Monday, February 8, 2010

Stage Bites: The Weekly Dining & Drinking Guide

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Mariah Carey headlines Chicago Theatre Feb. 13-14.


Every Monday look for the week's top performances paired with the best deals before and after the show:


A Raisin in the Sun at Merle Reskin Theatre. It's the 50th anniversary of Lorraine Hansberry's classic portrait of an African-American family on Chicago’s South Side in the 1950s. 7:30pm Wednesday-Saturday; 2pm Sunday (last show Feb. 14). Get tickets here.

Mercat a la Planxa: Brunch is served 11am-3pm at this Spanish sensation known best for award-winning Executive Chef Jose Garces. They're doing a number of sandwiches served with smoked paprika fries, including the burger and Shoko Club (smoked turkey breast, bacon, honey mustard, almonds on multigrain artisan bread). Pair it up with their version of the Mimosa: the Santa Caterina made with cava, orange liqueur and OJ.

Oysy: Feeling adventurous?! Allow the chef to make the picks for the sushi party tray for $32. Here's to hoping you'll get the signature Green Turtle maki that's topped with eel, cucumber, wasabi mayo and tempura shrimp.

Park Grill: If you're looking for a quick bite before the show, hit up $5 Thursdays for steamed Prince Edward Island mussels, mini burgers or the seasonal panini (right now it's local pumpkin, puree, arugula with truffle honey vinaigrette). Available in bar/lounge only. Bigger appetites should take advantage of the pre-theater menu for $30. Three courses gets you choices like slow roasted sage and garlic chicken, Woodland mushroom risotto or cedar-planked Atlantic salmon.


River North Chicago Dance at Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Annual Valentine's weekend engagement features two world premieres, including an unforgettable tribute to jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald. 8pm Friday, Saturday. Get tickets here.

Aria: You'll get three Asian-inspired courses for $41 (seasonal menu changes), plus special validated parking for $9.

Tavern at the Park: Take advantage of the special menu for you and a sig other that's only $40 per person for four courses. A warm duck salad, petite prime rib and brick chicken that's deboned and marinated in lemon are only some of the highlights on the Val's Day menu.

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Sushi selection from Oysy's menu. (Photo: Oysy)


Mariah Carey at Chicago Theatre. Madame Butterfly herself performs two shows; Saturday's concert is sold out. 7:30pm Saturday; 7pm Sunday. Get tickets for Sunday's show here.

cibo matto: theWit's sexy Ital resto is right next door, so treat someone sweet to their Valentine's Day menu Friday through Feb. 15. For $75 each, you'll get a four-course feast, including four-cheese ravioli, grilled beef tenderloin and warm, bittersweet chocolate cake.

South Water Kitchen: Or, if you blew all your money on those Mariah Carey tix, we're certain your lover will settle for a nice bottle of vino at Hotel Monaco's first-floor eatery. They're offering an awesome list of wallet-friendly wines for $15, plus if you're going to the show on Sunday you get a comped cheese plate with that bottle.

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