WED 1/31
Taking sides
There are three sides to any story, but what happens when the story is love? Harold Pinter’s semi-autobiographical drama “Betrayal” turns the classic love triangle on its head by starting the story at the end of the affair and traveling backward to its beginning. 7:30 p.m. Previews continue through Saturday. See metromix.com for schedule. $20-$65. Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St. 312-335-1650. Find more stage picks on page 45.
Three easy steps
You’re ready to upgrade your home decor from Star Wars posters to postmodern artwork, but you don’t know where to start. Take a peek at new wall candy at Party, Bid and Win. The combo benefit bash and art auction includes appetizers, complimentary Effen cocktails at 7:30 p.m., and a live auction of more than 50 works at 8 p.m. Cash bar. 7 p.m. $10 suggested donation benefits Imerman Angels. Avenue M, 695 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-243-1133.
THU 2/1
Vice grip
As long as your New Year’s resolution didn’t restrict your consumption of sangria, tapas or weeknight partying, you’re free to Celebrate a Month Free of Vices with the Young Professionals of Chicago. Dig into dishes such as croquets de jamon and seared sirloin carpaccio, and sip red, white and peach sangrias. 6 p.m. $35-$50. Registration: happyhours@ypchicago.org. Sangria Restaurant and Tapas Bar, 901 W. Weed St.
Sign us up
You’ve been known to tell a few horror stories at the bar, and your muse is a convoluted collection of bad dates. Sound familiar? Grab a brew and meet local comedian/author Ian Coburn, who signs advance copies of his debut book (available for $15), “God is a Woman: Dating Disasters.” The tome is due for official release on Valentine’s Day–of course. 7:30 p.m. No cover. Partial proceeds from book sales benefit the National Alliance for Mental Illness. Guthries Tavern, 1300 W. Addison St. 773-477-2900.
FRI 2/2
Shadow eating
Do you snarl in the face of flurries and laugh at the prospect of frostbite? Bundle up for the annual Alfresco Groundhog Day Lunch to prove how well you handle the cold. For your efforts, you get a free lunch of savory chicken and dumplings or grilled cheese with tomato soup, plus a beverage and warm apple brown betty. Two seatings: 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations recommended; RSVP now, limited seating. South Water Kitchen, 225 N. Wabash Ave. 312-236-9300.
Black tie one on
We know it must be tough carting around stacks of cash–good thing there are so many charities to help you pare down the pile. Our pick for the week: the Grand Chefs Gala: Journey to Shangri-La. A $375 ticket gets you cuisine from more than 50 top chefs, including a four-course meal prepared by Aria executive chef Noah Bekofsky, plus gourmet desserts, an open bar, music and auctions. 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Fairmont Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Drive. 312-236-4491.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
