We may be competing with Rio for the 2016 Olympics, but that doesn't mean us Chicagoans should ignore Brazil's Independence Day (September 7) -- especially when it's a great chance to get some sweet food and drink. SushiSamba Rio is celebrating throughout this weekend with a special menu including braised pork belly a la pancha ($15), casquinha se siri (stuffed blue crab, palmito and acai vinaigrette, $17) and an Amazon roll (alligator tempura, smoked soy, chiles and bacon farofa, $18).

Come Sunday, guests can enjoy performances from samba dancers and live drummers at 7, 8 and 9 p.m., as well as sample the Sambista (Leblon Cachaca, Strawberry-Cinnamon "Conserva," sweet basil and pop rocks).

It's ok -- on Tuesday, you can go back to chanting "Let Friendship Shine."