On June 13, Center on Halsted held its third annual transgender ice-cream social, a free event for members of the LGBTQ community—and, specifically, the trans community. With the participation of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, 3657 N. Clark St., the event was meant solely as a social gathering.
Center on Halsted Director of Transgender Relations and Community Engagemen Vanessa Sheridan said, "The whole idea is that it is not driven by any agenda, this is about community coming together.
"To me, this is a microcosm of what the world should be—all ages, all races, all genders ... people being together, meeting and mingling and forming a community. It's fun to be with people in this space and there is a good mix of different kinds of people."
With scoopers Clarissa Worcester and Michele Perkins serving flavors like Darkest Chocolate, Salty Caramel and Rainbow Buttermilk Frozen Yogurt, and with DJ X-tasy providing a mix of old-school soul mixed with new beats, roughly 150 guests mingled on the Center's third floor's sundeck and foyer.
—Vern Hester
Furious Spoon teams with Howard Brown Health
In celebration of Pride Month, Furious Spoon announces the Pride Bowl in partnership with Howard Brown Health, offering a colorful bowl of ramen with proceeds benefiting the organization during all of June.
The rainbow ramen creation, of course, showcases the LGBTQ flag, paying homage to Chicago's community during the celebratory month.
Priced at $15, two dollars from every bowl will be donated to Howard Brown, which aims to eliminate the disparities in healthcare experienced by the LGBTQ community through research, education and provision of services promoting health and wellness.
The Pride Bowl is available at most Furious Spoon locations, including those in Wicker Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Andersonville, Evanston and Lake View. ( The smaller Loop location, at Revival Food Hall, will not have the dish. ) For more information, visit FuriousRamen.com .
Taste of Chicago details
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events ( DCASE ) announced the lineup of 73 restaurants that will participate at the 38th Annual Taste of Chicago—the world's largest free food festival—July 11—15 in Grant Park.
Showcasing Chicago's culinary scene, this year's list of 38 five-day vendors, 22 pop-up restaurants and 13 food trucks will offer Taste-goers more than 300 menu items. Just a few of the participating businesses include Arun's Thai Restaurant, Billy Goat Tavern, Dia De Los Tamales, Premier Rollin BBQ, Classic Cobbler, Seoul Taco, Harold's Chicken, The Fat Shallot, The Lifeway Kefire Shop and Hakka Bakka Indian Kati Rolls.
Also, there will be nightly concerts at the Petrillo Music Shell that include Brandi Carlile, Juanes, yasiin bey & Talib Kweli are Black Star, The Flaming Lips and George Clinton/Parliament/Funkadelic. The Bud Light Stage will showcase local acts.
Visit TasteOfChicago.us.
