Back in business for the Summer.

Time to rock the shit out of some seersucker. Photo: MISTER MORT.

No internet for a week is like turning off the world. Even Chicago is too big to grasp without some media interaction, so after seven days I'm relived to be in front of my laptop working on BTSIC.

It's like sitting indoors during a blizzard and then opening the front door to find a wall of snow piled over your head, except in this case it's the accumulation of email, Twitter, Facebook and RSS feeds after a week of disconnect.


My knees are getting weak with anticipation. Photo: Joe M500

The weekend was busy. Thousands flooded the lakefront on bikes for Bike The Drive, a new village-within-a-store Whole Foods opened and so did the anticipated Nightwood restaurant.


The apex of monochrome fixed-gear cockpits. Photo: Pasco33

Parents of college students visited the South Loop this weekend, which was filled with beefy dudes in leather cop hats and assless chaps. The fashion-forward slipped into the first white shoes and pants of the summer.


Is it wrong to look past this sexy burger in favor of the Oberon? Photo: -monet-

Saturday's weather was perfect for throwing a few burgers on the grill and building a nice slow drunk out in the sun. I'm stoked for a summer of fun.

This week's theme: Unpredictable.

Photo: Lanceweersma.

Bicycles are an indicator of urban spring, but Morel mushrooms? Not so much. Flickr user Lanceweersma, like any mushroom hunter worth his weight in edible fungi, isn't disclosing his picking grounds. Perhaps you can find clues in his photostream.

I have some big, very exciting life changes going on in the next seven days. It's going to be hectic to say the least. I'm not promising any great posting, in fact, I'm sure it will be sparse and sporadic. Check in when you're feeling random and a little reckless, because like Morels by the bike path, I may surprise you.

Our regular schedule will resume next week.

Weekend Round-up: The Return.

It's almost summer, let your healthy hair breathe! Photo: ryan muir.

More reasons to put some clothes on and get out of the house.

Friday

King Khan and the Shrines @ Bottom Lounge. Pictured above.

1st Annual F*ckin' Catalina Wine Mixer is probably funnier in theory, but good effort.

Saturday

Social media schmoozing? Check! Drinks at the Tribune Tower? Check! Society for News Design Meetup, 1-5pm

"One of the best beer tastings in the USA" Lambic Beer Festival @ Delilah's 12:00 - 05:00PM

A.Okay Official is sadly closing this weekend, but take advantage of the party/sale.

Do you like challenges? Try finding your bike the morning after Midnight Marauders' "Sausage Fest". BYOB.

Sunday

I've never actually attended the SushiSamba Rio Bloody Mary Brunch, but a sandwich and three cocktails for $16 seems too good to be true.

Honestly though, I'll probably be drinking at the Twisted Spoke.

I'd like to hear your suggestions; post 'em if you got 'em!

Midnight Marauders: Valhalla by bike.

2009 Bern helmet model-in-training. Photo: smitsmat.

Q-tip may not eat pork, but it hasn't stopped the Midnight Marauders from naming their upcoming bicycle ride "Sausage Fest".

These kids will be out on bikes this Saturday night, bringing all manner of mayhem to the streets. In the past they have rocked dive bars, pillaged porn shops and partied like vikings in the wee morning hours.

Want in? You're invited- bring a bike and meet them at the Handlebar at 10pm.

Need more inspiration? Check out last month...

Joe M500 shoots the Threadless warehouse.

I'm sure you have a nice cubicle... All photos: Joe M500

Chicago-based Threadless teeshirt company was recently selected by Travelchannel.com as an "extreme workplace" because they have more fun at work than we do on the weekends. Joe M500, prolific Chicago photo blogger, visited the Threadless warehouse and captured some amazing stuff which makes Threadless just like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".

Threadless has always seemed great, but I didn't expect their warehouse to look like a 14 year old's dream room. Video games? A mini ramp? What was your first reaction?

I have been wearing shirts from Threadless since their inception and have always heard that it was a cool place to work, but was really amazed to walk into the warehouse to see employees playing ping-pong during their lunch break and get greeted by a few dogs! The whole complex seems hip and relaxed. The handful of employees, while smiling, were all very hard at work.
Being a fan of art and graffiti, the whole complex was an adventure for me, as many visiting artists have left their mark on the halls and walls of Threadless, not to mention all of the great artwork that adorns the T-shirts that they are known for.


Someone makes frequent trips to the suburbs!

I can only imagine the loyalty to a place like this, where you have access to a skateboard ramp, video games and ping-pong tables during breaks! Everyone greeted us with handshakes and smiles, the whole place just has a happy vibe to it!

What was the interview with Ken for? The airstream (awesome on it's own) looks purposed to some quality AV production. What was the deal with that?

Lance Curran, the Warehouse Director for Threadless, had invited artist Ken Keirns to visit Threadless while he was in Chicago for his art show at the Rotofugi Gallery. Several Threadless employees are fans of Ken's paintings and Lance even recorded a short interview with Ken to promote the Rotofugi Gallery show, which runs until the 17th of May. Ken was staying with me during his visit, so I accompanied him.

The Airstream trailer inside the warehouse is set up (complete with soundproofing and high end video lighting) for interviews and other fun videos which can be seen on "Threadless Tee-V" on the Threadless website.


Inside the Airstream.

Beyond the environment, what was the coolest thing about your visit? Did you learn anything fascinating about Threadless?

Lance answered many questions that I had about Threadless, including how the economy was affecting sales. Lance was quick to point out that Threadless offers great wearable art at very affordable prices and that "everyone needs cool tee-shirts". Lance had no problem with me taking photos around the warehouse and I was quick to post them up on my flickr page.

The coolest part about my visit to Threadless was how I walked out of there feeling like I had just met new friends and have a new appreciation for such a great local company!

Thanks Joe! Once again, make sure to check out the rest of Joe's set and Threadless's website. The Ken Keirns interview can be found here.

Vintage T 'n' A, Downtown at Brando's.

What'll I have? Whatever she's having! Photo: V A M.

It's already been said*, but a great part of this rescission economy is girls taking off their clothes in normal bars. Brando's and Vaudezilla are taking the "Depression era" concept so literally you'll feel like you should be riding a boxcar with an ass-pocket of whiskey and bedroll.

Brando's has a speakeasy gimmick going already, but if you stop in on Tuesdays at 7pm for the rest of May you'll get free bread and soup, drink specials, and girls in expensive underwear showing you what god gave them.

A perfect after-work activity... if you're still employed.

Edit - Apparently this show has been canceled(due to complaints?), but we're waiting for the full story. Check back soon.

*I can't find my citation, but I'm going to credit someone at Myopenbar Chicago, who generate 99% of the clever alchoholic quotes in this town.

Great idea: Margaritas all week.

Yes please. Photo: *Snado*.

Strategic summer drinkers rely on the Margarita as a crucial bummer-deterrent. It's impossible to have a bad time when book-ended by pitchers loaded with a tequila-lime-triple sec trifecta.

I was inspired by the warm weather, Cinco de Mayo, and this mid-day challenge(still standing?) from Doug Hurst of Metropolitan Brewery to assemble a cheat sheet for half-price Margaritas every day of the work week. Anyone know a deal on Friday(or any I'm forgetting)? Post in the comments and I'll make you famous.

Monday - La Finca Restaurant(1/2 price)

Tuesday - Mayan Palace(1/2 price), Tecalitlan(1/2 price pitchers), La Finca Restaurant(1/2 price)

Wednesday - Tecalitlan(1/2 price pitchers), Kit Kat Lounge(1/2 price)

Thursday - Mayan Palace(1/2 price) Fuego(Oak Park, 1/2 price)

Bonus video, via Twitter: Joe M500's lovely friend shows off her badass frozen Margarita machine.

This weekend: Girls, beer.

I almost forgot what I was going to drink. Thanks. Photo: GOTHEMCITYTITIES.

I like things that bring people together. It's hard not to find something you like in this photo, whether it's street art, the female form or malted deliciousness.

Have a great weekend!

Help MyOpenBar help you get hammered.

Capturing this feeling is light-years easier with free booze. Photo: nonFormat.

MyOpenBar Chicago is like a friend who is always convincing you to go out on weeknights to get your stagger on. You curse them while vomiting at work, knowing full well the lady from accounting is in the adjoining bathroom passing judgment. Despite the pain and degradation, they are the wildest, funnest buddy who is responsible for 99.9% of summer fun.

For the uninitiated: MOB Chicago is a website which lists free and cheap drinks every day, allowing hard-drinking young Midwesterners to maintain a buzz in a recession. They tote snarky wit like so many concealed hip flasks.

In a twist of irony, tough times may cause MyOpenBar to cut most of its city sites. They've helped you, now you need to help a pal out. If you love hilariously wrong event descriptions:

Wine Tasting Saturday

"This will lead nicely into the roofie tasting taking place in my basement from 8pm until whenever you wake up."

...And are frugal drinkers, you can have these gems delivered to your inbox weekly. It's free as a hosted vodka bar without all the douchebags. Signing up will also show MOB corporate Chicago loves them and to keep the site around. For more on MyOpenBar Chicago, read this BTSIC exclusive interview.

Copenhagen bikes in Chicago, any day now.

Photo: Zakkaliciousness

There's been virtually no blog buzz about it yet, but Copenhagen Cyclery, a shop selling European commuter bikes, is opening in Wicker Park(between Wood and Paulina on Milwaukee Ave.).

You may be a fan of Copenhagen Cycle Chic's beautiful bicycle commuters, and you may have followed the spirited debate I hosted last winter. If you have around $1500 to spend on a bicycle, Copenhagen Cyclery will guarantee the classiest, most functional ride in town. These are the kind of cycle you can ride with a dapper suit or dress. Fenders, chain cases and upright handlebars will let you go straight from biker to socialite in seconds, no spandex or funny shoes required.


Photo: Zakkaliciousness

This is going to be a paradigm shift for some, but should open a door to bicycle acceptance among the sharp-dressing set who want to ditch their cars and CTA cards.

Email here: info(at)copenhagenbike.com

To-do this week: Organize a group ride.

Look at those healthy legs! Photo by jessi-girl.

Few things are as glorious as the summer bicycle posse.

When was the last time everyone met at your house, had a couple beers on the porch, then headed out to a barbecue, bar or party? It's just after dusk, streetlights are on and you are sailing along a quiet side-street. Your friends are talking as they ride, the asphalt is flying along below your feet and the air smells like cut grass and charcoal grills. You temporarily forget the destination and soak in the moment. This is a trademark of Chicago summertime. It's up to you to make it happen!

Game plan:

1. Start in the neighborhood. Invite four or five friends and include someone new who rides. Front porches or back yards are the best staging areas. Hang out, throw something easy on the grill and crack a few beers.

2. Decide on a destination. Go with an easy sell- a free show(Monday nights) at the Empty Bottle, the daily pick on Myopenbar or a friend's party. You could go for ice cream or a hot dog. Rally the troops.

3. Choose a casual route. Let someone who knows the nicest streets lead the way. Stay out of traffic at first, and let everyone get in the groove. Ride fast or slow, it doesn't matter. It should be around 70-80 degrees out, which is perfect for cycling. You've been waiting for this all winter, so don't sleep on the first ride of the season.