WED 3/22
Hard-boiled beats
So what if the weather’s taking its time warming up? F212 (named for the temp at which water boils) is heating up River North now. Stop by for Onomatopoiea, when DJ Toki spins dance, ambient and downtempo. The coffeeshop’s BYOB, so tote your own bottle of chard to match the mac and cheese, or indulge in a cup of the house specialty, hot cocoa. 6:30 p.m. $5 minimum food or drink purchase. 401 N. Wells St. 312-670-4212. Read about more BYOB options in our Reader Review faceoff on Page 35.
Mental spring cleaning
Spring has (at least officially) sprung, and you’re looking for a little inspiration to jumpstart your to-do list, whether it’s tackling that screenplay or just getting your winter-weary self out of the apartment. Conversations with Extraordinary People: Jackie Taylor should do the trick. The founder of the Black Ensemble Theater speaks with Rick Kogan about her experiences as a writer, director and producer. With live music and refreshments. 6 p.m. $20. Maxim’s, 24 E. Goethe St. 312-742-1748. Find more theater picks in “Openings” on Page 47.
THU 3/23
Q and Q&A
Forget self-improvement; for you, the changing of the seasons can be summed up in two words: spring fling! Need someone to help thaw your frostbitten libido? Sign on for a round of the Gay and Lesbian Retro Dating Game; potential partners can win prizes in this live contest hosted by Dick O’Day of “Wild Chicago.” Includes goodie bags for the first 50 guests, DJs and drink specials:
$1 PBR cans, $4 select mojitos, 50 cent jello shots and $3 Coronas. 6 p.m. No cover. RSVP to datinggame@kitschn.com; indicate if you’d like to compete. Kitsch’n River North, 600 W. Chicago Ave. 312-644-1500.
The Dao of design
All right, people, make it work: The “Project Runway Season 3” Audition is your chance to follow in cute Chloe Dao’s footsteps. Dazzle judges from former contestants to Parsons dean Tim Gunn, and you could score a spot on Bravo’s fashion design reality series. Just be sure to leave the Santino-style sneer at home. 8 a.m. Free. Complete rules: bravotv.com/
project(underscore)runway(underscore)2/casting/. W Chicago–Lakeshore, 644 N. Lake Shore Drive.
FRI 3/24
Easy bein’ green
Sure, you’re still recovering from a shamrockin’ weekend, but we bet you can entertain another round of emerald-hued revelry, as long as it’s for a good cause. Think Green and Drink to Spring, Imagination Theater’s annual spring benefit, features Senior Spotlight and DJ Badly Brad, plus an open bar, appetizers and raffle. 7 p.m. $25. The Globe Pub, 1934 W. Irving Park Rd. 773-303-0070.
Friendly advice
You’ve wasted enough nights listening to your pal’s love life woes; it’s time to play wingman once and for all, and get your buddy a beauty (or vice versa). Clean him up, dust him off, and cart him to Date My Friend; the singles party includes vodka cocktails (7-8 p.m.), drink specials and giveaways. 7 p.m. $10. Zella, 1983 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-549-2910.
