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Events for Week of September 24
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CHI: Best of Neighborhood Gems

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Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, so of course there are special spots in each one. We can't cover all 77 official hoods, so here are just a couple from our favorites.
• Simon's up in Andersonville (5210 N. Clark) is still a couple months away from pouring its first glogg of the season, but stop in anyhow.
The Village Tap in Roscoe Village boasts a great beer selection, an eclectic menu and one of the coziest beer gardens in the city.
The Handlebar has quickly become a mainstay for the Wicker Park/Bucktown biking set.
Cleo's loves its Ukrainian Village patrons so much it serves an all-you-can-eat free buffet late on Saturday nights.
• Once all the tourists are gone, the Billy Goat Tavern is just a friendly neighborhood bar for the North Bridge area. You can even still bend the ear of a newspaper man from time to time.

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Events for Week of September 17

CHI: Best of Live Music

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Chicago has one of the most vibrant music scenes in the world, encompassing every genre imaginable, from hip hop to house to jazz to post-rock. Here are some of the best places in the city to catch a live act.
• With its perfect acoustics and lavish décor, the Auditorium Theatre is a dream venue for musicians and audiences alike.
Symphony Hall isn't just for classical; you'll also find top-notch jazz echoing across its balconies.
The Metro turned 25 this year, and it's still going strong as the city's premier rock club.
• Catch up-and-coming indie, punk and even experimental jazz groups at the Empty Bottle.
• For electronica and other bit-based beats, head to Sonotheque.

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Events for Week of September 10

CHI: Best of Performing and Visual Arts

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In a city with such a vibrant arts scene, it's hard to pick out just a handful as the best. But here's a try:
• The Art Institute of Chicago, the CSO and the Poetry Foundation have teamed up to offer a yearlong series entitled American Perspectives, encompassing image, music and words. Opening day is this Saturday, Sept. 15.
Redmoon Theatre is reliably entertaining and thought-provoking. Its current production examines the world of haute couture and "the virtues and vices of being naughty and nice."
The Joffrey Ballet's upcoming performance of Giselle promises to be outstanding.
• Steppenwolf returns to the classics with The Crucible, opening this Thursday, Sept. 13.

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Events for Week of September 3

CHI: Best of Brunch

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It's so nice to know that even if you get up a little late on Saturday, breakfast is still waiting for you. Here are a few great brunch places for you late risers.

• The ever-popular Ann Sather has an oven-hot cinnamon roll waiting just for you.
• Orange (3231 N. Clark St.) serves up fresh-squeezed juices along with sweet pancake flights and savory omelet options. Don't forget the frushi!
• The Bongo Room's Wicker Park and South Loop locations both pack a mean French toast.
Kitsch'n's kooky creations will conjure up mornings in front of the TV, watching cartoons.
• In the suburbs, it's hard to beat Walker Brothers and their massive baked apple pancake big enough for two to share.

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Events for Week of August 27

CHI: Best of Museums & Galleries

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Many galleries are gearing up for First Fridays next week, but that doesn't mean there's not art to be seen this weekend.
• The Art Institute has been wowing visitors with a retrospective of photographer Jeff Wall's work.
• There's still time to catch "Niki in the Garden," the vibrant sculptures of Niki De Saint Phalle, at the Garfield Park Conservatory while the foliage is still green (it'll be worth a return trip this fall to see them among the oranges, browns and reds.)
• Visit Aldo Castillo Gallery to see what's new in Latin-American art.
• Take a walk around the Chicago Arts District in Pilsen for a look at up-and-coming artists' works.

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Events for Week of August 20

CHI: Best of New Eats

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Chicago's restaurant scene just keeps getting better. In addition to the aforementioned Otom and Room 21, here are a couple other new places to try:
• Chef Kevin Shikami's latest, Shikago, is being haled as an instant hidden gem.
Tavern at the Park joins The Gage as a dining destination near Millennium Park.
Cordis Brothers Supper Club brings a little North Woods to Wrigleyville &mash; and locals are loving it.
• Sumptuous La Pomme Rouge is livening things up in River North.

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Events for Week of August 13

CHI: Best Nightlife Hotspots

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Chicago is hot tonight — time to find a place to play it cool.
• Cocktail hounds in the know are heading to The Violet Hour in Wicker Park to be seen sipping.
Rockit continues to be a destination on Hubbard Street, while fans of glammed-up burlesque a la Pussycat Dolls are heading to Cabaret across the street.
• Some folks head to the Underground for some celebrity spotting, while others head for Le Passage.
• Wicker Park's Chaise Lounge gets high marks for drinks and its huge rooftop bar on North Avenue.

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Events for Week of August 6

CHI: Best Date Nights

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It's the dog days of summer alright. Turn up the heat a little further with these sultry date ideas:
• Grab a blanket and a picnic basket and head down to Grant Park for the Outdoor Film Festival; this week's film is The Awful Truth, starring Cary Grant and Irene Dunne.
• The tried and true — fondue — is at its most romantic at Geja's Cafe.
• Chocolate is an aphrodisiac, right? Then Hot Chocolate must be a pleasure palace.
• Want to get a little more hands on? The Hyde Park Art Center's Cocktails and Clay is ideal for some artistic flirting this Friday.

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