Sidetour, A Curator Of Unique Experiences, Launches In Chicago

By Anthony Todd in Food on Oct 16, 2012 7:25PM

Femme Du Coupe's bar at a recent Sidetour event in Chicago.

How would you like to learn how to mix cocktails from a master mixologist? Learn how to cook indian food from a cookbook author? Sit down for dinner with a famous chef? Try on Broadway-quality period costumes? Check out Sidetour, a start-up that just launched in Chicago this month.

Sidetour arranges unique experiences hosted by interesting people. These aren't things that a normal customer can arrange on their own, but the experts at Sidetour know who to contact. Who are the best in the field and who loves to share their skills with the public? Sidetour will find them for you. They've been operating in New York for a year and hosted hundreds of people, and Time has called them a startup to watch.

What sorts of things can you participate in? You can learn to mix cocktails with Revae Schneider (otherwise known as Femme du Coupe) in a private party. You can taste chocolates from around the world before learning how to make your own truffles in Uzma Sharif's Pilsen studio. You can tour the 15 murals of the West Loop with curator Nick Marzullo. There are a ton more.

Each experience is limited to a small group of participants (between 4 and 12) and costs around $50-$60 per person. Usually, that includes everything - supplies, fees, gratuities, you name it. That's less than a fancy dinner, and you'll be getting a unique experience to remember. If you're interested in a listed experience, but can't make the time? Get your own group together and Sidetour will work with the host to book something for you. Here's the full list of Chicago experiences—see if there's anything you like.