A sweet 16th edition of Things Discussed at the Brewhaus (and beyond)

One thing I've learned is you don’t have to confine Brewhaus-like conversations to the Brewhaus.  Any place with good booze and a flat surface is liable to induce lively conversations and debate.  For instance, here are a dozen topics recently discussed at the Brewhaus and other similar environs:

A Chicago fast food sampler – part four: Barbara Ann’s

Let’s see … earlier this year we covered Chicago-style pizza, Italian beef and hot dogs (high-end and classic Chicago-style).  What’s left?  Well, the Young Curmudgeon couldn't leave town without hitting a classic south side barbecue joint.  Fortunately, we discovered Barbara Ann’s. 

Located at the corner of 76^th and Cottage Grove, Barbara Ann’s is deeply entrenched in Chicago’s south side.   Its carry-out only storefront is located in front of Barbara Ann’s Motel, which caters to those who take advantage of the motel’s weekly rates.

Random observations from SOHO Music Festival No. 9

It’s time to put my spin as both a blogger and volunteer on another successful SOHO Music Festival after the ninth annual celebration of live, local music to support the Mini O’Bierne Crisis Nursery was held June 7 and 8 in downtown Springfield, Ill.    

When I wrote about last year’s festival, I touched upon the controversy created by Springfield Mayor Mike Houston when he – seemingly out of the blue – decided all downtown music festivals had to be quiet by 9:30 p.m.  Well, nobody played along with that, of course, and that order was quickly rescinded after a resounding thunder of negative press came the mayor’s way.  So, you would have thought this year’s event would have been relatively controversy-free. 

A Chicago fast food sampler – Part Three: Wiener’s Circle

Before I continue my series of Chicago fast food joints, I want to thank my faithful followers (all five of them) for all the kind words about this blog over the past week.  It’s very gratifying to know people are reading and seem to like my slant on things.  It has definitely helped me get out of a personal funk and hopefully broken the writer’s block I've had over the past couple of months. 

On to stop #3 on my Chicago fast food binge with the Young Curmudgeon – Wiener’s Circle.