It’s always funny to me when people ask me what I did this weekend. Maybe every weekend I will just post what I go out and do and then the question can finally be put to bed.
Step 1: Friday Afternoon Dim Sum at Minghin
No pictures here, we all know that the best dish on the entire menu in this Chinatown gem is the crispy Macau pork belly. Taking out a college chum to grab some, it dawned on me that some parts of the country have no dim sum. It is for this reason that I always take inventory and count my blessings for living in Chicago!
Step 2: Stop for a drink at Whistler
A Bentonhurst, if you would please
Fancy cocktails are never out of style at this Logan Square hotspot. There were no servers on a Friday night but the dim lit room made it feel like an old school speakeasy. We had a reggae show to go to so we had to skip out before the DJ hit the decks.
Step 3: Have a pitcher of Old Style at Two Way Lounge
The fancy cocktails were good, but my old college chum needed to meet the National Bohemian of the Midwest: Old Style. I considered drinking only a pint for $2, but a pitcher was much more enticing. We downed that pitcher and headed back towards Township.
Step 4: Catch Drop Steady at Township
Drop Steady
Local music in Chicago is as rich as it comes, with Drop Steady on stage and Township crawling with friends all over the place it was the place to be on Friday night. Perched near my usual spot in front of the stage I shot pictures and danced with the rest of the crowd. Serious craft beer and some shots of whiskey rounded off the night.
Step 5: Saturday night: Start a photo project
Settin' up the shots
If you’re going to sit around recovering from the previous night’s damage, make sure to find a buddy who will get you back up and rolling. Practicing our night shooting, @MunicipalAgent quickly convinced me that I am in desperate need of a tripod. If you pursue any hobby, I highly recommend finding experts way better than you are to help perfect your craft. Our south side adventure netted us some pics and I am sure Luke’s will blow mine away.
Step 6: Sunday Morning – Go to the Globe Pub and Root for Arsenal!
Down to the last game of the Premiership season, I was not a good fan this season and stayed on the sidelines watching many a game from home. I ended up going to the most crowded football bar in Chicago and ended up at the Globe for the game without a beer in hand for the entirety of the match. Arsenal fans were in full force, loudly cheering and singing on Arsenal holding down 4th place for the season ensuring Champions League qualification for the 16th straight year while rival Tottenham’s season went down in flames into Europa League.
Step 7: BBQ and Crawfish Boil at Toon’s
BBQ BBQ BBQ
Most people in Chicago are lucky if they have a friend with a grill who’s willing to cook some food up on the weekend. I’d say you’re really, really fortunate if you’ve got some friends who are experts at using a smoker and invite you on over. Feasting on some smoked chicken, smoked brisket, hot links and some delicious BBQ sauce, I them remembered there was some crawfish to smash open!
Chicago Crawfish Boil
If you are ever looking for a crawfish boil in Chicago, Toon’s is the place to be: accept no imitiations! Dollar for dollar and flavor for flavor you will end up on the winning side and satisfied with crawfish from the best! Danny has been cooking up crawfish at Toon’s for the last 14 years. Memorial Day is your next chance for a crawfish boil!
Step 8: Concrete custard at Scooter’s
Mocha. Snicker. Madness.
Dessert? Dessert! Scooter’s Frozen Custard in Roscoe Village stands as a marvel in desserts. With the oppressive sun melting my soul away, I was encouraged by seeing a small crowd of children, parents, dogs, and thirsty people standing outside and enjoying an ice cold custard from Scooter’s. Perusing the menu a combination of Vanilla custard, mocha, and Snickers sounded like the perfect way to cool off after a BBQ. We sat inside and were able to grab some water while our custards quickly were assembled ready to nosh! Life seemed so much better in the air conditioning watching the other folks outside melt away.
The just about wraps up my weekend. I truly, dearly wanted to go to Lakeview Mayfest, however I will save my money for the real German Maifest up in Lincoln Square!!!
