COOKING WITH CLASS: La Madia chef/owner Jonathan Fox invites you to spend the afternoon cooking with him in his kitchen. Participants in the "Risotto 101" class will learn a basic risotto technique and will get to try two recipes -- a spicy walnut-gorgonzola risotto and a hearty asparagus risotto -- paired with wines. 11AM-1PM, $30.
THE BEAD GOES ON: The "Bead Quest 2009 Mardi Gras Crawl" is an ambitious bar crawl that takes you through Wrigleyville trolling for Mardi Gras beads. Collect all eight sets for a chance to win a Cubs opening day rooftop party for four. The crawl starts and ends at Murphy's Bleachers, with eight stops (and $2.50 Bud Lights) in between. 2PM, $12.
LATIN LOVERS: Spend "An Evening With the Gipsy Kings" at the Chicago Theatre tonight. The best-selling French band evah (yep, they're from France) will heat up the frigid February night with its signature soulful sound. 8PM, $50-$95.
