Cook-Off For Cancer

North side first baseman Anthony Rizzo, the Chicago Cubs and some local chefs are teaming up for an event to help raise money for cancer research to support children and their families. The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation is proud to lead off the inaugural "Cook-Off for Cancer" event, which takes place at Cafe Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo, Wednesday, August 14, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

Rizzo, who was diagnosed with limited state classical Hodgkin's lymphoma in April of 2008, and his foundation will donate proceeds from Cook-Off for Cancer to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation's Bear Hugs Program, Family Reach Foundation and Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Some of the city's best chefs at the event include:

Giuseppe Tentori, GT Fish and Oyster
Tony Priolo, Piccolo Sogno
Nate Henssler, Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Cosmo Goss , Publican
Jimmy Bannos SR, The Purple Pig
Mark Sparacino, Proseco
David Burns, Wrigley Field Executive Chef

Veggie Bingo @ Hideout

All the cool kids will be at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) tonight for Veggie Bingo, a summerlong series brought to you by the good folks at Soup and Bread and NeighborSpace. Play the game, enjoy a grilled hot dog donated by Hot Doug's, donate money to help sustain a local community garden, and win food-related prizes (fresh produce from Irv and Shelly's, among others). Event runs 5:30-8pm.

Sound Opinions End of Summer BBQ

WBEZ and Sound Opinions host their end-of-summer BBQ this evening from 7:00 to 10:00pm at the WBEZ Terrace at 848 E. Grand Avenue. Food will be from Smoque BBQ, The Butcher & Larder, Bang Bang Pie Shop & Black Dog Gelato. Tickets are $40 in advance, and may be purchased through Eventbrite.

Taste of the Nation @ Navy Pier Ballroom

Eat food from 100+ of the city's top chefs and restaurants in the name of erasing childhood hunger at Taste of the Nation, which takes over the ballroom at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand) tonight (doors open for VIPs at 6pm; general audience at 7pm). Tickets start at $125.