I dropped into the new Big Daddies on Montrose and Clark recently to meet Wayne Felan, the new chef, and Greg Anderson, one of the bar's managers. Big Daddies II is currently settling into its new location at 4400 N. Clark, but the boyz are already planning Karaoke and male strippers. I suggested an amateur strip night—we haven't seen that in the bars for a while.
While I was there, Wayne offered to make me a selection from the menu. As I'm on WeightWatchers and there were a number of people in the bar, I said, "I can't eat anything, but let's pick someone and they can try the food for me."
Before you knew it a mini-buffet appeared and everyone in the bar got a free lunch—who knew there was such a thing?! Verdict was unanimous: Definitely a two-thumbs up. The shrimp was the big hit, as was the Chili and corn bread.
__________
Working for this paper I get invited to participate in a lot of weird and wonderful events. But this has to be the strangest. A letter arrived in the office addressed to Sukie de la Croix, Windy City Times. The letter was from Edy's Grand Ice Cream in Oakland, Calif., and read: "Dear Sukie ... How often does the ability to swirl, smack and spit land you a dream job? Well, Edy's Grand Ice Cream is looking for kids who can do just that! In fact, beginning May 1, kids who possess this key credential ( as well as good taste, a flavorful personality and a superior scooping ability ) , might be selected to get an early start on one of the "coolest" careers around ... Official Kid Ice Cream Taster!"
Now, the whole reason I'm on a WeightWatchers diet in the first place is because I pigged out on ice cream last summer. That aside, the idea of getting paid to be Edy's Official Kid Ice Cream Taster does appeal me. But I'm not sure about my ability to "swirl, smack and spit." Do you think I'd be any good at that? However, I'm pretty confident about my "flavorful personality," and also my "superior scooping ability."
__________
The Chicago King's party at Jak's Tap was a blast, and even more people turned out than last month. I'm glad it was warm enough to escape to the Tap's patio during the break to get a breath of fresh air —pressing up against all those hot gender-fucked individuals was ... uh ... interesting. Actually, that 20-minute break is a good idea, because it gives the audience a chance to talk and hook up with friends, because you can't move when the show is on.
Kathleen and Julie, the Tanked girlz, were both there. In fact, I'm seeing them everywhere at the moment; do you think they're talent-spotting for their next show? Also on the hunt for talent was Steve from the Bijou; he's gathering up acts for a huge upcoming show at Navy Pier, hosted by the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
Also there were some of the boyz and girlz from Burn, the new regular Sunday night parties at Drink ( 702 W. Fulton ) . I missed the opening night but I hope to get over there with the camera soon.
Martian was also at the King's night. What's he up to these days, that little purple alien personoid? Last time I saw Martian he was on stage at the Feast of Fools, destroying everything in his path at Big Chicks.
__________
Now that summer is here—kind of—we're back to saying how beautiful Chicago is, and last week I took a stroll up Halsted Street with the Chicago Dels ... and without a jacket!! Only people who have lived through the winter here know how good that feels.
Dropped into Circuit to hear the cool Big Band sound of Lakeside Pride Jazz Ensemble, then stopped off for a cocktail on the patio at Bucks, where they were getting ready for their Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Talking of Cinco de Mayo, Bobby Love's celebrated their's the night before, and they raised some big bucks for AIDS Ride participants Chris Roy and Nancy Page.
Someone should tell Roberta LaVella, that if her wigs get any higher she's going to get stuck under a bridge somewhere. And it won't look pretty!!
The Chicago Dels bought matching Dame Edna shades in one of my favorite stores on the strip: the 99th Floor at 3406 N. Halsted. Really, really, cool staff, cool clothes and boots to drive a fetishist crazy.
__________
Sukie's CD of The Week: Back in the early 1980s I was addicted to Sex Gang Children, and then they split up, or disappeared, or whatever, and I lost touch. Then I was recently in Laurie's Planet of Sound at 4703 N. Lincoln Ave. and John, the owner, said, "I think you might be interested in this." He handed me Faithfull Covers, a new album by Andi Sexgang—and yes, it's covers of Marianne Faithfull songs, including his take on the classic "Sister Morphine."
__________
What is the The Midwest Ursine? If you like Bears then go visit www.midwest-ursine.com and find out what all the fuss is about. This is Ex-Gen X Bear Tom Wray's new baby.
__________
Hot new weekly event coming up is at Legacy 21. "Friday Latin Nights" with Rudy Chaidez, Patrick V and Joswe Lara D.J.
Joswe—OK I might be spelling that name wrong. It was written on a card for me while I was out at Legacy talking to Jose, the owner. He's owned the bar for 40 years now. He was talking to me about his mother, "She had no sense of direction," he said, "You could drive her around the block, come back to the same place and she'd be lost." He also told me about some of the famous politicians who used to sneak in the back door of the bar: a Mayor and a Governor no less!! Who could that possibly be? My lips are sealed.