🫘 Week 75: Spilled Beans!
Let's finally be outdoors!
Good morning, Cool Beans!
Hope you had a good weekend and you’re getting back into the week slowly. Chicago is finally feeling like summer, and it’s the kind of weather that makes you want to be outside from morning to night. There’s a lot going on this week—movies in the park, live music, and a few fun openings—so plenty of excuses to step out and enjoy the city.
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 weekend we tried QXY Dumplings at their new Wicker Park location. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for a laid-back evening with friends or even a casual lunch during the week. Known for folding every dumpling fresh to order, QXY has earned a reputation as one of Chicago’s top destinations for Northern Chinese cuisine, and the new location makes it much easier for North Side residents to get their fix. The menu features a wide variety of handmade dumplings, from classic pork and cabbage to more unique fillings, all packed with flavor. If you're a dumpling lover, this spot is definitely worth adding to your list.
🕺🏻 If your feet can’t stop (won’t stop) moving like Michael Jackson: This Friday, June 12, RÜFÜS DU SOL is playing Wrigley Field, and it feels like one of those perfect Chicago summer nights in the making. The Australian trio has built a huge following with their mix of electronic music and live energy, especially on tracks like Innerbloom and Alive. Their shows are known for being both emotional and fully danceable, with visuals that pull you in from start to finish. With summer finally here and Wrigley as the backdrop, it’s an easy yes for a Friday night out.
🎤 If live music is your vibe: On June 6 at the Athenaeum Center, Like a Star: Celebrating 20 Years of Corinne Bailey Rae brings a special night honoring two decades of her music. From Put Your Records On to Like a Star, the set revisits the songs that made her a defining voice of the 2000s, along with deeper cuts that longtime fans will appreciate. The intimate setting of the Athenaeum makes it feel personal, almost like the songs are being shared right in front of you rather than performed on a stage. It’s a warm, nostalgic night for anyone who’s followed her journey—or just loves timeless soul music. Click here for tickets.
🛋️ If the couch (or the armchair) is calling your name: This Wednesday, June 10th, The Outsiders will be playing as part of Movies in the Park at Mary Bartelme Park. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and settle in for a relaxed summer night under the sky. The screening starts around 8 PM, so make sure to arrive a bit earlier to grab a good spot and get comfortable before it begins.
🎭 If you feel artsy: Soccer fans and art lovers have a unique reason to stop by Elise Seigenthaler Gallery this month. The Soccer Show: A Celebration Of The World Cup brings together artists exploring the world's most popular sport through painting, sculpture, and contemporary art, looking beyond the game itself to the culture, community, identity, and emotions that surround it. Whether you're a lifelong soccer supporter or simply curious about the intersection of sports and creativity, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on how the beautiful game continues to inspire artists across different mediums. Click here for more info!
🤔 Still not feeling it? Check these others out:
- Vibes on Logan on Sunday June 14th. Click here for details!- Less is More by OLIO Curated Spaces on Friday June 12th. Click here for RSVP!
- Old Town Art Fair from June 13th to June 14th. Click here for details!
Last Sunday we kicked off the summer at Sportsman's Bar for their annual Sunday BBQ Series — a weekly tradition where they invite a different restaurant's chef each time. This week featured Maxwells Trading, and it did not disappoint. If you haven't been to this restaurant yet, it's highly recommended.
See all upcoming Sunday dates here.
🌿 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. RSVP will be out soon! Stay tuned!
Check out the full calendar here — you won’t want to miss it.
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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!
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