It's that time again, so bust out those grills for some more tips from the meat enthusiasts at Man-B-Que. This week the Godfather himself, founder of Man-B-Que, gives us a bacon wrapped shrimp recipe with a twist. Read on for more...

This week on the show we checked out the fresh made potato chips they are serving up @ Jiminy Chips. Make sure you check out the story and stop into one of their five Chicagoland locations.

Welcome to Wardrobe Wednesday (and apparently, alliteration headquarters)!

Day in and out, I see all you fantastic stylistas strutting down Michigan Avenue... and only sometimes have the nerve to stop and ask where you got your bag, shoes, billowing skirt, etc. Bahar and I were hoping the feeling was mutual -- so, we're going to post our favorite outfits from the week...

By all means... steal a look, let a cool jewel inspire you, and hit up some of our favorite shops... afterall, we try to wear the best of the Midwest.

Happy Fashion Friday, Metromixers!

As of today, Jackie and I are going to start posting some of our favorite outfits right here on the blog.

Why? Because we share a mutual love for fashion and take pride in looking stylish on the cheap. How cheap? How about five bucks for a killer vintage belt cheap?

We’re here to help you embrace your inner fashionista, so whenever we stumble upon a new store, great deal, or brilliant style tip, you’ll be the first to know. Enjoy!

This WILL happen at my wedding! Brillz. Kinda long, but mighty uplifting...

My roomate Katie manga'd me yesterday -- see the resemblance?

From Merriam Webster:

Main Entry: man·ga
Pronunciation:\ˈmäŋ-gə\
: a Japanese comic book or graphic novel

First MJ, now this? In another tragic celebrity loss... Gidget, the Chihuahua best known as "the Taco Bell dog" has passed today at 15. Rest in peace.

And in other news, who wants to run (for the border) out for a chalupa???

*photo courtesy of wilcoworld.net

Roger that! In support of their latest, Wilco (the album), these hometown darlings will be playing the UIC Pavillion on Sunday, Oct.18 2009. The band is certainly on top of their game with this new release which has a bit a George Harrison-esque type of sound. Who knows? Maybe one Lesie Feist might show up on stage!

Bad news for all you Lolla-goers looking forward to seeing the hip-hop trio in just a few short weeks. The Beastie Boys have cancalled all of their summer shows. Adam "MCA" Yauch was recently diagnosed wtih a cancerous tumor in his salivary gland, but is hoping for a speedy recovery.

From the above YouTube vid posted on their website, the band seems as bummed about the cancellations as the rest of us. And a statement from EMI had an optimistic Yauch saying:

"I just need to take a little time to get this in check, and then we'll release the record and play some shows. It's a pain in the neck (sorry had to say it) because I was really looking forward to playing these shows, but the doctors have made it clear that this is not the kind of thing that can be put aside to deal with later."

While we too were looking forward to what was surely going to be a memorable performance, we wish the whole band the best. But the questions remains -- do you think Lolla should refund Saturday tickets for those who want it?

The 3rd and final of 2009's Pitchfork Music Festival certainly ended with celebratory bang - compliments of the Flaming Lips!
However, let's do a quick recap. I found yesterday to be the most musically diverse and enjoyable of all. Chicago boys The Killer Whales kicked off the late afternoon with their fast paced mixture of ska and funk. They reminded me the Police's early days... yeah! When the Police were good!

(more after the jump!)

Despite gloomy weather yesterday, the 2nd day of 2009's Pitchfork Music Festival did not disappoint. There were many bands to choose from depending upon your tastes or if you're daring to hear something new. Here were some of days highlights:

Brooklyn's Yeasayer took the Connector Stage around 5:00pm. Their brand of world music a la David Byrne and Brian Eno certainly got the crowd energized and dancing. Mixing electronics with acoustic instruments created an ethereal, yet poppy ambience.



(more after the jump)

Went to the 3rd annual Pitchfork Music Festival last night to check out some great cool bands and to soak up the "indier-than-thou" aura. "Write the Night" was the evening's theme where the ticket buyers were able to vote on the songs that they wanted to be performed. Chicago post-rockers Tortoise started off the night with a fantastic set balanced between their 90's classics: Millions Now Living Will Never Die and TNT.

(more after jump)

For years I've been afflicted with a little-known disease called BBD... Bad Beer Disorder. It's a sickness that quietly creeps on many a cash-strapped college student and can haunt you long beyond graduation. Some are able to shake the watered-down malaise, while others are sadly doomed to a life of keg stands and Natty Ice in can.

Recently -- thanks to my 'beer snob' brother -- I'm proud to say I've kicked the habit of sucking down sucky beer. And the true test of my brew-turity was this weekend at AleFest where we (me, Dad & bro) sipped the best from more than 50 craft brewers!

My pics are surprisingly good, considering they were snapped after about 20 tastes :)

So I came across this open memo from legendary Tribune food critic Phil Vettel to WGN-AM newcomer Greg Jarrett -- and it's quite a tasty read! If you've just moved to Chicago, or maybe you're just new to our blossoming foodie scene... this should be your Bible. With few exceptions in my opinion (Kuma's Corner, Superdawg, Ethiopian Diamond, and Pequod's for deep dish), Vettel pretty much nailed all the must-eats. Now I'm gonna have to go play catch-up...

Welcome to the first installment of our weekly grilling tips/recipes with Man-B-Que! We first met these meat-loving men on Metromix last year, and this summer we thought we'd share with you some tasty tips from the grill aficionados.

First up, a Man-B-Que classic: The Linus Burger. You won’t need any condiments on this burger, trust us! Just keep on reading and check back next week for a delicious cedar plank salmon recipe...

Call your mothers and have them pull the pants outta moth balls, MC *F'in* Hammer will perform this weekend at North Avenue Beach. It's all part of Chicago Sport and Social Club's annual Volleywood event. If you aren't familiar it's the cities largest beach volleyball tourney with over 200 teams competing for over $5,000 in prizes. Volleyball action starts at 9 a.m. and for those that feel like sleeping in the Beach Bash gets underway at noon. Have fun and please don't hurt 'em.

Want a hamburger, french fry and a drink for nothing? Who doesn't right? This Thursday Patty Burger, 72 East Adams, is giving away the combo to Chicago's emergency workers because of the hard work they put in during the long holiday weekend. The deal is good for those who qualify from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Who says hard work doesn't pay?

We're giving away 10, Three Day passes to Lollapalooza 2009 -- wanna win? Email and tell us why you deserve it more that the rest of those jokers!

ANSWER: The famous face in the Pretty Good Dance Moves "Demons Dancing" video you saw at the end of tonight's show is quirky Kristen Schaal -- you know, Mel from Flight of the Conchords. Word on the street is she's a pretty cool chick!

BONUS: Check out the credits on the Youtube vid. The editor? Yours truly :)

One of my most favorite summer pastimes is digging through the piles-upon-piles of treasures at the Chicago Antique Market. Hundreds of vintage connoisseurs gather the best from the Midwest and beyond -- and haul it to Randolph Street the last weekend of every month...

I went this past Saturday and scored the awesome belt above... for $10!!! I snapped some pics of all of the wonderful gadgets and gizmos... check 'em here.

Public Enemies opens today in theaters, and this lucky lady got to chat with three-quarters of the stars. Johnny Depp sadly stopped short of lil' ole "metromix" on the Red Carpet -- but, I did get to query Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard and Director Michael Mann. Enjoy kiddies...