Gapers Block has ceased publication.
Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions. ✶
TODAY
Thursday, April 25
Slowdown
BY DAY
Wednesday, April 29 2009
Brewmaster's Dinner @ Uncommon Ground
Slow Food Chicago hosts a Brewmaster's Dinner tonight at the Rogers Park outlet of Uncommon Ground (1401 W Devon) at 6pm. Tickets $75.
SPARKt Conference
Real Estate technology conference SPARKt takes place today from 2pm to 5pm in the Volcano Room at the Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St. Learn more about blogging, Twitter and other social media, and how to make them work for you. Tickets are $79 in advance, $99 at the door.
Spring Beer Festival @ Brasserie JO
Enjoy a quick after-work beer tasting at Brasserie JO (59 W. Hubbard), where for $20 you can sample over 20 beers from some top U.S. microbreweries and imports. As you drink, you can chat with representatives from the breweries and enjoy paired hors d'oeuvres. 6-8pm. Purchase tickets online or call 312-595-0800 for more information.
The House on Mango Street Panel Discussion @ DePaul
Joining with the Chicago Public Library's One Book, One Chicago program, DePaul University is offering a panel of distinguished faculty who will explore questions about the importance of Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street. Titled "Uprooted and Unprotected: Voices of Longing in Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street," the panelists will discuss the representation of Latino communities in Chicago and the portrayal of challenges faced by immigrants, among other pressing issues raised by the novel. Free and open to the public at 6pm in DePaul's Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield, Room 120. Call 773-325-7485 for questions and information.
Before Burnham: Private Planning and the Town of Pullman
Freelance architecture writer and curator of "BoomTowns! Chicago Architects Design New Worlds" Lynn Becker presents this lunchtime lecture about the "model city" of Pullman on the South Side and how public interest and private enterprise worked in its plan. The talk takes place from 12:15-1:00pm and is at The John Buck Company Lecture Hall Gallery at the Chicago Architecture Foundation (224 S. Michigan Ave.). Free.
A Celebration of Children's Authors @ Book Cellar
Come to the Book Cellar to celebrate children's books and hear from the authors who write them. Featured authors include Mary Jo Reinhart and Paula Nathan (Ginelda the Mad Hatter), Rennah Lehner and Gina Bazer (Now Hiring: White House Dog), Sean Callahan (A Wild Father's Day), Adam Selzer (Pirates of Retail Wasteland), James Kennedy (The Order of Odd-Fish), Ruth Spiro (Lester Fizz, Bubble-Gum Artist) and Juanita Liepelt (Blue: The Luckiest Dog in the World). Free at 6pm at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.
Retro Scotch Dinner
Chef Laura Frankel and Wolfgang Puck Catering at Spertus Gourmet (610 S. Michigan Ave.) present a four course meal paired with fine single malt scotches. The menu will include scotched mushrooms, wild Alaskan smoked salmon, Beef Wellington, and orange-infused Crepes Suzette. 6:30pm, $100 per person. RSVP by April 23 by calling 312-322-1773.
Chicago Reader Book Swap
The annual Chicago Reader Book Swap takes place at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., tonight from 6pm to 9pm. Bring up to 15 gently used books and swap them for other used books. The bar will be featuring a new "Bookworm" cocktail, and there will be free Chicago Public Library tote bag for the first 100 swappers. Steppenwolf tickets and other prizes will be given away throughout the evening. More details here. Free, 21+
Soup and TIFs @ Hideout
A special installment of the popular Soup and Bread series at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) from earlier this year, Soup and TIFs will nourish the body and mind with yet another array of soups (from chefs at Swim Cafe, Celestial Kitchens, among others), but this time with discussion about the notorious TIF system in the city with 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack, Reader political columnist Ben Joravsky and Everyblock.com's Daniel O'Neil. Event runs 6-8pm, all donations will be given to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Big Read: Fahrenheit 451: On Screen & Page
Come to Columbia College for a screening of the film version of this year's Big Read selection, Ray Brabury's Fahrenheit 451. Free and open to the public at 7pm at 1104 S. Wabash Ave. in Columbia College's Film Row Center, 8th floor. For questions, email Kim Hale at khale[at]colum[dot]edu.
Cooking Tuscan for a Cause @ Chopping Block
The Chopping Block's "Cooking for a Cause" program allows you to learn some new cooking skills and also help out a local charity. Tonight's class, at TCB's Merchandise Mart location (The Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 107, 6pm, $90 per person), will teach some Tuscan cooking skills. Event benefits the Bella Center of Chicago. Registration required.
