Storefront City Chicago

Joy Yee’s Noodles

WHAT: Joy Yee’s Noodles
WHERE: 2139 S. China Pl.

OUR RATING: Do It!

Huge portions, wholesome food and hot plates mark Joy Yee’s Noodles out as one of the most unique and fun experiences in Chinatown and Chicago itself. The bowls of food are literally giant and served traditionally in stoneware and metal, while bubble tea flows freely from the alcove out front, purportedly the first location to serve the concoction in Chicago.

Can’t make it down to Chinatown? Not to worry! Joy Yee’s has a plethora of other locations, including Joy Yee’s To Go in Lakeview, and locations in Evanston, Naperville and University Village.

Alicia: Everything about Joy Yee’s is big and loud. The place is always bustling, so you’ll probably wait a bit for a seat, and when you are seated, just be prepared for the meal to be loud and crazy. And then you get the menu and your head will spin, with page after page of fruit drinks, bubble teas, and an unending food menu. The picture to the right is just one page of many for just the drinks…

Bubble teas, etc, are good and all, but I don’t often order them. Yet, with Joy Yee’s offering an extensive menu of teas inside (as well as offering to-go windows on one end of the restaurant), I just had to order one. My sister and I split the Lychee Bubble Tea and the gigantic glass arrived at our table chock-full of fresh, delicious lychees and a plethora of beautiful tapioca pearls. It took quite awhile, but we savored every last drop of its sweet and refreshing tastiness.

As I’m all about contrast, the day I ordered the Lychee Bubble Tea was the same day I discovered the Korean Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup. Spicy broth housed luxurious noodles and an ongoing supply of shrimp, octopus, scallops and a white fish. The bowl was so huge that I had to bring more than half of it home. It was certainly spicy and is sure to clear your sinuses, but it isn’t so spicy as to completely overwhelm the delicate seafood, so it’s definitely a win-win.

I’ve been to Joy Yee’s more times than I can count, but my favorite visit was probably when Adam and I split their Korean Sliced Beef with Spicy Tofu Soup. But I’ve talked about food enough, and I’m hungry again for Joy Yee’s…so I’ll leave this one for Adam to describe!

Adam: Being a huge fan of exotic food, Joy Yee’s really fits my bill excellently. With cuisine from across Asia, you can take a quick trip to China, before hopping onto Korea and sailing down to the Malay Peninsula. I’ve had two experiences here and both of them resulted in very different responses, so bear with me.

The first dish I ordered here was the Lemongrass Spicy Chicken, which was, disappointingly, more lemon than spice. This might be due to its simplicity – you want to order extravagantly at a place that serves some of its food inside massive bamboo shoots. The citrus flavor of the lemongrass was, however, much appreciated, even if the overall dish cannot be recommended.

Now, onto the main event: Korean Sliced Beef with Spicy Tofu Soup. Perhaps the best item on the menu, it’s massive, easily split between two people and a perfect reflection of several Asian cuisines. A hot stone plate piled high with grilled beef and a tangy spicy sauce are laden upon one side of your wooden tray, whilst a stone bowl of steaming soup lulls deliciously on the other, complete with vegetable broth and numerous tofu pieces afloat within it. Definitely recommended and only for the hungriest of people, this meal is worthy of a visit in itself to this staple of Chinatown, Chicago.

Final Thoughts: To be honest, Joy Yee’s may not be for everyone. If you don’t like loud restaurants, you may want to think twice, and if you don’t like making decisions on what to eat, then this place will certainly test you. Another word of warning is that Joy Yee’s sometimes skimps on your leftovers. What we mean is, if you ask to take home your leftovers, they will only give you back an amount that fits in one takeout container, so if you have more than that, they will just toss the rest.

Other than these slight drawbacks, Joy Yee’s will provide a crazy and enjoyable experience whether you are on a fun date or hanging out with a bunch of your friends, and we’re sure you’ll leave feeling like you just ate a whole giant fish. Which, of course, is actually an option.

The La Ronde Project

WHAT: The La Ronde Project (La Ronde, The Blue Room, Fucking Men)
WHEN: March 10 – April 14, 2013 (Schedule)
WHERE: Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont)
RUNTIME: Approximately 2 hours per show
WHO: Street Tempo Theatre
PRICE: $28 per play, or $60 for all three

OUR RATING: Do It!

Storefront City experienced a whirlwind day of theatre with Street Tempo Theatre’s La Ronde Project, a new three-play repertory presenting Arthur Schnitzler’s controversial 1903 erotic drama (La Ronde) along with other pieces it inspired: The Blue Room by David Hare and Fucking Men by Joe DiPietro. The repertory is also accompanied by an Improvised Musical Le Ronde that we unfortunately were unable to catch, but judging by director John Hildreth’s Second City credentials is sure to be hilarious. Controversial, witty and totally sexual, The La Ronde Project is sure to raise eyebrows.

La Ronde by Arthur Schnitzler (script available here)

Lauren Bourke and Dan Planz (Photo by Brian Work)

Lauren Bourke and Dan Planz (Photo by Brian Work)

Arthur Schnitzler’s dizzyingly erotic play, first privately published in German in 1900 (he thought the subject matter would cause uproar – it wasn’t premiered until 1920) is a commentary on both sexual morals and class struggle at the turn of the 20th century. A set of ten dialogues, before and after sexual encounters, the play toys with idea of sexuality being an equalizer, as well as a method of control, carefully buried beneath the pomp of lovely Vienna.

With transitions that allow for but one character to progress in the circle of sex (the “ronde” itself), director Tim Curtis moves us between the worlds of soldiers and prostitutes, maids and masters, as well as actresses and aristocrats, for good measure. The whole scope of Viennese society is captured in vivid detail, especially through the use of period set pieces, as well as costumes from the talented Laura Wilson.

Ultimately, some of the more subtle aspects might be lost in the century that has passed since Schnitzler penned this promiscuous little piece, but it remains nonetheless a compelling example of expert storytelling.

The Blue Room by David Hare (script available here)

Arielle Kresich and Matt Gall (Photo by Brian Work)

Arielle Kresich and Matt Gall (Photo by Brian Work)

Updated for the modern day, The Blue Room tells the same scandalous tales as La Ronde, but with the astounding directorial touch of Brian Posen and Cody Spellman, you are truly watching a unique piece of theatre outstandingly different from its predecessor. This production also focuses on the difference between the sexes and their (and our) perception of sexual excitement, lust and libido in a modern world that is not always what it seems.

The cast is complete with characters from the 1990s (a cab driver, au pier, and politician put in an appearance). Although we are led through similar scenes as the original, one feels the raw energy more so, as well as the disturbing nature of gender relations that still seems to cling to society, even after one hundred years of progress. The actors are on top form from beginning to end and every second in between, even acting like fiends during transitions and when ‘off-stage.’ Remarkable in both its staging and sensitivity, the exemplary direction of The Blue Room makes it a pleasure to watch.

Fucking Men by Joe DiPietro

Tyler Vaughn and Jaume Wojciechowski (Photo by Brian Work)

Tyler Vaughn and Jaume Wojciechowski (Photo by Brian Work)

This very recent play (premiered 2009) deals with La Ronde’s subject matter, but placing the story entirely within the framework of the ups and downs of gay male life in the United States. By examining relationships, lust and the need to connect in a world which still does not fully accept homosexuality, DiPietro creates a work that shows this and more through powerful dialogue, humor and dramatic poise.

The play knits together a portrait of life between the sheets and within a world that has literal dangerous consequences, and which is complete with arguments for and against monogamy, extreme secrecy and the longing to be fully liberated from oppressive circumstances. Directed by Scott Olsen with particularly strong and provocative staging, and with impressive character acting from Jack Bourgeois (Sammy) and well-rounded performances from Scott Olson (Director/Donald), Street Tempo offers a fierce take on this contemporary work.

(streettempotheatre.com)

Final Thoughts: Once again, quality work has been presented at Stage 773, proving that this venue is perhaps the best in the city for both fringe and mainstream theatre that is readily accessible to everyone. With The La Ronde Project, Street Tempo continues to showcase work that has never, or rarely, been seen in Chicago and puts a fresh spin on old classics. We encourage you to see at least one of these daring and completely amourous productions, as it will give you a taste of the massive scope of this huge project. If you do want to see them all, there is a discount on bulk tickets, so make sure you ask about it at the box office or online.

Townhouse Restaurant + Wine Bar

WHAT: Townhouse Restaurant + Wine Bar
WHERE: 111 S. Wacker Dr.

OUR RATING: Do It! (The Wine Flight)

Need to relax and enjoy yourself on a Tuesday night without going too crazy or emptying your wallet? Located in the Loop, the elegantly casual Townhouse Restaurant + Wine Bar lets you do just that. Pair half-off select appetizers from 3-6pm (actually, they have this every week day), with $8 wine flights for Townhouse’s Tasting Tuesdays.

(townhousewinebar.com)

(townhousewinebar.com)

Townhouse offers three different wine flights, each with three glasses complete with 3oz of vino. So sit back and relax with not one, not two, but THREE glasses of wine with Townhouse’s warm wood-paneled walls, wine wall and floor-to ceiling windows (which look out onto the river and neighboring skyscrapers).

Adam: Townhouse offers a variety of wine flights, including red, white and carbonated varieties. I was in a red mood, so I decided to sample those sorts and was not disappointed.

The flight of three red wines included varieties from Italy, Spain and Argentina, although this sometimes changes depending on what season it is. My first wine was the Italian Dogajolo Toscano, which tasted like a relatively young wine with fruity bouquet. While quite strong and full-bodied, it certainly had an Italian character, and one could clearly detect the Etruscan Sangiovese grapes which make this wine so distinctive.

(townhousewinebar.com)

(townhousewinebar.com)

My second wine, the Spanish Beronia Crianza, Rioja, made for a refreshing and affable taste, certainly smoothing the palate with blossomy hints. Originally a Phoenician wine variety of Tempranillo grapes, an earthy sense accompanies each sip, suggesting the Spanish lands from where it comes.

Finally, I settled into a nice glass of Doña Paula Malbec Estate, Mendoza, from Argentina, which had predominantly earth-like flavor, with hints of peppery spices. Definitely my favourite wine of the evening, it can be enjoyed with most dishes, as well as in more informal situations.

Alicia: Since I don’t imbibe carbonated wine very often, I went with Townhouse’s “All Things Sparkling” flight. I started off the night with a Mionetto Prosecco from Italy, which was admittingly very intense for me. It offered a very strong apple bouquet and was very dry. I was unable to take more than a few sips of this one, so moved on quite quickly.

My next tasting was of an Avivyo Cava from Spain. After sampling more than my fair share of Cava in Barcelona a few months ago, I was a little disappointed with this one. But I think my bar was a bit too high, and overall I did find this dry cava quite tasty with notes of grapefruit, bread dough and other citrus with vigorous bubbles.

(townhousewinebar.com)

(townhousewinebar.com)

My favorite of the night was the Louis Bouillot Rose from France (Burgundy to be exact). With a nose of blackcurrant and strawberry and with a beautifully subtle salmon pink color, this wine had fruity notes mixed with a well-balanced acidity. Needless to say, I let myself enjoy every last drop of this one.

Final Thoughts: We can’t speak to the food menu at Townhouse (as our bellies were too full of fermented grapes), but we’re sure to come back for their happy hour specials if we’re ever hungry enough. The wine flights, however, are well worth the $8 they cost, with each glass generously filled and quite nice too.

Julius Meinl

WHAT: Julius Meinl Coffee Shop
WHERE: 3601 N. Southport Ave.

OUR RATING: Skip It!

(meinl.com)

(meinl.com)

Julius Meinl, the well-known Viennese coffee house, came to Chicago many years back and operates three purported “Austrian” cafes on the north side. While everyone seems to give this place rave reviews, we tend to disagree, and seriously suggest you stick with less “upscale” venues for your coffee in the future.

Adam: Let’s me be clear: Julius Meinl coffee is well-established and respected in Europe. Previously one of Austria’s largest coffee and gourmet grocery companies, it was forced to vacate Austria by the Nazis, but now had re-established itself as a quality brand. However, it’s blatantly apparent that this quality has not translated well across the Atlantic, and I for one believe that the Meinls would be smart to rethink their business strategy in this part of the world.

(meinl.com)

(meinl.com)

With abominably high coffee prices (you can pay up to $4.50 for a simple cup!), we weren’t out to a good start, but what really made our visit truly shameful was the baked goods we had been led to believe Meinl was so well known for. We ordered the special lemon ginger torte (actually a tartlet), consisting of lemon ginger curd, white chocolate mousse, topped with candied ginger and gold leaf. Sounds delicious! Only problem is that it’s dinky (literally, only 3 inches in diameter) and doesn’t taste like much at all. One could not detect the slightest hint of chocolate, nor much of the ginger either (except, of course, for the candied ginger – but I could have bought this and eaten it without the tartlet).

I’m not impressed, but then again, it does take a lot to impress me. Let’s just say that I expect my foods to be full-flavored and my drinks strong. Neither was to be had here.

(meinl.com)

(meinl.com)

Alicia: My entire experience at Julius Meinl, with the exception of the food quality, was an exact replica of my experiences at beautiful European cafes with terrible customer service (well, that latter part is pretty specific to Paris). When I walked into Julius Meinl, I thought I was in my own version of Wonderland – the Austrian cafe version with its Austrian built furnishings and fittings – and I was loving every minute of it. Until we sat down.

While the cafe wasn’t very full, it took an exorbitant amount of time for us to receive a menu or even a hello from our waiter, and once we did, while pleasant enough, there was a certain coldness radiating from him. Clearly unhappy at our minimal order of pie, he made a big deal out of us wanting two waters to come with it (as if that was unheard of). And then, it took ages upon ages to get a check, no matter how many times we tried to get his attention.

(meinl.com)

(meinl.com)

I wanted so badly to love Julius Meinl. In fact, I still so badly want to fall in love it. With the atmosphere. With the nostalgia and romance it brought back. With the pastry list. With their nights of live Classical and Jazz music. So maybe next time I will order a coffee served in a ceramic cup with a glass of water served on a silver platter, typical Vienna style. Or maybe I’ll just try another location. But I definitely won’t ever order their “pie.” Or torte. Or tartlet. Whatever they call that bastardization of lemon gingery goodness.

Final Thoughts: Pretty upon entrance, Meinl will leave you wanting anything but what they have to offer. The slow service will be making you think you’re on an episode of “No Check, Please!” while the food will make you sad you paid the check at all.

Primebar

WHAT: Primebar
WHERE: 155 N. Wacker Dr.

OUR RATING: Skip It!

(primebarchicago.com)

(primebarchicago.com)

Situated in Chicago’s Loop, Primebar defines itself as a contemporary ale house, offering food, beers and cocktails. As soon as you walk in it’s clear the clientele who frequent Primebar are the Loop’s business men and women who probably work in a shiny skyscraper Downtown for a law firm and who pop in this place for a lunch meeting or after work happy hour. If you don’t fit this bill, or even if you do, we suggest skipping this spot and dining elsewhere for a happier happy hour.

(primebarchicago.com)

(primebarchicago.com)

Alicia: I must admit that Primebar’s urban interior with leather booths, tiled floors, salvaged lighting and recycled wood is very inviting, and we were lucky enough to snag a quaint table in the back room with lovely sepia portraits and a very warm and romantic feeling. But that isn’t the first impression you get from walking into the place. As soon as you do, you’re berated by dozens of plasma televisions and a loud and aggravating crowd of off-work women in pencil skirts and men with two drinks in their hands shouting at each other over high tables.

I was excited to be able to escape the main room, however, and gladly ordered Primebar’s strawberry fresco salad with spinach, strawberries, spiced pistachios, queso fresco and a lemon vinaigrette. At $10 a plate, I didn’t think this was a bad deal. And when the salad came to the table, I was pleasantly pleased at the large portion size. But after taking one bite, I was sorely disappointed.

(primebarchicago.com)

(primebarchicago.com)

Not only was the lemon vinaigrette muddy and sour, but the salad was drowning in the stuff, and there were barely any strawberries (and no pistachios) to try and salvage the mess of a salad. The spinach was crisp and fresh, but you couldn’t really separate it from the disaster of a dressing, so needless to say I couldn’t really stomach the whole thing.

Adam: I must say that I completely agree with Alicia: Primebar looks fairly excellent from the outside and on first inspection, but none of that care is reflected in its clientele, wait staff or food, all of which are uninteresting and brash.

I ordered the prime rib sliders, complete with arugula, swiss cheese, horseradish cream and fried onion strings. Let’s be frank: prime rib has a reputation to uphold, as does arugula (the ancient herb of Virgilian fame, who claimed it was an aphrodisiac). Unfortunately, a prime rib sandwich at Primebar is apparently just a roast beef sandwich, with a touch a wilted arugula and a smidge of horseradish cream (which certainly was not worth its weight in gold, as the Delphic Oracle told Apollo). The one redeeming feature of the dish was the fried onion strings, which they really should have called onion frites, for that is what they were.

(primebarchicago.com)

(primebarchicago.com)

Additionally, service was a tad spotty, with our waitress being talkative, yet obviously a dullard of the first class, and not very present. She certainly managed to ruin Alicia’s salad by not placing the cheese on the side as asked, although Alicia is too polite to mention this above.

Final Thoughts: Ultimately, Primebar was less prime than bar and far more irritating than an eatery should be. Regular food that doesn’t suit the opulence around you, we’re sure that all the furnishings were done Disneyland style, with a touch of paint and faux wood. Not on our radar and not on yours anymore.

Smoking Kids

WHAT: “Smoking Kids” (Photographic Exhibit)
WHEN: March 8 – May 4, 2013
WHERE: 300 W. Superior St.
HOST: Catherine Edelman Gallery

OUR RATING: Do It!

(edelmangallery.com)

(edelmangallery.com)

Last week, Storefront City stopped by the opening for Belgian photographer Frieke Janssens’s photographic exhibit “Smoking Kids” at the Catherine Edelman Gallery on the Near North Side. Founded in 1987, the gallery highlights a variety of contemporary photographic techniques and artists both new and old.

"The Chimney" by Frieke Janssens

“The Chimney”
(Frieke Janssens)

As the title suggests, this particular exhibition at the Catherine Edelman Gallery focuses on 15 photo-manipulated portrayals of children (ages four to nine) smoking, complete with advertisement-worthy period outfits and hairstyles from a variety of decades. Janssens was apparently inspired to create the photos after viewing a viral Youtube video of a chain-smoking Indonesian infant. Disturbing, and yet a fascinating cultural study.

"Pipe with Contempt" by Frieke Janssens

“Pipe with Contempt”
(Frieke Janssens)

Adam: I find Janssens’s manipulated images amazing, captivating and actually highly appealing (you’ve just got to love controversy). Allowing us to look at smoking in an entirely different manner and context, I couldn’t help but think of the way children were really miniaturized adults, making me question the social controls placed upon them, how they are beneficial, and how adults constantly undermine their own efforts of protection.

"To the End" by Frieke Janssens

“To the End”
(Frieke Janssens)

Beautifully executed photography that is composed digitally, no children were harmed in the making of these pictures. The pure lines and the blurring of adulthood and the innocence of the child surprisingly do not generate a repugnance, but a strange, literary aesthetic that captures the whole soul of a person.

Stunning and wonderful, Janssens’s work is to be highly recommended and, if you have $3000 to spare, you can pick up your very own Smoking Child portrait.

"Belga Girl" by Frieke Janssens

“Belga Girl”
(Frieke Janssens)

Alicia: Situated in the bottom level of 300 W. Superior St., the Catherine Edelman Gallery certainly packs a punch with multiple photographic exhibitions on display, and I am so thrilled to have been initiated through their doors by Janssens’s work.

I found my reactions to this exhibition somewhat surprising. In addition to being photographed beautifully, the smoking children are unsettlingly provocative and surreal, and really highlight the issue of the appeal of smoking both culturally and historically.

"Classic Red" by Frieke Janssens

“Classic Red”
(Frieke Janssens)

I absolutely love Janssens’s reference to the golden age of cigarette culture and its ever-present role in a variety of cultures, but I must be honest that my real interest in this exhibition lies more so in its period-ranging aesthetics and the techniques used in setting up the portraits. For example, it was riveting to discover that the cigarettes were made of cheese and that the ‘tobacco’ smoke was generated instead by burning candles and incense!

"Ringlings" by Frieke Janssens

“Ringlings”
(Frieke Janssens)

My favorite? Definitely “Ringlings.” But all the kids are superstars in these images.

Final Thoughts: This exhibit is definitely worth a trip to the CEG, and while you’re in the building we suggest you roam around and visit some of the other tenant galleries. A really fun space!

BlackTop Sky

(steppenwolf.org)

(steppenwolf.org)

WHAT: BlackTop Sky
WHEN: February 15 – April 21, 2013 (schedule)
WHERE: Steppenwolf’s Garage Theatre (1624 N. Halsted St.)
RUNTIME: 1 Hour and 30 minutes, no intermission
WHO: Theatre Seven of Chicago
PRICE: $20

OUR RATING: Chance It!

You had to know it was coming: a review on the final show of Steppenwolf’s Garage Rep 2013, BlackTop Sky from Theatre Seven of Chicago.

(theatreseven.org)

(theatreseven.org)

Started in 2007, Theatre Seven of Chicago’s mission is to tell Chicago stories. After winning the League of Chicago Theatres’s Emerging Theater Award in 2012, Theatre Seven of Chicago has quickly jumped into the spotlight, along with emerging playwright Christina Anderson, whose Man in Love also played at Steppenwolf’s Next Up repertory back in 2012.

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

Interestingly, although Theatre Seven of Chicago focuses on Chicago stories, BlackTop Sky and its setting of the David L. Hynn Housing Projects is not based in Chicago. Yet, as managing director Brian Golden notes in his program letter for the show, it is still a story reminiscent of so many pasts and presents in this city, with issues of love, violence, relationships, neighborhood and community within the public housing project.

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

The play centres around a young woman who witnesses the mistreatment of a street vendor, and fellow resident of the Projects. This incident profoundly disturbs her, and leads to her befriending a young homeless man who lives in the courtyard of her building. But, her boyfriend doesn’t like this one bit, and thus the narrative unfolds around a tragic, torn centre, which leads us to question the assumptions we have about who we could have been had circumstances been different, as well as the relationship we have to the world as both a passive viewer and an active participant.

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

Ultimately, with such a touching and piercing topic, we really wanted to like BlackTop Sky. With only three actors, what this play really called for was some powerhouse acting, and while Julian Parker (Klass) adroitly balances between vulnerability and passion, Kristin E. Ellis (Ida) and Eric Lynch (Wynn) really seemed to struggle through and didn’t offer much depth. This being said, BlackTop Sky deals with some extremely moving topics and lends itself well to the mission of Theatre Seven of Chicago. In fact, it seemed that the police brutality depicted in passing did not really emphasise its true horror, perhaps making the scenario less believable.

(theatreseven.org)

Scenic Designer Lizzie Bracken and Lighting Designer Lee Keenan once again strengthen the productions they work on, and with the direction of Cassy Sanders, these two designers help the audience transition through time, allowing us to spend day after day after day with Klass and his decaying, yet always-present, park bench home. We aren’t quite comfortable with these transitions though, for while they are powerful storytellers, scene changes and light effects probably took up at least 45 minutes of the production, making it move a little too slow. Or perhaps that was the somewhat awkward choreography of the run crew. We’re unsure.

BlackTop Sky provides mixed results, and will probably tighten as the run proceeds. But, for the sake of good storytelling it is certainly worth a ticket, even if you shouldn’t clamber to get one.

P.S. We’ve suggested it twice already, but check out the Garage Rep 2013 trailer!

Salt & Pepper Diner

WHAT: Salt & Pepper Diner
WHERE: 3527 N. Clark St.

OUR RATING: Do It!

While the Salt & Pepper Diner location on Lincoln Avenue is closed, you can still celebrate a good ol’ 50’s/60’s throwback retro diner at this Lakeview spot, perfect for Cubs’ fans on game days, and even more perfect for casual brunch fun on any other day. Actually, now that we think about it, this place must be a gold mine for families with kids on game day, with the rest of the Wrigleyville area pretty obsessed with the 21+ scene.

(cityowls.com)

(cityowls.com)

Cheap, delicious food in a really fun, friendly, and laidback atmosphere with chrome walls, faded leather booths, and high boy tables, Salt & Pepper also has your must diner counter to munch at and drink your cup o’ Joe. All it seemed to be missing was some music from the 50s/60s, rather than a current hits list. But like other deli/diner/sweetshops in the city, you can even grab a table and play a board game while you wait for your food…and we suggest you do!

Adam: Number one of my list of excellent things about Salt & Pepper are the Bloody Marys. At $3 for a massive glass, they are definitely the cheapest ones in town. While more Bloody than Mary, they are excellently prepared with ample vodka, tomato juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a hint of Tabasco, seasonings, lemon, lime, a celery stick and celery salt on the rim: this has to be one of the best Bloody Mary’s I’ve had in a long time.

I paired this with a barbequed chicken (pulled) sandwich. Absolutely tender and juicy with Sweet Baby Rays (perhaps the best barbeque sauce ever?), it came with a great side of tater tots and the necessary pickle, so rather normal diner food. But, for its cheap price and great chicken (and not to mention the substantial and rather large portion size), this is definitely a winning dish!

Alicia: As soon as I saw the Banana Nut Bread French Toast item on the menu, I knew I had to have it, and when it arrived, I was in heaven. In front of me were placed three delicate pieces of freshly baked banana nut bread that had been very, very lightly french-toast-ified with egg, and then topped with pecans, fresh bananas and powdered sugar. And of course, the necessary vessel full of maple syrup on the side along with a dollop of butter.

And those slices of banana nut bread were killer. Sure, maybe I would have liked a little more egg on them and a little caramelization of the pecans, but for $6.50 this plate was gigantic and the bread was definitely some of the best B-bread I’ve had in a very long time. It, of course, didn’t pair at all with my delicious, delicious, delicious bloody mary, but with a few sips of water in between I was able to satisfy both my savory and sweet desires. The only drawback of this place was the service, but I think that was our particular waitress, so hopefully next time we come back we’ll have better luck.

(cityowls.com)

(cityowls.com)

Final Thoughts: We would go back here in a heartbeat, and probably always order a bloody mary. But we’d venture out too, as their pancakes, burgers, omelettes and peanut butter milkshakes do sound pretty tantalizing. A full brunch for two with drinks for about $20? Yes, yes, yes please!

P.S.: If you can’t make it to Salt & Pepper, but still want a Bloody Mary, we’d suggest Demitri’s Bloody Mary Seasoning added to your tomato juice – a bit Russian, but the obvious choice for any real bartender.

Sprinkles Cupcakes

WHAT: Sprinkles Cupcakes (ATM)
WHERE: 50 E. Walton St.

OUR RATING: Chance It!

(sprinkles.com)

(sprinkles.com)

Sprinkles Cupcakes is not actually a Chicago native, but a California immigrant who arrived on the scene a little while ago. What they didn’t really publicize was their newest nifty little method of cupcake delivery, which comes in the form of a 24-hour cupcake ATM outside their location in the Gold Coast. We love the futuristic, Japan-esque feel to the machine, as well as the super fast way they shoot out. But the cupcakes themselves leave quite a bit to be desired.

(sprinkles.com)

(sprinkles.com)

Adam: Sprinkles Cupcakes has a fantastic concept and the money to implement it. By creating the novelty of a vending machine imbedded in a wall (their “ATM”), Sprinkles manages to attract a line at 11:40pm that fills their entire entranceway. The excited energy that surrounds the event of dispensation mirrors that of some fad item that everyone has to try.

When I arrived at the machine, I must admit, it was pretty damn cool. Rows of beautifully boxed cupcakes line the glassed off case covered with a pink metal lattice. An LCD touch screen flashes welcomingly at you, as you make your selection and pay by card (no cash option available). At this moment, the cupcake whizzes out and down a chute (filmed and relayed to the screen, of course) and you are ready to enjoy. A fairly excellent adventure in futurism.

But, the cupcakes themselves are so very saddening. For example, my Red Velvet, which they assure you would have an “upped…chocolate quotient” and a “rich cream cheese frosting”, wasn’t particularly more chocolatey than any other red velvet I’ve had, nor was the frosting that creamy.

Alicia: While standing in line for the cupcake machine late on a Saturday night, I was sure the ATM would be out of both of the flavors we wanted, as Red Velvet is their most popular cupcake and Irish Chocolate is their special from March 1 – 17. I was super excited, however, when we were able to snag both, and get in on a scrumptious baked goods at a time of day I usually crave them the most, but when most shops are closed.

Picture 21When I opened the cute box for my Irish Chocolate cupcake, I was greeted by a large green shamrock. What was it topping? Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheese. Then for the main event: I pulled the cupcake apart and made sure I had all the flavors together and popped it in my mouth. Moist cake…and some frosting. Not very Belgian Dark, and not very Bailey’s or cream cheesey. Kind of just chocolate cake and frosting. There was some hint of some kind of liquor in there, more likely whiskey, but that was super faint.

Final thoughts: A great concept, a fun delivery method and a beautiful presentation, but ultimately, the cupcakes just don’t take the cake, especially for the price tag. On the small side for the price ($4 for a special and $3.50 for a regular), seemingly regular tasting and not always what’s promised, Sprinkles doesn’t really hold a candle to Molly’s or Crumbs, both of which provide bigger, tastier, more moist and creamier deliciousness. Therefore, our evaluation is this: Sprinkles spent a lot on the machine, but the cupcakes are normal and not quite worth it. Perhaps go once, just to try a new flavor, but forget it after that.

V Live

WHAT: V Live (Club)
WHERE: 2047 N. Milwaukee Ave.

OUR RATING: Do It! (If text to get in free)

This is a hot new venue in Logan Square was voted Chicago’s best new club by Metromix in 2009 (so we guess it isn’t new anymore, but oh well). A huge space (over 30,000 square feet) spread over three levels, each a unique locale, V Live has a little bit for everyone. After entering the long corridor, decorated with plasma screens, and up a flight or two of stairs, you enter the main dance area, for about 950-people and with a 200 person VIP lounge. Adjacent (a different space) is V Lounge and the VIP lofts, although we didn’t frequent these this time.

(vlivechicago.com)

(vlivechicago.com)

Adam: V Live is a great venue, with a huge dance floor, nice seating areas and a wide variety of drinks. With the DJ elevated upon a dais at the far end of the dance floor and two bars running along the left and back walls, the space is all encompassing and electric, with great beats pumping out of massive speakers.

Interestingly, this crowd isn’t that sleazy, which is nice to find in a club these days. Well dressed and guarded by ample security, you don’t feel unsafe here, which is nice considering the location. In terms of drinks, I tried a rum and coke, which was alright, but nothing special. I think you’re most likely there to experience the space, not the drinks.

(vlivechicago.com)

(vlivechicago.com)

Alicia: First of all, let me reiterate how huge this place is. This isn’t the hole-in-the-wall disaster that Max Bar is, that’s for sure. I’ve read that acts like Nadia Ali have performed here and I’m not surprised. It’d be the perfect space to host popular DJs and other performers. Yet when they aren’t hosting some big name, be sure to expect a random array of music, anywhere from club music to Top 40 to salsa…one right after the other. Kind of odd, honestly.

Yet, I would totally go back for the atmosphere of the place, especially their dozens of funky lights on the ceilings that look like rotating solar systems of fiber optic lights. Really awesome. Add to that the huge music-video screens behind the stage, other moving lights, and the swankiness of their seating areas, and you’ve got a really unique space.

(vlivechicago.com)

(vlivechicago.com)

Final Thoughts: V Live always has deals going on, so check the website and Do312 for text in deals that get you free entrance (and sometimes even a free drink or two). If you have to pay the $20 cover fee, don’t bother going, but as a free evening, it’s very nice and we would love to go back and stay later when the dance floor is sure to be full.

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