You’re a few days into your resolutions. How are you doing? Here are a few things around town that will help you keep them — and a few that might have you back to your old habits.
1. Skip the cocktail without even being sad about it
“Dry January,” the monthlong booze fast, has taken off in recent years, but that doesn’t mean participants have to stick to water. Cindy’s rooftop at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel boasts a selection of nonalcoholic mocktails, kombuchas and tisanes (herbs or spices infused in hot water) to keep you hydrated. Try the Reanimator ($8), made with blueberry, ginger and activated charcoal, or the Virgin Pillar ($8), a combo of Mallorca melon shrub, candied hibiscus, mint, lemon and soda. Even better, you’re saving a few bucks compared with the bar’s alcoholic drinks. 12 S. Michigan Avenue, 312-792-3502, www.cindysrooftop.com
2. Learn the secrets of Spiaggia’s kitchen
Is “learn how to cook” one of your resolutions this year? You’re in luck: Spiaggia’s executive chef Tony Mantuano and chef de cuisine Joe Flamm are here to teach you, in what is effectively a master class in sauces. The chefs will run guests through their favorite preparations, including pomodoro, pork ragu, pesto and salsa verde. Tickets include lunch with wine pairings by sommelier Rachael Lowe. $100. Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Spiaggia, 980 N. Michigan Ave., 2nd floor, 312-280-2750, www.spiaggiarestaurant.com
3. Ditch happy hour for its better cousin
Italians know what’s up: The culture of aperitivo, that not-quite-a-meal that precedes dinner, is a beloved tradition that encourages casual snacking and sipping with friends. Animale, the commuter-friendly Bucktown spot from the folks behind Osteria Langhe, hopes to spread aperitivo to Chicago. During weekdays, order an aperitif — negronis, Aperol spritzes and wine all count — and receive an assortment of nibbles to start, from cured meat and cheese to crayfish potato croquettes to meatballs. Drinks start at $3. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, (and every weekday) at Animale, 872-315-3912, www.animalechicago.com
4. Enjoy a winter farmers market
Get to know local producers and makers with The Plant’s first indoor farmers market of the new year. The Back of the Yards nonprofit will be hosting its usual suspects of small biz makers (Bike a Bee, Four Letter Word Coffee, Chunky Scones, Temo’s Tamales), as well as offering tours of Whiner Beer Company’s taproom (housed in The Plant) and The Plant’s other facilities. Living Chicago will be there to provide urban ecology lessons, while kids can play at the reuse and recycle craft station. Free to attend. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at The Plant, 1400 W. 46th St., 773-847-5523, www.plantchicago.org
5. Resolve to drink more beer
Now that’s a resolution we can keep. A number of urban breweries are hosting tours this weekend — hit them up to learn a little about their brews and sip a pint or two. Begyle’s 90-minute tour ($10) gives you three pours and a souvenir glass. At Lake Effect, free tours, held three times during the afternoon, include a chat with the brewmaster, tastes of rare or upcoming releases, a look at the brewery’s urban farm and a tasting flight at nearby Sidekicks. Off Color Brewing, on the western edge of Logan Square, offers a tour ($10) with samples and a 5 percent discount in the bottle shop. Various times Saturday, Jan. 7; check www.eventbrite.com or individual breweries for details.
[email protected]
Twitter @joeybear85
.galleries:after {
content: ”;
display: block;
background-color: #144A7C;
margin: 16px auto 0;
height: 5px;
width: 100px;
More Top Picks Poker Chips
}
.galleries:before {
content: “Food & Dining Photos and Video”;
display: block;
font: 700 23px/25px Georgia,serif;
text-align: center;
color: #1e1e1e;
var playlist = ‘chi_dining’,
layout = ‘autoblurb5plus1’,
iu = ‘%2F4011%2Ftrb.chicagotribune%2Fent%2Fdining’;