Chicago tips

"Freaks & Flash" Tattoo Exhibit at Intuit

Don't miss this one!  Circus banners too.  All at Intuit's Gallery at 756 N. Milwaukee Ave. 

Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art has won many kudos for its' innovative programming and you'll see why when you enter the mysterious green door.  You'll see carefully culled tattoo flash, the design drawings for tattoos.

Below is a photo of some attendees at the recent  exhibit opening.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 3 at 6PM to see three related films re tattoo history and culture including a Q & A with two of the filmmakers, Tom Palazzolo and Kapra Fleming.

There's another exhibit featuring the drawings of Joseph Yoakum, a gifted untrained and now-deceased Chicago native who was revered by the Imagist School of Chicago painters.  His work is part of the collection of the Art Institute's Department of Prints and Drawings.  This show is curated by Mark Pascal, its director so you can view some exceptional examples of Yoakum's inventive landscapes.

Both exhibits will be up until January 9th but don't wait.  If you go soon you can start your Christmas shopping at this non-profit's intriguing gift shop as well.

Intuit's hours are Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-5:30PM; Thursday 11AM-7:30PM.  Discover Intuit for yourself.

Green City Market Opens Wednesday May 6

current calendar, food and drink

It's back in the park!

This Wednesday the esteemed Green City Market will again open outdoors in its special spot across from the intersection of Lincoln Ave. and Clark St.  Market hours are from 7AM-1PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays (closed July 4).

Green City will remain in place through October 31st so we can all rejoice that we'll have a long season to enjoy super fresh produce and other farm exotica in our own front yard.  Alice Waters has called this market one of the top 10 Farmer's Markets in the U.S.

One of my favorite vendors is Capriole Farms the Southern Indiana purveyor of a variety of fine goat cheeses.  If you are cheese ignorant that need not be the case any longer since this booth is an easy place to get a thorough goat cheese education from Judith Schad, the knowledgeable and articulate owner.  Here's some info on their current offerings.

Get on their email list www.capriolegoatcheese.com and you'll receive terrific and pertinent recipes.

I'll see you at the market!

Alice Waters Is Almost Here

food and drink

Chicago's highly regarded Green City Market has snagged Alice Waters, the queen of the sustainable food movement for its spring opening, Saturday, April 25.  It's outside in the Eco-lot at the Peggy Notebaert Museum at Fullerton and Cannon Drive. Check out www.chicagogreencitymarket.org.

Ms. Waters founded her revolutionary restaurant Chez Panisse way back in 1971 in Berkeley CA well before such an idea was so cool.  The menu changes daily and features only the highest quality products when they are in season. 

She is apparently a fan of the Green City Market, Chicago's only year round farmer's market.  She'll also be here to promote her book, The Edible Schoolyard which she'll be signing at the market from 10:30-11:30 AM on Saturday. The book promotes the idea of children raising food from seed and, being involved in the nurture of these crops.  They then evolve into ready and enthusiastic consumers of the same.  Mayor Daley has promised to support her with this project during her visit here.

Check out this vintage pic of Alice, courtesy of her website www.chezpanisse.com.

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Is This A Text Message?

culture

Don't think so.  Perhaps a clue as to the serious state of spelling in U.S.  This BK sign appeared in front of the Fullerton Av outlet in the DePaul/Lincoln Park neighborhood early in March.  When I went in to inquire about the "mix and match" I was told disgustedly that yes, that meant a Whopper with fish, chicken or whatever at a presumably attractive price.

No one wanted to talk to me further about the subject either because I wasn't a regular customer or didn't get it, both true.

Well I'm happy with the photo.  Quite a few well-read people I know have puzzled over those letters for a few minutes anyway.  I keep watching the sign, hoping for more news.

Roast Suckling Pig; A Catalan Treat

food and drink

Well, there it is (see photo). 

When my husband called Mercat a la Planxa and ordered this specialty for a small group of friends, he was asked if he'd like the head served as well.  We assumed that's because many diners are grossed out by such a spectacle.  We figured the head was part of the reality of the repast so now you can see what we did. 

Mercat offers tapas, grilled and cured meats and other delicious specialties that are relatively unusual in town.  They are Catalan style, typical of Barcelona and the surrounding region. 

Barcelona is indeed in Spain but also in proud and individualistic Catalonia.  This popular region boasts an individual language and culture, including a cuisine that is substantially different from traditional Spanish fare.  Mercat's delicious Catalonian specialties are relatively unusual in town, including tapas, grilled and cured meats and more.

But we couldn't resist the suckling pig, especially perfect on a chilly day.  One must order 72 hours in advance but the result is a moist tender and crisp repast with trimmings that was just delicious.

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also serves a weekend brunch.  Personally I'd save the pig for dinner or a special occasion.

When you enter the Blackstone you'll notice the interior has been updated.  Do take a look at the handsome overhead chandelier in the lobby.  It's from the original hotel, a great example of art nouveau decor.

The hotel and Mercat a la Planxa are at 638 S. Michigan Av.  Reservations can be made at 312.765.0524.

Those Amazing Lane Tech Murals: A Tour This Saturday

art, current calendar

Wander over to the Chicago Cultural Center to view a rare exhibit of beautiful vintage murals on loan from Lane Tech High School.  They'll be in residence in the Chicago Rooms on the 2nd floor until March 1.

The building of Lane Tech coincided with the timing of the mural movement in this country in the early 20th Century.  Four student artists were selected from a 1909 competition and their work is shown here along with others painted in 1913 in art nouveau style by George Henry Brandt.   My favorite features a woman joining a group of others with a handsome tiger on a leash, if you can believe the oddities of another time. (photo courtesy Chicago Cultural Center)

In 1995 Lane's Principal David Schlichting and Teacher Flora Doody initiated a mural restoration project to save many of the paintings from the further deterioration that had occurred over the years.  They enlisted the aid of Barry Bauman head of the Chicago Conservation Center who worked on the project pro bono.  An on site video from a Channel 11 broadcast describes the techniques used for the restoration of one of the murals now on view and a useful brochure re the mural project is available just outside the exhibit hall.

On Saturday, February 7 from 9:30AM-1PM you may join Mural Project Director Flora Doody herself for a tour of the many additional murals ensconced at Lane Tech.  The tour departs from the Cultural Center at 77 E. Randolph.  It is free but space is limited so you must call 312.743.1190 to reserve your place on the motorcoach.

Next Christmas...

services

and most days preceding it, you should consider Fed-Ex Ground for shipping.  It must not be well-known but there's an official Fed-Ex station on Division just west of Halsted and south of Division on Hooker St.  For the last two Xmas holidays there have been no lines and there's no parking problem either since there's a small parking lot adjoining the building.

Some Fed-Ex hints:

1) Fed-Ex Ground seems to be faster than either UPS or the U.S. Post office and cheaper or comparable in terms of rates.

2) Use of those seductive Fed-Ex post boxes normally incurs approximately $10 in fees over and above regular shipping charges.  You can beat this either by using the Fed-Ex/Kinko's stores or the station on Hooker mentioned previously.  Also, if you have a Fed-Ex account the surcharge disappears altogether.  There's no charge for opening up an account which enables use of your credit card for billing.

3) I've found that Fed-Ex employees are not particularly deft at figuring out the charges accurately.  If you have an account though, all the mystery disappears since the computer is smart enough to provide correct answers.

Hours at the Hooker station, actually listed on the web as 875 W. Division are user-friendly. They are 8AM-9:30PM daily and 8AM-5PM on Saturdays.  No actual shipping on Saturday, though.

Phone Fed-Ex at 1.800.463.3339 or try the website www.fedex.com.

Grant Park Conservancy Panel 11/19 at 6:30PM

current calendar, parks

My ear to the ground South Loop informant Eve tells me that none of us should miss this terrific panel at the Spertus Institute tonight, yes, TONIGHT.

Wednesday, November 19,  6:30pm to 8:30pm

In the interest of expediency I've copied the announcement from the Grant Park Conservancy, as follows:

What would Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett think? How far have we come and where are we going? A distinguished panel of experts will examine these questions in a discussion about the history, present and future of Grant Park along with Monroe Harbor, the Plan's formal "front door.” This program is part of a series of discussions over the next year that will focus on Grant Park and the Plan of Chicago.
 
The panel, moderated by Bob O’Neill, President of the Grant Park Conservancy and Advisory Council, includes Geoffrey Baer, WTTW, Gordon Gill, AIA, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, Linda Keane, AIA ,School of the Art Institute, John McCarron, Lawrence Okrent, Okrent Associates, Inc. Mark Sexton, Krueck + Sexton Architects, Dr. Carl Smith, Northwestern University and Dr. Howard Sulkin, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies.

The Spertus itself is a marvel you'll agree and a noteworthy addition to the South Michigan Avenue landscape.

Stop That Stream of Catalogs

green living

That catalog deluge just seems to get worse.  I try not to order items from catalogs at all but our mailbox remains stuffed.

Recently I discovered www.catalogchoice.org  which I hope will bring relief to all.

Despite a bit of trouble registering on the super-sensitive site I managed to begin a list of "don't send" catalogs.  This is done alphabetically and after getting through "C" I decided to enter unwanted names as they come in the door.  Right now should be a perfect time to capture names, just before the holidays.

Although some companies seem to welcome such info;  others are either unaware of the program or non-committal, so one is taking something of a chance.  After 12 weeks from sign up you should notice a diminution of paper.

This site is endorsed by The Ecology Center in Berkeley, CA, The National Wildlife Federation and The National Resources Defense Council.

Tell all your friends!

The Best Salmon Handroll!

food and drink

Incredibly fresh and satisfying.  All that  pre-made take-out sushi in plastic trays at your local grocery just can't compare to the similarly packaged but marvelous salmon hand roll from, shockingly, Whole Foods.

You can definitely find it at the North Avenue store where it's just east of the huge salad bar in a sushi only section.

I'm guessing the rest of the sushi is fresh and great too but personally, I just can't get beyond that handroll.

While you're there you might check out the wide variety of bulk spices in two separate areas. (one near the produce and another near the herbal lotions)  Spending $5 or $6 for a small bottle of whatever spice seems outrageous to me so these choices are a far more economical option.

Julie, the organic ice cream queen, has delicious organic blackberry sorbet bar, just 60 calories each.

All at Whole Foods and, as you can tell I'm very selective about what I buy there.

Vanessa, The Opera Here October 11, 17, 19.

music (opera), current calendar

Here's a chance to attend the Chicago premier of the highly regarded Pulitzer prize winning opera, Vanessa by Samuel Barber, the American composer.

The fully staged production will be mounted by Chamber Opera Chicago, the only real opera presented by the group this year.  Francis Menotti, the son of the director of the original 1958 Metropolitan Opera production, Gian Carlo Menotti will direct.  Francis was at his father's side during the Met and Spoleto (SC) presentations, so the original will no doubt be much in evidence. (photo at left, courtesy Chamber Opera Chicago.)

The story takes place in an unnamed northern country about 1905 and concerns the complexities of love between two generations of lovers within two families.

Pre performance lectures by Richard Covello,  Opera Canada critic will precede each opera.  They begin 1/2 hour prior to curtain time and are free.

Performances are Saturday, Oct. 11 and Friday Oct. 17, both at 7:30PM and Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3PM at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport.  Tickets range from $15-$45.  For tickets and additional information access www.chamberoperachicago.org for ticketmaster or to buy tickets direct, call 312.951.7944, the box office of the theater.  

Race The Chicago River October 5

current calendar

Friends of the Chicago River, a non-profit group that wants to maintain the city's river as a clean, accessible resource for all is sponsoring their 9th annual canoe and kayak race,  The Chicago Flatwater Classic, open to all on Sunday October 5 at 10AM.

The 7.5 mile race, for standard canoes and kayaks, begins at Clark Park, 3400 N. Rockwell and ends at Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W. 19th in Chinatown.

Organizers expect participants, volunteers and spectators will number over 1,000 this year.  Anyone can participate but fees vary, depending on whether or not you're a member of the group.  Rentals are available through a number of local outfitters.  Check out www.chicagoriver.org for details.

You can also organize your own trip or event, large or small, independent of the race.  There are guided tours or you can go it alone.  Your reward is a relatively rare look at the natural wonders of the river landscape as well as an industrial section with its own beauty and, of course spectacular views of the city's skyline.

Check out the many activities available through this group which is dedicated to an ecological approach for this special treasure.  Wildlife abounds along the river and there's even a Fish Hotel where visitors can view a variety of fish via tours beginning at the Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum at 12:30 PM, Thursday through Monday.  It's at the intersection of Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue.

It's Lee Godie's 100th Birthday!

art

Everyone at Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art wants you to join them this Friday, September 12th from 5-8PM to celebrate.  It's also the occasion for the first major retrospective of Lee's work (over 100 pieces will be shown) since her death in 1994.  This exhibit is curated by Jessica Moss and David Syrek.

Did you ever meet Lee Godie?  She looked like a homeless woman unless you approached and clued into what she was up to.  She hung out along the Michigan Avenue bridge, in front of the Art Institute or the convenient-for-sitting-on ledge adjoining the entrance of Neiman Marcus where she would hawk her art work, sometimes relectantly, depending on her mood.

She called herself a "French Impressionist" seriously, or as a joke but in truth she was a gifted outsider artist.  That's my Godie top left.

There are some outrageous Lee Godie stories around town and if you have one you'd like to tell yourself or just want to listen, Intuit is encouraging you to come early at 3PM on Friday.  The stories will be filmed and added to the Intuit archives.

Beginning at 5, you can have a Godie-style photo taken in our vintage photo booth, (see sample photo of Lee at right from the Lorin Adolph collection) enjoy birthday cake and a signature cocktail or try Chicago's own Half Acre beer.  With all those Godie aficionados out there, this opening is bound to be the place to be Friday night.  It's free and open to the public in the best Intuit tradition.

Join Intuit, while you're there.  Check out www.art.org

Altered Photography Workshop, Saturday, September 20, 2:30-4:30PM

In conjunction with the Lee Godie exhibit, this hands-on workshop will include the use of a vintage photo booth, enabling participants to create their own altered self-portraits.  Lee used this medium herself, as you'll see in the exhibit.  Artist Amy Mayfield will conduct the workshop.  The fee is $15 for Intuit members and $25 for non-members.

Well, It Was Summer...

and I took an unannounced vacation.

A Chaise Of Your Own At The Oak Street Beach

current calendar, parks

Who'd have thunk it?  Your very own chaise at a cool public beach, that's admittedly jammed on hot weekend days. 
Because the resident restaurant at this crucial corner, Oak Street Beachstro is always thinking of new draws, you can now rent one of these swell chaises and even keep it all day. Rentals are $7 for 3 hours or $10 for a full day.  (A $50 refundable security deposit is necessary.) Towels are available for an additional $5.  You provide the sunscreen.
The "Beachstro" opens at 11AM on weekdays and 8AM on weekends, when breakfast is available. If you want one of those chaises it's best to get there early since there are just 50 for rent.  Sandwiches, salads, pizza, quesadillas etc. are served in the restaurant, either at a table or at "in restaurant" chaises.  A "to go" window is another option if you'd prefer to eat on the beach itself.  Food is ok but not exceptional;  the setting is akin to a tropical resort.
They're planning a "Luau on the Lake" on Sunday June 15.  Check out oakstreetbeachstro.com or phone 312.915.4100 for more info.

"The Best Argentinean Young Pianist"

music

That's what Sebastian Forster has been called.  He'll appear this Wednesday evening at 8PM at DePaul Music School's Concert Hall, 800 W. Belden in an offering from DePaul's excellent piano program, Amer Klavier.

There's no admission charge, and having heard Sebastian myself I strongly advise you not to miss what's bound to be an exceptional performance.

The program will include a group of Beethoven sonatas and some music by Ferenc Lizst.

You've Just Got To Love Chicago Opera Theater!

music (opera)

I guess you know that Chicago has a "second" opera company, Chicago Opera Theater, based at the Harris Theater in Millenium Park.  Their beautiful and offbeat contemporary productions have been critically acclaimed widely and they've definitely hit the big time since their move downtown.

This is how we finally managed to see Nixon in China a couple of years back, an opera done rarely and enjoyed by all we spoke to.

Excitement ahead on Friday May 9th.  A free COT simulcast on a giant outdoor screen of the Harris' stage production of Mozart's Don Giovanni will be offered in Millenium Park at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at 7:30 PM.  The opera will be sung in Italian with large subtitles in English.  Jane Glover conducts leading opera singers.

Check out other info on COT's small but growing website www.chicagooperatheater.org

Together, the total capacity for seats and lawn is 11,000 but based on an operatic program in the same venue last year which was a complete sellout, I'd advise an early arrival with a helium balloon to mark your location for friends.  It's a rain or shine one-time-only event so plan ahead.

You can still buy tickets for all indoor COT Harris productions.  Box office phone: 312.704.8414. The schedule:

Don Giovanni, April 30-May 11;  A Flowering Tree, based on an ancient Indian folk tale by American composer John Adams, May 14-25;  Orlando by Handel May 28-June 8.

all images, courtesy Chicago Opera Theater.

Chicago Tips Is On Vacation

on vacation

ChicagoTips is on vacation but will return all refreshed and with vigor early in April.

You Should Go To Fat Willy's

food and drink

Approaching the outside, you wouldn't even be tempted.  A barely noticeable place to pass right by.  The inside, at first glance is pretty ordinary too.

But, I had to restrain myself from taking bunches of photos and spoiling the experience for you, dear reader.  I love the small cool details but you should look carefully or they'll pass you right by.

The owners of Willy's, http://www.fatwillys.com  I was told confidentially aren't some true fat guy with that name.  Instead they are Bo and Arden Fowler who spent much time traveling all over the South, gleaning tips for the best offerings to bring back up north.  They opened Willy's six years ago this month.

Ribs and pork are the specialties but there are burgers and salads and soups and lots more.
I had a pulled pork sandwich which was excellent.  There's sauce on the side, both regular and spicy.

We went after having attended the Metropolitan Opera HD broadcast at City North 14, just across the street and, at 4PM on a winter Saturday Willy's was busy but not jammed.  On weekends it's apparently just that.  When the weather's good you can eat outside.

OK, check out the walls of the ladies' room before you do your next informal rehab on the cheap.  Also, the wall art, the plates, the tablecloths and more.

The staff is especially pleasant which leads me to believe that "Willy" treats them right, and they do you too.

Fat Willy's Rib Shack is at 2416 W. Schubert, just off of Western Ave.  They're open 7 days beginning at 11:30 until 10 or 11PM, depending on the day of the week.  Phone:  773.782.1800.

Live From The Metropolitan Opera. At The Movies!

current calendar, music (opera)

Here's a chance to attend those lavish world renowned performances more or less in your own backyard.

Our special tip is that you can avoid the big crowds that have been filling the AMC River East Theater at 322 E. Illinois by going to Chicago City North, 2600 N. Western Ave., which was about half full when we attended the last Met broadcast of MacBeth on Jan. 12.

True, we had to remind the usher to turn off the lights for the movie and on again for the intermission http://www.fathomevents.com but that was part of the fun.  Let's see if they remember this coming Saturday, February 16th at  12 noon, CST for the broadcast captured on the big screen of Manon Lescaut.

This production stars the Finnish soprano, Karita Mattila (see photo above, courtesy The Metropolitan Opera) and tenor Marcello Giordani.  James Levine conducts.

We enjoyed the opportunity to view the performers up close and could listen in on some very casual behind the scenes chatter.

Other theaters in Evanston and beyond participate in these broadcasts.  Check out http://www.fathomevents.com for a complete listing in the Chicago area and beyond.

In many cases there is an encore performance on the following Sunday but our friendly Chicago City North manager told us there are more likely to be glitches in the encore presentations.  Check the website above to be sure your theater is scheduling an encore.