—Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap’s PB&J wings: The River North spot is known for its various wing dishes, including XXX (a sweat-inducing mix of habanero, ghost-pepper and scorpion items). But do not ignore the PB&J wings; think of chicken satay with Thai peanut sauce—but fried and with raspberry-chipotle jelly. It’s an absolutely scrumptious concoction.
—The Lost Tapes: LA Riots: Most people know about these 1992 riots, which were sparked when four white LAPD officers were acquitted in the beating of Black motorist Rodney King. This documentary (premiering on The Smithsonian Channel on April 23) recaptures the chaotic days following the verdict with emotion-inducing photos, media coverage and even dispatch calls.
—HI GORGEOUS!: Transforming Inner Power into Radiant Beauty: Set to be on shelves (virtual and real) in June, trans actress/advocate Candis Cayne has penned a beauty guide that examines women from the interior to the exterior.
—To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA): The non-profit TWLOHA has sought to remove the stigma surrounding mental health and teach people that they are not alone. TWLOHA has transformed into an inspiring non-profit movement, celebrated in the 2012 Sony Pictures To Write Love on Her Arms film starring Kat Dennings, Chad Michael Murray, Rupert Friend and Corbin Bleu. The store has a variety of motivational items, including mugs and apparel. See TWLOHA.com.
—By Andrew Davis
(Andrew@WindyCityTimes.com and @azygous60610)