Two-timer
If your winter weather diet consists of takeout and Tombstone, rediscover the four food groups with a proper meal during Sola’s Second Anniversary Celebration. Specials change daily during the weeklong event. Here’s a preview: On Monday, get half-price bottles of wine. Tuesday, dine at the restaurant and partial proceeds will benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital. Find all deals at metromix.com. 5:30 p.m. Through Sunday. 3868 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-327-3868.
All eyes on you
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise have moved on, but you can bring sexy back (and spice up your workweek) during Cabaret’s “Eyes Wide Shut” party. Wear a mask in honor of the 1999 Stanley Kubrick flick. DJ Gus Karas spins. Also, get free admission and $50 bottle service before 11 p.m. with RSVP. 10 p.m. $20. 15 W. Hubbard St. 312-245-3100.
Grand slam
If the most stimulation you’ve had lately is ogling hot bods on “American Gladiator,” get those synapses firing again at the Mental Graffiti Poetry Set. The show includes an open mic and poetry slam, followed by performances from nationally and locally recognized spoken word artists. Winners advance to finals in April and vie for a spot on the collective’s team at the 2008 National Poetry Slam. This month’s featured wordsmiths: Andrea Gibson and last year’s individual national champ Danny Sherrard. Also, get $3 Sparks and bottled beers and $5 vodka cocktails. 7:30 p.m. $5. Funky Buddha Lounge, 728 W. Grand Ave. 312-666-1695.
Not just another song and dance
Music, dance and spoken word performances, short films and more make for a soulful history lesson at the DuSable Museum of African-American History, honoring the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. at its annual Martinmas Day event. Highlights include a workshop on the songs of the civil-rights era (12:30 p.m.), a musical starring actor and national recording artist Marcus Gentry exploring King’s life (1:30 p.m.), gospel music by Joshua’s Troop (3:30 p.m.) and African dance and percussion (4:30 p.m.). 10 a.m. $5-$8. 740 E. 56th Pl. 773-947-0600.
French connection
Don’t know your Burgundy from your Bordeaux? Get the lowdown on wine at French Wine 101. Sample six bottles paired with light appetizers. 7 p.m. $30. Lush Wine and Spirits, 2232 W. Roscoe St. 773-281-8888.
Sake to ya
Already done your share of wine and tequila tastings? The folks at Ai Japanese Restaurant debut their new sake bar with a six-course sake dinner and pairings from Japan’s renowned Niigata region. Chef Toyoji Hemmi’s menu includes spicy pine nut tuna rolls, monkfish in a parchment bag and a champagne “jelly” dessert with blueberries. 6:30 p.m. $66. 358 W. Ontario St. 312-335-9888.
———–
metromix@tribune.com
