MON 10/8
Two thumbs up
Unleash your inner Roger Ebert at the 43rd Annual Chicago International Film Festival. (This year’s fest is dedicated to the renowned critic.) Monday’s screenings — 31 in all — include “Michael Clayton,” a complex thriller starring George Clooney as a “fixer” who gets a top New York law firm’s clients out of sticky situations. 7 p.m. $14-$16. Complete schedule: chicagofilmfestival.com. AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St. 312-902-1500.
Hog heaven
Sure, the other white meat makes a great quick weeknight dinner, but these aren’t your mama’s pork chops: Chef David DiGregorio serves up Swine and Wine, an adventurous, six-course dinner featuring dishes such as homemade pasta with wild boar Bolognese, and pork chops with polenta and mushrooms. Includes wine pairings and beverage director Adam Seger’s Baconcello martini, made with Granny Smith apples and bacon-infused vodka (yes, bacon), maple syrup and lime juice. 6:30 p.m. $69. Reservations recommended. Osteria Via Stato, 620 N. State St. 312-642-8450.
Bring your ‘A’ game
You could invite friends over to drain the dregs of Sunday’s pony keg, but really, they’d rather watch Monday Night Football on three flat-screen TVs from the low-slung chairs and comfy couches at M Lounge. Includes complimentary pizza, $6 mojitos, $5 Absolut cocktails and $3 Miller beers. Concerned about crowds? Call ahead and reserve the private back room, which seats six to eight. 7:30 p.m. No cover. 1520 S. Wabash St. 312-447-0201.
TUE 10/9
Shoplifters unite
Does the high cost of pomegranate juice grate on your nerves? Local theater company Will Act For Food understands. It stages “We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay!,” a food comedy by Italian playwright Dario Fo about housewives who protest grocery store prices, leading to food theft. If your juice addiction really has you squeezed for cash, bring non-perishable food items to get $1 off ticket prices (up to $5) to benefit the Lakeview Pantry. 8 p.m. Through Nov. 7. $10-$15. Stage Left Theatre, 3408 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-327-9725.
Fashion forward
Whether or not your fall wardrobe is set, it’s already time to discover next spring’s answer to the new black at Fresh Faces in Fashion 2007. The fifth annual runway show features 10 emerging Midwest designers and includes a cocktail reception, appetizers and admission to an afterparty with DJ Matt Roan at the James Hotel (55 E. Ontario St.). 7:30 p.m. $50-$125. Chase Promenade at Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. 312-229-1701.
WED 10/10>All for one
Are you a “support our troops” patriot or a victim of the system? Explore what it means to be American with audio documentaries from The Listening Room: One Book, One Chicago reading series. The works include one man’s experiences as the son of a blacklisted screenwriter. Steppenwolf Theatre actors set the stage by reading a scene from Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” (this season’s One Book, One Chicago selection). 7 p.m. $5. Steppenwolf Theatre Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St. 312-948-4682.
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metromix@tribune.com
