Pilsen Palate Pleasers

Distinguished food writer Steve Dolinsky has singled out 2010 Chicago Fringe sponsor Kristoffer's and 2010 venue Simone's as two of The Top 5 Spots in Pilsen!

On his WBEZ blog, Dolinsky observes that "the arts community has always thrived in Pilsen," and commends the neighborhood's "chefs and mixologists" for having "caught up to the artists."

A standout among Pilsen's gastronomical masterpieces, Kristoffer's chocoflan combines flan and chocolate cake to delicious effect, just as Fringe artists blend different theatrical genres and texts with flair.

Dolinsky uses the Fringe-tastic adjective "mind-bending" to describe Simone's, where the bar is made from an old bowling alley lane and the DJ booth is recycled pinball machines. To unwind between performances at Fringe 2011, pull up to a table repurposed from a high school chemistry lab and order a Simone's specialty cocktail, the Brazilian Hanger. Or if you're rushing to your next show, ask for a Quickie! We guarantee your server will be happy to provide one.

WILMINGTON LOVE, or HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING ABOUT FEES AND DO THE FRINGE

(reminder, CFF Design Contest is open until May 15!)

The Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau advertises that their fair city is centrally located in Delaware, between NYC and Washington, DC. But we know better. Central nothing: Wilmington is on Fringe.

Since their first festival in 2009, Wilmington Fringe's audience has more than doubled. The 2011 Festival will take place September 21-25, and they are offering a great deal to dedicated Fringers: they will waive their $75 application fee for any artist who has already applied to a USAFF partner festival in 2010 or 2011. And Fringe Wilmington provides all venues at no cost and returns 100% of box office to artists.

For more information, check out their site; if you're interested in performing in scenic Delaware, where the horsemen wear pink balloon scarves, act fast. Their application deadline is June 1.

Go east, Fringers!