Your Chicago / CURRENTS SHOP
Marketable
There’s nothing we enjoy more than a day spent wandering between artist and vendor booths, especially when it’s time to start the process of purchasing holiday gifts. Here are some must-visit markets to add to your to-do list.
RANDOLPH ST. HOLIDAY MARKET November 23 – 24, December 14 – 15 Like an Etsy web page come to life! You’ll find tons of beautifully crafted decorative objects, fashions, art, gifts, and housewares at this monthly happening, with two holiday-themed markets in November and December. Don’t miss the local food vendors and bloody mary bar. randolphstreetmarket.com WCE HOLIDAY BAZAAR November 22 – 24 Don’t feel like driving downtown and dealing with parking? Then check out this juried gift fair in Evanston that features artists, gourmet goods, and makers of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes. Proceeds support local community grants to nonprofits, so it’s a win-win for all. wcofe.org ONE OF A KIND SHOW AND SALE December 5 – 8 This gigantic holiday sale takes over an entire floor of the Merchandise Mart every December— it’s so popular that they’ve added a smaller spring market in April—and showcases jewelers, artists, fabricators and craftspeople from all over. So whether you’re in the market for home furnishings, handwoven textiles, gourmet chocolates, hostess gifts, or a glamorous ensemble, you’re sure to find it. oneofakindshowchicago.com
34 FA L L 2019 B E T T E R
Project Excellence
The late Charlie Trotter, seminal Chicago celebrity chef and Wilmette native, may be gone, but his influence still looms large. THE TROTTER PROJECT, Chef Trotter’s philosophical legacy of excellence, purpose and service to others, is testament to the impact that he had as a mentor to both chefs and disadvantaged students. The project offer scholarships and mentorship to students who lack opportunities and resources, providing them with brighter futures. The Trotter Project has found tremendous support from both the culinary community and the general public through events such as Charlie Trotter Days and—new this year—a Beer Fest featuring many of Chicago’s top craft breweries, both held in August. Their biggest fundraiser, the 3rd Annual Excellence Gala: Women & Innovation, will be held at The Lakewood (1758 W. Lake St., Chicago) in the West Loop on Friday, Oct. 18. The event will be hosted by Trotter Project board member Deb Gross and James Beard Award–winning sommelier Belinda Chang; headlining chefs include New York City’s James Beard Award–winning pastry chef Elizabeth Falkner and chef Antonia Lofaso from LA’s Dama, Scopa Italian Roots and the Black Market Liquor Bar. thetrotterproject.org
PARTY
GLITZ
GLORIOUS CHAOS
You enter the opulent Spiegeltent ZaZou with some trepidation, because unless you’re lucky enough to have visited the original Teatro ZinZanni in Seattle (founded in 1998, it’s still going strong!) you won’t truly know what to expect. Here’s what’s on the menu: Love, Chaos, and Dinner. World-class aerialists, acrobats, comedians, and vocalists combine to produce three hours of pure entertainment—although, fair warning, it isn’t really suitable for younger children. The delicious four-course dinner (or brunch) is designed by Debbie Sharpe, the Chicago dining world’s “Goddess.” Join the fun by buying one of the steam punk–inspired masks or glitzy costume jewelry offered in the spacious lobby area, further decked out with a Champagne station and gorgeous full bar. The next version of the show will debut Oct. 3, and the whole space can be rented for events of up to 330 guests. It’s the coolest fete in town. zinzanni.com/chicago/
TOP: GALDONES PHOTOGRAPHY
SOFA ART + DESIGN FAIR October 31 – November 3 The Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design Fair at Navy Pier follows on the heels of last year’s smash, the largest, most well-attended, and successful SOFA ever. This annual 3-D art and design fair sees an average of 80 elite dealers selling $15 – $20 million in artwork to 35,000+ attendees. Truly a spectacle. sofaexpo.com