🫘 Week 2: Spilled Beans!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR NEWSLETTER! And a big surprise!
Good morning, Cool Beans!
Did you know that next week our newsletter turns one? To celebrate this milestone, we have a super surprise gift for you! Scroll all the way down to find out what it’s all about—but before that, read our first sip, our other noteworthy news, and our weekly events selection. Enjoy! 🎉
Find Simona’s coolest picks for Chicago, this week:
🤤 If you are craving something new: Last week we tried Kayao with our girlfriends, a Peruvian restaurant that immediately makes an impression with its refined, welcoming space and a menu that truly delivers on quality. The food was excellent across the board—thoughtful flavors, great presentation, and ingredients that clearly speak for themselves. We tried the arroz with mariscos, various types of ceviche, the octopus, and the guacamole, and everything was excellent. It’s the kind of place you choose for a special dining experience rather than a casual night out. The only real downside is the price point: Kayao is definitely on the expensive side, which can make it less accessible for regular visits, but for a splurge-worthy meal, it delivers.
🕺🏻 If your feet can’t stop (won’t stop) moving like Michael Jackson: Sepp, a Romanian DJ and electronic music producer known for his hypnotic minimal and tech‑house sets, is coming to Smoke & Mirrors in Chicago on Saturday, January 17th. The night starts at 10 PM, with support from Moorhaus and Alex Delgado. Known for his groove‑driven sound and performances at clubs and festivals worldwide, Sepp promises an unforgettable night of dancing and great music in one of Chicago’s most intimate venues. Tickets here!
🎤 If live music is your vibe: On Saturday, January 17, Chicago indie rockers Motel Breakfast take over Sleeping Village at 9:00 PM. Known for their energetic shows and catchy, heartfelt songs, they’ve been winning fans since 2017. We’ve never seen them live—this is the perfect chance to experience the band up close in an intimate setting.
🛋️ If the couch (or the armchair) is calling your name: Thinking about going to an Improvised Shakespeare Company show this weekend? In Chicago, this long-running, hilarious improv theatre group creates completely unscripted Shakespeare-style plays on the spot. Each show starts with an audience suggestion — usually a play title that doesn’t exist — and the cast makes up characters, plots, and witty Elizabethan dialogue as they go. The result is a fresh, funny take on the Bard, full of clever wordplay, dramatic twists, and plenty of laughs, making it one of Chicago’s favorite comedy experiences. Tickets here!
🎭 If you feel artsy: Until March 15th On Loss and Absence: Textiles of Mourning and Survival, is on view at the Art Institute of Chicago. The exhibition is included with general museum admission and explores how textiles from around the world and across history have been used to navigate grief, honor those who have passed, and reflect resilience.
🤔 Still not feeling it? Check these others out:
Free admission days at Adler Planetarium, Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium. Check their websites for more details.
Patio Smores - Hot Cocktail Party at Sportsman’s on January 19th from 5pm to 8pm. More details here!
Our January calendar is OUT, see it here! This month, join us for a special @sofarchicago meetup with intimate live music 🎵, amazing artists, and great people.Saturday 24th in West Loop, 8:00 PM (doors open at 7:30 PM)
👉 RSVP here and follow the instructions to purchase your ticket directly through Sofar. The location will be shared the day before the event.
Whether you’re new in town or a regular at Sofar shows, this is a great way to connect through music. We can’t wait to see you there! 💕
🎉 OUR NEWSLETTER IS TURNING 1 🎉 One year of sharing the best spots, stories, and community — and we’re celebrating with a giveaway!
Win 2 tickets to @aireancientbaths 🛁💆🏼♀️
How to enter:
1️⃣ Subscribe to our newsletter (link in bio)
2️⃣ Follow @coolbeans_expatclub
3️⃣ Tag a friend in the comments
Thank you for being part of year one!!! 🧡
📷 Our Instagram page
💬 If you want to join our WhatsApp Community, please send us an e-mail with your phone number
🎵 Curated Spotify playlists
✉️ E-mail: coolbeansexpatclub@gmail.com
All typos are intentional, we are expats ;)
We wrote 3 articles in collaboration with 3 great expats around the world. Read them below!
The story of Cool Beans and our take on Community with Emanuela
We registered a podcast (in Italian) with Americanate on the wedding culture in the US from an Italian point of view. Listen here!
Get involved
Do you want to be featured in our Meet the Community video series? Or do you want to share your expat story with us? Interested in hosting an event, promoting your brand, or joining a community project? Reach out through the links above!
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