Wine 102: Far Out Grapes From Far Out Places
This class is for the more experienced winos out there, who are interested in delving into the characteristics and tastes of different grapes. The wine aficionados at Bin36 will teach you how to select the right wines for parties, so you can expand beyond that three-buck-chuck.
When: Tuesday, May 22, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Bin36, 339 North Dearborn (at Carroll Avenue): 312-755-9463.

Roy Lichtenstein Retrospective
Check out the best of the artist's comic strip-style paintings at the world premiere of this traveling exhibit. They'll also be showcasing his sketches, paintings, and sculptures, so you can really get into the pop artist's psyche. Or, just enjoy the art.
When: Opens Tuesday, May 22, see website for hours.
Where: Art Institute of Chicago, 111 South Michigan Avenue (between Monroe Street and Jackson Drive); 312-443-3600.

Blade Runner
The Logan Square International Film Festival screens Ridley Scott's futuristic thriller as part of their Wednesdays on the Lawn series. The '80s special effects are sure to look awesome (or, at least, awesomely hilarious) on the big screen.
When: Wednesday, May 23, 8 p.m.
Where: Comfort Station at Logan Square, 2579 North Milwaukee Avenue (between Kedzie and Logan Boulevards); no phone.

Slow Food Chicago Dinner
Local farmers team up to create an all-kinds-of-delicious (and organic!) meal for Chicagoans willing to throw down. The mouth-watering menu options are sourced from local vendors, and include ribs, risotto, and rhubarb shortcake. And, of course, there will be cocktails.
When: Wednesday, May 23, 6 p.m.
Where: Uncommon Ground, 1401 West Devon Avenue (at Glenwood Avenue); 773-465-9801.

Fernet Branca Band Fest
Italian liqueur company Fernet Branca is launching a digital battle of the bands, in which up-and-coming rockers will get the chance to compete for the masses on Facebook. Head to the site to vote for your favorite, and at the end of the contest the group with the most 'likes' will get to open for an act at the Pitchfork Music Festival.
When: Contest begins May 28

Photo: Courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago

Anyone living in Chicago knows that NATO is coming to town (even though the traffic feels like its already here), and all we want to do is have nothing to do with it. Unless you're protesting, in which case you have little use for this post. If you're hoping to avoid the nightmare that will be getting around Chicago during NATO, you could stay indoors and avoid it altogether. However, its going to be in the '80s this weekend and we highly recommend that you step outside. If you're looking for fun weekend plans as far from the NATO action as possible, read below. We've handpicked a few winners that will get you out of town, and into something totally fun.

Shop For Fresh Veggies
Evanston Farmers Market, At intersection of University place and Oak Ave (behind Hilton Garden Inn). Saturday from 7:30 a.m. -1 p.m.

Get Boozy
The Andersonville Wine Walk, Check in at Premise, 5420 North Clark Street (at West Rascher Avenue); 773-334-9463. Sunday, 3-6 p.m.

Finally See The Avengers
Century 12 Evanston/CinéArts 6 and XD, 1715 Maple Avenue (at Church Street), Evanston; 847-491-9751.

Take An Art Class
Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 North Ravenswood Avenue (at Montrose Avenue); 773-769-4226.

Go Shopping. Duh.
Urban General Store, 4723 North Lincoln Avenue (just North of Leland Avenue); 773-334-8626.

Photo: Via Lillstreet Art Studio

Luxury Garage Sale Gives Back
In honor of Mother's Day, consignment mecca Luxury Garage Sale is giving 10% of this week's profits to Bright Pink, an organization dedicated to helping young women with breast cancer. Sell your designer goods, or shop for high-end steals, for a cause.
When: May 13 through May 20
Where: Luxury Garage Sale, 1656 North Bosworth Avenue (at Wabansia Avenue); 773-360-7293.

Pilsen Cultural Tour & Fiesta
Take a tour through this lower west side neighborhood, where they've managed to preserve the best of their Hispanic heritage. You'll get a private one-hour walking tour of the 'hood, dinner at Cuernavaca (complete with ice-cold 'gritas, of course), and then take a private shuttle bus to Dos Diablos, where you can down discounted drinks.
When: Thursday, May 17, 6 p.m.
Where: 18th Street Pink Line stop (at Paulina Street).

Hollows at Subterranean
Local band Hollows celebrate the release of their second album, Vulture on Trouble in Mind. Tix are a measly $8, so you can jam to their punk-meets-girl-group sound for next to nothing.
When: Thursday, May 17, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Subterranean, 2011 West North Avenue (at Milwaukee Avenue); 773-278-6600.

Arcade Brewery Fundraiser
Help a local brewery get started by downing beers. The guys behind Arcade are throwing a bash to raise funds for their new space, featuring entertainment from Celtic rock band Flatfoot 56, and standup comedy by Drew Frees. There will also be raffle prizes in exchange for the $20 suggested donation.
When: Friday, May 18, 8 p.m.
Where: Claddagh Ring Pub, 2306 West Foster Avenue (between Oakley and Claremont avenues); 773-271-4794.

Beach Weekend Packing Party
Juicy Couture is teaming up with blogger Jena Gambaccini (of Chi City Fashion) to throw a bash honoring the start of summer swimsuit season. Enjoy cocktails, bites, personalized illustrations, and best of all, a 20% discount. RSVP to rsvp@skirtpr.com to join the fun.
When: Wednesday, May 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Juicy Couture, 101 East Oak Street (between Rush Street and Michigan Avenue); 312-280-1637.

Photos: Courtesy Juicy Couture, Dos Diablos

Meeting a great potential date online is as easy as click, click, type. But, once you’ve made the web connection, where should you go in Chicago to make the real-life magic happen? That's a little bit trickier. The best online-dating hangout spots all share a few common characteristics every Internet romancer should keep in mind when planning a first date: noise level and versatility.

Of the two, a quiet space is the most important—you want conversation to be the focus of your rendezvous, and that’s hard to do over background noise and loud music. When it comes to calling a venue versatile, simply put, you don’t want you or your date to feel out of your element. If you’re an LBD kind of girl and he’s planned a night at his favorite sports bar, you might feel a bit overdressed (or vice-versa), so picking places with a more open vibe ensures all parties involved feel good! Good. Now that we've settled all of that, our dating expert Melissa Malka chats with you below about five date-proof locales all around Chicago that are the perfect setting for you to meet your next match.

1. Pleasant House Bakery
A casual, inviting meet-up spot is an essential for any online dater, and you need to add Pleasant House Bakery to your list of standbys, ASAP. It’s a bit out of the way, but absolutely worth it — their food is pretentious gastropub quality with British-mother-cooking-in-her-kitchen comfort. Dressed up or dressed down, you’ll hardly feel out of place. The owners are welcoming and friendly, so in sum, you'll feel relaxed and at ease, exactly the way you want to feel when meeting someone new.
Pleasant House Bakery, 964 West 31st Street (at Keely Street); 773-523-7437.

2. Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate is a no-fail destination for dessert and hot chocolate (and warm brioche doughnuts!). I practically panicked when this place closed for renovations, but they re-open today, just in time to sweeten up summer romance. Their desserts are a shareable size (hint, hint) and absolutely amazing. Change up the usual post-dinner drinks routine, or just spike your hot chocolate with a little boozy goodness.
Hot Chocolate, 1747 North Damen Avenue (at Willow Street); 773-489-1747.

3. Moody's Pub
This is a classic, laid-back summer dinner spot. Moody’s has been around forever (since 1959), and their brick-walled beer garden and char-broiled burgers explain why they’ve been able to stick it out for so long. The summer cocktails might have something to do with it, too. The vibe is chill, the food is delicious, and they’ve consistently earned “best burger” and “most romantic spot” awards from local authorities. Find out for yourself and make the trek up there — even if the weather’s not beer-garden ready, their indoor dining room is also great.
Moody's Pub, 5910 North Broadway Street (just South of Thorndale Avenue); 773-275-2696.

4. Bernard's Bar
If you'd like a proper cocktail to take the nervous edge off the first meet, try Bernard’s Bar. This quiet, upscale spot makes some of the best drinks in town. I discovered this place last year and still make frequent appearances. The atmosphere is your (rich) grandpa’s leather and mahogany living room, the music is soft, and the potato chips are freshly made. And, thanks to the diverse crowd (if there’s even one,) you’ll feel at ease in anything from a cocktail dress to jeans and some cool kicks — no pretense here.
Bernard's Bar, 11 E Walton St # 1 (at State Street); 312-646-1300.

5. Telegraph
Every girl needs her go-to place, or at least a go-to guy to give her such a place. Enter Marc Rochman, founder of the Epic Date, the first person I call when I need help planning my dates (clients’ and my own!). Marc’s suggestions never fail to amaze, so when he described this place as the “best wine bar in town,” I knew I had to give it a shot. No disappointment here — there are 20+ glass pours so you can try what you’d like, and, if you or your date get hungry, small plates, cheese, or desserts to choose from. Bon appetit!
Telegraph, 2601 North Milwaukee Avenue (at Kedzie Boulevard); 773-292-9463.

Melissa Malka is an executive dating coach (nationally) and matchmaker (Chicago & South Florida). Her company, JALBC, focuses on bringing the science of dating to the surface and helping singles find exactly the kind of relationships they want to have.



Photo: Via Pleasant House Bakery, Bernard's Bar, Moody's Pub, Telegraph

Taste of the Nation Tickets
Yes, world, it's that time again — tickets to quite possibly the most delish food fest ever are on sale. The event takes place on August 8 (mark your calendars!), when some of the city's hottest chefs will serve up eats and drinks. Tix start at $95, but they're worth every penny.

Wu-Tang Clan 101
Comedian Emerson Dameron and hip-hop writer Sherron Shabazz explore the allure of one of the most popular R&B groups. Expect to get schooled in pop culture knowledge, and maybe even come out a little bit cooler.
When: Tuesday, May 8, 9 p.m.
Where: The Hungry Brain, 2319 West Belmont Avenue (at Western Avenue); no phone.

Modern Cooperative Grand Opening Party
This new store is the true definition of cooperative, by offering local artists an opportunity to showcase and sell their pieces. The selection will feature curated, vintage furniture, as well as home décor and other design pieces. The opening night party will include a toast of 5 Rabbit's local brew, opportunities to meet the artists, and a vegan food truck parked outside.
When: Friday, May 11, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: Modern Cooperative, 818 West 18th Street (at Newbury Avenue); no phone.

Cityblue Sale
This super-hip boutique will be hawking their entire collection for 25% off for the rest of the month. Scoop up the best colored denim, as well as pieces from of-the-moment designers like CC Skye, Joie, and Sass & Bide.
When: Through May 31, Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Cityblue, 1444 North Wells Street (between North Avenue and Schiller Street); 312-664-2222.

Live in Style at Salon Blonde
You've spent all spring getting your bod and wardrobe in tip-top shape for the summer, but don't neglect your tresses. Salon Blonde is offering some help in that department — they'll be hooking you up with some free Bumble & Bumble hairspray when you purchase 2 B&B products (the styling creme is divine). You'll also get $10 towards your service when you pick up a gift card, so hit up the salon for your Mother's Day gifts.
When: Through June 17, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Salon Blonde, 1643 West North Avenue (between Paulina Street and Marshfield Avenue); 773-235-4085.

Photo: Courtesy Modern Cooperative

Spring Cleaning For Your Relationship
You've already taken care of spring cleaning for your closet and your apartment, but what about your love life? This class, taught by DIY breakup expert (yes, that's a thing) Sarah Gray, will help you identify signs of an unhappy relationship, and teach you how to make more informed decisions, romance-wise. There will, of course, be wine.
When: Tuesday, May 1, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: 694 Wine & Spirits, 694 North Milwaukee Avenue (at West Huron Street); 312-492-6620.

The Art of Fashion
Kick next weekend off with a charitable endeavor—Neiman Marcus in Northbrook is hosting a breakfast-meets-fashion show. Jewelry designer Lana will be on hand as a special guest, and all proceeds will benefit the Wood Family Foundation, which advocates for area children. Tickets are $75, but that feeling you get from helping the kiddos will make it worth the price.
When: Thursday, May 3, 9 a.m.
Where: Neiman Marcus, 5000 Northbrook Court (at Lake Cook Road); 847-564-0300.

Spring Preview With Glossed & Found
Our favorite source of adorable and inspiring videos is teaming up with L.K. Bennett and Pür Minerals to throw the ultimate spring preview. The ladies behind G&F will preach about the latest trends in beauty and fashion, while you enjoy free color consultations, mini manis, and complimentary drinks and bites, natch. There will also be a DJ, in case the cocktails put you in the dancing mood.
When: Thursday, May 3, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: L.K. Bennett, 900 North Michigan Avenue (between Walton Street and Delaware Place); 312-374-0958.

Christacy at Board Room
He's been touted as Chicago's hottest urban pop artist, and now you can judge for yourself. Christacy will be giving an exclusive live performance, with a special sneak peak at three of his new singles. Tickets are a wallet-friendly $10.
When: Thursday, May 3, 8 p.m.
Where: Board Room, 343 West Erie (between Kingsbury and Orleans Streets); 312-972-9882.

Epicurious Entertains Chicago
The editors of chic food mag Epicurious are teaming up with some of Chicago's renowned chefs, to throw a weekend full of gastronomically-inclined events. The highlight is definitely Entertaining, Epi Style, in which a few master hosts will teach you how to throw a party that will blow away your guests. Tickets are $35, which includes tastings, and you'll come away with knowledge on wine, beer cocktails, and flower arrangements, to name a few.
When: Saturday, May 5, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Chicago Illuminating Company, 19 East 21st Street (between State Street and Wabash Avenue); 312-326-9500.

Photo: Courtesy Chicago Illuminating Company

Maybe that last late-night rendezvous with online shopping has left your bank account in the so-scary single digits. Or, maybe you just love the thrill of finding fun, free stuff to do around town. Whatever your motives, we've got you.

We tracked down the best things going on in Chicago this weekend—that just so happen to be free (or so cheap, they might as well be free). Living in the Windy City can get expensive—rent, gas, and one trip to a street fair or vintage market can wipe you out for the week. So, check out our list of frugal, fun activities that you and your money-savvy friends can totally get into this Saturday and Sunday. Don't fall victim to the idea that living it up in Chi-town has to cost big bucks. Free yourself.



1) Free Haircuts, Color, Blowouts and More: Free or Almost Free

Want to add “hair model” to your resume? Student stylists need you to hone their craft and are giving away hair services for next to nothing. Peruse through salonapprentice.com for the motherlode of hair model listings at luxe salons like Maxine’s, Trio, Marianne Strokirk, Joseph Michael’s, Streets of London and more.

Recent deals we found include a free long-layer trim at Maxine’s in the Gold Coast (normally $60 and up); a free shampoo and blowout at Art + Science in Wicker Park (normally $38 and up); single-process color and blowdry for $25 at Sine Qua Non in Lakeview (normally $70); and individual lash extensions at The Lashe Spot in Hinsdale for $25 (normally $300). Beat that, Groupon.

Services can be time consuming because the padawon’s work must be constantly checked by a master stylist, and we admit the idea of a student coming at us with scissors and permanent dye sounds scary. But if it’s between that and another month of visible roots—well, just remember this Rihanna moment and make an informed decision.

2) West Loop Art Gallery Tour: Free!

And now for the refined portion of our free swag weekend: Chicago Gallery News hosts a free art gallery tour every weekend, and this Saturday they explore the loft-like warehouse spaces of the West Loop’s unique art scene. Meet at Mars Gallery in the West Loop (1139 W. Fulton Market) a little before 1:30 p.m. for the tour lead by the gallery’s owner Barb Gazdik.

At Mars Gallery, you’ll view a series based on Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland entitled "Alice in Chicagoland" by Peter Mars. The tour moves on to Linda Warren Projects to take in Tom Torluemke’s "Ring Around The Rosie" and Jeriah Hildwine’s "Living Dead Girls." While viewing Hebru Brantley’s “Trapped in What I Made Believe” series at Kasia Kay Art Projects Gallery, impress those around you by proclaiming that Brandtley’s paintings “capture the universal essence of the human condition.” The tour ends at Packer Schopf Gallery with a series of paintings, drawings and embroidered x-rays (for a little something different).

Mars Gallery, 1139 West Fulton Market (between Racine Avenue and May Street); 312-226-7808.

3) Free Yoga Class: Free!

After a long weekend of snapping deals and steals up around the city, a healthy detox is the perfect way to end the week. The Chicago School of Hot Yoga in Lincoln Park offers a free community class on Sundays at 5:45 p.m. (normally $19) that is open to all levels.

Class is an hour and fifteen minutes and make sure to bring water, a towel and your mat (or rent one for $2). Relish in those last few moments class—they call it savasana, we call it laying on the floor with our eyes closed in pure, free bliss.

The Chicago School of Yoga, 2442 N Lincoln Avenue, 2nd floor (between Sheffield Avenue and Halsted Street); 773-868-9642.

4) Half Acre Brewery Tour: $10

Stroll down Lincoln Ave. in Northcenter on a Saturday afternoon and you’ll see a line forming down the street in front of Half Acre Brewery. It’s well worth the wait for a tour of a true Chicago brewery, plus a Half Acre pint glass and up to three full pours of beer are included—all for a mere $10. The cash-only tour is every Saturday at 1 p.m. and only the first 60 people are allowed in, so be sure to secure a spot in time.

The brewery’s signature Daisy Cutter Pale Ale is a must-try, plus seasonal brews are always in the making—currently, an India-style red ale called Ginger Twin. Bonus: Half Acre will honor a 10 percent discount to anyone who buys this brew with God-given red hair or accompanied by an identical twin.

Half Acre Brewery Tour, 4257 North Lincoln Avenue (at West Collum Avenue); 773-248-4038.

5) Tulip Mania and an Urban Gardening Festival at the Garfield Park Conservatory: Free!

Every year, all of the gorgeous tulips lining Michigan Ave. and the entire city must be pulled up and replaced—but a city this green is certainly not wasteful. The bags of the bulbs will be given away for free at the Garfield Park Conservatory on a first come, first serve basis this Saturday at 8 a.m. We’re told they’ll all be gone within 30 minutes, so get there early to stand a chance.

After tulip brigade, prep your green thumb from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the conservatory’s 20th Annual Green & Growing Fair, an urban gardening festival sponsored by Chicagoland’s GreenNet Coalition. Stations set up throughout the free festival will teach you how to build your own mini raised garden bed, make compost in the city and design a community garden space. Organic seedlings, gardening materials and more will be for sale—including the KOCHTERRIITM pepper, a new breed of hot pepper created right here Chicago.

Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 North Central Park Avenue (at West Carroll Avenue); 312-746-5100.

Photo: Rex USA

Guys, big news. Because apparently there's nothing they can't wow us with, Italian fashion giant Bottega Veneta partnered with the Park Hyatt Hotel in the Gold Coast (that's where NoMI is, y'all), to create a truly breathtaking suite. Inspired by the brand's timeless aesthetic, the Lake Suite by Bottega Veneta is a vision in understated elegance. The 1,400-square-foot suite offers a bedroom, open living room, kitchenette, and two (!!) bathrooms. The minimalist decor maximizes the gorgeous light coming in from the stunning view of the lake. Expect to see the room decked out in Bottega Veneta's home collection, of course. The rates might take your breath away as much (or more) as the decor, but if you're looking for the most elegant staycation you can have in Chicago, we think we've found it.
The Park Hyatt Hotel, 800 North Michigan Avenue (at Chicago Avenue); 312-335-1234.

Photo: Courtesy of The Park Hyatt Hotel

Chicago's not shy on students. From undergrads to back-to-school professionals, the city is full of people hitting the books. So, if the walls of your apartment, dorm, or office are driving you bananas, get out and cram alongside your studious comrades. We're helping you cope with your stack of books and ticking deadlines at some of the best study spots in Chicago.

Sure, we've found your classic, student-packed coffee shops, but if that's not your thing, no sweat. We've got options (lots of 'em!), so that you and your study style can find the right spot to cozy up with a good (okay, maybe not so good) book, and prep for any exam the profs can throw at you. If one of our options doesn't work out, move on to the next, until you've found a place where you can soak up the genius. Live and learn.

It's the question on every single Chicago girl's mind: Where do you meet guys in this town? Although there’s no magic spot where all the eligible bachelors like to hide, there is one crucial element to getting yourself to the right place to find the right fella. Namely, going out and "doing something," rather than just sitting at a bar downing gimlets and batting your eyes at the handsome dude across the bar. That's why we recruited Melissa Malka, our favorite love guru and the brains behind JALBC, a full-service dating consulting company, to dish her stellar tips and ideas for encountering someone new in Chi. According to Melissa, your best bet for finding a gent with serious potential is to check out places and events where you'll catch a mate with a common interest. Chances are, the right guy could be there, too.


Photo: (left) Via Wormhole Coffee, (right) Rex USA

We can talk up our stellar metropolis 'til we're blue in the face, but the proof that Chicago rocks is in the fact that tourists never stop showing up (and crashing on our couches!). Any gracious host within city limits would probably be more than happy to show off the best of Chi-town's restaurants, recreations, and landmarks, but we have a better idea. Instead of showing your out-of-towners a boilerplate good time, take our advice and plan a day that's new to you, too. We picked 10 touristy activities that even a lifer will love. You'll score major points for entertaining your guests with fresh flair, all while enjoying your hometown in fun ways you'll want to try again and again. Click through and learn how to show off the Second City like the creative, in-the-know host that you are.

As Chicagoans, we’re notoriously bad at leaving the comfort of our own neighborhoods — those little microcosms where everything we could possibly need — food, friends, bars, shops — are all within walking distance. Once in a blue moon, we might travel to an adjacent 'hood if someone offers to drive, but generally, we’re pretty content staying right where we are. Shame on us for neglecting all of Chicago’s cool neighborhoods! Take Pilsen, for example. How many times have you said "Pilsen? It’s sooooo far." Take our advice, though; it's worth the trip. (Pilsen's less than two miles from downtown, people!) As a gritty, vibrant, and uber-urban neighborhood, it's up-and-coming status puts it at the top of our list for places to spend the day in Chicago. With its under-the-radar (and award-winning) restaurants, hip boutiques, eclectic galleries, and a bevy of both fine and street art, Pilsen is on the fast track to becoming Chicago’s next big thing. Click through to read up on all of our can't-miss spots!