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The Chicago Traveler

September 9th, 2008

Ten Best Gay & Lesbian Bars 2008

Chicago is renowned for its culture and diversity, bringing together people from all backgrounds and labels. The gay and lesbian community plays a significant part in the Windy City’s population, attracting men and women from less resourceful rural areas across the Midwest. Two of Chicago’s most thriving gay neighborhoods are Boystown (inside the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area) […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

September 2nd, 2008

Feeling Under the Leather

If you think all gay men are lisping, fashion-conscious, and limp-wristed, you’d be sorely mistaken. There are entire subcultures dedicated to expressions of masculinity and the body “anti-image.” Take, for example, the leather culture. If you’re unfamiliar with this scene, think of the stereotypical biker bar. (In fact, many conjecture that the leather world emerged […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

August 21st, 2008

Weekend Events (Aug 22-24, ‘08)

• Dress up as your favorite character and get your Disney on at the The Little Mermaid Sing-Along at the Music Box Theatre. (Aug 22 – Sept 1)
• MC Hammer and Cyndi Lauper perform at Glamorama 2008, a fall fashion fundraiser at The Chicago Theatre featuring top designers. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit the […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 20th, 2008

Bhabi’s Kitchen Has All You Knead

As I’ve mentioned before, there are plenty of Indian and Pakistani restaurants along Devon Avenue. However, most of them feature either one cuisine or the other. Bhabi’s Kitchen, just off Devon, is one of very few that serve both.
This comfy, family-run establishment offers appetizers like samosas (deep-fried flaky pastry shells stuffed with onions, green peas, […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

July 31st, 2008

Leave a Good Taste of Peru in Your Mouth

As I’ve learned from La Gondola, you can’t judge a restaurant merely by its appearance. The same goes for Taste of Peru, located in a strip mall on the far north side. What was once Chicago’s “best kept secret” is now packed every weekend with hungry regulars, all anticipating the authentic flavors this family establishment […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

July 8th, 2008

Eight Best Bangs for Your Buck 2008

With crazy gas prices and now high sales taxes, Chicagoans and visitors are looking to save money where they can. But don’t let your budget prevent you from going out to enjoy a good meal. Here are eight of the best restaurants (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp) where you can get a big meal for […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

June 12th, 2008

Weekend Stuff

• Meet other cyclists at the Daley Plaza for the Bike to Work Rally, which includes live music, free t-shirts, and raffle prizes. (June 13)
• Celebrate Puerto Rican culture at the Fiesta Puertorriquenas in Humboldt Park, featuring crafts, food, live music, and dancing. The festival’s high point is the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Saturday […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

June 3rd, 2008

Hema’s Kitchen Offers Lots of Food for Little Money

There are an incredible number of Indian businesses and restaurants along Devon Avenue on the far north side. The plates at Hema’s Kitchen stand out from the rest though because they will very likely have the most food on them.
Large front windows allow a good amount of light into the small but comfortable space. The […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

May 29th, 2008

Weekend Quickies

• The annual German festival Mayfest is stuffed with plenty of brats, beer, and bands. The official opening ceremony on Friday features a traditional keg tapping and May Queen crowning. Prost! (May 29-June 1)
• The 24th Annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival is three days of more than 50 performances on three stages in Millennium Park. […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

April 17th, 2008

Jarheads

My brother’s service in Iraq with the U.S. Marines is soon coming to an end, and my family is relieved that he will be coming back to the States safely. Marines have several nicknames, generally used among themselves and not by outsiders. One well-known moniker is “Jarheads,” which is also the name of a bar […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments