Chicago - March 14, 2010

Here's the Plan

Chicago Events and Diversions

Make up for lost time.

UNWIND
Burgers & Beer
What: Belly up to the bar at Province for house-made patties, Kennebec fries, and pints of Three Floyds suds.
Why: The best $10 deal in town.
When: Every Wed., 4-10:30 p.m.
Where: 161 N. Jefferson St., b/t Lake & Randolph Sts. (312-669-9900).

HEAR
Common Loon
What: Champaign band blankets The Empty Bottle with lush psych/rock/pop.
Why: Their debut album, The Long Dream of Birds, drops Apr. 6.
When: Mon., 9 p.m.
Where: 1035 N. Western Ave., at Cortez St. (773-276-3600).

SIP
Feast Restaurant + Bar Wine Tasting
What: Sample organic, small-batch vino from around the world (France’s Lambert cabernet franc, Italy’s Cosimo Sangiovese).
Why: Cheese and crackers from The Goddess and Grocer on the side.
When: Wed., 7-9 p.m.
Where: 1616 N. Damen Ave., at North Ave. (773-772-7100). 

EXERCISE
InterContinental Chicago Fitness Center and Pool
What: The historic hotel now offers memberships and day passes to its trilevel gym and Junior Olympic-size pool.
Why: It’s worth the weight.
When: You’re pumped.
Where: 505 N. Michigan Ave., at Illinois St. (312-944-4100).

EAT
Little Branch Cafe Dinner Menu
What: Sleek, cheery coffeehouse spreads its roots with cocktails and seasonal bites for nighttime (cornflake-encrusted chicken breasts, croque madame crepes).
Why: One good reason to visit the Prairie Avenue Historic District.
When: Wed.-Sat., 5-10 p.m.
Where: 1251 S. Prairie Ave., b/t Roosevelt Rd. & 13th St. (312-360-0101).

Photo: Laurie Proffitt / Courtesy of Province