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Best Ways To Celebrate "Pi" Day In Chicago

By Megan Horst-Hatch

When it comes to March 14, you can definitely have your pi -- or pie -- and eat it, too. The annual Pi Day, which celebrates the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, is a great excuse to show off your inner math nerd and eat slices of pie shamelessly. You don't need to be irrational and limit yourself to math competitions, either. The Chicagoland area offers plenty of ways to celebrate all things that come in a circle. To get started, check out the following ways to celebrate on 3/14.

Dave, Michael and Megan of Bang Bang
(Credit: bangbangpie.com)

Bang Bang! Pie Shop
2051 N. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 276-8888
www.bangbangpie.com

This pie shop features a rotating array of seasonal pies, and typically features a fruit, a cream and a chocolate pie every day. Previous flavors have included lemon cream, coconut cream and Shaker blood orange pies. To preorder a pie, call Bang Bang! If you don't have a sweet tooth, you can still have pie; Bang Bang! offers a rotating menu of savory pies, including chicken pot pie. It's not all pies at Bang Bang! either. The pie shop sells biscuits and has a topping bar complete with whipped butter, herb butter and a variety of jams. In addition, the shop has a sweet deal for March 14 and will sell five different pies for $3.14 per slice.

Lou Malnati's
Lou Malnati's pizza. (credit: loumalnatis.com)

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
30 locations throughout the Chicagoland area
www.loumalnatis.com

For many Chicagoans, deciding where to get pizza can be a contentious debate. Do you stick with deep dish or do you venture into thin-crust territory? But if you just want a pizza pie, consider heading to Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. Established in 1971 in Lincolnwood, Lou's specialty is its deep-dish pizza loaded with cheese and sauce. Don't forget to go all out on Pi Day and include pepperoni on your pizza. Thin-crust pizza is also available, and no meal at Lou's is complete without its salad and signature creamy lemon garlic dressing.

Central Continental Bakery
(Credit: centralcontinentalbakery.com)

Central Continental Bakery
101 S. Main St.
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 870-9500
www.centralcontinentalbakery.com

What's a Pi Day celebration without pie? At Central Continental Bakery, a mainstay of Mount Prospect for more than 90 years, you can choose from a variety of pies, including cherry, blueberry and peach. Specialty pies are also available for sale, including lemon chiffon, French silk and Mississippi mud, but must be ordered in advance. Pies are available in six and nine inches, making it the perfect size for sharing -- or at least ensuring you have leftovers.

Inside the Loop
(Credit: chicagodetours.com)

Inside the Loop Interior Architectural Tour
Chicago Detours
30 E. Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60603
312.350.1131
www.chicagodetours.com

Date: March 14

OK, it's not technically a circle, but taking an architectural tour around Chicago's Loop can be part of your Pi Day festivities. Chicago Detours offers a two-hour guided tour that includes a look at a department store and church in the area. Meet inside the southeast entrance of Chase Tower at 10 South Dearborn Street to kick off the tour, which is about one-half of a mile and finishes at the Chicago Cultural Center. The tour is also available throughout the week; for additional times, check out Chicago Detour's website. Reservations are required and tours can be booked for school groups.

Related: Bakeries Celebrate Pi Day With Pies

'Life of Pi' Book Discussion
Palatine Public Library
700 N. North Court
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 358-5881
www.palatinelibrary.org

Hours: March 14

For teens looking for a way to celebrate Pi Day, consider adding the discussion of "Life of Pi" to the list. Published in 2001 and made into a film adaptation in 2012, "Life of Pi" is a fantasy adventure novel. In keeping with the theme, pie will be served at the event, which takes place at Palatine's main library. Registration is required, and attendees must be between grades seven and twelve.

Megan Horst-Hatch is a mother, runner, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She loves nothing more than a great cupcake, and writes at I'm a Trader Joe's Fan. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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