It’s Day One of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”
But I’m not ready to dig into the 784-page blockbuster.
So, to get into the spirit, I suggest we first get a feel for Harry’s homeland.
MORNING
First we head to Evanston and the Celtic Knot (626 Church St., 847-864-1679). Yes, we know it’s Irish, but the Knot is one of the few places that serves the classic English breakfast dish bubble and squeak (sauteed cabbage and potatoes; $6.95). To be honest, I order it for its name — which comes from the sounds during the cooking process, or perhaps it’s the noises that come from my stomach after eating it.
Next we head north on Interstate Highway 94, past Great America’s soaring roller coasters, cross the Wisconsin border and pull into the grassy parking lot outside the walled city.
AFTERNOON
Bristol Renaissance Faire (12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, 847-395-7773) opened in 1988 on a woodsy 30-acre site, previously used by King Richard’s Renaissance Faire.
The grounds are ringed by dozens of tiny shops — in 16th Century-style permanent structures — selling an intriguing array of goods: kilts, swords, pottery, jewelry, period clothing, musical instruments, etc. The prices are reasonable, but we aren’t there to shop.
We also aren’t there to eat. Which is fine, because the food is a bit overpriced and unremarkable.
We’re here for the show. First there are the customers, many of whom come dressed in 16th Century costume, and often show a little more flesh than they probably should. It’s frequently hard to tell the amateurs from the 1,200 actors (paid and unpaid).
Most perform at one of the 16 stages. Our favorites are “Dextre Tripp’s Thrill Show,” “The Swordsmen” (featuring Columbia College Chicago professor David Woolley) and the “Sturdy Beggars Mud Show,” a bawdy and downright dirty romp in the wet dirt that culminates with The Eating of the Mud. “You won’t see this at Great America,” says one of the filthy beggars.
Faire admission is $18.95 for adults and $9.50 for children 5-12. Performances continue weekends through Labor Day.
EVENING
Weary and still hungry, we head back into the city, to Elephant & Castle at Randolph Street and Wabash Avenue (185 N. Wabash Ave., 312-345-1710) for a delicious serving of shepherd’s pie ($11) and a Smithwicks ale. We sit at an outdoor table under the elevated tracks. After a few more pints, the Green Line starts reminding us of Hogwart’s Express.
So, with my wife driving, it’s back to the local bookstore, where I’ll pick up my reserved copy of “Deathly Hallows.”
At this rate, I’m sure to be done reading it by Thanksgiving.
