CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown and Wicker Park, Chicago Loop, Edgewater, Oak Park

Lincoln Park: Still looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day plans? Geja’s Cafe has you covered with not one, but two Valentine’s events. First, join Geja’s for the Celebration of Marriage on Monday, February 12. Couples will receive 1% off their food bill for each year of marriage under their belts. Or, go for the Valentine’s Day Dinner Package! The package includes a cheese fondue appetizer with assorted bread, apples, and grapes; Geja’s salad with cucumbers and a dijon vinaigrette; lobster, shrimp, and beef entree fondue with assorted vegetables and eight dipping sauces; flaming chocolate fondue dessert; and a glass of sparkling rosé at any point during the meal. You’ll also receive a Geja’s keepsake to take home with you! Package seatings are at 4 pm ($100 per person), 6:30 pm ($115 per person), and 9 pm ($115 per person). Tax and gratuity are both included in the per person cost. The 6:30 seating is sold out, but the 4 and 9 pm are still available! Book your table now, here!

Lakeview: Want to get fit and give back this Valentine’s Day? Check out the Cupid’s Undie Run this Saturday, February 10. Run through Wrigleyville in your unmentionables and raise money for finding the cure to neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that affects 1 in every 3,000 children born. Participants can raise funds to earn prizes including shirts, undies, and engraved flasks. There’s also a kickin’ afterparty at John Barleycorn! The event is from 12 pm to 4 pm and costs $40. Check-in is at 12 pm, the run starts at 2 pm, the run concludes at 2:15 pm (it’s a “brief” one), and the party is over at 4 pm!

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Valentine’s Day is the same day as Ash Wednesday this year. Need a place to go? Try Mac’s Wood Grilled in Wicker Park, located at 1801 W. Division St. They’re doing a Lenten Fish Fry beginning at 5 pm. They’ll offer $12 Fish and Chips, fresh beer battered cod with crispy hand-cut fries. The deal will run every Friday from February 16 to March 30. Find more information on their website!

Chicago Loop: Looking for a little scandalous fun this Valentine’s Day weekend? Check out “The Naked at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt”. This Saturday, February 10 and Sunday, February 11 at 1 pm, you can scour the Art Institute for their best nudes. Seek out bathing beauties, sultry sirens, and more provocative art, all while learning about art history. Tickets are  available through Watson Adventures on their website. They’re just $38 dollars, including admission to the museum.

Edgewater: Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable dinner this Valentine’s Day! Join Francesca’s on Bryn Mawr for “Wine & Dine with your Valentine”. The menu begins with an Insalata Mista con Lampani: mixed greens with a raspberry vinaigrette, caramelized walnuts, and bleu cheese. Next is the Ravioli Degli Innamorati: heart-shaped four cheese ravioli with a white truffle cream sauce, chives, and fresh tomatoes. Then, choose from the Branzina alla Zaffarena: pan-roasted sea bass with shiitake mushrooms, red and yellow peppers, green onions, and a saffron cream sauce; or the Filleta al Gorgonzola: grilled filet medallions served on a bed of spinach with gorgonzola sauce and grilled portobello mushrooms. Finally, finish your romantic meal with the Cuore Bianca: a warm maple butter cake with vanilla gelato, fresh berries, and a chocolate heart. Make your reservation here, now!

Oak Park: Celebrate your Valentine with a romantic concert! Soprano Christine Steyer and company present “My Funny Valentine” at Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park. This program of love songs will help you get in the mood to celebrate this month of love! A new tenor, Emanuel Carama, will also be featured. The program is this Monday, February 12 at 1:15 pm. There is a suggested $10 donation and you can make a reservation for lunch as well. Find more information on their website!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO