Mint Male Magazine

LGBTQA Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea (LIIT) is the basis of many elaborate mixed-drinks. It dates to the 70's, named after the continental USA's largest island Long Island, in New York. Although it doesn't contain tea, it's taste is similar. The drink sits in the top 5 of most popular cocktails and is regularly mentioned or seen served in television and films. ?Some worthy mentions are The Simpsons, Sex and the City, and Cruel Intentions.

Phoebes
Phoebe's Cupcakes: Phoebe Walters and Kate McNamara opened this cute little pastel blue shop about year ago. With weekly specialty cupcakes from peanut butter brownie to salted caramel and blood orange dreamsicle, they offer it all. This duo has over 200 different cupcakes that rotate weekly. Phoebe's also offers coffees, teas, dog treats and even wedding cupcakes. A friendly and knowledgeable staff is there help pick out these unique and artistically styled cupcakes. What separates them apart from others is their Italian butter cream frosting and perfectly designed cupcakes that pack a scrumptious and consistently excellent flavor. Phoebe and Kate are both culinary schooled pastry chefs and combined with business partner Chad Mollman, this team will for sure raise the bar for cupcake standards not just in Chicago but nationwide.

Huey Dogs

When that summer weather comes bustling in, what's better than a Chicago-style hot dog? Huey Dogs can be found in the heart of Andersonville (just west of Clark on Balmoral). The dogs, burgers and brats are always cooked to perfection and accompanied with a side a fries. Huey's is also vegetarian friendly with the best veggie hot dog I've ever tasted. Come in, get in line, choose char or grilled, and shortly thereafter they"ll call your name over the speaker system to let you know your order is ready. I also suggest splurging on a side of cheese fries or a milkshake to complete this guilty summer pleasure.

Intelligentsia

Mission statements are the core of most companies, but Intelligentsia truly upholds theirs. "To provide our customers, staff, and community with an unparalleled and complete coffee and tea experience in an environment steeped in understanding, knowledge, skill, service and mutual respect." Our favorite location is at 3123 North Broadway where many of Mint Male's initial meetings first took place. The environment is like no other coffee house, and it's where the creative of our city come to meet and drink great coffee (it's presented artfully as well!). The servers, who are quite attractive we might ad, serve up the perfect cup of coffee and are always well trained and friendly. They offer up their coffee and tea knowledge with the same artistic passion of the crowd they serve. These bustling cafes offer all types of drinks from lattes to iced coffees and local baked goods with great indie music playing in the background. Intelligentsia truly understands coffee and tea and how to serve it the way it should be. In 1995 Doug Zell and Emily Mange started their coffee roasting company and now boast locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. What makes them truly unique is their direct relationship with growers and the passion they share with their team. They strive to sell, cultivate and produce the best coffee you can find in the States. This is a company that brings art, education and dedication in towards a common goal and excels.

El Nuevo
El Nuevo has been in the Lakeview neighborhood since 1983, and can be found at 2914 North Clark Street. This quaint neighborhood spot has tasty Mexican food and refreshing margaritas accompanied by a warm and bright decor. The family owned business has been kept lively and consistent with the help of Maria Rodriguez. The restaurant was passed down to her by her uncle and she's kept his traditions alive, while also adding her own colorful art to the walls. The service at this local hot spot is extremely friendly which leaves the customer never feeling neglected. Along with their excellent wait staff, El Nuevo's cuisine is fresh with a fair, moderate price tag. Their specials can't be beat, nor can any seafood dish they offer. Their traditional Mexican dishes are excellent to say the least. We suggest the pomegranate margarita. What many people don't realize is that they also have a great patio in back, along with a recent addition for more seating. You can have a romantic evening, dinner with friends, or a great "parents in town" venue all under one roof!

Stardust

Stardust (hosted by Scott Cramer of Outdanced, Mini Shaina of Beatnix, Jenae Williams of Dirty Girls, Bobby Pins of Soundbar & Rew of Debonair, and Intern Jayme of Depaul and the last Thursdays of the month Co-Conspired with Ratcatchers.com and Cult: Zain Curtis of Teen Witch, Matt-Matt of Baby Bamboo, Andrew Hensley of U Nast) is a weekly dance party. This Thursday event brings out a little bit of everyone from the community. The party is usually blanketed with a crowd of hipsters, queers, and sprinkled with every random type of Chicagoan you can imagine. They have a new theme, music, and performance every week and have welcomed Mint Male on numerous occasions to join them in these exciting events. Get there by 10pm and you can expect to be handed a glass of champagne and as of late, some free Colt 45. Stardust is widely known for their amazing guest performers and DJ sets with such names as; Sammy Jo (Scissor Sisters), Amanda Lepor, Cazwell, Crystal Castles (DJ set), Cut Copy (DJ set), and many more. There's always an interesting event going on and at a fantastic venue to meet interesting types from all ends of the scene.

Scarlet

Scarlet at 3320 North Halsted Street was voted "Best Chicago Gay Bar" by Mint Male's readers. The bar was destroyed by fire and water damage about a year ago, but worry you not as they quickly bounced back with a hot new look and almost daily events. From "Frat Thursdays" to "First Ward Fridays" and "Party Foul," the bar offers every gay a place to come out and play (not to mention a quite attractive bar staff that can be found in themed gear from pantless to superhero). Mint Male decided to celebrate their victory by throwing a cover party and Mint Male model search on Friday May 7th, 2010. The bar dates back their name and and theme to the 20's and 30's when members of the GLBT community used scarlet colored accessories to show their affiliation. The bar has a historic and modern feel with warm colors, exposed brick and velvety seating.

TITLE: FAST AFFORDABLE HEALTH

by Jennifer Smith, RD, LDN

Life today is over scheduled, over planned, and over stressed with little time to focus on our health: especially what we eat. Our schedules make it difficult to fit in a good meal in the middle of the day when we get preoccupied with emails, business meetings, co-workers and family. Usually lunches contain vending machine snacks, fast food, or just more coffee, all of which are not the best choices for our health or our pockets.

Why can't we find time to nourish ourselves without wasting our time and money? With the right tools, you can. Follow these easy meals and strategies to get in nutritious and inexpensive meals that will fuel your body throughout your busy workday.

1. Plan ahead. Taking just 5 minutes the night before a busy day can be the difference between fast food or a delicious home-made meal. On your Sunday, make a large portion of chicken, rice, and a salad. Cut up veggies and put them in small plastic bags. Make small servings of your favorite nuts, crackers or cereal. The next morning just put a serving of salad or chicken and rice in a plastic container and you are ready to enjoy a healthy meal to keep your energy elevated and spending low as you go throughout your day.

2. Use your leftovers. If you are making a meal on a Monday night, make a double batch. Take the extra serving and portion them into small plastic containers to enjoy the next day at lunch. A warmed meal of last night's rice, chicken and steamed veggies is not only filling but will keep money in your pocket and leave you feeling much more satiated than your unhealthy alternative options of chips or candy.

3. Simplify. Don't make it complicated. Don't like cooking? No problem. Meals don't need to be filled with multiple ingredients, spices and measurements. Taking whole, basic foods with the right combination can be a very enjoyable and satisfying meal. Try a can of tuna, whole wheat crackers, 2 tablespoons of hummus and baby carrots.; Combine as you wish to get in a serving of protein, whole grains and healthy fats into your diet. So don't forget the basics ? who said a whole grain peanut butter sandwich, banana and yogurt wasn't satisfying?. It was when our moms packed it on our brown bags growing up!

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1.5oz tequila,
1 oz orange juice
1.5 oz sweet/sour
.5 oz grand marneir
fresh juice from half of a lime
Shake and serve overe ice

Hallow's Eve Stew by Josh Shores

Since Halloween falls mid-week this year, we suggest an at-home dinner party to celebrate the national gay holiday.? You can parade your winning costume from the previous weekend's contests, then serve up a great autumn meal before heading out to the parade on Halsted. Easily prepared between greeting the young trick-or-treaters at the door, this hearty, savory treat is sure to delight any trick, or even a small gathering of fiendishly-dressed friends.

Prep time:? 15 minutes
Total cooking time: 2 hours

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 all-natural chicken breasts, cut into bite-size cubes
(Safety note. Raw chicken should never come into contact with other foods. Make sure to thoroughly wash your hands, surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw chicken.)
1 cob sweet yellow corn, taken off cob
1 diced large red pepper
1 diced medium sized jalapeno pepper (seeds in jalapeno add a kick, use at discretion)
3 diced green onions
1 garlic clove, smashed
6 small red potatoes, cubed
1 8 oz can coconut milk
1 small pumpkin or acorn squash (2 to 4 lbs depending on size of party)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
3 dashes of crushed black pepper (use a fresh grinder or dried)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 of cup grated muenster cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cut top off of pumpkin or acorn squash; remove and hollow out inside using an ice cream scoop. Be careful not
to scrape the bottom.

Preheat 1 tablespoon olive oil in non-stick skillet over medium heat on stove.

Add chicken, corn, red pepper, garlic, thyme, chili powder, salt and pepper and saute until brown.

Then add coconut milk, jalapeno, green onion, meat from squash and potatoes.

Bring to light boil and simmer until potatoes feel soft to touch of fork.

Remove from heat and scoop into pumpkin or squash.

Top with shredded muenster cheese? and half cover with top of the pumpkin or squash.

Place on baking sheet or aluminum covered pan and place in oven.? Bake for 1 1/2 hours.

For an added touch serve in hollowed out pie pumpkins (miniature punpkins) or Halloween theme dishes.

Helpful hint: For a larger party increase the size of the pumpkin and double your ingredients.

Fresh Spinach Salad to accompany stew.

Ingredients:

1 8 oz. package pre-washed organic spinach
1/2 cup all natural cranberry trail mix
1/2 jicama, cubed
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 package organic cherry tomatoes, halved

Salad dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Comblne dressing ingredients; set aside.
Place ingredients in large salad bowl.
Add dressing ingredients, toss and serve.

This meal will be such a hit, that you'll want to serve it again and again throughout the fall and winter.