Wed. November 3, 2010
By Terrence Chappell
It wasn't even five years ago when I was a junior at the Missouri School of Journalism working on features and hardcore news stories. I'm pretty sure I wrote an obituary every now and then. After graduation, I was pretty confident that I'd be that reporter to get the scoop on hard-hitting news. HA! My column is hardly hard-hitting news, unless you count fabulousity (I totally made that word up) and checking out the best Chicago has to offer as hard-hitting news. I'm sorry Ms. Rowe, my magazine editing teacher, but this is so much more fun!
I was absolutely elated when Effen Vodka asked me to host another one of their Art of Design events. This time the event took place at the West Loop's Victor Hotel, a much more spacious choice, so all my guests were able to get in, sample some specialty cocktails, and make new friends. Once again, the event featured several mixologists competing for the title of best Effen-infused cocktail. Guests voted for their favorites by placing a marble in each mixologist's selected bottle at the table. The winners were the yellow team for their cocktail titled summer don't go. The yellow team included Danny Rossi of VLIVE and Halsted Street's very own Shawn Hazen of Roscoe's Tavern. The gay community was well represented at the event, so it didn't hurt that Hazen was as delish as his cocktail! Congrats to Effen Vodka and LimeGreen Entertainment for putting on another successful event! And if you want to give Hazen and Rossi's summer don't go a try, here's the recipe:
2oz EFFEN® Black Cherry
½ cucumber
3 2" chunks Watermelon
3 Basil Leaves
1 oz. Simple Syrup
Juice of ½ a small lemon
Slice ½ of a cucumber into small pieces and muddle with EFFEN® Black Cherry in a shaker, add in watermelon, 3 basil leaves ripped in half to release flavor, simple syrup, lemon juice and ice. Shake and serve up with cucumber slice garnish.
P.Y.G. celebrated its last night out before the new year at J Bar. Although we are still in our infancy, it's great to see my idea transition into a working project and become an actual reality. Guests could opt in for a complimentary fortune reading by Barbara Meyer, or socialize and network with other guests. In support of Dan Savage's It Gets Better Campaign, guests could contribute their video recorded advice, suggestions, or words of encouragement. A portion of the proceeds went to benefit Center on Halsted and its programs. I'd like to thank the good people at J Bar, my board of directors, Center on Halsted, Barbara Meyer, ChicagoPride's own Anthony Meade, and everyone who came out to support P.Y.G. Stay tuned as we have a whole new calendar of events planned for 2011.
Until next update, I'll be back to report, "Nothing but the facts maam."
For the complete article (non-reader view with multimedia and original links),
Tap here.
Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com