Hidden Gems

Movies in the Park
Chicago continues its annual tradition of summer cinematic fun with Movies in the Park. Each year, the city parks play host to dozens of movies on huge outdoor screens. While most know the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival in Grant Park, the movies don’t stop there. The public can also experience many other films in various neighborhood parks around the city.

The movies this year range from dramas to comedies and from classic to contemporary. Everyone is welcome for each movie, but some films may be better suited for older audiences. All movies begin at dusk and are free.

Movie-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket, since the ground provides the only seating for this event. However, many go beyond just the blanket and usual movie snacks by bringing their own picnic. While food is definitely permitted, alcohol is not allowed for these events.

Those attending should be prepared to enjoy the movie rain or shine, as cancellations occur only with severe weather.

The following dates and movies are for the 2009 Chicago Outdoor Film Festival in Grant Park:

? Tuesday, July 14: Sunset Boulevard

? Tuesday, July 21: Duck Soup

? Tuesday, July 28: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

? Tuesday, August 4: Born Yesterday

? Tuesday, August 11: Psycho

? Tuesday, August 18: Young Mr. Lincoln

? Tuesday, August 25: Tootsie

Movies in the Park is a popular summer destination for locals and tourists alike. Audiences should get there early to reserve a good spot.

For a complete listing of the movies in the neighborhood parks, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com. For more information about the movies in Grant Park, including approximate start times, visit www.chicagooutdoorfilmfestival.us.

— Megan Green

 

Via Ventuno
In a city like Chicago, where culinary expertise and creative design are worshipped like the ability to hit home runs out of Wrigley Field, there are innovative restaurateurs who generate a following over time, to the point where diners will hear the buzz and follow them loyally to their next project.

Jerry Kleiner is one of those restaurateurs. An industry trend-setter with a hand in other popular Chicago restaurants like Carnivale, Marche, Gioco, Opera and Red Light, Kleiner steps out on his own for the first time with the opening of Via Ventuno.

Translating to “Street 21” in Italian, Via Ventuno is located at Wabash and 21st Street in the regenerated South Loop neighborhood. With a focus on rustic, regional Italian cuisine, Kleiner set out to pay homage to the building’s historical roots. Once a hidden brewery — complete with a hidden tunnel you can tour — operated by Al Capone during the Prohibition era, the building was the first place Elliot Ness raided as leader of the "Untouchables" on June 13, 1930, seizing over 200,000 gallons of illegal alcohol.

Kleiner and long-time partner, Marisa Molinaro, have filled the stylish but comfortable 6,000-square-foot restaurant (formerly Room 21) with unique personal mementos, photographs and tokens from their global travels. A large garden patio that seats 120 will be a hit this summer with oversized ceramic pottery, evergreen trees, brickwork, rolled canopies and an antique stone fireplace.

In edition to choosing from a menu of authentic Italian favorites with some inventive twists, guests also have the luxury of ordering from a custom five-course chef’s tasting menu. Via Ventuno’s antipasti station in the main dining room features a selection of cured and sliced meats, olives, cheeses and grilled vegetables.

The predominantly Italian wine list boasts more than 60 selections, and 10 more are found on the “bootleg” reserve menu. The beer menu embraces the renaissance of Italian micro brews, offering selections from breweries such as Del Borgo, Baladin and Ducato.

For more information or to make reservations, call 312-328-1198 or visit www.viaventuno.com.

— Trent Modglin