1st Annual River North Craft Pub Crawl

Oh, how I so thoroughly enjoy hanging with my amigos! We hit the streets this weekend to partake in the1st Annual River North Craft Pub Crawl. This was my first time attending a pub crawl, so I didn't know what to expect... and it was rather adventurous for me since I'm not much of a beer drinker. The event lasted about 8 hours (though I only managed to hang in there for about 4 or so) and featured 10 River North Bars: American Junkie, Bull & Bear, English, Epic, John Barleycorn, Hubbard Inn, Mercer, Moe's Cantina, Public House and Rockit Bar & Grill.

So, what were my thoughts on the event? It was just okay. Granted, I had fun spending times with my friends, but each venue only featured 2 beers, none of which were particularly good.. though I've been told Craft Beers are an acquired taste, so it could be something that was too outside the box for my non-beer savvy taste buds to understand lol.

I thought it was a cool enough concept to get a "stamp" on your "passport" at each location, with attendees being eligible for a raffle at the end of the event for going to each location. This definitely made it a bit more interactive and encouraged attendees to go to each location, but I heard rumblings that there wasn't really going to be a raffle. (Insert -__- face). I'm all for advertising, but scheming and lying to get folks involved is not a good look. Again, this was just something I overheard attendees saying so I don't know if it was really true or not.

Would I attend a Pub Crawl again? Maybe. It'd depend on the featured venues and I'd definitely pre-game a bit earlier with my crew. It wasn't the worst experience, but I was happy I didn't pay full price ($20) for my ticket. Oh, and another tip... I'd be sure to bring CASH!!! It was annoying having to use my debit card at each location. My mistake tho... I never keep cash on me.

Here's a little video my friend shot during the day. Told y'all I had the mouth of a sailor lol... I can't even remember who I was referencing lol.

What to do Memorial Day Weekend 2013 in Chicago

Memorial Day Weekend is approaching and that means it's time to kick off day parties, drinking, warmth, sunshine and roof tops!! Chicago comes alive in the late spring/summer, and any Chicagoan knows we have to go balls to the wall before August comes to an end and Fall starts rearing its ugly head. With that said, there are tons of events to check out this upcoming weekend.

Thursday

What: Radio Killers 4x4 DJ Set featuring DJ A-OH, DJ All Styles, DJ Sean Mac & DJ Jay Illa
When: Thursday, May 23rd
Where: Lumen - 839 W. Fulton Market
Cost: RSVP by texting "Lumen" and FULL names to 773-818-4214




Friday

What: TGIFresh Presents #Flagship
When: Friday, May 24th 9p-2a
Where: Tantrik - 800 W. Superior (entrance on Chicago Ave. side of bldg)
Cost: Mandatory RSVP. Includes Don Julio hosted bar 9p-10p, free cover before 10:30 and reduced cover until 11:30p. RSVP by clicking here


tgifresh 11 | April 13, 2012 from AvriBijon.com on Vimeo.

What: The Turn Up featuring DJ Hero and DJ Sean Mac
When: Friday, May 24th
Where: Bevy - 215 W. Ontario
Cost: RSVP by texting "BEVYFRI" and FULL names to 773-818-4214





Saturday

What: Posh Entertainment "Salute to Summer: The 50/13 Experience" Part I
When: Saturday, May 25th 4:30p-8:30p
Where: Market Bar & Restaurant - 1113 W. Randolph St.
Cost: $10 online. Entry will cost more at the door, so snag the ticket online for cheaper here.



What: Allure - The power of Attraction
When: Saturday, May 25th
Where: Enclave - 220 W. Chicago Ave.
Cost: RSVP by texting "ENCLAVE" and FULL names to 773-818-4214



SUNDAY

What: CircocNation "Life is Best Celebrated before Night" Day Party
When: Sunday, May 26th 3p-8p
Where: Sawtooth Lounge - 1350 W. Randolph St. 
Cost: Free before 4p with RSVP. Click here to RSVP. 
Perks: RSVP includes complimentary food and Ciroc cocktails before 4p 

What: High Society "Summer of the Sexy" Memorial Day Weekend Party
When: Sunday, May 26th 9p-2a
Where: RSVP Lounge (downstairs portion of Club 858) - 858 W. Lake St.
Cost:  Free Before 11:30p with RSVP. Click here to RSVP for the event.



Summer of the Sexy 2013 - Cinco de Mayo Day Party Recap from Fame Production Group on Vimeo.



What: 2nd Annual "Summertime Chi" Day Party
When: Sunday, May 26th 2p-8p
Where: Market Bar & Restaurant - 1113 W. Randolph St.
Cost: RSVP by texting "ROOFTOP" and FULL names to 773-818-4214
 


What: Posh Entertainment "Salute to Summer: The 50/13 Experience" Part II
When: Sunday, May 26th 2p-6p
Where: Epic - 112 W. Hubbard St.
Cost: $10 online. Entry will cost more at the door, so snag the ticket online for cheaper here.

#SummerofGatsbyChi hosted by @Afrobella & @mitzimoments

Tuesday night I had the pleasure of attending the Gatsby movie viewing hosted by Chicago blogger Afrobella and Jet Magazine's Mitzi Miller.

I remember reading The Great Gatsby back in high school and knew it was a "hit" in the literary world, but was admittedly a bit fuzzy on the details. The Jay-Z produced soundtrack initially peaked my curiosity (great marketing) and I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype... After seeing the movie in 3D at Icon I left with mixed feelings.

First can I just take a moment to appreciate the grown man sex appeal oozing out of Leonardo DiCaprio!! I feel like he grew up overnight and finally has some grown man weight and swagu drip dropping off of his life force essence. Ooo-wee!! That man is scrumptious.

As for his performance, I think he did a decent enough job, but overall the movie felt a bit flat. Instead of diving in deep, it seemed more like things were glossed over and more about capturing the glitz of the parties in 3D than putting forth a stellar performance.

Another disappointment was the soundtrack! Color me truly surprised, but I found the Jay-Z tracks more distracting and overall it felt like a huge disconnect. There were maybe 2 songs that fit, but for the most part I didn't like the music. I scrunched my face up multiple times.

This was a movie on my list of summer must-sees, and I feel fortunate to have been able to see if for free and in 3D... but my advice to others is that you could skip seeing it at Icon VIP and in 3D. It's not necessary. A solid movie, but hard to compete with other action packed movies coming out this month. I'm an action girl, so if left to pick and choose, this would be more of a chick-flick I'd see solo on a Monday night... not rushing to see this on the weekend.

My favorite part of the evening was socializing during the mixer after the movie, eating delightful snacks and running my mouth (per usual) lol.

So, are you planning on seeing Gatsby this weekend?

'The Tequila Tales' Event Recap

Last night proved to be an amazeballs time as I ventured out to Red Kiva for another round of The Tequila Tales. The monthly relationship-based chat is hosted by Chrishon (formerly of Three Peas, everyone's favorite South Loop art gallery - - currently writing the blog Love Cork Screw ) and moderated by Isaac Paul and Dr. Candice.

As expected, the crowd took a little bit of warming up to let their guard down, but by the 2nd and 3rd drink, people were getting vocal and the groove had been set. I live tweeted the event using the hashtag of the night #TheTequilaTales and there were a few priceless quotes. Check them out here. So, what were my biggest take aways from the night?

1) A lot of people are in denial about being in the "friend zone" - - (i.e. you want them, but they don't want you.) It's important to remember that platonic male/female relationships are healthy, normal, and quite possible to have. A great point was made that if you're rich in friendships and have that balance, the loneliness and desire to be with anyone to quench that thirst (aka desperation) can usually be resolved.

With Isaac Paul and Chrishon

2) Many women put a price tag on their life force. Let's just keep it all the way real -- many women put a price tag on their life force. All of a sudden they need to eat at X restaurant, Y amount of times, for Z dollars. Give me a break. This mentality takes the focus off the quality of person you're actually spending time with and instead focuses on trivial things. If you want to go to a nice dinner so badly there's no shame in taking yourself.. but try and be open to the idea that successful dates can come in many shapes, sizes, and locales! You may grab burgers and beer in a dive bar and have a ball.

3) S-Banging - Meant to be said as one word, SBanging was the funny hybrid (Smashing + Banging) one chick blurted out in a rush. It was pretty funny and might become a new saying I'll use. I'd love to give her credit... thanks random girl! Overall, I had a ball... and I'm not just saying that because I downed 2 of my signature Hennessy cocktails lol... The conversation was lively and it was nice to be out doing something different.

To stay connected for upcoming events be sure to follow The Tequila Tales on Facebook and Twitter.

@TheTequilaTales: Are you Ready for a Relationship?

Join in for another lively discussion as The Tequila Tales hosts their April discussion topic: Are you Ready for a Relationship? This free event takes place Wednesday, April 10th @ 7pm at Red Kiva in the West Loop. You can RSVP by clicking the flyer below.

The room fills up fast, so be sure to get there early and grab your seat! I'll be venturing out for this one, so I'm looking forward to seeing everyone there. Don't be scared to chime in and keep the conversation going on twitter using the hash tag #TheTequilaTales.

RSVP by Clicking the Flyer

"After Dark" with @artinstitutechi

#ChiBlogMeetup was a success

A big thank you to everyone that joined Noir CPA, More Than Fate, and myself on 2/13 for the Chicago Blogger's meetup.We're looking forward to hosting more meet-ups to connect bloggers and vloggers in the city, so stay tuned for something this spring! In the meantime, enjoy the pics.

 

 

 

 

'Gratitude' the @PoshLifeEvents Way

Saturday afternoon I made my way to The Grid for the Posh Entertainment "Gratitude" day party.

DJ Jay iLLa

As a way of saying thanks and showing their gratitude for all of the support, Posh nixed the cover so it was Free 99 all day. As we all know, anything that's free has the potential to bring out the goons, but Posh has managed to cultivate a nice crowd over the past year. Thus, while it was packed tight inside The Grid, it was crammed with the creme de la cream of young, black professionals.


As always, DJ Jay iLLa delighted on the 1s and 2s and I was pleased with the level of service The Grid staff provided. River North spots can be hit or miss with their treatment of minorities, and let's be honest.. they're usually wack, so it's always refreshing to get a nice level of service, as anyone should receive.

As the spring inches its way closer and closer, I think Posh will remain their tight hold on the day party scene. Their events always have the right mix of music, scenery, and organization... but they tend to draw a slightly uptight, stuffy crowd. The 'Gratitude' party gave me hope that everyone is taking strides towards loosening up a bit and having more fun.

I'll definitely be at the next event. 

Diaspora: The Art of Blackness Exhibition

"The Diaspora Exhibition was created to allow for a meeting of the minds between African American artists and design professionals. The exhibit's goal is to provide these artist with both an avenue of expression and an introduction to potential patrons and resources. Invited artists are encouraged to utilize their medium of choice (graphic design, photography, painting, etc) to depict their interpretation of the black experience in America."

What: Diaspora "The Art of Blackness" Exhibition
When: Friday, Feb 22nd, 2013
Where: NYCH/Robotic Minds Gallery 643 W. 18th St.
Time: 7-10 PM
Cost: FREE 99 (RSVP by clicking HERE)


The event will be curated by LaShun F. Tines and Phillip Scott, with Dj Kwest_on providing the sounds.

Artists 
Phillip Scott
Caliph Rasoul
James Nelson
Lonnie Garner  
Darno Demby  
Brian Golden 
Rashayla Marie Brown  
Keith Purvis  
Roger Carter 
Chevonne Woodard  
Ashley Mckinley  
David Anthony 
Thomas Williams

The Tequila Tales: Adventures of Love & Lust

RSVP by Clicking Here

It's Valentine's Day all all across the world people are scrambling like chickens sans their heads to grab flowers, chocolate, and anything that might make their significant other feel special. How special? Well, more special than they felt yesterday lol, I suppose.

If you're looking for something outside the box to do today, The Tequila Tales presents Adventures of Love and Lust - - a monthly candid conversation about relationships. The topic for the night: Does SIZE matter?

"Going beyond the obvious, how significant is “size” or quantity in a relationship? Is the size of man’s bank account important to a lasting union? Does the size of a woman’s ego affect her ability to attract and hold the love she desires? These questions and several others will be open and candidly discussed."

The event will be held at Red Kiva in the West Loop and starts at 6p, with the discussion beginning at 7p. Admission is free - - just bring an open mind, good energy, and conversation! You can reserve your spot by sending an RSVP to RSVP@TheTequilaTales.com.




What: The Tequila Tales - Adventures of Love and Lust
When: 2/14/13 - 6p - 9p
Where: Red Kiva 1108 West Randolph, Chicago
Cost: Free 99

Akira Hyde Park Grand Opening 2/3 hosted by @NikkiandTheCity

With numerous Chicago locations already under their belt, fashion retailer Akira is making it's way South with the newest addition coming to Hyde Park. The Grand Opening will take place Sunday, 2/3 from 4-6p and be hosted by Chicago blogger Nikki and the City.

The launch time is cutting it close to the Superbowl Kick off, but if you're in the area I'd suggest stopping by to get a peek at the location and snag 20% off all purchases! Can't beat that deal.

Will you be there?

Drink up Art featuring Brian Golden (@southportgrocer)

If you can't remember the last time you did something culturally enriching, fret no more.

Part wine tasting, part art party, Drink up Art is the perfect opportunity to meet local artists, lubricate your spirit with fancy wine, and nibble on delectable bites.

Next week's event features one of my favorite local artists, Brian Golden! In addition to showcasing some of his favorite pieces, Golden will be available to answer questions about his inspiration, creative process, and even help you load the work into your car if you wanna buy it lol!! 

Click here to check out more of Brian's work.



What: Drink Up Art
When: 11/8/12
Where: Southport Grocery & Cafe (3552 N. Southport)
Time: 6p - 8p
Cost: Free ($15 for the wine tasting - - 3 glasses of wine)