Weekend Happenings

Chicago Art Exchange “Grand Opening Celebration” August 19 and 20, 2011, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. This new art gallery located at 1530 S. State St.,  will be serving “Hors D’Oeuvres and Libations courtesy of Tapas Valencia.” If you want to attend this event, you need to RSVP. Click here for more information.

The Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen’s official grand is August 19 and 20, 2011. You probably thought this new pub was already open, but today and tomorrow makes it official. The Scout is located at 1301 S. Wabash Ave.

Jazz at Donna’s Café August 19, 2011. Friday night jazz has become a regular weekly event at the local breakfast and lunch spot located at 1255 S. State St. No cover charge; five dollar minimum purchase for BYOB. Jazz starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m.

Greater South Loop Association (GSLA) Open Meeting at Tribute. Find out what’s happening in the greater South Loop and meet and mingle with friends and neighbors. The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. with meet-and-greet starting at 9:00 a.m. with refreshments. Tribute is located at 800 S. Michigan Ave. (Essex Hotel).

Air and Water Show August 19 and 20, 2011, is the oldest and largest of its kind. North Avenue Beach is the central location for viewing this annual event that attracts over 2 million fans. This year the headliners are the Thunderbirds, Leap Frogs, and Golden Knights. The show runs from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. both days.

2010 Chicago Gourmet

Food and Wine Heaven
The third-annual Chicago Gourmet, "a celebration of food and wine" was held this weekend in Millennium Park. The three-day event was sold out. Those lucky enough to get tickets (this writer got two complimentary tickets from a neighbor) were treated to an incredible selection of food, wine, beer, and spirits. Participants included restaurants, specialty stores, wineries, and liquor distributors.

Check out the videos below to get a flavor for this popular and growing food and wine event.







Let Us Know What You Thought
The food samples were for the most part good, but the wine, beer, and spirits selections and samples were pretty extraordinary. If you attended this event, let us know your impressions. Let us know if this was your first Chicago Gourmet event or are a returning participant.

The crowds were plentiful and so was the food and wine.

Over My Head: Air Show Flys By My Balcony

The 2010 Air and Water Show is once again dazzling the crowds along Lake Shore Dr. But from the comfort of my balcony, I got a glimpse of helicopters and airplanes flying overhead. Check out a few seconds of helicopters flying around the South Loop.