Tag: Chicago

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Tonight: Join me at a Pisco and Peruvian Gourmet Food Event Showcasing the Cuisine of Lima


Come to a fun and educational guided tasting event honoring the 477th Anniversary of the city of Lima, and discover why it was declared the “Gastronomic Capital of the Americas” at the International Gastronomic Summit Madrid Fusion.

 

Tasting includes:

Two Pisco-based cocktails

Tasting of five varieties of Pisco guided by Sommelier Juan Illescas

Causa Limeña de Pulpo. Exclusively found in Peruvian Cuisine, a cold, tangy, mildly spicy mash potato cake topped with olive mayo and octopus.

Anticucho. Of African origin and sold mostly by street vendors, an incomparable skewer of beautiful texture and mouthwatering flavor.

Aji de Gallina, a delicious and traditional chicken stew that resulted from the fusion of Peruvian cuisine with French cooking traditions. It is a spicy, nutty cheese sauce served over baby yellow potatoes.

Surprise Dessert from Colonial Lima.

Special performance by Peruvian Tenor Javier Bernardo, from the Lyric Opera of Chicago

Peruvian DJ/Music

When: Thursday January 19 2012 from 7 to 11pm

(Tasting goes from 7 to 9pm and DJ until 11pm)

Where: Between Peruvian Cafe & Pisco Bar 1324 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60622

Cost: $35 at the door

 

Questions? Please call (773) 257 3679 ,  (773) 292-0585 or send an email to chicagourbanite@hotmail.com

 


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Where to Dance Salsa in Chicago?

I have a new friend who is also new to Chicago and who has the Salsa bug. During the month she has been here, she has been paying full price to get in anywhere. I promised her that I would give her the scoop on how to get in to most of these places for free or by paying half price. So this post is for you Anna, and for anyone who wants to experience the Chicago Salsa scene. Keep on reading and get your salsa shoes ready to dance and to get free Salsa lessons every night of the week. These listings are subject to change, so it is recommended to contact the club or the promoter to confirm. Also, click here to read about Proper Dance Floor Etiquette before you go dancing. Happy Salsa time y’all!

 

MONDAYS

Aquarius Club and Restaurant

2459 N. Pulaski Ave Chicago
773.342.3581

Salsa, Mambo, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia. Doors Open at 7:00 pm. Milly “La Salsera Sensual” of Chicago’s Latin Entertainment teaches at 7:30 pm. Open Dance Time: 9:00 pm. Street Parking. No cover charge and no guest list

Patron’s Hacienda

316 W Erie St. Chicago
312-642-2400

Doors open at 8:00pm – dancing until 1:00am. $5.00 cover. Music by DJ Double O. $5 Margaritas & Mojitos. Street parking and discounted valet parking available. More info at  info@hoton1salsa.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Output Lounge

1758 W Grand Ave. Chicago
312-929-2515

Door’s open at 6:30pm. Dancing until 12am. No cover charge. Music by DJ Edgar Marroquin & DJ Prieto. Dance Lessons starts at 6:30PM by ENRIQUE CALDERON. Enjoy Salsa, Mambo & ChaChaCha. Featured Specials:
35¢ Wings
$2 Miller Lite Pints
$4 Vodka Mixers
$5 Rumchata Shots

For more info, photos and more:
www.4fantasticevents.com
or call 773-562-2328

TUESDAYS

Alhambra Palace Restaurant

1240 W. Randolph St. Chicago
312.666.9555

Salsa, Mambo, Bachata and Cha Cha Cha with DJ El Prieto and DJ Luis “Rollin” Rivera. Doors Open: 7:30 pm. Juan Paredes or Nino DiGiuio teach Salsa from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm.Open Dance Time: 9:30 pm to 2:00 am. Street Parking. Cover Charge: $10. Reduced cover charge until 10:30 pm with RSVP. RSVP must be received before 3:00 pm. Email 4 Fantastic Events or click here to get on the guest list & pay half price

WEDNESDAYS

Lalo’s at Maxwell

733 W. Maxwell St.
Chicago IL 60607
312-455-9380

No cover charge.Free Salsa Lesson from 9:30pm-10:30pm by Dennis Pa Samba

 

THURSDAYS

Nacional 27

325 W. Huron Chicago
312-664-2727

Complimentary Salsa Lessons from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Excalibur
632 N. Dearborn. (corner of Dearborn & Ontario)
(312) 266-1944

8pm-4am. Learn to dance from 8:30pm – 9:30pm Two rooms of Latin dancing all night. On the Salsa/Mambo in the Club, DJ Luis Rollin Rivera & El Papichulo spin Salsa, Mambo & Cha Cha Cha. Bachata Thursdays on the Deck with Djs Alex Perez & Party Boy Pete. They spin Bachata , Merengue & Cumbia Sonidera. Cover: $7.00. Reduced Valet Parking ($7). First cocktail is free until 9pm courtesy of Latin Street Dancing. Guest list allows you to enter Free until 9p.To get on the guest list, click here

FRIDAYS

Alhambra Palace Restaurant

1240 W. Randolph St. Chicago
312.666.9555

Complimentary Salsa lesson from 9pm to 10pm by Dennis Pasamba.The Best In Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbias and Mambo by DJ Escandalo. Party from 9pm – 2am. Get on the guest list for reduced admission until 10:30pm at eeguestlist@yahoo.com

Nacional 27

325 W. Huron Chicago

Miami Nights: Dance floor opens at 11 pm; Salsa through 2 am. Cover charge: $10

Rumba

351 W. Hubbard St. Chicago, Illinois 60610
312.222.1226

Live band every Friday from 7:30 to 11:30pm followed by dancing till 2am. No cover before 9:00pm. $10.00 cover after 9:00pm. Get on the guest list here & save $5.00.

SATURDAYS

Nacional 27

325 W. Huron Chicago

Vida27! Saturdays: Dare to dance to sultry salsa sounds and Latin beats by DJ X and special guest DJ’s. Dance floor opens at 11 pm; salsa through 3 am. Cover charge is $10

Rumba

351 W. Hubbard St. Chicago, Illinois 60610
312.222.1226

Salsa, Mambo and Tropical rhythms.  Live Salsa bands from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm. DJ Alberto “Escandalo” Gomez from 11:30 pm to 3:00 am. Doors Open: 5:00 pm for dinner. Open dance time: 10:00 pm to 3:00 am Parking: Metered Street and Valet available. Meters operate 24 hours per day. Cover Charge: $10

SUNDAYS

The Cubby Bear

1059 W. Addison Chicago, Illinois 60613

Live Salsa bands play at the legendary Chicago landmark. DJ Frankie J spins Salsa, Mambo & Tropical Rhythms all night. Doors open at 6pm. Salsa lesson by Latin Street Dancing at 7pm. Live music from 9pm to 2am.Free Parking next to the Cubby Bear on Addison St. Just tell attendant you are going to the Salsa Night.$7 cover charge. To get on the guest list for free admission click here. For more information call 312 427 2572

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Christmas Day in Chicago

Merry Christmas everybody! Are you looking for ideas on how to spend this day in Chicago?  Most places are closed, but here are some suggestions on what to do in the city:

Go Ice Skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park

The rink, now in its eleventh season, draws more than 100,000 skaters annually and is free and open to the public. Skate rental is available for $10. The ice rink is located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison streets. Today, the rink will be open today  from 10 a.m.  to 4 p.m.

See Christmas Lights at  The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 

The festival continues along North Michigan Avenue. Call (312) 642-3570 for more information or visit www.themagnificentmile.com.


Visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory

The Conservatory has a Winter Flower and Train Show going on. The hours of operation today are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (312) 742-7736 for more information visit http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/parks.detail/object_id/45aa3ed2-7c6f-4461-83b2-29cb991637e6.cfm

Watch the Bears vs Packers game at a bar

Go to Dublin’s and/or The Hunt Club on State St and Maple (at Mariano Park) for the game and a nosh on Christmas day. There is also a list of other bars that  are open for Christmas Day at this link: http://nowyouknowevents.com/2011/12/24/christmas-day-watch-the-bears-vs-packers-game/

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Tonight: Please join me at an Improvised Music Series

Who wants to try something new tonight? I do! For the first time, I will be playing gong  percussion in an orchestra inspired by traditional Japanese Folk with Nakatani Gong Orchestra.  This event is part of a series of concerts organized by Umbrella Music, a Chicago-based collective dedicated to presenting jazz and improvised music. Since its inception the group has pooled resources to promote Chicago as an international hub for cutting-edge improvised music. Please join me at this Improvised Music Series concert tonight at

Elastic
2830 N Milwaukee Ave
10PM – $10 cover charge

Hope to see you there!

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City of Chicago :: 2012 Community Arts Assistance Program (CAAP) Application and Workshops

The Community Arts Assistance Program (CAAP) is an annual grant opportunity open to new, emerging and mid-career artists and nonprofit arts organizations with annual operating budgets up to $150,000. Applicants can request a maximum of $1,000 for projects that address specific professional and artistic development needs. Individual applicants must be residents of the city of Chicago for at least 6 months prior to the application deadline and not enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or other degree granting program. Organizations must be incorporated, located in and serving the city of Chicago, have a valid Federal Employer Identification Number, and have acquired, or be in the process of applying for, or seeking funds to apply for 501(c)(3) status.

Download Application

Applications are available in mid-December and are due to the Department of Cultural Affairs by:
Monday, January 30, 2012, 5:00 p.m.

Application Assistance Workshops will be held at the following locations and times:

  • Thursday, December 8, 2011 4 – 6 pm 
    Garfield Park Conservatory 300 North Central Park Avenue
  • Saturday, December 10, 2011 11 am – 1 pm 
    Nightingale Theater 1084 North Milwaukee Avenue
  • Wednesday January 4, 2012 5:30 – 7:30 pm 
    Hyde Park Art Center 5020 South Cornell Avenue
  • Tuesday, January 10, 2012 5 – 7 pm 
    Links Hall 3435 North Sheffield Avenue, #207
  • Thursday, January 19, 2012 4 – 6 pm 
    Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street, 5 Garland Room

NO RSVP NEEDED Please contact Cultural Grants Coordinator with any questions. 312-744-9797

More info at : City of Chicago :: 2012 Community Arts Assistance Program (CAAP) Application and Workshops.

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Exploring Chicago’s Culinary Side with Chicago Food Planet

Have you ever taken a food tasting tour? If you want to try a great one, I would highly recommend taking it with the guys from Chicago Food Planet. This is a tour company that offers walking food tours in different areas of the city. I had the pleasure to join them in a 3-hour culinary journey through the Bucktown and Wicker Park neighborhoods. The selection of the restaurants for the tour is based on the quality, history, originality, and awards that the restaurant holds.

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For this tour in particular, we visited George’s Hot Dogs, a traditional hot dog stand established in 1948 that offers Chicago-style hot dogs prepared with  fresh, high-quality ingredients. Then we headed to Hot Chocolate, a restaurant and dessert bar whose owner and chef won the Jean Banchet award for Best Celebrity Pastry Chef in Chicago and was named Pastry Chef of the Year by Chicago Magazine. There we tasted a super yummy  iced chocolate and marshmallow. Our next stop was The Goddess and Grocer, a gourmet foods & catering store that carries products from around the world and where you can order deli sandwiches and salads. We had to walk a little bit more to get to Piece,  a pizzeria and brewery place, but it was well worth it. Piece has award-winning micro-brewed beers, and one of the best pizzas I have ever tried (and I am not a pizza lover). They call it New Haven thin-crust pizza. This is a perfect place to watch a sports event: Piece has a series of eleven 42” plasma TVs that span the length of the bar. Our last stops were Sultan’s Market, a Middle-Eastern Deli/Store that offers delicious vegan and vegetarian food, and ICream Cafe , an ice cream parlor that makes customized molecular ice cream, frozen yogurt or sorbet on the spot. In each of these places, you get to taste a sample of their food ,which were absolutely delicious.

 The tour was leaded by Liz, a graceful and knowledgeable tour guide who provided us with insightful commentaries, historical facts, and anecdotes of the restaurants we were visiting as well as of the neighborhoods we were walking through.  I recommend taking this tour not only to tourists but also to locals. You will surely have a great time discovering culinary treasures in our city and learning interesting facts about the neighborhoods you are visiting.

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Me gustas tu, Manu Chao

An electrifying energy was felt last night at Congress Theater. The reason? Franco-Spanish world musician Manu Chao performed in Chicago as part of his US Tour titled “La Ventura”. “La Ventura” has several meanings in Spanish. It could mean happiness, luck, fortune, risk or danger. The combination of all these meanings sums up very well what many felt at Manu’s concert: an overwhelming feeling of happiness for having the good fortune of being there at the risk of ending up hyperventilated after 2 hours of non-stop jumping and screaming. It was a dangerous but very lucky affair being at the Congress last night.

The house was full for Manu, and the crowd that came to see him was – like his lyrics – diverse and multilingual.  A big Mexican flag dominated the sea of people located in front of the stage, which was acknowledged by the singer in multiple occasions by screaming “Viva la Raza!”( which literally means “long live the race,” a phrase used mostly by Mexicans to show pride in their race).  But not only Mexicans attended the concert . The place was packed with people from Central and South America, Europe, and of course, the United States. This was a very receptive audience who got turned on very easily by anything that Manu played, which was a continuous output of reggae and ska rhythms. The connection between the singer and the crowd was intensely ecstatic, and together they created an unforgettable show of pure raw energy.

Wearing his trademark green hat, Manu faced the audience “descamisado” (shirtless), maybe because he knew it was going to get really hot or maybe because he was subliminally expressing his identification with the poor and underprivileged which are the theme of many of his songs such as “Clandestino”. The stage also followed this theme: it did not have big screens, special props or flashing lights. It was very simple, showing just Manu, his band members, and the musical instruments. But he did not need anything else to turn the crowd into its frenetic state.Manu was a passionate performer throughout the two hours of his show, pounding the mic against his bare chest, making monkey noises, screaming “You are crazy Chicago!” and letting fans get on the stage with him. The audience became a mirror of the man. One local musician mentioned that before coming to the show he had felt depressed, but after attending the concert he felt pumped up and ready to roll. Another audience member said that “the show felt like it was always ending,” because on four occasions the band left the stage only to return and do encores, making the crowd go crazier and only deepen its euphoric trance.

Manu Chao’s concert in Chicago proved to be entertaining and highly energetic. It also showed that  there is no need to have an expensive production to  have a successful concert. Instead, it is important to know how to connect with the audience. And Manu certainly knows how to do it. He made the audience  feel as an active participant of the show: he was the lead singer and them his back-up singers and dancers. He made them love him. As his song goes, everyone who attended this concert can joyfully say:  Me gustas tu, Manu Chao!

 

 

La Ventura Tour

La Ventura Tour

Photos by Mark Hetzel

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Tonight: SinFest 2011

Hey Urbanites! Sinnerman Ensemble, a local Chicago theater company of 12 young actors, is inviting us to join them in celebrating their fifth anniversary season at SinFest, Sunday, Sept. 4 at The Den, 1333 N Milwaukee Ave. (2nd Floor). The party,will start at 7pm and will include: Food, drinks, a raffle, live music (Jon Drake & the Shakes, Sad Brad Smith, Dick Wolf, DJ Josie Bush) party photography and more. Click here for more information about the ensemble, the party, and to buy tickets.
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The Afrodiaspora of Susana Baca

A delightful musical journey through the diaspora of the African community in the Americas was experienced last Saturday evening at Susana Baca’s concert at Mayne Stage. The celebrated Afro-Peruvian music singer came to Chicago to present her latest album titled Afrodiaspora. This album celebrates the African presence in the Americas through a compilation of songs that go from New Orleans to Peru. This compilation is the result of Susana’s numerous trips to different parts of this continent. During these trips, she found that the music of these countries had something in common: the sound of African rhythms.A barefooted Susana in a long flowing white dress took the stage and got our entire attention with her soft movements and ethereal voice. She was the perfect guide to embark us on this musical journey in time and space. What a wonderful journey we had! We heard from Colombian Cumbia, to Flamenco mixed with Tango and Panalivio, and Funk from New Orleans mixed with Peruvian Festejo. My favorite song from this album is Yana Runa, a beautiful mix of Afro Peruvian and Andean rhythms. Susana, as a good travel guide, took the time to explain the story behind each of the songs she interpreted. She explained, for example, that the song titled Ay mi Palomita (which actually belongs to a previous album), is a song that the Black Slaves and Peruvian Indians used to sing during the sugar cane harvest in the Northern Coast Region of Peru.Susana has recently been named the Minister of Culture of Peru. She is the first Afro-Peruvian woman appointed to that post. Fernando Hoyle, her tour manager, says that she is trying to be “una ministra cantante” (a singer minister), and hopefully keep touring while she is fulfilling her government duties. I hope she is able to do it. Susana radiates so much light and soul during her live performances that I never get tired to go to her concerts. It is always a pleasure to see her perform. If you have not had the chance to see her live, here is a sample of her performance at Mayne Stage:
To listen to the songs of Susana Baca’s new album Afrodiaspora, and to buy the CD, visit susanabaca.com
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Pisco and Food Tasting at Between Lounge tomorrow!

If you are looking for an interesting event to attend tomorrow evening, you should go to Between (1324 N Milwaukee). This is a Peruvian Cafe and Lounge located in Wicker Park that boasts to  be the only Peruvian Pisco lounge in the city. If this is not enough reason for  you to check this place,  I must add the fabulous cuisine of its Chef  Jose Victorio, and the gracious hosting of its owner Carl Anderson.

Tomorrow at 8pm, Between will be offering a PERUVIAN PISCO TASTING / PAIRING. Taste (6) Piscos with Food Courses, learn about Pisco, pairing with food and creating cocktail recipes. Make your own Pisco Sour, the national cocktail of Peru. Ticket costs $30, BUT if you call and say you’re from Chicago Urbanite it’s $15 – limited seating – CALL FOR RESERVATIONS at (312) 493-9442

 

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