Paulina Meat Market doesn't fool around when it comes to meat.
It's Labor Day weekend, which, for most people, means three days of grilled meat. We'll make sure you're prepared to cook, but we've also scoured the city for a few other ways to savor those last dregs of summer.
Dig in
Paulina Meat Market
This North Side market knows what to do with its pig. Whether you're looking for a special-occasion smoked ham (they've got half a dozen varieties to choose from), pepper-smoked tenderloin or smoked pork shanks for cooking, Paulina's got you covered. Try grabbing a slab of smoked bacon to use in baked beans or clam chowder; your barbecuing friends won't know what hit 'em.
More of a veg-head? You don't have much longer to check out those farmers markets.
Imbibe away
Nacional 27
Crave that meaty flavor but don't want to put on an apron? Nacional 27 manager and master mixologist Adam Seger has just what you need with the Ham and Cheese cocktail. First, he infuses Iberico ham with Hennessy cognac and lets it get all good and liquored up for a fortnight. Once the liquor is ready, Seger adds fresh lemon juice and Caribbean cinnamon-spiked honey to create a salty, smoky and slightly sweet drink ($14). Seger says the cocktail makes a great aperitif but can also be paired with other savory foods.
Are you a real Beefeater? Check out these other cholesterol-heavy cocktails.
Listen here, now
Chicago Jazz Festival
11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday at Grant Park; free
After Thursday's kickoff concert in Millennium Park with Sonny Rollins, you should be ready for a weekend of great music. On Friday, make sure to chill with Isotope 217 (noon); this local down-tempo supergroup (featuring members of Tortoise) doesn’t play together often, so take a long lunch break if you have to. Energize your Saturday with Dave Douglas' Brass Ecstasy (7:10 p.m.); the eclectic trumpeter and his band will pay tribute to Chicago avant-garde composer Lester Bowie with some jazzy versions of pop tunes. Close things out on Sunday with a performance from free-jazz icon Ornette Coleman (8:30 p.m.). Half a century into his career, the saxophonist is still as undisciplined—and talented—as ever.
This concert got your tail wagging? Get the full fest rundown here, and find more jazz in our calendar.
Get cultured
African Festival of the Arts
Friday-Monday at Washington Park
This South Side fest often gets overshadowed on Labor Day weekend by the much bigger Chicago Jazz Festival, but the celebration offers an amazing array of African cuisine (warning: when they say the jerk chicken is hot, they mean it), art, clothing and a great community feeling over four glorious days. And don't sleep on the varied musical lineup, which celebrates the contributions of artists around the world and right here in the city. From Rhymefest and Kool & The Gang to Big Daddy Kane and Brand Nubian, you definitely get bang for your buck here.
Can't get enough of those tibs? Find an African restaurant near you.
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