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player ready...Putting your bad blood with the Green Bay Packers aside, our neighbors to the north have a lot to offer. Beyond cheese curds, New Glarus Brewing Co. and beer-soaked brats, Wisconsin is home to some unbelievably beautiful cities. But also, cheese curds. A mutual appreciation for dairy and beer isn’t the only thing Illinoisans and Wisconsinites have in common, and the folks at the Wisconsin Department of Tourism are aiming to prove that through a three-part event called Wisconsin Weekend in Chicago, heading to town Thursday through Sunday.
“What we hope to give the folks in Chicago is two things. One is just a reminder that we’re in your backyard. We’re an hour and a half away … and it’s a world away,” said Stephanie Klett, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. “And we really want people to remember what makes Wisconsin unique—life can slow down for you here. And people care that you’re here.”
Wisconsin Weekend in Chicago will offer curated events at Sconnie-loving venues Millie’s Supper Club, Will’s Northwoods Inn and Fatpour Tap Works. But make no mistake about it, you don’t have to don green and gold to take part. Everyone is invited to delight in all that Wisconsin has to offer—even Bears fans. Here’s what’s in store:
Dinner and a Show at Millie’s Supper Club
2438 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-857-2000
The Lincoln Park eatery pays homage to traditional Wisconsin supper clubs, which are known for their brandy old fashioneds, massive prime rib and buttery baked potatoes. It makes the perfect backdrop for opening festivities, which include a screening of the movie “Old Fashioned: The Story of the Wisconsin Supper Club,” a copy of Mary Bergin’s “Wisconsin Supper Club Cookbook” and the chance to win a getaway to Milwaukee and a year’s supply of cheese curds. 6-10 p.m. Thursday. Phone reservations required.
Musky Fest at Will’s Northwoods Inn
3030 N. Racine Ave. 773-528-4400
If you’ve never experienced the magic that is Musky Fest at the Packer-friendly bar in Lakeview, don’t put it off any longer. Travel Wisconsin will be on hand from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. to announce the Musky Queen contenders and give away trips to Madison, Lake Geneva, Door County and more. 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. Free. More information: willsnorthwoodsinn.com
Packer Party at Fatpour Tap Works
2005 W. Division St. 773-698-8940
Now that you’re fully converted to Wisconsinism, you’ll want to hunker down to watch the Packers take on the Jacksonville Jaguars and enjoy free cheese curds with every Green Bay touchdown. No? The Bears game will also be on if you can’t commit. Stick around for halftime for a preview of “Cheeseheads: The Documentary” and more vacation giveaways. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
Morgan Olsen is RedEye’s Eat & Drink editor and unapologetic Packer-loving Wisconsinite.
@morgancolsen | [email protected]