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Take advantage of Chicago’s upcoming events and offerings this month:

Culture:

• Have a laugh as Chicago’s improv theater ComedySportz (929 W. Belmont) sets up a 1920s speakeasy-themed weekend (January 16 – 18) in honor of Prohibition. Shows are supplemented by live jazz music, prohibition-style cocktails and even a password to enter. Guests wearing costumes will receive $5 off their tickets
• Only here for 8 weeks, The Phantom of the Opera opens at the Cadillac Palace Theater (151 W. Randolph) on January 9 – buy tickets to the world-renowned production before they sell out
• Get dressed up and head to Art Institute After Dark for a 21+ museum party featuring a DJ, appetizers and a cash bar. This is your last chance to see the “Art and Appetite” exhibit before it closes. Friday, January 17, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Tickets $25. Enter through the Modern Wing at 159 E. Monroe

Entertainment:

• The 5th annual Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Fest kicks off January 10 and features three weeks of concerts around town at Concord Music Hall, Tonic Room, City Winery and Evanston’s SPACE. Most notable is Rusted Root playing at Concord Music Hall on January 25 with Donna the Buffalo
• If you can’t get enough drama, follow the trials and tribulations of Bravo’s chosen “Chicago socialite go-getters” on 100 Days of Summer. Tuesday’s premiere (9 p.m.) illustrated that they think we all must die after those 100 days are up. Prove them wrong!

Food:

• If you’ve ever dreamed of being a chef, check out Le Cordon Bleu’s open house and cooking demo day this Saturday, January 11 at 10:30. Tour their industrial kitchens and pick up chef tips along the way. RSVP in the link above to reserve your spot (free)
• Indoor foodie festival “The Nosh” sets up each Sunday with the Logan Square Farmer’s Market at 2755 N. Milwaukee from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Taste local artisanal food from multiple vendors sampling bites of Chicago

Fitness:

• Take advantage of the last few days of Chicago Park District’s Free Fitness Week – sign up for free classes and swim lessons and work out at a number of Chicago-area gyms for free, only until January 12. Low-cost enrollment options are available after the free week is up
• Drop in on a number of boutique workout classes for free this month, thanks to Nike Training Club Lincoln Park. With the close of their Armitage storefront last month, they’ve opened a window to give fans a chance to take advantage of free workouts around the city. Pick up your NTC Club Card at Nike Chicago or Nike Running Bucktown for access to studios such as Barre Bee Fit, Flywheel and Shred415
• Fulfill your Bears-fan dream of running through Soldier Field by signing up for May 24′s Soldier Field 10 Mile race. Sign up by January 19 to save $20 off your registration fee

Culture:

• For the hardcore Cubbies fans: the 2014 Cubs Convention runs from January 17 – 19 to kick off the hundred year anniversary of Wrigley Field. Events include coach and player appearances, autograph signings and a preview of the centennial celebrations coming up this season
  • Date: Friday, January 17 – Sunday, January 19
  • Location: 301 East North Water Street
  • Cost: $60 for 3-day pass
• Explore Chicago’s hidden pedways connecting 5 miles’ worth of buildings downtown. Tour options include history, brunch and pub crawls (times and pricing vary)

Food:

• Indulge in a new dining experience during Chicago Restaurant Week. Held from January 24 – February 6, nearly 250 Chicago-area restaurants offer $22 lunch menus and $33 or $44 dinner menus. Make your reservations fast as they fill up quickly
  • Best bets (based on available published menus). Note that I am not vegetarian and my tastes swing to the meat-lovers side of the fence. Most of these restaurants offer vegetarian options as well:
    • Bar Pastoral – tempt your taste buds with braised pork belly and finish it off with salted caramel cheesecake
    • Café des Architects – I was sold when I saw braised short ribs. Take note that you can supplement any course with shaved French truffles
    • Howells & Hood – four words: truffle lobster pot pie. You can balance it out with the kale superfood salad
    • Mon Ami Gabi – $33 for all the classics – escargots, beef bourguignon and crème brulee
    • Table 52 – fried green tomatoes to start, then wash down your buttermilk fried chicken with an oatmeal cookie sandwich with buttercream icing

Fitness:

• HIIT (high intensity interval training) class as part of Lululemon’s “Resolution Wednesdays” series this month
  • Date: Wednesday, January 22 at 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Lululemon – 2104 N. Halsted
  • Cost: Free
• Ski the slopes at Devil’s Head Ski Resort – an hour and a half drive just across the Wisconsin border is a fun weekend day trip for skiers of all levels. While the “mountain” descriptor might be a bit of a stretch, it’s the best way to enjoy the snow this season

Entertainment:

• My favorite Showtime escape, Shameless, returns for its fourth season on Sunday, January 12 at 8 p.m. CT. Watch as actors Emmy Rossum and William H. Macy survive Chicago’s south side

Go have fun this month – stay warm!