Happy Hour International

Khaosan Rd Thai
This vibrant Thai restaurant offers fresh and flavoursome cuisine in a modern and stylish atmosphere. Diners are able to select from the favourite Thai dishes, or try one of the many exceptional Chef?s Specials. Situated conveniently on Miller Street in the North Sydney CBD, Khao San Rd is the ideal location for business lunches, intimate dinners and group bookings. The welcoming staff will ensure a unique and pleasant dining experience.

Jpb Restaurant – Swiss?tel Sydney – For a quick time-out, try the Express Lunch at the Crossroads Bar 12-2pm. I…
For a quick time-out, try the Express Lunch at the Crossroads Bar 12-2pm. It’s fast, fresh and full of flavour. Chef’s Special of the Day and a glass of wine for $17pp. Bookings essential. (02) 9238 7082 or crossroads.sydney@swissotel.com

You tube clip of the week!

Scorpions Kiss @ Exit 66
DJ Joe Dert pushed his product on the Ft. Lauderdale crowd that packed the walls of Exit 66, the newest nightclub by the guys behind the Crobar brand. A mashup of rock & hip hop kept everyone moving on the large dancefloor, while they took advantage of free drinks till midnight!

Scorpions Kiss @ Exit 66

DJ Joe Dert pushed his product on the Ft. Lauderdale crowd that packed the walls of Exit 66, the newest nightclub by the guys behind the Crobar brand. A mashup of rock & hip hop kept everyone moving on the large dancefloor, while they took advantage of free drinks till midnight!

Miami Dolphins footballer Chris Brown was there soaking up the club’s fun & quirky atmosphere at a table with friends. Exit 66 is on the path to becoming a great addition to the South Florida nightlife scene.

Nightclub Photography Tips (Part 2)
To get rich, vibrant, colorful nightclub photos, nightlife photographers need to use slower shutter speeds than they might be used to. With a slower shutter speed, your camera has time to suck in more ambient light, creating a brighter, more colorful image.

Nightclub Photography Tips

Shutter Speed Settings

To get rich, vibrant, colorful nightclub photos, nightlife photographers need to use slower shutter speeds than they might be used to. With a slower shutter speed, your camera has time to suck in more ambient light, creating a brighter, more colorful image.

For this image of Busta Rhymes, I used a shutter speed of 0.3 seconds. This means the camera’s shutter stays open for 0.3 seconds, which forced the club lights in the background to really pop out in a wash of color.

But with longer shutter speeds, it is harder to keep the image crisp and sharp. Any movement from your subjects will tend to create a blur. In a rowdy nightclub environment, it’s hard to keep people still for a photo.

To learn how I keep the subject sharp, even with a long shutter speed, check out my nightlife photography guide below:

Independance Pool Party @ The Surfcomber
he 5th Annual Independance 4th of July Pool Party in Miami Beach was a fantastic event just like last year. Bikini clad vixens prancing around to the music of Danny Tenaglia at the Surfcomber’s beachside pool will always be a good party!

Miami 4th of July Pool Party

The 5th Annual Independance 4th of July Pool Party in Miami Beach was a fantastic event just like last year. Bikini clad vixens prancing around to the music of Danny Tenaglia at the Surfcomber’s beachside pool will always be a good party!

Models & Playboy Playmates along with muscle-bound supermen make for some great people watching entertainment. Check out the photos and pretend like you were there.

Cosplay @ Sushi Samba
Once a month, on a Tuesday night, the Cosplay Wasabi Fashion Party takes over Sushi Samba on Lincoln Road in South Beach. There is a different color theme each time, this month it happened to be a pink invasion.

Cosplay @ Sushi Samba

Once a month, on a Tuesday night, the Cosplay Wasabi Fashion Party takes over Sushi Samba on Lincoln Road in South Beach. There is a different color theme each time, this month it happened to be a pink invasion.

The Wasabi Fashion aliens came down from planet pink to convert sushi lovers into dance maniacs and propagate their interplanetory mating rituals on the humans of earth.

Once the invasion is complete, Queen of Cosplay, Pamela Wasabi, gathers up her army and plans next month’s attack on the unsuspecting South Beach scene.

Why Chicago needs food trucks
It’s time the city caught up with LA, New York and (yikes) Hoboken

At the end of last year, I wrote a three-item wish list of things I’d like to see in 2010. My first wish: to see food trucks operating on the streets of Chicago.

Where to Watch the White Sox

photo: courtesy of Bridget Cicenia; pictured: Jack Schaller of Schaller’s Pump

If you’ve never visited Sox country, you need to know one thing: It ain’t like Wrigleyville. The bars land more than a pop-fly distance from the Cell; you can actually park your car outside the stadium; and the shine of the World Series trophy has just started to fade (to be replaced by another one this year?). Whatever happens, it won’t keep Sox fans from their favorite pre- and post-game watering holes. Win or lose, we’ll get you good ‘n’ sauced while cheering on the “good guys.”

Do you bleed Cubby blue? Check out these bars instead.

Schaller’s Pump
This legendary Bridgeport bar, with many Chicago mayors practically making it a second City Hall, steeps with political history. Like a century-old campaign promise (Schaller’s has been open since 1881), they’ll serve you cheap beer and chow with cheer. The building screams serious Sox territory: A huge mural decorates one side, proclaiming “Welcome White Sox Fans” to the rallying crowds of diehards that pack the place during every game. Inside, nary a mention of the local National League team is uttered, so order a plate of corned beef hash and bask in the revelry of your fellow fan.

Cork & Kerry
We couldn’t spew a discussion of Sox bars without mentioning an Irish pub. This Irish-to-the-core Beverly bar hides pure black-and-white baseball beneath its green veneer. And even though you’ll have to trek a fair distance from the park, its promise of a warm, wood-paneled interior, beautiful beer garden and TVs broadcasting the Sox makes it worth the haul. For your trouble, you’ll score $7.50 buckets of five domestic beers on Tuesday and Sunday, draft beers like Guinness, Harp, Bass and Smithwicks and access to one of the area’s largest selections of Irish whiskey. If you need another reason to go, we strongly suggest you reconsider your affiliation. Shinnick’s
Another old-school Bridgeport boozer, Shinnick’s takes fanaticism so far it posts a White Sox tribute on its website. If you want to view clips of the stadium opener or a three-minute film covering the tavern’s World Series insanity, shinnicks.com covers it. Alas, if you want a drink, you’ll have to stop by in person. Family-run for three generations, the pub’s solid offerings include barbecue eats and baggo (AKA beanbags, cornhole or whatever you want to call it). Bottles cost $2.50, and don’t expect fancy-pants specials or quality brews. With liquor setting you back no more than $4, what else could you need? Perhaps, some change for the jukebox. We’re willing to bet it stocks Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin.”

Seven Ten Lounge
This Lincoln Park bowling outpost hints at being a tried-and-true Sox bar in its description of upcoming events: “During all the White Sox Games and St. Louis Cardinal games, we show all games at all times on the MLB package!” Notice the gaping hole of coverage where the Cubs should be. Rolling strikes while the struggling Sox try to find the strike zone couldn’t be more fun, plus $3 Coors Light and $1 hot dogs and chili dogs during the games will keep you sated. In the off-chance you see a Cubs game playing, track down the interloper who requested it; despite its North Side locale, Seven Ten makes it clear that Cubby blue sits firmly in the minority here.

Shoeless Joe’s
Legendary Black Sox Joe Jackson can’t get into the Hall of Fame after all these years, but at least you can hoist a drink at his namesake bar. It’s not a Sox bar, per se, but the owner bleeds black and white, so that’s good enough for us. Sure, it sponsors trips to Wrigley and the Cell, and wines by the glass top the drink list rather than brewskies, but we must recognize that not all baseball fans are so segregationist in their sports leanings. Some fans can appreciate fine vintages and teams from both sides of town.

Ricobene’s
You can work up an appetite watching all this Sox action. Head to a secluded spot right next to the highway (you actually park under the Dan Ryan) for the famous breaded steak sandwich, a meal in itself. If it takes you awhile to finish (and to clean up the red sauce on your fingers), don’t worry; the game will be on any of several TVs scattered around the dining room.

Catcher’s Inn
Everywhere you look in this small neighborhood bar you’ll find reminders of its proximity to U.S. Cellular Field (it’s about four blocks away); from the mini pennants and posted schedules to the black and white checkered ceilings, you’re sure to feel at home here if you root for the Sox. Daily beer specials abound, and there’s the occasional open mic night in case you get the urge to belt out some Journey after a win.

Cobblestones Bar and Grill
Serving a typically older crowd of Sox fans since 1990, Cobblestones brings some New Orleans charm to the South Side via its muffaletta sandwiches, served in a classic bar outfitted in plenty of dark wood. If you’re tired of battling traffic, make the bar a part of your game-day experience; come in for a meal or drink before the game and you can park in the adjoining lot (just a short walk to the ballpark) for free.

Kroll’s South Loop
The Chicago version of this Green Bay institution (the original is located directly across the street from Lambeau Field) smartly steers away from football. And even though both baseball teams are represented with memorabilia, it’s clear from the crowd that the Sox are the main draw. During game time, you’ll be able to watch Mark Buehrle and others on the more than 20 flat screens lining the place. Any other time, you might see them in the flesh, enjoying Kroll’s burgers and beers. On Opening Day, the bar offers $12 buckets of MGD, MGD 64 and Miller Lite; if you’re going to the game, bring your ticket stub in for 10 percent off your tab.

More Opening Day deals: Mitchell’s Tap
This small neighborhood bar hosts its annual barbecue at 11 a.m.; grab brats, burgers and more in the backyard before watching the game inside.

Buffalo Wings & Rings (Bridgeport)
WBBM-670 The Score will be broadcasting live from this wingery between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; if you’ve got tickets to the game, you can grab a $4 shuttle to the park at 11:30 a.m.

Morgan’s Bar and Grill on Maxwell Street
Be one of the first 50 patrons at this confusingly named bar and you’ll get a free shuttle ride over to the stadium – or you can just stay and enjoy $12 buckets of Miller Lite and $5 Bacardi cocktails.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

Review – Pierre Gagnaire: Tameike
Perched on the 36th floor of the ANA InterContinental Hotel, the new Pierre Gagnaire Tokyo features a sophisticated interior with fantastic views of the city. The earth-toned palate is stylishly subdued, and the oversized couchettes are invitingly cushy….

Review – Curry Up: Jingumae 2-chome
Having conquered the worlds of music and fashion, “A Bathing Ape” founder Nigo has turned his attention to curry rice. The small Curry Up shop on the northern edge of Harajuku was designed by Wonderwall and reportedly named by hiphop producer Pharrell Williams. The look is simple but stylish – a white concrete storefront with a yellow neon sign, and lots of stainless steel and concrete on the interior. The modern style is tempered by subtly kitsch elements like the faux-wood-grained table and counter tops, old-fashioned white curtains in the window, and the gold-bordered shop logo with a smiling, mustachioed chef. The music is old-school, mainstream reggae – we enjoyed both “You Don’t Love Me (No No No)” by Dawn Penn and “One Love” by Bob Marley during our first ten minutes in the shop. The high point of our meal (from a design point of view) was the little dish of pickles that came with our curry. They’ve taken the vivid pink, green and white curry-shop standard pickle assortment, diced everything up very fine and mixed it all together in a pretty, bright swirl of colors.

Mandarin Bar
The name Mandarin Oriental has become a byword for high end hotel glamour and that’s certainly the case with their Tokyo outpost. Looking out over the historic Nihonbashi district, the stylish and spacious 37th floor bar has staggering views out over the city and plays host to live jazz most nights, of a suitably chilled out variety…

Help save the Kiwi with gbk
Gourmet Burger Kitchen is kick starting Spring by doing their bit to help save New Zealand?s endangered Kiwi.

Chinawhite Wednesdays @ Chinawhite (30th Jun 10)
Located in just off Oxford Street, the recent multi-million pound opening of Chinawhite has certainly fit the cause. Expect a host of socialites, models and celebrities partying at this trendy hotspot…

Glam London Wednesdays @ Cirque Du Soir (30th Jun 10)
Glam London Exclusively present, Cirque Du Soir Wednesdays!!! Ladies Complimentary Entrance and Drinks! ?♥?♥? CiRqUe Du SoIr ?♥?♥? Roll up, roll up, Cirque Du Soir, t…

Mayfairs No.1 Tuesday party @ funkybuddha (29th Jun 10)
Located in the elegance of Berkley Square, the recent multi-million pound refurbishment of funkybuddha has certainly fit the cause. Expect a host of socialites, models and celebrities partying at this…

Fences
Denzel Washington is perfectly cast in August Wilson’s modern classic drama.

Faux Speakeasy
Where to Drink 2010: We Pick Elsa as Best Faux Speakeasy.

H Cafe

My favorite internet cafe

Mighty SF

If you want obnoxious door staff, go to Mighty

Herb Alpert donates to CalArts
The multi-Grammy winner has given $15 million to the School of Music at the California Institute of the Arts.

Eight-time Grammy winner and Los Angeles native Herb Alpert, who in November pledged $30 million to UCLA to establish the cross-disciplinary UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, has now given $15 million to the School of Music at the California Institute of the Arts. In recognition of the gift, to be announced today, the school will be renamed the Herb Alpert School of Music.

Dylan, Hendrix DVDs show rock ‘n’ roll history in action
New DVDs show Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix performances that changed the course of pop music.

There haven’t been that many nights in rock ‘n’ roll when you could say after a performance that music will probably never be the same again, but two marvelous new DVDs let us revisit two such evenings.

Sir Stamford at Circular Quay – The Dining Room – WEEKDAY BURGER SPECIAL- Only $19.00 Enjoy a delicious burger for lunch Mond…
WEEKDAY BURGER SPECIAL- Only $19.00 Enjoy a delicious burger for lunch Monday to Friday at The Bar. Includes a beer or glass of house wine. Choose from seven combinations ofburger combos from around the world and savour the great atmosphere.

King 143 – $19 Express lunch. 4-course $60 per person lunch & dinner specials. for res…
$19 Express lunch. 4-course $60 per person lunch & dinner specials. for reservations call 9231 0143

Memorial Day Weekend Events in Chicago

Stop flipping burgers and get out there already!

Really, how many family BBQs can you take in three days? If you want to think a little outside the box this Memorial Day weekend, here are some Chicago bar and restaurant events that might fit the bill (if you do just want to stay in the backyard, check out these grilling tips from Weber Grill executive chef Albert Gonzales).

Mac’s American Pub
Friday, May 28 – Monday, May 31
Celebrate the opening of Mac’s new, 18-seat sidewalk patio on Division Street with weekend specials including $9 pitchers of Bud Light (Friday), $5 mimosas (Saturday) and $2 PBR, $3 Jameson shots and $5 bloody marys (Sunday). All-day deals on Monday include $3 Sprecher Hefe Weiss drafts and a half-price half-pound burger with hand-cut fries, as well as the weekend brunch menu from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Rockwood Place
Friday, May 28 – Sunday, May 30
ESPN 1000 radio personalities Waddle and Silvy broadcast live from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday. The announcers will give away four rooftop tickets for the Crosstown Classic. Specials include $1 sliders, $2 flatbreads, $3 half-slab ribs, $8 Miller Lite and Bud Light pitchers, $10 peach sangria pitchers, $12 4 Rebels Dragonfruit Vodka lemonade pitchers all weekend long. The LaSalle Power Co. House Band plays live after the Cubs-Cardinals games Saturday and Monday, while The Personnel plays Sunday (no cover charge).

Division Ale House
Friday, May 28 – Monday, May 31
Heat up your long weekend with this Wicker Park bar’s new “suicide” wings, slathered in sauce made with bhut jolokia pepper extract (you’ll need to sign a waiver; the wings are $9, free if you eat all 10). Also on special this weekend: $4 Magic Hat #9 and $15 all-you-can-eat fish and chips (Friday); $7 build-your-own bloody mary bar (Saturday-Sunday); $4 Burning River Pale Ale, $5 PBR with a Jameson shot (Sunday); and $2 Bud Light bottles, 25-percent off appetizers and a free bags tournament at 6 p.m. (Monday).

John Barleycorn (Schaumburg)
Friday, May 28 – Sunday, May 30
Every day of the weekend offers something different at this massive bar, from a $9.95 BBQ rib dinner and live music from the 7th Heaven band on Friday (9 p.m.; $10 cover), to $15 Bud Light buckets and $6 4 Rebels cocktails on Saturday, to $3 beers and $4 Rebels cocktails on Sunday.

Stretch Run
All weekend long, you can enjoy $4 Sparkling Stripes (Chardonnay, Sierra Mist and grenadine) at this OTB bar.

Tin Lizzie
Saturday, May 29
Here’s something that’s both serious AND seriously fun: on Saturday, this Lincoln Park bar will feature guest bartenders who are veterans of the nation’s armed services (after all, the holiday is supposed to be about remembering those who served our country). All tips collected will go to the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Pinstripes (South Barrington)
Saturday, May 29
The Memorial Weekend Block Party at this entertainment complex will feature family-friendly events like a 5K run and walk, face painting, jugglers, kids games and a performance by 10,000 Maniacs. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be available for $5.

District Bar
Sunday, May 30, 4-10 p.m.; $20
The Backyard Bar-b-que at this River North bar has all the elements of a great barbecue: unlimited food (burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken), drinks (two included with admission price) and music (Acoustic Playback, 5-8 p.m.). All that’s missing is the actual backyard.

The Southern
Sunday, May 30, 6:30 p.m.; $16
Chef Cary Taylor celebrates the holiday with a traditional Southern Lowcountry boil – a one-pot medley of shell-on shrimp, andouille, new potatoes and corn on the cob boiled in water with Old Bay seasoning, served up by the chef himself in the dining room ’til it runs out (service begins at 7 p.m.). Not a stew person? The regular menu will also be available.

HUB 51
Sunday, May 30
The best thing about long weekends is that Sunday night feels like Saturday night. Make the most of it at this Summer Kickoff Party featuring half-price drinks from HUB 51′s new summer cocktail menu, including choices like The Back Nine (Beefeater 24, lemonade and organic iced tea), the pomegranate mojito (Don Q rum, mint and pomegranate) and Moscato Rose on draft. You can also get a full slab of ribs for $19.95, and enjoy tunes from DJ E-Six all night long.

Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen
Sunday, May 30; 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
It’s not really summer until you have a beach party…and this Crystal Lake bar is hosting one on Sunday, complete with karaoke, $3 house margaritas, $4 pitchers and $5 bomb shots.

Grand Central
Sunday, May 30
Celebrate no work or school on Monday with $3 domestic drafts, $4 import drafts, $5 grape and cherry bombs and $6 burgers all day Sunday. A DJ spins at 9 p.m. with no cover charge.

John Barleycorn
Sunday, May 30 – Monday, May 31
Enjoy a free Sunday-night party featuring $15 Bud Light buckets, $7 one-topping pizzas and $1 sliders, with a DJ spinning at 10 p.m. Then come back on the holiday itself for the regular weekend brunch menu from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., plus a $12 all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet on the patio from 3-9 p.m., with options including ribs, burgers, Italian sausage, chicken and more (plus $15 Bud Light buckets and $5 Rebel Palmers).

Francesca’s Tavola
Monday, May 31
As part of its “Eat and Earn” promotion, the Arlington Heights restaurant will send 20 percent of all sales on Memorial Day to Legion Post 208. Also, any member of the military who comes dressed in uniform will receive 50 percent off his or her meal.

English
Monday, May 31, open 2 p.m.-2 a.m.
English will screen the Hawks-Flyers game at 7 p.m. on the bar’s 10 flat-screen TVs. Specials include $2 lamb sliders, $8 fish and chips, $3 domestic bottles and a $9 trio of bar snacks (pick any three).

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

DJ Bad Boy Bill