This week in Chicago, attend a special film screening with a lauded Chinese artist, see Chris Tucker live onstage, raise a glass to a local beer podcast, and enjoy seafood with a view.
February 4: Dragonfly Eyes Screening at Film Row Cinema
The Museum of Contemporary Photography presents this special screening of a film by Xu Bing that considers image-making, fame, and self-surveillance in the digital age. The celebrated Chinese artist will be in the audience and participate in a Q&A.
—Claire Voon, Art
Weekly: Burger and Beer Pairing at Chicago Firehouse
Burgers and beer, like peanut butter and jelly, is one of my all-time favorite pairings, and Chicago Firehouse has a new combo calling my name. Offered four nights a week in Bar 104, diners can get their choice of beer (Goose Island 312, Stella Artois, Bud Light, Miller Light) with a white Cheddar–topped burger with bacon and Firehouse sauce on a pretzel bun. Details: Pairing available Sunday–Wednesday, 5–10 p.m.; $15
—Matt Kirouac, Food/Beverage
February 7: “Girls’ World” at Hofheimer Gallery
See how two different artists—and mothers—observe and enshrine the ineffable nature and interactions of young girls. Melissa Ann Pinney’s photographs capture her subjects in raw, celebratory moments, complementing Judith Raphael’s paintings, which hover between reality and dreams.
—Claire Voon, Art
February 8: Chris Tucker at the Chicago Theatre
Long before achieving global fame in Friday and the Rush Hour franchise, Tucker was already a respected stand-up comedian, which essentially landed him roles in the films. His career started in the early ’90s, when he moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles at age 19, and he immediately became a fixture on Def Comedy Jam. He’s taken several breaks from stand-up over the years, and this tour marks one of his “comebacks.” Details: 8 p.m.; $55 and up
—Matty Ryan, Comedy
February 8: ABV Chicago Podcast’s Sixth Anniversary
Ryan and Craig of the popular ABV Chicago podcast have sampled and reviewed many, many beers throughout the six years they’ve been on air. That requires them to have an intimate knowledge of Chicago’s beer stores, so it’s no surprise they would choose to hold their anniversary party at the exceptional Beermiscuous. There will be an outstanding tap lineup for the evening and several beer-related raffle items to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Details: 6–11 p.m.
—Jim Morris, Beer
February 8: Lunar New Year Celebration at the Art Institute of Chicago
Ring in the Year of the Rat during this special Chinese New Year celebration that fills multiple galleries. Create paper lanterns, play centuries-old board games, and learn about some special objects in the collection.
—Claire Voon, Art
February 8: Polar Beer Fest
Chicagoans know braving the winter can require liquid assistance. That’s why Rock Bottom’s midwinter gathering on its rooftop patio in River North is called the Strong Ale festival; it will feature more than 50 craft beers to warm the soul. Details: Noon–4 p.m.; $40
—Jim Morris, Beer
Through February 16: Wake Up Brother Bear! With the Chicago Children’s Theatre
This play is aimed at the smallest set (children 6 and under) and highly interactive, with tons of music and reasons to get up and move. These aren’t hibernating winter bears; instead, they’re full of adventure, and kids get to come along for the journey! Details: Saturday and Sunday, January 25–February 16, 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; $20
—Samantha Lande, Family Fun
Open Run: The Infinite Wrench
The Infinite Wrench boasts two new plays every week, 50 weekends of the year, and they are good! If you love theater and want a break from the family living room drama, check this series out. Details: Open run at the Neo-Futurists
—Tanuja Jagernauth, Theater
Restaurant Opening of the Week: RPM Seafood
Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises strikes again, this time with a multilevel, 11,000-square-foot restaurant right on the Chicago River, with a menu sporting the very best seafood and fish the world has to offer. The wine list skews French, the cocktails skew classic, the dishes skew stunning, and the space itself—airy and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views—is the stuff of Instagram legend.
—Matt Kirouac, Food/Beverage
