Rest in Peace, Funny Man

I first saw Bernie Mac perform when he was a hit on the local "chitlin' circuit" nightclubs. It was a few years after HBO's "Def Comedy Jam" launched and the raunchy style of black comedy was just starting to hit the mainstream around the country.

There were a number of extremely funny guys performing that same type of comedy those days at now-defunct clubs All Jokes Aside, Milt Tremier's and the Cotton Club, yet Mac always seem to stand apart. His brand of comedy may have been a little risque, but his delivery was always so smooth and sophisticated that you were never offended. And as he worked his bits on the stage, he made those now-famous faces: eyes poked out and mean looking that would eventually break out into a broad grin.

Looking back at those days when Mac was the headliner at clubs, it was no surprise that he has always stolen the show in just about every movie in which he's appeared. From the "Ocean's 11" franchise to "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" to "Guess Who?" (a remake of the Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn 1967 classic "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?"), he managed to light up the screen whenever that big, grinning mug appeared.

So here's to you, Bernie Mac. And may your signature style and swagger live on forever in all those little comedy clubs in Chicago and beyond.

Let the Games begin . . . with the Beer Olympics

The Olympics are here, but this time it's not the one you've got in mind.

West Town sports bar Mahoney’s Pub & Grille hosts the very first Beer Olympics, in which participants compete in a number of games.

If you think you've got skills, then head here for beer pong, flippy cup, bags, Quarters, Ping Pong, Golden Tee and pool at noon August 17. Scoring will not be based on alcohol consumption (that part is optional), but rather a point system established by the Beer Olympic judges. Teams may sign up and must consist of 6 people representing a bar, brand or country of their choice, and registration is open until noon on August 17. Teams will also get to choose their own "national anthem" to be played if they make it to the podium for a medal.

Three medals will be awarded: Gold, Silver and Bronze for first, second and third. The team home Gold will also win an all-expense paid trip for six to China[town]. It’s a first-class, round-trip via limousine from Mahoney’s to Chinatown for dinner at Won Kow, along with a tour of China[town].

Market Days!

Boys just wanna have fun at Market Days, which happens Saturday and Sunday on North Halsted Street. (Photo: northalsted.com)


The weather gods are smiling down on us this weekend, blessing us with amazing weather. So, kick it outside to a fabulous fest like Market Days or treat yourself to Blind Tasting Sundays on Eno’s relaxing Mag Mile sidewalk patio:

THURSDAY

It’s the first Thursday of the month, which means that it’s time for Good For Party at Crimson Lounge. Deejays Sonny Daze and Monna (3 Degrees) spin what they’re calling “dirty, sweaty, soulful Afro-Latin sounds, you know, that sexy shit.” Gotta love that, and it kicks off at 10pm. RSVP to info@goodforparty.com for free admission.

Paramount Room wants you to check out its new after-work deal, which includes chef-driven, complimentary gourmet snacks and light bites. Pair those with their house-infused cocktails, craft beers and boutique wines, and you’ll be good to go.

Head to WineStyles for a tasting of North and South American vinos. They’re bringing out some of their favorites that won’t break the bank. And you’ll learn why these wines are so special. 6-8pm. Free.

FRIDAY

Flirty Girls Night Out Party returns, and this time guests will have the chance to meet the “Naked Shower Guy” from the “Sex and the City” movie. Oooo-kay. The party starts at 5pm at Flirty Girl Fitness (1325 W. Randolph St.) with Flirtinis, makeovers, manicures and sexy dance classes (choose from pole dancing, chair dancing or striptease). Participants will then be whisked off in a pink stretch Hummer limo for the after party at Crobar. Mani-pedis will be half price and by appointment only. Event tickets are $10 for Flirty Girl Fitness members; $35 for non-members. Call 312-666-2266 for tix.

Zentra goes back to its roots when it fetes its ninth-year anniversary. They’ll have belly dancers, hookah girls, face and body painters and Duke the Camel (yes, a REAL camel!). Deejays Lego and Derrick Carter spin deep house, soul and Latin beats. 10pm-4am. Cover varies.

SATURDAY

Market Days happens today and Sunday, with spontaneous parties happening up and down Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison. Spin, Hydrate and Lakeview Broadcasting Co. will have a host of deejays, drink specials and more to keep you busy all day. Also, Twister! 11am-3am. Donation suggested to get into Market Days.

If you don’t want to watch the Summer Olympics on TV, head to West Town for the Young Irish Wicker Park Pub Crawl Olympics. They’ll have a different “game” at each bar, which will certainly include some type of drinking competition. Event starts at Café Bionda, then makes its way to Pint, Northside, Cans and Lotties. 1-6pm. Get the $25tix (includes donation to charities, drink specials, appetizers) here.

SUNDAY

Hey, Mon. Why not do a Reggae-style brunch at Between Café?! It launches today and includes $12 Yakuza Bloody Marys (made with a basil-Tabasco bloody Mary mix and garnished with a skewer of Yakuza beef) and $12 3 oz. $12 3 oz. Bloody Mary Flights with the Yakuza Bloody Mary, Bloody Geisha (made with sake) and a refreshing Ruddy Mary (made with fresh cucumber and Hendrick's gin). Of course they’ll be playing old-school reggae throughout the day.

Or perhaps you’d rather do Blind Tasting Sundays at Eno. Chill out on the new sidewalk patio right off the Mag Mile and order the “blind tasting” flight. The wine identities are concealed, leaving you to guess in categories such as region and varietal. Guests scoring high enough can score a discount of $5.05 off a full priced wine flight.

A Crawl to the Finish Line

By Suzy McMillen

After eight fabulous weeks in my new favorite city, my time here has come to an end.

Soon enough, my glamorous internship will end, my dear friends at dorm security will no longer let me in and I’ll be dragged back kicking and screaming to one more year of classes far away from big city life.

Even after a summer of rigorous Diva training by the fabulous Audarshia Townsend, I haven’t gotten to see much more of Chicago Avenue than my daily bus trip to the “office” or frantically trying to catch a cab to avoid hiking in heels.

And after an entire summer experiencing the best of Chicago’s nightlife with a bonified expert, what better way to celebrate my culture-shock summer than with a one-night, one-street, eight-bar pub-crawl. And after meeting enough people to crowd any bar in the city, I’m inviting everyone to be there.

You can count on us to be celebrating at every one. So come join (we start Thursday, August 7). I’ll even tell you where to find us!

Official Kick-Off:

NoMI Garden 5-6pm
Fabulous drinks with a fabulous outdoor Chicago skyline view. This high-rise patio is the perfect early evening meeting spot.

Devon Seafood Grill: 6-7pm
$5.95 martinis and $5 select appetizers in the lounge of this delicious seafood attraction.

Matchbox: 7-8pm
Right off Chicago Ave, this popular hot spot with great drinks is close enough for me!

Relax: 8-9pm
$4 Grolsch beer, $5 Stoli Cocktails and $6 burgers are the perfect medicine for my going-away blues.

Sonotheque: 9-10pm
Tonight is Braziliance Night with New Brazilian beats with resident DJ Joe Bryl.

High Dive: 10-10:30pm
$4 Absolut cocktails and if you buy two appetizers, you get one free. So bring friends!

Tuman’s: 10:30-11pm
Formerly “Tuman’s Alcohol Abuse Center,” they’ve got $2.50 PBR and $3 Guinness every day!

Cat’s Meow: 11pm-until
End the night by checking out this new place with $2 cheese quesadillas, $2 PBR and $3 Jameson shots.

Wine Down . . . Tough Love Wednesday

Today we've got all sorts of liquid libations for you:

Maven hosts its very first event tonight. Head to Fleming's for Wine Down Wednesdays, featuring a number of boutique vinos, plus Moet & Chandon Nectar Champagne. Comped apps too. 6:30-8pm. No cover for the kick-off event.

If cocktails are more your strength, Spy Bar is throwing a sneak-preview party to introduce its fall libations. Talented mixologist John Kinder has created some alluring elixirs for the occasion, including Happier Juice (Hennessy VSOP blended with fresh green apples and lightly scented with rose blossoms and vanilla). 10-11pm. No cover.

And the rotating night of mayhem called Tough Love Wednesdays pops off at Funky Buddha Lounge. Deejays Bear Who?, Trilogy, NewLife, Julio Bishop and DVS spin. 10pm-2am. No cover.

For the early-morn munchers

If you were wondering what happened to John Bubula (former chef/owner of Thyme, Sinibar Cafe, Timo), Hungrymag's got the deets right here, as writer Michael Nagrant interviews him as well as other local culinary kings on what breakfast will be like in the future.

Think "French toast with a shell of maple-syrup sugar skewered on cinnamon stick," lobster quesadillas or a tricked-out version of "steak and eggs."

Yesssssssssssssssss!

Top Chef's Stephanie Izard 'does' Playboy

(Photo: Chuck Hodes for Bravo)


Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard reveals to Playboy how a man can win a woman's heart through cooking.

What were you thinking?!

First Bite at P&P BBQ Soul Food

This mound of "smoky and chewy" rib tips at P&P BBQ Soul Food is not to be missed. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)


The Stew really liked the rib tips, peach cobbler and more at Humboldt Park newcomer P&P BBQ Soul Food.