Famous Man Caves in History

!±8± Famous Man Caves in History

Famous Man Caves in History

A man cave is a male sanctuary where a man can go to be away from the stresses of life. He can just be alone or hang out with other men. The man cave can fit into many places such as a garage, shed, attic, basement or even a spare bedroom. Whether you call it a billiard room, man cave or game room, one thing is certain. Men have been escaping away for centuries. Read on to learn where other men in history ran off to.

1). Walden Pond: Tired of the stresses and distractions of the 19th. Century, Henry David Thoreau moved to the woods to find a more simple life. On the edge of town and near a pond called Walden, he borrowed land from a friend named Ralph Waldo Emerson and built a simple shack measuring 10' x 15'. In it he put a bed, a table, three chairs, and a desk (sorry - no pool table or home bar). This simple shack near Concord, Massachusetts was where Thoreau lived for two years and wrote Walden, or Life in the Woods which was published in 1854. The cost to build the man cave? A mere .12.

2). Billiards Room: Mark Twain had his Billiards Room located on the entire top floor of his three story house in Hartford, CT. An avid billiards player, he declared his game room to be off limits to his wife and children. From 1871 - 1891, Mark Twain used his game room to shoot pool, smoke cigars and drink liquor alone or with his buds. He also used his time there to write and escape from the world. Mark Twain, who was not a man to hide what he was thinking, said this about his man cave: "There ought to be a room in this house to swear in. It's dangerous to have to repress an emotion like that".

3). The Trophy Room: Our 26th. President, Theodore Roosevelt lived at an estate in Oyster Bay, New York from 1885 to his death in 1919. Named Sagamore Hill, this was where TR relaxed, walked in the woods and got recharged. In 1904, he added on and built his man cave. He called it The Trophy Room and that is where he kept his collection of wild game from his many adventures in Africa and the American West. The room has a high ceiling and is built out of rich, dark Philippine camagon woodwork. It housed many trophies (including elephant tusks), animal skins, books and works of art, and a variety of personal mementoes. Very manly!

4). Hemingway's Writing Studio: In 1931, Pulitzer Prize winning author Ernest Hemingway lived at 907 Whitehead Street in Old Town Key West, Florida. His man cave was located in the property's original carriage house. When "Papa" wasn't hanging out at Sloppy Joe's Bar, he could be found at his studio indulging in a drink or enjoying a great cigar. The interior of the studio reflected his lifestyle with trophies from his African safaris and trips out West. Over the course of 10 years, Hemingway wrote some of his most well known works in his man cave studio.

5). Graceland: In 1957, Elvis Presley purchased an estate that included a large white columned mansion and 13.8 acres in Memphis, Tennessee. The mansion was then refitted to suit The King's tastes. Described by critics as gaudy, garish, tacky and tasteless, it was a reflection of man cave inspiration. The famed Jungle Room contained a waterfall and exotic furnishings while the basement had its own wet bar, pool table, and even three side-by-side televisions (and Elvis was known to watch all three at once). O.K., so there was shag carpet everywhere but it was the 60's and 70's, right? Who can fault a place that sports its own racquetball court?

I hope these examples of great men in their man caves will inspire you to build your own hideaway and who knows, my next story my may include your man cave.

Famous Man Caves in History

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Make a Home Made Kid Race Car

!±8± Make a Home Made Kid Race Car

Get ready for racing fun with this Home Made Kid Race Car!

MATERIALS

Rectangular Boxes - apple boxes, xerox paper boxes or similar

Colorful plastic or paper plates

Spray paint

Construction paper in assorted colors

Heavy ribbon

Staple gun

Brad fasteners

Craft knife

Glue and Masking tape

Markers

Foam letters and numbers to decorate

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare the Box - Start with one rectangular box for each party guest. If the box has flaps, cut them off with the craft knife. Turn the box upside down and cut out a square area on one side of the bottom (now the top of your race car) big enough to accommodate a child.

Paint Your Race Car - Spray paint your box a bright color - red, blue, green, yellow, or orange.

Attach "Suspenders" - Using the staple gun, staple heavy ribbon from end to end on either side of the box as "suspenders" to allow kids to wear their cars.

Add Wheels - Choose four plastic plates to make two wheels on either side of the box. Use a contrasting color to the color of the race car box itself. Fasten the plates with brads so the wheels will turn. Add another plate on top of the box to make a functioning steering wheel.

Add Headlights and Tail Lights - Cut two circles of yellow construction paper and glue to the front of the car for headlights. Cut two smaller circles of red construction paper and glue to the rear end of the car for tail lights.

Make an Exhaust Pipe - Make an exhaust pipe from a toilet paper tube with crepe paper streamers. Attach the tube to the car by making a series of cuts around one end of the tube, flaring it out against the back of the car, and securing with masking tape.

Personalize Your Race Car - using colored construction paper shapes, markers, foam numbers and letters.

Now make a race track in your yard using caution tape, old tires, hay bales, or whatever. For great ideas on incorporating this craft into a party, visit our Race Car Birthday Party page.

Make a Home Made Kid Race Car

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TOP TEN Pound 4 Pound Best Boxer Ever

!±8± TOP TEN Pound 4 Pound Best Boxer Ever

Before we start our list, I wanted to take some time to comment on 2 fighters that may have strong support in certain communities for being among the best ever, but truly do not have a place on the list.

NOT RANKED

Rocky Marciano - Won 49 Lost 0, 43 KO

Ask any Italian who the greatest boxer ever was, and you will never hear the names Ali, Louis or Sugar. Nope. You will only hear the name Rocky Marciano, the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated. To his credit, Rocky Marciano did make a habit of beating up his opponents in the ring. Add the fact that his most notable victory was over his childhood idle, Joe Louis, whom he sent back into retirement. But Joe was well past his prime. He also beat Archie Moore, but he also was already in his early forties. So to the entire nation of Italy and her children I say to you, Rocky Marciano could not beat any of the champions in my Top T.E.N.

Lennox Lewis - 41 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, 32 KO

Lewis will most likely go down as one of the most intelligent, calculated champions ever. But that is not what pound for pound is based on. Lennox was able to capitalize on Tyson's jail term to reign as champion, then got out before the Klitchko brothers could undo the legacy he has manufactured for himself. He stayed an extra 4 years as an amateur to win a gold metal against younger opponents (Riddick Bowe for the medal bout). He then became champion only because Bowe gave up the title. He backed out of Tyson's way (accepting a huge multi-million dollar payoff from Don King as payment for Tyson taking his ranking) as he was climbing back up to regain the championship that was handed to him. I believe that history will judge him for the fake that he truly is.

And now, to the top ten best pound for pound boxers:

10 - Mike Tyson - 50 wins, 5 losses, 2 no contests, 44 KO

No other fighter has been called "the baddest man on the planet". Mike Tyson was perhaps the most feared person in boxing history. Up until Buster Douglas embarrassed Iron Mike, Mike Tyson made fighters give up. Going up through the amateur ranks, boxers actually lost on purpose so as to not fight Tyson in tournaments. How ironic that Tyson's worst defeat was not to a boxer, but to a beauty pageant contestant named Desiree Washington. There is a great chance that had Tyson not suffered a 3-year setback, he would have easily moved up and be universally recognized as one of the best ever.

9 - (Big) George Foreman - Won 76 lost 5, 68 KO

Foreman's biggest enemy opponent has always been himself. He could not accept defeat. After making his name as one of the most dominant fighter ever, his loss to Ali took him out of professional boxing for over a year. He made his first comeback attempt in 1977, knocking out his next 5 opponents (including Frazier, again), only to retire after losing a 12 round decision. A decade later, Foreman made an improbable comeback at the age of 38. Foreman made it again near the top of the boxing rankings, and despite suffering setbacks against Holyfield and Tommy Morrison, Foreman shocked the world when he stunned Michael Moore with a knock out in the 10th round. His next few bouts further proved that even unto his late 40th, Foreman was still a formidable force.

8 - (Sugar) Ray Leonard - 36 Wins, 3 Loss, 1 Draw, 25 KO

Leonard has to be on this list if only for the pure psychology he was able to inflict on his opponents. Only Ali could get into his opponents head more. Add to that all the titles his has own, in multiple weight divisions, and you have your number 8 all time. Like most great fighters, he just did not know when to quit, so you will have to ignore the last few fights of his career. Sugar Ray beat them all, from Duran (No Mas, No Mas), to Hagler, then Hearns, Sugar Ray's stock only dropped because of his own issues. He first retired due to a detached retina, and it can be argued that a serious cocaine habit between 84 and 89 further damaged his career.

7 - (Marvelous) Marvin Hagler - 62 Wins, 3 Losses, 2 Draws, 52 KO

Yes, we have the Marvelous one ahead of Leonard, even though Leonard beat Hagler in their one encounter. Hagler was so distraught by that loss that he left before, and even refuses to talk about that fight today. Hagler's only 2 losses were early on in his career, and he responded to them by beating both fighters. He would have continued to dominate the middleweight division had he not suffered the mentally debilitating loss to Leonard. While Hopkins has been middleweight champion longer, with more title defenses, it can be argued that he never faced opponents the caliber of Duran and Hearns, both of whom Hagler defeated.

6 - Archie Moore - 181 wins, 24 losses, 9 draws and 1 no contest, 145 KO

Looking at the record, it is easy to see why the "Old Mongoose" or "Ancient Archie" has made it to the list. Archie's career spanned over 4 decades, and it the only fighter to have faced by Rocky Marciano and Muhammed Ali. Archie was a better Light Heavyweight than he was a pure Heavyweight. He had his light heavyweight title stripped from him twice because he was too busy fighting at a higher weight class. No other fighter has knocked out as many professional opponents as Archie.

5 - Roy Jones Jr - 49 wins, 3 losses, 38 KO

This particular selection is highly debatable, and may end with Roy's removal from the list completely. While there is no denying his talent, there is question as to if his showmanship and opponent section unfairly propelled him into his status. Winning a championship fight after playing paid basketball the same day was previously unheard of. As was becoming a champion at middleweight all the way up to heavyweight. Before his last two fights, Jones' only defeat was a bogus call after he was disqualified against Montell Griffin, which he quickly avenged. Jones has at least warranted due considering, and an initial entry to the list.

4 - Joe (Brown Bomber) Louis - Won 68 Lost 3, 54 KO

While there seems to be some dispute over whether 5 of his victories by KO were exhibition matches or not, there is a consensus not take seriously 2 of his 3 losses in failed comeback attempts. The last, and most humiliating defeat was an 8th round KO through the ropes by Rocky Marciano. The Brown Bomber was so much in debt, that he tried to come back well past his prime. The fact that so much cultural identify was thrust upon his shoulders, made Joe Louis not only one of the greatest pure fighters, but a true icon for America's 2nd class citizens. Joe will be best known for his 1st round KO over Germany's Max Schmeling in 1938. Schmeling beat the favored Louis in 12 years only a few years earlier. Even when Joe won the Heavyweight title by knockout, he refused to be called champion until he settled the score with Schmeling. It is this attitude that made him a national hero despite his color.

3 - Julio Cesar Chavez - Won 104 Lost 5, 2 draws, 80 KO

Julio is a Mexican world champion boxer who won world titles in 3 different divisions. Among the world champions that Chávez defeated in his career are Edwin Rosario, Jose Luis Ramirez, Rocky Lockridge, Meldrick Taylor, Roger Mayweather, Sammy Fuentes, Héctor "Macho" Camacho, Juan Laporte, and Tony López. Chavez went 13 years before not winning a fight, with a draw to Pernell Whitaker, and it was another year later before he suffered his first defeat which was avenged 4 months later. Only in his last 8 years of his 24 year career did Chavez acount for 4 of his 5 losses to 3 different oppenents. He was able to avenge his lose to Willey Wise, but failed in second attempt to Oscar De La Hoya.

2 - Muhammed (Louisville Lip) Ali - won 56 Lost 5, 37 KO

In my book, Ali will also go down as one of the greatest human beings of all time. As purely a boxer, only a "what could have been" during his 3 year lay off after refusing to go to Vietnam prevents him from being the best ever. He came back after 3 years to lose his first of three asking Joe Frazier. Both were undefeated at the time. The same happened with Ken Norton. In both cases, Ali came back to whup them in the next 2 fights. Although the two became friends later on, Ali is also credited with knocking Foreman out in the ring, out of boxing, and onto the pulpit. Leon Spinks got Ali during his declining years, but Ali still come back to beat him in 1979. What happened to Ali in the next two fights against Holmes and Berbick is eerily similar to what is happening now with Roy Jones Jr. In neither case, should those 2 fights be included into what was an otherwise spectacular career.

1 - (Sugar) Ray Robinson 179 wins, 19 losses, 6 draws, 2 no contests, 109 KO

While many fighters have held that nickname over the years, none have been as sweet as Ray Robinson, whose real name was actually Walker Smith Jr. Robinson won the middleweight title an unprecedented 5 times. Even Muhammed Ali referred to Sugar Ray as the greatest fighter ever (it is rumoured that Robinson actually refused to give Ali an autograph when Ali met him while Ali was still young, and Clay). Unlike Moore, the majority of Robinson's losses came at the end of his career.

Honorable Mention

Floyd Mayweather Jr - 32 Wins, 0 Losses, 21 Knockouts

Now regarded (arguably) as the best active pound for pound boxer

Roberto Duran - 103 Wins, 16 Loss, 69 Knockouts

He will forever by scarred by his 8th round quit job on Sugar Ray Leonard.

Evander (Real Deal) Holyfield - 38 Wins, 7 Losses, 2 Draw, 25 KO

Was undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion of the world. He also was the man that destroyed the aura that was Mike Tyson. He will have his place in boxing history, but not as one of the greatest ever.

(Smokin') Joe Frazier - 32 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw, 27 KO

Also one of the most feared fighters ever, but 2 losses to Ali and Foreman will keep him off this list.

Thomas Hearns - 59 wins 4 Loss 1 Draw, 46 KO

AKA "the Hit Man" and "the Motor City Cobra", Hearns won seven world championships in six weight classes during his 22 year pro career. But losses to Leonard (his first ever) and Hagler will keep him off the list.

Bernard Hopkins - 45 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, 1 NC, 32 KO

More so than Hagler, Hopkins had a slow start to his career. When he finally won the belt, he has defended against the best of the 90's and 2000. He may end up considered in the 10 top yet.

TOP TEN Pound 4 Pound Best Boxer Ever

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Gaming Seutp May 2011

!±8± Gaming Seutp May 2011

My Gaming Setup May 2011: Xbox 360 Modded Case (Made by Me) PS3 Slim 120gb Panasonic 32" HD-TV X Rocker I Gaming Chair Sign Up To my website: ermodders.freeforums.org Twitter twitter.com

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X Rocker II Game Chair in Black and Silver

!±8± X Rocker II Game Chair in Black and Silver

Brand : XRocker | Rate : | Price :
Post Date : Dec 10, 2011 11:21:40 | N/A

X Rocker II Game Chair in Black and Silver

XRocker II Game Chair in Black and Silver Features: Game chair for both kids and adults Two built-in speakers,built-in subwoofer (total 80 watts) Designed for use with: Xbox, Revolution, Playstation, PSP, Gamecube, Gameboy, iPod, MP3, CD, DVD, Home Theatre Satellite Fire-retardant foam pad, vinyl upholstery Folds in half for ease of storage and transportation Ergonomically designed for back support Brushed aluminum finish on speakers, arms, and control panel Side control panel with volume, base, power, input,output jacks, headphone jack Multiple Chairs can be connected for multi-player options and single audio source Dimensions: 28.74? H x 20.27? W x 22.44? D Please note: This product is not suitable for children under 13 years of age.

More Specification..!!

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My alarming gaming setup

!±8± My alarming gaming setup

My room and gaming setup

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All About Chicago Restaurants

!±8± All About Chicago Restaurants

Chicago is a big-time sports town with die hard fans for their Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and the World Champion Chicago White Sox. Even if you don't like baseball, you'll have the time of your life just like Ferris Bueller as you take in a Cubs game at Wrigley. The Windy City does a nice job blending in the new while maintaining its old world charm. Incorporated as a town in 1833, Chicago has grown to be the nation's third-largest city (with a population of more than 3 million), the birthplace of the first skyscraper and one of the few international US cities. Chicago today offers a truly cosmopolitan flare that adds to any visitor's big-city adventure - a beautiful city in the Midwest heartland that radiates a spirit of energy.

With 77 neighborhoods (yes, we did say 77), you can go from one to the next in a split second before you realize you're in a different area with completely new sights and sounds. Having unmistakable character, each of this city's neighborhoods brings a whole new array of shops, restaurants, attractions, historical elements, and intrigue.

Shopping on Michigan Ave. is truly magnificent, so make sure you work that into the plan.

Chicago is also known for its deep dish pizza, so you must try some while in town. Yes, the toppings are buried under the sauce, but trust us...it is fantabulous and worth the 40 minute wait. We like Gino's East and Giordanno's, but as you will see there are many other solid choices.

Whether you want to cozy up in a casual neighborhood bar or don your best black dress for some late night cocktails, Chicago has it all! Here are just some of our journeyPod Picks:

Alinea - With a kitchen filled with the country's top culinary awards, risk-taking super-chef Grant Achatz has upped the ante in Chicago with these avant-garde culinary creations. A progressive American restaurant offering a multi-sensory prix fix degustation menu of 12 or 24 courses, the fare at Alinea causes a certain awe and "wow" by everyone who shares the experience in dining here. The 24 course menu is called the "tour" and is as much a marathon as it is a meal, generally taking nearly four or five hours to finish. Jackets are recommended, jeans not allowed. And remember - at Alinea, you come hungry, and leave... well, with your wallet a lot thinner. Alinea is located at 1723 N. Halsted St. (at Willow St.).

NoMi (Chi - Gold Coast/Streeterville) - Located on the 7th floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel, NoMi serves upscale contemporary French global cuisine with an Asian twist. Boasting stunning views of Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan, this contemporary restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, and an adjoining swanky lounge for after-dinner drinks. The restaurant is also known for its high-end, high-ticket tea offerings that include rare and limited leaves including vintage Pu-erh, reserve and display teas that range from up to 0 a pop. Hint: Tables 30-37 offer the best Magnificent Mile views. NoMI can be found at 800 N. Michigan Ave. (at Chicago Ave.).

mk the restaurant (River North) - Rated by Zagat as the "place to go back to as often as possible" - this contemporary neighborhood favorite attracts an upscale crowd with its consistently delicious new American cuisine - with global influences that focus on the freshest ingredients available. Exposed brick and wood beams prove to be an elegant addition to this two-story space that features a bar, lounge and two dining rooms. For starters, try the lobster soup poured tableside over lobster meat; and for dinner, the seared rare ahi tuna. The desserts don't disappoint either - the "Cake and Shake" - a mini vanilla milkshake served with buttermilk chocolate cake will have you smiling all night long! The restaurant is located at 868 N Franklin St. (at Chestnut St.).

Follia (West Loop) - A chic and icy-cool destination in the gritty Fulton Street warehouse district, Folia is a new Italian restaurant that always buzzing with the hip young crowd and corporate diners. Just about everything on the menu here scores, from the paper-thin prosciutto and mushroom pizza to the risotto Milanese and the taglioni with pesto and meat sauces. All the desserts are made in-house and are worth the calories. For all you chocolate addicts out there - try the chocolate lava cake (even though Follia's most popular is the tiramisu-like cake with amaretto and mascarpone cheese). Just don't be alarmed when you approach the front door of the place - you'll see stylishly dressed mannequins peering back at you. (The restaurant displays art and fashions by local college students that you can purchase, or admire while you wait for a table.) Follia is located at 953 W. Fulton Market (at Morgan St.).

Landmark (Lincoln Park) - Fine dining meets hip and bustling bar/lounge scene at this multi-level space located in the Lincoln Park/Clybourn Corridor. A perfect night spot that draws more than just a crowd of Steppenwolf theater-goers (located just across the street), Landmark boasts multiple kitchens offering its diners innumerable menu options like grilled strip steak and pork chops, or pizza and lobster club sandwiches. Try the signature cocktails at Landmark or old favorites like a Cosmo made with Orange Grey Goose or a Bellini. The place is located at 1633 N. Halsted St.

Sushi Wabi - Voted "Best Sushi in Chicago" by Chicago Tribune readers, Sushi Wabi is the city's original hipster sushi hot spot - its industrial (wood-block and steel tables), its loud, its filled with well-heeled, well-dressed locals who dig the clubby vibe and the DJ-spun music (nightly from 7pm to 11pm) while chowing down on a mean plate of maki. If you need any suggestions, order the: dragon roll, spicy shrimp and tuna rolls, spider roll and the gyu negima--scallions rolled in slices of marinated beef, all of which are the restaurant's specialties. Sushi Wabi is located at 842 W. Randolph St. (at Halsted St.).

TRU (Chi - Gold Coast/Streeterville) - Talk about fine dining! Set in an open, airy loft space that could almost double as an art gallery, TRU marries style, sophistications and substance - offering progressive French cuisine (that's more like playful works of art) and impeccable service. Served on a spectacular array of non-traditional surfaces produced by local and international artists, the décor is offset by the stark white walls adorned by contemporary art pieces (among which you'll see an original Warhol). Food is as delicious here, as it is gorgeous; and specialties include: foie gras with pineapple relish and venison loin with creamed corn. The desserts are dreamy (the restaurant even accepts dessert-only reservations), and include selections like quince ice cream float with sour cherries, house-made lollipops and chocolate pot de-crème. Jackets here are required, as are reservations! The restaurant is located at 676 North Saint Clair St. (at Huron St.).

David Burke's Primehouse (River North) - Located in the River North's James Chicago Hotel, David Burke's Primehouse is a mecca for all meat aficionados. Known for dry-aging steaks on the premises in its own salt cave (a temperature and humidity-controlled room fitted with salt tiles), the restaurant is refined, but not stuffy - attracting a see-and-be-seen crowd. And don't just come for the steaks! Burke's notable dishes, like the spicy "angry lobster" and "Kobe beef sashimi" are delectable. Just make sure you save room for the "cheesecake lollipops"! The James Hotel is located at 616 N. Rush St. (at Ontario St.).

Japonais (River West) - One of the city's trendiest dining destinations. Japonais offers a sensuous scene and Euro-Asian fare that's got foodies and fashionistas in Chi-town buzzing. The dishes and the décor at this 300-seat, industrial-chic space (with 2 dining rooms, a sushi bar and downstairs lounge and patio) is first-class. Japonais boasts four sensuous environments: a red (tables and sushi bar) and green (lounge-y with a wall of flames) room; a subterranean lounge; and a riverfront terrace - an invitingly dreamy setting of draped daybeds and candlelight. The menu takes creative license with traditional Japanese fare and creates a hot and cold mix of not-to-be-missed specialties, like the Kobe carpaccio, lobster spring rolls, the six seafood tartars and the maki rolls. Though service has been an issue, the food, décor and pretty cocktails you'll drink here make up for it - try the "Floating Orchids" or choose from the extensive sake menu. At 600 W. Chicago Ave. (at Larrabee St.).

Gibson's Bar and Steakhouse (Chi - Gold Coast/Streeterville) - Named after the Gibson martini (garnished with an onion), this bar and restaurant commemorates all things big and bigger. Known for its "big martinis, big steaks and big desserts" - Gibsons has long been known to have patrons hooked after just one visit. Try the strawberry shortcake or the "turtle" chocolate-nut-caramel concoction. Reservations are strongly recommended, or be prepared to wait. Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse is located at 1028 North Rush (at Oak St.).

Narcisse (River North) - A former champagne n' caviar bar, Narcisse has gotten serious about fine dining. A swanky hot spot with really attractive eats, drinks, décor and clientele, it boasts a remarkable champagne collection and four-star meals. Start with the sturgeon roe, and then move on to the filet mignon or grilled ostrich. Narcisse offers more than 100 different bubbly choices and a slew of signature cocktails, like the Champagne Marquis, a mix of Perrier-Jouet champagne, Godiva chocolate liqueur and Cuerenta Y Tres (pls don't call it Liquor 43 like the tourists). Psst.... no sneakers, no hats, no athletic gear, no jeans. The restaurant is located at 710 North Clark St. (at Superior St.).

Piece (Bucktown) - Where else can you create your own East Coast, thin-crust style pizza in a trendy and casual bar atmosphere? With two sunken lounge areas, a long bar, and a number of booths and tables, Piece also features games - shown on projection screens and TV's, live Jazz on Wednesdays, karaoke night Thursdays, and live bands on Saturdays. The place also has an excellent selection of beers on tap that include: Hoegaarden, Onion Pale Ale, Goose Island and Guinness. If you're more Dockers, than DKNY - make your way here. Piece is located at 1927 W North Ave. (at Winchester Ave.).

LuxBar (Chi - Gold Coast/Streeterville) - A neighborhood saloon, LuxBar captures an elegance and simplicity with its stone, glass brass and wood to a late-30's business crowd. Artisanal in style, the menu offers traditional comfort food and some new contemporary favorites mixed in; try Kobe burger with foie gras. The bar serves specialty cocktails and classics all made from natural, fresh ingredients. (The staff here has also been trained in the customer care philosophy that has made Gibson's Steakhouse famous for legendary service.). If you can, grab a seat near the marble fireplace in the back of the room - it adds intimacy to a meal, while the floor-to-ceiling front windows offer great people-watching. LuxBar is located at 18 East Bellevue (at State St.).

Zapatista (CHI - South Loop) - The Mexican fare at this latest rustic-like restaurant in the South Loop is made with passion, heart & soul. The menu variety ranges from burritos, tacos & enchiladas to specialties like Camarones Sinaloa & Carne a la Parrilla, and guacamole made table-side. With its slow-turning fans, amped-up mariachi tunes and black & white photos, Zapatista is a lively cantina with indoor/outdoor seating that serves some of the finest quality tequilas available (with your choice of 50 here); not to mention, their specialty drink list is amazing. Try the Azul y Oro - a blue margarita made with Gran Gala orange liquor and La Revolucion with grenadine and chile piquin. Located at 1307 South Wabash (13th St.).

Le Colonial (Chi - Gold Coast/Streeterville) - If you're looking to be transported to another time and place, Le Colonial vividly captures the beauty, romance and spirit of 1920's French-Colonial Southeast Asia. Recline beneath a palm tree on a cushy rattan chair, while surrounded with luxurious décor at this Chi-town destination. With a well-to-do crowd and, a dining area on one floor and a lounge upstairs, this restaurant is the perfect setting for a social gathering or a romantic evening for two. Boasting authentic Vietnamese cuisine on the menu, all the dishes are exquisite. Try the sea scallops, filet mignon and the Vietnamese tapioca for dessert. Le Colonial is located at 937 North Rush St. (Cross Street: Walton Pl.).

Blackbird (Chi - Downtown) - Serving French and American cuisine to a consistently packed house (daily), Blackbird is very trendy and minimalist - with bare white walls and a single banquette that spans the length of the room. The menu here (thanks to chef extraordinaire Paul Kahan) is dedicated to adventurous, market-fresh fare. Nearly every dish is a masterpiece! Try the creamy foie gras, the venison salad or the signature bouillabaisse. Just make sure you save enough room afterwards for what may be Chicago's best bread pudding! Blackbird is located at 619 W Randolph St. (at Desplaines and Jefferson Sts.).

Twisted Lizard (Lincoln Park/DePaul) - A lively Mexican restaurant that caters to young professionals who love to feast on fresh fajitas, enchiladas, chimichangas, burritos and "sincronizadas" (layered flour tortillas filled with re-fried black beans and choice of meat or vegetables). The décor is festive (surprise, surprise) and the cheerful Mexican music lends a fiesta-like ambiance to the ever-flowing margaritas (there are eight different types of margaritas served by the pitcher and more than 20 brands of tequila for building even more margaritas). Just make sure you go early or be prepared to wait (the citrusy margaritas and fresh chips and salsa make it worthwhile) at this basement-level restaurant. Twisted Lizard is located at 1964 North Sheffield Ave. (at Armitage Ave.).

Yoshi's Café - Formerly one of Chi-town's most exclusive dining spots, Yoshi's has now adopted a more casual (and less expensive) vibe. The eclectic fusion menu is amazing and features dishes that could be described having Japanese, Italian, French and American influences. Try the duck liver mousse pâté and house-cured salmon sushi, or the artichoke and radicchio risotto. Don't miss the Skyy Ginger cosmo either - its made with gingered lime juice, Skyy vodka and Cointreau, and garnished with fresh ginger. Yoshi's Café is located at 3257 N. Halsted St. (at. Melrose St.).

Tavern on Rush (River North) - If you're looking for something that's part restaurant, part lounge, Tavern on Rush offers both. With big steaks and a clubby atmosphere, this place draws a 30-something crowd to its country-club décor, leather accents and open kitchen. Though you might expect a dress code, there isn't one (which means you'll see blue jeans and the most expensive work suits). The classic American menu doesn't disappoint with its great selection of steak and seafood options. And, if you're in the mood for a cocktail - go for the martini, theirs are big enough to swim in! Taven on Rush is located at 1031 N. Rush St. (bet. E. Cedar St. and E. Bellevue Pl.).

Avec - If you're looking for a wine bar with great food, and you don't mind rubbing elbows with your neighbors at long communal tables, Avec is the place. The menu here focuses on small and large sharing plates of rustic, Mediterranean "peasant foods" - with many dishes cooked in a wood-burning oven and served in cast-iron pots. Try the house-marinated olives, chorizo-stuffed dates, the thin focaccia with truffle oil or the roasted chicken thigh panzanella salad. Avec also boasts a cheese cave with a collection of artisan cheeses from France, Portugal, Spain and Italy. Avec is located at 615 W. Randolph St. (at Jefferson St.).

X/O Chicago - This loungy place is named after the cognac designation (XO stands for "extra old" - the premium designation). The eclectic menu inflects global influences and mainly focuses on small sharable plates that change frequently, based on the season. The menu is divided into three "courses" - beginning with light dishes like the shrimp salad; progressing into second course like foie gras; and then the third course with choices like rib-eye steak with X/O sauce. For all you dessert lovers: try the Chocolate Orgasm (think puffy chocolate beignets and flourless chocolate cake). Located at 3441 N Halsted St. (at Newport Ave.).

Fireplace Inn (Old Town) - An Old Town institution specializing in "Flinstone-sized" fall-off-the-bone BBQ baby back ribs, Fireplace Inn has been around since 1969. Boasting a casual ski-lodge-like vibe inside, and an all-season patio (with retractable roof) featuring 16 satellite-fed televisions outside, the Fireplace Inn satisfies many with its updated old-school environment. The menu also offers steak specialties, seafood and salads. If you're not in the mood for ribs, go for the BBQ chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. Located at 1448 N. Wells St. (at Schiller).

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