The Golden Triangle Holiday Market

With gift-giving season in full swing, even the savviest shoppers can get overwhelmed.  But not this year: Finish off that holiday gift list in one fell swoop at The Golden Triangle’s sprawling Holiday Market. In honor of its 20^th anniversary, the Asian antiques emporium has kicked this always-impressive annual event up a notch or two.

Starting November 21 (through December 31), The Golden Triangle will transform its tree-lined courtyard into a full-blown village market, featuring diverse shops and stalls hawking distinctive and authentic Chinese and Southeast Asian wares. Find jade carvings, silk scarves, tribal silver, blue-and-white porcelain, wood carvings and much more. Prices range from affordable (celadon vase, $15) to extravagant (genuine Tang horse, $35,000), so you’ll find something for even the trickiest loved ones on your list. Added bonuses: Free gift wrapping and one-hour free parking in the store’s adjacent lot. Happy holidays, indeed.

The Golden Triangle Holiday Market

November 21 – December 31

330 N. Clark St., 312.755.1266

www.goldentriangle.biz

Get Your Glitter On

This season, don’t just deck the halls. Deck out your jewelry box with the help of Me & Ro. Visit the Gold Coast boutique November 20–21, from noon to 6 p.m., for an exclusive presentation of its fine-jewelry collection, which features rare Bastra pearls, Indian rose-cut diamonds and one-of-a-kind designs. Though simple and elegant, each timeless piece still manages to speak volumes. Enjoy champagne and cupcakes while you shop—and a limited-edition gift to go with any purchase.

Me & Ro

61 E Oak St.

www.meandrojewelry.com

Paper Pretty

Virtu is kicking off the holiday season with a Winter Wonderland reception presenting the works of couture paper-goods company Snow & Graham. On Saturday, November 7, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Bucktown boutique will present the local stationers’ one-of-a-kind designs alongside delicious treats from Moonstruck Chocolates. Find an extensive selection of holiday cards, candles, note blocks, gift enclosures and calendars—perfect for any name on your shopping list. But conquering your sprawling holiday gift list isn’t the only reason to feel good: Ten percent of the day’s sales will go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Get excited with a sneak peak at the store’s offerings on its Web site.

2034 N. Damen Ave

773.235.3790

www.virtuchicago.com

Introducing the Amy & Freddy Cabaret Show

Spice up your Wednesday nights at Pops For Champagne, a hopping River North spot that’s bringing in the celebrated Amy & Freddy Cabaret Show. Beginning this Wednesday, November 4, from 9 p.m. to midnight, the weekly cabaret show will wow patrons with a one-of-a-kind mixed genre of jazz, r&b, contemporary and show tunes that will offer something for everyone’s musical taste. The quirky duo has traveled around the world to show off their contemporary spin on American-style cabaret; don’t miss out on your chance to see them right here in Chicago.

Tickets are $12 per person; no reservations necessary.

Contact Pops For Champagne, 312.266.7677, for more information.

The Modern Wing

The newest and hippest addition to the Chicago Art Institute, the Modern Wing, is one of the top places to visit in Chicago. The ingenious design of Pritzker Prize–winning architect Renzo Piano allows bright light to come through, which makes the museum practically glowing during the day. The wing houses great collections of modern and contemporary art. In the Modern Wing’s extravagant third-floor galleries, visitors can view modern European collection of paintings and sculptures, including several works from the original Armory Show and other landmark exhibitions in the history of the museum and the city. Other works feature artists like Renzo Piano, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and many others.

Currently, the exhibition of Framing the Modern presents spectacular and highly abstract photographic compositions from Judith Turner that will last till January 15, 2010.  In addition, artwork collectors would take pleasure in the Modern Wing Shop, which features a diverse selection of art reproductions, books, design objects, textiles, gifts, and jewelry. There’s also the Kids Shop and Balcony Café that would make the visit a great family trip. Admission fees are $18 for adults, $12.00 for students and seniors, and free admission for children under the age of 14. A nice perk is given to Chicago residents who will receive a $2 discount on admission.