Storefront City Chicago

Archive for the category “Do It!”

20 Feb 2013

Park Tavern

WHAT: Park Tavern (Contemporary American)
WHERE: 1645 W. Jackson Blvd.

OUR RATING: Chance It! (Only if you’re nearby)

(parktavernchicago.com)

(parktavernchicago.com)

Here’s a new location for you to try. Part of the Park Tavern brand (the same as the Rosemont location), the new Park Tavern in the West Loop is in a rather odd location, that seems solely designed to serve the nearby United Center. A multilevel event space, Park Tavern invited us to their launch party to experience their space, food and libations.

(parktavernchicago.com)

(parktavernchicago.com)

Park Tavern is housed in a huge, modern warehouse space that captures a certain stark beauty, with at least 3 bars (along with several, small drink stations) and plush, comfy chairs. Touted as a craft beer location with semi-gastropub credentials, we were hoping to be able to sample their selection. Unfortunately, craft beers were not on offer when we visited and we had to suffice with cocktails, wine and Corona. However, the food selection was truly staggering and mouth-watering.

(parktavernchicago.com)

(parktavernchicago.com)

Adam: To be honest, my first impression of Park Tavern was not positive. The valet staff were extremely impolite to me while I was waiting for the opening, so much so that I had to stand firm and express my dismay at their behavior to them. Nevertheless, when I arrived within the space I was pleasantly surprised by the massive open-plan and wood-and-brick interior that spoke to my minimalist aesthetic.

After proceeding to the upstairs lounge, I imbibed a delicate hibiscus and vodka cocktail, the likes of which I have not encountered. While I have sampled the Upper Egyptian karkadé (hibiscus tea), the addition of alcohol to this had not crossed my mind, and the result was a pleasantly aromatic cordial.

The food was wholesome and hearty, with my personal favourites being the extremely tender buffalo chicken (sauce incorporated into batter, thus avoiding rub-off) and a rich and gamey mini-slider, which was cooked within an inch of medium.

(parktavernchicago.com)

(parktavernchicago.com)

Alicia: If you know or have been to a Restaurants America location before (of which Park Tavern is a part), it’ll help to know that this place is pretty much the same in every respect. Classic American food on the brink of gastropub-ness with an upscale casual feel.

It’s definitely a destination rather than a neighborhood place, which makes it a convenient pre/post United Center show event, but that’s about all. The tastings we were invited to were not very veggie/healthy friendly, with a big emphasis on pork, chicken tenders and sliders, but the salads on their menu sound legitimate enough, and I would definitely order their Asian turkey burger with sriracha aioli if I ever found myself around there again.

(parktavernchicago.com)

(parktavernchicago.com)

Final Thoughts: Park Tavern has an impressive interior, extremely polite wait staff, and a good, solid selection of American favourites, served in a gourmet fashion. However, due to its out-of-the-way location and developing nature, we think that this is one location not worth a special trip, but perhaps would fit well into an outing to the area, perhaps for a happy hour special before the big game. We hope to come back to Park Tavern when it is more established and see how they are doing.

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

Hard Rock Cafe

WHAT: Hard Rock Cafe (Traditional American)
WHERE: 63 W. Ontario St.

OUR RATING: Chance It!

(hardrock.com)

(hardrock.com)

The Hard Rock brand is legendary and iconic. In practically every city in America, there’s a Hard Rock something, and Chicago has both a cafe AND a hotel, so it must be a pretty rockin’ city. If you’ve been living under a (hard) rock for the last 40 odd years, Hard Rock Cafe was founded back in 1971 in London. With walls plastered in rock n’ roll memorabilia, it’s a bit like dining with the stars (or at least in a celebrity bedroom while the owner is away).

Storefront City doesn’t usually go for tourist traps. In fact, we tend to vehemently eschew them. However, we were invited to the Hard Rock Cafe to try some appetizers and drinks, and couldn’t pass up the opportunity. So, put on your tourists’ caps Chicago, here we go!:

Adam: Striking and outrageous pop-decadence is the best way to describe Hard Rock Cafe. Here, a guitar used by Eric Clapton, over there a Braille manuscript from a Pepsi ad used by the one and only Ray Charles. The list of musical artefacts is endless and so it’s definitely a great place to bring any serious music fan or even just the casual listener.

(hardrock.com)

(hardrock.com)

But, we were here to try the food and sip the drinks, so I’ll start there. Hard Rock Cafe has two bars: one on the main level and one on the balcony overlooking the ballroom. I tried drinks from each and was impressed. To get a good idea of the variety to be had (they have an array of beers on tap, including Guinness and Shock Top, as well as the standard wines etc.) I tried a couple of different cocktails. The gin and tonic, prepared with Schweppes Tonic Water and Beefeater Gin, was actually of rather disproportionate ratios. I know it’s very hard to mix a G+T on the fly, but please never add as more gin than tonic. It’s just weird. That being said, it was Beefeater’s, so it can’t have been that bad. Later in the night, I wanted something a little different to test their bartending skills, so I initially set out to order a mojito, only to find that it wasn’t on the menu that night. So, trepidatiously, a cosmopolitan was ordered, just to see if they could get it right. And, lo and behold, they succeeded! Apparently, one can fail at the easy and succeed at the more difficult.

(hardrock.com)

(hardrock.com)

And then it was onto the food. Tupelo Chicken Tenders were first on the menu. Not necessarily my idea of good food, but they were actually pretty darn tasty. Served with a honey-mustard dressing, they could easily sate the appetite of most hungry of gentlemen. Next, it was onto the two pizzas – the margherita and the portobello and caramelized onion. My preference was with the portobello, as the cheese combination of mozzarella, parmesan and romano was a fantastic compliment to the sweetness of the onions. The margherita was pretty standard fare, with the nice addition of caramelized garlic to kick it off.

My last dish was of Sante Fe Spring Rolls. Stuffed with spinach, black beans, cilantro, corn, jalapenos, diced red peppers and Jack cheese and served with Chipotle Ranch dressing, Southwest America meets East Asia was actually a highly successful affair, and I would definitely try this again.

Alicia: Before you walk through the doors of the Hard Rock Cafe you know it’s corporate and touristy, and thus you’re probably paying a bit more than you should for what you get. I get the same feeling when I walk in there as when I walk into the Rainforest Cafe right down the street, or any of those other big restaurants in the North Loop. But that’s okay. I was prepared.

(hardrock.com)

(hardrock.com)

In all honesty, for such a touristy spot, the Hard Rock Cafe actually has pretty fair prices and a good selection of your classic Chicago American cafe food. I enjoyed some fresh and classic ceviche along with one of the better-prepared white wine spritzers I have had in the city. But you don’t really go there for the food. You go there for the ambience and the live music – that’s what the places sells itself on. So if you have some friends in town, order some drinks (perhaps even something with their Fireball cinnamon whiskey, a first for me – but perhaps too sweet), and enjoy some live entertainment.

(hardrock.com)

(hardrock.com)

Final Thoughts: If you’re from Chicago, you don’t have to make a pit stop here, but if you’re ever invited to an event or want to host one for your company, this is a very expansive and well-thought out space, with a very Chicago feel that will be inviting to tourists and Chicagoans alike. If you don’t get a chance to walk through the doors don’t fret – you can check out their website to get a 360 degree view.

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

Public House Chicago

WHAT: Public House Chicago (Sports Bar / Contemporary American)
WHERE: 400 N. State St.

OUR RATING: Skip It!

(publichousechicago.com)

(publichousechicago.com)

You can’t go too much more American than at Public House Chicago, where contemporary American cuisine mashes with the flavors of a smokehouse and plenty of beer. Brought to you by the same folks who run sister bar Bull and Bear, not only do they have 25 beers on tap, but they include beer in many of their dishes and even some of their sauces, and it’s no surprise their small claim to fame is their beer tasting and pairing menu.

Quite honestly, this place is very much your average Near North Side sports bar, attempting to match the trendiness of the area with higher priced semi-gastropub food.

(publichousechicago.com)

(publichousechicago.com)

That’s not to say that Executive Chef David Blonsky’s food doesn’t taste fantastic. We tried two of his flatbreads at a special event there, the Wild Mushroom (goat cheese, caramelized onion, fresh spinach, white truffle) and the Mediterranean (lamb merguez sausage, roasted garlic hummus, roasted cherry tomatoes, la clare farm evalon cheese, shaved red onion, house made tzatziki). Their decadence was all too apparent from the above ingredients, but we don’t feel they are anything special, and dressing standard food in fancy flavors doesn’t equal good food automatically.

(publichousechicago.com)

(publichousechicago.com)

$16 for a relatively petite flatbread is kind of high anyway, and the staff here aren’t the friendliest. The female bartender was ambivalent, and when we asked the male bartender what company produced the wine, he hesitatingly told us, shrugged, and then stated, “I don’t really know, don’t care.” Hmm.

(publichousechicago.com)

(publichousechicago.com)

Their draft beer selection is quite admirable, however, and although they only have a single white and red wine available, La Terre is definitely a good call. Although we didn’t take a seat at one of their booths, we noticed that they had two beer taps and one customizable liquor tap at each of them, which is definitely fun when going with a small group of friends (we’ve seen this design elsewhere and it seems to be the “in” thing right now). The most unique feature of the place is their “Walltender,” taps inside little alcoves in the wall where you swipe your credit card and pour yourself another draft. These guys don’t cut you off.

The crowd here is definitely an after-work crowd, so if you’re in the area it might not be the worst place to drop in with a few of your co-workers.

But ultimately Public House Chicago is just average, and although they add pieces of character here and there and try to make their food sound special with the beer additives, there’s plenty of places in the area to patronize after you’re finished with the upscale pretense with its confused hustle and bustle.

(publichousechicago.com)

(publichousechicago.com)

As for the decor, it seemed a bit, well, all over the place. While most walls are decorated in a semi-rustic style, the wall at the far side of one room was a confused mess of cream and tan with random pictures frames scattered across it. Such a work would be more at home at the MCA, and even then it would be one of the more annoying pieces.

That being said, it does make for a nice, central location for a party or fundraiser, but, in all other respects, Public House Chicago is too normal to waste your time with it. Try a more eclectic locale in the future.

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

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club

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

OUR RATING: Do It!

(kitkatchicago.com)

(kitkatchicago.com)

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

(kitkatchicago.com)

(kitkatchicago.com)

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

Lady Gaga Martini (cheekychicago.com)

Lady Gaga Martini (cheekychicago.com)

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

(cheekychicago.com)

(cheekychicago.com)

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

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

Gaga! (cheekychicago.com)

Gaga! (cheekychicago.com)

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

(kitkatchicago.com)

(kitkatchicago.com)

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

Samoan Girl Scout Martini(timeoutchicago.com)

Samoan Girl Scout Martini(timeoutchicago.com)

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

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

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

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

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

Lucky Strike Lanes

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

OUR RATING: Skip It!

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

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

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

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

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

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

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

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

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

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

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

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

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

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

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

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

Alibi Fine Art

WHAT: Alibi Fine Art (Art Gallery)
WHERE: 1966 W. Montrose Ave.

OUR RATING: Do It! (If you’re near)

(alibifineart.com)

(alibifineart.com)

Storefront City traveled to North Center to attend the opening reception of Burkhart’s Underground, a gallery showing by Fred Burkhart at the Alibi Fine Art Gallery. Alibi Fine Art is a free contemporary gallery in Chicago intended to support new, mid-career and overlooked artists. While Alibi’s exhibition choices tend to focus on photography, they sometimes also represent other media. The Burkhart opening was our first foray into their space.

Alibi has a great location on Montrose, but as with many privately owned galleries in town, it is super tiny, and can only comfortably fit up to about two dozen people. This made the Burkhart opening claustrophobic, as the attendance was much higher, but nonetheless very exciting!

"Old Red Eye" (burkhartstudios.com)

“Old Red Eye” (burkhartstudios.com)

Fred Burkhart doesn’t fit the “new” or “mid-career” categories, but rather that of “overlooked”, as he has been part of the art scene in the city for almost three decades. Burkharts Underground, which will be up at Alibi until March 23, highlights Burkhart’s black and white photography documenting a vast array of subjects. From the Klu Klux Klan to the Gay Pride Movement, diverse and polarising topics that pulse through the modern American discourse are the focus of his work, which captures moments, rather than stories, allowing the viewer to appreciate the humanity that lies beneath his subjects.

(burkhartstudios.com)

(burkhartstudios.com)

Mr. Burkhart’s work has never been displayed in a solo gallery show before, which is tragic given the important nature of his photographs. Even more tragic is the photographer’s recent diagnosis of terminal cancer, making this possibly his last exhibition. However, his work lives afresh at Alibi and will certainly allow him to be remembered as an artist and social commentator in the years to come.

This exhibition is not recommended for children.

Posted in Do It!, See It!, Tours and Museums, Visual Arts and tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
23 Jan 2013

Vertigo Sky Lounge

WHAT: Vertigo Sky Lounge
WHERE: 2 W. Erie St. (Dana Hotel & Spa)

OUR RATING: Do It!

Picture 64Recently, Storefront City had the unique opportunity to attend the Chicago Reader’s 2nd Annual People Issue Party, honoring the 25 Chicagoans featured in this year’s People Issue and held at Vertigo Sky Lounge. We enjoyed complimentary cocktails from Tuaca, Korbel, Gentleman Jack and El Jimador, food from Benny’s Chop House, and music spun by DJ All the Way Kay. We loved the lounge so much in fact that we attended Fire & Ice, their relaunch of their ice bar, this past Friday.

(vertigoskylounge.com)

(vertigoskylounge.com)

Situated at the top of the Dana Hotel on the 26th floor of the Dana Hotel and Spa, Vertigo Sky Lounge is the only year-round, indoor/outdoor lounge in Chicago. Ready for this? They have an outdoor fire-pit and in the winter, the city’s only outdoor rooftop ice bar, 10-feet and 3,000 pounds of pure ice!

One of the major reasons Vertigo floats our boat is the total lack of a cover charge. You can literally just turn up, show your ID, check your coat downstairs (complimentary) and head on up to one of the sleekest experiences in the city. If you are visiting on a weekend, make sure you arrive early, as a line develops extremely quickly.

At this point, you have a choice: either squeeze into a space inside on one of the beautiful upholstered and plush window seats, grab a drink from one of Vertigo’s 3 indoor bars, or head out to the rooftop lounge, which is the highlight of this space. If you aren’t lucky enough to snag a free El Jimador margarita at an event, drinks will set you back $6-14 (since this is the city, that’s practically tuppence).

Bartenders are quick and polite, not making a fuss with preparation and being genial in every respect. Although we didn’t get a chance, you may also want to try some of their light bites: sushi, sliders and sharing platters make up the bulk of this menu. But this is nothing compared to the unparalleled outdoor space Vertigo offers if you’re courageous enough to brave the cold weather.

(vertigoskylounge.com)

(vertigoskylounge.com)

Festoon yourself in one of the lovely black terrycloth robes, a faux fur blanket or two, and amble onto the patio that, in this season, features a solid ice bar, ice sculptures and a roaring fire pit, stools included. You can even order flaming drinks at the ice bar, making a well-rounded fire and ice experience.

Storefront City and friends enjoy the fire pit!

Storefront City and friends enjoy the fire pit!

Also included are a selection of ice tables, which keep your drink cold while you stay toasty. It’s an entire new and magical world, a play land for adults in the middle of a Chicago winter. The whole setup reminds one of a scene from James Bond, so make sure you have your pithy remarks ready.

(vertigoskylounge.com)

(vertigoskylounge.com)

Another nice feature of this lounge are the bathrooms. They are kept immaculate and also include a chalkboard for you to write your comments on (yes, we left a message there).

So, if you are in the Gold Coast, drop in and have a martini or two while reminiscing about the last time you skied through the Alps after gambling with Goldfinger in Monte Carlo. Oh, and do make sure you are well dressed.

Posted in Do It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
09 Jan 2013

Barrelhouse Flat and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale®

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

OUR RATING: Do it!

(barrelhouseflat.com)

(barrelhouseflat.com)

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

Downstairs (barrelhouseflat.com)

Downstairs (barrelhouseflat.com)

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

Upstairs (bizbash.com)

Upstairs (bizbash.com)

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

Upstairs (barrelhouseflat.com)

Upstairs (barrelhouseflat.com)

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

Upstairs (bizbash.com)

Upstairs (bizbash.com)

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

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

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® (talkingship.com)

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® (talkingship.com)

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

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

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

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