Storefront City Chicago

Archive for the category “Do It!”

06 May 2013

Robinson Family Burial Ground and Robinson Preserve

WHAT: Robinson Family Burial Ground and Robinson Preserve
WHERE: On the south side just west of N. East River Rd. and W. Lawrence Ave. in Norridge, IL
WHEN: Every day until sundown

OUR RATING: Do It!

20130505_121535_resizedWell, after last week’s interruption due to illness, Storefront City is back in business. For our first post this week, we explore something a little bizarre, but found that it makes for a great outing on the warm days that are thankfully becoming more common (got up to 71 degrees on Sunday!)

Although October has long come and gone, we stumbled across a strangely haunting location in the little village of Norridge, about 20 minutes north-west of the city. Steeped in local lore, the site is complete with trails, deer and ghost legends (look out for the supposed scent of lilacs and phantom drums), and families will have plenty to talk about as they traverse the forgotten paths that Native Americans once trod.

20130505_121553_resizedAlicia: Alexander Robinson (d. 1872) (Robinson was the English surname of Chee-chee-pin-quay, Chief of the Pottawatomie, Chippewa and Ottawa Nation of Indians) was initially given this piece of land in 1829 in return for his assistance to the Americans as an intermediary with the Indians during the time of the Fort Dearborn massacre.

20130505_121957_resizedBut what exactly could these woods be haunted by? The last of the Robinson’s lived on this land until May 1955, when their farm burned down. No lives were lost, but generations of the Robinson family lived and died on this land, including Alexander Robinson himself. And just five months after the Robinson farm fire the bodies of three young boys were found in a ditch near the parking lot in the woods. 1955 was an unfortunate year for this piece of land, and for the families associated with it, but decades later the woods are welcoming and beautiful, albeit with a muddy and strange history.

20130505_122713_resizedWe recommend travelling out to the boulder first, on the north side of the preserve, which marks the burial place of Chief Chee-chee-pin-quay. There’s a bench on either side if you want to rest for a bit before starting on your big hike. Look out for deer while doing this – we spotted nine small ones that seem very tame and docile, so if you’re still for long enough, they might come and have a look at you.

Picture 23Adam: Norridge, Illinois can be described as a small village (in municipal parlance) of around 14,000 people that has jealously guarded its independence from the encroaching city of Chicago. This ability to resist encroachment has no doubt been helped by the large forest preserves abutting this enclave, that obviously prevent any further development and protect the pristine nature of the environment.

The Robinson Forest Preserve is divided into two sections, being north and south, with the Robinson Burial Ground and surrounding areas located in the north tract, while the south tract contains plentiful pasture, along with numerous nature trails that zigzag across the Des Plaines River.

20130505_131916_resizedIn all honesty, Chicago itself provides little of the mystery and wilderness of this place, which is both welcome and refreshing. Too often, we seem to be living our urban lives in the grid system of roads, trains and towering buildings, forgetting the simple pleasure of walking through the ancient woods or appreciating the history behind a place.

On the south side, there is a beautiful field that is perfect for picnics and a long, winding trail with plenty of birds and wildlife available for watching. It’s fantastic to find such an untouched place so close to the city (you can take the CTA from Downtown) and with its rich history and diverse wildlife, its worth the trek.

20130505_123459_resizedFinal Thoughts: Wild, picturesque and haunting, Robinson Preserve provides entertainment for everyone who likes the outdoors and all its mysteries. Great for picnics, treks and a spot of ghosthunting, you couldn’t find a more unique spot for a day out.

Posted in Do It!, Outdoor Attractions and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
29 Apr 2013

Maxwell Street Market

WHAT: Maxwell Street Market
WHERE: 800 S. Desplaines St.
WHEN: Every Sunday; 7am – 3pm

OUR RATING: Do It!

Dating back to 1900 when it was established by immigrants, today this market bustles in a new location with the life and produce of a new generation. An Aladdin’s Cave of everything from produce to electronics, it’s a quintessential Chicago experience and perfect for a hot day of strolling and bargain hunting.

Alicia: The Maxwell Street neighborhood is one of the city’s oldest residential districts and comes with a wealth of history. The neighborhood’s multicultural open air market is my favorite in the city, and the one I keep going back to when the weather permits. There’s a unique and honest life to this market that you might not find elsewhere in the city, and with produce, antiques, household items, food, and music galore, it isn’t easy to walk away empty-handed.

I love to start my journey through the market by purchasing a piece of fresh fruit from the vendors, usually a juicy plum or a peach. Not only does this provide a refreshing outlet to what is usually a long, hot adventure through the stalls, but it also protects me from buying literally everything as I pass stalls upon stalls serving up authentic Mexican fare, including favorites like Pupusas y Tamales Mama Lula’s pupusas, Xoco-Churro’s churros and a wealth of pambazos, tamales, quesadillas and, of course, tacos.

My main purchases usually include a pair of sunglasses, as there’s a wide variety of choices everywhere you look, and at very decent prices. And while you don’t have to speak Spanish to get things at a good rate, it does help to have a bit of it up your sleeve to assist you in bargain-hunting. But really, I don’t really ever go with the intention of buying anything, but rather just go in hopes of soaking up the ambience and energy of the market, and I’m always so glad that I do.

Adam: With over 500 vendors, the frenzied buzz of the market engulfs you the moment you are swept by the torrent of people at its entrance into the many blocks of stalls beyond. Food sellers hawk their wares, whether it’s an enchilada you’re after, or a piña colada in a hollowed out pineapple (these are a must, as they are substantially cheaper here than elsewhere in the city).

(cityofchicago.org)

(cityofchicago.org)

There’s something about this market that reminds me of a car boot sale – sometimes the things you will discover will take you back to your childhood or a simpler time. A big highlight has to be the many gaming stalls that are selling everything from complete N64s and their cartridges to cartridges even from really old systems like the Super Nintendo (if you had the good sense to keep the system). My great joy here is finding all the old Star Trek games I was too young for at the time.

(wbez.org)

(wbez.org)

Other items on sale include perfumes and colognes, but be wary of these as they tend to water down some varieties with alcohol or sell slightly reformulated types.

Excellently fun for a warm day, the market is so long that is will take you a good hour to walk up and down both sides. Make the most of it and take your time – you’ll find something awesome.

Final Thoughts: An abundance of deals and good food is not all that awaits you at Maxwell Street Market. Fitness Sundays are every third Sunday from 9am-1pm, Dance Sundays also occur about once a month, and there’s a variety of other special events that happen each week. So get your Chicago on and enjoy the outdoors, and don’t forget that fresh piña colada or maybe just a glass of yummy horchata.

P.S. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Maxwell Street Market this Sunday, May 5 from 9am-3pm with performances by Linda’s Dance Studio, Mariachi Mexico Viva, Los Hot Baneros, and more!

Posted in Do It!, Festivals, Outdoor Attractions, Shopping and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
26 Apr 2013

Chicago French Market

WHAT: Chicago French Market
WHERE: 131 N. Clinton St.

OUR RATING: Do It!

This huge, indoor, year round marketplace beneath the train terminal next to the Ogilvie Transportation Center has just celebrated its third anniversary. Thirty one different vendors offer a variety of delicious fare, from meats, to cheese, to wines, to flowers, the list is endless. With real markets being so few and far between in the city, a visit to the French Market will be an eye-opening day of fun.

(frenchmarketchicago.com)

(frenchmarketchicago.com)

Alicia: Supporting local farmers and artisans, the Chicago French Market brings the European-inspired marketplace to Chicago, allowing year-round, permanent access to some of the freshest goods in the city. Your obvious first stop should be City Fresh Market, selling anything from fresh produce to meats, to cheese and other grocery items. After you’ve shopped for the necessities, it’s the boutiques you must hit up next, and everything is eye/nose candy. And you’ll get hungry, trust me.

(frenchmarketchicago.com)

(frenchmarketchicago.com)

If you’re in the mood for food and a little France, take a gander at Le Cafe du Marche, specializing in French-inspired sandwiches. And then there’s Frietkoten Belgian Fries & Beer, with fries, fries, fries galore. Here you can experience Amsterdam’s traditional Frietkoten ‘fry shack’ with a paper cone filled to the brim with hand cut Belgian fries, along with your choice of sauce from a selection of 20 different sauces each day. Finally, you can get in on the latest Lillie’s Q barbeque craze without having to travel to their Bucktown location.

(frenchmarketchicago.com)

(frenchmarketchicago.com)

But what really gets my mouth watering is not the savory options at CFM, but rather the desserts. Pastries, doughnuts, fresh baked bread…what’s not to love? You can grab authentic European pastries from Delightful Pastries or Vanille Patisserie, with choices including macarons, tarts, fine chocolates, and even fresh pierogies. Or get your American doughnut on at Beavers Coffee + Donuts, whose food truck is often seen exploring the city emitting the most fantastic smells of fried dough. And just wait – in May, famed chef Stephanie Izard will be bringing a satellite location of Little Goat Bread to the market, which will be sure to provide you with your carb fix.

(frenchmarketchicago.com)

(frenchmarketchicago.com)

Adam: Artisan foods, fine wines and a big open space to enjoy it all in? Well, that’s the Chicago French Market for you! Strangely, multi-vendor markets aren’t really a feature of US life as in many other countries. Obviously, the Middle East is replete with such examples of communal selling, and even the larger town next to my village in England has a monthly farmers’ market, with intermittent French markets from the produces of our sister town in Normandy. Yet, America has only recently been blessed with this phenomenon, allowing you to savour the smells of cooking and preparation, while samples flow freely, assailing the taste-buds with delicious contrasts.

(frenchmarketchicago.com)

(frenchmarketchicago.com)

Standing out as one of the most interesting venues is Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, along the west wall. With artisan cheese, bread and wine, quality wines are often given freely in tastings, while their available cheeses are diverse and well-rounded. Another highlight is Saigon Sisters, adding a little Asian to the mix, and they are known for their banh mi. Of course, the French connection sings through here also, Saigon being the colonial name for modern Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam (then French Indochina).

(frenchmarketchicago.com)

(frenchmarketchicago.com)

And then there are the small vendors, producing lots of unique sweet treats, spices, soups and other goodies that can be enjoyed in the food court or at home. Delicious, simple and good, make sure you at least get a baguette, some wine and a lump of cheese, while filling up on all the samples you can.

Final Thoughts: Chicago French Market is fun, free and full of life. Excitingly, tomorrow (Saturday, April 27th) marks the 3rd Annual Pastoral Artisan Producers Fest from 11am – 3pm. Featuring over 80 vendors and numerous samples, it’s a great way of getting acquainted with the market and trying some really special delights.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Eat It!, Festivals, Shopping and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
24 Apr 2013

29th Chicago Latino Film Festival

clff_2WHAT: 29th Chicago Latino Film Festival
WHEN: April 11 – 25, 2013
WHERE: AMC Loews Theatres 600 (600 N. Michigan Ave.)

FILM: Dictado (Childish Games)
RATING: Not Rated
DIRECTOR: Antonio Chavarrias
LANGUAGE: Spanish with English Subtitles
RUN TIME: 95 minutes

OUR RATING: Do It!

From humble beginnings in 1985 to the international recognized mega-festival we now celebrate, the Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) organized by the International Latino Cultural Center is an explosion of creativity that brings the best of Latino filmic arts to the Chicago screens. With over 100 feature length films and shorts from the length and breadth of Latin America, there is literally a film for every taste, whether you’re interested in gritty social commentary, light-hearted comedy, or darkly fascinating thrillers.

Perhaps what makes the CLFF most innovative is that it highlights Chicago as a center of Latino culture within the United States, a distinction that might not be the first thing to come to mind. This internationalization has only positive effects, allowing for cross-cultural pollination and diverse understanding that transforms Chicago into a truly global city.

clff_1

While the festival is two weeks long, we only managed to secure tickets to one show at this highly popular event, where tickets go for $11 per film. Dictado, a thriller in the style of Hitchcock, seemed to be absolutely up our street, and we even got the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with the director. Sit back, grab a popcorn and enjoy!

clff_4Adam: Dictado, known in English as Childish Games, creates a psychological tapestry with deep, dark undertones that play on our deepest emotions. Above all, what would happen if an event from our childhood came back to haunt us with full force?

In an intriguing story, childless couple Daniel (Juan Diego Botto) and Laura (Barbara Lennie) take in the orphaned Julia (Magica Perez), who is not everything that she seems, as she holds the key to unlock a repressed moment in Daniel’s childhood. Directed by Antonio Chavarrias, we see produced a beautifully compact piece that seems akin to a play in its intimacy and a high calibre film in its cinematography (Guillermo Granillo) – a melding that we do not often experience. Chavarrias makes us question the validity of our protagonists’ actions and memories, thus presenting a mysterious world that is both riveting and reflective.

As the truth about Daniel’s past is slowly revealed (is it a descent into madness, or the opening of emotional floodgates, the waters of which he is unable to stem?), I was enthralled to see the unexpected and twistful realizations that make this film worthy of being included beside the likes of the great English Ghost authors such as M.R. James.

Drawing heavily from Greek tragedy, although perhaps not exploring it in the way you would expect, almost no violence occurs “on stage”, while the psychologies of the characters are fully untangled to explore the plot’s core horror. A much needed antidote to the regular blood and guts of the genre.

clff_6Alicia: During our Q&A session with Chavarrias, he mentioned one of his influences being the infamous Frankenstein and the question of what makes one a monster and what factors influence an individual in thinking that they themselves are monsters, which *hint hint* is something that is beautifully explored here.

The psychological exploration of violence through fear, rather than through malice, is another incredibly intriguing aspect of this film, and the filming of any violence in this movie is done with the intentions of beauty and sadness, rather than shock or grotesqueness.

How are monsters forged: by the monsters themselves, or by others? Rather than just thrusting us into a solution, Chavarrias lets us think about this in a more adult way. How responsible are children for their actions and do adults sometimes make things worse? One of the best Spanish-language films out this year, Dictado is a must-see.

clff_3

Final Thoughts: The Chicago Latino Film Festival allows audiences across cultures to experience the enormous diversity of Latin America in this unique creative outlet, merging art with education, especially through discussions with local and visiting filmmakers which accompany a majority of the screenings. The festival’s wide array of programming allows moviegoers of all types to enjoy this multicultural exploration.

P.S.: Dictado is now available on DVD, but only as a non-US import. If you can play international DVDs, pick it up here and enjoy.

Posted in Do It!, Festivals, In Theatres..., See It!, Watch it Now and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
10 Apr 2013

Spring Flower Show at Lincoln Park Conservatory

WHAT: Spring Flower Show
WHERE: Lincoln Park Conservatory (2391 N. Stockton Dr.)
WHEN: Daily 9am-5pm (Jan 26-May 12, 2013)
WHO: Lincoln Park Conservatory

OUR RATING: Do It!

(chicagoparkdistrict.com)

(chicagoparkdistrict.com)

We’ve been missing the blooms and colors of spring this April with this horrid weather we’ve been having, so we took trip over to the Lincoln Park Conservatory for their free annual Spring Flower Show. This year’s flower show features azaleas, which once upon a time bloomed at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. But that’s not all of course, as you’ll see a variety of other spring blooming plants, spring flowering annuals and spring flowering perennials.

(chicagoparkdistrict.com)

(chicagoparkdistrict.com)

Adam: Conservatories are fascinating structures: the immediate change from cold barren weather to a lush rainforest is instantly appealing, all the more so because spring is so late this year. Wandering through the luxuriant foliage, spotting flowers here and there, it feels a bit like you’re in a scene from Jurassic Park, just waiting for the Velociraptors to strike. In fact, any Chicagoan knows that there are mini dinosaurs hidden in the fern room (and a wooly mammoth who would be far too hot), which are always a delightful little reminder of childhood – try and find them all on the left hand side of the fern room near the pond.

(chicagoparkdistrict.com)

(chicagoparkdistrict.com)

The flower show itself is scattered throughout the different rooms, and not clearly labelled, but the bursts of color lead you directly to the blooms. Peonies cluster is beautiful garlands, while heliconia invitingly gape their mouths, wishing that a hummingbird would pass by and take a sip. The red clerodendrum seem to hang from their stems, appropriately enough at hand height, being used medicinally in India to treat diabetes and high blood pressure. Perhaps the most striking plant on display was the red-pink calliandra. It’s easy to spot this one: hanging from a large tree, they look like mini pom-poms.

(chicagoparkdistrict.com)

(chicagoparkdistrict.com)

Alicia: All your senses are engaged at this annual flower show, providing a much needed pick me up from this past winter and the cold and grey beginning of spring. If the visual and olfactory sensory stimulation isn’t enough for you though, not to worry! Head over to the Fern Room for an auditory experience of Orniphonia 2 by Chicago composer Bob Snyder, running till May 31st.

(chicagoparkdistrict.com)

(chicagoparkdistrict.com)

Orniphonia 2 is part of Florasonic, a series of sound installation presented by Experimental Sound Studio in collaboration with the Chicago Park District. Unfortunately, Orniphonia 2 happens to remind me of the gosh-darned bird-sound installation in the women’s restroom at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago which was up for far too long, so my experience of this installation was a little marred. Snyder’s soundscape may sound like real bird sounds, but in actuality he creates it electronically using analog synthesis. Circuits generate patterns consisting of cycles within cycles of sounds that interact and change, mimicking the rhythmic behavior of the biological life one would associate with the surrounding environment.

As for the plant life, I suggest you check out the flower of the Kru Banana, a native to New Guinea and rarely found in private collections in the United States. Super colorful, and definitely unique. Their hyacinths are also particularly vibrant and quite spectacular.

(chicagoparkdistrict.com)

(chicagoparkdistrict.com)

Final Thoughts: With barren trees and cold temperatures, Chicago is in much need of some loving from good ol’ Mother Nature, and what better way to enjoy the colors and blooms of spring than in a secret garden complete with the colors of the rainbow, streams and fountains, and some relaxing sounds of the outdoors. But indoors, of course.

P.S. For those of you who want to learn more about the iconic part of Chicago history that was the World’s Fair, we recommend The World’s Columbian Exposition: The Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, which has fantastic visuals and amazing materials from the time. For the more horticulturally inclined, you can now order the seedlings featured in the show online, including azaleas, heliconia, clerodendrum, calliandra, and hyacinth. Before you know it, you’ll have your very own conservatory!

Posted in Do It!, Tours and Museums and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
28 Mar 2013

Crossroads Public House

WHAT: Crossroads Public House
WHERE: 2630 N. Clark St.

OUR RATING: Skip It!

Storefront City felt in the mood for a bar night, so we tried out Crossroads Public house in Lincoln Park, right next door to the famed Weiner Circle. What drew us to Crossroads was our attempt to get as much beer for as little money as possible, with some fun ambiance that didn’t get too ridiculously crazy and obnoxious. Were we successful?

Alicia: Eek. This place is somewhat enticing from the outside in terms of publicizing their nightly specials, with posters advertising a bunch of deals on the windows, and with a standing poster in the middle of the sidewalk listing their daily offerings. And some of them sound like really good deals too, like $2 burger nights on Thursdays, $1 well drinks on certain nights, and the like. But we could tell just from the loud Top 40’s music blasting from within and the sloppy drunks on the dance floor that this probably wasn’t our kind of place.

The bar is relatively large, and comes with nearly a dozen large plasma TVs (obviously playing sports), a dart machine, jukebox, Foosball and what we guessed was a dance floor. One side of the place was pretty populated by a bunch of drunk fraternity-esque guys in their late 20’s, and the other part of the bar was ultimately empty. And it was all sticky, smelly and relatively dirty. We weren’t very hungry, which was good, as I probably wouldn’t have felt safe or clean ordering food their anyways (their menu consists of your typical burgers, salads and pizza), so we just stuck to having a drink or two.

Adam: Crossroads is basically a local dive bar with really cheap beer. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, their house ale, CPH (wow! that’s a creative name) is $6 for a pitcher, and that’s exactly what we ordered. CPH is really not a good beer. Watery and weak, I practically felt like I was drinking a Miller High Life knockoff. But, then again, it’s the cheapest beer you’ll get anywhere in Lincoln Park, so if you need to have a pint and you’re skint, this is the place to be. If you can put up with the service, that is, who are practically non-existent and take eons to prepare your order (literally, you just open the tap and fill the pitcher. It’s not like you need to mash the barley).

cr4My final comment will be this: if another place calls itself an Irish pub, when it is neither Irish nor a pub, I will call out your manager and make him answer for his crimes. A pub is a public house, derived from an inn, which should be traditionally adorned in Medieval or Tudor style and encourage community values and conviviality (for an example, check out my old haunt at The Harrow Inn). Additionally, for it to be Irish, it must at least something pertaining to Irish culture upon its walls: put whiskey bottles along the back of your bar, put some copies of James Joyce out, display a replica of the Book of Kells, or at least put some Bono on. Good gracious! It’s not that difficult to embrace a highly hospitable culture, is it?

Final Thoughts: If you’ve already had a few drinks and absolutely need a place to act drunk and stupid and consume a few more cheap beers, go ahead and go here, but otherwise we suggest you skip it and save yourself the two or three showers you’ll need to clean this place off of you. It’s definitely worth a few more pennies to go elsewhere.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
14 Mar 2013

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!

Posted in Do It!, Tours and Museums and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
08 Mar 2013

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.

Posted in Do It!, Nightlife 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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