Thursday, July 29, 2010

I'M ON A BOAT

When you think of a day out on Lake Michigan you usually picture a calm boat ride, a clear view of the skyline, a small group of friends, a couple of brewskis...total relaxation.  Well, think again!  This Saturday, July 31st is the 10th annual Chicago Scene Boat Party!  Chi Boaters will all get together in the "playpen" (an anchor safe area just off of Chicago Avenue Beach) to devote their day to drinking, swimming, dancing and mingling! 


The Chicago Scene Boat Party has been ranked by the New York Times as one of the best boat parties in the USA, and it is right here in our blue waters.  Boats will anchor away and tie up together to provide safe "boat hopping" throughout the day.  The party sets sail at 12pm and washes away around 6pm.  For more information visit the link provided above! 

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Loco for Lolla


It's that time again!  The 2010 Lollapalooza lineup was announced in early June and we are not dissapointed with the various artists vacating our city.  In case you are unfamiliar with Lollapalooza here is a little history:  Lollapalooza was conceived by Janes Addiction Perry Farrel in 1991 as a farewell outlet for the band.  The concert continued annually by touring the U.S. and Canada each summer.  Lollapalooza  was said to be an "Alternative Nation" (a reference to alternative rock) but was also well known for it's ability to bring together diverse bands.  A huge part of Lollapalooza's history was the 1994 tour.  Nirvana was set to headline the 1994 lineup however on April 7th the band withdrew at the last minute.  The very next day Kurt Cobain was found dead in his Seattle apartment.  Soon after this, Lollapalooza lost its following and the concert tour died off in 1998.  In 2003, Farrel tried to revive Lollapalooza by cutting its touring cities down.  However, the expense of trucking bands and equipment across the country left little money to give to artists for their performances.  A bitter-sweet thanks goes out to the fact that Lollapalooza did not work out as a cross-country concert, because in 2005 Grant Park in Chicago was declared Lollapalooza's home!  Having Lolla in Chicago has allowed for more artists and has continually drawn in a large crowd.  Rain or shine there is nothing better than listening to some of the best artists rock out with the Chicago skyline as the backdrop! 
Checkout the line up below (by clicking on the Lineup headline below you will be directed to the official Lineup section of the Lolla website where you can explore and listen to each artist) and to buy tickets simply click here.

• Soundgarden • Green Day • Lady Gaga • Arcade Fire • The Strokes • Phoenix •
• Social Distortion • MGMT • Jimmy Cliff • Hot Chip • The Black Keys •
• The National •Spoon • DEVO • Slightly Stoopid • Cut Copy •
• The New Pornographers • Erykah Badu • Cypress Hill • Grizzly Bear •
• Gogol Bordello Chromeo • Wolfmother • Yeasayer • X Japan •
• MUTEMATH • Metric • Dirty Projectors • AFI • Mavis Staples •
• Matt & Kim • Against Me! • The xx • Drive-By Truckers • Blues Traveler
• Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros • The Temper Trap • Jamie Lidell •
• Frightened Rabbit • F**k Buttons • Deer Tick • Blitzen Trapper • Stars •
• Raphael Saadiq • Minus the Bear • The Cribs • Switchfoot • The Walkmen
• Mumford & Sons • Wild Beasts • Rogue Wave • Los Amigos Invisibles
•The Big Pink • The Dodos • Hockey • Cymbals Eat Guitars • B.o.B • Dawes •
• Warpaint • The Antlers • The Soft Pack • Rebelution • Balkan Beat Box •
• Wavves • American Bang • Nneka • Company of Thieves •
• The Ike Reilly Assassination • Harlem • The Constellations •
• Miniature Tigers • Mimicking Birds • The Kissaway Trail • HEALTH • Javelin •
•The Morning Benders • Frank Turner • Foxy Shazam • Violent Soho • Royal Bangs •
• Neon Trees • Freelance Whales • Semi Precious Weapons • Dan Black •
• The Band of Heathens • Dragonette • My Dear Disco • Son of a Bad Man •
• Neon Hitch • Skybox • The Ettes • Jukebox the Ghost •
• These United States •MyNameIsJohnMichael•

• 2ManyDJs • Empire of the Sun (Full Live Band) • Digitalism (DJ Set) • Kaskade • PerryEtty vs Chris Cox • Tiga • Felix Da Housecat • Rusko • Erol Alkan • Wolfgang Gartner • Dirty South • Flosstradamus • Joachim Garraud • J. Cole • Mexican Institute of Sound • Caspa • Peanut Butter Wolf • Kidz In The Hall • Chiddy Bang • NERVO • Beats Antique • Steve Porter • Brazilian Girls • Ancient Astronauts • Ana Sia • Felix Cartal • Team Bayside High • Dani Deahl • FreeSol • DJ Mel • BBU • Vonnegutt • Only Children • DJ Franco V • 
• Lance • Herbstrong•  

Congratulations Chicago Blackhawks!

So this is completely belated, but before I start blogging away I just wanted to say a big CONGRATS to the Chicago Blackhawks for their 2010 Stanley Cup WIN!  What I love most about this city is that we all come together to root for our teams.  Buildings everywhere were creating light displays (as shown below) to show their support.  Bars and restaurants overwhelmed us with Blackhawk specials and viewing parties. There is something about our sport spirit that just fills the air...and in the month of June you could definitely smell the hockey aroma (and not the locker room smell, thank g-d!).  Hawk fans everywhere crowded bars, bit their nails, screamed their heads off, and jumped for joy when we finally claimed the cup.  Chicagoans filled the streets while champagne rain drops christened us for what was to come...Chicago Blackhawks MONTH! 


The month of June was a joyful celebration for all of us religious Blackhawk fans.  Hell, it was a celebration for all Chicago fans, especially Cubs fans, just waiting to celebrate a Chicago victory again.  It seemed the Hawks were popping up everywhere with the cup at hand and this city couldn't get enough.  The Blackhawks parade down Michigan avenue turned the heat up, literally, with the mass amount of fans that gathered.  Hearing the Hawks love and appreciate us just as much as we love them only made the Chicago spirit that more intense.  It seemed as if we were all dazed with Blackhawks fever.  It even seemed as if work hours became more lenient as the addiction of tracking the Blackhawks and the appearance of the Stanley Cup overcame us all.  So that being said we just need to say a big THANK YOU to the Chicago Blackhawks!  Thank you for making the month of June a bigger and better celebration than ever before, thank you for reviving out commitment to Chicago sports, and thank you, thank you for consuming our bosses with so much joy that it made the work weeks much easier to handle...dare we even say fun? 

Thank you for the extremely happy moments in our life captured below! 
WE LOVE YOU BLACKHAWKS!

Chic•K•Go's guest blogger, Katie Kahn, kissing the Stanley Cup at a ChiIL Productions event at Ungerground.


Chic•K•Go's very own Kristin DeHaan celebrating the Hawks big win on the streets of Chicago in front of District bar! 

Sorry 1Mil X Over

Hey guys,


I am just going to put it out there...we deserted you.  Not only have we been MIA for months, but we have left our loyal followers without vital information at the most important time of the year - SUMMER!  Let me just be the first to say that the bliss of Chicago in the summer - the block parties, garden walks, boating trips, outdoor concerts, movies in the park, etc. - has gotten the best of me. 


{Insert gorgeous pictures of Chicago here so you can all begin to understand the reason why I have been uncontrollably distracted by the beauty of this city...I'm a young woman in love, what more can I say?}

So, I am going to do the best that I can and fill you in on how you can jam pack the rest of your summer with all that Chicago has to offer!  Expect numerous posts of summer traditions and upcoming events that you won't want to miss out on.  Hope you can forgive me and enjoy all that this city has to offer - Chic●K●Go style.


Much love and X's to you all!


KEDH

Monday, April 12, 2010

Mamma Mia!


One of CHICK GO's favorite authentic Italian restaurants is Mia Francesca. The family owned restaurant was featured on WTTW's show Check, Please! It is also known to have been one of Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn's favorite date night restaurants.

Mia Francesca's menu changes weekly, but one thing that doesn't change is their generous portions and delicious food. For starters, we suggest the Calamari Fritti, Bruschetta con Rucola, Insalata Caprese. CHICK GO's favorite pasta dishes are the Linguine al Sugo di Gambori (linguine sauteed with shrimp, scallops, garlic and olive olive in a spicy cherry tomato sauce) Ravioli con Spinaci (spinach filled pasta with a four cheese sauce with a touch of tomato sauce and parmigiano). The pasta dishes are big enough for two to share.

For your main course we recommend the Pollo alla Salvia (sauteed in chicken breast in a light tomato sauce with sage and topped with mozzarella and prosciutto) and the Pesce Bianco con Asparagi (roasted white fish topped with wild mushrooms, asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, white wine, lemon and balsamic).

If you still have an extra notch left on your belt after your meal, for dessert you can't pass up their mouth watering tiramisu. Mia Francesca also offers a gluten-free menu.

The fun yet casual atmosphere makes Mia Francesca a great spot to enjoy a dinner with your family and friends or have a romantic date night. There is also a cute outdoor patio area for those warm summer nights, that are quickly approaching. They also have a separate coach house that is available for private party rentals.

Mia Francesca in located at 3311 N. Clark Street.
*We do NOT take credit for our images

Monday, April 5, 2010

Beauty Bar ➳ Ultimate Chicago Chic

Chic•K•Go excitedly welcomes the New York native, Beauty Bar!  Owner and creator Paul Devitt 1st came up with the Beauty Bar idea in 1995 when he discovered a characteristically perfect 1950 salon and transformed it into a "beauty saloon".  Devitt kept the 1950's retro theme but added a fully stocked bar with signature drinks, making their martinis your best salon accessory.  This brilliant idea resulted in several other locations throughout the U.S. including a 2nd location in NY, 3 in California, and 1 in Las Vegas.  With the success of 8 locations it was only a matter of time that this glamourous bar was introduced to us. Thus with the exit of West towns Sonotheque comes the entrance of Chicago's very own Beauty Bar!  Each Beauty Bar has it's own unique flare due to the fact that Paul Devitt (pictured above) recruits local bar owners to incorporate the city's personality.  


Devitt has teamed up with  Empty Bottle's Bruce Finkelman and Peter Toalson.  Together the trio have created an ultra chic, funky, and sophisticated atmosphere where you can enjoy a manicure and a martini for only $10.  What more could a girl ask for?  Continue your night here but come prepared with your best dancing shoes as Beauty Bar sports an eclectic variety of music from trendy Chicago DJ's.  Where the women go the men are sure to follow, making this a Chic•K•Go hot spot that you don't want to miss out on!



Images were borrowed from here.  We do not take credit for these images!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Yolk is YUMMY!


Last Sunday, I ventured to the south loop and enjoyed a delicious brunch at Yolk. Going out to brunch is one of the highlights of my weekend and something I don't take lightly. Weekend mornings filled with the breakfast club rush are the busiest times for Yolk, so prepare to wait. When visiting the south loop location you can walk across the street and enjoy Grant Park and Museum Campus while you wait. There is also a Yolk location in River North.

When you look at the menu and the food that is being consumed by people around you, it is hard to refrain yourself from ordering one of everything off the menu. Yolk' s egg benedict got voted best in town, so you can't go wrong with that. They offer a new spin on a classic favorite by adding the Surf 'N' Turf version (one half topped with beef tenderloin steak strips and the other lightly breaded shrimp) or the South of the Border Benny (chorizo sausage and chipotle sauce).

What really had our mouths salivating were their pancakes and french toast. A CHICK GO favorite is the Chocolate-Strawberry Pancakes ( fresh strawberries and semi-sweet chocolate morsels topped with strawberries, chocolate sauce and whipped cream) We also highly recommend the Cinnamon Roll French Toast (no explanation needed) and the Banana Nut Bread French Toast (three slices of banana nut bread topped with banana slices, powdered sugar and served with peanut butter)

Yolk also has a lunch menu, but serves breakfast all day. If we had to chose between the breakfast and lunch menu we would say it's a no brainer to go with the breakfast menu. Yolk got voted #1 breakfast according to Chicago FOX and Best of Citysearch 2008. So, we are not the only ones preaching the delicious praises of this river north and south loop hotspot.




Sunday, March 14, 2010

Last Chance to Own Maria Pinto!

 I am sad to say that I will be working the Maria Pinto liquidation sale this week.  All Pinto designs are 50-70%, which is a STEAL.  Come check out the sale starting this Tuesday, March 16th - Saturday, March 20th.  (Cash and Credit only)

March Madness

Aside from summer it's our favorite time!  March Madness has officially begun and we are extremely excited as it was announced today that KU is ranked #1 overall seed in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament!  ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!  As the Alma Mater fever strikes, we have decided to help you out by listing some of the popular Alumni bars in Chicago so you can have the ultimate March Madness experience!  Hope it helps!

Alabama
Arizona State
Arkansas
Boston College
Clemson
Colorado
DePaul
Florida
Georgetown
Illinois
Illinois State
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana State
Loyola
Marquette
Michigan
Michigan State
Nebraska
North Carolina
Northwestern
Notre Dame
Ohio State
Oklahoma
Penn State
Pittsburgh
Purdue
South Carolina
Texas
Virginia Tech
Washington
Wisconsin

Now, we only have 3 requests:
1. Download, print, and fill out the 2010 NCAA bracket here
2. Get to your designated Alumni Bar
3. Let the games and madness begin!

State Of Mind

Looking for something new to liven up your Tuesday nights?  Look no further than Trivia Tuesdays at State where you will find a bar packed with bodies and brain busters!  Whether you take the challenge alone or in the company of up to eight of your friends, you are bound to have a good time.  Whats even more exciting than the trivia questions are the prizes!  1st place gets $800, 2nd place $200, winners of the lighting round (list as many movies that you can that an actor/actress has done within 90 seconds) wins $100.  Not sure how superb your trivia skills are?  No worries, no one is a loser at State.  Just by showing up you get an opportunity to win a raffle giveaway.  At the beginning of the evening you are given a free raffle ticket, allowing you the chance to win stuff such as Nintendo Wii, TV's, Apple items, gift cards, and more!  Plus who can complain with Tuesday night State specials such as $13 domestic pitchers, $18 import pitchers, and $5.95 to build your own burger!


We do not take credit for this image!


State is located at 935 W. Webster.  Trivia starts at 8pm sharp, but we recommend to get there around 6pm in order to secure a table.  Parking will be as challenging as the Trivia questions so try to opt for public transportation.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.  We plan to become regulars since our 1st experience!  Definetly deserving of a Chic•K•Go seal of approval!

Spring Fever

This weeks 60 degree weather sprung me right into Spring Fever.  The air was fresh, you could FINALLY  loose those bulky winter jackets, and even the spring showers were blissfully welcomed.  There is something about the Spring and Summer in Chicago that turns this city into the happiest place on earth.  To Chic•agoans THIS is the most wonderful time of the year.  So, with this glorious weather comes the inevitable...Spring shopping.  After browsing the trends endlessly and all the while having Chicago summer on the brain, I couldn't help but notice how my favorite spring trends seemed to transform into Chicago summer staples.  Check out some of the fashion trends that to me, appear to mirror the most noteworthy things that this City has to offer...


• Architectural Appeal 



• Modern Manner 




• Royalty Resemblance 




Botanic Beauty


Geometric Glisten •



 

• Mirrored Mirage 



We do not take credit for these images!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Cocktail hour @ THE VIOLET HOUR

This is the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder, when affections glow again and valor is reborn, when the shadows deepen magically along the edge of the forest and we believe that, if we watch carefully, at any moment we may see the unicorn.
- Bernard DeVoto "The Hour"

With decor inspired by a fusion of an old English Club and a seductive French Salon, it's no wonder why The VIOLET HOUR has become the new hipster hot spot for cocktails.  Named after a line of T.S. Eliot Poetry and using the above quote, from Bernard DeVoto, as its theme, The VIOLET HOUR is idyllic if you are searching for a new experience.  This spot will send you back centuries with their tall royalty-like chairs, intimate setting, and no cell phone policy.  

Try their eclectic drinks such as the Indian Summer made with Plymouth, Lime, Lavender Syrup, and House-Made Tonic OR the Gilded Cage mixed with Tito's, Lemon, Honey Syrup, Egg White, and Paychaud's Bitter.  VIOLET HOUR is also known for their bourbon and whiskey cocktails.  If hunger strikes, go the Chic. route and try the Chicago Style Mini-Dogs complete with Yellow Mustard, Onion, Tomato, Sport Pepper, Pickle and Celery Salt (exné on the ketchup - for obvious reasons) OR treat yourself to a southern inspired dish such as the Fried Chicken and Waffles with Maple Tobasco Dipping Sauce! 
We do not take credit for these images!


What we love most about this magical bar is it's camouflaged entrance...we would show you a picture of the outside, but that would ruin the allure of approaching a stunning experience, of approaching The VIOLET HOUR.