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Who's Who Chicago: Centerstage People
K. Tighe
While she still misses the rounds of Maryland Crab Cakes and National Bohemian beer, K. Tighe doesn't agree with the city benches that proclaim her hometown of Baltimore to be "The Greatest City in America." At age seventeen, Tighe fled Charm City for San Francisco where she attended San Francisco State University by day, and designed light shows for rock bands by night. Ever infected by the spirit of Woodie Guthrie, she'd wander off mid semester to pick strawberries in New Hampshire, make wine in Oregon, waitress at an Arizona honky-tonk, or DJ in Berlin. She even once suffered through an ill-advised stint at the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics in Boulder. Despite having logged over a month of Greyhound travel, countless plane rides, and far too many cross-country road trips, she's always ended up nestled snugly back in the lap of Rock & Roll. Although keeping the lumens night after night is a habit she kicked back in California, she still loves writing about music.

Tighe spends most of her time holed up inside of her Rogers Park apartment, secretly fearing the Chicago winter while lording her cold-weather prowess over her L.A.-born husband. Due to pending temperatures and those scary turtle-soup making maniacs at Taste of Chicago, their tortoise, Bukowski, has been sent on an extended California vacation.



 

Articles by K.

All That Fizzes
Nightlife Guides. 10/14/2009.
Why toast with the standard bubbly when you can knock flutes filled with champagne cocktails?

Haunted Haunts
Nightlife Guides. 10/03/2009.
Throw back a few shots of liquid courage before getting spooked at these haunted taps.

Fest Feasts For Less
08/25/2009.
Save some time (and cash) at these spots near Grant Park.

Sold on Sangria
Nightlife Guides. 07/28/2009.
The refreshing wine cocktail goes down easy at these spots.

Winning Wings
Dining Guides. 07/28/2009.
We make our picks for the best chicken wings in Chicago.

Survival of the Hippest
07/17/2009.
Going to a weekend-long music festival is hard work; follow our guide and you'll make it through to Monday.

All Bulked Up
Dining Guides. 07/16/2009.
Look to bulk foods for tasty eats that won't take a bite out of your wallet.

Public Art in the Park
05/09/2009.
Start at the northern end of Millennium Park and wander south to catch these al fresco exhibits.

Take the Cake
Dining Guides. 04/16/2009.
When you need to show Mom some love, you can't go wrong with an impressive cake from one of Chicago's best bakeries.

Degeneration of Swine
Dining Guides. 04/10/2009.
Ham will do just fine for a family gathering, but Chicago is rife with tasty pork alternatives.

Slainte! Beyond the Beer and Whiskey
Nightlife Guides. 03/11/2009.
You can sample some real Irish cocktails at Chicago's best pubs.

Where's the Corned Beef?
Dining Guides. 03/09/2009.
The salty brisket isn't just for St. Pat's. Enjoy fine plates of it year-round at these restaurants.

Erotic Eats
Dining Guides. 01/22/2009.
Chicago restaurants sling out libido-charging plates that'll help you get laid.

A Chicago Burlesque Primer
Theater Guides. 01/08/2009.
We steer you through all the feathers and fans of the barest of subcultures.

I Like Cold-Weather Beverages
Nightlife Guides. 01/05/2009.
Toast the wind chill with these winter brrrews.

Around-the-World Wines
Nightlife Guides. 11/16/2008.
Party-ready bottles from Chicago's best independent wine shops.

Fly Globally, Eat Locally
Dining Guides. 10/14/2008.
Traveling through O'Hare? Skip the golden arches and opt for these local eateries.

On Tap in Autumn
Nightlife Guides. 10/09/2008.
Forget mass-produced swill. We tell you where to find seasonal suds that channel the flavors of fall.

Rah Rah Riot
Music Happenings. 10/09/2008.
This year's Riot Fest will give everyone something to talk about.

A Little Bit Country
Music Happenings. 10/09/2008.
Give the Country Music Festival a chance to change your mind about America's favorite genre.

Drunk Again, Naturally
Nightlife Guides. 09/22/2008.
By drinking organic booze, you just might be able to avoid that nasty hangover.

Rock Around the Block
Music Happenings. 09/15/2008.
We've got everything you need to know about this weekend's Hideout Block Party, arranged alphabetically for your convenience.

Hall Call
Foodie Happenings. 08/28/2008.
Mexican-food pioneer Rick Bayless was inducted into the Chefs Hall of Fame, and we were there to capture the celebration.

Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em
Dining Guides. 08/20/2008.
Chicago's no-smoking law doesn't apply to smoked food, thankfully. Here's where to get the good stuff.

Staying Afloat
08/19/2008.
The root beer float turns 115 this year; celebrate at these local spots.

Chi-Town Bayou
Dining Guides. 08/14/2008.
Make like you're in N'awlins for a day with our culinary itinerary.

Hot Wine in the Summertime
08/13/2008.
These bottles work best when the mercury rises.

The Chicago School
Lollapalooza. 07/28/2008.
This year's Lollapalooza is again a local affair.

From Amadou to Z
Lollapalooza. 07/28/2008.
Becoming a Lollapalooza expert is as simple as reading our alphabetical primer.

Beer Town, Summer in the City
Nightlife Guides. 07/21/2008.
What pairs better with a hot summer day than a cold brew?

Easy as ABC
Pitchfork Music Festival. 07/18/2008.
If you're heading to Pitchfork this weekend, bone up with our alphabetical primer on industry talking points, buzz bands and festival stats.

A Forkful of Food
Pitchfork Music Festival. 07/15/2008.
It'll take a nation of millions to hold you back from all the dining options available at Pitchfork.

Hope You Like Jammin', Too
Dining Guides. 07/14/2008.
Summer means fresh fruit, and fresh fruit means jam...here are some jarfuls of deliciousness to try.

Purveyors of Cool
Pitchfork Music Festival. 07/14/2008.
Pitchfork isn't just about the music onstage; there are posters, records and crafts, too.

Pitchfork's Grid Wars
Pitchfork Music Festival. 07/10/2008.
Got schedule anxiety? Leave the decision-making up to us.

Smothered, Uncovered
Dining Guides. 06/23/2008.
Forget the eggs for once and try an American classic for breakfast.

Lady Eats the Blues
Dining Guides. 06/08/2008.
Is it possible to find Maryland-style crab cakes in Chi-Town?

Fantastic Funghi
Dining Guides. 06/02/2008.
Shrooms are in season in Chicago; here's where to get your fix.

Fare That's Balanced
Dining Guides. 05/27/2008.
If you're trying out an alternative eating style, these restaurants should be on your list.

Eating for Your Inner Child
Dining Guides. 05/20/2008.
You can still be a kid at heart when you order one of these youthful favorites with a grownup flair.

Talkin' Taquerias
Dining Guides. 05/12/2008.
We haven't been to every taqueria in the city, but we've downed enough tacos to find a few favorites.

Ciders and Lambics and Meads (Oh My!)
Nightlife Guides. 05/12/2008.
These alternatives to beer pack sumptuous fruit flavor that will get you thinking about summer.

It's Morning in the Loop
Dining Guides. 04/29/2008.
When you need to refuel after pulling an all-nighter at Looptopia, head to these nearby spots for some breakfast grub.

The Art of Drinking Locally
Nightlife Guides. 04/22/2008.
Try these Midwest-made artisan spirits that won't wreak havoc on your carbon footprint.

Dinner and a Show
Dining Guides. 04/17/2008.
Hungry for more than just a meal? These restaurants offer food with a side of entertainment.

The Gifts of Garlic
Dining Guides. 04/14/2008.
Try these incredibly potent, garlic-laden plates.

Flavor-hunting on Argyle Street
Untrapping Tourism. 04/10/2008.
If the city's ethnic markets intimidate you, Rebecca Wheeler's tours will cure your curry fears.

Cheers to Good Health
Nightlife Guides. 03/31/2008.
These elixirs might not swear you off booze for good, but they'll replenish your body before the next bender.

Top of the Class
Love, Sex, Life. 03/28/2008.
Still paying off those student loans? These school-affiliated services will let you-and your date-live the high life on the cheap.

Hitting the Head
Nightlife Guides. 03/24/2008.
These well-appointed bathrooms are worth a look, even if you don't have to go.

The Savory Side of Chocolate
Dining Guides. 03/03/2008.
Give your sweet tooth a break and explore plates that pair cocoa with salty ingredients.

Magical Pastry Tour
Dining Guides. 02/25/2008.
We've scouted out the best pastries around, so you can nibble away the winter blues.

Stop the Presses. Raise the Glasses.
Nightlife Guides. 02/19/2008.
Great reporters throughout Chicago's history have raised hell then raised a pint.

Super Heroes
Dining Guides. 02/18/2008.
Try a great sub from one of Chicago's finest grinders.

Aw, Shucks
Dining Guides. 02/04/2008.
Whether you shoot them raw or take 'em in a dish, oysters are one mollusk you've got to dig in to.

Flights to Fancy
Nightlife Guides. 02/02/2008.
Tandem displays of fine libations let you sample a little of each.

Giving Love a Bad Name
01/31/2008.
These events will help romantic dissidents take back the 14th of February.

Tapping into Temperance
Nightlife Guides. 01/28/2008.
Former speakeasies that went legit provide a heck of a history lesson along with your drink.

Are You Being Served?
Nightlife Guides. 01/18/2008.
These bars welcome in the service industry folks when it's their turn to unwind.

Would you? Could you? In a bar?
Nightlife Guides. 01/02/2008.
If you're not ready to call it quits, head to these spots where you can skirt the smoking ban.

Me, Myself and Pie
Dining Guides. 12/24/2007.
For those who want to go at it alone, a handful of Chicago restaurants cater to the singular dining sect.

Steeped in Tradition
Dining Guides. 11/20/2007.
A quick lesson in loose leaf will have you trading in your java for a cup of tea.

Some Like 'em Hot
Nightlife Guides. 11/13/2007.
These bubbling hot cocktails will thaw you from the inside.

Something Skewered This Way Comes
Dining Guides. 10/30/2007.
If we've learned anything from state fairs, it's that everything tastes better on a stick.

Haute Cocktail Culture
Nightlife Guides. 10/22/2007.
Find out where to score the city's finest luxury libations.



 
Venues Reviewed by K.
  • 10pin Bowling Lounge
  • Al Primo Canto
  • AleFest
  • Bellezza Gelato Caffe
  • Bialystok Pub
  • Big Joe's 2 and 6 Pub
  • Biscotti's Galore & More
  • Black Thai International Arts and Crafts Fest
  • Blue Angel
  • Bombay Kabab House
  • Bon V
  • Boss Bar
  • Bruno & Tim's Lounge
  • Cafe Bionda
  • Cafe Ciao
  • Cans Outdoor Music Fest
  • Carmen's Chicago Pizza
  • Chai Asian Bistro
  • Chet's Melody Lounge
  • Chicago Arabesque
  • Chicago Botanic Garden Wine Festival
  • Chicago Sister Cities International Festival
  • Chicago Tango Week
  • Clarke's Bar and Grille
  • Club Mambo
  • Conte Di Savoia
  • Convito Cafe And Market
  • Dhuwan Hookah Lounge (Rogers Park)
  • Dino's Liquors
  • Dip and Pop
  • Double Bubble
  • Duke's Bar
  • El Taco Loco
  • Emil's Bar & Grill
  • Endy's Deli
  • Everyday Thai
  • Fat Cat
  • Flo's Algiers Lounge
  • Fornetto and Mei's Kitchen
  • Forno Diablo
  • Four Farthings Tavern & Grill
  • Gamekeepers
  • Gen Art Film Festival
  • Gigio's Pizza
  • Grapes & Hops
  • Great Steak & Potato Co. (Streeterville)
  • Hamilton's Bar & Grill
  • Harrigan's
  • Hotel Burnham
  • Jarheads
  • Jimmy's Red Hots
  • Joe E's Unforgettable Lounge
  • Kelly's Pub
  • Kelsey's
  • Kendall's
  • Kevin's Hamburger Heaven
  • La Canasta
  • La Cantina Grill
  • Lobby Lounge
  • Lucia's Ristorante
  • Lucky Vito's
  • Marge's Still
  • Mark II Lounge
  • McKellin's
  • MetroKlub
  • Mystic Celt
  • Nilda's Place
  • Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge
  • Oasis
  • Panaderia La Central
  • Pancho Pistolas
  • Patio Beef
  • Paulina Meat Market
  • Pressure Billiards & Cafe
  • Prost!
  • Punta Cana
  • R.J. Grunts
  • Reagle Beagle
  • Ronny's
  • Rosebud Prime
  • Salseria Cantina & Grill
  • Saluki Bar
  • Salvatore's Ristorante
  • Side Street Saloon
  • Snickers
  • South Coast
  • Standee's
  • Stooges Bar and Grill
  • Sweet Collective
  • Tavern at the Park
  • The Copa
  • The Finch Gallery
  • The Lodge
  • The Plush Horse
  • The Store
  • Vision Nightclub
  • Windy City Inn
  • Windy City Urban Inn
  • Zia


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