18 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 21, 2016 3:37PM
See Bonnie "Prince" Billy perform with Eighth Blackbird on Friday or Saturday at the MCA. Photo by Saverio Truglia.
We hope you're hungry, because this week is packed with dinners and tastings. For good measure we've thrown in some music, performance and more.
MONDAY MARCH 21
HOT CHOCOLATE DINNER: It feels like just yesterday that Mindy Segal opened her acclaimed restaurant HotChocolate in Bucktown. It’s been 11 years though, and she’s celebrating with an All-Star Chef Dinner from Lee Wolen (Boka, Eleven Madison Park, Moto), Jason Vincent (Giant, Nightwood, Food & Wine Best New Chef 2013), Hot Chocolate’s own Aaron Arnett and more. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person. For reservations, call 773-489-1747.
KOVAL DINNER: Local distillery KOVAL hosts a tasting dinner at uncommon ground at 6 p.m. Each course will be paired with cocktails showcasing their different liquors. Tickets are $35.
WINE TASTING: Frontier hosts a wine tasting event with Fowles Winery featuring wines from their “Are You Game?” Line. The wines will be paired with a tasting menu from Executive Chef Brian Jupiter that includes Ahi Tuna Sliders and Camel Flautas. 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $40.
Photo courtesy of Rockit.
MAC MADNESS: Rockit’s Executive Chef Amanda Downing is serving up a different mac & cheese each day of the work week for Mac Madness. Priced at $16 a bowl, mac twists include Steakhouse, Truffle, Lobster, Carbonara and Crab Cake. Available all day Monday through Friday.
TUESDAY MARCH 22
REVBREW DINNER: Head to the Crossroads Restaurant inside House of Blues for a five-course dinner inspired by and paired with Revolution brews. 6:30 p.m. Call 312-923-2007 to make a reservation.
A LEGEND IN CONCERT: The legendary singer/songwriter Bonnie Raitt plays the legendary Chicago Theater. She's on tour in support of her twentieth album, "Dig In Deep." The California Honeydrops will also play. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49.50.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 23
HAPPY HOUR CIRCUS: C!RCA earns that exclamation mark in their name with new circus works of art and they’ll be thrilling the MIX at SIX audience at Harris Theater at 6 p.m. This re-imagined happy hour series mixes signature cocktails with world class performances. There will also be food trucks outside. Tickets are $10.
WINE + DINNER: The first date for this six-course dinner sold out, so they’ve added another on Wednesday. Enjoy a wines from Ferrari-Carano paired with each course--from scallops to lamb chops--at Devon Seafood Grill beginning at 6 p.m. Cost is $65 per person. Call Tim Sherlock at (312) 440-8660 for reservations.
CHEESE PLEASE: Owner and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh hosts an evening of cheese-filled dishes paired with wine at Boarding House from 6 to 8 p.m. Aptly titled “Cheese Please!”, the event will include Fried Cheese Curds, Cheese Pizza, Cheese fondue and much more. Tickets are $29.
CHARCUTERIE DINNER: Enjoy a curated charcuterie dinner paired with sweet and savory wines at Community Tavern beginning at 7 p.m. Executive Chef/Owner Joey Beato and Chef de Cuisine Matt Saccaro worked with Wine Director Jamie McNee to create the French-inspired four-course menu. Cost is $50 per person. Call (773) 283- 6080 for reservations.
THURSDAY MARCH 24
BATMAN + SUPERMAN EARLY PREMIERE: See the new Batman v. Superman movie (with scenes filmed right here in Chicago) before anybody else at the early premiere party at The New 400 Theaters in Rogers Park. Starting at 8 p.m. they’ll have pub style trivia in the bar before the screening begins at 9:15 p.m. The VIP ticket package includes a choice a beverage, popcorn, or one of three Batman v Superman themed cocktails. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door anytime leading up to the premiere.
NIGHT MINISTRY FUNDRAISER: You’ve seen their truck around town, and Thursday night together with Emporium Arcade, you can help support The Night Ministry. The organization offers Chicago’s homeless housing, healthcare and all-important human connection. For just a $10 cover at the door, you get game tokens and dinner and all the proceeds will go to The Night Ministry at this 4th annual event.
GOOD FOOD FESTIVAL: If you ask us, all food is good, but not necessarily that kind of good. The Good Food Festival focuses on local, sustainable foods. The event includes exhibits, conferences, talks, networking and more across the three day festival at the UIC Forum. Tickets start at $10.
TEQUILA + DINNER: Michelin rated restaurant Sepia and Mexique chef Carlos Gaytan team up with Avion for a tequila based dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. The evening will feature Avion cocktails paired with hors d'oeuvres,and a four-course dinner. Tickets are $105 per person. Call 312-441-1920 to make a reservation.
BENEFIT + PARTY: Hear inspiring stories from cancer survivors at the benefit Imerman Angels Blue and White Party. The 10th anniversary party celebrates success in providing one-on-one support for cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers. The evening at I|O Godfrey will feature a signature cocktail--the Angel Mule--along with apps and a red carpet. 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $85 or $150 for VIP with early entry.
GET YORNED: Pete Yorn released his first album in six years this month. He's out on the road supporting this latest effort and lands at the Park West on Thursday. The songwriter has a deep catalog, steep in '70s California influences—both the sunshine and the melancholy—so expect a set that ranges over his entiire career. Tickets are $35.
FRIDAY MARCH 25
Photo courtesy of Clark Street Dog & Bar.
FREE BEER: Clark Street Dog & Bar has teamed up with Lagunitas to give out samples as part of a March Madness Midwest Regional viewing party. From 6 to 9 p.m. enjoy complimentary Lagunitas tastings of their IPA, Aunt Sally (dry-hopped sour ale) and DayTime.
CONCERT: Will Oldham AKA Bonnie "Prince" Billy joins eighth blackbird for the concert evening titled Ghostlight at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The indie folk musician will join the ensemble, who is currently working in-residence at the museum, on the piece Rzewski's Coming Together, which follows a bomber’s descent into madness. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $10.