Night out: Visit Middle Earth this Saturday

Journey with Montreal’s Theatre Sans Fil to J.R.R. Tolkein’s Middle Earth, as the company performs “The Hobbit,” the wonderful adventure of Bilbo Baggins on his epic journey to a new level of wisdom, staged as a marvelous adaptation with 48 giant puppets bringing to life Bilbo, Gandalf, Gollum, a 25-foot dragon and others.

Chicago food news and views from around the Web

We check out all the best foodie news from Chicago restaurant chefs and others….

Chef Grant Achatz of Alinea in Lincoln Park recounts his experience judging the Bocuse d’Or culinary competition, where competitors included Jennifer Petrusky, a sous chef at Charlie Trotter’s. He ponders whether the international contest could become a reality show, like “Top Chef [...]

The 12 plays of Christmas

Our guide to Chicagoland holiday theater, cheery Christmas entertainment for children, families and adults, across the city and suburbs.

Madam Barker Holiday Variety Show, Prop Thtr, Avondale, 11 p.m. Fridays, December 4 and 11, $10. (tickets).
Madam Barker, John Fournier and a cast of Chicago magicians, musicians, comedians, dancers, the Barker Dames and 500 Clown for an [...]

30 years of Happy Meals

The Happy Meal is 30.
Youngsters who munched the meals back in 1979 likely buy them for their own kids today.
The iconic McDonald’s children’s meal with a toy began in June 1979, the brainchild of a Missouri regional ad manager. The original meals included a hamburger or cheeseburger, fries, cookies, a soft drink, puzzles and games. [...]