This directory is intended to list businesses that Friends would recommend to other Friends. Please indulge a few definitions and instructions before you post your favorite business. Please allow me to use the word "gay" on this page to mean gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans-gender.

A business listed as gay-owned is owned by one or more gay persons. There may be additional owner(s) who are not gay. Please do not "out" a business owner by listing him/her here. Only list as gay-owned those businesses who have given permission or who would list themselves as gay-owned.
A gay-managed business is, one which is owned by a large corporation, or by straight or unknown owners but is operated or managed openly by one or more gay persons. Similar to the what we said about gay-owned businesses, we will not "out" a gay manager who does not openly operate a business or request to be listed as gay-managed.
A gay-friendly business might include either of the above, if they choose not to be listed as gay-owned or gay-managed, or if you don't know about owner(s) or manager(s)orientation, but the business recognizes gay customers and welcomes them. Your local Starbuck's might be listed as gay-friendly, even if the manager is your straight sister-in-law.
A note to business owners and business managers. Pleased, feel free to request to have your business added or deleted from this list, or changed by category. The open architecture of this system actually will allow you to make changes yourself, but if you'd like us to do it for you simply E-mail the GaySop


Noodle and Bar by Thai Zie Restaurant at 11 N. Third Street in St. Charles (630-444-1690) is a gay-friendly
restaurant serving the most authentic Thai food around. As of May 22, 2009, the Thai Zie has a new name, "Noodles and Bar by Thai Zie" and a new menu. Now serving some of the same Thai dishes and before, with some great additions of Thai noodle dishes and Thai noodle soup (pick your noodle, pick your protien item, pick your broth type!) and almost all entree's are just $7.95. Appetizers begin at $3.95! Great cocktails, with a special martini menu, it is affordable luxury! The service is friendly, the decor is elegant and the food is the best Thai in the area. The owner, Champ, and his chef mother, Toom, will treat you like family.Try a Thai iced tea or Thai iced coffee for something different, or maybe you'd like to sample Thai beers. Lunch and Dinner is served 7 days a week. Click on the photo to the left for a website with more photos and a copy of the new menu.

ESTEBAN'S EXPRESSION NITES

We just heard about a new place for GLBT adults to gather on Thursday Nights. Esteban's in Naperville has just started
Expression Nites on Thursdays, from 8PM to 2AM. September 4 was the kickoff, and while as far as we know, no Kane Friends were there, we're told that there was a diverse classy crowd with a good mix of men and women, as well as a variety of ages and ethnicities. September 4, and again Sept 11 Expression Nites feature was a name-brand female impersonation (Drag) show, starring the World renowned Cher impersonator, Candi Stratton (pictured left) and Miss Shining Star Continental 2008. A few more details are available at the Expression Nites website on Myspace. Esteban's is at 1550 N. Rt. 59 in Naperville, just south of I-88.




Fran Bailey is a gay Realtor, associated with Baird & Warner which bills itself as "Chicago's Leading Gay-Friendly Real Estate Broker." Fran keeps a Real Estate Blog and is also active as the operator of Out In The Suburbs a website for GLBT people living in the Chicago suburban communities. Fran can help you sell your current home, find that dream home, or help with other important Real Estate matters. You can telephone her at 847-890-5270 or you can email Fran

Dixie LoCicero is a gay Financial Services Representative, associated with Chicago North Financial Group, MetLife. Dixie is licensed for life, accident & health, variable products and securities. Her goal is to become a financial resource for GLBT people living in the Chicago suburban communities. Dixie also can help small business owners with benefit programs. Dixie can be reached at (630) 875-1644, dlocicero@metlife.com. Check out Dixie's website: www.dixielocicero.metlife.com.



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