redeyechicago.com - News

Totally 'Boss' summer

By Curt Wagner — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:13:00 -0500

A cunning vampire overlord, a murderous meth-maker and an oil baron carrying a Texas-sized grudge-in a summer TV schedule stuffed with bold, brash characters, Mayor Tom Kane vanquishes all pretenders.

He's the biggest, the boldest. He is the "Boss."

"Arguably, yes," Kelsey Grammer, who plays the Chicago mayor in the Starz political drama, said with a chuckle during a recent conversation. "Tom got pretty explosive at times. It seemed to fuel a reality about him. That he is just that big, interesting, tortured, conflicted and complex. He's a wonderful character. ... He's taken a wild ride."

Grammer's bravura performance earned him a best actor Golden Globe in January, a surprise after the series' first season received mixed reviews and faced a steadily declining audience each week. Before the debut season even began the network renewed "Boss" for a 10-episode second season, which begins at 9 p.m. Aug. 17.

Grammer, who also serves as a producer for the Chicago-set series, and new showrunner Dee Johnson promise the series doesn't back away from the operatic tone set in the freshman season. Like Kane himself, "Boss," which is loosely based on Shakespeare's "King Lear," is "big, dramatic and epic."

"That's the scale of the piece that we chose to do," Grammer said. "We wanted to do something akin to tragedy."

The first season delivered plenty of tragic, epic storytelling, ending with Kane sprawled on the floor in the grips of a seizure caused by the degenerative neurological disorder that he knows will eventually kill him.

In the new season currently filming in Chicago, Kane will struggle with the psychological effects of all those pills he's been popping while fighting to keep a firm grip on the city and trying to repair his legacy.

After chucking almost everyone from his inner circle last season-including senior advisor Ezra Stone (Martin Donovan) and chief of staff Kitty O'Neill (Kathleen Robertson)-Kane has surrounded himself with new advisors whom he doesn't quite trust.

"Some of what happens in this season is a fallout from that," Grammer said. "He's unaccustomed to have to explain to people what he needs from them, so he's a little quick tempered in the beginning of this season, of course, with some of his new aides.

"We've got some terrific people that have joined the cast this year."

Jonathan Groff joins the cast as Ian Todd, Kane's new advisor with a secret of his own. Sanaa Lathan plays Mona Fredericks, chief of staff to a one of Kane's many political rivals. Rapper T.I., Grammer said, is "quite engaging" as an ambitious former gang member with sights on City Hall. Returning cast members include Robertson, Connie Nielsen, Hannah Ware, Jeff Hephner, Troy Garity and Rotimi, who are joined by a who's who of Chicago theater actors making guest appearances.

Chicago itself remains a chief player in "Boss." The series calls Cinespace Chicago Film Studios on the Southwest Side its home base, but films all over the city.

"It's a new day in the best city in the world," Grammer, as Kane, said during a May 2 location shoot near Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. In the scene for the season's fourth episode, Kane ends his daily jog with an impromptu press conference to talk about a shocking event that rocks the mayor's office and the city.

According to Grammer, when he and series creator Farhad Safinia first began working on the show, they couldn't imagine any other setting than Chicago because of its political history and its unique swagger.

"We chose Chicago because it is already the City of the Big Shoulders," Grammer said. "It has that kind of personality where a single man can actually sort of be at the helm and keep his hands on the reins for long periods of time and can have his image reflected in the city itself."

Kane's ability to hold the reins of government will be sorely tested in the new season. As Julie Herbert, writer of the fourth episode, said in Grant Park, Kane has to "find new ways to get people to do his bidding."

That, no doubt, could involve bribery, betrayal, backroom deals, not to mention threats of bodily harm and yes, even murder. It makes you wonder if there is anything Kane wouldn't do to keep power.

"Probably, but we haven't found out yet," Grammer said, again with a laugh. "He is a political animal first, a survivor. He'll find a way to do that no matter what."

The Drinkingbird lands safely

By Emily Van Zandt — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:08:00 -0500

The Drinkingbird

2201 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-472-9920

Rating: 3 (out of four) Off to a good start

When I first heard that The Drinkingbird was opening in Lincoln Park with a throwback, '60s cocktail lounge vibe (kitsch and highball glasses included), I was nervous. All too often, new bars hope to draw in crowds by offering complicated drinks that the staff isn't trained to handle, pairing them with close-but-not-quite upgraded bar bites. Lucky for me (and you), The Drinkingbird seemed to have everything in order just a few days after its mid-May opening, with both drinks and music flowing and top-notch service already in place. Here's why you shouldn't miss out on this new corner bar.

Location, location, location: Any bar within (very) short walking distance of Lincoln Park's Webster Place movie theater screams "Date night!" Nestled just beyond the theater's parking lot in the former Flounder's space, The Drinkingbird is sure to see plenty of pre- and post-movie revelers and neighborhood groups alike. A short walk from the Ashland bus and a doable hike to the Brown Line means visiting from nearby 'hoods is also an option.

Social butterflies go wild: The prize for best view in the house goes to the two tables near the accordion windows on either side of the front door. In addition to catching the best breeze, your group can enjoy your own super-quick escape route if you see someone you know strolling down Clybourn. No friends in the neighborhood? No problem. Perch at these window seats with a plate of fries and you're bound to meet a few.

Drink up: In its past life, The Drinkingbird was a divey sports bar where beer and simple drinks reigned. But to match the laid-back Vegas-lounge decor (think printed wallpaper and pops of color) the drink menu has been upgraded to feature a short list of classics and punches. Priced from $9-$11, they're a bit more than you'll usually pay at such a low-key hangout, but they're well worth the few extra dollars (and minutes). Head straight for the Fish House Punch ($9), a refreshingly spicy blend of rum, cognac, lemon and lime juice, simple syrup and nutmeg combined with just enough peach liqueur to give it a smooth, summery feel. The bar's version of the zombie ($11), a tiki classic, combines three kinds of rum (including tiki essential Lemon Hart 151) falernum, house-made grenadine, lime juice, absinthe and bitters-and it will knock you out. As my server warned, you might not want to start the night with this one.

Fill up: If you're going to be indulging in a zombie or two, you're going to need some padding. The menu leans on heavy comfort-food small plates with a burger thrown in for good measure. Fries ($6) are served with a particularly addictive garlic aioli and deviled eggs ($8) come propped up on small piles of pimento cheese that ended up being spread on the eggs by me and my clearly-not-concerned-with-cholesterol friends.

Explore: Don't be stuck to your barstool all night when you visit-there's plenty going on in the back. With snazzy red rounded booths, the seating gets cozier and there's even a pool table as you work your way to the back of the long room. Just beyond, you'll find a charming back patio with seating for 26.

The little extras: Keep an eye out for the retro plastic swizzle sticks served with each cocktail, which currently feature a picture of the bar's mascot-the iconic drinking bird toy-and the phrase "Famous for nothing." My server mentioned they're thinking of rotating the design from time to time, and I definitely found one stashed in my purse the next morning.

Bottom line: The Drinkingbird is solid fun, with some can't-miss cocktails and snacks in a great location on the west side of Lincoln Park. If you're not within walking distance, keep it on your list for movie theater pre-gaming or a bite to eat after.

evanzandt@tribune.com | @redeyedrinks. Reviewers visit bars unannounced and meals are paid for by RedEye.

As long as we're remaking movies ...

By Katie Killacky, For RedEye — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:26:00 -0500

At the movies the other night, I saw a preview for "Spider-Man." I'm so confused. Didn't they just do that? While the filming of "Superman" took over Chicago last summer, I couldn't help but think the same thing. Is Hollywood really that hard up for ideas? Yes, of course it is. And I'm hardly the first person to point that out over the past ... oh, 10 years.

I've compiled a list of some oldies but goodies that I feel would be interesting if they were set in modern times. Yes, modern. Don't fall over when you realize these movies were made, on average, more than 25 years ago.

"The Lost Boys"

Um, hello? Why has no one thought of this? Vampires are huge right now. In fact, just take any movie and add vampires. I bet if they had made the remake of "Footloose" about a vampire who shakes up a small town and has some killer dance moves, it would have fared better at the box office.

"The Toy"

I'd pull for either Chris Rock or Tim Meadows to take over the lead role in this underappreciated Richard Pryor comedy from the '80s. Though we could just give them each a chance and also remake "Brewster's Millions."

"Overboard"

This time though, can we at least acknowledge that there is a major crime happening here? It's fine if they still fall in love but Kurt Russell clearly kidnapped Goldie Hawn. Let's call a spade a spade.

"Hello Again"

This little-known movie starring Shelley Long is about a woman coming back to life after choking on a chicken bone. Sound silly? Well, someone was sold on the idea 20 years ago and I, for one, would like to see Kristen Wiig in more movies.

"Splash"

A mermaid?! In New York City?! Cinematic gold, I tell ya, in any era.

"Mr. Mom"

Movies such as "What to Expect When You're Expecting"and the Jimmy Fallon pilot "DILFs" focus on single and stay-at-home dads. A newer version of this flick could be a real crowd-pleaser.

"The Shawshank Redemption"

I really don't think this movie should be remade, but for some strange reason I would love to see a Muppet version.

"Fear"

Never has a movie captured teen lust so well. I'm thinking Channing Tatum could pull off the Marky Mark bad-boy charm and Emma Roberts has the innocence yet also can act, which was so key in Reese Witherspoon nailing this part. My only request is that the roller coaster scene be stretched out a bit longer.

"Weird Science"

With "Big Bang Theory" being such a hit, take any one of these guys, pair 'em up with whoever's on the cover of Sports Illustrated that year and boom! You've got a hit.

"Goonies"

Wait. No. This movie should never be touched.

"The Artist"

Too soon? With dialogue.

I'm hoping Hollywood stays away from "Pretty Woman," "The Notebook" and anything with Molly Ringwald. In the meantime, I'll be on the lookout for "A Very Muppet Shawshank Redemption," hopefully coming soon to a theatre near you.

KATIE KILLACKY IS A REDEYE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR.

The doodle's Chicago tie

By Georgia Garvey, RedEye — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:05:00 -0500

Thousands, if not millions, have been sneaking to Google today to play "Iron Man" or "Smoke on the Water" on the replica synthesizer, but for one Chicago man and his family, the doodle represents much more than a cool feature.

Matt Moog-whose dad, Bob Moog, invented a synthesizer that revolutionized electronic music-said the doodle honoring what would be his father's 78th birthday brings Moog's legacy to the masses.

"My dad received a tremendous amount of press and attention over the years," said Moog, 42, of Lincoln Park. "But I think this one, quite honestly, kind of stands alone in its ability to reach, I think, billions of people on the Google home page."

The Google doodle featured a replica of a Moog synthesizer that allowed people to play and record music. By mid-day, hundreds of people had uploaded videos to YouTube of them playing songs on the doodle or teaching others how to play tunes. NPR challenged listeners to try to recreate their "All Things Considered" theme song using the synthesizer on Google. The doodle also drew attention to Moog's family, including Matt Moog, who says he's had several hundred people reach out.

"It's been pretty much nonstop between Twitter and Facebook, texts and email," he said. "It started last night, before the doodle was actually live in the United States."

Bob Moog, who died in 2005, spent his life as an engineer developing machinery for electronic musicians including the Moog synthesizer, one of the earliest such instruments in common use. His son, Matt Moog, lives in Chicago and is the CEO of product review web site viewpoints.com.

Moog said his dad was a humble man who "viewed himself as an engineer first and primarily a tool-maker for other musicians." Moog said his family, including his sister Michelle Moog-Koussa-who runs the Bob Moog Foundation and helped Google develop the doodle-is soaking up the fun today and the attention that's being drawn to their father's musical contributions.

"It's one of those things that just captured the imagination of people," he said. "This is such a cool day for him."

ggarvey@Tribune.com | @gcgarvey

How not to be a social media jerk

By Jessica Galliart — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:46:00 -0500

The deaths of disco legends Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees and Donna Summer brought out the best of society on social media. Just kidding-Twitter users even managed to rewrite history by declaring that Donna Summer sang "I Will Survive."And then didn't survive.

Should there be an understood system of etiquette for Twitter when celebrities die? We say yes, and so do a few of our readers on Facebook and Twitter. Here are a few tips, paired with some reader gripes, for our ongoing "How not to Behave Like a Jerk on Social Media" rulebook project.

1. CONFIRMATION, PEOPLE

Duh. Remember when Jon Bon Jovi, Eddie Murphy, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Cosby died? No? That's because they didn't. Twitter rumors spread unfortunately quickly-don't be part of the problem. Investigate for a few minutes before hitting "send" on that tweet.

Twitter says:

Before you say RIP 1^st you got to look into it by all media, & if it turns out to be true, then we give acknowledgment. -@EricMFelton

2. GOOGLE IT

I don't know who the majority of Twitter grew up with, but nobody named Donna SummerS was the queen of disco. You have the entire Internet at your fingers to double-check these things. Do that.

Facebook says:

I'm always the first to jump on a #TooSoon joke, but at least make sure your comment has to do with the right celebrity. -Vince Lifonti

3. COOL IT ON THE SNARK

A celebrity death, by and large, means one thing: commencement of a race to be the first one to tweet something snarky, witty and hilarious. You will probably NOT win this race, so save yourself the brain juice and finish that stupid screenplay of yours.

4. CHECK YOURSELF

You're Robin Gibbs' No. 1 fan? Really? Be real with yourself before declaring heartbreak over the death of a celebrity. Yes, Twitter is a playground for narcissists, but you can manage to hold it together and not cry for attention for the day, for once.

Facebook says:

If you weren't a fan when they were alive, don't trivialize their death by pretending to be once they pass just for the sake of an attempt at a witty tweet. -Faith Stingray Tsurutani

5. STOP BEING A BULLY

Twitter allows many people an outlet for expression, but that doesn't give anyone the green light to create a stir by throwing out insults about a recently deceased celebrity. Someone died. Develop some self control by keeping hate tweets to yourself for a bit.

Facebook says:

When celebrities like Amy Winehouse, Brittany Murphy, and Whitney Houston died, people jumped at the chance to point out drug use. Everybody has the right to share opinions in an open forum like Twitter, but let's not forget to be respectful even if something seems obvious. -Katie Sirles

What other social media gripes do you have? Tweet me your etiquette tips at @redeyechicago, with the hashtag: #hownottobeajerkonsocialmedia.

Thursday: Eat. Drink. Do.

By Julia Borcherts, For RedEye — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:10:00 -0500

EAT

Food truck party-the sequel

694 Wine & Spirits, 694 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-492-6620

Get your bad self down to Food Truck A Go-Go 2: Electric Boogaloo, where a posse of gourmet food trucks including Don Rafa and Gigi's Bake Shop pull up outside the River West bar for your dining pleasure. Make your selections on the sidewalk, then head inside to savor your vittles with a cocktail. 6-9 p.m.

DRINK

Brews cruise

Moonshine Brewing Company, 1824 W. Division St. 773-862-8686

Take an on-site brewery tour with local producer J.D. McCormick and get tips on making standout beers during this Chicago Craft Beer Week event. It also features unveiling of three as-yet-unnamed summer brews: a Belgian pale ale, a Kolsch and a Maiboch. Then offer your naming suggestions to J.D. over a pint ($5; $4 with a CCBW lanyard) or a $12 64-ounce growler of any Moonshine draft. 5-8 p.m. No cover.

The beats go on

Red Kiva, 1108 W. Randolph St. 312-226-5577

Why wait for the solstice? Usher in the season now at the kickoff of Beats: The Summer Music Series, which features a hosted bar by Ciroc vodka, Red Bull and Blast by Colt 45 (6-7 p.m.) plus music by DJ Vic Lloyd, singer-songwriter Natalie Oliveri and producer Thelonious Martin. 6-10 p.m. $15-$20. RSVP: poggled.com/chicago/deals/4538/beats-summer-music-series.

Big Easy art (free!)

Mars Gallery, 1139 W. Fulton Market 312-226-7808

Step into the Crescent City at a one-night-only exhibition of impressionist paintings by New Orleans artist James Michalopoulos-whose work you also may have seen on commissioned posters for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival-as you sample complimentary jambalaya and sazerac cocktails. 5-8 p.m.

Crack up

Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway 773-327-3175

Get ready to giggle as former Chicagoan David Koechner-best known as sportscaster Champ Kind in the film "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" and Todd Packer on NBC's"The Office"-launches a four-night comedy stand at this new Lakeview club. 7:30 p.m. $25-$35.

REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY

JULA BORCHERTS IS A REDEYE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR.

On the down-glow

By Mick Swasko, RedEye — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:54:00 -0500

Kris Nequin has been teased for his covert visits to the tanning bed by the only person who knows his secret: his wife.

He would prefer people think his glow is all natural, but at least one trademark of the sunless tan-that tell-tale scent of the required lotions-makes it hard to keep his time under the lamps under wraps.

"I would go home and my wife would say, 'You smell like a girl; did you go tanning?' " said Nequin, who first tanned before a cruise with his wife a few years ago. He remembers being embarrassed and afraid then because the practice often is more associated with women. Now he also has to deal with its ties to the juiced up and tanned out cast of "Jersey Shore," whose practice of hitting the gym, going tanning and doing laundry all in one day has been reduced to "GTL." While he only goes a couple of times a month during the winter season to keep a decent tan, it's no less difficult to shake the stigma.

"I think maybe 'Jersey Shore' kind of ruined [tanning] for people, gave it a bad name," said Nequin, a 35-year-old Chicago-area resident.

While he's comfortable in his skin, Nequin said he doesn't openly talk about his tanning, fearing a lecture on its health effects or being associated with the tanorexic members of "Shore."

He's a secret tanner.

Earlier in May, as a response to an overtanned New Jersey mother who made headlines for allegedly taking her young daughter tanning, Ald. Debra Silverstein (50th), introduced a proposal to city council to ban the practice for those under 18, even with parental permission. A similar measure is also being considered in Springfield. And recently, the Mayo Clinic published a study that shows melanoma has increased eightfold among women aged 18 to 39 and fourfold among men of the same age group in the past 40 years, during the time tanning beds became available and popular in the U.S. While the study states that indoor tanning creates a significant risk for cancer, especially in younger women, tanning salon owners and advocates argue the findings can't prove a link between the disease and tanning, and they say the practice can be beneficial.

Tanning was a $4.8 billion industry in 2011, serving about 28 million Americans, according market researcher IBISWorld. Though it saw a drop in annual growth in recent years, the industry is expected to see a rebound, growing to more than $5 billion in annual revenue by 2016. Still, the recent research - and the stigmas that come with it - has Nequin and other secret tanners keeping their techniques to themselves.

"I said something the other day in conversation to my friend [about tanning]," said Catherine Boyd, 28, of the South Loop. "I said, 'I am sorry I smell; I went tanning,' and one of my friends said, "Oh my God, why would you do that." "

Although Boyd quit indoor tanning for years, she recently picked it back up to prepare for engagement photos, only to realize the attitude toward tanning has become more negative, she said.

"It makes me feel kind of guilty about going," Boyd said. "At the same time the guilt's not bad enough to keep me from going."

Matthew Turner, owner of Halsted Street Beach Tanning in Boystown, said there's nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to indoor tanning. In the eight years of owning the studio, he said, he's preached the benefits UVA and UVB rays can bring. For one, he says, exposure to UVB rays - found in the special lamps in tanning beds and the sun - is the only way the body naturally produces Vitamin D. He also said part of his client base includes customers who have been prescribed light tanning regimens by their dermatologists, to treat both psoriasis and acne.

"[The research] doesn't hold water. I've been tanning on a tanning bed since I was 18 years old," the aesthetician from Evanston said. "It's all about how you're doing it."

Turner said too much of anything - tanning included - is never a good thing. Instead, he gives his clients a skin tone test to determine how often and how long is healthy as they work toward their tans. He said it's not the exposure to the rays that's harmful, but rather the burning that can happen after too much exposure.

"It's about smart tanning, not burning," he said.

Still, the Mayo clinic maintains that sunless tanning in a bed isn't a safe alternative to the sun, as it still exposes the body to the same harmful rays as those produced by the sun. The clinic recommends sunless tanning lotions and spray tanning to get a glow.

For Boyd, his time tanning almost every day is over. The combination of potential risks and the stigma given to the practice is enough for her to avoid it as much as possible. But she admits she'll probably be back to the salon to tan up for her wedding.

"Definitely being older now, [ I ] got rid of that mentality that I'm untouchable, nothing is going to happen to me," she said. "You start getting scared when you read about the dangers."

mswasko@tribune.com | @mickswasko

Bob Saget sings the anthem?

RedEye — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:29:00 -0500

The weekly announcements from the White Sox about the activities surrounding home stands are usually pretty sedate: a local choir singing the anthem, a radio personality throwing out the first pitch, a pregame concert featuring a high school band.

But that wasn't the case Tuesday afternoon.

The White Sox, preparing for a six-game home stand that started Tuesday night vs. division rival Minnesota, announced, among other things, that star Bob Saget-of "Full House" fame-would sing the anthem before Saturday's game vs. Cleveland.

That in itself is not a big deal. Actors, musicians, political figures, local "celebrities," etc., show up for pregame festivities all the time. Usually to throw out the first pitch.

Saget is know for a lot things-Danny Tanner being the most famous-however singing isn't exactly one of them. The 55-year-old does incorporate songs into his stand-up act, but they are not of the level of the anthem.

The YouTube videos of this performance should be good.

Cops boost our Chicago cred

By Connie Reyes — Tue, 22 May 2012 00:43:00 -0500

There was a little event you might have heard about downtown this week that could have gotten way out of hand. While I've already forgotten what all those protesters were rallying against, what's stuck with me the most is my newfound love for the Chicago Police Department.

I have to admit, I haven't always beamed with love and pride for my city's protectors. I still remember how angry I was the first time I got a moving violation for a "rolling stop" and cursing out the officer who issued the citation. But since then, my feelings for the po-po have been indifferent.

Being smart enough to stay the hell out of downtown during the protests, I spent my weekend glued to the Internet like the rest of the nation, keeping a close watch for any chaos. And with every post that showed a picture of a cop on the streets, my heart grew larger for the men and women in blue. Trying to remain impartial, I kept quiet until I saw the Tribune picture of the cop who was hit over the head with a stick by some a-hole protester. Then my feelings changed.

I know not every protester out there was evil--in fact, only a handful of them were. But like a house party packed with people, you get the fun ones with the jerks. It's basic math.

To those protesters who trashed our city and disrespected the police by using violence, stupidity and in some instances urine, I'd like to assure you that your point was lost the moment you acted like an animal. We can only hope that a warm bag of pee makes its way to your face someday.

I can't even imagine what it was like to be a police officer this week. Going to work with the need for riot gear--amid thousands of people who all have a different reason they're angry--and you are the face hired to keep them in order.

What made me sit with my jaw dropped in awe was the self-restraint the police had during the whole thing. I get all HULK RAGE when someone tries to cut in front of a line, let alone try to cause me harm. The fact that the police were able to keep their cool and use force only when necessary among a sea of chaos speaks volumes to their character.

I've called Chicago home my entire life, and never have I been more proud of that fact as I am today.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the Chicago Police Department and all of the cops in town. Not only did they go above and beyond for their jobs, but they also kept this city going and made us all look cool to an international audience by association.

High-fives and hugs all around.

--CONNIE REYES IS A REDEYE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Wednesday: Eat. Drink. Do.

By Julia Borcherts, RedEye — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:33:00 -0500

EAT

DOLLARS TO DOUGHNUTS

Glazed and Infused, 813 W. Fulton Market 312-226-5556

Start your day with Glazed and Infused doughnuts at two locations. Choose from 13 varieties including red velvet cake and maple-bacon long johns at the store's sit-down spot on Fulton Market (6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or a walk-up window at Francesca's Forno (1533 N. Damen Ave., 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.). $1.75-$3.25.

DAILY BREAD

Bread and Wine, 3732 W. Irving Park Road, 773-866-5266

The patio opens for food only-the outdoor liquor license arrives in June-and to celebrate, chef Curtis Gamble adds new menu options including carrot fettuccine with confit rabbit ($17) and a vegan, gluten-free, sunflower seed-crusted tofu with mashed English peas and cucumber dill salad ($15). 5-10 p.m.

DRINK

SCHNAPP IT UP

Koval Distillery, 5121 N. Ravenswood Ave. 312-878-7988

Eastern Europe lands in Ravenswood at Schnitzel and Schnapps, where you'll learn about small-batch white whiskeys during a 7 p.m. guided distillery tour. The Schnitzel King food truck will arrive with sandwiches-including eggplant schnitzel with Czech red sauce and herbed chicken schnitzel with Swiss cheese-for purchase. 6 p.m. $10. RSVP: koval-distillery.com

ROLL OUT THE BARREL

Acre 5308, N. Clark St. 773-334-7600

In honor of Chicago Craft Beer Week, the Andersonville spot throws a fest-within-a-fest-the FAUX BAB festival, which features 25 draft barrel and wood-aged beers for $4-$8 per eight-ounce snifter, including Allagash Odyssey, Jolly Pumpkin Madruguda Obscura, Great Divide Espresso Barrel-Aged Yeti and more. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. No cover.

CULTURAL HAPPY HOUR

Underground Wonder Bar, 710 N. Clark St. 312-266-7761

Get a multi-disciplinary arts fix at Come Alive After 5, which features a screening of the short film "Ruse" by David Solis, a discussion with the filmmaker, readings by Chicago authors Ben Tanzer ("My Father's House") and Mary Bonnett ("Alabastard of the Mound") and a live music and story open mic-all before the sun goes down. 5-8 p.m. No cover.

REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY

Get tickets and a schedule for this weekend's International Mr. Leather festivities at imrl.com

metromix@tribune.com