Bring Your Own Beamer at the MCA
BYOB is a potluck for video artists, who contribute to this one-night group show by bringing art and a projector (beamer). Although it first debuted in Chicago at Pilsen’s Kunsthalle New in March, the BYOB event at the MCA in October was meaningful because artists chose the art exhibited in the museum, at least temporarily.
Bring Your Own Beamer
byobworldwide.com
Best of Chicago 2011
Yolk
With restaurants featuring Raspberry Oreo Flapjacks (Bongo Room), Sunny Side Duck Egg Hash (Longman & Eagle) and, of course, Frushi (that’s fruit sushi for the uninitiated, at Orange), there are certainly no shortages of destinations in Chicago for the gastro-brunch crowd. When you’re nursing a hangover though, good ol’ fashioned bacon and eggs might sound a little more palatable than, say, Lemon Ricotta pancakes. If that’s the case, might we suggest Yolk—they do all the basics to perfection, with just enough twists (Pot Roast Benedict, Cinnamon Roll French Toast, Nutella Crepes) to keep things a little more interesting than a trip to Golden Nugget. Oh, and keep the Metropolis coffee coming, would you please? It’s been a rough morning.
Yolk
1120 South Michigan
(312)789-9655
747 North Wells
(312)787-2277
355 East Ohio
(312)822-9655
yolk-online.com
Best of Chicago 2011
Bianca at Center Nails and Dayspa
It’s the hands. Customers have said she owns the “Hands of God.” Soft, acute, personal, professional. If you’ve had fifteen facials this year alone you haven’t had a facial until “God’s hands” have found your face.
Center Nails and Dayspa
818 North State
(312)951-7332
centernailanddayspa.com
Best of Chicago 2011
Metaloake at Blue Frog Bar & Grill
If there’s one main drawback to karaoke (other than, you know, the complete lack of talent of those usually involved, drunken attempts at songs where the singers don’t actually know the words or being subjected to “Don’t Stop Believin’” for the umpteenth time…) it’s the distinct lack of opportunities to perform “Run to the Hills” or “In My Darkest Hour.” Twice a year, those in the know flock from all corners of the city to KJ Mary Mac’s “Metaloake” for the chance to do their best Ozzy, Lemmy or Bruce Dickinson. Warning: attempts to perform any Journey or Neil Diamond might get you stomped.
Blue Frog Bar & Grill
676 North LaSalle
(312)943-8900
bluefrogbarandgrill.com
Best of Chicago 2011
The Zebra Lounge
Once you’re in, you’re in is how it feels at the Zebra Lounge. The liquor license at this sixties-chic piano bar dates Monday, December 5, 1933, the day of the repeal of prohibition, and the “Z” (as it’s known) has been host to eras of cabaret-style speak-easiness. The keys are played seven nights per week by a cast of singer-performers, from around 9pm till close, while an open-armed ensemble of local characters, after-dinner mixers, and a drunk or two blow in and out amid dancing and singing. “It’s your new favorite bar in the middle of the city,” according to regular Kate Feeley. “My parents had their first date here,” she says, “and generations come back for the friendliness, relaxation and fun.” Look for the red lights, like in the old days, to find this oasis off the brights of Division Street.
1220 North State Parkway
(312)642-5140
Audience choice:
Redhead Piano Bar
16 West Ontario
(312)640-1000
redheadpianobar.com
Best of Chicago 2009
