Restaurants
The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop in New York City
The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop in New York City
By Michael Martin
Once upon a time in 2009, Douglas Quint was on the couch browsing Facebook, alongside his boyfriend, Brian Petroff. Douglas remarked on a friend’s post about an ice cream truck that wasn’t in use. “Should I drive an ice cream truck all summer?” he said, rather cavalierly, to his boyfriend Brian.
“Yes,” replied his boyfriend. “That sounds exactly like what you should be doing!”
Thus, The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck was born. Soon, amid growing customer demand and media accolades the couple found themselves thrust into foodie stardom. Brian quit his job as a corporate HR specialist, and Doug put his career as a freelance concert bassoonist on hold. They had a thriving, booming business.
So much so, in fact, that they were able to open The Big Gay Ice Cream Store on Labor Day weekend of 2011. On opening day they drew a line around the block. Hoards of New Yorkers clamored for access to their colorfully Spartan sweet shop, and the tasty confections within.
“The East Village is the only neighborhood left in Manhattan where you can DIY your own small business,” says Doug, right before he pauses to flirt with a 72 year old woman. The woman
is full of compliments. She ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ over a dish she’s selected called the Bea Arthur (vanilla ice cream, dulce de leche, rolled in crushed Nilla wafers). “Careful,” he says “I might be hitting on you.”
“I’m 72 years old!” the blushing woman announces proudly. Douglas winks and shrugs.
Indeed, the day that I visited them at 125 E. 7th st. in Manhattan’s East Village there was no lack of customers, even though I dropped by in the middle of the afternoon in late January. I could see, too, that there was more to their business philosophy than just soft serve ice cream with foodie-type toppings. Doug and Brian find themselves working behind their own counter most days, and Doug makes a concerted, chipper effort to be friendly and social with his customers. “Ultimately, we’re dishing up soft serve, just like the next guy – so we’re being extremely personable and friendly about it.”
Douglas goes on to explain that he wants his customers to be able to take the kids for ice cream for less than ten bucks. “It’s important to us to be able to offer our customers a product that a five year old can afford.”
Douglas is being humble. BGICS is hardly the same soft serve you can get at any ice cream truck. True, the base flavors are simple – chocolate and vanilla with special made flavors like coffee and beet (yes, beet!!) on weekends. But, like so much of the gay lifestyle – it’s all about how you top it. And these two gays have mastered the art of topping. Er… toppings. You can get your soft serve upgraded with extra goodies like Key Lime Curd, Siracha, Wasabi Pea Dust, Olive Oil and Sea Salt – just to name a few.
There are also toppings and ingredients manufactured solely for BGICS – including a Bacon Marmalade (best with chocolate ice cream) and an ice cream sandwich called Rue McClanahan – bourbon ice cream with praline pecan cookies.
Big Gay Ice Cream Shop achieves quite an accomplishment in the world of New York foodie restaurants. They manage to maintain a complex, interesting menu that is both unique and down to earth at the same time.
So yeah, if you want a beet ice cream cone with pumpkin butter and a dusting of cardamom, you can have it. But if your date is more vanilla – and just wants a cone with a chocolate dip?
Well, then – you can both leave with your bellies full.
125 East 7th Street New York, NY 10009
(212) 533-9333
Gay Houston Calendar of Events
Gay Houston Calendar of Events
3rd Annual Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest at Galveston Railroad Museum
http://www.yagaspresents.com/
January 20-22nd, 2012
Tickets: https://tix.extremetix.com/
Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest will return to Galveston’s Historic Strand District, with a revamped lineup of craft and imported beer selections presented by Del Papa Distributing Company and Pint Jockeys. The third annual event is set to feature over 80 cook off teams serving up some of the tastiest chili in Texas and more than 100 different brew varieties.
The event officially opens to the public at 11 a.m. when the chili teams will begin serving their delicious concoctions on the Strand. Guests and attendees are encouraged to walk around the event and experience the wide variety of chilies as well as the other events taking place throughout the day. Some of the other events include a washer tournament,margarita making contest, jalapeno eating contest, 5k fun-run and a Strand merchant walk-about. An awards ceremony will conclude the event and announce the best chili on Galveston Island.
Last year’s event drew over 6,000 chili and beer lovers, and this year proves to be even larger with the addition of the Pint Jockeys, a group of Del Papa’s craft beer enthusiasts. Yaga’s and the Pint Jockeys will transform the Tremont House’s Davidson Ballroom into a beer Mecca, located at 2300 Ships Mechanic Row, Galveston, TX 77550. The ballroom will open to the public at noon on.
34th Annual Corvette Chevy Expo at George R. Brown Convention Center
Cost: Admission Fee: $15.00, Children under 12 free.
The largest ALL Indoor Corvette & Chevy Event in the Lone Star State. Over 130,000 sq. ft. of Corvette & Chevy Excitement! Large Swap Meet with Major vendors from all over the US selling hard to find parts and accessories by the truckload. See the south’s best Chevrolet Show Cars, NCRS Display, Car Sales Mart, and Sunday Miss Swimsuit USA Contest.
Saturday 9am to 7pm
Sunday 9am to 6pm
http://corvettechevyexpo.com/
Email: info@corvettechevyexpo.com
Phone: 386-775-2512 Fax: 386-267-3150
Houston Liberty Festival Benefiting Homes For Our Troops at American Shooting Centers
Cost: Free –
January 27 – 29
Celebrate our Armed Forces, honor their sacrifices January 27 – 29, and raise funds to build specially-adapted homes for severely combat wounded veterans The three-day festival includes live music, The Inland Empire Carnival, Viet Nam battle reenactment with helicopter, vendors, auctions, powered parachute demo, helicopter rides, moving presentations with honored Veterans, Sporting Clays Tournament, GNAT Shooting (www.gnatusa.com), a Classic and Exotic Car Exhibit, Flag Retirement Ceremony, , US Army Marksmanship Unit Exhibition Shooters, The US Honor Flag (www.ushonorflag.org), battle reenactments, rides in a Huey and a fully tracked M113 armored personnel carrier, girls on horseback, military equipment displays, impersonators, former POWs from WWII, Korea and Vietnam, War Dogs, Rolling Tributes to our Veterans, Cook Teams and more.
Homes for Our Troops, is a national non-profit whose mission is to build specially adapted homes for service members who have been severely wounded in combat operations since September 11, 2001. All specially adapted homes are built at NO COST to the veteran. HFOT relies completely on private donations, and receives no government funding whatsoever. All monies raised allows the vets the chance to live their lives, as independently as possible, in their own homes.
GO GREEN ART AND ECO-FAIR at SPIRIT KEY
Cost: Free –
http://eventful.com/houston_
Every Third Saturday of each month
Go Green Art and Eco-Fair Every Third Saturday of each month.
Admission is FREE! Come out and enjoy the great outdoors on 5 beautiful park like acres, and enjoy free music provided by local musicians/bands, along with getting some great deals and great food and great green information that can save you money.
International Quilt Festival Houston at George R. Brown Convention Center
Cost: Daily admission – $10 adult/$8; senior & student. Children 10 and under free with paying adult. Full Show Pass – $35 (includes Preview Night) Preview Night ticket – $10
http://www.quilts.com/newHome/
November 1-4, 2012
The International Quilt Festival Houston is a premier trade event for the textile and quilts industry in the United States of America. Organized by Quilts Inc., this International Quilt Festival Houston event focuses primarily on the display of quilts and draws a large number of trade visitors each year. Geographically located some degrees above the Tropic of Cancer, the country, especially its Northern part, represents a large market for quilts and related items and thus attracts exhibitors from various states who get the opportunity to showcase their creations in unique designs and cloth materials to a discerning set of attendees. Exhibitors can also form new contacts and gather ideas for providing customized services to their clients.
Katy Home & Garden Show at Leonard E Merrell Center
Cost: Admission $9.00 Military ID $5.00 Seniors $7.00 Kids 12 and under FREE
http://www.
January 28-29, 2012
On January 28-29, 2012 the 6th Annual Katy Home & Garden Show bursts on to the scene again with some pre-Spring indoor sunshine at the Merrell Center and Robinson Pavilion.
Give spring a try while you shop the great deals at more than 250 exhibits from reputable companies. Stroll through two buildings and two floors of all things blooming home improvement and garden ideas. The one-stop shopping includes decorating, gardening, remodeling, window treatments, home theater, landscaping, kitchens & baths, do-it-yourself, flooring, windows & doors, siding, heating/cooling and a myriad of other home related products and services.
Go to the Katy Home & Garden Show website to enter for a chance to win a $250 shopping spree and free tickets to the show!.
MLK Grande Parade-Midtown at HCC – Midtown
Cost: Free -
The 2012 MLK Events-Houston Moves To Midtown Bringing Culturally Diverse Events And Activities To One Of Houston’s Largest And Fastest Growing Neighborhoods. The Parade Will Originate On San Jacinto Street @ Elgin Street And Will Proceed N/B 1.0 To Webster Street. For More Information Across All MLK Events Visit Us Online @ http://www.mlkgrandeparade.org Or Call 713-953-1633
Gulf Shores Tattoo Expo!! Galveston Island, TX!! at Galveston Island Convention Center
April 27, 28 and 29 of 2012
Galveston Is lands first tattoo expo! Loaded with entertainment, awards, ink and most importantly the best tattoo artists in the country! $1000 prize to best of show tattoo! April 27, 28 and 29 of 2012! More information TBA! To book a booth as an artist or vendor please visit www.gulfshoresexpo.com
Anime Matsuri 2012
Apr 6, 2012 all day | Friday to Apr 8, 2012 | Sunday
$15-$100
Anime Matsuri focuses on the promotion of anime and Japanese culture and its related industries in a fun event for the entire family.
Anime Matsuri also serves as a meeting place for members of the industry to connect with the fans and gather feedback on their products and services.
For the three day weekend, Anime Matsuri creates an atmosphere for talented artists, business leaders, ambitious students and many more who come together to express creative ideas and find solutions to industry questions. But most importantly, we host Anime Matsuri because we are passionate about the amazing world of Japanese culture. YES we love it!
The 15th Annual Oak Tree Festival at League Park
The 15th Annual Oak Tree Festival brought to you by The League City Heritage Foundation. Takes place at League Park in the heart of League City under the oaks. There will be free entertainment, free kids games, silent auction, common market, martial art demonstrations, live music, Moonwalks, face painting, and lots of edible treats. This year we will be having a pie baking contest with local celebrity judges. We will be showing a family movie in the park on Saturday September 26th at 8pm. For information on joining our organization, corporate sponsorship, or scheduling an interview with the LCHF, please contact Marta . . . Vargas at 281-338-1599 or Melissa DeFlora at 832-372-8170. For booth space, contact Chris Wood at 281-554-2003.For the Pie Contest contact Tammy Bolton at 361-774-5162. Any questions can also be answered by Jamie DeFabio 281-316-1751.
The League City Heritage Foundation is a non-profit 501 © (3) organized 15 years ago for the betterment of League City. Our main benefactors are Clear Creek High School seniors as we give scholarships each year to deserving students. We have also donated park benches to the city, a tree for League Park, money for the YMCA after school program, money for the Butler Longhorn Museum, as well as hosting a free Easter Egg Hunt every spring. This year, in addition to our scholarships, we are raising money for the St. Christopher community garden, scholarship awards to the first senior class graduating from Clear Springs HighSchool, and for Clear View High School’s spring 2010 prom. Clear View is a school for at risk students with low enrollment making it difficult to raise adequate funds for functions of this nature.
Westheimer Block Party at Numbers Night Club
Cost: Free –
November 14 -15
The Westheimer Block Party is a FREE, twice-yearly arts and music festival held in the Montrose area of Houston, Texas. Since 2005, Free Press Houston has produced 8 of these festivals, receiving wide acclaim from local media, arts organizations and fans.
Featuring hundreds of local artists, street performers, and vendors of all types, the Westheimer Block Party takes place on Saturday and Sunday, November 14 -15 along the 300-500 blocks of Westheimer Road. Venues participating in the festival include Numbers Night Club, La Strada, Mango’s, and Avant Garden. Music lovers will enjoy over 250 bands of all genres on 8 stages along with more than 12 dozen artist tables displaying local and regional artist’s works and creating interactive hubs for the dissemination of “underground culture.”
Last year the Festival won the “Best Music Festival – Readers Choice Award” in the Houston Press’s 2008 “Best of Houston” issue. The March, 2009 festival featured National touring music acts performing on 6 of the Festival’s 8 stages during Saturday evening. Daytime admission remained free, but in the evening paid admission to the evening Festival allowed patrons to circulate between stages experiencing each of the acts. This introduction of evening performances, a first for the event, raised attendance levels to over 15,000.
Party Gras! Procession at The Tremont House Hotel
http://www.mardigrasgalveston.
Location:
The Tremont House
2300 Mechanic
Galveston, TX
Join us for a Dixieland jazz band walking procession. To kick-off a parade in their honor, Doug and Joan McLeod will be parading from M&M Restaurant to The Tremont House with friends, family, supporters and Mardi Gras revelers in true Mardi Gras! Galveston style with the Pizazz Dixie Jazz Brass Band leading the charge. This will be the ultimate crowd pleaser!
Groundhog Day Celebration at Weather Museum
Cost: Free – The activities at The Weather Museum are free. The gala at Hotel ZaZa starts at $300
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Will there be six more weeks of winter in Texas or is spring coming early this year? Folks are encouraged to come to The Weather Museum on Groundhog Day to find out! Alamo the Texas Longhorn will look for his shadow and help The Weather Museum’s meteorologists with the official forecast. Visitors will have a chance to take pictures with Alamo and participate in fun Groundhog Day related activities throughout The Weather Museum.
Later in the evening, the Museum will host its 4th Annual Groundhog Day Gala at the Hotel ZaZa. The evening program includes a cocktail reception, seated dinner, silent auction, raffle and annual awards for Weather Heroes. The Weather Hero Awards are given to individuals or groups who have demonstrated heroic qualities in the education of others in the fields of science or math, volunteer efforts in the meteorological community or assistance to others during a weather crisis. In addition, since 2011 was host to a large number of severe weather events, The Weather Museum will also recognize a handful of groups or organizations who played an important role during or after some of this year’s major weather events, including Hurricane Irene, the Mississippi River / Tennessee floods, Texas wildfires and numerous tornado outbreaks, presenting them with a special community weather recognition award.
Krewe of Gambrinus Parade at Four Points by Sheraton Galveston
Location:
2300 Seawall Blvd.
Galveston, TXhttp://www.kreweofgambrinus.
Free
King Gambrinus throws a party for 200,000 of his closest friends with over 650,000 throws and a fantastic fireworks display. Open and free to the public! Parade runs along Seawall Blvd. from 23rd St. to Central City Blvd.
International Piano Festival at University of Houston
Cost: $25/$15
Works by Mozart, Franck, Liszt, Chopin
Location: Moores Opera House, 3271 Cullen Blvd. Houston, TX 77004
Price: $25/$15
Sponsor: Moores School of Music
Contact: 713-743-3388 for more information.
Worldfest: Houston International Film Festival at 9898 Bissonnet Street
Address: 9898 BISSONNET, SUITE # 650
Houston TX 77036
Phone: 713-965-9955
Start Date: April 13, 2012
End Date: April 22, 2012
http://www.worldfest.org/
Cost: $15-$150; http://www.worldfest.org/
The 45th Annual WorldFest: Houston International Film and Video Festival brings a blend of feature films, shorts, screenplays, TV commercials, music videos and documentaries to viewers throughout the area. Founded in 1968, past winners include Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, George Lucas and David Lynch-all early in their careers.
All Premieres & Shows at The AMC Studio 30 at Dunvale – Just 2 Miles west of The Galleria!
Houston 77002
Phone: 713-926-6368
Date: May 12, 2012
Start Time: 01:00PM
End Time: 03:00PM
http://www.orangeshow.org/art-
Cost: Free admission
The Art Car Parade runs along Allen Parkway, from Waugh to Bagby!
Art Car Weekend is the Orange Show’s biggest outreach program, a vehicle for the message that art is an integral part of everyone’s everyday life. Part folk art, part fine art, part wholly artistic expression of every kind, entirely monumental and thoroughly spectacular!It is the Largest Art Car Parade in the world!
Dance Salad Festival 2012 at Wortham Center
Venue: Wortham Theater Center
Address: 501 Texas Ave.
Houston 77002
Phone: 187-777-2542
Start Date: April 5, 2012
End Date: April 7, 2012
Start Time: 07:30PM
End Time: 10:30PM
http://www.dancesalad.org/
Cost: Adults: $20 – $50
Children: $n/a
Seniors: $3 off the regular ticket price
Members of some of the world’s best dance companies will be participating in this week-long festival. Each night’s production is uniquely curated and designed as a coherent, expressive performance.
Seaside Treasure Festival at Moody Memorial First United Methodist
Cost: Free
http://www.moody.org/seaside-
Friday, November 16, noon-6pm
Saturday, November 17, 9am-4pm
Seaside features a wide variety of arts and crafts vendors, a silent auction, pet adoptions, used book sale, Libbie’s Place Sweet Shoppe, a coffee & danish bar, luncheon selections available for purchase, and much more. Join the fun at Moody
Memorial First United Methodist Church, 53rd and Avenue U, Galveston, TX, just two blocks from the Gulf. Festival proceeds
support mission and outreach work in the Galveston area. Admission is free. To request more information, go to http://www.moody.org/stf, email stf@moody.org, or call (409) 744-4526, extension 783 and leave a message.
Fulbright Arts Festival
Mar 9, 2012 6:30 pm | Friday
This event repeats daily until Mar 9, 2012
Cost: Free and open to the public
Friday, March 9, 2012 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM This event showcases highly esteemed visiting Fulbright grant recipients who are academic superstars. This presents their artistic side through performances representing their home countries. Cost Free and open to the public Location Cullen Hall Address 4001 Mt. Vernon Contact Charlene Dykman at cadykman@stthom.edu Sponsored By Houston/SouthEast Texas Fulbright Alumni Association
Festival of New Spanish Cinema: 80 DAYS at Rice University
RICE CINEMA, HOUSTON, JANUARY 20 –29, 2012
Rice University students, faculty members and staff: Free
General admission: $6
Students (from other universities), Seniors, and members of “La Casa de España”: $5
http://www.pragda.com/new-
The energy of Almodovar. The risk-taking of Amenabar. The unadulterated exhilaration of Buñuel. The 4th annual FESTIVAL OF NEW SPANISH CINEMA 2011, our biggest and riskiest yet, unveils the next generation of Spanish film legends. Featuring first-time filmmakers and established masters alike, the very best in contemporary Spanish cinema comes to Houston. Join us for award-winning comedies, romances and dramatic masterpieces. Also, hold on to your seats because there will be special unveiling of a horror classic.
Houston Children’s Festival
Mar 31, 2012 | Saturday to Apr 1, 2012
http://www.
Start Date: March 31, 2012 End Date: April 1, 2012 Start Time: 10:30AM End Time: 06:30PM Cost: Adults: $10 at the gate, $8 online Children: $children under 3 enter free
The Houston Children’s Festival, presented by Baker Hughes, was recently selected as “one of the world’s 300 unmissable events” by Frommer’s Travel Guides. It is one of Houston’s signature events and has developed into one of the primary fund-raisers for Child Advocates. With a projected annual attendance of over 50,000 people, the festival celebrates over two decades of proven success for sponsors, the community, participants and most importantly, for Child Advocates and the abused and neglected children it serves.
Houston Dragon Boat Festival March 31, 2012
2nd Annual Edgewater Dragon Boat Challenge
Edgewater Marina in Webster, Texas
May 5, 2012
12th Annual Houston Dragon Boat Festival
Allen’s Landing in Downtown Houston
October 20-21, 2012
9th Annual Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta
Brooks Lake in Sugar Land, Texas
Cost: Free admission
http://www.texasdragonboat.
Becoming an internationally popular sport, dragon boat racing will hit the waters of downtown Houston in May! At the Houston Dragon Boat Festival, teams of 25, including a steersman, a drummer, 20 paddlers, and 3 alternates, enter this exciting competition, which involves 250-meter sprints in traditional Hong . Kong-style dragon boats. Throughout the day’s racing, a celebration of Asian culture takes place at Allen’s Landing Park with food, entertainment, and activities for the whole family.
Bayou City Art Festival at Memorial Park
Venue: Memorial Park
Start Date: March 23, 2012
End Date: March 25, 2012
http://www.
Cost: Adults: $10
Children: $children under 12 years old are free
It doesn’t matter what your art style is, you are sure to find something you like at The Annual Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park. This fine, juried art festival transforms the 1.1 – mile trail of the park into a one-of-a-kind outdoor gallery.
The Original Greek Festival
Oct 4, 2012 | Thursday to Oct 7, 2012
http://www.greekfestival.org/
$5.00 (adults). Children 12 and under admitted free
Address: 3511 Yoakum Boulevard Houston TX 77006 Phone: 713-526-5377 Start Date: October 4, 2012 End Date: October 7, 2012 Opa! Come and join The Original Greek Festival, now in its 45th year, and be Greek for a day! Growing attendance over the years continues to create excitement as the word gets . around, so bring your family, friends and co-workers to enjoy the festive atmosphere and our new expanded festival site. Facilities, children’s activities, Athenian playground & seating capacity have also been expanded. OPA!!
Houston International Jazz Festival
Aug 3, 2012 | Friday to Aug 5, 2012
Phone: 713-839-7000 Start Date: August 3, 2012 End Date: August 5, 2012
Jazz will fill the air in downtown Houston as the 22nd Annual Houston International Jazz Festival kicks off August Jazz Month. The Houston International Jazz Festival, featuring “international”, national, regional, and local Jazz musicians, enhances Houston’s reputation as an arts center and attracts Jazz aficionados worldwide.
Pride Houston Festival and Parade
Jun 23, 2012
Cost: Free admission
With more than 200 contingents and exhibitors, multiple stages, and attendance of more than 50,000 people, the Festival has something for everyone. With exhibits like the Houston Dynamo Kids’ Zone, the Walgreens Health & Wellness Pavilion, the Houston GLBT History Exhibit in cooperation with Rice University, and a whole cast of music performers including our Pride Superstar contestants, past and present. Admission is free, butdonations for support can be given at the information booths at either entrance to the Festival.
Le Masquerade -
Sat. 02/11 | 6:30PM – Sat. 02/11 @ Alliance Gallery
A $25 suggested donation will be collected at the door.
http://events.pridehouston.
At this celebration ALL guests MUST be wearing a mask! What you wear beyond that is up to you. How elaborate will your mask be? Show off because everyone will be watching.
*costumes are encouraged but not required*
Proceeds from the event benefit Pride Houston, a 501c3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. This event is a social mixer. There will be an open bar and light hors d’oeuvres.
Music will be provided by DJ Bobby J!
Venue: Alliance Gallery
3201 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019
Lunar New Year Festival at Chinese Community Center
Cost: Free – And Open to the Public!
http://lunarnewyearhouston.
Enter the Dragon! On January 23, 2012, the legendary Dragon Year of the Chinese and Vietnamese zodiac will soar forth bringing us all new beginnings and good fortune! The Dragon’s influence will shower the blessings of dynamic opportunity in all spheres of life. While celebrated for its power and wealth, the Dragon is also the vigilant guardian protecting all that we hold dear. The Dragon Year magnifies and amplifies all things- both good and bad. So, it is cautioned in this Dragon Year to plan well and wisely.
Cultural Kite Festival
Mar 3, 2012 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free -
Come out and enjoy a day of kite flying, music and plenty of entertainment.
67th Annual Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
Daily from Wed., March 21 until Sun., April 1
$165-$1000
@ Great Southwest Equestrian Center
2501 S. Mason Road
Katy, TX 77450
Pin Oak is one of the only horse shows in the nation that features not only hunters and jumpers, but also American Saddlebreds, Andalusians, Roadster horses, and Welsh ponies. The show also features various breeds of horses on exhibit and in specialty and demonstration classes.
The new generation of Pin Oak leaders began allocating funds for needed research at Texas Children’s and supporting the construction and maintenance of Family Centers at the Hospital staffed by Ronald McDonald House of Houston® volunteers. The Family room center continues to grow and serve the families of seriously ill children and the children themselves by providing a home away from home.
Chocolate Festival
Sat., January 5
@ Reliant Center
8400 Kirby
Houston, TX 77054
http://www.
The Austin Chocolate Festival benefits Walk MS. The Annual Chocolate Festival has already raised over $5,000 for the Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen and hopes to raise at least $5,000 for the National MS Society with the support of the community and small businesses. There are several ways you can contribute besides attending the festival. There are sponsorship and volunteer opportunities available. If you would like to sponsor the festival or volunteer for the Austin Chocolate Festival please use the contact us form on the navigation to the right.
The chocolate lovers event consists of local chocolatiers and chocolate artisans including restaurants, bakeries, chocolatiers, patisseries, authors, and catering companies. The vendors will compete against each other in several categories, offer samples to festival guests, and sell their products.
Chicago Gay Calendar Of Events
Chicago Gay Calendar Of Events
Snow Days
01/27-29/12
http://www.navypier.com/
Free
Each year at the end of January, there is an event called the Winter Festival in Chicago or Snow Days Chicago during which teams compete in a snow sculpture competition. Watch national and international teams fight for the top spot by recreating Medusa, sea life, and Duchamp works, just to name a few, out of nothing else but pure snow. Pretty incredible right? Come out to the Chicago Snow Festival in Gateway Park at Navy Pier.
Gay Baseball Days
For our gay sports fans, there is a site dedicated to gay baseball events. Located at http://www.gaybaseballdays.com/
Chicago Motorcycle Show and Parts Expo
http://www.
02/03-04/12
$5-$50 http://www.eventbrite.com/
World’s Largest Indoor Motorcycle Show, Parts Expo, and Motorcycle Swap Meet
Now at a new venue Tinley Park convention center, Tinley Park IL, this brand new facility has easy highway access and free parking. Enjoy over 150,000 square feet of custom motorcycles, new parts, used parts, vintage parts, hard to find parts, accessories, chrome, steel, leather, and everything in between. Huge bike show, leather and laced fashion show, models, celebrity appearances, food, beer, live music, and more.
Progressive International Motorcycle Show
Friday, February 10 3:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday, February 11 9:00am-9:00pm
Sunday, February 12 9:00am-5:00pm
http://www.motorcycleshows.com
$13-$55
The Progressive International Motorcycle Show is an annual Chicago event that attracts the best motorcycle builders, parts retailers and vendors in the Midwest. A must for gearheads in Chicago, the International Motorcycle Show is one-day event that takes place the first half of February annually.
The Midwest Film Festival
The Midwest Independent Film Festival takes place every First Tuesday of the month at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, 2828 North Clark, in Chicago.
6:00 p.m. Pre-show Reception
6:30 p.m. The Producers Panel!
7:30 p.m. Film Program Begins
9:30 p.m. After-party
The Midwest Film Festival is a unique, year-round Chicago film festival dedicated to showcasing the best filmmakers from the Midwest. The Midwest Film Festival in Chicago takes place the first Tuesday of every month at the Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, and has hosted the Midwest premiere of dozens of great Indie movies over the years.
Chicago Auto Show
02/10-19/12
$7-$11
http://www.chicagoautoshow.
One of the largest auto shows in North America, the Auto Show Chicago is any car lover’s dream. Over a million visitors attend this extremely popular show each year and hundreds of cars are showcased. Auto Show Chicago is located at McCormick Place, America’s biggest convention center that features several restaurants and a food court for your convenience.
The Chicago Flower And Garden Show
03/10-18/12
$15-17 (http://www.chicagoflower.com/
The Flower Show Chicago is located at Navy Pier, and is one of the most colorful exhibitions around! Held in the Spring, the Chicago Flower and Garden Show is a welcome break from the cold Chicago winter. Hundreds of people attend the event every year, making it one of the most popular garden shows in the area.
Latino Film Festival
http://
04/01-15/12
$10-$11
The Latino Film Festival is one of Chicago’s biggest and most diverse international cultural events. The Latino Film Festival is a jewel for the City of Chicago, and has contributed greatly to its positioning as a world-class city. Over the years, the Chicago Film Festival has hosted more than 2,000 filmmakers and journalists. In turn, they have experienced the cultural scene and life of Chicago.
Nowadays, the Latino Film Festival Chicago shows over 100 films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, the United States, and many other countries. The growth of the Latino Film Festival Chicago from 500 attendees in 1985 to more than 35,000 last year is clear evidence of the great success this Chicago Film Festival has enjoyed over the years.
Chicago Improv Festival
04/23-29/12
http://www.
$7-15
Chicago is a city famous for its hilarious Improv troupes and comedy showcases, so it’s no surprise that the Improv Festival Chicago is one of the premier comedy festivals in the country. This annual comedy festival Chicago attracts the top Improv troupes and comedians from around the globe, and takes place in numerous Chicago theaters and comedy clubs throughout the city.
Next Art Chicago
04/27-29/12
$18-$20
NEXT ART CHICAGO is the result of the merger of two successful and long-running art fairs, Art Chicago and NEXT, The Invitational Exhibition of Emerging Art. As the largest, most important visual arts event in the Midwest, it provides collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience the most compelling art of our day.
With a combined history of 35 years the fair will take a considered, cohesive, and tightly-curated approach where the most exciting emerging artists will be shown alongside more established figures, affording a lively dialogue between generations as well as a survey of the newest developments in contemporary art. This new model is being implemented by a staff focused in the visual arts and led by Staci Boris, former curator at the Spertus Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago.
NEXT ART CHICAGO will showcase a broad range of important works of art in tandem with a continued our emphasis on intelligent and innovative educational programming, exhibitions, and special events.
Chicago Blues Festival
06/08-10/12
Free
http://www.chicagofestivals.
The Blues Festival Chicago has presented countless number of blues notes and moments to millions of blues fans from around the world on Chicago’s lakefront Grant Park. For three days the park turns into a haven for blues fanatics, or anyone looking for a good time. Food vendors and legendary blues musicians come to share their passion with thousands of people at the Chicago Blues Fest.
Chicago Underground Film Festival
$6-$11
06/08-10/12
The Chicago Underground Film event isn’t your average stuffy film festival. The Chicago Underground Film Festival is designed to make the film festival experience more accessible to the general public. This annual cultural event is one of Chicago’s top film festivals that draws film makers and film fans from all over the country and from around the world. Chicago Film Festival films fall into 7 different categories: Narrative Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short, Experimental, Animation, Music Video and “Made in Chicago.
NeoCon World’s Trade Fair
06/11-13/12
$25-$65
http://www.neocon.com/Neocon/
NeoCon World’s Trade Fair Chicago is a huge annual fair that exhibits the very best in home design, art, architecture and building materials. Prepare to be amazed at the sheer size and diversity of exhibitions at this extremely popular Chicago trade fair.
FESTA! PASTA! VINO!
06/14-17/12
http://www.facebook.com/pages/
Free
This annual celebration of Italian culture located in the classic “The Heart of Chicago” generations –old Italian neighborhood draws approximately 25,000 attendees annually. Great Italian wines, authentic Italian food specialties from the incredible restaurants located in that “Little Tuscany” area, Venetian-costumed performers, statues that line the street and a Florentine market filled with finely crafted Italian merchandise has added to what has become a Father’s Day weekend tradition for many families.
Music Without Borders
Thursdays, June and July
Free
Explore the world and discover music from cultures spanning the entire globe when Music Without Borders returns to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park for its sixth summer. Presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture.
Wells Street Art Festival
06/09-10/12
free
One of the city’s largest and most acclaimed fine arts happenings, it’s held in the heart of Chicago’s historic Old Town neighborhood. The annual art extravaganza features the works of more than 250 juried artists with the eclectic mix running the gamut from paintings, sculptures and glasswork to photography, ceramics, woodwork and much more. It also features the tasty cuisine of Old Town restaurants, the always-hoppin’ music stage, and a silent auction.
Chicago Annual Pride Parade
http://www.
06/24/12
The Chicago Pride Parade has been a staple of the Chicago gay community for more than 40 years, and is the culmination of a month-long series of events celebrating gay pride. The event is held every year on the last Sunday of June, and is the largest event in the gay community. Thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people celebrate their sexuality, and plenty of straight people come to celebrate with them!
SummerDance
Thursday, Friday, Saturdays, Summer 2012
4-7pm
Free
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture presents the Chicago SummerDance festival. For eleven weeks each summer, the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park blossoms into an urban dance space. The series offers an introductory one-hour dance lesson by professional instructors followed by two hours of live music and dancing on a 4,900 square-foot, open-air dance floor designed by artist Dan Peterman out of 100% recycled materials. Chicago SummerDance is located in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, at 601 S. Michigan Avenue.
Dearborn Garden Walk
http://www.dearborngardenwalk.
$30-$35
Residents of Chicago
Gold Coast neighborhood open their garden gates to visitors during the annual Dearborn Garden Walk and Heritage Festival. This pleasant day out includes many beautiful gardens on Dearborn, State, Astor and LaSalle Streets and Sandburg Terrace, between Division Street and North Avenue. Many of the walks offer small guides which describe all the gardens being shown. Most of the proud gardeners are on hand to discuss their green-fingered work. The Dearborn Garden Walk and Heritage Festival is the oldest garden walk in the country and all the gardens featured have won awards. The event also includes architectural tours, activities for children and an exhibition.
Taste of Chicago
7/12-15/12
Free
http://tasteofchicago2012.
The City of Chicago and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events presents the annual Taste of Chicago. Each day more than 70 local restaurateurs offer a delicious combination of ethnic items, family favorites, exotic and Chicago specialties feeding more than 3 million people in Grant Park, in downtown Chicago. Live entertainment is also provided every day by a variety of musical performances on multiple stages. Be sure to check the website for updated information concerning musical guests and other Taste of Chicago events.
Chicago Folk and Roots Festival
07/07-08/12
Free
http://www.
Chicago Folk & Roots Festival is a two day celebration that attracts 30,000 people for a spectacular array of music and dance performances, workshops, children’s activities, and an assortment of locally-owned food, drink and retail vendors. Chicago Folk & Roots Festival is one of the most anticipated neighborhood festivals of the summer and has built a solid reputation for artistic quality.
Chicago West Fest
07/07-08/12
Free
There is something for everyone at West Fest, the Chicago street fair that reflects the eclectic persona of its West Town environs. Held annually on Chicago Avenue at Damen, the two-day party features live cutting edge music booked by Empty Bottle Presents, the BassbythePound DJ Stage, Kid Fest with kid activities and entertainment, Pet Fest with pet product vendors and dog activities for charity, plus a multitude of booths from popular neighborhood restaurants, retailers, and artists. What makes this fest unique is that it’s locally planned and managed by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, thus the emphasis is all-things “local,” from the food to the talent.
Kane County Fair
http://www.kanecountyfair.com/
07/18-22/12
$0-$8
The Kane County Fair Chicago has been a staple of the Chicagoland Events Calendar for years. This classic Chicago fair includes all of the events you’ve come to expect from a local county fair, and takes place the third week of July each year at the Kane County Fairgrounds an hour west of Chicago.
Lollapalooza
08/03-05/12
$90-$250
A Grant Park Chicago tradition since 2005, the Lollapalooza Music Festival Chicago is one of the top annual U.S. concerts each year. Attracting the hottest music acts from the worlds of rock, pop, punk music and more, Lollapalooza Music Festival Chicago combines great music with a fun atmosphere that makes for one of the best annual music festivals around.
Market Days on Halsted
Annually in August
Market Days is a large and well attended gay street fair, we have been to this event and its a ton of fun and if you are going to be in Chicago in August, this is a must see. Check out their website for details about the event. Chicago Events.
Chicago International Film Festival
10/11-25/12
$10-$13
The Chicago International Film Festival plays host to the latest and most groundbreaking in international cinema. Enjoy phenomenal international movies often showcased for the first time and discover new directors and stars in the process.
HRC Chicago Gala
Annually in November
The Human Rights Campaign holds an annual Gala in Chicago, HRC is a charity that helps the GLBT community by fighting for our rights and so far has failed in California for equal rights and instead of going out to the small towns in California where most of the hate and prejudice is found, they provide information in the Castro where obviously of course we would vote against the ban on gay marriage. Hopefully the Chicago group has a better chance of getting this to pass in Illinois.
Gay San Diego – Hillcrest
Are you planning on a trip to San Diego? Undoubtedly you will wind up in Hillcrest at some point, the majority of the gay bars and clubs are located in Hillcrest with a few in Down Town, North Park and Old Town.
Hillcrest has a great selection of restaurants, coffee shops and boutique shops to keep you busy for days. There is an abundant supply of furniture shops, however much of what you see will be nearly impossible to take back on the plane with you and may be a bit pricey to ship. There is a nice selection of clothing shops that have a nice array of lightly used clothing and new designer labels. There have been higher end shops that have come and left over the years, the average gay resident in San Diego cannot afford such clothing. As beautiful as San Diego may be it is not known for big industry due to its high cost and lack of quality talent, I have hired many people in San Diego and have found them to be very lazy and without experience. I am originally from San Diego myself.
The majority of gay bars, clubs and restaurants are centrally located on University Ave, the range stretches from 3rd ave to Park on the far other end. The West end of Hillcrest has Urban Moe’s a fun lively large bar with generous outdoor seating and a large range of diverse events every evening, check their site for details. Fiesta Cantina is also near Urban Mo’s on the West end and is a very open bar with great drinks and a lively crowd. The Brass Rail is also on the West end on 5th St, this bar is one of the oldest and has a difficult time creating an identity for itself so I cannot tell you what crowd you will find as it changes all the time. #1 5th Ave is also on the West end, it is a large venue with outdoor seating in the back, the staff is friendly and they service a wickedly strong cocktail, this bar typically serves a more mature crowd but has a wide range of patrons.
The south end of Hillcrest has a gay hotel called the Park Manor Hotel, there is a very large bar on the roof. Every Friday early is a happy hour that starts around 5pm and gets packed! They have great views of Hillcrest and downtown, I highly suggest if you are not staying at this hotel to stop by for the happy hour, it is a ton of fun and you will likely meet some fun locals or tourists. Some of best hotels are in the Gaslamp District, I suggest hotels from the Starwood chain like the W.
Centrally on University you will find Flicks a small video bar that has a pool table and has a nice range of events nightly. I have had some great times at this bar over the years. Just steps away is Rich’s a large dance club that tends to fill up after 10 or 11pm, there is commonly a cover charge and their drinks are a bit on the pricey side. Recently a club called Universal was just across the street with a mix of Metro Sexual’s and twinky 20 something gay boys. This place had attitude and the staff was very snooty, I was not sad to hear they went under. Baja Betty’s a wonderful restaurant and gay bar is also in the center of Hillcrest with great food, service and a fun crowd. Baja Betty can be quite a mess during Cinco de Drinko or Cinco de Mayo the 5th of May a big Mexican holiday.
On the East end of Hillcrest is Numbers, a large multi room dance club. Numbers is generally your 20 something crowd and has great music, usually a cover charge and pricey drinks on Park. Just across the street is the Flame another dance club with a nice range of events depending on the night, check their website to see what is going on as it changes. 100% worth the trip, my absolue favorite gay bar is on the other end of Park is called Bourbon Street. my personal favorite bar that has a generous patio out back and multiple bars, this is not a dance club but is a ton of fun. Bourbon St now serves food as well, their events change from night to night so check out their website to find out what you are into. Just around the corner is Cheers a small gay bar with a pool table, the staff is friendly and the crowd is a nice range of both younger and older. You will also find Lei Lounge a bar/restaurant right next to Bourbon St. The food is really good, the service is great, there are some really hot waiters there!
Like many gay centers, Hillcrest has a nice selection of gay gym’s. You can find 24 hour fatness err fitness which is located on 5th near University, I went to take a picture of Gold’s and found it to be closed. Also, I been asked several times if their are any Gay Bath Houses in San Diego, there is a very large one centrally located in Hillcrest called Club San Diego, on 4th ave.
Hillcrest Restaurants
While visiting Hillcrest you must eat at either the Tractor Room or Hash House a Go Go, located right across from each other on 5th. They get PACKED! be sure to plan on getting their early in order to get a table.
San Diego Pride is a very large event, the celebration is found all around Hillcrest but the focus of the event will be found in Balboa Park, just south of Hillcrest. The pictures below are of the part of Balboa Park where they setup the festival. Balboa park is very large so be sure you know where you are going. During pride taxi’s are a commodity that is very scarce, you will see tons of rickshaws around. A word of warning, these guys are not cheap and you could pay 3-10x a normal taxi fare. Make sure you ask how much before you hop in, they will try to lure you in. Some of these guys are rather hot, and may be fun to watch sweat while you get a ride to your next bar.
Bourbon Street Hillcrest – Gay Bar – Restaurant
Bourbon Street Hillcrest – Gay Bar – Restaurant
Bourbon Street is by far my favorite gay bar in Hillcrest or San Diegofor that matter. Technically this area is called University Heights but to make things easier we will just call it Hillcrest.When I lived there I spent most of my time at this bar, for the most part the staff is very friendly and the drinks are very strong. Bourbon Street has 4 bars, one up front, 2 out back and one up stairs but is usually never open unless for a private party. This place is pretty big, but is not the biggest gay bar in Hillcrest. Bourbon St is a bit off the beat and path, its located at the most northern part of Park Blvd. There are now a few other gay bars in the area so you have some other options. The venue changes from night to night so be sure to check out their website to be sure what is going on, some nights are girls nights so you may want to check in advance. Bourbon Street has pool table and like any decent gay bar a popcorn machine! Lei Lounge, which is a very cool restaurant and bar is just next door and just next to that is a new place called Small Bar, which I have not been to yet and Cheers a small gay bar that has been around for quite some time.
Bourbon Street has a pretty decent sound system and they have different DJ’s all the time.
Today I went back to Bourbon Street and found it renovated in a good way, they have opened up the outside area, quite dramatically. They now serve food, which was excellent and the drinks are strong and worth the money. Tonight they had a drag show, that even I a very skittish gay guy around transvestites to be fun. Now that they serve food, which was very good, I am a picky eater. The bar staff and waiters are very friendly and attentive. My favorite bar tender Mark has been there for years and is still in action. He is a great guy, tip him well if you see him.
We have added a video of a performance of an amazing Cher Impersonator, filmed with the permission of Bourbon’s amazing Chuck the GM.
I could not tell there was a guy under the highly admiral makeup and costume. This video is rather large and was taken with an iPhone, so please excuse the shaky parts. We tried to edit this as much as possible. Since it’s in HD I would suggest only trying to download this movie if you have a fast data connection.
Bourbon Street also has an upstairs room that is for private parties and other events. Be sure to contact them to see when they have availability.
Bourbon Street Drag Show – With Cher Large Video, may not be great on a phone.
4612 Park Blvd, 619-291-4043
Le Central near Union Square – San Francisco
Le Central near Union Square – San Francisco
Le Central opened its doors in 1974 to a town that was a bit different than it is now. A bit wilder, a bit ballsier. French cuisine was not cutting edge, but more of the earmark of upper-end dining. Le Central managed to stand out among a sea of cassoulets and steaks au poivre. It not only stood the test of time, it also managed to become a landmark and staple of San Francisco dining.
There was a small group of men that helped to make Le Central what it is today. The member have changed a bit over the years but the core group included such legends as Herb Caen(reporter SF Gate) , Willie Brown(politician and Mayor of SF) , Wilkes Bashford(clothier) , Harry de Wildt(socialite) and Matthew Kelly(musician). They had a standing lunch date every Friday and would start with drinks at the bar, followed by a dice game for the bar tab. Then they would choose a table, often by the window,and dine and hurl insults at each other while glad handing whichever passers-by took notice of them. These men were cornerstones of San Francisco society and were united in their love of the city. They had a true and lasting camaraderie that the insults barely masked. They loved Le Central too, and for good reasons.
The first thing that delights the eye about Le Central is the red tabac sign. It is a total throwback to a common sight in Paris. The interior is also quite authentic, with Plat du Jour chalkboards and fresh flowers on each table. Even the large bar was sent over from France to lend even more authenticity to a place steeped in it.
The menu is pretty classic and it would be hard to take a misstep ordering. There rae a few standards that have been in residence here since the beginning. There is a sign on the wall that ets you know how long the cassoulet has been going for (which is since he opening day) and as anyone who has ever dined at Le Central, it is a symphony of delicious. It is a white bean stew with duck confit, lamb, sausage and pork. The ingredients are all in perfect harmony and the quality of the cassoulet makes it one to measure all others against.
There are other delicious items on the menu, such as the roast chicken pommes frites which is a half of a chicken served with sauteed spinach. The chicken is tender and juicy and the pommes frites ( French fries) are a salty revelation. The filet mignon au poivre is served with pommes purée (mashed potatoes), haricot verts(green beans) with a brandy peppercorn sauce. Classic and well executed here. The daily items are almost always a good bet as well, making it difficult to choose just one item.
Le Central has a great bartender, a respectable wine list and a nice happy hour. The dessert menu can be a bit hit or miss, but do not let that dissuade one from ordering from it, because the hits are home runs. The staff can be a bit austere, but the that can change based on the day as well.
Le Central is a place to visit to not only have an excellent dining experience, but also to be a part of this historical restaurant and gathering place. They have an outstanding happy hour with a small discounted menu. Plus, sitting at the bar gives one a chance to meet Dave Gabine, bartender extraordinaire. He makes a mean cocktails and has stories for days. Le Central is a San Francisco classic, and I hope it stays that way.
453 Bush St. near Union Square San Francisco Click for Google Map
Benu French Restaurant SOMA San Francisco
Benu French Restaurant SOMA San Francisco
Fine dining in San Francisco used to be a pretty buttoned-up affair. The offering were invariably French served on white linens by men in formal attire. Tasting menus ran several courses long and could tie you up for five hours or more. Then, the landscape changed. younger folks were bringing in obscene sums of money with dot coms. Diners became savvy to a wide range of cultures and cuisines. This infusion of new blood didn’t want to be fed the same fare. They wanted something new, something to reflect their experiences. This set of circumstances gave birth to a new era of upscale dining.
Cory Lee got to witness this transition from the trenches. As a chef, he cut his teeth in classically appointed French restaurants. There he learned the artistry of the precisely aimed ingredients. He was steeped in the ways of dishes consume in a bite or two, with no room for error. He learned how to laser site ones taste buds and delay the flavor experiences so that they came in timed waves for maximum effect.
Lee opened Benu in 2010. He took his time at three-star rated Michelin restaurants in Europe and at French Laundry in Napa and applied it with distinctive influences from the East. His restaurant is set up to put all of the focus on the food, with little distraction.
The courtyard one walks through is uncomplicated with slate tiles and groomed grasses. The kitchen is only seen from the outside and reveals several chefs diligently working in pristine surroundings. The dining room is simple and sparsely decorated with artwork. The tables and seating are quite comfortable, but the eye is unstimulated.
The menu is arranged in a la carte options, which range from teens to thirties per dish. There is a highly recommended tasting menu which consists of over thirteen courses for $160. The accompanying wine tasting varies in price, but is usually around $110, making an evening’s dining experience pretty spendy. The artistry with which the tasting menu is assembled makes the tasting menu the better of the options.
Naturally, the tasting menu changes often, to reflect seasonal items and trends. The wine menu shifts along side it, making each evening spent here its own special event. Although the menu changes often, there are some items who have enjoyed more than one turn on the stage. The 1,00 year quail egg shows up a lot. This is served with strand of scallion and a ribbon of pickled ginger. Another recurring character is the “shark’s fin soup” made with Dungeoness crab, cabbage and ham that are poured over a black truffle custard.
The rest of the tasting menu habitually replete with sure palate pleasers. There has been some complaints that the portions are too small and the menu overpriced. In the author’s humble opinion, if mere sustenance is what you are looking for, there are many other options that one should explore well before they arrive at the door of Benu. This restaurant is epicurean artistry, not just food. One must approach it as such in order to appreciate the rare opportunity to be delighted with every new course and morsel. At the end of the tasting menu, hunger will not be an issue. This type of cuisine sates one body and soul.
22 Hawthorne St. SOMA San Francisco Click for Google Map
Cafe Zuni – Union Square – San Francisco
Cafe Zuni – Union Square – San Francisco
Over thirty years ago, Zuni Cafe opened its doors as a tiny Mexican restaurant. It was a quarter of the size it is today and used highly creative and economic methods to turn out its menu ( such as using the milk steamer on the espresso machine to make eggs. Over the years, Billy West has transformed that tiny corner restaurant into the San fRancisco classic that it is today. The menu has moved away from it’s Mexican beginnings, with small nods here and there. It serves a more “Californian Mediterranean” menu now and has a full kitchen plus a wood oven to make their signature dishes in.
Today, Zuni is a classic visiting place for residents and visitors alike. It resides in a sort of no-man’s land of Market and Rose streets. Part of the newly-coined “Deco Ghetto”, the neighborhood can be a little gritty at times, but do not let that dissuade one from dining here. The corner spot is often serving politicians, tourists, socialites and artists at any given time and the variety of customers only adds to the inherent charm of this place.
The menu has included a number of dishes that have been deemed Zuni classics. The fervor for these items is such that the chefs have’nt been able to remove them for fear of disappointing too much of the returning clientele. The biggest complaint of the chefs seem to be that these items are so highly sought after that they have a hard time getting customers to deviate from their favorites and try the specials! If that isn’t an endorsement, I don’t know what is!
The roasted chicken is one of the classics on the menu. Prepared in the wood burning oven that projects into the dining room, the skin is crisped to perfection while the meat remains tender and juicy. The Caesar salad is another favorite. It is prepared fresh table-side and comes in generous portions. The pizza that is prepared in the same oven as the chicken is an excellent choice as well.
The burgers and shoestring fries are possible the best in the whole city. Zuni has been given many awards over the years, not the least of which is showing up on Michael Bauer’s “100 Best Restaurants of San Francisco” year after year after year. In and of itself, that is no small feat. In fact, it is difficult ( but not impossible) to find a person who isn’t a devout Zuni follower.
In addition to all of the lovely history and wonderful cuisine, Zuni has a delightful outside heated patio. On warm days, it is always packed to the hilt with diners and imbibers. The bar at Zuni is wonderful, offering a splendid array of wines and cocktails. I personally have always been charmed by the fact that on Rose Street, there is a small parking area for bikes and scooters which is invariable full of classic Vespas. Brunch, lunch or dinner, Cafe Zuni keeps them coming back for more…with style.
1658 Market St. San Francisco Click here for Google Map
Horizons Sausalito Gay Friendly Restaurant
Horizons Sausalito Gay Friendly Restaurant
As a San Francisco local, I tend to get lazy and not go around to some of the best restaurants that are just over the bridge. Horizons in Sausalito is a very special and historic building, they feature Valet Parking, a full bar, outside deck that is pet friendly. When you walk in you feel warm and accepted as the host has a huge smile on her face and everyone looks like they are having a great time. Like these 2 young men playing cards, agreed to be photographed. As you look around, you will see high quality wood work everywhere you look. Including the fireplace that is very impressive to look at. As I was invited by the owner to photograph the restaurant I took a ton of photo’s. Below the images talks about the party hall they have available upstairs.
When you walk in, the scent of sea food is lingering, as unfortunately I did not have a time to eat I can’t say much about the food other than a close friend who knows the chef and she is a picky eater like me and said the food was wonderful, that was enough for me. The location could not be better, if you take Alexander Ave, before the tunnel. It’s the first restaurant you see as you drive into down town. Since it sits on the bay itself, its quite distinctive when entering. Parking in Sausalito can be a little difficult on nice sunny days. There is also a ferry that will take you from the Embarcadero to Sausalito directly. So if you plan it out during their operation which does not go late. It will allow for a fun brunch, with their full bar it makes it a shame to drive and have to control yourself.
The outside patio is breath taking, also as the bay area can be cold they have large arrangements of heating lamps, so you can have a nice time outside and not freeze.
Horizons Private Party Hall
If the restaurant itself was not impressive enough, the private party hall upstairs is amazing. From when you enter, to walking up their beautiful stair case that walks you right into the lounge bar area. For the disabled ones of us, yes me too, they have an ADA compliant elevator and wheel chair friendly facilities. This room is huge and can handle several hundred people. I would highly recommend using this space for corporate events, especially with good decent transportation by Ferry. The views on a clear day are breath taking, pictures below. The owner and managers are so friendly and accommodating that I am sure you can arrange an event easily. This is also a great room for charity events, its large enough to hold quite the guest list and laid out well to give a presentation to an audience. If you wish to reach them call and tell them we sent you (415) 331-3232. I spoke to the owner about having gay charities use the location and he was all for it, so consider Horizons for your next event. Sorry that sounds like we got paid for this, this is all honest non paid reviewing as a guest of the owner. I liked it so much I told him I would post a ton of pictures and make sure people know its gay friendly.
558 Bridgeway, Sausalito CA Click the link for a Google Map. (415) 331-3232
Amber India – SOMA – San Francisco
Amber India – SOMA – San Francisco
Sometimes when searching for a place to dine for the evening, I have often lamented a lack of higher end Indian restaurants. So many of the places are carry out or delivery worthy, that I had almost forgotten what it was like to eat Indian off of proper plates and bowls. Amber India fills that need by providing a slow food alternative in an upscale setting.
Amber India has many member in its family who have helped to pave its way. The group of restaurants includes the Palo ALto and Moutainview locations as well as other restaurants that are slightly different conceptually, resembling cafes more than upscale dining. The cuisine in all places is quite wonderfully assembled Indian and all of the restaurants hold their own comparatively.
The interior of Amber is full of rich earth tones with accents of color that are similar to the hues of the fare. The tables are made of dark wood with buttery leather chairs in yellows and reds. The banquettes are a rusty orange and the accent walls in the dining room are red with vibrant artwork.
The dinner menu is quite stunning, with over 40 items to choose from. There are far more hits than misses here, so selecting items is a safe bet. The palak chaat is an excellent place to start. The flash fried spinach is served with yogurt and tamarind chutney. Fried spinach never fails to surprise and delight me, this was no exception. I love samosas and the aloo peas samosas were fried crisp with warm potatoes and split peas on the inside.
The dinner menu offered a delicious tandoori half chicken which was as good as I have ever had it. The lamb chop frontier was outstanding and consisted of Australian lamb rack served with signature spiced mixed yogurt. The butter chicken is a much debated dish at Amber. It is considered a signature dish and is highlighted on the menu. Upon actually being presented with the chicken, some folks found it to be underwhelming, while others were delighted. It is shredded tandoori chicken served with a tomato sauce. I think one could describe it a Indian comfort food and leave it at that.
There are a wide array of tandoori breads to be chosen from. The offerings include classic nan and lacha paratha which is flaky, layered whole wheat bread. There were also two kulchas, which are stuffed leavened bread, one with peas and potatoes, one with Amul cheese and Serrano chilies.
After or before dinner, there is a delightfully over the top lounge with many, many cocktails to choose from. The bar has backless purple stools facing a display backlit with led lights is a changing array. Some have likened this show to a sort of light therapy. There are also generous happy hour specials; five dollars for a menu of drinks and appetizers. It is often difficult to get a seat at the bar due to these bargains. There is auxiliary seating in the lounge and handles he overflow nicely. This is definitely a date destination and you won’t have to worry about dry leaning your clothes to get rid of the curry aromas afterwards.
25 Yerba Buena Ln, SOMA San Francisco, CA Click to see Google map.