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Posts Tagged ‘word_on_the_street’

Eric Smith, NBC Chicago Street Team

On location at the Millennium Hotel, Thursday August 6.

So what brings you to the Windy City?
What brings me to the city is that I’m promoting my new album called “Imperial Blaze”…comes out August 18th.

I see you’ve sold over 10 millions records. Let’s talk about that journey and how you got started from there to Imperial Blaze.

In Stores August 18th.

In Stores August 18th.

For sure…my career started with me just lovin’ music. A friend of mine got into music at the end of high school and it came to pass that I got introduced to studios and people started to like the voice and like the flow. Like the first thing was being on a big stage in Jamaica called “Sting” back in 1998, it featured people like Busta Rhymes from the hip hop world. After that I was able to do a song with DMX who was one of the biggest artists in Jamaica at that time. Then there was a song called “Here Comes The Boom” from the movie “Belly” that Hype Williams produced and what not. And then the song “Deport Dem” really got big in New York City and got a lot of play.

And then about a year after that in 2001 my second album was coming out “Dutty Rock” was comin’ out. The song called “Gimme the Light” got a very big spread. Since I’ve had a couple of songs rank as high as #1 on the Billboard Charts such as “Get Busy”, “Temperature”, a song featuring myself and Beyonce which is a song called “Baby Boy”. A song with Keyshia Cole went to #3 on the BillBoard charts, a song called “Like Glue” went to #7…”I’m still in Love” featuring Sasha went to number 12. So we have a lot of repertoire coming up to this day, man. And those are all different steps, help me to pave the way to be sittin’ here in front of you, ya know what I mean…tellin’ my story of what’s up next in Imperial Blaze.

Now I got started producing festivals with Super Cat. The first time I heard you I was like, “That’s Super Cat!” And they were like…no, no that’s Sean Paul.
The Superdor, Superdor he’s still the Super. Cause you know, he’s my pops in the business! He helped pave the way…I got to give respect to him.

Let’s talk about “So Fine” which is the rockin’ new single out now. Talk about that single and when you know a song is hot and going to blow up.

Well I mean…I try and put feeling into my songs, to my artwork. Feeling is what artwork is about…I think it is about that feeling deep down in your and soul channeling it and bringing it to the rest of world. In “So Fine”, I loved the melody, I loved the chords that was being played in the riddim, so it just took off from there… it’s a club banger cause da riddim is so hot.

So you got any upcoming shows in Chicago?
I’m gonna be here tonight and tomorrow night, so I’m probably just going to go into to clubs and sing and DJ a couple verses, couple line to let people know what’s up. However you can stay in touch with me on allseanpaul.com. It got blogs about reggae and dancehall. It’s got what I been doing lately on it, shows. It’s got a tour schedule dat should be printed up, probably by November this year. People can order my album out August 18th or pre-order it to. Also, like every now and then there’s competitions that run on the site. Like I had an “Ultimate Fan” competition running for about 3 to 4 weeks now, which just ended like this week. So I designed two chains…white gold and diamonds then I gave it to two of my favorite fans who won. Things like that gone happening every now and then on the site.

And one last thing…Sean Paul is it Henriques…? You have a Latin back ground…?
So I got a lot of different blood in me from Black, Portuguese, White from England and Chinese. My father’s family has Portuguese and Black blood. My Chinese and England bloodline comes from my mother’s family.

Well you know, me and my peeps are considering putting together another festival “Metropolatino” and you know we are interested in having you headline to get that moving.

For sure I got that blood there so let’s do it…you can’t keep me out!

Download the audio to hear the entire the Sean Paul “Imperial Blaze” interview!

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

All ye faithful early Christmas adopters — the ones who have been playing holiday songs for the past 30 days — can now open the seasonal floodgates. It’s officially December, so feel free to hark the heralds to your heart’s content.

With the ailing economy, ’tis might be a season where you choose to spend silent (cheaper) nights with that special someone away in a manger, but I suggest you jingle bell rock your way out the door and partake in some of the many festive holiday events going on this week. Otherwise, it might not begin to feel like Christmas.

Log on to nbcchicago.com to see the events for this week.

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Watch the weekly “Word On The Street” segment on 24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” at 12:05 a.m., immediately following Saturday Night Live on NBC5.

For this week’s Word On the Street segment, we headed to Lumen nightclub in the West Loop. If you haven’t been out to Lumen yet, it’s definitely worth a look. The contemporary spot employs clean designs, and is known for it’s state-of-the-art lighting system. The organizers for Fashion Focus Chicago held a kickoff party there last week. Fashion Focus continues until Oct. 8, with several events still on tap. Log on to Chicagofashionresource.com for more information.

Next weekend, head over the the Chicago Country Music Festival, which will be held at Soldier Field Parkland October 11 – 12. Gretchen Wilson and Taylor Swift are the headliners. Expect three performance stages in all, a Kids’ Corral tent and a dance tent. Admission is free. Log on to www.chicagocountrymusicfestival.us for more information.

With one more month left until the election, more and more attention is being paid to the issues surrounding the campaign — if it’s even possible to give it more coverage than we’ve already seen. If your interest lies more toward the satiral side of things, check out “No Experience Necessary,” a sketch comedy at the Greenhouse Theater. The theater troupe, MPAACT, is known for its cutting-edge material, and this latest effort is written by up-and-coming Chicago comedian and actor Kevin Douglas.

Next weekend, get ready for one of the most significant annual events in our fair city, the Chicago Marathon. It’s truly an amazing event to witness live as thousands of runners take to the streets. Whether you’re cheering on a particular runner or supporting the masses, there’s plenty of locations around the city to do so. Click here for spectator information.

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Watch the weekly “Word On The Street” segment on 24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” at 12:05 a.m., immediately following Saturday Night Live on NBC5.

This week we headed to the Crimson Lounge in the Sax Hotel, the House of Blues swanky hotel, for our Word on the Street segment. It was the preview party for the Chicago International Film Festival, which runs October 16 – 29. Each film at the festival will be a premiere, so every night is an opening night, according to festival organizers. This year’s festival is dedicated to Roger Ebert.

As for events going on in the city this week, there’s no question that Fashion Focus Chicago is the most anticipated event. It’s the fourth year for this showcase, an opportunity to feature Chicago’s up-and-coming fashion designers. Who would think of Mayor Daley as a proponent of keeping our fashion scene on the cutting edge, but give him props, he conceived of this idea and has made it happen. Check out my interview with the City of Chicago’s Melissa Gamble previewing the event.

Geek alert! Wired Nextfest kicked off today in Millenium Park. Don’t know what it’s about? Then you’re probably still rockin’ a Sony Walkman and predicting the Internet is still a fad. For the rest of you, get more info here.

It may not feel like Fall, but make no mistake — the calendar will soon say October, and you’ll be making your Halloween plans. Well, while the weather is still a bit less than frightful, check out Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America through November 2. Six Flags will transform from theme park to scream park! OK, that’s their words, but if you’re into this sort of thing, this is the place to be. Click here for more info.

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Watch the weekly “Word On The Street” segment on 24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” at 12:05 a.m., immediately following Saturday Night Live on NBC5.

We headed over to the Chicago New Media Summit‘s social hour for this week’s Word on the Street segment. The first upcoming event we showcased was “Common and Friends” Benefiting Chicago Youth. The Chicago native is bringing some some of his music celebrity friends for a concert next Saturday at the House of Blues. Common, Will i Am, Talib Kweli, The Roots, Bilal and Marsha of Floetry will all be performing. Click here for ticket information.

If hip hop isn’t your speed, check out the World Music Festival, which runs this week through Thursday. Performances will be held at a variety of venues throughout the city, showcasing a variety of traditional and contemporary music from various cultures. Many of the performances are free, so check out the Web site for more information.

Finally, there’s a lot of buzz about Chicago Gourmet. Think Taste of Chicago, only indoors — and less sweaty people. The organizers describe it as a celebration of food, wine and city’s rich culinary history. Chefs will be coming from all over the world to showcase their skills, so be sure to check it out. Log on to ChicagoGourmet.org for more information.

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Watch the weekly “Word On The Street” segment on 24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” at 12:05 a.m., immediately following Saturday Night Live on NBC5.

For this week’s segment we headed to the Windy City Wine Festival to talk about some of the events coming up this week. I’ve never personally been to the Universoul Circus, but I’m told it’s quite the spectacle. It kicks off Wednesday in Washington Park. Think about your traditional circus under the big top, but with an added international and urban edge. Log onto to http://www.universoulcircus.com for more information or call (773) 256-1248.

It may be September, but it’s never too early to get a jump on Oktoberfest. Berghoff Restaurant will help you in that respect, with an Oktoberfest celebration running Wednesday through Friday this week at Federal Plaza Square (219 S. Dearborn St.). The free event features live music, food, drinks and raffles. You may have to sneak out of work for this one, as the festivities kick off at 11:45 a.m. each day and the last band takes the stage at 5 p.m.

If you wanted to do something outside of the city limits next weekend, Wheaton is a good option for the DuPage County Fall Festival. This free festival features a 5k run and walk, food vendors, a craft fair, a car show, live music and much more. It will be held Saturday at the DuPage Convalescent Center (400 N. County Farm Road). Call (630) 784-4495 for more information.

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Watch the weekly “Word On The Street” segment on 24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” at 12:05 a.m., immediately following Saturday Night Live on NBC5.

Morton’s Steakhouse was good enough to let us use their Wacker Street location for our Word On The Street segment this week. Morton’s is without question one of the contenders in the “best Chicago steak” debate, but over time I’ve learned it’s also a great place for happy hour, with daily bar specials making it also easier on the wallet.

As for the events on tap, it looks like the Wine Crush in Old Town is a good bet next weekend. Wells Street will be transformed into a European-style market with food from local restaurants, tastings, fashions shows and a grape stomping competition.

You can also swing over to the Andersonville Music and BBQ Festival in the 5500 block of North Ashland. Or break out the kilts for the annual Celtic Fest in Grant Park, which promises more than 150 performances on nine stages.

Mexican Independence Day is coming up, and there’s three parades to help celebrate. Parades are scheduled for Pilsen, South Chicago and 26th Street.

Sure the weather is starting to feel a bit like fall, but there’s still a tad bit of summer left and plenty of ways to do it justice!

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Watch the weekly “Word On The Street” segment on 24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” at 12:05 a.m., immediately following Saturday Night Live on NBC5.

As summer starts to wind down, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to jump on one of the many boats that daily work their way up and down the Chicago River for this week’s segment. The good folks at Wendella Boats (www.wendellaboats.com) were good enough to let us jump on a Water Taxi for a wonderful-looking backdrop of the city. Wendella runs a variety of boat tours, including the popular Architecture Tour, various sightseeing tours, private charters, wine tasting tours and summer fireworks cruises. Get it all in now before it starts getting a little uncomfortable out there.

Last year, one of my favorite outings was the Windy City Wine Festival — so nice, I’ll have to do it twice. It all goes down Sept. 5-6 at Daley Bicentennial Plaza at 337 E. Randolph St. Tickets are $25 and $10 for “designated driver” tickets. Binny’s provides the suds, and if I remember correctly from last year, I actually learned a little something when I was out there, as the pourers hipped me to some great new varieties of champagne.

Two food and music festivals to point out next weekend with an international flair. Check out the Ukrainian Village Fest Friday through Sunday. It takes place at the Saints Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church in West Town, 2245 W. Superior St. And the 8th Annual German-American Festival will be held in Lincoln Square on Saturday and Sunday, and it’s absolutely free. 4700 N. Lincoln Ave. is where it all goes down.

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Watch the weekly “Word On The Street” segment on 24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” at 12:05 a.m., immediately following Saturday Night Live on NBC5.

This week we taped our Word On The Street segment at the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival. This is turning into one of my favorite summer in Chicago pastimes — although I was never a big fan of the Blues Brothers movie (I know that’s sacrilegious in Chicago parts), and watching it on the big screen didn’t help it out much. Also a word for the people who bring chairs to the park — nobody can see behind you! Not cool. Anyway, click here for more information. Movie start times are at dusk, which I can’t help noticing is getting earlier and earlier.

The Chicago Park District has a number of events throughout the summer designed to help kids get in touch with nature. In this week’s segment, I specifically mentioned Toddlers, Tunes and Turtles at Piotrowski Park, but click here for even more family-friendly Park District events.

Speaking of family friendly, don’t forget about the Bud Billiken Parade next weekend. If you’ve never witnessed this, check it out this year. It’s one of the funnest parades I’ve ever witnessed. Sure endless school marching and drill teams can get kind of redundant, but every now and then they throw something else in the mix, like a group of jammin’ Hari Krishnas, or a Caribbean band and dancers. Fun times. It always falls on the second Saturday of August, so check it out next week.

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Watch the weekly “Word On The Street” segment on 24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” at 12:05 a.m., immediately following Saturday Night Live on NBC5.

Hanging Out Downtown

This week we used the beautiful backdrop of Millenium Park to shoot our segment. We were initially going to use Grant Park, but unfortunately there wasn’t much happeing that Tuesday nights (at least until the Outdoor Film Festival starts in a couple of weeks. But I’m getting ahead of myself.)

Anyway, there’s plenty of options for live music, dance lessons and much more from Wednesday on into the weekends, and most of it is sponsored by the City of Chicago, which does a fabulous job of providing free and interesting entertainment in what’s often referred to as Chicago’s front yard. Here’s a few Web sites if you’re looking for some ideas.

Mayor’s Office Of Special Events
Chicago Park District
Millenium Park Web Site
The Local Tourist Festival Guide

Wii Wars at Harry Caray’s Tavern

I hesited before including this item this week. After all, the Crosstown Classic is on the South Side. And I’m not sure about this new Harry Caray’s in Wrigleyville. I’ve been once, and quite frankly, it felt a little sterile and lacked personality. The joint they had in there before was always jumping after Cubs games, and you were always guaranteed some good entertainment when the tipsy crowd whipped itself into a frenzy — especially after a Cubs win.

But I digress. It takes time for bars to develop a personality. And every Tuesday should be fun when Harry Caray’s allows you to match your skills against a celebrity at Wii Wars. It kicked off on June 17th when visitors had a chance to play Home Run Derby with none other than Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks. Brian Urlacher and former Cub Ryne Sandberg will also participate this summer.

Festival Of Life

I don’t get a lot of opportunities to really experience my Caribbean roots in this city — although the odd trek to Uncle Joe’s on the south side for some jerk chicken hits the spot — so that’s why I always look forward to the yearly African Caribbean celebration in Washington Park, which kicks off on Thursday.

Not only is it a fun time during the day, with a huge amount of food and merchandise vendors, but the music is off the hook as well. This year, Beenie Man is back on Friday (check out our 2006 interview). A name that true roots reggae heads will recognize is Gregory Isaacs, who will perform Saturday. And fellas, make sure you take your lady to this one, because no one sings a love song like Gregory Isaacs (sample). And on Saturday night, another reggae legend, Junior Reid, headlines. Check the Web site for more info.

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Watch the weekly “Word On The Street” segment on 24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” at 12:05 a.m., immediately following Saturday Night Live on NBC5.

Dana Spa and Hotel

This week’s Word On The Street segment took us to the brand new Dana Spa and Hotel, a Chicago owned and operated facility located at 660 N. State St. The word “Dana” translates in Sanskrit to “the pleasure of giving,” which is what the operators of this swanky new establishment try to deliver.

The hotel is set up to be a refuge from all the hustle and bustle from the busy downtown streets surrounding it. Along with the plush rooms, the spa offers a full range of treatments. The hotel restaurant, Ajasteak, is looking to put its stamp on the city’s culinary map. Think of it as a traditional steakhouse with an Asian twist. Make sure you check out their signature floating sushi bar, located on the first and second floors.

Gen Art Chicago Film Festival

Five movies, five nights, five after-parties. It can only mean the second annual Gen Art Chicago Film Festival. The festival kicks off Monday, with the opening night event being held at The Music Box, 3733 N Southport.

Two of the stars of the opening night movie, Bart Got A Room, will be at the Opening Night event — Alisa Shawkat (star of the upcoming Arrested Development movie), and Steve Kaplan.

A $75 pass gets you into all five nights of activities, including the after-parties.

Check out an interview about the festival with one of the organizers.


Taste Of Chicago

What more can you say about the Taste of Chicago? It’s one of Chicago’s most famous events, even though many locals turn up their nose at the over-the-top sweat-fest.

But pick your spots and Taste can be a great time (like playing hooky from work and going during the day when it’s less-crowded).

The music lineup is pretty stellar this year, with Stevie Wonder, Chaka Kahn, Joss Stone, Bonnie Raitt and more taking to the stage.

Load up the kids — Taste kicks off on Friday.

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

This week’s Word On The Street segment took us to Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar, located at 3358 N. Paulina St.

Frasca is a cool little neighborhood spot that is perfect for a quick bite or dinner with friends. They offer a wide variety of pizza, bruschetta, and of course, an extensive wine list.

They’ve just kicked off a weekend brunch service with bottomless mimosas for $10. Of course, I had to try something during our visit, and I was intrigued by the breakfast pizza. Think of a normal pizza, only this one has sausage and a few eggs on top sunnyside-up. Good morning!

We also touched on the Chicago Summerdance Festival, which kicks off this week. The free group dancing events are held in the Spirit of Chicago Music Garden in Grant Park, every Thursday until Aug. 24. Bands play until 10 p.m., so you can practice what you just learned!

If you’re looking for something to do next weekend, consider the 59th Annual Old Town Art Fair in the historic Old Town Triangle District. Around 260 invited artists will display paintings, sculptures, ceramics and more. Factor in the live music and kids activities and you have enough to keep you busy for an entire day.

My time is up. And that’s the Word on the Street.

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Watch the weekly “Word On The Street” segment on 24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” at 12:05 a.m., immediately following Saturday Night Live on NBC5.

Park 52

For this week’s ”Word On The Street” segment we hit Park 52, a welcome addition to Hyde Park’s culinary scene. Designer/owner Jerry Kleiner again teams with Marc Brooks to put their signature stamp on this space.

When you walk in Park 52′s circular rotating main door, you’re immediately reminded of this duo’s previous collaboration, South Loop’s Room 21. Think rich reds and plush, velvety accoutrements in the design, along with the signature Kleiner hand-made silk shantung lighting fixtures. Be sure to check out the high fashion and celebrity photography in black and white and color. Jerry doesn’t spare any detail in his projects, and will not rush any restaurant into opening until his vision is reached — in design, food and service.

Executive Chef Chris Barron (Opera, Red Light, Ritz Carlton, Beverly Hilton, Border Grill, Park Hyatt) and Sous Chef Matt Moss (Cascina Langa Italy, Crofton on Wells, Butter) are behind the food, described as an American bistro dinner menu. Beginning in June, the chefs will buy ingredients from Hyde Park’s weekly Farmer’s Market and incorporate it into the menu.

Park 52
5201 S. Harper Ct
773-241-5200

No Country For Old White Men

Second City is without question one of Chicago’s treasures, and the launching pad for a countless amount of comedians who later went on to the “big time.” And as on SNL — where some of these performers could end up one day — politics seem to be the easiest fodder for laughs.

The previous show, “Between Barack and a Hard Place” was a resounding success, and the current production, “No Country For Old White Men,” mines the same topical, political satire. This from the press release:

“From a You Tube electorate grabbing their 15 minutes of fame to a rare US visit by the British House of Commons, No Country for Old White Men is trading in its Cadillac and country club membership for some sweet soul food and a side of girl power.”

Tickets for No Country for Old White Men are available by phone at (312) 337-3992 or online at www.secondcity.com.

Return Of The Cocktail Party

Looking for something to do on Tuesday nights? Go retro at Return of the Cocktail Party, at River North hotspot Martini Park.

Sip on one of the old-style cocktails — Side Cars, Old Fashioneds, Manhattans — all while kicking back in the loungy and colorful surroundings.

Oh ya, can’t have a cocktail party without the music. Each night will feature a different singer. Check the calendar to see who will be performing.

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Check out the weekly “Word On the Street” segment on “24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” Saturday nights at 12:05 a.m. following SNL.

Rebar: Trump Hotel

This week’s “Word On The Street” segment took us to new swanky lounge inside the Trump Hotel and Tower,
Rebar
. Thanks to the Trump folks for being so gracious and providing us with a beautiful backdrop for the shoot.

I sampled several of the signature cocktails offered at Rebar and I have to give them a thumbs up, based on the originality and the freshness of the ingredients. (Cocktail Menu) And the same can be said for the sushi, which was also phenomenal.

Fellow Street Teamer Liz Holland visited Rebar’s official opening a couple of weeks ago. Click here to check out her take on Rebar.

In a wonderful city filled with a generous amount of things to do and see and places to hang out, add another stellar contender to the mix.

Cinco de Mayo

While compiling information for our Cinco de Mayo portion of the segment, I ran into Esteben Creste, Telemundo’s VP of News. He gave me an interesting tidbit. Apparrently a lot of people believe that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican Independence Day, but that celebration actually occurs on Sept. 16. Cinco de Mayo is actually a celebration of the victory of Mexican forces over the French in 1862. So there you have it.


Click here to check out a list of Cinco de Mayo events.

Legends Of House Music Party

Everybody knows that Chicago is the home of house music. At least I think everyone knows that. I was surprised by a recent conversation with a Chicagoan who had no idea the extent of Chicago’s involvement in the evolution of house.

There will be no bigger celebration of house music culture than next Friday, at the Legends of House Music Party in Dolton, IL. Frankie Knuckles, Steve Silk Hurley, Andre Hatchett and other legendary house music figures will be in the house, along with hundreds of people jack-jack-jack-jack-jacking their bodies. Click here for ticket information.

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Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Check out the weekly “Word On the Street” segment on “24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” Saturday nights at 12:05 a.m. following SNL.

ZED451

One of the most talked-about new spots in the city has to be ZED451, located at the corner of Clark and Superior in the bustling River North neighborhood. That’s where we decided to use as a backdrop for this week’s 24/7 Chicago “Word On The Street” segment.

My first impression was the absolute sheer size of the restaurant. No matter what type of ambience you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find it in here somewhere. My choice this summer will be the rooftop deck — for happy hour — which sports a variety of seating and even real grass!

The waiters walking around with choice cuts of meat will remind you of a Brazilian steakhouse, but the folks at ZED451 will be quick to correct you. They’re going for a more international feel with this restaurant. Here’s another tip — hang out at the chef’s table and get the meat right of the grill for maximum enjoyment.

 Visit www.zed451.com for more information, and check out DLeo’s blog earlier this week on his experience at the ZED. 

Artropolis

I thought I would have to write this blog myself, but it looks like Liz beat me to the punch. Needless to say, you have two more days to check out this cultural fest. Click here to read Liz’ review on Artropolis.

Looptopia

Apparently Looptopia was so nice they had to do it twice. Yes, the dusk till dawn celebration is back for another year, scheduled for May 2. More than 100,000 people are expected to converge on the downtown area for this year’s festivities, comprising of around 100 venues. The Street Team blogged this last year, and will be back at it again this time around. Log on to http://www.looptopia.com for more information.

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