Best Upcoming Chicago Events: The Encyclopedia Show, Margaritas And Valentine's Day Roses Covered In Liquid Nitrogen
Good news: the cold weather's behind us. Bad news: apparently everything's gonna flood (if we're to believe the news, but come on, who listens to those guys).
Anyway, with the thaw of this miserable weather, pretend your seasonal affective disorder has melted into the drain and get outta the house. There's at least a couple things worth doing in Chicago over the next few days...
The Encyclopedia Show
Wednesday, February 19th (THAT'S TONIGHT)
Stage 773
1225 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
Encyclopedia Show Facebook Event
Personally, the Encyclopedia Show is my favorite anything in Chicago. A variety show hosted by poets Shanny Jean and Robbie Q. Telfer, the Encyclopedia Show has some of the best writers, comedians, poets and musicians perform to a randomly picked theme each month. Worst of all, this is the last season! So catch one of the last few shows before it's gone foreeevvvveeeerrrrrr.
This month's theme is "Units of Measurement" and will feature performances from Reggie Eldridge, Daniel Shapiro, Dina Walters, Lange and Wancket, Dave Farrar and Cydney Edwards.
I am not being hyperbolic when I say that missing this show would probably be the biggest mistake of your life.
Adler After Dark
Thursday, February 20th
Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60605
www.adlerplanetarium.org
Every third Thursday of the month, Chicago's Adler Planetarium opens up to the 21+ crowd for their awesome shows, a bizarre theme and access to their Doane Observatory -- the largest aperture telescope open to the public in Chicago. Yes, that's right, you won't have to fight with a bunch of dirty children to get a sweet look at the sky.
Thursday's Adler After Dark theme is "Star Crossed." Coming out of Valentine's Day, they plan on doing a few science experiments on the stereotypical gifts people usually receive. What does this mean? They'll be taking roses and chocolate and subjecting them to liquid nitrogen and mallets. If you're not a fan of smashing things (with science!), they've also teamed-up with Broadway in Chicago to celebrate their upcoming production of Peter and the Starcatcher, which expands on Peter Pan's backstory.
National Margarita Day
Saturday, February 22nd
While I'm tired of most holidays becoming a commercial endeavor that mostly benefits big business, there are some holidays I'm down with.
Saturday is National Margarita Day. You could go to one event, or you could hop around the entire city experiencing a mix of the wonderful margs Chicago has to offer. (I feel a little gross for using the term "margs.")
If you can stand the vibrant and fun colors of Carnivale ("vibrant" and "fun" tend to weaken me) -- which is at 702 West Fulton Street -- then get a margarita with one of their reposado tequilas. Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar (960 W 31st St, Chicago) offers a much more relaxed environment, if that's what you're into. Their Morgan Street Margarita, which contains smoky and spicy hints to its taste, is amazing. Logan Square's Masa Azul (2901 W Diversey Ave, Chicago) knows how to handle their tequila, offering some amazing flights at decent prices (for those looking to expand their tequila education). Their margaritas are simple, but done right. Made with tequila blanco, orange liqueur, lime and orange bitters, one of Masa Azul's margaritas will run you about $8 bucks.
