A few things I would like to see at Pinkfest ...

[annie]

I'm not everyone, but here are a few things I'm looking forward to. For the past few years I've used Pinkfest as my "down time" and I've very much preferred the low-key and relaxing things. Let me just do a core dump here ...

An evening in Oak Park. Din-din at Winberies, QST at Bar Louie and/or the Hideaway. (I assume Velvet Rope is toast, no pun intended.)

Steppenwolf has been mentioned. I've enjoyed our recent theater sessions, in particular last year to see Kinky Boots. (Yes, that one tune from that one Off-Off-Broadway musical we saw a few years back is still going through my head.)

I was thinking of an evening in the Boystown area starting with a happy hour at Trader Dan's, the bar that Ginger discovered, then dinner at a place such as Leona's across the street or Giordano's around the corner. Then do whatever there is to do in Boystown. I very much enjoyed the 3160 place last year.

I would to the Signature Lounge at the Hancock again, as long as I have a couple of adult beverages before I brave the trip.

I said I would be willing to coordinate a dinner at Harry Caray's Steak House, but there was already talk of going back to Lawry's, so I'll put that one on the back burner.

Redhead is "ok", and I'll go there if the gang wants to, but I think I would prefer Grape Street or 3160. The replacement for Gentry is "ok" as well.

These are just a few ideas ...

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Laura Wright
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The Velvet Rope is not open... But I think the Winberies dinner and QST
at Bar Louie would be nice evening again in Oak Park. Ginger really
liked the Hemingway Cafe and the Hemingway museum last year for earlier
in the day. There is also the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio within
walking distance.

I'd certainly be up for a night at Steppenwolf if there is something
good playing. They did win a couple of Tony's this year. They have some
amazing productions.

I would like to go to Lawry's again. I think QTS and desserts would be
nice at the Signature Room in the Hancock on the same night since they
are close.

I especially enjoyed the Downtown Bar and 3160 in the past. Grape Street
bar is a nice quiet place. I would be up for an inexpensive beer and
pizza type night at Leona's or Giordano's or Lou Malnati's.

One thing we have not done is the Twin Anchors and Second City night
out. Twin Anchors is a great (very) little place right by Second City.
It can get crowded and cozy. But I love their ribs. It has been a
filming site for a number of movies in Chicago (including the Dark
Knight) and has had many celebrities come through like Sinatra and Conan
O'Brien as well as the many Second City alumni. What do you think?

http://www.twinanchorsribs.com/

http://www.secondcity.com/

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[External Poster]

This posting is from: Laura Wright
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Another idea would be to spend a day in the loop or south loop area.
Maybe lunch at the Berghoff and then perhaps dinner theatre at Tommy
Guns? I went to Tommy Guns Garage a couple of years ago for Be All. It
was campy but entertaining.

http://www.tommygunsgarage.com/

http://www.theberghoff.com/berghoff-restaurant/

There is a lot to do in the area during the day nearby - the museum
campus, shopping on State Street, etc.

We had a nice lunch at the Walnut Room of Macy's (old Marshall Field's)
last year.

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[External Poster]

This posting is from: Laura Wright
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Tommy Guns has lots of great reviews!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g35805-d2207406-Reviews-Tommy_Gun_s_Garage-Chicago_Illinois.html

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[annie]

> then perhaps dinner theatre at Tommy Guns?

IIRC, we were going to do this a few years back, but for some reason it just didn't happen. It does sound like fun.

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Laura Wright
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It may have been that it ended up on Be All's schedule and it didn't make
sense to double up that year.

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(This posting was entered by Laura Wright, an external user of MyDLV.)

[Valorie]

Yeah I know it's exercise and not really low-key but Annie called me on it .. pole dancing There are several places we could go:

Flirty Girl Fitness
http://chicago.flirtygirlfitness.com/chicago_html
(two locations Lincoln Park, West Loop)

Shelly Kelly S-Factor
http://www.sfactor.com/pole_dance_class ... arties.asp
(in SoGo)

Empowerment through Exotic Dance Ltc.
http://empowermentthroughexoticdance.co ... ptions.htm
(in Chicago Heights)

Curvy Diva Fitness
http://www.bombshellpolefitness.com/
(near Joliet, further out west)

Pole Velocity
http://polevelocity.com/bachelorette_pole_parties.html
(weekday private parties take place at home studio near Lincoln Square)

We could sign up for regular classes but if we have a group private parties are much better. In the later case we would need at least 3-4 girls to cover the deposit (usually $100) - but ideally around 7-10 people. I will have to check how welcoming these places are. Some have a women only policy, but have never really considered transgendered folk. Even from the websites, you get different vibes - some are part of large chains others are taught in people's homes. Based solely on the website, I am leaning towards FlirtyGirl but can someone who knows Chicago give advice in regards to location.

[annie]

> Yeah I know it's exercise and not really low-key but Annie called me
> on it .. pole dancing

I was actually kidding, and again congratulating you on the very successful session at DLV!

For those who don't know what I am talking about, Valorie's Pole Dance Lessons was one of the big hits at this year's DLV. It was at a "civilian" studio, one that trains the dancers at the clubs and such.

[annie]

> Twin Anchors is a great (very) little place right by Second City.

This place has been on my do-it list for some time now, but it just never happened.

[Valorie]

Civilians ... now I have a mental image of new army recruits doing mandatory pole dancing as part of basic training.