Storefront City Chicago

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
30 Apr 2013

Cupid Has a Heart On: A Musical Guide to Relationships

WHAT: Cupid Has a Heart On: A Musical Guide to Relationships
WHEN: 8pm on Saturdays
WHERE: Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont Ave.)
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 30 minutes, no intermission (can vary)
WHO: The Cupid Players
PRICE: $20

OUR RATING: Do It!

Picture 18The fact that Chicago is the King of Comedy shouldn’t be surprising to any reader by now. But, if all you’ve seen is The Second City, you’re just scratching the surface of this vibrant and evolving scene that is perhaps best reflected in small productions at less well-known venues. The Cupid Players’ weekly show at Lakeview’s Stage 773 is Chicago creativity at its best and is in fact funnier than most of its more mainstream counterparts elsewhere. An all-musical production with big ensemble pieces and hilarious solos, each night is an extravaganza and completely different to the last.

Picture 22Adam: There’s one word that comes to mind when thinking of The Cupid Players: ensemble. This is a strong team who, after at least a decade of work, have become flawlessly enwoven to create a wonderful variety of hilarious, all original works.

Located in 773’s Cab theatre, decked out cabaret style with tables, chairs and booths, the intimate space allows for maximum interaction with the characters being forged before you, who sometimes jump right into your seat. And expect them to be singing something extremely dirty while they’re coming for you…that’s part of the game. With musical genres deriving mainly from Broadway, but also Rock and Barbershop, the group moves effortlessly between characters, highlighting everyday troubles in the most elevated manner, from the walk of shame to more taboo topics in songs like “Bathroom Time” and “Parents.”

Witty, vulgar, fun and full of energy, I was laughing through every minute of their material. After being around for over 14 years, let’s hope they stick around for another 14 and more.

Picture 20Alicia: The Cupid Players and their production moved from the iO Theater to Stage 773 back in 2011, and both Stage 773 and their Cab Theatre serve as the perfect venue for this intimate and hilarious crew, named by the Chicago Reader one year as “Best Sketch Comedy Group”. Directed by Brian Posen, this talented crew of comedians were the longest running revue in iO history and continue in popularity on their newer stage.

Picture 19I’ve had the opportunity to see The Cupid Players perform twice, each time incorporating different material with a few of the same songs here and there, all originally written and all completely hysterical. The repertoire is diverse, with anything from ballads to pop, and even a little bit of rap and rock n’ roll, just to keep things interesting. They even mix things up, with some numbers performed by a single individual, but with plenty of group numbers to kick things up a notch. And sure, most of their songs are a little raunchy, so this probably isn’t the kind of thing you want to take the kiddies to, but the songs are smart and catchy, so it all balances out in the end to create a night of extreme fun.

Final Thoughts: Relationships might be painful, but the only pain you’ll get with The Cupid Players and their musical guide to relationships will be the pain in your side from laughing too hard. Go for a crazy fun night out, and laugh the night away.

Posted in Performing Arts, See It! 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
25 Apr 2013

Angela’s Burrito Style

WHAT: Angela’s Burrito Style
WHERE: 2556 N. Clark St.

OUR RATING: Chance It!

Cheap, giant burritos offered late at night in Lincoln Park. Their menu includes some relatively unique sounding burritos, including the California Burrito with fries hidden inside a flour tortilla. With burritos starting at a mere $4, and with hours going until 5am on the weekends, this place seems to be paradise. But maybe just a hungry drunk’s.

Adam: Burritos are the world’s earliest takeout food. When the Spanish arrived in the New World, they saw markets bustling with activity, as Aztecs accompanied their shopping with the purchase of a burrito or two. Due to its storied history, anyone who doesn’t appreciate these little gems is a little out of touch. Angela’s provides a solid burrito, but it’s honestly nothing special when compare to other takeout places (think Pepe’s).

abs4I ordered the Grande Chicken Burrito, fully stocked with all the requisite ingredients, it was large, but was heavier on lettuce (a little wilted) than chicken and sauce. I needed to add a lot of hot sauce to this one, which suggests their certainly catering to less fiery tastes than mine.

For health reasons, a bean burrito might be more suggested, being high in protein and low in saturated fat. If it’s black bean, you get the added benefits of fibre and phytochemicals. But, chicken is just as good for those who don’t mind so much about such things. An OK burrito at a cheap price.

Alicia: This place is teeny tiny so the only real way to order is to order to go, but you might be able to snap up a seat if you really want to. What I really wanted to do on my visit to Angela’s however, was to get my food and plop on the couch at home and be the biggest couch potato you’ve ever seen.

I ordered a junior vegetarian burrito at a mere $4, and when I finally received the foil-wrapped burrito I thought I had just won the lottery. The burrito was gigantic, fresh, warm, and I spent mere pennies to get it. And when I opened the wrapping my stomach growled and I was ready to dive right into a succulent flour tortilla burrito with all the trimmings. Except…there weren’t many.

The vegetarian burrito came with your typical lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream and beans. Despite the sour cream and the cheese, the burrito was dry as a bone, and the old dry tomatoes and stale lettuce screamed for some loving. So I added their green tomatillo sauce, which helped balance out the dryness a bit, but really anything would, so this sauce wasn’t really anything special. It needed avocado, or guacamole, or really just some fresh produce would have been lovely. It was filling, but that’s about all I got out of it.

Final Thoughts: Don’t get us wrong. Angela’s has a lot going for it. If you’re on the northside late at night and have the post-drinking munchies and not a lot of cash in your wallet, you will be perfectly happy here. But if you’re sober and want a darn good burrito for dinner, this is not the place to get one.

Posted in Eat It! 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
23 Apr 2013

Ribs ‘n’ Bibs

WHAT: Ribs ‘n’ Bibs
WHERE: 5300 S. Dorchester Ave.

OUR RATING: Do It!

(chicagoreader.com)

(chicagoreader.com)

When you see smoke billowing out of the chimney at the corner of 53rd Street and Dorchester Avenue on the South Side, that’s when you know this barbeque shanty of a shack is in business. But not just any barbeque. The specialty is hickory-smoked ribs dipped in their special sauce, but if ribs aren’t your thing there’s plenty of other barbeque-smothered protein on offer here, including chicken and their downright sassy burgers.

(Photo by Nat Hansen)

(Photo by Nat Hansen)

Adam: Ah, the old Ribs ‘n’ Bibs. I must take a moment to thank those intrepid dormitory-mates who led me out on my first foray to this late night BBQ joint, almost 5 years ago now, that combines all the spicy goodness of the open fire with the home feel of the ranch (as well as super reasonable prices). The options seem endless, but there are some standards that you can’t miss that make for the best Hyde Park experience.

If burgers are your game, your only choice should be the Texas burger. A 1/2 lb. with fries, a small pot of coleslaw, and a whole lot of character, you’ve got to make sure that you ask for the BBQ sauce “on top” for the full effect. The slab of meat is huge, although it’s sometimes customary to order both a Bronco and a Texas burger, for the big of appetite.

If you’re still hungry after this monster meal, a side of onion rings, which are crispy and well cooked, goes down well. If burgers aren’t really your thing, try the Frontier Fish, basically the same as the burger, other than with tartar sauce instead of the BBQ variety. Craving beef? The BBQ Beef Dinner is a bit like getting the Texas burger, except on each side of the bun is a mound of shredded, beefy, BBQ infused deliciousness.

(fancytoast.blogspot.com)

(fancytoast.blogspot.com)

What about their ribs, you say? Well, I honestly don’t know of anyone who’s had them, as the other offerings are so good. But if you have the money to spare (up to $17.95), get them and let me know what you think. I also hear great things about the gunslinger – a sausage sandwich with fries, but alas, I have not sampled it.

And don’t be surprised if you have to endure some meat sweats to get through this lot – it’s standard procedure.

(Photo by Nat Hansen)

(Photo by Nat Hansen)

Alicia: Admittedly, I am not an aficionado of Ribs ‘n’ Bibs cuisine like Adam here, but I do enjoy some good barbeque, and I commend RnB for their long lasting establishment in Hyde Park since the mid 60’s, originally opened (and still owned) by the Schoenberg family. The space is super small with limited sidewalk seating outside, so if you visit during a cold spell, your only real option is to either order takeout or get some delivered. Considering the fact they are open quite late, this is a great late-night munchies option.

(fancytoast.blogspot.com)

(fancytoast.blogspot.com)

Everything is old-Western shanty style here, from the Saloon-font on the outside to the itsy-bitsy lobby inside where you stand in line and wait to order next to a stack of wooden logs just waiting their turn to enter the smoker behind the counter. But its character has a Chicago feel to it, with pictures covering the wall of local celebrities and politicians, including, of course, Barack Obama, who seems to have his image pasted in most of the local haunts in HP.

Perhaps I’ve had a better burger than my usual Bronco Burger charbroiled hamburger. And perhaps I could do without their slaw. But their tangy sweet-and-spicy barbeque sauce that smothers most of their menu items will do me just fine when I’m in the area and craving some barbeque.

Final Thoughts: If you’re just being introduced to the wonders of barbeque, Ribs ‘n’ Bibs is a great place to start. If you’re at U of C, you’re insane not to have tried this yet. If you’re further afield, we think it’s worth the trip. So enjoy a concert at Mandel Hall and grab a Texas burger on your return. Clash of cultures? Only you decide!

Posted in Eat It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
22 Apr 2013

The Silent Language

WHAT: The Silent Language
WHEN: April 11 – May 9, 2013 (schedule)
WHERE: TUTA Studio Theatre (2010 W. Fulton St.)
RUNTIME: 87 minutes with no intermission
WHO: TUTA Theatre Chicago
PRICE: $15-25

OUR RATING: Do It!

Recommended for Ages 8 & Up

tutato.com

tutato.com

This spring, TUTA dances forth onto the Chicago stage with Miodrag Stanisavljevic’s The Silent Language. In this adaptation of a Serbian folk tale, a young boy enters the forest to learn the secret silent language that allows him to understand the animals who help him throughout his quest. With a lavishly decorated space, adventurous plot and equally questful characters, you’ll be immersed in TUTA’s magical world from start to finish.

(Photo by Anthony La Penna)

(Photo by Anthony La Penna)

Adam: What is the silent language? In the bewitching terrain of TUTA’s stage, we are introduced to a concept beyond the communications of humans. It is the animal language, that primal understanding, the bearer of which has unprecedented access to the mysteries of the untamed wild. Poor Gasho (Max Lotspeich), gaining this ability, must fulfill the archetypal journey of the hero, rescuing the Princess (Carolyn Molloy) from the clutches of the evil Elf (Aaron Lawson), while preserving his own skin.

(Photo by Anthony La Penna)

(Photo by Anthony La Penna)

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Zoran Paunovic’s translation is the way it makes you appreciate and listen to nature herself. In the ever-encroaching, frenetic and mechanised world, the very idea that animals would have languages seems far away. Yet here, amongst the trees, it is possible to hear the crow speak or the frog croak and understand every gesture as a method of conversation.

(Photo by Anthony La Penna)

(Photo by Anthony La Penna)

Particularly admirable performances were given by Sean Ewert (the Boogeyman, others) and Jaimelyn Gray (the Ironjaw Hag and, memorably, the Crow) who threw themselves headlong into their roles, never faltering for a minute. Ewert’s hilarious, yet psychotic depiction of the nightmarish Boogeyman will make you laugh and jump, while Gray gives nuanced performances, shifting between her roles effortlessly and producing original characters for each. Getting caught up in the theatrical magic is amazingly easy – a must see.

(Photo by Anthony La Penna)

(Photo by Anthony La Penna)

Alicia: I fell in love with TUTA and this show over and over again, first being seduced by their friendly box office and front of house team, then courted by scenic designer Michelle Lilly’s magnificently magical space, and finally moved by the entire production and the encompassing experience for the senses it offered me. Newly appointed TUTA Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone directs this piece masterfully, and TUTA’s mission to bring innovative and international works to American audiences is clear and inspirationally refreshing.

(Photo by Anthony La Penna)

(Photo by Anthony La Penna)

TUTA’s commitment to original and rearranged forms of music is beautifully highlighted in this production, with original music and musical direction by Wain Parham and sound design by Joe Court, not to mention a collaboration between the entire acting ensemble to bring the sound onstage to life. The piece is musical in form and content, and moves with effortless rhythm from beginning to end, allowing one to feel as if they have joined a dance with Poor Gasho, the main character, through his journey into this fairy tale forest.

(Photo by Anthony La Penna)

(Photo by Anthony La Penna)

What most excited me with this production, if I really had to pick one aspect, was Branimira Ivanova’s costume design. I have never seen actors and a piece so transformed by this level of costume design for a storefront theater, with each magical character stunningly fantastical and unbelievably real all at once. I almost felt I was in the film The Labyrinth with such a riveting mesh of fantasy and reality, thus creating a world all to itself. In particular, the crow, frog and boogeyman were characters brought to life in the extreme, and I would see this production every night just so I could experience these personas and their physical manifestations all over again.

Final Thoughts: TUTA is the very definition of innovative international work, and they are a must-see within the Chicago theater scene, particularly with this enchanting production. TUTA invites you to partake in this fairy tale and inhabit its mystical world, and we suggest you take them up on the offer.

Posted in Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
19 Apr 2013

Cafe 53

WHAT: Cafe 53
WHERE: 1369 E. 53rd St.

OUR RATING: Chance It!

Cafe 53, sometimes known as ‘The Gelato Cafe’ by locals, is one of a small handful of off-campus cafes near The University of Chicago in Hyde Park. Along with free wi-fi and long hours, Cafe 53 offers your typical coffees and espressos along with a wide variety of pastries, cakes, savory pies and sandwiches, but uniquely also happens to offer gelato.

Alicia: For a small cafe, the variety of drinks on hand is quite varied, offering light, dark, flavored and decaf roasts, an espresso with their signature espresso beans, and a plethora of cappuccinos, lattes and teas. You can also request a card that rewards you with a free drink every tenth visit, so if you need a place to give you that necessary dose of caffeine while you study late, this is a pretty good choice for your wallet.

The atmosphere offered by Cafe 53 is generally workable, with a few comfortable tables and even a patio out back. It doesn’t get too loud in here, and sometimes can provide that perfect amount of sun. While decorated, the ambiance of the cafe is relatively ambiguous, so while the gelato on offer might sound intimate, I probably wouldn’t go on a coffee date here. Yet one could easily settle down with a cup of Joe and get through quite a few pages of Marx.

Adam: I remember a few years back when a gelato craze was somewhat sweeping Chicago, and you could find a good cafe serving the stuff in just about every neighborhood. Gelato itself is age-old, coming from the Latin gelatus or frozen and probably invented through the mixing of Alpine snow with fruit juices for the richer ancient Romans (although there is little direct evidence to suggest this). Unfortunately for the gelato-istas, the craze seemed to die down, to be replaced with frozen yogurt, an obviously healthier alternative.

Cafe 53 was one of the last cafes established before this wane, and this has surely affected their business. Also in Hyde Park is Istria Cafe, also providing gelato, although Istria is of older pedigree. Upon tasting their gelato (there are many varieties such as caramel, pistachio and stracciatella) I was convinced that they had the basic method figured out, but the soul was lacking. Don’t get me wrong, the gelato is good, but it’s not fantastic, and Istria provides similar types and quality. It’s also just not as good as some gelato I’ve had outside the city, and that annoys me because it’s simply not that hard to make. They also have a sorbet collection that seems rather good, but then again, sorbet is rather hard to get wrong.

I remain unconvinced of Cafe 53’s core concept: while the coffee and atmosphere seem fine, it’s main selling point, the gelato, is clearly not up to snuff. Go ahead and give it a try, but I’m not promising anything.

Final Thoughts: Cafe 53 isn’t trying that hard to keep your business, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t occasionally patronize it. Good for coffee and a chat, but try not to spend too much on the gelato.

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18 Apr 2013

Vinci

WHAT: Vinci (Italian)
WHERE: 1732 N. Halsted St.

OUR RATING: Do It! (Especially after theatre)

Providing a formal atmosphere with friendly, family service, and solid Italian cuisine, Vinci, located in Lincoln Park, would seem to have everything going for it. Definitely positioned to cater to the theatre crowd generated by Steppenwolf and the Royal George, Vinci’s prices are inflated for the demographic it serves, but its food tends to be quite excellent. One must order wisely, and we have this sagely advice just for you.

Adam: Vinci’s selection is quite vast. Excellent for people with varied tastes, but are perhaps not too adventurous, groups are welcome here and can sit at the long, community-oriented tables that are excellent for conversation and camaraderie. To start, I suggest you sit back with a Vinci Caprese Salad, made special by the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, not generally present in other local varieties of this dish. Actually rather filling it is slathered in balsamic and tastes divine.

Then, why not tuck into a lovely margherita pizza. With an emphasis on sauce rather than cheese, you can feel a little better about yourself afterwards, as well as satisfied that you’ve tried something quite simple and authentic. Of course, the preponderance of sauce also means that this pizza might not be to everyone’s taste, being more soft than crispy, but I wouldn’t let that deter you.

An Italian meal must be finished in Italian style: with panna cotta and Italian cookies. The panna cotta comes with a dried cherry balsamic sauce and sugared almonds, but seems too small to truly recommend itself, although the amount given is quite enjoyable. The cookies on the other hand are a treat, and go perfectly with the Italian dark coffee, in which they should be dipped for full effectiveness. In all, I crafted a decent meal at Vinci, but it didn’t come without its own surprises.

Alicia: Vinci is elegantly casual dining at it’s best, and super welcoming despite its high status in the Chicago restaurant scene. One of the things that impresses me the most about this place is the wide variety of atmospheric experiences you can have. You can enjoy a glass of wine at their bar, sit near the windows enjoying a fresh salad as you look outside, have a conversation with friends at their booths, or even go back into the cavernous wine room for a more intimate culinary adventure.

What Vinci also does well is balance your typical Italian ingredients of cheese, tomato and cream. To celebrate these ingredients I started with a sampling of their risotto of the day, which happened to be a spinach, caramelized onions, gorgonzola and walnut risotto, which was insanely rich and creamy with a savory saltiness from the chopped nuts and gorgonzola. I’m glad I just sampled this though, because this dish is beyond rich and heavy, and eating this dish in its entirety would be quite the undertaking.

To transition from cheese to more cheese I tried a piece of their 3 meat pizza with sausage, crispy prosciutto, applewood smoked bacon, fontina, tomato sauce and red onions. This was one of the most delicious pieces of pizza I’ve had in awhile, with the hierarchy focusing on the sweet and spicy tomato sauce and the thinly sliced onions, and then perfectly complimented with a healthy (but not too-healthy) dose of salty pork in three distinct and flavorful variations. Then, finally, came spots of fontina, which were lovingly placed instead of completely overwhelming everything else.

But perhaps the focal point of the evening was one of their staple dishes: the rigatoni. Perfect al dente rigatoni basked in tomato cream sauce that victoriously coated, rather than soaked, the tender pasta. But that’s not all. Parmigiano cheese, broccoli di rabe and herby Italian sausage changed things up a bit with every mouthful I took, and the variety of textures made for an adventure.

One visit I have taken to Vinci was actually a work holiday lunch, so when a large table of us ordered the tiramisu, we were flabbergasted when a GIANT sheet of tiramisu was brought to us, along with a few handfuls of berries that cut the heaviness of the tiramisu, but which failed to trick us into thinking we weren’t eating the most sinful thing in the world. The espresso and rum soaked ladyfingers provided the perfect cakey texture to balance a mascarpone and zabaione cream. Oh, and there was chocolate sauce too, just to top everything off.

Final Thoughts: Vinci seems like a great place to take the folks, out-of-town friends and long-lost acquaintances, as it combines the comfort of familiar food with fine stylings. Have fun, get some wine to start, and you’ll be well on to the via Italiana.

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