Storefront City Chicago

Archive for the tag “chicago”

19 Mar 2013

Townhouse Restaurant + Wine Bar

WHAT: Townhouse Restaurant + Wine Bar
WHERE: 111 S. Wacker Dr.

OUR RATING: Do It! (The Wine Flight)

Need to relax and enjoy yourself on a Tuesday night without going too crazy or emptying your wallet? Located in the Loop, the elegantly casual Townhouse Restaurant + Wine Bar lets you do just that. Pair half-off select appetizers from 3-6pm (actually, they have this every week day), with $8 wine flights for Townhouse’s Tasting Tuesdays.

(townhousewinebar.com)

(townhousewinebar.com)

Townhouse offers three different wine flights, each with three glasses complete with 3oz of vino. So sit back and relax with not one, not two, but THREE glasses of wine with Townhouse’s warm wood-paneled walls, wine wall and floor-to ceiling windows (which look out onto the river and neighboring skyscrapers).

Adam: Townhouse offers a variety of wine flights, including red, white and carbonated varieties. I was in a red mood, so I decided to sample those sorts and was not disappointed.

The flight of three red wines included varieties from Italy, Spain and Argentina, although this sometimes changes depending on what season it is. My first wine was the Italian Dogajolo Toscano, which tasted like a relatively young wine with fruity bouquet. While quite strong and full-bodied, it certainly had an Italian character, and one could clearly detect the Etruscan Sangiovese grapes which make this wine so distinctive.

(townhousewinebar.com)

(townhousewinebar.com)

My second wine, the Spanish Beronia Crianza, Rioja, made for a refreshing and affable taste, certainly smoothing the palate with blossomy hints. Originally a Phoenician wine variety of Tempranillo grapes, an earthy sense accompanies each sip, suggesting the Spanish lands from where it comes.

Finally, I settled into a nice glass of Doña Paula Malbec Estate, Mendoza, from Argentina, which had predominantly earth-like flavor, with hints of peppery spices. Definitely my favourite wine of the evening, it can be enjoyed with most dishes, as well as in more informal situations.

Alicia: Since I don’t imbibe carbonated wine very often, I went with Townhouse’s “All Things Sparkling” flight. I started off the night with a Mionetto Prosecco from Italy, which was admittingly very intense for me. It offered a very strong apple bouquet and was very dry. I was unable to take more than a few sips of this one, so moved on quite quickly.

My next tasting was of an Avivyo Cava from Spain. After sampling more than my fair share of Cava in Barcelona a few months ago, I was a little disappointed with this one. But I think my bar was a bit too high, and overall I did find this dry cava quite tasty with notes of grapefruit, bread dough and other citrus with vigorous bubbles.

(townhousewinebar.com)

(townhousewinebar.com)

My favorite of the night was the Louis Bouillot Rose from France (Burgundy to be exact). With a nose of blackcurrant and strawberry and with a beautifully subtle salmon pink color, this wine had fruity notes mixed with a well-balanced acidity. Needless to say, I let myself enjoy every last drop of this one.

Final Thoughts: We can’t speak to the food menu at Townhouse (as our bellies were too full of fermented grapes), but we’re sure to come back for their happy hour specials if we’re ever hungry enough. The wine flights, however, are well worth the $8 they cost, with each glass generously filled and quite nice too.

Posted in Drink It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
18 Mar 2013

Julius Meinl

WHAT: Julius Meinl Coffee Shop
WHERE: 3601 N. Southport Ave.

OUR RATING: Skip It!

(meinl.com)

(meinl.com)

Julius Meinl, the well-known Viennese coffee house, came to Chicago many years back and operates three purported “Austrian” cafes on the north side. While everyone seems to give this place rave reviews, we tend to disagree, and seriously suggest you stick with less “upscale” venues for your coffee in the future.

Adam: Let’s me be clear: Julius Meinl coffee is well-established and respected in Europe. Previously one of Austria’s largest coffee and gourmet grocery companies, it was forced to vacate Austria by the Nazis, but now had re-established itself as a quality brand. However, it’s blatantly apparent that this quality has not translated well across the Atlantic, and I for one believe that the Meinls would be smart to rethink their business strategy in this part of the world.

(meinl.com)

(meinl.com)

With abominably high coffee prices (you can pay up to $4.50 for a simple cup!), we weren’t out to a good start, but what really made our visit truly shameful was the baked goods we had been led to believe Meinl was so well known for. We ordered the special lemon ginger torte (actually a tartlet), consisting of lemon ginger curd, white chocolate mousse, topped with candied ginger and gold leaf. Sounds delicious! Only problem is that it’s dinky (literally, only 3 inches in diameter) and doesn’t taste like much at all. One could not detect the slightest hint of chocolate, nor much of the ginger either (except, of course, for the candied ginger – but I could have bought this and eaten it without the tartlet).

I’m not impressed, but then again, it does take a lot to impress me. Let’s just say that I expect my foods to be full-flavored and my drinks strong. Neither was to be had here.

(meinl.com)

(meinl.com)

Alicia: My entire experience at Julius Meinl, with the exception of the food quality, was an exact replica of my experiences at beautiful European cafes with terrible customer service (well, that latter part is pretty specific to Paris). When I walked into Julius Meinl, I thought I was in my own version of Wonderland – the Austrian cafe version with its Austrian built furnishings and fittings – and I was loving every minute of it. Until we sat down.

While the cafe wasn’t very full, it took an exorbitant amount of time for us to receive a menu or even a hello from our waiter, and once we did, while pleasant enough, there was a certain coldness radiating from him. Clearly unhappy at our minimal order of pie, he made a big deal out of us wanting two waters to come with it (as if that was unheard of). And then, it took ages upon ages to get a check, no matter how many times we tried to get his attention.

(meinl.com)

(meinl.com)

I wanted so badly to love Julius Meinl. In fact, I still so badly want to fall in love it. With the atmosphere. With the nostalgia and romance it brought back. With the pastry list. With their nights of live Classical and Jazz music. So maybe next time I will order a coffee served in a ceramic cup with a glass of water served on a silver platter, typical Vienna style. Or maybe I’ll just try another location. But I definitely won’t ever order their “pie.” Or torte. Or tartlet. Whatever they call that bastardization of lemon gingery goodness.

Final Thoughts: Pretty upon entrance, Meinl will leave you wanting anything but what they have to offer. The slow service will be making you think you’re on an episode of “No Check, Please!” while the food will make you sad you paid the check at all.

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

Primebar

WHAT: Primebar
WHERE: 155 N. Wacker Dr.

OUR RATING: Skip It!

(primebarchicago.com)

(primebarchicago.com)

Situated in Chicago’s Loop, Primebar defines itself as a contemporary ale house, offering food, beers and cocktails. As soon as you walk in it’s clear the clientele who frequent Primebar are the Loop’s business men and women who probably work in a shiny skyscraper Downtown for a law firm and who pop in this place for a lunch meeting or after work happy hour. If you don’t fit this bill, or even if you do, we suggest skipping this spot and dining elsewhere for a happier happy hour.

(primebarchicago.com)

(primebarchicago.com)

Alicia: I must admit that Primebar’s urban interior with leather booths, tiled floors, salvaged lighting and recycled wood is very inviting, and we were lucky enough to snag a quaint table in the back room with lovely sepia portraits and a very warm and romantic feeling. But that isn’t the first impression you get from walking into the place. As soon as you do, you’re berated by dozens of plasma televisions and a loud and aggravating crowd of off-work women in pencil skirts and men with two drinks in their hands shouting at each other over high tables.

I was excited to be able to escape the main room, however, and gladly ordered Primebar’s strawberry fresco salad with spinach, strawberries, spiced pistachios, queso fresco and a lemon vinaigrette. At $10 a plate, I didn’t think this was a bad deal. And when the salad came to the table, I was pleasantly pleased at the large portion size. But after taking one bite, I was sorely disappointed.

(primebarchicago.com)

(primebarchicago.com)

Not only was the lemon vinaigrette muddy and sour, but the salad was drowning in the stuff, and there were barely any strawberries (and no pistachios) to try and salvage the mess of a salad. The spinach was crisp and fresh, but you couldn’t really separate it from the disaster of a dressing, so needless to say I couldn’t really stomach the whole thing.

Adam: I must say that I completely agree with Alicia: Primebar looks fairly excellent from the outside and on first inspection, but none of that care is reflected in its clientele, wait staff or food, all of which are uninteresting and brash.

I ordered the prime rib sliders, complete with arugula, swiss cheese, horseradish cream and fried onion strings. Let’s be frank: prime rib has a reputation to uphold, as does arugula (the ancient herb of Virgilian fame, who claimed it was an aphrodisiac). Unfortunately, a prime rib sandwich at Primebar is apparently just a roast beef sandwich, with a touch a wilted arugula and a smidge of horseradish cream (which certainly was not worth its weight in gold, as the Delphic Oracle told Apollo). The one redeeming feature of the dish was the fried onion strings, which they really should have called onion frites, for that is what they were.

(primebarchicago.com)

(primebarchicago.com)

Additionally, service was a tad spotty, with our waitress being talkative, yet obviously a dullard of the first class, and not very present. She certainly managed to ruin Alicia’s salad by not placing the cheese on the side as asked, although Alicia is too polite to mention this above.

Final Thoughts: Ultimately, Primebar was less prime than bar and far more irritating than an eatery should be. Regular food that doesn’t suit the opulence around you, we’re sure that all the furnishings were done Disneyland style, with a touch of paint and faux wood. Not on our radar and not on yours anymore.

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

Salt & Pepper Diner

WHAT: Salt & Pepper Diner
WHERE: 3527 N. Clark St.

OUR RATING: Do It!

While the Salt & Pepper Diner location on Lincoln Avenue is closed, you can still celebrate a good ol’ 50’s/60’s throwback retro diner at this Lakeview spot, perfect for Cubs’ fans on game days, and even more perfect for casual brunch fun on any other day. Actually, now that we think about it, this place must be a gold mine for families with kids on game day, with the rest of the Wrigleyville area pretty obsessed with the 21+ scene.

(cityowls.com)

(cityowls.com)

Cheap, delicious food in a really fun, friendly, and laidback atmosphere with chrome walls, faded leather booths, and high boy tables, Salt & Pepper also has your must diner counter to munch at and drink your cup o’ Joe. All it seemed to be missing was some music from the 50s/60s, rather than a current hits list. But like other deli/diner/sweetshops in the city, you can even grab a table and play a board game while you wait for your food…and we suggest you do!

Adam: Number one of my list of excellent things about Salt & Pepper are the Bloody Marys. At $3 for a massive glass, they are definitely the cheapest ones in town. While more Bloody than Mary, they are excellently prepared with ample vodka, tomato juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a hint of Tabasco, seasonings, lemon, lime, a celery stick and celery salt on the rim: this has to be one of the best Bloody Mary’s I’ve had in a long time.

I paired this with a barbequed chicken (pulled) sandwich. Absolutely tender and juicy with Sweet Baby Rays (perhaps the best barbeque sauce ever?), it came with a great side of tater tots and the necessary pickle, so rather normal diner food. But, for its cheap price and great chicken (and not to mention the substantial and rather large portion size), this is definitely a winning dish!

Alicia: As soon as I saw the Banana Nut Bread French Toast item on the menu, I knew I had to have it, and when it arrived, I was in heaven. In front of me were placed three delicate pieces of freshly baked banana nut bread that had been very, very lightly french-toast-ified with egg, and then topped with pecans, fresh bananas and powdered sugar. And of course, the necessary vessel full of maple syrup on the side along with a dollop of butter.

And those slices of banana nut bread were killer. Sure, maybe I would have liked a little more egg on them and a little caramelization of the pecans, but for $6.50 this plate was gigantic and the bread was definitely some of the best B-bread I’ve had in a very long time. It, of course, didn’t pair at all with my delicious, delicious, delicious bloody mary, but with a few sips of water in between I was able to satisfy both my savory and sweet desires. The only drawback of this place was the service, but I think that was our particular waitress, so hopefully next time we come back we’ll have better luck.

(cityowls.com)

(cityowls.com)

Final Thoughts: We would go back here in a heartbeat, and probably always order a bloody mary. But we’d venture out too, as their pancakes, burgers, omelettes and peanut butter milkshakes do sound pretty tantalizing. A full brunch for two with drinks for about $20? Yes, yes, yes please!

P.S.: If you can’t make it to Salt & Pepper, but still want a Bloody Mary, we’d suggest Demitri’s Bloody Mary Seasoning added to your tomato juice – a bit Russian, but the obvious choice for any real bartender.

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

Sprinkles Cupcakes

WHAT: Sprinkles Cupcakes (ATM)
WHERE: 50 E. Walton St.

OUR RATING: Chance It!

(sprinkles.com)

(sprinkles.com)

Sprinkles Cupcakes is not actually a Chicago native, but a California immigrant who arrived on the scene a little while ago. What they didn’t really publicize was their newest nifty little method of cupcake delivery, which comes in the form of a 24-hour cupcake ATM outside their location in the Gold Coast. We love the futuristic, Japan-esque feel to the machine, as well as the super fast way they shoot out. But the cupcakes themselves leave quite a bit to be desired.

(sprinkles.com)

(sprinkles.com)

Adam: Sprinkles Cupcakes has a fantastic concept and the money to implement it. By creating the novelty of a vending machine imbedded in a wall (their “ATM”), Sprinkles manages to attract a line at 11:40pm that fills their entire entranceway. The excited energy that surrounds the event of dispensation mirrors that of some fad item that everyone has to try.

When I arrived at the machine, I must admit, it was pretty damn cool. Rows of beautifully boxed cupcakes line the glassed off case covered with a pink metal lattice. An LCD touch screen flashes welcomingly at you, as you make your selection and pay by card (no cash option available). At this moment, the cupcake whizzes out and down a chute (filmed and relayed to the screen, of course) and you are ready to enjoy. A fairly excellent adventure in futurism.

But, the cupcakes themselves are so very saddening. For example, my Red Velvet, which they assure you would have an “upped…chocolate quotient” and a “rich cream cheese frosting”, wasn’t particularly more chocolatey than any other red velvet I’ve had, nor was the frosting that creamy.

Alicia: While standing in line for the cupcake machine late on a Saturday night, I was sure the ATM would be out of both of the flavors we wanted, as Red Velvet is their most popular cupcake and Irish Chocolate is their special from March 1 – 17. I was super excited, however, when we were able to snag both, and get in on a scrumptious baked goods at a time of day I usually crave them the most, but when most shops are closed.

Picture 21When I opened the cute box for my Irish Chocolate cupcake, I was greeted by a large green shamrock. What was it topping? Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheese. Then for the main event: I pulled the cupcake apart and made sure I had all the flavors together and popped it in my mouth. Moist cake…and some frosting. Not very Belgian Dark, and not very Bailey’s or cream cheesey. Kind of just chocolate cake and frosting. There was some hint of some kind of liquor in there, more likely whiskey, but that was super faint.

Final thoughts: A great concept, a fun delivery method and a beautiful presentation, but ultimately, the cupcakes just don’t take the cake, especially for the price tag. On the small side for the price ($4 for a special and $3.50 for a regular), seemingly regular tasting and not always what’s promised, Sprinkles doesn’t really hold a candle to Molly’s or Crumbs, both of which provide bigger, tastier, more moist and creamier deliciousness. Therefore, our evaluation is this: Sprinkles spent a lot on the machine, but the cupcakes are normal and not quite worth it. Perhaps go once, just to try a new flavor, but forget it after that.

Posted in Eat It! 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
07 Mar 2013

Balena

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

OUR RATING: Do It!

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

Margherita Pizza (Photo: Nick Kindelsperger)

Margherita Pizza (Photo: Nick Kindelsperger)

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

Mushroom Pizza (opentable.com)

Mushroom Pizza (opentable.com)

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

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

(Photo: Eric Kleinberg)

(Photo: Eric Kleinberg)

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

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

(balenachicago.com)

(balenachicago.com)

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

(vodamagazine.com)

(vodamagazine.com)

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

Mushroom Pizza (Photo: Nick Kindelsperger)

Mushroom Pizza (Photo: Nick Kindelsperger)

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

(balenachicago.com)

(balenachicago.com)

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

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

Richard II

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

OUR RATING: Chance It!

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

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

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

(twopencetheatre.org)

(twopencetheatre.org)

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

(twopencetheatre.org)

(twopencetheatre.org)

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

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

(twopencetheatre.org)

(twopencetheatre.org)

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

(twopencetheatre.org)

(twopencetheatre.org)

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

(twopencetheatre.org)

(twopencetheatre.org)

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

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

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

Little Goat Diner

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

OUR RATING: Do It!

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

(littlegoatchicago.com)

(littlegoatchicago.com)

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

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

(chicagomag.com)

(chicagomag.com)

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

(metromix.com)

(metromix.com)

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

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

(urbanspoon.com)

(urbanspoon.com)

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

(littlegoatchicago.com)

(littlegoatchicago.com)

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

(littlegoatchicago.com)

(littlegoatchicago.com)

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

(littlegoatchicago.com)

(littlegoatchicago.com)

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

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

See What I Wanna See

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

OUR RATING: Skip It!

(bailiwickchicago.com)

(bailiwickchicago.com)

(bailiwickchicago.com)

(bailiwickchicago.com)

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

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

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

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

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

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

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

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

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

(Credit: Michael Brosilow)

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

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

Posted in Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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