Storefront City Chicago

07 Mar 2013

Balena

WHAT: Balena (Italian)
WHERE: 1633 N. Halsted St.

OUR RATING: Do It!

A place providing physical ease, the relaxation of invitingly comfy furnishings, a spacious atmosphere and a bold simplification of food, Lincoln Park’s Balena is an upscale Italian eatery perfect for pre-show cocktails or a full-on meal. Complete with an impressive cocktail menu, an array of pizzas and other small bites, it also has a nice dessert menu. To be certain, this place is definitely a bit upscale for one’s wallet, but you’re sure to find something you love here.

Margherita Pizza (Photo: Nick Kindelsperger)

Margherita Pizza (Photo: Nick Kindelsperger)

Adam: Pizza: traditional, Italian, fun! And not what I would normally get at an Italian restaurant! But, with all the talk of Balena’s magnificent pizzas, I just had to make an exception. Trying both the margherita and mushroom pizzas, I can honestly say that Balena gets this right. Fresh mozzarella, basil and tomato make for an established choice, named for Queen Margherita of Savoy, who thought the colours resembled the Italian flag. It’s fitting that Old World basil, the King of Herbs, is paired with the New World tomato here, for the merging of cultures elevates this dish to new heights.

Mushroom Pizza (opentable.com)

Mushroom Pizza (opentable.com)

I also tried their mushroom pizza, topped with fontina cheese, taleggio cheese (so ancient that Cicero talked of his liking for it), scallions and thyme. Very Italian, delicate and delectable, you can imagine yourself taking supper on Lake Como with this fabulous combination.

Having a penchant for wine, I decided to try two, both a red and a white, to go with the margherita and mushroom pizzas, respectively. The red was the lovely Stefano Farina “Le Brume Langhe”, a mixture of Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Merlot, from Piedmont (2007 12 / 39). Quite full and a perfect complement to tomatoes, black plum comes through strongly, with a definite blackberry flavor and a hint of coffee. Most certainly recommended, Pliny the Elder drank a variety of this wine while in Piedmont – if it’s good enough for old Pliny, it’s certainly good enough for me!

(Photo: Eric Kleinberg)

(Photo: Eric Kleinberg)

Onward then, to the white wine, a Salviano “Orvieto” of Procanico grapes (first cultivated for the Pope) from Umbria (2010 11 / 39). Making an excellent and light pairing with the mushroom pizza, pear is the dominant flavor, along with apple and a minerally aftertaste. Refreshing and relaxing, this wine makes for the perfect end to an evening.

A highly enjoyable experience, which I hope to repeat soon.

(balenachicago.com)

(balenachicago.com)

Alicia: Balena mixologist Debbi Peek crafts some crazy cocktails that explore a variety of Western European bitters and, more specifically, Italian Amari. The bitterness of each of their drinks is rated on a “1-10” scale, a “1” representing the least and a “10” the most bitter. I must admit that my palate hasn’t quite accepted bitters favorably in the past, so I went for a safer option with their Rosemary No2, a well-balanced mix of campari, aperol, fresh sour, egg white, and delicately flamed rosemary. Definitely a fun drink and a great immersion into the world of bitters, with subtle, yet dangerously potent flavors.

(vodamagazine.com)

(vodamagazine.com)

After kicking off the night with a cocktail, I ordered their spicy sausage, red onion, tomato and mozzarella pizza with a glass of their Andrian “Somerto” Chardonnay, Alto Aldige 2011. You might hesitate to mix these two, as red wine is usually a safer bet to pair with sausage. But I was crazy to try their Somerto so I just went for it. The wine was delicate with a hint of peach, but I failed to really catch the mango and grilled nuts as listed in the description. It was nonetheless crisp and refreshing, and I give major thanks to Balena for their more than generous pouring.

Mushroom Pizza (Photo: Nick Kindelsperger)

Mushroom Pizza (Photo: Nick Kindelsperger)

As for the pizza, I usually don’t go for sausage, as I always think most places overcook their meat, but Balena’s sausage was tender and juicy. It wasn’t very spicy, which was fine by me because the lack of spice and the delicate mozzarella cheese paired with my wine quite nicely. And the dough was perfect: thin but substantial, with puffy, chewy edges.

(balenachicago.com)

(balenachicago.com)

Final Thoughts: Chef Chris Pandel works wonders with Peter Becker, who runs the restaurant’s bread program, and we’re just itching to go back and try some of their other breads and perhaps dig into a bowl of pasta or two. And while we didn’t save room with our trio of pizzas and glasses of wine, we hear pastry chef Amanda Rockman’s desserts really do rock, so we’re definitely headed back for more. If you get a chance, don’t forget to check out their cavern-esque cellar/event space downstairs as well!

Posted in Drink It!, Eat It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
06 Mar 2013

Richard II

WHAT: Richard II
WHEN: January 31 – March 16 (calendar)
WHERE:The Athenaeum Theatre (2936 N. Southport Ave.)
RUNTIME: 95 minutes, no intermission
WHO: Two Pence Theatre Company
PRICE: $14 – $22

OUR RATING: Chance It!

We here at Storefront City apologize that, before today, we had not brought Shakespeare into our reviewing realm. We swear it won’t happen again.

We had the opportunity to see our first Two Pence Theatre Company production with Richard II. Two Pence’s mission is to provide audiences with works inspired by the principles of the Renaissance so as to illuminate what it means to be human. This doesn’t mean just Shakespearean scripts, but in today’s instance, it does!

Richard II, the first history play of William Shakespeare’s Henriad tetralogy (and the least performed), poetically tells the tale of the last two years of King Richard II’s reign (1377-1399) and, ultimately, his deposition. We must admit we understand why this work isn’t performed very much: there’s a whole lot of words compared to action and story, and a whole slew of characters to keep track of, but Two Pence pulls it off quite admirably.

(twopencetheatre.org)

(twopencetheatre.org)

Adam: The choice to produce Richard II, one of the most wordy and difficult of Shakespeare’s plays, is a testament to the daring nature of Two Pence; and they should be given ample applause for venturing into these murky, less trodden waters. The overall effect, perhaps due to the themes, and also because of the textual nature of the play, is perhaps less impressive, but a wide variety of performances make it enjoyable nonetheless.

(twopencetheatre.org)

(twopencetheatre.org)

Company Member Michael Mercier (Richard II) portrays the title role in all its complexity, leading to a lively and riveting portrait of a man who must struggle with the fact that his title must be based on more than divine right and, that ultimately, one must be a good diplomat to be a good ruler. I find it interesting that Two Pence chose to stage this play during this historical period, which so closely mirrors that of the Elizabethan time when the original was written. The ever-present issues of legitimacy, stability and rebellion ring true and perhaps unconsciously influenced this staging of an ever-present classic.

My one major qualm was the occasional, but consistent mispronunciation of place names, that seemed strange as they were correct at other times. However, I shan’t go on too much about this matter, it being of more interest to the historian amongst us, but suffice to say Hereford is said He-re-ford and Derby as Dar-bee, and we’ll leave it at that.

(twopencetheatre.org)

(twopencetheatre.org)

Alicia: I have two words for you: Ally Carey. By far the most powerful and versatile actor of the bunch (although the whole ensemble was generally strong), Ally Carey (John of Gaunt and others) not only gives it her all to each and every character she plays, but seems to almost glide effortlessly in transitioning between them. And with Violence Choreographer Justin Verstraete’s talented guidance, she is one bad-ass assassin. I will definitely be on a lookout for her on other Chicago stages in the future, perhaps a Babes with Blades production?

(twopencetheatre.org)

(twopencetheatre.org)

Carey, like the other five actors, takes on a plethora of roles under ensemble member Kathryn Walsh’s direction. If it wasn’t for the helpful family tree drawings, an array of moving chalkboard set pieces and numerous quick costume changes, it’d be impossible to tell who is who from one instant to the next. Honestly, at times I did find myself a little confused as to who we were watching, as sometimes little context was given and the actors and set pieces only did so much to assuage the discomfort and confusion I felt. A little more guidance from the production, even with a program note or two, would have alleviated this.

(twopencetheatre.org)

(twopencetheatre.org)

Final Thoughts: Intriguing, influential and well-thought out, Richard II from Two Pence Theatre company provides a nice evening of entertainment by an emerging company whom we are excited to see more from in the future. Definitely for the Shakespeare enthusiast, and any fan of theatre and the power of language, but perhaps not for the infrequent theatre-goer. Only two weeks left!

P.S.: If you’d like to read along with a fantastic new edition of Richard II check this out.

Posted in Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
05 Mar 2013

Little Goat Diner

WHAT: Little Goat Diner (American)
WHERE: 820 W. Randolph St.

OUR RATING: Do It!

We’ve been wanting to try the famous Stephanie Izard’s newest foray into the world of goats since it first opened on the Near West Side. But, until recently, this spot’s been such a hot ticket that, with no reservations taken, it was a very long wait. Not so anymore, which means it’s a perfect time to get in on the action and experience a diner with a twist. Who knows, perhaps you’ll even spot Izard making your food in the visible kitchen.

(littlegoatchicago.com)

(littlegoatchicago.com)

Little Goat Diner actually feels like an odd mix of traditional American and gastropub, complete with the pre-requisite all-day breakfast, beautifully maintained (yet uniquely secreted) bathrooms, comfortable booths for differently sized parties, and even a diner counter facing the open kitchen. Not to mention a gigantic menu with over 75 offerings. We went for dinner, but that didn’t stop us from ordering a whole bunch of breakfast food!

Adam: Little Goat Diner provides a fun experience at reasonable prices, with intricately interesting food to match. Located across the street from the famous Girl and the Goat, Izard’s diner scores major points on large portions and delicious innovation.

(chicagomag.com)

(chicagomag.com)

Our party tried three dishes, which are so large they can be easily shared, to fully experience a possible three course meal at LGD. We started out with the Kimchi & Bacon & Eggs & Pancakes Asian Style Breakfast Tasty Thing (without the bacon). Apart from an extremely long name, this appetizer comes complete with a balsamic vinegar side for all your drizzling needs. The acidity of this, plus the fabulous kimchi, make for an unusual and rather good starter. I’m not entirely sure if I would order it again, but it was certainly innovative.

(metromix.com)

(metromix.com)

Next, we moved on to the Sloppy Goat burger, with rosemary slaw and a squish-squash roll. Quite lovely (I’ve never had a sloppy joe before!) and made all the better because of the slaw, one struggled to taste the goat itself, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a darn good burger.

Alicia: To quickly close up Adam’s comments on the Sloppy Goat, I must first comfort you, dear reader: I WILL make sure Adam enjoys a REAL sloppy joe in the immediate future. Although the Sloppy Goat was quite delicious, especially with some de-seeded jalapeno slices, the lack of any sort of tomato made me question the ‘sloppy’ and the overwhelmingly spiced meat made me wonder where the goat went.

(urbanspoon.com)

(urbanspoon.com)

We ended our meal with the Fat Elvis Waffles with banana, peanut butter-butter and maple syrup. Usually, the dish is served with bacon maple syrup, but this time around we stuck with good ‘ol normal maple syrup. The portion size was huge! The waffles were dense and chewy, so if you’re a fan of the fluffy kinds this might not be for you. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the peanut butter-butter was insanely fun, creamy and divinely delicious without feeling too dangerously sinful. What am I saying? It was peanut butter-butter, of course it was sinful!

(littlegoatchicago.com)

(littlegoatchicago.com)

Ultimately, LGD was not quite up to the high bar I had set for the place, as I probably wouldn’t reorder any of the dishes we had. Yet, I would definitely try some other stuff, and Little Goat Diner won’t fail me in that respect, as the menu is almost limitless. Specifically, I would go back during actual breakfast so as to get in on their oatmeal and their freshly baked goodies from their bakery next door.

(littlegoatchicago.com)

(littlegoatchicago.com)

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of Little Goat Diner was the service, as the waitress we had was extremely pushy and kept on asking if we still had the appetite to order more (as we only ordered three dishes with four people). We were asked this more than 7 or 8 times, and on top of this, we got some pretty rude backlash comments from her when we asked if it was possible to get some of the dishes without bacon. She came back and said the chef would make an exception: YES, because Stephanie Izard clearly understands customer service and dietary restrictions, and this waitress clearly did not.

(littlegoatchicago.com)

(littlegoatchicago.com)

Final thoughts: LGD is affordable, laid back and friendly and comes highly recommended for a casual meal with solid interesting choices. All of this from a Top Chef who seems pretty down-to-earth badass in her purple bandana behind the lines who’ll edit her menu for customers-in-need. Two horns up!

Posted in Eat It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
04 Mar 2013

See What I Wanna See

WHAT: See What I Wanna See
WHEN: February 15 – April 12, 2013 (schedule)
WHERE: Steppenwolf Garage Theatre (1624 N. Halsted St.)
RUNTIME: 2 Hours with a 15 minute intermission
WHO: Bailiwick Chicago
PRICE: $20

OUR RATING: Skip It!

(bailiwickchicago.com)

(bailiwickchicago.com)

(bailiwickchicago.com)

(bailiwickchicago.com)

As we mentioned last week, each year Steppenwolf’s Garage Theatre explodes with new talent in three repertory productions from some of Chicago’s up-and-coming theater companies.

Storefront City takes on Garage Rep 2013 once again, but this time with Bailiwick Chicago’s See What I Wanna See. Bailiwick Chicago, with a mission focused on producing contemporary (and reinventing classical) musicals, is an itinerant theater company that launched in 2009 out of the remnants of Bailiwick Repertory Theatre.

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

Directed by Artistic Director Lili-Anne Brown, See What I Wanna See is a three-part musical by Michael John LaChiusa. The performance is broken down into two acts with two prologues which journey through feudal Japan with lovers Kesa and Morito. The musical then jumps forward in time in Act 1 to a murder noir in New York City in 1951, and then even further forward in Act 2 to Central Park, New York City, 2002, where a priest undergoes a crisis of faith post-9/11. Exploring desire, hope and truth, this five person ensemble piece utilizes a mix of pop, jazz and classical music, along with some Asian flairs.

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

Ultimately, despite Bailiwick’s best intentions, See What I Wanna See is a flawed production, complete with musical numbers that fail to capture the imagination of even the most Philistinic member of society, a number of untrained vocalists, and disparate storylines that clearly come from an intelligent yet confused mind, whose comment on culture is unclear.

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

The redeeming factors of this show are limited. Danni Smith, a collective member of Bailiwick Chicago, proves talented and versatile in her roles as the wife and Aunt Monica. And Lizzie Bracken’s scenic design, particularly the mirroring of the floor design with the stencil silhouette on the wall, is lovely for a show in rep. Mix the two together and you get the seductive and beautiful scene in Act 1 where Smith performs behind Bracken’s screen with Lee Keenan’s adept lighting choices. This, and the general strength of the cast’s ensemble work, are commemorable, but nothing was quite memorable enough to get us wanting more.

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

When it comes down to it, See What I Wanna See seems a poor choice to produce: its music, lyrics and script being so unfortunately weak. Ultimately, some of the casting decisions seriously undermined the production, and we suspect that qualified musicians would have brought more to the experience.

P.S. If you missed it last week, check out the Garage Rep 2013 trailer!

Posted in Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
01 Mar 2013

Beer Day

Today’s post is nontraditional, but we couldn’t resist, given that in 1989 on this day Iceland repealed its prohibition on alcohol and Beer Day was born (Icelandic is a awesome language, so some key words are translated below). So, as we look back over our beer loves and hates of the last month, we tell you which brews are do’s and which are dont’s.

Have fun picking some of these up for your own Beer Day celebration, and send us your pics!

The Do’s:

Blue Moon
Belgian White Wheat Ale

While it might be predictable, one should definitely enjoy Blue Moon’s Belgian White Wheat Ale more often than the saying would suggest. With a cloudy gold colour, minimal head and moderate carbonation, this wheat ale (öl) actually captures the traditional Belgian brews of Antwerp quite well. A faint, sweet aroma can be appreciated when the glass is first raised to your lips, while aromatic orange (appelsínugulur) notes complete the drink. While we prefer it draught with an orange slice (try to make it Valencia), it’s perfect chilled and one of the quintessential springtime ales.

Hopothesis
IPA (Indverskt föl öl)

There’s nothing quite like an IPA, and Hopothesis’ new brew, with a light head and amber colour, medium carbonation and mellow bitter nose, present one of the most Indian-style Pale Ales we’ve tried in a long time. Complete with a nutty aftertaste that is unique to this brand, Hopothesis sets the bar high and achieves with this fantastic ale. Recommended with hearty ethnic food and American favourites: here’s hoping for an Indian Summer.

Liefmans
Cuvee Brut

Strange beers are fun, and we think with all the ice in Iceland (well, we know that Greenland is actually the icey one, but what the heck), they would just love a fruit beer, given that one usually eats only elk up there (this might be an exaggeration, we’re not sure). This one’s from Belgium and consists of a Flemish brown ale aged for 18 months along with whole cherries (kirsuber). The rich malt base and the slightly sweet and sour flavor make you quite confused about whether this is a wine (vín), beer (bjór) or spirit (andi), but the bittersweet nose along with moderate carbonation leave you in no doubt: it’s a beer, a beer worthy of the anti-prohibitionists and good enough to keep you warm for the remainder of the snow season (snjór árstíð).

The Don’ts:

Angry Orchard
Hard Cider: Apple Ginger (Erfitt Eplasafi: Epli Engifer)

Springtime is not the traditional time for cider, and perhaps that’s why this light gold little number didn’t really work out. Autumn would have been a better time for this headless, moderately carbonated beverage with a juice-like aroma, that reminds one more of a Juicy Juice than any type of cider. Marketed as apple ginger, it features zero ginger notes and no sharp taste, seemingly pear-like (pera-eins) in its flavoring. Go for a cloudy, traditional, still harder cider in the future, and steer clear of this “100% Kids” drink.

Barrel Trolley Brewing Company
Amber #5

If your beer (bjór) palate has not really matured since college, you’re going to love this one. Reputedly an amber ale, this beer comes complete with no head and a malty, light flavour, reminiscent of a Miller High Life. Completely normal, but not quite the junk fraternities spew out, we wouldn’t recommend this amber ale for the money it costs. Then again, perhaps we’re too sophisticated over here.

Smuttynose Brewing Co.
Robust Porter

Apart from having a deeply unattractive name, Smuttynose lets you down on another front as well: the artwork. It’s actually beautiful, but it seems to be one of those many breweries that puts far too much money into a graphic designer and much less into the beer it is making. A black beer (svartur bjór) with light head and a malty, bitter smell, it is actually not that unpalatable, yet its dark taste lacks the complexity of more notable porters. Medium carbonation does do the product much service, and we can imagine such a concoction being served in Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop, but not many other places.

The Maybe’s

Breckenridge Brewery
Vanilla Porter Ale

We weren’t sure where to place this one, so we’ll let you decide. Dark reddish in colour with moderate head and a bitter, vanilla caramel (vanillu karamellu) nose, it had minimal carbonation and the flavour of a milk stout (mjólk digri). In fact, this beer is less bitter than most porters and has a pleasant, smoky aftertaste, but perhaps lacks the fullness in flavour that would merit buying it on its own. Good in a variety pack, but make sure you have a good alternative, as this beer is just not unique enough for us.

Duvel Moortgat Brewery
Duvel

This strong golden ale is a Belgian standard. Fairly simple and lacking in the complex flavors of other Belgian beers, Duvel nonetheless provides a solid imported beer for the globetrotters of drinking. Primarily a pilsner-based ale, it also has herb (jurt) and citrus (sítrus) notes, with a nice amount of carbonation. If you’re not comfortable ordering European beers yet, this is a good starting point.

Maredsous
Triple (þrefaldur)

Maredsous is primarily an awesome beer because of its backstory, rather than content. Brewed by monks of the Maredsous Abbey of Denée in Belgium, it seems more like a novelty than a beer, and we can imagine this Friar Tuck’s having a bit too much of their own ale for our amusement. A tripel (although they spell it “Triple” on the label), it’s rather strong with a sweet caramel malt and slight bitterness. Hints of earth (jörð), grass (gras) and anise (anís) shine through, although we believe one would be better set with a less well-known abbey ale than this mass produced version.

P.S. Við vonum að þú njótir þessa dýrindis (og sumir ekki svo góður) gjafir og fagna bjór dag og í lok banni fullkomlega og hjartanlega. Mundu: senda okkur myndirnar þínar!

(We hope you enjoy these delicious (and some not so delicious) offerings and celebrate Beer Day and the end of prohibition fully and heartily. Remember: send us your pics!)

Posted in Drink It!, Live It!, Mixology and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
28 Feb 2013

She Kills Monsters

(buzz22chicago.com)

(buzz22chicago.com)

WHAT: She Kills Monsters
WHEN: February 15 – April 21, 2013 (schedule)
WHERE: Steppenwolf Garage Theatre (1624 N. Halsted St.)
RUNTIME: 90 minutes, no intermission
WHO: Buzz22 Chicago
PRICE: $20

OUR RATING: Do It!

(steppenwolf.org)

(steppenwolf.org)

Each year, Steppenwolf’s Garage Theatre explodes with new talent in three repertory productions from some of Chicago’s up-and-coming theater companies. Storefront City takes on Garage Rep 2013, starting with Buzz22 Chicago’s She Kills Monsters.

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

If you’re like us, you know what Dungeons & Dragons is: an epic game of wits, stamina and adventure (and, ultimately, creativity), it represented an epoch when tabletop games were the norm and your imagination could take you anywhere. Buzz22 Chicago’s She Kills Monsters is not only an extremely fun romp through the world of fantasy, but also a meditation on our perceptions of those we love, and how they exist in their own minds.

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

In Qui Nguyen’s play, a young woman must face the perils created by her sister’s mind on a D&D quest to save that sister’s very soul (you can pick up the script at She Kills Monsters). Under Scott Weinstein’s direction, a plot unfolds that shows us this young woman is as much trying to save her own soul as her sister’s: accompanied by a motley band of followers, demons are slain in more ways than one in this epically funny and compelling fantasy-action-comedy.

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

With transitions from the world of High School to the mythical world of role-playing, we are privy to choreographed battles, large scale puppetry work by Colleen Werle, beautifully intimate shadow puppetry from the majestic Manual Cinema, awe-inspiring mask design from Colleen Werle and Trina McGee, and thrilling costume designs that will take you back into the 90s, through the lands of elves, and even into the depths where demons lurk while watching ER and Twin Peaks.

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

You don’t need to know about D&D to appreciate this epic show (to be honest, only half our duo is a D&D nerd). Yet, one of the magical aspects about She Kills Monsters is the wide array of audience members who attend: we shared the house with an avid D&D player who had ‘nerd’ written all over his face and down to his toes, and who had probably not seen a lot of theater before. On top of that, Buzz22 Chicago is just brimming with energy and youthfulness. This young company’s mission is to explore coming of age and the ideas of change, growth and transition that are constant in all of our lives. No matter what you do with your free time, whether you watch reality TV or play RPGs, this show allows us all to share a unique and mesmerizing adventure.

(Buzz22Chicago.com)

(Buzz22Chicago.com)

She Kills Monsters is absolutely fun, subtly thought-provoking and a must for anyone who dreams of being something more. Highly recommended, so pick up tickets while you still can!

P.S. Check out the Garage Rep 2013 trailer! And if you want to play a bit of D&D, this is the place to start: Dungeons & Dragons Fantasy Roleplaying Game: An Essential D&D Starter (4th Edition D&D)

Posted in Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
27 Feb 2013

Paris Club

(parisclubchicago.com)

(parisclubchicago.com)

WHAT: Paris Club (French)
WHERE: 59 W. Hubbard St.

OUR RATING: Do It!

It seems that Storefront City has been in a decidedly French mood lately (but then again, we’re always a little bit Gallic at heart). So, when we trotted over to Paris Club this week for a Belgian beer and food tasting, we got a aangenaam [pleasant] combination of libations and hors d’oeuvres from the fields of Flanders, as well as the more traditional Parisian nourriture [food].

(parisclubchicago.com)

(parisclubchicago.com)

When you enter Paris Club, a sense of class descends upon you, although you would not feel out of place here in some very nice jeans. Perfect for an afterwork treat, it’s beautiful, chic, fun and countrified. We had a peek at their dining room, and it looked lovely and rustic, complete with brick walls, yet still had a very modern Chicago feel. The space is very open, with their “bar room” associated with, but still apart from, their more elegant dining area. With high leather backed chairs and intimate lighting, the bar area is great for a drink and a quick bite, too.

(parisclubchicago.com)

(parisclubchicago.com)

Adam: Specifically, we had come to Paris Club to enjoy a Belgian beer tasting from the likes of the Duvel Moortgat Brewery of Breendonk, Liefmans Brewery of Oudenaarde (est. 1679, so very old indeed), De Koninck Brewery of Antwerp, Maredsous Abbey of Denée, and Brasserie d’Achouffe. However, since we have an all-beer monthly special coming up later this week, we thought we’d save our reviews until then and concentrate on the wonderful food offerings from Paris Club that you can get any time.

(parisclubchicago.com)

(parisclubchicago.com)

While many delicious appetizers were available, I’m only going to talk about the best, so you can order them too! Firstly, make sure that you have a large hunk of bread ready. Sourdough or fresh French bread is provided for no extra cost, and goes fantastically with the smoked trout pâté, although this particular offering is not always available. Make sure that you try their cheese also, as they are pretty standard in France, but not in America. I recommend the Normandy camembert (if available on the day you visit), along with the bonne bouche (actually a Vermont cheese), although the latter lacks some of the typically creamy character of a goat cheese. Actually, you can try this cheese either on your sourdough or on a wonderfully savoury pretzel croissant ($4.95), as the soft, buttery bread complements the harder cheese most excellently.

(parisclubchicago.com)

(parisclubchicago.com)

For a slightly heartier dish, try out the poutine ($9.95), a generous heaping of frites, beef short rib, gravy and cheese. This dish is actually Québécois, and relatively new on the food scene (yet nonetheless exploding in popularity), but truly speaks to the Francophone credentials of the Paris Club (even Vermont was once French, hence the name and the presence of Vermontian cheese on the menu).

(parisclubchicago.com)

(parisclubchicago.com)

Alicia: Despite my German heritage, I am not the biggest consumer of pork, but Chicago is really into the charcuterie scene right now, and Paris Club has joined in on this fad. To get the best feel, therefore, I sampled their very unique and delicate country pâté filled with pistachios and their thinly sliced saucisson sec, both of which were complemented by a stone ground mustard just bursting with flavor. I also sampled their pork rillettes, which brought me back to my first accidental grocery purchase when studying abroad in Paris. The smoky/salty/peppery pork was luxurious, and perfect when paired with the acidity from pickled mini gherkins and onions.

(parisclubchicago.com)

Country Pâté

To celebrate the Belgian beers on hand, servers also brought a variety of sliced sausages to our table, which I believed to probably have been weiβwurst, knackwurst and bockwurst, all of which were super juicy and delicate, and well paired with their sweet and spicy Dijon mustard.  Not items that I think are usually on offer there, but they definitely knocked them out of the park.

(parisclubchicago.com)

(parisclubchicago.com)

I think what ultimately impressed me the most about Paris Club, however, was really the service provided by their staff. Despite this being an entirely free event, I felt as if I must have paid a pretty high price to get in here, because not only was there an ambitious selection of food available to sample, but I almost felt like we were waited on constantly. Sure, the waiters did try to push us a bit to order from the bar, but they were all very friendly and every time we looked around there was always another waiter to offer us a croissant (and they always pronounced it right, too).

(parisclubchicago.com)

(parisclubchicago.com)

Final thoughts: Highly recommended for some pre-dinner snacks and drinks, we’d love to come back to the Paris Club and try their mains, which sound traditional and affordable, of course with some fun twists. And of course, their associated nightclub Studio Paris is also on our future docket. Well done at bringing a little bit of Paris to the Near North Side!

P.S. We’re going back to Paris Club on Monday, March 11th to taste Mauritson’s Wine from 5-8pm and try out another selection of hors d’oeuvres. The event is totally free, so we hope to see you there! If you are coming, let us know!

Posted in Eat It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
26 Feb 2013

The Grid

WHAT: The Grid (Bar)
WHERE: 351 W. Hubbard St.

OUR RATING: Skip It!

The Grid – a strange bar with a strange name in a strange part of town. Unusually, we would jump at such supposed exoticism. In this case, we can think of nowhere more undeserving of your time and money that this ridiculously confused, rude and rotten little space in River North that dares to call itself a venue of “class and comfort”. As connoisseurs of both the aforementioned virtues, we can categorically say that The Grid lacks them in abundance, and we would be pleased to see the whole place shunned by our readers for inflicting itself upon your beloved authors.

Adam: As a critic, one must keep an open mind about a venue, trying not to judge it too harshly and thinking empathetically about the time and effort the proprietors put into providing your experience, thus mitigating your vitriol to a more acceptable level. I shall not be doing that here as The Grid doesn’t deserve such unabashed charity. In fact, I will be dissecting this establishment piece by piece in order to illuminate for you the most lurid details that will serve to shock and disgust.

(thegridchicago.com)

(thegridchicago.com)

We attended The Grid as invitees for their customer appreciation day Gratitude Party. Off the bat it looked like a great idea, but when you subject your guests to something for which they are wholly ungrateful, one cannot help but laugh at the complete ignorance of the event planners. To start, doors were supposed to open sharply at 2pm. It being brisk as a witch’s teat outside, I was eager to get in and warm up a little. Of course, we waited, and waited and waited…only to be granted access at the intolerably late hour of 2:30! Rule of thumb: if you invite the press to an event, don’t make them bloody cold outside.

The fiasco that followed is best related to you by my co-author, and you can look forward to it below, but I will touch further here on some other problems we encountered. The venue itself is boring. Small, cramped and dark, it serves little purpose and reminds one of the basement of a rather ordinary home, done up to look posh. With one bar and a few alcoves, the imagination is not fired (despite numerous vent-less fireplaces), and you immediately get a feeling of foreboding that you have entered at all.

(thegridchicago.com)

(thegridchicago.com)

On the upshot, the drinks do sound fascinating, but tend to be extremely sweet and non-alcoholic. It’s obvious that this establishment is trying to sell me a piece of coal as a diamond: what an utterly useless business strategy. Similarly, the food is sterile at best, even when served in jars that are supposed to make you coo with joy, and yet contain what might be WWI trench rations.

Alicia: Having worked in a variety of customer-centric companies in my life, I have a very strong opinion on what customer service should be and believe that there are enough businesses around and so many people in need of work that only the most fit and customer-friendly should survive in this economy. In this case, The Grid and its employees have no business being patronized for their complete lack of customer service.

(thegridchicago.com)

(thegridchicago.com)

Basically, they completely trampled all over the meaning of customer appreciation. After making us wait outside in the bitter cold, when we were finally invited in there were only two or three tables open for dozens of guests to use – all of the booths were reserved for who knows who. And right after taking a seat and shedding our warm gear, we were told that there was a mandatory $2 coat check, and that all we were getting as part of ‘gratitude day’ was no cover, and that all drinks and food were normal prices, etc.

(thegridchicago.com)

(thegridchicago.com)

First of all…what would we be paying cover for? Nothing! Okay, so I was getting into a restaurant/bar with no live music or drink/food deals at 2pm on a Saturday…wow, really grateful for THAT. Then, to have the gall while I am still getting settled to tell me coat check was mandatory (and not saying that upfront in advance, or at the door) and that absolutely nothing was provided for customers on appreciation day? Yeah, they were really grateful I was there, I’m sure.

Final thoughts: Boring, horrid and unbelievably and awfully dull, with no appreciation for its customers, The Grid can remain off your grid forever and for all eternity. Skip, tell your friends to skip it, and let’s make sure they never darken another afternoon again!

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

Headquarters Beercade

WHAT: Headquarters Beercade
WHERE: 950 W. Wolfram St.

OUR RATING: Do It!

The beer-cade. If you were a kid growing up in the 80s or 90s and you haven’t gotten in on this concept yet, you’re A) Behind the Game; and B) probably going to sh*t yourself.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

Headquarters Beercade, located in Lakeview, offers 37 vintage arcade games and craft beers. Chicago is home to another older beercade, Emporium, in Wicker Park, but now the North Side has realized how necessary this concept is for using the millennial generation’s nostalgia to profit their businesses. Headquarters is not your average Lakeview bar, nor does it cater to the usual North Side/Wrigleyville-esque crowd.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

Alicia: To be perfectly honest, the closest I came to playing in an actual arcade was when I went to the Enchanted Castle or Discovery Zone, where I much more enjoyed playing redemption games like Skee Ball rather than video games, partly for the physical actions required, and mostly for the tickets.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

But that doesn’t mean that I haven’t played arcade games before, even if my memories of Dig Dug are associated with my first real PC, or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reminds me of my Super Nintendo set (which, by the way, I still play when I go home). Each of these games, however, is available arcade-style at Headquarters, and I was more than happy to play both – for free! Not to mention Pinball…the mere action of manipulating the spring launcher was enough to bring back a whirlwind of fun memories.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

I really enjoyed Headquarters, with my two major loves being their amazing original artwork all over the place and the FREE game playing. While I completely didn’t understand why sports were playing on their televisions (yes, I understand they’re trying to hit all demographics, but this didn’t seem to fit at ALL branding wise), I’ve heard that when there’s nothing big going on in the sports world they actually do air old episodes of shows like Double Dare and the like. I don’t know…I really think they should be airing Legends of the Hidden Temple. Then they’d have me hooked for life.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

Adam: In actual fact, I haven’t really frequented that many arcades, nor do I think I would have wanted to when I was younger. Similar to Alicia, I too have fond memories of playing arcade-type games on the old Windows 95 or Nintendo, but having rarely physically visited an arcade myself, Headquarters was a bit like a blast from someone else’s past. Not that this mattered: the games are myriad and absolutely fun, while the atmosphere is laid-back, with friendly doormen and patrons alike.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

I got a chance to play (and complete) their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game, located on the slightly raised upper level towards the front window. This is a four person game, so great to play with friends and, since it’s free, it doesn’t matter how many times you’re KOed. Other games on offer seemed extremely interesting and I’d love to return to play some more! In terms of the bar, I was slightly less impressed on this front. Somewhere between a craft beer spot and a regular joint, beers start at $6 for (supposedly) craft varieties, even though their craftiness is questionable. I would perhaps get the beer flight in future, but there’s no need to blow money on the bottles.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

Final thoughts: A great group hangout spot, with many games available for multiple players simultaneously. On Tuesdays you can build your own flight of 5 craft beer tastings for $11, and on those days there are even Sitcom wars where they show two different sitcom episodes. Headquarters offers a sweet variety of arcade games to fill your need, whether you are a pinball fiend, a racer, a sports fan, or just want to play table space invaders with a beer in hand. A great place to bring out and really celebrate the kid inside of you, who’s just been waiting to pounce.

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

Next Door

WHAT: Next Door (Cafe)
WHERE: 659 W. Diversey Pkwy.

OUR RATING: Chance It!

(nextdoorchi.com)

(nextdoorchi.com)

Offering a variety of sweet treats, hot drinks and workspace, Next Door is a cafe that sells itself on being both a place to have a casual bite and sip on some coffee and as a collaborative zone, complete with free financial advice and other themed-workshops, conference rooms and desks. It’s an interesting concept, and makes for a great space that buzzes with all the feeling of a college library or study room. Definitely for some, but certainly not for all, Next Door caters to a younger crowd used to working in coffee shops designed for studying.

(nextdoorchi.com)

(nextdoorchi.com)

Adam: Next Door has the feeling of the Arts and Crafts movement behind it: lush woods, high beamed ceilings and reclaimed tables and chairs create a modern and earthy atmosphere that is both comforting and stimulating. Grabbing a table can be an issue, as they are generally packed just after 5pm. However, once you place your articles upon a seat, you may proceed to choosing your guilty pleasures from the menu.

With a selection of customizable crepes on offer, I felt obliged to give it a try, ordering the nutella and banana one, as it seemed to be the most delicious with a sweet character. Well, I have to say, I was wrong. What I was served was plenty of crepe and not very much nutella or banana slices. It was very sad, as I had quite high hopes for the place. It seemed to me that they were being deliberately stingy in a quite unnecessary way, so I was, needless to say, very disappointed.

But would I come back? Perhaps. I would certainly order something else and mainly arrive to enjoy the ambience, but the nutella crepe is a no-go area. Come for the decor, but be cautious in your ordering.

(nextdoorchi.com)

(nextdoorchi.com)

Alicia: Ultimately, Next Door is a hit or miss affair. Their coffee is pretty darn good, but they don’t always refill their milk jugs so if you’re a skim milk fan you might be out of luck pretty often. And as Adam mentioned, their filled crepes aren’t too filled. I ordered a crepe with blueberry compote and speculoos, and the very fact that they had speculoos as an option puts this place on my good side…yum! But the yum factor was limited to the small amount they put in there.

(nextdoorchi.com)

(nextdoorchi.com)

I don’t find Next Door’s atmosphere particularly welcoming. In fact, I find it quite sterile and so open as to be distracting. And I’m intrinsically dubious about it being an insurance and financial advising center (State Farm based). Nothing against State Farm in particular, but just the very association of a community center with an insurance company puts me a bit on edge.

(nextdoorchi.com)

(nextdoorchi.com)

While I wouldn’t work there on my own again, I would definitely go there to collaborate with others, especially with their sliding whiteboard walls, glass enclosed work spaces, and a plethora of group workshops available for free. I’m very excited to be signed up for their free yoga class next Tuesday morning, so we’ll see how that turns out as well. I find the place extremely neighborhood friendly, as they often shout out to their neighbors on social media outlets, and offer a wide variety of free programming which ranges anywhere from featuring local music talent to cooking classes, to yoga and entrepreneurial workshops.

(nextdoorchi.com)

(nextdoorchi.com)

Final thoughts: Participate in Next Door’s communal atmosphere and you’ll be amazed at the wealth of altruistic opportunities at hand. And, ultimately, we have nothing against a good cup o’ Joe and a safe space to share your ideas with others.

Posted in Drink It!, Eat It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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