commissioned for Centerstage, publishing date TBA
According to restaurant owner Atendidos por Barbarita, Carnitas El Paisa roughly translates to “meats, my friend,” which is essentially what you get at this authentic Mexican eatery — lots of it. And by “authentic,” we’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill taqueria. Carnitas El Paisa does offer a small selection of your average tacos, tortas and burritos, but patrons know to come in for the carnitas, chicharron and barbacoa. Unfortunately, Barbarita says most people who are not Mexican have no idea what the items are.
For the authentic Mexican food novice, here’s what to expect: most noticeably are the massive crispy pieces of deep-fried pork belly, which great customers as they walk in called chicharron. Then there are the carnitas, which are juicy pieces of pork that have been marinated for several hours, and barbacoa, which is steamed beef or goat. All dishes are available as entrees with rice, beans and tortillas for $9-$9.50, or sold by the pound. Unsurprisingly, vegetarians are looking at yet another rice-‘n’-beans or cactus salad night.
With only six or seven items featured, Carnitas El Paisa is deceptively simple. Barbarita says she will put in about seven hours of prep work on Friday and Saturday mornings as early as 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. and sometimes more depending on special orders. Despite a spacious and charming dining room, the restaurant is often quieter than one might expect. The reason being that business thrives on carry-out as opposed to dine-in, which is mainly how the restaurant manages to close as early as 6 p.m. on weeknights and 8 p.m. on the weekend. Although not nearly as popular as lunch or dinner, early risers can also stop in Carnitas El Paisa for breakfast — authentic Mexican, of course. “We serve breakfast,” Barbarita says. “But no pancakes.”
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; closed Tuesday
Sep 18, 2008
Latin American Restaurant and Lounge
commissioned for Centerstage, publishing date TBA
And yet another contender enters the fight for the title of "Oldest Authentic Puerto Rican Restaurant in Humboldt Park." Opened in 1958, Latin American Restaurant and Lounge certainly has the age to back the claim from current owner Jaime Cruz. Whether or not the restaurant wins the title, it certainly has the sustained long enough to make it a neighborhood staple.
Family is a key component of the restaurant. Cruz inherited the restaurant from his uncle, who founded the restaurant in hopes of bringing family-sized home-style Puerto Rican recipes from his kitchen to the neighborhood table. Despite the notable presence of a pool table and bar that takes up a good half of the restaurant, the atmosphere caters to families with children for dinner time and then casually transcends into a sports bar by late evening.
As far as Latin American cuisine, you're looking at a predominantly Puerto Rican menu — mostly in Spanish — with a few Mexican and American dinner items scattered among the entrees. Vegetarian options are essentially non-existent, so it's safe to say that nothing is vegan either— bad news for the herbivores. Likewise, if you're counting points for Weight Watchers, you might as well break your fast, assuming that everything you are ordering is fried. For the rest of you oil loving meat eaters, if you're totally clueless when it comes to Puerto Rican fare, it's best to start with the steak jibarito (plantain sandwich) with rice for $6.25, or the Chuletas Kan Kan (roast pork) paired with a side of plantain chips or mashed plantains for $9.95. Desserts are only $2.00, so you won't break the bank by tacking on flan or tembleque (Puerto Rican coconut pudding).
Cruz says to expect programs like Monday night football specials and Friday night karaoke to start appearing within the next few weeks, where families are welcome to ditch the babysitter and bring the kiddies. Then again, family restaurants aren’t for everyone, which is why the restaurant also offers the convenience of delivery.
Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun-Thu, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri-Sat
And yet another contender enters the fight for the title of "Oldest Authentic Puerto Rican Restaurant in Humboldt Park." Opened in 1958, Latin American Restaurant and Lounge certainly has the age to back the claim from current owner Jaime Cruz. Whether or not the restaurant wins the title, it certainly has the sustained long enough to make it a neighborhood staple.
Family is a key component of the restaurant. Cruz inherited the restaurant from his uncle, who founded the restaurant in hopes of bringing family-sized home-style Puerto Rican recipes from his kitchen to the neighborhood table. Despite the notable presence of a pool table and bar that takes up a good half of the restaurant, the atmosphere caters to families with children for dinner time and then casually transcends into a sports bar by late evening.
As far as Latin American cuisine, you're looking at a predominantly Puerto Rican menu — mostly in Spanish — with a few Mexican and American dinner items scattered among the entrees. Vegetarian options are essentially non-existent, so it's safe to say that nothing is vegan either— bad news for the herbivores. Likewise, if you're counting points for Weight Watchers, you might as well break your fast, assuming that everything you are ordering is fried. For the rest of you oil loving meat eaters, if you're totally clueless when it comes to Puerto Rican fare, it's best to start with the steak jibarito (plantain sandwich) with rice for $6.25, or the Chuletas Kan Kan (roast pork) paired with a side of plantain chips or mashed plantains for $9.95. Desserts are only $2.00, so you won't break the bank by tacking on flan or tembleque (Puerto Rican coconut pudding).
Cruz says to expect programs like Monday night football specials and Friday night karaoke to start appearing within the next few weeks, where families are welcome to ditch the babysitter and bring the kiddies. Then again, family restaurants aren’t for everyone, which is why the restaurant also offers the convenience of delivery.
Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun-Thu, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri-Sat
Carly Fisher loves Boat Club
staff favorite for Venus Zine published 9/3/08
The problem with an amazing EP is the 10 to 28 minute length tends to leave an unsatisfied craving for more. After being whisked away by Boat Club's dreamy, nautical synths and then awaking to the harsh reality of your constrictive day job, you might find yourself upset that your mental vacation was cut to an EP length. Airy and electronic with retro-inspired beats, the Swedish group's aptly titled and highly underrated 2007 release Caught the Breeze has been on heavy rotation on my iTunes for some time now. When are we gonna see a full release, Boat Club?
Read the article here.
The problem with an amazing EP is the 10 to 28 minute length tends to leave an unsatisfied craving for more. After being whisked away by Boat Club's dreamy, nautical synths and then awaking to the harsh reality of your constrictive day job, you might find yourself upset that your mental vacation was cut to an EP length. Airy and electronic with retro-inspired beats, the Swedish group's aptly titled and highly underrated 2007 release Caught the Breeze has been on heavy rotation on my iTunes for some time now. When are we gonna see a full release, Boat Club?
Read the article here.
Sep 2, 2008
Caught on tape
published in Venus Zine's 2008 Fall issue
Back when the portable audio standard was the Walkman, a meticulously planned mixtape was the ultimate token of showing that special someone you truly care. Cassettefrommyex.com dusts off old mixtapes and shares the intimate stories behind the plastic from awkward first dates to summers filled with Faith No More, Patty Loveless, and Digable Planets.
The concept is a natural transition for Jason Bitner, co-creator of Cassettefrommyex.com. Bitner formerly worked at FOUND Magazine, which publishes lost-and-found letters and scribbles, providing readers with a vague look into a stranger’s life. For Cassettefrommyex.com, Bitner and his production crew launced the site in March by inviting their creative type friends to write narratives about mixtapes from their ex-boyfriends and girlfriends.
“I was rummaging around in my basement a few months ago when I happened upon a relic of my teen years: Music To Soak Your Toe To,” Bitner says. “This mixtape, compiled for me by my then-girlfriend Kate, stayed with me for 17 years. I knew that if I had kept an old mixtape that most everyone must have one in a dusty shoebox somewhere.”
Stand-out “ex” stories include Magnetic Fields’ Claudia Gonson waxing nostalgic about her high school sweetheart and Dave Nadelberg, author of the MORTIFIED project, a cringe-worthy collection of teenage diary entries. Nadelberg recites an anecdote about an aptly titled “Obliteration” mix from a short-lived fling: “We were at a rave in Ithaca, New York. I was drunk-ish. She was stoned-ish. Despite our inebriated vision, it was lust at first sight-ish.”
Back when the portable audio standard was the Walkman, a meticulously planned mixtape was the ultimate token of showing that special someone you truly care. Cassettefrommyex.com dusts off old mixtapes and shares the intimate stories behind the plastic from awkward first dates to summers filled with Faith No More, Patty Loveless, and Digable Planets.
The concept is a natural transition for Jason Bitner, co-creator of Cassettefrommyex.com. Bitner formerly worked at FOUND Magazine, which publishes lost-and-found letters and scribbles, providing readers with a vague look into a stranger’s life. For Cassettefrommyex.com, Bitner and his production crew launced the site in March by inviting their creative type friends to write narratives about mixtapes from their ex-boyfriends and girlfriends.
“I was rummaging around in my basement a few months ago when I happened upon a relic of my teen years: Music To Soak Your Toe To,” Bitner says. “This mixtape, compiled for me by my then-girlfriend Kate, stayed with me for 17 years. I knew that if I had kept an old mixtape that most everyone must have one in a dusty shoebox somewhere.”
Stand-out “ex” stories include Magnetic Fields’ Claudia Gonson waxing nostalgic about her high school sweetheart and Dave Nadelberg, author of the MORTIFIED project, a cringe-worthy collection of teenage diary entries. Nadelberg recites an anecdote about an aptly titled “Obliteration” mix from a short-lived fling: “We were at a rave in Ithaca, New York. I was drunk-ish. She was stoned-ish. Despite our inebriated vision, it was lust at first sight-ish.”
Reader of the Week: Abby Schwartz
published in Venus Zine on 9/1/08
Abby Schwartz is leading something of a double life. By day, Schwartz works as a coordinator for the San Diego LGBT Community Center, planning events and referring LGBT women and allies to queer friendly health care services. After hours, Schwartz transforms into budding feminist rap persona MC Flow, busting rhymes alongside big acts like Yo Majesty, T.I., and Clipse, and winning a 2007 San Diego Music Award in the “Best Hip-Hop” category. Schwartz talks here about the challenges she’s faced in becoming a fly femcee, and shows her love for Venus Zine with a few rhymes.
How did MC Flow develop?
I wrote poetry and did spoken word for many years before I started rapping. I hosted an open mic for women in San Diego called Siren for a number of years where I met a lot of local musicians. A few of my closest friends and I decided to put some of my poetry and newly written raps to music. Over time, my band mate Taylor and I got more serious about the project. She put down her guitar and started writing beats, and from there things just took off. We later hooked up with our dancer, GG, and our DJ, Rob Fayder, completing the band. I couldn’t think of a funnier, simpler name for a feminist rapper than MC Flow. I think I had just finished reading Inga Muscio’s book Cunt for the tenth time when I named myself that.
What was your first show like?
My first show was probably embarrassing! I think I wore baggy track pants and an extra large T-shirt, and tried to be the picture of what I thought a rapper should look like. The best lesson I ever learned was just to be myself. Trying to pass myself as gangsta is ridiculous — I’m a Jewish lesbian from Westchester!
How have you evolved as a rapper?
I think I’ve evolved a lot as a performer. I’m a lot more comfortable and confident on stage than I used to be. I have learned to just have fun with it.
What challenges have you had to face being a female rapper?
I’ve faced my share of challenges. I’ve had guys come up to me after shows and ask, “So who writes your raps?” when I write my own lyrics. I’ve had male critics make comments that I get press coverage in San Diego by sucking dick — which is ridiculous, because I’m gay! But I also think being female helps me stand out in my genre. There aren’t many other white chicks that can spit it like I can.
Will you write me something?
Venus Zine, the dopest mag
I read you when I’m on the rag
Feminism’s my affliction
So I better get a fat subscription!
Read the article here.
Abby Schwartz is leading something of a double life. By day, Schwartz works as a coordinator for the San Diego LGBT Community Center, planning events and referring LGBT women and allies to queer friendly health care services. After hours, Schwartz transforms into budding feminist rap persona MC Flow, busting rhymes alongside big acts like Yo Majesty, T.I., and Clipse, and winning a 2007 San Diego Music Award in the “Best Hip-Hop” category. Schwartz talks here about the challenges she’s faced in becoming a fly femcee, and shows her love for Venus Zine with a few rhymes.
How did MC Flow develop?
I wrote poetry and did spoken word for many years before I started rapping. I hosted an open mic for women in San Diego called Siren for a number of years where I met a lot of local musicians. A few of my closest friends and I decided to put some of my poetry and newly written raps to music. Over time, my band mate Taylor and I got more serious about the project. She put down her guitar and started writing beats, and from there things just took off. We later hooked up with our dancer, GG, and our DJ, Rob Fayder, completing the band. I couldn’t think of a funnier, simpler name for a feminist rapper than MC Flow. I think I had just finished reading Inga Muscio’s book Cunt for the tenth time when I named myself that.
What was your first show like?
My first show was probably embarrassing! I think I wore baggy track pants and an extra large T-shirt, and tried to be the picture of what I thought a rapper should look like. The best lesson I ever learned was just to be myself. Trying to pass myself as gangsta is ridiculous — I’m a Jewish lesbian from Westchester!
How have you evolved as a rapper?
I think I’ve evolved a lot as a performer. I’m a lot more comfortable and confident on stage than I used to be. I have learned to just have fun with it.
What challenges have you had to face being a female rapper?
I’ve faced my share of challenges. I’ve had guys come up to me after shows and ask, “So who writes your raps?” when I write my own lyrics. I’ve had male critics make comments that I get press coverage in San Diego by sucking dick — which is ridiculous, because I’m gay! But I also think being female helps me stand out in my genre. There aren’t many other white chicks that can spit it like I can.
Will you write me something?
Venus Zine, the dopest mag
I read you when I’m on the rag
Feminism’s my affliction
So I better get a fat subscription!
Read the article here.
Aug 26, 2008
Reader of the Week: Bernyce Talley
published in Venus Zine on 8/11/08
Aspirations of becoming a professional comic book artist are often knocked aside as just a pipe dream. But Venus Zine reader Berynce Talley is making her dream a reality. At only 25, Talley has started her own business and published seven books. When she is not teaching art at a non-profit in Los Angeles, she’s busy working on her forthcoming graphic novel, Coffee Cake. Talley takes a break from her carpal tunnel-inducing work to talk about making it in the sequential art world.
How long have you been making comics?
I have been making comics since 2003. Nubian Queen Comics is my self-publishing business. I can't quite quit my day job and work on it full-time, but it's a business of passion. I love what I do, I just wish I could get up every morning and do this full time.
What sort of issues do you address in your comics?
Coffee Cake is an autobiographical graphic novel in the works about my years attending a black college in Georgia. I wanted to show the humor, culture clash, and the struggle to find myself as an individual and black woman. Le Menagerie is my first superhero comic that deals with Africa and Black America, and then there is my pride and joy, La La Land, which is a little zine that shows the struggles of holding down a job, yo-yo diets, dating, sex, and the everyday bout of living in Los Angeles.
What is most challenging about being an artist?
Getting my work out there. I'm always trying to promote myself through blogs, MySpace, conventions, and art shows, networking and hobnobbing with people to get connections and take the next step. I'm hoping my graphic novel will be the launching pad for my drawing and comic career.
Do you wish there was more female representation of comic book artists?
There are a lot of women that make comics out there who are gaining ground in the sequential art world like Becky Cloonan, Jessica Abel, Hope Larson, and Erica Moen. I am involved with an organization that specializes in African American women in comics called the Ormes Society, named after Jackie Ormes, the popular black cartoonist from the ‘50s. We are a small society of unrecognized artists trying to gain recognition from the comics community for our contributions to the art form.
I'm hoping to attract more young African American women and men to my comics. I want people to see things from a minority perspective — that there is someone out there who wants to tell a story about what goes on within our culture beyond the musings of television and music.
Any advice for the budding comic book artist?
If you want to get into comics, don't just sit on your thumbs — grab a pencil and start writing and drawing. You can make zines in your living room or shell out cash for a big publication. Look for any venue to sell your comics. People will respond, just get them excited. I will be at the Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco on November 1-2. Come by the Nubian Queen Comics table and chat with me!
—
Check out Talley’s work at her blog at nubianqueen08.livejournal.com.
Read the article here.
Aspirations of becoming a professional comic book artist are often knocked aside as just a pipe dream. But Venus Zine reader Berynce Talley is making her dream a reality. At only 25, Talley has started her own business and published seven books. When she is not teaching art at a non-profit in Los Angeles, she’s busy working on her forthcoming graphic novel, Coffee Cake. Talley takes a break from her carpal tunnel-inducing work to talk about making it in the sequential art world.
How long have you been making comics?
I have been making comics since 2003. Nubian Queen Comics is my self-publishing business. I can't quite quit my day job and work on it full-time, but it's a business of passion. I love what I do, I just wish I could get up every morning and do this full time.
What sort of issues do you address in your comics?
Coffee Cake is an autobiographical graphic novel in the works about my years attending a black college in Georgia. I wanted to show the humor, culture clash, and the struggle to find myself as an individual and black woman. Le Menagerie is my first superhero comic that deals with Africa and Black America, and then there is my pride and joy, La La Land, which is a little zine that shows the struggles of holding down a job, yo-yo diets, dating, sex, and the everyday bout of living in Los Angeles.
What is most challenging about being an artist?
Getting my work out there. I'm always trying to promote myself through blogs, MySpace, conventions, and art shows, networking and hobnobbing with people to get connections and take the next step. I'm hoping my graphic novel will be the launching pad for my drawing and comic career.
Do you wish there was more female representation of comic book artists?
There are a lot of women that make comics out there who are gaining ground in the sequential art world like Becky Cloonan, Jessica Abel, Hope Larson, and Erica Moen. I am involved with an organization that specializes in African American women in comics called the Ormes Society, named after Jackie Ormes, the popular black cartoonist from the ‘50s. We are a small society of unrecognized artists trying to gain recognition from the comics community for our contributions to the art form.
I'm hoping to attract more young African American women and men to my comics. I want people to see things from a minority perspective — that there is someone out there who wants to tell a story about what goes on within our culture beyond the musings of television and music.
Any advice for the budding comic book artist?
If you want to get into comics, don't just sit on your thumbs — grab a pencil and start writing and drawing. You can make zines in your living room or shell out cash for a big publication. Look for any venue to sell your comics. People will respond, just get them excited. I will be at the Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco on November 1-2. Come by the Nubian Queen Comics table and chat with me!
—
Check out Talley’s work at her blog at nubianqueen08.livejournal.com.
Read the article here.
Aug 21, 2008
Bice Bistro
published at Centerstage.net on 8/25/08
Bice Bistro at the Talbott Hotel
20 E. Delaware Pl.
(312) 944-4970
www.bicechicago.com
If you're looking for traditional Italian fare and upscale lodgings in the River North neighborhood, but don't mind tacking on inevitable valet costs or taking public transit, then Bice Bistro might be a good choice for you. Located inside the ritzy Talbott Hotel, a stone's throw away from the Viagra Triangle, an upscale look is to be expected. Yet, Bice Bistro manages to keep prices reasonable, with entrees ranging $10.95-$21.95.
Smaller than its sister, Bice Ristorante, the bistro manages to shine on its own with some original menu items. The Salmone alla Sicliana in Cartoccio is one of the more commonly ordered menu items featuring baked salmon in parchment paper with black olives, capers and vegetables ($19.95). While the two restaurants do not have a Marsha-Jan relationship, Bice Bistro does take after its sister with a few family recipes such as the Funghi Risotto with wild mushrooms and saffron ($15.95). Why mess with a good thing? If you have the appetite and dough for some dessert (pun entirely intended), you can't go wrong with tiramisu ($7.75) or the decadent Cioccolatissimo chocolate souffle with vanilla gelato ($8.50).
Although the hotel lobby space is limited, Bice creates a spacious atmosphere with a wall-to-wall mirror. A handsome mahogany bar centers the intimately sized dining room, inspired with fine Italian accents to create a clubby ambiance. If you don't like inhaling exhaust, but would still like to spend your meal people watching, Bice opens its tavern to the less trafficked Delaware Pl. during the warmer months of the year. And though Bice claims their dress is casual, just try to have a little class when you come in. This isn't the Olive Garden.
Hours: 6:30 a.m.-10p.m. daily
Read the article here.
Bice Bistro at the Talbott Hotel
20 E. Delaware Pl.
(312) 944-4970
www.bicechicago.com
If you're looking for traditional Italian fare and upscale lodgings in the River North neighborhood, but don't mind tacking on inevitable valet costs or taking public transit, then Bice Bistro might be a good choice for you. Located inside the ritzy Talbott Hotel, a stone's throw away from the Viagra Triangle, an upscale look is to be expected. Yet, Bice Bistro manages to keep prices reasonable, with entrees ranging $10.95-$21.95.
Smaller than its sister, Bice Ristorante, the bistro manages to shine on its own with some original menu items. The Salmone alla Sicliana in Cartoccio is one of the more commonly ordered menu items featuring baked salmon in parchment paper with black olives, capers and vegetables ($19.95). While the two restaurants do not have a Marsha-Jan relationship, Bice Bistro does take after its sister with a few family recipes such as the Funghi Risotto with wild mushrooms and saffron ($15.95). Why mess with a good thing? If you have the appetite and dough for some dessert (pun entirely intended), you can't go wrong with tiramisu ($7.75) or the decadent Cioccolatissimo chocolate souffle with vanilla gelato ($8.50).
Although the hotel lobby space is limited, Bice creates a spacious atmosphere with a wall-to-wall mirror. A handsome mahogany bar centers the intimately sized dining room, inspired with fine Italian accents to create a clubby ambiance. If you don't like inhaling exhaust, but would still like to spend your meal people watching, Bice opens its tavern to the less trafficked Delaware Pl. during the warmer months of the year. And though Bice claims their dress is casual, just try to have a little class when you come in. This isn't the Olive Garden.
Hours: 6:30 a.m.-10p.m. daily
Read the article here.
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