THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – A Brief Reprieve as Holidays Approach!
Before switching gears, spend this weekend with family and friends relaxing and having some fun before the pace kicks into high gear as the holidays are quickly approaching!
After an extended hiatus, The Greatest Show on Earth, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus returns to the Allstate Arena (6920 Mannheim Rd.) in Rosemont with a renewed version. This new tour will not have any animals but will spotlight over 75 artists from 18 countries and blending breathtaking world-class acrobatics, trapeze artists, daredevil stunts, unicycles at record-breaking heights, comedic interludes, and more – all set to a high-energy pop music soundtrack keeping the show fast-paced and endlessly entertaining!
Experience the flavors of the Andersonville neighborhood’s 2nd annual Autumn Restaurant Week now through November 15. Explore a diverse array of cozy fall cuisines with specialty prix fixe menus from Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Spanish to contemporary American curated by the local chefs. Options for dine-in or takeout include brunch, lunch, and dinner ranging from $35 to $60 along with drink and dessert specials. A few participating restaurants include Big Jones, Fiya, Kopi Café, Little Madrid Tapas Café, Oda Mediterranean, and others that are updated daily. It’s a great opportunity to indulge in a meal prepared by chefs without going broke!
Step into a modern Cinderella story with Before Midnight – A Cinderella Tea Experience at the Ritz-Carlton’s Torali Restaurant (160 E. Pearson St., 12th Floor) in the Streeterville neighborhood this Saturday/Sunday and next Saturday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.). Families and fairytale lovers will experience an enchanting afternoon tea inspired by the timeless story of Cinderella with immersive details, whimsical surprises, and memorable moments. In addition, your experience will feature a curated selection of pastries, tea sandwiches, savory bites, freshly baked scones, and more!
If the Cinderella tea experience isn’t your thing, perhaps the Chefsgiving Boozy Tea recurring Saturdays through November 28 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) at Pendry Chicago (230 N. Michigan Ave.) in the Loop is right up your alley. This experience features turkey and stuffing tea sandwiches and mini chicken pot pies along with sweet seasonal favorites like Sweet Potato Tarts and Cranberry Pâte de Fruit with your choice of tea or a boozy tea cocktail. Reservations are required and $25 from every reservation will go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to celebrate giving back to the community!
Enjoy an evening with a feast of fantastic food and a live, immersive murder mystery unlike any other at the “Hollywood Hit” Dinner Detective Chicago recurring Saturdays through December 19 (6 p.m.-9 p.m.) at the Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile (165 E. Ontario St.) in the Streeterville neighborhood. The professional cast of detectives is hidden in the audience to interrogate everyone in attendance to discover clues and turning every guest into a potential suspect. And at the end of the night, praises are awarded to the Sleuth who solves the crime. No two shows are ever the same!
Get an early start on your holiday shopping at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair this Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Rd.) in Rosemont. Explore interactive booths featuring the hottest holiday toys and games; create a holiday Wishlist during People of Play’s Wishlist Weekend™ and discover the latest products from Chicago-area inventors and toy makers. In addition, this fair will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Wars with an immersive show-floor experience. It’s North America’s largest public toy & game fair bringing together families, toy lovers, inventors, and some of the biggest names in the industry!
Enjoy the wins while we can as our beloved Chicago Bears will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday (7:20 p.m.) at Soldier Field (1410 Special Olympics Dr.) in the South Loop neighborhood. DA BEARS!!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
