Marcos Balter

Up next in our series of weekend plans from notable, in-the-know locals—a.k.a. people we like: Marcos Balter, the ebullient Chicago-based composer, whose work with the new music ensemble Dal Niente and the noise band Deerhoof was just chosen to headline the 2013 Ecstatic Festival in New York. In addition, Balter’s piece à vis will be performed by the new music ensemble Anaphora at the Green Mill on 11/25 at 2.

“Who knows when I will wake up on Friday after my turkey-induced coma, but if I still have an appetite, I’ll have brunch at Tiztal Cafe, this hidden gem in Uptown with the absolute best chilaquiles in Chicago. After, I’ll head north to Andersonville to hunt for some good-cause vintage at the Brown Elephant. I’ll probably need a quick pick-me-up, so I will stop by The Coffee Studio for their super potent double espresso—always trust a Brazilian when it comes to coffee.

“Saturday is all about celebrating this week’s Ecstatic Festival announcement. So I’ll definitely meet friends at Lady Gregory’s, an elegant and cozy Irish pub in the heart of Andersonville, for some appetizers and drinks. I am a fan of their deviled eggs, and their Guinness burger is a must. I may end up dancing the night away at Big Chicks, my favorite neighborhood bar, if I still have any moves left—I haven’t gone out dancing in ages.

“Sunday, I’ll spend my afternoon at the Green Mill with my talented friends from the Anaphora Ensemble in a show titled “Sounds of Chicago.” They will perform the Midwest premiere of my piece “à vis” for clarinet and piano. We’ll have dinner afterwards just a few doors down at the new Lao Sze Chuan in Uptown. Last time I was there, I had this delicious eggplant in garlic sauce and an amazing salt and pepper lamb. Then, early to bed; lots of music to write on Monday!” —As told to Elly Fishman