TUE 5/1
Deca-dent dinner
The restaurant biz can be a rocky road, but Meritage Cafe & Wine Bar makes it look like easy street. Celebrate the restaurant’s long run at a 10th Anniversary Party, featuring inaugural menu items at their original, 1997 prices. Meritage’s first chef, Jonathan Harootunian, assists in the kitchen, cooking up wonton-wrapped prawns ($8), pan-roasted scallops ($17) and other throwbacks. 5 p.m. Prices vary. 2118 N. Damen Ave. 773-235-6434.
Short cuts
Like CTA delay announcements, the Midwest Independent Film Festival’s comedic shorts lineup is short on humor — but in a good way. Revive your smile with parody “Cop Show,” sci-fi spoof “Chad Vader,” “Project Greenlight 3” contender Scott Smith’s “Low Note” and Justin Hayward’s “Drive Radio.” Directors and actors attend the screenings. Kick off the night with a cocktail reception and readings with Chicago ScriptWorks. 6 p.m. $7-$10. Landmark Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St. 312-642-4222.
Frank-ophile
You’d say “oui” to a 35-hour workweek in a Paris minute, but you can’t bid your job adieu. Instead, say hello to the French Labor Day party at Brasserie Jo and nosh complimentary baguette-wrapped hot dogs, tarte flambe with cheese, onion and bacon, and more in the bar. Sounds like a job worth tackling, even if you can’t relocate. 5 p.m. Free. 59 W. Hubbard St. 312-595-0800.
Legendary theater
Real or mythical, we’ll never know, but one thing’s for sure: King Arthur is very much alive in Broadway In Chicago’s “Camelot.” Actor Michael York (“The Three Musketeers,” “Cabaret”) breathes life into the role of King Arthur in Lerner and Loewe’s classic musical about the legendary monarch’s enchanted kingdom. The two-week run also stars Rachel York as Guenevere and James Barbour as Lancelot. 8 p.m. $27.50-$75. LaSalle Bank Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St. 312-902-1400.
WED 5/2
It’s a breeze
Manolo Blahniks will not be up for grabs, and Mr. Big won’t be waiting in the wings. Who needs ’em anyway,? Not you — not when Sex and the Windy City is on the horizon. Get glammed up at this girls’ night out, featuring free manicures, massages and makeup applications. While you’re primping, sip $5 Patron cocktails and watch your favorite foursome on a big screen. Produced by Sheque. 7 p.m. No cover. Dragonfly Mandarin Restaurant/Flybar, 832 W. Randolph St. 312-787-7600.
THU 5/3
In cinc
Your Spanish isn’t stellar, but you’re smart enough to know when Cinco de Mayo is. Of course, if you’re really smart, you’ll break out your party hat a little early for Lawndale’s Cinco de Mayo Festival. The fest kicks off with a carnival and food vendors. Over the weekend, catch live music and a noontime Sunday parade. 3 p.m. Free. Douglas Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive. 773-847-9889.
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