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It’s another big sports weekend, and we’ve got your guide to all the essential action, from the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs and the Eastern and Western conference finals in the NBA, to horse racing and UFC Fight Night and plenty of golf to be played at the PGA Championship.

For international flavor, there’s a high-stakes final weekend of the English Premier League with a title on the line, and the first round of the French Open at Roland Garros.

And what’s Sunday night without some baseball? With so many games to watch, there’s plenty of opportunity to make some bets along the way, so we’ve got you covered with the best of our best bets all weekend long.

All lines are from Caesars Sportsbook unless noted

Friday Night’s Schedule

Stanley Cup playoffs: New York Rangers @ Carolina Hurricanes, Game 2, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN

NBA playoffs: Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors, Game 2, 9 p.m. ET on TNT

Stanley Cup playoffs: Edmonton Oilers @ Calgary Flames, Game 2, 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Saturday’s Schedule

1 Related

PGA Championship, Round 3, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+

WNBA: Phoenix Mercury @ Las Vegas Aces, 3 p.m. ET on ABC

Horse racing: 147th Preakness Stakes, 7:01 p.m. ET on NBC

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Colorado Avalanche @ St. Louis Blues, Game 3, 8 p.m. ET on TNT

NBA playoffs: Miami Heat @ Boston Celtics, Game 3, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC

UFC Fight Night: Holly Holm vs. Ketlen Vieira, 9:15 p.m. ET on ESPN+

Sunday’s Schedule

French Open, 5:00 a.m. ET on NBC

English Premier League: Final weekend, All games start at 11 a.m. ET on NBC

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Carolina Hurricanes @ New York Rangers, Game 3, 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Sunday Night Baseball: Chicago White Sox @ New York Yankees, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Calgary Flames @ Edmonton Oilers, Game 3, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2

NBA playoffs: Golden State Warriors @ Dallas Mavericks, Game 3, 9 p.m. ET on TNT

Friday Night

New York Rangers @ Carolina Hurricanes
East Second Round, Game 2, 8 p.m., PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina, ESPN

Line: Hurricanes (-175), Rangers (+150)
Puck line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+150), Rangers +1.5 (-175)
Over/Under: 5.5 (-105/-115)

Greg Wyshynski: It took just over 40 minutes in Game 1 for the Carolina Hurricanes to play to their identity: Carrying play, forechecking hard and dominating in shot attempts. Once they did, the game was tilted: 29-10 shot attempt advantage, 17-6 scoring chances advantage and, most important, a 2-0 goals-scored advantage in the third period and overtime for the win. As good as the finish was, they had a bad start. Game 1 marked the first time in the playoffs that Carolina lost the first period. I can’t see it happening twice in a row at home, as the Hurricanes scored in the first period in 5 of 7 games against the Boston Bruins in Round 1. We’re playing it safe with a money line bet, but you wouldn’t be out of line pushing it to a first-period puck line wager for a little more profitability.

Pick: Carolina 1st period money line (-150)

Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors
WCF Game 2, 9 p.m., Chase Center, San Francisco, TNT

Line: Warriors (-6.0)
Moneyline: Warriors (-260), Mavericks (+210)
Over/Under: 214

Anita Marks: Dallas had one of their worst shooting nights of the postseason (36%) and an uncharacteristic night from Luka Doncic. While the Splash Bros had a strong third quarter, Andrew Wiggins was the X-factor. Wiggins had 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and was just as important on the defensive side of the court containing Doncic. Seven Warriors scored double digits, which shows their depth advantage. I see much of the same in Game 2. With home court advantage, better depth, and Wiggins’ value, I will lay the points, play the under, and expect another big night from Wiggins on both ends of the court.

Picks: Warriors (-6.0), Under 214 points, Wiggins over 22.5 points + assists + rebounds

Edmonton Oilers @ Calgary Flames
West Second Round Game 2, 10:30 p.m., Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta, ESPN

Line: Flames (-175), Oilers (+150)
Puck line: Flames -1.5 (+145), Oilers +1.5 (-170)
Over/Under: 6.5 (-125/+105)

Wyshynski: I’m not sure the books really know how to handle this series after what we saw in Game 1. Maybe there’s a sense that both Mike Smith and Jacob Markstrom will bounce back and Game 2 turns into a defensive struggle. I think there’s a better chance that the Battle of Alberta remains a cuckoo bananas 1980s-style goals fest with the team posting Canadian Football League scores. The Flames have gone over their expected total in three of the past four games.

Pick: Calgary over 3.5 goals team total (-120)

Saturday

PGA Championship 3rd Round
Southern Hills Country Club, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tulsa, Oklahoma, ESPN/ESPN+

Leader after Round 1: Rory McIlroy (-5)

Tournament favorites as of Friday morning: McIlroy (+300), Justin Thomas (+400), Will Zalatoris (+1000), Cameron Smith (+1100), Xander Schauffele (+1400)

David Bearman: I am playing both Thomas and Rory McIlroy, but I am giving the edge to Thomas to win based on his overall body of work this season. McIlroy had an incredible Sunday at Augusta last month, but Thomas has better approach stats and has been more consistent all season.

Pick: Justin Thomas to win (+400)

Phoenix Mercury @ Las Vegas Aces
3 p.m., ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas, ABC

Line: Aces (-10.5)
Moneyline: Aces (-600), Lynx (+425)
Over/Under: 169.5

Trend: Home teams favored by more than 7 points are 4-3 against the spread entering Friday night’s action. –Kyle Soppe

147th Preakness Stakes
7:01 p.m., Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland, NBC

Favorites: Epicenter (6-5), Early Voting (7-2), Secret Oath (9-2), rest of odds

Chris Fallica: Epicenter was the horse to beat in Louisville and is the horse to beat here. Only a complete space meltdown and a lot of racing luck got him beat by a hopeless long shot. It’s really about how well he came out of the race. But I don’t think he would be here if he didn’t come out of the race well. Feels like a race with a little bit of vindication for the best 3-year-old in the game. He can go to the front if he wants it, or just sit off Early Voting or Armagnac if he wants a target to run at. And being drawn outside helps that strategy. He’ll be a key in every spot in my trifecta, weighted more heavily to the win and place spots. And if we press it a bunch of times and get something other than the second or third choice in the other exacta spot, it should be a nice payoff.

Colorado Avalanche @ St. Louis Blues
West Second Round Game 3, 8 p.m., Enterprise Center, St. Louis, TNT

Line: Avalanche (-170), Blues (+145)

Puck Line: Avalanche -1.5 (+150), Blues +1.5 (-175)

Over/Under: 6.5 (-115/-105)

Trend: Overs are 21-8-1 when the Blues are underdogs this season. The Blues are 15-12-3 as underdogs this season (+4.05 units). (Data current as of the beginning of the series). More Round 2 betting trends >>

Miami Heat @ Boston Celtics
ECF Game 3, 8:30 p.m., TD Garden, Boston, ABC

Line: Celtics (-6.5)
Moneyline: Celtics (-270), Heat (+220)
Over/Under: 208.0

Picks coming soon

UFC Fight Night: Holly Holm vs. Ketlen Vieira
9:15 p.m., UFC Apex, Enterprise, Nevada, ESPN+

Line: Holm (-240), Vieira (+200)

Reed Kuhn: Vieira matches up reasonably well on paper in terms of pure striking metrics, and she is more accurate than Holm with comparable defense. But the metrics might be a little misleading, considering Holm’s standup includes a rich mix of kicks. Those kicks have lower accuracy when aimed at the head but are more dangerous than punches. Holm’s kicks could also be the opening Vieira needs. She has become more of a headhunting boxer from range, closing the distance for takedowns when she chooses. Getting the fight to the ground would be wise, and Vieira averages over two minutes of control time per takedown. She needs three rounds, where she can tip the scores with her wrestling.

Pick: Vieira to win (+200)

Sunday

French Open: First Round
5:00 a.m., Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France, NBC

Defending Singles Champions: Noak Djokovic and Barbora Krejcikova

Line: Men’s Favorite: Djokovic (+175), Women’s Favorite: Iga Swiatek (-110)
Play: Tennis Major Pick’em Paris

Brad Gilbert: The first thing that jumps out at me after the draw is out unbalanced the top and bottom halves are. The top 3 favorites (Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal) are all on the top half of the draw. If I am looking for value, I’d head to the bottom half, where Stefanos Tsitsipas (+400) has a much more favorable draw. Tsitsipas made the finals last year and led 2 sets to none before the Djokovic comeback. Danili Medevedev (+2000) is down there as well, but he hasn’t played the big clay court tourneys, so I’d go Tsitsipas.

English Premiere League: Final weekend
Man City leads Liverpool by 1 point for championship
Tottenham leads Arsenal by 2 points for fourth place,
All games start at 11 a.m., EPL Table, NBC

To win championship: Man City (-750), Liverpool (+475)

Top four finish: Tottenham (-4000), Arsenal (+1200)

Game lines: Liverpool (-570) v. Wolves (+1800), Man City (-600) v. Aston Villa (+1600)
Arsenal (-190) v. Everton (+550), Norwich (+1000) vs. Tottenham (-420)

Paul Carr: Man City has a full week’s rest and has been crushing opponents at home lately, winning three straight home games by a combined score of 13-1. It’s difficult to see City losing this game, or even to imagine magic will be necessary, like Sergio Aguero‘s title-winning goal a decade ago.

Pick: Man City -2.5 goals (+130)

Carolina Hurricanes @ New York Rangers
East Second Round, Game 3, 3:30 p.m., Madison Square Garden, New York, ESPN

Series Betting: Hurricanes (-360), Rangers (+280)

Trend: Prior to Game 1’s low-scoring affair (Carolina won 2-1 in overtime), all seven Rangers games this postseason had gone over the total. During the regular season, Rangers games were 46-32-4 to the under, the highest under percentage in the NHL, including 33-18-1 in Shesterkin starts. More Round 2 betting trends >>

Chicago White Sox @ New York Yankees
7 p.m., Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, ESPN

Line: TBD
Moneyline: TBD
Over/Under: TBD

Check back for odds and picks later this weekend.

Calgary Flames @ Edmonton Oilers
West Second Round Game 3, 8:00 p.m., Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta, ESPN2

Series Betting (before Game 2): Flames (-380), Oilers (+300)

Trend: The home team won all four meetings in the regular season, and Calgary outscored the visiting Oilers 9-6 in Game 1. More Round 2 betting trends >>

Golden State Warriors @ Dallas Mavericks
WCF Game 3, 9 p.m., American Airlines Center, Dallas, TNT

Series Betting (prior to Game 2): Warriors (-450). Mavericks (+350)

Check back later for odds and best bets for this game.

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In Viola Spolin’s seminal work Improvisation for the Theater, the very first exercise listed is named “exposure.” During this exercise, a group of actors are divided into halves and instructed to simply look at others and allow others to look at them. This deceptively difficult task often challenges new performers greatly; not only do they experience “stage fright” from being looked at, they also realize how highly uncomfortable it can be to unashamedly stare at someone looking back at you—even when given explicit permission to do so. TimeLine Theatre’s production of Lloyd Suh’s The Chinese Lady, now onstage at Theater Wit, interrogates our cultural preference to exoticize and gaze at the “other” from a safe distance without actually seeing, and what that says about our maturity as a society. 

The Chinese Lady
Through 6/18: Wed-Thu 7:30 PM, Fri 8 PM, Sat 4 and 8 PM, Sun 2 PM; also Tue 6/14, 2 PM; distanced performance Tue 6/14; open captions Fri 6/10 and Sat 6/11, 4 PM; audio description Fri 6/17; Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, 773-281-8463, timelinetheatre.com, $42-$57 (student discount 35 percent; military, first responders, veterans, and their families $25).

In 1834, a 14-year-old girl named Afong Moy was the very first lady brought from China to America, who was then put on display in a museum for gawking crowds for a price of 25 cents for adults, and ten cents for children. The practice of consuming other cultures for entertainment is a peculiar American institution, spanning from Sarah (or Saartjie) Baartman, to circus freak shows, to the modern day where stage plays, movies, and books serve as “education” to predominantly white audiences while often simultaneously exploiting disenfranchised communities. 

Afong Moy is wonderfully portrayed by Mi Kang, an incredibly versatile actor who takes the character from the innocence of youth, as Moy experiences the joy of adventure of a new country after being sold into slavery by her parents for a “temporary” two-year stint in a museum, to the heartbreaking reality of old age, as the ugly truth of her predicament becomes undeniable. 

Though she may be alone in America, fortunately Moy isn’t the only Chinese person in the museum. Her translator Afong is thoughtfully portrayed by Glenn Obrero, who seamlessly moves between providing every role to Moy—a circumspect caretaker, a teasing brother, a paternal father, and begrudgingly, a friend. As Moy and Afong go through the motions of their stage show day after day, their emotions churn, the nonthreatening veneer of performance cracking to reveal their white-hot anger at their circumstances—impotent rage with no target that can be hit. 

Moy and Afong are utterly alone, not only isolated from their country, but isolated socially, unable to earn money to strike out on their own, unable to start families of their own, and unable to communicate with each other and the world around them in a manner that expresses the complexity and richness of their inner lives. One particularly heartbreaking and anger-inducing scene, where a moment of would-be triumph for Moy is ruined by the boorishness and racism of a powerful white man, leaving Moy vulnerable in her inability to verbalize and advocate for herself, sickeningly draws a direct line to the kind of sexual objectification that Asian women experience today. Director Helen Young expertly stages this difficult scene in a thoughtful way that mercifully isn’t exploitative. 

The Chinese Lady is a testament to important swaths of history that have previously been swept under the rug—including the Opium Wars, and the debt we owe to Chinese Americans for building the railroads with their sweat and blood. Playwright Suh brilliantly anticipates that we will indeed be educated about the “other” and additionally challenges us, “So what?” What good is our education, what good is learning about other cultures, what good is passively observing from a safe distance if we do not see? Have we truly been educated if nothing changes? In bearing witness to the legacy of The Chinese Lady, we are challenged to bear witness to our own actions—or lack thereof. 

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In Viola Spolin’s seminal work Improvisation for the Theater, the very first exercise listed is named “exposure.” During this exercise, a group of actors are divided into halves and instructed to simply look at others and allow others to look at them. This deceptively difficult task often challenges new performers greatly; not only do they experience “stage fright” from being looked at, they also realize how highly uncomfortable it can be to unashamedly stare at someone looking back at you—even when given explicit permission to do so. TimeLine Theatre’s production of Lloyd Suh’s The Chinese Lady, now onstage at Theater Wit, interrogates our cultural preference to exoticize and gaze at the “other” from a safe distance without actually seeing, and what that says about our maturity as a society. 

The Chinese Lady
Through 6/18: Wed-Thu 7:30 PM, Fri 8 PM, Sat 4 and 8 PM, Sun 2 PM; also Tue 6/14, 2 PM; distanced performance Tue 6/14; open captions Fri 6/10 and Sat 6/11, 4 PM; audio description Fri 6/17; Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, 773-281-8463, timelinetheatre.com, $42-$57 (student discount 35 percent; military, first responders, veterans, and their families $25).

In 1834, a 14-year-old girl named Afong Moy was the very first lady brought from China to America, who was then put on display in a museum for gawking crowds for a price of 25 cents for adults, and ten cents for children. The practice of consuming other cultures for entertainment is a peculiar American institution, spanning from Sarah (or Saartjie) Baartman, to circus freak shows, to the modern day where stage plays, movies, and books serve as “education” to predominantly white audiences while often simultaneously exploiting disenfranchised communities. 

Afong Moy is wonderfully portrayed by Mi Kang, an incredibly versatile actor who takes the character from the innocence of youth, as Moy experiences the joy of adventure of a new country after being sold into slavery by her parents for a “temporary” two-year stint in a museum, to the heartbreaking reality of old age, as the ugly truth of her predicament becomes undeniable. 

Though she may be alone in America, fortunately Moy isn’t the only Chinese person in the museum. Her translator Afong is thoughtfully portrayed by Glenn Obrero, who seamlessly moves between providing every role to Moy—a circumspect caretaker, a teasing brother, a paternal father, and begrudgingly, a friend. As Moy and Afong go through the motions of their stage show day after day, their emotions churn, the nonthreatening veneer of performance cracking to reveal their white-hot anger at their circumstances—impotent rage with no target that can be hit. 

Moy and Afong are utterly alone, not only isolated from their country, but isolated socially, unable to earn money to strike out on their own, unable to start families of their own, and unable to communicate with each other and the world around them in a manner that expresses the complexity and richness of their inner lives. One particularly heartbreaking and anger-inducing scene, where a moment of would-be triumph for Moy is ruined by the boorishness and racism of a powerful white man, leaving Moy vulnerable in her inability to verbalize and advocate for herself, sickeningly draws a direct line to the kind of sexual objectification that Asian women experience today. Director Helen Young expertly stages this difficult scene in a thoughtful way that mercifully isn’t exploitative. 

The Chinese Lady is a testament to important swaths of history that have previously been swept under the rug—including the Opium Wars, and the debt we owe to Chinese Americans for building the railroads with their sweat and blood. Playwright Suh brilliantly anticipates that we will indeed be educated about the “other” and additionally challenges us, “So what?” What good is our education, what good is learning about other cultures, what good is passively observing from a safe distance if we do not see? Have we truly been educated if nothing changes? In bearing witness to the legacy of The Chinese Lady, we are challenged to bear witness to our own actions—or lack thereof. 

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From Saturday, June 11 through Monday, June 13, Chicago will host the 2022 James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One. The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive. For the first time, Chicago will host all ceremonies, including the Restaurant and Chef Awards, Leadership Awards, and the Media Awards (Book, Broadcast Media, and Journalism Awards).

James Beard Awards co-hosts Choose Chicago and Illinois Restaurant Association champion the city’s vibrant hospitality community throughout the year, but this weekend provides a particularly proud moment. Public celebrations include a wide array of events, including cross-country restaurant collaborations, education sessions, special menus, backyard BBQs, and more.

Chicago’s 2022 festivities include:

JBF Session: Storytelling

From the Kitchen to Food Media: Translating your culinary skills into content.

WHEN: Saturday, June 11, 10:30 – 11:15 A.M. CST (30 min., 15 min Q&A)

WHERE: Kendall College at National Louis University, 2nd Floor Atrium
122 S Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60603

Moderated by Jamila Robinson (Editor, Philadelphia Inquirer; James Beard Journalism Awards Committee Chair), panelists will include members of the culinary and food media industries. The panelists include Rochelle Brown (Co-Owner and Executive Producer, Powerhouse Productions; 2022 Broadcast Media Award nominee); Hsiao-Ching Chou (Cookbook Author; Editor and Writer; James Beard Book Awards Committee Chair); Joseph Yonan (Food and Dining Editor, The Washington Post; 2022 Book Awards Nominee) and Ken Rubin(Chief Culinary Officer, Rouxbe, James Beard Broadcast Media Awards Committee Co-Chair).

This panel will discuss what it takes to transition from the kitchen to food media, including translating your culinary skills into content. Tickets are free and available via this link. 

Fab Freddies Supports The James Beard Awards

WHEN: 9 A.M. – 11 P.M. Daily (June 10-13)

WHERE: Fabulous Freddies Italian Eatery
701 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616

Any guest named James—who also sports a beard—will get an award of his own: a free milkshake with the purchase of a sandwich or entrée.

Image Credit: Kinship

A Culinary Crawl Through Logan Square

Hosted by Chefs Doug Psaltis & Hsing Chen

WHEN: Sunday, June 12

WHERE: Andros Taverna, 2542 N Milwaukee Ave
Logan Square Farmers Market, 3025-3113 N Milwaukee Ave
Estereo, 2450 N Milwaukee Ave
Mini Mott, 3057 W Logan Blvd
Taqueria Chingon, 2234 N Western Ave
Longman & Eagle, 2657 N Kedzie Ave

Hosts: Chef Doug Psaltis and Pastry Chef Hsing Chen (Andros Taverna)

To celebrate the return of the James Beard Awards, Andros Taverna is organizing a Logan Square Crawl.  Guests can kick off the day with brunch at Andros, which will feature classic recipes from James Beard’s American Cookery, before or after a visit to the Logan Square Farmers Market just steps away.

From 10AM-12PM Chef Francisco Migoya of Modernist Cuisine (Nominee for James Beard Book Awards, Restaurant & Professional) will sign books and meet and greet. Attendees should feel free to bring their book or insert pages will be available for Chef Migoya to sign. They will have the opportunity to enter a raffle to win the entire book set of Modernist Pizza. There will also be a raffle for a signed/framed poster of Neapolitan Man created by Chef Migoya. Chef Doug Psaltis will include a pizza from Modernist Pizza on the menu that day.

Continue the celebration with day drinking at Estereo.  Crawlers can enjoy an afternoon snack at Mini Mott, which will feature a mashup of the James Beard burger and their Garlic Butter Burger – highly seasoned just the way James Beard likes it with garlic confit, miso onions and garlic salt, topped with the best seasonal greens, alliums and tomatoes. Or guests can make a pit stop at nearby local favorite Taqueria Chingon for a taste of Mexican cuisine. To end the day, enjoy Sunday Supper at Longman & Eagle, followed by a nightcap and snack back at Andros.

The Abundance Setting X Andrew Friedman:

Women’s Advancement

WHEN: Sunday, June 12, 1:00 – 2:30 P.M.

WHERE: Kendall College at National Louis University 2nd floor Atrium
122 S Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60603

Author and journalist Andrew Friedman will moderate the panel and air audio of the event on his industry podcast, “Andrew Talks to Chefs.” Panelists include Beverly Kim (Parachute and Wherewithall), Jason Hammel (Lula Cafe), Claudette Zepeda (VAGA Restaurant/San Diego) and Sarah Stegner (Prairie Grass Cafe).

For generations, motherhood has been one of the most persistent obstacles to a career in hospitality. Working hours that are incompatible with the demands of childcare; unforgiving schedules that, regardless of what the law dictates, stigmatize maternity leave; and wages and benefits that often don’t provide enough to sustain a family. Is it any wonder that becoming a mom is often the same decision that removes a valued contributor from the pro kitchen or dining room? This panel discussion features a cross-section of industry professionals who will offer specific, actionable suggestions for how working mothers, employers, and coworkers can collaborate to make motherhood—and more broadly, parenthood—a non-issue for hospitality workers, keep these employees in the jobs they love, and in the process, help stem the tide of an ever-dwindling workforce. Grab your free tickets here!

JBF Session

A Chef’s Retrospective

WHEN: Sunday, June 12, 3:00 P.M. (60 min, 15 min Q&A)

WHERE: Kendall College at National Louis University 2nd floor Atrium,
122 S Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60603

Tanya Holland (Author, TV Host, Chef, and James Beard Awards Committee Chair and Board member) will moderate the panel. Panelists include Marcus Samuelsson (Chef, Restaurateur, Author, Marcus Samuelsson Group; 2022 James Beard Broadcast Media and Book Award Nominee; James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award Winner). List in formation. This discussion will center around the careers, experiences, and anecdotes of renowned chefs, and how their journeys differ from one another. Grab your free tickets here.

Sunday Backyard BBQ with BARDA

WHEN: Sunday, June 12, 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. (Or while supplies last)

WHERE: Sportsman’s Club
948 N. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60622

Sportsman’s Club welcomes Best New Restaurant nominee, BARDA (Detroit, MI), for an afternoon backyard BBQ. BARDA’s crew will take over the grill for a special one-day-only menu, while Sportsman’s Club will offer a variety of drink specials to pair. No reservations are required. Walk-ins only.

JBF Greens x Dove’s

2022 Awards Weekend Happy Hour

WHEN: Sunday, June 12, 4:30 — 6:30 P.M.

WHERE: Dove’s Luncheonette, 1545 N Damen

JBF Greens will host a happy hour at Dove’s Luncheonette in celebration of the 31st annual James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago. The beloved Wicker Park neighborhood hangout will open especially for JBF Greens (and friends!) to toast the 2022 Awards.

Executive chef Sam O’Keefe will create a selection of festive Mexican-inspired bites that pay homage to the bygone neighborhood diners of Chicago’s past. Guests will also enjoy sparkling wine from J Vineyards & Winery, specialty cocktails from the eatery’s tequila and mezcal-focused cocktail program and sounds from 1960’s and 70’s Chicago soul and blues.

Tickets are $35 for JBF Greens Members and $45 for General Admission.  Tickets will be available starting Friday, May 20 here. 70% of the ticket price will go directly to the host restaurant while 30% will go towards the Foundation’s programs, including the Open for Good campaign to support independent restaurants.

Evening at The Bamboo Room with Kevin Beary Time

WHEN: Sunday, June 12, 5:00 – 10:00 P.M. Guests can select from the following time slots: 5:00 P.M., 7:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M.

WHERE: The Bamboo Room, 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

The Bamboo Room is tucked away inside of Three Dots and a Dash. Named one of Esquire’s “Best Bars in America,” The Bamboo Room offers a tailored experience through the world of rum in an intimate environment. Guests will enjoy specialty and off menu cocktails carefully crafted by attentive award-winning beverage director, Kevin Beary. A $15 reservation deposit per person is required. The deposit will be applied to bill. Tickets can be purchased via this link.

A Celebration of the Industry at Smyth + The Loyalist

WHEN: Sunday, June 12, 5:00 – 9:00 P.M.

WHERE: Smyth: 177 N Ada St #101, Chicago, IL 60607
The Loyalist: 177 N Ada St #001, Chicago, IL 60607
With deep respect for the James Beard Awards nominees, Smyth + The Loyalist celebrates the return of the industry by opening their doors for a special Sunday service on June 12.

Enjoy an exclusive Chef’s Table experience, where the culinary team serves and explains each course. This joyful journey through food pays homage to the depth and richness of Chef John Shields’ and Pastry Chef Karen Urie Shields’ five years in the farmlands of Smyth County, Virginia – the tasting menu changes every day, evolving as they gather new inspiration from products at the height of their seasonality. They’ll offer two different wine pairing options, which you may select in advance or upon arrival the evening of your reservation in addition to a full wine list.

Not typically open on Sundays, The Loyalist is offering reservations to experience their menu of familiar favorites that are made with the same uncompromising attention to detail as Smyth. Guests can also enjoy a beverage menu of seasonally inspired cocktails, creative spirit-free drinks and rare vintage spirits.

Tickets for Smyth can be purchased here. Reservations for The Loyalist can be made here.

A Collaboration + Celebration at Travelle at the Langham, Chicago

WHEN: Sunday, June 12, 5:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.

WHERE: Travelle at the Langham Chicago
330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Chef collaborators include Justin Gomes (Chef de Cuisine at Travelle at the Langham Chicago), Verlord Laguatan (Chef de Cuisine at Viceroy Hotel, Somerset & Devereaux), Zubair Mohajir (Jean Banchet Nominated – Executive Chef & Partner Wazwan & the Coach House by Wazwan) and Chris Dodson (Sous Chef at Alinea, Chopped Champion).

Travelle will host a Chef Collaboration Dinner featuring local up-and-coming Chicago chefs who will prepare six courses inspired by the cookbook, “James Beard’s American Cookery.” Tickets are $150 per person and go live on 05/25/22. Get yours now via this link.

Julep Takeover

In Celebration of 15 Years of the Violet Hour

WHEN: Sunday, June 12, 9:00 P.M. – 12:00 A.M.

WHERE: The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

In tandem with its 15th anniversary, Chicago’s very own James Beard Foundation Award-winning bar The Violet Hour will open up its unmarked doors to Houston’s pioneering craft cocktail force Alba Huerta, owner of the acclaimed Julep (a 2022 James Beard nominee for Outstanding Bar Program) for a special celebratory bar takeover in honor of awards weekend. Alba and the Julep team will bring their signature Southern-inspired cocktails and down-home hospitality to the heart of Wicker Park to showcase two of the nation’s most influential names in cocktailing.

Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. The menu is served a la carte. Reservations are available via this link.

Attaboy Takeover

WHEN: 9:00 P.M. – 12:00 A.M.

WHERE: Sportsman’s Club
948 N. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60622

James Beard Foundation Award Outstanding Bar Program nominee Attaboy will take over Sportsman’s Club with a special cocktail menu for one night only! Reservations only. Please email [email protected] for reservations.

Nixta Taqueria x Bar Sótano

WHEN: Tuesday, June 14. 5:00P.M. – 9:30 P.M.

WHERE: Bar Sótano, 443 N Clark Street

Bar Sótano will host a chef collaboration with Chef Edgar Ulysess Rico and crew from Nixta in Austin, Texas. A finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s “Emerging Chef” award, Chef Edgar is making big waves for his tiny taqueria. The hype is real and deserved. Like the Nixta crew, we have a deep love for modern tacos and masa snacks made from beautiful heirloom corn, and that’s what you’ll find at our collab. A ticket gets you: aguachile, four certified “bomb-ass” tacos—two from Nixta, one from Bar Sótano and a one-time-only collaboration taco—plus dessert. Our bar team will be slinging agave spirits all night.

Let’s end Beard weekend en estilo, sí? Tickets are $60 and can be purchased via this link.

Ongoing Collaboration Box

“Celebrate JBF Chicago Alumni Collection,” A Collaboration Box Between Here Here Market, Choose Chicago and Illinois Restaurant Association

Can’t make it to the awards? Bring the ultimate taste of Chicago home with Here Here Market’s ‘Celebrate JBF Chicago Alumni Collection’ starring a dream team roster of James Beard Award-nominated chefs. This exclusive collaboration between Here Here Market, Choose Chicago, and the Illinois Restaurant Association will directly support both acclaimed local chefs and up-and-coming culinary talent through a dedicated scholarship offered by the James Beard Foundation. Sign up to get first access to boxes via this link.

Featured Image Credit: Choose Chicago

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All odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

What you need to know for Game 2

Shining stars: Stephen Curry’s 3-point prop sits at 3.5 for Game 2, despite the fact he has averaged at least 12 attempts from deep over the past four games. For the Mavs, Reggie Bullock has lofted at least 10 3-pointers in two of his past three games His 3-point props sits at 2.5 for tonight’s game.

Liking Looney: The Warriors have leaned on Kevon Looney for meaningful minutes recently, as the big man has averaged nearly 32 minutes across the team’s last two contests. Looney has delivered nine assists and 27 boards across these two contests, making him a viable target for DFS as well as scoring, rebounding and passing props.

More Risk Than Reward: Andrew Wiggins went over his points prop by 3.5 points in Game 1, but I’d be careful doubling down. He led the Warriors in shots, started red-hot, scoring 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting in the first quarter, and didn’t have foul issues despite occasionally ending up guarding Luka Doncic. He has yet to score over 20 points this postseason and his points prop currently sits at 15.5.

–– Jim McCormick & Kyle Soppe

Breaking down Game 2

Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
9:00 p.m ET, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA

Line: Warriors (-6.5)
Money line: Warriors (-260), Mavericks (+210)
Total: 214 points
BPI Projected Total: 220.8 points
BPI Win%: Warriors (73.7%)

Notable: As 5.5-point favorites in Game 1, the Warriors won by 25- and earned their 14th cover of the season by at least 15 points. In the game immediately following such impressive covers, however, they are just 4-8-1 ATS. Furthermore, six of those failures to cover have come by at least nine points.

Compete for $40,000 throughout the NBA postseason! Make Your Picks

Best bet: Over 214.0 points. The Warriors have been elite at home all postseason, averaging 116.6 PPG. They scored 112 points in Game 1 and clearly took their foot off the gas once it became a blowout. Game 1 went under because the Mavericks were ice cold, missing wide open looks early and never finding their rhythm. Tonight should be different, as the Mavs have had the time to recover from their seven-game series and focus on the Warriors. I look for both teams to score plenty of points, sending the total over 214 points. — Andre Snellings

Best bet: Stephen Curry under 26.5 points. Curry played well in Game 1 and could have scored more if he wasn’t pulled early. He still scored 21 points on 7-for-16 shooting from the floor. In Curry’s five games against the Mavericks, including Game 1, he has scored 20.2 PPG on 39.6 FG% and 34.1 3P%. He has only scored over 26.5 points once in those five games. — Snellings

Best bet: Luka Doncic over 31.5 points. The Warriors defended Doncic pretty well on Wednesday. He was held to a postseason-low 20 points on 6-of-18 shooting. Doncic had more turnovers (7) than field goals made in a playoff game for the first time in his career. The Mavericks will make adjustments and position Doncic for a bounce-back game tonight. — Eric Moody

Best bets: Warriors 2H (-2.5); Warriors 3Q (-1.5). The Warriors have long been a dominant 3rd Quarter team and that continued again in Game 1 against Dallas when they outscored the Mavericks by 10 points. Steve Kerr is tremendous making adjustments coming out of the locker room. Dallas has really struggled on the road (outside of Game 7 at Phoenix) in this postseason. I like the Warriors in this game, and I think they create distance on the scoreboard in the second half like they have most of these playoffs. — Tyler Fulghum

1 Related

Best bet: Klay Thompson over 20.5 points. Thompson went scoreless in the first half and made only four field goal attempts in Game 1. He picked things up in the second half and finished the game with 15 points. Thompson should get off to a fast start tonight. — Moody

Best bet: Draymond Green under 6.5 assists. The Warriors did an excellent job in Game 1 of passing the ball around to counter the Mavericks’ closeouts and switches. Multiple Golden State players racked up assists. However, Green had nine potential assists and three assists, below his postseason average from the first two rounds. — Moody

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The youth movement began for the Chicago Cubs this week as the team promoted infield/outfield prospect Christopher Morel and pitching prospect Brandon Hiughes to the Major League level.

Both Hughes and Morel thrived in their debuts as the reliever struck out all five batters that he faced in his appearance on Tuesday and Morel homered in his first plate appearance.

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