Pop Rocks

With Father's Day coming fast upon us, it's time to come up with a plan. Deciding how to observe this holiday can feel awkward. Mother's Day seems to be a slam-dunk by comparison; some flowers, a nice dinner and you've got it made. Unless your father has a special interest, it can be difficult to decide what to do to show your appreciation.

Luckily my father is a golf fanatic and his dining preferences begin and end at a deli, so I have it easy. A round of golf at the country club and corned beef sandwich and I'm golden. If it's not so clear cut for you, consider some of these options.

If dad likes music, The DuSable Museum of African-American History, 740 E. 56th Pl. offers a gospel tribute featuring music from The Notes of Melody, Troy Vincent and the Redeemed Jubilees, Walter and the Chi-Lights and The Morning Stars. Tix are $25-$40, call (773) 947-0600 for more information.

For the father that's king of the grill, Chicago Q, 1160 N. Dearborn, sells Father's Day gift baskets filled with their coveted rubs, sauces and pickles. It's $60 for a basket filled with sauces, dry rub, pickles and an apron, $42 without the apron. Call (312) 642-1160 or go to chicagoqrestaurant.com for more info.

For the man into water sports (careful, it is your father) nothing offers some prime relaxation quite like spending an afternoon on one of Chicago's many cruises around Lake Michigan. Whether it's an Odyssey, Mystic Blue, or Chicago Line cruise, your dad can enjoy his day with a great meal and a great view. Odyssey's Father's Day brunch cruise is $58.90 and dinner is $84.90. Reservations are required, call (866) 305-2469 or go to odyssey.com.

Does your dad long for the good old days of the Rat Pack? "Festa Pasta Vino" on Oakley Avenue and 24th Street includes a Father's Day tribute to the Rat Pack. Dad will feast on Italian food and wine from Little Italy and enjoy live musical performances such as The Scintas, a famous Las Vegas variety act, and former Jersey Boy cast member John Michael Coppola. The festival runs through 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and through 9 p.m. on Sunday. Call (630) 962-7000 for more info.

Celebrate Southern style with an afternoon Pre-Father's Day pig roast on Saturday, June 16 at Smoke Daddy,1804 W. Division. The event features all-you-can-eat BBQ pork sandwiches, homemade coleslaw, pit-smoked beans and live blues and bluegrass music, not bad for $15. Call (773) 772-6656 for reservations.

If all you're looking for is a special dining experience check out some of these options:

Zed 451, 739 N. Clark offers a gourmet twist on the traditional Brazillian steakhouse. On Father's Day it will feature a feature a $29 dollar brunch along with the usual $48 unlimited sampling menu. Call (312) 266-6691 for reservations.

Porter's Pub, 1250 Bowes Creek Blvd. in Elgin holds a cookout on Saturday, June 16. For $15.95 the meal includes grilled chicken, bratwurst, corn on the cob, potato salad and more. Call (847) 214-5877 or go porterspubelgin.com for more information.

The Lobby at The Peninsula Chicago will transform into a gastropub, serving artisan burgers, BBQ and all the accoutrements. The brunch will also feature micro brews from the Midwest region to offer perfect pairings for the pub-food favorites. Brunch is $100 per person. Reservations can be made by calling (312) 573-6695 or at peninsula.com/chicago.

Elate, 111 W. Huron, is serving a "Land and Sea Benedict" featuring braised hanger steak, butter poached lobster, fava bean puree and Meyer lemon hollandaise for $17. Call (312) 202-9900 for reservations.

Socca, 3301 N. Clark, offers an exciting take on favorites. Duroc pork belly hash with caramelized onions and fennel, bananas Foster croissant stuffed with marscapone and lobster hash. For more information check out soccachicago.com or (773) 248-1155