“Market Days” A Celebration Of Love

On the LGBTQ calendar, there are two events that are prominent. One is the pride parade at the end of June and the other is Market Days, a two day celebration of diversity and love. Halsted in Boystown becomes one great big party and revelers enjoy live music, delicious food and refreshing cocktails.

Last Sunday we were part of the celebration. In past years the live music included artists like Lee Ann Rimes and David Cassidy. This year the artists included were Macy Gray and Shelia as well as local bands like 16 Candles. Venders engaged party goers in games and displayed their wares. Cocktails flowed like a fountain and we were fortunate enough to get to try Boystown’s best pizza from one of our favs, Lark. Needless to say, we encountered lots of four legged friends and many strollers and small children. Market Days is a great experience for youngsters they learn diversity and love in a fun way.

I had fun looking at all the ware . My favorite was a t-shirt from the gals at LOVE Alchemy. Their profits go to support youth LGBTQ organizations. I love their designs.

The night ended as the crowd rocked out to 16 Candles. A good time was had by all. We will definitely be back next year!

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Choosing One Taste Over Another “The Taste Of Evanston”

Lately we’ve had some real scorchers. The temperature has gone up, the sun beats down on the pavement and life just slows down. A few weeks ago Jen and I brought along our water bottles as we went off on another food adventure. The air was filled with music and the aroma of delicious food being prepared. We were ready for the Taste…no wait a minute… we don’t mean the one with crowds and long lines at the booths. Instead we enjoyed our food under white tents, sipped our drinks at tables while we listened to jazz. All of this was on the shores of Lake Michigan. This was the Taste of Evanston and we couldn’t wait the buffet of goodies.

The event benefited Connections for the Homeless and Reba Place Development Program. We were glad organizations like this benefit our neighbors to the north. They picked an absolutely beautiful spot to hold the event, the historic Charles Gates Dawes House and it was hosted by the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary club. By now we were anxious to dive right into all different cuisines and beverages. There was plenty to drink to quench everyone’s thirst or wash down their food. They even had a beverage station stocked with water and sodas, Jen liked that.

There was so much to eat. Each of the venders were friendly and eager to tell us about their establishment. Kudos to Cupitol Coffee&Eatery on their awesome chicken salad croissant sandwiches. Rock N Ravioli made the best meatballs and we’ll definitely visiting them again. I embraced my Irish roots by trying the outstanding corned beef and cabbage from Celtic Knot. It just isn’t summer without frozen treats. Yo Fresh provided healthy smoothies and Edzo’s Burger Shop cooled everyone off with strawberry milkshakes, yum.

Diners could also win swag at the Peapod and Com Ed booths and bid on great prizes like a Cubs game or a gourmet dinner in the silent auction. All in all we had a great time and plan on making the “Taste of Evanston” an annual tradition.

 

Southern Breeze “Sunshine In A Glass”

In the movie “Steel Magnolias” it’s referred to as the house wine of the South. On a warm summer day there’s nothing like a cold glass of it. It has bypassed coffee as the world’s most popular beverage. What are we talking about? TEA!

Southern Breeze iced tea is perfect for any tea drinker. It comes from the heart of the south and is one of the best tasting teas I’ve tried. No sugar needed and it’s so easy to prepare a child could make it. The old brew recipe doesn’t require any boiling which makes it perfect for the beach, picnics or those summer road trips.

There’s only one disadvantage to this tea, Southern Breeze only comes in four flavors. My personal favorite is sweet iced tea mixed with lemonade also known as half and half.

Check out all four flavors and order your favorite at Southern Breeze Sweet Tea

 

 

 

Feed Your Stomach While You Feed Your Soul

This weekend instead of heading downtown to the Taste of Chicago do something different. Head to Evanston and enjoy many cuisines, desserts and drinks while raising money for Connections for the Homeless at the  5th annual Taste of Evanston. This year the Taste of Evanston will be held on the east lawn of  Charles Gates Dawes House, home of the Evanston History Center. So come out eat, have fun and help the homeless. Get more info and tickets at Taste of Evanston

A Chicago Staple Returns For 39th Year

Its summer in Chicago which means festivals! The biggest is The Taste of Chicago! You can sample some of Chicago’s best restaurants, attend great concerts, buy souvenirs and course  have tons of fun!

The Taste of Chicago runs from July 10th to July 14th in Grant Park. Tickets for food sampling can be purchased at the festival and both food qnd concert tickets can be purchased online at Taste of Chicago

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Tiny Taste Of A Hollywood Night In Skokie

It was a night fit for a Hollywood premiere. A few weeks ago we were invited for a glimpse of the renovation of the ballroom at the Skokie Banquet and Conference Center. We got a chance to try the food now we’d get to experience the ambiance. Guests were taken on a magic carpet ride as a hostess greeted them, handing each one a glass of champagne from the dress she wore. Magnificent! Hues of fuschia and purple adorned the ballroom. The room boasts a 13 ft 6 inch ceiling and is the largest ballroom on the north coast. They really know how to throw a party.

Food and drinks were well stocked. There were several bars each had a themed drinks made with different types of liquor. Hollywood movies played on a screen and a popcorn and candy bar added to it. Lite bites with an international theme were passed out and there was a dessert bar filled with fruit and sweet treats. It was magical evening enjoyed by all.

New Traditions Start at the Skokie Northshore Holiday Inn

We all grow up with traditions. Whether it’s lighting the menorah or searching for brightly colored eggs in the livingroom, but there comes a time in your life when things might not be the same anymore, where they change. This is when we must adopt new traditions, but there’s one thing that’s constant, food. In my case I associate Easter with a new outfit, church, and a huge meal.

Last month Jen and I got a chance to start a new tradition thanks to the folks at Skokie Banquet and Conference Center, located in the Northshore Holiday Inn. It’s the perfect location to stay to be close enough to the windy city with out paying those extravagant Mag Mile prices.

When we first walked into the ballroom we were amazed by the selection of different cuisines. Even the kids had their own special menu There was truly something for everyone. With so many choices, we really didn’t know where to start. Beverages were a no brainer. Jen got as much diet coke as she wanted and I had a delicious mimosa. Diners could also enjoy coffee, tea, and juice.

As we strolled past the many dishes, it reminded me of the great smorgasbords I ate at when I was a kid. I actually felt like I was on vacation. The food was definitely fresh and full of flavor. Quality was the key word not quantity, and you could tell from the salads to the desserts.

Children enjoyed games, treats, and visits with the Easter Bunny. This was the perfect family-friendly dining experience. So if you’re looking for a special place for that once in a lifetime event, or just somewhere to celebrate, the Skokie Banquet and and Conference Center is the perfect place.