🫘 Week 74: Spilled Beans!
Our June Calendar is out!
Good morning, Cool Beans!
How are we feeling after the first real summer weekend in Chicago? We spent a few days in NYC, ate far too much, and walked even more! In the meantime, it’s somehow already June, and our monthly event is finally out. We can’t wait to see many of you there. There’s something about June in Chicago that makes us want to say yes to every patio, festival, concert, and spontaneous plan. The city is officially awake again, and this week’s selection is packed with reasons to get out and enjoy it.
Find Simona’s coolest picks for Chicago, this week:
Tag us on Instagram if you try any of the recommendations below!
🤤 If you are craving something new: Last week we were in NYC so we didn’t get the chance to try new spots in Chicago, but one of our closest friends went to Noriko—the handroll bar tucked in the basement of Perilla—and she absolutely loved it. The menu is à la carte, with handrolls and shareable appetizers that make it easy to just order a bunch and pass things around. She started with the edamame dip with crispy seaweed chips (which disappeared pretty quickly), followed by the award-winning oysters that really lived up to the hype. The surprise of the night was the lychee martini—fresh, perfectly balanced, and honestly unforgettable. If you’re looking for a cozy spot for seafood and cocktails, Noriko is definitely worth checking out.
🕺🏻 If your feet can’t stop (won’t stop) moving like Michael Jackson: This weekend, Beyond Wonderland takes over the Huntington Bank Pavilion, and we couldn’t be more excited to see LP Giobbi perform. One of the most uplifting artists in electronic music right now, LP Giobbi has built a loyal following thanks to her infectious energy, feel-good house tracks, and live piano performances that make every set feel special. If you're heading to the festival, make sure to catch her set—you’ll be dancing with a smile on your face the entire time. Click here for tickets!
🎤 If live music is your vibe: Next Monday, June 8, James Blake will take over The Three Top Lounge as part of his Trying Times tour. The British singer, songwriter, and producer has built a devoted following thanks to his unique blend of electronic music, soul, R&B, and hauntingly beautiful vocals. Known for creating intimate and emotional live performances, Blake's shows feel just as powerful as they do personal. Whether you've followed his music for years or are discovering him for the first time, this is a rare chance to see one of the most distinctive artists of the past decade in a unique Chicago setting. Click here for tickets!
🛋️ If the couch (or the armchair) is calling your name: Now that summer is finally here, we spend very little time in front of the TV and usually save our screen time for something light and easy to watch. That's why Off Campus recently caught our attention. Set in the world of college life, the show follows a group of students navigating friendships, dating, and all the chaos that comes with being in your twenties. It's funny, uncomplicated, and perfect for those evenings when you're too tired to start a serious drama but still want to unwind with something entertaining.
🎭 If you feel artsy: On June 6, Perspective Gallery in Evanston will open Homesick, a new solo exhibition by photographer Kathryn Rodrigues. Through a series of self-portraits created over the past five years, Rodrigues explores themes of identity, motherhood, belonging, and the search for stability after a childhood spent moving between countries. Blending humor, vulnerability, frustration, and hope, the photographs offer an intimate reflection on what it means to build a home and put down roots after a lifetime of movement. The exhibition runs through June 28 and is well worth the short trip north for anyone who enjoys thoughtful, personal photography. Click here for more details!
🤔 Still not feeling it? Check these others out:
- FIRST FRIDAYS ART EXHIBIT on Friday 5th June at Fulton Street Collective. Click here for more details!
🌿 Our June calendar is here — and it’s a good one.
On June 27th, we will be back with another Yoga session led by the incredible Kiara, but this time we’re taking it outside. We’ll be flowing on the lakefront, then heading over to the Lincoln Park Farmers Market together to grab a snack, browse the stands, and soak in the morning.
Check out the full calendar here — you won’t want to miss it.
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