Sake refers to rice wine in English. It is naturally sweetened by fruit and can be served warm or chilled to taste for added flavor. Sit back, take a swig, and cheers to restoring glory to Japan. Kampai!

American’s obsession with British royalty is no new trend, but definitely picked up in intensity due to the pending nuptials of everyone’s favorite king in training. Prince William and Kate Middleton have been the focus of gossip mags for months now, tracking their every movement, outfit change and sideways glance at each other. If you just can’t get enough of the Wales Wonderland, celebrate the festivities with them right here in Chicago.

Is there anything more indulgent than lobster? A meaty crustacean doused in drawn butter? We think not. Here are your top locales to feast in your favorite lobster luxuries.

Aside from the age old debate of which deep dish pizza is the best in town, the other longstanding and very vocal rivalry is tirelessly the Cubs vs. Sox. Northside vs. Southside. The Winners vs. the Lovable Losers (but if you’re asking me, losers are never lovable). Let’s take the debate to the stands to see where the best places to watch the games are because we know you’ll really just be drinking away your sadness anyway.

Dreaming of the perfect pair of vintage Louboutins? Chicagoans, get ready for luxury for less as the event that reinvigorated Chicago’s fashion scene in October 2010, is back: the second annual decadestwo.1 Windy City Pop-up, which will be held within space519, a concept store located at 900 North Michigan Shops. decadestwo.1 is the Hollywood based luxury retailer that consigns 21st century designer clothing and accessories from the closets of celebrities, stylists and fashion icons and sells the goods at up to 80% off retail. Last year, the boutique expanded nationally, with pop-up events held in cities around the country, and internationally with the launch of their new e-commerce site. As an added feature to this year’s event schedule, co-owner Christos Garkinos has brought on partner and fellow fashion darling, Cameron Silver, on board to showcase his incredible selection of 20th century gowns, handbags, shoes and more from vintage treasure boutique, Decades, as well as his just-launched contemporary line, decadesdenim.

Wow say that title 10 times fast. Fulton’s on the River has always been a swanky after-work hangout between the breeze of the boats on the Chicago River and the glow of the bankers in their shiny suits. But don’t worry, they’re stepping it up a notch. Opening Monday is Bridge Bar, the new top floor bar of your favorite sea level hangout.

On March 16, the 2011 Great Chefs Tasting Party® Gala benefitting the UCP of Greater Chicago cooked up a crowd with a terrific space, tremendous leadership and a lineup of top-tier chefs in the wings. Renowned chef Stephanie Izard headlined the event as more than 40 Chicago culinary all-stars served up their signature dishes hosted by Honorary Chair, ABC7 food reporter Steve Dolinsky and Chair, Mike Ditka’s Restaurant Executive Chef Tom Kenny. VIP tickets included an exclusive cocktail reception and cooking demonstration featuring Girl & the Goat’s Stephanie Izard (Bravo’s Top Chef 2008) and Sprout’s Dale Levitski (Bravo Top Chef competitor 2007 and 2010), private open bar and live auction.
Founded in 1951, United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Chicago first opened its doors to address the needs of children and adults with cerebral palsy. They help a child with cerebral palsy use technology that lets her speak for the first time and a man unable to use his hands or arms learn to do his own laundry and prepare his own meals. They help a woman in a wheelchair roll down her new ramp and back into the community to mobilize and inspire.

Cochon 555 is a one-of-a-kind traveling culinary competition and tasting event that includes five chefs, five pigs and five wine makers to promote sustainable farming of heritage breed pigs. Each stop along the ten-city tour offers hard-working local farmers the opportunity to connect with like-minded agriculturalists, renowned chefs and the pork-loving public. Now in it’s third domestic tour, Brady Lowe, Founder and President & Creative Director of Taste Network, is passionate about increasing awareness of the sources that support a more natural, sustainable food system.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago opened in 1989 at the prestigious address of 900 N. Michigan Avenue on Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile. On March 21, it will celebrate its landmark 50th Birthday with special spa and dining offers all week long. You decide, does that make them over the hill or like a fine wine, only get better with age?