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.

King of Papaya's

You might be like me and be fascinated in the causal relationship betwixt events. Specifically how one thing leads to another.

A fortnight back I found myself in Gotham witnessing Jude Law play 'Hamlet'. It was a solid performance for sure; one not soon to be forgotten. However, readers, note that I've never reviewed a play on this blog. Right? But let's go with the notion that life imitates art, and as Hamlet was driven to do certain things so was yours truly.

Evening in question didn't afford time for a proper repast. By the time that LS and I reached the Upper East Side, the side walks had literally been rolled into Louis Vuitton carrying cases. We did manage to find one spot for a cocktail- thanks in part to my Yelp app. Nothing like a Manhattan in, well, Manhattan:

From November 2009

Now a finely mixed drink of bourbon, sweat vermouth and bitters on an empty stomach can produce cravings. I'll bet you didn't know that! So what do we suppose is open on the Upper East Side around 2ish on a Saturday evening. As noted above, not much. But if one should find oneself in the vicinity of 86th and 3rd Papaya King is beckoning:

From November 2009

I am a Chicagoan- born here actually- but I've never been able to get my mind around our over embellished hot dogs. Papaya King hit the spot on the night in question. A suitable salty encased meat product, smothered with kraut and a special hot sauce, nestled in a bun is a mouth-gasm! At any time really, but especially on a belly full of bourbon:

From November 2009

What to take from this? That Shakespeare has something to do with NYC style hot dogs? If you will, I suppose. Rather, I like to look at the tide of events. The inter-relation of it all never ceases to amaze. In a sense Shakespeare does lead one to eat hot dogs. I mean I'm not talking about anything cosmic here.

Happy 27th!

Wow, I've truly neglected this blog. I've actually had plenty of reason to write, but given my state I am loathe to see this blog read like a suicide note. So I've maintained my silence. Until now that is.

Last night I was invited by CP and PH to join them for Yoshi's 27th anniversary. Note this spot has been written about previously. It's beginning to become kind of a guilty pleasure, huh? As I've mentioned Yoshi has a number of loyal customers, so the place was full. Nice to see on a gloomy Tuesday evening.

We started with a Bombay martini- yes we are purists:

From November 2009

Quickly we were into the First Course of Kaiseki Style Appetizer of BBQ Eel Sushi, Chicken Roulade and Crab Cake. Take a gander foodies:

From November 2009

Since there were three diners and three Main Course options:

• Steamed Half Lobster- you guessed that was mine, right?
• Wagyu Brisket- PH
• Oven Roasted White Fish- CP

We felt we needed to give each it's due. Here's a pic of the lobster:

From November 2009

Then on to dessert. Mind you I am not a fan of dessert, but it was a Baked Asian Pear Covered with a Puff Pastry. I do like pears, and to be honest am hard pressed to identify a puff pastry I 've met and haven't liked. It was pretty tasty also. Here's a shot:

From November 2009

Because this blogger is kind of feeling sorry for himself, really I am, it was comforting to spend the evening with good friends in a lovely, festive surrounding. Thanks much guys!

A Week of Gastronomy

I have been neglecting this blog lately. One reason is simply not remembering to blog, another is that I am somewhat constrained in terms of the content. Since I don't address politics or news timeliness isn't so much a factor.

Nevertheless I am moved to blog as I have enjoyed several dining experiences as of late and feel compelled to share them with you, my readers.

The first takes us back to Tuesday last when I had the please of dining at Yoshi's Cafe in the Lakeview neighborhood. I had eaten there once previously for my friend, CP's natal day. But that was nearly three years back, and since we (CP and his partner PH) have a monthly dining outing, I suggested Yoshi's. Granted not much of a treat for them, since they dine here weekly. CP has actually been something of a regular for 20+ years, so he is well known. So last Tuesday- 1/2 price martini night- I enjoyed a Ginger Cosmo, a broccoli soup to start, and a seafood Nicoise salad. The tastiest element was the shrimp tempura made from fresh gulf shrimp. Rather sweet on the palate but overall very clean:

From November 2009

The following evening took me to a little Mexican Cafe around the corner from our pool. One of my favorite dishes there is a the Posole- a hearty soup of hominy, broth and pork shoulder. It is served with cilantro and cabbage as garnish, and tortilla:

From November 2009

I enjoy soups muchly. I always feel they are the gateway to a cuisine or restaurant. If the soup is inadequate, the rest of the place is likely to be as well. So this Sunday I set to making a black bean and ham hock concoction suggested by my friend HK. It is easy to make in the Crock Pot, makes the apartment smell divine, and is hearty and satisfying:

From November 2009

I accompanied this dish with a Manhattans served in my new '50's style cordial glasses. I picked them up for $1 ea (set of 4) and think they are a natty addition to my settings.

From November 2009

I would've made a blog post about Halloween. It is my favorite holiday after all. Yet I took no photos, wrapped up as I was in the festivities. It was an enjoyable and glam weekend to say the least.

Hospitality

Rarely do I entertain at my place. This is the by-product of living out of the way, and having a Lilliputian space. So I think no one wants to drop by for a cocktail and nosh. That is until I issue an invitation.

From October 2009

I invited some colleagues- they're friends really- for an aperitif followed by dinner at GdA. Borrowing a concept from Ms Martha I featured a signature drink for the evening: Count D's Bubbly. Very seasonal and somewhat local:

From October 2009

The Cava was delightful and complements just about anything. I think that is always the case with sparkling wine- it just goes with everything. So naturally it should be consumed with.......everything!

AJ and her lover-boy, AS, were in top notch form that evening:

From October 2009

I keep telling AS he should consider Abe Lincoln as a Halloween option. Also joining was BP and his lovely Bride, TP:

From October 2009

This leaves me thinking I should issue invites more often. I'm not a disaster as a host and I am capable of creating an enjoyable environment. I am a self respecting gay man after all. What next? Perhaps event planning as a career.

Nightwood

After the thorough shellacking I gave myself last weekend (there was a 4:15 am evening) I was looking forward to gastronomic endeavours this weekend. My dear friend, EE, mentioned a trip to Pilsen to try that place by the 'Lula Cafe' people. That is properly known as Nightwood.

EE and I were joined by my Smelts friend, BK. All intrepid diners we were eager to sample as much of the menu as we could. So we began with salads of Pears and Pistachios and Peppers and Bacon, followed by a ravioli of Duck Confit. The later was presented in precise al dente style.

From October 2009

From October 2009

We were then presented with the challenge of selecting a main course. Originally I had been advocating for a duck and rabbit pate to no avail. When I noticed the rabbit and polenta on the menu, I insisted we partake. The rabbit was very well prepared, tender and savoury as rabbit should be. The creamy polenta with Brussels sprouts made a solid complement:

From October 2009

I paired my meal with a glass of the house Cabernet. Fortunately it was light enough to complement all the selections:

From October 2009

BK sampled the Gimlet cocktail (I believe it was a vodka concoction). He scored some cred with me on that selection. Not that he needs any from me.

From October 2009

An added bonus of the evening was running into two 'mos from the HIC. I did not know their names, so it was nice to finally meet properly. They will hence forth be known as M and K.

Finally, sad news today on the shuttering of Gourmet Magazine. A Conde fixture for five decades, I know it will be missed by foodies and followers alike.

@Publisher

It just dawned on me today that I'm a publisher. Yes, writing this blog that no one reads elevates me into the realm of publisher. And, I don't even have a 4 Times Square address.



Which takes me to my next topic of tweets. Not the kind birdies make techno-phobes, rather those nomenclated by Twitter.

Today, a blogger and columnist from Time, Peter Ha, started a wee uproar in certain circles by posting a tweet asking for information on the demise of another publication. Note: I work for said publication and while it is for sale it is by no means being shuttered. Or at least I'm not aware of any such plans.

So a couple of things:

- Mr Ha as a journalist- a tech writer no less- certainly know what happens when you post provacative tweets to @everyone.
- Either Mr Ha is incorrect, and will have egg on his face, or...........
- He's dead right, and receives due accolades for getting an accurate source and I'm out of a job.

Did I mention that Mr Ha is a former writer for said publication, and presently writes a column for a similarly storied media brand? Yes, I'm saying no one in old skewl media (the media that used to pay) is immune, nor is anyone in new skewl- as that media has never paid.

Just some thoughts. I guess that tweets don't yet move markets, but they do provoke crowdsourcing which kind of makes one a publisher by default.

Paris is Burning?

I really need to get more aggressive in blog posting. How will I ever develop a following?

Last Thursday I went to Shanghai Terrace with Smelts mates PH and CP. They are what we commonly call 'foodies', and as that label implies have refined palates, and dine well frequently. When PH revealed that he hadn't been to Shanghai, I leapt at the chance to docent.

So following a little swim at HIC we partook of a clear night on terrace:

From September 2009

We stared with a round of cocktails, and quickly settled into our starter course of Wagyu Beef, Kung Pao Scallops and Pike. All solid choices with complementary flavours:

From September 2009

Then on to main courses which we shared. I distinctly enjoyed the Pork Belly and Lake Perch- again all complementary flavours which we paired with a German white of some sort:

From September 2009

Following dinner we were all feeling the effects of the pleasant evening and had the urge to roam over to Nomi in the Park Hyatt. Nomi offers another exceptional experience and features an award winning menu. I am sure PC if he is reading this provide detail. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects of Nomi is the view looking East down Chicago Avenue. With the light fixtures reflecting the buildings have a formidable, muscular yet uniform appearance. Very Chicago:

From September 2009

I am looking forward to making this a monthly outing with P and C, so you'll have to check this space frequently for updates.

Renegades

Aren't we all at some point or another?

Actually this was the name of an art faire I visited this Sunday with EH. That is the Renegade Craft Fair in Ukie Village. Sponsored by Renegade Crafts, the faires held across the country bring artisans producing local goods direct to the tatooed masses. Those of you who actually read this blog might note the proprietor has quite a thing for good tats on good flesh.

In spite of a little hang over (mine), Sunday was a banner day in Chicago and managed to draw quite a crowd to Division Street:


While there was much to see, I am admittedly not feeling in a very acquisitive mood. So this was unadulterated commercial voyeurism for me. Now, recalling that hangover, EH and I decided the best course was to get a little 'Bloody with Mary' from the safety of the Milk and Honey Cafe:



We found our beverages to be refreshing and enjoyable. There is nothing to cure a headache like vodka and sodium. That said it was also a good chance to get caught up with EH and hear about developments with her business, Bella Flora. No site is yet available but stay tuned for developments.

Because this was a handcrafted crowd, you can be sure there were a few example of vintage pedals around:



Next Sunday is a cinematic experience, so make sure to check back for a post on that.