Beer Brewing Fool

Believe it or not, I made my first brew (well, I did with the help of a friend). An American Cream Ale. It looks like beer, it tastes like beer, but who knows how much, if any, alcohol it contains (we missed that part of the beer making procedure). Learning experience- yes. Messy kitchen- absolutely. Does it take longer than originally thought- don't most things?

It takes about a month before it is in the form that one can actually consume. 2 weeks in the carboy (or food grade bucket) and then 2 weeks in the bottles.

Last Saturday was the moment of truth- would it be drinkable beer or something to water the plants with. We were cautiously confident that this would be drinkable beer. Other than following the alcohol measuring procedure (which isn't necessarily that important, say, in comparison to adding the yeast), the procedures were followed. Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize!

Brew Camp was extremely helpful in providing a down and dirty (sanitize, sanitize, sanitize!!) class on home brewing (and they give you a beer sample while you are there- bonus!) They have all the necessary supplies for getting started, including kits, which, for a novice like me, is the best way to get started. There are so many moving parts to brewing that the kit already measured out was helpful.

Again, this is NOT a "I like to keep my kitchen free of stickiness and mess" process. It is messy, especially if you do not have the tap closed on the food grade bucket, oops!! Oh, and regulating the temperature of water is a pain. It sounds easy in theory, but try it. It is a pain in the rear. I knew this from film development, but I clearly forgot how finicky water temp. happens to be.

It is ugly looking, isn't it?!?

After the first process was completed and the future beer was safely in its bucket, one of my cats somehow found the thermometer (a foot long thermometer), which was hidden under all the other contraptions and pots all air drying, and broke it. A casualty of brewing. He was fine just a little shocked at my rushing out of the bedroom to scoop him up away from the shattered glass. It is amazing how certain sounds can wake one from a dead sleep. A tinkling sound is not a normal night sound  (not like the soothing sounds of base coming from the open window of a car missing a muffler that is speeding down your street) and thus I was up immediately. Thanks Dell.

Anyway, 2nd part, the bottling process, went off without too much fan fair, other than properly filling the bottles (something to get the hang of- another mess can ensue), making sure not to suck up the sludge that sits on the bottom of the transferring bucket and being certain that the caps are on well. It is similar to the apprehension of canning- no one wants to offer a friend or family member a contaminated food item. If you do, that person my not like you anymore. Unless you are looking to reduce your circle of friends, properly sealed foodstuffs is a good thing.

So, you might ask, how was it? It was good. Good color, nice taste, a good foam head and those family and friends that have tried it so far are still alive to talk about it.

If you have some free time and are looking to make a mess, I highly recommend brewing up some of your own. It is fun and there is something satisfying about sitting down to a beer that you created. Cheers!

Chicago Italian Ice, Instead of NATO

1068 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL (between Carpenter St & Aberdeen St)

Mario's Italian Ice. Taylor street. This place is a mainstay of Chicago, and Taylor street itself. I have been coming here since I was a teenager-watching the neighborhood shed the Jane Addams Homes (a token building still holds on- there is talk of turning it into a museum...) and don expensive townhouses and trendy restaurants. I found myself there this weekend, rather than in the midst of the NATO summit protests.

Each spring I wait in anticipation for this gem to reopen (they close for the winter), dreaming of the watermelon Italian lemonade (Italian ice) with chucks of watermelon and lemon rinds. The perfect taste of summer and childhood memories. So many memories circle around this place.


I can picture the cars lined up on a hot summer night while my high school friends and I clamor to join the long queue that forms late in the evening. We are all moths trying to make our way to the brightly lighted counter obtaining the nectar, the essence of summer.

I remember heading over there for a treat after Italian mass at The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii with Don's (my boyfriend at the time) mother- a lovely Italian momma that took me under her wing to introduce me to all Italian-American- her pastas, foccacias, desserts, Italian language and expectations. She treated me like a daughter throughout, even after her son and I parted ways. I'd go over to her house and together we'd cook and she'd continue teaching me Italian as only a mother can do. She was probably the reason I dated her son for as long as I did.

I remember heading there before the fourth of July fireworks one year when I somehow convinced my family that standing amongst what appeared to be the entire city, and then some, to watch fireworks was a good idea. The line on days like that is thick, but always worth the wait. A calm anticipation keeps order- I don't believe I have ever experienced pushing or shoving even though the three lines are never very clear. It is a place where, while waitng, you can chat with your neighbor who may be from anywhere- people come from far and wide.

If you've never been, you are missing out. Go there, now~ and try a watermelon (or a peach when it is in season). And while you're there, pick up a bag of lupinis. They are a fun addition and an acquired taste, but one worth acquiring.

Here's to summer!

Polar Plunge (A photo diary) 2012

Ear Candy

Although I probably had more important things to do today, I placed those must dos to the side and , instead, found a nearby bead store to make a pair of earrings. I have never made a pair of earrings before, but after my success with the necklace I made several months ago, I figured I should give it a try. Also, while at the bead store I found out that they offer free classes to make earrings on the weekends (materials are not included in the "free" part). You can check them out here.

These are more decorative than I normally don, but I wanted something with color and this is what I can up with. I like straight clean lines with most jewelry... and European clasps. I am sure the are probaly called something else, but that is what they were called back when they weren't popular here in the U.S.

I know there are special tools for making jewelry, but I believe in making do with the tools I already have. Why not, right? As you can see it doesn't require much to get started- maybe a design plan and a couple tool. Voila!

And, finally, the finished pieces. I am really happy with them, especially since I have never made earrings before.

A Silent Night Broken By Song

Rarely do the holidays evoke anything more than commercial harassment, accentuated by the grumpy red eyed shoppers, who in the spirit of giving, trample each other to get that last hideous holiday sweater for the family dog.

This year, I wanted to see the other side. The side of people that made me not despise the whole of the human race. Oddly enough, one of the activities was sent to me via e-mail from my local events committee. Apparently, there would be caroling at the "Bean" (aka Cloud Gate, which sounds like a sequel to Watergate, but I digress...).

On the last Friday performance, I bundled up and headed out of my office, happy to leave off the long hours of staring at a computer to see how the rest of the world was spending this holiday season.

Upon arriving, I was shocked. A crowd had already formed, smiling and cheerful, and oddly polite. There were patient lines for free hot cider, the coffee and hot cocoa having already been chosen and consumed by those who arrived earlier. Another group of volunteers handed out song books and cupped candles.

People waited their turn, said please and thank you- all of this out of the ordinary for the holidays.

Once the choir began, a hush spread across the expectant crowd.- without the requisite pushing to get into a better position. The crowd listened to instruction and obediently turned to the various pages to sing along with the Wicker Park Choir. Children danced and leapt around, watching their reflections moving this way and that in the surface of the Bean.

And when the last song was sung, the last applause complete, people parted in an orderly manner moving passed the ice skating rink and their other fellow patrons, still warmed by the congeniality of the singing and community, not to mention the hot beverages, experienced all in the name of the holidays upon us.

Here's to hoping that your holidays had a moment of calm, clarity and serenity that will last you throughout the coming year.

Happy New Year All!

This Year's Glenwood Ave Arts Fest In Visual Review

Scarlet Mountain

Another fantastic year of...

music,

B1g T1me

B1g T1me

 and more music,

art,

 and artists,

Deals Gone Bad

 and more music,

and dancing,

Deals Gone Bad

and more music,

and hula hooping,

and more art.

Always an enjoyable festival!

Celebrating the Full Moon

There is a group of very entertaining and courageous individuals that gather during the summer on the full moon to dance, play music and share their talents with others. Oh, did I mention the pyrotechnics?

Nearing dusk, families, friends, photographers and such make their way to a grassy location near the Foster street beach in Chicago. Some bring their grills for a full on BBQ, others just sandwiches and other accoutrements to snack on while positioning themselves on spread blankets so as not to miss a single, spectacular moment.

By the time dusk has given way to its darkest glow, the drum circle begins beating their drums. Tum, tum, tum… each drummer plays together, alone, but creating excitement and preparing the spectators for what’s to come.

A bit more time passes and then, show time! Various men and women confidently stride to their designated locations while carrying balls of fire. They twist and turn the fire balls this way and that, dancing and twirling along with the beat of the drums… tum, tum, tum… Some juggle, some rotate their hips spinning hula hoops of fire. There are the fire breathers and those extinguishing flames upon their tongues.

The night progresses and the acts become more urgent and intricate. The dancers shift places and change props, but the fire remains throughout. The drumming continues… tum, tum, tum… beating to the heartbeats of spectators, holding our breath, watching in awe.

As the performance (or performances) come to their peak before being snuffed out for the evening and thus for another 28 days or so, the dancers come together turning the single performers, dancers into one. One winged fire breathing dragon!

At the close of the dance and as the drums are placed onto the backs of the musicians, the families and friends collect their remnants and castoffs from the evening making sure not to leave a trace of this quite fabulous event. The blankets are folded; the meal arrangements are neatly placed into their sacks and small sleepy-eyed children are carried on the backs of gentle men with their others in tow.

I make my own way back to the car and notice the full moon hanging its reflection across the ink colored waters and wonder if it appreciated the evening as much as the others.

Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest (GAAF)- August 19-21, 2011

This weekend is the Glenwood Ave Arts Fest. I went last year and it was definitely not a festival to be missed. Here is the link to last year's post  just in case you are wondering what I am blathering on about. If you are in the area and are looking for something to do, look no further.

Around Town this weekend: Printers’ Ball

This weekend is the 7th annual Printers' Ball in Chicago. Live performances, readings, costumes, etc. how can you go wrong? And, Its FREE!!!!!

Details:

Friday, July 29, 2011
6 pm to 11 pm
The Ludington Building
1104 S Wabash Ave, Chicago

if you have some free time this Friday you should definitely check it out. There are also some pre-ball events starting tonight.

Music to My Ears

This weekend was the 9th Glenwood Ave. Arts Festival in Chicago. Hands down, this is one of the best neighborhood music festivals around. Rarely if ever do I enjoy the music played at the festivals I attend. I focus on the people watching, which was plentiful at this one too. Although I cannot replicate the music from all the wonderful bands we saw, I can provide a photolog of the musical journey. Regardless of what your musical leanings are, each band was enjoyable and provided a great festival atmosphere to go along with the visual art.

The first band were were able to catch was the Sons of Susan. This is a blues and swing type band.

The next band we found our way to was the Lowdown Brass Band. They bill themselves as Afro-beat, Funk and Crunk. Fun group!

We were entertained by Bible of the Devil. A metal and rock band and definitely lively. They drew quite a crowd. 

Mississippi Gabe Carter was the next act up. This is a blues type band. Really great! 

The Polkaholics were a very lively bunch! They kept the crowd entertained with various songs including Went out for a beer.

Walking on to the next stage, excited to see what was in store, we came upon Ode. A gypsy punk band. This was one of my favorites at the fest.

Finally, our night wrapped up with Tom Holland and the Shuffle Kings. What a finale!

Other than all the wonderful bands scattered throughout this wonderland of sound, there were also the other painters, weavers, knitters, and street artists. This woman was kindly entertaining the puppy with her baton twirls.

The day was long, but so worth it! If you find yourself in Chicago while this festival is going on you should definitely get out to see it for yourselves. Not one to be missed!