Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Under the Radar: The Orbit Room

Any exploration outside the heart of the city will reveal literally hundreds of neighborhood bars, otherwise nameless save the ubiquitous Old Style or Schlitz signs marking their existence. In a bygone era, these corner taverns served a valuable purpose as social hubs for the community. In more recent times, not so much. When one of these relics inevitably gives way to new proprietors, there is always a sense of anticipation as to what the change will bring.

The Orbit Room (2959 N California) replaces one of these venerable establishments and provides a much needed breath of nightlife to the Avondale neighborhood. Inside, the Orbit Room has been made over from top to bottom with classic cocktail lounge décor, consisting of a full-length banquette, tables and stools. The entire south wall is occupied by a vintage oak bar with a matching wood, mirror and lit-glass surround. In warmer months, an attached patio deck more than doubles the available seating space.

The vibe is reminiscent of Wicker Park of several years ago: laid-back, mildly artsy and without attitude. A seemingly bottomless and varied flow of music entertains guests without drowning out conversation. The full bar is complimented by a well-rounded, if not expansive beer list. And, in addition to a menu that goes beyond ordinary bar fare, the Orbit Room also offers nightly specials to entice would-be patrons and reward regulars. ($2 Schlitz on Mondays is both a fun idea and a tribute to the bar’s former occupants.) Area residents and curious passersby are encouraged to give the Orbit Room a try for a pint, bite or martini.

Rating: 3 flasks

Launch Pad tip: If you’ve over-imbibed, have the bartender call you a cab. Finding one on the street can be a bit iffy.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

It’s Not What You Eat, It’s Where You Eat


Dining solo at a downtown food-court, I found myself sans reading material. This is always a predicament for me, as I hate to have nothing better to do during my meal than stare at fellow patrons. It tends to come across as creepy. So, after reading every last syllable on my bag of Garden of Eatin’® Sea-Salt Pita Chips (Hmmm, made in Boulder, Colorado), my attention moved to my already wrinkled receipt: 1 falafel pita (a tad dry, but not without its charms), the aforementioned chips and a medium soft-drink, Sub-Total $6.94, Sales Tax $.72, Total Due $7.66. Now, my mathematics abilities will never be confused with 17th century genius Gottfried Leibniz, but a quick set of calculations on my cell phone told me the sales tax I just paid for my lunch was a staggering 10.37463977%.

Unfortunately, like most Chicago residents, I’m already conditioned to the high sales tax rate in the city. I’m also painfully aware of the busload of new tax increases proposed by the Cook County Board and City of Chicago. What I did not know was that sales taxes in some parts of the city have already crossed that magic/tragic 10% barrier. In addition to the 9% rate imposed by the city, county and state, the city of Chicago imposes an additional .25% sales tax on restaurants. So, where does the extra 1% tax come from? I’ve found reference to a special tax assessed on dining establishments located in the downtown business and entertainment districts, though finding independent confirmation has proved about as fruitful as waiting for Godot. Whatever the source, the intended target of this levy is likely the favorite of tax assessors everywhere: The Tourist.

Whether here on business or pleasure, the logic has always been to place as much of the tax burden as possible on visitors rather than local residents. That is why taxes on hotel rooms and rental cars are always significantly higher than others. But creating a tax based on a restaurant’s location may be taking things a bit too far, and may have largely missed its mark, unfairly affecting many Chicagoans.

Not that many years ago, the Loop was a ghost-town after dark. Now, the Loop and nearby areas have developed into genuine neighborhoods, complete with 24/7 residents. These residents will take the additional hit every time they eat out near their homes. Add to that the thousands who converge on the city-center each morning, many of whom work in retail or service sector jobs, which pay at or near minimum wage. (The average retail employee in Chicago earns $9.43/hr.) Perhaps taxing the Happy Meals the family from Wichita buys at Navy Pier makes sense. But what about lunch for the cashier working at the kiosk down the way? Non-rhetorically, is there a point where the tax-bite would deter you from eating out?

(The boundaries of the downtown restaurant surcharge remain murky. As a dedicated correspondent and someone who eats almost every day, I will make every attempt to dine my way to the answer. I’m helping the economy, right?)

Thursday, October 25, 2007

World Boxing Championships Round 2

So, you were not aware that the 2007 AIBA World Boxing Championships take place in Chicago October 23rd through November 3rd? Don’t worry, although the international event serves as an Olympic qualifier for the 2008 Beijing games, 99% of Chicagoans had no knowledge of the event 48 hours prior to the first punch. Now that the fights are underway, I would estimate the “unaware factor” in mid-80’s.

Though the city admirably stepped in to host the event a mere 6 months ago, after Moscow took a TKO, somewhere between then and now the city, the AIBA and the USOC have done an inadequate job of promoting the event. While boxing is no longer a marquee sport in the U.S., hosting a bi-annual World Championships in the run-up to the Olympics should be a major draw.

I am by no means a boxing fan. I more a sports fan in general and only found myself at the Thursday preliminary session due to a fluke of scheduling mixed with the novelty of watching top amateur fighters for a measly $11. Unfortunately, not many other casual fans had free-time. Charitably, I would estimate that there were 400 spectators in the stands. (Although a weekday session, this can not look good to the IOC selection committee, who are in town to observe the proceedings.) Of those in attendance, it is impossible to tell how many were wearing credentials and how many, like me, walked up and bought tickets. Scattered groups of supporters rooted vigorously for fighters from their favored countries, injecting some life into what could have been a library-like atmosphere. Seven flag-draped fans screamed in rapid support of their favorite Mongolian fighter, Lusvanteseren Zorigtbaatar, who disappointed in a lopsided loss.

From an organizational standpoint, the city and the event planners should be applauded. The event logo and graphic design have a sharp retro-look, reminiscent of the design-scheme used in posters for the 1933 World’s Fair. The UIC Pavilion is a perfect venue for the event, with excellent sightlines to watch the concurrent matches, which take place in 2 adjacent rings. The organizers precisely staggered the bouts, so that there was continuous action in at least one ring at all times. Fighters, referees and judges from all corners of the world rotated for the various bouts without error or delay. And the fighting itself, while not always masterful, was earnest and urgent. In addition to winning and losing, in some cases national pride was at stake.

According to the official website, “highlights” of the competition will be shown on Fox Sunday, November 4th, A DAY AFTER the actual finals take place. It’s a shame that the first time many hear or see these hopeful, young fighters will be after the ropes are packed.

Punch Drunk Glove


It’s 11:24AM and, apparently hungrier, Hungarian Pal Bedak has just scored a 24-9 victory over Columbian punching bag Oscar Padilla in a preliminary bout at the 2007 AIBA World Boxing Championships. I’m not sure when amateur boxing adopted football-like scores, but I’m not sure that I mind. (3 of the 5 ringside judges must indicate a clean punch for a point to be accrued. After four 2 minute rounds, total points scored determine the winner.) With a moment’s reflection, it seems a hundred times more logical than the mysterious “10 point must” judging system used by professional boxing federations.

Of course, a knock-out would have been exciting, but these early bouts are in the 106lb (48kg) Light Flyweight division. Though fast, nimble and active, fighters at this weight don’t possess the power to knock out a cold. With the prospects of mat-time at a minimum, I’m starting to like this scoring system better all the time.

The lone American on the morning fight card is Rau’shee Warren, defending bronze medalist from the 2005 Championships. He cruises to a 20-8 win over an out-matched fighter from arch U.S. rival Uzbekistan. During four rounds of dominance, I can feel my patriotism swell, as I root for a fighter I had not heard of five minutes before. The chants of “USA” between rounds give me a case of goose bumps. I experience a rare moment that affirms the inherent goodness in sport, and its power to unite otherwise disparate people in a common cause.

“Down goes Fraser!” I mean Parlagi. In the lone knock-down of the session, the eager Slovakian fighter steps into a short right from his Bulgarian opponent. As knockdowns only count as a single point, the overall impact of the blow is minimal. Parlagi jumps to his feet and goes on to methodically jab his way to an easy twelve point victory.

In the last fight of the day, England’s Frankie Gavin takes on Barbados’ Omar Ward. After round 1, Ward has yet to score a single point (5-0). Mid-way through round 3, Ward is down 18-0 and the few remaining fans (more on that above) begin to take up his cause. All they want is for the young amateur to score a single point. Ward bobs and lunges in with a left jab. Gavin deflects the blow and counters with a 1-2 combination. The referee jumps in between the two men. The 20 point slaughter rule has been enacted. And in the blink of an eye, the fight and sessions 6 A&B of the 2007 AIBA World Boxing Championships are over.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Dude, there’s a China link on the right side of your Chicago blog


Hey, thanks for noticing, but contrary to all indications this is not a mistake. This fledgling blog seeks to explore Chicago “and beyond”, and really, you can’t get much further beyond Chicago than China. (about 6597 miles give or take)

China Rises: Notes from the Middle Kingdom is an insightful look into life, culture and Chinese society in general. Written by Beijing bureau chief for McClatchy Newspapers Tim Johnson, China Rises provides a continuous supply of interesting information that delves far deeper than the 30 second sound bytes on the evening news. After reading a few posts, you’ll be captivated by the intricacies and paradoxes of a society that is, after all, 5,000 years older than ours.

Besides, the Beijing Olympics begin in a little over 9 months, on 8/8/08, placing China in the world’s spotlight. (Admit it, there’s nothing like watching Team Handball on a 15 hour delay.) Nearly everyday another product recall makes headlines. (I’m waiting for the story: “Chinese lead found to contain high amounts of lead.”) Meanwhile, avoiding these same Chinese goods in the marketplace is as easy as taking 10 laps in the pool without getting wet. There is the question of Taiwan, China’s interesting relationships with Burma and North Korea, the unbalanced Yuan, Tibet, product piracy, the Great Firewall of China and probably a dozen things I failed to mention.

And just to balance things out, I promise to add Jessica Alba to the “Useful Links” section, ASAP.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Under the Radar…Fonda del Mar

Any $17.95 guidebook can tell you the best Mexican cuisine in Chicago, and perhaps America, can be found at Rick Bayless’ Frontera Grill/Topolobampo. But this blog is as free as those wee samples they give away at the grocery store, so Launch Pad Chicago strives to take you deeper into the tangled and fascinating culinary landscape of the city. Follow me if you dare…to eat really good food.

My Under the Radar pick for Mexican fare is Fonda del Mar (3759 W Fullerton). Though clearly becoming a destination spot, Fonda del Mar remains largely unknown to the uninitiated, due to its “out of the way” location on the near northwest side. Look for a non-descript sign on the south side of a rather non-descript block, find a meter to feed and enter the “Boardinghouse of the Sea” to have the favor returned.

Diners are welcomed by informal bistro décor and an open kitchen that compliments the accommodating service and family-run atmosphere. Entrées I will leave for you to discover (isn’t that half the fun of dining out?), but for appetizers I might recommend tacos Ensenada, fish tacos served with a savory salsa of octopus, squid and bay scallops. And for all that is good in the world I implore you to try the corn tamales, an exquisite creation that just might be as good for dessert as it is to start a meal. (i.e. They don’t suck.)

Fonda del Mar is highly recommended for its charm, fresh food and authentic character. How do I know it’s authentic? As I found out upon my first sip, they even brew their coffee traditional way, with cinnamon.

Launch Pad tip: Stop at the panderia (bakery) across the street and take home some delicious, and ridiculously cheap, pastries.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

A Room With A View…For Now


In the mid-distance, the two cranes pointing upward like mismatched insect antennae mark the future home of The Chicago Spire, the 2000 foot sky-gouger by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. The narrow, twisting tower, already dubbed “The Drill-Bit” (by me), will be the tallest building in North America – surpassing the yet to be constructed Freedom Tower in New York. The ground-breaking, which began in the summer of 2007, has skyscraper enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. (Yes, in fact there are enthusiasts for everything on earth, including skyscrapers.)

Some local residents don’t share the same buzz. They complain of issues with over-development, neighborhood congestion and the effects on home values at a time of a nationwide downturn in the real estate market. (Reportedly, the Spire’s asking prices will more closely resemble central London than Chicago.) The Spire’s supporters counter that the building itself is a work of artistic expression, and cite the positive economic impact the building will have in terms of jobs and an increase in the tax base.

There is no doubt that the Spire will transform the city’s skyline forever, further cementing Chicago’s reputation as one of the world’s architecture capitals. At the same time, the Spire can never replicate or replace the simple beauty of nature. There is a sense of utter peace watching the sunrise, as the first rays refract golden across the rippling water. That sense of peace can never be replicated in a static structure, no matter how gracefully designed. This is particularly true, when the building in question is an over-sized version of something I can find in aisle 7 of my local Ace Hardware.