Hit a yard sale with a whole lot of sass and class
Actress Niecy Nash, the host of “Clean House,” and the rest of the crew for the Style Network’s top-rated show will all be on hand from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a yard sale in the parking lot of the Harlem-Foster Shopping Center, 7300 W. Foster. Proceeds benefit a Chicago family who will be featured in a future episode of the show. For more information, check out the show’s blog at www.mystyle.com/mystyle/shows/cleanhouse/
Plan a nice dinner out
Bistro 110, 110 E. Pearson, is offering a $26.95 pumpkin prix fixe dinner menu that includes creamy pumpkin soup, pumpkin ravioli in brown butter sauce and traditional pumpkin pie. (312) 266-3110 or www.bistro110restaurant.com
Watch 76 trombones (more or less)
The Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band presents an evening of show tune standards in its fall concert “Broadway” at 7 p.m. at Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge, Evanston. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Details: (630) 901-6947 or www.lakesidepride.org
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Ice, ice, baby
Cartier, Boucheron and Tiffany are all well-represented in the new exhibit “The Nature of Diamonds” at the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. Tickets, $13-$23, includes general admission. Call (312) 922-9410; www.fieldmuseum.org.
Take part in a Chicago tradition
The 102nd annual lighting of the Walnut Room’s Christmas tree happens at noon today at Macy’s, 111 N. State. Free. Call (312) 781-4884.
Or you could just get lit like a Christmas tree
Kit Kat Lounge (3700 N. Halsted) is celebrating the season with two Thanksgiving-themed cocktails: banana nut bread martini (Vox Vodka, Hazelnut liquor, banana liquor, vanilla, splashes of simple syrup and cream) and apple pie martini (Vox Vodka, Dekuyper apple liquor, Dekuyper butter shots, cream, vanilla, splash of cranberry juice). Each are $12.50. Call (773) 525-1111; www.kitkatchicago.com.
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1. ‘Jersey’ on the cheap
At least 10 front-row rush tickets to “Jersey Boys” go on sale for $25 apiece at 10 a.m. at the Bank of America Theater, 18 W. Monroe. Limit two tickets per person.
2. Stomp it
Eight teams of two will compete in a grape-stomping competition, which takes place at 3:15 p.m. as part of Heart of Chicago Festival (South Oakley and 24th Place). It’s $50 to compete, $5 to watch. Details: (773)-868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
3. Mmmm ... butter
We’ve been begging the staff of Vinci, 1732 N. Halsted (312-266-1199), to part with the recipe for the restaurant’s signature brown butter sage sauce. No luck so far.
For more Saturday action, visit centerstagechicago.com
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We still haven’t figured out what we’re wearing for Halloween (and we only have four more weeks).
1. Queen Victoria, perhaps? High tea at the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe, from 2-4 p.m. might get us in the mood; $35, in the lobby bar. Info: (312) 726-7500.
2. Or this old standby: Aaargh, “Real Pirates” at the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore (312-922-9410), sets sail on Oct. 25. Better catch it this weekend. The $29 fee includes entry to the exhibit and general admission to the museum.
3. Or channel our inner Poe: The works of Edgar Allan Poe get a macabre twist thanks to the Neofuturists, 5153 N. Ashland, at 7:30 p.m.; $15. Reservations recommended (773-275-5255 or www.neofuturists.org).
Football!
Northwestern University plays Big Ten rival Minnesota at 11 a.m. at Ryan Field, 1501 Central, Evanston. Tickets are $35-$50. Family fun starts at 9 a.m. with a pre-game “fan fest” called Wildcat Alley, just north of the stadium. Tail-gating for a more adult crowd, with jams and shuttles to the field, starts even earlier at the North Beach parking lot, Lincoln and Sheridan. Info: www.nusports.com.
Shopping!
This is the Randolph Street Market’s last weekend of the season. Come to Randolph between Ada and Ogden to find one-of-a-kind goods that include antique and designer clothing, jewelry, decor and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5-$10 for the weekend; kids are free. Info: (312) 666-1200; www.randolphstreetmarket.com.
A pub crawl!
Dress as your favorite NFL player or coach and head to Harry Caray’s Tavern, 3551 N. Sheffield at 2 p.m. for Supercrawl, an eight-bar odyssey that will end at 10 p.m. at Murphy’s Bleachers, 3655 N. Sheffield. Draft specials, a Bears ticket raffle and other prizes are all part of the fun. Tickets $15; 21 and over. Info: (773) 478-3378; www.festaparties.com.
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Missing our bubbe!
It’s Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year), and while we can’t be with our grandmother this year, a sesame bagel and a schmear of lox spread from New York Bagel & Bialy, 7714 W. Touhy, Lincolnwood (847-677-9388), reminds us of bagels shared with her. A dozen bagels and a tub of lox spread will set you back $8.40 and $6.99, respectively. And did we mention it’s open 24 hours?
Up, up and away
Assume your secret identity and head over to the second Windy City Comicon at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted. The convention will feature comic books and collectibles for sale as well as panels and appearances by comic industry writers, artists and creators. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: $10. Info: www.windycitycomicon.com.
Conjunction junction, we know your function
Scott Ferguson’s “School House Rock Live!” celebrates the catchy and informative animated musical shorts from the ’70s. Show time is 8 tonight at Mary’s Attic (above Hamburger Mary’s, 5400 N. Clark; 773-784-6969). Tickets are $10 — not a lot of cash, considering these jingles got us through eighth-grade grammar and 10th-grade civics.
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The art of wine
Wine as both muse and subject matter is the focal point of “A Case for Wine” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan. The exhibit is included in general museum admission ($18 adults, $12 students and seniors, free for children under 14). Information: (312) 443-3600; www.artic.edu/aic/.
Happy anniversary
The Wine Discount Center, 1826 N. Elston, celebrates its 25th anniversary with a free wine tasting of some of their favorites from noon to 4 p.m. today. Info: (773) 489-3445; www.winediscountcenter.com.
Wine fest
More than 250 domestic and international wines will be available for tasting at the fifth annual Windy City Wine Festival from 3-10 p.m. in Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph. Admission is $30 at the gate. Info: (847) 382-1480; www.windycitywinefestival.com.
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A final summer fling
Danny Lemmon and the Squeeze milk the summer for one more bash when they take the Entertainment stage at 2 p.m. for the Last Fling at the Naperville Riverwalk, 100 W. Jackson, Naperville. Admission is free. Information: (630) 961-4143; www.lastfling.org.
Time for one more staycation Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, 2024 N. Hasted, offers $3 tapas from 4-6 p.m. and reminds us of when we went to Barcelona (back when we could afford to go on vacation).
Ultimately, the Dude abides
Gorilla Tango Theater, 1919 N. Milwaukee, presents “Rollin’ Outta Here Naked: A Big Lebowski Burlesque,” an evening of mature comedy, music and striptease themed around the Coen Brothers’ cult classic “The Big Lebowski,” at 10 tonight. Tickets: $15. Information: (773) 598-4549; www.gorillatango.com.
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There’s still plenty of summer left and plenty of activies to enjoy this weekend:
The Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan, condenses things down into 2-1/2 hours in its 3 p.m. performance of “The Arabian Nights.” Tickets: $52-$56. Info: (312) 337-0665 or www.lookingglasstheatre.org.
Blues musician Taj Mahal opens for Bonnie Raitt at Ravinia, Lake Cook and Green Bay roads, Highland Park. Tickets: $32-$80. Info: (847) 266-5100 or www.ravinia.org.
“The Fighting Temptations” screens at 8:30 tonight at the DuSable Museum in Washington Park, 740 E. 56th Pl. It’s free.
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This week, we’ve got song standards running through our head (kids, ask your grandparents):
1. You gotta have art The 52nd annual Gold Coast Art Fair (Superior, Huron and Erie between Clark and Wells) features approximately 400 juried artists, food and wine vendors, live music and various artistic demonstrations. Admission is free; 10 a.m. to 5 Saturday. Call (847) 926-4300.
2. Come Rain or Come Shine
No matter the weather, the Warped Tour will without a doubt be going on today. First Midwest Bank Amphitheater, 19100 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. Bad Religion, The Devil Wears Prada and Less Than Jake are just three of the more than 50 bands scheduled to appear beginning at noon Saturday. $33.75. (877) 598-8703; www.livenation.com.
3. The simple joys of maidenhood
Camelot hasn’t got anything on the Bristol Renaissance Faire (12550 120th Ave, Kenosha, Wis). Guenevere would have dumped both Arthur and Lancelot for one of Bristol’s roasted turkey legs! Get thee to Kenosha, post haste! 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Adults $16.95-18.95, children ages 5-12, $8-$9.50. (847) 395-7773. Head to the Web site and print a coupon good for $2.50 off your ticket.
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Stephanie Izard poses for a picture with Hector, the goat pinata. (Via Twitpic)
In case you didn't know, The Wandering Goat is the traveling dinner-party series hosted by former Top Chef champion Stephanie Izard, in anticipation of the eventual opening of her West Loop restaurant, The Drunken Goat, in early 2010. Last night, Izard and friends threw the first of six dinners in a beautiful backyard near the United Center (the home of socca chef/owner Roger Herring), and we were there to catch the action. All in all, it was a heck of a night that went well past the scheduled closing time. In classic Our Town fashion, we loved...
1. Stephanie Izard. And not just because of all the great food she prepared. Izard has built a reputation for being extremely genuine and just plain nice, and that all came through during the evening, as she (as well as fellow Top Chef alum Lee Anne Wong) spent time talking to pretty much everyone at the party, discussing everything from goat skulls (there was one perched atop a mannequin to welcome guests as they arrived) to fraise du bois (the wild strawberries that highlighted the sumptuous dessert table). She even put her considerable clout to good use, getting us a fresh Gumballhead from the Three Floyds man (we love you, too) just when we needed it most.
2. Lamb-stuffed calamari...and that was just the start of it. The food was limited to small plates at three stations spaced around the backyard, but we wouldn't guess that anyone left hungry or unsatisfied. We didn't catch all the ingredients of each dish, but some of our favorites were a grilled octopus salad with a citrusy dressing and tons of bacon; fry bread topped with short rib, tomatoes and queso fresco; and the aforementioned calamari dish topped with fried onions (we also recall a braised pork shoulder with slaw atop a small biscuit; polenta with gooseberries and corn salad; and oyster shooters). And let's not forget about the dessert. Black Dog Gelato came through with three flavors of creamy goodness -- banana curry, red pepper and ginger lemon -- which were served in mini pink Chinese takeout containers along with berries and other additions.
3. "Mo' Money Mo' Problems"...and the rest of the upbeat tracks playing throughout the night. The freewheeling soundtrack was emblematic of the very laid-back atmosphere -- it was the kind of party what you always hope your backyard BBQs will become (too bad you can't charge $50 a pop). Several times during the evening we thought a dance party might break out among the crowd, which was filled with everyone from major food-media personnel to Top Chef aficionados to that one couple who was doing some toe-sucking right next to us on the deck. As we said, it was a fun night.
Want to get in on the next dinner? Make sure to follow Stephanie on Twitter for all the details.
“All over the world. Everybody’s got the word,” quipped the singing muses of “Xanadu,” and this week we’re all about globe-trotting without ever leaving the city limits:
1. It’s like Epcot Center, but for barbecue
Fork and the Road’s International Barbecue Tour Bike Ride kicks off at 11 a.m. at Pause Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn. The tour features stops at various Pakistani, Korean and Chinese barbecue joints. The 14.5-mile bike ride and tasting is $50 a person. Can’t make this tour? The next BBQ Bike Ride is slated for Sept. 5. Visit www.forkandtheroad.com.
2. Paris in the summer
The comedic cabaret duo of Colleen McHugh and Miriam Plotkin toast (and roast) the French in their annual “tour de farce,” “Bastille Magnolias.” Storm the barricades of Davenport’s Piano Bar, 1383 N. Milwaukee, at 8 tonight; $29. Details: (773) 278-1830 or www.davenportspianobar.com.
3. Venice on Lake Michigan
It’s the 52nd annual Venetian Night at 8 tonight. More than half a million people are expected to attend the annual parade of decorated boats. Monroe Harbor from Shedd Aquarium at Roosevelt north to the Chicago Yacht Club at Monroe is rumored to be the best place to view the proceedings. Fireworks will follow. Free; www.explorechicago.org.
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Summer “camp”
Book passage on Hell in a Handbag’s latest campy parody, the very funny “Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical.” The show has been extended through Aug. 16, and you can catch it at 8 tonight at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division; $25. Details: www.brownpapertickets.com. Swim, Shelley, Swim!
Grillin’
Our condo is too small for a balcony to grill on. Thankfully, we can still get our barbecue fix at Smoke Daddy, 1804 W. Division. A slab of ribs (more than enough for two to share) will set you back $19.25 and comes with two sides (we’re partial to beans and slaw). Grab a bite and stay for the tunes by the Brandon Harvey Band, playing from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. (773) 772-6656.
Chillin’
Sunday is National Daiquiri Day (who knew, right?). Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron, gets a jump on things with “Daiquiri Eve.” Master mixologist Adam Seger serves up $10 frozen daiquiri creations from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. (312) 664-2727.
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A list just three items long can't give a complete picture of a place -- but it can be a good start. Each Monday, we list some of our favorite things, from neighborhoods to museums and much more.
Visiting the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago, which has more than 1,140 artifacts including traditional folk arts, agricultural tools, artwork, musical instruments and trophies. Then there are the decorated Easter egg collection; military exhibit and library with more than 20,000 titles in English and Ukrainian languages. The museum is at 2249 W. Superior. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday (closed Monday-Wednesday). Admission: $5 for adults; free for kids 12 and under. Call (312) 421-8020; ukrainiannationalmuseum.org.
Biting into homemade Ukrainian and Polish delicatessen cuisine at the many delis found throughout the leafy neighborhood. Pierogi, potato pancakes and breaded pork cutlets are staples as well as deli meats. Kasia's Polish Deli, 2101 W. Chicago, has it all, plus foods from other countries such as China and Italy. Call (773) 486-6163.
Checking out the neighborhood's popular nightclubs. Rock, pop, punk, jazz and indie live music are always on tap at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western. The small, intimate club presents local emerging bands. Call (773) 276-3600; emptybottle.com.
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Tell us your three favorite things about Ukrainian Village.
Where the boys are Part I
Chicago Sport and Social Club celebrates 20 years with its Volleywood Beach Bash from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at North Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore. Teams will be competing (make new friends and cheer on your favorites). Live music kicks off at noon, and MC Hammer will perform at some point. The 21-and-over party is free. More info: www.chicagosocial.com.
Where the boys are Part II Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party (Madison and Desplaines). The annual event is a bona fide “meet” market. Which is a good thing, because our dance card still isn’t full. Ben Folds rocks the mainstage at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $40 (includes five drink tickets good for beer, wine soda or water). Ages 21 and over. Call (312) 648-1590 or visit www.worldslargestblockparty.com.
Where the boys are Part III
Offer to share both your blanket and your picnic for two at the Grant Park Music Festival in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph). Christopher Bell conducts the Grant Park Orchestra in selections from Gilbert and Sullivan at 7:30 p.m. Free. Call (312) 742-7638.
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1. Life!
As in “get an active one.” There are miles of lakefront perfect for walking, blading or biking.
Of course, if you’re at the beach-slash-lakefront this weekend, you’ll be people watching. You can’t help it. Your attention will wander and then ... hey ... look at that guy!
So make a game of it ...
Click to download all four of our Beach Bingo cards ...
As you spot something in each square, mark it off. First one to make bingo wins — er, another hot dog?
2. Liberty!
As in Lady Liberty. She always said she wanted your tired, your hungry and your poor. While we aren’t sure about the tired part, the $9 Lady of Liberty salad (Bordeaux baby spinach, diced grapefruit,avocados, chopped garlic, strawberries, extra virgin olive oil and a splash of apple cider vinegar) at Martini Park (151 W Erie; 312-644-0577) will take care of the hunger and certainly won’t make you poor.
3. And the pursuit of happiness!
Which, for us, means fireworks. Like watching the ball drop in New York’s Times Square on New Year’s Eve, watching Fourth of July Fireworks at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand; 312-595-7437) is one of those things you have to do at least once in your life. Make it this year. Things kick off at 9 p.m. Saturday, but you’ll want to get there early.
1. Visiting the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago, which has more than 1,140 artifacts including traditional folk arts, agricultural tools, artwork, musical instruments and trophies. Then there are the decorated Easter egg collection; military exhibit and library with more than 20,000 titles in English and Ukrainian languages. The museum is at 2249 W. Superior. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday (closed Monday-Wednesday). Admission: $5 for adults; free for kids 12 and under. Call (312) 421-8020.
2. Biting into homemade Ukrainian and Polish delicatessen cuisine at the many delis found throughout the leafy neighborhood. Pierogi, potato pancakes and breaded pork cutlets are staples as well as deli meats. Kasia’s Polish Deli, 2101 W. Chicago, has it all, plus foods from other countries such as China and Italy. Call (773) 486-6163.
Sam Prekop of The Sea and Cake performs behind the speaker stacks at the Empty Bottle.(Sun-Times file)
3. Checking out the neighborhood’s popular nightclubs. Rock, pop, punk, jazz and indie live music are always on tap at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western. The small, intimate club presents local emerging bands. Call (773) 276-3600.
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2. In the John E. Larsen Gallery, you’ll find the painting “Last Supper in a Leather Bar,” which puts Da Vinci to shame.
3. The must-have gift shop item: a leather paddle with the museum’s boot logo, just $25. Solid construction.
6418 N. Greenview. Hours: from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission: $5. (773) 761-9200 or www.leatherarchives.org
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1. The core of the Shedd’s sea otter collection was a group rescued from the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989.
2. It’s here you’ll meet Granddad (above), an Australian lungfish considered to be the oldest fish in any aquarium in the world. He is at least 80 years old, and likes to make like a sunken log on the bottom of his habitat.
3. Getting a diver’s view, because there’s just five inches of glass between you and sharks, eels and all that iridescent coral in the Wild Reef exhibit.
The Shedd Aquarium is at 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. through Labor Day (Sept. 7). More information: (312) 939-2438 or www.sheddaquarium.org.
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Just call us Mr. Peabody, because this week we’re all about time traveling in our own Way Back Machine:
1. To the Jurassic era
The Brookfield Zoo (First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield) is featuring “Dinosaurs Alive!” through October. Remote-controlled dinosaurs in the exhibit include the stegosaurs, the triceratops and others. From 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Exhibit admission is adults $17, seniors and children ages 3-11, $11 (includes general admission to the zoo). (708) 485-0263.
2. To the 1970s
The heyday of Led Zeppelin is here and now, thanks to the uncanny performances by tribute band Led Zeppelin 2. The band plays the House of Blues (329 N. Dearborn) tonight at 9 p.m. $13. (312) 923-2000
3. To the future
The long-running performance art/comedy show Blue Man Group hints at a technologically advanced future that is as much cold and alienating as it is funny. Catch it at 4 or 7 tonight at the Briar Street Theatre (3133 N. Halsted). Tickets: $49-$64. (773) 348-4000.
Stephanie Izard poses for a picture with Hector, the goat pinata. (Via 
