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And on the eighth day, God created Ribfest, and it was awesome. At least that’s what it says in Cousin Vinnie’s Bible. That’s right Chicago, the weather’s getting warmer, the beaches are getting crowded, and I’m starting to notice the new interns here at the office. This can only mean one thing: Ribfest is upon us! Once again the North Center Chamber of Commerce has gathered some of the best restaurants in Chicago to participate in this heavenly event. With live music on two stages, special activities for children, beer gardens, and of course, Ribs, it is easy to get overwhelmed at this epic event. So Cousin Vinnie has decided to share some special tips with you for attending Ribfest and many other Chicago festivals happening throughout the year.
Pitchfork (2922 W. Irving Park Rd.) When I think of BBQ diner, I think of a tar paper shack well off the interstate, sitting cozily on a rural dirt road, sporting a washing machine on the front porch and a primer-coated car sitting on cement blocks. But not this joint; with its spacious interior and inviting atmosphere, their ribs were delicious and had a sophisticated flavor. Dan, the owner of this fine establishment, was defending his best-ribs-in-Chicago-championship and was serving ribs on the front lines with many of his staff. I understand why Pitchfork had some of the best ribs. With a nice peppery flavor and a sweet, but tangy sauce, the ribs were falling off the bone and I gladly scooped them up.
Robinson’s Ribs (655 W. Armitage Ave.) With their intoxicating aroma, Robinson’s Ribs are a prime example of doing it right. I am always happy to see these guys an at event, knowing that mouth-watering ribs are not far behind. I have been eating at Robinson’s Ribs for years and have never been let down. Their sauce is sweet but packs some power.
Chicago Joe’s (2256 W. Irving Park Rd.) Started in 1988, Chicago Joe’s specializes in ribs. Their beautifully browned ribs are baked in a mellow sauce to allow all the flavors to be savored and not one particular dominate your palate.
Tore’s Italian Beef and Pizza (2804 N. Western Ave.) Last but nowhere near least on my list was Tore’s. Now don’t let the name fool you with that Italian beef and pizza at the end of their name. This pretty chef with her special blend of seasonings and spices, knows what she is doing. The meaty ribs were slathered in scrumptious sauce. Having been a virgin to their food, I am glad I found out about them through ribfest. I will definitely be a regular at their joint.
You know a festival is doing well when you have national sponsors like Honda there. Honda was promoting thier new Accord Crosstour. They were showcasing the capabilities of this vehicle holding all your tailgating supplies. there is a removable cargo box to store ice, soda and all your grilling meats. I sat in this beautiful automobile and I swear it was a luxury car. Good job Honda, next year you should make ribs thou.
All in all, it was another great year for ribfest, Great food, cold beer, and some of the best people in the world, Chicagoans, as well as our visiting friends. Thank goodness there is a CVS right on the corner, I’m getting an antacid.
Until next time Chicago,
Cousin Vinnie
: )
See more photos at Ribfest Chicago’s Flickr stream »
‘Maifest auf Deutsch’ celebrates the arrival of spring each year in Chicago’s very own Lincoln Square, and funnily enough this year, that was the first weekend in June. I’ve never been and had my doubts getting off the train when all I could see was men in short shorts and women with babies in one arm and a stein of beer in the other. First impressions aside, I had an uber awesome time.
If you are looking for German women who could both drink you under the table and beat you in an arm wrestling match, Maifest is for you. Everything about the fest seemed like what an authentic beer fest in Germany should be… minus the overwhelming amount of Blackhawks jerseys. Guys who would normally be wearing Cubs hats were now sporting giant purple caps with feathers reminiscent of Peter Pan, lederhosen and suspenders with flair. To be fair, I probably wouldn’t know the first thing about German culture aside from humming the theme song to David Hasselhoff’s Baywatch. But if this is what Germany might be like, someone book me a flight today. Everyone was friendly even with the torrential downpour that started as soon as the authentic German folk band began to play the ‘Chicken Dance.” The cold beer and brats kept our hearts warm as hundreds of fest-goers huddled under tents that somehow kept just about everyone dry. Women dressed in dirndls like the Family Von Trapp (yes, I know they are Austrian) and guys who looked like overgrown oompa loompas made this festival truly great. The rain didn’t stop the masses from consuming 600,000 steaming hot brats with sauerkraut and potato salad. Not really sure if that’s accurate number, but I watched a fat kid in suspenders eat at least 599,000 by the polka tent. And even with the Hawks game approaching, the party looked like it was never going to end.
Maifest is located every year at the intersection of Lincoln and Leland right off the Western Brown line stop. This year they had some authentic polka on Friday evening with the “Polkaholics” and on Saturday “The Captain Blood Orchestra.” The food and beer were spectacular. I had Bavarian meatloaf which is “basically Spam” according to the friendly guy at the tent. I was also lucky enough to try a brat from “The Chicago Brauhaus.” Indeed I have been known to hueberstein in the brauhaus in my younger years. All I can say is the Maifest is uber fun and I’ll be going back next year – hopefully without the rain!
It is easier to teach the kids when they are young how to eat properly, than it is to stop breaking bad eating habits as an adult. Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. I myself have been battling weight issues for a longtime. It occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height. Childhood obesity is particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems that were once confined to adults, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Childhood obesity can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression. In our fast-paced world, it is often thought that mealtime is really a choice between convenience and nutrition. Veggie U, while educating children, knows that for lasting impact, parents to must make healthy eating choices for the entire family. Here is a little more info on Veggie U. Let’s make a healthier choice Chicago…….
The mission of Veggie U is to promote the well-being of children through a healthy lifestyle. Veggie U is dedicated to the creation and distribution of curricula nationally, with a focus on making wise food choices, combating adolescent and juvenile disease, and attaining an understanding of sustainable agriculture.
This is accomplished through:
•Hands-on educational curricula targeting classrooms across the nation
•Development of seminars and outreach programs for food enthusiasts, food service groups and culinary professionals
The educational projects:
•Introduce the concept of sustainable agriculture
•Emphasize the need to grow vegetables safely
•Provide the connection between agriculture, good nutrition and the culinary arts.
To find out more information on Veggie U, please check out their website.
Website: www.veggieu.org
Illinois’ mandatory insurance law is one of the most significant consumer protection measures now on the books. Comply or end up like this.
The Law
You are in compliance with the mandatory insurance law if you have vehicle liability insurance in the following minimum amounts:
You must always carry your insurance card in your vehicle and show it upon request by any law enforcement officer. Your insurance company will send you an insurance card, usually when your insurance policy is issued or renewed.
Your signature on the Vehicle Renewal Registration Application affirms that your vehicle will be properly insured throughout the registration period.
Enforcement
Enforcement of the mandatory insurance law is accomplished through a random questionnaire sampling process and the issuance of traffic tickets.
We have been getting a ton of emails about Chicago’s insurance policies. Well here you go! If you have any other insurance questions contact Vince “da insurance guy” Lifonti, over at Lifonti insurance. Where theyalways treat you like family!
GO HAWKS GO!
The hawks are up 3-0. They got a lot less Power Play opportunities, and because of it were out shot by a 3-1 margin in the 3rd alone, and once again their goalie fell asleep. Patrick Sharp scored on a power play in the 2nd to tie the game at 1. Dave Bolland (center) scored in the 3rd period, giving the Hawks a temporary lead. Dustin Byfuglien aka “Big Buff” scored in overtime to secure a victory. They are one game away from playing for the cup, and all I can think about it that thirst “clinching” Sunday. Another great performance from the Blackhawks goalie, Antti Niemi (goalie) aka “the Finnish Fortress” who blocked 44 of 46 shots to ensure the Blackhawks win! The Sharks, whatever lineup they muster up, need to do two things. One is they need to rebound more, the other is lots of praying. I believe the Hawks have the greater speed and most definitely we have more heart. The Sharks have no fore-check. Once you let the Hawks out of their zone it’s game over. Great job by every player on the Hawks – truly one of the best Chicago hockey teams since ‘61. All the Hawks players need to buy some new golf clubs because these guys deserve a vacation.
FYI from Chicago.com’s friend (Matt Bonacorrso)
Hawks will attempt the sweep on Sunday and win!
Last Stanley Cup win was 1961 (currently longest winless streak in NHL. What’s the deal with Chicago teams and waiting so long between championships?)
Last time in Finals was 1992 and were swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins (those rats)
If you want to find out what happens Sunday, stay posted to “The Chicago Blog”
THIS IS MY CITY AND I LOVE CHICAGO!!!!!!!