Eat. Watch. Do. — Christmas rom-coms, NYE restaurant specials and Atelier review

It’s Thursday, Chicago.

With the end of the year approaching, the critics and columnists of A+E have selected a handful of individuals as 2023′s Chicagoans of the Year in the Arts.

If you’re preparing for the upcoming holiday festivities, we have guides to good cheesy Christmas rom-coms, Champagne alternatives and everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve restaurant celebrations.

Plus, check out reviews of Atelier in Lincoln Square, U2 at the Sphere in Las Vegas and “Appropriate” on Broadway.

This is our last Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter of 2023. Enjoy the holidays! We’ll see you back here next year.

— Kayla Samoy, food editor

The 12-course tasting menu at Atelier connects continents and cultures with bursts of heat and a bit of giardiniera. Read critic Louisa Kung Liu Chu’s review here.

As we approach the end of 2023, the critics and columnists of A+E reflect on the year to highlight some people who have made a difference in the city’s arts. Read the list here.

There’s a wide range of sparkling wine options and just as many reasons why choosing alt-sparkling may spark even more joy this holiday season. Read our recommendations here.

Eat. Watch. Do.

Weekly

What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life … now.

These five new romantic comedies hit the right balance of cheesy, cringy and Christmas charm. Read the list here.

Patrons who want to drink like the late Rocky Wirtz can order an extra-cold martini with blue cheese olives, hold the vermouth. Read the story here.

The electrifying and illuminating retrospective is now in Chicago, spanning six decades of paintings, soft sculptures and story quilts. Don’t miss it. Read critic Lori Waxman’s review here.

New Year’s Eve restaurant specials include taco omakase at Don Bucio’s Taqueria and a 15-course meal at a secret location by Duck Sel chef Donald Young. Read the full list here.

“We can do whatever we want,” lead singer Bono said during one of his short addresses to the crowd. Who’s to argue? Read critic Bob Gendron’s review here.

After 10 years, the Pilsen restaurant’s last service will be New Year’s Eve. Read the story here.

Sarah Paulson is on fire all night long, torching not just anyone sharing Second Stage with her — including Elle Fanning — but half the open-mouthed audience. Read critic Chris Jones’ review here.