Urban Imu!

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We finally made to to Mike and Teresa’s annual pig roast. It was their 3rd time doing it and our first time attending. So much fun to see the pig prep, to catch up with old friends, finally introduce Makai to my Chicagoist pals, and to drink beers and play in the alley, King of the Hill style. The pork turned out super delicious. From what I could tell, Mike mostly manned the pig and Teresa did a ton of grilled corn and a bunch of sides, which were also amazing. They even had a bunch of “pickled stuff” that they picked up on a trip to the Carolinas. That night Makai kept saying “Pig. Apple.” because when they took the pig off the roasting pit, they put an apple in its mouth!

Chicagoist Alumni Reunion


Sam (Former General Contributor), Chuck (Former Music Writer, Former Food/Drink Editor, Current Editor-in-Chief), Jocelyn (Former General Contributor), Margaret (Former Television Writer), Benjy (Sports, then and now!), Rachelle (Former Editor-in-Chief), Jim (Music/A&E Editor, then & now!)


Thales (Former Ask Chicagoist Writer), James (Former Copy Editor), Chuck (Former Music Writer, Former Food/Drink Editor, Current Editor-in-Chief), Matt (Former General Contributor), Olivia (Former General Contributor)


Mike (Former Political Writer), Benjy (Sports, then and now!), Justin (Former A&E/Culture Writer)

Earlier this week a bunch of Chicagoist staff from the olden days, i.e. back when I was the Editor, got together for drinks at Cole’s in Logan Square. A few people I run into every few months, but many I had not seen for a year or several years. I made everyone line up and take photos just to prove we actually did it. We were all in one room together!

It was great to catch up. Back in the day we all had such close, daily contact. It’s fun to check in with everyone and see how everything is going. I mean, many of us stay in contact online, but in-person is so different. I hope that we can make this a more regular thing, so that years and years don’t go by before I see these dear friends again!

Chicagoist Dinner

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Fajitas in a Steaming Cauldron :: Zapatista, South Loop, Chicago

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Erin, Scott, Chuck :: Zapatista, South Loop, Chicago

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Kevin Getting in the Way :: Zapatista, South Loop, Chicago

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Chuck, Justin, Thales, Sean :: Zapatista, South Loop, Chicago

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Shannon, Kevin, Joanna, Rob :: Zapatista, South Loop, Chicago

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Andy, Laura, Scott, James, Todd :: Zapatista, South Loop, Chicago

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Benjy & Jocelyn (Alicia, Erin, Olivia, Sarah) :: Zapatista, South Loop, Chicago

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Erin, Olivia, Sarah :: Zapatista, South Loop, Chicago

We took the Chicagoist staff out on Friday night to Zapatista for a big, year-end, pat-on-the-back celebration. It’s great how everyone gets along so well. We all had an awesome time. The food at Zapatista was excellent (Chuck did a review here) and there was no shortage of sangria. Big thanks to Chuck for taking the lead and setting everything up. It made it easy so that all I had to do was show up with my credit card and have a good time.

A BBQ – Sort of

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Our housewarming/birthday bbq sort of just turned into a party because the weather outside wasn’t the greatest. It didn’t rain, but it seemed like it was going to any second. Plus, it wasn’t that warm out. Oh well. It was still a fun time. Lots of great food and good friends, and tons of sake and beer. More on the food coming up!

Tankboy’s Birthday @ Pontiac

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Rachelle :: Pontiac, Wicker Park, Chicago

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Justin, Benjy, Chuck :: Pontiac, Wicker Park, Chicago

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Maker’s Mark Shots :: Pontiac, Wicker Park, Chicago

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Juicy Bootie! :: Pontiac, Wicker Park, Chicago

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Chuck’s Breakfast of Champions :: Pontiac, Wicker Park, Chicago

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The Birthday Boy :: Pontiac, Wicker Park, Chicago

Last night a bunch of us from Chicagoist met up for happy hour at Pontiac. It was time for our monthly get-together, plus Tankboy was having his birthday party at Pontiac.

Scott had issue with the way “bootie” was spelled on the menu. James, can we get a ruling here? After I ordered it and Margaret and Erin had a taste, they said they really enjoyed my Juicy Bootie.

When Chicagoist has and event we’re always happy to get a band lined up and some drink specials.. but Tankboy.. he’s a badass mofo. He shows up to his own party late, has $3 Bud Lights and $3 Makers Mark for everyone there, and gets 3 bands to play.

I was getting tired and thinking about going to work in the morning because I’m getting old and not fun, so I left at 10:30 before any bands had even started yet. Still, it was fun to see everyone. Also, TB, just so you know, all the girls were talking about how jealous we are of your lucious goldilocks.