Storefront City Chicago

Archive for the tag “chicago”

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.

Stadium Devildare

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

OUR RATING: Skip It!

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

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

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

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

(redtapetheatre.org)

(redtapetheatre.org)

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

(redtapetheatre.org)

(redtapetheatre.org)

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

(redtapetheatre.org)

(redtapetheatre.org)

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

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

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

Falafill

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

OUR RATING: Do It!

(eatfalafill.com)

(eatfalafill.com)

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

(eatfalafill.com)

(eatfalafill.com)

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

(eatfalafill.com)

(eatfalafill.com)

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

Mezza Bar (examiner.com)

Mezza Bar (examiner.com)

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

(eatfalafill.com)

(eatfalafill.com)

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

Oak Park location (custommade.com)

Oak Park location (custommade.com)

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

(eatfalafill.com)

(eatfalafill.com)

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

(eatfalafill.com)

(eatfalafill.com)

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

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

Lakeview location (chicago.eater.com)

Lakeview location (chicago.eater.com)

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

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

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.

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.

Bullhead Cantina

WHAT: Bullhead Cantina (Taco and Whiskey Bar)
WHERE: 1143 N. California Ave.

OUR RATING: Do It!

(bullheadcantina.com)

(bullheadcantina.com)

Interestingly, this particular eatery is west, rather than south, of the metaphorical border that is bourgeois Chicago. Yet its distinctive blend of hole-in-the-wall roadtrip interior design, artistic taco selection and hipster tunes beating through concealed speakers means that you will be enjoying more than just snacks at this cantina.

We decided to visit the Humboldt Park’s Bullhead Cantina on Thursday, because we’d heard that their epic 12 taco sampler, an array of three different taco morsels from their extensive menu, was only $12. Unfortunately, that doesn’t include the steak, brisket or tilapia, but who cares–this place is a winner. We had two guests with us, so we ordered two platters, and were able to try six different varieties of taco:

(yelp.com)

(yelp.com)

Beer Grilled Chicken – A Mexican classic, except this one is tossed in PBR with a hint of lime along with lettuce, tomato and sour cream. We recommend you drizzle it with a chimichurri sauce or the spicy lime sauce for a less traditional combination. Of all the tacos we tried, this is perhaps our least favorite, but the sauce makes up for most deficiencies in the preparation of the chicken.

Grits & Kale – While not your typical taco filling, or a filling for anything, really, these creamy stone ground grits were accompanied by sautéed kale in white wine, garlic and harissa, and a pineapple bourdon reduction. The grits were mouth-watering, but our biggest concern with these tacos was the severe lack of kale. The lack of veg in these impelled us to add a bunch more lettuce and pickled cabbage which accompanied our twelve tacos.

(chicago.seriouseats.com)

(chicago.seriouseats.com)

Taco de Avocado – The butter of the Incas is presented in a new light here, along with tomato, gypsy pepper (first time we’ve heard of that!), lettuce, grilled onion, and a topping of cheese and chile sour cream. It’s a rich one, but the eloquent spicing of the avocado creates a new type of experience worth the extra calories.

Marinated Grilled Portobello – These mushrooms were grilled to perfection, and laden with avocado, grilled red onion, roasted corn, rustic tomato sauce and finished with sour cream. Their texture was riveting and their smokiness intoxicating – especially when paired with their house chipotle sauce. This isn’t like anything you could get on Portobello Road.

(chicago.seriouseats.com)

(chicago.seriouseats.com)

Grilled Sweet Potato – We’ve seen these new-age tacos before, but these came with pickled cabbage, grilled red onion, roasted corn and a creamy lime and avocado sauce. Well, at least that’s what the menu said. However, we didn’t receive any corn and really, while perfectly tasty, these were particularly underwhelming.

Roasted Beets – The table favorite, these beets were tossed in a citrus reduction with grilled red onion, tomato, lettuce, cucumber, chile powder and shredded cheese. Decadent, simple, savory and sweet in all the right places.

What really made these tacos special was the hand-made corn tortillas, which were just the perfect thickness to hold up against all the food and sauces packed into them, but still melt in your mouth. After going through them all and still having fillings leftover, it was almost painful when we didn’t take our waitress up on her offer for more of these, but our stomachs were quite full enough already.

(yelp.com)

(yelp.com)

What we missed out most on, perhaps, was their huge whiskey selection, and we would definitely come back for their every day special, which for a measly $6 gets you one of their scrumptious tacos paired with a PBR tall boy and a shot of the whiskey of the day. And if we weren’t lucky enough to come back here on a Thursday, we would jump at the chance to try their steak and brisket tacos. We would probably drop the beer chicken, sweet potato and grits, but we’d never part with those beets and avocado.

(bullheadcantina.com)

(bullheadcantina.com)

Make sure you bring cash, because this place is so focused on the food, they forgot to bring along the credit card scanner. Service was brisk and consistent, although starters were seemingly offered as freebies (they are NOT), so make sure to check the menu before acquiescing to the server’s gracious offers.

You don’t always think of tacos, whiskey and Hot Chip going together, but Bullhead Cantina does this effortlessly and makes the trek out there completely worth it.

Improv All-Stars

WHAT: Improv All-Stars (Comedy)
WHEN: Every Monday at 8pm from January 21 – April 29 (with an additional performance on January 24 at 8pm)
WHERE: UP Comedy Club (230 W. North Ave.)
RUN TIME: 60 minutes, no intermission
PRICE: $16.00 (Online and phone orders incur a $3-$7.50 fee)

OUR RATING: Chance It!

In Chicago, you can’t get more classic than The Second City. Founded in the 1950s at the University of Chicago, it is a cornerstone of comedy, and so, we expect only the best chortles when appreciating their interpretation of the artform. Improv All-Stars at UP Comedy Club, comprised of Second City-ites, certainly made us chuckle, but fell short of the mark and ultimately left us believing that you can only do the same routines so many times before they become old and worn.

(upcomedyclub.com)

(upcomedyclub.com)

We’d previously been initiated into the UP Comedy Club scene a few months ago to see a few stand-up acts by Maribeth Monroe and Erik Griffin from the show Workaholics. The space, located on the third floor of Piper’s Alley in Old Town, and just adjacent to their presenter Second City, is pretty unique, offering two levels of cabaret-style seating, as well as a full service kitchen and bar.

Under the direction of Mick Napier, Improv All-Stars features highly interactive improvisational comedy, with a mix of traditional games you’ll see elsewhere in the Chicago improv scene with some long-form pieces. We will admit that some classic routines, including shout-outs from the audience to construct a story told by each member in succession (including robots and Asians) and a full musical sung about completely wacky subjects, with the accompaniment of an acoustic piano, were really fun and could not be replicated by other groups.

(upcomedyclub.com)

(upcomedyclub.com)

Improv All-Stars really plays on their ancestry, once in awhile speaking about the development of the improvisational art form and the uniqueness of Second-City comedy. This segwayed into a simple, but rather lengthy, two-person improvised scene based entirely on one suggestion from the audience.

(upcomedyclub.com)

(upcomedyclub.com)

However, perhaps what bothers us the most about UP is not the content or locations, but the little things that seem to get in the way of a good evening. The price, at $16, is steep for an hour of comedy (even if it is Second City), and especially so when the material is not really that new. Add to this the service charges (we could talk about how nauseating annoying these are in another post entirely) and you have tickets costing over $20 for only 60 minutes of performance. That’s more than a just-minted college grad makes in 2 or so hours, and they are literally just running around the stage playing games! And then there are the wait staff. Our advice to them: stop harassing patrons who are clearly not going to buy anything, especially since there isn’t a drink minimum (if we’ve said no once, do you really think our answer is going to change over the course of an hour? And if it did, we’d just wave you over to help us out).

(upcomedyclub.com)

(upcomedyclub.com)

Seeing comedy in Chicago is kind of like playing Russian Roulette, and with the cast of Improv All-Stars constantly rotating, there is such a thing as an on or off night. So, our advice to you (if you have the $20 to spare) is go and try it out. You’ll have a good time regardless (it’s funny), but only if you are willing to part with your Jackson with no hard feelings.

The Map Room

WHAT: The Map Room (Bar/Beer Garden)
WHERE: 1949 N. Hoyne Ave.

OUR RATING: Do it!

(maproom.com)

(maproom.com)

Buried treasure isn’t exactly what one is looking for in a city (although it’s always nice to find). The Map Room in Bucktown not only allowed us to uncover a full treasure chest’s of world beers, but also immerse ourselves in the experience of exploration, right down to the cartography on the walls and the National Geographics on the shelves.

With over 200 brands of beer and 36 brewing styles, The Map Room can seem a bit daunting. But, never fear, your trusty menu is here, and choosing anything from it is sure to land you on some far off tropical land, or at least on the galleon traveling there.

(maproom.com)

(maproom.com)

Once you’ve settled down to your cozy nautical table, you’ve got a lot of choices on your hands, so we’ve picked some brews for you to start out with. Grab your library card folks, ‘cause you’re about to journey through the Land of Adventure (if you don’t know what we’re talking about see here):

(lindemans.be)

(lindemans.be)

Lindemans Framboise (Horror) Dr. Jekyll would surely approve of this exceedingly sweet, raspberry lambic of a potion. If you’ve never had a fruit beer before, the experience could be overpowering. Yet, its sweetness lends to its uniqueness and, at $7, it is decently priced for such an exotic beer.

(Flickr, courtesy of @joefoodie)

(@joefoodie)

Arcadia Starboard Stout (Adventure) Pirates are known for their strong brews and lust for treasure. This little gem comes in a 20 oz glass for only $6, so you can save your own treasure and experience the seven seas. An oatmeal stout with dark, smooth notes, a hint of chocolate and a dry finish, Starboard Stout is a meal unto itself and fully fortifies you for a night of swashbuckling.

(newhollandbrew.com)

(newhollandbrew.com)

New Holland Dragon’s Milk (Fantasy) All we can say is Whoopi!  Dragon’s Milk might as well have come from the real thing, and its deep red colouring and oaky flavour are reminiscent of the perfumed aromas around King Arthur’s Round Table. Definitely worth your while even at the rather steep $7 for 10 oz. Since dragons are extinct, this is a bargain.

(maproom.com)

(maproom.com)

Despite a plethora of bottled beers on the wall, we highly suggest you go draft with their 26 taps, or try their cask-conditioned ale on handpump which rotates at least once a week. A note of import: the proper glass is always used for each style.

But if beer really isn’t your thing (even one of their gluten-free beers), their full-service bar also includes ciders, mead and the rest of the alcohol crew. The bar is cash only, so be sure to bring some bills.

(maproom.com)

(maproom.com)

Rally your crew, grab your grog, and thumb through the Nat Geos to plan your next expedition upon the high seas. We know one thing for sure: you’ll leave in high spirits.

P.S. Every month or so you can walk the plank with brewmaster Greg Brown of Mickey Finn’s Brewery at The Map Room’s Beer School. For about $25 you can join fellow classmates and study a few beers, from what you’re tasting and smelling down to the ingredients and processes that are informing those very same flavors and aromas.

Brazilian Bowl

WHAT: Brazilian Bowl
WHERE: 3204 N. Broadway Ave.

OUR RATING: Do It!

(brazilianbowl.com)

(brazilianbowl.com)

If you’ve had Brazilian food in Chicago, you might think that it’s limited to all-you-can-eat meat and inflated prices. Not so at Brazilian Bowl, the city’s latest take on the Subway/Chipotle-style nuts and bolts eatery based on one ethnic food or another. Primarily targeted at the health-conscious (it includes a smoothie bar and amazingly fresh produce), it also has South American staples such as salgados (ie. empanadas, which seem to be everywhere now) and feijoada.

Our house guest and the two of us all dove into the Vegetarian bowls!

Our house guest and the two of us all dove into the Vegetarian bowls!

We recommend the eponymous Brazilian Bowl, which comes in turkey, steak, vegetarian, bife role (rolled beef), sausage and pork loin. Once you have chosen your type, you can decide between black or pinto beans to be poured over a generous portion of rice. Your bowl is then filled to the brim with collard greens, grilled vegetables, corn, pico de gallo (amazing!), green onions, shaved carrots, grated cheese and a slice or two of fresh orange. And what bowl wouldn’t be complete without sauce, ranging from hot to freshly blended mango, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Of course, the menu is more extensive than the bowl ($6.15-6.95) and includes main plates ($7.65-8.95) and a selection of interesting sides (have you ever tried yuca before?) The smoothie bar’s featured drink is the Ipanema, named after Brazil’s most famous beach, made with mango, banana and kale.

(brazilianbowl.com)

(brazilianbowl.com)

Will we go again? Definitely! But next time, we might take on a more carnivorous role and order a steak bowl or perhaps even one of their plates, which include beef acebolado and a delicious sounding mango steak salas. Yet what really appeals to Alicia is the perfect brunch item – acai bowls with honey and granola.

No establishment is without its failings, however. If you’re in the mood for a savory dinner but you want to go veggie, your options are limited to basically the veggie bowl and perhaps some vegetable sides or a cheese empanada. Portions also vary from server to server and are somewhat inconsistent. Additionally, a warning: this establishment is not very accessible, as there is only raised seating. And if you’re coming with more than one or two friends, seating may be hard to find. Another issue may be the basic nature of the food–sure, it’s nice to have someone make you a bowl, but couldn’t you have done it at home? We think so in the case of the vegetarian option, but seeing the meat options makes us believe it’s worth the experience.

So, when you are wandering along in Lakeview and see Brazilian Bowl, stop in. It’s a fun place (with a relaxed, but social atmosphere) to try at least once, and a lovely change from the faux Brazilian downtown.

The Paper Machete

WHAT: The Paper Machete (Variety Show)
WHEN: Every Saturday from 3pm
WHERE: The Green Mill (4802 N. Broadway Ave.)

OUR RATING:
Do It!–Our experience
Chance It!–Possible future performances

(thepapermacheteshow.com)

(thepapermacheteshow.com)

The Paper Machete is a town crier for the modern age, providing audiences with amusing, serious and diverse entertainment covering pop culture, current events and a good dose of musical interlude. Originally launched in 2010, and created and hosted by writer Christopher Piatt, The Paper Machete tickles nearly every fancy, and allows one to experience the iconic cocktail lounge The Green Mill (of Prohibition fame) in the same manner as generations past: with a complete variety show.

Creator and Host Christopher Priatt (thepapermacheteshow.com)

Christopher Priatt (thepapermacheteshow.com)

Every Saturday afternoon at 3pm, this “live magazine” offers patrons a chance to connect with stars from the likes of iO, The Second City, the Neo-Futurists and beyond. Named best comedy variety show of 2011 by the Chicago Reader, the show encompasses an array of performances that are sure not to disappoint regulars and newcomers alike.

(greenmilljazz.com)

(greenmilljazz.com)

This past Saturday, Storefront City had a chance to visit this historic location and listen along to this rapid-fire magazine of popular thought. Our afternoon began with a rather serious interlude into environmental protection by Rachael Mason of iO. What appeared at first to be a paean for environmental action, soon showed its true colours as an amusing reflection on her childhood poetry for Earth Day, that brought up important and pertinent issues related to the recent Hurricane Sandy and its effects on her family. Masterfully blending humor and reality, Mason kept our attention and made us appreciate the awesome destructive power of nature, and man’s influence on it.

The Green Mill (courtesy of Tom Gill)

The Green Mill (courtesy of Tom Gill)

In keeping with this serious nature, Lisa Buscani of the Neo-Futurists’ investigation into the sordid world of Sandusky, from the perspective of another inmate at the same prison, provided a reflective moment to appreciate the situation of those who are behind bars and the circumstances that lead society to imprison.

Ike Holter

Ike Holter

But, let’s be honest, a magazine is never all about it’s newsworthy material, and we were treated to an inventive series of laughs as well. Ike Holter, popular playwright of Hit the Wall (first performed by The Inconvenience at Steppenwolf last year, and now moving to Off-Broadway), gave us an op-ed monologue musing on this year’s selection for the Academy Awards. Featuring quotes from “that owner of 7 Eleven who shouts at hipsters” to acceptances speeches themselves, Holter was full of ingenuity and verve.

(reformedwhores.com)

NYC’s Reformed Whores (reformedwhores.com)

And what variety show would be complete without music? We giggled with NYC musical comedy duo Reformed Whores, and swung along to the dulcet tones of Bethany Thomas (of Porgy and Bess fame), who created an atmosphere entirely appropriate to such a venerated establishment as The Green Mill.

Chad the Bird (wbez.org)

Chad the Bird (wbez.org)

A well-rounded current events publication needs a sports section, this one provided by resident puppet Chad the Bird (a Josh Zagoren creation). Staging in the venue was divided between the main stage towards the back, and the bar area, where Chad gave us his weekly sports roundup.

Matt Braunger (thepapermachete.com)

Matt Braunger (thepapermacheteshow.com)

Finally, Matt Braunger (love your website!) provided the capstone to the afternoon, also performing from the bar area. With topics covering Chicago staples such as certain kinds of people on the #22 bus, to tripped out nights dressed as clowns downtown, Braunger tapped into the audience and hit all the right notes. We highly recommend you see him if you can in the future.

Bethany Thomas (courtesy of Jeremy Rill)

Bethany Thomas (courtesy of Jeremy Rill)

Busy on Saturday afternoons? Not to worry! Every week The Paper Machete and host WBEZ create a podcast, also known as “The Paper Machete Radio Magazine,” with selections from the latest show.

The Paper Machete comes highly recommended from Storefront City. Best enjoyed with a couple of friends (the space is crowded) and a relaxed attitude, performances may vary week to week, but if the quality remains the same as last time, you will not be disappointed.

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