Steve James of HOOP DREAMS, The INTERRUPTERS, and STEVIE fame, has made another gem of a documentary that brings out some of the best (and, to a lesser extent, worst) faces of the human condition.   Many know a little about the story of the only American bank indicted for criminal fraud after the great  meltdown of 2006.   The rough outline is that a Savings and Loan owned by the Sung family in New York's Chinatown was  selected by NY Attorney General Cyrus Vance, Jr. (yes,--the son of that Cyrus Vance) to be an example of how the system can hold banksters accountable.    But ABACUS (the name of the bank) is not the story you think you've watched a dozen or more times about rogue Wall Streeters, mathematicians and con men.  Matt Taibbi does put in an appearance; there is a trial; there is a run on the bank; there are crooks . . . but that's NOT why you should see it.  
Beyond the suspense and heroes and villains, the film evokes sympathy for our own, man-made disasters, for a different segment  of our immigrant mix and winds up flipping what we think we know about victimless crime.  More to the point, there is a lesson here for all Americans in what it means to save face; to rely on family and to find our better angels.  James focuses once again on the flesh and blood stories  that dangle far below the headlines   To say more is to be a spoiler.  See it because it is RESTORATIVE!  There's a glimmer of hope that shines through the darkness . . . and, wonder of wonders, some really likeable people. 

Kudos to Steve James, to our producing friends at Kartemquin Films and to PBS and Frontline for airing something special that everyone should see.

Yes, Summer is drawing to a close:  a new chill in the evening air but what an amazing string of glorious weekends behind us!   Not long ago, Chicagoans shook their heads over nice weather wondering how we would "pay for it."   Not any more.   The entropy of discomfort has been broken--unless you consider the shenanigans of Lilliput. 
Good time to take your bike out into the fresh air and pit stop with Wishbone's long-standing weekday bike discount.  (It's Monday, remember?)   Get the blood circulating for the new projects that Fall brings.
Read something good at our counter or under a tree.  And dream a little.

This Friday, the 25th, Wishbone will be hosting a reception for Marc Pokempner's themed photo exhibit in our "Couloir Bleu" gallery.   Drawn from his many years photographing the Chicago blues scene and the city's blood sport, politics, for the original READER and other publications, the show's title is HAROLD'S GOT THE BLUES.   The collection of black and white prints is drawn from Marc's books, HAROLD! and DOWN AT THERESA'S, but features other iconic photos you'll recognize of the young organizer, Barack O'Bama, as well as never-before-seen photographs of urban life in Chi Town.

The reception runs from 6 to 8 PM with the equally renowned Erwin Helfridge playing the keyboards and, of course, a nice gathering of people.   Beautiful digital prints are for sale and more information available through Marc's website http://www.pokempner.net/.

If you can't make the reception, be sure to tarry in our gallery to reflect on how far we've come (or how much remains the same) . . . as the show will be up through the month of September. 

For information abut exhibiting at Wishbone, contact Guy or Michael using our contact form on this website.

More and more, fish dishes have become the most sought after dinners at Wishbone.  For a limited time, we're serving one of our favorite blackened fishes wild caught off the East coast.  Sounds funny to call it "Blackened Bluefish," but the Cajun seared spices seem to perfectly complement the high oil content of a fish that gets its name from the blueish tinge of its meat.   At dinner it's $15.95 (the price of most pasta dishes) and comes with your choice of Two sides. . . . and, of course, our friendly service.

Come on by and have one of the healthiest meals in Chicago!

Come bike over Monday the 29th from 8 am to 2 pm for a discounted memorial day brunch with us! (Just show us your helmet!)

Gather your family and friends for an Easter Brunch at the 'Bone.  Whether it's early for a light breakfast or midday for a banquet with mimosas (bottomless, too), fresh cooked ham, waffles and a dozen Benedicts, make your bunnies happy this Sunday at Wishbone.
We are taking reservations for parties of 6 or more, but ask you re-confirm the number and time an hour or so before you arrive.  Call (773) 549-2663 to reserve (and confirm).    As usual, our brunch is menu-driven and not prix-fixe.  We'll have added treats for kids and, depending on weather, may have our patio open as well.

Saturday, the 1st, marks the 28th annual celebration of Chicago's bard, Nelson Algren, which every year selects individuals or organizations contributing to the cultural and social life of the city.   And 2017 the spotlight falls on our own Miki for bringing together diverse musicians, artists and performers in different venues in addition to his own songwriting and playing most notably with Maestro Subgum and the Whole and, more recently, a band called "It's a Girl."

The celebration which falls appropriately on April Fools' Day (in the sense of the opening card of the Tarot), is being held as a carnival symposium at the Bloomingdale Artists Building, 2418 W. Bloomingdale, where the 606 crosses Western. The program begins at 7:30 and admission is $10 or $5 for students and seniors with piano by Erwin Helfer, excerpts by Tony Macaluso from Studs Terkel's radio shows, hosted discussions of Algren's beloved skid row and refections on Hemingway and much, much more.    For more information and directions, go to http://nelsonalgren.org/news-and-events.html

While many know Michael or Miki (depending on the circumstance) for his free concert series at Wishbone on Thursdays and Sundays, his roots in Chicago go back much further as creator of the Lunar Cabaret (situated not far south on Lincoln Avenue) and to his compositions and piano for Beau O'Reilly's Maestro for over two decades.  Anyone who has spent time with him from his long stint with the Old Town School of Folk Music to the present, is immediately aware that he is one of those remarkable individuals who nurtures art and artists because he is so singularly "in the present."    The bicycle you'll always see outside Wishbone with the single gear and plastic bag covered seat--is, of course, Michael's.   He also manages the Front of House and is  hard to miss darting around the dining room or being caught on a catering call behind the counter.

What many don't know is that Miki is also a fine photographer; ran a cibachrome lab in Bucktown for many well known photographers AND is the very proud father of 4 girls--one of whom took the snapshot above with the tie.

More personally, Michael and I arrived in Chicago at the same time roughly 30 years ago--landing on Division Street hardly two blocks from Nelson's old digs on Evergreen.  He hailed from Boston and I  from New York and our paths have intersected many times since.  (I include with this post an old snapshot of my preparing Miki for a film cameo in brother Gregory's DRUMSTRUCK--shot largely in James Bond's loft at 1550 N. Milwaukee.)

If you don't know the author of The Man with the Golden Arm or know that he was responsible for Simone de Beauvoir's residence in Chicago, then you owe it to yourself to find out what Chicago was like before Division Street was gentrified.  The local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War is also being honored (and what better time than now?)  and it's going to be a fun party with a broad mix of people.

It's also a good time to celebrate someone who has brought so many artists together and who continues to make music today.  To Nelson and Miki, all hail!
                                                                                              -Guy Nickson

On Friday, March 17th at 7 PM a special celebration of St. Patrick's will take place at Wishbone--far from the braying crowd--in the form of a concert by Jamie O'Reilly and other splendid singers and musicians.  This marks the second year that Wishbone has tipped its hat to the rich musical and lyric traditions of Ireland in addition to menu offerings and drinks that depart from our usual fare. 

Ms. O'Reilly comes from a storied performing family here in Chicago and THAT tradition is carried forward in the harmonies of her daughters, Meg and Nia.  Peter Swenson's guitar and John Floeter's bass are equally well known in venues throughout Chicago. 

Discounted tickets FOR THE CONCERT ONLY may be purchased in advance through www.jamieoreilly.com (CLICK ON PHOTO)  and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Woman's Health Clinic.  Reservations for the concert room will be coordinated by the O'Reilly ticket sales or by calling 773.203.7661 for more information. 

Food and drink specials (and regular menu items) are purchased separately from Wishbone--either before or during the concert.

Join us for a heart-warming evening of ballads and shanties--not to mention our own house prepared corned beef, cabbage and other treats and cocktails.    Cheers to all.

This Tuesday Wishbone celebrates Mardi Gras with boogie piano legend ERWIN HELFRIN and a menu of Cajun and Creole dishes.   Join in the big feast before Lent with crawfish dishes, etoufees,  jambalaya, gumbo, Salmon en pappillot . . . and special sampler platters with heaping portions of the Big Easy.

For family and friends, it's not a night to miss--to dispel some of the Winter gloom.  Doors open at 5 PM--with music beginning at 6.  NO COVER  and we've got the beads and feathers to make the evening properly festive . . . along with some of the best N'awlins food around!  Reservations a good idea.  773.549.2663

If you have your own Carnival Costume, you can win a FREE DINNER at our judging at 8 PM.