Phat of the Land

That's ph as in phundraising, or fundraising in non-urban parlance.

Back in May of 2009 my swim team, the Chicago Smelts, held a fundraiser. Not something we ordinarily do, and that had been remarked upon repeatedly. Seriously, why would a swim team comprised of adults need to raise money? I wanted for a ready answer since I became intimately involved.

However, this is a case of all ending well. You see the Smelts ended up raising quite a bit of cash, and we were faced with the issue of how to disperse the funds. There were numerous suggestions- some solid, others not so. Fisticuffs nearly ensued, but a solution I supported prevailed.

The Smelts is an organization that was founded by and continues to enjoy broad support from an engaged gay community centered around the Lakeview 'hood. So we decided to focus our largesse on the community and gave to Gill Park (CPD), Howard Brown Health Center and Center on Halsted.

From December 2009

That's the Development Peeps at Howard Brown. They're a rakish lot, eh? I felt briefly like the late Ed McMahon passing out those Publishers Clearing House checks. Next year, I'm going to photo-shop them into a grande size.

Here's Towne Crier and the Executive Director of Center on Halsted:

From December 2009

They were all pleased to see me, especially since I appeared unannounced. I was very pleased to take on this task. Normally people are pleased to see me, but this took the cake.

On that note I'll leave you devoted readers- provided you actually exist- until January. The TC is off to Mexico, so you can expect some mid-winter posts about Olde Mexico. Ole!

No Fur = No North America

And therefore Europe, or any place else in the world you can think of, becomes a wee bit to significantly more crowded with all those peeps who couldn't move here.

That is a broad conclusion to make, but I think there is supporting evidence. If one considers that it was fur traders who settled vast swaths of North America, establishing lines of trade that drew settlers, this idea isn't so far fetched. Plus, fur has a practical application- it's so darn warm! So yes, if you were, oh say a 17th century French explorer in the new world you had no polar fleece. And if you wore polar fleece you froze to death. Fur kept you alive. So there, Greenpeace can suck that.

The economic considerations of the 17th century aside, fur is pretty darn glam these days.

From December 2009

Once upon a time I would've felt guilty for even considering a fur. Alas no more. I hate being cold. Plus I find myself thirsting for the authenticity of tactile pleasures. Fur is one such, martini's another, domestic drugs yet another. See an episode of Mad Men if you require further clarification.

From December 2009

This all starts for me when the outside temp dips below a certain point. Plus, I saw some non-ghetto dude walking down the street the other day looking quite dapper in a fur jacket. That could be me I thought.

Before I start receiving hate mail- which would at least prove someone reads this blog- I'd like to change tack. I had the distinct pleasure of dining at a friend's house this past Saturday. And you may note, I am not a fan of sweets, but this Pineapple Upside-Down Cake was such a mod, holiday sight I had to blog it.

From December 2009

Don't you agree? Thanks, Peter.

In closing, no traditionalist am I. But I wish 'ye all a Merry, Merry and all that.

Mercat on Tuesday

It was a very cold evening, this past Tuesday. So it seemed opportune to stay inside an enjoy a grand meal. Mercat a la Planxa is the Chicago outpost of the noted Philadelphia chef, Jose Garces. The tapas of the Catalonia region is on display here.

My good friend, SP, and I arrived a few minutes early so we started with a De La Boqueria cocktail. This is Bombay Gin, Pomegranate Liqueur, Sour and Mint. A nice presentation:

From December 2009

Full disclosure, I'd eaten here once previously and we'd arranged for the chef's sampler. Since the others were on their maiden voyage (SP, CP and PH), that seemed the route to go this time too.

From December 2009

So we started with a sort of Catalonian Bruschetta coupled with a Spanish Omlette:

From December 2009

And quickly moved into more robust fare such as bacon wrapped dates:

From December 2009

Shrimp- which went entirely to the vegetarian in the party, SP. I was just happy to see him eat something with protein. Granted this did have a head, so I guess that technically makes it not vegetarian. But I can't imagine why anyone would willingly become a vegetarian, so I'll leave it at that. But it does make for a nice photograph:

From December 2009

We completed the meal with a selection of Spanish cheeses. I love cheese as a desert course. Not much of one for sweets, I enjoy the savoury side of life and these cheeses were a nice touch:

From December 2009

So thinking about our January outing....

Hipster Ride

Again, just to prove this blog is not all about food and eating, I thought to share this photo. It sure is a stylin hipster ride I spied last night while waiting for the #22.

From December 2009

Clearly I'd be interested in knowing who owns this bike. If anyone reads this blog, and happens to know, send them my way. I think that needs to be the next frontier of my bike photography.

Happy 40th!

A rather chilly and sodden evening, I sit and write this blog as I listen to WFMT. I find that station to be enjoyable in the evening- a nice footnote to the day.

I wanted to take a moment to wish my 'rents a Happy 40th Anniversary! Okay, granted their actual anniversary was in late November, and it was last Sunday that we went to Big Jones to celebrate- it is still worth noting.

I had sent my mother a list of suggested restaurants, and following some deliberation she settled on Big Jones. She is fond of Cajun cuisine- or in this case 'southern coastal'.

We started our meal with a pork belly appetizer, which was as tasty as it was attractive:

From December 2009

And moved on to Fried Green Tomatoes:

From December 2009

My Main Course was Shrimp and Grits:

From December 2009

All of these items were accompanied by cocktails- lest you think we'd fore go that. Most of us sampling the Ma' Lousianne- a Manhattan-like drink. The exception was Mother who had Agave Julep.

I hope they had an enjoyable time. The ambiance and service made it a truly well rounded Sunday evening. I departed with some left-overs and a few Open Table points. And if you're not partaking of the later, then you should.

I wonder if I should get married so someone will take me to dinner? I think that's an additional post.

Greetings of the Season

Lest you all should think this is a blog devoted to culinaria, I have a treat for you.

This past Sunday, following an outing to the 'One of a Kind' show at the Merchandise Mart, bff JK and I paid a visit to the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Housed on the grounds of the Lincoln Park Zoo, the LPC is a flora focused museum. I have visited more than one of the Chicago Park District's conservatories, and they reflect public spaces of their time. This time being the gilded age (1920's), when seeing something like an exotic plant species- or a zebra- was a novelty. I suppose it is a novelty today too, but demonstrably more so then. As such, an increasing affluent city constructed a suitable public space to exhibit these items. That's civilization!

Although the conservatory is constrained by budgets this year, they did manage to put together a respectable seasonal display.

From December 2009

As someone who worked in a flower shop I can truly appreciate the flora of the season. Each of these conservatory buildings has a number of climate controlled rooms that feature native plant species, dotted with the occasional sprite-like sculpture. Again, civilization:

From December 2009

Pointsietta's are really de rigeur- budget shortfalls or no. The conservatory- and its exhibits- remain open for the year, so there is ample opportunity to partake of some exotic flora. I'm not sure what the below is, but its hues are seasonal and it sure is photo worthy:

From December 2009

All told, an opportunity to enjoy some sights at a humane pace. I noted too that the Zoo Lights, is on going. I wonder if anyone would like to go this Friday, 12/11?

The Week That Was

And what a week it was. It isn't often that the TC senses he's obtained a new lease on life, but in an unexpected way that's what happened. The TC (yes, I am now referring to myself in third person) went from despondency to a new lease. That's as optimistic as I am willing to wax at the moment.

I knew things were headed in a good direction on Wednesday evening. I caught a glimpse of something that was photo worthy. There was a dashing fellow- who it turns out was just from a kung fu class- dining on something tasty. I had to investigate the chef's special. Apparently he is treated to offerings from the kitchen. Frankly I can see why- he was as nice as he was good looking. Even offering a sample of the delicacy in question. Here's a pic from Thai Authentic Cuisine:

From December 2009

Granted not for all palates, but it sure is photogenic, eh?

The following evening was also good for the TC's outlook. I joined some friends (actually former colleagues) for the CIMA Holiday Soiree in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. It was kind of an unorthodox situation, given I was no longer in the employ of said entity. But it was refreshing to catch-up with colleagues, and talk to clients. That is to talk to clients as a guest, not as clients. Plus there were Manhattan's being served. Here's a good shot:

From December 2009

Are you getting the symbolism of that fishies? If you're not, then........

Maybe not the most scintillating post, but I am catching up on this blog. For those of you who read this, it looks like I have some special 'Southern Fried' pics for the next post. 'Til then.

Farm and Fleet

I'm not sure what the demographic profile of this blog is specifically, so those of you who read this may not be familiar with Farm and Fleet. You see there is a particular culture that exists in the northern reaches of Illinois and extends through Wisconsin. That is the dairy farm/deer hunting culture. And while this has not been profiled by literary giants, it is a palpable culture. And an enterprising family, the Blain's, conceived of a retail emporium to meet their specific needs: Farm and Fleet.

How did I find out about F&F? Well you see a while back I was brunching at the Center on Halsted and some 'mo walked through with stylin' winter boots. I asked where he procured them? He said- you guessed it- Farm and Fleet. I could just feel the trip coming on!

From December 2009

It was the day after Thanksgiving that I dragged the sisters to the F&F outpost in Woodstock, IL. Woodstock is a charming town with a lovely town square that is really another blog entry in itself. One can find all the Teat Cream they could possibly desire:

From December 2009

Not to mention very life-like toy fire arms:

From December 2009

I'm not altogether sure what I think of toy fire arms. I am not one who seeks to rain on other's parades, but something about that strikes me as a wee bit inappropriate. Or at the very least photo worthy. Again, the distinct culture of the Northern Dairy Rustics. And speaking of that culture, you'll see that there is a pride that comes from this way of life. As evidenced by this tribute to F&F's employees and customers:

From December 2009

I did manage to procure the boots in question, as well as some woolly socks and a long sought studded belt. Rock Star, baby! After our adventure at F&F we headed off for a wee nosh at the square. But as I mentioned, you'll have to wait for the next post for that.