Chicago.com
When I found out about this tasting through www.drinktown.com , I said to myself this sound like fun. I thought I knew everything there was to know about Bourbon and then I went to PitchFork’s whiskey tasting. The host of the night was Evan Williams’s master distiller Craig Beam, Jim Beam’s great grandson.
The Bourbon
When you talk Bourbon with a man like Craig you learn a lot. By law, Bourbon must be made up of at least 51% corn and aged a minimum of two years in a new charred white oak barrel. Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, though nearly all brands are made in Kentucky, and Kentucky is the only state allowed to put its name on the bottle. Bourbon is not Bourbon unless the label says so. The term proof originally referred to “gunpowder proof.” One of the ways early distillers checked, or “proved,” that their whiskey was strong enough was by mixing equal parts of whiskey and gunpowder, then setting the mixture on fire. A slow, yellow flame meant the spirit was too strong, while a steady blue flame “proved” it was good whiskey. Yellow flame spirits were diluted with water until they burned blue. Later, the whiskey which burned blue was found to be 50 percent alcohol. This level was considered to be 100 percent proved or, as we know it today, 100 proof. Today, the alcohol content is measured more scientifically in the distillery using a hydrometer. Proof is still calculated as 2 times the “alcohol by volume” of given Bourbon.
The BBQ
Besides the awesome information I learned about Whiskey we sampled some amazing BBQ. PitchFork has award-winning Cordis Brother’s ribs,so tender you can suck the meat off the bone. The sauce is a little on the thin side for consistency, has a noticeable deal of acidity, but it is balanced out by a good dose of sweet. The result is a full bodied base to the sauce that is phenomenal. Spiciness is done very well in this sauce. It produces a pleasing back heat that builds as you continue to eat the sauce. Not an overbearing heat just enough to give ya a kick in the kester. Ingredients that contribute to heat are usually easy to point out some include cayenne, chili powder and liquid smoke. But their sauce is a little more complex and harder to figure out. I think I also tasted other spices maybe nutmeg or allspice to round out the flavor. The sauce has the “one flavor” feeling that I like, no ingredient really dominates, and they all work together to make one taste. We also sampled the BBQ beef brisket and BBQ pork sangwiches and they were served on house made buttermilk biscuits “delicious”.
The Joint
The service was great! The Manager Pete Mazzone was friggen spot on. He constantly made sure that we had everything we needed and drinks were always replenished. During a jam packed event like that, it is rare to have such great service. PitchFork is like an old west corner saloon. If you bring your horse I even think there is a hitching post. Just kidding! This place is humongous. I am sure it would be great for private parties. Lakeview has tons of nightlife, but only one amazing saloon -PitchFork. You can sample their different whiskeys or try one of their house cocktails, either way you won’t be disappointed. Food and drink specials are no stranger to this joint either, every day of the week there is a different special. Be sure to check out their website for more details on their daily specials -www.pitchforkchicago.com. PitchFork is located at 2922 W Irving Park Road Chicago, IL 60618 or give them a call at 1(773)866.2010.
Here is a recipe I learned from the Bourbon prince himself Craig Beam.This is the perfect drink to enjoy the Kentucky Derby Saturday. Have fun and be safe. Thanks Craig!
Classic Mint Julep
Dissolve sugar into water. Bruise mint sprigs with fingers and rim the cup. Fill of cup with shaved ice. Add Bourbon, then sugar solution. Stir gently. Add ice to fill cup. Garnish with mint sprig.
VIVA! Las Lakeview – A Casino Night at the Harbor to Benefit FIVE Lakeview Charities
April 20, 2010- Chicago, IL –Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Inaugural event for their 501c3 arm Lakeview East Community Partnerships – VIVA! Las Lakeview, an evening, of high style gaming with master of ceremonies ” COUSIN VINNIE” from Chicago.com.
Thursday April 29th from 6:30PM to 10PM
Chicago Yacht Club: Belmont Station 300 W Belmont, Lakeview
A total of over $50,000 in prizes are available for guests to try their luck for ranging from fine art to hotel stays to dining certificates to spa packages.
A donation of $40 provides a buffet, and entertainment by Joe Ferrar and Friends of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble.
Guests will enjoy an evening of “Vegas-style” entertainment: Blackjack, Craps, Spin to Win, Roulette and Texas Hold’ em Poker.
All attendees will start the evening with $20 in chips, and can purchase more as needed. All proceeds benefit Lakeview area Not for Profit Organizations.
Beneficiaries of this event include:
o Student Veteran and Military Association of Illinois
o The Nettelhorst School
o The Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation
o The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation – Sailing Scholarship Program
o Nature Explore
Winners can also turn their chips in to purchase special raffle tickets for a trip for two to Las Vegas. Raffle tickets can also be pre-purchased through lakevieweast.com
This event would not be possible without the support countless Community Merchants who donated their services and talents as prizes for game winners.
Sponsors include: Fifth Third Bank, Chicago Jet Group, Horseshoe Casino Hammond, Diageo and Vanberg & Dewulf, Chicago.com
Guests Can order tickets by phone at 773 – 348 – 8608 or online at:
http://www.lakevieweast.com/viva-las-lakeview.htm
Downtown Chicago’s C2E2 was the first major comic book convention in downtown Chicago that I can remember. Rumor was the folks over at NYC comic con were going to bring the show here to Chicago and give Wizard World Chicago some much needed competition. Competition is one word, a complete shellacking is another. The sign in process was quick and easy for the droves of crowds that attended this year. McCormick place is so massive, it was easy to navigate from one exhibitor to another without getting tangled up in the crowds. I have been to Wizard World many times and felt rushed and congested, I was constantly bumping into people there because of the small quarters. I saw several show panels and I have to say the chairs were unbelievably comfortable and amazingly easy access to view. The Celebrate Stars Wars panel was the best as it was in the gigantic IGN Theater. I found C2E2 had some of the usual faces there as Wizard, DC, Image, Archie Comics and many more. But I also got to meet Gary E. Friedrich, the creator of “Ghost rider”, David Finch who is currently working on Brightest Day, and artist of the X men crossover event Second coming. We love ya Dave! Also featured were some of our awesome Chicago talents that made it in my top picks for best in show.
Matt Kubinski – (The Marauders) If you have not read the Marauders you are missing out. If you like bikers, zombies, blood and friggin tons of action, then this book is for you. I am the kinda guy that cheers for the bad guy and I must say these bikers are bad people but you can’t stop rooting for them. Silver, Dollar, Viker, Zombie cop are some of the characters and after reading volume one, I think they are on their way to Chicago. The Marauders is filled with awesome characters and very cool artwork by Petz and Bianco. Pick it up it’s a phenomenal read, as well as Superbia. These two I definitely will be frequenting.
Onrie Kompan – (creator of Yi Soon Shin: Warrior and Defender) The year is 1592. Hideyoshi Toyotomi has successfully united Japan. Now he controls the world’s most deadly military force and is determined to conquer the world. His quest for domination starts with the invasion of Korea. But before Hideyoshi can claim it for himself, he has to answer to an implacable armada led by Admiral Yi Soon Shin. Great concept, even better read. Onrie premiered the second issue of his book and managed to sell out at the convention. He said: “We really enjoyed making a presence at C2E2 and are happy that Chicago finally has a convention that is on the same level as New York and San Diego.” You are so right Onrie!
Michael Moreci – (Creator of Quarantined) It all starts in a small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, when a virus is released into the town’s water supply, which turns people into vicious killers. The military shuts down the borders—no way in, no way out. A group of survivors trapped within the town must survive against the infected, against the odds, and against each other. Exciting, awesome and witty; thanks for the read Mike!
You can see 2 of the three of these great talents at “Free comic book day” May 1st 2010 @ “The Comic Vault” 1530 W Montrose for more info go to www.freecomicbookday.com. What a great turnout this year, if you missed it this year shame on you. C2E2 great job and can’t wait until next year.
Our friends over at AskMen.com have released their annual ranking of the Top Cities To Live In, and Chicago has made the list once again. This year we are ranked #24 out of 29 in their list. While you may think that’s low for Chicago, just remember that there is nothing wrong with being in the top 82 percentile. Plus you can use the list of cities that “beat” us as a travel guide for the upcoming summer. You can learn the skinny on Melbourne, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, and many, many other great cities, and what there is for single guys like you and I to do there. Sorry ladies, go find your own list!
The methodology of the study takes into account: weather, cost of living, dating, professional life, a day and night on the town, and adventure and the outdoors. I think it goes without saying that weather dragged down our rating. But we excelled where it matters to guys like you and I with a low cost of living and great nightlife. When it comes to things to do, Ask Men complimented our many free events during the summer, and our unique burlesque scene. They also gave a shout out to our beaches, and reminded readers that although Chicago isn’t known as a beach-friendly city, it really is!
A big thank you goes out to AskMen.com for including our great city on their list yet again, and for giving us a heads up about it. Make sure you check out their Chicago city guide and give our city a good rating. We’re currently trailing Pompeii. I think we can do better than that!
Sorry to the daily blog readers about my hiatus in writing. That being said, you deserve an explanation. I recently underwent oral surgery and no matter how hard they tried, they will never be able to shut my mouth. Bleeding, swelling, pain and diet are words that usually remind me of a horrible first date. Now I am utilizing these words as my post operation itinerary.
My surgeon is a talented guy in the O.R and the recording studio. The reason I know this is because he gave me his CD “Treat you baby.” The name of his band is Rick Simcox and the Tone Questers. He has perfected that sweet stroke and just goes out and pounds out winner after passionate winner on this great album. Beautifully crafted and expertly played and sung, this disc immediately gets you comfortable as if you’re kicking back and having a cold one with a dear old friend. Rick’s signature guitar and vocals are spectacular. He is a trooper and a perfectionist who seems to get it right. “Swear to tell the truth” opens the CD and really shows you what Blues is about. You can buy their music on Itunes and don’t forget to check em out live at a free show in Oak Park, Illinois at the Dragon Lounge on May 15th.
Also I would also like to thank my friend Mark the pharmacist over at Webster Drugs, located at 610 ½ W 31st Street in Bridgeport (my home). Give them a call at 312.567.1490 to get the cheapest prescription prices in the city. The staff is wonderful and no matter how much pain your mouth is in, they are sure to put a smile on your face.
Among the many Vinnie-isms that have entered my Southside vocabulary (such as “sangwiches,” “friggen,” and “fundage”), here’s a new one that Webster should add to his dictionary:
Aga·nus
1. A level of misery or pain.
Used in a sentence. The hour I spent in oral surgery yesterday has left me in “aganus.”
Thanks Josh………you are the best!