Weekday Planner: Eataly Anniversary, BrewLights, and Harris Theater Marketplace

Eataly Turns One

It seems like only yesterday people were stampeding each other over pizza and Nutella on Eataly's opening day in Chicago. It's hard to believe the Italian behemoth is turning one already. They grow up so fast! In honor of the momentous occasion, Eataly is hosting a first birthday bash to end all first birthdays. On December 2, nine Chicago restaurants and their chefs will be in attendance at Eataly, cooking as part of "una serata tra amici," aka an evening with friends. Starting at 5:00 p.m., one guest chef will contribute menu items to one of Eataly's restaurants. Joe Frillman of Balena will cook for Eataly's salumi and formaggi area, Chris Marchino of Cafe Spiaggia will cook at Baffo, Tony Quartato of forthcoming Formento's will cook at La Carne, Marty Fosse of Anteprima will be at Pesce, Erik Freeburg from Bar Toma will be guest cheffing in the pizza restaurant, Chris Pandel from The Bristol will be manning mozzarella, and Matthias Merges from Yusho will be at the fritto/crudo/piazza bar. No tickets or reservations necessary. 

Eataly Anniversary, BrewLights
Eataly Anniversary, BrewLights


 

BrewLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo

Christmas lights are a lot more magical with beer involved. In line with the Lincoln Park Zoo's annual ZooLights festivities, Louis Glunz Beer has curated a special rendition called BrewLights, taking place December 3 in the Zoo from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Not only are guests able to peruse the zoo, gawking at Christmas lights, but they'll be well fueled on craft beer, with a dozen beers on tap throughout the property. Tickets purchased by December 1 are $40 per person, or tickets on the day-of are $50. It's $15 for designated drivers. Beers on tap in the Zoo include Anchor Christmas, Berghoff Germanic, Crabbies Ginger, Hirter Morchl, Great Lakes Christmas Ale, Stiegl Goldbrau, Wyder's Dry Pear Cider, and more. 

Italian Market Via Harris Theater

The only thing more unexpected than a Zoo filled with Christmas lights and beer may very well be a theater filled with Italian food. The Harris Theater plays host to a performance and food event on December 3 to celebrate the debut of Italy's Teatro Regio Torino opera company performing William Tell. It's apropos that the theater would welcome a slew of food and beverage vendors for a one-night event, considering the opera's composer, Rossini, has long been considered a "foodie." Starting at 7:00 p.m., the theater lobbies will be transformed into an Italian marketplace filled with goods for attendees to dine on before the performance and during intermission. Vendors include Enolo Wine Cafe, Macello, Sugar Hills Bakery, and Lavazza Coffee. 

- Matt Kirouac

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