The Best Of Gay Chicago
Best Gay Chicago

THE BEST OF GAY CHICAGO!




 WELCOME TO  BEST GAY CHICAGO!


We officially launched this month and will be adding lots of information and news to the site in the coming weeks!

The Magnificent Mile shopping
World class dining
Theatre Disctrict 
Lakefront with dozens of beaches
And of course BOYSTOWN and ANDERSONVILLE
The hearts of the gay community!


Let us be your guide to everything gay and gay-friendly in Chicago and also show you some things off the beaten path, that only the locals know about!

We’ll be covering it all! THE BEST OF GAY CHICAGO!



For advertising information and SEO  perks for your business, contact us today!


Michael Snell and  Derrick  Sorles   (773) 878-5323      or     e-mail us
!

Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

Gay Chicago Cubs Baseball - Out At The Ballgame July 27th


 

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME!  Ah, Gay Baseball! Don't ya love it?!

In recent years, a growing number of Major League Baseball teams have hosted gay and lesbian community events or groups, including the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, Oakland A's, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals and Toronto Blue Jays. Additionally, teams such as the San Francisco Giants, Florida Marlins and Baltimore Orioles, have hosted AIDS Awareness Days which raised money for AIDS organizations.

Although only a couple of former MLB players (Glenn Burke and Billy Bean) and one umpire (Dave Pallone) have come out as gay, homosexuality is a hot button issue in baseball and anti-gay slurs are still around.

Encouragingly, though, some players have acknowledged that there are likely gay players and, in a survey (Tribune Company, 2004), 74% said they would have "no problem" playing with a gay teammate.



Gaybaseballdays.com hopes to raise awareness of gay and lesbian community days with MLB teams, and encourage other teams to recognize their gay and lesbian fan base.

"We encourage individuals and community organizations to work with their local teams in organizing these events."


Here in Chicago, our gay day "Out at the Ballgame" takes place Sunday July 27th @ 1:20 in the afternoon. The Chicago Cubs play the Florida Mariners. VERY FEW tickets are available - check online at the FREE PRESS.


The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide








Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

GLAAD Comes to Chicago for a Special Event Thursday July 24th!



DATE:
Thursday, July 24, 2008


TIME:
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM


LOCATION:
Blue Water Grill


520 N. Dearborn Street @ Grand Avenue.....Chicago


 
GLAAD President Neil Giuliano and the GLAAD Board of Directors invite you to join them for a lovely Thursday evening, July 24th,  with hosted cocktails, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, great entertainment, and an update on
GLAAD's latest work.

Think back to a time when the words "gay" and "lesbian" were taboo in the media - a time when your newspaper featured blatantly homophobic stories on the front page and the entertainment industry didn't give a second thought to producing images of lesbians and gays on television that pandered to the worst anti-gay stereotypes. It's not as long ago as you might think.

Having cultivated relationships with media professionals across two decades, GLAAD's list of accomplishments denotes a significant and continuing contribution to LGBT equality. It wasn't until after a 1987 meeting with GLAAD, for example, that The New York Times changed its editorial policy to use the word "gay." Fifteen years later, GLAAD's Announcing Equality project has resulted in more than 140 other newspapers across the country -- including The New York Times -- including same-sex union announcements alongside other wedding listings.


HOST COMMITTEE
Miriam Barnard ~ David L. Bradley ~ Earl Clarkston ~ J. Michael Durnil & Stephen R. Smoot ~ Timothy Frye & Richard Pfeiffer ~ Nina Fernandez ~ Hugh A. Mathis ~ Michael Mock ~ Ken Weil, Jr.


PURCHASE GLAAD TICKETS ONLINE NOW!  $40, $80, or $125

Join us for this important and social event!


The Best of Gay Chicago  and the  New Gay Travel Guide


Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

Evan D'Angeles to Join Bailiwick's HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME



Bailiwick Repertory's Jeff Nominated production of Dennis DeYoung's new musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME has become a summer hit, playing to sold-out crowds and earning standing ovations every night. DeYoung's score has gotten fantastic reviews for ballads such as "Esmerelda" and "Paradise", along with rousing group numbers such as 'King of Fools' and 'Hail Quasimodo!" 
 
And Bailiwick is thrilled that Broadway veteran Evan D'Angeles is stepping into the roll of Quasimodo.  He has been seen on Broadway in MISS SAIGON, PACIFIC OVERTURES, CHILDREN & ART: SONDHEIM'S 75TH BIRTHDAY. He has performed in the national tours of CATS and RENT where he played Angel for six months in Chicago.  He is a proud Filipino-American actor, writer, director, choreographer and grateful AEA member, since 1996.


 
Evan replaces the remarkable George Andrew Wolff who is now performing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.
 
Gregory Franklin, as the tormented priest Frollo, and Doug Storm as Phoebus, also join the cast for the extension period. Original principals Liz Pazik as Mahiette and Dana Tretta as Esmerelda continue their roles.
 
New ensemble members include Rachel Renee, Mark LeBeau, Jessica Lauren Fisher, Kelli Clevinger, and Kendel Lester.  New Musical director is Robert Ollis.
 
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME plays Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 3:30 PM through August 31st. Tickets are $25.00 on Thursdays, $35.00 on Fridays and Sundays, and $45.00 on Saturdays through Aug 31. Group discounts of 10% are available for groups of ten or more.
 
This production of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME is being presented in a unique and thrilling way that surrounds the audience with the epic tale of unrequited love.  We meet the deformed bell-ringer Quasimodo, the tormented priest Fr. Frolllo, and the Gypsy girl Esmerelda who entrances them both in a story of great power and beauty. Bailiwick Artistic Director David Zak directs.
 
For tickets and reservations call 773-883-1090. Bailiwick also offers flexible subscription packages including Steel Pass (4 admissions for $95), Copper (6 admissions for $125), Bronze (8 admissions for $155), Silver (12 admissions for $215) or Gold (16 admissions for $275) that can be used in any combination for any show in the building any day of the week.

Tickets and subscriptions may also be purchased at online @ BAILIWICK.org


The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide



Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

THE FULL MONTY at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire


                
                     (Photo credit: Dan Rest)


Terry James, Executive Producer
                                  Andy Hite, Lead Artistic Director
                                                       Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director


Presents   The Hit Broadway Musical Comedy

                                                  THE FULL MONTY

                                                July 16 through September 21, 2008

The hilarious Broadway musical The Full Monty previews July 16, opens July 23, and runs through September 21 at The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive.
 
Originally inspired by the 1997 Academy Award-winning film, this heart-warming comedy centers around six out of work and out of shape steel workers. Jerry, Dave and their buddies all desperately need money, so they hatch a scheme to put on a show when they see the enthusiasm the local gals have for the male strippers who have come to town. But Jerry realizes that they will have to offer something “different,” like going “The Full Monty!” Will they triumph over their fears, their nerves and their zippers? Filled with razor-sharp humor and toe-tapping pizzazz, this is a one-of-a-kind musical that bares its soul to reveal its heart.  
 
The Full Monty was nominated for nine Tony Awards in 2001, including Best Musical. The same year it was the recipient of ten Drama Desk Award nominations and the winner of the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music. The show features a book by Tony Award-winner Terrence McNally (Ragtime, The Rink, Kiss of the Spider Woman), and a catchy, modern pop score by David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels).

The Full Monty stars returning favorite KC Lupp as Jerry, with Joe Coots as Dave, Michael Gerhart as Harold, Milton Craig Nealy as Horse, Jason Shuffler as Ethan, and Stephen Schellhardt as Malcolm. Also featured is Zach Ford as Teddy, Scott Alan Jones as Keno, Matthew Levy as Nathan, Kymberly Mellen as Vicki, Abby Mueller as Georgie, Alene Robertson as Jeanette, Summer Smart as Pam, and Tempe Thomas as Estelle.  Rounding out the cast is Jeff Dumas, Karl Hamilton, James Earl Jones II, Robin Long, and Holly Stauder.

The performance schedule for The Full Monty is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.  With the purchase of a $55 ticket on Wednesdays and Thursdays, dinner in either Kings Wharf or Fairfield Inn restaurants is included. This special offer is based on dining availability. All other performance ticket prices are $45.00, excluding tax and handling fees. A $5.00 discount for students and seniors is valid on Wednesday and Sunday matinee performances. Dinner packages for Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances are available for an additional $40.00 per person at King’s Wharf and $30.00 at Fairfield Inn.  Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit  MARRIOTT.


The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide

Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

PAWS Chicago Annual Beach Party Benefit - ALL PAWS ON DECK - July 17th


 

Hate leaving your little pooch at home while you are out kicking your heals up?
Take your pet out for a night on the town!

PAWS Chicago (Pets Are Worth Saving) is the city's largest No Kill humane organization.
Through a solution-based
approach to animal welfare, PAWS Chicago has placed Chicago on track to become a No Kill city where pets are no longer destroyed because they are homeless.

Since PAWS Chicago's founding in 1997, the number of homeless pets euthanized per year has dropped from 42,561  to 19,701 - more than a 50 percent decrease!

The 6th Annual PAWS Chicago Beach Party, All Paws On Deck! is a fun, pet-friendly, summer celebration! While  pups and their owners lounge by the beach, they will enjoy cool summer cocktails and an open bar, a beach-themed  dinner buffet, a doggie buffet, dancing and a one-of-a-kind silent auction! Every dollar raised from this event enables  PAWS Chicago to continue their life-saving work!

Purchase tickets online for PAWS 6th Annual Beach Party Benefit.



The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide


Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

Best Gay Sports Bar Chicago - North End



With 20 television monitors (and a few 60" plasmas) , several pool tables and several dart boards, NORTH END is the best gay sports bar around Boystown.

Overlooked by many people, it draws a diverse neighborhood crowd of friendly people. Super-friendly staff (you may even be served by a porn star...) and reasonable prices on drinks and beer.

Even if you are not really into sports, North End is a great place to have a drink and hang out with friends - or make some new friends. However,  if there's a Cubs, Bulls, Bears or White Sox game happening, everyone here's watching. But post-work or most times when there is no big game happening, the crowd is laid back and there to have a good time.

Located on the northernmost edge of Boystown
(3733 N. Halsted St., Tel: 773- 477-7999 ) - near the GayHOP (the notoriously gay IHOP), the guys at North End have other things on their minds besides drama—like sports, men and beer.  Bartenders serve up brews like Bass, Guinness and Miller Lite, big selection of whiskey and liquor, they will make a martini or margarita for you (and not make a face) and they even have white wine!

Throw on your jock strap and stop in and see what you have been missing!



The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide


Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

Best Sushi in Boystown Chicago - KANOK


Located on a stretch of Broadway Avenue in Boystown, where sushi places practically outnumber people, Kanok offers a surprising menu that stands out from the rest. Impressive selection of different platters and reasonably priced rolls. Beautifully prepared and fresh!

Kanok offers  a wide variety of noodle and rice dishes, most under $9 and come in big portions. Its main courses seem to take inspiration from all over Asia with selections like Kung Pao chicken, Korean barbecued beef ribs and salmon teriyaki. Most entrees cost around $8 to $13 and come with rice. Great Bento boxes run $10-$13 and lots of specialty rolls.  

BYOB  (with no corkage fee) saves some $ on the wallet if you want to bring a bottle or two of wine in with you. PLUS, Tuesdays and Thursdays they offer an amazing  $22 per person all-you-can-eat menu! Not just Maki rolls - like some places. You have choices of soups, appetizers, tempura vegetables, rolls and a good variety of nigiri! How can you beat that?! 

Kanok -  3422 N Broadway St   (between Hawthorne Pl & Roscoe St)  773- 529-2525


The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide


Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

KITTY KEGGER BENEFIT - Helping Chicago Cats In Need - Sunday July 13th




Want a cat?   Save a cat! 

At any given time, about 140 cats call Felines Inc. home.

For many of them our cageless no-kill shelter is a temporary stop on the way to their forever home. In 2007, almost 400 cats were adopted through the shelter. Those cats whose perfect person hasn't walked through the door yet will always have a home at Felines Inc. If you're thinking of adopting or would just like to visit, Felines Inc. is open 7 days a week! - Since 1977!



 





FELINE BENEFIT-Sunday, July 13th,  Goose Island, 1800 N. Clybourn from 7-10pm for the first ever Kitty Kegger! $40 gets you beer, munchies and a great time! Buy your tickets online and bring a valid ID! (Tickets should be available at the door, as well.)




"Our goal is to find the right lasting and loving home for each of our residents. We work with our adopters to find the right cat for them, with the understanding that a lifelong relationship is about to begin. We follow up on all our adoptions and are available for consultations to help ease the cat's transition into its new home.

Every cat admitted to Felines Inc. is examined by a vet, is spayed or neutered, and is kept up to date on all their vaccines. Most of the procedures are carried out on the premises by a skilled team of vets and vet techs.

True to our no-kill policy, cats that test positive for FIV are not euthanized, but enjoy a full and active life in a specially designated room in the shelter.

If you would like to be a part of our life saving mission, whether as a donor, a volunteer, or an adopter, please contact us at the shelter. We invite you to tour our house and meet the family that is Felines Inc !"


 (773) 465-4132


The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide


Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

Chicago Gay Beach - Hollywood / Osterman


 
(all photos in this article by BRENDEN-JOHN)

SUMMERTIME  FUN! 
Summer got off to a slow start here in Chicago, but finally,
I think the warm weather is here to stay and the beaches are busy!

 

The gay beach is Hollywood Beach. (AKA Kathy Osterman Beach) The gays and gay friendly people hang out at the southern end of the beach. ( or what some say is the east side - to the right). If you are driving out Lake Shore Drive, exit at Bryn Mar and start looking for parking, and the beach is a short walk.





Sundays are always busy, with anywhere from 200-250 people out there. And you may even find people photographer BRENDEN-JOHN out there shooting photos of hot men! He shoots a lot of photos at events and clubs around gay Chicago and many of photos can be seen on his MySpace page.

 

Chicago also has the most swimable and most guarded waterfront of any single municipality in the world. While many patrons complain about the cleanliness of the water, Chicago boasts the cleanest urban waterfront in the United States, and second in the world only to Stockholm; water is tested daily by the Chicago Park District for E. coli and other dangers. -  The beaches  are staffed through Labor Day - but weather permitting, you will find the  boys out here through early fall, if it's warm enough!


SEE YOU AT THE BEACH!


The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide




Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

Las Mananitas - Best Margaritas in Chicago



It's a BOYSTOWN institution and known all over
the city for the BEST MARGARITAS in Chicago!


Las Mananita's

Located in Boystown at  3523 N. Halsted St.
Just south of Addison 773-528-2109.


Affordable, authentic, casual.  This place has been serving up regional Mexican fare for many years now.

Ask just about anyone, and they will tell you the food is great.
Ask just about anyone, and they will tell you the Margarita's will knock your socks off! The secret to the taste is fresh-squeezed limes! Every morning, cases of limes get squeezed for the many pitchers of Margarita's they serve up on a daily basis. - Especially in the summer, when the patio is open.


The strongest Margaritas ever.  Also, the tortilla soup is really delicious. -  YELP


My favorite Mexican restaurant in Chicago. They have good food at a good price, some outdoor seating when the weather is good, and big, awesome margaritas. -  JUDYSBOOK


Over the years, the food has gotten better & the fajitas are better than most mexican places in town. However, the real reason you should go is for the potent Margarita's- on the rocks of course. - CitySearch


They have the best margaritas in Chicago! I love the food too. To me, there is no better way to spend a summer evening in this neighborhood than by relaxing at one of the sidewalk tables here with a big pitcher of margaritas and a huge plate of food.  -  MenuPages


We used to live down the street and would go there many times. We moved and now take the bus up there as often as we can. We miss those Margarita's and the daily specials! - MetroMix


Stucco walls, Spanish tile and  Mexican music add to the authentic appeal of this place. The waitstaff is always friendly and treat you like part of family.



The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide


Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

Roscoe's - Best Summer Patio For Boy Watching in Chicago...And You Can Bring Your Dog Too!



Located right in the heart of Boystown,  Roscoe's is the place to hang out in the summer on patio, have some great food, boy watch...and now, you can even bring your dog too!


Roscoe's 

3356 N Halsted St @ Roscoe,
773-281-3355

Long considered one of Chicago's favorite gay clubs, Roscoe's offers a friendly atmosphere and a variety of entertainment. There is no stand-and-pose attitude here - everyone comes to drink and have fun. The club itself  is divided into five major areas, each with its own bar. The front room has a genuine tavern feel with dark wood, copper bar,  large windows, lots of video screens and a pool table.

Toward the back, you'll find a dance floor and an outdoor patio.  Regular drink specials (like pitchers of Long Island Ice Tea or  Vodka and Lemonade), theme nights, Post Office Sundays and special events keep things hoping just about everyday.

In the summer months, the outdoor cafe serves up food from about Noon-10pm. Excellent appetizers like Artichoke Dip  and Pesto, Tomatoe, Goat Cheese Pizza. Great salads, sandwiches and wraps, there is something to satisfy everyones taste.  Roscoe and Halsted is the epicenter of Boystown and a great place to watch people....especially the hot guys walking by! 

Thanks to an ordinance passed this year in Chicago, this is the first season the city officially allows dogs on patios—as long as the bar or restaurant has a Dog Friendly Area License. And Roscoe's does. Of course, there are a few rules:

• You must keep Rover on a leash.

• You must have you dog’s rabies vaccination tag or other proof of rabies shot.

• The restaurant must have outdoor seating accessible from the street—you can’t walk through an indoor area to get to a patio.

• Don’t expect any food for Fido: These spots are only allowed to provide water for your pooch.


Celebrating 21 years! Owner Jim Ludwig goes out of his way to make Roscoe's a friendly place.



The Best of Gay Chicago  and the New Gay Travel Guide


Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

Chicago Windy City Black Gay Pride 2008




6 days of parties and events! Wednesday July 2nd - Monday July 7th...

Chicago Windy City Black Gay Pride 2008
                                                 The Official Chicago Black Pride Celebration

Chicago Black Pride is the annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) celebration for people of color who reside in the Metro Chicago area. This celebration embraces the many cultures, lifestyles and points of view that resonate through the men and women that make up our wonderful community.

     Visit ChiBlackPride for all the details!


The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide


Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

Gay Chicago Pride Weekend June 28-29




Chicago Gay Pride gets bigger and bigger every year! This year on Saturday June 28th,  from 11am  - 9pm, the streets are closed on Halsted and Waveland for a day long of entertainment.

 Hosted by (and benefiting) the Northalsted Area Merchants Association -- the same group behind the wildly popular Northalsted Market Days (set for the weekend of August 9-10) -- this equally crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride will be back bigger than ever in its 6th year!

Pride Fest showcases an eclectic lineup of arts & crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages including one dedicated to some of Chicago's fine performers in the gay community.



At the Main Stage.....

1:00 PM  kicks off with a  Pet parade (register at noon)

Big name performers  this year include ;

2:30 PM - Kimberly Locke       3:30 PM - Frenchie Davis

5:30 PM - Inaya Day              6:45 PM - Martha Wash        7:30 PM - Tiffany


FOR A COMPLETE LINEUP OF EVERYTHING, VIEW INFORMATION AT THEIR MAIN SITE!


Then get some rest, because Sunday June 29th, the 39th annual Pride Parade steps off at noon.

The parade is usually a couple hours and attendance is close to 500,000.  If crowds are too much for you, some of the bigger bars broadcast the parade into their establishments via camera's on the streets, so you can remain a little cooler and sip on beverages.

If you want a front row seat, get there early.
I have seen some people claiming their spots 6-8 hours in  advance!


Parking is LIMITED!

Plan on walking, cabbing, use the CTA,  biking....whatever.


Complete parade lineup is available online.






The Best of Gay Chicago  and the  New Gay Travel Guide




Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

WHAT IS GAY PRIDE?



June is  GAY PRIDE month around the world!

It is traditionally celebrated the last Sunday of June, in most cities. Pride celebrations stemmed from the Stonewall Riots in New York City.

The Stonewall Riots were a series of violent conflicts between LGBT people and New York City police officers that began during a 28 June 1969 police raid, and lasted several days. They were centered at the
Stonewall Inn and are widely recognized as the catalyst for the modern-day movement towards LGBT rights.

Gay pride or LGBT pride refers to a world wide movement and philosophy asserting that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Heterosexual people have sometimes asked me, "Why do you have to have a  pride day? Why are you so proud? We don't have  straight pride day?" - It's about not feeling ashamed of who we are. It's about showing people our numbers, that we are in fact EVERYWHERE. We come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
Gay pride is about appreciating yourself and other members of our community for being different. GAY PRIDE means accepting yourself and celebrating who you are.



     

Gay pride advocates work for equal "rights and benefits" for LGBT people.  The movement has three main premises:
 
 - that people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity,
 
 - that sexual diversity is a gift,

 - and that sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered.

Someone at Cedar Rapids Pride said, "Often the hardest person to come out to is yourself.  GAY PRIDE doesn't just happen. It is hard work to overcome the profound effects of abusive religion and cultural abandonment that afflict all minorities. Self-esteem is the greatest achievement that you can reach in life. Your sense of self-worth is so valuable, that you work hard all of your life to find and express it. To reach your goal of self-esteem and happiness requires knowledge and positive experience."

Jed Ryan from Lick The Web says, "
So, what is "Gay Pride?" It may not be so important that we find a universal definition. What's more important is that all of us feel positively and lovingly about being who we are-- in our case, definitely including but not limited to being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered-- at least for one moment in our lives and hopefully more. And that can be in June or any other month, at the Parade or any other location, or whether you're 17 or 70. Ultimately, the real and most important meaning of "pride" is in within each one of us."

Marches celebrating Pride (pride parades) are celebrated worldwide, and every year, the number of gay people and their supporters grows bigger and bigger! We're here, we're queer, you'd better get used to it!


Michael  Snell
New Gay Travel Guide


Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Event - Monday, June 23rd




Since 1991, the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame has recognized volunteer and professional achievements of individuals and organizations and their contributions to the LGBT communities and the City of Chicago.

Monday, June 23rd, Circuit Night Club, 3641 N. Halsted Street, will be the location for the Annual  PRIDE AND JOY RECEPTION.  6pm - 10pm. $10 admission, tickets available at the door. The 2007 Hall of Fame exhibit will be on display, there is lots of entertainment scheduled,  a huge buffet of hors d'oeuvres, and lots of fun!

Scheduled to perform are DJ Ron G, and special guests  Cyon Flare, Miss Foozie, Veronica
Zaid & Company, Sebastian Cock - The Chicago Boi Toiz, and Miss Paula  Sinclaire.

Nomination forms  for 2008 inductions will be available.  The 2008 Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame induction ceremony and reception, which will be  held November 13 at the Chicago Cultural Center and will be open to all  at no cost.


The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide


Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

Breakfast, Lunch and the Best Sunday Afternoon Cookout in Chicago



BIG CHICKS is a neighborhood gay bar in Andersonville.

5024 N Sheridan Rd (773) 728-5511
 
There is never a cover and it attracts a very laid back crowd of all ages, shapes and sizes. You don't have to be a BIG CHICK!

Sundays after a day at the Chicago gay Hollywood beach, many people head to Big Chicks for the free Sunday cookout buffet. Owner Michelle Fire, the big chick, referred to as a "cool den mom", puts out a very nice spread on Sundays at 4pm. Burgers, brats, dogs and sides. Plus $2.50 vodka lemonades!  It's always packed and lots of fun. Get there early.

Right next door is her restaurant TWEETS! Open from 9am-3pm daily (except Tuesdays), they have an amazing breakfast and brunch menu. 6 different Eggs Benedicts, 6 different breakfast burritos, assorted sandwiches, omelette's, quiche, lox.....something for everyone and the quality and presentation is top notch.



The Best of Gay Chicago  and  the  New Gay Travel Guide




Turbo Tagger

 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

Best Italian Food and Tiramisu Uptown Chicago




    Just a few blocks from Boystown and Andersonville, is Anna Marie Pasteria- a little hidden gem with great Italian food and consistently voted best tiramisu in the city of Chicago! Service is always great and  the food is always great in this quaint little spot ran by 2 sisters.


A mix of modern and traditional Italian cuisine, the cozy ristorante has long been a local favorite. Sisters Anna and Maria, originally from the
Basilicata region of southern Italy, first opened the doors of Anna Maria Pasteria in 1989.


Beginning at age seven, Anna fell in love with cooking, creating her first plate of Pasta e Fagioli, a simple peasant dish which is now an Italian specialty. Enamored with cuisine and hospitality, Maria followed the family tradition and put her heart into making the best and most heavenly Tiramisu.


After nearly two decades, Anna and Maria continue to dedicate themselves to the finest home-made Italian cuisine and service. Each entree is prepared to order with only the finest and freshest ingredients.




I have sampled many of their dishes from Chicken with Artichokes (Pollo Carciofo), traditional Veal Picatta, to special pasta dishes made with creamy pesto sauces!

Everything has a delicious taste! And the Ceasar salad dressing was excellent.  - And you must save room for the Chicago famous Tiramisu! Voted the best in the city! Perfectlt proportioned amounts of expresso, lady fingers and marscapone cheese.

Entres  $10- $19
Salads $5 - $7



4400 N. Clark St. @ Montrose,
Chicago     Tel: (773) 506-2662


The Best of Gay Chicago    and  the New Gay Travel Guide