapia, but who cares–this place is a winner. We had two guests with us, so we ordered two platters, and were able to try six different varieties of taco:

(yelp.com)

(yelp.com)

Beer Grilled Chicken – A Mexican classic, except this one is tossed in PBR with a hint of lime along with lettuce, tomato and sour cream. We recommend you drizzle it with a chimichurri sauce or the spicy lime sauce for a less traditional combination. Of all the tacos we tried, this is perhaps our least favorite, but the sauce makes up for most deficiencies in the preparation of the chicken.

Grits & Kale – While not your typical taco filling, or a filling for anything, really, these creamy stone ground grits were accompanied by sautéed kale in white wine, garlic and harissa, and a pineapple bourdon reduction. The grits were mouth-watering, but our biggest concern with these tacos was the severe lack of kale. The lack of veg in these impelled us to add a bunch more lettuce and pickled cabbage which accompanied our twelve tacos.

(chicago.seriouseats.com)

(chicago.seriouseats.com)

Taco de Avocado – The butter of the Incas is presented in a new light here, along with tomato, gypsy pepper (first time we’ve heard of that!), lettuce, grilled onion, and a topping of cheese and chile sour cream. It’s a rich one, but the eloquent spicing of the avocado creates a new type of experience worth the extra calories.

Marinated Grilled Portobello – These mushrooms were grilled to perfection, and laden with avocado, grilled red onion, roasted corn, rustic tomato sauce and finished with sour cream. Their texture was riveting and their smokiness intoxicating – especially when paired with their house chipotle sauce. This isn’t like anything you could get on Portobello Road.

(chicago.seriouseats.com)

(chicago.seriouseats.com)

Grilled Sweet Potato – We’ve seen these new-age tacos before, but these came with pickled cabbage, grilled red onion, roasted corn and a creamy lime and avocado sauce. Well, at least that’s what the menu said. However, we didn’t receive any corn and really, while perfectly tasty, these were particularly underwhelming.

Roasted Beets – The table favorite, these beets were tossed in a citrus reduction with grilled red onion, tomato, lettuce, cucumber, chile powder and shredded cheese. Decadent, simple, savory and sweet in all the right places.

What really made these tacos special was the hand-made corn tortillas, which were just the perfect thickness to hold up against all the food and sauces packed into them, but still melt in your mouth. After going through them all and still having fillings leftover, it was almost painful when we didn’t take our waitress up on her offer for more of these, but our stomachs were quite full enough already.

(yelp.com)

(yelp.com)

What we missed out most on, perhaps, was their huge whiskey selection, and we would definitely come back for their every day special, which for a measly $6 gets you one of their scrumptious tacos paired with a PBR tall boy and a shot of the whiskey of the day. And if we weren’t lucky enough to come back here on a Thursday, we would jump at the chance to try their steak and brisket tacos. We would probably drop the beer chicken, sweet potato and grits, but we’d never part with those beets and avocado.

(bullheadcantina.com)

(bullheadcantina.com)

Make sure you bring cash, because this place is so focused on the food, they forgot to bring along the credit card scanner. Service was brisk and consistent, although starters were seemingly offered as freebies (they are NOT), so make sure to check the menu before acquiescing to the server’s gracious offers.

You don’t always think of tacos, whiskey and Hot Chip going together, but Bullhead Cantina does this effortlessly and makes the trek out there completely worth it.

Posted in Drink It!, Eat It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
17 Jan 2013

The Map Room

WHAT: The Map Room (Bar/Beer Garden)
WHERE: 1949 N. Hoyne Ave.

OUR RATING: Do it!

(maproom.com)

(maproom.com)

Buried treasure isn’t exactly what one is looking for in a city (although it’s always nice to find). The Map Room in Bucktown not only allowed us to uncover a full treasure chest’s of world beers, but also immerse ourselves in the experience of exploration, right down to the cartography on the walls and the National Geographics on the shelves.

With over 200 brands of beer and 36 brewing styles, The Map Room can seem a bit daunting. But, never fear, your trusty menu is here, and choosing anything from it is sure to land you on some far off tropical land, or at least on the galleon traveling there.

(maproom.com)

(maproom.com)

Once you’ve settled down to your cozy nautical table, you’ve got a lot of choices on your hands, so we’ve picked some brews for you to start out with. Grab your library card folks, ‘cause you’re about to journey through the Land of Adventure (if you don’t know what we’re talking about see here):

(lindemans.be)

(lindemans.be)

Lindemans Framboise (Horror) Dr. Jekyll would surely approve of this exceedingly sweet, raspberry lambic of a potion. If you’ve never had a fruit beer before, the experience could be overpowering. Yet, its sweetness lends to its uniqueness and, at $7, it is decently priced for such an exotic beer.

(Flickr, courtesy of @joefoodie)

(@joefoodie)

Arcadia Starboard Stout (Adventure) Pirates are known for their strong brews and lust for treasure. This little gem comes in a 20 oz glass for only $6, so you can save your own treasure and experience the seven seas. An oatmeal stout with dark, smooth notes, a hint of chocolate and a dry finish, Starboard Stout is a meal unto itself and fully fortifies you for a night of swashbuckling.

(newhollandbrew.com)

(newhollandbrew.com)

New Holland Dragon’s Milk (Fantasy) All we can say is Whoopi!  Dragon’s Milk might as well have come from the real thing, and its deep red colouring and oaky flavour are reminiscent of the perfumed aromas around King Arthur’s Round Table. Definitely worth your while even at the rather steep $7 for 10 oz. Since dragons are extinct, this is a bargain.

(maproom.com)

(maproom.com)

Despite a plethora of bottled beers on the wall, we highly suggest you go draft with their 26 taps, or try their cask-conditioned ale on handpump which rotates at least once a week. A note of import: the proper glass is always used for each style.

But if beer really isn’t your thing (even one of their gluten-free beers), their full-service bar also includes ciders, mead and the rest of the alcohol crew. The bar is cash only, so be sure to bring some bills.

(maproom.com)

(maproom.com)

Rally your crew, grab your grog, and thumb through the Nat Geos to plan your next expedition upon the high seas. We know one thing for sure: you’ll leave in high spirits.

P.S. Every month or so you can walk the plank with brewmaster Greg Brown of Mickey Finn’s Brewery at The Map Room’s Beer School. For about $25 you can join fellow classmates and study a few beers, from what you’re tasting and smelling down to the ingredients and processes that are informing those very same flavors and aromas.

Posted in Drink It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
11 Jan 2013

Kickstand Coffee & Tea

WHAT: Kickstand Coffee & Tea
WHERE: 824 W. Belmont Ave.

OUR RATING: Do It!

(kickstandcoffee.com)

(kickstandcoffee.com)

Started in 2010, Lakeview’s Kickstand Coffee & Tea is to nearby Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks as “The Shop around the Corner” is to “Fox Books” in the film You’ve Got Mail. (Yes, that reference DID just happen). Sure, you could settle down into either of these corporate coffee houses, OR, you could change things up a bit and try Kickstand on for size.

(kickstandcoffee.com)

(kickstandcoffee.com)

Kickstand can be simply described as a cozy hipster coffee shop. If you aren’t really into the hipster scene and don’t own a mac laptop (they offer free wifi), you might feel slightly out of place here, but just slightly. They’ve recently renovated so the place is a little less hipster, a little more…chic (dare we say)…but it’s nonetheless warm and inviting, with very friendly baristas.

(kickstandcoffee.com)

(kickstandcoffee.com)

The space is small and the tables large (and made of some interesting salvaged materials), encouraging strangers to share a table, and  perhaps even some conversation. The music tends to be on the louder side, so perhaps not your best bet if you’re planning to study.

(yelp.com)

(yelp.com)

Kickstand offers Metropolis Coffee, with your typical coffee selection (both hot and cold), including lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and hot chocolate. They have an alright tea selection (rather minimal for calling themselves a tea shop), with black, green, herbal, rooibos, oolong and white on order. Being simple folk, we’ve only ordered your basic coffee here, but have future plans on trying their mexican cocoa and their pu-aeh (fancy word for ginger) tea.

(yelp.com)

(yelp.com)

Kickstand also offers baked goods, and of course, lending to its hipster reputation, vegan options and vegan-gluten-free bars.

This is quite a cool spot for people watching also, as you can sit along the natural wood bar beside the window and gaze over the steaming wafts from your latte, pitying the poor souls rushing around beyond the pane.

So, if you are in the area and want to support the local economy and enjoy a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, Kickstand is the place to be. Drink Local! Drink Kickstand!

(yelp.com)

(yelp.com)

Posted in Drink It!, Eat It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
09 Jan 2013

Barrelhouse Flat and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale®

WHAT: Barrelhouse Flat (Lounge) and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale®
WHERE: 2624 N. Lincoln Ave.

OUR RATING: Do it!

(barrelhouseflat.com)

(barrelhouseflat.com)

A few weeks ago, Storefront City had the unique opportunity to attend a Kentucky Bourbon Ale® Tasting Party hosted by Time Out Chicago at Lincoln Park’s Barrelhouse Flat.

Downstairs (barrelhouseflat.com)

Downstairs (barrelhouseflat.com)

As soon as you walk into Barrelhouse Flat, you may be slightly overwhelmed. The downstairs is quite crowded and when you’re seated you are forced to become quite friendly with your neighbors. The space wants to greet you with a feeling of intimacy, but the hurried waiters and the crowded tables divert the atmosphere from its intended impression. However, this was only our initial reaction, as we were never actually seated downstairs. Instead, we were ushered upstairs into an entirely strange, new world from a time we can’t call our own.

Upstairs (bizbash.com)

Upstairs (bizbash.com)

Once you get upstairs (and we suggest you try your darndest), you transition from a hectic world into a crazy-cool speakeasy lounge, with low lighting, 1920’s/30’s wallpaper, velvet chairs and hardwood floors. There’s a small bar, lots of seating and billiards in the back room, complete with a roaring fire. Sets of high-backed chairs subsume their occupants, so that once you are seated, you and your compatriots can have a completely private experience.

Upstairs (barrelhouseflat.com)

Upstairs (barrelhouseflat.com)

As we were much too involved in our ale tasting, we didn’t get the opportunity to order anything from Barrelhouse’s menu, but we’ve heard wonders about their 70+ cocktail menu that ranges anywhere from the traditional to the not-quite-so usual. We also seriously eyed the Poutine (headcheese, house gravy, cheese curds, intoxicated fruit, crispy potatoes) and Seared Quail (rutabaga puree, celery barigoule, cassis), and would definitely get either the Spice Bread (apple butter, golden raisin chutney, sarsparilla fluff) or the Trifle (sweet potato, pumpkin seed granola, whiskey cherries, whipped cream) for dessert.

Upstairs (bizbash.com)

Upstairs (bizbash.com)

Unfortunately, we were instead ‘treated’ to what was supposed to be nibbles from their menu…which turned out to be some plain popcorn and an underwhelming crostini canape. Rather surprising, considering such a new establishment should be taking every opportunity to exhibit its food to would-be customers, but perhaps they have some secret logic of their own. With these disappointments, we focused our attention on the ale flowing freely from the bar.

Served in a classic snifter, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® is one of the most unique drinks to touch our lips. Simply put, the ale is a sipping beer with a nose of bourbon. The Kentucky Ale is aged for up to 6 weeks in bourbon barrels at Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company in Kentucky.

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® (talkingship.com)

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® (talkingship.com)

The ale is smooth and robust, with flavors of vanilla and oak. A word to the wise – this baby is strong, but we think it’s pretty darn versatile. We would drink it before, during, or after dinner, but the food pairing would have to be well thought out. This is no down in one affair, and must be afforded a certain amount of respect to be fully appreciated.

We would definitely recommend this ale to be served along with more hearty dishes, and perhaps it would be best enjoyed along with a fire and some good friends. As for Barrelhouse Flat, we would really love to try the restaurant downstairs, but make a point of visiting the lounge for a more authentic, antique experience.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Eat It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
20 Dec 2012

Sweet on Scotch – Glenfiddich Whiskey and more cupcakes

WHAT: Sweet on Scotch – Glenfiddich Whiskey and more cupcakes
WHEN: Wednesday, December 5
WHERE: Drumbar Chicago (201 East Delaware Place)
HOST: Glenfiddich, more cupcakes, Drumbar Chicago and CheekyChicago

OUR RATINGS:
Drumbar – Chance It!
Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whiskey – Do It!
more cupcakes – Do It!

A few weeks ago, Storefront City attended CheekyChicago’s “Sweet on Scotch” at Drumbar Chicago in the Raffaello Hotel and sampled several of Glenfiddich’s finest single malt Scotch whiskeys while consuming perfectly paired cupcakes from more cupcakes (located at 1 East Delaware Place) with each draught.

Drumbar is a secluded and elegant locale that seems to perfectly blend the elements of a speakeasy and lounge all wrapped up with the silver bow of having skyscraper views. Very nice indeed!

Drumbar (courtesy of drumbar.com)

Drumbar (courtesy of drumbar.com)

After checking our coats at the door, the chaos began. It seemed everyone was invited and it took some time to find our places. We tried the mixed drink of the night, “Sweet Cheeks,” a mix of the Glenfiddish 12 year, pineapple, acai, lime and angostura bitters. Adam was unimpressed: low alcohol, low flavor and highly carbonated–if he wanted to drink college punch, he’d not be attending a swanky bar downtown. Alicia was of a different opinion, and found the drink refreshing without filling her with too much alcohol before the whiskey flight to come.

"Sweet on Cheeks" (courtesy of cheekychicago.com)

“Sweet on Cheeks” (courtesy of cheekychicago.com)

Even if the drink was a bit disappointing overall, this was not a good representation of the night to come. Glenfiddich did a great job at presenting each scotch and cupcake in an interesting and amusing manner. Our truly Scottish host taught us how to “nose” the scotch (aka take a sniff) and savor the many and varied flavors of the delightful tumblerful. The cupcakes were an interesting combo–we’re doubtful if a Scotsman would approve–but they seemed well matched and perhaps create an interesting concept for future food-scotch pairings.

(Courtesy of cheekychicago.com)

(Courtesy of cheekychicago.com)

The flights started off with the Glenfiddich 12 year and more’s caramel cupcake. Glenfiddich’s signature malt, the 12 year was surprisingly fruity, and balanced a complex taste of pear and a mixture of butterscotch and oak. We were disappointed by the vanilla cake and caramel frosting cupcake though, which neither tasted extraordinary on its own, nor paired well with the 12 year.

Next was the 15 year and more’s chocolate orange cupcake, our favorite duo of the night. The honeyed single malt was composed of whiskies matured and bourbon, sherry and new oak casks in a Solera vat, which, according to our host, is always kept at least half full. Honey and vanilla came through, along with a little cinnamon. It went amazing with the cupcake, which was light, moist and creamy, with a chew of candied orange.

Our Host from Glenfidditch (courtesy of cheekychicago.com)

Our Host from Glenfidditch (courtesy of cheekychicago.com)

Decadence ensued with the Glenfiddich 18 year (matured in Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks and tasting of baked apple with an aroma of oak) and more’s Valrhona cupcake (dark chocolate cake filled with Valrhona chocolate mousse and topped with a rich Valrhona ganache and gold leaf). The pairing went nicely, and by now we were enjoying a slight swoon from the whiskey and chocolate.

"Sweet on Scotch" flight (courtesy of cheekychicago.com)

“Sweet on Scotch” flight (courtesy of cheekychicago.com)

We ended the night with the Glenfiddich Malt Master and more’s coconut cupcake. The Malt Master is double matured in two types of oak casks, creating an earthy and smoky aroma with a smooth spicy and fruity taste. The coconut cupcake was topped with a generous and lovely coconut cream frosting — delicious!

All in all, we would go to Drumbar again for the atmosphere, but only for a free event. Drinks overall were watery and overpriced. We would always buy a bottle of Glenfiddich anyway, so no change there, but Cheeky did do a good job of introducing us to a new way of enjoying the water of life for the modern cosmopolitan soul.

Posted in Drink It!, Eat It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
18 Dec 2012

Forever Yogurt’s Froth (Hot Chocolate)

WHAT: Forever Yogurt‘s Froth (Hot Chocolate) Station
WHERE: Lakeview’s Forever Yogurt (931 W. Belmont Ave)

OUR RATING: Do it!

Lakeview's Forever Yogurt (courtesy of foreveryogurt.com)

Lakeview’s Forever Yogurt (courtesy of foreveryogurt.com)

Feeling the cold and (upcoming) snow this winter? Need a moment to relax, rejuvenate and warm up? Look no further than Forever Yogurt Froth Hot Chocolate station at the store’s Lakeview location on Belmont. We love this location generally, as it is perfectly designed to mimic the interior of a CTA underground carriage, seats and all. Not too glamorous you say (we know, the CTA is rather terrible lately), but somehow it works. Froth stations are also available at Forever Yogurts in Wicker Park (1924 W. North Ave.) and the Gold Coast (42 E. Chicago Ave.).

Friendly staff will give you a wide range of options for your Froth Hot Chocolate, including the Steam Engine with Hershey’s chocolate, the Cliffhanger with Andes mint and PB Confidential with Reese’s peanut butter cups. The fun names are just half of it.

The quality of the hot chocolate is superb. You won’t see any hot chocolate powder mix or flavoured syrups here. Your steamy cup of hot chocolate is made with the pure melted chocolate of your choice along with either whole, two percent, soy or skim milk. After we ordered our chosen manner of death-by-chocolate, we took a seat as the staff created our drinks.

Froth topping station

Froth topping station

Once our cocoa was mixed and melted into our generous-sized cups, we took a trip to the topping station. If we were overwhelmed with the chocolate choices before, the toppings just blew our world. Toppings included different types of candy including reese’s pieces and butterfingers, nuts, marshmallows, various spices, and chocolate and caramel syrups. Our only disappointment was the distinct lack of whipped cream, which we hear is present at other locations. Perhaps they will order it in soon.

Hazelnut Boulevard & Abuelita hot chocolates

Hazelnut Boulevard & Abuelita hot chocolates

Adam ordered the Hazelnut Boulevard with Nutella, topped it off with marshmallows, cinnamon and even salt! Meanwhile, Alicia ordered the Abuelita Mexican hot chocolate and topped it with cayenne pepper, cinnamon, sea salt and a healthy dose of marshmallows. We settled down to a pleasant sipping that the CTA certainly wouldn’t allow on its carriages. All we can say is that the Mayans would be super stoked to imbibe these sweet treats!

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