Your sandwich choices may reveal personality, compatibility
Posted in Chicago on July 30th, 2009 Your sandwich choices may reveal personality, compatibility
Chew on this: Sandwich compatibility test finds love waiting between 2 slices of bread
Picture yourself in line at a deli. The person in front of you is strikingly attractive, embodying everything you would want, physically, in a mate. The kind of person with whom you could easily imagine creating/adopting/ignoring children together. You fantasize about you and this person lounging on the beach, shopping for kitchen equipment, hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Since I’ve worked crush season at a winery, my soul dies a little each time I see someone add ice and fruit to a finely crafted vino. For this reason, I’ve turned my nose up at sangria for years, but after a cup of the stuff at a hot summer fest, I’m now a full-fledged member of the sangria fan club. Wanna join? Membership is easy?just head to one of these spots for a frosty mug of this Spanish favorite:
Splurge at Vermilion
Sangria-buffs and wine-haters alike will adore Vermilion’s upscale take on a classic drink. Its Herbed White Sangria ($10, glass; $35 for a pitcher) ups the ante on summertime cocktails. Dry white wine, brandy and Cointreau provide potency; mint and lemongrass give herbal kick; while juices from tamarind and passionfruit mingle with mandarin syrup and fresh lychee to build a refreshingly exotic profile. The whole thing is tied together with a splash of ginger beer, a trick that makes this one dangerous brew: you’ll be halfway through the second pitcher before you remember that you’re drinking something alcoholic.
Drink like a diva at Coobah
This Lakeview spot “acquired” its covetable sangria recipe from a friend in the Dominican Republic; we like to imagine that a covert spy mission, complete with boat chases, helicopter crashes and microfilms was necessary to transport the top-secret formula to the United States. The refreshing medley includes chunks of freshly cut fruit that marry perfectly with Spanish wine. If you’re feeling particularly diva-like, step it up with a J-Lo?Coobah’s lovely sangria frothed up with pineapple and served in a sugar-rimmed glass. So good, you’ll forget that J-Lo is no longer a relevant member of the pop-culture elite. $6 for a glass, $18 for a pitcher, $7 for the J-Lo.
Indulge after a game at Twist
Who wants to muscle through the drunken Cubs fans swarming every sportsbar in Wrigleyville, when Twist’s charming sidewalk patio beckons? This cozy tapas den keeps the enormous pitchers flowing (they’re a liter each, that’s equal to 1 1/3 bottles of wine) through the warm season. Specialty blends, often including mango, peach and guava versions, are kept in heavy-rotation, but the traditional stuff doesn’t disappoint; generous chunks of fresh fruit, including lemons, find the perfect balance with a tasty red. For only $6.50, you get a pint glass full of the stuff, but if you’re drinking with friends you’ll want to order up a pitcher (or three) for $23.
Make a choice at Sangria
If you’re going to name your restaurant Sangria, you better walk the walk?and this Clybourn Triangle spot does it with swagger. The casual vibe of this laid-back tapas joint likely comes from the copious quantities of boozy punch it serves up, and there’s no skimping on variety. Sip on traditional rojo or try out one of the exciting flavors; white peach, raspberry, mango and cava-infused champagne are all on hand to wash down your paella. Grab a glass for $5.50, a half-pitcher for $12.95 or a whole pitcher for only $19.95.
Keep it simple at Emilio’s
Should you find yourself caught in Lincoln Park with a tremendous thirst (or just the urge to get tipsy mid-day), this popular tapas spot has you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for red, white or champagne versions of the Spanish staple, each sangria here is well-balanced, not too sweet, packed with fruity goodness and at a price that’s right; Grab a glass for $5.50 or share a pitcher ($17.95). Watch out, as the pitchers here are pretty tiny. Look out for occasional specialty sangrias on offer, peach and mango tend to crop up every now and again.
Wanna make it yourself?
I’m still honing my recipe, but this is what I’ve figured out so far: Add slices of lemon, lime and orange to a bottle of shiraz or malbec (milk carafes work great for pitchers), then toss in some chunks of mango and strawberry. Add to this mixture about half a bottle of ginger beer, some simple syrup and a healthy splash of Cointreau. Let the whole thing marinate in the fridge overnight, and add ice cubes when you’re ready to serve (adding ice too early waters it down).
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This Saturday night, cities across the world will go dark for one hour in honor of Earth Hour, an international event organized by the World Wildlife Fund. From 8:30-9:30 p.m., businesses and households will be encouraged to turn off all lights and electrical appliances in order to conserve energy and perhaps make the world a little greener. This year, a handful of local restaurants and bars are doing their part in raising awareness of global warming by offering eco-friendly environments, food and drink. So instead of sitting alone in your candlelit apartment, bike or walk to one of these spots to share in the green festivities.
Between Boutique Cafe & Lounge
Head over to this Wicker Park international spot for Chef Radhika Desai’s Earth Hour special, a dish created without the use of any energy or electricity. From 8:30-9:30 p.m. the restaurant will also go dark, serving only by candlelight.
Markethouse
Also forgoing the use of electricity and heat is the brand-new Markethouse, which will offer a “Green Hour” menu from 6-10 p.m. Diners can sip martinis made from Rain Organic vodka while enjoying a menu of non-cooked items, including seared tuna with balsamic-glazed treviso salad, the Markethouse chop salad with tarragon-mustard dressing, chilled poached shrimp, tomato gazpacho, beef carpaccio and more. Cocktails will be served from 4-11 p.m. An acoustic set from guitarist Joe Tortorici and vocalist Victoria Kubina will take place from 7-9:30. Markethouse will donate 10 percent of its sales to the World Wildlife Fund.
Nacional 27
River North’s Nacional 27 is showing its love for Earth with a candlelit lounge and dining room, a minimally-lit kitchen and even a limited use of water. Instead of washing bar glasses in the usual commercial dishwasher, the staff is opting for the three-compartment sink. The restaurant will also be putting its entertainment to the green test, showcasing trumpet player Victor Garcia on only a single amplifier rather than in full surround sound.
Red Kiva
On Saturday evening you’ll find this West Loop lounge serving up the GoGreenTini, a drink concocted of Absolut vanilla vodka, sour apple pucker and a splash of sweet and sour, served with a cherry. Guests can enjoy the $12 cocktail by candlelight.
Zocalo
Make Earth Hour the ultimate date night by sharing a cocktail made for two at this River North restaurant and tequila bar. Mixologists will be stirring up the Earth Hour Cazuela, a drink of Cuervo citrus tequila, aguardiente, white wine with citrus juices and a splash of Squirt citrus soda. Served in a large traditional terra cotta bowl with two straws, this may be the perfect way to profess your love…for Mother Earth.
Cityscape Bar
Head over to River North’s Holiday Inn for the best view of Chicago’s dimming skyline. Located on the 15th floor, Cityscape Bar will offer organic drinks all day long. Specials include all Tru organic vodka and Tru organic vanilla vodka drinks for $5, Peak organic amber ale for $4 a bottle and Clos Du Bois chardonnay or organic sauvignon blanc for $5 a glass.
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Party After Pride
With Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade just around the corner (Sunday, June 28 at noon – and don’t forget Pride Fest on Friday and Saturday), it’s time to start planning the after-party. These local bars, clubs and parking lots (yes, parking lots) have already handled the details, now all you have to do is show up.
Beat the heat at Sidetrack
Established in 1982 with no signs and beer cases as seating, this Boystown bar doubled in size within two years; today it’s one of the largest gay pubs in the city. The spacious, steel-clad interior boasts several sectioned-off areas including a swank outdoor patio and a rooftop deck. And while it’s bound to be packed on parade day, it’s still one of the few bars where your chances of carrying on a conversation are likely. That might have a little something to do with Sidetrack’s lack of a dance floor, though the stageless interior has never stopped the club’s slick crowd from busting a move. You can even beat the parade heat by watching the festivities from Sidetrack’s air-conditioned interior (open at 11 a.m.) while slurping down one of its popular fruit-fueled, liquor-infused slushees.
Disco all day at Crew & Wild Pug
Located in Uptown next to the historic Green Mill, this gay sports bar is just far enough from the parade route to keep things (somewhat) calm. And because nobody wants to miss out on the festivities, Crew will wait to open its doors until after the parade at 3 p.m. To celebrate, the pub will be decked out in a disco theme, complete with dancing at the adjacent Wild Pug bar. But before you hit the dance floor, we suggest fueling up with a little something from Crew’s menu, like pulled-pork sandwiches, mini corn dogs or beer-battered chicken strips. Those looking to stay fit for summer can opt for one of Crew’s freshly made salads or wraps; we recommend the fire-grilled cobb salad with spicy-marinated chicken or the vegetarian’s revenge wrap with grilled black bean patty, veggies and jack cheese on a whole wheat tortilla. But hey, no one’s gonna blame you if you head straight for the booze, especially when Crew boasts more than 60 domestic and imported brews like Bell’s Oberon, Blue Moon, Delirium and Red Stripe.
Fill your face at Big Chicks
Venture a few blocks north (and a little to the east) of Crew and you’ll find Big Chicks, where plenty of men and women come to kick it on Sundays for the pub’s infamous free buffet. This Uptown favorite is a bit removed from the parade route, making it the ideal getaway for those looking to escape the madness. But that doesn’t mean you’re in store for peace and quiet, as Big Chicks is almost always packed with loyal locals.
Bust a move at Berlin
We can’t think of a popular gay bar where you won’t find at least some trace of dancing, but this is the place to go if you’re itchin’ to show off some salacious moves?because at Berlin, anything goes. The club is known for bringing in some of the hottest names in DJing and its post-Pride party is no exception. Expect plenty of crazy lights and old school favorites, as the ’90s dance show kicks off with a lineup of DJs, including The Lady Speedstick, Butch Cassidy, Lady Miss Navy Pier, Nina Ramone and John Twatters.
Get down with Girl Blast at Ann Sather (Belmont)
La Tache Owner Lynne Malec will host Chicago’s biggest post-pride party for women from 1-10 p.m. in Ann Sather’s parking lot. The 11th annual Girl Blast will feature burgers, hot dogs, cocktails and guest DJs all day long for just $12 (you could also win a seven-day Alaskan cruise). Guests can also head over to La Tache, where Malec will offer the restaurant’s signature martinis, like the Andersonville (vodka, rum, pineapple juice) and the Riviera (vodka, Campari, orange juice, soda) for a measly six bucks each. In addition to the discounted drinks, a selection of French-inspired desserts will be offered at half-price, including a trio of gelatos, profiteroles, chocolate-raspberry layer cake and key lime pie.
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One has to admire a bar that aims to offer a 'taste of New Orleans in Tokyo.' But this quirky, cozy bar with its homely, accessible atmosphere really pulls it off. Ideal for those feeling a tad lost in translation, those who want to slow down and chill out after a spell in the frantic Japanese capital… 
South Loop club The Shrine.
