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Archive for August, 2010
Art “Popping Up” Throughout the Loop
Posted on August 31st, 2010 by
Contributed by Dillon Goodson
Chicago Loop Alliance’s (CLA) Pop-Up Art Loop initiative transforms vacant storefronts in the Loop into vibrant public art galleries featuring Chicago’s diverse and talented artists.
This Thursday, September 2nd, take advantage of First Thursdays Gallery Walk – a free, self-guided tour of the many new art venues throughout the Loop neighborhood. Enjoy complimentary refreshments at any of the walk-in galleries from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Your appreciation of art can get you perks! Pick up a passport at any walk-in gallery; get it stamped at all six walk-in locations and receive a special offer. This month’s passport partner — Berghoff Restaurant & Bar — is providing a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of any appetizer to those with fully stamped passports.
In addition, CLA is honored to launch a new gallery featuring works from nationally renowned artist Ed Paschke at the Pop-Up gallery at 240 S. State St. A native of Chicago, Paschke’s art has appeared in museums across the world, in cities including New York and Paris. This new gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through October 29.
For more information on the First Thursdays Gallery Walk and for a complete listing of galleries, visit PopUpArtLoop.com.
Tags: Berghoff, Chicago Loop Alliance, ed paschke, first thursdays gallery walk, pop-up art loop
32nd Chicago Jazz Festival: music on the lakeshore, fans on Cloud 9
Posted on August 31st, 2010 by
The longest-running admission-free jazz festival in the country, the Chicago Jazz Festival launches its 32nd edition on the lakefront 
this week. It features the mix of local stars and national names – including vocalists Kurt Elling and Rene Marie, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, smooth-jazz hero Nick Colionne, pianists Ramsey Lewis and Brad Mehldau, saxophonist Henry Threadgill, and flutist-composer Nicole Mitchell (this year’s artist-in-residence) – that has made the event an adventurous jewel in the city’s culture crown.
This year’s festival gets underway Thursday at noon with afternoon programming at the city’s gleaming Pritzker Pavilion, followed by Friday’s split-venue schedule: six afternoon sets at the Chicago Cultural Center (Randolph and Michigan), followed by a full slate at Pritzker that evening. There’s even jazz that’s technically not part of the festival, when the piano icon Ahmad Jamal – who came to prominence in Chicago in the late 1950s – performs with the Chicago Jazz Orchestra on Thursday evening at Pritzker. (The Jamal concert is presented through the Made In Chicago series at Millennium Park.)
On Saturday, the Jazz Festival returns to its traditional stomping grounds in Grant Park, with four stages, a midway filled with diversions and comestibles, and an art show leading from Jackson Blvd. to Buckingham Fountain. This year marks the return of the “Young Lions” stage, dedicated to high-school and college bands, and the debut of a new “smooth-jazz” stage. It all adds up to 18 different performances Saturday and again Sunday, warmed by typically gorgeous late-summer weather (that’s the forecast), and splayed against unbeatable backdrops – the lake by day, the skyline by night. You’d be hard-pressed to think of a better way to mark the unofficial beginning of autumn (Labor Day weekend).
The Chicago Jazz Festival, presented by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and programmed in its entirety by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, takes place September 2-5, from noon till 9:30 each day, at numerous locations. All programs are free of charge. The complete schedule can be accessed here.
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Downtown Chicago, Family Friendly, Grant Park, Millennium Park
Eclipse Theatre Company Concludes 2010 Arthur Miller Season With A Bang
Posted on August 31st, 2010 by
Eclipse Theatre Company now presents A Memory of Two Mondays by Arthur Miller at the Greenhouse Theatre Center in Lincoln Park. Running from September 2nd to October 17th, A Memory of Two Mondays was directed by ensemble member Steven Fedoruk and will be the final production of the Arthur Miller series.
The drama takes place in 1930s Brooklyn and highlights the struggles of a warehouse worker and his desire for a college education. Miller uses some of his own personal experiences to explore the challenges of make a living and pursuing your dreams.
The Greenhouse Theatre Center is the home to some of Chicago’s off-loop theatre companies and is located at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 773-404-7336. Looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend, come out to Lincoln Park for this excellent performance!
This post was sponsored by the Navy Pier IMAX Theatre.
Tags: a memory of two mondays, arthur miller, eclipse theatre company, Lincoln Park, plays, theatre
Old Town Delight
Posted on August 30th, 2010 by
I’m still new in town, and though I’ve been exploring the city all year, I am constantly finding myself discovering new neighborhoods. Each nook and cranny in this city has something to offer, and my newest discovery is Old Town. I recognize that by definition, Old Town isn’t new, but hey, it is to me.
For my evening out, my friends and I selected Old Town Social, a great bar/restaurant that is full of surprises. From the street it doesn’t look like too much, but when you enter, you realize how enormous the space is. The handsome furniture and unique eating areas make it comfortable and interesting. I was ushered to my table in a front lounge area. Surrounding us were beautiful chairs sitting in front of a fireplace, beautiful antique cabinetry, and other tables far enough away that we could easily have a conversation. After ordering some drinks and appetizers, we dug into the menu. Traditional bar food with a twist is my best description. The spicy duck wings needed little coaxing to fall off the bone. The chopped salad was fresh and crunch. The duck-fat potato chips were light and crunchy. The brisket sandwich (with onion rings embedded within) was to die for, but the big trump of the night was a fresh tagliatelle. Who knew bars made fresh pasta?
It is also crucial to point out that with the exception of the pasta special, all of the above dishes were under $10. Pretty impressive given the quality of the ingredients.
Pair these delightful bites with amazing drinks, and you can see how I was won over. The sweet tea lemonade (while it is girlishly pink) made my evening. Their beer and wine list is also extensive, so there really is something for everyone.
As we left our lovely dining nook, my friends and I were absolutely amazed at the transformation of the main space of the restaurant. What was relatively quiet when we walked in for dinner was now a hip, happening bar. Jam packed wall-to-wall with well-dressed ladies and gents, it caught us completely off guard. While the crowd wasn’t really my favorite scene (personal preference only!), we were absolutely undisturbed, and really unaware of this noise while eating. Kudos to Old Town Social for breaking up their great space so well so that a perfect evening can truly be had by all.
Old Town Social is located at 455 W. North Avenue at the corner of Cleveland. Nearest el is the Sedgwick stop on the brown line.
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Nightlife, Chicago Restaurants, Lincoln Park, Old Town
Celebrate Labor Day at the Peninsula
Posted on August 30th, 2010 by Adam Marks
Labor Day means we have to say good-bye to the beaches, pools and long days and get ready for school and— dare we say—another Chicago winter. Even if you sat around all summer, you may as well go out with a bang.
The Peninsula Chicago is offering special Stars and Stripes room rates September 1-8, so if you’ve ever dreamed of staying at this luxe property, take advantage of these rates before they disappear with the final days of summer!
Superior Room: $385 (33 percent savings off normal rates)
Deluxe Room: $499 (30 percent savings off normal rates)
Boasting four award-winning restaurants and the tranquil Peninsula Spa by ESPA, you won’t even have to leave the hotel (read: crowds). In fact, treat yourself to the Spa Day Special at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, which includes a choice of a one-hour Aromatherapy Massage, one-hour Intensive Facial, or one-hour Body Envelopment, plus day use of the spa and fitness facilities including yoga and fitness classes, and lunch by the pool for $175. The end of summer just may turn out to be our favorite part.
Advance reservations are required and additional taxes apply. This offer is subject to availability, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other programs, packages or promotions. For reservations, call 312.573.6620.
Tags: Chicago Hotels, Chicago Luxury Hotels, Labor Day Weekend, Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Spa
Geja’s Café Presents the Hess Collection Winemaker Dinner
Posted on August 26th, 2010 by
On Monday, September 13th, Geja’s Café at 340 W. Armitage invites guests to enjoy a fondue dinner paired with the best of the Hess Collection Wines. The Hess Collection portfolio is comprised of Mount Veeder Estate wines, Napa Valley Single Vineyard Estate wines and Hess Select wines. This Hess Collection Winemaker Dinner is part of Geja’s ongoing popular 2010 Winemaker Dinner Series and will be a special event featuring a representative on hand to provide commentary and answer questions about the various wines. The evening begins with a 6:30 p.m. reception followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. with a lively discussion of the evening’s wines. The four-course dinner includes Geja’s house salad, cheese fondue, beef tenderloin, chicken and jumbo shrimp, and flaming chocolate fondue for dessert. Each course will be paired with carefully-selected, all-you-can-drink wine. Cost for the dinner is $50 per person, which includes the wines, dinner, tax and gratuity. Reservations are required, so be sure to call 773-281-9101 to reserve your spot, or visit Geja’s website for more information.
Tags: geja's cafe, Wine Dinner, wine tasting
Go Crazy for Mussels!
Posted on August 26th, 2010 by
The Chicago Original Restaurants are offering unique menu items during the 6th Annual Mussel Festival to celebrate the peak of mussel season on Friday, September 17th to Thursday, September 30th. This year, independent restaurants such as Yoshi’s and Jack’s on Halsted will participate along with restaurants across the city and suburbs. All participating restaurants will present creative and delicious recipes along with their regular menus. Some restaurants that will be presenting at the Mussel Festival are El Neuvo Mexicano, Trattoria Roma, Sweets and Savories, Cyrano’s Café and Wine Bar, Le Titi de Paris, Oceanique, Bella Bacino’s and many more. Visit the Chicago Originals website to find gift certificates for participating restaurants for 50% off regular prices, or for more information about the Festival, call 773-301-9615. Bon Appetit!
Customer Appreciation Pig Roast at Chicago Prime Steakhouse
Posted on August 26th, 2010 by
Like barbeque? Looking for a fun way to kick off your Labor Day weekend? The Chicago Prime Steakhouse can fulfill both of those desires on Friday, September 3rd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. as they celebrate the long weekend with a pig roast in honor of their customers. The restaurant’s charming outdoor patio will be put to good use where the pig roast will be set up, rain or shine. Guests can mingle outside amongst the café tables and fire pits or indoors in the Steakhouse’s sophisticated lounge and restaurant area should the weather be unfavorable. Whether you’re a seasoned regular or a first-timer, the Steakhouse will serve up complimentary food and drinks to all as well as provide live entertainment. The roasted pork will be accompanied by beef skewers, platters of fresh vegetables and fruit, an array of cheeses and more. The spread is free for all customers, with a cash bar to enliven the festivities. The Chicago Prime Steakhouse is located at 1444 E. Algonquin Road in Schaumburg. Please RSVP by calling 847-969-9900, or visit the Steakhouse website for more information.
Tags: chicago steakhouse, food events, free food, live music, pig roast, restaurant events
Potter’s Lounge Offers Beer-Focused Classes in September
Posted on August 26th, 2010 by
Calling all beer aficionados! In continuation with the Potter’s Lounge beverage series launched this summer, the interactive tasting class will take a turn toward beer this September. The classes will offer patrons an experience to learn from some of the industry’s most acclaimed Brewmasters, and will feature a new brewery each week. Offered every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. starting September 2nd, each class will be hosted by Palmer House Beverage Manager Patrick Coyne along with an expert from the week’s highlighted brewery. The classes will take guests on a step-by-step tasting journey focusing on the education of the brewing process unique to each represented brew as they sip different flavors. The breweries featured in the September classes are Abita Brewing Company, Goose Island Brewing Company, Samuel Adams, Leinenkugel Brewing Company and Half Acre Beer Company. A specialty menu with items ranging from $5 to $12 include truffled potato chips, sweet chili wings and bruschetta. Be sure to reserve your spot by calling 312-917-3404, visiting the website, or stopping by the speakeasy-themed Potter’s Lounge in the Palmer House Hilton.
Tags: beer classes, beer tasting, chicago breweries, potters lounge
Pepsi Tall Ships Ahoy!
Posted on August 26th, 2010 by
More than twenty majestic and historic tall ships from around the world were showcased at Navy Pier with the kick-off Parade of Sail on Lake Michigan, held at 4 p.m with an official opening ceremony at 5 p.m. The ships billowing sails form the pageantry like none other. A select few Chicagoan’s even had the chance to sail on a tall ship DURING the Parade of for a breathtaking view of the ships as they sailed past Navy Pier. Find out more information here.
The Pepsi® Tall Ships Chicago 2010 will continue from August 25 — 29. Ships will be docked in three Festival locations at Navy Per: Nautical Mile (North Dock), Canada Cove (NW Wall at the front of the Pier) and America Alley (SW Wall at the front of the Pier). In addition to the ships themselves, the Tall Ships festival will also offers fun activities for kids in addition to international entertainment at three stages. Nightly fireworks will add to the excitement, as well.
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Downtown Chicago, Navy Pier
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