It may be nearing the end of August, but the summer’s not over yet. We’re in for a relief from the recent heat this weekend, and if the sun shines like it’s supposed to, conditions for city rambling will be ideal. So pack up the kids and enjoy the weather while it lasts!
Events
Don’t miss the 60th annual Greek Fest going on Friday-Sunday. They’ll be serving delicious Greek specialties like souvlaki, lamb, and Greek pastries, and there’s nothing like fresh, authentic baklava. Work off all that food by dancing to live music and playing games. Greek fest is being held on the grounds of St. Demetrios Church, 2727 W. Winona. See you there!
Looking for something a bit more off the beaten path? Visit the exotic Black Thai International Arts and Crafts Fest. You’ll find vendors selling beautiful handmade items from Africa, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and Pakistan. Opens 9am Friday, at Canal and Jackson Boulevard.
This is your last weekend to get in on the fun with the Chicago SummerDance Festival! Skip your workout and go dance those calories off instead. Friday 6pm-9:30pm, Chicago bop music by Chicago Catz, Saturday 6pm-9:30pm, do the Jitterbug with Margot McGraw, and Sunday 4pm-7pm, foxtrot and jitterbug to music by Sam Burckhardt Nonet. Held at Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Ave. Admission is free!
Restaurants
Congratulations to Chicago’s own Rick Bayless, the new Top Chef Master! This weekend, go get a taste of what makes Bayless so amazing at Frontera Grill, Frontera Fresco or Topolobampo. You won’t be disappointed when you taste this brilliant chef’s take on authentic Mexican cuisine.
If you’re in the mood for something chic, don’t miss the brand new Elate, located at Hotel Felix in River North. Their rustic yet elegant menu includes a lovely selection of cured meats and artisan cheeses, along with comfort food like the Elate burger. There’s something for everyone at Elate. Located at Clark and Huron.
If you’re looking for a different Sunday brunch place, try Jam in Ukranian Village on Damen Ave. and Walton. They elevate simple breakfast foods to gourmet levels. Try the malted custard French toast with macerated stone fruit, lime leaf cream and crushed pink peppercorns. It’s not to be missed.
Movies
This weekend don’t miss the opening of Quentin Tarantino’s newest masterpiece, Inglorious Basterds which follows a group of Jewish soldiers who hunt and kill Nazis in WWII Germany. Brad Pitt stars as Lieutenant Aldo Raine in this much anticipated irreverent comedy. Opens Friday.
College grads looking for someone to sympathize with in the midst of their job search won’t want to miss Alexis Bledel in Post Grad. Don’t worry, graduates: even Alexis Bledel’s best laid plans go awry.
Tags: Chicago brunch, Chicago Entertainment Guide, chicago events, Chicago festivals, Chicago restaurants, Rick Bayless, this weekend in chicago
