Whether it’s an intimate table for two, or a family celebration, make it a night to remember at Wildfire (159 W. Erie, 312.787.9000). Located in the heart of the city, this upscale restaurant takes guests back to the 1940s with their elegant décor and impeccable food. They serve everything from steaks, to chops, to seafood, making it easy for everyone at the table to find something that is sure to overwhelm their taste buds. They even offer an extensive list of gluten free options, which still features many of their specialties.

            After enjoying countless dinners at Wildfire, I recommend their famous chopped salad. The salad includes several of the freshest ingredients tossed in their citrus lime vinaigrette dressing. They also have two types of complimentary bread, always served right out of the oven. But be careful not to fill up on these delicious items! Make sure to save room for one of their amazing main courses. A personal favorite is the filet mignon with one of their signature crusts, including mushroom, Parmesan, horseradish, and more. Other popular dishes are their skirt steak and roasted prime rib. If you are more of a seafood fan, try their whole-roasted sea bass stuffed with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon.

            Looking to have a drink with dinner? Try their signature martini flight. This drinks offers samples of their cosmopolitan, green apple, wild raspberry cosmo, and stormy night. It’s sure to turn heads as your server delivers four colorful martini glasses to your table. Finally, if you’re not too full, order one of their mouthwatering desserts. For a fruity option, try their seasonal berries crisp. However, all chocolate lovers should order the Wildfire ice cream sandwich. This creation puts fudge brownie, snickers ice cream, caramel sauce, and hot fudge into one sweet dessert!

            Hours are Mon.-Fri., 5pm-10pm, Sat., 4pm-10pm, and Sun., 4pm-9pm.

The Lincoln Park Zoo (Cannon Dr. and Fullerton Pkwy, 312.742.2000) is ready for a summer full of new animals and activities for guests of all ages. Check out their latest arrivals, six trumpeter swan cygnets. While these birds were on the brink of extinction, the Lincoln Park Zoo has worked to reintroduce them throughout the region. Other babies at the zoo are two Sichuan takin calves. Born in February, these baby boys are full of energy and love to play! The zoo’s eight-month-old gorilla, Nayembi, is also on her way back to recovery. While currently under 24-hour care, the staff hopes she will be reunited with her troop soon.

Try yoga with your own toddler on Tuesday at 10am for some fun animal yoga poses. Or Wednesday, head to Café Brauer from 5:30pm–7:30pm for Locally Sourced, the zoo’s new event filled with local music, art, beer, and food. Visit lpzoo.org for more information. 

Nothing captures Chicago's magnificent skyline and world-famous landmarks like a Shoreline Architecture River Tour. Entertaining Shoreline guides reveal the history and drama of the city's great architecture on this one-hour Chicago River cruise.

Another option is Shoreline’s Skyline Lake Tour. Visitors may also take in the famous Navy Pier fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday nights via their Lake Fireworks Cruises or combo Architecture/Fireworks Cruises on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Shoreline's Walking Tours offer the unique combination of a brief boat ride followed by a group guided tour through Chicago’s historic neighborhoods. Visitors also love to hop on Shoreline’s Water Taxis for fast, fun connections to top attractions.

Shoreline Tours and Cruises depart daily from Gateway Park at Navy Pier beginning at 10am, and from the northeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge beginning at 9:10am. Taxi docks are at Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Willis Tours/Union Station and the Museum Campus. For daily schedule, special events, group rates or tickets, visit ShorelineSightseeing.com or call 312.222.9328.

This weekend has had a number of musical acts lined up. Some of our favorites are below

• Bjork, R. Kelly, The Breeders and Yo La Tengo highlight a three-day slate of dozens of cutting-edge performers at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park. Friday, 3pm-10pm; Saturday and Sunday, 12pm-10pm. $45/day. 1501 W. Randolph, 866.468.3401.

• There hasn't been much to celebrate from a baseball perspective on the North Side this year, but music fans will be thrilled to hear lifelong Cubs fan Eddie Vedder and his bandmates in Pearl Jam Friday at Wrigley Field. 7:30pm. $52-$77. 1060 W. Addison, 773.404.2827.

• The city's lakefront becomes a three-day music festival this weekend as legendary jam band Phish settles in with its legion of fans at the Charter One Pavilion on Northerly Island. Friday through Sunday at 7pm. $60-$150. 1300 S. Lynn White, 312.540.2668.

• Singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow is sure to have a large, adoring audience singing along to her many hits under the stars Friday at Ravinia. 7:30pm. $33-$100. 418 N. Sheridan in suburban Highland Park, 847.266.5100.
    
• Stretch your weekend one more day with superstars Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z bring their Legends of the Summer tour to Soldier Field. Monday, 7pm. $54.50-$250. 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, 312.235.7000.

Experience all that Chicago has to offer at STEVE’S SEGWAY TOURS. With top-notch guides, groups can tour throughout the day. Start with the fascinating Lakefront/Museum Campus Tour. Or try the informative Architecture, the scenic River/North, the charming North, or the entertaining Fireworks and Haunted Tours. Whichever you choose, you’ll be talking about the awesome experience for the next year to come!

Looking for a bit of a workout as you tour the Windy City? Rent one of TRIKKE CHICAGO’s electric or body-powered Trikkes. Trikkes are super fun carving vehicles (for ages 5 on up), that give an enjoyable, no impact workout.  Electric Trikkes (available on tours or to rent) are as easy as “get up and go”.

Steve’s Segway Tours is located at the far east end of Upper Randolph (down the ramp) on the business concourse of Harbor Point Tower. Prices vary from $30-$100 depending on what you choose. Standard tours operate daily at 9:30am, 1:30pm, and 6:30pm.

The 33nd Annual Taste of Chicago keeps on cooking up delicious samples in Grant Park this weekend. Admission to the FEASTival is free, and food and beverage tickets are sold in strips of 12 tickets for $8. Smaller portions are priced at $2.50 or less. Open Fri., 11am–9pm; Sat.–Sun., 10am–9pm. Look for the Humana Healthier Choices green apple icon to select good-tasting and good-for-you options. Bring the kids and enjoy arts and crafts from local museums at the Family Village on Saturday and Sunday after 10am. In the Dominick’s Cooking Corner, local celebrity chefs will

be sharing their recipes for those looking to re-create some of the scrumptious samples in their own kitchens. On Friday, Giuseppe Tentori of BOKA Restaurant is performing a demo. Gale Gand, pastry chef and Food Network host of “Sweet Dreams” is sharing her secrets at 2:30pm on Saturday. Paul Kahan of famed restaurant, The Publican, will be teaching audience members his tricks. There are so many restaurant choices, we recommend that everyone enjoy just a taste in the park, and then visit those eateries later for the full experience. We complied a list of a few you won’t want to miss.

RESTAURANTS

Robinson’s No.1 Ribs: Barbeque and summer mesh perfectly together. Sample some of Chicago’s juiciest rib tips and pulled pork sandwiches while in Grant Park. Later, head over to their storefront location for the main event. 440 Madison, in suburban Oak Park, 708.383.8452. 

Billy Goat Inn: Get your cheezborger with a side of cheeps and Chicago legends. For the full experience, visit their location at 1535 W. Madison, 312.733.9132; or one of their taverns, 430 N. Michigan, 312.222.1525; 700 E. Grand, 312.670.8789.

Star of Siam: Chicago is an ethnically diverse city, so go out on a limb and try some authentic Thai food. The pot stickers are winners and vegetarians will like the pad Thai noodles. For a more chic experience, visit 11 E. Illinois, 312.670.0100. See page 74 for more information.

Bacino’s of Lincoln Park: Nothing says “Chicago” more than a pizza. Stop by this tent for some mouthwatering stuffed or thin crust. Want more of the gooey good stuff? Visit their restaurant at 2204 N. Lincoln, 773.472.7400.

Eli’s Cheesecake Co.: End your trip to Taste with some smooth, creamy cheesecake. They’re serving up an a la mode concoction and a number of traditional slices. Feeling full already? Visit their location another time at 6701 Forest Preserve Dr., 773.736.3417.

PERFORMERS

Don’t miss these live performances at the Petrillo Music Shell! Paid pavilion seating is available as well as FREE lawn seating. 

Friday, 5:30pm: Robin Plant presents the Sensational Space Shifters and The Lone Bellow

Saturday, 11am: IM5 and Chloe And Halle

Saturday, 5:30pm: Jill Scott and Maxi Priest

Sunday, 4pm: Neon Trees and The Mowgli’s

The 22nd Annual Chicago Tribune North Michigan Avenue Art Festival returns July 5–7, 2013. The celebration of art takes place at Pioneer Court (435 N. Michigan, 561.746.6615) next to the Tribune Tower. The fair acts as a collage in itself and includes a mix of original art with prices set to suit all budgets.  Judges pre-selected the 300 artists from 30 states based on the quality and diversity of their products. All featured pieces are American–made and include paintings, life size sculptures, photography, glass, wood, jewelry, collages, mixed media and ceramics. Festival patrons are also offered the opportunity to take home a mixed media piece by Jennifer Ardolino in the Art Giveaway. The piece will be on display throughout the weekend and guests may register for it until 4pm on Sunday when the drawing will take place.

The festival runs Fri.–Sat., 10am–6pm; Sun., 10am–5pm. For more information, visit ArtFestival.com.

Mid-summer is upon us. We want you to make the most of the holiday and see the best of what Chicago, the greatest American city (in our opinion), has to offer.

Start your fun-filled day off with a hearty breakfast. You’ll need the energy to make it to the fireworks tonight! Yolk (355 E. Ohio, 312.822.9655) offers a number of delicious omelets and decadent benedicts. Their un-ordinary French toast plates are perfect for those who like their breakfasts on the sweeter side.

After breakfast, head over to Kayak Chicago (1501 N. Magnolia, 630.336.7245). Their Architecture Tour takes participants along the Chicago River in single or double boats. An educated guide explains the history and significance of the buildings along the route. 10am–1pm. Kayak rentals are also available for those who want to venture off on their own.

With all of that exercise, you’re sure to be hungry again. Head over to Frank ‘N Dawgs (1863 N. Clybourn, 312.281.5187), a diner less than one mile away. Their “Haute Dawgs” are hand crafted artisan sausages and are made in house. They frequently mix up the menu with original hot dog recipes submitted in an ongoing competition.

Nothing says ‘Murica more than consumerism. Keep our economy going by spending the afternoon shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Didn’t pack for the weather? Patagonia (48 E. Walton, 312.640.5934) has got your clothing needs covered. Then venture off and hit up some other favorites. Iwan Ries (19 S. Wabash, 312.372.1306) is a local shop and great for all of your cigar and tobacco needs. Block Thirty Seven, Shops on State (108 N. State, 312.261.4700) is a great place to hit for all of your shopping needs. The four-story mall includes the Disney Store, Eileen Fisher, Zara, Steve Madden and many others.

After a long day of shopping, head to Navy Pier for dinner. Rest tired legs at Billy Goat Tavern (700 E. Grand, 312.670.8789), and chow down on a cheezborger. Adults can relax with a beer while little ones will enjoy the scenery. An outdoor patio lets guests enjoy the weather and get a great view of the lake. Come for dinner and drinks, but stay for the fireworks. Or, take a ride on the Ferris Wheel and see the city from a spectacular new angle. Navy Pier offers an excellent view of the skyline at dusk.

Don’t miss the fireworks! Get a spectacular view from one of Shoreline Sightseeing’s cruises. The 60–minute July 4th Lake Fireworks Cruise covers the entire length of Chicago’s magnificent skyline and offers guests a front-row view of the fireworks. A cash bar is offered and all ages are welcome. $47.50. Boarding begins at 8:15pm. Departs from Gateway Park at Navy Pier, 312.222.9328. 

As the weather finally starts to heat up in Chicago, there is no better time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. But what is the best way to experience the warm climate? Try 200 feet up at Drumbar (201 E. Delaware, 312.924.2531), a multi-seasonal destination located on the rooftop of the Raffaello Hotel.

Drumbar has great frozen drinks to help keep cool when the summer gets a little toasty. That’s not the only thing that makes Drumbar a summer hotspot. It also has an outdoor garden terrace where guests can relax in the warm summer air.

While on this extensive patio, try one of their new summer cocktails. The LN2 Margarita is a mix of tequila, lime juice, Grand Marnier, and fresh berries whipped with liquid nitrogen. Or try one of the hottest trends of the summer with one of their flavored ice cocktails. Flavors include cinnamon, iced tea and pineapple ice. Also check out their Moscow Mule stand reminiscent of a childhood lemonade stand.

In addition to creative cocktails, stop by Drumbar every Sunday for a daytime party featuring Rosé wines. With over 35 different bottles, it is sure to make any Sunday a perfect close to the weekend.

Hours are Mon. & Wed., 5pm-12am; Tues., 5pm–2am; Thurs.–Fri., 5pm-2am; Sat., 2pm-3am; Sun., 2pm–12am.