Events are optional and participants can follow their own interests such as visiting the Art Institute, art galleries, theatre productions, comedy clubs, etc. There is an increasing number of Russian businesses in the area as well as some middle eastern shops. There are many clothing, jewelry, and trinket shops to explore. The restaurants are all ethnic. Indian and Pakistani food can be quite spicy although tandoori chicken is basically just marinated and grilled.
Russian food is more familiar.
Middle Eastern food is mildly flavored and includes shishkebob, which is not too exotic. There are also a number of bakeries and grocery stores around. You can easily pretend you are in a foreign country and try out some ethnic foods. If you are less adventurous and not too hungry you can wait until we get to downtown Chicago to eat. A small service charge is added.