It's 2009. What are your New Year's Resolutions? Lose weight? Find a new job? Stop swearing so much? It's a brand new year, and the world is your oyster. Here are a few resolutions that might not change the world, but they are sure to make the year more entertaining and flavorful. (And there's nothing wrong with that!)
1) Eat more veggies. You might not know that the Green City Market will still take place on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 17-April 13.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon, will host the market inside the museum. Get fresh, local produce and enjoy a unique theme at each market. The theme of the Jan. 17th market is ''Snout to Tail,'' showcasing Green City Market Pork.
2) Support aspiring artists. Fox's hit show ‘American Idol' is back for its eighth season, premiering at 7 p.m. on Jan. 13. Join other rabid Idol fans every Tuesday and Wednesday night at Chen's Chinese and Sushi, 3506 N. Clark St., where the show will be broadcast on 42-inch plasma screens. Deals on those nights include half-price wine on Tuesdays (includes all non-reserve wine bottles) and half price Chen's martinis on Wednesdays ($4; normally $8).
3) Learn to cook. The third Saturday of each month beginning Jan. 17, join La Madia chef/owner Jonathan Fox for winter cooking classes and wine tasting. The Jan. 17 class theme is ''pizza.'' Learn how to make classic artisan pizza dough and proper ''stretching'' techniques. The class cost is $30, which includes instruction, pizza tastings, recipes and paired wine. Subsequent themes will include both modern and classic Italian recipes, as well. Call 312-329-0400 to make reservations, as space is limited.
La Madia
59 W Grand Ave.
