Tourist in my own city

   Have you ever spent a day being a tourist in the city you live in?  After being out of town weekend after weekend for friends' wonderful weddings all summer long, Whit and I thought it was about time for a little vacation in our own favorite city... Chicago.

What America spends on booze - 1982 v. 2011

         Prices at bars restaurants have gone up 79% since, my birth year, 1982.  This explains why my dad thought the vendor at the Roger Waters concert was f*n with him when he asked for $8.50 for an Old Style.

 Full NPR article here.

Bearded Beers

If you have not tried this beer yet, do yourself a favor and pick one up today.  While I'm not usually the biggest fan of New Belgium's lineup, I've really been digging their Belgo India Pale Ale. This addition to the Explore series is perfect for summer drinking with a nice balance between bitter and sweet. Nicely carbonated to keep the drinking smooth, and with a 7%ABV it packs a punch that tends to sneak up on you.

I picked up my sixer at West Lakeview Liquors ,aka The Rooster, on Addison and Leavitt.  This place has an amazing selection of craft brew.  Stop in next time you're looking for some killer beer.