Word is out: Lolla godfather Perry Farrell (that’s him in the checked blazer) unveiled the August festival’s full lineup late Monday night at Debonair Social Club in Wicker Park, and our photographer was on the scene. The 2010 roster includes megabold-face music names from Lady Gaga to Arcade Fire to Chicago’s own Mavis Staples…
Yep, it was another action-packed weekend for The Chaser. Honestly, I don’t know how I do it. Do you?
Thursday (my favorite going-out night; officially falls in Weekend category): Tried the just-opened Beauty Bar (in the former Sonotheque space); had my nails painted the most pleasing shade of mood-ring blue (martini-and-a-manicure special, $10) and began pouting inexplicably after several Perm martinis. Look for my review of this spot in the June issue of Chicago magazine…
LONGMAN & EAGLE Reservations are so yesterday—none of the finer gastropubs take them. 2657 N. Kedzie Ave.; 773-276-7110 LEO’S CONEY ISLAND Who knew this Greek-American diner was such a big deal? More than 800 people on opening day, apparently. 3455 N. Southport Ave.; 773-281-5367 THE PURPLE PIG Call it a sausage party, call it Publican … Read more
Our critic hates waiting for food almost as much as he loves eating it. Here, five spots where the irresistible force meets the immovable line
I’m a huge Lollapalooza nerd, and I don’t mind saying so. I get a thrill from having any laminated festival-related press pass strung from a lanyard around my neck. All year, I think about Lolla-worthy nail polish colors and the kinds of outfits I’ll need for each of the three days…
The Chicago location of Beauty Bar, the national chain of salon-themed lounges beloved by scenesters from Brooklyn to San Diego for its $10 martini-and-manicure special, officially opened its doors last Thursday in the old Sonotheque space. Our photographer checked in when the night was still young and the nail polish was still wet—the manicure deal runs from 5 to 11 p.m. most nights—with DJs Skyler and Kid Color…
Always careful never to stumble into bad lighting, I wholly approve of any excuse to flip the switch altogether in favor of candlelight’s ever-flattering glow. That’s why Earth Hour (tomorrow night from 8:30 to 9:30) is my favorite new-ish holiday…
To Be Perfectly Frank
Alexander Brunacci kept the opening of Lincoln Park’s new Franks ’N’ Dawgs (1863 N. Clybourn Ave.; 312-281-5187) quiet, despite having some serious coattails to ride—his brother, Frank, is the chef at Sixteen, the Trump tower restaurant.
I stayed in last night for the first time in weeks, and, scarcely knowing what to do with myself other than watch Dancing With the Stars and Gossip Girl, I did just that. It was satisfying, from the Duck Walk tofu Pad Thai to the moody Gossip Girl opening sequence set to my favorite Rihanna song of the moment, Rockstar 101 (feat. Slash). But, since this blog is all about going out…
Pro ballers fill out brackets, too. On Thursday, the Chicago Bulls’ power forward and 2009 first-round draft pick Taj Gibson hosted a March Madness kickoff party at the River North sports bar Bull & Bear—and while Gibson was gracious enough to sign autographs, he kept one eye on…
