Legendary Chicago radio DJ Johnny Mars (WXRT) jumps in the car for a (gasp) vegetarian meal at Amitabul (6207 N Milwaukee Ave).
We cover a lot of things, including:
*Amitabul provides no napkins with carry-out (“that’s what pants are for”)
*Johnny’s move to veganism after hard living in the 80s
*My move away from vegetarianism after hearing the steak sizzle at Ruth’s Chris
*XRT in the 80s (“There was a lot of pot smoking. There was a lot of cocaine, as well.”)
*The club scene of the 80s (Tut’s, Smart Bar, 950… )
*Johnny’s radio history, from the Loop to Texas to WXRT
*My stripper name
*Amitabul’s food: Sure, there’s no meat, but it’s awfully tasty…
*The car accident that caused me to use a rental car for this particular recording
*Johnny being on the air the night John Lennon was killed
*The situation at XRT when Johnny was fired and I awkwardly had to replace him
*Johnny’s all-time favorite album
*The “good old days” of record store shopping
Johnny Mars is a Chicago treasure. A GODDAMNED CHICAGO TREASURE, I tell you.
