STAGE BITES: The Weekly Dining & Drinking Guide

Drake performs Wednesday and Thursday at the Chicago Theater.


Every Tuesday look for the week's top performances paired with the best deals before and/or after the show:

Drake at Chicago Theater. It looks like this R&B star/actor's career has taken off like lightening, and he may have Chris Brown's downfall to thank for that. 2010 has definitely been one hell of a year for Drake, who released his debut studio album ("Thank Me Later") and collaborated with hip-hop royalty: Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Kanye West, Eminem and Jay-Z on a number of songs. This is one of the most highly anticipated shows of the year. Opening act is Tyga. 8pm Wednesday, Thursday. Get tickets here. The official after-party goes down at The Shrine, and Drake is confirmed to attend.

Petterino's: We're expecting theWit hotel's Roof lounge to be absolutely off the hook right before the show, so if you want a little downtime with ultra-classic cocktails, this is your spot. The bar fills up quickly post-work, but you should be able to easily squeeze in. Proximity to venue: Two-minute walk.

Rebar: The Trump hotel's mezzanine is an ideal respite if you're not down with the after-party in the South Loop. And what perfect timing: They've just unveiled a new cocktail and sushi menu for fall. Highlights include the Red Dragon (spicy blend of jalapeño-infused Ketel One vodka and fresh raspberry puree, accented with fresh lime) and Emeralds by Ivanka (classic green apple and kiwi sensation superfruit, fine teas, ty·ku liqueur, Don Julio blanco and fresh sour mix) cocktails as well as a number of specialty maki rolls, including soft-shell crab and sweet potato mango. Proximity to venue: Eight-minute walk.

State and Lake: I've already said that this was my perfect fall bar, where you can hide out and drink from an enormous list of microbrews without drama. Order the burger and fries to share with a couple of friends. Proximity to venue: Two-minute walk.


English-based duo Massive Attack performs Friday at The Riv.


K'Naan at Park West. When I asked renowned Chicago Tribune music critic Greg Kot whether he thought this show by the 32-year-old Somali-Canadian would be any good, he simply responded: "You should see K'Naan at all costs." The hip-hop/world music entertainer hit the mainstream when his "Wavin' Flag" song became the official anthem of the 2010 World Cup. 8:30pm Friday. Get tickets here.

Gemini Bistro: A $31 three-course, prix-fixe menu is 5-6:30pm nightly at this trendy neighborhood joint. Must-gets include the risotto with roasted mushrooms, signature burger, and Amish chicken that comes with crispy breast, braised thigh and mashed potatoes. Proximity to venue: Five-minute walk.

Perennial: The fall menu's looking pretty impressive at this sceney corner spot run by Executive Chef Ryan Poli. Highlights certain to warm you up include an 18-hour braised Becker Lane Organic pork belly made with local peaches, heirloom tomato panzanella and blueberry gastrique as well as foie gras-crusted scallops. Proximity to venue: Five-minute walk.

Stanley's: Always comfy with a Southern-style setting, Stanley's does an all-you-can-eat catfish dinner every Friday for $10.95. They're also doing $5 Stoli cocktails, so you'll be all ready for the show. Proximity to venue: Two-minute walk.


The Green Mill is open until 4am Friday (5am Saturdays), so it's ideal for a late-night rendezvous in Uptown.


Massive Attack at The Riviera. The English-based duo has been around for more than 20 years, helping to establish trip-hop as a genre not to be taken lightly. A new project, "Atlas Air," is due out any day now, but we'll always love them for 1994's "Protection." 8:30pm Friday. Get tickets here.

Demera: Dine messob, the traditional Ethiopian communal dining experience, in order to sample several items from the menu, including lamb, beef, chicken and salmon. Choose from vegetarian messob ($25.95 for six portions for two); meat massob ($28.95 for six portions for two); or family style so four to five people can chow down for only $14.50 per person. Proximity to venue: Five-minute walk.

The Green Mill: After the show, head to the legendary jazz spot known for showcasing traditional beats, including be-bop, straight-ahead and vocals. Proximity to venue: Five-minute walk.

Silver Seafood: You'll find mostly Chinese-speaking families at this old-school spot that's been around for awhile, which means that it's really good! There are about a thousand things on the menu, and everything's moderately priced. Proximity to venue: Five-minute walk.