Chicagoist: Baby-on-Board Review: The Bongo Room

guest

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 20:30:16 -0600

Spook, Give it up.You've been called out and can't come back with anything.I'm still waiting for a response to this-- "I love how you make these broad generalizations about who I am.First of all,I think the redeye is garbage and have been known to compare that trash to watching e! entertainment news.Pointless,mindless bullshit.Secondly,I don't follow main stream professional sports,much less read about them.Also,I don't spend more than one hour a day watching television,as a matter of fact I don't even have cable. So where does that leave you and your completely bullshit opinion?" So???

guest

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 20:18:48 -0600

Spook: Perhaps you can talk about lessons learned from the Chinese child-control policies to inform your own fledgling theory. And then you can talk about the economic benefits vs economic harms of having a child in our modern American and/or global society. As well, perhaps you would like to address the tax code, and how it is affecting child rearing, and how it might under your idea for a world more child-free than the one we live in now. Those issues might be a start, and add some fire to the smoke you are trying to blow up our asses. In other words, show me some evidence of serious thought for your serious proposal. FYI: I don't look down upon service folks. Perhaps I am on myself, or have been one. Rather, you sound like a guy making up this shit on the fly in between filling my coffee cup. That was the rub. I think you have enough to do. Now, get to work on those facts.

Spook

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:59:25 -0600

Dear Guest 51. Believe it or not I do try to be "fair" in these discussions. So you are right. I don’t have any facts. But I'm not sure what facts I need on this? I just think it’s important to consider these points, about brining children into the world,so sue me. And sorry unless I’m sleeping with you, you get no Coffee from me. And actually It would be a cappuccino because that's what I make for "special guest" in the morning because I'm kind like that. And as far as working behind the counter, sorry, wrong profession. As a matter of fact, I probably make more money than you. Actually, I'm over paid. But unlike you, I'd never denigrate those who do work behind the counter. Further if the service sucks I'd still tip 20 percent, partly because they have to suffer people like you who think they are better than such folks. Again its my point about universal responsibility. Further I hope for a fairer society where people including me will get paid a little less, so that others can get more. And I'd like to think I'm working long term for that just as I hope one day to adopt a child. With that, I'm done. At least for now ;-) Ta Ta

guest

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:45:56 -0600

And guest #51 for the win!! Guest 2 Spook 0

guest

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:08:29 -0600

Spook: So you actually have NO real figures to back up your theory? OK, then. Go make me some coffee, then. I suspect you are another frustrated asshole working behind the counter. By the way, I don't care about your "personal feeling." I care abou facts and specifics, of which you have none.

Spook

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:27:49 -0600

Guest 46 I will pose the question again in less vague terms. “Is it appropriate to suggest that people, who bring children into an over-populated and polluted world, MIGHT have a greater obligation to Society and the Planet than JUST raising another "carbon foot print" Is it proper to question, what it means as privileged members of the human family- lucky enough to be born into certain zip codes- too, instead of taking direct responsibility for the countless number of unwanted children Agree with Guest 47, (who says it dosent matter) and say, Hecky no! What are you some crazy Spook?! Screw you and your ideas of collective responsibility for the children of our sad A*s Human Race. That Americans have every right,bestowed upon us in the fashion of Manifest Mutha F*cking Destiny to bring more carbon foot prints into this world out of obligation to personal vanity and our own American ideal of cultural compulsiveness! You asked my personal feeling? Well I think we should consider a “swap approach”. Bring one child into the world and contribute a predetermined chunk of cash to a fund set up for a matching orphan. If you want another child, adopt one or contribute more money. But my bigger concern is to raise the question if that’s o.k. with you? And Hey Guest 49 Perhaps you might want to familiarize yourself with The Chicagoist “Baby on Board Political and Social Lobby! They only share their gifts to the world with certain social economic classes and those races who belong to those classes and have those group values. Of course if members of said groupings don’t like it then to Heck with them! They are wrong! In other words restaurants where people say “Outstanding!” and People who consider a yuppified restaurant like Bongo Room “Possibly the best brunch place in Chicago.” And yes You might consider that a very truncated and limited scope for the city the size of Chicago, but that’s because you are not “ Baby on Board material”, so don’t expect an invite the Baby on Board BBQ or when their mothers who don’t have to work gather in upscale parks in Chicago

guest

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:52:20 -0600

The Bongo Room in WP isn't worth the real estate it's using up.I went there one morning in May with a few friends and quickly walked right out.I asked the host how long the wait was and with this nasty look on his face and a snotty tone told me that the wait was an hour and a half,telling me that so I wouldn't wait.There was no crowd out front and tables were opening up.It's probably because I'm black and happened to be with three hispanic people.I noticed when I walked in that there were nothing but white people.For a second I thought I was in Georgia about to attend a sit-in. I'm glad I didn't waste my time or money eating there.Maybe when Hitler isn't hosting there I'll try it sometime....no,wait...probably not.

Every654

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:41:50 -0600

wow. all of these fascinating comments stemming from the Bongo Room? Who knew?

guest

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:12:57 -0600

I love how you make these broad generalizations about who I am.First of all,I think the redeye is garbage and have been known to compare that trash to watching e! entertainment news.Pointless,mindless bullshit.Secondly,I don't follow main stream professional sports,much less read about them.Also,I don't spend more than one hour a day watching television,as a matter of fact I don't even have cable. So where does that leave you and your completely bullshit opinion?Your question remains unanswered because it really doesn't matter to anyone what the answer is,except you obviously.I comprehend your "position" completely,but really don't care. You mention I'm hiding behind the "guest" log-in.I'm sure your real name is spook right? Ask questions that matter and then maybe you'll get answers. Outstandingly yours! guest

guest

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:04:41 -0600

Spook, I never knew you were such a hopeless nihilist. We probably agree on many things--the dumbing down of America, for instance--but this anti-kid nihilism is really stupid. No, I don't think people should recklessly have 14 kids, but I don't think having kids in the city is as dire as you act. As well, instead of vague rants, why not tell us all how many kids parents can responsibly have, according to specific geographies and economies. You have put some actual fucking thought into this, have you not? Are you really in love with yourself as your posts suggest?

Spook

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:09:43 -0600

Thanks Guest 44! Nice to know that you "were" in total agreement with me ( as Guest 43 said "Outstanding!") ,until I typed "statuse quo". So allow me to explain. Hopefully I will be as guest 43 said "always helpful, always informative" but never selfish! like the Baby On Board Review! But in the spirit of finding "common ground", I also pledge to refrain from pointing out your ironic "slash and burn" approach to grammar, including your inability to write complete sentences. This is however, problematic, cause you can't comprehend my position on an intellectual level, -which relates to the "statuse quo" leaving us with very little to discuss besides personal attacks. While this meets your definition of "debate" further enhanced by your ability to hide behind "Guest", my original question about "what are a parent’s responsibilities to society at large when they decide to bring another baby into OUR over crowded world with dwindling resources", remains unanswered. Not that I expect you to be able to respond cause your inability to conceptualize above what you read in the Red Eye, the Suntimes Sport section or watch on TV, 44, puts you on the lower rungs of the "status que”, which is what I mean. Now I hope you don't mind that I leave your small sand box for good and only reply to comments that relate to my concern, but you have my permission to continue to play with like minded children. Outstandingly yours! Spook

guest

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 21:27:15 -0600

hey #42, I was totally with you until statues quo?What exactly is statues quo?Don't pretend to be intelligent,it's really not working for you. It's "status quo".I'm not even going to point out the other grammatical errors in your post....and we're the stupid midwesterners?haha...at least,inbetween big macs and beer bongs,we've learned to make complete sentences.

guest

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 20:50:45 -0600

What a great review--very thoughtful as well as accurate. The Baby-on-Board reviews are always helpful, always informative. I've been to Bongo Room on numerous occasions, and it is an outstanding restaurant, possibly the best brunch place in Chicago.

Spook

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 19:56:32 -0600

Hey 41 and 39. You are Fat stupid dumb Americans, which is why you can't understand that bringing kids into an over populated world with an over taxed Environment SHOULD be a major part of these debates. Let’s talk about selfishness in that context and move forward. Let’s talk about what are the parent’s responsibility to the large society when they bring another baby into this world. Oh, but that’s right your mid-west corn feed beer bonged half functioning brain can't think outside the statues quo, like hamsters on a tread mill, moving forward intellectually or socially isn’t an option for you, only calling people pussies is My apologies for the hostilities, but sometimes being inbetween so much the privileged entitlement and the rank stupidity is stifling

guest

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:48:25 -0600

40: Well, when you are a parent, you can make rules for your kids. Listen, I have no defense of parents who spoil their kids in public [and those hipster parents, to use a trite phrase, are really funny]. What I cannot stand, though, are the assholes out there who seem to think it is a crime to have kids in the city, or at least the part of the city where the cool younger crowd hangs. This city is about more than drinking beers and listen to bands. There are actually families who live here, and should live here, lest we fall even further as a city.

incndnz

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:38:05 -0600

I love how people with kids are automatically never "selfish". Why, just because they had kids? It is not that hard to actually conceive and bear a child, you know. In my opinion parents shouldn't be taking their kids to places like the Bongo Room because I really doubt that the kid a) needs more (or any) super sugary/processed food and b) is enjoying it more than they would enjoy time with both parents at home(or somewhere more comfortable) and c) is benefiting from the limited time most parents (yuppie or otherwise) have to spend with their child is best used by doings something the parents want to do, while their child is forced to be sushed up while waiting in line, had sugary/processed/adult food shoved in it's mouth while being man-handled so as not to make a "scene" around the other diners. All so the parents can make an apperance at some super-lame seen and be seen crap fake-hipster joint in a fake-yuppie neighborhood so they can spend the rest of the week consoling themselves with the fact that they are "cool" parents. No. That's not selfish behavior at all.

guest

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:42:51 -0600

Kids whine, Spook. Kids have always whined and kids will always do so. And some adults smell bad and fart and talk too loudly at eateries. Life is messy like that. You fucking selfish pussies can't see past yourselves, and think the city should exist for all the younger, single people. No, I have no kids. I just prefer them to some of the self-centered assholes on this board.

Spook

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:06:13 -0600

Guest 37: You might wanna break out your reading glasses. It wasn't just any kid. Guest,35 said it was a "whining little kid" and I'm she he wasn't the only one disturbed as I'm sure the parents had to spend a "good amount of time reining in (their) toddler’s breakfast, as well as his (its) extremities, so that they would not end up in others’ coffee mugs"

guest

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 09:22:24 -0600

Poor, poor guest 35. Had to sit by a kid. So unfair. So unjust, especially when you took the trouble to get up so early. It is certainly a tragedy that your brunch was ruined. How will you get past this? God, the burdens we must live with in this city. I say don't let hungover assholes out before 1 pm.

guest

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 08:44:01 -0600

Now that Illinois passed a smoking ban in restaurants maybe we could use the old smoking sections as "kid sections"....

guest

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:42:46 -0600

I had the misfortune of sitting next to a whining little kid at Lula last weekend...Exactly what I want at 10am on Sunday. Seriously, please do not bring your children anywhere in public before 2pm. Shouldn't they be at home learning to read or growing or some shit.

guest

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:14:19 -0600

33: So you are a yuppie scum, it seems, with that RCG job. I know a few people there. Big assholes. I doubt they could get blown by a hooker.

guest

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 19:42:29 -0600

#30 Actually sweetheart,I don't work a shitty service job.I work for RCG's Foreign Exchange Department...and I went to college.WHOA...imagine that. And no it wasn't just the yuppie scum who pumped money into this city the last 20 years to make it a nicer place...it's also these asshole kids that work these shitty service jobs who pay taxes. FYI....I actually am cool.You should meet me....you'd be on your knees trying to blow me after 15mins.

guest

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 08:30:00 -0600

Thanks for your comment, Spook. This city is full of parents with a bizarre sense of entitlement to impose their kids' inappropriate behavior on everyone else. Why would "Baby on Board" be any different?

Spook

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:44:27 -0600

O.K I'm gonna try to be “balance” in the spirit of the coming weekend, so as stated in the quote, "Since Chicagoist strives to ensure that all who are enjoying their meals around our child can actually do so, we spent a good amount of time reining in our toddler’s breakfast, as well as his extremities, so that they would not end up in others’ coffee mugs." Well I can't help but wonder how much distraction and annoyance did this "good amount of time in reining in" a certain "toddlers breakfast and his extremities" cause for those who just happened to be sitting beside said toddler in that small store front restaurant? But it is nice to hear that Chicagoist "does its best" to ensure that others get to enjoy the meal that they pay for with their hard earned money! But hey, if they come up short, at least they tried right?

guest

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:07:09 -0600

By the way, 25, it is yuppie scum who pumped a shitload of money into this city over the last 20 years so assholes like you can live in places a lot safer than they once were. No, I am not a yuppie scum, nor even have kids. I just hate all the selfish assholes around Chicago who think the city should be a playground for young drunks who work shitty service jobs and listen to shitty bands. Go be cool in NYC, asswipe.

guest

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:05:05 -0600

25: Get the fuck over yourself. Believe me, you are not as cool as you think. Poor you: Have to share a neighborhood with people who are not EXACTLY LIKE YOUR FUCKING SORRY ASS.

JoeM500

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 11:56:46 -0600

Elvira Arellano prefered Le Peep and Orange over Bongo Room, anyway!

Spook

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 10:45:42 -0600

"Baby on Board" doesn’t visit Hispanic Neighborhoods. “Baby on Board”, in this case means "All Aboard for only those babies born into the creamiest of the crème of the crop. Maybe some one should do a column where the poor and working mothers take their babies. And peaking of Hispanics,it’s clear that Elvira Arellano isn’t alone in using her kid to make a point, and although I disagree with Arellano, her point has a lot more merit than "others"

guest

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 09:37:20 -0600

If you stick around long enough, eventually someone will bring up how apparently every single neighborhood in Chicago used to be a dangerous shithole..

guest

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 19:14:52 -0600

#22 Are you even from here? Screw kids.Take your little brats to another neighborhood.And while you're at it,take your cute dog,stroller that takes up an entire sidewalk,and Land Rover to Lincoln Park. Can we have just one neighborhood that isn't full of #22's? Seriously....all the places to put in starbucks,bank of america atm's,and condos but you have to take up all of our space too. DIE YUPPIE SCUM!!

guest

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:27:57 -0600

No ... Wicker Park, in fact, used to be a really bad neighborhood where you'd get your ass kicked.

guest

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:25:17 -0600

Summary of recent Chicagoist comments: Guest 314159: Hey, you guys suck. Look at this weak connection to non-evidence! Guy with pretentious screen name: We don't suck. You suck, but you're too afraid to come up with a pretentious name not to suck! Guest 314161: Hey! I don't suck. You suck. Guy with pretentious screen name: You suck worse! Guest 314133: I don't suck as bad as your mamma sucks! Guy with pretentious screen name: Your mamma sucks my daddy. spook: the man has hoovered us all Guy with pretentious screen name: Spook sucks. Guest 314137: Man. Chicagoist sucks.

guest

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:16:57 -0600

WOW, douchebag of the day! Quite an accomplishment given the crowd around here. You certainly knocked me down a peg with your incredible wit. The point was, genius, that Wicker Park wasn't always some sort of "adults only" playground and you should lighten the fuck up when someone wants to bring their kid there.

guest

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:41:24 -0600

#18 Yes,you're right.I personally gentrified an entire neighborhood on my own. Pat yourself on the back...you've just won the "Douchebag of the Day" award!

guest

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:46:28 -0600

I've been to the south loop location a number of times and will continue to frequent it. I agree that it's not a good place for children. The black bean chorizo burrito was a worthy alternative to the sweeter fare. Also you can ask for smaller portions of the pancakes and french toast. I've always had prompt, pleasant service. -Cheers Corey

guest

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:45:53 -0600

My wife and I and our 2 year old son came in and said three. She looked at us like we were diseased and said 'no - two, he's not a person'. Exact quote. I-90 is the rock and all you west of it are under it.

guest

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 07:35:10 -0600

#16, maybe you gentrified a different neighborhood than I did.

guest

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:13:08 -0600

Call me crazy but it seems like most of these "Baby on Board" reviews start out with the sentiment - "Hey! I'm bringing my kid to this totally-inappropriate restaurant that's not really for kids! But let's bring my kid here anyway!" I mean, the Bongo Room? Goose Island Pub? How about actually reviewing restaurants that are Kid-Friendly instead of insisting on making non-kid-friendly places accommodate you and your children? Can't there be any places left in Chicago that are comfortably STROLLER FREE and suitable for NON PARENTS?

guest

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:01:30 -0600

#14 Maybe I'm hanging out in a different Wicker Park than you.

guest

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 23:40:41 -0600

I don't care for the Bongo Room either. I've only been to the South Loop one, but their breakfast items are all WAY too sweet. It's also very loud, and the tables are so jammed together, you feel like you could be eating breakfast off your neighbor's plate.

guest

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:54:09 -0600

#13, I thought Wicker Park was a nice neighborhood for Hispanic families, but I admittedly haven't been there in quite a while -- has something changed?

guest

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:22:48 -0600

Hey Chicagoist, I've got an idea for your next baby-on-board review.Only suggest places in the Southport Corridor. Most of the people walking around Wicker Park at brunch hour are still drunk or high.We don't want to hear shrilly voices when we're hungover from whisky and cocaine.We want to relax.If you were dumb enough to have kids don't come around us trying to bring everyone down.It was your decision,not ours. Take your stupid little kids somewhere else.Wicker Park is for grown-ups. FYI....The Bongo Room sucks...The name alone is obnoxious enough.Not to mention the clusterfuck of out-of-towners standing around every sunday morning taking up space.

Tankboy

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:09:28 -0600

Man do I miss the Busy Bee right about now.

matty

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:51:02 -0600

wait no it's: Francesca's Forno ($$$) Italian 1576 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago 60622 At W North & N Damen Ave they have brunch.

matty

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:49:34 -0600

Mia Francesca is what I was referring to. Sorry for not giving the actual name. haha.

Timmy Watson

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:56:34 -0600

I've had ok meals, but Tankboy is right, much more a social experience. Which is proven by good drinks. Matty, are you talking about Barcello's? I want to try that place.

Tankboy

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:50:59 -0600

I've never had a good meal in that place, but friends of mine swear by it. I think it's more of a social experience that a restaurant at this point though.

starcrunch

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:05:04 -0600

I've always disliked Bongo Room. Years ago I had this boyfriend that used to insist on us waking up early to stand in line in the glaring sunlight, which combined with a hangover led to many squabbles in that line. Oh, how I wish Hillary's would open up again. Now THAT was a place you could roll out of bed late for and not miss anything.

guest

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:47:42 -0600

When I went this summer, the menu items sounded appealing, but the food was served with zero attention to detail. Overcooked eggs, un-toasted toast, etc.

matty

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:27:49 -0600

Also I had a really enjoyable experience at that Italian place right on the corner of damen and milwaukee - it's behind the bank across the street from the flat iron building. Not busy and great food at a decent price.

matty

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:25:45 -0600

wtf @ being open for four hours. no wonder no one can get a table there. Even lula is easier to get into than that place.

Navin

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:03:59 -0600

Line for the Bongo Room brunch? No! ;) Breaking...This just in....Busy Bee, Friars, Wicker Dog and Urbis Orbis have closed....more on these developing stories at 11.

Laura Oppenheimer

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 10:46:32 -0600

I really don't like Bongo Room. I'm not sure why, but the whole place just annoys the crap out of me.

JoeM500

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 10:41:13 -0600

Do you want to wait in line to get a table? I certainly don't! so I eat at the Bongo Room at Roosevelt & Wabash. Same food, more room, no wait, no snotty unattentive waitstaff!!!