Thursday, July 1, 2010

Set It Off in High Style This Weekend

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There’s nothing more American than helping our fellow man. And as we celebrate Independence Day this weekend, let’s not forget our family in the Gulf Coast.

The Fifty/50 caps off its second-annual National 40oz Week with a benefit for those suffering from that obnoxious oil spill.

Thankfully they're doing drink specials that won't wear out your wallet, so get ready for $5 Olde English 40oz-ers and $5 Jim Beam Red Stag bourbon shots. The Fifty's donating 100 percent of the drink special proceeds to the Greater New Orleans Foundation's Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund.

But that's not the best part of it. Chicagoland native and Super Bowl Champ Pierre Thomas of the New Orleans Saints will match that donation. The party goes down all day 10am-2am Sunday, but if you miss out on the action, here are two additional benefits for Gulf Coast aid.

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Revelers at last year's "National 40oz Week." (Photo: The Fifty/50)


More ways to celebrate the Fourth:

Andersonville Galleria: The monthly first Friday cocktail party includes discounts from select vendors, a meet and greet with some of the artists, and complimentary vino. 11am-10pm Friday. No cover.

Berghoff: The Taste of Berghoff is only a few blocks away from Taste of Chicago, so know that you have a pretty cool option this year. You'll get three traditional German dishes and dessert for $18.95 through July 10. Your tastes include Rahm Schnitzel, Sauerbraten and a buttery, homemade apple strudel.

Crocodile: Hot deejays Jesse de la Pena and Major Taylor spin at this underground Wicker Park pub. Oh, and they're tempting you to come by offering free pizza. They're working the 'tables with dub, hip-hop, Reggae, funk and soul. 8pm-2am Sunday. Free.

District Bar: Even though the U.S. is out of the World Cup, there's no reason why we shouldn't root for other countries. To celebrate diversity, the snazzy sports bar is doing an international-themed brunch with dishes like a ham & cheese tostado from Argentina; hard boiled eggs with caviar and toast from Germany; peanut butter toast with Hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles) from Netherlands; and South Carolina-style shrimp & grits from the good ole U.S. of A. Prices vary $4-$13, and they'll also show the matches on all 40 flatscreens. 9am-3pm Saturday, Sunday throughout the World Cup.

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Red, white and blue booze served as a cocktail at the Terrace at Trump. (Photo: Trump Chicago)


House of Blues: The fifth-annual Fourth of July party, hosted by Phil and Nate Productions, should be their best to date. DJ Jazzy Jeff spins, which means if you're planning to go, it's time to get those tickets now here. 9pm-4am Saturday. $25 general admission; $45 VIP tickets.

HUB 51: A portion of the proceeds from Saturday night and Sunday brunch benefit Medical Research Junior Board Foundation. Get ready for $1 American beers by the can, plus strawberry waffles, short ribs Benedict and blueberry pancakes for brunch. 10pm-3am Saturday; 10am-2pm Sunday.

J&M Tap: Hands down, the best fireworks action in the city is in the heart of the East Village. Yes, it's hipster heaven at the corner of Augusta and Leavitt, but the drinks are so cheap at this bar that you can buy a round for 10 under $20. Fireworks take place in the vacant parking lot across the street and you will not be disappointed. Starts around 9pm Sunday.

Nana: How's this for good eatin'?! Chef Guy Meikle is whipping up a house-made bratwurst burger poached in Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale and country-style fried chicken tenders throughout the holiday weekend.

Terrace at Trump: And don't forget that the city's main fireworks have moved on to Navy Pier and also take place July 4 instead of the traditional 3rd of July. You'll get a clear view from Trump's 16th floor, so we advise getting there before 9pm, when they're scheduled to go off. The celebratory cocktail for the night is the Firecracker, made with Trump vodka, muddled strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and topped with fresh vanilla whipped cream, blueberries, star fruit and an American flag. It's $15.

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