Chicago Tribune 5/11/05

This is an article that appeared in the Chicago Tribune 5/11/05, and on www.Metromix.com also.

Prenuptial party time!

Send off singlehood in style with these big bachelorette bashes

Chicago Tribune - Chicago, Ill.
Author: M Kathleen Pratt
Date: May 11, 2005

Wedding season is upon us, which means the return of that classic farewell to singlehood: the bachelorette party. Don't leave the woman of the hour standing on the corner of Rush and Division with a garland of condoms in her hair. This summer, try these alternatives to the usual pre-nuptial naughtiness.

Desperate housewife?

Even if the bride-to-be shudders at the thought of entertaining in-laws--and runs for take-out at the mention of meatloaf--consider a group lesson at The Chopping Block. This cooking school offers instruction for private groups of up to 50. Don't expect June Cleaver-inspired menus; options range from tapas to Thai, and the staff will build a class around honeymoon destinations or wedding themes. Prices start at $750 for three hours, plus a per-person menu fee. 1324 W. Webster Ave.; 4747 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-472-6700.

Dirty dancing

Can't figure out how to introduce the groom's demure sister to the bride's rowdy roommate? Put them in a room together and tell them to take off their clothes. Washington, D.C.-based Divine Dance Instruction, which just expanded operations to Chicago, charges $25 per person for an instructor to come to your home (or a private gym) for a crash course in basic striptease. A one-hour lesson includes a handful of seductive moves, with an emphasis on comfort and confidence. (And no one actually loses her shirt--a girl's got to save something for the wedding night!) Visit divinedanceinstruction.com for info.

Dinner and a show

A word of caution: Don't let the betrothed take too many cues from the performers at the Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, or she'll be sashaying down the aisle diva-style on her wedding day. Kit Kat features late-night dining and cabaret entertainment by some of the city's most outrageous gender-benders. If these glamour queens can't inspire the guest of honor to cut loose, try one of the imaginative martinis. Group dining packages: $35-$55. 3700 N. Halsted St. 773- 525-1111.

Better than sex

Chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate mousse, chocolate martinis: What more could a girl want on her last night on the town as a single gal? Chocolate at the Pen, an all-you-can eat chocolate dessert buffet served in the Peninsula Hotel's fifth-floor lobby (8- 11:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays) is a decadent way to get in some quality girl time. If you'd rather start the festivities earlier in the day, The Lobby also serves afternoon tea (3-5:30 p.m. Fridays). Nothing says "soon-to-be-wed" like finger sandwiches and a pot of Earl Grey. Each event is $26 per person. 108 E. Superior St. 312- 573-6760.

Bride overboard

She'll be anchored down soon enough, so why not take the affianced out for a freewheeling afternoon on the water? Lakeshore Sail Charters offers a few hours of fun in the sun for up to six people on a 36-foot sloop for $140 per hour. For larger groups, the new 77-foot vintage schooner Red Witch can accommodate up to 49 passengers. Weekend rates are $675 per hour for exclusive use, or $30 per person, per hour, for non-exclusive use. 708-769-4220; 312- 404-5800 for Red Witch inquiries.