The Tapas Tango 
 
We really did have the intention of spending some time spring cleaning. But when a fabulous invitation came our way, it’s sayonara responsibility and hello opportunity!    We love delish wine, tasty food, and any excuse to wear our fabulous party dress. (Hello! We don’t spray-tan for nothing.) 
 
With spring here, The Café on the 12th floor of the Ritz Carlton downtown has revamped their menu with scrumptious new dishes from Chef Mark Payne, and fabulous new wine pairings to accent. We were recently invited to come to a “Tapas and Wine” celebration, which reminded us of our glorious and rather flirtatious days studying in Spain… just those few daydreams alone and the chance for divine tapas and wine in a high-class, highly esteemed place such as the Ritz gave us butterflies.   
 
We had such a good time that we’d like to spread the love. Ritz-Carlton Chicago Executive Chef Mark Payne's "Chef's Market Dinner Menu For 2" (value of $110) to one lucky Chicago Picks reader! Guests will enjoy a three-course menu matched with wines.  See intro for details!
 
The Café at The Ritz Carlton 
160 East Pearson St., 12th Floor 
Chicago, IL 60611 
312.266.1000 
www.fourseasons.com

Clever is as Alice Does 
 
Our best friend is also our Voice of Reason (VOR, for short). She not only listens to us on a particularly long-winded whiny premenstrual-ish day from h-e-double hockey sticks, but she always looks effing rad doing it. She is the loose low-cut tee shirt kinda girl, with skinnies and the perfectly haute shoes and bag to match.
 
She is the girl who shops at Clever Alice in Bucktown. She stocks her closet with trendy (but not too trendy) staples that look fresh even after a catrillion wears. Basically, she can wear her Saturday night bar outfit to a baby shower and she still gets the female once- over “look of approval” thing. That’s talent, y’all. So look for unusual pieces by Prairie Underground, Eternal Child, Religion, Mary Meyer, and more at Clever Alice. Find items designers all over the world, and rejoice in their frequent and amazing sales!
 
You may not be born with VOR-like super-fashion powers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn a few things from the friendly staff at Clever Alice… and their sublime stock of fashionable duds!
 
Clever Alice
1920 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773.276.2444
www.cleveralice.com

China Doll 
 
If we had it our way, we would jet-set around the world to shop, eat, and sleep in different countries whenever time allowed. But since the funds for our dream lifestyle are not quite there (yet!) we will have to fake it, which is not a bad option in a fabulous city like Chicago. 
 
Ben Pao, the renowned downtown Chinese restaurant, is celebrating their regional dinner series—every few months, they will pinpoint different regions of China and specially prepare new dishes. We decided that this would have to tide us over until we can afford our plane ticket, so we packed our bag (er, purse) to jet-set (or “El-set,” rather) to the Canton region of China (featured until June 3). Starting with ginger liqueur cocktails, complimented by soy- and ginger-braised pork chops, moving on to crispy wok-fried pepper prawns and squid, and still finding room for mouth-watering almond cookies, we left happy and full, to El-set home and sleep in our own beds.   
 
Happy traveling! 
 
Ben Pao 
52 W. Illinois St.
Chicago, IL 60654 
312.222.1888 
www.benpao.com

One Step at a Time
 
How many beauty products do you feel truly good about buying? How many beauty products help save the rainforest in South America and smell fantastic?
 
Save Your World is a brand created by a group of family and friends, in which every product purchased saves an acre of rainforest for one year in South America. Cruelty-free, no parabens, no Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and just all natural and organic ingredients that smell delicious and silken your body and hair. Genius!
 
www.store.saveyourworld.com

Infinity and Beyond 
 
We dream of shoe closets lined with shelves of stilettos, wedges, boots, ballet flats and more—we could buy nothing but shoes for the rest of our lives. Sadly, we don’t have the scratch for a million different pairs of kicks, but we do have Mohop shoes.
 
They’re actually one pair of wooden soles, but have infinite design options created by different ribbons laced multiple ways through elastic loops. Between the grosgrain, metallic, striped and satin ribbons and a million different tie options, it’s the perfect summer sandal.
 
www.mohop.com

Bold and Beautiful 
 
As true Chicagoans, we long for summer, but when the temperature tops 87, we start to complain about how hot it is. The solution? Cute summer dresses that are easy and breezy—like Heidi Merrick’s latest collection, packed full of silk dresses in bright colors and bold ethnic prints.
 
We are currently coveting the Swami dress in coral silk chiffon for its luxe 1970’s caftan design… and how gorgeous we know we’ll feel in it on a hot summer day.
 
www.heidimerrick.com

Watercooler Cred

Free tonight? Check out works from local visual artists Laura Pawson and Sarah Lensink, tune in to a performance by slam poet Gregory Pickett, hear live music by local alt-folk group The Modjeh Project and electronica rock band Par Avion and catch performances by The Firestarter and The Insane Glow Stick Posse, among other acts.
 
What: A Night of Sight and Sound
Where: Debonair Social Club, 1575 N. Milwaukee Ave.
When: Friday, May 22, 7 pm
Call: 773.227.7990
Cost: $5–$8
Visit: www.lethalpoetry.com

CP Loves CP
 
Creative Pitch is a heckuva concept. Before we expound on the virtues of giving to the art community in Chicago, it’s important to note that CP relies on the support of volunteers and firms in the ad and design community. Come support this low-effort/high-reward concept at their fabulous fundraiser at one of our very favorite spots, Lumen!
  
What: Creative Pitch Spring Fundraiser
When: Thursday, May 28, 6–9 pm
Where: Lumen, 839 W. Fulton Market
Cost: $20 advance, $25 at the door
Visit: www.creativepitch.org