Wouldn’t it be wonderful if on your deathbed you were granted a 24-hour reprieve to go back and do one crazy, fun, memorable thing? Well, it ain’t gonna happen. The only extra time we get in life is Leap Year. So this Sunday, put your day to good use by leaping out of your comfort zone into something you’ll never forget. Try an exotic food. Order a scary cocktail. Whatever. Just have fun. Here are some jumping off points.
Brain masala
“Mmm … brains!” Unless you’re a zombified Homer Simpson, that’s probably not something you’ve said very often. But in many Chicago ethnic restaurants, brains are indeed a mouthwatering delicacy. Don’t believe it? Try the brains masala ($6.99) at Usmania, a Devon Street Indian-Pakistani restaurant. Their version is made with the gray matter of a goat and has the consistency of finely scrambled eggs and the wonderful aroma of red and green chilies, garlic and other spices. In other words, this is not a “Fear Factor” moment. You will, however, need to ignore your preconceived notions of what brains will taste like and just take a bite. 2253 W Devon Ave. 773-262-1900.
Black pudding
Where does Chicago’s love affair with its Irish ancestry end? With black pudding. Even the most Erin-Go-Braugh-ing North Sider gets a little queasy at the thought of chomping on congealed pig blood packed in intestinal casing. But at Abbey Pub, a favorite hangout for Irish immigrants, the crowd eats black pudding like Americans eat Swift Premium Brown ‘N Serve. So why not see what you’re missing by trying Abbey Pub’s Irish Breakfast ($7.95)? Served with two eggs, a side of Irish bacon, Irish sausage, baked beans and fried potatoes, the black pudding is accompanied by white pudding, which is more of a traditional pork sausage. 3420 W. Grace St. 773-478-4408.
Retsina
Connoisseurs have lots of ways to describe a wine’s bouquet. It may be floral. It may harbor hints of grass or baked apple. It may have top notes of cherries, plum or even tobacco. But when it comes to the ancient Greek wine Retsina, turpentine may be the most accurate description. Thirsty yet? The strong odor–a result of pine resin originally used to seal the wine barrels–puts even some Greek-Americans off trying this popular table wine, says Ari Petrov, manager of Costa’s Restaurant in Greektown. He recommends Malamatina ($4 glass; $16 bottle) for those who want to try a smoother version of this wine, which he politely describes as “an acquired taste.” But Retsina makes the perfect way to toast this year’s other quadrennial event: the Summer Olympics, which will be held in Athens. Opa! 340 S. Halsted St. 312-263-9700.
Open-mic night at Gentry
Take a lesson from William Hung. The “American Idol” contestant took a chance and hit gold (or, at least, gold plating). He’s parlayed his televised murder of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” into an appearance on “Ellen” and a $25,000 payday from Fuse TV. We can’t promise the same for you during Gentry’s open-mic night on Sundays, but you’re pretty much guaranteed a hearty round of applause at this Loop piano bar–and that’s more than you’re likely to get from Simon. For years, “Star Search” wannabes, accompanied by the house piano player, have belted their best Bettes, Lizas and Barbras, or anything else they fancied. 8 p.m.-midnight. 440 N. State St. 312-836-0933.
Fourth Annual Chicago Polar Plunge
If you need to chill out on Leap Year, the Polar Plunge will help you do it in the extreme. This fundraiser for Chicago Special Olympics is an opportunity to test your resolve against the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. Show up with at least $100 in donations and, for the truly brave, your craziest costume (prizes will be awarded for the most outrageous) then prepare to make a splash. After, join other shivering souls for a Meltdown Party with hot food and warm-up drinks. 8:30 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. costume contest; 9:15 a.m. plunge. Sunday. North Avenue Beach at North Avenue and Lake Shore Drive. Meltdown Party: 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. $25 advance tickets; $30 at the door. North Avenue Beach Club, 1551 N. Sheffield Ave. 312-527-3743.
