MON 9/17
Step on it
Turn off the treadmill — it’s time to move your body to a different beat. M.A.D.D. Rhythms instructors Bril Barrett, Jumaane Taylor and others lead hourlong tap dance classes at Tap Academy. The 12-week session starts Monday with options for advanced beginners (6 p.m.) and intermediate tappers (7 p.m.). First-timers can tap into beginning basics on Wednesday (6 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m.). $120 for session. South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive. 773-604-1899.
Brooklyn’s finest
Suss out new suds with help from Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery at a Bucktown beer dinner. Pairings include soft pretzels and duck-liver mousse with Brooklyn Oktoberfest, Greek sardines with Brooklyn Local 1, and beer-glazed donuts with Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout. 6:30 p.m. $65. RSVP required. Hot Chocolate, 1747 N. Damen Ave. 773-489-1747.
Bargain burgers
Has summer spending blown your fall dining budget? Check between the sofa cushions for loose change and head to Lincoln Park for Kelsey’s Monday food and drink specials. Get $1 half-pound burgers, $2 burgers with fries, $2 domestic bottles and $2 appetizers. Cheers! 4 p.m. No cover. 2265 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-348-1666.
TUE 9/18
Sweet deal
We know chocolate doesn’t grow on trees, and we’re pretty sure it doesn’t fall from the sky wrapped in golden paper. So how is it made? Let executive pastry chef Jimmy MacMillan of The Peninsula Chicago enlighten you at Chocolate 101. You’ll learn how it’s produced, tempered and flavored, and taste premium samples. Includes a glass of wine and a 10 percent discount on purchases. 6 p.m. $45. Fox & Obel Food Market, 401 E. Illinois St. 312-379-0139.
Mouth off
Got a green streak and something to say about it? Sign up to speak at Bread and Butter Forum’s Voter Slam. (Psst — talk fast. You only get 90 seconds.) The discussion explores the question, “Is green the new red, white and blue?” and features guest commentary from environmentalist Howard Learner and political comedy by Second City actors. Cash bar; food available. 7:30 p.m. Free. Sign up to speak: breadandbutterforum.org. The Second City e.t.c., 1608 N. Wells St. 773-279-1522.
WED 9/19
Slice of life
Feel free to bring your rapier wit when Babes with Blades combat theater group hosts Sharp Notes, a benefit bash for its upcoming production of “Horror Academy,” but please, leave the daggers at home. Just come prepared to sing karaoke, bid on silent auction items and vie for door prizes. Includes cocktails from 8:30 to 10 p.m. 8 p.m. $15. The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway. 773-880-0016. “Horror Academy” opens Oct. 13 at the North Lakeside Cultural Center (6219 N. Sheridan Rd.).
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metromix@tribune.com
