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View Full Version : All Access Chicago: Concierge Preferred's Picks for St. Patty's Day Weekend


lizseymour
03-10-2009, 11:56 PM
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you! Chicago is arguably one of the best places in the world to celebrate, too. We take it very seriously – well, as seriously as fun can be taken. There’s no shortage of places to raise a toast to the Emerald Isle’s patron saint. Use our events list (http://www.conciergepreferred.com/host_cities/1-chicago/events/) to help you choose where to draw that first, last, and each pint in between.

Wee Top o’ the A.M.: There’s no rest for those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, so revelers will rejoice that The Kerryman (http://www.thekerrymanchicago.com/) will open at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 14. All day, they’ll serve a small Irish menu, including corned beef and cabbage and green beer (obviously) plus they’ll feature bagpipers, Irish dancers, and face painters. On St. Patrick’s Day itself (Tuesday, March 17), you’ll find the exact same thing with the exception that the doors will open at 9 a.m.

Ireland Bound: As if it weren’t enough to throw the self-proclaimed biggest St. Paddy’s Day party in Chicago (http://www.fadoirishpub.com/chicago/promotions/local/2050), Fado (http://www.fadoirishpub/chicago/) entices you further with the opportunity to win the ultimate insider’s trip to Dublin, Ireland (http://www.fadoirishpub.com/insidertrip/?city=chicago). This includes: Roundtrip Air from JFK or SFO to Dublin on Aer Lingus Airlines. (Valid travel dates - April 18 - Dec 15, 2009); five days and four nights’ hotel accommodations at Grafton Capital Hotel (including all hotel taxes, service fees and gratuities, full breakfast daily and roundtrip airport transfers); Hop on, Hop off Dublin City Tour; Tour of the Guinness Brewery at St James Gate; two tickets to either a hurling or Gaelic football match (contingent on timing of trip; and $500 in spending cash. Please note that you must sign up for the email NEW by March 30 to be entered to win. Otherwise, become a fan on Facebook, follow Fado on Twitter, or simply text FADO to 46786 to register to win. One entry per person.

Shamrockin’ Shoreline: You’ve heard about the traditional dyeing of the Chicago River for St. Patrick’s Day, so see it up close on one of Shoreline’s St. Patrick’s Day Cruises (http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com). Passengers will cruise the historic Chicago River while dining on a traditional Irish Buffet featuring corned beef, cabbage and potatoes. Cruises also include traditional Irish background music and a special presentation by one of Shoreline's professional architecture docents, highlighting the role the Irish community played in shaping modern Chicago. Complimentary soda and coffee are included. A cash bar will also be available. The St. Patrick’s Day Cruise schedule is as follows: Saturday, March 14: Pre-parade cruise: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; post-parade cruise: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $29.00 Adults, $27.00 Senior, $15.00 Children 12 & under.

Sunday Brunch at Spertus: Culture has several edible sides. For example, try the Sunday Brunch at Spertus on (http://www.spertus.edu/programs/special/sunday_brunch_in_march.php) Sunday, March 15 at 11 a.m. Enjoy breathtaking views of Chicago’s lakefront and landmarks as you feast on innovative cuisine from Chef Laura Frankel and the Wolfgang Puck Catering team at Spertus. Founder of the adventurous, gourmet kosher Shallots restaurants, Chef Laura shares Wolfgang Puck’s passion for warm hospitality and a commitment to featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients from regional suppliers. The cost for this buffet-style brunch is $36 for adults and $18 for children (children under 5 are free). Reservations required.

ShamROCK Café: The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 14 is just the beginning of the fun as far as the Hard Rock Café (http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/cafe.aspx?LocationID=98&MIBEnumID=3) is concerned. Once the parade is over, head to the café for their post parade bash, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. This
 all ages event features free live music, green beer, and even a Lucky Charms eating contest (call 312-943-5572 to register). Proceeds benefit Musicians on Call.