🫘 Week 18: Spilled Beans

Our past events recap are out!

Good morning, Cool Beans!

Spring might be dragging its feet, but we swear it’s coming. In the meantime, here’s a handful of events and new spots to check out. From the Chicago Vintage Festival to some great live shows, this weekend’s stacked with good stuff. Hope you find something you like!

Find the coolest picks for Chicago, this week:

• 🤤 If you are craving something new: We tried Boonies when it first opened—before Cool Beans was even a thing—and somehow almost forgot about it! Boonies is a Filipino-inspired spot serving bold, flavor-packed dishes in a laid-back setting. The vibe is cool but unpretentious—they focus on the food, and that’s what we love. Originally a pop-up by Chef Joe Fontelera, Boonies now offers creative takes on classics like lumpia, kare-kare, and adobo. We will definitely go back soon and you should as well!

• 🕺🏻 If your feet can’t stop (won’t stop) moving like Michael Jackson: This Saturday, May 10th Flow State, Green Machine, and Humboldt Arboreal Society are teaming up to bring Australian electro wizard Reptant to Chicago for the first time. He’ll be joined by local staples Shaun Lacosta-Sinclair, flower food, Josh Aaron, and Sean Taylor. It’s happening at a secret outdoor spot, and space is limited—click here to get your ticket!

• 🎤 If live music is your vibe: The Riviera Theatre will host Saint Motel this Saturday, May 10th, bringing their vibrant indie-pop energy to Chicago. They're on tour for their latest album “Saint Motel and the Symphony in the Sky”. Joining them is local favorite Brigitte Calls Me Baby, adding a hometown touch to the lineup. Click here to grab your ticket and here to listen to our favorite track!

• 🛋️ If the couch is calling your name: A couple of weeks ago, we started watching Dying for Sex on Hulu. It’s a miniseries based on a true story, starring Michelle Williams as Molly—a woman who, after a terminal cancer diagnosis, leaves her marriage to explore sex, healing, and freedom. With support from her best friend (played by Jenny Slate), the show blends humor and heartbreak in a raw, honest look at life, friendship, and taking control of your own story.

• 🎭 If you feel artsy: The Art Institute is currently hosting an intriguing exhibition: Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds. If you are passionate and curious about her life, this exhibition gives you an unique look at Kahlo’s time in Paris and her connection with Mary Reynolds. Click here for more information about schedule and to get your ticket!

• 🤔 Still not feeling it? Check these others out:

  • ​This Friday May 9th, come hang with us for Second Fridays at the Fine Arts Building—their monthly open studios night. You’ll get to explore all ten floors, meet the artists and creatives who work here, and get a real feel for the building’s history and energy. It’s a low-key, fun way to see what’s happening behind the scenes. Click here for RSVP and more info!

  • Chicago Vintage Festival is back and it will host a Mother’s Day Edition this weekend, May 10th and 11th, at the Magnificent Mile.. Expect a curated selection of vintage clothing, handmade goods, local art, and one-of-a-kind gifts—perfect for last-minute Mother’s Day shopping or just treating yourself. Grab a coffee, stroll through the booths, and support local vendors while soaking up some spring energy in the heart of the city. Check their website for more info!

• The recap of strength class at SALT Fitness it’s here!

erikamaefitness

A post shared by @erikamaefitness

• A few of our community members went to see Puma Blue at Constellation and absolutely loved our rec from last week. We had no doubt, the location is awesome and the vibe couldn’t have been anything but the coolest!

• 🎉 Our next event is OUT 🎉 and we are sooo pumped about it! It’s in collaboration with VINODIVINO, a community that creates dinner parties with wine pairing while highlighting local and expat artists. We are hosting 2 nights - Friday May 16th and Saturday May 17th - with 2 artists from Hong Kong and Chicago. It will be so fun! Grab your tickets here and don’t forget to use the COOLDISCOUNT code to get $10 off!

Here you’ll find our active promo codes:

Lori’s Shoes: COOL15, both online and in store (cannot be used with other promos and it’s limited to one order per customer)

VINODIVINO Dinner May 16th and May 17th: COOLDISCOUNT for $10 off!

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All typos are intentional, we are expats ;)

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