MON 1/28
Take a dip
Ladies, need an emotional rescue from the Monday grind? Grab your galpals and unwind over a three-course fondue dinner complete with manicures and massages at Ladies Mini-Spa Night. Reps from Avon, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef and more will be on hand with tips for continuing the indulgence at home. 5 p.m. $37. The Melting Pot, 609 N. Dearborn St. 312-573-0011.
Celebrate ’08
Wish you could kick off 2008 with an escape to a cozy French bistro or Tuscan trattoria but can’t afford the plane ticket? The Chicago Originals Restaurant Week Celebration offers two- or three-course dinners at 10 spots for $20.08 in honor of the new year. Participating restaurants include Cyrano’s Bristrot and Wine Bar (546 N. Wells St.), Cafe Bernard (2100 N. Halsted St.), Dinotto Ristorante (215 W. North Ave.) and Trattoria Roma (1535 N. Wells St.). Hours vary. See the complete list of restaurants and menus: chicago originals.com.
Vino and vittles
Has the cold weather ignited a craving for full-bodied reds? Warm up when River North eatery Quartino hosts a tasting of Italian wines with gourmet snacks on the side. Get a bottle of wine from Tuscany’s Azienda Agricola Tiberini to take home. 6 p.m. $30. 626 N. State St. 312-698-5000.
TUE 1/29
Amazing grace
If the only fancy footwork you’ve seen lately is your neighbor sliding across an icy sidewalk, fix your eyes on the Moiseyev Russian Dance Company. The theatrical dance ensemble blends classical ballet with elements from more than 3,000 folkloric dances. 8 p.m. $15-$52. Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. 312-294-3000. Tickets: cso.org.
WED 1/30
Grow up!
It’s been said that the best thing about turning 30 is that everyone finally has to take you seriously, but at the Zanies 30th Anniversary Celebration, the hijinks are just getting started. On Wednesday, the comedy club will roll back admission to the original 1978 cost ($2) and will host local comics Alex Ortiz (appearances on Comedy Central and the syndicated “Showtime at the Apollo”) and Nick Vatterot. 8:30 p.m. $2 plus a two-item food or drink minimum. Zanies Chicago, 1548 N. Wells St. 312-337-4027.
Not-so-hopeless romantic
In the market for a match by Valentine’s Day? Improve your odds of finding “the one” at a DateandDash Singles Speed-Dating Party, where you’ll meet women ages 24 to 34 and men ages 26 to 36. Nervous? Fortify your flirt with $1 domestic beers, $4 mixed drinks and $5 Datini martinis. 8:30 p.m. $32. Registration required: www.date anddash.com. Xippo, 3759 N. Damen Ave. 800-957-3274.
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METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
