Les Dames d'Escoffier Benefit

Join the local chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier for a cookbook debut party and silent auction to benefit the Chicago Community Kitchen tonight from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Chicago Illuminating Company. Tickets are $75. Click here for more information.

Gapers Block Book Club Meeting

This month's meeting of the Gapers Block Book Club takes place tonight at The Book Cellar at 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., where we will be discussing Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee. The meeting begins at 7:30pm, and new members are always welcome! It's the last book club meeting for 2007. Hope to see you there. Visit the official book club blog for more information.

William Wimsatt @ Seminary Co-op

William Wimsatt will be at the Seminary Co-op to discuss his latest book, Re-Engineering Philosophy for Limited Beings. Free. 6pm. 5757 S. University Ave. Call 773-752-4381 for more information.

Radio City Rockettes @ Evanston Public Library

Yes, it sounds like a crazy mixed-up dream, but the Radio City Rockettes will be at the Evanston Public Library this afternoon at 2:00 PM to read holiday stories to the children (?), as well as show them how to kick (!). The event is free and open to the public. You KNOW you want to go! Evanston Public Library: 1703 Orrington Avenue, Evanston. (847) 448-8600.

Hearing Loss Benefit @ Empty Bottle

On Sunday, November 18, 2007, the American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF) will hold a benefit concert at the Empty Bottle to help raise awareness of noise-induced hearing loss. Proceeds from the show will help the AHRF fund research into hearing loss at universities and hospitals throughout the United States and Canada, which the Chicago-based foundation has been doing for more than 30 years with over 165 research projects under its belt. Local bands Le Concorde, The Handcuffs and The Its will perform (all have or have witnessed hearing loss). Free Earlove earplugs for the first ones in.

Admission is only $8. 9PM start.

Valerie Plame Wilson @ Borders

Valerie Plame Wilson, the former CIA agent whose cover was famously blown by Bush administration officials in 2003, will speak and sign copies of her book, Fair Game: My Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House, at Borders. Call the store for more information and get there early, as there is sure be a crowd for this one. 12:30pm. Free. 150 N. State St. 312-606-0750.