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| Wednesday, February 4 | |  | 27° F | / |  | 17° F |
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Hey Chicago! Jeff Tweedy likes his Italian ice with chocolate chips. In a recent TV profile, the Wilco frontman takes a stroll through Irving Park and stops at Miko’s (my alma mater) for a treat: “Don’t postpone happiness,” Tweedy says while taking a bite. |
| While it’s not Italian ice weather yet, there are many ways to find joy in Chicago right now. Today’s newsletter is packed with ideas to engage in winter revelry 👇 |
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| What Chicago's Talking About | Marimar Martinez Details Getting Shot by Feds | Marimar Martinez, the woman shot five times by Border Patrol in Brighton Park, says she’ll fight to hold federal agents accountable. In addition to testifying in Washington D.C., she’s trying to get footage of the shooting released. “I am their voice,” Martinez said, referring to Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by agents in Minnesota. [WBEZ] | | | Chicago’s Best 24-Hour Restaurants | Whether you’re recovering after a night out or a night shift, Chicago has 24-hour restaurants in every corner of the city. On today’s podcast, the City Cast Chicago team discusses their favorite restaurants with 24-hour service. [City Cast Chicago 🎧] |
| | New Movie Focuses on Chicago's West Side | In theaters now, “Moses The Black” transports the story of the Orthodox saint Moses to the present day West Side. It’s produced by 50 Cent and stars Quavo, Wiz Khalifa, Omar Epps, and Deontay Wilder. [Block Club] |
| Indie Music Venues Aren't Profiting | Although Chicago’s live indie music scene is bustling, it’s not generating much profit. Due to rising artist fees, taxes, and operating costs, just one in four venues is profitable. Meanwhile, indie music venues contribute billions to the local economy and employ 17,000 people. [Sun-Times] | |
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| Where to Engage in Winter Revelry | | Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter … Woodstock Willie did not. Since we’re optimists — and “Groundhog Day” was filmed in Woodstock — we’re going with Willie. |
| So get out there and have some winter fun before it’s too late! |
| Skating | Ice skating at Millennium Park has ended for the season, but there are plenty of other places to skate outdoors: | - Also in the Loop, the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon is open through early March, but make sure you reserve a spot in advance! Skate rentals there are pricier than at other parks, about $17.
- Find skating at Warren Park, Midway Plaisance, and Mount Greenwood Park through Feb. 17. Skate rentals are $7.
- In Wrigleyville, Gallagher Ice Rink hosts skating lessons through Feb. 15 and, on Feb. 6, a “Wicked”-themed skate night. Rink access costs $6 and skate rentals cost $16.
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| Sledding | While you can’t exactly hit the slopes in Chicago, you can hit plenty of beloved park hills: | |
| There’s a chance of snow tonight and tomorrow! |
|  | Curling at the Gwen Hotel. (Courtesy of Gene Yoon) |
| Curling, Hot-Tubbing, and Bumper-Car-ing | I recently regaled you with tales from my hot-tub adventure down the Chicago river … Chicago Boat Company runs its hot tub boats rain (or snow) or shine as long as temps stay above 20 degrees. A weeknight ride costs about $50 per person. |
| If you’re more for chills than thrills, though, there’s Gwen’s Winter Curl & Chill at the Gwen Hotel. Curling on the hotel’s rooftop terrace runs through March and costs $25 per person. Fondue costs extra, but you gotta do ‘due! (Valentine’s Day is, unsurprisingly, booked up.) |
| Meanwhile, Winterland at Gallagher Way continues. Christmas may be long over, but you can still play ice bocce ($150 per group) or rent ice bumper cars ($10), as well as skate, outside of Wrigley Field through Feb. 15. |
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