You’ve decided to forgo the cabs and cover charges in favor of hosting your own Halloween fete. But how will you pull it altogether? Plot a whirlwind night on the town with your girlfriends–all in the name of research, of course–to track down the five essential ingredients for a smashing party.
Stop 1: Eerie eats
Making decisions on an empty stomach is never a good idea. Start your night at Lakeview’s X/O Chicago (3441 N. Halsted St. 773-348-9696), where you can fuel up while you gather ideas for tasty treats to satisfy your party guests. One must-try item: X/O’s pumpkin dumplings. The little bundles usually are served alongside jumbo sea scallops ($14.95), but you also can order them separately ($9.95). If they meet your crew’s approval, follow chef Aaron Bischoff’s instructions to make them at home: Roast butternut squash and pumpkin, then add cinnamon, salt and pepper. After the mixture cools, wrap the filling in won ton wrappers, simmer each dumpling in hot water, and voila!–the perfect bite-size party snack.
Stop 2: Devilish decor
Once you’ve nailed down your party menu at X/O, head across the street to Ragin’ RaeJean’s (3450 N. Halsted St. 773-975-5020) for everything you’ll need to get your pad Halloween-ready. Going for a minimalist look? A simple string of Halloween lights ($9.89) might do. But flying bats ($5.50 each) and R.I.P tombstones ($13 each) are what you’ll need to set a more morbid mood–and, of course, no party would be complete without a DVD of “Halloween Scarols” videos ($10) playing on the tube.
Stop 3: Devious drinks
Every party needs delectable drinks, but on Halloween, any old martini won’t do. After you’ve stocked up on skeleton shot glasses and other posthumous paraphernalia at Ragin’ RaeJean’s, move the gals a few blocks north to Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club (3700 N. Halsted St. 773-525-1111) to taste-test the best. You’re sure to find a crowd-pleaser among the Black Widow (Absolut, amaretto and Black Sambuca,$9); the Pumpkin Patch (Absolut, pumpkin puree, Dekuyper Pumpkin Smash liqueur, cream and a graham cracker rim $9); and the Lobotomy (Absolut, amaretto, Dekuyper Razzmatazz liqueur, pineapple juice and champagne, garnished with a cherry-stuffed lychee, $9). Take advantage of $5 specials on all three drinks on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Stop 4: Creepy costumes
Shopping’s infinitely more fun after you’ve downed a few drinks–especially when the task at hand is finding a Halloween costume. Once you’ve wrapped things up at Kit Kat, hop a cab to Chicago Costume (1120 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-528-1264). The shop keeps extended hours and opens satellite locations during October, so whether you’re looking for jumbo rhinestone eyelashes ($5) or a wacky wig (prices vary), you’re bound to find it here.
Stop 5: Blood-pumpin’ beats
You’ve been working hard all night, so you deserve to let loose at your final stop. Plus, there’s still one essential element missing from your party lineup: music. Get inspired at Rednofive’s Girls’ Night Out, where you and your gal pals can booty-shake to a night of all-girl performances by DJ Shaka 23 and percussionist Eryca (Office). Arrive at 10 p.m. for an hourlong complimentary champagne reception featuring chocolate-covered strawberries and Snow Queen vodka cocktails. Can’t catch Shaka’s house beats at Rednofive this week? She also spins at Victor Hotel (311 N. Sangamon St. 312-733-6900) on Wednesdays. 10 p.m. Friday. No cover. 440 N. Halsted St. 312-733-6699.
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METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
