Tall Ships Chicago

Through Sunday at Navy Pier; $9-$19

Find ships of all shapes and sizes, but mostly big, pirate-like vessels rolling in on Lake Michigan this weekend. In addition to boarding the ships, there are also plenty of kids activities on Navy Pier.

Phenomenal Phantasmagoria

Through Saturday at Excalibur; $20

The best way to describe this performance is freaks, aerialists and burlesque artists, putting on a show in a nightclub shaped like a castle. "Phenomenal Phantasmagoria" comes with a Vegas-sized load of glitz and kitsch, but its ingredients are 100 percent pure Chicago. Don't miss guest artists like sleek, sly stripper Lady Jack or world-conquering show-woman Madam Barker (aka punk clown goddess Molly Brennan).

Bucktown Arts Fest

Friday-Saturday at Senior Citizen's Park; free

Fight the (gentrification) powers that be with a hearty roster of local bands, art, performances and local food. The event has drawn upwards of 30,000 people to the Senior Citizens Park (at the corner of Oakley and Lyndale) in recent years. Not just because it takes place in a park is this event grassroots; unlike many such fairs in the city, put on by commercial production companies, volunteers proudly run the fun.

The Original Wailers

8 p.m. Friday at Beverly Arts Center; $25-$27

Although this may not be the Wailers we all remember, this incarnation has proven that they have the ability to continue the traditions laid down by the legendary Bob Marley. Session players Junior Marvin and Al Anderson, who both appeared on Natty Dread and Exodus, have done a masterful job of reinterpreting Bob’s classic work, yet they still manage to honor his integrity by not straying too far from the original compositions.

Taste of Greece

Noon-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday in Greektown; free

Find Greek food (gyros, saganaki, lamb chops, baklava), music (from the Hellenic Five and Hellas 2000), belly dancing, the Jesse White Tumblers, kids' activities and more on Halsted Street in Greektown. Plus, you can learn the sirtaki (it's a dance) and possibly win a free trip to Greece.

Chicago writer Jill Pollack founded Story Studio Chicago the year she turned 40. “Maybe it was my own little mid-life crisis,” she says, “but I closed a different business and decided to devote myself to my fiction writing.”

Noting a fiction community deficit, Pollack dove into creating a resource for writers of all levels. Seven years later, primed to embark on a new semester, Jill answers a few questions for Our Town.

Here are some recent Chicago restaurant (and bar) openings and closings.

OPEN:
Pour Drinks & Eats -- Joe Parra, the general manager of this Lakeview spot, took the garden concept up a notch with moody lighting, cozy seating, flat screens and a thought-out menu of affordable fare.
FreshBerry -- Yet another frozen-yogurt chain has set up shop in Chicago, this time in Streeterville.
Donatella Mediterranean Bistro -- Donatella Majore, owner of the now-closed La Cucina di Donatella, is back for more, opening this Mediterranean-inspired spot in Evanston.
Jimmy Green's Bar & Grill -- This self-described "all-American sports bar" serves up everything from pizza to hummus in the South Loop.
City Provisions Deli -- Gourmet catering company City Provisions (headquartered just up the street) offers up gourmet sandwiches, sides and a small selection of groceries at this shop.
Ojo de Agua Taqueria -- Get tacos, burritos and quesadillas on handmade tortillas at this taqueria on the border of Bucktown and Logan Square.
Kim & Scott's Cafe Twist -- The folks behind frozen-food brand Kim and Scott's Gourmet Pretzels now have a storefront restaurant to call their own.

CLOSING:
Marche -- Got a steak frites craving? Better get there fast. The French West Loop spot plans to close its doors on June 13.

CLOSED:
Martini Park -- No more adults will be playing at this River North lounge.
Sugar Syndicate -- One third of Lincoln Square's "Sweet Collective" has come down from its sugar high.
Purple Haze – The Northwestern-themed bar didn't last long in what seems to be a cursed space in Lakeview. The new inhabitant: Beer.
Shallots Bistro -- Apparently, gourmet kosher fare wasn't for everyone.
Shrimp Walk -- The Highwood Thai spot remains open for private parties.
Viet Bistro -- The Rogers Park restaurant stayed classy 'til the end.
En*Thai*Ce -- Andersonville just lost a favorite pad see eiw purveyor.

Check back here every week for more openings and closings, and be sure to check out Centerstage Chicago's lists of new restaurants and bars.

Too White Crew represents on Saturday at Lakeview Mayfest

Lakeview Mayfest
Friday-Sunday at 3100 N. Ashland Ave.; $5
Kick off the festival season with this 17th annual event, held in a big tent on Ashland. Saturday afternoon features Kids Day America, where the tent area is turned into a big playground. Sunday is the Mayfest Pet Parade, featuring contests like "Best Looking," "Largest," and "Owner Look-A-Like." At night, the music takes over, as local festival staples Too White Crew, Hairbangers Ball (Saturday) and Mike & Joe (Sunday) hit the stage.

We're always keeping you posted on what to see and do in the city with our daily "3 Things" feature -- but there's so much going on, we sometimes fail to turn the spotlight on the awesome food and drink events occurring daily. Hope you saved some room, because here are a few extra helpings:

Ommegang Beer and BBQ
6-9 p.m. at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap; $25
Sample some craft Belgian-style ales (including Ommegang Witte, Hennepin, Belgian Pale Ale) along with some BBQ bites (mini brisket sandwiches, pulled pork, Memphis smoked chicken) at this all-you-can eat tasting event.

Maker's Mark Bourbon Dinner
7 p.m. at The Tasting Room; $50
Tonight's three-course meal at this West Loop hangout features pairings of bourbon cocktails with each dish. You'll begin with wattleseed-rubbed venison carpaccio with toasted pine nuts and aged balsamic vinegar (drink: Maker's Mark, Tahitian vianilla and wattleseed nectar with blood orange bitters and tupelo honey). Then comes the Pork Belly Smoker with red onion and piave au gratin and Riesling apple sauce (drink: Maker's Mark, cedar smoked key lime and fresh mint nectar, mint sprig muddle, ginger ale float). Finally, take on a bone-in ribeye served with a grilled shrimp skewer, blue cheese Maker's Mark demi-glace and crispy shallots (drink Maker's Mark, Georgia peach and tarrago nectar, honeysuckle bitters). For reservations, call (312) 942-1313.

Spring Wines
7-9 p.m. at Feast (Bucktown); $20
The Bucktown spot's final tasting of the season features spring wines like muscadet, pinot noir and zinfandel. Cleanse your palate and then enjoy some of the world-spanning cuisine that's helped the restaurant along to two (soon to be three) city locations.

Chicago Craft Beer Week Kickoff Party
6 p.m. at Map Room; free
Prepare for a week full of crafty fun at this fully stocked beer bar, which will host several brewers for this kick-off event. There'll also be a raffle of bottles of Stone Brewing's rare Symposium Ale at 8 p.m.

Patrick Watson
8 p.m. at Schubas
It's hard to pin down this experimental, eclectic Canadian singer-songwriter -- he's played alongside everyone from James Brown to The Cinematic Orchestra (check out his lovely cabaret-pop turn on "To Build a Home"). But if you value creativity, and enjoy artists like Andrew Bird and Nick Drake, you surely won't be bored.

The Gay American
7:30 p.m. at the side project; $10
Former New Jersey governor James McGreevey's rise and fall in this farcical docudrama, which focuses on the impact his admission of a homosexual affair had on those around him -- from his wife and daughter to his ambitious aide.

If you thought last month's Craft Brewers Conference was as good as it would get for Chicago beer geeks this year, think again. The first annual Chicago Craft Beer Week kicks off on Monday, with a whole lot of brew-centric events on the agenda. Too many, in fact, for us to run down here, but we'll point out a few that caught our eye (and you can check out the rest in the official schedule):

• Monday, May 17: Kickoff Party at the Map Room. Given its already robust list of craft brews, we're betting that you'll be able to find a who's who of the craft-brewing world hanging out here to toast what should be a fun week.
• Wednesday, May 19: Rare Chicago Beer Night at Small Bar Fullerton. If you think you're an expert in the local beer scene, you'll want to refresh your palate with these unusual brews from the likes of Three Floyds, Half Acre, Two Brothers and more.
• Saturday, May 22: The Fourth Annual Beerfly Alleyfight at Rock Bottom Brewery. This pairing of homebrewed beer, home-cooked food and homegrown art (from the Drinking & Writing Brewery) is something to behold...and participate in. Buy tickets ($30) here.

Spring Into Funny Ha-Ha
7 p.m. at Hideout; $5 donation
AV Club maven and YA author Claire Zulkey hosts a grab-bag evening with a comic bent. Funny Ha Ha will feature readings, performances, and short films by local luminaries like Steve Gadlin ("Impress These Apes") and longstanding improv troupe Schadenfreude. At the Hideout, the warmest, coziest, hippest venue to ever be stranded in the middle of an industrial wasteland.

Murs
9 p.m. at Lincoln Hall; $13-$15
With his blunt, matter-of-fact demeanor, LA-based MC, Murs, has become one of the most dynamic artists around. His personality alone is enough to handle hosting duties at the always-raucous Rock The Bells and Paid Dues (a festival he also co-sponsors), and it's what keeps his name constantly circulating amongst loyal hip-hop followers. His resume includes an album with famed producer 9th Wonder ("Fornever") and a soon-to-be-released project entitled "The Melrose." His forthcoming album will be a bridge of sorts between his underground roots and his affinity for mainstream West Coast rap, which will be an unexpected (but welcome) change from what fans have heard in past years. Expect this show to explore his creative past, present and future.

Drinking In Your History
6-8 p.m. at Green Door Tavern; $25
Chicago Bar Project's Sean Parnell, author of Historic Bars of Chicago, will visit one of the oldest bars in the city for a talk about, well, historic bars. In addition to the enlightening discussion (which will take place in the bar's usually-closed speakeasy room), the admission price includes two drinks, appetizers, a copy of the book and a one-year Preservation Chicago membership.

Here are some recent Chicago restaurant (and bar) openings and closings.

OPEN:
Manee Thai -- The popular Thai spot rises from the ashes, returning to Avondale after a fire.
The Vault -- This "upperground lounge" above Vivo offers cocktails, personal pizzas and more in an old bank vault.
Blue Frog 22 -- Kick back and have some fun at this River North spinoff of the popular Blue Frog Bar & Grill that looks more like a basement rec room. Board games and karaoke rule this bar.
Sushi Para M -- The Sushi Para all-you-can-eat sushi empire moves into Bucktown with this new BYOB location on Milwaukee.
Deca Restaurant + Bar -- The Ritz-Carlton opened this new restaurant with brasserie-inspired cuisine.
Cloud 9 -- This Taiwanese "snow ice" spot in Lakeview serves what can be described as a mix between ice cream and shaved ice, with fresh fruit and fruit purees.

CLOSING:
Tizi Melloul -- You've only got another week to get Middle Eastern fare in a modern environment, as this River North staple closes May 15.

CLOSED:
Follia -- West Loop Italian spot had great food, but not enough crowds.
Bar Louie (Little Italy) -- Don't worry, there are plenty of other locations to visit in the area.
Paris Cafe -- The short-lived River North spot was replaced by the generically named Chicago Bar & Grill.

Check back here every week for more openings and closings, and be sure to check out Centerstage Chicago's lists of new restaurants and bars.

Single City is a twice-weekly blog about the Chicago dating scene written by Sun-Times Media Wire reporter Sally Ho. Got a question? Email her!

Here's a round up of the 10 best, worst and most hilarious verbal exchanges I've been blessed to witness/be a part of lately:

"You don't look like a girl who smokes. It just -- just makes ya look uneducated." -- Following a bit of flirtation inside the bar, an ex-smoker is approached by the same suitor while giving in to a cigarette outside of the Boundary.

"Look at him, he's got that weird ass hair, and [a] gap tooth and you, you've got a nice smile." -- A declaration of adoration by a man to a woman his friend is seeing. Let's just call it TUI (talking under the influence).

"He's not lying. We're all married, so we're not hitting on you, but you are without a doubt the prettiest woman. (Looks around) By. Far." -- A group of married med students backing up their single friend's claim to a woman at Gamekeepers.

"You're, like, perfect. You talk like a white girl, but you still have that sexy Asian body." --The "friend" (in this case, an ignorant Texas Republican) of a girlfriend's date (taking one for the team) at Wicker Park Tavern. YIKES!

"I usually don't think Asian girls are hot, but..." -- In the midst of St. Paddy's Day fun.

"I don't know how anyone dates without booze really." -- My unromantic friend, Rusty.

"She likes her space and time, whereas I'd just like her to be over all the time." -- Rusty, again, but this time gushing about an unaffectionate woman he likes.

"I'm old, can I sit next to you???" --Said to a 20-something woman approached by a man in his 40s while dining on the free pizzas at Crocodile.

Woman: "I'm going on a boy-detox".
Man: "I'm going to OD on chicks."
--Best friends recounting their weekend of dating and mating.

"I was really looking forward to this when you said 'later tator.'" -- At a first-date brunch at Feast following a week of flirty emails.

Soup and bread. A simple concept, but who knew it would be so popular? The weekly fundraising event has had a great run at the Hideout, but it looks like tonight's installment will be its last.

As if that weren't enough reason to check it out, here's another: Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's will be one of several soup chefsa special guest tonight. There will also be pie to close things out on a sweet note. The food is free as always, though a donation hat will be passed, this time to benefit Ravenswood Community Services. 5:30-8 p.m.

If you haven't already registered for this week's Craft Brewers Conference (April 7-10 at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers), you're pretty much out of luck, although a few events do remain open according to the website.

But who needs to sit through a bunch of boring meetings when you can enjoy the craft where it counts -- in a bar! Several of the city's favorite brewpubs and restaurants are offering special deals this week in honor of so many beer enthusiasts being in town. Here's what we've found so far:

Avec will be taking reservations for Tuesday's five-course beer dinner including selections from Brasserie Dubuisson and Vanberg & Dewulf (dining begins at 3:30 p.m.; $50 for food, $25 for pairings).

Longman & Eagle hosts a five-course dinner with pairings from Stone Brewing Co. on Tuesday, with brewery CEO Greg Koch on hand from 5-6:30 p.m. to answer questions. The $55 pairing menu will be available alongside the regular menu all night long.

The Publican celebrates with a week full of events, including a four-course Two Brothers beer dinner (5:30-10:30 p.m. tonight); late-night (10:30 p.m.-1 a.m.) beer specials on Wednesday (Dogfish Head, Stone, Three Floyds) and Thursday (Allagash, Avery, The Lost Abbey); and a beer dinner with pairings from New Holland and New Belgium from 5:30-10:30 p.m. on Friday.

Quenchers Saloon will offer brews from Shelton Brothers (6 p.m. Tuesday), Urthel (7 p.m. Wednesday) and Lion, Plank, Belgoo and Cucapa (4-7 p.m. Friday).

The Map Room has a full week of tasting events featuring Duvel (tonight, 5 p.m.), New Belgium (Tuesday, 9:30 p.m.), Capital Brewery (Wednesday, 5 p.m.), Flossmoor Station (Thursday, 5 p.m.) and Great Lakes Brewing Co. (Friday, 5 p.m.). Brewmasters will be attending many of the events.

Jake Melnick’s offers Lagunitas' Chicago Fusion brew from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, and all Metropolitan beers on Friday from 6-9 p.m.

Small Bar's Division Street location will host a rare beer tasting event beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday; brews include Boulder Oak Aged Mojo IPA, Bear Republic Porter, Great Divide Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti and more. Or head to the newer Fullerton location for a similar event including Moylan's Old Blarney Barleywine, Two Brothers Oak Aged Bare Tree and more. Lagunitas Fusion Ale will also be available during the conference.

Deleece Grill Pub hosts a four-course dinner ($50) with beer pairings from Hoppin' Frog Brewery on Thursday at 7 p.m.

Brasserie Jo's four-course menu (4-9 p.m. Thursday; $49) includes beers from Ommegang and Duvel.

Rodan pairs with Surly Brewing Co. for a four-course dinner on Thursday (7 p.m.; $50).

Hopleaf hosts Fritz Maytag from Anchor Brewing Co. on Friday at 6 p.m. The free event includes tastings of beer, cheese, spirits and wine.