The Rolling Stones: Need I Say More?? (2013)

It has been an unacceptable amount of time since I have last shared with you. Plus, what kind of music blogger would I be if I didn't fill you in on one of my most life changing musical experiences? On May 28, 2013 I had the honor of seeing The Rolling Stones, arguably the world's greatest band, in concert. It was a total fluke. I was sitting at Dublin's Bar with my singer/songwriter friend from Nashville, Jesse Rice, when I got the call from my friend, Aggie: "Kel! I have 2 extra ($600) Stones tickets, I'm picking you up in an hour!" Jesse and I couldn't believe our luck...especially since we're both intensely devoted fans. Was this really happening? Were we really about to see Mick, Ronnie, Keith, and Charlie... live (and alive) and in concert? This was just too much. We showed up 2 songs into the 3 hour set...during my favorite Stones track, Paint it Black. My level of elation was clearly visible. I ran to my seat and my heart was pumping while I was jumping up and down like a school kid... with a mile-wide smile plastered across my face. Jesse was in utter disbelief. He never thought he'd get to the the Stones live... needless to say we were both the epitome of giddiness.

Fascination is an understatement. To see in person, a band that has accomplished so much; a band who has cultivated and forever changed the very foundation of rock and roll, gave me noticeable goosebumps. Fascination also describes my attitude toward the ability the band still has, after 50 years, to just fucking rock out. Jagger was floating and hopping around the stage as if he were a 20 year old athlete. Ronnie Wood was more cut up that guys my age who work out every day. Keith Richards, even though he looked as if he was about to decompose on stage, killed it on his guitar. No one can do with a guitar what Keith Richards can do, and so effortlessly. He makes some of the most simple riffs seem so complex and gut wrenching. As Jesse, a guitarist himself, said, "He gets so much out of so little." All four of them were hard core rock stars, through and through.

As far as vocals are concerned: I was much more impressed than I initially believed I would be. I've heard several live renditions of "Sympathy For The Devil" over the years and I've always been, not only disappointed with Jagger's vocals, but with the vocal arrangement as well. But to my pleasant surprise, his vocals on EVERY song other than "Sympathy" were incredible. Literally have not changed since the studio recordings. "Sympathy" was still an unfortunate let-down, as it's one of my favorites and I really hoped it would have been closer to the original. But hey, you can't always get what you want....

Some of the key moments from the set list included, a transcendent performance of "Wild Horses", the groovy "Miss You", and the United Center shaking, "Honky Tonk Women". My favorite performance, by far, was "Gimme Shelter"... it was just so mesmerizing....the intro guitar and the "ooh oooohhhss" were palpable through my entire body.... and don't even get me started with the endless wailing verses "War, Children... it's just a shot away;" all the screams and howls were perfectly orchestrated and executed.

So after this show I was rating it one of the top 5 shows I've been to in my life, maybe even top 3. But I kept saying... it just would've been even cooler if we were closer... or got to meet them. Wellllllllllllll my friends...... Here's a fun tangent. Let's just say I have 3 rock idols; Eddie Vedder, Mick Jagger, and John Fogerty. The fact that I've become friends with Eddie over the last couple years has almost been too much to comprehend. I surely didn't think I'd have encounters with my 2 other rock god idols... especially since, well, they're kinda old. So much to my surprise, while I was just sitting ON a booth at Studio Paris, May 29th, I see the unmistakable face and tiny frame of Mick Jagger walking toward me... and sits...DIRECTLY NEXT TO ME. Pardon the expression, but I pretty much shit my pants. I'm not one for EVER interrupting a celebrity and I think asking for fan pics is super gay... I am VERY "anti". But this was MICK FUCKING JAGGER. Fortunately, he saw me first and smiled. I told him I loved his show and that it was basically life-changing. He was very pleased and asked my name, shook my hand ,and gave me a hug. Then in his adorable London accent, asked if I wanted some champagne. Ummm, yes please!!! He poured me the glass himself and we "cheersed" each other. It was one hell of a moment... and the sweetest champagne I've ever tasted.

Get Your Shine On (2013)

There is no better opportunity for me to write a blog than when I'm able to combine all of my favorite things into one event.  Turns out, 2 weeks ago was the epitome of eating, traveling, and rocking out... all rolled into one incredible 4 day trip.   Actually, the traveling began when my best Nashvillian friend, Nanci, asked me to drive with her from Music City USA to Los Angeles.... of course, the spontaneous lunatic in me said..."Hell Yes!"  We made our way from Nashville, through Memphis where we got to eat some of their famous BBQ and pay an obligatory visit to Graceland.  Stayin in Dallas and Fort Worth Texas was probably some of the most fun I've had in years.  Witnessing real life cowboy honky-tonks and learning to two-step were experiences I'll take with me to the end of my days.  Yet the craziness began while we're driving through New Mexico and I get a phone call from the manager of Florida Georgia Line, "Hey Kelly... ummm can you be in Cancun the day after tomorrow? We really need you for the lead in our new music video- BK said to call you asap."  So I hauled ass to Phoenix so I could hop a plane home to Chicago, so I could fly down to Cancun.  It was a whirlwind but was the best hasty decision I've ever made.  Turns out my good friends, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley (BK) of the smash hit Country Music duo Florida Georgia Line were filming the video for their big new single, "Get Your Shine On".  I was beyond flattered they wanted me to be BK's "video girlfriend" and one hell of a trip ensued.  I arrived on Monday at the Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun to find the entire hotel flooded with pictures and posters of FGL and their upcoming mega-concert on the beach.  Turns out, the band and over 50 person crew from all over the US and Mexico dominated the entire hotel that week.

Video shoot Days 1 & 2: These were no ordinary days in paradise.  Usually waking up at 5:00 is pretty much the worst thing that can happen to me... yet when it's accompanied by a beautiful sunrise, breakfast chilaquiles, and country music blasting at the pool....it wasn't so bad ;).  My fellow video chick, Estephania (Tyler's " video girlfriend"), and I got to watch the boys finish their first shoot... where their whole band was actually performing IN the Hard Rock pool.  It was surreal to actually watch the making of a huge production music video... let alone being a part of it.  The scenes over the next couple days included... The 4 of us playing pool, flying across the ocean on waverunners, partying at a swim-up bar, frolicking on the beach with Mexican wrestling midgets (yes, I'm serious), cruising through the jungle and through town in an old army Jeep, and diving into clear pools and caves in the Cenotes.  One of my favorites was BK chasing me on the beach in Tulum and trying to take pics of me with an old fashioned camera.  There may or may not have been an on-camera smooch as well.  Let's just say trying to act "romantic" with a crew of 40 people watching you is much more glamorous than it sounds!  The down side of all of the was that craft services was the most delicious authentic buffet of regional Mexican specialties...yet whenever I was about to load up my plate I got some interesting "looks" from my stylists and the directors as my wardrobe consisted of nothing more than a bikini, and that I should probably be indulging in the veggie platter instead.  Nevertheless... I would sneak some Empanadas con jamon y queso... and proceed to "suck it in" for the rest of the shoot.

The wrap party was bitter-sweet as we knew our time in Cancun was winding down.  Yet we still had some party left in us.  The entire crew and band bid adieu to the Hard Rock by consuming massive amounts of Tequila while head-banging to a Mexican hard rock cover band.  It was a blast and probably one of the best nights I can (somewhat)  remember.  The video will be released within the next week and I CANNOT WAIT for everyone to see it!  It will truly be an epic music video and will go down in my history books as one of my coolest life experiences and the time I got to Eat, Travel, and Rock Out Mexican/Country style!

Joe's-A-Palooza (2012)

This last weekend at Joe's Bar was like this year's second Lollapalooza.  It was an over-the-top smorgasbord of interwoven and overlapping acts and concerts.  Let's just say I am STILL worn out!  The most wonderful aspect was that even though not every show was AT Joe's Bar...Joe's was still a huge part of everything that was going on.

Here's how the craziness began: November 29th witnessed a mass immigration of country artists to our fair city of Chicago.  They were scattered everywhere... from State Street to Weed Street.  My first stop along this musical journey was the House of Blues for The Florida Georgia Line, Love and Theft, and Jake Owen concerts.  Love and Theft's Eric and Stephen are good friends, along with Eric's beautiful wife, Emily, so we watched the rapid fire shows from the artist's balcony.  Unfortunately, I had missed Florida Georgia Line's energetic performance at Joe's in September, so it was amazing to finally see them live.  It's incredible to see the reaction the crowd has every time "Cruise" is performed.  I had to sneak out of this show early as I needed to rush over to Joe's to interview Jerrod Niemann as well as host the live streaming of his concert.  This was so cool, as this type of broadcast, using Laplive.TV, hadn't been done before at Joe's and it was a monstrous production. Over 3,000 fans around the country got to watch the show live at Joe's thanks to the live streaming.  Jerrod was thrilled to be able to "bring Joe's TO all of his fans."  You can catch the rest of our discussion/interview here. Jerrod's show was non-stop action with an entire horns section and back to back crowd pleasing hits.  He has such a wonderful demeanor and stage presence, he makes every audience member feel like a family member and an integral part of the show.  The highlight for me was his beautiful ballad, What Do You Want, which was also co-written by a dear friend, Rachel Bradshaw.  Jerrod's deep and powerful voice had the audience captivated for the duration of the show but that song was on a whole different level.

The next day, Friday, was truly epic.  If you were at Joe's, you witnessed the intensity first hand.  Once again, I ventured to House of Blues for the 2nd performance of Florida Georgia Line, Love and Theft, and Jake Owen.  After the show I had to round up the troops and help get all the boys over to Joe's so they could support their friend, Chase Rice, who was performing his first sold out show.  Chase is an interesting guy.  On the outside, he seems to be a tall, handsome, ummm jock?  But he's got so much more going on than that.  This guy has done it all, and all by the young age of 27.  We had a really fun interview... you can watch it here.  When Chase took the stage, he really rocked it... of course, the ladies were ecstatic, but he really was pulling the guys in too... as they could all relate to his "fun time"  music.  Chase called up buddy Stephen Barker Liles (Love and Theft) to jam with him for one song, yet the "piece de resistance" was during the encore performance.  Chase sneaked off stage and was scrambling upstairs to gather all his fellow songwriters and performers for one last colossal track.  He grabbed Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, and Jesse Rice (co-writer).  They are the conglomeration responsible for the current number one song in country, Cruise.  No one  at Joe's had ever seen a crowd go so crazy before... especially during the last chorus of "In this brand new Chevy with a lift kit... would look a HELL OF A LOT BETTER WITH YOU UP IN IT!"

Fortunately, for those of you who missed any of these shows, you can be confident all of the artists will be back in 2013.  There's already an incredible line up that's in place for January and February.  Check it out here and hope to see y'all soon at a show soon!! Stay tuned... I'm going to tell you about my last crazy trip to Nashville and review Florida Georgia Line's new chart topping album, Here's to the Good Times.

La Sirena Clandestina and Carriage House (2012)

Two new reviews for two new restaurants I was thoroughly impressed with.  I know people are probably waiting for some negative reviews from me... as the saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all," doesn't really have a place in the food blogger world.  They will come...trust me.  But for now, I like writing about the rainbows and unicorns of my culinary experiences.

La Sirena Clandestina was not really what I was expecting, and I was so happy my expectations were incorrect when I attended on opening night.  I was expecting a new Italian restaurant...because as I know, La Sirena Clandestina means "The Secret Mermaid" in Italian.... turns out it also means "The Secret Mermaid" in Spanish.  Chef John Manion, has called the cuisine "Latin Local"... apparently meaning using fresh local ingredients to create Latin inspired dishes.  He was mainly influenced by the dishes of Argentina and Brazil.  Right off the bat, my sensory receptors for anything Italian were lighting up... as much of the cuisine of Brazil and especially Argentina has recognizable Italian undertones.  My favorite items were the baked (not fried) Empanadas.  The selection of empanadas rotates daily and my favorite dinner date and I (Kara Lichtenstein aka @HungryinChicago) enjoyed the wild mushroom and ham and queso.  They were flavorful, authentic, and crisp.  No goodness was lost by having them baked...it was quite preferred, actually, as I hate greasy empanadas.  The dish that really blew me away was the Charred Baby Octopus Escabeche.   Octopus can be tricky...very hard to cook perfectly, and even more difficult to pack full of flavor.  Manion's was overflowing with the taste of the Mediterranean.  To me, it was Sicily meeting Greece in the most perfect preparation of octopus I've had.  A medley of olives, tomato confit, and arugula brought out the flavor of the charred and tender seafood.  The larger plate that Kara and I shared was the Pork Milanesa (Ciao Italia!).  It was covered with a tasty wild mushroom ragu and my favorite thing a chef could ever add to any dish... a sunny side up egg.  The flavor was rich and complex yet the pork was a bit dry and tough...as is the risk with pork in general especially a thinner cut.  Yet more good things were to come.  Kara and I decided that for desert, instead of sweets, we would eat head on prawns ala plancha.  She assured me that my first time sucking shrimp heads would be exquisite, and she was right.  The shrimp were incredible and the perfect substitute for Flan any day.  The drink menu clearly wants to rival any other mixology experience you might find in Chicago.  Justin Anderson's beverage program is bold and delicious.  He plays off the Latin influences yet offers twists on many classics.  I tried the Cusco Cup which was savory and bitter with the bite of ginger and a welcomed splash of Fernet Branca.  Amazing.   The overall consensus was: I cannot wait to go back and try everything else on the concise menu.  The ambiance was sexy and intimate, the service was quick and attentive, and the food was straightforward , honest, and not overly ambitious.

Carriage House gets it right as well. This ain't your typical Southern cookin'.   If you've ever been to South Carolina, and more specifically, Charleston, you'll know immediately what I'm talking about.  The Wicker Park venue visually stands out on Division St...it doesn't look like all the other buildings...it, in fact, looks like...well, a carriage house. A big beautiful Carriage House you would find on the quaint cobble stone streets in Charleston.  The build out and decor is simple and appealing.  The menu items were very traditional, yet the preparation was not.  This is a more modern and elaborate take on the Low-Country cuisine staples.  They were all there:  She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, grilled oysters.... just glorified.  The she-crab soup, while a bit salty, had the distinct low-country flavor while showcasing the crab roe.  The fried green tomatoes were served with pickled shrimp on top and unlike many fried green tomatoes, had a perfect batter... not too heavy.  The dish that I was really looking forward to was the Shrimp and Grits.  When I was in Charleston, I must've had this dish at LEAST once a day.  It was served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Usually it was quite basic... tasty seasoned shrimp enveloped in buttery grits.  Carriage House took it to a new level and served the shrimp with heads on (shrimp sucking experience #2 for me) and a hearty pork based gravy smothered the grits.  All the dishes were visually attractive and incredibly full of flavor.  The drink menu was playful and eclectic... they scored major points by having a cocktail called the "Lionel Hutz" -named after one of my favorite characters from my all-time favorite show, The Simpsons.  Yet, the drink I had was slightly disappointing. I ordered the Rum Punch.  Usually these are refreshing and fruity (even though I'm not usually a "sweet" kinda gal) but this version was potent and had very little of the fresh fruity flavor I was hoping for.  I will say I'd love to go back soon.  The staff was great, and Executive Chef, Mark Steuer (previously of Bedford, Hot Chocolate), was very welcoming.  I had tweeted the restaurant earlier in the day to say I was looking forward to my visit and Chef Mark sent out his delectable low-country oyster roast for me to try and made sure to say hello before I left.  I praised him for doing Low-Country cuisine justice.

Both of these restaurants stood out to me for the same reasons.  They bring something unique to Chicago.  It's not the same old sushi place,  or a restaurant concept trying to copy all the legions of other "new" played out restaurant concepts.  The ideas were bold and risky, but their food ensures they should be able to succeed among Chicagoans who are looking for a fresh and fulfilling restaurant experience.

My Life In Lyrics (2012)

Sometimes I feel as if song lyrics are grossly underrated.  It boggles my mind how few people pay attention to lyrics.  They’ll never know any words to any song…even the world’s most famous and recognizable songs… like Happy Birthday????  Now, I’m not one for poetry…hate it as a matter of fact… but when those words are set to music, it takes on a whole new life.  It’s incredible how you can have a page full of words and it would be next to impossible for a human to memorize them… but introduce a beat and a melody, and you can memorize those words almost immediately.

Song lyrics have been incredibly important to me, I feel like my life story can be told through songs I deem as my favorites.  I also tend to gravitate to certain songs and lyrics depending on which mood I’m in, or to illustrate something that is occurring in my life.  I almost pity people who don’t have this relationship with song lyrics because you’re missing an outlet… a friend you can go to no matter what trials and tribulations you may be encountering.  Not to mention, you are missing one of the biggest points the artist is trying to make with their music.

Here are some examples from my extensive love affair with music:

Pearl Jam- Black– “All the love gone bad turned my world to black…Tattooed all I see, all that I am, all I'll be…. “ Even though I never really had any “love gone bad” while I was in high school, this song and its lyrics made a profound impact on me.  It even inspired my (gulp) Pearl Jam stick figure tattoo I got when I was 16.  It really came full circle when, in May, Eddie Vedder asked me curiously, why did I get my tattoo.  All I said was “Black” and he knew exactly what I was talking about… he then smiled proudly and gave me a huge hug.  Quite the moment.

Alanis Morissette- Head Over Feet- “You’ve already won me over in spite of me, don’t be alarmed if I fall Head Over Feet…”  This was a big song for my friends and me.  It works perfectly for any situation where you fall for a guy you were resistant to… whether because they were the “bad boy” or too much of a “nice guy” (never happens).  This song helped justify “giving in.” Haha.

Elton John- I Want Love- I’ve always loved this slightly more obscure newer tune…and not just because Robert Downey Jr. was in the video.  But after a breakup and you’re feeling really shitty, these lyrics make you feel tough and hopeful. “So bring it on, I’ve been bruised.  Don’t give me love, that’s clean and smooth.  I’m ready for the roughest stuff.  No sweet romance… I’ve had enough.”

Fiona Apple- Criminal- “I’ve been a bad bad girl…I’ve been careless with a delicate man…” Ladies, need I say more?

Laura Pausini- Come Se Non Fosse Stato Mai Amore-  For some reason Italian pop music can make me happy no matter what mood I’m in… strange I know.  She’s my favorite Italian artist and her lyrics are intense. – Here are some helpful words… “E cancellare... tutte le pagine con la tua imagine, E vivere... COME SE NON FOSSE STATO MAI AMORE” You can’t expect me to translate too, can you??

Martina McBride- Wrong Baby Wrong- We all know country music is known for it’s descriptive and true to life stories. This song is no exception and is a go-to I play for girlfriends who just went through a break-up…ahh such a good friend ;)  “Wrong baby wrong baby wrong, it ain’t the end of the world, don’t you worry pretty girl…Now that he’s gone baby gone baby gone, you got nothing to lose…count the minutes if you want to, it won’t be long baby long baby long till you find somebody new.”

Zac Brown Band- Jolene- Even though this was written by Ray LaMontagne, Zac brings a spine chilling pain to the song.  The song actually hurts when you listen to it, yet it’s absolutely beautiful  “I found myself face down in the ditch, booze in my hair, blood on my lips…A picture of you holdin’ a picture of me, in the pocket of my blue jeans.”

Avril Lavigne- Hot- People may think Avril is a manufactured teeny bopper… untrue.  I have followed her career from the beginning, and before Taylor Swift and the likes, Avril was the artist girls listened to to hear their own lives put to music.  She’s an incredibly talented musician and writes all her own lyrics.  I picked “Hot” because even though I love her darker notes and tones the most, this is a feel good song and usually what I put on when I’m getting ready to go out at night…basically when I wanna feel like a sexy bitch… “You make me so hot, make me wanna drop, you’re so ridiculous, I can barely stop…”  Pretty profound, eh?

I can clearly go on and on forever (clearly)…but my point is; if you are a person who has never really made song lyrics a big part of your life… I emplore you to open your heart and ears, have a bit of patience, and try to hear what the artist is trying to convey.  It’s a shame to miss out on this dynamic and pure relationship with music.  What are some of YOUR favorite lyrics???

Oyster Fest And Lee Brice (2012)

When you think of Oysters, do you also think of Country Music?  No? Well in Chicago, we do.  They go hand in hand just like Shaw’s Crab House and Joe’s Bar go hand in hand.  Last week, these two institutions joined forces to put on one hell of an event in River North.  A massive parking lot was transformed and packed full of 4,000 attendees who were visibly hungry for two things… delicious oysters and live country music. Lettuce Entertain You supplied all types of delectable goodies, but their oysters stole the show.  Actually, the oysters shared the spotlight with County Music star Lee Brice.  I’ve met Lee before and we have a ton of mutual friends, so it was a good ol’ time catching up with him on his tour bus before he took the stage. We got to chat about his recent #1 hit and his coveted CMA Award nomination for Best New Artist.  You can catch the entire interview by clicking here.

The crowd seemed to forget how cold this October night was once Lee commanded the stage.  His bold performance, powerful melodies, and poignant yet fun lyrics captivated the audience.  He rocked through his biggest hits:  Hard To Love, A Woman Like You, Love Like Crazy, as well as the fun-time anthem, Beer.   He also surprised me by performing "Crazy Girl."  This was a recent #1 hit by Eli Young Band and one of my favorite songs because of its haunting beauty… I had no idea that it was Lee who penned it... almost a decade ago for an ex-girlfriend.  The outdoor festivities were immensely successful… but we all know the fun couldn't stop there.  The die-hard music fans retreated back to Joe’s for the after party.  Tyler Farr performed to an exuberant crowd and Lee sneaked back on stage for an impromptu performance of MY REQUEST: More Than A Memory!!  Another painfully gorgeous remnant of his songwriting days… which happened to be a #1 hit for an obscure and up-and-coming artist, Garth Brooks. :-)  It's always a pleasure when Lee or any of his buddies (Jerrod Niemann, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Jake Owen) visit Joe's.  They're a blast, yet so down-to-earth and easy going.  Can't wait to see when some of the other guys will be coming back... StayTuned!!

Chicago Vs. Country Music???? (2012)

Chicago’s relationship with country music is quite an enigma.  Depending on where you are, and with whom, you will either discover that Chicago is the next best thing since Nashville….or you’ll hear crickets when you ask, “Hey, have you heard of  Jason Aldean?!”  For me, personally, I’ve been a country fan as long as I can remember…even growing up in Lake View.  Shockingly, my Sicilian immigrant father got me hooked on Waylon, Willie, Conway, The Gatlin Brothers, and the Oak Ridge Boys before I could even walk.  I think the first song I learned when I was two was, “Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.”

Yet today, I have my friends divided into two groups: My country friends, and my non-country friends.  I know when I’m with my “country friends” I can put on the most obscure Garth Brooks, or the newest hit from Little Big Town, and they’ll know every word and turn whatever venue we’re at into our own little honky-tonk.  I also know when I’m with my “non-country friends”  I better not even mention how excited I am for the upcoming Zac Brown Band show, or god forbid play any Eric Church for them on my iPod.  I will, without a doubt, get the “How can you listen to that stuff?” or “Turn that redneck music off!!”

I believe this happens because in Chicago, it’s easy to go your entire life and not necessarily be exposed to country music.  This would NOT happen if you grew up or lived in the South.  You may not be country’s biggest fan, but you will damn sure be familiar with the genre.  In the Windy City, there are no fair-weather country fans.  I’ve noticed you’re either a “die-hard” or a “hater”.  Now, I’ve also noticed that the “haters” are people who just haven’t given country a chance.  Almost every “hater” I’ve encountered can easily be converted into a “die-hard” by listening to a few key crossover artists who can gingerly swing them over into the country-friendly realm.

Once you become a fan of country, Chicago is an amazing place to be.  We have the country’s BIGGEST country music radio station inUS99.5 (in terms of listenership…quite the accomplishment).  We are also a mega-hub for every country artist to appear… major and minor alike.  This is why our beloved Joe’s Bar is such a phenomenon.  It gives the “die-hards” a place to see their favorite artists up close and personal, yet also provides chance to experience up and coming artists.  It’s also the perfect venue for a “die-hard” to bring a “hater” friend for a non-threatening and eye-opening introduction to country music.  There is NO way the non-country lover will leave a show at Joe’s and say they didn’t have a blast and a new found appreciation for the genre they’ve been shying away from.

Clearly, the people at Joe’s, US99, and myself (wow, I’m in good company) have made it our mission to bring country music to the masses and to the forefront of our fair city.  It is a big undertaking, but fortunately, the music speaks for itself and does most of the work.  However, there is no better feeling of accomplishment than turning a “hater” into a “die-hard.”

Stone Temple Pilots...Finally!!! (2012)

2012 marks the 20th year anniversary of when Stone Temple Pilots' debut album, Core, was released. This was no ordinary debut. It consisted of hit after deep and twisted hit. Anyone who is familiar with the band, knows they have had a roller coaster ride of fame, drug addiction, arrests, and depression. Usually the megalomaniacal frontman, Scott Weiland, has been at the epicenter of the drama. They have even gone their separate ways in the past, forming other bands...such as Scott forming Audioslave with Slash. Yet, they decided to put the original four (brothers Dean and Robert DeLeo, drummer Eric Kretz, and Mr. Weiland) back in the saddle for a Core revisited tour.

The show was on September 4th at the Vic Theater. The venue was awesome. It doesn't hold too many people so we were able to be quite close to the stage. The entire crowd started to get severe anxiety, however, when we had to wait an hour and a half after the opening band for STP to take the stage. Rumors of Scott being a diva were flowing and my concert companion was certain they wouldn't go on at all. Finally...they put the rumors to rest and COMMANDED the stage. The sound was incredible. Scott hasn't lost one iota of his vocal ability and was able to do complete justice to every single track they performed.

Scott rocked the stage with his beyond slender frame and Jagger/Bowie-esque presence and dance moves and kept the energy soaring throughout the entire set. This was so monumentous for me as STP, along with Pearl Jam (obvi) and Smashing Pumpkins, were one of my favorite bands of the 90's. They helped me form my love for hard alternative rock, and to now see them in concert, after 20 years of being a fan, was surreal. So surreal that I could barely control myself during some of my favorite tracks like: Plush, Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart, Vasoline, Creep, Interstate Love Song, and finally Sex Type Thing (encore). I was raging so hard I think I lost 10 lbs during the show. My friend hadn't seen this side of me before and I most certainly frightened him. But hey, it was a 20 year (god I'm old) build up that needed to be released.

The band shocked the audience when they pulled Rick Nielsen, lead guitarist of Cheap Trick, on stage. They proceeded to rock the shit out of a rendition of "Surrender". My friend and I almost lost our minds...it was such a bad ass moment and we couldn't believe what we were witnessing. In the end, waiting 20 years...and the additional hour and a half was worth it. Say what you will about Weiland's crazy antics or STP being a "poor man's Pearl Jam"- they can still put on one hell of a show after 2 decades. At the end of the night, it was definitely time to take me home because my dizzy head was conscience laden....

Il Mio Viaggio Di Burrata (My Burrata Tour) (2012)

Ciao Tutti! If you're asking, "What's burrata?" It means one of two things:  Either you're not Italian, or you haven't been out to a notable restaurant in the last year or so.  Burrata (or "buttered" in Italian)  has long been known to my fellow countrymen as a delicious delicacy that can be enjoyed any time of day...as a main course, or as an antipasto.  Fortunately, it has become increasingly popular in the U.S. and is springing up on more menus everyday.  For those of you who don't know exactly what it is, here's a little lesson:  Originating from the Puglia region in Southern Italy, it's a fresh cow's milk (and sometimes buffalo's milk) cheese, and is made in a similar way to fresh mozzarella.  It actually consists of an outer shell of fresh mozzarella and a filling of stracciatella and cream.  Stracciatella is basically the leftover shreds of the cheese curds mixed with a heavy cream.  The fresh mozzarella is formed into a pouch and then filled with the stracciatella mixture and then tied off.  It is HIGHLY perishable and must be eaten within 1-3 days after it's made.  There are some reputable burrata producers in the U.S., however, the best stuff still comes from Puglia, and luckily, its import is becoming more common.

I decided to shoulder a huge burden and go out there and find the best burrata in Chicago...so that my trusty readers wouldn't have to take this miserable task upon themselves.  See how selfless I am??  My arduous and backbreaking journey of burrata eating carried me to 5 different venues...shockingly not all of them were in River North :-).  The first three on my list have outstanding burrata are STRONGLY recommended.  (It's important to note that I've tried burrata at several other venues as well, but these were the most unique and memorable...for various reasons.)

Prosecco, a beautiful and upscale River North Italian spot, really knows how to showcase their burrata.  My sister, Kimberly, and I went in strictly to try the burrata appetizer and had no idea we would end up having such a fulfilling experience.  Upon sitting, they offer their patrons a complimentary glass of Prosecco (how appropriate) and a delicious spread of Sicilian caponata...a great intro.  I mentioned to the manager and server that I was going to be writing about their burrata and how I was really looking forward to it...they told me they actually  feature TWO daily burratas.  I said "Bring 'em on!" and "Kimmy, you better eat for once...don't you dare leave me with two huge piles of cheese."  She happily obliged when she saw what was presented to us.  One burrata had a bit of a Caprese vibe, with basil and a balsamic/olive oil drizzle, yet featured sun-dried tomatoes and prociutto...delicious.  The second variation, their "special", was brilliance on a plate.  The marriage of grilled peaches with pistachios and a honey-balsamic glaze was sublime.  Even Chef Mark Sparacino came to greet us and explain how they import their burrata directly from Puglia twice weekly so it really is the best of the best.  He also noted that their daily special is always made with the freshest fruit of the season and designed to compliment the daily dinner and wine specials.

Many of you know I really can't shut up about RPM Italian, and their burrata is one of the main reasons why. A traditional preparation for burrata, especially as an app, will usually have some greens (likely arugula), some sort of sweet component on toasty grilled bread.  RPM stays true to tradition and serves their incredibly high quality burrata with fresh arugula, a delicious sweet and tangy tomato jam on crusty crostini all topped with a nutty and fragrant olive oil.  It's really a show stopper and how I always start my meals at RPM.

My third restaurant (although I would rate the burrata as "tied" with RPM)  is a bit unexpected as it's NOT an Italian restaurant.  Tavernita does, however, like to incorporate several different Mediterranean influences into it's cuisine... and bringing in the burrata was an excellent choice.  Even though Chef Ryan Poli traveled around and lived in Spain for 2 years, burrata was not something he typically ate while there.  He came up with his "Pan con Burrata" on his own, as he felt burrata was the most luxurious cheese available that would compliment the toasty crostini with the complex sweetness of the tomato marmalade.  A drizzle of Spanish olive oil finishes off this small bite of perfection.  I also love how the dish is already assembled for you...with the perfect ratio of ingredients, as most restaurants require you to mix/build everything yourself.

Gilt Bar was another non-Italian restaurant to have burrata as an appetizer.   The burrata they feature threw me off a bit because it is very non-traditional, yet it intrigued me.  It is served on a colorful bed of smashed peas and mint along with pickled green onions.  The presentation was gorgeous yet I felt the flavor was lacking.  There was a minty sweetness from the peas and the burrata was fresh with great flavor, but it lacked a kick from an acid (such as vinegar or fruit) that should usually accompany the dish.  An interesting concept that didn't fully deliver.

Last on my list is the "Burrata and Sea Urchin" from Nelcotte.  Nelcotte has an eclectic "small plates" menu that gets it right on so many levels (like their milled in-house pizza).  That ain't the case with the burrata.  In order to be fair, I actually went back TWICE to try this dish...in case my palette was a bit "off" the first time.  Turns out my palette was just fine... the mixture of the salty/fishy sea urchin with the creamy cheese flavor of the burrata did not work.  In fact it scared me.  Sea urchin is not too big on my list of favorite delicacies to begin with, and to mix it with an Italian cheese like burrata was highly unorthodox.  The burrata itself was a sparse portion which featured more of the "mozzarella shell" and less of the creamy interior mixture.  I can understand and appreciate how they were trying to accomplish a bold flavor profile, but somethings are just not meant to go together.  This is a classic example of why seafood and cheese should usually be kept separate.

If you only have one night out and are just dying to try the best burrata in Chicago, go to Prosecco.  Not only do they have the freshest and  tastiest preparation, but they have a version that changes daily, so you're always in for a pleasant surprise.  If you can actually get a table at RPM Italian or Tavernita, then you must try their burrata as well...some of my favorite dishes in town.  Regardless, whether you're a big fan of this Italian delicacy or a newbie, hopefully you'll get out there and order it for you next meal!  Buon' appetito!!

Foodie Pilgrimage to New Orleans (2012)

This past weekend I took my first ever trip to The Big Easy. It was a long time in the making as I think I've tried every year since I was 21 to head on down to NOLA, the trip just never materialized. Finally, it happened, and the timing of this trip was perfect. It came at a point in my own life where I have been heartily pursuing culinary knowledge, while simultaneously, the city was being recognized as a foodie and culinary Mecca in our country. Travel and Leisure Magazine actually named it the top Foodie city in the U.S. in late 2011. Because of all the hype surrounding it, I knew I would be eating (and drinking...lots of drinking) very well. It also didn't hurt that I was traveling with several foodie masters who make my culinary knowledge look as if it hasn't yet left the Pop-tarts and Spaghettios phase. Among my companions were award winning restauranteurs, chefs, and mixologists...so let's just say I had some good tour guides.

The second I landed I had a big taste for Po'Boys, as this is what I pictured N'awlins food to be. I soon discovered there was so much more to the dining scene than traditional and stereotypical cajun cuisine. It was interesting to discover how most establishments pay homage to the traditional yet expand upon it to make it more contemporary. My first lunch was at a new restaurant called SoBou in the French Quarter. Its bold and quirky design element visually captivated you immediately as you stepped foot in the door. They went the "small plates" route and we tried about 10 different items. They were all so unique and quite delicious. One of my favorites was the Yellowfin Tuna Cone made with pineapple/coconut tuna tartar with a scoop of basil and avocado ice cream. It was awesome and unlike anything I've had. Tuna tartar and ice cream?!?! It worked beautifully. Another cool dish was the Crispy Oyster Taco (oysters appear in EVERYTHING in NOLA). It was made with pineapple ceviche and cajun ghost pepper caviar. The oysters were perfectly fried and popped when you bit into them and the refreshing sweetness of the pineapple counteracted the heat of the ghost peppers. We also had Sticky Pork Belly, Duck and Butternut Beignets, and the Suckling Pig Cuban Sandwich. Everything was delicious and a great first meal for me. However, this was my also my intro to what would become the central theme for our trip... the bizarre world of subpar New Orleans service. This was the first of several times that EVERY single dish we ordered showed up at the same time. We couldn't even fit all the food on our tiny table! This would never happen at Chicago restaurants...with small plates, food should arrive as it's ready. It should be eaten in stages and as a journey... not as an overwhelming downpour.

We all had an incredible experience, however, at Cochon. Chef Donald Links created a "Cajun Southern Cooking" menu and built a trendy, energetic, and visually appealing restaurant around it. Each of his “small plates” dishes was rooted in classic cajun cuisine, yet he put a totally modern interpretation on the preparation and presentation. Every single dish we tried was bold and completely delicious…and I think we had everything on the menu. Some dishes were so good we had to order them in duplicate and triplicate. The standouts were the wood-fired oysters, the crab cake with cucumber buttermilk and English peas, and the fried livers with red pepper jelly on toast…although it’s hard to choose my fave as everything was awesome. Seriously, just look at this menu and tell me that you don’t wanna hop on the next flight down to Loooosiana. And hey, the service was quite alright…

Finally, I had the pleasure of dining at a restaurant I’ve wanted to try for years. Ever since I was 20 years old and starting watching the Food Network, I’ve been a fan of Emeril Lagasse. Even though he can be quite obnoxious with his “BAMs” and “Kick it Up a Notches”, there’s no doubt he’s been a pioneer in his industry and a brilliant chef (and I would argue the first celebrity chef). The food was incredible and the service, for New Orleans, was quite decent. The New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a classic signature dish of his, and I can see why…we also had the Pasta with smoked mushrooms and house made tasso cream sauce. This might have been one of my favorite dishes of the entire trip. The flavor was beyond complex and the smokiness of the mushrooms and smokiness of the ham went together so sublimely. Even though I have eaten at a couple of Emeril’s other restaurants (in Vegas of course) this one clearly stands out. It’s the original and has proven it has major staying power…a must try if you’re in New Orleans.

I guess I did do a few other things on my trip besides eat...but those activities are just a blur. Actually I can somehow remember a couple drinks I was ecstatic to discover. You have to check out The Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street. It's an OLD (since 1807) dive bar with a rickety old juke box...but they have a bad ass selection of Absinthe. The bartenders are super knowledgeable and can really walk you through different tastes, styles, countries, etc. They do the traditional pour and it was my favorite way to kick off my afternoons and end my evenings (I know that sounds bad...but hey, it was a vacay). The other super classy and fancy drink I discovered is able to be found about every 50 ft up and down Bourbon Street. Just look for one of the places with the frozen rotating slushy machines. They all have their own frozen "Jungle Juice" concoction. It's made with Everclear and even though it tastes like an ICEE, it will have you on your ass after about 5 sips. They serve it in a very luxurious 20 oz styrofoam cup and it's worth every penny of the $9 you spend on it. Shockingly, the hangovers from them are not nearly bad as you would expect.

New Orleans is a special and interesting town, and if you have never been...you can't even begin to picture it's true nature. It's a "must see" at some point in every American's life. The history is rich, the party scene is strong, and the food is world class. I'm thrilled I was able to experience the best of the town and with other people who could really appreciate all that it has to offer. An

Hey Chicagoans! How about a Staycation? (2012)

So I have to admit, and this is no secret, but my day-to-day life can be pretty fun. This summer has really been the epitome of me enjoying La Dolce Vita…and I haven’t even left Chicago yet! I do hear from people all the time, “Hey Kelly, do you work??” The answer of course is, “Yea, kinda!” I have managed to make the most of my summer here in Chi while still attending to life’s lame responsibilities. Since I have made my last 2 months feel like freakin’ Yacht Week, I figured I’d help my fellow Chicagoans turn the next 2 months into a memorable vacay…right here at home. And I WILL NOT discuss boring tourist activities such as Navy Pier or Architecture Tours. These recs are legit and are what the real locals do.

There are a couple different themes I want to dive into (no pun intended), as my awesome activities are quite varied.

For those of you who like a cosmopolitan type of vacation, let’s say to New York, here is a fun way to spend your day: When I’m in chic chick mode I usually begin my day with some shopping. I will ALWAYS hit up Oak Street, which is renowned for its world-class boutiques. If you really want the New York vibe, you can always pop into Barney’s New York, but I usually opt for smaller non-corporate shops. My FAVORITE boutique in all of Chicago is Sofia. They’re moving to Walton Street (1 block over) this summer, so don’t be alarmed if it looks like they’ve closed. But they have the best collection of the season’s best trends and looks. Plus you actually feel you’re in a walk up in The Village. After I’ve put my credit card into panic mode, I’ll head to Rush Street for brunch or lunch at Tavern on Rush. Now, this place is no secret…but if you haven’t had a table on the sidewalk in the summer… you do NOT know what people watching is. This is probably one of the scene-iest places in the city and I always feel like I'm on vacation when I’m relaxing and gossiping outside at this hot spot. A crisp glass of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc and their Bellevue Salad with rock shrimp will definitely make you feel like you’re lunching on Madison Ave.

If that’s a bit too fancy-schmancy for you, and you’re more the active beachy type, well fear not, I’ve got you covered. If you have not yet heard of Stand Up Paddle Surfing (or Boarding) or SUP, where have you been?! This is the sport that has captivated cool people everywhere. Celebs and athletes go nuts for SUP and it’s the most popular activity on the West Coast and Hawaii. Fortunately for us, some bad-ass folks called Great Lakes Board Company, decided to bring this trend to our gorgeous lake front. It is one hell of a workout. It stabilizes your core, can burn up to 500 calories in an hour, and is somehow still relaxing. The view of the city you get while floating around on your board ain’t bad either. I paddle at least twice a week and it’s definitely become my favorite new sport. Don’t take our lake front for granted people!!! Head to North Ave. Beach, spend $25 for an hour rental (package deals are avail) and magically transport yourself to the Pacific. To finish off a good beach/paddle day, you can always head to Castaways on the Beach for a delicious frozen cocktail but I’m usually in the mood for some fresh seafood. To really feel like you are on a vacation head to El Barco Mariscos. It’s in East Ukranian Village on Ashland and it reminds me of so many places I’ve eaten at all over Mexico. You feel as if you’re in an old wooden boat- sounds strange but the seafood is awesome. They specialize in whole Huachinango (red snapper) and ginormous seafood platters that could feed a village. Everything is delicious and their margaritas are amazing. It’s super affordable too, so it’s a great way to end your beach staycation!

Finally, if you’re a fan of Jamaica and reggae music (I’m obsessed) here is an awesome way to spend a Thursday or Sunday evening. Check out Ja’Grill in Lincoln Park on Armitage. The chef hails from Ocho Rios in Jamaica, and makes a mean Red Snapper Escoveitch (sweet, spicy, and tangy, sautéed with peppers and onions) and Spicy Curried Goat. Their coconut cabbage side dish is addictive, and they have an impressive collection of Jamaican Rum cocktails to cool you down. The reggae is always booming and the huge Bob Marley mural on the wall will transport you right back to the Caribbean. After dinner and drinks head to Underground Wonder Bar in River North on Clark Street. Every Thursday and Sunday from 1am to 4 am they have live reggae. The bands are always incredible and can literally put you into a musical “One Love Mon” kind of trance. Order a Red Stripe beer from the bartender brothers, Jordan and Elliott, who have dreadlocks down to their knees, and just jam in front of the stage with the crowd. ALWAYS a blast, Wagwan!!

So that’s a typical staycation week in the life of EatTravelRockOut. Chicago has so many wonderful and exciting things to do that so many natives are even unaware of. If you can’t get away this summer you can make the very most of your time at home and still feel like you just traveled to NYC, Mexico, Jamaica, or a ton of other places. I have dozens of more fun things to do as well, so if you want some ideas, just shoot me an email or comment below. Enjoy, ChiTown!!!

Three New Restaurants- Trencherman, Untitled, Pelago (2012)

I've had the pleasure of dining at three new restaurants over the last 10 days. I'm excited I get to combine these three experiences into one review because each establishment was completely unique and stands out so vividly.

Trencherman in Wicker Park (2039 W. North Ave) just opened its doors in the space that used to be Spring... and formerly a Turkish bath house. The decor is striking. For those of you who remember Spring, prepare to be shocked at the complete 180. The large open room is reminiscent of an upscale saloon with rich browns and woods and buttery leather booths. I got to meet both exec chefs... The Sheerin brothers. Michael and Patrick (of Blackbird and The Signature Room prestige, respectively) were delightful, funny, and incredibly helpful while walking us through their creations. The beverage and food menus are not extensive yet very potent and aggressive. My first selection was a drink appropriately called "El Viaje" (The Trip) as it was a delicious blend of Mezcal, pineapple, and Absinthe (my fave).

We moved right down the menu and selected some of the most interesting looking dishes. First, the Scallops- with avgolemono (egg lemon) sauce and asparagus seeds. Enticing indeed. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the Greek touch of the avgolemono was a pleasant surprise. I've never had an asparagus seed before. They look like peas but are bit more hardy with a very bitter taste. Overall a great dish. Next, the Bacon Cured Sweetbreads. Fantastic. Another first for me as I've tried to put off trying sweetbreads as I didn't think cow glands were my thing...but apparently, they are! The sweetbreads were tender and incredibly smokey and the XO sauce gave it a sweet kick that finished it off nicely. One entree which I thought to be too ambitious was the Black Olive and Sesame Crusted Sea Trout served with hummus and roasted beets. I was really hoping for a heavy Mediterranean flavor but the olive crust didn't really deliver what I was hoping. The hummus was great but the trout was a tad fishy. This dish could use some tweaking. The Braised Pork Belly did not disappoint, however. Drizzled with coconut, vanilla, plums, and sorghum- the perfectly crusted pork belly seemed to adopt the flavor of bubble gum which we found out from the chefs was intentional. Sounds weird... tastes amazing. Overall, incredible drinks and a delicious meal.

Untitled is cool as hell. Look closely for a black double door at 111 W. Kinzie, because it's hard to find. This massive 18,000 sf underground venue on one level tries to bring us back to the speakeasy/prohibition era. Decor and lighting are rustic yet beautiful. They boast several themed rooms such as "The Whiskey Room" which has the country's largest collection of American Whiskey, a martini room, and a live entertainment room with a supper club and a huge stage. The menu was supposed to be a modern take on some throw-back prohibition era dishes. I don't quite see that as I can't quite picture flappers in the roaring 20's dining on Pork Belly Confit with Rhubarb Mostarda...but hey, it's a cool shtick. Regardless, the menu is unique and varied. Some of my favorite items which killed it are the Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with cured Virginia ham and Goat cheese, the Grit Cakes with tomato jam, the Pork Belly Confit, and the Short Rib and Scallop with herb bread pudding.

The absolute standout is the Crispy Squash Blossoms with truffle honey, farmer's cheese, piperade puree. They're lightly breaded and fried and the cheese and corn mixture oozes when you cut into it, and when mixed with the truffle honey... it's like heaven on a plate. Overall it's a small plate menu with a few main courses. The Bison burger with house-made giardinara, tomato marmalade, arugula, and goat cheese was incredibly complex and literally melts in your mouth. This is a great place for a night out with the girls (or boys) or a great place to take a date. They have live music nightly and the amped up energy will make you want to come back again and again.

Pelago is not a brand new restaurant (just over 2 years old) but it's getting a resurgence from all of the heightened activity at the now hot-spot Raffaello Hotel (Drum Bar). It's a small space with only 60 seats inside, but it's gorgeous. The proprietors are a husband-wife duo, Mauro Mafrici (executive chef) and Kimberly Mafrici (interior designer). The service was friendly and attentive, and after some crisp rose champagne, the menu was upon us. Mauro has Northern and Southern Italian roots and his menu reflects as such. He has a very inventive approach to some of the traditional classics. The Polipo alla Griglia con Capponata alla Siciliana (grilled octopus) had a delicious flavor but was slightly undercooked (I had to try it though because it's Sicilian...gotta represent). The restaurant redeemed itself by presenting the most tantalizing array of pastas I've had...maybe ever. The Ravioli di Vitello in Salsa al Pistacchio(veal stuffed ravioli with pistachio cream sauce) was the most exciting dish i've had in a while. The pistachio was understated and the pasta was cooked perfectly 'al dente' and the veal mixture was light and perfectly seasoned. All topped off with a very high quality nutty parmesan. Complimenting it perfectly was the Fettucini with a truffle cream sauce (a special) , and the Maccheroncini al Ragu`D`Agnello (tube shaped pasta with hearty lamb ragu).

For the main course we tried the Coniglio al Forno Con Patate, Tomato e Salvia (roasted rabbit with vegetables and sage). I was ridiculously excited for this dish, yet unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. The rabbit was cooked nicely as were the veggies, however the heavy use of sage and rosemary overwhelmed the dish. A warning: This restaurant is VERY pricey. Overall, it was an engaging dining experience that takes you on a delectable tour of Italy...and if you're in the mood for a very expensive tour of Italy...then this restaurant is for you.

I hope my next 10 days prove to be as much of a culinary adventure as my last 10 days... if so, you know I won't be able to shut up about it. Stay tuned!

Smashing Pumpkins at The Metro (2012)

This past Thursday I had the privilege of seeing my 2nd all-time favorite band in concert (we all know who numero uno is).  This was such a cool experience and please pardon me for bragging a bit as to the extreme level of coolness this show achieved.  First off, let me compare how drastically different the 2 times were that I have seen the Pumpkins live.

1st time.  1996 at Rosemont Horizon (there's a flashback for ya).  I had about 20th row center in the midst of about 8 billion rowdy teens (like myself) and it was about 200 degrees in the arena.  Without getting into too much detail-on the off chance I might have a younger reader- let's just say there was an incident with a type of mushroom then an ambulance ride followed by an awesome hospital visit for me.  I saw a total of ONE song.  Definitely a night to remember....for the wrong reasons.

2nd time- June 14th, 2012- The Metro.  Our friend, Theo Epstein (President of the Chicago Cubs) invited several of us to his charity event he was hosting at The Metro.  Billy Corgan and the Pumpkins agreed to play his show pro-bono (definitely not the norm for many artists).  The place was packed and we had front row seats in Theo's balcony.  Great view, great crowd, and plenty of drinks.  This was gonna be a good night.  So we're all a few drinks deep and the lights went down and it hit me that I was going to get to see another idol of mine/epic band just a few yards away from me any second.  I started to freak out (in a non-mushroom way) and jump up and down like a little school girl with the biggest smile ever plastered across my face. They take the stage and Billy, as usual, looks quite intimidating because of his imposing height and scowl... I actually had the opportunity to chat with Billy the week before at the Roger Waters show, and I told him how pumped I was to see him at the Metro. I mentioned that our close mutual friend was bringing me, and he said he was really looking forward to this show as they were debuting a few of their new tunes.  It was pretty sweet to get the inside scoop...

They opened with Zero.  Bottom line...it f-ing rocked.  Billy still sounds the same and his signature anguished vocals and heart piercing and transcendental lead guitar brought me right back to why I fell so hard for them in 1993 when they released their sophomore album, Siamese Dream.  The nice thing about this being a charity show, was Billy played mainly hits, with a couple new tunes.  Zero was followed by "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" and the crowd pleasing "Today".  I pretty much lost it when they played "Cherub Rock" -definitely my favorite track from Siamese Dream.  They also played "1979" and "Tonight Tonight" from 1995's critically acclaimed, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.  "Ava Adore" almost brought me to tears as it is such an angry yet hopeful song with a massively heavy guitar riff and a hardcore beat that can put you in a trance.  The 2 new songs were great as well and were fortunately very "Pumpkin" like.  We all know I hate when bands change their intrinsic sound after they garner a billion fans... (sorry Eddie, you know I love ya...literally).  I really wish that they would've played "Here is No Why" and "Mayonnaise" but I guess they didn't have time to please us all.  My favorite of theirs is a tune called "Ugly" it was released in 1995 and was a B-side to the "1979" single.  It's haunting and very punctuated.  Unlike many of their lyrics- this one is clear and straight to the point.  "I Don't look in the mirror, I don't like what I see staring back at me.  Everything is clearer...I'll never see what you see.  It's not me...so beautiful and free." If you have not heard this song... PLEASE download it. You will not regret it.

I've heard this lame-ass comment more than a few times..."But it's not even the Pumpkins! It's just Billy, it's none of the original members!". If you know the band you know that Billy IS the Pumpkins.  He wrote over 90% of every note and lyric and was the sole instrumentalist on all the studio recordings as he only trusted himself to get it perfect.  And perfect it was... and still is.  Even though James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlain, and D'Arcy are gone... the heart and soul of the Pumpkins is still thriving.

TODAY, June 19th, is actually the release date of their 9th studio album, Oceania (how 'bout my impeccable blog timing?).  Billy calls it an "album within an album" as it's part of a 44 song compilation that began being released in 2009.  The bassist, Nicole Fiorentino (yup, another girl), says "it has that familiar old-school Pumpkins feel to it, with a modern twist".  I did just listen to the album and it is a bit reminiscent of their older material... not as up-tempo, however.  It's unmistakably Pumpkins.  I'm glad they're back and in full effect.  It surely looks like Billy has his feet dug in the ground and ain't goin' anywhere anytime soon.  Viva 90's alternative rock!!!

RPM Italian...It's What's For Dinner...If You Can Get In...(2012)

I admit, I myself am shocked that it took me this long to write about what has become my favorite new restaurant of the last several years. RPM Italian, in River North, has already made a big mark on our fair city in the few months since its opening and has proven it deserves a long stay at the top of the Chicago culinary and nightlife scene.

For those of you who don't know, RPM stands for the coalition of the partners who created the venue. Bill and Giuliana Rancic (everyone's favorite TV personalities), Chef Doug Psaltis, and the Melman siblings (RJ, Jerrod, and Molly of the Lettuce Entertain You empire).  It seemed to me that this was a perfect storm for RPM to achieve restaurant royalty: You have 2 well loved celebrities, a Michelin star chef, and undoubtably the best and most prolific restauranteurs in the country.  There was no question that when I first went to RPM on friends and family night that I would love it...I just didn't necessarily think that I would end up spending more time there than at my Sicilian grandmothers house.

So here's why this place kills it... the food, the drinks, the vibe, and the ambiance- oh, that's pretty much everything, isn't it? Let's start with the food.  They went the "small plates" route for a large portion of the menu.  This is actually refreshing for an Italian restaurant because not only are the dishes affordable, but they're perfect for sharing, and the portions are not the typical mountain of pasta served in a trough (that no one has any business eating) that we see so often at typical Italian locations.  Their menu has several different groupings of their small plates: Hot and Cold antipasti, pizzette, crudo, salumi and cheeses, items from the wood oven, small bites (mini arancini, olives), and pastas. Some of my favorite dishes (pretty much of all time, not just at RPM) are from these small plates.  The Polenta, Poached Egg is one of the most decadent items I've ever had.  It is the most creamy polenta possible with the distinct flavor of black truffle laced throughout with thick shavings of aged parmesan as garnish. When the poached egg is broken and strewn throughout it will literally blow you away.  I've recommended this dish to about 20 people and everyone goes nuts for it.  The Prime Beef Meatballs. This is a controversial one as everyone knows my Sicilian grandmother, Rosalia Rizzo, makes the most delicious and tender meatballs on Earth.  NEVER had I eaten at a restaurant that has even remotely come close to replicating her recipe...not until RPM. Psaltis is the first guy that I can actually say, "Wow, this guy knows how to make a freakin' meatball!"  I feel like no one has gotten it...'til now.  Needless to say, "I'm sorry Nanna" but you've met your match.  The Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad can turn ANYONE into a fan of the notorious green vegetable.  It is laced with mashed avocado and has been my go-to for when I want a delicious but light & healthy meal.  Finally, Mama DePandi's Bucatini Pomodoro (named for it's inventor, Giuliana's mom).  ALL of the pasta at RPM is cooked perfectly al dente.  The bucatini is a wide spaghetti that does the delicious sauce (sweet with a spicy kick and plenty of fresh basil) major justice.

The drinks are simply sublime.  I have discovered my new staple cocktail...the Negroni Sbagliato.  I don't know if people truly understand my obsession with this drink, except maybe my friend, RJ Melman, who has seen me polish off quite a few. It is a combo of prosecco and Campari with a bit of sweet vermouth served over ice with an orange peel twist. It's a bitter libation, but even those who aren't a fan of Campari really do enjoy it...I have turned MANY people into fans simply by trying this drink. They have a great wine list that is true to the Italian varietals and several great choices of Prosecco and Italian beers as well.

The "scene" and ambiance are first class.  It is sexy and swanky but NOT gaudy or trendy.  Almost every person I bring there says they feel like they're in LA or in Miami and immediately comments on how beautiful it is.  It is ALWAYS packed... and I mean always.  Even on a Monday at 8pm, expect to wait at least an hour for a table.  If you're making reservations for anytime within 30 days, expect to be seated at either 5pm or 9pm or later.  It is tough and it's crowded.  But fortunately, there is a huge rectangular bar that has a ton of seating as well as a large bar area that's "first come first serve".  So if you can get a spot, you can enjoy the full menu. Chances are you will be surrounded by beautiful people and the "who's who" of Chicago.  You'll also like see some of the Melman crew who are always bustling about, and quite frequently you can catch a glimpse of Bill and/or Giuliana who love to have dinner in their favorite booth by the bar.  Even though it's a restaurant, it's open late (even until 3am on Sat) and serves food until close.  They have a DJ that spins cool tracks and keeps the vibe fun and upbeat.

Unfortunately, RPM has gotten some flack for not being "authentic" enough.  Anyone that has thrown out this criticism has no idea where the partners were clearly going with their concept.  This is a modern take on Italian food.  They have a very contemporary approach to several traditional dishes, as well as being innovative with new Italian inspired concepts.  Some of the dishes ARE completely authentic, however.  As I stated before, the meatballs, rival my Sicilian nanna's old family recipe. They even do a "Cacio e pepe" pasta (cheese and pepper) which is a very simple and traditional dish. My family used to make this when they didn't have time to make sauce.  You take high quality al dente pasta, with imported aged "formaggio" and voila!...an amazing dinner.  Also, they take an authentic dish, such as Insalata Caprese, and add chunks of lobster tail to give it a sexy contemporary flair.  Basically, the haters need to stop hating because it's clear that RPM is it's own unique entity and they're not trying to be the neighborhood authentic hole-in-the-wall restaurant, and needs to be appreciated as such.

Clearly it's easy to see why I love this place.  Surely some of the staff may already be getting sick of me, as I'm there for dinner or drinks at least a couple times a week :-)  But now it's time for those of you who have NOT checked it out yet, to go.  Trust me, you will NOT be disappointed.  All the servers are top notch and are great at giving recommendations, however, if you want some more from me, let me know, as I've certainly tried nearly everything on the menu!

Did Lollapalooza Change Over the Year...Or Did I? (2012)

I know I tend to joke a lot about my age (a ripe old 32 (in 2012), wax poetic about the heyday of alternative rock, and refer to the 90's as my favorite decade (my friends would dispute I've never even mentally left the 90's). This doesn't mean I'm not entitled to have a legitimate observation without having it deemed "a longing for the past" or "you're just old, Kelly, get with the times!!" The observation to which I refer, is that the Holy Grail of all music festivals, Lollapalooza, has changed. Some would argue for the better, and some for the worse... I, however, DO miss the nostalgia of the 90's line-ups and how true they were to the Alternative Rock music scene.

Last year, Lollapalooza celebrated 20 years since Perry Farrell dreamed it up as a farewell festival for his group, Jane's Addiction (one of my absolute favorite bands). Of course, it's natural and understandable for things to evolve over time. I also can appreciate "changing with the times" and keeping up to date with current trends. Lolla has definitely done this; they are always on the cutting edge of combining some of the hottest mega artists with the "up and comers". My concern is that Lolla is losing touch with its original audience. The teenagers, who were the main attendees of the 90's Lollanpalloozas, are now in their 30's. We still exist, we didn't just disappear, and we can still make up a HUGE demographic of the concert goers. However, now, Lolla is geared more toward early 20-somethings. Almost forgotten are the more mature Alternative Rock aficionados, such as myself.

I agree and understand, you can't have the same bands play every year, nor can many of the bands from the original line-ups play today. Except for a very slim number (Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam for instance) most bands either are no longer together (Nine Inch Nails) , do not tour (Violent Femmes) , or suffered a member's death (Alice in Chains). Even though the "grunge" Seattle sound (which is like crack to me) is no longer manufactured, and its place in time is now the past... I feel Lolla should still go out of their way to pay homage to the sound that helped make the festival what it was at its inception. There is not one "grunge" band in the lineup this year, which is the first time in the history of Lollapalooza that this is the case.

Let's explore that word for a bit..."grunge". Most bands who were deemed "grunge" hated and shunned the title. However, we cannot deny, that the bands who came out of the gloomy underground Seattle music scene in the early 90's all shared a common and unique sound. Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Candlebox, etc put a stamp on a major sector of the Alternative Rock scene. Along with that stamp, they all made regular appearances at Lollapalooza. I get that "alternative" is wide ranging and can encompass acts from rock to grunge, hip-hop to punk, and dance to electro. But many people regard the alternative scene as being strongly influenced by 80's punk and hard rock. I feel that Lolla has made a MAJOR shift to the DJ's and electronic music and has shied away from the actual rock "bands".

Let's take a look at the line up shift from 1990's Lollapalooza to 2012 Lollapalooza. Here are a few of my favorite years... The very first was a pretty incredible creation:

1991- Jane's Addiction, Nine Inch Nails, Living Color, Ice-T, Violent Femmes, and Rage Against The Machine.

1992- This might have been the most epic conglomeration of bands EVER. It was a PERFECT mixture of grunge, alternative, hard rock, and rap.- Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ice Cube, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Porno for Pyros, Cypress Hill, House of Pain, Rage Against the Machine, AND Stone Temple Pilots. Who could possibly deny this might have been the best music line-up in history??

1994-Another perfect mixture... Smashing Pumpkins, Beastie Boys, A Tribe Called Quest, Green Day, Cypress Hill, The Black Crowes, Flaming Lips, Lucious Jackson...

Even after the 6 year festival hiatus, the resurgence produced great line-ups:

2005- Liz Phair, Weezer, Widespread Panic, Billy Idol, Digable Planets, along with the introduction of "new" alternative rock bands such as: Arcade Fire, The Killers, The Black Keys.

2007- Even this recent year still had "grunge" bands with Pearl Jam and Silverchair. Punk legend, Iggy Pop, made an appearance along with alternative bands, Kings of Leon, and The Black Keys.

2012- Now moving on to this years line-up. There is not ONE "grunge" band. The only hard rock band that is reminiscent of the 90's is The Red Hot Chili Peppers (coincidentally this is also the year they are being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...right on). Black Sabbath is also slated to perform...if Ozzy can actually make it on stage, but it's not the same. Nor are the vast majority of other artists who are scheduled. Avicci, Kaskade, Bassnectar, Passion Pit are all DJ's or electropop artists, and they are the main headliners. I know that this is what is popular with the younger crowds, but it still feels a far cry from what Lollapalooza was meant to be.

I also feel that so many of the other bands, whether they are the "up and comers" or sub-headliners, are incredibly obscure. I used to be a big radio listener and being a Chicagoan, Q101 was my staple station. Now Chicago has NO alternative music radio station (since Q101 was discontinued in 2011 after 19 years on air), so many of the bands that are lesser known, wouldn't have the ability to be introduced to people of "my generation". I know that a lot of people are discovering new music through iTunes, Sound Cloud, Spotify etc, but I still like the radio dammit. I'm not totally out of touch as I download just as much music as the next person, as well as use all of the new apps, but there is something to be said for discovering music the old fashioned way.

To conclude, Lollapalooza, regardless of the line-up is still an awesome, sweaty, dirty, bad-ass fun time. I know most 25 year olds would say the line-up for 2012 is better than ever and that I'm out of touch and nuts for not knowing who Kaskade is and instead desperately wanting to see a hologram performance of Alice In Chains. But that is fine. Everyone changes and gets older, and I can only expect that a living breathing music festival will change as well. I guess to answer my original question: Lollapalooza has changed and I have pretty much stayed the same. The problem is, I still WANT to enjoy Lolla. I want to be happy to attend all 3 days, and not complain about how the Chili Peppers are the only band I want to see. I guess I do need to get with the times... I'm going to buy some $400 Beats by Dre headphones and start downloading all the music I claim to loathe... maybe in time it will grow on me. I hope it does. But if you're listening, Perry, if I could put in a request for some, Hole, Femmes, Pumpkins, Metallica, and Jane's for next year...pretty please.... Thanks :-)