N. A HELPFUL OPINION; A SHARED BIT OF WISDOM; MUCH-NEEDED GUIDANCE
They're the teachers, services, and experts who turned your baby steps into big kids' leaps.
Kyle McHugh Drinks Over Dearborn
When it comes to drinks, Kyle McHugh is raising the bar. His shop, Drinks Over Dearborn, offers a gigantic selection of beer, wine, and spirits – as well as classes in which you can learn about each. Read more
We’ve Got Spirits, How ’Bout You?
Drinks over Dearborn Beverage Shop Opens
boozeword n. A stock phrase used while drunk.
Word on the street is Drinks over Dearborn deserves a toast.
After owner Kyle McHugh buzzes you up to the second-floor space, you’ll get a buzz of a different sort: an exclusive (reasonably priced) selection of 100 beers, 100 wines, and 50 spirits from all over the world.
Vino varietals: sparkling Vouvray, yuzu wine. Assorted ales and beers: representing sixteen countries and twelve local breweries; gluten free, kosher, organic, nonalcoholic; a Swiss beer meant to be heated. Specialty spirits: North Shore Distillery absinthe; the first certified fair trade spirit — a vegan quinoa-based vodka.
McHugh also offers small classes (history of bourbon, sake with Aya Nomoto, basic homebrewing with the Map Room guys), so you can think while you drink.
Which is anything but a boozekill.
Drinks over Dearborn, 650 North Dearborn Street, at Erie Street, second floor (312-337-9463 or theboozehound.com).
April Francis The Haute Closet
April Francis turns closet cases into style mavens. Her wardrobe consulting company, The Haute Closet, will change the way you look, shop, and think. Read more
Pieces of April
The Haute Closet Wardrobe Consulting
Fifteen ugly T-shirts. Six pairs of saggy jeans. Three shrugs.
Revamping your closet: priceless.
Become a closet master with help from stylist and wardrobe consultant April Francis of The Haute Closet. Don’t be intimidated by her runway-esque appearance; Francis is a down-home gal whose goal is to make you feel like a million bucks.
In as little as three hours, she’ll edit your clothes to a tee. Throw attachment out the window — this lady means business. She’ll even quiz you (how do you wear this? What do you like about it?) and have you model a piece before determining its fate.
As for that heap of old clothes? Take it to your nearest Buffalo Exchange.
And make someone else pay the price.
The Haute Closet (april@thehautecloset.com or thehautecloset.com).
Dino Spencer Personal Trainer
Trust us: You don't want to mess with Dino Spencer. Unless, that is, he's training you to kick ass. Using hard-core methods (rope climbing, tire flipping) the professional boxing coach will get you in tip-top shape Read more
Training Day
Ass-Kicker Extraordinaire Dino Spencer
Some days you want to kick everyone’s ass. Bad drivers. The barista with a case of serious battitude. Your boss. Billy from accounting who messed up your paycheck.
Take out your aggression in a healthy way with personal training sessions from Dino Spencer. If his list of accolades (professional boxing coach, fifth-degree black sash in Chinese Shaolin kung fu, owner of Flo Mixed Martial Arts gym in Palatine, personal security for Michael Jordan) isn’t enough to sway you, just look at him: He’s a professional ass-kicker.
At West Loop Gym, Spencer gives his 45-minute sessions, which include jumping rope, squatting, weight lifting, core conditioning, boxing, and sweating like you’ve never sweat before. Sign up with a (weaker) friend to add fun (read: sick pleasure) to the experience.
Even better, Spencer’s prices are reasonable.
Who’s a million-dollar baby now?
Dino Spencer (dino@flomma.com or 847-934-1356). For more information, go to flomma.com. Call today and mention DailyCandy to get a free class.
