We've got you covered for
Valentine's Day singles bashes, but there's so much more heating up the city in the next few days:
THURSDAYWe need more parties like this! Burlesque phenom
Angela Eve headlines the
The Elysian Ball with multi-disciplinary artist and designer
Christophe Gauspohl. They've transformed massive art space
Xchange West (344 N. Ogden Ave.) into a modern speakeasy concept, showcasing a variety of erotic-based performances, interactive installations, fashion exhibits, video art and more. Guests are encouraged to dress in black tie or creative gear. Ticket price includes complimentary cocktails, but you can also BYOB. 8pm-1:30am. And if you're still standing at the end of the night, get to the after party at the
Flat Iron Building (1565 N. Milwaukee Ave.), where you'll get to meet the performers. That's 2-4am. $35; $60 VIP.
One-half of the award-winning
Masters at Work team
Little Louie Vega spins a rare set at
Crescendo. We love him best for his ground-breaking
Nuyorican Soul style, which cranked out hit after hit in the mid- to late-1990s. But look for the hard-working Vega, who hails from Spanish Harlem, to spin classic sounds as well as new flavor. 9pm-2am. $20.
It's time for
Spark Ventures' annual wine tasting bash, so hopefully tix are still left. The walkaround event happens at
Hafele (154 W. Hubbard St.), with more than 15 wines to sample and paired with light appetizers. The nonprofit Chicago-based Spark Ventures helps vulnerable children around the world. 5:30-8:30pm. $85.
FRIDAYYou cannot get any sexier than this:
Underground unveils
The St. Germain Cocktail tonight. So instead of doing the typical bottle service, indulge in this experience that includes the decadent liqueur by the carafe for $75 (serves six). Do it on the rocks, and for an additional $50, they'll throw in a bottle of bubbly. 10pm-4am.
Valentine's Day weekend wouldn't be the same without a party from
HotHouse. They're transforming the upper level of
Fizz into
HotLoft, featuring global music by deejays
Seth Hitsky and
Vanessa Beck. The first 50 guests get a free glass of bubbly and handmade candles. 8pm-3am. $5.
Underground unveils The St. Germain Cocktail this weekend. (Photo: Underground)
SATURDAYYet another sultry set happens at
Sinha Elegant Cuisine, with authentic, all-you-can-eat Brazilian cuisine and live Latin music. It's BYOB, so bring your best bottle of bubbly. Stick around for the dance party led by one of the top Brazilian dancers in the city. 6:30pm. $30.
If you're looking for a new friend
instead of a new love, head to
Bon V for the casting party for season two of
Paris Hilton's "MY New BFF." Even though the ditzy heiress will likely not be there, she'll have her scouts from MTV looking for the best candidates. Oh, and fellas, a ton of single women have already RSVPed, so it's something to think about if you're rolling solo. 9pm-3am. $20.
SUNDAYServers in skimpy Catholic school uniforms. Bottomless Bloody Marys. And pancakes twice the size of your head. That's the theme for the indulgent new
Sunday School brunch service at
ajasteak on the first floor of the
dana hotel. Now that's the perfect way to start off the week! 10am-3pm. Everything's a la carte.
MONDAYDo some good in the Wicker Park 'hood by helping
Between Boutique Café & Lounge pick out its new spring wine list. Hosted by
Heritage Wine, the event includes a number of promising vino paired with sweet and savory bites by Executive Chef
Radhika Desai, who was also a contestant on the current season of
"Top Chef." 6-8pm. Free.
