I took Gil out for her birthday on Friday night and we got to do two things we don't normally do. We ate at Mexique on its opening night of operation and then we headed over to Fitzgerald's in Berwyn to catch the Spares.
Mexique has Mexican cuisine with a French influence and the Chef and his wife, Carlos & Iliamar Guytan, are a part of our New Life Lakeview location. I love Carlos' story. He came to Chicago as a young man and started as a dishwasher in a restaurant. When he asked to move up to a cook the owner refused so he moved on to a place where he could learn the trade. He worked his way up little by little so that he was able to apprentice under some of the best chef's in Chicago. The meal was great and the place is very cool--don't miss the chance to have a special date their soon.
The Spares are an Americana/bluegrass country group from Chicago. Jodee, the female voice of the band reminds everyone of Alison Krauss--she's an effortless singer with a great stage presence. Her bandmate Steve is equally skilled. He's got a great voice and is an amazing guitar player. My favorite instrument in the band is the electric mandolin--the guy who plays is awesome and the instrument looks like a guitar that spent too much time in the dryer.
Good to break up the routine of our dates with this night out. We had a great time!
Oh, I love this music! I can't believe I have never heard of them before. And their site has Chicago listed for a few more shows over the summer. Hopefully I'll have a job by then so I can catch at least one. Thanks!
Posted by: Mo | May 19, 2008 at 08:31 AM