Although typically a relatively rare sight to see in Chicago, the Snowy Owls from the Arctic have invaded the city in record numbers this winter. In fact, a new female owl, hatched in 2011 at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, recently arrived at Lincoln Park Zoo to become a companion for a resident male owl.

            “Snowy owls rarely winter south of the Canadian border except in what we call invasion years,” explained Colleen Lynch, Hope B McCormick Curator of Birds at Lincoln Park Zoo. “These years are characterized by harsh winters with low rodent populations, driving the owls to venture further south. Luckily the Northern Illinois shoreline is a hotspot for snowy owls in these years.”

Come visit this cold-weather species in the Zoo’s Birds of Prey exhibit.

Lincoln Park Zoo, a historic landmark founded in 1868, is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience. Open daily from 10am-4:30pm. 2001 N. Clark. 312/742-2000. 

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Experience fine dining without breaking the bank with CHICAGO RESTAURANT WEEK. For ten days, from February 17 – 26, 2012, over 200 restaurants are offering special prix fixe menus starting at $22 for lunch and $33/$44 for dinner. Take this opportunity to sample hundreds of the city’s best restaurants – from venerable old favorites to the hottest newcomers – with little regard for the cost. Beverages, tax and gratuity are not included.

Participating restaurants may offer Restaurant Week menus for lunch (L), dinner (D) or both - at their discretion. Menu details found here. Reservations not required, but recommended.

Here are some of our favorites:

• Aria (200 N. Columbus; 312/444-9494) (L, D)
  
• Catch 35 (35 W. Wacker; 312/346-3500) (L, D)
• Chicago Curry House (899 S. Plymouth Ct.; 312/362-9999) (L, D)
  
• Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse (33 W. Kinzie; 312/828-0966) (L, D)
  
• Indian Garden Restaurant (247 E. Ontario, 2nd Floor; 312/280-4910) (L, D)
• Italian Village Restaurants (71 W. Monroe; 312/332-7005) (L, D)
• Manny’s Coffee Shop & Deli (1141 S. Jefferson; 312/939-2855) (L, D)
  
• Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse (505 N. Michigan; 312/321-8823) (L, D)  
• Shula’s Steak House (301 E. North Water; 312/670-0788) (Dinner only!)
• Tavern at the Park (130 E. Randolph; 312/552-0070) (L, D)
  
• Texas de Brazil (51 E. Ohio; 312/670-1006) (Dinner only!)
  
• Vivo (838 W. Randolph; 312/733-3379) (L, D)
• The Weber Grill Restaurant (539 N. State; 312/467-9696) (L, D)

_ Throughout the years – 85 of them, in fact – the legendary Italian Village has been the go-to dining destination in the Loop for generations of out-of-towners and locals alike. From rehearsal dinners to pre-theater meals to family gatherings, the restaurant’s three distinctive Italian experiences have satisfied all comers for decades, but few occasions demonstrate the charm and appeal of the Village quite like Valentine’s Day.

Throughout the complex, music and romance will fill the air, as this special edition of date night manifests itself on three levels. In the restaurant’s subterranean grotto, you’ll find lovers sharing intimate conversation and delicious steaks, seafood and chops amid the wine cellar surroundings of La Cantina. At street level, the see-and-be-seen crowd will be sampling modern takes on Italian favorites at Vivere. And upstairs, the twinkling lights, small-town setting and cozy private booths will draw traditionalists to the popular Village.

In all three settings, however, the message will be the same – Chicago loves the Italian Village! 

Located at 71 W. Monroe Street. Reservations recommended, 312/332-7005.

_ 2012 marks the 104th anniversary of the CHICAGO AUTO SHOW. Don’t miss your chance to see all of the shiny new domestic and foreign models under one enormous roof, to nestle into the leather embrace of that dream sports car, to check out the futuristic designs of the concept vehicles, and, perhaps most importantly, to soak in a healthy dose of that wonderful new car smell of the nearly 1,000 vehicles on display.

New this year is the logo reflecting the city of Chicago and its heritage and an updated and redesign website, which offers visitors an interactive look at the show.

The 2012 public show runs daily from 10am to 10pm February 10th thru 18th (closes on at 8pm on 2/19) at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr. Adults $11, seniors & children 7-12 $7, 6 and under FREE. Call 630/495-2282 or visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.