This one-two punch will only work through February 19, but I highly recommend lunch from Graziano's followed by the
Heads on Poles show just around the corner at the art gallery Western Exhibitions. The exhibit is as the title says: the two curators invited over four dozen artists to explore the historically macabre image of a head mounted on a stick. The result is far from grim.
John Parot's Winter's Hair (2011)On display rather is a wild menagerie of, well, heads on poles. And while the theme is not food related, the show includes one pretty rad popcorn maker.
Nick Black's Popcorn (2011)Yes, gallery visitors can actually use this take of a head on a pole to make a snack. Everything needed, including instructions and seasoning, is there.


Though the price is steep (listed at $1,000) for a kitchen gadget that would need more than counter space, I love it because it reminds me of Bruce Nauman's carousel sculptures from the late '80s. I wish I would have had the time to shoot video of the machine in action, but, again, I think it's well-worth a visit to get the complete effect.
Not being a sandwich person and as one who generally subsists on cheese, my lunch from Graziano's consisted of a large wedge of the Sardinian Blu Mediterraneo, which I had never had before. This semi-soft sheep's milk cheese starts off delicately but ends with a very memorable, fruity sharpness. I was glad to have left some to enjoy with dinner tonight.

I think the Graziano's-Western Exhibitions one-two punch would be a fantastic outing with kids (kids OK with heads on poles) or even a date--delicious and entertaining.
J.P. Graziano901 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60607
312-666-4587
Western Exhibitions119 N. Peoria St., Suite 2A
Chicago, IL 60607
312-480-8390
Gallery hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11am-6pm
Heads on Poles through February 19, 2011