Chicago’s Cocktail Geeks
photo: The Boozehound
The Boozehound and Veev: a match made in cocktail heaven.
Self-defined cocktail geek and history buff, Kyle McHugh, has a passion for all things alcohol. He does not, however, have a passion for the rules and restrictions that come along with most high-end cocktail courses, which is why he decided to start his own this past January.
The mixology lab, launched under McHugh’s The Boozehound label, has been running on a bi-monthly basis since. It goes down like this: A different bar and distiller take the lead each time and Chicago’s best bartenders?also some of McHugh’s best pals?use the featured spirit to test new recipes, which are then voted on by those present. The winning drinks typically end up on a handful of local menus, in addition to the distiller’s signature recipe list. Most recently SushiSamba Rio and a new California-based distiller called Veev got the draw. Since the events aren’t open to the public, Centerstage was there to see what was shaken and stirred.
Things were set to kick off on SushiSamba’s rooftop patio at noon, but as the world of bartending goes, late nights mean equally late mornings. The mixin’ crew, clad in tattered jeans and t-shirts, began to trickle in around 12:30 p.m. Those in attendance represented some of Chicago’s finest establishments, including Crimson Lounge, The Drawing Room, Brasserie Ruhlmann and La Madia, among others.
photo: The Boozehound
Award-winning bartender Debbi Peek preps a glass during the competition.
After fueling up on coffee and Brazilian pastries, McHugh kicked things off with a quick run-down on Brazil and its mighty sugarcane, while briefly touching on headier topics like the slavery triangle. And to assure that everyone knew what they’d be working with, he threw out pop-quiz questions regarding Veev’s main ingredient, the healthful Acai berry. But before the crafty bartenders could put their creativity to good use, they’d have to shake up a few signature cocktails already on Veev’s menu. The drinks that rated highest would stay, while the others would be replaced with the winning mixologist’s creations.
Tops among the contestants were Myong Park, head bartender at McCormick and Schmick’s (Gold Coast) and DJ Love of The Drawing Room. Myong’s “Brazilian Passion” combined Veev, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white and passion fruit. DJ Love also found inspiration in eggs and fruit with his jussaira de melon, a mix of fresh lime and watermelon juices, Agave nectar, Veev and egg white. Both drinks were refreshingly light and made for the perfect afternoon aperitif?and, more importantly, both may be available on a cocktail list near you sometime soon.
When McHugh isn’t busy mixing and mingling with his fellow bartenders, he conducts classes on beer, wine, spirits and bartending for groups of one to 100. McHugh is also in the throes of opening his own full-service beer, wine and spirits boutique called Drinks over Dearborn. In addition to its serious selection of local and imported drinks, the shop will also carry specialty items like gluten-free beer, fine kosher wine and plenty of organic products.
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Where to Watch the Cubs in the Playoffs
Is this the year, Cubs fans? Whatever happens during the Cubbies’ playoff run, you’ll want to be there to watch it. Here are some of our picks for the best places around Wrigleyville to watch the game (and even grab some good grub while you’re at it):
More of a Sox fan? Check out these bars instead.
Vines on Clark
Brought to you by the same owners as The Cubby Bear, Vines on Clark, the hood’s only rooftop dining venue, is a dressier way to enjoy the Wrigley Field experience. Trade the Old Style draft for a pink lemonade martini made with Svedka citron, Triple Sec, cranberry juice and sour mix, sit back and take in the cries of the crowd. On non-game days, take advantage of the free parking lot and watch all the playoff games on one of four flatscreen HDTVs that show any game broadcast on Comcast or DirecTV.
This American trattoria is staffed by alums from top tier restaurants like Spiaggia, Everest and Osteria via Stato and, consequently, specializes in Italian eats (try the garganelli with proscuitto, peas and red peppers). Paninis and salads provide fare for more the red, white and blue crowd.
Full Shilling
We’ve got just three words for you: free hot dogs. Yes, the Shilling serves ‘em up before and after games (with a drink purchase, of course). And they’re amazingly fresh and good. While you can expect a full-on party atmosphere, they do their best to keep it in check and keep the drinks flowing for all. A standing special of $4 big cans of Old Style is the way to go, and they also serve a pretty good menu for a ballpark bar. But admit it, we had you at “free hot dogs,” didn’t we? Redmond’s
Located just a few blocks from Wrigley Field, Redmond’s is a world away from its rowdier, raunchier neighbors. A neighborhood pub with the requisite long, wooden bar and sometimes-sticky floor, it is home to Wrigleyville’s more sophisticated beer drinkers. Even on game days, the crowd remains somewhat reserved, seated at booths and opting for import drafts rather than the Pabst-drenched gauntlets found around the corner. It’s got Bud Light, but also serves Blue Moon (and 11 other beers on tap). Instead of dripping bottles served from tubs by indifferent bimbos, Redmond’s offers at least 25 different types of bottled beer slid across the bar by some of the friendliest bartenders in town.
Mullen’s on Clark
This is a sports bar in the classic sense: Five TVs and two big screen projectors play the game, while beer-drinking patrons play foosball, Golden Tee and darts (the real kind, with metal tips, so watch out!). Music plays at a raucous but not deafening volume, making Mullen’s as suited to friendly conversation as it is for a little friendly competition. The backyard beer garden consists of several tables set up in the alley, offering a better chance of finding a seat and a smaller chance of having beer spilled on you.
Trader Todd’s
Perhaps best known for being co-owned by Don Gibb, who played Ogre in the “Revenge of the Nerds” movies, Trader Todd’s is more Animal House than nerd-fest. Parked out front is the “Tiki Transit,” a converted minibus that acts as a free shuttle from Trader Todd’s to Wrigley Field and back on game days, in case you can’t make the three-block walk. Trader Todd’s namesake beers are brewed in Wisconsin and include lager, red and pilsner varieties. A couple more mainstream beer varieties are available as well, but none are endorsed by “Ogre” himself.
Sports Corner
Let’s face it: A dim, cavernous sports bar can be counterproductive to a day outside at the old ballpark. Luckily, open windows and tables seating on the sidewalk along Sheffield here creates a sports bar-cum-European cafe vibe, except patrons here swap coffee and duck salad for beer and chicken wings. Refreshingly, the Sports Corner makes a conscious effort not to pack its guests in like cattle. You can comfortably sit back and watch the droves of fans descend from the L station onto Addison and be glad you’re not among the masses waiting in line to enter Gate D.
Harry Caray’s Tavern
A relative newcomer on the scene, Harry Caray’s took over for the old Hi-Tops just before the season and has been going strong. If you’re lucky enough to get a table, sit back and enjoy a plethora of TV screens everywhere you look — including a 10-foot HD TV in the back of the bar. They take the bar food menu up a notch with a burger bar that has plenty of options for all. And the chicken vesuvio is a favorite at all of the HC locations.
Not in Wrigleyville? There are sports bars throughout Chicagoland sure to be showing the game.
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