What to Eat, Drink, See & Do in February
via The Fairmont Chicago
Sure, February can be a cold, dark month, but at least it’s short! And packed with celebrations around Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras and more! Last but not least for Chicagoans, it also usually includes the first hint that spring may be just around the corner. Days start to get warmer, and the sun rears its beautiful face once again. So, if you are looking for ways to get out and take advantage of all the fun February has to offer, follow along for the best things to do this month…
Le Petit Chef Dining Experience at Fairmont Chicago (All February)
Let’s be honest, in a city like Chicago where there is always something exciting to do, “newness” can get a bit old. But don’t fret, because Fairmont Chicago is bringing a truly unique dining experience to our city for the first time ever! Skip the movies instead dine-in with their 3D animated “Le Petit Chef" as he moves around your table, preparing a five course meal right before your eyes. The coolest part? Each meal comes out in unison with the animation. Talk about advances in food!
FeBREWary at Starbucks Reserve Roastery (Through February 26)
Love coffee? Love Starbucks coffee most of all? Boy, do we have the experience for you! For all of FeBREWary, enjoy an exclusive, behind the scenes tour of the manufacturing area at Chicago’s very own Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Roast your own coffee beans and get all your questions answered by the experts while you sip on delicious Starbucks coffee.
Check Out New Restaurants (All February)
There are always cool spots opening across the city, but these are a few we recommend you check out ASAP:
Le Select {504 North Wells Street, Chicago; 312.896.4504}
Michelen star Chef Daniel Rose brings his passion for French cuisine to this new River north spot. Perfect for a sexy date night!
Sushi by Scratch {415 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago}
Sit in one of the 10 prized seats at this new Chicago omakase speakeasy as you watch Chef Phillip Frankland Lee create and serve up menu items like the highest quality nigiri and traditional sushi.
Roundhouse Sports Bar {2535 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.770.9182}
Need a new place to watch your favorite Chicago sports teams? Look no further. Roundhouse Sports Bar in Logan Square offers American comfort food with an Asian twist like Cheeseburger Egg Rolls and Italian Beef Fried Rice.
Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails {202 South Franklin Street, Chicago; 312.789.5992}
Located within Willis Tower, Kindling is presenting a live-fire show kitchen with wood-fired plates and tasty cocktails in the heart of downtown Chicago. It’ll keep you warm until the spring thaw!
Wagyu Tasting Experience at Smith and Wollensky (Kicks Off Tuesday, February 14)
Four words Chicagoans: Wine and Wagyu steak. Starting this Valentine’s Day, Smith and Wollensky is debuting its signature Wine & Wagyu dining experience. Guests can enjoy the perfect blend of various wines (six from the Napa Valley region to be exact) with the buttery and robust Wagyu steak.
Take Advantage Of Theater Week (February 16-26)
Take dinner and a show to the next level this month with Chicago Theater Week. The annual event runs from February 16 to 26 and is taking over stages all over the city. From major theater hubs like Broadway in Chicago to smaller-scale spaces such as Lifeline Theatre, there’s something for newbies and long-time theater buffs alike.
Milkwood Inn Pop-Up at Atelier (Opens February 22)
Opening February 22, Atelier will bring farm fresh to a whole new level! Drawing influence from some of the Midwest's best farms, this Lincoln Square spot will feature dishes based on the seasons, and we can’t wait to taste what they have on offer. To kick off the restaurant opening, Chef Iliana Regan will be offering dishes from her very own bed and breakfast, Milkweed Inn.
See a Movie at Alamo Drafthouse
Tasty local beers and delicious food PLUS dang good films are the fabric of Alamo Drafthouse in Wrigleyville. Enjoy locally sourced menu items like burgers, pizza, salads, desserts and more while you take in new releases. And if that wasn’t enough, they also offer local craft brews from breweries across Chicagoland.
Harry Potter: Magic at Play (Through May 14)
Wish you could escape reality, and head off to Hogwarts for the weekend? Head to the “Harry Potter: Magic at Play” immersive experience. Whether you are a Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, or Ravenclaw, you can follow in Harry's footsteps as you adventure to Platform 9 ¾™, get your first glimpse of Hogwarts, and so much more.
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent