MON 5/21
Taste it
Don’t know what you’re in the mood for? A Taste for Every Palate is here to help. “Check, Please!” host Alpana Singh leads a wine-tasting while local chefs work your buds with appetizers. Bid on vacation packages and more in a silent auction. Early VIP access (5:30 p.m.) includes an auction preview, reception, raffle and more. 6:30 p.m. $75; VIP tickets cost $150-$500. Proceeds benefit the Howard Brown Health Center. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 773-388-8794. Tickets: howardbrown.org.
And … action
You don’t have to be a hard-core theater buff to know of Mamet and Albee. But you probably can’t rattle off the names of emerging Chicago directors. Take stock of local talent at the 20th Annual Directors Festival. The monthlong showcase of one-act works from nearly 15 emerging directors kicks off with Alex Lewin’s “Water Street,” directed by Mark Fleischer; Judy Klass’ “Interpreting a Dream,” directed by Bridgette O’Connor; and more. 7:30 p.m. Through June 19. $10. Bailiwick Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-883-1090. Full schedule: metromix.com.
Star power
When it comes to celeb obsessions, your glossy pics of Bradgelina and Britney are small potatoes compared to the waters Stephen Metcalfe treads in his new dramedy “The Incredibly Famous Willy Rivers.” The “Pretty Woman” screenwriter illustrates the ordeal of a rock star struggling with an offer to make a comeback after surviving a fan’s assassination attempt. Produced by SiNNERMAN Ensemble. $15. 7:30 p.m. Through June 23. The Viaduct, 3111 N. Western Ave. 773-728-3361.
Monday mania
Just another manic Monday? Not at this month’s girls’ night out bash Mani-Mondays. Tune in to “The Bachelor” finale while sipping a cocktail and getting a mini-manicure. During commercial breaks, browse candles, lingerie and adult toys. Also, get $6 Bacardi mojitos and goodies from G Boutique. 6 p.m. No cover; $20 package includes a manicure and one cocktail. The Motel Bar, 600 W. Chicago Ave. 312-822-2900.
Step it up
Will Joey Fatone win it all? Will Laila Ali trip and fall? Find out whose ballroom is the bomb — and who will crash and burn — at the “Dancing With the Stars” season finale party. Watch the show on multiple screens, and get snacks and a Stoli cocktail. Includes ballroom dance demos, prize drawings and a certificate for a dance lesson. 6 p.m. $20. Proceeds benefit Variety — the Children’s Charity of Illinois. Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn St. 312-822-0660. Tickets: varietyclub26.org.
WED 5/22
Hot eats
Sure you can flip a burger, but seriously: your grilling skills lack fire. Get sizzlin’ at the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant’s cooking class, where chef Cesar Reyes demonstrates how to prepare grilled vegetable Napoleon and smoked salmon on the restaurant’s patio. Afterward, sample the dishes and sip soda and white wine. Reservations recommended. 6:30 p.m. $25. Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, 1401 S. Michigan Ave. 312-786-1401.
