1. Split personality
Cozmo’s center wall effectively makes this welcome addition to the Clybourn Corridor two bars in one. The right side’s comfortable neighborhood bar atmosphere makes it perfect for relaxing and enjoying a cold beer (try the Polish Okocim). On the left side, sip a perfectly chilled martini (served in a frosted glass straight from the freezer) in the swanky-yet-unpretentious lounge area, where couches, chairs, and small round ottomans provide seating for early-evening cozy conversation or a place to take a breather from dancing later in the night. An adjacent lot provides free parking on Friday and Saturday nights for up to 20 cars. 2506-08 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-404-7414.
2. Concrete offer
During the holiday season, it’s important to spend your calories wisely. By that we mean skipping Mom’s powdery Christmas cookies and heading to Scooter’s Frozen Custard for a holiday-themed custard or “concrete” (custard blended with toppings). Limited-time flavors include peppermint candy custard (today only) and eggnog. Or try the Holiday Mint concrete: vanilla custard blended with red and green peppermint candy pieces and chocolate chips. Get a move on: Scooter’s closes for the season on Sunday, but will reopen in February with special Valentine’s Day-themed treats and a cherry pie concrete in honor of National Cherry Month. 1658 W. Belmont Ave. 773-244-6415.
3. ‘Jurassic’ giants
Giants: African Dinosaurs at the Garfield Park Conservatory is the first-ever display of new African dinosaurs unearthed by paleontologist Paul Sereno, who developed the exhibit. Not only will you see six life-sized skeletons in seven rooms of the conservatory, you’ll see them amid the botanic setting. If you use your imagination, you can easily visualize what it might have been like to have a Carcharodontosaurus peaking out from behind ferns. $3. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Daily. Through Sept. 6. 300 N. Central Park Ave. 312-746-5100.
4. Food finds
We mere mortals shop for our Christmas dinner ingredients at chain supermarkets, but many of Chicago’s preeminent chefs would scoff at the idea. Instead, they shop at the Green City Christmas Market at Lincoln Park Zoo, and if you want to upgrade your foodie status (or you just want high-quality food to wow your guests), you should shop there too. Featuring organic fruits and vegetables, hormone-free pork and beef, organic lamb, turkey, chicken and duck, breads, artisanal cheeses, maple syrup and more, the market takes place in the rather unusual location of the Kovler Lion House. Please do not taunt the big cats with your hormone-free pork. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Free. 2200 N. Cannon Drive, 847-835-2240.
5. Deli deals
Hotel restaurants always seem to be either really expensive or really awful. Sometimes both. But Chalfin’s New York Style Deli, tucked into the lower level of the Seneca Hotel right off Michigan Avenue, beats the odds by offering good eats at affordable prices. You’ll find the usual diner fare: omelets, hot pastrami sandwiches and salads. But Chalfin’s also offers several Jewish specialties–including piping hot latkes (potato pancakes) served with applesauce or sour cream ($5.75 for three), a kosher salami scramble ($7.25) and Matzo Brie ($5.95). You’ll also find freshly made cheese blintzes, smoked fish platters and some of the best bagels in the city. In a nod to the place’s New York heritage, egg creams–a mixture of milk, chocolate syrup and seltzer water that’s a staple in the Big Apple–are on the menu. It’s the perfect stop for a quick lunch during your last-minute shopping rush. 200 E. Chestnut St. 312-943-0034.
