About us
HELP WANTED: No pay. Mostly thankless. Orphans preferred. (Be sure to click READ MORE for full info)::
Folks: For the upcoming, post-covid era would like to focus on smaller museums (the AIC, MCA, etc's are therefore excluded). Hopefully followed by a "after-party"/late lunch in the area?
There is NO limit on the museums/events we focus on (as long as there is a art factor): Art/Events? History/Art(NMMA)? Ethnic/Art? The War Between Dogs and Cats... in Art! haha.
Got ideas? Bonus points will go to those who would you like to be the event leader/host/docent. Let me know. NOTE: Hosting is really nothing more then being there "first" and saying "hi"!
jim
Our Mission Statement:
Everything about our group flows from our motto: "We are stranger's only once".
This group is for art, museum & live music lovers of all ilk's.
We call ourselves the Chicago Art Critic's Association - "CACA" for short. Its pronounced like a cat having a bad fur-ball moment. Why "critic's" you ask? All art, museum & music lovers are critics by default! Tell your friends and especially that "jerk at work" you are now a member-in-good standing of the Chicago Art Critic's Association! Watch their jaws drop.
1. Our mission is to attend gallery openings, fairs & cultural fests, museum's and music events in and around Chicago. Plus a few odd-lots Join us as we discover new talent, visit new & established galleries, munch our way through art fairs, visit museums, meet old and make new friends and - yes - have a wine or beer (or two) while exploring. What's not to like?
2. My background: As your organizer and fearless leader (coff, coff), I have been enjoying and collecting art since I was a kid - living in of all places: the art district of Santa Fe, NM, Historic Ocean Beach-San Diego, the Historic District of Pass-a-Grille, Fl (before it was discovered), Andersonville, Chicago (before it was discovered) and Europe (it was already discovered!) Bottom line: I've been kicked out of lots of cities, lots of state's, lots of countries and one very nice continent!
3. Have I bored you e'nuf about me? Good! Now I need to ask you for help. For 2022 do you have a SMALL museum idea? I would like to co-ordinate an event about once a month-ish (excluding November & December - due to the holidays). I'm a firm believer in the educational aspect of such events Hopefully with a docent?
I will keep an eye on cost's: An admission-donation fee of $5-20 is fine - not so for $50-100 - however there will be occasional exceptions. Lastly I will try as best as I can, to mix-up the event times (i.e.: weekday evenings, weekend evenings and weekend days.) When appropriate I will co-op with another group. Nothing is written in stone! Got something you wanna plug? Let me know.
4.. Finding me: In order to be spotted easily my standard outfit for most events, unless the event requires otherwise, will be a BLAZE ORANGE BASEBALL HAT and, usually, blue jeans. LOOK FOR THE HAT. Overall, it's not an exciting outfit, but it makes me feel pretty! My hair & mustache are koala grey (Some say "salt & pepper" - but they are mean, little people whose mothers don't love them.)
8. Here is a short article on "How To Buy Art" (Chicago Magazine - Sept. 2017): http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/September-2017/How-to-Buy-Art/
jim
Featured event
🍷 36 Wines. 12 Stops. Spring Into Lincoln Square for The 2026 Wine Stroll! 🌸
🍷 36 Wines. 12 Stops. Spring Into Lincoln Square for the 2026 Wine Stroll! 🌸
LINCOLN SQUARE SPRING WINE STROLL – ROUTE C-BUY TIX NOW AS THIS WILL SELL OUT!
Wine Stroll is the Lincoln Square's most popular bi-annual event, and a great way to support the neighborhood while tasting and discovering new wine regions and varietals. Taste through a carefully curated variety of wines, along with a light assortment delicious hors d'oeuvres from area restaurants. Wine Stroll is the perfect way to explore new businesses and see just what makes this community so special!
📍 LOGISTICS
📅 Thursday, May 7, 2026
⏰ 5:50–9:00 PM (stroll starts at 6 pm)
📍 Meet at DANK Haus German American Cultural Center (5th floor), 4740 N Western Ave, Chicago
👟 Wear comfortable shoes — we'll be walking in and out of stores all evening!
🌧️ Rain or shine event
🎟️ TICKETS REQUIRED click link below
💰 $60 + fees —
🎟️ Get tickets on Eventbrite: 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-wine-stroll-2026-tickets-1985460237016
⚡ Tickets sell fast — last year sold out in 4 days! Check back here for the link.
🪪 All ticket holders must be of legal drinking age. IDs checked at check-in.
***
🌸 THE SCOOP Lincoln Square's beloved bi-annual Wine Stroll is BACK — and we're doing Route C together! 🥂 Sip your way through 12 local shops and restaurants along Lincoln, Lawrence, and Damen, tasting up to 36 different wines paired with light bites from neighborhood eateries. 🍽️ It's the perfect spring evening out — and a great way to explore what makes this community so special! ✨
🍾 WHAT TO EXPECT
- 🍷 Check in at DANK Haus (5th floor) to receive your wine glass and tasting guide
- 🏪 Visit 12 businesses and taste up to 36 wines (2 oz pours at each stop)
- 😋 Sample food bites along the way — many stops offer tasty treats!
- 👟 Walk ends at a different location than where we start, so plan accordingly
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Route C businesses are NOT revealed until the night of the event — that's part of the fun!
The LSR Wine Stroll transforms the retail establishments and restaurants of Lincoln Square and Ravenswood into wine tasting destinations.
Each Spring, the LSR Wine Stroll transforms the retail establishments and restaurants of Lincoln Square and Ravenswood into wine tasting destinations. Over 30 businesses participate, each offering a carefully curated variety of wines in 2-oz sample pours, along with a light assortment of hors d’oeuvres from area restaurants. This event is a great way to tour new businesses and see just what makes our community so special.
🎉 Here's a sneak peek at the full pool of the 22 participating businesses we could visit:
• Augusta Food and Wine
• Bistro Campagne
• The Book Cellar
• The Chopping Block
• DANK Haus
• ENJOY, An Urban General Store
• Fleet Feet Lincoln Square
• Gearhead Outfitters
• Genevieve
• Jerry's
• L&M Fine Foods
• Lincoln Square Dental Spa
• Lincoln Square Spice Co.
• Lyons Family Eye Care
• Midwest Nice
• Neighborly
• Nomadic Ant
• Planet Access
• Raw Edge
• Stanley Brown Jewelist
• StretchLab
• Timeless Toys
🚌 GETTING THERE
🚇 CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
🚗 Limited street parking in Lincoln Square — use SpotHero or ParkingWhiz for best rates
📱 Lost or running late? Call/text 312.835.4259
***
⚠️ NO-SHOW POLICY
- 😬 3 no-shows without updating your RSVP = 3-month event ban
- ⏰ Update your RSVP before the event start time; after that, message the host directly
- 👋 Check in with the host upon arrival
- 🚫 Continual no-shows = removal from the group
Upcoming events
3
🌮 Post–Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Manchamanteles: Margaritas, Tacos & More! 🍹🔥
Manchamanteles, 2009 N Western Ave.,, Chicago, IL, US🌮 Post–Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Manchamanteles: Margaritas, Tacos & More! 🍹🔥
Post–Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Manchamanteles Restaurant!
Missed Cinco de Mayo? No worries—we’re keeping the celebration going! 🎊
Since many of us will be at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum on May 5, we’re heading to Bucktown on Wednesday, May 6 for a festive post–Cinco dinner!
✨ Bonus: It’s Happy Hump Day, so we get to enjoy their awesome Wednesday specials!
🍨 Sweet ending alert! We’ll keep the night going with a stop at nearby Margie's Candies for ice cream after dinner. 🍨
***
🍹 WEDNESDAY SPECIALS
Margarita Pitchers — $40 (usually $55)
• Traditional or Fresh Fruit
• Flavors: Lime | Spicy | Mango | Guava | Cucumber | Hibiscus | Passion Fruit🌮 Dos Tacos (2 tacos with onions & cilantro)
• Steak $14 | Chicken $12 | Veggie $12 (3 tacos usually $24)🥑 Guacamole — $10 (usually $15)
✨ Don’t miss their famous moles and regional specialties!💵 PAYMENT INFO (IMPORTANT)
💰 CASH STRONGLY PREFERRED
➡️ Take what you ordered and add 32%
(12% Chicago tax + 20% tip)
🚫 No separate checks for large groups
💳 Multiple cards slow things down—cash keeps it easy!👥 GROUP DETAILS
We’ll be seated at two tables of 10, so we may be split up—but still close enough to mingle!⚠️ PLEASE RSVP ONLY IF 95% SURE YOU CAN ATTEND
Seating is limited and fills quickly!***
🌟 ABOUT THE RESTAURANT
“La Casa de Sabores,” Manchamanteles Restaurant delivers bold, authentic Mexican cuisine inspired by all 32 states of Mexico.
Led by Chef Geno Bahena, the menu highlights seasonal ingredients, traditional techniques, and rich regional flavors.🔥 Their signature “Cocina de Humo” (wood-fired cooking with mesquite & oak) adds incredible depth—think Black Angus steaks, ABF chicken, handmade tortillas, and complex mole sauces like Mole Rojo & Negro.
Expect a menu that delights on every level:
🥩 Black Angus steak cuts
🍗 ABF (antibiotic-free) chicken
🌮 Handmade corn tortillas
🌶️ Complex mole sauces like Mole Rojo & Mole Negro
🌽 Seasonal and regional Mexican specialtiesExpect bold flavors, colorful presentations, and a true taste of Mexico—perfect for a fun night out! 🇲🇽✨
🌐 Website: https://www.manchamantelesrestaurant.com/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManchamantelesRestaurant
📋 Menu: https://www.manchamantelesrestaurant.com/menus***
🚗 PARKING & TRANSPORTATION
🚗 Small rear parking lot available
🚘 Metered parking on Western & Armitage
🅿️ Free street parking nearby (watch permit signs!)
🚇 CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/***
📌 NO-SHOW POLICY
⚠️ 3 no-shows = 3-month event ban
⏰ Update RSVP before start time
📱 Running late? Message the host
👋 Please check in upon arrival***
Come for the tacos, margaritas, and moles—stay for the great company and post-holiday vibes! 🌮🍹💃
Let’s keep the Cinco celebration going! 🎉5 attendees🍷 36 Wines. 12 Stops. Spring Into Lincoln Square for The 2026 Wine Stroll! 🌸
DANK Haus, 5th Floor Ballroom, 4740 North Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, US🍷 36 Wines. 12 Stops. Spring Into Lincoln Square for the 2026 Wine Stroll! 🌸
LINCOLN SQUARE SPRING WINE STROLL – ROUTE C-BUY TIX NOW AS THIS WILL SELL OUT!
Wine Stroll is the Lincoln Square's most popular bi-annual event, and a great way to support the neighborhood while tasting and discovering new wine regions and varietals. Taste through a carefully curated variety of wines, along with a light assortment delicious hors d'oeuvres from area restaurants. Wine Stroll is the perfect way to explore new businesses and see just what makes this community so special!
📍 LOGISTICS
📅 Thursday, May 7, 2026
⏰ 5:50–9:00 PM (stroll starts at 6 pm)
📍 Meet at DANK Haus German American Cultural Center (5th floor), 4740 N Western Ave, Chicago
👟 Wear comfortable shoes — we'll be walking in and out of stores all evening!
🌧️ Rain or shine event🎟️ TICKETS REQUIRED click link below
💰 $60 + fees —
🎟️ Get tickets on Eventbrite: 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-wine-stroll-2026-tickets-1985460237016⚡ Tickets sell fast — last year sold out in 4 days! Check back here for the link.
🪪 All ticket holders must be of legal drinking age. IDs checked at check-in.
***
🌸 THE SCOOP Lincoln Square's beloved bi-annual Wine Stroll is BACK — and we're doing Route C together! 🥂 Sip your way through 12 local shops and restaurants along Lincoln, Lawrence, and Damen, tasting up to 36 different wines paired with light bites from neighborhood eateries. 🍽️ It's the perfect spring evening out — and a great way to explore what makes this community so special! ✨
🍾 WHAT TO EXPECT
- 🍷 Check in at DANK Haus (5th floor) to receive your wine glass and tasting guide
- 🏪 Visit 12 businesses and taste up to 36 wines (2 oz pours at each stop)
- 😋 Sample food bites along the way — many stops offer tasty treats!
- 👟 Walk ends at a different location than where we start, so plan accordingly
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Route C businesses are NOT revealed until the night of the event — that's part of the fun!
The LSR Wine Stroll transforms the retail establishments and restaurants of Lincoln Square and Ravenswood into wine tasting destinations.
Each Spring, the LSR Wine Stroll transforms the retail establishments and restaurants of Lincoln Square and Ravenswood into wine tasting destinations. Over 30 businesses participate, each offering a carefully curated variety of wines in 2-oz sample pours, along with a light assortment of hors d’oeuvres from area restaurants. This event is a great way to tour new businesses and see just what makes our community so special.
🎉 Here's a sneak peek at the full pool of the 22 participating businesses we could visit:
• Augusta Food and Wine
• Bistro Campagne
• The Book Cellar
• The Chopping Block
• DANK Haus
• ENJOY, An Urban General Store
• Fleet Feet Lincoln Square
• Gearhead Outfitters
• Genevieve
• Jerry's
• L&M Fine Foods
• Lincoln Square Dental Spa
• Lincoln Square Spice Co.
• Lyons Family Eye Care
• Midwest Nice
• Neighborly
• Nomadic Ant
• Planet Access
• Raw Edge
• Stanley Brown Jewelist
• StretchLab
• Timeless Toys🚌 GETTING THERE
🚇 CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/🚗 Limited street parking in Lincoln Square — use SpotHero or ParkingWhiz for best rates
📱 Lost or running late? Call/text 312.835.4259
***
⚠️ NO-SHOW POLICY
- 😬 3 no-shows without updating your RSVP = 3-month event ban
- ⏰ Update your RSVP before the event start time; after that, message the host directly
- 👋 Check in with the host upon arrival
- 🚫 Continual no-shows = removal from the group
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