Memorial Day Weekend: Fun for everyone
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Posted under: Beer, Entertainment, Fitness, Memorial Day, Music, Sports & Entertainment, Summer
What will you do with your three-day weekend?
Chicago has so many events, it may be hard to decide!
Friday, May 27
- Prost! German Beers of Chicago
- What? A trolley pub crawl hosted by the Chicago History Museum
- When? May 27, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Where? The tour will visit several of the best bierstubes in Chicago
- Highlights include:
- History lessons while drinking beer
- Drink specials
- More information: http://www.westmontbbq.com
- Nerds at Heart’s Holidate
- What? A singles bash
- When? May 27, 7 p.m.
- Where? Hidden Shamrock
- Highlights include:
- Board games and trivia
- Ice cream tasting
- Beach-reading giveaways
- More information: http://www.yelp.com
- Red, White & Bar-B-Q
- What? A BBQ competition
- When? May 27, 28 and 29
- Where? Ty Warner Park in Westmont, Ill.
- Highlights include:
- Three days of free live music
- Chili-tasting contest
- Cooking demonstrations
- More information: http://www.chicagohistory.org
- Cubs games
- What? A baseball game against the Pirates (May 27, 28, 29) or the Astros (May 30)
- When? May 27, 28, 29 and 30
- Where? Wrigley Field
- Highlights include:
- Free T-shirts for the first 10,000 fans on Memorial Day
- More information: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com
Saturday, May 28
- Soldier Field 10 mile
- What? A 10-mile race
- When May 28, 7:30 a.m.
- Soldier Field
- Highlights include:
- A race shirt and goody bag
- Finish on the 50-yard line
- The Hut-Hut Hike, a non-competitive walk
- More information: http://www.soldierfield10.com
- Yoga at the Lincoln Park Zoo
- What? Outdoor yoga at the zoo
- When? May 28, 9 – 10 a.m.
- Where? Lincoln Park Zoo
- Highlights include:
- A view of the city skyline
- An opportunity to learn the basics of yoga
- Connection with nature
- More information: http://www.lpzoo.org
- Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
- What? A music festival with entertainment, arts, crafts and food
- When? May 28 and 29
- Where? N. Sheffield between Belmont and School
- Highlights include:
- Ten bands in two days
- More information: http://www.chicagoevents.com
- Memorial Day Parade
- What? A parade to honor those serving and those who have served
- When? May 28, noon
- Where? State St. from Lake St. to Van Buren
- Highlights include:
- A free celebration
- One of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation
- More information: http://www.cityofchicago.org
- Green City Market
- What? An outdoor food market
- When? May 28
- Where? Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton Drive
- Highlights include:
- Products from local farmers
- A cooking demonstration by Tim Cottini of Cafe Ba Ba Reeba
- More information: http://www.greencitymarket.org
- Navy Pier Fireworks
- What? Fireworks fun
- When? May 28, 10:15 p.m.
- Where? Navy Pier
- Highlights include:
- Music by B96
- Proximity to restaurants, shopping and Lake Michigan
- More information: http://www.navypier.com
Sunday, May 29
- Bike the Drive
- What? A 30-mile bike ride
- When? May 29, 5:30 – 9:30 a.m.
- Where? Lake Shore Drive
- Highlights include:
- A car-free bike ride
- A festival from 8 a.m. – noon
- Fruit, water and snacks at rest stops
- More information: http://www.bikethedrive.org
- Boozehounds
- What? A chance to enjoy a drink while your dog plays and enjoys treats
- When? May 29, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Where? Uptown Lounge
- Highlights include:
- Drink specials
- Socializing with friends and pooches
- More information: http://www.yelp.com
Monday, May 30
- New Music Monday
- What? A concert in the park
- When? May 30
- Where? Millennium Park
- Highlights include:
- Justin Townes Earle
- Andre Williams and the Goldstars
- A chance to discover new music
- More information: http://explorechicago.org
Where Chicagoans go to watch soccer
Comments Off Posted under: Beer, Manchester United, Sports & Entertainment
While most Chicagoans are still sleeping off Friday and Saturday night hangovers, a loyal group of soccer enthusiasts gather at bars like North Center’s Globe Pub, 1934 W Irving Park Road, to watch “the beautiful game”. Expats and natives alike pack in – six-hour time difference be damned – to look on as their favorite English Premier League, Major League Soccer and La Liga teams duke it out in age-old rivalries.
Arsenal vs. Stoke
Up bright and early for the 8 a.m. Arsenal vs. Stoke match, financial markets professional Fernando Adler spent some time before kickoff relaying the troubled history between the North London and Straffordshire clubs to a friend.
“They don’t come out to play soccer at all. At all,” Adler explained. “They’re only out there to foul. They are the opposite of Arsenal, the antithesis of Arsenal.”
Originally from Argentina, Adler spent some time working in London, where he became an obsessed Arsenal fan. Though it’d be easier for him to watch at home, he makes the trek to the Globe for the exciting atmosphere.
“This place is awesome,” Adler said. “I think, because it’s kind of a pain to watch these matches, you get more of a hardcore group here, which is nice. Like, people here cry [over games].”
Adler isn’t the only expat who enjoys the Globe.
“Usually when I come in here, more than half of the people are not from the United States. You have English, you have Irish, you have people who have lived in England. A lot of Africans.”
Gary Winters, one of the pub’s owners – and a disgruntled Arsenal fan – also spoke to the Globe’s diverse crowd.
“Liverpool fans usually have the whole back area filled up when they play” Winters said. “And they often lose. And United has a pretty good following. Usually there’s also a whole load of Germans back there.”
Winters spent most of Arsenal’s frustrating match (they lost 3-1) joking around and screaming at the TVs with friends Doug Mraz and Rich Balabuzko.
“Arsenal supporters are by far the best tippers and by far the funniest,” Winters joked.
“And most handsome!” Mraz added.
To quell the disappointing result, the three treated themselves and a few lucky patrons to champagne in celebration of St. Totteringham’s Day, one bright spot in Arsenal’s otherwise painful season.
Manchester United vs. Chelsea
As the bar filled with Chelsea and Man United fans, architect Ani Tipnis and waitress Rose Salvi, both Liverpool fans, prepared to root for Chelsea to beat their team’s biggest rivals.
“It’s not that I want Chelsea to win. I just want United to lose,” noted Tipnis, who’s originally from India.
They shared a table with Roxanne Provence, a public school teacher, and Dili Yang, a grad student, who are both somewhat saddened Arsenal fans who stayed to watch, hoping Arsenal’s London rival Chelsea could thwart United’s chances of winning a record 19 league titles.
Two hours later, however, their prayers were left unanswered after United’s Nemanja Vidic scored the second goal that secured his team’s 2-1 victory over a lackluster Chelsea.
United fans cheered. Chelsea fans headed for the door while Collin Carter, a telecommunications account manager, sat at a now empty table waiting for the La Liga match to begin.
A supporter of both Barcelona and Manchester United, Carter, who was born in Jamaica and has been coming to the Globe since 1999, was clearly happy with the win. “It’s been a good season,” Carter said, with a smile.
Though fans of bitter rivals, Tipnis and Carter, a Scouser – Liverpool backer – and a Red – Manchester backer, – enjoyed some friendly post-match banter, further proof that the Globe isn’t your average football pub.
“It is truly a world bar, in my opinion,” Tipnis said. “You’ll make good friends here.”
Our favorite places to watch our favorite teams
Comments Off Posted under: Beer, Chicago Bulls, Sports & Entertainment, Sports & Entertainment (Non Front Menu)
Some are winning and some are losing, but at least they’re playing.
Chicago has three major teams currently in the hunt for greatness, and with spring finally blooming, there are plenty of places to watch the Bulls battle for Eastern Conference supremacy (and the White Sox and Cubs battle for .500 records).
Check out this edition of the Chicago Loopster for a comprehensive list of some of the best places in the city to watch your teams get their win on. And if you’re in the mood to do a little bit of celebrity-watching at halftime, take a look at our list of Chicago’s top celebrity hangouts.
Additional information courtesy of CBSChicago.com.
BULLS
Victory Liquors – 2610 N. Halsted St., www.victoryliquors.com
With an 84-by-164-inch TV plastered to the wall and three separate rooms for those who prefer to watch in a calmer atmosphere, this Lincoln Park/DePaul bar is a perfect place to cheer on D-Rose and the Bulls in the company of plenty of your fellow enthusiasts.
Four Shadows – 2758 N. Ashland Ave., www.fourshadows.net (Menu)
For those who would rather watch the game with hardcore fans instead of the casual passerby, this is the place for you. This Lakeview spot features 22-ounce Miller Lite stadium cups for four bucks, tons of TVs and some of the best wings and tater tots in town.
WHITE SOX
Cork and Kerry at the Park – 3258 S. Princeton Ave., www.corkandkerrychicago.com
Can’t get in to the game? Head over to Cork and Kerry at the Park. Forget about the fact that it’s located on the outskirts of U.S. Cellular Field, or that you’ll be surrounded by fellow ChiSox fanatics: The food is the big draw here. In addition to featuring traditional game-day food, Cork and Kerry also masterminds specialty items inspired by whatever team the Sox are playing. (And don’t worry – they’ll be happy to make vegetarian accommodations.)
Shoeless Joe’s – 10290 W. Higgins Rd., www.shoelessjoesrosemont.com (Menu)
How can you ignore a White Sox bar with a name like that? CBSChicago.com calls it, “The next best thing to actually being at U.S. Cellular Field,” and not only because it’s named after the infamous Black Sox orchestrator. The menu leaves little to be desired, offering steaks, ribs and burgers, and it features 30 TVs and – big news – a clean bathroom.
CUBS
Murphy’s Bleachers – 3655 N. Sheffield Ave.,www.murphysbleachers.com
This is the go-to spot for Cubs fans before, during and after games. Located right across the street from Wrigley’s bleacher section, Murphy’s boasts plenty of daily specials ($1 mini burgers on Mondays!), an extensive and moderately-priced beer list and it was named Chicago’s best sports bar by AOL CityGuide in 2004.
Sluggers – 3540 N. Clark St., www.sluggersbar.com (Menu)
This Wrigleyville spot loves all of its Chicago sports equally, but with the Blackhawks currently out of season, Cubs fans dominate. With over 30 TVs (including six 10-foot big screens), batting cages, skee ball and dueling pianos after every Cubs home game, you’ll never be bored (even if there’s a rain delay).
CELEBRITY
Rockit Bar & Grill – 22 W. Hubbard, www.rockitbarandgrill.com
Blackhawks phenoms and BFFs Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane enjoy this River North spot, which is definitely known better for its burgers than its plasma TVs. Slightly more upscale, this is a place where you can get the best burger in the nation, according to “Good Morning America,” but you can still enjoy the game.
Hub 51 – 51 W. Hubbard, www.hub51chicago.com
Whether it’s Jessica Simpson, the White Sox’ Gordon Beckham or the Bulls’ Kyle Korver, Hub 51 – though deemed by some to be a bit hoity-toity – is the place to see and be seen while seeing the game. If there’s a game happening sometime from 3 – 6 p.m., definitely stop by for half-price sushi, but outside of those hours, the tacos, crab nachos and ahi tuna burger are must-haves while celeb-watching.
The Fifty/50 – 2047 Division St., www.thefifty50.com
No matter what day of the week it is or what game is on, anyone from the Blackhawks’ Jordan Hendry to the Dodgers’ Marcus Thames to Jake Peavy of the White Sox flocks to The Fifty/50 for some of the best burgers, sweet potato fries and milkshakes in the city, not to mention the beer selection. Warning: Among the three levels of seating, the temptation to people-watch could interfere with your game-watching.
A modest pub crawl
With the weather about to turn for the better, one of our favorite pastimes is the bar crawl — a jaunt through your neighborhood stopping at each watering hole along the way. It’s a great way to patronize local business while experiencing something different and enjoying a walk in the nice weather.
We took a trip to the Uptown / Andersonville area where there are a number of places within walking distance of each other that feature a wide array of craft ales. Here is a map of five places for you to grab a pint on your next crawl.
View Uptown / Andersonville Pub Crawl in a larger map
Illinois Assembly: Should craft brewers self-distribute?
Photo by TheDigitel Beaufort
A deadline has been set and the battle lines are drawn in what is shaping up to be one of the most significant changes to Illinois liquor laws since the original bill was passed in 1934. Following a ruling by a federal judge that certain sections of Illinois state liquor laws were unconstitutional because they favored in-state distributors, the Illinois General Assembly has until May 31st to rewrite the bill.
Illinois, like many states, currently has a three-tier system with brewers, distributors and retailers. One provision of the amendment would allow some small brewers to act as their own distributors.
As with any issue where a great deal of money is involved, brewers large and small have started lobbying efforts to sway amendments their way.
Illinois Times: Bud brings beer wars to Springfield
Beer-giant Anheuser-Busch, which recently purchased Chicago’s Goose Island Brewery, is using this opportunity to push the state house to allow all brewers to self-distribute. The court battle that precipitated this change was over whether Anheuser-Busch should be allowed to own a distributor in the Chicago area. Barring a wholesale change, self-distribution limits would be so small that few brewers will be able to avoid using a third-party distributor.
Chicago Tribune: A-B takes beer battle to Springfield
The Illinois Craft Brewers Association is opposed to the bill, saying that the Senate version is imposing production caps that rule out almost all small brewers. Under the current version, brewers who brew 15,000 barrels per year can self-distribute half of their product (7,500 barrels per year). Goose Island, one of Chicago’s most well-known craft brewers produced around 130,000 barrels in 2010, according to the association. You can see their entire statement here.
The Chicago Journal has an excellent analysis of why craft brewers deserve special treatment. The costs of working with a third-party distributor – both monetary and administrative – are often prohibitive to small brewers, reporter Amysue Mertens notes.
Guys Drinking Beer, a Chicago-based blog, has taken up the cause of local craft brewers and is following the news out of Springfield daily. They’ve definitely got a point of view, but for day-to-day analysis, they can’t be beat.
The bill as of April 21, 2011 appears below. It has been referred back to committees in both the House and the Senate.
Illinois General Assembly HB 205 Amendment to Liquor Control Act
Future progress for the bills can be found here:
House Bill 205
Senate Bill 88
The beer dictionary
If you’ve ever been to a brewery, chances are you’ve been exposed to what I like to call ‘brewer-ese’ — the unofficial language of beer brewing. Suddenly, a ‘malt’ is no longer a cold, cream-based treat, and ‘hops’ aren’t the Easter bunny’s preferred method of travel. So, what’s a wannabe beer connoisseur to do? Consult the Loopster’s beer dictionary, of course, courtesy of BeerAdvocate.com. Find out the difference between lager and ale, top-fermenting yeast and bottom-fermenting yeast, and everything else you need to know before making your way to your local brewery.
Photo by Bernt Rostad
Alcohol: Ethyl alcohol or ethanol. An intoxicating by-product of fermentation, which is caused by yeast acting on sugars in the malt. Alcohol content is expressed as a percentage of volume or weight.
Ale: Beers distinguished by use of top-fermenting yeast strains. The top fermenting yeast perform at warmer temperatures than do yeast’s used to brew lager beer, and their byproducts are more evident in taste and aroma. Fruitiness and esters are often part of an ale’s character.
Bottom-Fermenting Yeast: One of the two types of yeast used in brewing. Bottom-fermenting yeast works well at low temperatures and ferments more sugars leaving a crisp, clean taste and then settles to the bottom of the tank. Also referred to as “lager yeast.”
Draft (Draught): The process of dispensing beer from a bright tank, cask or, keg, by hand pump, pressure from an air pump or, injected carbon dioxide inserted into the beer container prior to sealing.
Fermentation: Conversion of sugars into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide, through the action of yeast.
Hops: Herb added to boiling wort or fermenting beer to impart a bitter aroma and flavor.
Lager: Beers produced with bottom-fermenting yeast strains at colder fermentation temperatures than ales. This cooler environment inhibits the natural production of esters and other byproducts, creating a crisper tasting product.
Malt(ing): The process by which barley is steeped in water, germinated, then kilned to convert insoluble starch to soluble substances and sugar. The foundation ingredient of beer.
Pasteurization: Heating of beer to 60-79˚C/140-174˚F to stabilize it microbiologically. Flash-pasteurization is applied very briefly, for 15-60 seconds by heating the beer as it passes through the pipe. Alternately, the bottled beer can be passed on a conveyor belt through a heated tunnel. This more gradual process takes at least 20 minutes and sometimes much longer.
Secondary Fermentation: Stage of fermentation occurring in a closed container from several weeks to several months.
Shelf Life: Describes the number of days a beer will retain it’s peak drinkability. The shelf life for commercially produced beers is usually a maximum of four months.
Top-Fermenting Yeast: One of the two types of yeast used in brewing. Top-fermenting yeast works better at warmer temperatures and are able to tolerate higher alcohol concentrations than bottom-fermenting yeast. It is unable to ferment some sugars, and results in a fruitier, sweeter beer. Also known as “ale yeast.”
SOURCE: BeerAdvocate.com
Home brewing 101
With all of this talk about the debt ceiling and the government shutdown, Chicago Loopster got a little anxious. What if the nation’s beer supply chain shuts down as well? To guard against this unspeakable fate, the Loopster decided it would be in our best interest to learn how to make the stuff ourselves. We spoke with John Tedesco, veteran beer brewer and proud Oklahoman, to guide us through this most necessary of processes.
Photos courtesy of:
ilovebutter
Tyler Moss
