Six films opening in Chicago
Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams in To the Wonder
Since a Terrence Malick/Rob Zombie/Tom Cruise collaboration will never, ever happen—although it's fun to envision the hypothetical results—you'll have to make do with the three rubbing shoulders in our just-posted crop of new Film reviews:
In To the Wonder, Malick discovers fast food.
With The Lords of Salem, Zombie becomes a sensitive director of actors. Really.
Cruise destroys the world in Oblivion.
Journalist Juan González serves as a guide to an illustrated version of his book in Harvest of Empire.
A catastrophe in L.A. is only the beginning in It's a Disaster.
No Place on Earth: A caver unearths a Holocaust story in Ukraine.
Weekend events in Chicago
White Sox first basemen Paul Konerko
Friday, Apr 19
One net positive about the imminent Red Line construction south of Roosevelt? No more inebriated White Sox fans clogging up the train. Until May 19, though, you and the rest of the rowdy bunch can hop on the El to watch the South Siders. Today, they take on the Minnesota Twins. U.S. Cellular Field, 333 W 35th St (312-674-1000). 7:10pm; $5–$85.
NBC 5 Chicago’s Mary Ann Ahern relays tales of workplace shenanigans, then a Second City improv team reenacts them in Newsprov for the Arts. All proceeds benefit Chicago Lights, a nonprofit org that works with low-income families. Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E Chestnut St (chicagolights.eventbrite.com). 8pm; $20, advance $15.
5 things to do today: Thursday, April 18
The Jesus Lizard: Last screens during CIMM Fest.
MUSIC
With more than 100 movies slated for screening and more than 50 musical acts expected to perform, the Chicago International Movies & Music Festival (which begins today) promises a gluttony of visual and aurual stimulation for audio- and cinephiles. New this year is CIMMcon, a conference within the festival, that includes panels on subjects as disparate as grant writing in the arts to a blues oral history narrated by musician Billy Branch. CIMMfest also honors the Rolling Stones with a "CIMMpathy for the Stones" series, featuring 10 documentaries about the legendary rock band. See all of our recommendations. April 18–21. Various venues including Logan Theatre and Music Box. Average price $10.
ART & DESIGN
As part of the Conversations at the Edge series, Chicago artists Eric Fleischauer and Jason Lazarus present and discuss twohundredfiftysixcolors the highly anticipated film they created out of thousands of animated GIFs. Gene Siskel Film Center. 6pm. $11; students $7; GSFC members $6; Art Institute of Chicago staff, and SAIC faculty and staff $4; SAIC students free.
BOOKS
Thomas Dyjas shares his book, The Third Coast: When Chicago Built the American Dream, which provides a detailed history of Chicago and the cultural movers and shakers that shaped the city. Harold Washington Library, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium. 6pm. Free.
An MPC maestro hailing from Rhode Island, AraabMUZIK has lent his skills to numerous rapper's singles and albums over the years, before setting out on his own in the open-ended world of instrumental hip-hop. He's quickly graduated from behind the scenes to big festival attraction and his old-school (Dre and Dilla) meets new school (Diplo) stylistic approach has caught on with all except trance remixers. Live, he brings out the best of the MPC's realtime excitement, making for an unusually good live electronic show. The Mid. 10pm. Free with R.S.V.P. at clubtix.com.
Brindille opening soon | Photos and menu
This dreary spring is looking a little more lovely thanks to Carrie Nahabedian, the chef-owner of Naha, who's officially opening her second restaurant, Brindille (pronounced braun-DEE and French for branch or new growth), April 22. Since this is the ever-classy Nahabedian we're talking about, this will most definitely not be another of the thumping, late-night, shared-plates emporiums that have colonized River North over the past few years. Brindille (where former Naha sous chef Ali Ratcliffe-Bauer will be the chef de cuisine) is about Paris, it's about a return to refinement, it's about vintage French cocktails, and (of course) it's about foie gras (served as an appetizer with rhubarb, fennel and candied olives). Or perhaps you'd prefer to start with frog legs? Check out the full menu after the jump.
Brindille (534 N Clark St, 312-595-1616) soft-opens this weekend and is now accepting reservations for Monday, April 22 and beyond. Its hours will be open Monday–Saturday 5–10pm and Sundays 4–8pm.
BRINDILLE MENU
Pour Commencer
King Crab Merus, Spring Pea and Tapioca Custard, Black Truffles and Sauternes $21
Oysters, Eggs Brouillés, Leeks and Oscietra Caviar $19
Frog Legs, Blanc-manger of Cauliflower and Parsley, Ramps, Hazelnuts and Green Garlic $18
Foie Gras, Rhubarb, Fennel, Candied Olives, Lavender and Beaumes de Venise $27
Steak Tartare with Flavors of Rye, Sorrel, Tarragon, Pickled Mustard Seeds and Quail Egg $21
Broccoli Soup, Hedgehog Mushrooms, Crème Fraîche and Bacon, Brin d’Amour Toast $15
Veal Sweetbreads, Loin and Rack of Rabbit, Fiddlehead Ferns, Golden Beet and Cacao $19
Salad of Soft Lettuces, Tartine of Easter Egg Radish, Crottin and Caramelized Almond $17
Frisée Salad, Forelle Pear, Roquefort and Walnuts $ 16
La Mer and La Ferme
Guinea Fowl, Morels, Fava Beans, Sunchokes, Cockscombs, Savory and Vin Jaune $42
Lobster Brindille, Black Trumpets, Coco Beans and Pebble Potatoes, Fragrant Flowers, Coral Butter and Vanilla $48
Rib of Beef, Potato Tarte Tatin, Tomme de Savoie and Bone Marrow $46
Dover Sole Meunière, Asparagus Viennoise, Grapefruit and Lemon Balm $45
Monkfish Tail, Burgundy Snails, Gem Romaine, Yellow Beans, Flageolets and Coriander $39
Tranche of Duck Breast, Foie Gras and Wheat Berries, Young Carrots and Turnips, Watercress and Candied Orange Peel $44
Lamb Saddle, Artichokes, Knob Onions and Spring Vegetables, French Olive Oil, Herbs and Parmesan $45
Omble Chevalier, Beluga Lentils and Oxtails, Granny Smith Apple, Kohlrabi and Horseradish $41
Les Gourmandises
Paris-Brest of Strawberries and Fromage Blanc scented with Pralines and Rose $ 12
Warm Baked Cherry & Almond Clafoutis, Crème Chantilly $ 14
Roasted Pineapple, Crème Fraîche Ice Cream and Cashew Nuts $12
Fantaisie au Chocolat $13
Selection of French Cheese, Lady Anne Apple, Huckleberry and Meyer Lemon Jam, Seeded Raisin Ficelle $22
Five things to do today: Wednesday, April 17
Hideout Soup and Bread night
FOOD & DRINK
To raise funds for hunger relief, Martha Bayne eschews the high-priced benefit dinner and instead sells soup. Good soup. By chefs, both amateur and pro. Don't miss tonight's gathering; it's the last Soup and Bread of the 2013 season and features soups inspired by items commonly found on a pantry shelf. (The Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia Ave, hideoutchicago.com). 5:30pm. Pay what you can.
BOOKS
Showcasing a mix of authors and genres, the Book Cellar's monthly Local Author Night is a nice chance to familiarize yourself with the Chicago lit scene (as you familiarize yourself with vino from the Cellar's café). Tonight's locals, reading from their most recent books, are BJ Best, Susan Hahn, Amy Leach and Kathleen Rooney. (The Book Cellar, 4736–38 N Lincoln Ave, bookcellarinc.com). 7pm. Free.
DANCE
The latest concert from the Space Movement Project dynamically considers, well, space and movement. "Out of Step in the Same Direction," incorporates familiar quirks and formations that the female dance group has used in the past but brings them to a new venue. Also, founding member Stacy Wolfson performs a farewell solo, Mountains and Concrete. (Hamlin Park Fieldhouse, 3035 N Hoyne Ave, chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/Hamlin-Park). 7:30pm. Free.
GAY & LESBIAN
Gay Paul Bunyans deserve a DJ night too, and the Burlington's monthly Burly event draws bearded boys aplenty. Other queers and allies are also welcome—it's a welcoming vibe in general. You could probably even bring your blue ox. (3425 W Fullerton Ave, theburlingtonbar.com). 9pm. Free.
MUSIC
Marnie Stern brings her frantic, spellbinding guitar work and infectious energy to the Bottle. The Upper East Side shredder just released her fourth album, the awesomely titled epic Chronicles of Marnia. (Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave, emptybottle.com). 9pm. $12.
Album of the week | The Flaming Lips' The Terror
In this new ongoing feature, we'll spotlight the most notable record of each week.
Naturally, I picked of a doozy of a week to kick things off. April has been loaded with fantastic albums, and today two of my favorite (so far) of 2013 see release, from the Flaming Lips and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. You can't go wrong with either.
The Terror stands alongside The Soft Bulletin as a definitive statement from one of the great bands of the last quarter century.
Read the review after the break.
Eat Out Awards 2013 | Photos
Representatives from many of the best bars and restaurants in Chicago gathered together at Terzo Piano last night to find out who would receive the Readers' Choice and Critics' Picks Eat Out Awards. The big winners of the night: Fat Rice, which readers voted Best New Restaurant, and Scofflaw, the recipient of the Best New Bar honor. Congratulations to all the winners: Browse these photos of the event, then read all about the winners!
Five things to do today: Tuesday, April 16, 2013
William Friedkin, right, talks with Emile Hirsch and Juno Temple on the set of Killer Joe.
AROUND TOWN
Academy Award–winning director William Friedkin (The Exorcist and The French Connection) returns to his birthplace. The influential filmmaker sounds off about his memoir, The Friedkin Connection. Harold Washington Library Center. 6pm. Free.
BOOKS
Edward Hirsch, the renowned poet, critic and prez of the Guggenheim Foundation, speaks at this Society of Midland Authors event. A social hour, with complimentary snacks and a cash bar, begins at 6pm. Cliff Dwellers Club. 7pm. Free.
Dazed and Confused. Dir. Richard Linklater. 1993. 102mins. Here's the great thing about Linklater's sprawling, '70s-set teen comedy: You get older, and it stays the same age. Logan Theatre. 8pm.
MUSIC
Shuggie Otis + Jesca Hoop + DJRC Otis was assumed to be a recluse, but it turns out he’s been steadily writing and recording since he dropped Inspiration Information nearly 40 years ago. So why has his comeback taken this long? It was 12 years ago that Luaka Bop first reissued that 1974 masterpiece, repackaging it with a few choice cuts from his 1971 disc, Freedom Flight, including the exquisite, kaleidoscopic pop of “Strawberry Letter 23,” Otis’s best known song. At the time it was ahead of the curve yet it turned out to be Otis’s last album until now: Epic/Legacy’s new reissue of Inspiration adds a handful of unreleased tracks from that era plus a bonus disc, Wings of Love, which compiles unreleased tunes recorded from 1975–2000. Lincoln Hall. 8pm. $20.
CLASSICAL & OPERA
The CSO and Chicago Symphony Chorus join forces in Bach's monumental Mass in B minor, led by Riccardo Muti. All four of the vocal soloists make their CSO subscription debuts in this program: Eleonora Buratto (soprano), Anna Malavasi (mezzo-soprano), Saimir Pirgu (tenor) and Adam Plachetka (bass-baritone). Symphony Center, Orchestra Hall. 7:30pm. $40–$275.
We're still here!
By now you've probably heard there have been some major changes at Time Out Chicago. What hasn't changed: We are still your best source for restaurants, bars, art, comedy, theater, music, festivals, shopping, museums, LGBT, dance and film coverage—and now you'll find it all online.
I've heard lots of questions from readers over the past couple of weeks. Here a sampling, with my answers below:
Does TOC still exist?
Alive and kicking—see above.
Are you still doing restaurant reviews?
Yes! And theater, comedy, art, museum, film, music and dance reviews. Look for them on the site almost daily.
Who's still on staff?
Julia Kramer (Food & Drink editor): Covering restaurants & bars
Kris Vire (associate editor/Theater): Covering theater, comedy, LGBT
Brent DiCrescenzo (managing editor): Covering music
Laura Pearson (associate editor/arts & culture): Covering dance, art & design, books
Jake Malooley (senior editor): Covering museums, fests, city events (a.k.a. Around Town); film
Laura Baginski (editor): Covering shopping & style
Martha Williams (photo editor)
Jessica Johnson (senior online producer)
Erin Delahanty (digital marketing manager)
Rob Ruthardt (senior digital sales manager)
Marla Tarantino (accounting specialist)
What will the site look like?
For the next couple of months, the site will look the same, but you'll see a lot of new content updated daily (best things to do each day of the week, best events of the weekend, etc.). Later this summer, the site will get a complete overhaul and sparkling new apps for tablets and smartphones, making all of our great content much easier to find.
Are you sad TOC is longer in print?
Of course. And we miss our former colleagues. But we are fully committed to creating the best arts and culture website in Chicago. We're excited about what's to come, and we're sure you will be, too. Until then, you know where to find us.
Seven things to do today: Monday, April 15, 2013
Harold Washington
AROUND TOWN
Breaking New Ground: Harold Washington and the 1983 Election. Panelists—historian Timuel D. Black Jr., former Ald. Helen Shiller and UIC political science professor Dick Simpson—discuss their direct involvement in the election of Chicago’s first black mayor, Harold Washington. Sun-Times columnist Laura Washington, who was appointed the mayor’s deputy press secretary in 1985, moderates. This conversation coincides with the anniversary of the history-making April 12, 1983, mayoral election. Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S State St (312-747-4050, chicagopubliclibrary.org). 6–7pm.
BOOKS
Former Saturday Night Live star Julia Sweeney—best-remembered for her androgynous character, Pat—recently wrote a book of essays on parenthood, If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Your Mother. Whether discussing adopting a baby from China or her disdain for large strollers, Sweeney is candid, insightful and LOL funny. She reads at the Book Stall (811 Elm St, 847-446-8880, thebookstall.com). 7pm. Free.
FILM
Leave Her to Heaven. Dir. John M. Stahl. 1945. 110mins. In Stahl's Technicolor noir, Gene Tierney's pathologically possessive wife goes to murderous lengths to keep her husband (Cornel Wilde) to herself. Doc Films, University of Chicago (1212 E 59th St, 773-702-8574, docfilms.uchicago.edu). 7pm.
FOOD & DRINK
Tavern on Rush turns 15 today, dude! Do you know what that means? That means if you can remember when the place opened, you’re way, waaaay too old to hang out here. Drink your denial away with celebratory $15 bottles of wine. 1031 N Rush St (312-664-9600). 11am–2am.
GAY & LESBIAN
L'imitation of Life. Camp authorities Hell in a Handbag Productions present this spoof of the 1959 Lana Turner melodrama Imitation of Life. We can't wait to see Ed Jones improve on yet another grande Hollywood dame with his indelible impersonations that border on channeling. Mary's Attic (5400 N Clark St, 773-784-6969, hamburgermaryschicago.com). $15–25, VIP $35–100.
MUSIC
Soft Opening + Onyx System Ashville, North Carolina, heavy-psych act Soft Opening rattles Ukie Village vinyl vendor Permanent Records behind the group's 2011 self-titled alum. The band hits the Burlington at 9pm after this show. (1914 W Chicago Ave, 773-278-1744, permanentrecordschicago.com). 6pm. Free.
SHOPPING & STYLE
Today marks the beginning of Spa Week, that glorious seven- day period when you can find spa treatments at deep discounts. You can find the full range of deals at spaweek.com, but here’s one that caught our eye: Kiva Day Spa is offering the YON-KA Plaisir D’ Aromes facial, an aromatic treatment that features aromatherapy and relaxing oils, for $50. The 50-minute service is usually $90. The deal is good through Sun 21. Kiva, 196 E Pearson St (312-840-8120, kivakiva.com). Thu 18, Fri 19, 9am–8pm; Sat 20, 9am–7pm; Sun 21, 10am–6pm.
