For a couple of days every January, while frigid winds blow across the wintry hellscape that is Wrigley Field, players from the Chicago Cubs sit on panels within the meeting space of a downtown hotel and field questions from local media members and fans. It's called Cubs Convention, and everyone likes it so much that the team has decided to bring it to spring.
↵This week, the team announced that it's partnering up with WGN Radio to produce a seven-episode series of live, hour-long radio broadcasts at Wildfire Chicago restaurant (159 W. Erie St.). David Kaplan and Brian Noonan will host the broadcasts, which, according to a press release, will feature "Cubs players, coaches, legends and management." They'll also feature lunch, which may include:
↵... dinner rolls, individual salads, an individual main course plate including filet mignon, grilled herb marinated chicken breast, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables and an individual flourless chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Vegetarian and allergy-friendly meal options are available upon request.↵
Geez, how am I supposed to think about baseball with all those good eats in front of me? In any case, the show will make its debut on Tuesday, April 26, with Cubs pitchers and fellow Texans Kerry Wood and Andrew Cashner strapping on the ol' feedbag. (Shake Cashner's hand gently, please -- he's got rotator cuff issues!) Subsequent dates and guests are TBA. Keep an eye on Cubs.com, WGNRadio.com and WildfireRestaurant.com for details.
↵If you'd like to attend to watch the show in person and get a shot at asking Woody and Cash a question, on-site registration begins at 11 a.m., with lunch (included in ticket price) being served at 11:30 a.m. and the show itself taking place from 12 to 1 p.m. The cost: $75 per adult (including tax and gratuity) and $40 for children 12 and under. You can also get your vehicle valet parked at a $6 discounted rate. For additional reservation info, call Laura Rosen or Shannon Ryan of Wildfire Restaurants in Chicago at 312-787-9000.