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Shop Talk by Mark Loehrke

8/26/2011

Retail aficionados know that the grandest arena for the sport of shopping in the Windy City is without a doubt North Michigan Avenue. So it’s almost as if playoff time has arrived on this hallowed stretch of shopping nirvana with this week’s opening of In-Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival™ presented by MasterCard®, running August 26 through September 9. As one would expect, there will be sales and specials aplenty up and down the Avenue over these 14 days, as well as a number of shopping and fashion-related events and happenings to keep in mind, including:

August 26 at 5:30pm: Designer Mondo Guerra from Project Runway dishes fashion advice at Macy’s, 835 N. Michigan Avenue (312/781-5630).
August 30 at Noon: Learn the secrets of grass-fed beef (and taste for yourself) with TV newsman and rancher Bill Kurtis at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, 33 W. Kinzie Street (312/828-0966).
August 31 at 6pm: Check out the runway action during the bridal-themed Style Down the Aisle fashion show at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower hotel, 20 E. Chestnut Street (312/324-4000).
August 31 and September 1 and 6: Get a great deal (code: GNMAA) on a great laugh with discounted evening performances to comedian Colin Quinn’s one-man show Long Story Short at the Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut Street (800/775-2000). *Not valid on premium, with any other offer or on previously purchased tickets. Subject to availability. Offer ends September 6 at 7:30 pm. Normal ticketing fees may apply.

All throughout the Festival, meanwhile, shoppers can also recharge with special lunch ($25) and dinner ($35) prix fixe menus at a number of delicious area eateries. Enjoy these great tastes: Classic steaks, chops and pasta specialties at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse (33 W. Kinzie; 312/828-0966); The backyard barbecue gone upscale at Weber Grill (539 N. State; 312/467-9696); Dozens of cuts of meat served churrasco style at Texas de Brazil (51 E. Ohio; 312/670-1006).

Visit www.themagnificentmile.com for a full list of events and to confirm dates and times as they are subject to change.

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Time Flies

8/16/2011

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Like the Taste of Chicago, the Blues Festival or just a day at the beach, summer in the city cannot be called complete without the annual Chicago Air and Water Show. This year’s 53rd edition (August 20-21) will once again feature dozens of roaring civilian and military aircraft, some amazing waterborne stunts and hundreds of thousands of sun-baked spectators up and down the Lake Michigan shoreline. Take in the aerial action from one of these interesting vantage points:

From the Beach: While many aviation buffs will scrape and claw for a nice patch of beach for the day, those looking for a secured front-row seat and a good meal can find both at the conveniently situated Castaways Bar & Grill (1603 N. Lake Shore Drive; 773/281-1200) or the Oak Street Beach Food + Drink (1001 N. Lake Shore Drive; 312/988-4650). For the busy Air & Water Show weekend, these beachside cafés are featuring special menus and reserved table packages – call for details and reservations.

From Above: As odd as it may seem to look down on an air show, that’s exactly what you’ll be doing for at least part of the time at the John Hancock Observatory (875 N. Michigan; 312/751-3680). Not only will you beat the heat and the crowds, you may even get a chance to go eye-to-eye with one of these daredevil pilots from your 94th story perch.

From the Sea: Another way to beat the big beach crowds is to hit the water instead for a great view aboard some of the city’s best sightseeing boats. Check out the morning and afternoon buffet cruise options available on the Odyssey (866/305-2469), Spirit of Chicago (866/273-2469) or Mystic BlueNavy Pier (600 E. Grand). (877/299-7783) – all departing from

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A Side of Vroom by Mark Loehrke

8/11/2011

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Most of the reasons why the legendary Italian Village has been such a civic treasure for the past nearly 85 years are contained within its historic walls, where three different and delectable dining concepts share space under one roof. But for at least one day every summer (August 14 this year), the biggest attraction is outside, where more than 60 vintage automobiles line Monroe Street for the restaurant’s big Ferrari Festival.

In addition to these magnificent machines, this annual fundraiser features a great Italian buffet and wine, great family fun including live music and children’s games, and, best of all, two great causes – Children’s Memorial Hospital and Inspiration Corporation. It’s also just about the only time when folks would actually rather be outside the restaurant rather than in.

The Italian Village Restaurants is located at 71 W. Monroe Street. 11am to 2pm. $30 (children 6 and under are free). 312/332-7005.

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Perry's Party in the Park by Mark Loehrke

8/5/2011

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Back in the early 1990s, musician and impresario Perry Farrell’s eclectically programmed a whimsically alternative music festival Lollapalooza was a bona fide pop cultural touchstone, barnstorming the country as some kind of portable, modern-day Woodstock before fading rather abruptly. Fast-forward to the mid-2000s, when the massive destination music festival concept was enjoying a sudden and unprecedented resurgence with brands like Coachella and Bonaroo drawing huge multi-day crowds and diverse musical acts.

Taking the blueprint of those successes and transporting it from remote rural fields to a park in the heart of a bustling metropolis, Farrell and company resurrected Lollapalooza in Chicago for a new generation of concertgoers in 2005, the start of a winning streak that continues this weekend when Lollapalooza 2011 once again takes over Grant Park. With more than 130 acts spread over three days and eight stages, there’s probably something to appeal to just about every music fan. But game-planning an event of this size can be a daunting task, so here are a few daily highlights to keep in mind:

Friday, August 5
Headliners Coldplay and Muse will split the arena/bombast vote at opposite ends of the park, but the real action should be at the Perry’s Stage for the dance party of Girl Talk. Earlier in the evening, expect big crowds for A Perfect Circle.

Saturday, August 6
Young Brit singers Lykke Li and Ellie Goulding will draw some attention during the day on the Grove Stage, while the night features a choice between Louisville rockers My Morning Jacket and rapid-fire rapper Eminem.

Sunday, August 7
Chicago’s own rap duo The Cool Kids is an early-afternoon highlight, while 2011’s closing sets go to straightforward rockers Foo Fighters, hip-hopper Kid Cudi and electronic/house master Deadmau5.

Jackson Boulevard and Columbus Drive. Friday through Sunday from Noon – 10pm. Single-day tickets $90. 888/512-7469. Complete schedule available at www.lollapalooza.com.

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