Belly Up Oscars, Lebanon, and Soup Edition

It's a slow week in between Restaurant Week and St. Patrick's Day, but if you're looking to avoid being the sore loser again this year at your friend's annual Oscars party, you have two good options. Head over to 10Pin Bowling Lounge (330 N. State St., 312-644-0300) for cocktails and bowling. The lounge touts a 128-foot, high-def video wall that can withstand the sounds of crashing pins and spirits. The Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State St., 312-846-2072) is also hosting a party, where a mere $100 buys you champagne, a buffet, a nice view of the show, and an official Academy Awards program. In non-Oscar options, the Oriental Institute at the University Of Chicago is holding a Tastes Of Lebanon dinner at Fattoush Restaurant (2652 N. Halsted St., 773-327-2652) Thursday, March 4. Owners Samer and Lina Elakhaoudi will provide samples and history of Lebanese cuisine, including fattoush, the salad that gave the restaurant its name. Finally, if you haven't made it out to the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia Ave., 773-227-4433) for Soup And Bread, now's your chance. Each week the soup is free; you're just asked this week for a small donation for Benton House.

Fatsometer: 3. Cry for the end of Restaurant Week in this week’s cocktail and soup options.