Messing with a Friend

Susan Messing’s topnotch improv show at the Annoyance Theater is the funniest (and cheapest) weeknight secret in the city. Every Thursday night, Messing and a guest improviser slap around on stage like kids in the mud. It is this joyful lack of inhibition that keeps the audience laughing, and guessing what offbeat scenario will spin out next. “I like to feel the joy and enjoy the moment,” says Messing. “It’s sad that in this world you have to pay money to play like kids again.” At least on Thursdays, you only have to pay five bucks.

4830 N. Broadway
(773)561-4665
theannoyance.com

Best of Chicago 2008

Sun Wah BBQ

The Cheng family’s garlic, salt and Chinese five-spice, antibiotic-free, natural Pekins from Culver Duck in Middlebury, Indiana are the crispiest around. Once the bird is carved for traditional service, they retire it to the back where cooks take the remnants and cook up duck-fried rice and a brothy duck soup from the bones infused with bitter or mustard greens and tofu, for the table.

1132 W. Argyle
(773)769-1254

Best of Chicago 2008