THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO FROM JENNIFER - CELEBRATE ROMANCE
CELEBRATE WITH LOVE
The weekend following Valentine's Day is upon us. How can we spend this weekend in Chicago in the spirit of love? Well I found many activities for everyone to enjoy:
Best for: Couples on a budget that enjoy spicy comedy.
Are you another impoverished single parent with no car handy and find yourself on the CTA on dates? The CTA Red Line to Lawrence will take you to the Annoyance Theatre, where you can sip drinks and chat while waiting for the house to open. The small theater has cafe tables and movable chairs, makes it easy to snuggle up and whisper to each other. Even though the 8 p.m. show is the milder show of the night, you can usually count on plenty of spicy material to set the tone for the evening with your date.
Then there is the Marigold, located next door and with a soft South Asian ambiance with music and a cozy banquette. On Tuesday nights Marigold offers a three-course tasting menu of regional Indian fare. Budget drinkers can share a large bottle of Indian beer.
Another option is the Fat Cat, also next door. They serve only one dessert, the Porcelain Monkey, a flourless chocolate cake with peanut butter foam.
ANNOYANCE THEATRE
4830 N. Broadway; 773-561-4665,
Cost: $29 ($8 per ticket; $13 for two Sierra Nevada beers, two club sodas and a tip)
MARIGOLD INDIAN RESTAURANT
4832 N. Broadway; 773-293-4653
Cost: 3-course tasting menu, $25.
FAT CAT
4840 N. Broadway; 773-506-3100>
Cost: $5.95 for chocolate cake.
Best for: All ages and pocketbooks:
Crazy in love? All infatuated couples out there will want to revel in that elation. This Valentine's Day weekend make memories.
Start with an afternoon trip out to Navy Pier for a turn through the attractions and a stop at DC's Mad Hatter, a store specializing in embroidery. Buy a cap or shirt there, or bring your own, and go home with a message stitched across it. What a great way to say "I Love you."
If you have time, head over to the North Side and swing through FLORA FLOWERS to pick up a gift of flowers -- created by florists for your significant other. Press a flower for an everlasting keepsake.
Then head to SCHUBAS TAVERN to catch a great live show in the cozy Lakeview bars' expertly booked music room. Plan on to get there early and grab a tasty bite at the adjoining Harmony Grill.
Don't forget to commemorate the memory-making outing with your date by forever capturing your happiness in the bar's vintage photo booth.
DC'S MAD HATTER
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; 312-595-5594
Cost: Prices vary for brought-in items (call ahead). $10 for first 7 letters; $14 for cap and embroidery.
FLORA FLOWERS
2835 N. Southport Ave.; 773-929-2835
Cost: Larkspur $2.50 per stem
SCHUBAS TAVERN
3159 N. Southport Ave.; 773-525-2508
Cost: Performance cover varies; $3 for a photo booth strip.
Best for: After a few preliminary dates:
With one dance lesson, any remaining awkwardness can melt away. It's instant intimacy -- with a possibility of some bruised toes, depending on your partner.
At DANCE CONNECTION, owner/instructor Alejandro Aldape patiently helps even even the rookies learn the basics of salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata and tango. A typical group lesson is an hour-long affair. As you learn the steps, you'll switch partners, so you do get a break from your sweetie, which we all need.
After the lesson, if you're feeling a little more "rico suave," head to Argentine tapas bar N for a couple of antojitos and some music. Sit in the bar area -- there's better people-watching and that is where the music is, anyway. The tortilla is great, as is the milanesa, but if you want to get closer for that kiss, then by all means stay away from the delicious but heavy garlicky chimichurri sauce.
On Tuesday nights, N features a live samba band, and one can learn the quick moves just watching the dancers. Other nights a deejay or live music provides plenty of opportunities to practice your new moves.
DANCE CONNECTION
3117 N. Clybourn Ave.; 773-404-0006,
Cost: Beginner group classes are $14 per person
N
2977 N. Elston Ave.; 773-866-9898
Cost: tapas, $4-$9; $35 total for food and drinks.
Best for: Couples who've known each other awhile (this is a 6-hour marathon)
Our whirlwind Windy City of Big Shoulders fantasy began, of course, at the base of the world's tallest building- -- "You know, this isn't the tallest building in the world," is announced as you enter the Sears Tower and headed for the Skydeck elevator. Then we reached the 99th. Listen to the audio tour. Enjoy the view.
Next stop, Michigan Avenue!
Head over to the Cheesecake Factory. The Fried Mac & Cheese Balls cost $8.50 and were so big I couldn't finish one of three fish tacos ($13.95). There are many great selections to choose from.
Then why not try to catch 11 p.m. show at The Second City.
SEARS TOWER SKYDECK
233 S. Wacker Drive; 312-875-9696
Cost: $36.90 ($18.45 with audio tour; $12.95 without)
CHEESECAKE FACTORY
875 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-337-1101
Cost: $72 (including tip, two entrees, slice of cheesecake)
THE SECOND CITY E.T.C.
1616 N. Wells St.; 312-337-3992
Cost: $52 ($25 tickets, $2 fee)
Well there are many fun and engaging things to do this weekend. So make it a romantic one!
JENNIFER GARRITY & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
