Weekday Planner: Venetian Carnevale, Bear Your Heart at Atwood, Painting at the Top of the Hancock, Kuma's Corner Teams Up With Big Star

Venetian Carnevale at Ombra

There's no shortage of Fat Tuesday offerings in Chicago, so it's refreshing to stumble upon something different. In Andersonville, Ombra plays host to Giovanni Sicilia of Heritage Wines on February 9 for a special Venetian Carnevale celebration, which is the Fat Tuesday equivalent in Italy. Much less gluttonous and manic than many Fat Tuesday fetes, this one features a family-style Venetian feast with wines from the region. It's an apt way to celebrate Venice's culture without getting too sloppy. The event is reservation-only, which can be made by calling Ombra. The cost is $55 per person. 

Bear Your Heart at Atwood

Here's an event sure to put a smile on your face: Atwood has partnered with Bear Necessities Pediatric Foundation for "Bear Your Heart" month throughout February. In support of the organization, which strives to grant wishes and gifts to children with cancer, Atwood's chef Brian Millman is making heart-shaped pretzels and donating 100% of proceeds from the snacks to Bear Necessities. To kick off the month, Atwood is hosting a special launch party February 9 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. With the $5 suggested donation, guests receive one raffle ticket, passed appetizers, beer, and wine. 

 

Painting at the Top of the Hancock

Painting is more enjoyable when you're sky-high. Particularly, it's not very often you get the opportunity to paint at The Signature Room, 95 stories up in the Hancock Tower. By partnering with Bottle & Bottega, the restaurant is set to host a night to remember with painting, eating, and drinking on February 11. From 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., guests will line up to paint the city skyline while enjoying drinks, hors d'oeuvres, a buffet, dessert, and coffee. The event is designed as an ideal Valentine's date or a girls' night out. The opening reception starts off the night at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person and include three drink tickets and a take-home canvas. Call The Signature Room to reserve a spot or register with Bottle & Bottega. 

Kuma's Corner and Big Star Throw a Beer Party

Two of Chicago's most perpetually packed, cultishly adored restaurants are teaming up for the love of beer. Kuma's Corner and Big Star join forces February 8 for a special beer party with 21 Amendment Brewing. The San Francisco brewery takes the stage with extensive tap selections at Big Star, along with numerous Baja-inspired dishes conceived by the two restaurants. Beers to be poured include Toaster Pastry Red Ale, Sneak Attack Saison, Down to Earth Session IPA, Rare Hog Island Oyster Stout, and Brew Free! Or Die IPA. It all starts at 6:00 p.m. 

- Matt Kirouac