THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Not Your Typical Summer Season!
It looks as though we’re not going to have a typical summer this year in Chicago. So far, the city has canceled Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, and the Air & Water Show. Hopefully, we’ll have some smaller neighborhood and suburban events taking place so we can get outdoors. But until then, here’s this weekend’s virtual events.
The Chopping Block continues their Virtual Cook Along Classes, via Zoom, with you and their chef cooking together in real-time. Upon registration, you will be provided with the recipe packet and equipment list to be prepared to get cooking. Again, their Zoom moderator will make sure your questions are answered live by the chef either during or after class.
Saturday’s demo will run from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. with Chef Shelley Young, who just so happens to be the owner/chef with The Chopping Block.
She will demonstrate how to prepare Strawberry Shortcake. Skills covered in this class are preparing the biscuit dough, understanding baking ingredients, macerating fruit, and, of course, the best whipping cream you’ll ever make!
Sunday’s demo will run from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. with Chef Hans Mooser. He will demonstrate how to prepare Grilled Bass with Mediterranean Farro Salad. Skills covered in this class are selecting and grilling fish, determining fish doneness, working with grains, roasting peppers, balancing flavors, and making fresh herb sauces!
How about taking a cruise right from your couch to view iconic and lesser-known Chicago architecture on a Virtual Boat Tour (Saturday, 1 p.m.-1:50 p.m.). Your tour guide will be Amanda, who is the Executive Director and Chicago Detours founder. She will delve into the forgotten stories of Chicago’s waterways, environment, transportation history, and architectural masterpieces while sharing stories and places that even the locals don’t know about! For just $8, this tour is a great way to beat cabin fever and will be unlike any architecture river cruise you’ve taken!!
Another virtual tour that might be of interest is the LGBT Chicago History in 1893 Virtual Tour (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.). Led via Zoom, you’ll glimpse beautiful architectural spaces from the era of the 1893 World’s Fair and learn about the fair’s impact on Chicago. Your tour guide Marie will show you archival images illuminating the World’s Fair and share stories of some gay and lesbian men and women from turn-of-the-century Chicago. You’ll also get to check-in with the group and see where other tour guests are from. During the presentation, guests are encouraged to have a lively chat to share comments and questions!
While a lot of crowded running races around Chicago have been canceled, runners can still race for a cause this summer by staying in their own neighborhoods (or on a treadmill) and participating on their own schedule. Here’s a list of virtual races that will earn you swag and medals without the crowds:
Chi Town Half Marathon & 10K. Swag includes a zip-up hoodie and finisher medal. This race benefits Best Buddies.
The Super Run – Chicago. Swag includes a superhero cape, event bib, and finishers medals. This race benefits an organization that donates superhero capes to children in local hospitals.
The Great Run Across Illinois. Swag includes a t-shirt and finisher’s medal. This race benefits the Illinois Nurses Foundation.
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
