EAT
5th Anniversary Dinner
Mercat a la Planxa638 S. Michigan Ave. 312-765-0524
Pig out at the South Loop restaurant's birthday celebration with whole roasted suckling pig, chamomile-smoked pork belly, grilled short ribs, pork meatballs, crispy pork skin and braised pork shoulder, served at stations with beer pairings from local brewery 5 Rabbit. The bash starts with passed appetizers and ends with birthday cake. 7-10 p.m. $55. RSVP required.
DRINK
Tippling Tuesday
Double A at Mercadito108 W. Kinzie St. 312-329-9555
Mixology maestros the Tippling Bros.-Tad Carducci and Paul Tanguay-kick off a new series which begins with six varieties of Olmeca tequila-an artisanal, Mexican brand distilled using a 500-year-old method-and passed appetizer pairings, plus a discussion exploring geographical and environmental impacts on the tequila's taste. 7-8 p.m. $25. RSVP required.
DO
Midwest Independent Film Festival
Landmark Century Centre Cinema2828 N. Clark St. 773-509-4949
Flip the switch on your after-work plans with a hosted cocktail reception, producers' panel discussion featuring "Chicago Fire" co-creator Derek Haas and a 7:30 p.m. screening of the dramedy "Qwerty," the tale of two lonely misfits who find hope with each other. 6 p.m. $10-$15. Tickets: midwestfilm.com.
Democracy Burlesque
Mary's Attic5400 N. Clark St. 773-784-6969
The financial fracas flies to the forefront in the political comedy troupe's new sketch show, "World of Class Warfare," which satirizes the endless battle between the Haves and the Have-Nots. And no matter what your tax bracket, you can feel good about giving back-partial admission proceeds benefit various charities. 7:30 p.m. $15; $12 for students.
Two Cookie Minimum Zine Fest Fundraiser
Hungry Brain2319 W. Belmont Ave. 773-709-1401
Munch complimentary cookies and hear stories by six zinesters including Georgi Johnston ("Georgi and the Haunted Minivan"), Jonas Cannon ("Cheer the Eff Up") and Chicago Zine Fest organizer Jaclyn Miller, who debuts a new comic work. Freewill donations benefit the Fest (March 8-9). 9 p.m. No cover.
REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY
Chase the luck of the Irish with our St. Patrick's Day parties and bar crawls guide at metromix.com.
Julia Borcherts is a RedEye special contributor.