I know it’s February in Chicago, and snow is to be expected, but the past two weeks have been INTENSE! We are ready for “warmer” temps this weekend, and are planning to get out of the house a bit – even if just for a walk. Enjoy these fun in-person & virtual events! I hope that you have a great weekend with your family!
Enjoy a delicious dinner and visit the Fanciful Fish in Greektown
Come & Meet Greektown Chicago’s Fun & Fanciful Fish! A school of 22 fanciful fish have landed along Halsted Street between Monroe and Van Buren. Each of the artist-painted fish sculptures is amazing. Some fish showcase the imagination of Greek School students and teachers. Other fish exhibit the creativity of some of Chicago’s finest professional and emerging artists. These fabulous fish are positioned near your favorite shops, bars, and restaurant. Each fish is painted on both sides requiring the viewer’s engagement. Each fish artwork has a title. And of course, each artist has given their fish a name. Find the listing of all 22 fish here. Download a fun coloring sheet here. Don’t forget to pick up lunch or dinner while you’re in the neighborhood! A full listing of restaurants is here, and I can’t say I’ve ever met a Greek restaurant I didn’t like!
Visit the skating ribbon downtown before it closes for the season
Have you visited the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley yet this season? Don’t waste any time – the ribbon closes for the season on February 28th! Reservations for specific time slots are required, to ensure social distancing. Ice skates and penguin skating “helpers” are available for rent! Make your reservation here.
Shock your senses at the Museum of Illusions (indoors with precautions)
The Museum of Illusions (25 E Washington Street) is OPEN and ready to shock your senses and puzzle your perceptions! Guests will enjoy more than 80 visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereograms, optical illusions, and immersive rooms that are designed to tease the senses and trick the mind. Be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time here. The Museum has many Covid-19 safety protocols, read about them here.
Join a virtual Tummy Time Together class with your baby
This class is for parents & caregivers of babies 0-6months! Looking for ways to get more tummy time in during the day? Join Monica & Andy’s Tummy Time Together class where Risha Kotecha, a pediatric Doctor of Physical Therapy, will take you step-by-step through the most important parts of your child’s early motor development. She’ll demonstrate tips and strategies to encourage the foundational motor milestones that help infants master tummy time, rolling, sitting, and standing. Best part: one family from each class will win a free 30-minute private developmental session with Risha! Register here.
Celebrate Black History Month with a virtual cooking class benefiting Urban Juncture and Bronzeville
On Saturday, February 20, at 11:00 AM, join Chef/ Partner Mychael Bonner (Saranello’s, Di Pescara, Petterino’s, and The Ivy Room) as he welcomes Chef Lucie “Lulu” Ugbebor, founder of A.O. Bistro for a celebration of Black and African-American cuisine in honor of Black History Month. Chef Lulu will teach participants about the flavors of West African cuisine and how to fuse them into Chef Mychael’s Classic Roasted Chicken. Learn about the chefs’ culinary journeys and the influence of their families’ heritage on their cooking, as they guide you through a live cooking demo. Guests will have the opportunity to interact with the chefs throughout the cooking and conversation. It is free to register for this special virtual event! For those that want to enjoy the meal from the chefs alongside the demo, there is an option to add on the chef-prepared meal kit that includes Kale Salad with roasted root vegetables and balsamic vinegar, Lulu’s Roasted Chicken, and a Brown Butter Pound Cake with salted caramel gelato for dessert. The meal kit is $34.95 per person, plus tax, and can be picked up at The Ivy Room (12 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL) on Friday, February 19 at 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Urban Juncture. The meal is cold-packed with reheat instructions so participants can enjoy during the event or at their leisure. Space is limited so be sure to reserve your ticket today. Participants will be sent a link the day before the event to log on. Order your ticket for the virtual event with Chef Lulu & Chef Mychael here.