MON 6/16
Good taste
Stretch your weekend into Monday at the eighth annual Halsted Tastes Better, where neighborhood spots Firefly, Chicago Diner, Arco de Cuchilleros and others serve samples of signature dishes. The fun keeps going with cooking demonstrations from Whole Foods and Steve McDonagh and Dan Smith of Food Network’s “Party Line with the Hearty Boys,” plus live jazz, dancing and a waitpersons’ race. 6 p.m. $25-$30. Halsted Street and Aldine Avenue, 3300 N. Halsted St. 773-883-0500. Tickets: northalsted.com
A likely story
We bet you’ve got some stories to tell — maybe even a few from last weekend. Learn how to shape them for performance at free workshops Monday and Tuesday at the Ninth Annual SKALD Storytelling Festival, which features activities dedicated to spinning yarns in the tradition of an ancient Scandinavian bard, or “skald.” Come back at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday to see improv and professional competitions, respectively ($5-$25). 6:30 p.m. Registration required. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. 312-742-8497.
Thai one on
Is your cubicle starting to feel a little claustrophobic? Expand your horizons with a lunchtime trip to the Thai Festival Chicago 2008. Monday, see classical Thai dance performances and a fashion show from noon-1 p.m., plus food vendors and more. 10 a.m. Through Friday. Free. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. 312-664-3129.
Sip trip
Parisians get a monthlong summer vacation; Americans get “summer hours” on Fridays (i.e., we skip out early). But you can still relax like you’re on the French Riviera at A Tour de France through Wine, where 25 French wines are offered with appetizers in the outdoor cafe (weather permitting). 6 p.m. $25. Reservations required. Mon Ami Gabi, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West. 773-348-8886.
TUE 6/17
Brew and ‘cue
If the word barbecue conjures up flashbacks of hot dogs and beer-can pyramids, head to the Third Annual Beerbecue on the patio at Rhapsody for a classier affair. Dine on creative barbecue dishes — including blackened ahi tuna with citrus-fennel salad and grilled vegetable brochette with cilantro pesto — paired with beers from around the globe. 5:30 p.m. $35 includes tax and tip. 65 E. Adams St. 312-786-9911.
WED 6/17
Three for free
Get a triple dose of laughs when the ComedySportz Training Center kicks off its free Wednesday night summer improv series. Watch students and alumni perform mini-shows in “Rec League” (8 p.m.), then stick around for “Battle-Prov” (9 p.m.) to see students face off against other local improv teams. By 10 p.m., you’ll be ready for “The Improv Open Mike,” where you can join students and alums onstage for improv games. Through Aug. 27. ComedySportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont Ave. 773-549-8080.
