EAT
Sweet everythings
Katherine Anne Confections, 2745 W. Armitage Ave. 773-727-3248
Preview 14 new handmade, limited-edition candies—including pear walnut goat cheese truffles, spicy cherry caramels and raspberry rose marshmallows—by founder and confectionista Katherine Duncan at her open house-style Spring Preview Party. To balance out the "nutrition groups," savory bites and libations also are served. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $20. RSVP required: katherine-anne.com/parties.
DIY pizza
Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar, 3358 N. Paulina St. 773-248-5222
Send the pizza delivery guy packing and try your hand at making your own instead at the Frasca Pizza Cooking Class, where you choose between margherita and pepperoni thin crust pies and then sample your results over two glasses of wine. 6:30 p.m. $30. RSVP required via phone.
DRINK
Soul food
Studio Paris at The Paris Club, 59 W. Hubbard St. 312-595-0800
Soul singer-songwriter Robin Thicke performs an acoustic set at the Chicago launch of VH1's Songwriter Music Series benefit for the Save the Music foundation, which also features an open bar with New Amsterdam gin, tequila and vodka, passed appetizers and opening sets by two local music contest winners. 6-9:30 p.m. $100. Tickets: vh1savethemusic.com.
DO
Curiouser and curiouser (free!)
Mars Gallery, 1139 W. Fulton Market 312-226-7808
Go down the rabbit hole at the opening reception of an "Alice in Wonderland"-themed exhibition of art by gallery owner Peter Mars, which also features special Alice Potion cocktails and complimentary sushi. 6-9 p.m.
Get dressed (free!)
Haberdash, 607 N. State St. 312-624-8551
Haberdash EDC, 611 N. State St. 312-646-7870
Get a taste—so to speak—of spring at the launch party for the River North menswear boutique's spring look book, "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service," which includes margarita and tequila tastings from Olmeca Altos and a complimentary look book featuring top Chicago culinary talent—including Donnie Madia of Publican Quality Meats and Dale Levitski of Frog N Snail—sporting the latest spring styles accompanied by the chefs' personal recipes. RSVP required: events@zapwater.com.
REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY
Register now for the June 9 four-course tasting menu dinner at Ethiopian Diamond: chicagourmets.org.
JULIA BORCHERTS IS A REDEYE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR. METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
