What’s Up This Month: April 2014

What’s Up This Month: April 2014

With the sun starting to shine, the weather heating up, we can finally come out of hibernation! Plan your social calendar with these top picks for April:

 

 

4/6
Fondue Cooking Class at Geja’s Cafe
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Location: Geja’s Café (340 W. Armitage)
Cost: $25 (proceeds benefit Greater Chicago Food Depository)

 

To celebrate National Cheese Fondue Week, you have the pleasure of learning the decades-old artistry of Geja’s swiss fondue. Learn from the best and enjoy wine pairings, and even take home samples of the fondue!

 

 

4/11 – 4/12
Dance Shelter Performance at Stage 773
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont)
Cost: $15

 

In honor of Chicago Dance Month, go see the performances directed by risk-taking choreographers at Stage 773. This contemporary dance show features the work of six choreographers.

 

 

4/12
Pastoral Artisan Festival
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton – in Ogilvie Train Station)
Cost: Free

 

Discover new artisanal meats, cheeses, craft beers, liquors and more directly from their creators. Held at the French Market, this festival allows you to taste lots of local treats for free!

 

 

4/12
Grapes to Bottles Wine Tasting Party at Floating World Gallery
Time: 3 – 6 p.m. or 7 – 10 p.m.
Location: Floating World Gallery (1925 N. Halsted)
Cost: $38

 

This month’s innovative wine tasting is held at a unique gallery in Lincoln Park. Surround yourself with art at this urban loft space while tasting wines and bubbly in the social bubble wine room. Of course, the cheese plate will be a main feature.

 

 

4/12
Minds Matter Spring for the Students Gala
Time: 8 – 11 p.m.
Location: Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark)
Cost: $95

 

Party for a cause at the Spring for the Students Gala, benefiting Minds Matter, an organization that pairs students from low-income families with professional mentors, helping them achieve their college preparation and acceptance dreams. Money raised covers the students’ educational needs such as Kaplan prep books, summer school programs, and college application fees. The party features a DJ, open bar, appetizers and desserts as well as a silent auction and raffle.

 

 

4/15
Sign Up for Chicago Sport and Social Club Volleyball

 

Work on your tan all summer with your friends by joining Chicago Sport and Social Club’s volleyball leagues on North Avenue Beach. With options for all skill levels, the volleyball league is a great way to meet new friends and get some fun in after work. While there is no deadline to sign up, registration is open now and will sell out.

 

 

4/16
Baconfest Master Class at Whole Foods Lincoln Park
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Whole Foods Lincoln Park (1550 N. Kingsbury)
Cost: $5

 

Join in the #BaconMonth craze at Lincoln Park’s flagship Whole Foods while Barn & Co.’s Pitmaster Gary Wiviott demonstrates new ways to enjoy bacon. The chef samples are paired with Lagunitas beer samples. Follow the link to buy tickets or call 312-587-0648 to reserve your spot.

 

 

4/24

Ravinia tickets go on sale at 5 a.m.

Time: 5 a.m.

Location: ravinia.org
Cost: Varies

 

The ultimate summer concert venue, Ravinia encourages long nights of picnicking on the lawn with friends. An easy train ride from the city, Ravinia features hundreds of concerts throughout the summer season. Some of this year’s headliners include One Republic, ZZ Top, Rufus Wainwright, and Willie Nelson. Tickets go on sale at 5 a.m. – headliners sell out quickly but many concert options are open throughout the summer.

 

 

4/24
Wine and Wildlife at Lincoln Park Zoo
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo Regenstein Small Mammal – Reptile House
Cost: $17

 

Enjoy a glass of wine while learning about the zoo’s conservation efforts with rare prairie and reptile species.

 

 

4/25 – 4/27
Gilt City Warehouse Sale
Time: Shifts vary
Location: MCA Warehouse (1747 W. Hubbard)
Cost: $10 – $20

 

Get your high-end fashion fix at this annual warehouse sale hosted by Gilt City. Expect racks of clothing, shoes and accessories to choose from. Hint: go early before all the good stuff is gone.

 

 

4/27
Triathlon Gear Swap
Time: 2 – 5 p.m.
Location: Centered Chef (177 N. Ada Suite 101)
Cost: Free admission

 

Runners, bikers and swimmers alike can browse and buy used gear at the Triathlon Gear Swap. Suit up for your next race or just your summer workouts. Curious about competing in triathlons? Come early for the “Tri 101” class and meet athletes who are happy to share their tips with you.

 

 

Enjoy Chicago this April!

 

 

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Send Postcards Directly from Your Smartphone With Lettr

Send Postcards Directly from Your Smartphone With Lettr

Want to showcase your adventures in Chicago or on vacation with your family and friends? Send a postcard directly from your phone or tablet with Lettr!

 

Who doesn’t like receiving a good old fashioned card in the mail? Local Chicagoans and tourists alike can create postcards through Lettr, a service that allows you to sign on with Facebook, choose your own photo, write your own message, and even sign with a touch-screen enabled signature. The final product, printed on quality postcard material, showcases a map of the city you sent the card from.

 

Lucky for us, technology has evolved so we don’t have to visit the tourist shops, buy stamps, or even collect addresses from our favorite people. To make it as easy as possible, here’s how Lettr works:

 

  • Capture your best scenic moment on your smartphone, or access your favorite memories from your camera roll or saved images
  • Sign on to Lettr from your phone, tablet or computer
  • Upload your favorite photo, craft your postcard message and sign your name
  • Select friends via Facebook that you’d like to send the card to – Facebook will notify them that a postcard is waiting and will ask for their preferred address
  • Lettr’s specially designed application sends the postcard for printing and shipping at a location close to the recipient, cutting down delivery time from weeks (if you’re vacationing abroad) to a few days
  • Simply pay for the card using debit, credit or PayPal

 

Just in time for spring break – and Chicago’s imminent spring – you can use Lettr to share the love with your friends and family on your adventures near and far. Use the links provided in this post or access the buttons on our site’s header or sidebar to send your postcard through Lettr.

 

The first 10 users of Lettr through The Chicago Lifestyle will win a credit to send a free postcard!

 

Who will you send a card to today?

 

 

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Getting Chased by the Police: Today and throughout Chicago’s History

Getting Chased by the Police: Today and throughout Chicago’s History

Sirens are blaring. Dozens of police cars zoom down Chicago’s iconic Lake Shore Drive. A car has crashed. Guns are out. Stalled bumper to bumper, thousands of cars are in the trail of a multi-interstate police chase.

 

Sunday’s police chase of a murder suspect from Georgia sent the media in a frenzy and spiked public interest. Just like a chase scene in an action film, the drama of a police standoff held Chicago in suspense – and this isn’t the first time in Chicago’s history. This week, The Chicago Lifestyle partners with 312GO, an app sharing Chicago’s interesting facts and stories as you cross paths with their historical locations, to bring you the details of the top 3 police chases and manhunts in Chicago’s history.

 

 

Breaking News

  • Traffic Pileup around S-curve
  • Traffic pileup on Lake Shore Drive
  • Police Command Center Truck

 

 

On Sunday, March 16, suspect Joseph Andrew Felton, Jr. sped his car from Harvey, IL through several inter-state highways, all the way to Lincoln Park, with police trailing. Wanted for the murder of his wife, Sheray Felton, the suspect crashed his car near the Lake Shore Drive Fullerton exit, and was surrounded by police within minutes. Refusing to leave his car, the resulting standoff frustrated thousands of drivers caught in the 8-hour traffic pileup. Felton ultimately exited his vehicle once the police used a flash grenade and was taken to the hospital. Click to read more from DNAinfo Chicago.

 

 

This Isn’t the First Time Chicago Was the Scene of a Crime…

As we all know, Chicago’s history is marked with many a tale of crime and corruption. 312GO shares the top 3 police chases and manhunts in Chicago’s history:

 

#3 – Vincent Drucci

Drucci was a life-long mobster in Bugs Moran’s north-side gang.  After blowing up a safe in a teashop on August 31, 1922, he found himself in a police car chase.  Drucci approached the Michigan Avenue Bridge as it was being raised, but not wanting to stop, he drove through the gates and jumped the open gap some 50 feet above the river.  Amazingly, the tailing squad car followed.  Now on the south-side of the river, the chase turned to foot, and Drucci was apprehended about a block from the bridge.

 

#2 – Richard Carpenter

After robbing over 60 bars in 18 months, Carpenter was perhaps Chicago’s most-wanted fugitive.  The chase escalated when he was spotted by an off-duty officer inside the former Biltmore Theatre in Wicker Park (2046 W. Division) on August 17, 1955.  Carpenter shot the officer in the chest, and escaped through the rear of the theater.  He then broke into a nearby home and kept a family of four hostage for 23 hours.  The house was surrounded by police and a helicopter hovered overhead, when Carpenter attempted to escape out a second-story window.  With nowhere to run, Carpenter was arrested as the crowd chanted for his capture.

 

#1 – John Dillinger

Dillinger was the nation’s most notorious Depression-era bank robber.  He and his gang heisted over two-dozen banks and four police stations throughout the Midwest.  He managed to evade police for almost a year, until his date tipped off his whereabouts on July 22, 1934.   While Dillinger attended a movie at the Biograph Theater in Lincoln Park (2433 N. Lincoln), a fleet of FBI agents awaited his exit.  As he emerged from the theatre, he saw the agents and took off running down a nearby alley.  Before he could escape, he was shot three times and killed.

 

 

Become a Chicago Trivia Expert with 312GO

Want a personalized walking or running tour as you’re jetting around to your favorite spots in Chicago? Plug in your headphones and pull up the 312GO app on your phone – and just listen in! No need to turn off your running playlist, 312GO will interject when you’re located at a hot spot where an interesting piece of Chicago’s history occurred. This allows you to take your own path and carry the tour guide with you.

 

You’ll become a trivia expert when you access more than 3000 Chicago tidbits gathered by local researchers, writers and guides. Want to hear more about restaurants, nightlife and urban activities, but less about architecture and public art? You can pre-select which categories pique your interest the most, for a truly customized tour to delight locals and tourists alike.

 

Download 312GO for free from the App Store.

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5 Ways to Ensure St. Patrick’s Day Shenanigans

5 Ways to Ensure St. Patrick’s Day Shenanigans

 

St. Patrick’s Day is one of Chicago’s favorite holidays – so big in fact, that the city drops 45 pounds of vegetable dye to color the Chicago River the honorary emerald green. With crowds spilling out into the streets, St. Patrick’s Day is one big party you do not want to miss. Here are the top 5 things you need to do to make your holiday complete:

 

 

1. Toast your friends with a green drink in hand

In true Irish fashion, St. Patrick’s Day should be enjoyed with a drink (or many). Join your friends early in the day (by 10 a.m. is recommended) and enjoy some breakfast favorites along with these themed drinks:

 

Green Jell-O Shots (make the night before)

Green Jell-O Shots

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

  • (4)  0.3 oz. packages lime Jell-O (sugar-free is better so your friends don’t have a sugar crash)
  • 6 cups chilled vodka
  • 2 cups boiling water

Pour the gelatin mix into a large bowl. Add the 2 cups boiling water, stir until completely dissolved. Stir in the 6 cups chilled vodka. Arrange 1 or 1.5 oz. plastic shot glasses on a tray. Use a liquid measuring cup with a spout or a funnel to carefully pour the mixture into the shot glasses. Chill in the fridge overnight and enjoy in the morning!

 

Irish Coffee

In a mug, drop in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Pour 1.5 oz. Irish whiskey over the sugar. Fill the remainder of the glass with coffee, stirring as you go. Top with fresh whipped cream and optionally, shavings or sprinkles of chocolate.

 

 

2. Head to the river to see the green dye (but don’t fall in!)

After your morning breakfast and drinks, gather up your crew and head to the river. The 50-year old tradition of dyeing the river green draws approximately 40,000 people, as it’s definitely a sight to see! The best places to see the green river are over the bridges between Columbus and Wacker Drive. The riverwalk between Michigan Ave and Columbus is one of the best viewing spots. The dyeing begins at 10:45 a.m. and is visible for about 5 hours, so catch it while it lasts.

This year, the polar vortex weather has called into question whether the frozen river can actually be dyed green. According to the parade coordinator, if there’s a will, there’s a way! The plan is to send a large tugboat through the river to break up the ice. Even if there are chunks of ice floating on the surface, the river can still be dyed. This may be the first time in the history of the tradition that weather has impeded the process. No matter what happens, St. Patrick’s celebrations will carry on.

 

 

3. Feast on corned beef and cabbage

After you’ve had your fill of the green river, head to River North to continue your spirited adventures. Most bars and restaurants will have food and drink specials, and the trick is finding a place to convene that isn’t already spilling out into the streets. I can’t go a year without tasting corned beef and cabbage, and as luck would have it, many restaurants are serving this year!

  • Green Door Chicago (678 N. Orleans) – Serving up corned beef and cabbage and offering prizes for the best outfit
  • Rockit Bar and Grill (22 W. Hubbard) – St. Pat’s Burger topped with corned beef, bacon, sauerkraut, 1000 Island dressing on a pretzel bun, also serving Guinness Potato Cheddar Soup
  • Harry Caray’s (33 W. Kinzie) – Everything from Beer Cheddar Soup to a Corned Beef Sandwich to Fish & Chips

 

 

4. Take part in a mid-afternoon dance party

Once you’ve refueled, heat things up with a dance party – the following bars are hosting music all afternoon:

  • The Grid (351 W. Hubbard) – 4 DJs all day, live band The Hot Sauce Committee playing 1 – 4 p.m., Irish stilt walkers, bagpipers and more
  • Timothy O’Tooles (622 N. Fairbanks) – Events will feature beer chugging contests, bagpipers and an Irish-inspired menu all day
  • D4 Pub (345 E. Ohio) – Celebrate in heated outdoor tents, with a $10 cover you will receive a t-shirt and party favors

 

 

5. Find a leprechaun

You will see many a St. Paddy’s fan dressed up – in the bars, on the streets, and maybe even swimming in the river. If you see your favorite leprechaun costume, take a picture and post it to Instagram – make sure to tag thechicagolifestyle!

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Are You a Foodie? Experience these 11 Foodie Adventures in Chicago

Are You a Foodie? Experience these 11 Foodie Adventures in Chicago

 

Chicago features some of the finest food in the world, and offers many experiences beyond your typical lunch or dinner. Expand your gastronomic boundaries with these 11 foodie experiences in (and around) Chicago this spring. Learn to assemble the perfect cheese platter, join a Secret Supper club, learn to butcher a hog and more. Experiences are listed in order of cost (low to high). Bon appétit!

 

1. Watch Local Chefs Demonstrate their Talents at the Green City Market

 

  • Chef Heather Terhune of Sable
  • Sable Sample at Green City Market Chef Demo

 

Do you want free food samples? From some of Chicago’s best chefs? Held indoors at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon) October through April, the Green City Market hosts local chefs each week on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. They set up a mini kitchen with all the ingredients to demonstrate the creation of some of their favorite dishes, and share those samples with the audience. You can learn the insider secrets that make up the menus of your favorite restaurants. Last year I had the opportunity to see Chef Heather Terhune of Sable give a demonstration, and I benefited from the tasting of cheddar grits topped with grilled pork belly and a maple gastrique.

 

Upcoming chef demonstrations include:

  • March 15: Leonard Hollander of Marion St. Cheese Market
  • March 29: Heather Terhune of Sable
  • April 5: Peter Klein of Seedling
  • April 19: Abraham Conlon of Fat Rice

 

 

2. Shop Kitchen Gadgetry at Northwestern Cutlery

 

Looking for a hard-to-find kitchen gadget or a unique gift? Shop where the chefs go for their kitchen supplies – at Northwestern Cutlery (810 W. Lake). The company has been sharpening knives for over 50 years and sells many items to fill out your kitchen supply. Bring your knives for sharpening while you browse this warehouse store in the West Loop for items such as:

  • Rice cube sushi former
  • Double-handled cheese knife
  • Lattice-dough cutter
  • Chicago-style deep dish pizza pan
  • Zucchini/carrot ribbon curler

 

 

3. Pair Beer and Bacon for a 5-Course Tasting at Paddy Long’s

 

  • Paddy Long's Beer and Bacon Tasting

 

Can’t get enough bacon? Appreciate craft beer? Pair the two at Paddy Long’s (1028 W. Diversey) infamous beer and bacon tasting. Sign up with a group of friends and compete for who can down the most bacon (many of their menu items feature bacon as well). Each slice is served with a description – different cuts, different curing styles, and different toppers such as brown sugar – and the seasonal beers that best complement the tastes. Paddy Long’s features a selection of their 18 beers on tap, which rotate frequently.

Most tastings are Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, and spots fill up quickly. Tickets are $36.

 

 

4. Assemble the Perfect Cheese Platter with Pastoral

 

  • Pastoral Cheese Selection
  • Cheese Plate

 

Want to know how to select the perfect cheeses for your next cocktail party? Pastoral, one of Chicago’s finest cheese, bread and wine shops, is hosting “Cheese 101” at their Lakeview location (2947 N. Broadway). On Saturday, March 29 from 12 – 1 p.m. the master cheese mongers will give a thorough introduction to different varieties of cheese, giving you the know-how to select a well-rounded sampling next time you shop. Tickets, $45 include a glass of wine or beer, with additional drinks available for purchase.

 

 

5. Explore Bucktown’s Favorite Tastes, Architecture, and Hotspots with Chicago Food Planet

 

Chicago Food Planet has been hosting walking tours since 2006, highlighting Bucktown, Old Town and Chinatown’s delicious treats. Part neighborhood tour and part food sampling, Chicago Food Planet tours are led by knowledgeable guides adding local flavor and tidbits to your repertoire.

 

I had the pleasure of taking this tour and was turned on to restaurants I had never visited before, which are now some of my favorites in the neighborhood. Start your tour with the iconic Chicago-style hot dog at George’s (and show your trivia knowledge of all the original toppings), the newest deli recipes from local artisan shop Goddess & Grocer, a falafel pita sandwich from Sultan’s Market, pizza and beer samples from Piece, fully customizable liquid-nitrogen frozen ice cream from iCream, and more.

 

Since the tours are on foot, they begin in April, and are held Tuesday-Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $47 and include all food. You will definitely not leave hungry!

 

 

6. Sneak into a Secret Supper with Dishcrawl

 

Secure your spot in Chicago’s first Secret Supper, where you’ll meet with other mysterious guests at an undisclosed location on Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. Held in cities around the country, Secret Suppers bring together a roster of in-the-know guests to be served by a chef creating a unique menu in a secret location. The event is hosted by Dishcrawl, an organization that brings together friends and strangers alike for progressive dinners, chef encounters and more. With rotating upcoming public events, the Secret Suppers take a special spin on the concept by keeping the menu and location hidden for an air of surprise. Tickets, $89 plus optional wine pairings, will sell out very quickly. This will definitely be an experience you can brag about to your friends!

 

 

7. Speak Italian while Savoring Umbria’s Finest Delights

 

Known for its restaurants, markets, Nutella and Coffee bars and much more, Eataly (43 E. Ohio) also features a cooking school, La Scuola. During a 90-minute demonstration, Eataly’s chefs will take you on a voyage through Umbria, featuring regional ingredients and the basic language related to the culture and gastronomy.

 

Your menu will feature Insalata di Zucca (Butternut Squash Salad), Strangozzi con Burro al Tartufo (Strangozzi with Truffle Butter), Porchetta con Lenticchie (Roasted Umbrian Pork with Lentils), along with a two glasses of wine (red and white).

 

The class is held on Thursday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $95 and you can register through the link above. The next Italian language class features the Lombardia region, and will be held on Wednesday, April 30.

 

 

8. Eat Seasonally with Custom Cocktail Pairings at The Drawing Room

 

Situated in a secluded location in the Gold Coast, The Drawing Room (937 N. Rush) serves up award-winning meals and equally impressive cocktails. Their menu, changed seasonally, currently features winter flavors such as Winter Squash Crepes with red quinoa, parmesan mornay, charred scallion and crispy sage, and Braised Short Rib Risotto with red wine braised short rib, maitake mushroom, and blue cheese espuma. The richly combined flavors are matched with unique hand-crafted drinks. As the drink menu offers some incredible options, it is best to ask your waiter and Master Bartender to devise the perfect pairing for your meal, and even for each course. This will round out your experience in the subterranean lounge space.

 

The drink menu currently features concoctions such as:

  • Orange is the New Black: Cointreau Noir, St. Elizabeth Allspice, North Shore Sirene, fresh sour
  • Return of the Mac: Macallan 12, Cointreau, habanero shrub, maple
  • Casa de Martin: Remy Martin VSOP, Galliano Ristretto, xocolatl mole bitters, maple

 

 

9. Butcher a Hog at Butcher and the Burger

 

Meat lovers only – if you want the full experience on how your meat is prepared, reserve a spot in one of Butcher and the Burger’s (1021 W. Armitage) hog butchery classes. Chef Al will show you how to prepare the animal for cooking. Classes are BYOB and feature a full meal, so come hungry!

 

Upcoming classes are on March 13th and 27th at 6:30 p.m. Call 773-697-3735 to make your reservations.

 

 

10. Enjoy a Farm to Table Dinner Under the Stars at the Botanic Garden

 

For the fifth year, the Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL) hosts three farm-to-table dinners, bringing together farmers, chefs, winemakers and more to serve you a locally-grown meal. You will be seated within a vine-covered trellis in the Regenstein Fruit and Vegetable Garden while learning about how the food is planted, organically grown and harvested.

 

Award-winning Chef Cleetus Friedman orchestrates the multi-course meal. Tickets, $220, feature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a tour of the garden, and the multi-course meal, as well as support to the Green Youth Farm program, providing students with opportunities to learn about organic farming. Make your reservations now for this exclusive dinner, held on three dates in 2014: July 16, August 13 and September 3, from 5 – 8 p.m.

 

 

11. Create Your Signature Wine Label at City Winery

 

  • City Winery
  • Make Your Own Wine

 

Looking for an even more exclusive experience? You could create your very own wine blend, in your very own oak barrel, with your very own label. Right in Chicago’s West Loop, you could be sampling and serving your own wine. This special program is offered by City Winery (1200 W. Randolph) with customized consultations throughout. You will select which varietal of grapes and vineyard you prefer, and will have the opportunity to get hands-on during the crushing and maceration process after the grapes have been harvested.

 

Based on your specifications, the wine will be aged 6 – 24 months, with visits at your preferred frequency. Once your wine has reached its desired age, you will have the option to blend with other City Wineries, or maintain your own varietal selection. Then comes the fully-customized bottle and label design. The in-house designer will craft the perfect label for your personal brand, and the result will garnish 250 bottles for you to enjoy.   

 

 

Have you tried any of these experiences in Chicago? Leave a comment and let us know how they were!

 

Check the Events Calendar page to keep track of these events and more.

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What’s Up This Month: March 2014

What’s Up This Month: March 2014

Top events and ideas to keep you entertained this month:

 

Food

  • Take advantage of an exclusive opportunity to wine and dine with top chefs in Chicago at the Fear No Art Dinner Party Series. Held March 31 at City Winery (1200 W. Randolph), Chef Carrie Nahabedian of Naha will be cooking for Chefs Rick Bayless and more, and it’s all filmed live! Tickets, $45, will get you in as an audience member of the show’s filming, as well as samples from the chefs, and wine and chocolate. If you can’t make the event in person, watch the show live on the Sun Times – Splash Section site from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
  • Learn about all the inner-workings of food, farming and restaurants in Chicago at the Good Food Festival. Head to the UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt) from March 13 – 15 for chef demos (Paul Virant, Rick Bayless, Jason Vincent), workshops, tasting vendors and more. Tickets range from $10 – $300 based on how many specialized events you attend. The “Localicious” party will take place on Friday night, March 14
  • Test your cooking skills by submitting your own recipe to Bespoke Cuisine, for a chance to win two spots in a hands-on cooking class! Enter the Customer Cook-Off Competition by submitting your best recipe for inclusion in upcoming mix-it-up cooking classes. For more information, contact info@bespokecuisine.com

 

 

Drinks

  • Ride the “Urban Bourbon Trail” Saturday, March 1 starting at 1 p.m. on a bar crawl through Four Corners Tavern Group (Kirkwood, Schoolyard, Crossing and Benchmark). Put a stamp on your bourbon passport for each taste of Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Four Roses, Woodford Reserve and more. A fully stamped passport earns you entry to the grand raffle to win a custom bourbon barrel and a bottle of fine bourbon. Tickets, $35, provide bus transportation to each of the bars, your passport, a t-shirt and a water bottle
  • Grapes to Bottles hosts their “Wine Socialist” events monthly encouraging a social, mingling aspect to the traditional wine tasting. The Saturday, March 22nd event, “Old Against New Wine Tasting,” adds a new social flair with a funny photo booth, wine bottle photo shoots and of course, adding your talents to Instagram with hashtag #grapestobottles. The event features a tasting of old world and new world wines, and most importantly, a cheese bar. The event is $35 at the Dana Hotel (660 N. State) and has two time slots: 6 – 8 p.m. and 8:15 – 10:15 p.m.

 

 

Concerts & Comedy

  • Several big names are performing in Chicago this month, including:

 

 

Learn & Create

  • Artists, musicians, designers, chefs, filmmakers and more should head to the Creative Chicago Expo March 14-15 at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington) from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (free admission). The event features networking, workshops and speakers such as fashion designer Mario Pinto, Chef Carrie Nahabedian, film producer Robert Teitel and U of C Director of Arts and Public Life Theaster Gates

 

 

Cultural Events & Tours

  • Explore the hidden stories behind several of Chicago’s top theaters, including the Oriental Theatre (March 15) and Cadillac Palace (March 22). Broadway in Chicago offers tours every Saturday at 11 a.m., providing insight to the history, architecture and technology behind some of the country’s most renowned theatres
  • This month’s First Fridays at Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a “spring break” theme featuring Latin dance music from DJ collective Sonorama. Expect live performances and interactive art on Friday, March 7 from 6 – 10 p.m. at this monthly museum 21+ mixer. Tickets $14 – 18 for admission and cash bar inside

 

 

Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras

 

Fat Tuesday is coming up on Tuesday, March 4 – here are several venues offering New Orleans-themed dinner and drink specials:

  • Municipal Bar (216 W. Ohio) – $6 beignets, $13 shrimp and sausage gumbo, $20 hurricane bowls
  • Benchmark (1510 N. Wells) – $12 Etouffee, $11 Cajun-style po-boy, $9 spicy hurricanes, rum runners and Sazeracs
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5 Things You Need to Know Before You Sign Up for the Chicago Marathon

5 Things You Need to Know Before You Sign Up for the Chicago Marathon

Is this your year to run the marathon? After running in Chicago for several years, I’ve experienced the joys and challenges marathons offer. One of the most popular marathon destinations in the country, Chicago hosts a flat and fast course that appeals to those from hilly climates. Not just a tourist attraction, the Chicago marathon is great way for locals to take advantage of Chicago’s natural beauty and friendly spirit.

 

Sign-up begins Wednesday, March 5. Here’s what you need to know for the 26.2 mile race on Sunday, October 12:

 

 

1. Registration is now lottery based.

Unlike the guaranteed pre-sellout signup of previous years, you’ll submit your registration on March 5 at 12 p.m. (up until April 7 at 12 p.m.) on the Chicago Marathon website. Runners will be chosen at random to fill the 45,000 spots, and will be notified via email on Monday, April 14. Make sure your credit card is in good standing, as you will be withdrawn if your card doesn’t run correctly on the 14th! While your registration cannot be refunded or transferred to anyone else, if your plans change you have the ability to defer your entry to the 2015 race (but will be charged both years).

The only way to guarantee entry (if you’re not a super-fast runner who has done the marathon a hundred times) is to sign up through a charity… and fundraise at least $1000 (fundraising amount varies by charity). If you’re great at collecting money from your friends and family, make sure you go through one of the Chicago Marathon’s official charity partners (list coming soon).

 

2. You will have no social life from April through October.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, as the glory that comes with a marathon finish is worth it. First, set your training plan. Utilize resources from sites like Runner’s World or Nike’s Chicago-specific plan to map out your weekly runs and cross-training. Long runs are, well… long, so set expectations with your friends and family that you will be MIA for months on end. Through the summer, you’ll embark on your long runs early Saturday mornings, as the heat (hard to imagine at this point) creeps up early in the day. Friday night drinking is not advisable before your critical training runs, so you might be more of a Sunday Funday-type this year.

 

3. You will see more of Chicago’s beauty than you ever imagined.

While there are many parks, roads and routes to run in Chicago, I prefer to stay away from intersections and crazy drivers and therefore take all my training to the lakefront path. With 18 miles of gorgeous views of the lake, the trail runs from 5800 North all the way to 7100 South. Seeing the skyline from many miles south as well as many miles north of downtown is incredibly breathtaking, and puts in perspective how far you’ve just run (those skyscrapers look really small from far away)! In addition to the scenic beaches, gardens, museums, boat harbors and more that you’ll come across, you’ll also see the beauty of Chicagoans out and about enjoying the city. 

During the race, I had the pleasure of seeing neighborhoods I’d never been to before – the dancing dragons and golden red gateway to Chinatown, the Mexican artwork along the streets of Pilsen, and more. The race itself is a true tour of Chicago and the many faces cheering along the course make up a diverse network of Chicago’s citizens.

 

4. You will meet lots of cool, passionate people.

Runners love talking about running – about their experiences, insider tips, and what to expect on race day. The supportive community you will meet when training for a race is incredible, and it’s an easy way to build a network. Shopping for new shoes at Fleet Feet? The salesperson will be happy to tell you about the races he or she has run. Join up with CARA or another runner’s group to have side-by-side support during your training runs. If you sign up with a charity, you’ll also have a network of like-minded people all running for a cause. Not to be overlooked, the pre-race expo (held at McCormick Place) is an opportunity to learn about sponsoring businesses, new products and others who share your passion for running. 

 

5. Your bucket list will thank you.

Running a marathon is quite an ambitious goal – one that many set out on their “bucket list” to accomplish in their lifetime. Signing up is the first step. After months of training, not without its pains and challenges, the joy of streaming through the finish line in Grant Park is completely earned, all on your own. You now have the right to wear your shiny medal all day long – to brunch, to walk your dog, etc. – just not out for another run! You’ll need time to rest and recover and reflect back on what you’ve just accomplished.

 

 

Good luck to all the runners out there!

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Get Healthy for Free (Almost!) This Sunday

Get Healthy for Free (Almost!) This Sunday

After all that weekend partying, are you motivated to get healthy on Sunday? Take advantage of these low cost healthy activities on Sunday, February 23:

 

9 a.m. – Basics of Juicing Demo at Sur La Table ($5) – Located in 900 N. Michigan Bloomingdale’s Building. Watch the techniques of a Sur La Table chef creating healthy juices using fast or slow juicers, and learn the benefits of using seasonal vegetables.

11 a.m. – Exhale Power Yoga Flow class at Lululemon (free) – Located in 900 N. Michigan Bloomingdale’s Building. Take part in a free Sunday yoga class led by Jenny Finkel of Exhale Spa.

12 p.m. – Refuel at Freshii with a quinoa bowl (approx. $11) – Located in 900 N. Michigan Bloomingdale’s Building. Add protein such as salmon or chicken to power you through the day.

1 p.m. – Pick up a healthy dinner at Goddess and Grocer (25 E. Delaware). Choose from deli items, salads, sandwiches and more to takeaway for an evening dinner.

 

Now go get some rest and relaxation to wind down your week!

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Dance Your Heart Out – This Month’s Fire Dancers, Salsa Lessons and More

Dance Your Heart Out – This Month’s Fire Dancers, Salsa Lessons and More

“You better move, you better dance…” Despite the cold, there’s still plenty to do in Chicago this month! Spice things up with these dance-worthy events and festivals.

 

Flirt with Flamenco

Kicking off Friday, February 14, the Chicago Flamenco Festival treats you to the talented performances of flamenco dancers until March 22. The opening ceremony on Friday features international flamenco dancers and serves up bites and beers from Taco Joint and Lagunitas. The performances are followed by an after party led by DJ Soulphonetics. Check the website for times and locations of performances happening throughout the next month.

 

 

Meet the Dancers of the Joffrey Ballet

Inspired by the beautiful dancers in the Olympic opening ceremony? Catch Chicago’s local interpretation of contemporary dance in this month’s performances at the Joffrey Ballet (Friday, February 14 through Sunday, February 23). Also this month, Joffrey offers a unique opportunity to meet the artists behind the scenes. In advance of the performances on the 15th, 20th and 22nd, come in early for a discussion with the dancers, visiting choreographers and members of the creative team.

 

 

Groove to Motown Beats

Shhh – this event is top-secret! Featuring live soul and Motown performances, Speakeasy Chicago partners up with RM Champagne Salon to host their first monthly “The Green Street Social Club.” On Monday, February 17 at RM Champagne Salon (116 N. Green St.), enjoy craft cocktails while listening to some of Chicago’s hottest new musicians. Call 312-243-1199 for more details.

 

 

Play with Fire and Ice

Longing for the hot days of Pride Fest, boystown is keeping up the momentum at the Northalsted Winter Fest. Designate Sunday, February 23 (12 – 6 p.m.) a “Sunday Funday” highlighted by ice sculptures, drag queen contests, a 3D light show and even fire dancers! Events are held on the 3300 – 3700 blocks of north Halsted, with surrounding businesses on side streets lending their patios for the festivities. Stay warm with bowls of soup served up by local restaurants.

 

 

Learn to Salsa Dance

To celebrate Brazil’s famous Carnival, Chicago restaurant Nacional 27 (325 W. Huron) hosts events all weekend (February 27 – March 1). Kickoff the festival on Thursday, February 27 with complimentary salsa dance lessons at 7:30 p.m. The weekend’s events also include samba performances and conga lines. Fuel up with beachy cocktails and Hurricane fish bowls. Book reservations online to join in on the fun.

 

 

Reserve Tickets Now for the Hottest Dance Music Artists

Buy your tickets before they sell out to see the award-winning electronic music producer Armin Van Buuren at the United Center on Thursday, April 17. Only landing in eight cities, his tour will showcase his latest album, “Intense,” which includes songs such as “This Is What It Feels Like.”

 

Avicii is selling out concerts world-wide – buy yours now for his performance at Allstate Arena on Thursday, May 15.  Featuring collaborative songs such as “Wake Me Up” and “Hey Brother,” Avicii continues to provide new and innovative music extending beyond the EDM genre, providing a taste for everyone.

 

Photo credit: Edinburgh International Festival

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