Storefront City Chicago

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
06 Feb 2013

Silence Kills

WHAT: Silence Kills (Photographic Exhibit)
WHEN: February 1 – 25
WHERE: 1431 N. Milwaukee Ave. (inside EyeWant Eyewear)
HOST: Eyeporium Gallery

OUR RATING: Do It!

Credit: Brian Leli

Credit: Brian Leli

Last week, Storefront City dropped into the Eyeporium Gallery in Wicker Park for the opening reception of Brian Leli’s photography exhibition “Silence Kills,” which also provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the release of his new photo and essay book, “London in a Year.”

Credit: Brian Leli (August 2011: A man rests in front of a wall painted with street art at the Notting Hill Carnival.)

Credit: Brian Leli

“Silence Kills”  tells the everyday story of a city (in this case London), which seems to prove the point that an ordinary day doesn’t exist for a huge metropolis. Documenting everything from protesters in the Occupy Movement outside St. Paul’s Cathedral, gay pride celebrants in Trafalgar Square, or a coffee shop owner in Camden, Leli’s work focuses on the people that make a city tick, and their place beside these well-known monuments of old. As such, this is a snapshot of Londoners, rather than the city, and what it means to be a member of (or outsider in) a modern cosmopolitan capital.

The exhibition is located within the Eyeporium Gallery, which is, in turn, inside an eye-wear store, EyeWant. But this isn’t your average Pearle Vision. Colorfully decorated with Oriental lamps topping display cases, luxuriant plush seats, a plethora of bespectacled  mannequin heads, and fantastical representations of the ocular variety (yes, even including a hoard of The Residents paraphernalia), EyeWant is the perfect space to host a gallery, and really peer into a different kind of retail experience.


Due to the eclectic nature of this salon-style gallery, the gallery can maintain an attractive fringe quality while not being subsumed by the faux vogue of similar galleries elsewhere. Owned by local philanthropist Annette Sollars, the gallery is directed by Carron Little, who we had the good fortune to speak with at the opening. Apparently, this little gem has represented some of Chicago’s more well known visual artists, including Tony Fitzpatrick and Marc Hauser, but we’re always excited to see galleries who nurture a variety of artists, both emerging and established.

Credit: Brian Leli (October 2011: Occupy London: a woman smokes a cigarette at the steps to St Paul’s Cathedral.)

Credit: Brian Leli

Photography often ranks lower on the scale of artistry for some people, probably because it is believed that anyone can snap a photo, while only a talented few can apply paint to canvas with even a modicum of success. However, Leli’s work seems to show us that a certain artistic endowment is absolutely necessary to capture that look of proud triumph while marching with Occupy London or a state of complete defiance whilst protesting against the bombing of Yemen. Then again, the choice to close the shutter on a mundane puff of a cigarette whilst outside St. Paul’s or the pain of illness in a London hospice, seems to immortalize moments otherwise lost, perhaps because we don’t want to remember these happenings in the grand scheme of history. By being forced to remember them through photography, artists like Leli do humanity a service that any other profession would be hard pressed to emulate.

Ravishing, didactic and insightful, Leli’s exhibit will let you explore London at your own pace, and see the city (and its people) behind the monuments.

Posted in See It!, Visual Arts and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
05 Feb 2013

Butcher & The Burger

WHAT: Butcher & The Burger
WHERE: 1021 W. Armitage Ave.

OUR RATING: Chance It!

(butcherandtheburger.com)

(butcherandtheburger.com)

A lot can be said for this lovely little spot that takes the old fashioned concept of the burger and gives it a modern twist. In keeping with the times, Butcher & The Burger allows for full customization, with patrons picking their meat (a choice of prime beef, turkey, grass fed beef, pork, salmon, elk, lentil brown rice, portobello, shrimp or bison), spice blend (everything from kosher salt and black pepper to umami), bun and toppings. All of this is served on a chopping block, which accentuates the location’s butchery credentials.

(butcherandtheburger.com)

(butcherandtheburger.com)

The ambience is old-timey and evokes an epoch where your local butcher was your friend and the burger shop a major hangout for the kids. No McDonalds back then, and a good thing too. While space is extremely limited, the coziness lends something to the experience that makes you okay with being squeezed up against the wall.

Adam: OK, I know what you’re going to say: why did you order the vegan option at a burger joint? And the answer is: it just seemed right. My philosophy is that if a place is going to have a solid menu, then the vegan option is perhaps the most important part–if you can succeed at that, you’re pretty much good all around. And boy, did they succeed!

(butcherandtheburger.com)

(butcherandtheburger.com)

My lentil burger was meaty and full, and only fell apart towards the end, which is more than I can say of other vegan burgers I’ve had. I went with the Chicago-style steakhouse rub, for a bit of traditionalism, which gave it a rather local kick. Encased in a whole wheat bun and topped off with lettuce, tomato, onion, wasabi mayo (this is great!), pickles, BBQ sauce, and goat cheese, I felt I was in luck.

(butcherandtheburger.com)

So why, you might ask, did I say you should only chance this spectacular burger experience? Well, it’s the little things. For example, on all our burgers, the cheese was a sprinkling at best, providing practically no flavor and therefore making me wonder why it was being offered. I also observed that some of the spices (such as sun fiery ghost pepper and coconut curry) were so very spicy that they overwhelmed any other essence in the burger. Such flavors need to be a little more balanced when it comes down to it.

(timeoutchicago.com)

(timeoutchicago.com)

Another issue was the price vs. size/what you get ratio. My burger cost $7.50 (they range up to $14.50 with no extras), and that included no sides, no drink, no nothing. You might argue that this is a gourmet restaurant with a special experience. The burgers are pretty good, but not that good. They should at least throw in a fries or drink, otherwise, the pretentious a-la-carte nature of the menu outweighs the homestyle cooking. I’m sorry, but you just can’t have a soup called Grandma’s onion soup and foie gras on the same menu. My verdict: perhaps go once to try it out and get a super customized burger you can’t get anywhere else. Then, don’t bother coming back.

Alicia: Yes, I went vegan too, but one of our guests went for the prime beef, so we do offer an account of an actual burger in this review. She ordered the burger medium on top a pretzel bun (which happens to cost $.50 extra, and worth it, according to her) with some other accoutrements. The burger came out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and boy was it vertical. Medium-sized patty at best, but darn tasty.

(butcherandtheburger.com)

(butcherandtheburger.com)

Meanwhile, I went a little crazy with my order. I really wanted a portobello burger, but they were out of that (disappointing), so I went with the lentil-brown rice option with their coconut/curry/honey spice blend, goat cheese, delicious dijon mustard and wasabi mayo, onions, pickles and -get this- a LETTUCE bun. All of this placed between two slices of iceberg lettuce. You’d think all of these additions (and on top of that a burger made of lentils) would be the messiest thing I ever ate. Not the case! It all stayed perfectly within the ‘bun’ and I was able to enjoy all of the tastes without muddying it with bread (I hate that). The coconut/curry/honey spice blend was the perfect level of spiciness and uniqueness without being too un-burger like. All-in-all, a win!

(butcherandtheburger.com)

(butcherandtheburger.com)

Final thoughts: We give Chef/Partner Allen Sternweiler’s place props. They’ve offered a location where foodies and those who just like burgers can both be happy. On top of that, it’s BYOB, so you can carry in your favorite 6-pack without breaking more of the bank than your burger might already. But would we go back again? Perhaps not for their normal lunch or dinner burgers, but we WOULD come back to try their frozen custard perhaps, and definitely their breakfast burgers, which cost the same as they do at lunch and dinner but also come with two eggs any style and small fries. Fancy a burger brunch anyone?

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

Night of the Magician

WHAT: Night of the Magician
WHEN: January 31 – February 24 (see schedule for details)
WHERE: Chopin Theatre (1543 W. Division Ave.)
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 15 minutes with no intermission
HOST: Screen Door
PRICE: $15

OUR RATING: Chance It!

(chopintheatre.com)

(chopintheatre.com)

If you’ve never been to the Chopin Theatre, it’s a treat for the senses. Part performing arts space, part cabaret and part 19th century cafe, this is the sort of venue Storefront City would love to own if we opened a theatre. It seems magical and timeless, and that makes it a perfect locale for Night of the Magician.

(moviesarebetterlive.com)

(moviesarebetterlive.com)

The company, Screen Door, produces live movie events, causing you to be assailed from all directions by sound, sight and movement. Prior to the main event, this movie begins like all other films on the big screen, but with a twist. Each night a different theater or screening company performs a live movie trailer, promoting their ongoing or upcoming performance – of course without revealing any of the plot twists. This week, it was Whiskey Rebellion Theatre, previewing their Whiskey Radio Hour. This is a great way to get coming attractions out there both fast and fun.

(moviesarebetterlive.com)

(moviesarebetterlive.com)



But on to the main event, which is Screen Door’s first feature length Live Movie, although back in March they premiered I Am a Rocket Scientist, a shorter sci-fi musical Live Movie experience. Written and directed by Jack Lawrence Mayer and David Milton Brent, Night of the Magician is screened before you, actors merge with the movie, sound effects are generated live by a foley artist and music is provided by a band, The Ides of March. In Night of the Magician, Matilda (Ellie Reed), a girl rendered mute by a terrible tragedy, seeks her lost brother (Daniel Desmarais) in a desolate industrial town. Pitted against her are the mysterious forces of Isabelle Lewis (Martine Moore), the heiress to the town factory, the mysterious Magician, and an awful Beast that lives in the woods.

(moviesarebetterlive.com)

(moviesarebetterlive.com)

Adam: I was extremely excited to attend my first ever live movie. It’s a concept that is so novel and innovative, that one is immediately intrigued, and with a title like Night of the Magician, you cannot help but feel you may be transported to those ancient picture-houses, in which music was twinkled out on an old piano, titles flashed in a bright white on black, and sound effects were invented by a “man behind the curtain.” All these expectations were met, other than that the piano man was actually a full-piece band.

(moviesarebetterlive.com)

(moviesarebetterlive.com)

What most impressed me about this production was the cast of amazing characters. The moody and otherworldly performances brought an uncanny realism to the film, which placed you at close quarters with each of the people involved. Mrs. Winter (Gigi Fenlon) provided an expressive, if all too brief, performance as an innkeeper, building tension in her exceptional attention to the very detail of her character. Another outstanding performance was given by Gina Marie Hernandez as the Healer, with a shocking videographic interlude that might be straight out of the opening sequence of American Horror Story.

Another detail I much appreciated was the scene selection, which perfectly painted the dark reality of an industrial complex that seemed to absolutely exist, mainly due to the careful knitting together of locations by a skilled director.

(moviesarebetterlive.com)

(moviesarebetterlive.com)

My one major criticism was not with the performance itself, but in its unfolding. Often, so much was occurring at once around me, that it became unclear on where to affix my attention. Mainly, I focused on the film screen, but I would have been interested to see the effect multiple screens around the room would have had, perhaps showing different perspectives, and thus allowing one to concentrate on the entire experience rather than a few select elements.

(Credit: Joe Mazza at Brave-Lux)

(Credit: Joe Mazza at Brave-Lux)



Alicia: Being a techie at heart, I’m like a kid at a candy store when I get a ‘behind-the-scenes’ view of how anything is created or performed. Because of this, my focus of the night was on the pieces of the film which were produced live right amidst the audience and screened right then and there. When I entered the theater space, it was hard not to notice a huge track laid down at the back of the house, which was used to guide a camera dolly. The rules regarding the camera dolly’s use were clear and strategic, with only stories ‘of the past’ being filmed, quite ironically, in the present. However, while the theory and practice behind these pieces of the production were quite masterful, I couldn’t help wanting to turn my head and watch what was really happening on the dolly track versus what was happening on the screen. What would have really made this a much more intriguing experience would have been if the track was integrated even more amidst the audience so as to become a much more present piece of the live experience.

Another intriguing component of the experience that just needed to take a few steps further was the traversing of actors from the screen and into the live environment and back again. I really wanted a more fleshed out 2D versus 3D experience, and while I was tantalized by a few beautiful transitions, particularly by the character of Frederich, there just wasn’t enough of a relationship there.

(Credit: Joe Mazza at Brave-Lux)

(Credit: Joe Mazza at Brave-Lux)

Overall, there just wasn’t enough “live” and “filmed” visual integration for me (the foley effects and live band really did their auditory jobs masterfully). The components were there, and I’m not sure if the space Screen Door produced in limited them in this respect (I can only imagine it must have), but some aspects of the night seemed too piecemeal, and it was odd having the last twenty or so minutes of the performance be almost pure film work. And ultimately, the least fulfilling aspects of the performance were the shadow puppets, which felt more slapped in out of artistic interest rather than really worked into the piece, but I usually set relatively high stakes for any production attempting to integrate this art form, so I shan’t be too harsh.

(moviesarebetterlive.com)

(moviesarebetterlive.com)

Final Thoughts: In our opinion, Night of the Magician provides a hauntingly beautiful performance in a developing art form. If you would like a unique experience that you cannot possibly get elsewhere, Screen Door provides it, and we are convinced that their production will only become more sure and steady in the future.

(moviesarebetterlive.com)

(moviesarebetterlive.com)

Although we sat in the main section, we suggest you try to get a seat at the very back of the theater (just beyond the tracks) if it’s a packed enough house. Although some of the sightlines may be difficult, this way, you’ll get a better vantage point of both the live film and foley work. Why not get a first hand look at what really makes this event live and breathe in the moment? And make sure to stick around in the lounge and listen to live music, have a few drinks at the bar, and enjoy the thoughts of others you just shared this experience with.


P.S. We would like to briefly comment on the behavior of some of the audience members throughout the production. During some of the more important parts of the movie, a select group of audience members took it upon themselves to laugh in a mocking, childish and totally inappropriate manner. We felt ashamed to be part of the same audience as these juvenile, haughty and blatantly discourteous individuals. We are of the opinion that such people have no place in the world of respectful theatre and should be removed to the unintellectually bawdy fringes where they belong.

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

Perennial Virant

WHAT: Perennial Virant
WHERE: 1800 N. Lincoln Ave.

OUR RATING: Chance It!

(perennialchicago.com)

(perennialchicago.com)

If there’s one thing that you can take away from Lincoln Park’s Perennial Virant its the ever-changing menu that moves with the turning of the seasons. One can view this from two perspectives: either it provides an endlessly rotating variety of fare and dissuades palate boredom, or it makes the process between visits majorly confusing. We would say that Perennial Virant manages to tread the line between the two quite well, but not well enough for us to outright recommend it.

Adam: When you enter Perennial Virant, the first thing you are struck by is the cacophony of voices intermixed with inappropriately loud music. OK, that is a little harsh…you are also greeted by a beautiful open space with the modernist touch of raw open metalwork and comforting leather seats. However, the sheer pulsating nature of the music required us to ask for its lowering, a request that was only partially fulfilled.

But, I’m too glum! The wait staff were immediately attentive to our service needs, providing the table with deliciously delicate complimentary bread, and a choice of wine. While I decided to sip on the Sauvignon Blanc, Quintay “Clava” 2011 (Casablanca Vly, CHL), I can highly recommend the Grenache Blanc, Famille Perrin “Reserve” 2011 (Rhone, FRA), which was enjoyed by Alicia.

(perennialchicago.com)

(perennialchicago.com)

We decided upon a starter to share, and honed in on the butternut squash panna cotta, mainly because of its unusual combination of the aforementioned squash with caramelized egg, prairie breeze cheddar, apple, and pickled onions. I am afraid to say, we were not impressed. It, honestly, seemed dull, and once you got over the fact that panna cotta could be an appetizer as well as a dessert…well, let’s just say you would be wiser to try the beet salad (fantastic and worth a taste).

(perennialchicago.com)

(perennialchicago.com)

For an entree, the duck leg confit did me nicely. Almost unnaturally, wafer thin slices of duck graced the platter, laid so daintily that it might almost be sacrilege to move them. Drizzled lightly with duck jus accompanied by vanilla melon jam, perhaps the most interesting side was the persimmon pudding cake which embodied the traditional elements of a real pudding: supple and succulent with a most wonderful, herby taste. Persimmon was known to the Greeks as the “Wheat of Zeus”, after all. Pickled sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes) and red cabbage complete this dish, which is to be highly recommended as a fine piece of duck.

Tea finished the night, and a good selection they have too. I enjoyed the Earl Grey, served in full teapot with loose leaves. Definitely a good cap to the evening.

(perennialchicago.com)

(perennialchicago.com)

Alicia: My favorite aspect of Perennial Virant is the aesthetic, in particular the clear light bulbs that fully occupy the space and hang all along the ceiling. It’s trendy in a very unassuming and homey way, and had me thinking ‘Nikola Tesla on vacation to the farm’ the entire night. My least favorite aspect were the oddly placed bathrooms, which were located outside of the actual restaurant in the lobby of the Hotel Lincoln.

For a Chicago Gastropub/New American restaurant, Perennial Virant is a little more vegetarian/pescatarian friendly than others, but it’s still pretty limited. Many in our party, including myself, ordered the pan-roasted rainbow trout, which was accompanied by grits, greens, a sweet corn medley (what they call “chow chow”) and a spicy butter sauce. You would think this dish sounded okay for pescatarians, but in fact the greens are cooked in bacon fat and are accompanied with bits of bacon as well. Luckily, I’m not limited in this fashion, but it’s really annoying when a place doesn’t list all of these components in their menu descriptions, and when they severely limit one’s options if they have any dietary restrictions. Worse yet, our vegetarian had one option, a vegetarian skillet, and even that was so spicy as to be unpalatable. After taking a bite, even I had to have a few sips of wine before I could enjoy eating anything else.

(chicagomagazine.com)

(chicagomagazine.com)

However, when the waitress was made aware that some of our party could not consume pork, she was readily able to assist in menu recommendations and even warned me that my dish contained pork once I ordered. As for the dish itself, while the sauce and corn were almost too spicy, I thought the dish as a whole was a success. The fish was beautifully cooked and stood up to the loud and savory greens, with the spicy corn and butter cutting through it all with a sweet punch. I expected a few more surprises and more unique flavors, but it was successfully ‘homey.’

(perennialchicago.com)

For dessert, our party ordered pastry chef Elissa Narow’s mint chocolate sundae with chocolate clusters and fudge sauce, a maple cheesecake and a caramel apple crepe with butterscotch ice cream, candied chestnuts and fresh cooked apples. All three desserts were delicious, with fresh picked mint enveloped in dark chocolate for the sundae and a sumptuous crepe with tangy caramel. Our favorite of the night by far, however, was the maple cheesecake, which was amazingly luxurious with exciting cameos from fresh, tart cranberries.

Final Thoughts: Perhaps our only real criticisms of Perennial Virant are Chef Paul Virant’s inconsistent menu and the unwarranted racket. It’s not that good food isn’t served here, it is–as our enjoyment of most of it goes to show. But, the “virant” of quality is not really up to snuff: a restaurant needs to have a menu that is delicious for all who patronize it, not just the few who are lucky enough to choose the right dishes.

Tea!

Tea!

If you’re vegetarian, this restaurant has nothing of real merit for you, and we would advise you steer clear. If not, start out with the beet salad, accompanied by one of their white wines. Order the duck for your main and the cheesecake or a scoop of plain ice cream for dessert and finish the night with a cup of Earl Grey. With this particular menu, the right choice is everything.

Posted in Eat It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
31 Jan 2013

Off the Record at saki

WHAT: Off the Record (music series)
WHERE: saki (3716 W. Fullerton Ave.)
HOSTS: saki, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

OUR RATING: Do It!

(sakistore.net)

(sakistore.net)

Storefront City ventured to Logan Square for the kickoff to Off the Record, a new monthly music series presented by saki, a record store/art gallery/performance space in Logan Square, and the City of Chicago’s DCASE. The first in the series featured a live performance from Brokeback, hors d’oeuvres from Provenance, beverages from Goose Island, and a DJ set from Thrill Jockey Records.

(sakistore.net)

(sakistore.net)

Founded in 2010, saki is by far one of the cooler venues we’ve visited in the past few months. From the outside it might just look like your average hipster vinyl record store (although, they also sell DVDs, CDs, books and other knick knacks). Inside, the bright and eclectic space beams with energy and attracts discerning clients who know what record they want. The selection is huge and includes modern LPs as well as the more vintage varieties.

Brokeback performs live!

Brokeback performs live!

Anyways, back to the music series. Off the Record’s monthly events celebrate a new record, sometimes in advance of its release. During the 2013 season, there will be live performances and sometimes even interactive portions for each event. For the opening of the series, the instrumental rock band Brokeback performed tracks from their new album “Brokeback & the Black Rock,” which is their first release in ten years, and there was even a Q&A with the band and an aforementioned DJ set.

(sakistore.net) "Yuck" by Delicious Design League

Not good enough for you? How about this: all Off the Record events are free and for all ages. And saki provides a really amazing backdrop with remarkably good acoustics. Right now they have an amazing show going on by Delicious Design League (“Yuck”) with a bunch of their screen-prints hanging up around the store. But this exhibition space is only temporary: Amanda Olbrys’ show “Balance” will be taking its place on the walls on Friday, February 1.

(sakistore.net)

(sakistore.net)

So, can we even really call this a record store? Not really, considering you’ve got a performance space and gallery built in. It’s definitely the new chic when it comes to mixed media spaces–combined art forms are catching on as people realize that using a space in multiple ways has tons of benefits, from cost efficiency to audience sharing.

Definitely head over to their next event. It’s well worth the trek.

Posted in Do It!, Music and Concerts, See It!, Shopping, Visual Arts and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
30 Jan 2013

Stadium Devildare

WHAT: Stadium Devildare
WHEN: January 17 – February 23 (see schedule for details)
WHERE: 621 W. Belmont Ave. (Red Tape Theatre inside St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 2nd floor)
RUNTIME: 1 hour 20 minutes, no intermission
PRICE: $25

OUR RATING: Skip It!

How do you summarize Stadium Devildare? Let’s be frank, it’s extremely difficult to fathom what this play is truly about: in some sort of post-apocalyptic future, combatants work both with and against each other in a war zone in a Battle Royale style competition, broadcast to the watching public. We guess?

Red Tape Theatre’s Stadium Devildare did what no art should do: it confused the hell out of the audience and was almost completely and utterly inaccessible.

Adam: The major problem with Stadium Devildare is the extreme obtuseness of the script. What is this battle for glory? Why is it taking place? And why can’t I understand what people are saying, even though they are clearly speaking English?

At first, I thought I was missing the deeper meaning of the play, that my powers of perception and understanding were not great enough to comprehend the words emanating from the stage. Then, I seriously considered the possibility I was having a stroke, but after a quick check of both the right and left sides of my body, I established that the only haemorrhaging occurring was from the outflow of poetic gibberish spewing from Ruth Margraff’s script.

(redtapetheatre.org)

(redtapetheatre.org)

And my belief is strongly that the problems are with the playwright and not the cast or Red Tape Theatre, who did do an admirable job of producing a lemon of a work. A strong performance was to be had from Lyndsay Kane playing the presenter of the night’s entertainment, and all members of the cast engaged in a physically demanding and strenuous set of stage fights. But, the overall quality of the script was so awful that not even an Tony-award winning, or nominated, actor could have redeemed it.

(redtapetheatre.org)

(redtapetheatre.org)

Alicia: I found this play unentertainingly exhausting, which is unfortunate because I have a huge amount of respect for Red Tape and many of the individuals working on the production. Lakeview’s Red Tape Theatre has a mission for reinventing the relationship between the artists onstage and their audience, and have a very unique perspective in providing new and experimental work and an interactive performance space, which many more conservative theaters in Chicago can’t pretend to do. I also found Greg Poljacik’s fight choreography pretty masterful, and there were some really fun scenes with Ninja game characters in this respect (with some stellar nonspeaking performances by Bryan Bosque and Julian Hester). Rachel Spear’s sound design and especially Mike Morch’s scenic design were innovative and also fun to experience.

(redtapetheatre.org)

(redtapetheatre.org)

But that’s as far as it goes, and trust me: those saving graces don’t provide a big enough dosage of aspirin for the headache that Stadium Devildare really was. I felt stupid and confused throughout 95% of the show, which no audience member should have to experience. I’m sure this was not director Karen Yates’s intention, but I had no idea what they were saying, no idea what was going on, and half way through the show I lost my will to keep on attempting to figure it all out. I surrendered and gave up. It was too painful.

Final Thoughts: There is a lesson for the future here: stay away from work you don’t fully understand–inscrutability doesn’t equal gold, and will more than often render nothing but pyrites.

Warning: Contains scenes of rape, extreme violence and foul language.

Posted in Performing Arts, See It! 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
28 Jan 2013

Falafill

WHAT: Falafill
WHERE: Loop: 72 E. Adams St.; Lakeview: 3202 N. Broadway Ave.; Oak Park: 1053 Lake St.

OUR RATING: Do It!

(eatfalafill.com)

(eatfalafill.com)

If you are in the Middle East, fast street food is probably not your first port of call as a tourist, with everyone fervently suggesting that you only dine at “proper” restaurants to avoid any Curse of the Pharaohs that might befall you. Our personal experience in the region has taught us that this couldn’t be further from the truth, and so Falafill makes perfect sense to us: good, wholesome, Levantine food right here in Chicago.

(eatfalafill.com)

(eatfalafill.com)

At Falafill, if you don’t go veg, go home. Well, they do offer wraps with steak, turkey or spicy sujuk sausage, but don’t be a chickpea cop-out. Instead, choose from their classic garlicky falafel, their yellow curry falafel, or a seasonal falafel (we’ve heard they serve up a mighty fried butternut squash delicacy).

(eatfalafill.com)

(eatfalafill.com)

You then have three container options – a pita, a wrap or a bowl (which also comes with pita). If you’re completely ravenous, we suggest you ‘go bowl’, as you can fill the bowl up with unlimited salad bar options. Yet, if you’re smart and sly about it, you can almost fit as much into the wrap (average price of about $6) as the bowl, if you’re not afraid of it completely falling apart on you, and you’ll save a buck or two.

Mezza Bar (examiner.com)

Mezza Bar (examiner.com)

The ultimate victor at Falafill, however, is the Mezza Bar, which you hit up after you receive your freshly made wrap/bowl (or, which you can instead order a la carte). Yes, there’s your usual hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh and Jerusalem salad, but wait – there’s more! You can continue piling high with muhammara (roasted red peppers, walnuts, chili & pomegranate), minted cabbage, couscous with fruit, roasted beets, black beans and corn, bazergan (cracked wheat with pomegranate molasses), sauces and a bunch of other mouth-watering additions.

(eatfalafill.com)

(eatfalafill.com)

Alicia: Knowing that Falafill was a chain, and having eaten falafel everywhere from London to Toronto to Paris (L’As Du Fallafel in the Marais district is still, hands down, the best falafel anywhere), I didn’t have high hopes for this place. I wasn’t going any way but pita (I mean, come on, that’s where a falafel belongs), but I decided to be a bit more adventurous and ordered the curry falafel (a marriage of Mediterranean flavors and curry, perhaps the best spice in the world?). I then piled on the pickled vegetables, especially the turnips, because I was really a rabbit in another life. And luckily, compared to other Mediterranean salad bars in the area, this one isn’t priced by weight.

Oak Park location (custommade.com)

Oak Park location (custommade.com)

By the end of the salad bar, I was a master at stuffing as much as I could into that pocket without it falling apart, but I definitely looked like a pig doing so. But oh was it worth it. The curry falafels were slightly crunchy on the outside and moist and soft on the inside, with a slight kick. I’ve had better, yes, but paired with the huge array of accoutrements, this place really raises the bar for Chicago falafels.

(eatfalafill.com)

(eatfalafill.com)

Adam: As I’m writing this, it’s snowing outside and freezing cold. All I am longing for is to be under the hot sun, and what better way to replicate that experience than by visiting a Middle Eastern eatery. Falafill is true to its name, and really lets you pack it in. I also ordered the curry falafel (why not) and loaded on the usuals of hummus, tabbouleh and Jerusalem salad, but I wanted to go spicer, so harissa (Tunisian hot chili sauce) and plenty of it. My concoction can thus be considered a thoroughly north African affair, with the final addition of vegetables and za’atar.

(eatfalafill.com)

(eatfalafill.com)

Let’s be frank: this falafel left my mouth as hot as the Negev in July (and that’s pretty darn hot). And that’s how I like it, so it was perfect to warm my bones.

Another worthy feature of Falafill is the interior design. It’s not particularly regionally specific, but evokes a clean and natural environment conducive to relaxation and consumption. So, yes, I’m a fan.

Lakeview location (chicago.eater.com)

Lakeview location (chicago.eater.com)

Final Thoughts: Creamy hummus, falafels that stand on their own, and a superior mezza bar make this place a definite go-to. The only real drawback is the limited (and slightly uncomfy) seating, so finding a spot to sit for a larger group of friends might be a bit difficult.

They also have what’s called Chefs for Charity, where local Chicago chefs create unique sandwiches on a monthly basis, and proceeds go to their charity of choice. Where else might you get a chance to taste the culinary delights of Stephanie Izard (Girl & the Goat) and Bill Kim (Urban Belly) for a mere $6, AND get a chance to donate to charity while scarfing down your dinner?

Posted in Eat It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
25 Jan 2013

Raj Darbar

WHAT: Raj Darbar (Indian Cuisine)
WHERE: 2660 N. Halsted St.

OUR RATING: Skip It!

(rajdarbar.com)

(rajdarbar.com)

As connoisseurs of Indian cuisine (with backgrounds in both American and British Indian cookery), the Storefront City team was elated to find a subcontinent restaurant in the Lincoln Park neighborhood which we could enjoy. Boasting north Indian food based on Mughal recipes, we really did believe that this location would whisk us to the imperial royal court after which it was named. Unfortunately, the only thing royal about this place are the prices that crown your bill, while the food is unfulfilling and inauthentic and the service lackluster at best.

Adam: Due to my upbringing in England, I have extensive experience with British Indian cuisine and have been consuming these delicacies since childhood. My local Indian establishment was frequented by my family and I for many years, and I have enjoyed Indian food across the UK, from Edinburgh to London and even on the Dover coast. Nearly all of it was fabulously exotic and delivered to my palate a sensual experience.

(chicagodining.com)

(chicagodining.com)

Raj Darbar cannot even claim to be a decent Indian restaurant. I decided to try the chicken shahi korma, as I am partial to the dish, only to find that, according to this restaurant, said korma contained zero almonds (one of the very bases of the korma). Additionally, it seemed to me that a locally produced cheese had been added (extremely strange), along with cashews and raisins. I’m not particularly against the latter two items, but let’s get one thing clear: this is not the korma you are looking for! For a real (and cheaper) experience, try Devon Ave. or London.

Alicia: The menu at Raj Darbar is really exciting and different from most Indian menus in Chicago, and contains dishes you won’t find at the more well-known India House and India Garden, such as Baigan Piaz Masala (sauteed eggplant with ginger root) and Malai Kofta (minced vegetable balls in a cream sauce with cashews and raisins). To complement our meat dish of Chicken Korma I ordered the Vegetable Jalfreazi, an assortment of vegetables with tomatoes and onions in a curry sauce, which sounded pretty unique without being too heavy, as I knew the korma would be cream-based. Boy was it a disappointment – the vegetables were overcooked and the sauce both oily and gloopy.

(chicagodining.com)

(chicagodining.com)

But it wasn’t just the food I found disappointing (although our accompaniments of vegetable biryani and naan were equally underwhelming). The service was absolutely terrible and incredibly awkward. The waiter didn’t bother to refill our glasses even once, even though we were practically the only customers in the restaurant. And when he did serve us, such as taking our order, he seemed very twitchy, nervous and unfriendly. Not the best customer service.

(rajdarbar.com)

(rajdarbar.com)

Final thoughts: It is perfectly apparent to us that Raj Darbar has duped the neighborhood into thinking that north Indian food should be served in this sub-standard, slapdash fashion. Try out Hema’s Kitchen for a better taste or even the Curry Hut in Highwood for fantastic Nepalese and north Indian food. Raj Darbar might name itself after the Royal Court, but it only deserves to be cross-examined in the Court of Reviews and found grossly, wantendly and plainly guilty of providing a criminally terrible experience.

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

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