Culture | Jan. 2025
THE BUZZ: JANUARY 2025
By Erin Donaldson
Climbing, one of the short films being featured at Mountainfilm on Tour
DINNER AND A MOVIE
Mountainfilm on Tour and Winterfest return to Gorton Center on January 24 and 25. Join friends and neighbors for two days of inspiring films, handpicked from Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. Before and after viewing, get the full mountain experience by diving into the festive atmosphere of Winterfest, a free event included with Mountainfilm on Tour tickets. Snuggle into Gorton’s Après Ski Lodge for live acoustic music, craft libations, and food trucks serving up delicious bites. gortoncenter.org
DOZIN’ WITH THE DINOS
What could be more fun than hanging out with a dinosaur while in your pajamas? Not much! This winter, families with kids ages 6 to 12 can spend the night at the Field Museum during “Dozin’ with the Dinos.” Kids stay up late with scientists as the museum comes to life in games, challenges, and stories. Adventures include dissecting animal pellets, identifying animal tracks, and uncovering fossils, all with the help of one of the Field Museum’s dinosaurs. Later, guests are invited to grab a flashlight and explore the halls as the lights go out. fieldmuseum.org
LUCKY US
The coolest speakeasy on the North Shore—Lucky Duck—is now tucked into The Gallery in Lake Forest. Modeled after Izakaya, a Japanese-style pub where drinks and food share importance, Lucky Duck encourages guests to enjoy their own entree, or share smaller dishes for the table. Think Green Curry Shrimp with slow roasted pineapple and plantain, Korean Beef Skewers with charred broccolini, and Lamb Rack with five spice carrots and pistachio pesto. Cozy, moody, and designed for the foodie, Lucky Duck makes the perfect, local gathering place. Open Wednesdays through Saturdays after 4 p.m. thegallerylf.com
SET INTENTIONS
Looking for direction in the new year? Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s award-winning Waldorf Astoria Chicago Spa has introduced several tailored group wellness offerings centered around spa, mindfulness, and movement. Enjoy a multi-sensory welcome amenity inspired by the spa’s Sense Bath Ritual. For relaxing and restorative experiences, groups can book an assortment of specialized treatments including the Calming Slumber Jet Lag Recovery Treatment, Waldorf Signature Massage and Himalayan Salt Stone Massage. In-suite treatments are available for guests. hilton.com/en/hotels/chiwawa-waldorfastoria-chicago/spa
COOK COZY
Mega-bestselling author Tieghan Gerard returns with her fourth cookbook, Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy, collection of more than 120 recipes focused on simple ingredients. This invaluable tome leans into the comfort food she’s known for, but with an eye toward getting it ready in a hurry. With many recipes doable in one pot or pan, and most ready in under forty-five minutes, this is the best resource for turning out delicious, nourishing dinners between piano and swim team any night of the week. Everyone who has resolved to cook more and take out less needs this beautiful cookbook. Barnes & Noble Oakbrook Center, barnesandnoble.com
GAME TIME
Suddenly, everyone is playing mahjong. This beloved pastime fosters friendships and strengthens the brain by encouraging pattern recognition and problem solving. A game more of skill than luck, mahjong requires both strategy and cooperation. There are also natural breaks between games that are ideal for conversing with tablemates. It might be time to pick up a set of tiles and learn the rules.
