Tag Archives: noble square

foster the people guest dj set at ada street

Posted on June 21, 2012 | Leave a comment

Foster the People‘s Mark Pontius and Cubbie Fink took over Ada Street’s vinyl library last night with a guest DJ set benefitting the band’s Do Good Project. Spinning crowd favorites including Daft Punk, David Byrne, and Notorious B.I.G. the guys kept the dance party kicking long after their sold-out show at the Congress Theater. The Do Good Project supports local charities in a variety of volunteer projects along the tour, including Music Works in Chicago. Look for the Do Good van at Foster the People’s second sold-out show tonight, and at each stop along their tour this summer.

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Posted in chicago, exploring, listening, music notes, noble square, volunteering

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my four favorite things: ada street

Posted on May 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

With its DMK pedigree and proximity to one of Chicago’s not-so-secret gems, Ada Street has been one of the city’s most buzzed about new spots this spring. The tavern embraces elements that seem to be trending everywhere – think speakeasies, small plates, and post-industrial design – in a thoughtful and intimate manner that invites you in and beckons you back again.

Brick & Vinyl
Who doesn’t go weak in the knees for exposed brick? Ada Street emphatically accents its industrial setting. After entering through a series of doors and a candlelit, wood-lined lobby, you’ll follow the red brick down a lingering wine-cellar wall, its illuminated bottles casting an ambient glow. Before stepping into the bright barroom, stop at the vinyl library and select your mood music for the evening. Cheers to whoever chose Rumours on my visit.

Felonious Monk
Ever since my first gin fizz I’ve been beholden to egg whites. The Felonious features many monk-ish ingredients, including the Yellow Chartreuse and Benedictine lemon that produce the sweet and tangy taste and an abbey-style splash of ale. Even after mixologist Tim Lacey’s amicable departure, the cocktail menu tasted as legendary as the musical references its drink names honor ($10).

Duck Confit
For a saloon supposedly not all about food, Chef Zoe Schor’s menu makes foodie eats accessible. You don’t need to love duck (I do!) to be taken with Ada Street’s duck confit. Mixed with cheesy parmigiano pasta and topped with an oozing poached egg it tastes very haute cuisine meets comfort food ($10).

Brioche Donuts
No room to spare? Make some. The brioche donuts are like bite-size, sugar-sprinkled clouds. The spectacular port wine caramel dipping sauce – well I’d like to do unspeakable things with it ($10).

Ada Street
1664 N Ada St.
Chicago, Illinois 60642

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Posted in 4 favorite things, chicago, drinking, eating, exploring, noble square

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music notes: dinosaur feathers

Posted on April 15, 2011 | Leave a comment

I recently caught Dinosaur Feathers at the always delightful Beauty Bar.

Dinosaur Feathers’ quirky multi-dimensional formula is somewhat baffling, but oh so enjoyable… Perfect for long days of summer lounging ahead, give Dinosaur Feathers a listen, and just see if they don’t make you want to run away into the sunset.

Read my full writeup over at indieball.com.

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Posted in chicago, exploring, listening, music notes, noble square

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Chicago Holiday Markets

Posted on December 3, 2010 | Leave a comment

Greetings friends and fellow explorers!  Accept my apologies for neglecting you for such an extended time.  I fell victim to my own clumsiness and one of my writing arms has been [and still is] trapped in a plaster cast.  While my typing skills have been negatively impacted, fear not, for my exploration aptitude is intact.

I like to play crafty at Christmastime, but if I can’t make gifts myself I enjoy purchasing them from much craftier people.  There is such a community of uniquely talented craftspeople in Chicago, and I love perusing the various markets, especially when I can use the holidays as purchase validation.  This season, I will be venturing out to the following holiday markets:

Lincoln Square Christkindl Market
I have yet to visit either “traditional” German holiday market, but the Lincoln square location just feels more authentically appealing than the Daley Plaza version.  I am hoping this weekend’s weather holds a winter romp for me in this historically German neighborhood.  Beer, brats, and buying things?…done.

December 3-5, hours vary
Located at Leland and Western
$3 Adult Donation

Handmade Market
If you can undertake a trek out of your house between October and April I recommend the Empty Bottle on the second Saturday of each month.  The small and intimate layout encourages strolling and chatting with the thirty or so vendors.  You are at the Empty Bottle so expect an alt. vibe.  I picked up some unique jewelry gifts here last holiday season and can’t wait to find more.  If you are not into it, the bar begins serving PBRs at noon.

December 11, 12 – 4pm
1035 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60622
FREE

Renegade Craft Fair
I am a huge fan of the Renegade Craft Fair and am particularly thrilled to check out the holiday version this year.  At around 150 vendors, the degree of talent and variety is impressive and there are gems to be had for everyone.  Among other things, expect to find jewelry, knitwear, and paper crafts with an indie aura.  Food, drink, and jams are available, not to mention an ornament-making workshop.

December 4 -5, 11am – 7pm
Pulaski Park Fieldhouse
1419 W. Blackhawk St.
Chicago, Illinois 60622
FREE

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Posted in events, shopping

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