Eat. Watch. Do. — Valentine’s Day specials, ‘Magic Mike’ review, plus Philly cheesesteaks
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It’s Thursday, Chicago.
The ground has defrosted and so have our hearts.
If you’re basking in romance, there is no shortage of Valentine’s Day specials to try out over the next week in Chicagoland. Or woo your date at a new movie theater in Wrigleyville, where you can order your dinner from a full-service kitchen and popcorn from your seats with the press of a button.
You could also drown your romantic sorrows in the melty cheesiness of a Philadelphia cheesesteak, found at a few local spots, in honor of the Eagles playing this Super Bowl Sunday. There are few better dishes to eat while jamming to Rihanna.
And with all the spectacular holidays in our purview, we’d be remiss to let Presidents Day slip under our radar. We have a travel guide compiled of Indiana destinations that commemorate Abraham Lincoln, perhaps for exploring on the federal holiday.
More on those ideas, plus some theater, TV and movie reviews that might be of interest as we head into the weekend.
Enjoy the weekend, we’ll see you here next week.
— Lauryn Azu, deputy senior content editor
76 Valentine’s Day specials at Chicagoland restaurants, from speed dating to make-your-own-wine night
It’s that time of year again — no matter if you’re dining with someone special or showing yourself some self-love on Valentine’s Day, there’s still time to plan a stupendous meal. Be sure to book soon to avoid being left heartbroken — or worse, hungry. Read the list here and order to your heart’s content.
‘Magic Mike’s Last Dance’ review: Channing Tatum’s stripper isn’t enough this time around
Premiering this weekend in theaters is the steamy “Magic Mike” final installment, set this time across the pond, perhaps for your Galentine’s Day group or solo viewing. No judgment here. Channing Tatum reprises his role alongside franchise newcomer Salma Hayek Pinault. Read the full review from Michael Phillips here.
Column: A soul food revolution takes root in North Lawndale, at one small restaurant with big plans
Chef Quentin Love of North Lawndale’s The SoulFood Lounge knows the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, serving up food-coma-inducing dishes like truffled lobster mac and cheese. As one of few higher-priced restaurants in the area, The SoulFood Lounge aims to provide the neighborhood TLC by packing its dining room with guests and good intentions. Read more here.
‘Not Dead Yet’ review: Gina Rodriguez plays an obituary writer who sees ghosts
Gina Rodriguez plays a young obit writer at a Los Angeles newspaper who is visited by ghosts in the new ABC comedy “Not Dead Yet.”
“Rodriguez is amusingly frazzled as she bumbles through the strangeness of her new normal,” TV critic Nina Metz writes. “But there’s an inherent challenge the series cannot seem to solve: Relaxing into the rhythms of hangout comedy when the main character has a secret life that’s anything but relaxed.” Read the rest of her review here.
Just opened: Pistores Pizza & Pastry in River North and 7 more new restaurants around Chicago
We gave you ideas for where to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but what about afterward? Keep the spark alive at eight more newly opened restaurants nearby, including a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving pizzas and pastries in River North, a swanky wood-fired grill in Willis Tower and a Greek-inspired taverna in Oak Brook.
Read about what these and more have in store here.
Alamo Drafthouse opens in Wrigleyville with plush chairs and a button for popcorn, tiptoeing into an uncertain moviegoing age
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Wrigleyville is opening in Chicago at a moment when the century-plus tradition of a night at the movies is going through an existential upheaval. Filmgoing, like rock ‘n’ roll, painting, the novel, “Saturday Night Live” and Broadway, is perpetually on its last leg, but something does appear different, writes the Tribune’s Chris Borrelli.
Read his take on all the bells and whistles the ‘80s-themed theater has to offer and what it symbolizes for Chicago’s evolving movie scene here.
What makes a great Philly cheesesteak? Plus where to find the sandwiches in Chicago to mark the Super Bowl.
Cheesesteak, the iconic Philadelphia sandwich, could be a cousin to the Italian beef of Chicago. Since the Philadelphia Eagles will play in the Super Bowl this Sunday, it’s a good time to explore what makes a classic cheesesteak great, and where to find them around our city. Find out more here.
Review: ‘A Chorus Line’ at Drury Lane Theatre embraces 1970s Broadway — and why we love musicals
Oakbrook Terrace-based Drury Lane Theatre is now showing the Broadway classic “A Chorus Line” through March 19. Theater critic Chris Jones praises the show for its staging and emotional vulnerability.
“If you’re not moved by this group, winners and losers both, I fear for the state of your heart,” he writes. Read the rest of his review here.
Finding Lincoln in Indiana: A Presidents Day weekend guide to Abe’s boyhood home
Is Illinois really the Land of Lincoln? Indiana would like a word. Lincoln lore is scattered across the Hoosier state, and you can trace his footsteps in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and in Spencer County. Start planning your drive here.
After more than 25 years, a fond farewell and a final show for First Folio Theatre in Oak Brook
After more than 25 years, First Folio Theatre in Oak Brook will shutter when its current show, “And Neither Have I Wings to Fly,” closes Feb. 26. The theater had previously announced that 2022-23 would be its final season, but the end date was recently moved up. Folio’s leaders were committed to hiring women in prominent roles, and 80% of their productions were directed by women.
Read more about what the closure means to the theater community here.
