That’s a mouthful
The recent clash between the EPA and Blommer Chocolate Co. means we’re soon to lose our cocoa-laced air, but we can still sniff (and munch) at World of Chocolate. The annual World AIDS Day event includes sweet samples from more than 20 purveyors, and media and culinary celebs dish out awards while you sip from the open bar and nosh appetizers. With music by the Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band, a raffle and bazaar. 5:30 p.m. $60-$75. Proceeds benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Fairmont Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Drive. 312-922-2322.
Electric boogaloo
Before you hang the macaroni ornaments on this year’s fir, spruce yourself up in holiday schwag and pine for prizes in the company of comedian Kathy Griffin at the Light Up Your Holidays party. It’s part costume contest, part holiday fete; the best-dressed (think angel-adorned caps) gets one year of free electricity and a trip to New York for the chance to win a Caribbean cruise.
9 p.m. No cover. Duffy’s Bar and Grill,
4201 1/42 W. Diversey Pkwy. 773-549-9090.
Dangerously attractive
We know, fellas: When you sport the fitted jeans and vintage shirt, the bar-ometer goes into overdrive. Flash your hazards at other young professional singles at The American Red Cross Auxiliary Board’s Flirting for Disaster networking party. Includes Corzo tequila sippers, appetizers and raffle prizes, plus $3 cosmos and $2 beers.
5:30 p.m. $25. Proceeds benefit the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. The Kerryman, 661 N. Clark St. 312-729-6195.
Culture jamming
Do you: A) Love your pooch; B) Love brownies; or C) Eat up gaymania TV like “Will & Grace” with the voraciousness of a “Survivor” contender? Then watch as acclaimed solo performer David Cale spins his tragically hip tale, “A Likely Story.” Topics covered in the one-man show include Viagra brownies, poodle obsessions and straight actors cast as gay lovers in a TV movie. First show in the three-week Traffic Jam series. 7:30 p.m. $35. Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St. 312-335-1650.
Caffeinated canvases
They draw a mean bean on the store chalkboards, but give these baristas a paintbrush and the creativity pours forth like steamed milk. See what these aproned art lovers are up to during their off hours at this year’s Avant Grande Art Exhibit, featuring paintings, photos and more by local Starbucks staffers. Includes a DJ, appetizers, cocktails, beer, wine and–of course–coffee. 7 p.m. $20. Proceeds benefit the Gen Art Foundation’s Collectors Circle. Resolution Digital Studios, 2226 W. Walnut St. 312-229-1701.
Orient express
Yeah, we’re a little frightened of the holiday shopping crowds too. (Especially after nursing turkey hangovers with non-stop Black Friday coverage. Is a laptop worth the pushing and shoving?) Ditch the malls and sprawl-strips in favor of an Asian Bazaar at Bucktown’s Johnsonese Gallery, featuring jewelry, shawls, purses, and other arts and crafts imported from Asia. Noon. Free. 2149 W. Armitage Ave. 773-252-8750.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
