Good Mo Hunting: Movember Week 2 Recap
By John DiGilio in News on Nov 18, 2011 4:00PM
As the second week of Movember drew to a close, I found myself at my first "Stache Bash" of the mo-growing season. I also found myself facing my first pangs of manly inadequacy in the bare face of 'stache farming prowess. The scene was the affable Hunt Club in the city's Near North Neighborhood. It was an evening of strong drinks, sweet staches, and some serious Tom Selleck envy - all for a good cause, of course.
Last night's event was hosted by Dick Barker, a first time Movember mover and shaker. A bartender, he had crafted a cocktail especially for the occasion. Called the Mustache Ride, it was a gullet-warming concoction of Jim Beam Rye Whiskey, Chambord, Sour Apple Pucker, and ginger beer that was guaranteed to curl your whiskers. For every one sold, Hunt Club donated $5 to the Movember charities. Thanks to the generosity of the bar and a number of sponsors, there were also raffles and prizes. As mustachioed servers (gents and ladies) spun about the room, guests chowed down on good food and drink.
While ingesting an awesome plate of The Hunt Club's mac n' cheese and turning green with envy at the lip brush on some of the fast-growers at the bar, I sat down with the host. "I have the ability and the means to make a difference," said Barker, "So why not? Not everyone does." A fixture in several local bars over the years, he was delighting to work the room in an effort to do something positive for the fathers, brothers, and sons facing life-changing health issues. "This is my chance to do something for a really great cause," he said.
Seated at the bar nearby were Joseph Clark and Adam Glenn. Clark, a Movember veteran, was sporting a healthy tuft on his upper lip after only two weeks. Assistant Manager at The Melting Pot, he was out in support of men everywhere and his friend, the evening's host. Glenn was doing pretty much the same. Owner of The Bike Lane, a full-service bicycle workshop and coffee shop, he was one of the night's prize sponsors and also a first-time Mo Bro. For a newbie, his mustache was one of the most impressive of the evening. "It's a good cause," Glenn said, "and a great way to get together with friends."
Clark and Team Melting Pot are hosting their own Stache Bash on Tuesday, November 29th, right in their River North restaurant (609 North Dearborn). A $30 entry fee will get you cheese, satay skewers, access to the endless chocolate fountain, a drink courtesy of Angel's Envy, and the satisfaction of knowing that the proceeds are benefitting men's health. "It's going to be a good time for a good cause," he said. I personally cannot wait to check it out. If my slowly sprouting caterpillar is still looking lame by then, I will simply drown my sorrow in fondue.
With two weeks to go, the Movember activities in Chicago are heating up. My own stache? Meh! But this was never about me. It is about having fun while raising money for some of the lesser talked about cancers, the kind that affect only men. I have met some really great guys so far and heard some truly touching and inspiring stories. Whether you choose to donate or take part in the fun, the message is simple. Look after your health, fellas. You are your best ally in the fight for a long, happy, manly life!
Movember 2011 in Chicago Series: