SPELL IT
Drunken Spelling Bee
Can you spell “Ronald Reagan” in public after tossing back a few shots? How about “paparazzi?” Take a break from the bands at the 12th annual Hideout Block Party (1354 W. Wabansia Ave. 773-227-4433) on Saturday and test your inebriated pop culture spelling skills during comedian Neil Hamburger’s Drunken Spelling Bee. While the music fest rages on outside, 60 contestants line up inside to string letters while struggling not to lose their lunch. Signup starts at 3 p.m. All contestants need a designated driver to register. Just want to watch? Hamburger kicks things off at 6 p.m. Traditional spelling bee rules apply — sort of. $5 plus fest admission.
TASTE IT
Half Acre beer tasting
Here’s how to get buzzed and support local business at the same time: Test out the latest concoction from Chicago-based Half Acre Brewery on Saturday at Sam’s Wines & Spirits (1720 North Marcey St. 312-664-4394) during a tasting of their second official brew, Over Ale. Note to non-beer drinkers: The “warm and malty,” brown-colored bitter was made with plenty of malted barley to make it popular with beer nerds and newbies alike. Half Acre reps will be on hand to take your comments, discuss the progress of the new brewery’s construction on Lincoln Avenue and talk about Over Ale and the original Half Acre lager. Tastes of both beers will be available. 1-4 p.m. Free.
TOAST IT
Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day
It’s almost here, lads and lasses. Emerald waters and green beer pints are only, well, six months away. Celebrate the halfway point to March 17 at Lizzie McNeill’s (400 N. McClurg Ct. 312-467-1992) during the Streeterville pub’s 5th annual Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Hit the street out front and partake in $5 Guinness pints, corned beef sandwiches and live music from rockers The Dooley Brothers (Saturday) and Brendan Bruno (Sunday). 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. No cover.
EAT IT
Double-cream Brie cupcake
Brie? In a cupcake? Yep, this Jupiter grape-topped creation ($4.25) is one of the newest cakes at week-old cupcake confectioner More (1 E. Delaware Pl. 312-951-0001). The savory pastry is made with a champagne reduction and filled with Brie cheese inside of More’s own “sweet cake.” Want dessert? Check out the salted caramel cupcake ($3.50), topped with pieces of Hawaiian black lava salt and stuffed with homemade caramel, and keep an eye out for the forthcoming root beer float cupcake ($3.50), iced with root beer-flavored frosting and filled with root beer extract from consulting chef Gale Gand’s own supply. If you’re drooling, head to the Gold Coast early; on Thursday, More’s cupcake stock actually sold out.
LAUNCH IT
“GameFace” guide for women
Attention football-loving ladies: Head to Harry Caray’s (33 W. Kinzie St. 312-828-0966) Sunday for the Bears home opener and take part in the book-release party for “GameFace: The Kick-Ass Guide for Women Who Love Pro Sports.” Snack on finger food, sip cocktails and receive “team-inspired manicures” while watching the game and thumbing through the book. Authors Erica Boeke and Chris De Benedetti will read selections from “GameFace” and stick around for questions and a booksigning. Includes a GameFace swag bag. RSVP at gogameface.com/booktour. Noon. No cover.
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lbalde@tribune.com
