EAT
SECOND FLOOR SCORE
Suite 25
2529 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-360-7478
Whether or not you already knew that you wanted to try sirloin-stuffed Incan tater tots ($8), Andean chicken skewers with black mint sauce ($10) and other South American-inspired bar food, that burning desire is about to be fulfilled at this new second-floor restaurant and sports lounge from Dino Perez of Rio's D'Sudamerica. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
LE BARGAIN
Bistro Voltaire
226 W. Chicago Ave. 312-265-0911
Monday's the night for a French prix fixe that both your palate and your wallet can say oui to-a three-course dinner with entree options such as braised lamb shank, grilled salmon and gnocchi, plus choices of appetizer and dessert. 5-11 p.m. $27 plus tax and gratuity.
DRINK
(Free!) AMPLE SAMPLES
Provenance Food and Wine
2528 N. California Ave. 773-384-0699
Get in the spirit(s) of the holidays with local sommelier Clara Orban, who leads a tasting of four wines as she shares tips for holiday entertaining with vino and reads from her recent book, "Wine Lessons: Ten Questions to Guide Your Appreciation of Wine." 5:30-7 p.m.
DO
TO THE DEATH
Mayne Stage
1328 W. Morse Ave. 773-381-4551
Get some spine-tingling thrills with your seasonal chills at Deathscribe, the fifth annual festival of radio-style horror plays in which Wildclaw Theatre performs the top five bloodcurdling works selected from nearly 100 submissions, with live musical accompaniment by Seeking Wonderland. The winning playwright-as determined by a panel of judges-takes home the coveted Bloody Axe award. 8 p.m. $28; $23 for students. Tickets: maynestage.com.
OH, CHUTE
Studio Be
3110 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-248-5900
Laugh for a good cause at the Chutes & Ladders comedy-variety show, where 10 acts including stand-up comedians Marty DeRosa, Goodrich Gevaart and Katie McVay, improv team Promise Ring and comedy troupe Brouhaha-with an improv puppet musical-raise funds to buy board games for kids at Lurie Children's Hospital. 7:30 p.m. $5.
REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY
Get discounted tickets to the New Year's Eve Metropolis Ball through Wednesday with code "Babylonsale": metropolisballchicago2012.com.