This new monthly series compiles my experiences – new food, fitness, products, entertainment and everything in between that I’ve enjoyed – all unfiltered.

Beer

Several new breweries have popped up in Chicagoland. My two new favorites; Microphone and On Tour.

Mikerphone (seen above) has a really solid beers and I really like their Hefeweizen. The brewery is out in Elk Grove and the tap room typically has a short line. Each guest is allowed 48 ounces of draft beer for onsite consumption per day. However, they are kid friendly and they do fill growlers. They also have bottles to go for sale only. If you looking to grab a beer in the burbs or happens to find yourself in Elk Grove Village defiantly check this place out.

On Tour is the newest brewery to pop up in West Town. Being less than two miles from my house makes it easy to pop in for a few beers. The tap rooms is big space and mix of modern and industrial decor. They are brewing up some great beers and have SundayFundays with live music.

On Tour
1725 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60622

Mikerphone Bre wing
121 Garlisch Dr,
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

Fitness

I made my fitness a priority in April and the results are in my numbers. My goal was a 5% increase in average power in my rides. I CRUSHED MY GOALS. I doubled that goal and then some. It’s amazing what you can do when you put your mind and time to something. My ultimate goals is to get back to my 2012 fitness levels. I’m headed down the right path, which is great feeling.

Gardening

Thanks to Charlie and the Home Depot two new raised bed garden boxes are ready for planting. More updates to come as these are planted and crops are harvested. I will say, I’m excited to double the amount of space I have to grow things. I’ve got big plans for tomatoes and peppers and all kinds of leafy greens this year.

Aleman Beefsteak

Have you ever had the meat sweats?

If yes, then you know the hurts so good feeling. If no, I highly recommend heading to some sort of all you can eat meat event in your lifetime.

In April Charlie treated us to Aleman Beefsteak with Rubicon BBQ. No plates, No utensils, No napkins. Just cool aprons, complete chef apparel, and more meat that one could ever hope for.

The menu:

COCKTAIL HOUR
Steakhouse Jerky, Cigars, Redemption Whiskey

SAUSAGE COURSE #1
Italian Sweet, Chorizo, & Jalapeño Cheddar Sausages, Pickles, Mustard; paired with Aleman TheMan

LAMB COURSE #2
Bone-In Chops, Olive Oil, Lemon, Garlic & Rosemary, Cucumber Crème; paired with Aleman LadiesMan

PORK COURSE #3
Shoulder Chops Char Siu, Whiskey Asian Chili Oil, Cilantro, & Mint, Tahini; paired with Aleman SoulMan

BEEF COURSE #4
Sliced Tenderloin Au Jus, Horseradish, Locally Sourced Bread; paired with Aleman StrongMan

DESSERT COURSE #5
Oatmeal Stout Chocolate Chip Bars, Goat Cheese Éclairs with Orange Caramel, and Beer Marshmallow Smores from Scafuri Bakery; paired with beer selections from Twisted Hippo and Cold Brew Coffee from Rare Earth Coffee Roasters

Not only was the food great but we met up with some friends who we have not seen in quite sometime.

Tiki Drinks

I’ve been to Lost Lake more times in April than in all of 2016 combines. I’m obsessed with their drinks. They are sweet but never too sweet and after 2 drinks I’m feeling mighty mighty fine. They opened their doors to kids and dogs on Record Store Day. Addison had a blast.

Jack Daniels

I closed out the month with Jack Daniels and The House No. 7. The 50’s rock n’ roll hotel theme party came alive with a rock star-themed manager, French maids, and a manic bellhops who held the keys to a secret speakeasy. Bellhops raced guests around in luggage carts. It was a crazy fun time with Jack Daniels cocktails included.

To sum up April it was food, booze and a lot of exercise. It was a great month

My Life Unfiltered – April