January 17, 2008

The Weekend Guide

What to Do This Weekend

Caution: Too much hibernation will cause drowsiness and irritability. Boredom may occur.

PEDAL
Winter Bike to Work Day
What: Wheel it to work on the coldest recorded day in Chicago’s history.
Why: You spoke too soon.
When: Fri., 7-9 a.m.
Where: Stop for free hot chocolate, coffee, and cheesecake at Daley Plz., Dearborn & Washington Sts.

COOK
Chili Fest
What: Learn to make four kinds of chili, including white turkey and veggie black bean.
Why: Get bowled over.
When: Sun., 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: The Chopping Block, 4747 N. Lincoln Ave., at Giddings St. Register at 773-472-6700 or online at thechoppingblock.net.

READ
Bang Crunch
What: Nine darkly humorous short stories by new Montreal author Neil Smith.
Why: He goes in with a bang.
When: Crunch time.
Where: Seminary Co-op Bookstore, 5757 S. University Ave., b/t 57th & 58th Sts. (773-752-4381 or semcoop.booksense.com).

SHOP
Ouest Final Season Sale
What: Up to 80 percent off fall/winter merch from Rozae Nichols, Barbara Bui, Sonia Rykiel, and more.
Why: Bundle up and save a bundle.
When: Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: 1063 W. Madison St., b/t Aberdeen & Carpenter Sts. (312-421-2799).

SEE
Socìetas Raffaello Sanzio’s Hey Girl
What: Radical Italian theater company uses painting, sculpture, video, and electro-acoustic music to tell a girl’s life story.
Why: Act on it.
When: Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., at Mies van der Rohe Way (312-397-4010).