Toast of the Town [Wine Enthusiast]
Hamburger Mary’s [MenuPages]
Hamburger Mary’s [Official Site]
Yes, Toast of the Town, what may be one of the biggest wine events of the year. If you knew about it already, you can feel smug, and if not, you can be thankful. A win-win! We won’t even waste your time coming up with our own summary, so here’s their lit:
• Taste over 500 wines and spirits
• Savor culinary creations from 30 top-rated restaurants
• Experience the glamour of Chicago’s Field Museum
• A silent auction of fine wines and accessories, benefiting America’s Second Harvest: The Nation’s Food Bank Network, will be held at each event
You know it’s big because there are parallel events in New York and San Francisco, but between you and us, Chicago’s is the best, and certainly takes place at the coolest venue. Mere proles will purchase a ticket for $95 and show up at 7:30 for the three hour Grand Tasting, but you, reader, are better than that. For a song ($185), a world of VIP tasting opens up at 6pm. The effect, when the rest of the crowd shows up, will be like sitting in first class, sipping champagne, and smirking as the cattle shuttle past. The number and quality of restaurants and wineries involved in this events is staggering. Plus, since it’s on a Thursday, only serious connoisseurs will bother coming out. Stop reading this immediately, and purchase access:! Hoi Polloi / Aristocracy
Obviously not. For something much more practical, did you know that Hamburger Mary’s has a performance space called Mary’s Attic? Tonight, it’s hosting two pretty hip acts: the first (8pm, $5 cover) is the yodeling, “hillbilly-esque” Famous Brothers, offering musical comedy to delight your inner ruralite. Stick around two hours, and things get hairy: the Attic’s monthly drag show, Paper Dolls, is open to anyone with two songs in their head and a whole lotta special in their heart. Ready for the kicker? Unlike most events, you can actually win money at this one - $100 first prize, and no cover, but be there at 9:30 to register. Amazing! Also, they have burgers.
Toast of the Town [Wine Enthusiast]
Hamburger Mary’s [MenuPages]
Hamburger Mary’s [Official Site]
Yes, Toast of the Town, what may be one of the biggest wine events of the year. If you knew about it already, you can feel smug, and if not, you can be thankful. A win-win! We won’t even waste your time coming up with our own summary, so here’s their lit:
