Arman

The French artist Arman, though regarded as somewhat scandalous in the 1960s, is today considered one of the most singular figures in the art of the latter half of the 20th-century. This exhibition looks back on his 40-year career, bringing together many of his most important contributions to pop art and the Nouveau Réalisme movement, from his famous 'Rubbish Bins' and 'Accumulations', assemblages of everyday objects and consumer items, up to the recent 'Robot Portraits'.

El Conejito

Calle M, entre 17 y 19 (324671)


Open noon-midnight daily. Main courses $1-$18.50.

Air-conditioning.





Bugs Bunny would be seen dead here. The house speciality is rabbit, served with a variety of different sauces. Particulary recommended is a tasty, mushroom-clad rodent called Conejo Financiera ($8.40). Better value is the Pollo Gordon Blue for $2, or bargain spaghetti and pizza dishes starting at $1. The mixed salad, comprising a plate of cabbage and five slices of carrot, takes the term 'rabbit food' to a whole new level. All in all, considering the well-priced food, attentive service and lively adjoining bar (particularly for the student night on a Wednesday, and at weekends), this place is recommended.

Caserón del Tango

Calle Jústiz #21, entre Baratillo y Oficios (610822)


Open 8am-midnight Mon-Sat; 8am-2am Sun. Admission $2-$5.





Located in a beautiful colonial mansion just around the corner from the Plaza de Armas in Old Havana, the Caserón del Tango is another of the city's musical treasure chests. Run by the Asociación Nacional Promotora del Tango, the venue aims to preserve and promote this music and dance form in Cuba. A wide range of activities are offered in the mansion's grounds, including informal tango pe–as from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, and a music and dance show starting at 10pm on Saturday. The bar is the venue for discussions and impromptu performances from 9.30pm to 2am on Sunday. Tango classes (which cost $5) are held from 4pm to 6pm Thursday and from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday. Even if you can't make it for one of the scheduled events, be sure to stop by for a swift drink and a little tango music in the charming peso bar out the back.

El Gran Palenque

Calle 4 #103, entre Calzada y 5ta (339075)


Open 10am-10pm daily. Admission $5.





Every Saturday at 3pm the Gran Palenque outdoor bar/café hosts a live rumba show on Saturdays ( Sábado de la Rumba ) by the fantastic Conjunto Folclórico Nacional de Cuba. If you're into Afro-Cuban rhythms and dance, this is an event not to be missed. The Conjunto also offers dance and percussion classes.

Enrico IV

San Francisco American Conservatory Theatre brings to the stage the rarely produced 20th-century classic 'Enrico IV', by Nobel-prize winning playwright Luigi Pirandello. Enrico is an unnamed Italian nobleman in 1922 who has either lost his mind or is pretending to be mad. 20 years earlier, he was knocked unconscious at a costume ball where he was dressed as the 11th-century King Enrico IV. When he awakes, he really believes himself to be the medieval ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. He walks the fine line between lunacy and lucidity for two decades before the woman he once loved arrives on a mission to cure him.

Chicago International Antiques & Fine Art Fair

Do you have a treasured antique you'd like to know more about and maybe find out its value? Take a colour photograph of any item to this antique, art and antiquarian book show and get an expert's free appraisal. The event brings together nearly 100 of the world's most respected dealers. Other popular features include 'A Few of My Favourite Things'- where dealers talk on subjects ranging from furniture, books, Art Deco and antique jewellery to rugs, silver, prints, and maps. New events this year include wine tasting.