Metromix blog posts

Turkey Testicle Festival

November 24, 2008 8:05 PM CST

No joke... it's real. And yes, they do serve the namesake delicacy. This Wednesday the folks of Huntley, Illinois will celebrate the 26th Annual Turkey Testicle Festival. It's only about an hour from the city, so if a 'Black Wednesday' bar crawl just doesn't put a sparkle in your eye anymore... Just sayin'.

VIDEO: Japenese restaurant hires monkey waiters!

November 24, 2008 3:37 PM CST

We don't normally embed video from other TV outlets on this blog, but if I didn't do it here, you'd never believe me. Due to the economic downturn, a restaurant in Japan has hired monkeys to fill in for the wait staff! And that's not a punchline, we're talking ACTUAL monkeys! And get this - the health department says it's sanitary, as long as the monkeys wear clothes! What fun is that? What do you tip a monkey? 10%? Maybe a banana or two? If only the monkeys were on the menu, then we'd really be in business!

Take a Chill Pill...

November 21, 2008 7:00 PM CST

We endure smoggy air, unbearable traffic and copious amounts of weekend rain. Why? Cause we're tried and true Chicagoans. We're known for our pizza, improv, sports teams (the good, the bad and the ugly)... and now, as the "Most Stressful City." Yup, Forbes Magazine just gave us the top spot on that list. So we dug up a few ways to help us all be a little more Type B... Pour Vous (Wicker Park) Take the time to pamper yourself with help from this bath & body shop. Drop by their Anniversary Party on Saturday, November 27th for discounts, snacks and sudsy fun! Galos Salt Caves (Portage Park) It's a soothing spot that heals you inside and out... just sit back, relax and breathe. Vitamins and minerals in the salt help your respiratory system while the iodine refreshes your skin. Chicago Sweatlodge (Portage Park) This one's just for the boys... purify, detoxify and beautify at the Chicago Sweatlodge. Bounce between hot & cold for the full effect of this old world sauna. Silken Tent (Glenview) For suburban stress relief, make your way to Glenview. Silken Tent is an eco-freindly spa taking care of mind, body and spirit with everything from Niyama Hot Yoga to a Stone & Crystal Facial.

LeShock Value: "Twilight" Review!

November 21, 2008 2:59 PM CST

There were a few things I knew about Edward Cullen. 1. He was a vampire. 2. I was madly in love with him. It doesn't take much for "Twilight's" Bella to make that leap. You know, the one where she finds out the love of her life sucks the blood out of living creatures - and decides to spend alone-time with him anyway? And despite being face to face with the vile nature of vampirism, she comes to the conclusion that it might be the way to go. Oh, the humanity!

Beer Blog: Metropolitan Brewing

November 21, 2008 2:54 PM CST

Move over Chicago micro-brewers! Metropolitan Brewing is coming to town! Doug and Tracy Hurst are the owners/brewers behind this big city/industrial themed brewery. However, don't expect typical British-style ales; German-style lagers are going to be the output from these deutch-beer drinkers! Their flagships, Dynamo Copper Lager and Flywheel Bright Lager, are expected to hit bars and liquor stores by the end December this year. metrobloglogo%5B1%5D.jpg DynamoFrontPagebeerspage%5B1%5D.jpg

Watch Metromix's Thanksgiving Turkey Tips!

November 21, 2008 11:50 AM CST

Cooking a turkey this Thanksgiving? In need of a little help? Well look no further! I cornered Mary Klingman, the Butterball Turkey Talk Line Lady, in hopes of providing me with some insight to cooking the perfect bird. Hilarity and knowledge ensued: Remember, don't hesitate to give the Butterball folks a call this Thanksgiving at 1-800-Butterball!

Video: Billy Corgan talks to Chicago fans post-show

November 21, 2008 11:19 AM CST

Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan, who has gotten mixed reviews during the band's stint in Chicago this week, was actually quite amiable after the show on Nov. 19. Ahhh.... cold weather, Billy Corgan in a goofy hat, the El rolling by in the background.....that's Chicago

GnR and Dr. Pepper: Together Again

November 21, 2008 9:12 AM CST

%25gunsandroses.jpg Take me down to the paradise city, where the grass is green and the soda is free. For one day only that is. Dr. Pepper is celebrating the release of Guns n' Roses highly anticipated (and by "highly" we mean "long, agonizing, very doubtful, believe it when we see it") new album Chinese Democracy by giving away free Dr. Pepper. The album supposedly drops on Sunday and if...we mean when it does, you, the soda guzzling, guitar god worshiping public is entitled to a free 20 oz. And you don't even need to be buy the album. How does it work?

Red Light Recipes

November 20, 2008 7:00 PM CST

Spice up your Thanksgiving sides! Red Light Chef Jackie Shen adds Asian flavor to our Turkey Day faves... Cranberry Sauce with Pomegranate Paste Ingredients: 1 bag of cranberries 1 cup of sugar 1 cup of pomegranate juice 1 tablespoon of pomegranate paste Directions: Put all ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil. Simmer until the cranberries pop and thicken.

I Hate You Song of the Week: Lovin' You

November 19, 2008 4:33 PM CST

Week 4: Minnie Riperton "Lovin' You" Chances are you weren't a Minnie Riperton fan when this song hit the airwaves in 1975. BUT, thanks to Burger King and Visa commercials... Lovin' You is now destined to test your sanity. Someone hit 'repeat' on the turntables in your head!

Microsoft Goes Microhard

November 18, 2008 7:35 PM CST

Don't say we didn't warn you but this is an outrageous ad that you'll probably never see on TV promoting Microsoft's mp3 player the Zune. Too bad the ad was never approved by Bill Gates & Co. It made us laugh all too hard, but may be inappropriate for the kiddies. Spread and Discuss.

Video: Justin Timberlake hosts SNL in less than 2 min

November 18, 2008 10:43 AM CST

Well he may not be the voice of his generation (thanks, Kanye) but Justin Timberlake has a pretty decent sense of comedy. Yes, everyone by now is talking about his appearance on SNL in the Beyonce video sketch. And while that was funny and unexpected, his best work may have been on Weekend Update. He shows us what the show would have been like if he hosted - the whole show, in under 2 minutes. It's self-referential, fast-paced, includes a 'tiny hat reference'... in short, it's comic gold

Opa! plate breaks

November 17, 2008 3:36 PM CST

Happy National Baklavah Day! You know I love the sweet, flaky pastry as much as any gal... but does it really deserve a whole day? What's next??? How about moment of silence for the return of the McRib? Alright, I'm done griping. Thought I'd take this curious holiday to share my favorite Greek spots... Athenian Room (Lincoln Park) This corner eatery's been around for more than 30 years. So tasty, so cheap. Athena Restaurant (Greektown) Great food, but scores major points come summertime with one of the best patios around town. Papaspiros (Oak Park) Take the trip to this suburban spot as much for the eats as the owners Spiro and Sofia.

Taking the 'Net out of Networking

November 17, 2008 1:28 PM CST

Before Facebook and LinkedIn, people actually networked face to face. A novel concept that returns to the city later this week in a unique way. The Ratio Network kicks off a networking event 'Concepts' that "will feature emerging entrepreneurs in the music, dance and fashion industries." Activities on Thursday, November 20 will be at Zocalo and on Friday, Nov. 21, the Victor Hotel is the place to be. For more information, check out their website www.rationetwork.com/

Bush Shocks Nation

November 14, 2008 2:17 PM CST

It's official... President Bush has checked out. The Arizona State University Men's and Women's Track Team stopped by the White House for a photo op... and somehow convinced the lame duck Commander-In-Chief to throw up the "shocker." No joke. The pic is from the official presidential website. Don't know what the gesture means??? Google it.