lizseymour
02-27-2008, 12:28 AM
School Snacks: Sample the wares of the next generation of culinary genius at the Taste of Chicago’s Culinary Schools (http://www.elicheesecake.com/eventscalendar.aspx). Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by the top students at the top culinary schools in Chicagoland on Friday, Feb. 29. Goose Island Beer, a selection of Illinois wines, and an Eli’s Cheesecake dessert buffet complete the evening. 6 p.m. at Eli’s Cheesecake Bakery. Tickets $50, culinary students $10. Profits and sponsorships from this event will benefit scholarships for each participating school and the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Irish Reels: The silver screen turns emerald green at the Ninth Annual Chicago Film Festival (http://www.chicagoirishfilmfestival.com). The event, which opens Friday, Feb. 29 at the Beverly Arts Center, is s showcase of the country's contemporary and classic films, including feature-length works, docs, shorts and animated films. It also includes filmmaker discussions and guest speakers. Film highlights include a documentary about Ireland's top photojournalist, “Colman Doyle: Photographing the Nation” and a 30th anniversary screening of Ireland's first Gaelic-language film, "Poitin,” with music by Riverdance composer Bill Whelan. Founded in 2000 the Chicago Irish Film Festival is one of only a handful of Irish Film Festivals in the United States. Tickets $8-$10; $15-$30 for opening and closing night; $50-$65 for all-fest pass. Through March 5.
Diva for a Day: If front-row seats at the opera aren’t enough for you, try the Lyric Opera Backstage Tour (http://www.lyricopera.org). A behind-the-scenes look at the opera house includes peeks at the wardrobe department, wigs, makeup, scenery, stars’ dressing rooms, props, the orchestra pit and more. Sunday, March 2, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $35-$45, with an optional box lunch for $10; $150 for tour and a gourmet lunch with a Lyric Opera insider.
Leap Year Bites: In honor of February 29, take the leap and check out some once-in-four-years deals. Vong’s Thai Kitchen (http://www.vongsthaikitchen.com) offers a specially priced ($29.08) four-course lunch and dinner menus. The dinner menu is priced per person and lunch serves two. At Café Matou (http://www.cafematou.com), sample specially chosen $29 bottles of wine from 2000 and 2004. And Zocalo (http://www.zocalochicago.com) offers a flan dessert for $2.29 in honor of the 29th day of the month, plus half-price appetizers (5-7 p.m.) and live music (9 p.m.-midnight) in the bar.
A Steady Rain: The acclaimed play A Steady Rain moves to the Royal George Theatre (http://www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com/royalgeorge/show.asp?id=1529&xrefID=4575) and previews this weekend. The cop drama explores love and rage on the streets of Chicago, as a routine domestic disturbance call sends two Chicago cops, Denny (Randy Steinmeyer) and Joey (Peter DeFaria), on a harrowing journey that will test their loyalties and change their lives forever. The production earned a nod on almost every Chicago theater critic’s “Top 10 Theatrical Productions of 2007” list including the Chicago Tribune, The Daily Herald, New City, UR. The highly praised cast and artistic team will remain the same.
Irish Reels: The silver screen turns emerald green at the Ninth Annual Chicago Film Festival (http://www.chicagoirishfilmfestival.com). The event, which opens Friday, Feb. 29 at the Beverly Arts Center, is s showcase of the country's contemporary and classic films, including feature-length works, docs, shorts and animated films. It also includes filmmaker discussions and guest speakers. Film highlights include a documentary about Ireland's top photojournalist, “Colman Doyle: Photographing the Nation” and a 30th anniversary screening of Ireland's first Gaelic-language film, "Poitin,” with music by Riverdance composer Bill Whelan. Founded in 2000 the Chicago Irish Film Festival is one of only a handful of Irish Film Festivals in the United States. Tickets $8-$10; $15-$30 for opening and closing night; $50-$65 for all-fest pass. Through March 5.
Diva for a Day: If front-row seats at the opera aren’t enough for you, try the Lyric Opera Backstage Tour (http://www.lyricopera.org). A behind-the-scenes look at the opera house includes peeks at the wardrobe department, wigs, makeup, scenery, stars’ dressing rooms, props, the orchestra pit and more. Sunday, March 2, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $35-$45, with an optional box lunch for $10; $150 for tour and a gourmet lunch with a Lyric Opera insider.
Leap Year Bites: In honor of February 29, take the leap and check out some once-in-four-years deals. Vong’s Thai Kitchen (http://www.vongsthaikitchen.com) offers a specially priced ($29.08) four-course lunch and dinner menus. The dinner menu is priced per person and lunch serves two. At Café Matou (http://www.cafematou.com), sample specially chosen $29 bottles of wine from 2000 and 2004. And Zocalo (http://www.zocalochicago.com) offers a flan dessert for $2.29 in honor of the 29th day of the month, plus half-price appetizers (5-7 p.m.) and live music (9 p.m.-midnight) in the bar.
A Steady Rain: The acclaimed play A Steady Rain moves to the Royal George Theatre (http://www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com/royalgeorge/show.asp?id=1529&xrefID=4575) and previews this weekend. The cop drama explores love and rage on the streets of Chicago, as a routine domestic disturbance call sends two Chicago cops, Denny (Randy Steinmeyer) and Joey (Peter DeFaria), on a harrowing journey that will test their loyalties and change their lives forever. The production earned a nod on almost every Chicago theater critic’s “Top 10 Theatrical Productions of 2007” list including the Chicago Tribune, The Daily Herald, New City, UR. The highly praised cast and artistic team will remain the same.