Reveillon Dinner @ Big Jones
Go Creole this Christmas Eve at Big Jones (5347 N. Clark) at their annual Reveillon Dinner, a multi-course affair of crawfish, gumbo, venison and (my favorite), Doberge cake. Admission $50 (wine pairings an extra $25).
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TODAY
Slowdown
Category
Food
Feast of the Seven Fishes @ Nico Osteria
Celebrate Christmas Eve at this traditional Southern Italian meal of the fishy stuff starting at 3pm today at Nico Osteria, 1015 N. Rush. The four course meal is $125; Italians do not get a discount (I asked).
Dave Hoekstra @ Co-Prosperity Sphere
The former Sun-Times writer discusses his newest book, "The People's Place: Soul Food Restaurants and Reminiscences from the Civil Rights Era to Today" tonight from 6-9pm at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219-21 S Morgan St. Accompanying the event is a display of portraits from the book by Paul Natkin; William Luck DJs.
The Whistler Becomes Chalmun's Cantina
The Logan Square bar (2421 N. Milwaukee) becomes a nerd's paradise tonight at 8:30pm and 11:00pm (doors open 6pm) when it transforms into the infamous Chalmun's Cantina from the movie Star Wars. Musicians will transform into Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes and play the tunes that made this movie famous. Costumes encouraged.
Toothache @ Two Restaurant
Sample holiday treats made by a killer roundup of chefs (representing such places as Mindy's Hot Chocolate and mk) at Two (1132 W. Grand) tonight from 5-8pm. Tickets $45; the event will also be accepting donations of winter clothing and/or unwrapped toys suitable for a K-5th grader.
Holidose Market @ Morgan Manufacturing
Celebrate and shop for the season at Holidose, which runs 10am-5pm today at Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan. Vendors, food purveyors, entertainment and even trees will be for sale. Your $10 ticket benefits the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
Grilled Cheese Meltdown @ 1st Ward
Time Out Chicago presents The Grilled Cheese Meltdown today at 1st Ward in Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave. Sample grilled cheese renditions from 10 local restaurants, paired with craft beer. There are three sessions, 11:30am-1:30pm, 2-4pm and 4:30-6:30pm. Tickets to each are $30.
Eat to the Beat with Neko Case @ Chicago Athletic Association SOLD OUT
Join Greg Kot and Jim Derogatis of WBEZ and musician/songwriter/superhero Neko Case for a multi-course meal at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (12 S. Michigan) prepared by a star-studded group of chefs (Mindy Segal of Hot Chocolate; Rob Levitt and Allie Levitt of The Butcher & Larder; Pete Coenen of Cherry Circle Room; Illiana Regan of Elizabeth and MORE). VIP ticketholders get a 6pm private cocktail reception with your three hosts, with drinks provided by Bub City's Paul McGee.Tickets start at $200.
Not So Rare Day @ Emporium Logan Square
If you missed out on Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout on Black Friday, head to Emporium Logan Square, 2363 N. Milwaukee Ave., for Not So Rare Day today starting at 4pm. The bar will be serving up bottles of BCS and multiple vintages of its variants -- and they'll also have a very limited quantity of Rare, which will be raffled at 5pm. Here's the catch, though: you have to drink it, all of it, in the bar. Not even the Rare will be available to go. No cover, 21+
Beers & Big Shoulders @ Hopleaf
Half Acre Brewing is the guest this month at Beers & Big Shoulders, a single-brewery tasting and talk in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight at 7:30pm. Hopleaf's Joe Huminiak hosts, and it's rumored that Big Hugs may make an appearance. Tickets are $25 and get you samples of four beers and a snack. 21+
Julmarknad @ Swedish American Museum
This annual Christmas Bazaar features crafts, a cafe, and entertainment to celebrate the holiday. Event runs 10am-4pm today at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark. Admission $2.
XMas Strikes Back Pub Crawl
This day-long "Star Wars" themed bar crawl (1:30-8:00pm) goes through Lakeview and features a costume contest and trivia battles for swag to promote the upcoming movie; attendees get a santa hat and mini-light saber to celebrate the season. Tickets start at $20; kick-off is at Headquarters Lakeview (2833 N Sheffield Ave).
Mindy Segal @ Read It and Eat!
Hot Chocolate's own Mindy Segal runs a baking demo of several of her finest cookie creations today at Read It and Eat, 2142 N. Halsted, from 1-4pm. Tickets $35 ($60 if you want to add on a copy of her fantastic book Cookie Love).
Julmarknad @ Swedish American Museum
This annual Christmas Bazaar features crafts, a cafe, and entertainment to celebrate the holiday. Event runs 10am-5pm today (Sunday 10am-4pm) at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark. Admission $2.
Brew Lights @ Lincoln Park Zoo
Get into the holiday spirit with a glass of holiday cheer at Brew Lights, which runs 5:30-10pm at Lincoln Park Zoo (Cannon and Fullerton). Enjoy samples from Louis Glunz (Begyle, Berghoff, etc.) and enjoy the lights.Tickets $50-60.
The 69th Annual Latke-Hamantash Debate @ UChicago
Scholarship meets snacking at this annual humorous debate of the potato latke versus the delicious triangle-shaped cookie (there, I've finally voiced my opinion). Free to attend, but $5 gets you a post-debate sampling of the subjects in question. Event takes place at Mandel Hall at the UChicago campus (located within the Reynolds Club at 1131 E. 57th St.). Event starts 7:30pm; if you can't make it in person, there will be a livestream.
Hyde Park Handmade Bazaar @ Promontory
The Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar & Farmers Market runs from 11am to 4pm upstairs at Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Shop for handmade gifts, art and food items. Admission is free.
Got Glögg? Tasting & Competition
The Swedish-American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., hosts its annual Got Glögg? tasting and competition tonight from 7 to 9pm. Sample a variety of recipes and vote for your favorite. (And if you think your recipe is up to snuff, you can apply to compete.) Tickets are $15. 21+
Ultimate Food Fight @ State and Lake Tavern
The Chicago Reader sponsors a squash-themed cookoff tonight from 6 to 9pm at State and Lake, 201 N. State St. Tasting portions of the eats (from chefs reppin' places like Char & Oak and Rural Society), beer from Bell's, and country music await you. Tickets are $43.
Festival of Barrel Aged Beers @ UIC Forum SOLD OUT
The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild holds this weekend-long salute to beer at the UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt). Over 90 breweries will be serving 300 beers; your $60 admission gets you the samplings and glory. Three sessions: tonight 6-10pm, and tomorrow from 1-5pm and 6-10pm.
Opolo Vineyards Dinner @ The Park Grill
Enjoy a night of wine tasting and food pairings at the Park Grill at 11 N. Michigan Ave today at 7:30pm. With four courses and wine from the Opolo Estate Vineyards, this night is surely one to relax and eat in a comfortable setting in downtown Chicago. $99 per guest. Get more information here.
Speed Rack @ Thalia Hall
Speed Rack, the all-female speed-bartending competition that raises money for breast cancer, is back at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport Ave., today at 4pm. Watch bartenders compete for the title of Miss Speed Rack Chicago, and enjoy some drinks yourself. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. 21+
Glassware Garage Sale @ Hopleaf
Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., hosts a Glassware Garage Sale today to clear the shelves of glasses for beers they no longer carry, that don't exist anymore, that have changed logos or have otherwise changed. Some breweriana (beer signs and promo items) will also be available. The sale begins at noon, and proceeds benefit longtime Hopleaf bartender Chris "Pitt" Pittatsis, who is recovering from a brutal attack that left him in very bad shape (you can donate directly to his medical fund here.) No cover, but you must be 21.
Bridgeport's Got Beef @ Co-Prosperity Sphere
Bridgeport's Got Beef, an Italian beef competition, today from 3 to 5:30pm at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St. Taste eight different beef sandwiches, wash them down with Marz Brewing beer, and vote for your favorite. Tickets are $35, or $50 with your choice of tote bag or t-shirt. Proceeds benefit the Public Media Institute.
Culinary Garage Sale @ Naha
Green City Market holds a Culinary Garage Sale today at Naha, 500 N. Clark St. Pay $10 and go shopping for chef coats, promotional items, cookware, silverware, kitchen gadgets and more. The sale is open from 8am to noon -- or pay $50 for VIP access an hour earlier and grab the most coveted stuff before anyone else sees it! Proceeds of the sale benefit Green City Market's education programming.
Taste of Ravenswood
The inaugural Taste of Ravenswood happens tonight from 7 to 10pm at the Ravenswood Event Center, 4025 N. Ravenswood Ave. Sample food from 10 local restaurants and drinks from eight local breweries and distilleries. Tickets are $65, or spring for the $100 VIP and get in an hour early for a cocktail party.
Beers & Big Shoulders @ Hopleaf
Beers and Big Shoulders returns to the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight at 7:30pm. This month, host Joe Huminiak talks with Randy Mosher, Robert Finkel and BJ Pichman of Forbidden Root Brewery. They'll talk about how the brewery got its start, what its philosophy is, and probably a bit about the taproom they're preparing to open. Tickets are $25, and include four beer samples and some snacks. 21+
À La Carte Chicago
Try contemporary French cuisine and say "Oo la la!" Join many Chicago residents for this weeklong endeavor (until November 19) at restaurants around the city such as Kiki's Bistro, Bistro Campagne, Bistro Voltaire and more. See the whole list with menus here. Make sure you check into taking a cooking class, going to a tasting, watching a screening or one of the other events around the city.
Chicago Mac & Cheeze Takedown @ Lincoln Hall
Are you a fan of macaroni and/or cheese? Lincoln Hall is your jam this afternoon, my friend, because it's hosting the Chicago Mac & Cheeze Takedown starting at 1:00pm! Try all the mac & cheese you like, as served up by the various competing chefs, and vote for your favorites! Full details and advance tickets at the Lincoln Hall site. Lincoln Hall: 2424 N. Lincoln. (773) 525-2501.
Nigella Lawson @ Benito Juarez Community Academy
The British chef and TV show host Nigella Lawson talks with Allison Cuddy about her newest book Simply Nigella today at the auditorium of the Benito Juarez Community Academy, 1450 W. Cermak Rd., at 10am. Book signing follows. Tickets are $10-20. UPDATE: this event is sold out.
Tony Magee @ Francis Parker
Arlington Heights native and Lagunitas founder Tony Magee talks beer, beer and beer with Mark Bazer tonight at the Heller Auditorium of Francis W. Parker School (2233 N. Clark) tonight from 6-7pm as part of the Chicago Humanities Festival. Tickets $5-12.
All Saints Day Offal Dinner @ Table, Donkey & Stick
Table, Donkey & Stick (2728 W. Armitage) serves its third annual All Saints Day Offal Feast tonight (5:30-9:30pm). Tickets $40.
Tony Gemignani @ Read It and Eat
The San Francisco-based chef and author, whose pizza is very Chicago-like (I've had it and can attest to its qualities), comes to Read It & Eat (2142 N. Halsted) tonight for a dough-tossing demo, book signing for his newest tome The Pizza Bible, and Q&A. Event runs 6:30-8:30pm. Tickets $10.
Andersonville Dessert Crawl
The Andersonville Dessert Crawl runs from 2 to 5pm today! Buy your tickets ($25 in advance, $30 day-of), pick up your passport at the Swedish-American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., and graze your way up and down Clark Street, enjoying sweet treats on one of two routes.
The Halloween Gathering VIP After Party @ The Plaza
The Plaza (11 N. Michigan Ave.) presents the Halloween Gathering After-Party from 8pm-11pm after The Halloween Gathering at Grant Park. As The Plaza's last event for the season, make the most of the opportunity to be outside, enjoy live music, food, drinks, and interactive arts installations (by the artist George Berlin). Tickets are $125 and can be bought online.
Yotam Ottolenghi @ Cahn Auditorium
The British chef known for Mediterranean cooking gives a talk and signs books tonight at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St, 5-6pm as part of the Chicago Humanities Festival. Tickets $10-20.
History of the Hot Dog @ Chicago History Museum
NU professor Bill Savage takes you on a bus tour documenting the city's love of hot dogs today at 1pm through the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. Tickets start at $45.
Mac & Cheese Fest
The second annual Mac & Cheese Fest takes place today at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd. Taste gourmet macaroni and cheese creations from some of the area's best chefs at one of two sessions -- noon to 3pm or 6:30 to 9:30pm. Tickets are $60 and include five drink tickets; $100 VIP tickets get you priority check-in, access to a VIP section and a t-shirt. A portion of the proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House.
Breakfast at Ina's Doc @ AMC River East 21
The documentary about Ina Pinkney, whose famed West Loop brunch spot closed in 2013, airs today at 4pm at the River East 21, 322 E Illinois St.
Breakfast at Ina's Doc @ AMC River East
Breakfast at Ina's, the documentary about Ina Pinkney, whose famed West Loop brunch spot closed in 2013, screens today at noon at the River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St., as part of the Chicago International Film Festival. Tickets are $8.
Twin Pines Mall Release @ Emporium Wicker Park
Pipeworks Brewing teamed up with Jared Saul, beer buyer at Emporium Arcade Bar, to create Twin Pines Mall, a Back to the Future-themed beer brewed with spruce tips and wildflower honey. They'll be releasing it tonight at 7pm -- the day Marty McFly and Doc Brown travel to in Back to the Future II -- exclusively at the Wicker Park Emporium location, 1366 N. Milwaukee Ave. There will be a Marty & Doc costume contest, raffle and other fun stuff. No cover, 21+
Chili Fest
Chili Fest pairs chili and football for an outdoor food festival in the parking lot at 218 W. Ohio St. Saturday and today. Sample competition-grade chili from seven competitors and vote for your favorite, then watch NFL football on the big screen. There will also be a coat drive -- donate new and gently used coats, hats, gloves and thermals. The fest runs from 11am to 7pm today. Tickets are $10-$40 depending on if you go with a drink package.
Wine Riot @ Union Station
Second Glass presents the Wine Riot in the Great Hall at Union Station, 500 W. Jackson St., Friday and today. Sample dozens of wines, get crash courses on varietals and regions, and share the night via the Instagram station, photobooth and postcards. There are two sessions today, from 1 to 5pm and from 7 to 11pm. Tickets are $60 per session. 21 and over, obviously.
Chili Fest
Chili Fest pairs chili and football for an outdoor food festival in the parking lot at 218 W. Ohio St. today and Sunday. Sample competition-grade chili from seven competitors and vote for your favorite, then watch the Michigan State vs. Michigan game and other college football on the big screen. There will also be a coat drive -- donate new and gently used coats, hats, gloves and thermals. The fest runs from 10am to 7pm today. Tickets are $10-$40 depending on if you go with a drink package.
Wine Riot @ Union Station
Second Glass presents the Wine Riot in the Great Hall at Union Station, 500 W. Jackson St., tonight and Saturday. Sample dozens of wines, get crash courses on varietals and regions, and share the night via the Instagram station, photobooth and postcards. Tickets are $60 per session; tonight's session is from 7 to 11pm. 21 and over, obviously.
Culinary Fight Club @ Marriott Medical District
Culinary Fight Club brings its live cooking competition to the Chicago Marriott at Medical District/UIC, 625 S. Ashland Ave., tonight from 6 to 9pm. The theme this round is "gourmet grilled cheese," and the contestants will have an hour to come up with the best bite they can. Tickets are $40, and include samples of the contestants' creations and two hours of open bar for Sam Adams beer and wine. A portion of the proceeds benefit Fight2Feed. 21+
WBEZ Chef Battle @ Kendall College
Chefs from five of the city's swellest restaurants (among them Chrissy Camba from Maddy's Dumpling House and Ashlee Aubin from Wood & Salero) duke it out tonight at WBEZ's 8th Annual Chefs Battle at Kendall College (900 North Branch). You sample their dishes, vote for the best, and put the rest onto the bus home. Tickets start at $35.
Taste of the Nation @ Navy Pier Grand Ballroom
The ticket's aren't cheap but they benefit one of the city's (& nation's) biggest issues: hunger. Taste of the Nation, tonight from 6-9pm at the Grand Balltoom at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand) is an annual fundraiser for Feeding America, with a boatload of tastings from the city's best chefs (among them EL Ideas, Acadia, and Honey Butter Fried Chicken), a live auction, entertainment, and chef demos. Tickets for adults start at $125; kids $35.
Bank of America Marathon Pasta Dinner @ The Plaza
The Plaza at Millennium Park at 11 N. Michigan Ave. invites runners (and supporters of runners) to carb up at the restaurant for a pasta dinner at varied times throughout the evening (4, 6 or 8pm). A pasta buffet, build-your-own-pasta station, salad dessert, and your choice of a beer or wine are included in the $40 price. Tickets required.
Bacon & Beer Classic
The traveling Bacon & Beer Classic comes to Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr., for two sessions featuring around two dozen restaurants cooking up bacony treats and more than 40 craft breweries. The "brunch" session runs from 1 to 4pm, and the "evening" session goes 7 to 10pm. Tickets are $49, or spring for the $99 VIP tickets and get into either session an hour early. 21+
Fall Fest: Harvest Hopdown @ The Plaza
Come for the 3rd Annual Harvest Hopdown where local brewers compete for the 2015 title! For $40 a ticket, The Plaza at Millennium Park at 11 N. Michigan Ave, presents 14 local breweries with a chance to taste and vote for the best hops around Chicago. Food will be available to purchase. 21+ participants only. Get a ticket here.
Taste Talks
The Taste Talks food conference and festival runs Oct. 2-4 at several locations. Today's events include an All-Star BBQ in Palmer Square Park, 2200 N. Kedzie Ave., with sessions at noon and 2:30pm. Tickets are $52.50, and include samples of a wide variety of grilled foods. Get an multi-day pass for $150-450.
Rocktober Beerfest
Who says outdoor festival season is over? Rocktober Beerfest runs Oct. 2-4 at Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington St. Enjoy Goose Island beers, brats and pretzels from Publican Quality Meats, and live music by the same bands you see at every neighborhood fest. The fest runs from noon to 10pm today. $10 admission, or spend $40 and get a commemorative stein, two beers and a hot pretzel. 21+
Kultura Festival @ Emporium
Filipino food and culture is the center of today's Kultura Festival, which runs 11am-6pm at Emporium (2363 N. Milwaukee Ave.). Chefs from the city's prominent Filipino restaurants (Maddy's Dumpling House, the former Pecking Order, etc.) will cook up the food; visual art and music accompanies the eating. Tickets $10; $5 senior citizens or students with valid ID. Kids under 5 are free.
Rocktober Beerfest
Who says outdoor festival season is over? Rocktober Beerfest runs Oct. 2-4 at Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington St. Enjoy Goose Island beers, brats and pretzels from Publican Quality Meats, and live music by the same bands you see at every neighborhood fest. The fest runs from noon to 11pm tonight. $10 admission, or spend $40 and get a commemorative stein, two beers and a hot pretzel. 21+
Taste Talks
The Taste Talks food conference and festival runs Oct. 2-4 at several locations. Today's brunch, conference sessions and demos will be held at Morgan's on Fulton, 950 W Fulton St., from 10am to 7pm, followed by a pop-up gastropub cheffed by April Bloomfield starting at 7pm at the Virgin Hotel, 203 N. Wabash Ave. Tickets to the conference are $100; the gastropub is another $100. Get an multi-day pass for $150-450.
Lincoln Square Apple Fest
Lincoln Square Apple Fest runs from 9am to 5pm today on Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Leland (the bit that's semi-cut off from major roads, in other words.) Eat all sorts of apple products, from caramel apples to apple pie, wash it down with cider and enjoy all sorts of family-friendly activities. Free.
Taste Talks
The Taste Talks food conference and festival runs Oct. 2-4 at several locations. Tonight's event is a "Mother of Pearl" dinner from 7 to 10pm at Local Foods, 1427 W. Willow St., a multi-course meal cooked by some of the city's top chefs, featuring oysters and Champagne. Tickets are $100. Get an multi-day pass for $150-450.
Rocktober Beerfest
Who says outdoor festival season is over? Rocktober Beerfest runs Oct. 2-4 at Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington St. Enjoy Goose Island beers, brats and pretzels from Publican Quality Meats, and live music by the same bands you see at every neighborhood fest. The fest runs from 5 to 11pm tonight. $10 admission, or spend $40 and get a commemorative stein, two beers and a hot pretzel. 21+
Dusek's Blocktoberfest
To celebrate their two-year anniversary this fall, Dusek's is putting its own slant on the traditional Oktoberfest with BLOCKTOBERFEST, a free block party that will include sausages and German-inspired dishes by Chef Jared Wentworth, German beer, face painting for the kids and a set of local DJs. Admission is free and will take over the streets of Pilsen, directly in front of Thalia Hall at 18th Street and Allport Avenue from 2pm to 10pm.
Chicago Gourmet @ Millennium Park
The swells gather at Millennium Park this weekend to drink from rivers of wine, sample eats from the city's (and nation's) top chefs, go to seminars and cooking demos, and enjoy the feeling of it all at this year's Chicago Gourmet, which runs from noon-6pm. Tickets start at $200. Sold out.
Chicago Gourmet @ Millennium Park
The swells gather at Millennium Park this weekend to drink from rivers of wine, sample eats from the city's (and nation's) top chefs, go to seminars and cooking demos, and enjoy the feeling of it all at this year's Chicago Gourmet, which runs from noon-6pm. Tickets start at $200. Sold out.
Hot Dog! It's Hot Doug! @ Kendall College
Doug Sohn, the real Sausage King of Chicago, appears at Kendall College (900 North Branch) this morning (10am-noon) to discuss the love of the frank, how he got into the business and why he abruptly decided to close his Avondale restaurant Hot Doug's last year in the height of its popularity. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago; cost $3-5, free for Kendall students.
Sunnyside of Lincoln Pork Fest
The Sunnyside of Lincoln -- Bistro Campagne, Due Lire, The Grafton Pub, Miku and homesoul, all on the western side of Lincoln Avenue between Sunnyside and Wilson -- present Pork Fest, a block party of sorts, tonight from 6 to 9pm. For $50, you'll get six drink tickets (wine, beer, or cocktails) to be used at any of the four restaurants, two dishes featured by each of the restaurants, and 10 percent off purchase at home furnishings shop homesoul.
Independence Park Beer Fest
The second annual Independence Park Beer Fest runs today from 4 to 8pm in Independence Park, 3945 N. Springfield Ave. Sample beers from more than two dozen breweries, and enjoy live music and tasty treats from food trucks. Tickets are $40 and include a t-shirt and tasting glass. 21+
Goose Island Urban Block Party
Goose Island opens up its brewery at 1800 W. Fulton St. for its annual Urban Block Party today and Saturday. There'll be lots of beer -- including some rarities -- and encased meats by Hot Doug, plus live music on two stages by Sidewalk Chalk, Marrow, DJ RedLox, Matt & Kim, !!!, Jukebox the Ghost and Local H. The festival runs from 4 to 10pm tonight; tickets are $30 and cover both days. 21+
Chicago Foodseum Grand Opening
The Chicago Foodseum holds the grand opening of its inaugural exhibit, "The Hot Dog and Encased Meat of the World," this Saturday at Block 37, 108 N. State St., from 11am to 7pm. Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's will give a talk on English's two finest words between 11am and noon, and you'll be able to explore the interactive exhibit for free.
Goose Island Urban Block Party
Goose Island opens up its brewery at 1800 W. Fulton St. for its annual Urban Block Party today and Saturday. There'll be lots of beer -- including some rarities -- and encased meats by Hot Doug, plus live music on two stages by The Howl, Vamos!, Pelican, Eleventh Dream Day, Calexico and tUnE-yArDs. The festival runs from 5 to 10pm tonight; tickets are $30 and cover both days. 21+
The Dinner Party @ City Winery
The Dinner Party returns to City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., tonight at 7pm. Host Elysabeth Alfano welcomes Kickstarter cofounder Charles Adler, artist Hebru Brantley, actor and photographer Carinthia West and Chef Michael Taus of Taus Authentic, who also cooks the meal both the guests and audience enjoy. Tickets are $55 per person and include a three-course meal; wine pairing is available. Admission is $25 without dinner. Doors open at 6:30pm.
Slow Food Chicago's Annual Farm Roast @ Local Foods
Enjoy the summer's bounty at this afternoon's Annual Farm Roast, which kicks off at 1pm at Local Foods (1427 W. Willow). Local chefs (from Nico Osteria, Butcher and Larder, Vie and more) make dishes using the Slow Food Ark of Taste while you sample their wares. Beer and cocktails will be supplied by Billy Sunday, Pipeworks and more. Tickets start at $57.
Logan Square Beer Fest
Logan Square Auditorium (2539 N. Kedzie) opens its doors to beer-lovers today (two sessions: 1-4pm and 5-8pm) to sample beers from a long list of purveyors, among them Solemn Oath, Ale Syndicate and Half Acre. Your $48 ticket gets you drink tickets and a commemorative glass to show off your swilling skills to your friends.
Windy City BBQ Classic
The Windy City BBQ Classic runs from 11am to 4pm today at Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr. Sample barbecue from top competitive pitmasters from around the country; wash it down with drinks from Lagunitas, Tito's Vodka and Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine; watch demos and enjoy live music. Tickets are $100. Preview in Drive-Thru.
Oyster Fest @ Shaw's Crab House
Get selfish with shellfish today at Shaw's (435 N. Wabash, near Hubbard and Rush) from 3 to 10pm. Music, craft beer, and lotsa oysters await you; $30 for admission (food and drink sold separately, but a seated special dinner at $75 per person can also be purchased). St. Lucia plays at 8pm.
Reader Fall Cocktail Challenge
The Reader's Fall Cocktail Challenge is live and in person tonight at the Godfrey Hotel, 127 W. Huron St., from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Sample drinks concocted by some of Chicago's top mixologists, based on bizarre ingredients suggested by their peers. Tickets are $40. 21+
Beers & Big Shoulders @ Hopleaf
Beers and Big Shoulders, a monthly beer social, returns to the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., at 7:30pm. This month the guests are Claudia Jendron, head brewer of Temperance Beer Co., and beer expert Dave Gibbons. They'll talk with host Mark Bullock about Temperance beers and brewing in formerly dry Evanston. Tickets are $25 online or at the door, and include samples of four beers and snacks courtesy of the Hopleaf; stick around afterward to talk with the brewers and enjoy more beer. 21+
Longman & Eagle Summer Block Party
Longman & Eagle host their annual Summer Block Party today from noon to 10pm at 2657 N. Kedzie Ave. Join the fun with street food, drink specials, and DJs Sensitive Luke, The Craps and Windy City Soul Club spinning music. There'll also be art and craft activities for the kids and vintage shopping from the Bus Shop. Free.
WingFest @ Plumbers Union Hall
WingFest does its first summer hot wing festival today from 1 to 7pm outdoors at the Plumbers' Union Hall, 1340 W. Washington St. Get all you can eat from 40 restaurants and vote for your favorite wings. Tickets are $40, or $100 for VIP, which includes five drink tickets, one parking pass, swag bag, and access to the VIP area.
The Big Lebowski & Pipeworks Release Party @ Logan Theater
The Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave., and Pipeworks Brewing present a release party for Pipeworks' white Russian milk stout, "Hey, Careful Man, There's a Beverage Here," followed by a screening of The Big Lebowski The fun starts tonight at 9pm with a tapping and tasting in the lounge at the Logan, and will include a costume contest. The movie screens at 10:30pm and 11pm; tickets are $5. The party is free and 21+.
Arcade Brewing 1st Anniversary @ Chop Shop
Arcade Brewing is throwing its first birthday party tonight at 7pm at Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave., and you get the treats. Local H, Glass Lux and Flesh Panthers perform live, Bit Bash is bringing some indie games, and there will of course be plenty of Arcade beer. Tickets are $15. 21+
Big Hot Bang @ Bang Bang Pie
Hot Chocolate and Bang Bang Pie host their East Coast cousin Big Gay Ice Cream for an afternoon treat sampling and book signing at Bang Bang Pie, 2051 N. California. Starting at 2:30pm, you can get your copy of Big Gay's newest book and/or Mindy Segal's book Cookie Love signed, and enjoy all the treats. Tickets $10-30; books available for purchase onsite.
Food + Wine Festival @ Lincoln and Grant Parks
Think of it as Chicago Gourmet's equally interesting cousin--the first-ever Food + Wine Festival, which holds court today at 11am in Lincoln Park and Grant Park, is a day of tastings, samplings, cooking demos, and general feelings of fabulous-ness with the usual suspects of the local culinary scene--Bayless, Izard, Segal et al. Tickets $175.
Eggs for Kids @ Hopleaf
Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., hosts Eggs for Kids, a fundraiser for Pierce Elementary School, today from 11am to 3pm. For $40 online ($50 at the door), you'll get brunch, fresh coffee and juice, and a ticket for one drink ($5 beer, wine, bloodies or mimosas thereafter.) There will also be a silent auction. Admission is 21 and over.
Rogers Pork @ Jarvis Square
The second annual Rogers Pork barbecue festival runs from noon to 10pm at Jarvis Square, 1508 W Jarvis Ave. Enjoy barbecue (including veggie options from Kale Burger), live music, art vendors and more. Admission is free.
Food + Wine Festival @ Lincoln Park and Grant Park
Think of it as Chicago Gourmet's equally interesting cousin--the first-ever Food + Wine Festival, which kicks off today at 11am in Lincoln Park and Grant Park, is a day of tastings, samplings, cooking demos, and general feelings of fabulous-ness with the usual suspects of the local culinary scene--Bayless, Izard, Segal et al. Tickets $175.
Sweet Talk @ Under the Gun Theater
Sweet Talk is a one-night only storytelling and pie-eating event featuring pies by Little Dinner Party and stories by Chicago writers and performers. The stories are written by Sarah Hoffman, Sarah Dell'Amico, John Accrocco, Naomi Huffman, Martin Scheeler and Rob Grabowski and produced by Zach Zimmerman. Under the Gun Theater is at 956 W. Newport. Buy tickets for $12.
Street Pub Chicago
Deschutes Brewery takes it to the street all day today (2-10pm) at 2291 N. Milwaukee, with samplings of their beer, food and entertainment. Event benefits Alliance for the Great Lakes. Free.
Fried Chicken and Champagne Fest @ Kendall College
The bird is the word today at Kendall College (900 N Branch), 11:30am-3:00pm. A crew of local chefs (Parson's, Honey Butter, Leghorn, Yusho, etc.) make the chicken; you eat and vote for the best. Pops for Champagne provides the bubbly. Tickets start at $85; event helps fund scholarships at Kendall.
Wine & Cheese Night @ SHoP (Southside Hub of Production)
SHoP, a location in Hyde Park, is inviting individuals for a wine and cheese tasting. SHoP is located at 1448 E 57th St., and is free and open to the public. Visitors are asked to bring a bottle of wine and cheese.
Madelaine Bullwinkel @ Read It & Eat
The Alliance Francaise chef guides participants through making dishes from April Bullwinkel's newest book A Girl and Her Greens today at Read It & Eat, 2142 N. Halsted St., 10am-1pm. Tickets $80.
Beers & Big Shoulders @ Hopleaf
Beers & Big Shoulders returns to the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight at 7:30pm. Host Mark Bullock talks with the guys from Spiteful Brewing about their beers, their philosophy and the challenges of being a nanobrewery. Tickets are $25, and include appetizers and samples of several Spiteful beers. 21+
Crafted by Cleetus Launch @ Fountainhead Market
Chef Cleetus Friedman launches his new Crafted by Cleetus brand with a release party tonight from 5 to 9pm at Fountainhead Market, 1966 W. Montrose Ave. Two "Cleetus Heetus" hot sauces -- Bourbon Habanero and Bourbon Serrano -- and two sausages will be available for purchase.
Chicago Hot Dog Fest
The Chicago History Museum puts on a three-day lovefest for the hot dog in Lincoln Park (Clark and LaSalle), featuring the stylings of local joints such as Fatso's Last Stand and Chubby Wieners, music, and even lectures about the history of the dog and its local significance (ketchup will be put on blast). Admission free; event runs 11am-8pm today.
Great Chicago Fiery Foods Festival
The Great Chicago Fiery Foods Festival runs Saturday and today in the Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington Blvd. Sample dozens of hot and spicy foods, participate in eating contests, enjoy craft beers and more. The festival is open from 10am to 5pm today. General admission is $10, with $75 VIP tickets available that get you access to live music and more in a private hall.
Chicago Hot Dog Fest
The Chicago History Museum puts on a three-day lovefest for the hot dog in Lincoln Park (Clark and LaSalle), featuring the stylings of local joints such as Fatso's Last Stand and Chubby Wieners, music, and even lectures about the history of the dog and its local significance (ketchup will be put on blast). Admission free; event runs 11am-9pm today and 11am-8am Sunday.
Great Chicago Fiery Foods Festival
The Great Chicago Fiery Foods Festival runs today and Sunday in the Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington Blvd. Sample dozens of hot and spicy foods, participate in eating contests, enjoy craft beers and more. The festival is open from 10am to 6pm today. General admission is $10, with $75 VIP tickets available that get you access to live music and more in a private hall.
Cuisine for Cancer @ Morgan Manufacturing
Ten cancer-related charities team up for an evening of Latin dining by the folks at Mercadito, Carriage House and Mott Street, among others (a panel of judges will also pick the night's best grub). Event takes place from 8-11pm at Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan); tickets $85-135.
The Interview Show @ Hideout
The Interview Show returns to The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 6:30pm. This month host Mark Bazer talks with chefs Cosmo Goss and Erling Wu-Bower, author Dave Reidy and musical guest Jones Street Nation. Tickets are $12. Goss and Wu-Bower will be grilling outside for attendees. Doors open at 5:30pm. 21+
Chicago Hot Dog Fest
The Chicago History Museum puts on a three-day lovefest for the hot dog starting today in Lincoln Park (Clark and LaSalle), featuring the stylings of local joints such as Fatso's Last Stand and Chubby Wieners, music, and even lectures about the history of the dog and its local significance (ketchup will be put on blast). Admission free; event runs 11am-9pm today and Saturday, 11am-8am Sunday.
Old Irving Park Beer & BBQ Challenge
The Old Irving Park Beer & BBQ Challenge runs from 1 to 5pm at St. Viator School, 4140 W. Addison St. Sample competition barbecue from 15 teams, each paired with beers a local microbrewery. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door, or go VIP for $75 ($80 at the door).
Gapers Block Hot Dog Cookoff @ Schubas
Gapers Block hosts the third annual Hot Dog Cookoff today from noon to 5pm in the parking lot next to Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. Come taste new interpretations of the classic Vienna Beef red hot by chefs from Harmony Grill, Wiener and Still Champion, Monti's, ThePizzle.net and two-time defending champions ManBQue. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under, and get you samples of all the competitors hot dogs, as well as $3 Lagunitas draft beers, a raffle, cornhole and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit Reach Out and Read of Illinois, an early literacy organization. RSVP on Facebook.
Taste of Latin America
Armitage from Central Park to Avers turns into a delicious food extravaganza today and tomorrow (Noon-10). Featured restaurants include Cemitas Puebla, Sabor Latino and La Palma.
Chicago Handshake Launch @ Crown Liquors
Old Style and Malört launch the "Chicago Handshake," featuring those two adult beverages, tonight at 8pm at Crown Liquors, 2821 N. Milwaukee Ave. In addition to drinks, the evening will feature DJ sets by Twin Peaks, The Numero Group DJs, Todd Killings of HoZac Records, FeelTrip CEO and the Chicago Singles Club DJs. No cover. 21+
Anthony Bourdain @ Auditorium Theatre
Chef, author and TV personality Anthony Bourdain brings his Close to the Bone tour to the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., tonight at 7:30pm. He shares stories of his years traveling and eating for "No Reservations," "The Layover" and "Parts Unknown," and does an audience Q&A. Tickets are $70-230.
ManBQue Cookbook Shoot Party
ManBQue is working on a second cookbook, and they're hosting a photoshoot and barbecue party today at 2pm at Red Gate Brewing, 3711 N. Richmond St. Look your best and bring your appetite. 21+
CoffeeCon @ Morgan Manufacturing
CoffeeCon Chicago is coming to town at Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan St.) today from 9am-4pm. This festival differs from other national coffee conventions in that it's largely designed for coffee consumers and home brewers, not coffee professionals. Whether you're simply looking to cut ties with your Keurig or you're a manual-method master, there will likely be something here for you--you'll get access to unlimited coffee tastings from twenty different roasters, panel discussions led by top industry experts, prize giveaways, and interactive classes on topics ranging from how to use a Chemex or Areopress to latte art and grind technique. Tickets start at $35.
Hail Skatin' @ Kuma's Too
Kuma's Too, 666 W. Diversey Ave., hosts Hail Skatin', a raffle and burger-eating contest benefiting the Windy City Rollers travel teams, tonight from 6 to 9pm.
Sauced Night Market @ Thalia Hall
Sauced Night Market starts tonight at 6pm and goes until 11pm, with over 30 vendors featuring local food, goods, and art at the historic Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport Ave. This will be Sauced's biggest event yet, as the traveling market continues to grow. Vendors include the likes of Yusho, Maddy's Dumpling House, Windy City Beard Co. and more. Even A Little Company will be there, featuring their reclaimed wood furniture. Local artists Bunny XLV and Mosher will be on hand as well, painting large murals throughout the evening inspired by the vibrancy of the Pilsen neighborhood. Admission to the market is free and open to all ages. Sauced has been popping up in neighborhoods all over Chicago since November of 2014. Learn more on their website.
SausageFest @ Cubby Bear
SausageFest is outdoors at Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St., Saturday and today, from noon to 10pm. Enjoy live music, craft beer and, of course, plenty of gourmet sausages cooked by contestants competing to raise the most donations for Wounded Warrior Project. Admission is $5, or buy $30 passes and get two sausages and two beers. Kids 6 and under attend free.
Sheffield Music Festival & Garden Walk
The 37th annual Sheffield Music Festival and Garden Walk runs Saturday and today on Sheffield Avenue between Webster and Fullerton from noon to 10pm. Enjoy live music, take self-guided tours of more than 80 neighborhood gardens, and take the family to kids' corner. $7 suggested donation; $10 after 3pm.
In conjunction with the fest, the Chicago Craft Beer Festival runs from 11:30am to 4pm each day. Sample more than 75 beers from local craft breweries. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door.
SausageFest @ Cubby Bear
SausageFest is outdoors at Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St., today and Sunday, from noon to 10pm. Enjoy live music, craft beer and, of course, plenty of gourmet sausages cooked by contestants competing to raise the most donations for Wounded Warrior Project. Admission is $5, or buy $30 passes and get two sausages and two beers. Kids 6 and under attend free.
Sheffield Music Festival & Garden Walk
The 37th annual Sheffield Music Festival and Garden Walk runs today and Sunday on Sheffield Avenue between Webster and Fullerton from noon to 10pm. Enjoy live music, take self-guided tours of more than 80 neighborhood gardens, and take the family to kids' corner. $7 suggested donation; $10 after 3pm.
In conjunction with the fest, the Chicago Craft Beer Festival runs from 11:30am to 4pm each day. Sample more than 75 beers from local craft breweries. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door.
Mindy Segal @ Kendall College
The James Beard Award-winning chef talks about cookies (and about her new cookbook, Cookie Love) today at Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch, 10am-noon. Admission is $5, $3 for students; free parking. Sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago.
Green City Market BBQ
It's not cheap (adult tickets begin at $125) but it's a worthwhile evening of food and drink in the name of the heralded Green City Market. Over 100 local chefs prepare dishes using market produce and other items; you enjoy the summer's best. Event runs 5:30-8:00pm at the actual Market site (1817 N. Clark); VIP ($250) get in an hour earlier. Kids 12 and under are $25.
Windy City Smokeout
The Windy City Smokeout runs July 10-12 at 560 W. Grand Ave., overlooking the river. It's three days of barbecue, country music and craft beer. Lee Brice headlines today's lineup. Tickets are $40 or $145 for VIP -- or get a three-day pass for $99.50 ($400 for VIP). The festival runs from noon to 10pm today.
Windy City Smokeout
The Windy City Smokeout runs July 10-12 at 560 W. Grand Ave., overlooking the river. It's three days of barbecue, country music and craft beer. Chris Young headlines today's lineup. Tickets are $40 or $145 for VIP -- or get a three-day pass for $99.50 ($400 for VIP). The festival runs from noon to 10pm today.
Square Roots Festival
The Old Town School of Folk Music presents their annual Square Roots festival, a three-day festival featuring live music, local food & beverage vendors, and family activities all weekend long. The festival takes place on Lincoln Avenue, between Montrose and Wilson. A complete schedule is available at the Square Roots website. The fest runs from noon to 11pm today.
Tour de Fat @ Palmer Square Park
New Belgium Brewing hosts this daylong festival that pays respect to bikes and beer at Palmer Square Park (Palmer between Sacramento and Kedzie) today from 10am-5pm. Entertainment, bicycle-related information and advocacy, and loads of beer await you. And if you want to give up your car for a year, you'll get $2,250 toward a fancy new bike. Pedal responsibly! Event is free.
Windy City Smokeout
The Windy City Smokeout runs July 10-12 at 560 W. Grand Ave., overlooking the river. It's three days of barbecue, country music and craft beer. Kacey Musgraves headlines today's lineup. Tickets are $40 or $145 for VIP -- or get a three-day pass for $99.50 ($400 for VIP). The festival runs from 3pm to 10pm today.
TCC Digital Buffet
TCC Chicago presents its first Digital Buffet, where you can either download your fill from a variety of digital artists, OR you can eat your fill from a delicious buffet! Or both! This happens tonight at 6:00pm at Catalyst Chicago (650 West Lake Street); admission is $5 for food, $10 for food + art, and $19.95 for food + art + artist-customized USB drive. More details at the Facebook event page.
Taste of Chicago Begins
It's been scaled down, but it's still a Chicago tradition. Food, food, music, walking, heat and turkey legs await you. Event takes place at Grant Park (Jackson & Columbus). Event runs until July 12th; open 11am-9pm on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday; open 10am-9pm on Saturday & Sunday.
Arts & Craft-Beer Night @ Lagunitas Taproom
The Changing Worlds Associate Board is hosting their 2nd Annual Arts & Craft-Beer Night today starting at 5:30 pm. Changing World's mission is "to foster inclusive communities through oral history, writing and art programs that improve student learning, affirm identity, and enhance cross-cultural understanding. The event will feature $5 beers with a $10 cover, with free snacks donated by Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread, & Wine. They will also have $5 raffle tickets for the chance to win two 3-day passes to the sold out Pitchfork Music Festival. Lagunitas is located at 2607 W. 17th.
Gold Coast Greek Fest @ Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Hosted by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago, this year's Gold Coast Greek Fest will feature free admission, with live music and dancing, tours of the Cathedral, authentic Greek food and pastries, beer, wine and more, even valet parking. The fest will begin today at 12pm, and will also include a performance later tonight by Kosta Kastanis Band from 6-11 pm. The cathedral is located at 1017 N. LaSalle.
Dog Dayz of Summer
Hot Doug's returns! Dog Dayz of Summer sees Doug Sohn back in business, slinging his famous haute hot dogs in four three-hour sessions at the Goose Island Barrel Warehouse, 605 N. Sacramento Ave., Saturday and today. For $75 a person, attendees will get unlimited Hot Doug's, plus Goose Island beers -- including rare Bourbon County Stout variants -- and live music, with a different lineup for each of the four sessions. Today's sessions run from noon to 3pm and 5 to 8pm. All ages, 21+ to drink.
Chicago Food Truck Fest @ South Loop Green Space
Mmmmm, I can taste all the delicious Chicago dogs already. The second annual Chicago Food Truck Festival is being held Saturday and today at the South Loop Green Space, 2400 S. Dearborn St. With a host a food trucks and free admission (and smells), the event is sure to be a triumph for tastebuds everywhere. The festival runs from noon to 7pm. Admission is free, or pay $5 to get in an hour earlier or $10 for early access plus a drink.
Elston Avenue Sausage Fest
Encased meats may be enough for some people, but the inaugural Elston Avenue Sausage Fest is upping the ante when it comes to street fests. Along with mouth-watering sausage, the fest will feature two musical stages and even a showcase from Freelance Wrestling, a Chicago-based wrestling promotion. The fest runs Saturday and today on the 3800 block of north Elston Avenue. Gates to the festivities will be open at noon, and there is a suggested $5 donation for admission.
Chicago Food Truck Fest @ South Loop Green Space
Mmmmm, I can taste all the delicious Chicago dogs already. The second annual Chicago Food Truck Festival is being held today and Sunday at the South Loop Green Space, 2400 S. Dearborn St. With a host a food trucks and free admission (and smells), the event is sure to be a triumph for tastebuds everywhere. The festival runs from noon to 7pm. Admission is free, or pay $5 to get in an hour earlier or $10 for early access plus a drink.
Gold Coast Greek Fest @ Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Hosted by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago, this year's Gold Coast Greek Fest will feature free admission, with live music and dancing, tours of the Cathedral, authentic Greek food and pastries, beer, wine and more, even valet parking. The fest will begin today at 12pm, and will also include a performance later tonight by Kosta Kastanis Band from 6-11 pm. The cathedral is located at 1017 N. LaSalle.
Dog Dayz of Summer
Hot Doug's returns! Dog Dayz of Summer sees Doug Sohn back in business, slinging his famous haute hot dogs in four three-hour sessions at the Goose Island Barrel Warehouse, 605 N. Sacramento Ave., today and Sunday. For $75 a person, attendees will get unlimited Hot Doug's, plus Goose Island beers -- including rare Bourbon County Stout variants -- and live music, with a different lineup for each of the four sessions. Today's sessions run from noon to 3pm and 5 to 8pm. All ages, 21+ to drink.
Elston Avenue Sausage Fest
Encased meats may be enough for some people, but the inaugural Elston Avenue Sausage Fest is upping the ante when it comes to street fests. Along with mouth-watering sausage, the fest will feature live music on two stages and even a showcase from Freelance Wrestling, a Chicago-based wrestling promotion. The event will be occurring today and Sunday on the 3800 block of north Elston Avenue. Gates to the festivities will be open at noon, and there is a suggested $5 donation for admission.
Steak à la Française Class @ Alliance Francaise
Learn how to make pommes frites like a boss at Alliance Francaise, 810 N. Dearborn Street, from 10am-1pm. Tickets $85-95; cost includes materials.
Gold Coast Greek Fest @ Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Hosted by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago, this year's Gold Coast Greek Fest will feature free admission, with live music and dancing, tours of the Cathedral, authentic Greek food and pastries, beer, wine and more, even valet parking. The fest will begin today at 4pm, and will also include a performance later tonight by DaJaVu and Company from 6-10 pm. The cathedral is located at 1017 N. LaSalle.
A Film About Coffee @ Wilson Abbey
Everybody's Coffee, 935 W. Wilson Ave., presents the Chicago premiere of the documentary A Film About Coffee tonight. Doors open at 5:30pm, screening starts at 7pm, and a latte art barista throwdown follows at 9pm. Tickets are $15.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) hosts the summer version of Soup and Bread--Veggie Bingo, where participants buy cards ($4 each, 3/$10) and the winners get seasonally appropriate prizes of produce, coffee, and other treats. Free hot dogs, too! Event starts 5:30pm.
Taste of Randolph
Taste of Randolph runs June 19-21 on Randolph Street from Peoria to Racine. Sample food from local restaurants, check out vendors and enjoy live music, including headliners Elephant Revival, Best Coast, Fort Knox Five, the New Mastersounds, Altered Tapes and Edamame; see the schedule for full lineup info. The fest is open from noon to 10pm today. $10 suggested donation at the door, or pay for access to the VIP lounges and private restrooms.
Slow Food Chicago's Sweet Summer Solstice Potluck
Celebrate the summer solstice with Slow Food Chicago at their annual potluck, which will be held tonight at Christy Webber Landscapes-Rancho Verde (2900 W. Ferdinand) at 6pm. Your $15 ticket gets you the main course and beverages; sign up to bring a side.
Chicago Ale Fest
Chicago Ale Fest brings beer to Buckingham Fountain, 301 S. Columbus Dr., Friday night and today. More than 200 beers from breweries across the country will be available to taste, along with food and live music. The fest runs from 2 to 6pm today. Tickets are $50 ($25 for designated drivers) and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Grant Park Conservancy. 21+
Taste of Randolph
Taste of Randolph runs June 19-21 on Randolph Street from Peoria to Racine. Sample food from local restaurants, check out vendors and enjoy live music, including headliners Tennis, the Dandy Warhols, NovaLima, Emancipator Ensemble, Nordjs and Lou Dooben; see the schedule for full lineup info. The fest is open from noon to 10pm today. $10 suggested donation at the door, or pay for access to the VIP lounges and private restrooms.
Chicago Ale Fest
Chicago Ale Fest brings beer to Buckingham Fountain, 301 S. Columbus Dr., tonight and tomorrow. More than 200 beers from breweries across the country will be available to taste, along with food and live music. The fest runs from 6 to 10pm tonight. Tickets are $50 ($25 for designated drivers) and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Grant Park Conservancy. 21+
Taste of Randolph
Taste of Randolph runs June 19-21 on Randolph Street from Peoria to Racine. Sample food from local restaurants, check out vendors and enjoy live music, including headliners Dinosaur Jr. and DJ Zebo; see the schedule for full lineup info. The fest is open from 5 to 10pm tonight. $10 suggested donation at the door, or pay for access to the VIP lounges and private restrooms.
Taco vs. Pizza @ Empty Bottle
It's the battle of the munchies tonight at 9pm at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., as The Morons represent tacos and ShowYouSuck champions pizza on stage, while tables of each food (and plenty of PBR, the show's sponsor) are consumed by the audience. The food is free, the beer is not. RSVP on Facebook. 21+
Stacey Ballis @ Read and Eat it
Author Stacey Ballis discusses her recent book Recipe for Disaster, which chronicles a woman who discovers a cookbook of a previous tenant while renovating a Palmer Square home. Event runs 6-8pm at Read and Eat It, 2142 N. Halsted.
A Day in the Country @ The Hideout
The city gets country today at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia), with an afternoon of music by such folks as The Siderunners and Chuck Meade and His Grassy Knoll Boys. BBQ from Honky Tonk, Pie from Bang Bang, and beer from Lagunitas accompanies the tunes. Event runs 2-11pm; tickets $10.
West Loop Craft Beer Festival
The West Loop Craft Beer Festival runs from 1 to 5pm today on Clinton Street between Lake and Washington. Sample beers from more than 40 local and regional craft breweries, balanced with food from a dozen food vendors from Chicago French Market and nearby. Tickets are $50 or $80 for VIP, which gets you in at noon. Proceeds benefit the Neighbors of West Loop community organization. 21+
Beers & Big Shoulders @ Hopleaf
Beers and Big Shoulders, a new monthly beer social, returns to the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., at 7:30pm. This month the guests are Pipeworks' current brewer, Will Johnston, and former brewer, Scott Coffman. They'll talk with host Mark Bullock about Pipeworks' beers and Chicago's beer scene in general, and will be sampling the following beers Ninja Vs. Unicorn Double IPA, Sam Vs. Unicorn Imperial Red Ale, Da Fuzz Amarillo Pale Ale Brewed with Peaches, and Crimson Snapper Imperial IPA Brewed with Citra Hops and Blood Orange Juice. Tickets are $25 and include samples of those beers and snacks courtesy of the Hopleaf; stick around afterward to talk with the brewers and enjoy more beer. 21+
Between Bites @ Formento's
Between Bites is an event that connects communities and supports charities with food-inspired storytelling. The inspiration for Between Bites comes from the meaningful experiences we have "between the bites" as we discuss defining moments over meals. The theme for this installment of Between Bites is "Ripe/Rotten" and will feature Jason Hammel, the chef/founder of Lula Cafe and Nightwood; Sara Gasbarra, the owner/lead garden girl at Verdura; Mike Austin, a writer for Esquire, GQ, and the Trib; Molly Each, a writer and editor and co-founder of Between Bites; Melissa McEwen, the food and drink editor at Chicagoist; and Josh Kulp, the Co-Chef/Co-Owner of the Honey Butter Fried Chicken and Sunday Dinner Club.
Tickets cost $30 and include heavy appetizers, Dark Horse wines, and a signature seasonal cocktail created by Cocktail Courier. The proceeds of the event will benefit the charity of the hosting chef's choice. Formento's is located at 925 W. Randolph. Doors open at 6:30pm, readings begin at 7pm.
Here, Chicago Story Show & Potluck @ Theater Wit
Here, Chicago is a show designed to bring Chicagoans of all walks of life together to find some common ground and share some good grub. The event will begin with a potluck dinner at 7:30 pm. There will then be a performance at 8pm featuring true stories from some major Chicago influencers, including former Obama Campaign Specialist Ashwin Chugh, Educator and Violence Prevention Expert Karli Johnson, Moth Grand Slam Winner Lily Be, and Variety Show Producer Danny Black.There will also be five open-mic spots that anyone can use to share a story. Admission to the event is $9, or $1 if you bring a dish to share. The Theater Wit is located at 1229 W. Belmont.
Pilsen Food Truck Social
The Pilsen Food Truck Social brings together 25 of the city's food trucks for an outdoor festival on 19th Street between Racine and Throop, in front of Thalia Hall, from 11am to 10pm Saturday and today. There'll be lots of food, live music and other fun stuff. Purchase a $20 sampler ticket and you'll get five $4 tickets redeemable for sample size portions at the food trucks or drinks. $5 donation requested at the gate to support the Illinois Food Truck Owners Association and Saint Procopius Church food bank and soup kitchen.
Lagunitas Beer Circus SOLD OUT
Lagunitas Brewery (2607 W. 17th St.) turns into a massive circus today from noon to 5pm; enjoy beer while a bevy of circus acts perform. Event benefits PAWS Chicago. Tickets are $40. 21+ UPDATE: Totally sold out.
Pilsen Food Truck Social
The Pilsen Food Truck Social brings together 25 of the city's food trucks for an outdoor festival on 19th Street between Racine and Throop, in front of Thalia Hall, from 11am to 10pm today and Sunday. There'll be lots of food, live music and other fun stuff. Purchase a $20 sampler ticket and you'll get five $4 tickets redeemable for sample size portions at the food trucks or drinks. $5 donation requested at the gate to support the Illinois Food Truck Owners Association and Saint Procopius Church food bank and soup kitchen.
Chicago's Taste of Mexico @ 26th & California
The first Taste of Little Village's Flavors of Mexico: Chicago's Taste of Mexico is shaping up to be a top festival for food-lovers this summer. The Fest begins today at 12pm, featuring tastes from local restaurants, a main stage with "big" entertainment, a Culinary stage where chefs will demonstrate recipes and duke it out to become the "Top Chef", and a Showcase State where dance troupes, orchestras, and brass bands from area high schools or colleges will perform. There is even going to be a giant, and authentic, Mexican carnival. Admission is free. The Fest will be held at W. 26th St. and California Ave.
Chef's Playground @ Art Institute
Join an array of local chefs (among them Spiaggia's Tony Mantuano, Boka's Meg Galus and Lee Wolen, Belly Q's Bill Kim, and The Purple Pig's Jimmy Bannos) for an evening of eating to benefit the Academy for Global Citizenship tonight at Terzo Piano, located in the Art Institute's Modern Wing (159 E. Monroe). Event begins 7pm; VIP ticketholders get early entry at 6pm. Tickets start at $200.
Avondale Restaurant Crawl
Sample many of Avondale's finest eats (from Chief O'Neill's to Pork Shoppe) tonight beginning at 6pm, with trolley service and entertainment along the way. Tickets start at $20.
Lincoln Park Wine Festival @ Jonquil Park
The inaugural Lincoln Park Wine Festival will take place Saturday and today from 1pm to 7pm in Jonquil Park, located at 1023 W. Wrightwood Ave. The festival will feature wine (of course), so-described "smooth tunes," artisans, and local culinary fare. The festival will include tented wine and food pavilions, as well as ticketed wine tastings with 80-plus featured varieties. General admission costs $60 per day; designated driver tickets are $30. 21+
Lincoln Park Wine Festival @ Jonquil Park
The inaugural Lincoln Park Wine Festival will take place today Sunday from 1 to 7pm in Jonquil Park, located at 1023 W. Wrightwood. The festival will feature wine (of course), so-described "smooth tunes", artisans, and local culinary fare. The festival will include tented wine and food pavilions, as well as ticketed wine tastings with 80-plus featured varieties. General admission costs $60 a day, with a two-day tasting package at $100. Designated driver tickets are $30. 21+
Story Sessions Brunch @ City Winery
Story Sessions does a brunch show at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., today at 10:30am. The theme is "threads," and the readers include Rebecca Kling, Tekki Lomnicki, Chuck Sudo, Denise Santomauro, Tim Stafford and Matt Ulrich. Hosted by Denise Santomauro and Tom Wolferman. Tickets are $12.
Eating Vincent Price @ Kendall College
No, not the guy from Thriller, but his grandfather--Vincent Edward Price was a Waukegan businessman and inventor who sold flavor extracts, cream of tartar, and most notably, baking powder. Today's lecture (10am-noon at Kendall College, 900 North Branch) with Waukegan historian Ed Link looks at Price's life and achievements. Free parking. Cost $3; free to Kendall students and faculty with ID.
Eat to the Beat: Chicago Academy for the Arts
As a part of the Harris Theater's Eat to the Beat series, The Chicago Academy for the Arts' Academy Repertory Dance Company will put on a 45-minute lunchtime performance today at noon. Audience members can "eat to the beat" with cuisine from food trucks on Lower Randolph. The Harris Theater is located at 205 E. Randolph. Tickets are $5.
Mole de Mayo
The sixth annual Mole de Mayo, a mole festival and cooking competition, takes over 18th Street in Pilsen from Ashland to Blue Island Avenue Saturday and today from noon to 9pm. Chefs will be serving their own homemade mole dishes, and the festival will have two stages of musical entertainment, visual artists, traditional Azteca danza and lucha libre. Admission is free. More details on Facebook.
Mole de Mayo
The sixth annual Mole de Mayo, a mole festival and cooking competition, takes over 18th Street in Pilsen from Ashland to Blue Island Avenue today and Sunday from noon to 9pm. Chefs will be serving their own homemade mole dishes, and the festival will have two stages of musical entertainment, visual artists, traditional Azteca danza and lucha libre. Admission is free. More details on Facebook.
Reader's Key Ingredient Cook Off @ Lacuna Artist Lofts
The Reader's Key Ingredient Weekly Series goes big tonight at Lacuna Artist Loft Studios (2150 S. Canalport), with a huge bowl of local chefs (from places like Topolobampo, Lula Cafe and The Southern) competing for your vote with dishes made from five past secret ingredients. General admission tickets $65 (7:30-11:30pm), with a $125 VIP (6:30-11:30pm) that gets you a special rooftop cocktail party featuring bites from Next's Dave Beran. Entertainment from Windy City Soul Club; free trolley rides from the Red Line Roosevelt stop.
Stars Align @ GMan Tavern
Gapers Block and Begyle Brewing are proud to present Stars Align, a monthly concert series featuring two artists in a one-night-only collaboration at GMan Tavern, 3740 N. Clark St. This month we feature Gina Bloom and Donnie Biggins Paul Gulyas. You may recognize Gina from her band The Congregation, or possibly her new joint, The Need and The Night featuring Gina Bloom. And Donnie is well known as singer and guitarist of The Shams Band and organizer of Dunn Dunn Fest. They'll do an hour set full of each other's songs, some favorite covers and maybe even an original. As an added bonus, Begyle is doing a tap takeover at GMan as part of Chicago Craft Beer Week. Come taste some of the freshest beer you can get while you enjoy the great music! Doors are at 7:30pm, show's at 8pm. Free, 21+ UPDATE: Due to a family emergency, The Shams Band's other singer and guitarist, Paul Gulyas, will be filling in for Donnie Biggins. It's still going to be awesome.
Northwest Side Craft Beer Ride
Lake Effect Brewery hosts this crawl of four Northwest side bars tonight from 6-11pm. You'll get bus service to four bars serving locally made beers (among them Pipeworks). Tickets $20.
Hot Doug's Appreciation Day @ Paulina Meat Market
If you've been missing Hot Doug's, today's your lucky day: the Paulina Meat Market (3501 N. Lincoln Avenue) hosts a Hot Doug's Appreciation Day today, and will be selling the sausages that were produced for the much-beloved hot dog emporium. A grill will be outside, cooking up some of the sausages, and yes, Hot Doug himself will make an appearance!
Slow Food Chicago Heirloom Tomato Seedling Sale @ Bang Bang Pie
Slow Food Chicago hosts its annal Heirloom Tomato Seedling Sale today (9am-4pm) and tomorrow at Bang Bang Pie, 2051 N. California Ave. Stop in for food, leave with (future) food; 28 varieties will be on sale for your gardening needs.
Beer Under Glass @ Garfield Park Conservatory
Enjoy beer while you view the lovely foliage of Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N. Central Park) at this annual event sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild and Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. Event runs 6:30-9:30pm; tickets $60-90, and you get a commemorative glass.
Chicago Craft Beer Week Begins
Tastings, samplings, crawls, and tap takeovers are at the center of this 10 day-long celebration of craft beer at bars all over the city. There are too many events to list here, but the opening and closing events (Beer Under Glass and the Welles Park Craft Beer Festival) are must-attends if you love the suds.
A Match Made in Pilsen @ Dusek's
Dusek's (1807 S. Allport) hosts a "chef-driven beer dinner" to celebrate Craft Beer Week, with six courses produced by local talent like Jared Wentworth of Longman and Eagle and Abe Conlon of Fat Rice. Event begins 6:30pm; tickets $125.
Xoco Yucatan Pop-Up Dinner @ Revolution Brewery
Rick Bayless' Xoco joins forces with Revolution Brewery at their taproom (3340 N. Kedzie Ave) tonight at 6pm for a three course "Beer Dinner" featuring an appetizer of pumpkin seed dip with cucumber and jicama, tacos and coconut rice pudding--complete with pairings (and a starter cocktail). Tickets $40.
James Beard Awards @ Lyric Opera
For the first time ever, Chicago is the host of tonight's James Beard Awards, which honors chefs and industry titans for their contributions. Ceremony starts at 6pm, followed by a gala reception; tickets $500 for general public, so I recommend you get a bag of Arby's and sit outside to see the celebrities leave. Event takes place at Lyric Opera (20 North Upper Wacker Drive).
Speed Rack @ Thalia Hall
Thalia Hall, 1807 S, Allport St., hosts Speed Rack, an all-female speed bartending competition, today at 4pm. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Proceeds benefit breast cancer charities. 21+
Dine Out for Life Fundraiser
A long list of restaurants (among them Spacca Napoli, Longman & Eagle and Sable Kitchen & Bar) will donate a portion of their lunch and/or dinner service proceeds tonight to EdgeAlliance, which serves veterans and homeless persons with HIV/AIDS, through the annual Dine Out for Life fundraiser.
Mega Trends in Food & Tech
General Assembly hosts Mega Trends in Food & Tech tonight from 6:30 to 8pm at After-Words Books, 23 E. Illinois St. The panel discussion will feature Justin Massa, cofounder and president of FoodGenius; Mike Lee, founder and CEO of Studio Industries; Beth Robertson, organic, natural and non-GMO sourcing lead at General Mills; and Ryan Osero of IDEO. Free, but registration requested. BYOB.
Dinner & a Flick @ New 400 Theater
The refurbished New 400 Theater in Rogers Park will be hosting a monthly 'Dinner and Movie Night' package tonight. Buy two tickets to a 6pm or later show (including complimentary popcorn) for just $12. Then take your movie tickets or confirmation email over to Francesca's restaurant on Bryn Mawr or Leona's in Roger Park to receive a 15% discount on their meal.
Graze Magazine Issue 7 Release Party
Graze, Chicago's own literary food culture magazine, will be hosting its issue seven release party on tonight from 8 to 11pm at Chicago Truborn, 1418 W. Division St. They promise to have snacks like chips and salsa from the Salsa Truck, pizza from Piece, cookies from Hot Chocolate Chicago, and beer from Dryhop Brewers. Live music will be provided by Blue Horse Blue and the rare Culinary Confession Booth will be tucked in to a quiet corner for you to skulk off to and be forgiven. Tickets are $10 and include a copy of issue seven.
Lager Beer Riot Reenactment @ Benton House
The 160th anniversary of the Lager Beer Riot, Chicago's first incident of civil unrest, will be celebrated tonight with a dodgeball reenactment and beer tasting to benefit Benton House, 3052 S. Gratten Ave. The Lager Beer Riot, protesting a new "law and order" city council, took place at the Clark Street bridge on April 21, 1855. The event will include play-by-play broadcasting, historical referees, live music, and beer from a dozen Chicago breweries. Tickets start at $30, which gets you admission to the Lager Beer Riot and 10 beer tickets for samplings from Half Acre, Revolution, and Marz Community Brewing (among many others -- well, 14), a commemorative glass, and a game of dodgeball with WBEZ's "Strange Brews" podcasters Alison Cuddy and Andrew Gill providing color commentary. Proceeds will benefit Benton House, the historic Bridgeport community center. Telephone 773-927-6420 for more info. The event is part of Version Festival 15.
Mindy Segal @ Bottom Lounge
The acclaimed, Beard Award-winning pastry chef appears at Bottom Lounge (1375 W. Lake) tonight as part of the Chicago Humanities Festival for a signing of her new book Cookie Love and to talk sweets with WBEZ's Chewing the Fat podcasters Monica Eng and Louisa Chu. Event runs 7:00-8:15pm; tickets $8-30 (includes samples!).
Taco Takedown @ Lincoln Hall
The Chicago Taco Takedown is today at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. From 2 to 4pm, sample tacos from a bunch of competitors and vote on your favorite! $20 gets you in the door.
Baconfest @ UIC Forum
UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt) turns into a giant cloud of pork at today's Baconfest; over 150 restaurants (Barn and Company, Black Dog Gelato, Firecakes, Osteria La Mada, Farmhouse, Homestead, etc.) will serve their bacon-infused delights (drinks and food); you sample, sample, and pass out. Today is divided into two sessions: general admission for the first (lunch) session is 12-3pm; dinner is 7-10pm. tickets $100. Event also benefits Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Record Store Day Brunch @ Boiler Room
Celebrate Record Store Day with an afternoon of brunch at Boiler Room (2210 N. California). From Noon-4pm, you can hear live music (Lulabelles and Model Stranger), do some in-restaurant shopping, and eat some pizza and Bloody Marys.
Lake FX Summit + Expo: Culinary @ Macy's State Street
Learn more about Chicago's restaurant scene and the industry in general at today's Lake FX Summit + Expo: Culinary today at Macy's on State Street (events throughout the day). Sustainability, business development, and farm-to-table cooking demos are among the many offerings over today. Free.
Baconfest @ UIC Forum
UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt) turns into a giant cloud of pork at this weekend's Baconfest; over 150 restaurants (Barn and Company, Black Dog Gelato, Firecakes, Osteria La Mada, Farmhouse, Homestead, etc.) will serve their bacon-infused delights (drinks and food); you sample, sample, and pass out. Friday night general admission 7-10pm; tickets $100. Event also benefits Greater Chicago Food Depository.
James Beard Awards Gala @ Lyric Opera
For the first time ever, Chicago is the host of tonight's James Beard Awards Gala, which honors chefs and industry titans for their contributions. Ceremony starts at 6pm, followed by a gala reception; tickets $500 for general public, so I recommend you get a bag of Arby's and sit outside to see the celebrities leave. Event takes place at Lyric Opera (20 North Upper Wacker Drive).
Lake FX Summit + Expo: Culinary @ Macy's
Learn more about Chicago's restaurant scene and the industry in general at today's Lake FX Summit + Expo: Culinary today at Macy's on State Street (events throughout the day). Sustainability, business development, and farm-to-table cooking demos are among the many offerings over today and tomorrow. Free.
Game of Thrones Wild Boar Feast @ Frontier
If you love Game of Thrones, celebrate the impending season premiere tonight at Frontier (1072 N. MIlwaukee), who will be serving a meal inspired by the series today from 3-6pm (the last three episodes of the last season will be shown as well). Boar, Caesar Salad, Mac and Cheese, Succotash and Cornbread will be served. Tickets $30.
Bourbon Women Night @ Binny's
Binny's Lincoln Park, 1720 N. Marcy St., hosts a
special event with Kentucky's Bourbon Women, an organization of women in the spirits industry, from 6 to 8:30pm tonight. There will be cocktails, seminars and tastings of whiskey from Four Roses and Jim Beam. The first 100 guests will receive a gift bag, and everyone will receive a Binny's etched tasting glass. Tickets are $20 in advance only -- no walk-ups. 21+
Dinner Party @ City Winery
Acadia's Ryan McCaskey, Chaz Ebert, pianist George LePauw, and photographer Sandro talk with host Elysabeth Alfano at tonight's Dinner Party at City Winery (1200 W. Randolph) tonight at 6:30pm. McCaskey will make appetizers and dinner; drinks and dessert are also provided. Ticket $45.
Adult Easter Egg Hunt @ Longman & Eagle
Why should kids have all the fun? Grab a basket and scour Logan Square for as many stashed eggs as you can grab in the Adult Easter Egg Hunt. Then head back to a block party outside Longman & Eagle for food and tunes, and to find out who snagged the most eggs. Sign up starts at 11am outside Longman & Eagle, 2657 N Kedzie Ave. $5 registration fee.
Annual Cocktail Challenge @ The Whistler
Sample entries in this year's Cocktail Challenge, in which customers take over the bar at The Whistler (2421 N. Milwaukee) to serve their own creations. Event starts at 6pm; winners get a prize, and a quarter of the night's till goes to charity.
Atomic Goat Fried Chicken Pizza Day @ Piece
Piece, 1927 W. North Ave., celebrates Atomic Goat Fried Chicken Pizza Day today from 11am to 10:30pm! For one day only, its three most recent celebrity guest pizzas -- Hot Doug's atomic pizza, Little Goat chili pizza and Honey Butter Fried Chicken pizza -- will be on the menu, and 10 percent of sales will go to Pilot Light, a culinary education program for CPS students. Doug Sohn, Stephanie Izard, Josh Kulp and Christine Cikowski will make appearances during the evening as well.
Bacon Month Kickoff Party @ Berkshire Room
It's gonna get swine-y at the Berkshire Room, 15 E. Ohio St., at tonight's kickoff party for Bacon Month. Bacon-enhanced cocktails, small bites, and a swag bag are yours for the $30 admission. Event runs 7-10pm.
Guest Bartender Series @ CH Distillery
Tonight at 8 p.m. CH Distillery (564 W Randolph) continues with another installment of its guest bartender series with James Beard award-winning Charles Joly. Joly will create two cocktails: one with CH spirits and one wildcard with ingredients of his choosing. A portion of the proceeds will go to Un86'd, a local charity that aids in monetary relief for restaurant professionals in need. The guest bartender series will continue through August.
Starting at 6 p.m., guest chefs Alfredo Nogueira of Analogue, Ryan Pfeiffer of Blackbird, and Aaron Thebeault of Girl & The Goat will join CH Distillery's executive chef Bobby Mayo for "That's What Cheese Said," where each chef will create a unique grilled cheese of their choosing. Cocktails and grilled cheeses will be served until midnight while DJ Bart Lazar takes care of the tunes.
Underberg Takeover @ Violet Hour
The Violet Hour, 1520 N. Damen Ave., hosts an Underberg takeover event tonight at 6pm. Sample Underberg straight from the little paper-wrapped bottle as well as in several cocktails. Pay as you go. 21+
Firkin Fest @ HeadQuarters River North
The River North location of HeadQuarters Beercade, 213 W. Institute Pl., hosts its second annual Firkin Fest today. Fifty breweries will showcase 50 custom cask-conditioned beers from noon to 5pm. Tickets are $75 in advance, $85 at the door. And for the rest of the night, you'll be able to get $5 pours of whatever's left while you play pinball. 21+
Baconfest Volunteer Day @ Greater Chicago Food Depository
Join the organizers (and some participating chefs) of Apr. 17-18's Baconfest for an afternoon at the Greater Chicago Food Depository (4100 West Ann Lurie Place) to benefit those in need (and possibly win a big prize). Help separate and repack bulk food donations this Saturday (1:00-3:45pm); you'll be entered into a drawing for a pair of VIP tickets for Baconfest. Registration required to attend; must be 14 years old or older.
Pop-Up Dinner @ The Dawson
From 6 p.m.-9 p.m. tonight, The Dawson (730 West Grand Avenue) hosts their first pop-up dinner event in collaboration with Wisconsin-based Death's Door Spirits and Bittercube. Inspired by camping and Wisconsin's outdoors, the event, "From Wisconsin...With Love," features a six-course cocktail menu that will be paired with dishes from The Dawson's executive chef Shaun King. Pairings include Baraboo Trail (Death's Door gin, grapefruit, mezcal, Wisconsin maple syrup, salt, Bittercube corazon bitters) with Romanesco steak, and Ghost Story (dried orange and cherry-infused Death's Door white whiskey, raisin brandy Syrup, Bittercube cherry bark vanilla bitters, orange, cherry) with black sugar flambe. Tickets, which include tax and gratuity, are $65.
Soup & Bread @ the Hideout
Soup & Bread, the weekly wintertime soup-eating party benefiting a local food-related charity, is tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Volunteer cooks make the soup; you show up between 5:30 and 8pm to eat, enjoy and kick in a few bucks for the cause. Kids welcome with parents.
Girl Scout Cookie & Beer Pairing @ Fountainhead
For their March meeting, Barley's Angels is hosting a Girl Scout cookie and beer pairing tonight from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at Fountainhead (1970 W Montrose Ave) with chef Cleetus Friedman as the guide. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Girl Scouts of the Greater Chicago area. Tickets are $27 per person.
Good Food Festival @ UIC Forum
Cooking demos, a conference of farmers market operators, an urban farm bus tour, and panel discussions (and many other things!) are on the schedule for the last day of Localicious at UIC Forum &725 W. Roosevelt). Event runs 8:30am-4:15pm; tickets start at $90.
Good Food Festival @ UIC Forum
Day 2 of the Good Food Festival, a three-day festival celebrating the many aspects of the food industry--today's theme, "Food Policy, Production and Advocacy," looks at how nutrition policy can positively impact populations. Event runs 8:30am-9:00pm at UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt. Additionally, local chefs will be serving their best bites from 7-9:30pm. It's worth the admission alone! Tickets start at $90.
Good Food Festival @ UIC Forum
Today kicks off the Good Food Festival, a three-day festival celebrating the many aspects of the food industry--today's theme, "Good Food Financing & Innovation," looks at how the food and small farm industries can exist in turbulent times. If you're a food producer looking for financial advice (or even a funder!), this is your day. The festival runs 8:30am to 6pm at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt. Tickets start at $90. And from 7 to 9:30pm, Localicious brings foodies and chefs together for a party. Tickets are $80 in advance, $95 at the door.
Soup & Bread @ the Hideout
Soup & Bread, the weekly wintertime soup-eating party benefiting a local food-related charity, is tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Volunteer cooks make the soup; you show up between 5:30 and 8pm to eat, enjoy and kick in a few bucks for the cause. Kids welcome with parents.
Jeni's Wicker Park Opening Night Party
Jeni's Ice Cream celebrates the opening of its new Wicker Park store (1505 N. Milwaukee Ave) with free scoops and Intelligensia coffee from 7-10pm.
Chicago Foodways Roundtable @ Hungarian Kosher Market
At 1 p.m. today, the Culinary Historians of Chicago host their Chicago Foodways Roundtable with Lynn Kirsche Shapiro, author of Food, Family and Tradition: Hungarian Kosher Family Recipes and Remembrances at the Hungarian Kosher Market (4020 Oakton Street in Skokie). The program costs $3 (an optional lunch is available for a separate fee). To reserve a spot, email chicago.foodways.roundtable@gmail.com
Soup & Bread @ the Hideout
Soup & Bread, the weekly wintertime soup-eating party benefiting a local food-related charity, is tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Volunteer cooks make the soup; you show up between 5:30 and 8pm to eat, enjoy and kick in a few bucks for the cause. Kids welcome with parents.
Windy City Brewhaha
The third annual Windy City Brewhaha fills Lacuna Artist Lofts, 2150 S. Canalport Ave., with two dozen craft brewers as well as a couple distilleries. Sample their wares during one of two sessions, at 1 to 4pm and 6 to 9pm. Tickets are $45 or $20 if you're a designated driver.
Maize @ Kendall College
Writer and food historian Cynthia Clampitt talks about the evolution of corn and its role in modern eating today at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, 10am. She will also stick around to sign copies of her newest book, Midwest Maize. How Corn Shaped the U.S. Heartland. Cost $3 (free to Kendall students and faculty with ID). Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago.
Soup & Bread @ the Hideout
Soup & Bread, the weekly wintertime soup-eating party benefiting a local food-related charity, is tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Volunteer cooks make the soup; you show up between 5:30 and 8pm to eat, enjoy and kick in a few bucks for the cause. Kids welcome with parents.
Slagel Farm-to-Table Dinner @ White Oak Tavern
The new White Oak Tavern, 1200 W. Webster St., hosts a multi-course meal tonight at 6pm with meats from the folks at Slagel Family Farms. Menu TBD; tickets $90 (+$30 for wine pairings). Call 773-248-0200 for reservations.
For the Love of Chocolate Fundraiser @ Union League Club
The Union League Club (65 W. Jackson) hosts this fundraiser for the French Pastry School. Eat desserts and drink all the drinks, enjoy music and help support scholarship programs for needy students. Tickets $150; event runs 7pm-1am.
2015 Hashbrown Chili Cook Off @ Spudnik Press Cooperative
The annual Hashbrown Chili Cook-Off is happening today at 6pm at Spudnik Press Cooperative, 1821 W. Hubbard St., Suite 302. Enjoy an evening filled with food, games and celebration. General Admission $10; VIP Package $22; Royalty Package $65.
Pulaski Day Pub Crawl
Revolution Brewing presents a Pulaski Day Pub Crawl featuring bars along Pulaski Avenue today. The crawl starts around 10:30am at the brewery tap room, 3340 N. Kedzie Ave., with a beer and some Polish food. From there, a trolley takes you to five bars where there'll be drink specials for crawlers. Tickets are $30. 21+
Our Kitchens, Ourselves @ Revolution Brewing
Graze, Render quarterly and Women & Children First hosts "Our Kitchens, Ourselves," a panel discussion about food and feminism, tonight from 7 to 10pm at Revolution Brewing, 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave. The panel features chefs Gale Gand, Mindy Segal, Beverly Kim and Iliana Regan. Tickets are $20, and include food and drinks. 21+
It Might Get Dark @ Fountainhead
Dark beer gets its due tonight at the Fountainhead (1970 W. Montrose), with a plethora of dark ales on tap for you to enjoy in winter's last weeks (with "dark music" to accompany). Event runs 7pm-close.
15 Beer-Themed Sweets @ Katherine Anne Confections
Beer and candy go together, as you will find tonight at Katherine Anne Confections (2745 W. Armitage) from 5:30-8:30pm. Caramels, truffles and marshmallows infused with beers, liquors, liqueurs and all the drinky things ensue (honey caramel infused with Daisy Cutter, FEW bourbon-infused marshmallow swirled with banana caramel, etc.). Your $25 ticket gets you samples, savory bites and drinks.
Empty Bottle Farmers Market
The Empty Bottle hosts a winter farmers market this afternoon from noon to 5:00pm. Full details at the Empty Bottle site. Empty Bottle: 1035 N. Western. (773) 726-3600.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
Get to the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) tonight from 5:30-8:00pm for Soup and Bread, a weekly benefit for local charities. Eat donated soup from volunteer chefs, pay what you can, and enjoy the good feelings.
Guest Bartender Series @ CH Distillery
Tonight at 8 p.m. CH Distillery (564 W Randolph) kicks off its guest bartender series with Patric Gerstmayr from Graham Elliot Bistro. Gerstmay created two cocktails with CH distillery spirits, which will be available for $11 each: Key Party (CH Key Gin, simple, key lime juice) and Sexual Chocolate (CH Bourbon, CH Amaro, Orange Cordial). The guest bartender series will continue with a new bartender, on the second Tuesday of each month, through August.
Family Meal @ The Whistler
Feed your post-Valentine's malaise tonight starting at 9pm at The Whistler (2421 N. Milwaukee) with a free (because that's the way love should be--FREE!) dinner of mini biscuit gumbo and s'mores pie made by the folks at Bang Bang Pie.
Brew of Hearts @ 1st Ward
Chef Won Kim presents Brew of Hearts, a craft beer-oriented Valentine's Day party, today from 2 to 7pm at Chop Shop's 1st Ward, 2033 W. North Ave. A dozen craft breweries will have beers for you to sample, there'll be tasty treats from Kim and Whole Foods, and the Jordan Years will perform live. Tickets are $35. 21+
Oak & Iron IV @ Jerry's Wicker Park
Starting at 6 p.m., Jerry's in Wicker Park (1938 W Division) is celebrating barrel-aged beers by offering a select list of brews from Revolution, Founders, and Avery Brewing, among others, against a backdrop of fantasy-inspired prog. Rabble Rabble performs at 11 p.m. There's no cost to attend the event and beers will be pay-as-you-go.
Soup & Bread @ the Hideout
Soup & Bread, the weekly wintertime soup-eating party benefiting a local food-related charity, is tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Volunteer cooks make the soup; you show up between 5:30 and 8pm to eat, enjoy and kick in a few bucks for the cause. Kids welcome with parents.
Cider Summit Chicago @ Navy Pier
Cider Summit Chicago returns to Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom for two sessions today, at 11am to 3pm and 4 to 8pm. Sample more than 150 ciders from around the world. Tickets are $30 and include a souvenir tasting glass and eight tasting tickets. Additional tasting tickets will be available for sale onsite at $2 per ticket. Designated driver tickets are available for $5. 21+
Soup & Bread @ the Hideout
Soup & Bread, the weekly wintertime soup-eating party benefiting a local food-related charity, is tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Volunteer cooks make the soup; you show up between 5:30 and 8pm to eat, enjoy and kick in a few bucks for the cause. Kids welcome with parents.
Between Bites @ Kaiser Tiger
ABC 7's Steve Dolinsky and Zagat Chicago's Sarah Freeman are among the food writers who will be talking about their craft at tonight's installment of the Between Bites series at Kaiser Tiger, 1415 W. Randolph (6:30-9:30pm). Tickets $30.
Bric-A-Brunch Day Party @ Empty Bottle
The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., and Bric-A-Brac Records & Collectibles team up to present Bric-A-Brunch, a chance for people to browse the the amassed collection of collectibles and curiosities from Bric-A-Brac's shelves, while enjoying brunch food from Bite Cafe next door. The party starts at noon, and admission is free! Details at the Empty Bottle site.
Chicago Restaurant Week Begins
Enjoy specially priced prix fixe meals over the next two weeks (it's gotten longer as this annual event has become more popular) at a range of city and suburban restaurants, among them Allium, Blackbird and Table 52. Reservations can be competitive; plan ahead wisely. Event ends Feb. 12th.
First Bites Bash @ Union Station
Tonight's kickoff celebration to Chicago Restaurant Week takes place at Union Station's Great Hall (500 W. Jackson St). Enjoy eats from 50+ chefs (Frontier, Moto, etc.), entertainment and drinks, all in the name of charity (the event benefits Inspiration Corporation). Event runs 5:30-8:30pm; tickets $125.
Chicago Pedway Tour and Bar Crawl
Moxie Chicago, an LGBTQ , hosts Exploring Winter Walkways: Chicago Pedway Tour and Bar Crawl today from 5:30pm to 8:30pm as a fundraiser for Streetsblog Chicago. The tour begins at Infields, 111 N. State St, in the lower level of Macy's, and ends at Houlihan's, 111 E. Wacker St. Streetsblog writer John Greenfield will lead the tour, which costs $10. 21+
Alyssa Greenberg & Curtis Miller @ Mutual Interpretation
Alyssa Greenberg and Curtis Miller will be presenting and sharing their research at Mutual Interpretation this evening from 6:30-8PM. Greenberg will analyze art museum education from the 70s, which includes the Met and their Arts Awareness program, which was intended for youth, people of color, and others absent in traditional art settings. Moreover, Miller will discuss his research with working with items and images in rural and Midwestern settings. Pizza and refreshments will be served; free. The talk will be held at 935 W Harrison, Henry Hall Rm 106.
Soup & Bread @ the Hideout
Soup & Bread, the weekly wintertime soup-eating party benefiting a local food-related charity, is tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Volunteer cooks make the soup; you show up between 5:30 and 8pm to eat, enjoy and kick in a few bucks for the cause. Kids welcome with parents.
Belgian Beer Tasting with Barley's Angels @ Bar on Buena
Barley's Angels is hosting a guided tasting of Belgian beers tonight from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at The Bar on Buena (910 W. Buena Ave). Christina Canto from Penrose Brewing will be on hand to talk about what makes Belgian Beers unique. Snacks will also be provided. Tickets are $20.
Spirit of du Sable launch @ CH Distillery
Tonight from 5 to 11pm, CH Distillery (564 W. Randolph) celebrates the launch of a new spirt they made in collaboration with Ale Syndicate (2601 W. Diversey). Spirit of du Sable is a barrel-aged and distilled version of Ale Syndicate's du Sable Hoppy Saison beer, a spirit that CH's head distiller described as having "a hop and saison yeast aroma with a malty palate... underpinned by oak aging." At the event, CH Distillery is offering a Side by Side, which is a sample of the spirit and beer ($14) and specialty cocktail In Good Company (Spirit of du Sable, honey syrup, walnut bitters, orange bitters, angostura; $11). Local band Big Sadie will perform from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Chicago Soup Takedown @ Lincoln Hall
Stave off the pain of winter with glorious soup today at the Chicago Soup Takedown, which will ladle off at Lincoln Hall (2424 N. Lincoln Ave.) today from 2 to 4pm. You can compete as a chef (prizes & glory await you), or participate as a sampler; tickets are $20.
Donut Fest @ Chop Shop (SOLD OUT)
Chop Shop & 1st Ward Events (2033 W. North Avenue) hosts today's Donut Fest, at which a dozen of the city's finest donut places will submit their best cruller, long john or ring to compete for the title of "Best Donut in Chicago." Event will be held in two sessions; pick an 8am or 11am start time (or hell, do both). Tickets $30.
CHAOS Brew Club Stout & Chili Night
CHAOS Brew Club, 2417 W. Hubbard St., hosts its annual Stout & Chili Night tonight from 6 to 11pm. Sample more than 40 home-brewed stouts and lots of homemade chili while chatting with the brewers. It's members only, but you can get a two-month trial membership for just $30. (Hint, hint.) 21+
Burger and Beer Dinner @ Brasserie by LM
At tonight's beer dinner, guests at Brasserie by LM (800 S Michigan Ave) will have a choice of burgers to pair with a flight of four beers by Vice District Brewing Co. Food options include a burger with blue cheese and bacon, a burger topped with BBQ chicken, a lamb burger, and fried fish. The beer flight includes 4 oz pours of Vice District's Pleasure Trip (Blonde Ale), South Town Small (Porter), Everleigh (English-Style ale), and Habitual (Black IPA). The menu will be available starting a 5 p.m. and the cost is $20 (plus tax and gratuity).
Soup & Bread @ the Hideout
Soup & Bread, the weekly wintertime soup-eating party benefiting a local food-related charity, is tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Volunteer cooks make the soup; you show up between 5:30 and 8pm to eat, enjoy and kick in a few bucks for the cause. Kids welcome with parents.
Longman & Eagle's Five-Year Anninversary
Tonight, from 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Longman & Eagle (2657 N. Kedzie Ave.) is hosting an open house in celebration of their five-year anniversary. They're offering complimentary servings of house favorites, including 'baby' Steigls, Negroni di Aquila cocktails, and wild boar sliders. Dinner menus won't be available, but the bar and snack menus will be throughout the evening.
CHIRP Radio 5th Anniversary Dinner @ Lula Cafe
Celebrate the fifth birthday of CHIRP Radio tonight at Lula Cafe (2537 N. Kedzie) with a special three-course dinner (and Half-Acre beer pairings!). CHIRP DJs will spin music, and you get a little goody bag. Cocktails at 6pm; dinner begins at 7pm. Tickets $65.
Alberto Aguilar: Celebratory System Exhibition at Kitchen Space
Kitchen Space, an alternative art gallery located in a kitchen, will be featuring the work of Alberto Aguilar, who will present several celebratory dinners during his solo exhibition in the gallery. Kitchen Space is located on 2716 N. Monticello Ave., 1F. Free and open to the public.
Soup & Bread @ the Hideout
Soup & Bread, the weekly wintertime soup-eating party benefiting a local food-related charity, is tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Volunteer cooks make the soup; you show up between 5:30 and 8pm to eat, enjoy and kick in a few bucks for the cause. Kids welcome with parents.
The Dinner Party @ City Winery
Fear No Art presents The Dinner Party, a conversation show over dinner, at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St. This month host Elysabeth Alfano talks with comedian Julia Sweeney, new anchor Bill Kurtis, a mystery guest and chef Kevin Hickey, who will also be cooking the meal both the guests and audience will enjoy. Chicago Human Rhythm Project's tap repertory company, BAM!, opens the show. Tickets are $45 and include dinner; wine pairing is extra. Doors open at 6:30pm, show's at 7pm.
Pipeworks & Big Lebowski @ Logan Theatre
Tonight from 7 to 10pm, Pipeworks Brewing celebrates the release of Hey Careful Man, There’s a Beverage Here, its White Russian Imperial Stout, at the Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave., followed by The Big Lebowski at 10:30pm. The reception is free; the beer is $8 a glass and the movie is $7.50. 21+ to drink.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Tonight kicks off the new season of this weekly wintertime soup-eating party at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., which benefits a local food-related charity. Volunteer cooks make the soup; you show up between 5:30 and 8pm to eat, enjoy and kick in a few bucks for the cause. Kids welcome with parents.
Christmas @ Brasserie by LM
Brasserie by LM, 800 S. Michigan Ave., is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will serve prix-fixe meals for $35 per person. The menu includes choice of an appetizer (such as roasted squash soup or bilinis), an entree (such as chestnut risotto or poached salmon), and a dessert (such as chocolate mousse). Reservations can be made online or by calling 312-431-1788.
Creole Reveillon Dinner @ Big Jones
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a Creole feast for the ages at Big Jones, 5347 N. Clark. Enjoy a multi-course meal of Crawfish Boudin, Goose Gumbo, or Venison Pie (wowza!) topped off with Doberge Pie. It all looks so much better than the pizza I know you were going to eat, right? Reservations only, and it will sell out soon: 773-275-5725. Tickets $49 per person.
Christmas Eve @ Brasserie by LM
Brasserie by LM, 800 S. Michigan Ave., is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will serve prix-fixe meals for $35 per person. The menu includes choice of an appetizer (such as roasted squash soup or bilinis), an entree (such as chestnut risotto or poached salmon), and a dessert (such as chocolate mousse). Reservations can be made online or by calling 312-431-1788.
Graze's All Chili Considered @ Empty Bottle
Graze Magazine hosts All Chili Considered, a chili cookoff featuring chefs from the Brixton, Bite Cafe, Chop Shop, Flying Saucer, Heartland Cafe, Tomato Mountain Farm, Snarf's Sandwiches, the Southern and Yusho, today at noon at Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. There'll also be a raffle for a bunch of culinary prizes. Tickets are $9 in advance, $10 at the door.
A Holiday Menu of Casual Extravagance @ Alliance Francaise
Craft out a rich holiday menu (blinis, bisque, caviar and a lemon tart) with Chef Madelaine Bullwinkel today at Alliance Francaise, 810 N. Dearborn, from 10am-1pm. Tickets $70-80 with a $15 materials fee.
Holiday Truffle-Making Party @ Katherine Anne Confections
Drink wine, eat appetizers and schmooze before you sit down to make some truffles to celebrate the season at Katherine Anne Confections, 2745 W. Armitage, tonight at 6:30p. Tickets $60.
Soup & Bread Benefit @ Hideout
Soup & Bread, the weekly benefit soup and nosh event, begins prepping for next year's season (which begins Jan. 7th) with a kickoff fundraiser tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. For a suggested $20 donation, you'll sample chili from the folks at Smoque, Graze Magazine, Celestial Kitchens, and newly unemployed (?) "Hot" Doug Sohn, as well as bread from Publican Quality Meats and On the Road Catering. DJs, raffles of prizes from Bloodshot Records and a few other joints will be happening, too. Worth it! Runs 5:30-8pm; for an extra $5, stay afterward for the Hideout Holiday Jamboree.
Barrel Aged Premier & Beer Tasting @ Logan Square Auditorium
BeerFX premiers the short film Barrel Aged and hosts an interactive beer festival today from 3:30 to 7pm at the Logan Square Auditorium, 2529 N. Kedzie Blvd. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door, and include a commemorative glass, samples of the barrel aged beer "Turn Brown for What" featured in the film as well as beers from more than a dozen local breweries. 21+
Beer Sleigh Brewery Tour
Barley's Angels organizes a Beer Sleigh today, which includes beer flights and transportation to three area breweries as well as the tours at Metropolitan Brewing, Lagunitas Brewery, and Lake Effect Brewing. Tickets are $60. The tour kicks off at 11am at Metropolitan Brewing, 5121 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Chicago Cares Cake Walk @ Empty Bottle
Chicago Cares hosts a holiday cake walk fundraiser tonight at 6pm at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. Your $15 donation gets you live music by the Berry Tones, snacks and the chance to win a fabulous cake. 21+
Deck the Pubs! @ Chicago History Museum
Holiday cheer gets overserved at tonight's Deck the Pubs! pub crawl, sponsored by the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. You'll meet at the Museum for a chartered trip through several of the city's most festive watering holes (among them a stop for Gluhwein at the Christkindlmarket). Event runs 7-10pm; tickets are $30-40.
All Things Gingerbread @ French Pastry School
Would you like to go deep in a three day-long baking instruction series on ginger-y goodness (breads, cakes, cookies)? The French Pastry school's "All Things Gingerbread" class starts today through Dec. 11th (4-9pm each day) at 226 W. Jackson Blvd. Ste. 106 for your holiday baking prep. Admission $475.
Fat Rice & Friends Holiday Market
Fat Rice (2957 W. Diversey Ave.) holds a pop-up market of housemade holiday treats and eats (among them wine, jams, sauces and nuts) today at their store tonight from 5-9pm, with some holiday punch or dumplings to enjoy.
World of Chocolate @ Union Station
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago hosts its annual World of Chocolate benefit event tonight at Union Station, 225 S. Canal St., from 6 to 9:30pm. Sample sweet creations from local chocolatiers and restaurants, listen to live music, participate in a silent auction and raffle, and more. Tickets are $125 in advance, $150 at the door.
BrewLights @ Lincoln Park Zoo
Tonight's beer tasting event at Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 N. Clark St., 5:30-9pm) allows you sample a dozen beers (from Great Lakes, Delirium, and Temperance, among others) while looking at all the pretty holiday lights on display. Tickets $40; $15 for designated drivers.
The Dinner Party @ City Winery
Chris Pandel of Balena cooks a multi-course meal; you enjoy the eats while a panel of guests (author Rebecca Skloot, Trib theater critic Chris Jones, and comedian/actor Dave Pasquesi) chat with the chef. Event takes place at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph. Doors 6:30pm, event begins at 7pm. Tickets $45.
Chocolate and Cheer Cookie Exchange @ Fairmont Hotel
Kick off the holidays at the Fairmont Hotel's Chocolate and Cheer Cookie Exchange tonight at 5:30pm (200 N. Columbus). Sample wine and sweets, and take home three dozen cookies that you can happily pass off as your own baking to your friends and family. Call 312-565-6603 to RSVP; admission $50.
Mac & Cheese Takedown @ Lincoln Hall
The Takedowns host a Mac & Cheese Takedown this afternoon at Lincoln Hall (2424 N Lincoln Ave) from 2- 4 p.m. The event is +21. Tickets are $20 and include tastings of the competitor's mac & cheese. Anyone interested in competing in the takedown should email chilitakedown@gmail.com.
Chicago Beer Society's 38th Annual Fall Tasting and Dinner @ Kaiser Tiger
Taste (and vote!) on 14 craft beers, then enjoy dinner with the Chicago Beer Society tonight at their Annual Fall Tasting & Dinner, which runs 12:30-5:00pm at Kaiser Tiger, 1415 W. Randolph St. Tickets $50-60.
Chicago Food Film Festival: #ILOVEBEER @ Kendall College
Enjoy beers from local brewers (and snacks!) while watching two short films about the love of the suds (Craig Noble's "Craft" and Matt Checkowski's "The Art and Science of Beer") today at noon at Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch. Tickets $45.
Got Glögg? @ Swedish American Museum
The Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., hosts Got Glögg?, a glögg tasting and competition to see who makes the best of the traditional mulled drink, tonight from 7 to 9pm. Admission is $15. 21+
Chicago Food Film Festival: The Night Aquatic @ Kendall College
Everything's going underwater at tonight's installment of the Chicago Food Festival at Kendall College (900 N. North Branch). Enjoy a bevy of fish (squid, sea urchin, crab, oysters, sushi) while watching a series of short films about where your dinner came from (such as "Squid" and "Sweet, Sexy Ocean). Doors open 6:30pm (6pm for VIPs); tickets $75-95.
Chicago Food Film Festival: Edible Adventure #012, Sriracha + More @ Kendall College
Tonight's event, part of the Chicago Food Film Festival, is about heat, heat and heat; enjoy a multi-course meal (Tacos! Sausage! Soup!) while watching several short films (among them the aptly titled "Sriracha") at Kendall College (900 N. North Branch), 6:30pm (6pm early entry for VIPs). Tickets $65-85.
Chicago Food Film Festival: The Great Chicken Wing Hunt @ Kendall College
An airing of the new documentary "The Great Chicken Wing Hunt" followed by what else--wings!--cocktails and conversation kick off the Chicago Food Film Festival tonight at Kendall College, 900 North Branch. Doors open 6:30pm (6pm for VIPs); tickets $65-85.
Sauced Market @ Emporium Logan Square
Sauced Market runs from 6 to 10pm at Emporium Logan Square, 2363 N. Milwaukee Ave. Shop for prepared foods, spices, local beer and spirits and more. Free, 21+
The Northman Popup Dinner Series: Influences of England & Spain
The Northman, the city's first cider-only bar (soon to be at 4337 N. Lincoln Ave.), hosts a one-night pop-up restaurant at Fountainhead, 1970 W. Montrose Ave., tonight at 7pm. Chef Cleetus Friedman will serve up a four-course meal of English and Spanish leanings (speck, yorkshire pudding, etc.) with drink pairings; tickets are $65 per person.
Pre-Holiday Wine Tasting @ Volo
Volo Restaurant Wine Bar (2008 W. Roscoe Ave.) hosts their annual pre-holiday wine tasting today from 3 to 5pm. Eight boutique wines will be paired with holiday-themed gourmet bites (last year's pairings included Turducken with Pinot Noir and Cranberry Upside Down Cake with Brachetto). The tasting is walk-around with open seating available throughout the restaurant. Tickets are $35.
Pie Basics @ Fearless Food Kitchen
Perfect your holiday pie-baking today at Fearless Food Kitchen, 5917 N. Broadway St., 1-3pm. Chef Sarah Jane Mallin will walk you through making a great crust and selecting the right filling. You'll have a crust to take home as well! Admission $55.
Festival of Barrel Aged Beers @ UIC Forum
Dubbed the "the country's largest celebration of wood and barrel aged beer," the UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt) transforms into the Illinois Craft Brewers' Guild's Festival of Barrel Aged Beers. Sample the suds of 90+ brewers (300+ varieties!); your $55 admission includes 15 tastings. Runs in two sessions, 1-5pm and 6-10pm.
Festival of Barrel Aged Beers @ UIC Forum
Dubbed the "the country's largest celebration of wood and barrel aged beer," the UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt) turns into a large bar tonight at the Illinois Craft Brewers' Guild's Festival of Barrel Aged Beers. Sample the suds of 90+ brewers (300+ varieties!); your $55 admission includes 15 tastings. Runs 6-10pm tonight; tomorrow 1-5pm and 6-10pm.
Gluten-Free Beer Event @ Compass Bar
Barley's Angels in Chicago, hosts a gluten-free beer event tonight at Compass Bar (433 W. Diversey) featuring beers from Glutenberg and gluten-free snacks. Simon Leblanc from Glutenberg will walk guests through the tasting and will speak on the differences in gluten-free beer. Tickets are $25. The event is from 6 to 8pm. 21+
Middlewest Talks: Dorie Greenspan @ Floriole
The incredible chef and author Dorie Greenspan will discuss her new book Baking Chez Moi with Middlewest's David Tamarkin tonight at Floriole, 1220 W. Webster St. from 7 to 9pm; your $25 admission gets you drinks, conversation, and delicious recipes made from the book itself (which will be available for purchase/inscribing).
From Good Stock Supper Series @ Land and Sea Dept.
Land & Sea Dept partners with chefs from Milwaukee's Vanguard for a six-course meal of Sconnie delights (New Glarus Beer! Old Fashioneds! Duck! Squab!) tonight at Land & Sea Dept, 3124 W. Carroll, beginning at 6:30pm. Tickets $75.
Ina Garten @ Auditorium Theatre
The chef, author and TV personality appears for an evening of food chat with "Check, Please!" host Catherine D'Orio at Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress, 7:30pm. Tickets begin at $28.
Lincoln Square Wine Stroll
Up to 45 different wines will be poured at various local business throughout Lincoln Square and Ravenswood tonight during the annual Lincoln Square Fall Wine Stroll. From 6:30pm-9:30pm, wine drinkers will meander along one of five routes in either Lincoln Square or Ravenswood for $40, or opt to do all routes for $60. Purchase tickets in advance here.
Illinois BBQ Alliance's Autumn Smoke @ Joe's Bar
Autumn Smoke brings together BBQ enthusiasts, hardcore lovers, wannabes and people who just love food this afternoon (2-6pm) at Joe's Bar (940 W. Weed St.). Food from Bub City, Barn and Company, and Honky Tonk are on the menu, along with fine raffle prizes, live music and a panel discussion hosted by ABC 7's Steve Dolinsky; event is also a benefit for Stand Up For Kids, which provides support for homeless children. Tickets $35.
Half Acre Annual Chili Cookoff @ The Arts of Life
Shake off your Halloween hangover at tonight's 6th Annual Half Acre Charitable Chili Cook Off at the Arts of Life's studio (2010 W Carroll Ave). From 5-8pm, you'll sample chili (meat and vegetarian) from cooks (the theme is "Day of the Dead," fittingly), beer from Half-Acre (of course), gelato from Black Dog, and entertainment from CHIRP Radio and The Arts of Life Band. Tickets $15-25.
Boneshaker @ Redmoon Theater
Celebrate Halloween with Redmoon Theater's annual costume party Boneshaker , which begins at 9pm tonight at Redmoon's Pilsen headquarters, 2120 S. Jefferson St. Redmoon has had some bad luck these days, but this event will surely redeem them. DJs, cocktails, food and the wondrous contraptions and theatrics that Redmoon is well known for are on the bill. Come in costume. Tickets are $100.
Haunted Punch House
Salonathon and The Inconvenience team up tonight with the Punch House (1227 W. 18th St.) for a Halloween party complete with costumes, performances, DJs, and drinks courtesy of Lagunitas Beer and Letherbee Gin. Event begins at 7pm; tickets $22.
Moonlight Manor @ Moonlight Studios
Moonlight Studios (1446 W. Kinzie) hosts the Reader's Halloween party Moonlight Manor tonight (8pm-Midnight). Cocktails created by folks from Longman & Eagle and the Drawing Room, food from the Chop Shop, Katherine Anne Confections and El Ranchito, DJs, and frivolity. Tickets $50.
The Trip to Italy @ Film Center
The Gene Siskel Film Center presents a week-long run of the Michael Winterbottom 2013 film The Trip to Italy, featuring the brillitan team of Rob Byrdon and Steve Coogan eating and arguing their way through a tour of Italy. For a list of showtimes see the Film Center's Website. Film Center: 164 North State Street. Box office: (312) 846-2085.
Chemistry of Chocolate @ Peggy Notebaert Museum
The Illinois Science Council sponsors this evening of understanding how chocolate is made (colors, types, textures) and why it's so delicious from a chemistry perspective tonight (6:30-8:00pm) at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Dr.). Join NU professor Shelby Hatch and Blommer Chocolate R&D scientist Michelle Tisoncik for experiments and samples (of course), as well as prizes. Tickets $40.
For Grace Premiere @ Portage Theater
For Grace, a documentary about Chef Curtis Duffy and the making of his restaurant Grace, premieres tonight at .com/event/697747-for-grace-documentary-about-chicago/">the Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave. Emceed by Peter Sagal, filmmakers Kevin Pang and Mark Helenowski will introduce the film, and there will be a Q&A with them and several of the subjects of the film after the screening -- as well as a performance by the Hudson Branch, whose music is featured in the soundtrack. Doors open at 6pm, screening begins at 7pm. Tickets are $10. Free parking is available at the Sears lot, 4730 W. Irving Park Rd.
9th Annual Andersonville Dessert Crawl
Sample desserts from many of Andersonville's restaurants at this afternoon's Dessert Crawl, which runs today from 2-5pm. Choose from two routes (or buy both because you deserve it!); each route (Candy Corn or Caramel Apple) allows you sweets from 12 places, among them M. Henry and Swedish Bakery. Event sponsored by the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (5211 N. Clark St.); tickets $20/route ($25 day of). You can pick up your passports at the Chamber beginning 1pm, tailgate on the street with pushups and power squats, then get eating. See? I've thought a lot about this.
Halloween S'mores Tasting @ Veruca Chocolates
Local chocolate shop Veruca Chocolates opens its doors for a Halloween-themed event featuring a custom s'mores bar, seasonal chocolates and plenty of treats to sample. From 11-4 at 2409 N Western Ave (Western & Fullerton).
Lafite Wine Tasting @ Sofitel
The Cigale Room of Sofitel's Water Tower location (20 E. Chestnut St.) plays host to a special Wine Days Tasting. Lafite wines will be featured as well as food from Chestnut Provisions, house-made cheese, and charcuterie. The tasting goes from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $35
Local Brews, Local Grooves @ House of Blues
The House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. hosts Local Brews, Local Grooves, a craft beer and music festival, tonight from 5:30 to 10:30pm. Fourteen local breweries will pour their stuff while nine local bands play; food stations will help keep the party from getting nasty. Wristbands are $15 and get you five tastings. 21+
Northwestern Sustainable Food Talks
Northwestern University's Sustainable Food Talks hosts a panel discussion on what it means to be a "green restaurant" tonight from 6 to 8pm in room 107 of Harris Hall, 1881 Sheridan Rd. in Evanston. The panel includes Heidi Moorman Coudal, owner of Big Delicious Planet Catering; Zak Dolezal, chef of Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen; David Lipschutz, owner of Blind Faith Cafe; and Amy Morton, owner of Found Kitchen & Social House. Eloise Karlatiras, president and CEO of the Green Chicago Restaurant Coalition, moderates. The event is also a potluck dinner, so bring something tasty and enjoy. Free; RSVP on Facebook.
She's Crafty: Women in Craft Beer @ Chop Shop
Women Working in Mixed Media presents She's Crafty: Women in Craft Beer, a panel discussion and networking event, tonight at Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave., from 6 to 8pm. Panelists include Claudia Jendron, brewer at Temperance Beer Company; Kate Bernot, nightlife reporter for the RedEye; Kim Leshinski, design consultant and event curator with Hail To The Ale; Monica Mooney, sales rep for Bell's Brewery; and Jennifer Faulk, director of marketing at Louis Glunz Beer. Tickets are $30 or two for $50, and include beer tastings from five local breweries. 21+
Bucktown Apple Pie Contest @ Holstein Park
Sample (and judge!) the pie-baking skills of your friends and neighbors today at the Bucktown Apple Pie Fest, which runs from 2-5pm at Holstein Park, 2200 N. Oakley. You can enter your own pie ($25 entry fee), or come to sample the eats by the slice ($2); entertainment, activities for the kids, and general hometown-y feelings will also be in attendance.
American Homebrewers Association Rally @ Lagunitas
The American Homebrewers Association is throwing a Rally at Lagunitas Brewing Company in Chicago to celebrate the joys of homebrewing and connect beer enthusiasts in the area.The Rally will feature a VIP tour of the brewery, beer samples, gifts, prizes and more. Lagunitas Chicago TapRoom at 1843 S. Washtenaw Ave. 1-4pm. Information and tickets available online.
Graze Magazine Release Party
Graze magazine celebrates the release of its sixth issue, "Golden Delicious," with a party tonight from 8 to 11pm. at Observatory Studios, 3036 N. Lincoln Ave., ste. 4. Enjoy live performances by Ariel Upton and Knife and Fork; food from Katherine Anne Confections, Cellar Door Provisions, Goddess and Grocer and Heartland Café; and beer by Kimbell Brewing and Lagunitas. There will also be a raffle for a variety of food- and drink-related prizes. Tickets are $10, and include a copy of the magazine.
CHAOS Brew Club Harvest Fest
CHAOS Brew Club hosts its annual Harvest Fest tonight from 6 to 11pm at 2417 W Hubbard St. Taste more than 20 home-brewed beers, learn more about yeast's role in beer making, and enter a raffle for fun prizes. There will also be a Thanksgiving-style buffet. Free for members -- and you can become one on a trial basis for $30. Hint, hint. 21+
Booze, Bars, and Bootlegging! @ Chicago History Museum
Learn more about the crimes that made this city great with the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark) at tonight's (7pm) pub crawl of speakeasies and other haunts. Tickets $30-40.
Skål @ Swedish American Museum
The Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., hosts Skål, a Celebration of Swedish Beer, tonight from 7 to 9pm. Certified Cicerone Jenny Pfäfflin provides a history of brewing in Sweden and leads a tasting of Swedish and other Nordic beers. There will also be snacks and museum tours. Tickets are $30 and include a souvenir tasting glass, and proceeds benefit the Water Tower Fund to restore the Andersonville Water Tower. 21+
WBEZ Chef Battle @ Kendall College
Kendall College (900 North Branch) will be the ring that a nice list of local chefs (among them Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark of Parachute and Old Town Social's Jared Van Camp) climb into to compete at tonight's WBEZ Chef Battle. Each competitor will make a dish containing Virtue Cider; you will sample and vote for the winner. Journalists Monica Eng and Louisa Chu will be recording a live podcast of their show Chewing the Fat beforehand. Tickets $20; even begins 7pm.
Eat to the Beat @ Nico Osteria
Join Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis of WBEZ's Sound Opinions for an evening that intersects music and food at Nico Osteria (1015 N. Rush St). Chefs Paul Kahan and Matthias Merges will serve a multi-course meal (with alcohol pairings) inspired by the Velvet Underground's debut 1967 work The Velvet Underground & Nico, and even better/weirder, founding VU member John Cale will be in attendance. Tickets $250 for the dinner, which runs 6:30-10pm; for an extra $50, you'll get a VIP cocktail hour (5pm) with your hosts and chefs.
Beer Hoptacular @ Aragon Ballroom
The fifth annual Beer Hoptacular, a celebration of craft beer, craft beer and craft beer, holds court at the Aragon Ballroom (1106 W. Lawrence Ave.) today (two sessions, 1:00-4:30pm and 6:30-10:00pm). Your $45 ticket (early entry VIP $85) gets you 25 tastings (over 150 beers will be on tap, from 60+ breweries in attendance), as well as a commemorative glass and a voting ballot for the Beer of the Year. The BeerHop Derby (the breweries compete, and the only materials allowed are beer bottles and cans), the Homebrew Challenge (where the home brewers compete!), and the BeardHoptacular (whose facial hair will win?) will also be taking place for your drunken (or buzzed) enjoyment.
Windy City BBQ Classic
The Windy City BBQ Classic runs from noon to 7pm today in the south parking lot at Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr., with more than 40 barbecue teams battle for smoked meat supremacy and more than 50 restaurants will serve all-you-can eat barbecue. There will also be live music, craft beer and spirits, dessert tastings and cooking demos. Tickets are $49 in advance, $73.50 at the door -- or spring for $79 VIPs or $99 premium tickets, which earn you higher levels of access.
Gapers Block Microbrewery Crawl
The Gapers Block Microbrewery Crawlkicks off today at the new Lagunitas Brewery and travels by bus to Goose Island's brewery and new barrel house on Fulton Street. From there we'll head to the brand new BreakRoom Brewery and finish up at the Begyle Brewing, where we'll learn what "community supported beer" is -- and also enjoy freshly grilled food from Manbque. The crawl begins at 11am at Lagunitas Brewery, 1843 S. Washtenaw Ave., and ends at Begyle Brewing, 1800 W. Cuyler Ave. (No transportation back to Lagunitas, so plan accordingly.) Tickets are $60 and include samples and tours at each brewery, plus dinner at the end. More details in Drive-Thru. 21+
Beer Hoptacular @ Aragon Ballroom
The fifth annual Beer Hoptacular, a celebration of craft beer, craft beer and craft beer, holds court at the Aragon Ballroom (1106 W. Lawrence Ave.) tonight (6:30-10:00pm) and tomorrow (two sessions, 1:00-4:30pm and 6:30-10:00pm). Your $45 ticket (early entry VIP $85) gets you 25 tastings (over 150 beers will be on tap, from 60+ breweries in attendance), as well as a commemorative glass and a voting ballot for the Beer of the Year. The BeerHop Derby (the breweries compete, and the only materials allowed are beer bottles and cans), the Homebrew Challenge (where the home brewers compete!), and the BeardHoptacular (whose facial hair will win?) will also be taking place for your drunken (or buzzed) enjoyment.
Food Truck Rally @ Daley Plaza
Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is rounding up another Food Truck Rally today at Daley Plaza (Washington and Dearborn) from 11 a.m. -7 p.m. The ten participating trucks are Beavers Coffee and Donuts, Chicago Cupcake, Corner Farmacy, DönerMen, Husky Hog BBQ, Jack's Fork in the Road, Model Chef, Pierogi Wagon, Taquero Fusion, and Yum Dum. There will also be wine and beer from Goose Island.
Kikusui @ Yusho Logan Square
Sake producer Kikusui will be at Yusho Logan Square (2853 N Kedzie Ave) tonight for a tasting featuring six of their sakes, each paired with small bites from Yusho. Kikusui President Daisuke Takasawa will also be in attendance for a meet-and-greet, as well as renowned Shamisen player Fumiyoshi playing traditional Japanese music. The cost is $30 per person. Reservations are available from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and can be made online or by calling Yusho at (773) 904-8558.
Taste Talks All Star BBQ @ Palmer Square Park
Paul Kahan (Big Star), Stephanie Izard (Girl and the Goat) and Rick Bayless (Frontera) are among the chef superstars serving up the foods at the Taste Talks All Star BBQ, which runs in two sessions (1-4pm and 4-8pm) today at Palmer Square Park (Humboldt and Palmer Avenues). Tickets $40; cannot be purchased at the event, so buy in advance.
Friends of the Grape @ St. Matthias
St. Matthias Parish hosts Friends of the Grape, a wine tasting event featuring fine wines, food from more than a dozen Lincoln Square-area restaurants, and an auction, today from 12:30 to 6:30pm at St. Matthias School Hall, 4910 N. Claremont Ave., Tickets are $45 till Sept. 30, $50 after. Get tickets for both Friends of the Grape and Friends of the Craft on Oct. 3 for $75.
Friends of the Craft @ St. Matthias
St. Matthias Parish hosts Friends of the Craft, a microbrew tasting event featuring 14 local breweries, tonight from 7 to 10pm at St. Matthias School Hall, 4910 N. Claremont Ave., Tickets are $40 till Sept. 30, $45 after. Get tickets for both Friends of the Craft and Friends of the Grape on Oct. 5 for $75.
Taste Talks Kicks Off in Chicago
Starting tonight until Sunday, the second annual Taste Talks, launched last year in Brooklyn, makes its debut in Chicago, bringing together chefs and mixologists in an innovative and experiential three-day food symposium. Presented by Mario Batali and curated by James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Kahan, Taste Talks will provide access to chef panels, tastings and behind the scenes tips. Tickets for single events start at $10. All access passes are also available. View the schedule and ticket prices at the official website.
Tapped Out Wine Dinner @ Troquet River North
Starting at 5 p.m., Troquet River North (111 W Huron) hosts a wine-pairing dinner featuring wines from Cream Wine Company. Guests are served two small plates paired with a flight of four wines for $25. The menu includes mussel beignets paired with Vinho Verde and Pinot Noir and a mini Angus burger paired with Chardonnay and a Bordeaux blend. From 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. Erin Drain from Cream Wine Company will be available to talk about the featured wines and Troquet's wine draft system, which keeps wine temperatures consistent and the wine fresh.
Chemistry of Honey @ Notebaert Museum
Another fine offering from the Illinois Science Council's "Chemistry for Adults" series will help us understand why honey is the most bestest tonight from 6:30-8pm at the Notebaert Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr; Northwestern chem professor Shelby Hatch will be on hand to conduct experiments and talk science. Samples, prizes and learning abounds! Tickets start at $35.
Clam Bake @ Little Goat
Chef Jamie Bissonnette of Boston's Coppo will be teaming up with Little Goat (820 W. Randolph) for an evening of the many seafoods and late summer delights tonight at 6:30pm; your $130 ticket gets you drinks and dinner.
Chicago Gourmet @ Millennium Park
Food and wine gets its due at this annual weekend-long festival of eating, drinking, and cooking demos from some of the nation's biggest names which takes place at Millennium Park (201 E Randolph St), which will be closed off to the masses for this luxury soiree. Event runs noon-5pm today. Tickets start at $170.
Farm-to-Market Bash
Chicago Market Co-Op hosts the Farm-to-Market Bash, a celebration and benefit, today from noon to 4pm at the Ravenswood Event Center, 4011 N. Ravenswood Ave. Learn more about the co-op and enjoy food and drink from more than a dozen local vendors. Kids' activities include making a fruit or vegetable mask, sprouting seeds and fruit'n'veggie bingo. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children.
Chicago Gourmet @ Millennium Park
Food and wine gets its due at this annual weekend-long festival of eating, drinking, and cooking demos from some of the nation's biggest names which takes place at Millennium Park (201 E Randolph St), which will be closed off to the masses for this luxury soiree. Event runs Saturday (Noon-6pm) and Sunday (Noon-5pm). Tickets start at $170.
Hamburger Hop @ Harris Theater
The Best Burger in Chicago gets crowned tonight as part of this weekend's Chicago Gourmet. You'll sample the burgers and vote for the best. Tickets $125. Event takes place 6-9pm on the rooftop of the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St.
Revolution Oktoberfest @ Sheffield's
Revolution Brewing hosts an Oktoberfest party at Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., from 7 to 10pm. The Bolzen Beer Band will play punk polka, Revolution drafts are $4 and there will be a bunch of fun giveaways. No cover, 21+
Martha Bayne speaks at Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago
Today at 10:30 am, Martha Bayne (of Soup & Bread fame) will share her ideas on Building Community--One Soup Pot at a Time. She'll speak at the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago (7574 Lincoln Ave. Skokie IL; corner of Howard and Lincoln Avenues) about how social justice can be accomplished via traditional and non-traditional soup kitchens.
312 Urban Block Party
Goose Island's annual 312 Urban Block Party runs from 4 to 10pm tonight at the Fulton Street Brewery, 1800 W. Fulton St. Sample rare (and common) Goose Island beers, taste beer-inspired and -infused food, and enjoy live music by Heavy Times, Secret Colours, Twin Peaks, Cayucas, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Thao & the Get Down Stay Down and the Breeders. Tickets are $10. 21+
City Made Festival
Andersonville turns into a gigantic beer garden, music fest and market full of locally made suds (Begyle, Lake Effect, etc.) today and Sunday from noon to 9pm on Clark Street between Argyle and Carmen Avenues. Suggested donation $5; event benefits the Andersonville Development Corporation.
Food Network in Concert @ Ravinia
Ravinia (418 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park; or a quick Metra ride on the UP-North line to Ravinia Park) turns into an all-day, food-lover's paradise, with demos and tastings from a range of Food Network celebs (Anne Burrell of Worst Cooks in America, Jose Garces of Iron Chef) and local talent, among them Jimmy Bannos, Jr. (Purple Pig), Andrew Zimmerman and Cindy Schuman (Sepia), and Andrew Zimmerman and Cindy Schuman (Sepia). Event begins at 11am and culminates with John Mayer performing at 8:30pm. Ticket packages start at $99; the event benefits Share Our Strength's "No Kid Hungry" campaign to end childhood hunger in America.
Green City Market Cookbook Release @ Jayson Home
Chefs Rick Bayless, Carrie Nahabedian and Bruce Sherman will be at Jayson Home, 1885 N. Clybourn Ave., tonight from 5 to 8pm to sign copies of The Green City Market Cookbook and serve dishes from the book. Complimentary wine will also be served. As a bonus, Jayson Home is donating 10 percent of the night's sales to the Green City Market.
Taste Around Town Begins
Taste Around Around, a two-week long wine event billed as Restaurant Week for wine lovers, starts today and runs runs through September 28. Participating restaurants, including Au Cheval, Maude's Liquor Bar, and Carriage House, are preparing select pairing menus and tasting flights with wines from Chateau Montelena, Penfolds, and Wines of France. Specials on wine by the glass or bottle will also be available for lunch and/or dinner throughout the two-week event.
From Good Stock Dinner Series with Matthew Sliwinski @ Land and Sea Dept
Matthew Sliwinski (Promontory at Hyde Park) creates a multi-course meal tonight at the Land and Sea Dept (3124 W. Carroll) as part of the From Good Stock dinner series. Tickets $75; beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) included. Event runs 6:30-10pm.
Bacon Takedown @ Lincoln Hall
The fifth annual Bacon Takedown returns to Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., today at 2pm. Sample a wide variety of bacon-based dishes from the competitors, and vote for your favorite. Tickets are $20. 21+
Bloody Mary Competition @ Park West
The Bloody Best's Bloody Mary Competition takes place from 11am to 2pm at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. Sample 3oz. bloodies from more than a dozen bars and restaurants and vote for your favorites. Tickets are $35. 21+
Lions, Tigers and Brews @ Lincoln Park Zoo
Over 150 craft brewers will be pouring the sauce tonight at Lions, Tigers and Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 N. Clark) from 7-11pm (VIP entry at 6pm). Entertainment, zoo explorations, and food from Tamale Spaceship and Pierogi Wagon (among others) will be on hand. Tickets $49-89.
Berghoff Oktoberfest @ Federal Plaza
The Berghoff hosts its annual Oktoberfest celebration Sept. 10-12 in Federal Plaza, 50 W. Adams St., from 11am to 9pm each day. Enjoy beer, brats and live music. Admission is free.
Berghoff Oktoberfest @ Federal Plaza
The Berghoff hosts its annual Oktoberfest celebration Sept. 10-12 in Federal Plaza, 50 W. Adams St., from 11am to 9pm each day. Enjoy beer, brats and live music. Admission is free.
Taste Around Town Launch Party @ Hub 51
Tonight at 6pm, Bottlenotes kicks off Taste Around Around, a two-week long wine event billed as Restaurant Week for wine lovers, at Hub 51, 51 W. Hubbard St. Tickets, which includes wine and house-made bites, are $25 with a special Gapers Block discount code, which can be accessed here. Taste Around Town itself runs September 15-28. Participating restaurants, including Au Cheval, Maude's Liquor Bar, and Carriage House, are preparing select pairing menus and tasting flights with wines from Chateau Montelena, Penfolds, and Wines of France. Specials on wine by the glass or bottle will also be available for lunch and/or dinner throughout the two-week event.
Berghoff Oktoberfest @ Federal Plaza
The Berghoff hosts its annual Oktoberfest celebration Sept. 10-12 in Federal Plaza, 50 W. Adams St., from 11am to 9pm each day. Enjoy beer, brats and live music. Admission is free.
Goose Island Lilith Release @ Kaiser Tiger
Goose Island taps Lilith, their new Pomegranate Berliner Weisse, tonight at Kaiser Tiger. Stop by for beer, commemorative Lilith glassware, posters, and more from 7-9pm. Fulton & Wood. Free.
Three Floyds and Pipeworks @ Roots
Three Floyds and Pipeworks Brewing join forces tonight for the "Let's Drink Beer & Eat Pizza: The Ten" event hosted by Roots Handmade Pizza (1924 W Chicago Ave). Starting at 6 p.m. pizzas will be on special and 10 kegs with featured brews from Three Floyds and Pipeworks will be tapped. Those in the lineup from Pipeworks include Ninja vs. Unicorn (Imperial IPA) and Saison du Soleile (Belgian-style ale brewed with grapefruit). Those from Three Floyds include Space Station: Middle Finger (Pale Ale) and Gumballhead (Pale Wheat Ale). Guests mentioning "The Ten" to their server or bartender will receive 20% off their Quad Cities malt crust pizzas during the event.
Marz Community Brewing Company Launch Party @ Co-Prosperity Sphere
Marz Community Brewing launches tonight at the Co-Prosperity Sphere (3219 S. Morgan, 6-10pm), offering bus tours of Bridgeport, music by Bobby Conn, food by Publican Quality Meats and Honey Butter Fried Chicken, and of course--beer. Free but RSVP required.
Kegs for Kids @ Hopleaf
Kegs for Kids, the annual beer-fueled benefit for Pierce Elementary, is today from noon to 5pm at the Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. Sample more than 60 craft beers, wines and food from area restaurants, and bid on stuff in a silent auction. Tickets are $45 in advance, $55 at the door. 21+
Dill Pickle Block Party @ Comfort Station
The Dill Pickle Food Co-op hosts their first Block Party, at the Comfort Station (2579 N. Milwaukee) today from 11 am-4 pm as part of their expansion effort. Attendees are encouraged to bring a snack to share, or to enjoy locally sourced burgers, veggie burgers, brats, and freshly harvested vegetable. Events and activities are scheduled throughout the day including live music, games, chair massages, and a pie contest. The Block Party is free and open to the public.
Four Star Bike and Chow
Eat and pedal with like-minded folks today at Active Transportation Alliance's Four Star Bike and Chow. Pick a route (ranging from 12-62 miles), which will take you all over the city to see neighborhoods and eat their exciting foods. You get a t-shirt and ride support, as well as a post-ride festival. Registration begins at $37. Routes take off 6:30-9:00am from the Circle Memorial Grove on the University of Illinois at Chicago campus (Morgan & Taylor Streets).
Great American Bacon Festival @ Union Hall
Another day, another opportunity to love bacon at this event, which will be held at the Great Hall of Union Station (500 W. Jackson), 7:00-9:30pm (VIP early entry begins at 6:30pm). Tickets $45-110. Event benefits St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Shock Top Oyster Fest @ Damen & Roscoe
There are multiple oyster fests in September in Chicago (hooray!), so snag your first meal of mollusks this Saturday at the Shock Top Oyster Fest. Sponsored in part by the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce, the fest features fresh seafood, arts & crafts, and an eclectic music lineup. 11am-10pm, $7 suggested donation. Enter at Roscoe St. and Damen Ave.
What's Happening? Block Party @ Longman & Eagle
Longman and Eagle's Block Party today from 1 to 10pm is an experience to behold; incredible music from Windy City Soul Club, kids activities, buttons from Busy Beaver, and great food -- elotes, ceviche, and meatballs! -- for your end of summer fete-ing. Event takes place alongside L&E (2657 N. Kedzie) on Schubert from Kedzie to Troy.
Heritage BBQ @ Goose Island Barrel Warehouse
Starting at 4 pm today, five chefs competing for the title of Chicago's "BBQ King or Queen" will create six dishes with 200-pounds of pig in an effort to promote the consumption of heritage breed pigs raised by local family farms. This year's competitors include Chrissy Camba of Laughing Bird, Carlos Gaytan of Mexique, Abraham Conlon of Fat Rice, Cary Taylor of Big Star and Nathan Sears of The Radler and D.A.S. The BBQ will take place at Goose Island's barrel warehouse (605 N. Sacramento Blvd.) Tickets start at $125 for general admission and $200 for and VIP tickets, which includes 60-minute early access to all food. Both tickets include all-inclusive of food and beverage.
Slow Food Chicago's Vegetarian Harvest Dinner @ Uncommon Ground
Enjoy what's left of summer at the rooftop garden at Uncommon Ground (1401 W. Devon) tonight from 5:30-8pm at Slow Food Chicago's Vegetarian Harvest Dinner. Your $65 ticket gets you a four-course meal with veggies grown at Uncommon Ground, plus their own beer.
Masters of Mac @ Old Town Pour House
Chefs will compete for your vote on who makes the best mac and cheese tonight at Old Town Pour House, 1419 N. Wells St., 5-8pm. In addition to the M&C from chefs from Pour House, you will also get the work of Matt Troost (Three Aces), Bub City's Doug Psaltis and SideDoor's Vic Newgren. Each mac and cheese sampling is $16, with an optional beer pairing of the chef's choosing (also $16). Winner announced at 8pm.
Monkey Business Backyard BBQ @ Sportsman's Club
The Sportsman's Club (948 N. Western Ave.) serves up BBQ (courtesy of chefs from Nightwood) today at 4pm at their Monkey Business Backyard BBQ; your $20 ticket gets you food and drinks (well, a beer and a shot).
Food Truck Social @ Kendall College
The second annual Chicago Food Truck Social rolls into the parking lot at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch St., Saturday and today from 11am to 10pm. Enjoy food from a dozen or so food truck as well as some area restaurants, live music curated by Empty Bottle Presents and more. Admission is $5, with proceeds benefiting Share Our Strength's Cooking Matters program.
Bridgepork @ Maria's
Maria's Community Bar, 960 W. 31st St., celebrates the fourth anniversary of its revamping with Bridgepork, a two-day party with beer, barbecue and music Friday and today. From 4 to 9pm, the bar's parking lot transforms into a festival with local bands, food from chef Kevin Hickey and Maria's, and beer from Marz Brewing. At 9, the party moves inside for a Latin American dance party featuring the Sonorama DJs. No cover, 21+
Food Truck Social @ Kendall College
The second annual Chicago Food Truck Social rolls into the parking lot at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch St., today and Sunday from 11am to 10pm. Enjoy food from a dozen or so food truck as well as some area restaurants, live music curated by Empty Bottle Presents and more. Admission is $5, with proceeds benefiting Share Our Strength's Cooking Matters program.
Bridgepork @ Maria's
Maria's Community Bar, 960 W. 31st St., celebrates the fourth anniversary of its revamping with Bridgepork, a two-day party with beer, barbecue and music tonight and Saturday. From 8pm to 2am, the bar will be featuring Marz Brewery beers on sale, plus a bunch of specials from the vault, along with free Korean-Polish BBQ on the back patio. From 9pm to close, DJ Joe Bryl spins Secret Disco. No cover, 21+
Kulturküche: Make Your Own Crepes @ DANK Haus
Dank Haus (4740 N. Western) will teach you how to make delish crepes with their own Chef Christoph. Class fee $16. Event runs 7:30-9:30pm. Ingredients and a drink are provided.
Barback Games @ Thalia Hall
The 2014 Fernet-Branca Barback Games are tonight at 8pm at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport Ave. Watch as the city's best barbacks demonstrate their prowess in a series of physical (and possibly mental) challenges. Matt Roan and DJ Intel perform as well. Registration opens at 7pm, doors open at 8pm. Free, but RSVP required. 21+
Festa Italiana
Chicago Festa Italiana runs Aug. 14-17 on Taylor Street between Ashland and Racine. Enjoy music on three stages, sample (mostly) Italian foods from Little Italy restaurants and vendors, and enjoy the neighborhood festival atmosphere. You can also take a trolley tour of historic Little Italy from noon to 5pm. The fest is open from noon to 11pm today. $5 suggested donation.
Great American Lobster Fest
The Great American Lobster Fest runs today and Sunday in the Grand Ballroom on Navy Pier. Enjoy fresh seafood, drinks, carnival games and live music, including Kiss Army and Think Floyd USA. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door; you can also preorder your live lobster for $35. The festival is open from 10am to 10pm today.
Oak Park Micro Brew & Food Review
The seventh annual Oak Park Micro Brew and Food Review is today from 3 to 7pm on Marion Street between Lake and Pleasant in downtown Oak Park. For $45 per person, sample more than 150 beers from over 70 brewers while enjoying great food and live music on two stages. There's also a "ReplicAle" competition featuring 33 takes on the same beer style -- this year it's American Red Ale -- but tickets for that are sold out. 21+
Albany Park World Fest @ Lawrence & Kimball
The Albany Park neighborhood represents a very diverse area in the city, so what better event to host than World Fest at its doorstep! The entertainment starts Saturday at 12:30pm with Tsukasa Taiko (Asian drumming) and continues with many other acts through the evening Saturday and Sunday.
Festa Italiana
Chicago Festa Italiana runs Aug. 14-17 on Taylor Street between Ashland and Racine. Enjoy music on three stages, sample (mostly) Italian foods from Little Italy restaurants and vendors, and enjoy the neighborhood festival atmosphere. You can also take a trolley tour of historic Little Italy from noon to 5pm. The fest is open from noon to 11pm today. $5 suggested donation.
Great American Lobster Fest
The Great American Lobster Fest runs today and Sunday in the Grand Ballroom on Navy Pier. Enjoy fresh seafood, drinks, carnival games and live music, including headliners Local H. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door; you can also preorder your live lobster for $35. The festival is open from 10am to 1am today.
Festa Italiana
Chicago Festa Italiana runs Aug. 14-17 on Taylor Street between Ashland and Racine. Enjoy music on three stages, sample (mostly) Italian foods from Little Italy restaurants and vendors, and enjoy the neighborhood festival atmosphere. The fest is open from 5pm to 11pm today. $5 suggested donation.
Sound Opinions End of Summer BBQ
What better way to celebrate the end of this wonderful season than stuffing your face with good food and drink? Tonight's Sound Opinions End of Summer BBQ (Navy Pier Terrace, 7pm) pairs eats from from choice places (The Butcher and Larder, Smoque BBQ, Bang Bang Pie Shop and Black Dog Gelato) and drinks from Virtue Cider, Goose Island Beer & Tenuta Santomè to help you cope (vegetarian options available, too). Event also conveniently includes the weekly Navy Pier fireworks show.
From Good Stock Dinner Series with Gabriel Freeman @ Land and Sea Dept
Gabriel Freeman (formerly of Ruxbin and Mott St.) creates a three-course meal tonight at the Land and Sea Dept (3124 W. Carroll) as part of the From Good Stock dinner series. Tickets $75; beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) included. Event runs 6:30-10pm.
Festa Italiana
Chicago Festa Italiana runs Aug. 14-17 on Taylor Street between Ashland and Racine. Enjoy music on three stages, sample (mostly) Italian foods from Little Italy restaurants and vendors, and enjoy the neighborhood festival atmosphere. The fest is open from 5pm to 11pm today. $5 suggested donation.
Taste of the Nation @ Navy Pier Grand Ballroom
This benefit for Share Our Strength is a food-lover's paradise; an endless list of Chicago's best chefs (Acadia, endgrain, Honey Butter Fried Chicken, and Hoosier Mama are among those who be in attendance) serve small plates and drinks, there's entertainment and a silent auction, fireworks onsite, and best of all it helps support hunger relief organizations. Tickets start at $125; event runs 7-10pm at the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom, 600 E. Grand.
Andersonville Dinner Crawl
Sample the many culinary tastes of Andersonville at tonight's Dinner Crawl, which kicks off tonight at 6pm from the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark. Pick from the "Salt" or "Pepper" routes--if you're ambitious, you can buy the "Whole Enchilada," which is both--and enjoy. Among this year's participants are M. Henry and Andie's; tickets $25 in advance, $30 day-of.
Chicago Hot Dog Fest @ Chicago History Museum
Relish your weekend at the Chicago History Museum's second annual hot dog fest. Grab a sausage from one of eight Chicago vendors and check out 90s tribute bands like Hello Weekend and Don't Speak. 1601 N Clark St., 11am-7pm. Free.
CHAOS Brew Club Summer BrewBQ
CHAOS Brew Club hosts its annual Summer BrewBQ tonight from 6 to 11pm at its headquarters at 2417 W. Hubbard St. Try more than two dozen beers and ciders made by CHAOS members, enjoy tasty barbecue (including veggie options) and enter a raffle for a variety of fun prizes. Members only, but a 60-day trial membership will get you in the door, if you know what I mean. 21+
Mash Tun Homebrewer's Ball @ Co-Prosperity Sphere
Mash Tun Journal hosts the Homebrewer's Ball today from 2:30 to 6pm at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St. The first annual competition features beers from more than a dozen homebrewers, all available for you to taste and vote on the best. Tickets are $30 and include a tasting glass, a copy of the new Mash Tun Guide to Craft Beer in Illinois, a commemorative t-shirt and snacks from food trucks -- plus tastes of all the beers. Naturally, the event is 21 and over.
Chicago Hot Dog Fest @ Chicago History Museum
Relish your weekend at the Chicago History Museum's second annual hot dog fest. Beginning today, you can grab a sausage from one of eight Chicago vendors while checking out tribute bands like Who's Who and Kashmir. 1601 N Clark St., 10am-5pm. Free.
Pints & the Past @ Tiffin
History on Tap hosts Pints and the Past, a discussion series exploring Goose Island's Fulton & Wood beers and their connection to Chicago's history, culture and people. Tonight's talk is about Goose Island's Devon Ave. pale ale, and is being held at Tiffin, 2536 W. Devon Ave., tonight 6:30 to 8:30pm. Reps from the brewery will be on hand to talk about the beer, and historians Liz Garibay of History On Tap and Mohammad Ali of Spice of Life Tours will talk about the history of Devon Avenue. Tickets are $20, and include a beer and Indian appetizers. 21+
From Good Stock Dinner Series w/Hunter Moore @ Land & Sea Dept
Hunter Moore of Parson's Chicken and Fish creates a three-course meal tonight at the Land and Sea Dept (3124 W. Carroll) as part of the From Good Stock dinner series. Tickets are $75; beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) from Rare Tea Cellars are included. Event runs 6:30-10pm.
Comfort Station Potluck: Autotelic Studios
Stop by the Comfort Station, located in Logan Square at 2579 N. Milwaukee Ave, and visit the artists from Autotelic Studios for homemade pickles, vegan black bean brownies and conversations with friends and neighbors. The event is held today, August 3rd from 11AM-1PM. Please bring food that is ready to serve and all utensils which accompany your treat. Plates, bowls and towels will be provided. Free; donations welcomed.
Old Irving Park Beer & BBQ Challenge
The Old Irving Park Beer & BBQ Challenge takes place at St Viator School and Parish, 3644 N. Kedvale Ave., today from 2 to 5pm. Ten cooks and 10 local brewers work together to create a beer and barbecue pork pairing, and attendees judge which is best. $60 tickets get you samples of each pairing plus a sample of one additional beer from each brewer, as well as a commemorative glass. 21+
Fiesta Del Sol
Fiesta del Sol, an annual fundraising event organized by the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council, runs this weekend from July 31 to Aug. 3 at 1400 W. Cermak Rd. The biggest Latino festival in the Midwest, activities include futbol, Latino art, carnival rides, rollercoasters, and food from dozens of taquerias, hurache vendors, and more. The festival is open from 11am to 11pm today. Free.
Choucroute Series @ TÊTE Charcuterie
Chefs Thomas Rice and Kurt Guzowski of TÊTE Charcuterie and Pat Sheerin of Trencherman kick off the Choucroute Series at TÊTE Charcuterie (1114 W Randolph St) tonight, starting at 10pm. Each chef will get half a hog to prepare on site, along with vegetables, which will then be served to an intimate crowd of 20 people. Cocktails will be provided by CH Distillery. Tickets cost $70. Call (312) 733-1178 or email info@tetechicago.com for reservations.
So You Think You're a Foodie @ Frontier
Frontier's (1072 N Milwaukee) monthly, five-course "So You Think You're a Foodie" dinner feature's lamb this month. The $65 dinner starts at 8:00pm tonight with optional course pairings for an additional $25. Call (773) 772-4322 to reserve.
Katherine Anne Confections Preview Party
Chocolatier Katherine Anne Confections (2745 W Armitage) hosts an open-house-style preview party for their August line of caramels and cocktail-inspired truffles, such as French Gimlet, Mojito, and Sangria, tonight from 5:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. CH Distillery will be whipping up a cocktail to pair with the truffles and Ale Syndicate will be serving tastings of their microbrews. The party is $25. RSVP here.
Bike to Brew
The Active Transportation Alliance hosts Bike to Brew, a group ride from downtown to the Northwest Side, today, starting with a pre-ride party from 3 to 5pm at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. Meet folks from Divvy, The Chainlink and Keating Law, enjoy Dark Matter Coffee and pick up the route map. From there, the 8-mile ride goes up to the Revolution Brewery, 3340 N. Kedzie Ave., for a party with beer, food trucks and a DJ. Registration is $35 and includes admission to the pre-ride festival and the party at the brewery, colored valve-cap lights and a beer ticket. 21+
Sam Adams Brew & View
Sam Adams Beer brings its Brew & View tour to Montrose Beach, 601 W. Montrose Ave., today from 6 to 10:30pm. Enjoy beer, games, food trucks and live music, followed by a screening of Wedding Crashers at 8pm. Free, but RSVP required. Strictly 21+
Belgian Independence Day Celebration @ Maria's
Maria's Package Goods & Community Bar (960 W 31st St.) celebrates Belgium's Independence today with Belgian-inspired savory pies from Pleasant House Bakery and specials on Brewery Ommegang brews. From 7pm-9pm tonight, sample their limited-release 2014 Belgian IPA and any other Ommegang beer for $1 off the usual price.
Chicago Craft Beer Festival
The third annual Chicago Craft Beer Festival runs today and Sunday on Sheffield Avenue from Webster to Fullerton, from noon to 4pm each day. Sample more than 100 beers from over two dozen craft brewers. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door, with non-drinking "buddy" passes available for $20. 21+
Art and Soul of French Pastry @ Kendall College
Jacquy Pfeiffer, the co-founder of The French Pastry School, will share his love of the butter and sugar today at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch, 10am. He'll talk about his book, and even bring some samples. Admission $3-5 (free for Kendall students). Free parking. Event sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago.
Green City Market BBQ
A BBQ should never cost $125/person unless it's the Green City Market BBQ, which runs tonight at Lincoln Park's South end (1815 N. Clark Street) from 5:30-8pm. This benefit for the heralded farmers market features eats and drinks from 100 of the city's finest chefs. If you have the means, I highly recommend it.
Bastille Day Dinner @ Cyrano's Farm Kitchen
Cyrano's Farm Kitchen (546 N Wells) hosts a Bastille Day dinner tonight with a cabaret show, featuring Claudia Hommel and Patricia Spaeth. The three-course meal is $30 (without tax and gratuity) and includes options such as pâté and rillete plate, vichyssoise, and traditional coq au vin. The cabaret show starts at 6:30 p.m. Call 312-467-0546 for reservations.
Bastille Day Celebration @ Daley Plaza
Celebrate Bastille Day with the Alliance Francaise tonight at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington), 5-9pm. Waiters real and imagined will compete in a 200 meter sprint while balancing a tray full of (plastic, thankfully) glasses at 5:30pm; entertainment, food and celebrating follows there until 9pm. Free.
Matthias Merges @ Taste of Chicago
Matthias Merges (A10, Billy Sunday, Yusho), aided by students of Washburn Culinary Institute, serves a multi-course meal tonight at 5pm the Taste of Chicago (Grant Park, 500 S. Columbus Dr.) as part of the Pure Leaf Celebrity du Jour Dining Series, which will take place onsite in an air-conditioned tent (whoo!). If you have to venture into the swarm of turkey legs that is the Taste of Chicago, this event is worth the $45 ticket.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Roscoe Village Burger Fest runs Saturday and today on Belmont Avenue between Damen and Oakley, from noon to 10pm each day. Enjoy burgers from more than a dozen restaurants, plus music on two stages (culminating tonight with headliners Trippin' Billies and This Must Be the Band), arts and craft vendors and a Kids Zone with family-friendly activities. $8 suggested admission.
Square Roots Festival
The Square Roots Festival runs July 11-13 on Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson. There'll be music on two stages and more than 30 craft beers on tap. The festival is open from noon to 9pm tonight. Suggested donation is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and kids; $20 for families.
Erling Wu-Bower and Amanda Rockman @ Taste of Chicago
Nico Osteria's Erling Wu-Bower and Amanda Rockman, aided by students of Washburn Culinary Institute, serve a multi-course meal tonight at 6:30pm the Taste of Chicago (Grant Park, 500 S. Columbus Dr.) as part of the Pure Leaf Celebrity du Jour Dining Series, which will take place onsite in an air-conditioned tent (whoo!). If you have to venture into the swarm of food served in little paper trays that is the Taste of Chicago, this event is worth the $45 ticket.
Gapers Block Hot Dog Cookoff
Join Gapers Block for its second annual Hot Dog Cookoff benefiting Reach Out and Read Illinois today from 2 to 7pm in the parking lot at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., to taste new interpretations of the classic red hot by chefs from Fat Rice, ManBQue, Wiener and Still Champion, MakeItFor.Us and Harmony Grill. There will also be a cash bar with drink specials courtesy of Old Style, raffle prizes, bags (or cornhole, if you prefer) and a live performance by Get Up with the Get Downs at 5pm. There will also be a raffle for fabulous prizes. Tickets are $20, $10 for kids 12 and under. Sponsored by Old Style and Vienna Beef.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Roscoe Village Burger Fest runs today and Sunday on Belmont Avenue between Damen and Oakley, from noon to 10pm each day. Enjoy burgers from more than a dozen restaurants, plus music on two stages (culminating tonight with headliner Better Than Ezra), arts and craft vendors and a Kids Zone with family-friendly activities. $8 suggested admission.
Square Roots Festival
The Square Roots Festival runs July 11-13 on Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson. There'll be music on two stages and more than 30 craft beers on tap. The festival is open from noon to 11pm tonight. Suggested donation is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and kids; $20 for families.
Tour de Fat @ Palmer Square
This annual festival brings together beer-lovers and bike-lovers for a day of entertainment (among them Mucca Pazza and The Reals), a bike parade, costume contests, and of course, a lot of beer courtesy of New Belgium Brewing. And at the end, someone will give up their car for a bike for one year. Really. Event runs 10am-5pm at Palmer Square, Palmer between Sacramento and Kedzie. Free
Paul Virant @ Taste of Chicago
Perennial Virant and Vie's Paul Virant, aided by students of Washburn Culinary Institute, serves a multi-course meal tonight at 6:30pm the Taste of Chicago (Grant Park, 500 S. Columbus Dr.) as part of the Pure Leaf Celebrity du Jour Dining Series, which will take place onsite in an air-conditioned tent (whoo!). If you have to venture into the swarm of turkey legs that is the Taste of Chicago, this event is worth the $45 ticket.
Andrew Zimmerman and Fear no ART @ Taste of Chicago
Sepia's Andrew Zimmerman, aided by students of Washburn Culinary Institute, serves a multi-course meal tonight at 6:30pm the Taste of Chicago (Grant Park, 500 S. Columbus Dr.) as part of the Pure Leaf Celebrity du Jour Dining Series, which will take place onsite in an air-conditioned tent (whoo!). If you have to venture into the swarm of turkey legs that is the Taste of Chicago, this event is worth the $45 ticket. Additionally, actor George Wendt and others will be in attendance for a live chat that will be streamed online during the meal as part of the Fear No ART's Dinner Party series.
Taste of Chicago Begins
It's not the overstuffed event it used to be, but Taste of Chicago, which begins today at Grant Park (weekdays 11am-9pm, weekends 10am-9pm; through July 13th) brings a range of city eats and big-name entertainment (Janelle Monae, Nickel Creek, Aloe Blacc, that Jeff Tweedy guy) together for some classic summertime entertainment. Admission is free, but food and premium concert seating is extra.
Dawson City Limits @ The Dawson
The Dawson (730 W Grand Ave) is hosting a live music series, Dawson City Limits, on Sundays this summer from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Steve Leaf will play on the patio tonight while guests indulge in broiled vodka lemonade, BBQ, and crawfish.
Ramen Battle IV @ Yusho
From 5 p.m.-9 p.m. tonight, Guiseppe "GTKO" Tentori of GT Fish & Oyster and Ryan "Asskick" McCaskey of Acadia complete for the title of Ramen Master during Ramen Battle IV at Yusho (2853 N Kedzie). The event is $35 and includes a bowl of ramen, a cocktail, and a soft serve ice cream. Vegetarian options available. Call Yusho at (773) 904-8558 to reserve a spot.
Version Festival 14
The 14th annual Version Festival runs June 21-29 with the theme "the Placemakers." Today from 1 to 6pm, Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar, 960 W. 31st St., hosts the Above the Pavement city market, featuring locally made goods and food.
A Labor of Love: Domestic Cooking as Authentic Labor in the German Democratic Republic @ Kendall College
Loyola University History professor Alice Weinreb shares her research on an upcoming book about how family and gender was connected to domestic food consumption and production in Cold War-era Germany today at Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch at 10am. Event free for Kendall students; $3 for the rest of us. Free parking. Event sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago.
Bottoms Up for a Cause
Join the SAMFund, supporting young adults with cancer, for drinks and hors d'oeuvres (and a photo booth!) at the Bottom Lounge (1375 W. Lake St.) tonight from 7-11pm. Tickets are $50 each. If you can't attend — or even if you can! — please consider sponsoring a ticket so that a young adult survivor can attend as a guest. Need a ride? Lyft has offered all attendees who haven't taken a Lyft before a free $25 credit to try it out. Details and tickets.
Beer Dinner @ Table, Donkey and Stick
Table, Donkey and Stick (2728 W Armitage) hosts a three-course, family style-dinner with beer pairings tonight, from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Brewers from Penrose Brewing Company and Solemn Oath Brewery will be on hand. The dinner is $50 (without tax and gratuity). Call Table, Donkey and Stick at (773) 486-8525 for reservations.
La Granja Urbana Pop-Up Dinner @ Bulthaup Studios
For the June session of the La Granja Urbana, Chef Diana Davila will showcase modern Mexican fare from the menu of her upcoming farm-to-table restaurant Cantina De La Granja. Dinner on June 25th begins at 7 p.m. at Bulthaup Studios (315 W Superior). Tickets are $100. All proceeds benefit Common Threads.
Whistler Book Club
The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts its version of a book club tonight starting at 6pm. Each month, the bartenders select a cocktail book and serve up their favorite drinks from it; this month it's New York Times cocktail writer Robert Simonson's new book, The Old-Fashioned. Bartenders from the Whistler and other bars will DJ in shifts throughout the night. No cover, 21+.
Food Truck Rally @ The Garage
Come to the West Loop for a Food Truck Rally for Foundations of Music (formerly Rock for Kids) tonight! Featuring food from THE SALSA TRUCK, Yum Dum Truck, and Doughnut Vault, the event runs from 5:30pm-8pm at The Garage (116 N Aberdeen St) and supports music education programs for at-risk youth in the Chicago Public Schools. Tickets just $20 for food from all 3 trucks (cash only, available at door). Details on Facebook.
Let's Eat: Hot Doug's, Hoosier Mama & Chicago Diner
Peter Segal of "Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!" hosts Let's Eat: Hot Doug's, Hoosier Mama and Chicago Diner tonight at the Standard Club, 320 S. Plymouth Ct., from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's, Paula Haney of Hoosier Mama Pie Company and Mickey Hornick of the Chicago Diner will talk with Segal about their restaurants, food culture and their respective books -- all of which will be available for purchase and autographs after the talk. Dishes from the books will be served. Tickets are $40 and include food.
Dawson City Limits @ The Dawson
The Dawson, 730 W. Grand Ave., is hosting a live music series, Dawson City Limits, on Sundays this summer from 5 to 8:30pm. Patsy Cline cover band Weepin' Willows will play on the patio tonight while guests indulge in broiled vodka lemonade, BBQ, and crawfish. 21+
Rosé on the Roof @ Fountainhead
Fountainhead, 1970 W. Montrose Ave., hosts Rosé on the Roof, a wine tasting event benefiting the Swedish Covenant Hospital Breast Cancer Survivor Program, today from 3 to 6pm. Tickets are $30. 21+
A Day in the Country @ Hideout
The Hideout presents A Day in the Country, an entire day of country music with food provided by Country Barbecue, pies by Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, and the beers of Lagunitas Brewing. Doors open at 1:00pm, show begins at 2:00pm, and the performances run late through the evening. Full details and advance tickets available at the Hideout Website. Hideout: 1354 W. Wabansia. (773) 227-4433.
The Great Chicken Wing Hunt @ Siskel Center
Comedy documentary The Great Chicken Wing Hunt makes its Chicago premiere at the Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., tonight at 8:15pm. Director Matt Reynolds will be on hand to for a Q&A and free wings will be provided by Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap. Tickets are $11 in advance or at the box office.
Starving Artist @ Chicago Artists Coalition
Chicago Artists Coalition, 217 N. Carpenter St., hosts its annual Starving Artist event, which pairs artists with chefs in creative collaboration. This year, Starving Artists features installations by Luftwerk, Diana Gabriel, Alexandra Noe and Edyta Stepien; dishes by chefs Matthias Merges of Yusho, Kyle Petersen of Fulton Market Kitchen, Chris Pandel of Bristol and Balena, and Jared Van Camp of Element Collective; and cocktails by Revae Schneider of Femme du Coupe, Brian Sturguleski of Fulton Market Kitchen and Jason Brown of Kinmont. The event runs from 7 to 11pm. Tickets are $250.
Moody Tongue Pair-Up @ Thalia Hall
Today from 3 to 6pm Moody Tongue Brewery celebrates its first anniversary with a Pair-Up at Thalia Hall, 1227 W. 18th St., in collaboration with Good Beer Hunting. The event will include food pairings by six chefs -- including Jared Wentworth of Dusek's, Jason Hammel of Nightwood and Paul Virant of Vie -- matched with Moody Tongue's beers. Trolleys will shuttle guests between Moody Tongue Brewery and Thalia Hall. Tickets are $25. 21+
Wicker Park Bucktown Tap
The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce hosts the second annual Wicker Park Bucktown Tap tonight at the Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave., today from 1 to 5pm. For $40 per person, sample draft beers and bites from local bars, restaurants and breweries, including featured guest Forbidden Root Brewery. 21+
Hunger Walk @ Soldier Field
Today's 5k Hunger Walk, which kicks off from Soldier Field (1410 Museum Campus Dr) at 8:30am, benefits the hunger relief agencies and organizations that are members of the Greater Chicago Food Depository's network. Free to walk, but fundraising teams are encouraged.
Kulturkueche: Potato Salat @ DANK Haus
Learn the Deutschlander way to make potato salad tonight at 7:30pm at DANK House, 4740 N. Western Ave. Tickets are $16 and include recipes, tastings and a drink.
Kansas City Pitmaster BBQ Dinner @ Barn and Company
If you like KC's take on barbecue, Barn and Company (950 W. Wrightwood) hosts a special dinner tonight (7-9pm) in collaboration with Boulevard Brewing of Kansas City; $45 gets you three courses with beer pairings. RSVP required.
Dawson City Limits @ The Dawson
The Dawson (730 W Grand Ave) is hosting a live music series, Dawson City Limits, on Sundays this summer from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. An Americana band will play on the patio while guests indulge in broiled vodka lemonade, BBQ, and crawfish. Ryan Joseph Anderson plays today, and a pig roast and bourbon root beer floats will be offered in celebration of Father's Day.
Taste of Randolph Street
Taste of Randolph Street runs June 13-15 on Randolph Street from Peoria Street to Racine Avenue, and features food from area restaurants and lots of live music and DJs on three stages. The festival runs from noon to 10pm tonight. $10 suggested donation.
Six Corners BBQ Fest
The fourth annual Six Corners BBQ Fest is today and Sunday at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue, Cicero and Irving Park. The fest features live music, art and craft vendors, a kids corner and of course barbecue -- including the Meat on Milwaukee neighborhood cookoff -- all from noon to 9pm today. $5 donation requested at the gates.
Taste of Randolph Street
Taste of Randolph Street runs June 13-15 on Randolph Street from Peoria Street to Racine Avenue, and features food from area restaurants and lots of live music and DJs on three stages. The festival runs from noon to 10pm tonight. $10 suggested donation.
Six Corners BBQ Fest
The fourth annual Six Corners BBQ Fest is today and Sunday at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue, Cicero and Irving Park. The fest features live music, art and craft vendors, professional wrestling, a kids corner and of course barbecue, all from noon to 10pm today. $5 donation requested at the gates.
Garfield Park Neighborhood Market
The Garfield Park Neighborhood Market debuts today from 10am to 1pm at 151 N. Kedzie Ave. The market combines a farmers market with live music and spoken word performances, cooking demos, craft vendors and activities for the kids. The market runs the second Saturday of the month through October. Free.
How to Obtain a Food Truck License @ City Hall
If you want to join the hard-working fray of food truck operators, attend this information session that will teach you the ins and outs of obtaining the Mobile Food Dispenser (MFD) or Mobile Food Preparer (MFP) licenses. Event runs 3-4pm today at City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 805.
Slow Food Chicago Farm Roast @ Goose Island
Slow Food Chicago hosts its sixth annual Farm Roast at Goose Island's new event space at 605 N. Sacramento Ave. today from 2 to 5pm. Food will be prepared by Ashlee Aubin of Wood, Keith Carlson of Dia De Los Tamales, Greg Gunthorp of Gunthorp Farms, Andrew Hroza of Goose Island Brewpub, Alex Pilas of Eataly, Sean Sanders of Browntrout, Kim Gracen of Heartland Cafe and Patrick Cloud of Bang Bang Pie Shop. Tickets are $70, or $90 with a donation toward Slow Food's ongoing Terra Madre delegate fund. 21+
Ribfest
Meat comes alive at this weekend-long homage to ribs, which June 6-8 at the intersection of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park. Sample ribs and other foods, enjoy live music and other activities. The festival runs from noon to 10pm today. $5 suggestion donation.
Ribfest
Meat comes alive at this weekend-long homage to ribs, which June 6-8 at the intersection of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park. Sample ribs and other foods, enjoy live music and other activities. The festival runs from noon to 10pm today. $5 suggestion donation.
Chicago Food Truck Festival @ US Cellular
The trucks (over 25 of them) will circle up to dish it out today from 12noon-9pm at US Cellular Field (333 W. 35th St) for the annual Chicago Food Truck Festival. Admission $10.
Cooking with Fire @ Kendall College
Archaeologist, Food Historian and Author Paula Marcouxtalks about the origins of the relationship between food and fire--from cavemen huddled over fires to cook thousands of years ago, to modern-day grills and other gadgets (Marcoux herself builds wood-fired ovens). Lecture is at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, 10am. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago; admission $3-5 (free for Kendall students); free parking.
Bacon Chase 5K or .05K
Bacon Chase is a celebration honoring the gloriously divine food of the gods: bacon. Rejoice along a 5K piggy pilgrimage or 0.05K blitz to the bacon while feasting on savory strips of cracklin meat-candy. Celebrate your crowning achievement by toasting your bacon-feasting bretheren at the finish line with a bloody mary (sorry, 21+ racers only) and boatloads of unlimited bacon in all its meaty majesty. Bacon. Prices increase closer to the race date. Festival starts 8 am.
Midsommarfest
Andersonville gets its party on at Midsommarfest, the annual weekend-long street festival on Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa. Bands, food, kids entertainment, and sidewalk sales from local vendors await you. The fest runs 5 to 10pm tonight. Suggested donation $5.
Ribfest
Meat comes alive at this weekend-long homage to ribs, which begins tonight from 5pm to 10pm and runs through Sunday at the intersection of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park. Sample ribs and other foods, enjoy live music and other activities. $5 suggestion donation. Be sure to catch the rib eating competition tonight at 6:30pm.
Haut-Marbuzet Wine Dinner @ Oceanique
Oceanique (505 Main St., Evanston) is hosting a six-course wine dinner featuring Haut-Marbuzet vineyards tonight starting at 6:30 p.m. Winemaker Henri Dubosc will attend to discuss the wine pairings. The cost, including wines, is $110 per person, without tax or gratuity. Call (847) 864-3435 for reservations.
Sip & Savor @ Room 1520
This benefit for the Special Olympics features food from a nice list of chefs (among them Abraham Conlon of Fat Rice and Pat Sheerin of Trenchermen), along with a full bar and DJ. Event runs 6-9pm at Room 1520, 1520 W. Fulton St. Tickets $65 ($75 door).
Festival del Taco
Head to Little Village for a community celebration of art, music, and tacos. The party starts at 2600 S. Kostner tonight at 6pm and goes until 11pm. Admission is free.
West Loop Craft Beer Fest
The West Loop Craft Beer Fest, the official closing party for Chicago Craft Beer Week, runs from 1pm to 5pm at the French Market, 131 N. Clinton St. Sample beers from dozens of local and regional breweries, enjoy live music and entertainment. General admission tickets are $50 and include a souvenir glass and 20 tasting tickets; Designated drivers and non-drinkers get in free (but they'll kick you out if they catch you drinking.) $75 VIP tickets get you in an hour early, at noon, and include a souvenir glass, 25 tasting tickets, $10 in food tickets and access to VIP tents with exclusive pours from Goose Island and Lagunitas. 21+
Chicago's Women of Craft Beer @ Riverview Tavern
Hail to the Ale hosts a celebration of Chicago's Women of Craft Beer at Riverview Tavern, 1958 W. Roscoe Ave., tonight at 7pm. Meet female brewery workers from Temperance Beer, Rock Bottom Chicago, Metropolitan, Revolution, Solemn Oath, Goose Island, Ale Syndicate, DryHop Brewers, Begyle Brewing, Louis Glunz Beer and more, enjoy local beers including a session pale ale brewed just for the event. Donations from pint sales and raffle tickets will benefit the Chicago chapter of Dress For Success. No cover, 21+
Northwest Side Beer Ride
The Northwest Side Beer Ride kicks off tonight at 6pm at nine bars and restaurants on the Northwest Side. Stop into any of the locations to sample beers from 11 local breweries, talk with the brewers and hitch a ride on the beer crawl bus between stops. $20 covers transportation and a memento; pay for your own beer. 21+
The Art of Craft Beer @ Village Tap
The Village Tap, 2055 W. Roscoe Ave., hosts The Art of Craft Beer, a showcase of art by local beer label designers, tonight from 5 to 10pm. Check out the art, meet the artists and sample beers from their respective breweries. 21+
South of 80 @ Green Lady
The Green Lady (3328 N. Lincoln Ave.) and Guys Drinking Beer present South of 80: a Celebration of Downstate Bewers tonight at 7pm as part of Chicago Craft Beer Week. Sample 21 beers from 4 Hands Brewing, DESTIHL, Little Egypt Beer, Rolling Meadows Brewery, Triptych Brewing and Urban Chestnut Brewing, and chat with the brewers. 21+
Creative Minds on Tap @ Jerry's Wicker Park
Jerry's Wicker Park, 1938 W. Division St., hosts Creative Minds on Tap, an "in-depth look at the role of branding, design, and marketing within the culture of craft beer," tonight at 7pm. A panel discussion moderated by Hail to the Ale's Kim Leshinski features Tony Magee, founder of Lagunitas; Randy Mosher, author and design/branding consultant for 5 Rabbit Cerveceria and Forbidden Root Botanic Beers; Micheal Kiser, founder of Good Beer Hunting; Phineas X. Jones , designer for Half Acre; Paul Schneider, brewer at Solemn Oath; and restaurant designer Katie Perkins. A Q&A follows. No cover.
Andersonville Wine Walk
The 8th annual Andersonville Wine Walk is today. Guests can choose between the North or South route through Andersonville, each of which has stops at 10 area businesses who are pouring three wines a piece. Check-in starts at 1:00 p.m. at the Swedish American Museum (5211 N Clark); the Wine Walk runs from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance, or $45 the week of the walk.
Cased Meats for a Cause @ Revolution Brewing
Celebrate the fantastic food, drink, and music that Chicago has to offer with a kick off to Chicago Craft Beer Week with Cased Meats for a Cause. From 3:00-6:00 p.m., feast on creative compositions from some of the best sausage makers in Chicago while washing it down with pints from Revolution Brewing Production Brewery and indulging in the lyrical musings of some fantastic Chicago based musicians, all while supporting local families impacted by Rett Syndrome. Tickets are $50 and include: music from Weepin' Willows and the Lawrence Peters Outfit; a full Revolution Brewing lineup; specialty cased meats from chefs at Publican Quality Meats, The Butcher & Larder, The Radler, Farm. Butcher. Table, and, of course, Revolution Brewing. 3340 N. Kedzie Ave.
Lagunitas Beer Circus
Lagunitas Brewing hosts a two-day Beer Circus at its new brewery and tap room at 1843 S. Washtenaw Ave., from noon to 5pm. Enjoy music, burlesque, circus performers and more, and of course plenty of beer. Saturday is sold out, but tickets are still available for Sunday -- $40 for drinkers, $30 for designated drivers. It's part of Chicago Craft Beer Week. 21+
Lagunitas Beer Circus
Lagunitas Brewing hosts a two-day Beer Circus at its new brewery and tap room at 1843 S. Washtenaw Ave., from noon to 5pm. Enjoy music, burlesque, circus performers and more, and of course plenty of beer. Saturday is sold out, but tickets are still available for Sunday -- $40 for drinkers, $30 for designated drivers. It's part of Chicago Craft Beer Week. 21+
Pizza Rustica Celebrates Chicago Craft Beer Week
Pizza Rustica, 3908 N. Sheridan Rd., will celebrate Chicago Craft Beer Week today from noon to 3pm with a craft beer lunch featuring outrageously delicious brews (priced $7-9) from Temperace Beer Company. Guests can sit and sip free tastings with Head Brewer Claudia Jendron and nibble on small plates and delicious lunch specials created by Chef Stefano Roman to pair with the beers. The afternoon event is a laid-back, fun opportunity to enjoy some incredible beers and delicious dishes. In addition, there will be fun games and prizes from Pizza Rustica and Temperance. No cover, 21+ to drink.
Chicago Craft Beer Week Begins
Beer gets the spotlight over this nine day-long series of events all over the city and suburbs. Special tastings, takeovers, collaboration/paired meals (and more meals) await you. If you love beer, this is your Olympics; plan responsibly!
The Dinner Party @ City Winery
The Dinner Party returns to City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., tonight at 6:30pm. This month Kathy Hart of "Eric & Kathy Show," actor Marc Grapey, Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche and Chef Pete Coenen of the Gage join host Elysabeth Alfano for a wide-ranging conversation. Guests will enjoy a meal prepared by Coenen, as well as wine and Vosges chocolates. The opening act will be Mischa Zupko, Wilson Choi and Dominic Johnson of the International Beethoven Project. Tickets are $45.
American Beer Classic
Beer festival American Beer Classic returns for its second year of workshops, tastings, and pretzel necklaces! Step out onto the grass of Chicago's very own Soldier Field and see what this year's exciting lineup of breweries has to offer. Ticket prices range depending on date of purchase and package chosen.
Chicago Reader's Key Ingredient Cookoff
The Reader's Key Ingredient series, in which chefs are challenged to integrate an usual ingredient into their style (Necco wafers and chicory are among recent ideas), comes to blows tonight at the Key Ingredient Cookoff, which runs from 7-10pm at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, 360 N. State. Chefs from all over the city will choose one of five ingredients from past columns; you vote for the best. Admission $65 (a portion of which benefits Common Threads).
I Am Not a Raccoon Release @ DryHop Brewers
DryHop Brewers and the Lincoln Park Zoo collaborated on "I'm Not a Raccoon" Saison, which sees its release tonight at 6pm at the brewpub, 3155 N. Broadway. The saison is brewed with ingredients from the red panda's diet (aka bamboo), and $1 from each pint sold will go toward the Lincoln Park Zoo's Red Panda Wish List Fund.
Cinco de Mayo @ Dusek's & Punch House
Dusek's and Punch House in Thalia Hall, 1227 W. 18th St., host Cinco de Mayo parties tonight. At Dusek's, there's an oyster happy hour from 5 to 7pm, with oysters going for a buck apiece and beers on special; downstairs at Punch House, the Monday Margarita Punch is $5 and at 9pm Potencia, Pilsen's queer dance party, gets started with Audio Jack spinning. No cover, 21+
Randolph St. Market Festival
Today, May 24th and tomorrow, May 25th, the Randolph Street Market Festival will be occurring on 350 Block West Randolph and 1340 W. Washington Street. The festival is an urban antique market which features fashion, art, treasures, as well as food, drinks and music. General admission is $8, $10 at the gate.
Graze Release Party @ Charnel House
Graze magazine celebrates the release of its fifth issue with Relish, a party at Charnel House, 3421 W. Fullerton Ave., tonight from 8 to 11pm. There'll be food by FIG Catering and Paper Moon Pastry, drinks by Beam, Kimbell Brewing and Longman & Eagle, and music by KSRA, Quarter Mile Thunder and DJ JVH. Tickets are $10 online or at the door, and include a copy of the magazine.
CHAOS Brew Club 3rd Anniversary Party
CHAOS Brew Club celebrates its third anniversary with Cerveza de Mayo, a Cinco de Mayo-themed beer and taco party, at its space at 2417 W. Hubbard St., from 6 to 11pm tonight. It's only open to members, but a 60-day trial membership is only $30. 21+
Mash Tun Fest @ Co-Prosperity Sphere
Mash Tun Festival at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., celebrates release of the latest issue of Mash Tun Journal as well as the latest round of new microbreweries in Chicagoland. Sample beers from 18th Street, One Trick Pony, Horse Thief Hollow, Dryhop, Off Color, Ale Syndicate, Slap Shot, Atlas, Lake Effect, BuckleDown, Penrose, Une Année and more, plus food and entertainment, from 3 to 7pm today. Advance tickets required, available for $35. 21+
Wine Riot @ Union Station
On May 3, Wine Riot returns to Union Station to educate consumers about wine during a tasting extravaganza with a DJ, photo-booth, and temporary tattoos. Enjoy unlimited tastings of 250 wines from around the world, learn about wine at the Bubbly Bar, in Wine 101, or in a 20-minute Crash Course. Tickets for each four-hour riot are $60. Saturday sessions are from 1 to 5pm and from 7 to 11pm. 21+
Avondale Restaurant Crawl
The Northwest Arts Connection, Avondale Neighborhood Association and Greater Avondale Chamber of Commerce present the Avondale Restaurant Crawl from 1 to 5pm today. Tickets are $20 and get you samples from Chief O'Neils, Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Traspassada, Beer Temple, Pork Shoppe, Orbit Room, Square Bar, Dragon Lady Lounge and, um, Burger King. Entertainment will be provided by Factory Theater, Prop Thtr, Ignite Gaming, The Art House and Alywind Accordions. Ticket pickup is at Brands Park, 3259 N. Elston Ave., and rickshaws will be on hand to take you around the neighborhood.
Wine Riot @ Union Station
On May 2 and 3, Wine Riot returns to Union Station to educate consumers about wine during a tasting extravaganza with a DJ, photo-booth, and temporary tattoos. Enjoy unlimited tastings of 250 wines from around the world, learn about wine at the Bubbly Bar, in Wine 101, or in a 20-minute Crash Course. Tickets for each four-hour riot are $60. Tonight's session runs from 7 to 11pm. 21+
Oyster and Wagyu Beef Dinner @ Frontier
Join the 12-seat chef's table at Frontier (1072 N Milwaukee) at 8:00 p.m. for a five-course mystery dinner. Specific menu items and pairings won't be revealed until the dinner, though oysters and Wagyu beef will be featured. The cost is $65 (without tax) and course pairings are available for an additional $25. See Frontier's website for reservations.
The 606 Green Line Party @ Weegee's
A portion of the sale of every Goose Island Green Line pale ale will go to benefit the 606 (formerly known as the Bloomingdale Trail). To celebrate, Goose Island and the Trust for Public Land are throwing a party at Weegee's Lounge, 3659 W. Armitage Ave., tonight from 7 to 9pm. Green Line and other Goose Island beers will be on tap, and there will be a silent art auction, with proceeds going to the 606. No cover, 21+
Breaking the Bread Divide
Guild Literary Complex andGraze magazine host Breaking the Bread Divide, a live Guild podcast at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., tonight from 7 to 9pm. Hosted by journalist Debbie Carlson, the live podcast taping will feature a discussion of food policy with guests Robert Nevel, urban farmer and founder of KAMII; Dave Snyder, poet, writer and member of Chicago Rarities Orchard Project; and Angela Taylor, founder of Fulton Street Flower & Vegetable Garden. Soup and bread from the Jane Addams Hull House Kitchen will be served. Admission is free. Read our preview in Book Club.
Revolution Beer Dinner @ Feast
At 7:00 p.m. Feast Restaurant (1616 N Damen) hosts a four-course beer dinner with a menu prepared by Chef Charlie McKenna of Lillie's Q and beer pairings from Revolution Brewery. Courses include an elotes salad paired with Bottom Up Wit and a ground sirloin burger paired with Double Fist IPA. Tickets are $40; call (773) 772-7100 or purchase online.
Tour South Shore's Historic 71st Street
Join five community organizations for a free walking tour of South Shore's historic 71st Street. Highlights will include President Obama's first campaign office, the Jeffery Theater and the thoroughfare's early 20th century streetscape. Meet at Give Me Some Sugah bakery at 1pm. Visit the tour's Facebook page for more information.
Baconfest @ UIC Forum
The corner of Roosevelt and Halsted turns into Pork Central at Baconfest, which runs in a lunch (12:30-3pm) and dinner (7-9:30pm) session at UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt). You'll get to sample bacon cooked in different ways, flavors and forms from an impressive showing of the city's best restaurants and chefs. Tickets $100 ($200 for VIP entry, which gets you a hour early admission).
Biting through the Skin: An Indian Kitchen in America's Heartland @ Kendall College
Author and teacher Nina Mukerjee Furstenau talks about her memoir Biting Through the Skin, which chronicles the intersections of her Indian heritage with her upbringing in 1960s Kansas, at Kendall College (900 North Branch), 10am-noon. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago; admission $3-5 (Kendall College students free). Free parking.
Baconfest @ UIC Forum
The corner of Roosevelt and Halsted turns into Pork Central at Baconfest, which kicks off tonight at UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt). From 7-9:30pm, you'll get to sample bacon cooked in different ways, flavors and forms from an impressive showing of the city's best restaurants and chefs. Tickets $100 ($200 for VIP entry, which gets you a special early admission at 6pm).
"Whiskies of the World" Dinner @ Schubas
Starting at 6:00 p.m., the multi-course dinner at Schubas' Harmony Grill features pairings of different whiskies or scotch, such as Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey, and Bulleit. Diageo Master of Whisky Kyle McHugh will host and bartend. Tickets are $60.
Not Another Beer Dinner @ The Dawson
Tonight from 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m., The Dawson (730 W Grand) hosts a beer dinner featuring Brooklyn's Evil Twin Brewery. Five food stations (including a cheese table, carving station, and raw bar) designed to be paired with one of six of their brews is setup on the restaurant's second floor. Evil Twin brewer Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso is also on hand to chat. Tickets are $60 per person (tax and gratuity included).
Dining Out for Life
Restaurants all over the city will donate a portion of today's sales to help EdgeAlliance, a West-side organization that provides housing and support for people living with HIV/AIDS during the annual Dining Out for Life event.
Rioja Wine Dinner @ Senza
From 6 p.m.-9 p.m. tonight, Senza (2873 N Broadway) is featuring a five-course wine dinner prepared by executive chef Noah Sandoval. Courses include charcuterie, loup de mer (artichoke, lime marjoram, paprika) and lamb (kalamata, yogurt haloumi, nasturtium). The dinner is $150, which includes wine pairings. Visit Senza's website or call (773) 770-3527 for a reservation.
Taste of Vietnam @ Banh Mi & Co.
For their April "Taste of Vietnam" event, Banh Mi & Co's Loop location (214 W. Van Buren) will celebrate Vietnamese soups from 5 to 8pm. For $15, guests can enjoy complimentary regional drinks with soups (such as Vietnamese pho to wonton soup) and other traditional eats (such as tofu noodle salad, seitan spring rolls, and banh mi sandwiches). Reservations are recommended (contact johnfrombanhmi@gmail.com).
The Greenhorns @ Beans & Bagels
The Greenhorns, a national grassroots nonprofit supporting young farmers, presents a screening of their documentary, also called The Greenhorns, tonight at 5:30pm at Beans & Bagels, 2601 W. Leland Ave. An informal panel discussion with local CSA farmers will follow. Free.
Culinary Fight Club @ Zella
Culinary Fight Club brings its latest Tastebud Challenge to Zella, 1983 N. Clybourn Ave., tonight from 6 to 9pm. The battle is spring rolls, and three chefs will duke it out in front of a live audience and four judges. It's $25 to attend, which includes an open bar from 6 to 8 and samples of each chef's dishes. Vote on your favorite. Proceeds benefit Fight2Feed. 21+
Soup & Bread @ The Hideout
Eight volunteer chefs serve up soup at the final Soup & Bread of the season tonight from 5:30 to 8pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., for the low, low cost of whatever you can donate. In addition to the soup, there will be pizza from Piece, bread from Publican Quality Meats, and a bake sale featuring pie and other desserts. Donations this week benefit the Northwestern Settlement House food pantry. Kids are allowed accompanied by parents, otherwise it's 21+.
Baconfest Master Class @ Whole Foods - Lincoln Park
Join Barn & Co.'s very own Pitmaster and author of Low & Slow BBQ Gary Wiviott at 7PM as he explains how to get the very most from the bacon you love at the Whole Foods, Lincoln Park (1550 N. Kingsbury St.). Alongside tastes of each dish, participants will receive expertly paired beer samples from Lagunitas Brewing Company. Class space is limited, so please register in advance by calling 312.587.0648. Cost: $5
Speed Rack @ Joe's Bar
Speed Rack, a cocktail competition for female bartenders, returns to Chicago at Joe's Bar, 940 W. Weed St., from 3 to 7pm today. Tickets are $20; all proceeds go to breast cancer research, education and prevention. 21+
Baconfest Sampling Events @ Whole Foods
Five area Whole Foods Markets will host a free store-wide bacon party today as part of Bacon Month from 12 noon to 3:00 PM. Stop by one of the locations listed below to taste complementary samples of their natural, organic bacon.
* Gold Coast: 30 West Huron St.
* South Loop: 1101 S. Canal St.
* Lincoln Park: 1550 N. Kingsbury St.
* Lakeview: 3300 N. Ashland Ave.
* Halstead & Waveland: 3640 N. Halstead St.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Volunteer chefs serve up soup tonight from 5:30-8pm at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) at this weekly benefit for food pantries/hunger relief organizations in the area (a different one is selected each week). Show up, eat, and donate what you can. Free.
Baconfest Master Class @ Whole Foods--South Loop
Swing by Whole Foods - South Loop (1101 S. Canal Street) at noon today for a chef-led cooking class all about bacon. Two-time Golden Rasher Award winner Chef Matt Troost from Chicago's Three Aces will explore inventive and delicious new ways to serve the smoky salty treat. Guests receive a tasting of each dish, paired with various Lagunitas Brewing Company beers. Space is limited, so please register in advance by calling 312.435.4600. $5.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Volunteer chefs serve up soup tonight from 5:30-8pm at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) at this weekly benefit for food pantries/hunger relief organizations in the area (a different one is selected each week). Show up, eat, and donate what you can. Free.
Bacon Month Kickoff Cocktail Party @ ACME Hotel
Bacon Month kicks off with a cocktail party co-hosted by the official hotel of Baconfest: Acme Hotel (15 East Ohio). The pork themed soiree will feature three of Chicago's best mixologists including Benjamin Schiller, Danny Shapiro and Annemarie Sagoi all making bacon inspired cocktails. The party is 21+ and begins at 7pm; tickets are $30 can be found on the Baconfest website.
Chowdah Fest
Chowdah Fest returns to the Columbia Yacht Club, 111 N. Lake Shore Drive, tonight at 6:30pm. $55 gets you samples of chowders from 15 competing chefs, as well as drinks and dessert. Vote for your favorite to be crowned "Best Chowdah in Town." Proceeds benefit the Sea Scouts youth sailing program.
2014 Shamrock Shuffle
Let's face it, this winter was the worst, and the cold remains this early into the spring. Show Mother Nature who's boss and head out to watch the 2014 Shamrock Shuffle. It's the world's largest timed 8K race and the unofficial kickoff to the Chicago running season. Afterwards, head over to the Post-Race Party at Grant Park's Buckingham Fountain and carb up with a beer or two. Or three.
A Spirited Dinner @ The Bristol
This four course dinner with craft cocktails [pdf] at The Bristol (2152 N. Damen), which begins at 6:30pm, is part of a quarterly series connected to the annual Chicago Gourmet event. Tickets $100.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Volunteer chefs serve up soup tonight from 5:30-8pm at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) at this weekly benefit for food pantries/hunger relief organizations in the area (a different one is selected each week). Show up, eat, and donate what you can. Free.
Great Beer Hunter @ 1st Ward
Beer enthusiasts will gather at 1st Ward (2033 W. North Ave) tonight at 6pm to drink and discuss the work of Michael Jackson--the journalist who is known to many as the father of craft beer (and not the guy who sang the songs and wore the glove). You'll get to see a documentary about his life, discuss his work, and best of all, drink good beer (cash bar, sorry). Tickets $15.
Chicago Beer Festival @ Union Station
The Chicago Beer Festival returns to Union Station, 210 S. Canal St., today, featuring dozens of domestic and international breweries sampling their seasonal beers. There are two sessions, 1pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm. Tickets are $40 in advance only -- no walk-ups -- and include a souvenir glass and 30 tasting tickets. 21+
Reader Spring Cocktail Challenge
The Reader presents the Spring Cocktail Challenge, a live competition based on its popular print series, tonight at 7pm at the Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave. $45 admission gets you samples of drinks by more than a dozen local mixologists as well as complimentary apps from Chop Shop and beer from Shiner from 7 to 9:30pm. Vote for your favorite cocktail and see who wins. DJs PHNM and Hexes spin. 21+
Spring Beer Festival @ Eataly
La Piazza (43 East Ohio Street) will be celebrating the first day of spring today with a special selection of seasonal beers poured by our local partner breweries along with their own house-made brews today from 6-9 PM. Featured breweries include Three Floyds, Revolution Brewing, Half Acre and Dogfish Head. $3 and $5 ours available.
Breakfast with John Kass
Want to meet Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass? Now you can at Butterfield's Pancake House, 1504 N. Naper Blvd in Naperville. Tickets: $18. Visit here for more info.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Volunteer chefs serve up soup tonight from 5:30 to 8pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., at this weekly benefit for food pantries/hunger relief organizations in the area (a different one is selected each week). This week's dinner is themed "the Hills," and Gapers Block's Drive-Thru staff will be serving up two soups. Show up, eat, and donate what you can. Free.
Cook! Scribble! Slam! @ Quartino
Artists: bring your food-inspired writing to compete for a Kitchen-Aid mixer and publication in the LongHouse journal tonight at Quartino, 626 N. State, 5:15-6:30pm. A panel of writers will select the winning entry.
Almost Pi(e) Day @ Open Books
The Chicago Nerd Social Club celebrates Pi Day 2014 this afternoon at Open Books, 213 W. Institute Pl. with their annual pie bake-off, a trivia quiz, and a challenge to see who can recite the most digits of everyone's favorite irrational number! The celebration kicks off at 3pm, and admission is free! Full details at the Chicago Nerds website.
Good Food Festival
The Good Food Festival & Conference runs March 13-15 at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd. Today's schedule includes an exhibition featuring more than 150 vendors, a kids corner, workshops and chef demos, and a CSA farmer pavilion. Tickets to the food festival are $10 in advance, $15 at the door; children 12 and under are free. Admission to workshops and other events is extra. Workshops begin at 9am; the exhibition hall and farmer pavilion is open from 10am to 5pm.
Good Food Festival
The Good Food Festival & Conference runs March 13-15 at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd. Today's schedule includes a tradeshow of local and sustainable products from 10am to 5:30pm, followed by a "meet the buyers" reception until 7pm. Then from 7 to 9:30pm the festival hosts Localicious, a party featuring dozens of local and regional farms, restaurants, breweries, distilleries and other food purveyors. Tickets are $85 in advance, $95 at the door.
Beer & Pie Throw Down @ Atlas Brewing
Atlas Brewing, 2747 N. Lincoln Ave., hosts a Pie Day Beer & Pie Throw Down tonight at 5:30pm. Bang Bang Pie Shop, Hoosier Mama Pie Company, Sugar Pie Cafe, and Atlas will create pies to pair with Atlas beers, and you get to vote for the best pie. Each $31.40 ticket is good for two people and includes two flights of four beers and one flight of paired pies. 21+
Ale Syndicate 1st Anniversary @ Sedgewick Stop
Ale Syndicate celebrates its first anniversary with a tap takeover at the Sedgewick Stop, 1612 N. Sedgewick Ave., at 6:30pm. Enjoy $5 Ale Syndicate beers, all-you-can-eat chili, raffle prizes and live music by Laura Joy. No cover, 21+
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Volunteer chefs serve up soup tonight from 5:30-8pm at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) at this weekly benefit for food pantries/hunger relief organizations in the area (a different one is selected each week). Show up, eat, and donate what you can. Free.
Beachbum Berry @ Three Dots and a Dash
Three Dots and a Dash, 435 N. Clark St. (enter in the alley), hosts a book release party for Jeff "Beachbum" Berry's Potions of the Caribbean tonight from 6 to 9pm. Berry will be on hand signing books, and tiki master Paul McGee will be mixing drinks from the book. 21+
I Heart Core! @ Matilda's
Interested in live music, dancing and visual art? The Core Project is an arts company which focuses on the art of storytelling. The event is tonight from 7:30 to 10:30, at 3101 N Sheffield Ave. Light snacks and drinks are provided. Prepay for $8 or pay $10 at the door tonight!
Being a Chef: Macarons @ Alliance Francaise
Make the meringue-y cookie that made France famous today at Alliance Francaise, 30 W. Huron, 10am-1pm. Cost $70-80 with a $15 materials fee.
First Friday @ Flat Iron Building
Join the party at the historic Flat Iron Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave, for tons of open artist studios and living spaces. The event takes place tonight from 6pm until 10pm. There is a suggested donation of $5.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Volunteer chefs serve up soup tonight from 5:30-8pm at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) at this weekly benefit for food pantries/hunger relief organizations in the area (a different one is selected each week). Show up, eat, and donate what you can. Free.
Chicago's 177th Birthday Party @ Daley Plaza
The City of Chicago and Goose Island Beer are throwing a Mardi Gras-themed birthday party and food truck rally today to celebrate Chicago's 177th birthday on Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St.). Starting with a short program at 10:30am to kick-off the event, free cake will be available (while supplies last) along with packzis, music and much more from 11am to 7pm. Free.
Jambalaya Cook-Off @ FitzGerald's
FitzGerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn, holds its 20th annual Jambalaya Cook-Off tonight, featuring winners from the last 10 events competing for supremacy. This is the last year FitzGerald's is doing a jambalaya cookoff; next year they're switching to gumbo. Marcia Ball performs two sets during the evening. $20 gets you in. Doors open at 6:30, and the cook-off opens for sampling at 7:30pm. 21+
Paczki Eating Contest @ Bennison's Bakery
Fat Thursday and Fat Tuesday will get outweighed at today's paczki-eating contest at Bennison's Bakery (1000 Davis, Evanston) today at 2pm. Contestants pay $25 to chow down all the Polish delights they can stomach in five measly minutes (individual and two-person teams will compete).
Being a Chef: Fat Tuesday @ Alliance Francaise
Learn to make classic Mardi Gras fare (crabcakes, grillades, and lemon bread pudding) at this cooking class at Alliance Francaise, 9am-1pm, 30 W. Huron. Cost $60-75 with a $15 materials fee.
Pipeworks Beer Dinner @ Monkey's Paw
The Monkey's Paw, 2524 N. Southport Ave. hosts a five-course beer dinner tonight at 6:30pm for $65. Each course will be paired with a different beer from Pipeworks Brewing. Call Monkey's Paw at 773-413-9314 to reserve a spot.
Oak & Iron @Jerry's- Wicker Park
Jerry's- Wicker Park (1938 W. Division) hosts Oak & Iron III tonight, which features myth, music, and barrel-aged beer (from Perennial, Haymarket, Revolution, Virtue, and more). Action kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with Dýrbjörn Grimsbørg "spinning an array of fantasy-inspired prog, dungeon synth, and assorted metals, while regaling you with tales from forgotten sword-wielding cinema on our ten-foot screen." Live music follows at 10:30 p.m. No cover; pay as you go.
Vegan Wine Dinner @ The Signature Room
The Signature Room at the 95th (875 N. Michigan) hosts its first all-vegan dinner (including vegan wine pairings from Grant Family Wines) tonight from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Dinner is $130, all inclusive. Call (312) 280-0472 for reservations.
Winter's Hard Eat Your Pancakes @ Sauce and Bread Kitchen
The Stew Supper Club's monthly dining event is tonight at Sauce and Bread Kitchen, 6388-40 North Clark Street. This month's dinner will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature pancakes of all origins. Tickets are $45.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Volunteer chefs serve up soup tonight from 5:30-8pm at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) at this weekly benefit for food pantries/hunger relief organizations in the area (a different one is selected each week). Show up, eat, and donate what you can. Free.
Grass-Fed Laughs 2.0 @ DMK Burger Bar
DMK Lakeview, 2954 North Sheffield Avenue, is hosting its second comedy show, Grass-Fed Laughs 2.0, where the proceeds benefit the organization Open Heart Magic. Tonight at 10 p.m., DMK will be welcoming sketch comedy performers and ensemble performances. Tickets are $24, which includes the first drink. 100 percent of the ticket sales go to Open Heart Magic.
Meatless Monday Supper Club--Italian Style @ Whole Foods Market
In response to a food trend where meals have more vegetables and less meat, Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park, 1550 North Kingsbury Street, is hosting a Meatless Monday Supper Club and the theme is Italian. Reserve a seat at the community dinner tonight at 6:30 p.m. for $20.
Social Media Club Chicago: Fashion Meets Social Media @ Grind
Join the Social Media Club Chicago as they discuss how designers use social media to promote their apparel and generate an income tonight at 5:30 p.m. at Grind, 2 North LaSalle Boulevard. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door. The price includes beer, wine, sandwiches and snacks.
François Millo & Viktorija Todorovska @ Alliance Francaise
Authors François Millo & Viktorija Todorovska talk about their latest book Provence Food and Wine: The Art of Living and sign copies tonight at 6:30pm at Alliance Francaise, 54 W. Chicago. Free.
Poutine Fest @ Haymarket Pub & Brewery
Poutine Fest is Chicago's first annual competition of Canadian late-night fast foods, named after poutine, a combination of french friends and cheese curds covered in gravy. The fest will host two sessions where participants can vote for the "King of Poutine," with both sessions beginning at Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 West Randolph Street. Session one goes from 12 to 2 p.m. and session two is 4 to 6 p.m. A general admission ticket is $70 for ages 21+.
Northalsted Winter Fest
The Northalsted Winter Fest begins today from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m with various events such as a live ice sculpting display. Between 2 - 4 p.m., Soup Walk will pair restaurants with retailers. Some pairings include The Chicago Diner at Paired Wine, Taverna 750 at Lighting by Fox, Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club at NoteworthyNotes and more. Admission is free.
American Beer Classic
Beer festival American Beer Classic returns for its second year of workshops, tastings, and pretzel necklaces! Step out onto the grass of Chicago's very own Soldier Field and see what this year's exciting lineup of breweries has to offer. Ticket prices range depending on date of purchase and package chosen.
For the Love of Soul Food @ Kendall College
Author and lawyer Adrian Miller (Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time) talks about his travels across the nation in search of the best soul food today at 10am at Kendall College, 900 North Branch. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago; admission $3-5. Free parking.
Cider Battle @ Pizza Rustica
A Cider Battle will be hosted by Pizza Rustica, 3908 North Sheridan Road. The competition will feature three small-batch flavors from Sonoma Cider. The battle will conclude with a winner and gives all participants complimentary samples of Sonoma's apple, pear and bourbon ciders. The battle begins at 6 p.m. and free, (but the average pizza is $12).
Garlic Chef's Sunday Pop-Up Dinner @ Delish Diner
Chef Alan Lake and Chef Michael Karman are crafting a five-course winter dinner featuring. . . garlic! Dinner is tonight from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. at Delish Diner (2018 W Division). Tickets are $70. Complete menu will be announced prior to the dinner.
Chili Synth Cookoff @ Empty Bottle
The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., hosts its fourth annual Chili Synth Cookoff at 7pm tonight, featuring music and chili by Travis Thatcher, Michael Perkins, Dania Luck and Ben Billington. $5 in advance or at the door. 21+
Nutella Day Party @ Multilingual Connections
Celebrate the wonder of chocolate and hazelnut spread today at Multilingual Connections (2518 W. Armitage) from 1-4pm. Treats from places like Bang Bang Pie, Black Dog Gelato, Tipsycake, and Katherine Anne Confections will be for sale, along with nutella-inspired games and other fun activities.
A Table: Food & Wine in French Cinema
Alliance Française, 54 W. Chicago Ave, hosts A Table: Food and Wine in French Cinema today at 1:30pm. Chef Madeleine Bullwinkel and former Alliance Française President Randy Williams team up for a cooking demonstration followed by a screening of the film Chocolat. Tickets for the movie are $8 and include a glass of wine; cooking class is extra.
Cider Summit @ Navy Pier
Over 90 ciders from around the world (U.S., England, New Zealand, France and more) will be on hand at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., today for Cider Summit. Attendees can choose between either the afternoon (11am-3pm) or evening (4-8pm) session. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and include a tasting glass and eight drink tickets.
Soup & Bread @ Hideout
Volunteer chefs serve up soup tonight from 5:30-8pm at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) at this weekly benefit for food pantries/hunger relief organizations in the area (a different one is selected each week). Tonight's soup theme is "Mac and Cheese." Show up, eat, and donate what you can. Free.
Restaurant Week Ends
This annual event of special lunch and/or dinner prix-fixe dining ends tonight after a two-week stint at places all over the city, among them Balena, Trencherman, and Naha. The offerings can be a mixed bag, but it's worth the risk.
Center for Changing Lives Benefit @ Webster Wine Bar
Webster's Wine Bar (1480 W. Webster) hosts a wine-tasting benefit tonight from 6-9pm for Chicago's Center for Changing Lives, an organization working to build financial and housing stability for people experiencing homelessness, housing instability or financial challenge. Your $45 admission ($50 at the door) gets you wine, beer, and heavy appetizers.
JC Brooks & Wine Pairing @ City Winery
JC Brooks (sans Uptown Sound, but accompanied by Jeremy Tromburg) covers some of his favorite female singers at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., tonight. Tickets are $25 with five wine pairings, or $10 just for the show. 21 and over, obviously. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 8pm.
Cocktail Workshop @ Uncommon Ground on Clark
From 2 p.m.-4p.m. today at Uncommon Ground (3800 N Clark), North Shore Distillery and Slow Food Chicago present a craft cocktail workshop on the history and construction of a "well-balanced beverage." Attendees will learn 3 cocktail recipes in addition to crafting their own cocktail. Tickets are $30.
Chinese New Year Celebration @ Daley Center
Kickoff celebration for Chinese New Year, featuring food, dance and more. Happening at the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington. Beginning at 12 pm.
Half Acre Gets Vertical @ Jerry's Andersonville
Having been napping for three years, Half Acre's Big Hugs Imperial Stout (brewed with Dark Matter Coffee) will finally be tapped tonight at 7pm at Jerry's (5419 N Clark). Other Half Acre brews like Daisy Cutter and Alpenglow are also on hand. 12-16oz pours of all beers will be available for $5.50-$6.50.
Mercy Home Poker Night @ Gibson's Steakhouse
Playing cards, eating steak and knocking back some drinks sounds like a great night out with the crew. Now imagine doing all of this for a worthy cause! Mercy Home, which provides lifesaving services to young boys and girls, will its first ever Poker Night at Gibson's Bar and Steakhouse with a $200 buy-in, or just toss in $100 to come by and watch. Prizes will be awarded, as well as your chance to win a seat at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas!
It Might Get Dark @ Fountainhead
Fountainhead (1970 W. Montrose Ave) celebrates the dark side of beer starting at 4:00 p.m. today. They'll have a cask of Revolution Eugene Porter with Dark Matter Coffee Beans, a bottle list of their own cellared and barrel-aged dark beers, as well as a selection of dark draft beers on hand. Prices for draft beers range from $6-$12. No cover.
Donut Fest
Donuts are the new cupcake, or so Becca Skoch and Alyssa Erickson want you to think. The first (and hopefully not last) Donut Fest will take place today at The Chop Shop's 1st Ward (2033 W. North Avenue) from 8am to 9am for VIP ticket holders and 9am to 1pm for everyone else. Tickets are $45 for VIP and $30 for general admission (with a Paypal surchage tacked on). There are 15 donut makers (expect a quarter donut from each maker) and coffee. This is a fundraiser for Un86'd, a nonprofit that provides monetary aid to restaurant professionals in need.
Lincoln Square Winter Brew
The Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce hosts Winter Brew today at DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. There are two sessions -- 2 to 5pm and 7 to 10pm -- and admission is $12, plus $1 per drink ticket (sold in 10-ticket increments online) to sample beers from at least 10 local breweries, including Begyle, Half Acre, Finch's, Metropolitan, Revolution, Ale Syndicate, Baderbrau, Une Année, BuckleDown and Lake Effect. Admission includes a souvenir 9oz. glass. 21+
A Fetching Affair
Chicago Blackhawks left winger Bryan Bickell and his wife Amanda will host a benefit to raise funds for their foundation (the Bryan & Amanda Bickell Foundation) and its programs for pit bulls and abused children. The event takes place on January 24 from 7pm to 10pm at Paris Club for A Fetching Affair. Grab a drink tended by a Chicago Blackhawks player, snack on hors d'oeuvres and bid on one-of a-kind auction items that will go towards a great cause.
Restaurant Week Begins
This annual event of special lunch and/or dinner prix-fixe dining begins today for a two-week stint at places all over the city, among them Balena, Trencherman, and Naha. The offerings can be a mixed bag, but it's worth the risk.
First Bites Bash @ Union Station
Kick off Restaurant Week at this evening of drinking and eating at the Great Hall of Union Station, 500 W. Jackson. Taste the creations of over 50 chefs, drink to your heart's content courtesy of Goose Island and Terlato Wines, and enjoy the good feeling that comes from knowing that a portion of your $125 admission benefits Gilda's Club Chicago and Pilot Light.
Soup and Bread @ the Hideout
Volunteer chefs serve up soup tonight from 5:30-8pm at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) at this weekly benefit for food pantries/hunger relief organizations in the area (a different one is selected each week). Show up, eat, and donate what you can. Free.
Art and Appetite: American Painting, Culture and Cuisine @ Art Institute
The Art and Appetite exhibit explores interpretations of eating in America, from celebrations to critiques. The exhibit is held at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., and located in the museum's Regenstein Hall. Admission to the Art Institute is $17 for students and seniors and $23 for adults. Children under the age of 14 are admitted for free. The museum opens every day at 10:30am, with the exhibit running until Jan. 27.
Let's Eat with Peter Sagal @ Harold Washington Library
NPR's Peter Sagal talks with Paula Haney of Hoosier Mama Pie, Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's, and Kat Barry of the Chicago Diner about their craft tonight at 6pm at the Harold Washington Public Library's Cindy Pritzker Auditorium (400 S. State Street). Event is free; seating is first-come, first-served.
Soup and Bread @ the Hideout
Volunteer chefs serve up soup tonight from 5:30-8pm at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) at this weekly benefit for food pantries/hunger relief organizations in the area (a different one is selected each week). Show up, eat, and donate what you can. Free.
Artists & Ales @ Co-Prosperity Sphere
Artists & Ales, a celebration of craft beer and the label art that surrounds it, is at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219-21 S. Morgan St., from 3 to 7pm today. Check out the art and enjoy samples of beers from For 4 Hands, Half Acre, Pipeworks, Solemn Oath, 3 Floyds and more, paired with apps. Attendees also receive a copy of Mash Tun Journal. Tickets are $25 in advance. Proceeds of the event benefit the Public Media Institute. 21+
Soup and Bread @ the Hideout
Volunteer chefs serve up soup tonight from 5:30-8pm at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) at this weekly benefit for food pantries in the area. Show up, eat, and donate what you can. Free.
Cake & Whiskey Club @ The Den Theatre
Cake & Whiskey Club hosts their December event, "Whiskey, Frankincake, & Myrrh", tonight at The Den Theatre (1333 N Milwaukee) from 8 pm- 12 am. Signature cocktails and a featured whiskey (Fireball, a cinnamon red hot whiskey) will be served along side MaddieBird's favorite chocolate cake with chai spice buttercream frosting. The attire is either Dasher or Vixen. Tickets are $18-$30. A portion of the proceeds will benefit La Casa Norte.
The End of Everything Craft Brew Fest @ Reggies
The End of Everything Craft Brew Fest is at Reggies 2105 S. State St., from 2pm to 11pm. Enjoy 10 5oz. pours from among more than a dozen local breweries and brewing clubs, plus Dark Matter coffee and Mash Tun journal, while listening to live music by Arbogast, Brothers Drummond, Wild Jesus & the Devil's Lettuce, Sweet Cobra, Vulgaari, 5 Deadly Venoms and Gugax. Tickets are $35. 21+
BeerFest @ Union Station
LivingSocial hosts BeerFest, a two-day festival of craft beer, Friday and today in the Great Hall at Union Station, 500 W. Jackson St. Your $35 ticket allows you to sample from more than 80 beers, wines and ciders, play fun interactive games and listen to DJs. Food will be available at additional cost. The festival runs in two sessions today, from noon to 3pm and 7 to 10pm; $59 VIP admission gets you in an hour earlier. 21+
Cheese, Please!
If going to Mars Cheese Castle is how you typically get your cheese fix, then save some gas today. Buy a bottle of wine or six-pack of beer, and take it with you to the Great American Cheese Collection from 11am to 3pm today in Brighton Park at 3727 Talman Avenue. They'll be opening their door to the public for a BYO event where you buy cheese by the size (not the pound) from more than 100 small makers. (hat tip to: DNAinfo Chicago)
BeerFest @ Union Station
LivingSocial hosts BeerFest, a two-day festival of craft beer, tonight and Saturday in the Great Hall at Union Station, 500 W. Jackson St. Your $35 ticket allows you to sample from more than 80 beers, wines and ciders, play fun interactive games and listen to DJs. Food will be available at additional cost. The festival runs from 7 to 10pm tonight; $59 VIP admission gets you in an hour earlier. 21+
Post Prohibition Chicago @ 1871
Chicago Lean Startup Circle presents Post Prohibition Chicago, featuring beverage startups sharing their stories, tonight from 6 to 9pm at 1871, 222 W. Merchandise Mart. Featured speakers include Koval's Sonat Birnecker Hart, Hopothesis Beer Company's Jeff Bergau, TailWinds' Toby Beall, Few Spirits' Paul Hletko, CraftHouse's Matt Lindner, GreaterThan's Mark Sider and Quincy Street's Derrick Mancini. Samples of the speakers' drinks will be served along with apps. Tickets are $15 early bird, $20 in advance, and $25 after Dec. 16. Free membership in the Chicago Lean Startup Circle Meetup group required. 21+
Jason Cevallos Benefit @ Aviary
At 10pm tonight, the Aviary, 955 W. Fulton Market, hosts a celebration of the life of Jason Cevallos, one of the bar's opening team members who passed away recently. There will be punches from Sable, the Barrelhouse Flat, the Savoy, the Dawson, the Publican, Scofflaw, Drumbar, Bar Deville, Sportman's Club and La Sirena Clandestina available for sampling; put a dollar in the tip jar for your favorites. There will also be a silent auction of cool stuff and experiences around the city. $20 at the door will cover food and drinks for the evening, and all proceeds and tips will be donated to Cevallos's family. 21+
Garlic Chef's Pop Up Holiday Blowout @ Delish Diner
Chef and GB contributor Alan Lake cooks a six-course meal/homage to garlic (even on dessert!) tonight at Delish Diner, 2018 W. Division, 6:30-9:30pm. Tickets $70.
Dose Market @ 1st Ward
Dose Market brings together gourmet food purveyors, artists and other artisans together for its weekly "curated marketplace" in the 1st Ward bar at Chop Shop, 2033 N. Milwaukee Ave., from 10am to 4pm. This week is "Holidose, a chance to pick up culinary-themed gifts for the loved ones on your list. Admission is free.
Being a Chef: Cheese Pro @ Alliance Francaise
Learn the ins and outs of fromage -- how to select, store, and serve it -- today at Alliance Francaise, 54 W. Chicago. Event runs 10am-1pm; tickets $70-80 with a $15 materials fee.
A Toast to Beer: The Story of America's Beer Renaissance @ Kendall College
Author and beer expert John Holl will guide you through beer's journey throughout history today at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, 10am-noon. Tickets $3-5 (free for Kendall students); free parking. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago; please email to RSVP.
Soup & Bread & That's All She Wrote @ Hideout
Live lit and warm soup come together for one night only, when That's All She Wrote and Soup & Bread team up tonight from 5:30 to 8pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. to lend their support to Karen Gerod, owner of Swim Cafe and a key supporter of both S&B and TASW. Karen has been battling cancer for the last year. To give back a bit of the care she has given us, there will be soups from an array of local cooks, including Milk & Honey, Hoosier Mama's Allison Scott, and artist and "Mortified! Chicago" host Shay DeGrandis, followed by readings on the theme of health care and caretaking from Benander, Palmer, Martha Bayne, Tom Wolferman, Sheri Reda and Dmitry Samarov. Music provided by DJ Lawrence Peters. Suggested donation $10; all proceeds will be donated to Karen. For more info visit the Facebook event page.
Pastry Chicago's Gingerbread House Contest @ Drake Hotel
Pastry Chicago holds its 8th annual Gingerbread House Contest at the Drake Hotel (140 E. Walton) today from 2-4pm. While the entries are judged, enjoy cooking demonstrations, tastings of holiday treats, and of course, watch the winner be crowned.
Savor the Season @ The Grid
The Grid (351 W Hubbard St) launches its new brunch menu today with the food and shopping event "Savor the Season" from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Checkout spa services and peruse designers (like Haberdash Low Key Sharp, Veruca Salt, and Sir and Madame) in the Grid Lounge; venture to the upstairs restaurant for the Build-Your-Own Mimosa (or Blood Mary) Bar and for brunch items like stuffed French toast and Eggs in Purgatory. The cost is $15 for one brunch entree and one breakfast cocktail or $25 for one entree and unlimited breakfast cocktails.
Red Hot Christmas Charity Pub Crawl
A pub crawl always is a fun time for anyone involved. But how about a pub crawl that benefits kids at Advocate Children's Hospital this Christmas season? That's right, grabbing a few drinks along Chicago Avenue, with stops at Cleo's (6:30pm), High Dive (8pm) and Roots Pizza (9:30pm) for a mere $15 online at redhotchristmas.com ($20 at the door) certainly will go a long way. Come on out, grab a drink or two, a little nosh, and don your free Santa hat and spread a little cheer along the way.
Tasting Table Open Market
Heather Sperling and Tasting Table presents Open Market, a "two-day artisan food fair" on the third floor of Block 37, 108 N. State St. Today from 6 to 9pm, more than 40 chefs, vendors and restaurants will be selling sweet and savory foodstuffs, perfect for the foodie on your gift list. Tickets are required and cost $6.75 in advance, $8 at the door; VIP tickets get you in an hour earlier (10am) for $35.57.
Tasting Table Open Market
Heather Sperling and Tasting Table presents Open Market, a "two-day artisan food fair" on the third floor of Block 37, 108 N. State St. Tonight from 6 to 9pm, more than 30 chefs will be selling sweet and savory foodstuffs. Tickets are required and cost $6.75 in advance, $8 at the door; VIP tickets get you in an hour earlier (5pm) for $35.57.
Whiskey Pairing @ The Drawing Room
The Drawing Room (937 N Rush St) hosts a whiskey tasting tonight at 7:00 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Repeal Day. Four small batch whiskeys from Compass Box are accompanied by four small plates prepared by Tommy Sheean. The cost is $45 per person; reservations required by phone at (312) 266-2694.
The Last Speakeasy @ History Museum
The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., hosts The Last Speakeasy on the Eve of Repeal, a party celebrating the 80th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition, tonight from 6:30 to 10pm. Dress up in '30s era garb (no feathers, please) and enjoy Templeton Rye cocktails, ragtime jazz and other treats. Tickets are $45, $35 for museum members. 21+
Ditka Dash 5K Run
Git yer mouth shut, stretch out your hammies and head over to Soldier Field for the Ditka Dash 5K. Thousands of runners and walkers will receive a mustache, aviator glasses and a shirt that would make Da Coach proud (chewing gum not included). Afterwards, stick around for the post-race "Mustache Bash," which will include live music, cold beer and so many Ditkas you'd think you were in a Saturday Night Live sketch. Entry is $45, with a start time of 9am.
Latke-Hamantash Debate
The 47th annual Latke-Hamantash Debate at the University of Chicago takes place tonight at 7:30pm at Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St. Dr. Ted Cohen, professor of philosophy, moderates the debate, which features Dr. Rachel Fulton Brown, associate professor of Medieval History; Dr. Harold Pollack, Helen Ross professor at the School of Social Service Administration; and Dr. Carrie Rinker-Schaeffer, director of Urologic Research. Admission to the debate is free on a first come, first served basis. A latke and hamantash tasting follows the debate; tickets are $5. The debate will also be webcast live.
Dose Market @ 1st Ward
The now-weekly Dose Market is all about food this week at its first-ever Kitchen Blis show, today at 1st Ward in Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave., from 10am to 4pm. Shop more than 25 vendors of fresh and packaged sweets, savories, condiments and more. $5 admission includes a free Next Star Vodka cocktail for those 21 or older.
Bacon, Sports & Beer Celebration
The Bacon, Sports & Beer Celebration takes place today from 2 to 6pm in the Great Hall at Union Station, 500 W. Jackson St. Sample more than 30 beers, taste bacon dishes from over a dozen vendors, check out golf and indoor sports equipment and play Nerf sports, pop-a-shot, sports trivial and more. Tickets are $59 and include a souvenir cup, 32 1oz. samples of beer and unlimited bacon. $200 VIP passes get you in an hour earlier, plus a goodie bag full of beer, bacon and sports-related stuff. 21+
Food Film Festival
The fourth annual Chicago Food Film Festival runs Nov. 20-23 at Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch Ave. Today's first program is titled Edible Adventure #009, featuring the films You Really Should Eat This: Corned Beef Hash at George's, You Really Should Eat This: Feijoada at Taste of Brasil Café, Best Fish Tacos in Ensenada, The Chile Film and Sweet Legacy. The after-party includes the Sugar Takedown, in which 20 contestants make sweets for you to taste and vote on, plus dishes inspired by the day's films, wine and beer. Tickets are $55.
Then tonight, Farm to Film to Table features the films Ashley English, Letting Salt Just Be Salt: Amagansett Sea Salt Co., Small Green Fields, Mile High Pie, The Northeast Kingdom and Head On!, along with a Lowcountry shrimp boil and other dishes inspired by the film, beer and wine. Doors open at 7pm for VIPs, 7:30pm general admission. Tickets are $75, $95 for VIP. Festival-wide VIP passes are available for $295. Doors open at noon.
Food Film Festival
The fourth annual Chicago Food Film Festival runs Nov. 20-23 at Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch Ave. Tonight's festivities are all about foodporn, featuring the films Beer Braised Ox Cheek, Fondue, How To Make Burmese Faluda, Lets Get Silly, Libby’s Old Fashioned Salted Caramels, Machines II, Mixed Berries, Three Ways, Paloma, Shakycow Orange Juice Commercial and That’s Mandorlato!. Tickets are $65, $85 for access to the VIP pre-party featuring foodporn star Larry Cauldwell's Fondue Lounge with Jarlsberg and Warsteiner, and dishes from the films. Festival-wide VIP passes are available for $295. Doors open for the pre-party at 6pm, general admission at 6:30pm.
Unholy Mole Beer Release @ Dimo's Pizza
Lake Effect Brewing and Man B Que celebrate the release of their collaboration beer, Unholy Mole Stout, with a beer and pizza party tonight at Dimo's Pizza, 1615 N. Damen Ave., from 7 to 10pm. $30 gets you three Lake Effect beers and three slices of pizza. 21+
Food Film Festival
The fourth annual Chicago Food Film Festival runs Nov. 20-23 at Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch Ave. Tonight's festivities, titled Untitled II, featuring the films Eat | Love, Edward Wohl: At Home in the Shop, Fac et Spera (Hope and Do), The Fermentation of Respect, Flatten, Ole-Martin Hansen – The Salmon Smoker, Oh My Rødgrød! and We Are All Just Trying to Tell a Story. Tickets are $75, $95 for access to the VIP pre-party featuring food inspired by the films and wine by La Maison Chapoutier. Festival-wide VIP passes are available for $295. Doors open for the pre-party at 6pm, general admission at 6:30pm.
Food Film Festival
The fourth annual Chicago Food Film Festival runs Nov. 20-23 at Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch Ave. Tonight's opening night kickoff party features four documentaries: Biting Into The Ramen Burger, The Perfect Oyster, Tako NY and Where Does a Compost Cookie Come From?. Guests will also sample the first authentic ramen burgers ever cooked in Chicago, plus compost cookies from Momofuku Milk Bar, beer and wine. Tickets are $65 and include entry to the films, food and a gift bag. Doors open at 6:30pm.
French Wine Tasting @ Alliance Francaise
Prepare for the holidays and all the stress they bring tonight at the Alliance Francaise (54 W. Chicago)'s Taste & Toast French Wines: Holiday wines event. Sommelier Viktorija Todorovska will lead you through the reds and whites the right way. Event runs 6:30-8pm; admission $20-30.
Mangalitsa Dinner @ Lula Cafe
The curly-haired hog will be the star of tonight's special dinner at Lula (2537 N. Kedzie). Chefs from Butcher and Larder, Publican Quality Meats, and Carriage House will be teaming up with Lula for a five-course meal complete with cocktails by Templeton Rye, Revolution Brewery and Cream Wine Company. All of your $95 ticket cost will be donated to Sac City, Iowa's Howard Center, which supports individuals with disabilities.
1st Annual Gumbo Cookoff @ Frontier
Things are gonna get real New Orleans today at Frontier (1072 N. Milwaukee) at their first annual Gumbo Cookoff, which pits chefs from an impressive range of restaurants (Trencherman, Hugo's Frog Bar, etc.) against non-chef (but certainly qualified) other cooking enthusiasts (GB's own Brandy Gonsoulin among them) in the battle of who can make the best gumbo. The contest kicks off at 2pm.
Vegetarian Holiday Dishes @ Alliance Francaise
If meat doesn't do it for you, the Alliance Francaise (54 W. Chicago) hosts a cooking class today from 10am-1pm to take you to the other side, especially when meat-heavy holidays approach. Chef Madelaine Bullwinkel will teach you to make a proper gratin, chili, and cassoulet (among others). Admission $70-80, with an additional $15 materials fee.
The Power of Food and Prisoners of War @ Kendall College
Filmmaker Jan Thompson talks about her recent release Never the Same: The Prisoner of War Experience (which made a stop in Chicago earlier this year) and curiously, how American POWs in Japan curated recipes as a stress-reliever during their captivity today Kendall College, 900 North Branch, 10am-noon. Event sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago.
Bollywood Blowout @ Stan Mansion
Celebrate Diwali at the Bollywood Blowout, which takes place at the Stan Mansion (2408 N. Kedzie) tonight at 6:30pm. Your ticket ($55/85 VIP) gets you food, drinks, DJs, and a fashion show to celebrate the holiday.
A Sixties Soiree @ Drinkingbird
The Local Tourist hosts A Sixties Soiree cocktail party tonight at the Drinkingbird, 2201 N. Clybourn Ave., from 6 to 9pm. Dress up to enter the Best Dressed contest, and enjoy a menu of six classic cocktails, plus passed apps. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. 21+
Logan Square Chef's Dinner @ Lula Cafe
Tonight at 6pm, Logan Square restaurants (including Fat Rice, Telegraph, and Longman and Eagle among others) team up for the second annual Logan Square Chef's Dinner to benefit Comfort Station gallery. The six-course meal includes wine, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres. Hosted by Lula Cafe, 2537 N. Kedzie Blvd. Tickets are $175.
Beer Hoptacular @ Lacuna Artist Studios
Do you like beer? Do your friends? What better way to spend a day than to head to Lacuna Artist Studios (2150 S. Canalport Ave.) for this year's Beer Hoptacular. Over 150 craft brewers, along with home brewers, entertainment and food await you (and you get to vote for your favorite suds). Your $45 ticket ($85 for VIP) which gets you a gets you a souvenir glass to fill to your heart's content with as many beers as you can handle. Please, take a taxi home. Sessions begin at 12:30pm and 6pm.
Beer Hoptacular @ Lacuna Artist Studios
Do you like beer? Do your friends? What better way to spend an evening than to head to Lacuna Artist Studios (2150 S. Canalport Ave.) for this year's Beer Hoptacular. Over 150 craft brewers, along with home brewers, entertainment and food await you (and you get to vote for your favorite suds). Your $45 ticket ($85 for VIP) gets you a gets you a souvenir glass to fill to your heart's content with as many beers as you can handle. Please, take a taxi home. Tonight's sole session is at 6pm, and tomorrow's sessions start at 12:30pm and 6pm.
Cooking Up Change @ Bridgeport Art Center
Tonight, watch CPS high school culinary students compete to create a tasty lunch with the limited budget and the limited ingredients similar to a typical school lunch program. Winners travel to D.C. to compete nationally. The Cooking Up Change contest begins at 6 p.m. at Bridgeport Art Center's Skyline Loft, 1200 W. 35th St. See here for ticket and sponsorship information.
Woodford Reserve Flavor Dinner Series @ Hub 51
"Small batch" bourbon enthusiasts unite! Hub 51 plays host to this month's Woodford Reserve Dinner Series, which offers up a chef and mixologist to tell the story of Woodford's sources of flavor in the most unique and exclusive settings. General admission is $50 for the two-hour event.
Half Acre Tap Room 1st Anniversary
Half Acre Beer Co. celebrates the first anniversary of its tap room, 4257 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight from 6pm to close. Enjoy a cash bar featuring tappings of a variety of special beers, plus food samples from The Publican, West Loop Salumi and Bang Bang Pie Shop. The Yoko Oyeahs perform, and the brewery will be open for visitation. No cover, 21+.
The CakeEasy @ Homegrown Cafe
Dust off your favorite Prohibition-era casual outfit for the inaugural Cake & Whiskey Club event tonight. The CakeEasy kicks off at 8 p.m. at Homegrown Cafe (4343 N. Lincoln Ave). Enjoy 2-3 cocktails per person, lots of cake, and music. Tickets are $28 and include tax and tip. No tickets will be sold at the door.
National Sandwich Day @ Duran European Sandwiches
National Sandwich Day takes place on Nov. 3, but West Town's Duran European Sandwiches Cafe, 529 N. Milwaukee Ave., keeps the celebration going all weekend long as a charity fundraiser benefiting Chicago Artists Coalition. On both Saturday and Sunday, 50% of Duran's total profits will be donated to support the organization, which assists local artists and creative entrepreneurship. The Duran space will also transform into a gallery, hosting artwork from some of the city's most recognized geometric abstraction artists. Saturday from 8am to 5pm; Sunday from 9am to 3pm.
Half Acre Charitable Chili Cookoff
The fifth annual Half Acre Charitable Chili Cookoff is tonight at 5pm at The Arts of Life Chicago Studio, 2010 W. Carroll Ave. For $15, sample meaty and veggie chili from all the competitors, enjoy Half Acre beers. Proceeds benefit The Arts of Life, a nonprofit arts program for adults with disabilities.
Gapers Block Microbrewery Crawl
The Gapers Block Microbrewery Crawl is back, taking you inside four of the city's microbreweries for a tour and a taste. This time we begin at Lake Effect Brewing, 4727 W. Montrose Ave., and continue on to Finch's Beer Company, Metropolitan Brewery and DryHop Brewers, after which you're free to stick around and have dinner, keep drinking or make your way to the next pub. More details in Drive-Thru. Transportation is included between destinations; you're on your own afterward. The crawl is limited to 60 participants. Tickets are $45 in advance, or at the door if any remain. Registration opens at 11:30am, tour begins at noon. 21+
Culinary Memoir and Personal Essays @ Kendall College
Author Peggy Wolff (Fried Walleye and Cherry Pie) talks about the emergence of food literature today at Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch, from 10am-noon. Authors Carol Mighton Haddix and Melanie Benjamin will also be reading. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago; admission $3. Email to RSVP.
National Sandwich Day @ Duran European Sandwiches
National Sandwich Day takes place on Nov. 3, but West Town's Duran European Sandwiches Cafe, 529 N. Milwaukee Ave., keeps the celebration going all weekend long as a charity fundraiser benefiting Chicago Artists Coalition. On both Saturday and Sunday, 50% of Duran's total profits will be donated to support the organization, which assists local artists and creative entrepreneurship. The Duran space will also transform into a gallery, hosting artwork from some of the city's most recognized geometric abstraction artists. Saturday from 8am to 5pm; Sunday from 9am to 3pm.
Pickle Night @ CH Distillery
Recently opened CH Distillery hosts Pickle Night tonight at 5:00 p.m. in their West Loop bar/distillery (564 W Randolph). Pickletinis, Bloody Mary shots, and pickle-themed hors d'oeuvres will be on hand as well as New York City-based pickle producer Rick's Picks and a sample of his products. Make-Your-Own-Pickletini kits (Rick's Classic Sour Pickles, CH Vodka, and pickletini recipe) will be available while supplies last for $45. Event is from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Admission is free.
Horror Movie Night @ Delish Diner & Bakery
Come celebrate Halloween at Delish Diner & Bakery (2018 W. Division St.) with a three-course prix fixe meal and showings of classic horror movies including The Shining, Carrie, Night of the Living Dead and more. Starts at 7pm. $10.
Horror Movie Night @ Delish Diner & Bakery
Come celebrate Halloween at Delish Diner & Bakery (2018 W. Division St.) with a three-course prix fixe meal and showings of classic horror movies including The Shining, Carrie, Night of the Living Dead and more. Starts at 7pm. $10.
Horror Movie Night @ Delish Diner & Bakery
Come celebrate Halloween at Delish Diner & Bakery (2018 W. Division St.) with a three-course prix fixe meal and showings of classic horror movies including The Shining, Carrie, Night of the Living Dead and more. Starts at 7pm. $10.
Autumn Harvest Side-Yard Supper @ Bang Bang Pie
Live music and a menu of seasonally-appropriate fare (roasted duck, grits, squash, and of course, pumpkin pie) will help you celebrate the season at Bang Bang Pie (2051 N. California) tonight at their Side-Yard Supper; proceeds benefit CROP Logan Square. Event starts 7pm; tickets $45.
Apple Pie Contest @ Bang Bang Pie
Bang Bang challenges you to bake your best apple pie to be judged by a panel of esteemed experts today at their shop (2051 N. California). Entrees $5; the public pays $5 to sample the contestants from 3-5:30pm.
Andersonville Dessert Crawl
The walking will help you burn off the calories you will inhale at the Andersonville Dessert Crawl, which gives you access to some of the neighborhood's top sweets--among the 20+ participants are Swedish Bakery, Terry's Toffee, and George's Ice Cream & Sweets. Choose from two routes (Candy Corn and Caramel Apple); tickets $20. Event runs 2-5pm; kickoff is at pH Productions, 1515 W. Berwyn.
Nourish Celebrity Chef Ball
Meals On Wheels Chicago hosts its 25th annual Nourish Celebrity Chef Ball fundraiser tonight at the Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St. The VIP Chef's Table, which costs $350 per person, begins at 6:30pm and includes an "interactive dining experience" with celebrity chefs cooking live at the event, cocktails and wine pairings, as well as entry to the Chef's Tasting Party, which begins at 8:30pm and is $150 per person. The Chef's Tasting Party includes small bites from nearly 100 chefs, cocktails, wine and beer, plus a silent auction, photo booth and live music by Sugar High and DJ Lani Love. Tickets on sale here.
Sanford D'Amato @ Kendall College
The Culinary Historians of Chicago present "Before the Food Network," Recollections of Milwaukee's Chef Sanford D'Amato, today from 10am to noon at the Kendall College School of Culinary Arts, 900 N. North Branch St. A James Beard Award-winning chef, D'Amato's new memoir, Good Stock: Life on a Low Simmer, was just released by Agate Midway. He'll discuss the book and do a cooking demo. Admission is $5, $3 for students. RSVP to Culinary.Historians@gmail.com.
Chicago's Table @ River East Art Center
Chicago magazine brings chefs and entertainment together for tonight's benefit for the Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Event runs 7-10pm at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., tickets $125.
Where Eagles Drink @ Local Option
The Local Option, 1102 W. Webster St., Where Eagles Drink, a celebration of the music and cultural influence of Danzig-era Misfits -- as well as a release party for the bar's new Top Fuel barley wine aged on Four Roses Barrels as well as beers from Germany's The Monarchy and Scratch Brewing from southern Illinois. Frog's Hollow Double Pumpkin from Akron's Hoppin' Frog Brewery will be among the other special beers on tap. No cover, 21+. The bar opens at 3pm.
Pumpkin Carving @ Sheffield's
Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., hosts its 28th annual pumpkin carving party tonight at 7pm. Show up and carve a pumpkin for free, and enjoy pumpkin beers on tap -- including Southern Tier's Pumking, Rogue Farms' Pumpkin Patch Ale and New Belgium's Pumpkick, among others -- as well as hot mulled cider and a special release of Vandermill Cyser Van Doom. 21+
Cellar Series Wine Dinner @ Nightwood
Nightwood (2119 S. Halsted) serves a five-course meal paired with Tasca d'Almerita wines tonight at 7pm; tickets $75.
Food Day Chicago @ Daley Plaza
Food Day Chicago runs from 8am to 4pm in Daley Plaza, with over 20 organizations presenting information and activities to encourage healthy eating. Details here. Free.
Chicago Chef Battle: Dessert Edition
WBEZ presents its third annual Chicago Chef Battle tonight at Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch St., from 7 to 10pm. This time it's a dessert battle, featuring Ben Roche, formerly of MOTO; Dinah Grossman from Cheap Tart; Jonathan Ory from Bad Wolf Coffee; Dana Cree from Blackbird; and Jessica Oloroso from Black Dog Gelato, competing to make the best desserts incorporating Intelligentsia's Kilogram teas. Tickets are $12 for WBEZ members, $15 for non-members and $10 for students.
The Dinner Party @ City Winery
The Dinner Party, a show that combines dinner and conversation, is back at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., tonight at 7pm. This month, host Elysabeth Alfano talks with guests are Bears GM Phil Emery, singer Lynne Jordan, Louder than a Bomb co-founder
Kevin Coval, and Longman & Eagle chef Jared Wentworth. Wentworth also cooks dinner, which the audience enjoys along with the guests. Tickets are $40, or pay $65 for access to the VIP reception at 6pm with Phil Emery, artist Beth Emery and Bears tight end Martellus Bennett.
The Bucktown Apple Pie Contest
The 9th annual Bucktown Apple Pie Contest returns to the Holstein Park Field House, 2200 N. Oakley Ave., from 2 to 5pm today. Come sample the contestants' pies for a couple bucks a slice, and enjoy live music and activities for the kids. Don't forget to stick around to find out who the judges deem the winner. Proceeds benefit Holstein Park.
Glazed & Infused Tasting Party @ City Winery
Glazed & Infused holds a doughnut tasting party at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., tonight from 7 to 9pm. Taste custom doughnuts designed to pair with City Winery's house wines, as well as a preview of the shop's fall flavors. Tickets are $60 online or at the door.
Inside the Artist's Kitchen: First Course
Food blog Inside the Artist's Kitchen presents First Course, tonight from 7 to 11pm at the Chicago Urban Art Society, 600 W. Cermak Ave. The one-night exhibition features photos by blog cofounder Michael Soto alongside works by artists Jaclyn Jacunski, Alberto Aguilar, Edra Soto, Sabina Ott, Regin Igloria, Jeroen Nelemans, Deborah Boardman, Mister Junior and Paola Cabal -- and food from all of the artists' recipes. DJ Shardstyle spins, and workshops ranging from bookbinding to burlesque will be taught. Admission is free.
The Return of the Cleetus @ Fountainhead
Fountainhead, 1970 W. Montrose, celebrates five months with chef Cleetus Friedman (former owner of City Provisions) in the kitchen with a party featuring a dozen of his collaboration beers from local breweries, plus . Details on Facebook. Admission is free, pay as you go.
Hartman Farms Rabbit Dinner @ Nightwood
Join Nightwood tonight for the four-course Hartman Farms Rabbit Dinner. Rabbits are raised on all-natural feeds on the family farm. Dinner begins at 7; tickets are $75 and include pairings.
Paul Kahan, Alain Roby and Richard Melman Inducted into 2013 Chefs Hall of Fame
Three Chicago restaurant industry leaders will be honored as inductees into the 2013 Chefs Hall of Fame by the Chicago Culinary Museum tonight: James Beard Award winner and executive chef of soon to be opened Nico, Chef Paul Kahan (2013 Chef of the Year), the brains behind All-Chocolate Kitchen in Geneva, Chef Alain Roby (2013 Pastry Chef of the Year), and Lettuce Entertain You, Richard Melman (2013 Industry Leader of the Year). This event is open to the public, and tickets are $125 each in advance or $149, if available, at the door. Tickets will include a full bar, dinner, and awards presentation.
Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page Book Signing @ Spice House
Two-time James Beard Award-winning authors Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page will sign copies of their celebrated books, "The Flavor Bible" and "What to Drink with What You Eat," at The Spice House (1512 North Wells) in Chicago from 6:00 to 7:00. The evening is a celebration of the five-year anniversary of "The Flavor Bible" (Fall 2008), which was named by Forbes as one of the 10 best cookbooks in the world of the past century. The Spice House will serve complimentary refreshments. Event is free; RSVP to 312-274-0378 or spices@thespicehouse.com.
Fall Fest @ Acadia
Spend your Montag the right way at Acadia's 1st Annual Fall Fest, which runs from 2-9pm at Acadia (1639 S. Wabash). All you can eat German food, beer, and live music is yours for a mere $25, which is insanely cheaper than a meal at Acadia itself.
Goat Beards & Oath Beers @ Parson's Chicken and Fish
Celebrate the end of summer from 2-6pm today at Parson's Chicken and Fish (2952 W. Armitage) with food (goats roasted on an outdoor spit) and beer pairings from Naperville's own Solemn Oath. Music, a table tennis tournament, a pop-up store from Lost Girls Vintage and, puzzlingly, a chopper rally will also go down.
Chicago Food Truck Rally
Celebrate the city's food truck scene at the Chicago Food Truck Rally today from 11am to 8pm in Daley Plaza. Eight trucks, including Beavers Coffee & Donuts, Chicago Lunchbox and Jerk 312, will be on hand.
Take the Black Stout @ Jerry's Deli
If you love the televised nightmare that is Game of Thrones, head to Jerry's Deli (1938 W. Division) tonight from 7-9pm to preview Ommegang's Take the Black Stout, a beer collaboration between the NY-based brewery and HBO (stranger relationships have happened).
St. Matthias Presents: Friends of the Grape
Still ale-ing from Friends of the Craft a few nights ago at the St. Matthias school hall (4910 North Claremont Avenue)? Well, there's no better way to cure a little hangover than with a little wine at Friends of the Grape. For just $50 at the door ($45 pre-sale) you can turn a donation into fine wines, just as Jesus did with water, from local Lincoln Square restaurants, while bidding on golf packages and other quality items in their silent auction.
Applefest @ Martyrs'
Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., hosts Applefest, a day of family-friendly food, music and fun, today from noon to 6pm. There'll be plenty of apples, plus a pig roast, Virtue cider for the adults, vendors and an apple pie baking competition ($5 entry fee; drop the pie off by 3pm). $5 suggested donation. Proceeds benefit Bell School.
Vendy Awards @ Kendall College
The first annual Chicago Vendy Awards, honoring the city's best food trucks and street vendors, take place in the parking lot at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch St., from 1 to 5pm. Sample the wares of finalists Babycakes, Bombay Wraps, Chicago Schnitzel King, Mississippi Delta Hot Tamales, Olga's Snacks, Pascuala's Specialties, Pleasant House Bakery/Royal Pies and Toasty Cheese Mobile Eatery and vote on your favorite to win the Vendy crown. Tickets are $45 early bird/$55 general admission and $35 for kids; proceeds benefit Slow Food Chicago and Asociación de Vendedores Ambulantes.
Drinking & Writing Festival
The ninth annual Drinking & Writing Festival is today from noon to 6pm in the Drinking & Writing Theater at Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St. This year's festival is devoted to the honored drunk poet Jim Morrison, who once wrote "Oh show me the way to the next whiskey bar." Festivities include a presentation on Morrison and his writing by Northwestern professor Bill Savage, a talk by Steve Krakow from Secret History of Chicago Music and Paul Durica form Pocket Guide to Hell, and the "2 Drink Minimum Writing Contest," in which participants are given a theme related to Jim Morrison/The Doors and have five minutes to write about it. There will also be beers from several area breweries on tap. Tickets are $30. 21+
St. Matthias Presents: Friends of the Craft
Microbrews are all the rage these days, especially in our fair city. And if there's anything more certain than death and taxes, it's beer and God. Well, at least at St. Matthias school hall at 4910 North Claremont Avenue this particular evening. Come join Friends of the Craft, and for just $35 you can enjoy samplings from Half Acre, Begyle, Lake Effect to name a few. You'll thank the good Lord you did.
Reader Fall Cocktail Challenge
The Reader hosts its first annual Fall Cocktail Challenge tonight at State & Lake in theWit Hotel, 201 N. State St., from 6 to 8:30pm. More than 20 mixologists compete to create the most creative and delicious fall-inspired cocktail. Sample all of them, as well as complimentary wine from City Winery and Virtue cider. Tickets are $40. 21+
Pilot Light Back to School Block Party @ Publican Quality Meats
Pilot Light, a non-profit organization, pairs chefs with Chicago Public Schools to teach and encourage kids how to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The organization hosts its first fundraiser today at Publican Quality Meats (825 W Fulton Market). Chefs cooking include Jason Hammel of Lula Café, Sarah Mispagel of Nightwood, and Paula Haney and Allison Stout of Hoosier Mama Pie Company, among several others. Event begins at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $175.
A (Mostly) Veggie Affair Fundraiser
Green City Market Junior Board hosts the fundraiser "A (Mostly) Veggie Affair: Cheat on Meat or Go Whole Beast!" with proceeds going to their LINK Card matching program. Mixologists from The Aviary, Big Star, Scofflaw, and Embeya will craft drinks while a gang of chefs including Zoe Schor (Ada Street) and Eric Mansavage (Farmhouse) prepare veggie dishes and Paul Virant (Perennial Virant) and Bill Kim (bellyQ) cook up whole animals. All this set to the tunes of local synth-pop band Hey Champ. The event starts at 7 p.m. at The 1st Ward (2033 W North Ave). Tickets are $45.
Fernet-Branca Barback Games @ Concord
The Fernet-Branca Barback Games tonight at Concord Music Hall, 2047 N. Milwaukee Ave., pit barbacks from some of the city's best bars against each other in challenges that test their physical endurance and agility as well as their mental stability -- as judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts. Team Bayside High, Robots on the Run and other special musical guests provide the soundtrack. Doors open at 8pm. Free with RSVP. 21+
Chicago Gourmet @ Millennium Park
Celebrate all that is wonderful about good food and drink at the annual Chicago Gourmet event at a cordoned-off Millennium Park for a day of classy debauchery. Cooking demos, tastings, drinking, book signings and celebchef sightings are par for the course. Tickets begin at $159.
Imbibe and Inspire @ Wyndham Grand
Notable chefs from all over the country (among them Next's Dave Beran) will meet at the Wyndham Grand (71 E. Upper Wacker) today to discuss the roots and future of American cuisine; the talk begins 10am, with a dinner at 6pm to enjoy an eight-course meal. The $250 ticket, if you can swing it, will be worth it.
Chicago Gourmet @ Millennium Park
Celebrate all that is wonderful about good food and drink at the annual Chicago Gourmet event, which kicks off today at a cordoned-off Millennium Park for a weekend of classy debauchery. Cooking demos, tastings, drinking, book signings and celebchef sightings are par for the course. Tickets begin at $159.
Hamburger Hop @ Harris Theater
Chefs from all over the city will duke it out for the best hamburger tonight from 6-9pm on the rooftop of the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph) as part of the opening activities of this weekend's Chicago Gourmet. A special panel of judges and the crowd itself will make their picks. Late Night Gourmet, an afterparty at the Radisson Blu Aqua (221 N. Columbus), runs from 9pm-midnight. Tickets start at $115.
Big Night @ Chicago Cultural Center
Food, drink, a silent auction and entertainment are on the bill for tonight's benefit for the Friends of Animal Care and Control at the Cultural Center, 78 East Washington. Event begins at 6:30pm; admission $100.
An Evening for Freedom @ Crimson Lounge
Heartland Alliance's Northern Tier Anti-Trafficking Consortium(NTAC) is hosting An Evening for Freedom to benefit survivors of human trafficking. The event will take place at Crimson Lounge, inside Hotel Sax, located at 333 N Dearborn from 6pm to 9pm. Come enjoy hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine, a unique silent auction, and live jazz entertainment. NTAC will also be honoring Google Inc. with the 2013 Bridge to Freedom Award at tonight's event. Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 at the door. Student tickets available for $20 (student ID required at the door).
Between Bites
Between Bites, a new live lit series showcasing "the delicious overlap between eating and storytelling," debuts at Two, 1132 W. Grand Ave., tonight from 6:30 to 9:30pm Six food writers -- Anthony Todd, food editor at Chicagoist; Ari Bendersky, director of content for Abe's Market and former Eater Chicago editor; Chandra Ram, editor of Plate magazine; Heather Sperling, Chicago editor of Tasting Table; Joe Campagna, blogger at Chicagofoodsnob.com; and Kiki Luthringshausen, blogger at beautyandherfeast.com -- read stories about "food firsts" while the audience enjoys wine and appetizers. Tickets are $20; proceeds benefit Un86'd, a charity that helps hospitality professionals in need. 21+
Chicago in White Dinner
The Chicago In White dinner event takes place tonight at a mystery location. Guests dress in white and meet at one of several "harmonizing points" in the city, then converge on the location with their own silverware, plates, glasses, white napkins and even food. Tickets are $55 for two and cover the cost of organizing the event and table and chair rental. 21+
Andersonville City Made Fest
Craft beer (lots of it -- from places like Revolution, Begyle and Off Color), live entertainment, and shopping make up Andersonville's City Made Fest, which runs Saturday and today on Clark Street between Argyle and Carmen, from noon to 9pm. $5 suggested donation.
Logan Square Beer Festival
The first annual Logan Square Beer Festival is today at the Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Blvd. Sample over 50 beers from more than 20 breweries, enjoy live music and pick up brewery swag like t-shirts and coozies. The fest is open from 2 to 5pm, with VIP access beginning at 1pm. General admission is sold out, but VIP tickets are still available for $55. 21+
Andersonville City Made Fest
Craft beer (lots of it -- from places like Revolution, Begyle and Off Color), live entertainment, and shopping make up Andersonville's City Made Fest, which runs today and Sunday on Clark Street between Argyle and Carmen, from noon to 9pm. $5 suggested donation.
Chicago Food Truck Social @ Kendall College
Cooking Matters brings together the city's longest chuck wagon to benefit Share Our Strength today at Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch. Your $5 admission gets you cooking demos, live music curated by Empty Bottle Presents, and of course, access to food trucks (5411, Tamale Spaceship, etc.) and restaurants (Publican, endgrain, Puffs of Doom, etc.). Event runs 11am-10pm.
Taste of Chicago Sister Cities: Slow Food @ Irish American Heritage Center
The Gage and Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar are among the chefs cooking up an Irish storm in the name of Galway (one of Chicago's sister cities) today at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox) at 6pm. Your $50 admission covers food tastings and two drinks.
Taste America @ Union Station
The Great Lakes region gets a culinary spotlight tonight at Union Station (500 W. Jackson), 6-9pm. The menu will be created by a bevy of chefs, among them Richard Blais of Top Chef, Andrew Zimmerman (Sepia), Alex Young (Zingerman's Roadhouse, Ann Arbor); Jonathan Sawyer (The Greenhouse Tavern, Cleveland); Paul Virant (Vie); Tony Mantuano (Bar Toma, Spiaggia); Gale Gand (Tru); Chris Pandel (Balena); Giuseppe Tentori (Boka); and Patrick Fahy (Sixteen). If you can't swing the $300 admission for that meal, try the lighter "Night Bites" menu ($75), which will be prepared by folks from Telegraph, Lillie's Q, and Nightwood, among others (if you want to try both menus, it's $350). Cocktails by the Violet Hour and Steve Dolinsky of ABC7 emcees.
Diner en Blanc
You have to know someone who knows someone to get the information, but if you're up for it, you can dine in white with many others at Diner en Blanc, which kicks off from a series of secret location (converging on a main secret location) for DIY picnicking, drinking wine, and socializing. I'd tell you more, but it's a secret.
Public House Gluten-Free Beer Dinner
Public House (400 N. State Street), River North's beer focused eatery, is hosting its first-‐ever Gluten Free Beer Dinner on Wednesday, September 18 at 6:30pm.The 6‐course pairing menu from Chef David Blonsky & Chef Jeremy Tannehill was created to complement the hand-‐picked gluten-‐free beers. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased here!
Food-Raiser for Freedom @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., hosts Food-Raiser for Freedom, a benefit for Illinois Unites for Marriage, tonight from 7pm to 10pm. DJs Steve Albini (Shellac), Tim Mazurek (Lottie + Doof), Rob Miller (Bloodshot Records), Lea Tshilds (Lula, Nightwood) spin, and there will be a cakewalk, silent auction, food trucks and more. State Reps. Greg Harris and Kelly Cassidy will be in attendance. Tickets are $10-50, depending on the level of your generosity. 21+
Mod Mex Dinner @ Frontera Grill
A quartet of chefs (Rick Bayless, Carlos Gaytan of Mexique, Alex Stupak of NYC's Empellon Cocina/Tacqueria and Jorge Vallejo of Mexico City's Quintonil) join forces at 6pm for an evening of cooking at Frontera Grill/Topolobampo (445 N. Clark). Your $175 tickets gets you a great all-inclusive meal; proceeds benefit the Frontera Scholarship at Kendall College.
Crush in Old Town
Crush in Old Town runs Saturday and today on Wells Street from North to Schiller. Sample dozens of wines as well as several local beers, and enjoy live music and food from Old Town restaurants. There's also a grape-stomping competition at 2pm each day. Admission to the event is free, but passes for tastings cost $40 in advance, $45 on-site, and allow you to sample up to 15 beers or wines. The festival is open from noon to 9pm today.
Bacon Takedown @ Lincoln Hall
The 4th annual Bacon Takedown invades Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., today from 2 to 4pm. For $15 in advance or at the door, you'll sample bacon recipes from 20 competitors and vote on which is your favorite. Judges will also have their say, and winners will be crowned. But most importantly: Bacon!
Crush in Old Town
Crush in Old Town runs today and Sunday on Wells Street from North to Schiller. Sample dozens of wines as well as several local beers, and enjoy live music and food from Old Town restaurants. There's also a grape-stomping competition at 2pm each day. Admission to the event is free, but passes for tastings cost $40 in advance, $45 on-site, and allow you to sample up to 15 beers or wines. The festival is open from noon to 10pm today.
Halal Food Festival @ UIC Forum
Halal will have a good time at the UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt) today beginning at 11am. The Halal Food Festival will feature foods from different cuisines (not just Middle East and Mediterranean!), entertainment, and information on how to get your local favorites to rethink their menus. Admission free.
Jeni's Scoop Shop Preview Party
Columbus-based Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams' first Chicago scoop shop, at 3404 N. Southport Ave., officially opens at 11am Saturday, but there's a preview party tonight from 7 to 10pm, with free samples for everyone and commemorative posters for the first 50 attendees, and owner Jeni Britton Bauer will be in attendance.
Owning & Operating a Food Truck @ Bucktown Public Library
If you want to join the food truck industry, get your feet wet in the business and legal operations side of things courtesy of the Wicker Park and Logan Square Chambers of Commerce today at 3:30pm at the Bucktown Library, 1701 N. Milwaukee. Get advice and get information before you rev up the van! Event is free, but RSVP requested.
Taste of Chicago Sister Cities: Busan @ Kendall College
Former Top Chef-er Beverly Kim, along with husband and chef Johnny Clark, will be at the helm of this culinary tribute to Chicago sister city Busan, South Korea tonight at 6pm at Kendall College (900 N. North Branch). Enjoy five courses of regional cuisine and wine. Your $100 admission helps support the Busan Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International.
German Fest
The annual German Day Festival takes over Lincoln Square, on Leland from Western to Lincoln and Lincoln to Eastwood, Sept. 6-8. The festival runs from 10am to 9pm today, with music, beer and German food. Admission is free.
Windy City Wine Festival @ Buckingham Fountain
Get your drink on at the second annual Windy City Wine Festival, which runs 2-8pm at Buckingham Fountain (301 S. Columbus). Sample vino from over 300 vendors, enjoy food (Hearty Boys and Adobo Grill are among the attendees), cooking demos, wine talks, and entertainment. Tickets $29-35; designated drivers get a $10 admission that includes non-alcoholic drinks and a fist bump.
Pastry Chicago's 6th Annual Pie Competition @ Green City Market
The end of summer gets pied today at Green City Market (South end of Lincoln Park); contestants submit their best efforts, a panel of judges judge the best (11-11:30am), & Chef Patrice Caillot does a pastry cooking demo (11:45am-12:30pm), followed by an announcement of the winners. Sounds fantastic, right?
Cultivate @ Lincoln Park
Food and farms, music and. . . Chipotle. At the Cultivate Festival, that Mexican fast food joint aims to illustrate the relationship between the food you eat and where it comes from by bringing together big name chefs like Graham Elliot, local farms, some of who supply ingredients to Chipotle, and regional food vendors. Plus live music. See schedule of bands and chefs demonstrations here. Admission is free. Lincoln Park, South Entrance from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
German Fest
The annual German Day Festival takes over Lincoln Square, on Leland from Western to Lincoln and Lincoln to Eastwood, Sept. 6-8. The festival runs from 10am to 11pm today, with music, beer and German food. The annual Von Steuben Parade is at 2pm. Admission is free.
Guinness Oyster Festival
The Guinness Oyster Festival returns to Roscoe Village today from 11am to 10pm at the intersection of Damen and Roscoe avenues. Featuring, of course, lots of Guinness and tons of oysters, there's also a full schedule of bands on two stages, as well as art and craft vendors. $7 donation at the door.
Leavitt Stage
12:15pm - Trippin Billies
2:45pm - Fletcher
4pm - Identity Irish Dancers
5pm - The Chancey Brothers
7pm - Genevieve
8:30pm - Rusted Root
Damen Stage
noon - Ryan Powers & The Secret Weapons
1:30pm - The Future Laureates
3pm - Mike Golden & Friends
4:30pm - The Hooks
6pm - The Tossers
8:30pm - Tommy Malone of The Subdudes
German Fest
The annual German Day Festival takes over Lincoln Square, on Leland from Western to Lincoln and Lincoln to Eastwood, Sept. 6-8. The festival kicks off from 6pm to 11pm tonight, with music, beer and German food. Admission is free.
Windy City Wine Festival @ Buckingham Fountain
Get your drink on at the second annual Windy City Wine Festival, which starts at 4pm at Buckingham Fountain (301 S. Columbus). Sample vino from over 300 vendors, enjoy food (Hearty Boys and Adobo Grill are among the attendees), cooking demos, wine talks, and entertainment. Event also runs Saturday, 2-8pm. Tickets $29-35; designated drivers get a $10 admission that includes non-alcoholic drinks and a fist bump.
Longman & Eagle Block Party
Give summer its send-off at Longman & Eagle's second annual block party, which runs today from 4-10pm (2657 N Kedzie). Music from Windy City Soul Club and a special outdoor menu are part of the fun; perhaps they'll have a bouncy castle for the kids?
Windy City BBQ Classic @ Soldier Field
Pitmasters (30!) from all over the land will convene at the South parking lot of Soldier Field today from noon-9pm for the Windy City BBQ Classic, which benefits Operation BBQ Relief, an organization that helps those affected by the 2011 Joplin, MO tornado. Sample the grillin' (all tickets come with unlimited BBQ sampling), and wash it down with Lagunitas beer or bloody marys. Local flavor in attendance include Barn & Company, Smoque, Sweet Baby Ray's, Chicago Q and Uncle Bub's. Admission $49-$99.
National Toasted Marshmallow Day @ Geja's
Geja's Cafe, 340 W. Armitage Ave., celebrates National Toasted Marshmallow Day tonight with a campfire marshmallow roast on the patio from 5 to 10pm, with local Girl Scouts on hand to demonstrate proper s'mores construction. A donation of $5 for adults and $2 for children is requested; proceeds benefit the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Call 773-281-9101 for more info and reservations.
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.
Hats Off to Homebrewers Collaborative Party @ Horse Thief Hollow
Horse Thief Hollow, 10426 S. Western Ave., and Deschutes Brewery hold a Hats Off to Homebrewers Collaborative Party from 5 to 9pm. Chat with Horse Thief Hollow brewer Dave Williams and Deschutes brewer Kyle Spencer as well as chef Graham Elliot, enjoy live music and sample beers including Deschutes' Black Butte XXV. $10 admission includes two beer samples. Proceeds benefit the Beverly Art Center. 21+
Corks and Crayons Benefit @ Greenhouse Lofts
Purple Asparagus, a charitable organization that educates children, families and communities about healthy eating, hosts its "Corks and Crayons" fundraiser today from 4-7pm at Greenhouse Loft (2545 W. Diversey). Food tastings, wine/beer/cocktails, and a mini-farmer's market for the grownups--and for the kids, a photo booth, art projects, a magician, a silent auction and raffle prize drawing. Admission $75 for adults, $15 for ages 5-18. Kids under 5 are free.
Four Star Bike & Chow
The Active Transportation Alliance's Four Star Bike & Chow is a set of four bike tours to culinary destinations that vary based on length: pick a 12-, 22-, 35- or 62-mile course and get some delicious food at stops along each route. Registration is $37 in advance for adults, $17 for kids 17 or under and includes a t-shirt. Day-of registration is $45. The rides begin and end at Chicago Circle Memorial Grove, at the corner of Morgan and Taylor streets on UIC campus. Registration opens today at 6am, and the 62-mile ride departs at 6:30am; the 12-mile ride departs at 9am, with the other two in between.
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.
St. Demetrios Greek Festival
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church's annual Greek Fest runs this weekend, Aug. 16-18, in the church parking lot, 2727 W. Winona Ave. There's Greek music and dancing and a marketplace, but really this is a festival about food, and there's plenty of it. $2 donation at the door is requested; bring cash for the food and beverage tents. The fest is open from noon to midnight today.
St. Demetrios Greek Festival
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church's annual Greek Fest runs this weekend, Aug. 16-18, in the church parking lot, 2727 W. Winona Ave. There's Greek music and dancing and a marketplace, but really this is a festival about food, and there's plenty of it. $2 donation at the door is requested; bring cash for the food and beverage tents. The fest is open from noon to midnight today.
Cooking Demo with bellyQ's Bill Kim
Join Chef Bill Kim at bellyQ, 1400 W. Randolph St., for his second live cooking demonstration and Korean barbecue-style picnic. The demonstration will incorporate step-by-step instructions from Kim with fun stories and anecdotes behind each dish along the way. After the demonstrations, guests can enjoy the dishes paired with Passion Fruit Margaritas on their patio. Included on the menu is a watermelon salad, Korean BBQ short rib and his signature kimchi. Tickets are $50; no walk-ups.
When Life Hands You Lemons @ Kendall College
Toby Sonneman, author of Lemon: A Global History speaks about the fruit's origins and uses today at Kendall College (900 N. North Branch Street) from 10am-noon. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago; free parking, admission $3-5.
St. Demetrios Greek Festival
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church's annual Greek Fest runs this weekend, Aug. 16-18, in the church parking lot, 2727 W. Winona Ave. There's Greek music and dancing and a marketplace, but really this is a festival about food, and there's plenty of it. $2 donation at the door is requested; bring cash for the food and beverage tents. The fest is open from 5pm to 11pm tonight.
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.
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.
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.
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
Chicago Hot Dog Fest @ History Museum
The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., celebrates Chicago Hot Dog Fest today from 11am to 3pm in Uihlein Plaza behind the museum. Get your fill of at least eight variations on the hot dog, plus live blues, games for the kids, and a discussion of hot dog culture with Bruce Kraig and Patty Carroll, authors of Man Bites Dog. Food and non-alcoholic beverage tickets are $2 each or eight for $10, or six for $5 for kids. The first 100 guests receive eight free tickets. Alcohol available at a cash bar. Museum admission is free from 2:30 to 4:30pm.
Slow Food Chicago Dinner @ Mint Creek Farm
Join Slow Food Chicago and chef Mark Payne of the Ritz Carlton for an afternoon of touring Mint Creek Farm, followed by a dinner featuring the season's offerings. Tickets $100 for adults; $50 for kids under 12. Meet at the Greenhouse Bed and Breakfast in Kempton (a 90-minute drive south of the city) at 2:30pm.
Taste of Andersonville Dinner Crawl
Sample some of Andersonville's finest eats at the Taste of Andersonville Dinner Crawl, which kicks off tonight at 6pm at the Swedish American History Museum, 5211 N. Clar. Choose the Salt, Pepper, or both (aka the Whole Enchilada) routes, which will take you to places like m. henry, Lady Gregory's, Svea, and Hamburger Mary's. Tickets $25-45.
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.
BLACK MASS @ Jerry's Andersonville
Jerry's Sandwiches, 5419 N. Clark St., holds a "black mass" benefit tonight at 7pm for bartender Shay, to pay for brain surgery to remove a "black mass" found in his brain. The bar will feature dark beers from Goose Island, North Coast, Founders, Jolly Pumpkin, Revolution, Ballast Point, Begyle, Atlas and more. Black metal will play, and they're screening occult movies. It's free admission, pay as you go, and all profits and tips will be donated to Shay. More details on Facebook. 21+
Finch's 2nd Birthday BBQ Bash
Finch's Beer Co., 4565 N. Elston Ave., is holding a barbecue to celebrate its second birthday, and it's open to the public from 3 to 6pm. In addition to its own beers, Finch's will be tapping guest kegs from Pipeworks, Revolution, Lake Effect, Haymarket Pub & Brewery and Metropolitan. You're welcome to bring your own stuff for the grill, as well. RSVP on Facebook. Free, 21+
2013 COUNTRY Chef Challenge @ Daley Plaza
This seventh annual COUNTY Chef Challenge competition among local chefs, held in the name of highlighting seasonal produce and encouraging locals to shop at farmers' markets, will feature a cook-off between Chicago chefs Jared Van Camp (Executive Chef of Nellcote), Beverly Kim Clark (former Top Chef Contestant), and Thai Dang (Executive Chef of Embeya) right in the Daley Plaza market from 11am to 1pm. More information on this free event can be found here.
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.
UN86'd Pig Roast @ Homestead
Homestead, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. (above Roots Pizza), hosts a fundraiser dinner for UN86'd, a nonprofit raising money to help hospitality workers in need, tonight from 7 to 10pm. Admission is $40 at the door, and includes an all-you-can eat pig roast and a buffet of sides prepared by Homestead executive chef Chris Curren and chef de cuisine Chris "Chip" Davies; one specialty cocktail featuring Templeton Rye created by Homestead beverage director Benjamin Schiller; one specialty cocktail featuring Ford's Gin created by Homestead beverage director Benjamin Schiller; one Goose Island Matilda beer; and one ticket for a raffle featuring gift certificates and git baskets from area restaurants and bars. Additional raffle tickets are $1 each.
With Food at the Center Dinner @ City Farm
A group of workers from the Resource Center's Food Recovery Program, which helps get unused food from stores and restaurants into hunger relief groups (soup kitchens, pantries, etc.) get honored for their efforts tonight at a dinner held at City Farm (1204 N. Clybourn, 5:30pm). The grub will be prepared by Fig Catering; admission $150.
Fork and the Road: Sabor a South America
Fork and the Road bicycling food tours takes a trip through South American cuisine today. The tour departs from Kitchen Sink Café, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave., at 11am and visits a Brazilian market, a Peruvian restaurant and a Columbian bakery on a ~17-mile route. Advance registration is required; tickets are $50 per person.
Pierogi Fest
It's in nearby (~20 miles) Whiting, Indiana, but the Pierogi Fest is an experience all Chicagoans need to have. If you love the Polish delight, this three day festival for you. Runs Friday and Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday 11am-5pm at East 119th and Indianapolis Blvd.
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.
D.A.S. Preview @ Table, Donkey and Stick
D.A.S. (who will be providing the food for The Radler, which is slated to open soon), previews their skills in a collaboration with Table, Donkey and Stick (2728 W. Armitage) tonight in an eight-course meal of carpaccio, chicken, and goat. Cost $75.
Green City Market Chef BBQ
The Green City Market's annual Chef's BBQ Benefit is tonight from 5:30 to 8pm at the south end of Lincoln Park, near 1815 N. Clark St. Enjoy food prepared by some of the city's top chefs -- and this year, there's also Green City Cocktails to go along with the food (the bar is open from 5 to 8). Tickets are $125 or $250 for VIP admission; kids under 12 get in for $25.
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.
Reno + Middlewest Dinner Collaboration
The minds behind Middlewest team up with Reno (2607 N Milwaukee) tonight for an evening of dishes inspired by the new culinary publication. Tickets $30-45; event runs 6-10pm.
Square Roots Festival
The Square Roots Festival returns to Lincoln Square, on Lincoln Avenue between Wilson and Montrose, July 12-14. The festival features more than 60 musical acts on four stages (two outdoors, two indoors at the Old Town School of Folk Music), art and craft vendors, local food purveyors and breweries pouring more than 30 beers. The festival runs from noon to 8pm today. Suggested donation for admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors, and $20 for families.
Windy City Smokeout
The intersection of Rush and Illinois gets drenched in sauce beginning today (12-9pm) and over the weekend at the Windy City Smokeout. Entertainment and a bevy of BBQ joints (Smoque, Bub City, Lillie's Q, etc.) are on the bill. Admission $30/day, $60 for entire three days (does not include food/drink costs; this had better be good).
Chaos Summer Brew-BQ
The Chaos Brew Club homebrewers association holds its annual Summer Brew-BQ today from 4 to 11pm at the clubhouse, 1329 W. Grand Ave. (enter from alley). Enjoy barbecue brisket prepared by Burnin' BBQ, and sample a variety of home-brewed beers. Open to members only, but a Chaos Brew Club trial membership is only $25... hint, hint. 21+
Gapers Block Hot Dog Cookoff @ Schubas
The Gapers Block Hot Dog Cookoff is in the parking lot at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., today from 2 to 7pm. Sample Vienna Beef hot dog-based creations from Kuma's Corner, Fat Rice, Harmony Grill, The Haute and The Dog and ManBQue and vote on your favorites for the People's Choice award. A panel of hot dog experts including Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's, David Lissner "The Food Dude" and Bruce Kraig, author of Man Bites Dog, will also judge who put the hot dog to the most unique and tasty use.
One $20 ticket gets you tasting portions of all the chefs' creations and the chance to rub shoulders with Chicago's hot dog authorities; children are $10. There will also be a cash bar, drink specials, raffle prizes and music. Proceeds will benefit Reach Out and Read Illinois, an early childhood literacy organization. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door.
Bubbly Creek Barrel Brawl
Homebrewer's Pride of the Southside and Horse Thief Hollow present the Bubbly Creek Barrel Brawl, a homebrewed beer competition, today at 1pm at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St. Join the Barrel Brawl Society for $25 and help judge the beers with your souvenir tasting glass. 21+
Windy City Smokeout
The intersection of Rush and Illinois gets drenched in sauce today (12-10pm) and tomorrow at the Windy City Smokeout. Entertainment and a bevy of BBQ joints (Smoque, Bub City, Lillie's Q, etc.) are on the bill. Admission $30/day, $60 for entire event (does not include food/drink costs; this had better be good).
Square Roots Festival
The Square Roots Festival returns to Lincoln Square, on Lincoln Avenue between Wilson and Montrose, July 12-14. The festival features more than 60 musical acts on four stages (two outdoors, two indoors at the Old Town School of Folk Music), art and craft vendors, local food purveyors and breweries pouring more than 30 beers. The festival runs from noon to 10pm today. Suggested donation for admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors, and $20 for families.
Tour de Fat @ Palmer Square
Comedian/musician Reggie Watts and Mucca Pazza will delight and infotain at today's Tour de Fat, which celebrates beer and bicycles. Event sponsored by New Belgium Brewery; admission free. Runs 10am-5pm at Palmer Square, which runs between Kedzie and Humboldt on Palmer Avenue.
The Nosh at Wicker Park
The Nosh at Wicker Park, a new "weekly, outdoor artisan food festival," kicks off today in the Pritzker School parking lot, 2009 W. Schiller St., from 11am to 6pm and runs every Saturday through October or so. Shop more than 20 local food vendors. Admission is free.
Chicago's Bold BBQ History @ Kendall College
Jared Leonard of Rub BBQ Company grills poetic about the the city's history of BBQ today at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch, 10am-noon. Samples included, naturally. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago; admission $3-5.
Food on the Brain Seminar @ Gleacher Center
Want to know what is going on in your mind grapes when you're eating? Jealousy? Envy? Science-y stuff? The UC Graham School is offering a seminar this Saturday at the Gleacher Center (10am-4pm, 450 N Cityfront Plaza Dr, admission $115) called "Food on the Brain" that examines the impact that food has on your brain, with neuroradiologist Chris Buckle and food and wine consultant Dawn Welsh at the helm.
Square Roots Festival
The Square Roots Festival returns to Lincoln Square, on Lincoln Avenue between Wilson and Montrose, July 12-14. The festival features more than 60 musical acts on four stages (two outdoors, two indoors at the Old Town School of Folk Music), art and craft vendors, local food purveyors and breweries pouring more than 30 beers. The festival runs from 5 to 10pm tonight. Suggested donation for admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors, and $20 for families.
Windy City Smokeout
The intersection of Rush and Illinois gets drenched in sauce beginning today (3-10pm) and over the weekend at the Windy City Smokeout. Entertainment and a bevy of BBQ joints (Smoque, Bub City, Lillie's Q, etc.) are on the bill. Admission $30/day, $60 for entire three days (does not include food/drink costs; this had better be good).
Tour de Fat Pre-Party @ Happy Village
Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave., hosts a New Belgium Brewery pre-party for Saturday's Tour de Fat beginning at 7pm tonight. Enjoy $3 New Belgium cans, $4 Blue Paddle pints and $6 Paardebloem pints, play rolle bolle (Belgian-style bocce), and enter to win a New Belgium cruiser bike. No cover, 21+.
Low-Line Market
The Low-Line Market, a prepared food and farmers market, opens for the first time today from 4 to 8pm at the Southport Brown Line stop, across the street from the station house. Shop more than a dozen vendors.
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.
Taste of Chicago Begins
Food, crowds and heat intersect at this four-day celebration of all things Chicago, which kicks off at 11am today at Grant Park. Free admission (but the food tickets and entertainment will cost you!).
Windy City RibFest
Ribs take over the Lawrence and Broadway intersection this weekend, July 5-7 for the Windy City RibFest. Entertainment, arts and crafts for the kids, and of course, the ribs are part of the occasion. The festival is open from noon to 9pm today. Suggested admission $5.
Windy City RibFest
Ribs take over the Lawrence and Broadway intersection this weekend, July 5-7 for the Windy City RibFest. Entertainment, arts and crafts for the kids, and of course, the ribs are part of the occasion. The festival is open from noon to 10pm today. Suggested admission $5.
Taste of Lakeview
Lincoln and Belmont turns into a street fest of food, bands and a craft market today (Noon-10pm) and tomorrow (Noon-9pm).
Windy City RibFest
Ribs take over the Lawrence and Broadway intersection this weekend for the Windy City RibFest, which starts at 5pm tonight (Saturday, noon-10pm; Sunday, noon-9pm). Entertainment, arts and crafts for the kids, and of course, the ribs are part of the occasion. Suggested admission $5.
Wine Tastings at Provenance Food & Wine
Provenance Food and Wine, 2312 West Leland Avenue in Lincoln Square, will host its weekly *free* wine tasting. The informal, open-house event starts at 6pm and goes until 8pm. While you're there enjoying the fruit of the vine, check out some of the shop's gourmet items, including Gary Poppins Popcorn, Smoke Daddy BBQ sauces and Salted Caramel Sweet & Savory Confections. For any questions, give them a call at 773-784-2314.
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.
Publican Quality Meats Grilling Series
Publican Quality Meats (825 W. Fulton Market Street ) gets their grill on today from 3-7pm for your meat-y pleasure, with Jared Van Camp and Ray Stanis of Nellcote assisting them. Avocado salsa, grilled marinated mushroom, Alaskan halibut, squash salad, and mortadella and provolone hot dogs await you. Zoinks!
Hot Doug's Book Release @ Open Books
Doug Sohn, proprietor of sausage superstore Hot Doug's, celebrates the release of his book, Hot Doug's: The Book, with a reading and signing today at 10am at Open Books, 213 W Institute Pl. Admission is free (the book is not), and refreshments will be served.
Feed Chicago Artists @ Starving Artist 2013
Art and food combine tonight at the Chicago Artists Coalition's annual benefit, Starving Artist 2013. Chefs from Fat Rice, Siena Tavern, Longman and Eagle, and Belly Q join some of Chicago's leading visual artists to create edible installations. Tickets are $50 for artists/arts administrators and $100 for general admission until June 15. All proceeds support CAC's programs and the Maker Grant, which provides critical unrestricted support for a local Chicago artist. If anything, go for the Taco Battle between Big Star and Antique Taco.
Let's Get Canned: A Homey History of Preserving @ Kendall College
Author and canning expert Sherry Brooks Vinton talks about the roots (no pun intended) and evolution of canning today at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch, from 10-noon. Admission $3-5; event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago.
Chicago Craft Beer Festival
The second annual Chicago Craft Beer Festival at St. Michael's Church, 1633 N. Cleveland Ave., is sold out on Saturday, but tickets are still available for today's festivities, which run from 1 to 9pm. Sample more than 100 beers from around the world while enjoying live music by Robbie Fulks. Tickets are $35, or $5 at the door if you're not drinking. 21+
Oreo Stacking Contest @ Tastee Freez
Tastee-Freez, 2815 W. Armitage Ave., hosts an Oreo stacking contest from 1pm to 5pm today. Sign up at the stand. Free.
Mash Tun Festival
Beer journal Mash Tun holds its third annual Mash Tun Festival today from 2 to 6pm at the Bridgeport Art Center 1200 W. 35th St. Sample over 60 beers from more than two dozen beers as well as Angel's Envy whiskey, pick up a copy of Mash Tun's third issue, and screenprint a t-shirt with Teetsy. Tickets are $45 in advance; no walk-ins. 21+
Sweet Summer Solstice Potluck @ Rancho Verde
Celebrate summer solstice at Christy Webber Landscaping's HQ, dubbed "Rancho Verde" (2900 W. Ferdinand Street) with Slow Food Chicago starting at 6:30pm. Bring a dish and $15 for admission, which gets you a main course, breads, drinks, entertainment and raffle prizes.
Summer Solstice BBQ @ Growing Power
Celebrate summer solstice with BBQ (they even have meatless dishes for the veggies/vegans), lemonade and birthday belly rubs for house goat Billy Ray Valentine tonight at Growing Power, 3333 S. Iron, from 5-9pm. Tickets $25-100.
Half Acre/New Belgium Collab Dinner @ Hopleaf
Chicago's Half Acre and Ft. Collins, CO's New Belgium are collaborating on a beer this weekend, and to celebrate they're throwing a beer dinner at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight at 7pm. The five-course meal will be paired with the two breweries beers (including a blend of Daisy Cutter and Biere de Mars). Tickets are $85 per person, which includes tax and tip. 21+
Somm Showing with Alpana Singh @ Music Box
SOMM, a documentary that follows four people in their journey to become a master sommelier, ends a nearly weeklong run at the Music Box, 3733 N. Southport Ave., tonight at 6:30pm. Master sommelier, restaurateur and local media personality Alpana Singh will be on hand to answer questions about the love of the wine beforehand; you'll even get a glass to enjoy during the film. Admission $20.
Real Men Cook
The 24th annual Real Men Cook Father's Day event is today from 3 to 6pm at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 1250 W. 119th St. Enjoy all-you-can-eat food, live gospel music, kids events and more. Sausage King of Chicago competition benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
Noon - Sorry for Partying
2pm - Chicago Blues Allstars
4:10pm - Mathien
6pm - JakTripper
8pm - Trippin Billies
SausageFest
SausageFest runs today and Sunday from noon to 10pm at Addison and Sheffield. Enjoy encased meats from a variety of vendors, cold beer and live music; today's schedule is below. Proceeds of the Sausage King of Chicago competition benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
Noon - According to Sarah
1:30pm - Sausage King Crowning Ceremony
2pm - Polkaholics
4pm - Fortunate Sons
6pm - Modern Day Romeos
8pm - Rock Candy
Les Dames Culinary Cake Walk and Garage Sale @ Kendall College
Les Dames d'Escoffier holds a garage sale of culinary wares donated by local chefs and a cake walk--the best walk of all--today at 10am at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch. To get in on the good stuff costs $75 (early entry 10am); general admission starts at 11am; admission $5. Events runs until 2pm. Proceeds benefit the Dames' scholarship fund and the Green City Market.
Wisconsin Foods and the Stories They Tell @ Kendall College
Author & President of the Culinary History Enthusiasts of Wisconsin Terese Allen talks about the food traditions of our neighbors to the north--Friday fish frys, wild rice, cream puffs, etc.--at Kendall College (900 N. Branch) today from 10am-noon. Free parking; cost $3. Event sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago.
UCP Great Chefs Gala @ Sheraton
Some of Chicago's best chefs team up for an evening of eating, drinking and schmoozing to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago. Event runs 5-9pm at the Sheraton, 301 E. North Water.
Comfort Food Potluck @ Comfort Station
Do you have a favorite dish that reminds you of home? Make it as you remember it (no modern renovations, no foo-fooing it up) and bring it to this inventive potluck for sharing and discussing food with your fellow nostalgians. Event runs 4-6pm at the Comfort Station (Logan and Milwaukee). RSVP required. Plates and cutlery will be provided. Donations to support the event and Comfort Station are requested.
No Dessert Left Behind @ Little Goat
:Many of the city's best places (among them Avec, Katherine Anne Confections, and Big Jones) will be selling their sweet treats in the name of ending hunger at today's No Dessert Left Behind, which runs 10am-3pm at Little Goat, 820 W. Randolph. Proceeds go to Share Our Strength.
Bon Appétit's Logan Square Evening Grub Crawl
Bon Appétit sponsors an evening of touring some of Logan Square's finest eateries (Billy Sunday, Telegraph, Reno, and Jam); you'll eat, drink, get some live entertainment, etc. Cost is $149; tour runs 6-10pm and begins at the Logan Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie.
Bon Appétit's West Loop Afternoon Grub Crawl
Bon Appétit sponsors an afternoon of touring some of the West Loop's finest eateries (Nellcôte, RM Champagne Salon, Avec, Blackbird, & Embeya); you'll eat, drink, get some live entertainment, etc. Cost is $149; tour begins at noon at Nellcôte (833 W. Randolph).
Ribfest Chicago
You know that summer has finally hit when Ribfest comes around. Tonight kicks off the 15th annual Ribfest Chicago at the the intersection of Lincoln Avenue, Irving Park and Damen. There will be all the ribs your finger-lickin' hands can get a hold of, including an amateur rib eating contest at 6pm, and live music. The fest continues throughout the weekend. $5 suggested donation.
Low-Line Market
The Low-Line Market, a prepared food and farmers market, opens for the first time today from 4 to 8pm at the Southport Brown Line stop, across the street from the station house. Shop more than a dozen vendors.
Taco Truck Throwdown
Head to the West Loop for a Taco Truck Throwdown featuring food trucks from Big Star and The Salsa Truck as they serve up tasty tacos for your love and culinary devotion. A $10 donation at the door benefits Rock For Kids, providing music education for at-risk youth in Chicago. The event takes place at The Garage, 116 N. Aberdeen St. (just south of Randolph St.) Take the CTA Green Line to the new Morgan-Lake stop, just blocks away. Learn more, RSVP on Facebook. Event takes place 5:30pm-8pm.
From Cuts to Cult: Chicago Meat Past to Present
Visit several residents of the Fulton Meatpacking District today--a meat packer, a butcher, and a cutlery store, followed by a charcuterie tasting at Publican Quality Meats--on this walking tour of the area, sponsored by Chicago Detours. Cost $125; events runs 1:30-4:30pm. Reservations required.
ManBQue Wing Warfare
ManBQue is working on a book, and they're holding events to collect recipes. This Thursday, you're invited to show off your best grilled chicken wing recipe at a "MEATing" tonight at 7pm at the Convent, 1714 S. Racine Ave.
Chef Rick Bayless does a cooking demo at the Green City Market, 1790 N. Clark St., at 10:30am. Free.Rick Bayless @ Green City Market
Connect the Hops Beer/Bike Tour
Beer and bikes are a winning combination at this daylong pub crawl on wheels, visiting places like Revolution Brewery, Half Acre, Goose Island, and Haymarket (a few of them will have some special tastings on hand for you, too). Event costs $15 per person (covers tips for brewers and your own souvenir bottle) and begins 10am; registration required.
Wet Hot American Summer @ Logan Theatre
The Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave., screens Wet Hot American Summer at 11:35pm tonight. Tickets are $7.
Celebrating Real Women Of Craft Beer @ Riverview Tavern
Women's Beerpowerment is on tap starting at 6:30pm at Riverview Tavern (1958 W. Roscoe). Women employees of Two Brothers Brewing, Goose Island, Rock Bottom Chicago, Lagunitas, Greenbush Brewing, Metropolitan, 4 Paws Brewery, Temperance Brewing and Bottles and Cans will be on hand to talk shop, a screening of The Love of Beer (which chronicles the lives of three women brewers), along with tap specials AND a lady-made brew for the occasion. A portion of beer sales benefits Dress for Success. Event is part of Chicago Craft Beer Week.
Northwest Side Craft Beer Ride
Lake Effect Brewing hosts the Northwest Side Craft Beer Ride tonight starting at 6pm. Show up at any participating location -- McGills Bar and Grill, 4553 N .Pulaski Rd.; Golden Crust Pizza, 4620 N. Kedzie Ave.; Paddy Macs, 4157 N. Pulaski Rd.; Fischman Liquors, 4780 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Hops and Barley, 4359 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Sidekicks, 4424 W. Montrose Ave.; Independence Tap, 3932 W. Irving Park Rd.; and Rabbit's Bar and Grill, 4945 W. Foster Ave. -- and enjoy beers from Lake Effect Brewing, Church Street Brewing, Pipeworks Brewing Company, Spiteful Brewing, Begyle Brewing, Flesk Brewing, Ale Syndicate, Lagunitas Brewing Company and Argus Brewing and meet the brewers from each. A shuttle bus takes you from bar to bar. Tickets are $20; beers extra. 21+
Burgundy Snail Dinner @ Blackbird
Blackbird joins forces with the Snailman (aka Douglas Dussault of snail purveyor Potironne Company) to bring you a five-course meal complete with burgundy pairings to celebrate National Escargot Day. It should slither along at a nice pace (see what I did there?). Event begins at 7pm at Blackbird, 619 W. Randolph. Tickets $125; RSVP required.
Beer & Buttons @ Ground Control
Join Busy Beaver Button Co. for a night of buttons and beer at Ground Control, 3315 W. Armitage Ave., tonight from 6 to 8pm. Sample Ground Control's vegan menu, a $4 Brooklyn Brewery beer special, and buttons from Busy Beaver Button Co. Plus, meet Andrew Maxson of Brooklyn Brewery and get free Brooklyn Brewery samples and swag. RSVP to buttons@busybeaver.net. 21+
Heather Terhune @ Green City Market
Chef Heather Terhune of Sable Kitchen & Bar does a cooking demo at the Green City Market, 1790 N. Clark St., at 10:30am. Free.
Zoe Schor @ Green City Market
Chef Zoe Schor of Ada Street does a cooking demo at the Green City Market, 1790 N. Clark St., at 10:30am. Free.
Agroterrorism: Food Poisoning Brought to a New Level @ Chicago History Museum
This won't be scary, I'm sure: poisons expert Dr. Jerrold Leikin of NorthShore Health System talks about how food has been used as a weapon of bioterrorism today at the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark), 10am-noon. Cost $3-$5; email to RSVP. Event sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago.
Beer Under Glass @ Garfield Park Conservatory (SOLD OUT)
Enjoy beer and small plates tonight from 6:30-9:30pm at the fine Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N. Central Park) courtesy of the Illinois Brewers Guild. Haymarket, Fountainhead, Goose Island and Gotta B Crepes will be in attendance. Event is part of Chicago Craft Beer Week. Tickets $45-75; includes souvenir glass.
Chicago Craft Beer Week Begins
Celebrate the beauty and strength of beer at the many citywide events planned for this weeklong fete. Specials, flights, theme dinners and other events await you.
Daley Plaza Farmers Market
The Daley Plaza Farmers Market opens for the season today. Shop for fresh produce under the Picasso from 7am to 3pm every Thursday through October 31.
Avondale Restaurant Crawl
Taste some of Avondale's finest grub (Chief O'Neill's Irish Pub; Honey Butter Fried Chicken; Jaiyen Sushi; Dragon Lady Lounge; The Pork Shoppe; Square Bar; The Beer Temple; Urban Belly; and The Orbit Room) on a convenient trolley from 6-8pm. Tickets $20. Members of the wonderful site Forgotten Chicago will be on hand to talk about the neighborhood's roots.
#FoodieChats 2-Year Celebration @ Rockit
#FoodieChats, the Twitter hashtag discussion group, celebrates its second anniversary with a party at Rockit Bar & Grill, 22 W. Hubbard St., tonight from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Admission is $46, which gets you dinner sampling dishes from Sunda, Ay Chiwowa and Rockit, and Absolut cocktails. Proceeds benefit No Kid Hungry. 21+
1893 World's Fair--2013 Style @ Hotel Burnham
It's the 120th anniversary of the World's Columbian Exposition, so head to the Atwood Cafe in the Hotel Burnham (how fitting!) tonight for a multi-course meal that reflects the food of the time, as well as a history lesson from Chicago History Museum staff (who is sponsoring the event). Tickets $85-95. Cocktails start at 5:30pm; dinner at 6pm.
Peterson Garden Project Plant Sale
The Peterson Garden Project holds a plant sale this weekend, May 10-12, at 4642 N. Francisco Ave. from 10am to 4pm. Pick up organic heirloom vegetable and herb seedlings, gardening supplies and baked goods from local pastry chefs. See a list of what plants will be available here. Proceeds go to Peterson Garden Project classes.
The Mothers in the Mills Benefit @ John Barleycorn
Help out breeder dogs used in puppy mills tonight from 6:30-10:30pm at John Barleycorn (149 W. Kinzie). A buffet dinner, drinks, music, and an auction/raffle are on the bill. Tickets $100-125.
American Beer Classic
The American Beer Classic runs two sessions at Soldier Field today -- one from noon to 4pm, the other from 6 to 10pm, with VIP access beginning an hour earlier. Sample beers from more than 80 breweries, attend educational sessions, and enjoy live music and a festival atmosphere. Tickets to Session 1 are sold out, but tickets for Session 2 are $60 in advance, $70 at the door and VIP tickets for either session are $110. Designated driver tickets are $30.
Oak Park's Great Food Truck Rally
Oak Park's Great Food Truck Rally brings together at least a dozen food trucks from noon to 6pm in the parking lot of Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St. in Oak Park. Admission is free.
Peterson Garden Project Plant Sale
The Peterson Garden Project holds a plant sale this weekend, May 10-12, at 4642 N. Francisco Ave. from 10am to 4pm. Pick up organic heirloom vegetable and herb seedlings, gardening supplies and baked goods from local pastry chefs. See a list of what plants will be available here. Proceeds go to Peterson Garden Project classes.
Peterson Garden Project Plant Sale
The Peterson Garden Project holds a plant sale today through Sunday, May 10-12, at 4642 N. Francisco Ave. from 10am to 4pm. Pick up organic heirloom vegetable and herb seedlings, gardening supplies and baked goods from local pastry chefs. See a list of what plants will be available here. Proceeds go to Peterson Garden Project classes.
Good v. Evil: Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert @ Auditorium Theater
Celebchefs Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert duke it out tonight at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy. at 7:30pm. Tickets $35-150. The smugness is free.
Nelson Algren's Wild Watering Holes (SOLD OUT)
Revisit the Wicker Park bars that defined the work of author Nelson Algren with the Chicago History Museum (and writer/historians Paul Durica and Bill Savage). Tour runs 7-10pm; tickets $30-35.
The Dinner Party @ City Winery
The Dinner Party talk show with a meal returns to City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., tonight at 6:30pm. This month's show features Chef Sean Pharr of NoMI, Lin Brehmer of WXRT, socialite Candace Jordan, Timeline Theatre Associate Director Nick Bowling and host Elysabeth Alfano. Tickets are $35.
Wine Riot @ Union Station
Learn more about the selection and tasting of wine at this two-day event in the Great Hall of Union Station. Over 250 wines, interactive learning booths, crash courses in types of wine, and entertainment are on the bill. Event is 1-5pm and 7-11pm. Tickets $60.
Recipes for Domesticity @ Regenstein Library
Join curator Julia Gardner at U of C's Regenstein Library (1100 E. 57th St. at 10am for a special tour of their exhibit "Recipes for Domesticity: Cookery, Household Management, and the Notion of Expertise." Cost $3 (free for U of C folks); event sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago.
Key Ingredient Cook-Off @ Bridgeport Art Center
The Reader sponsors an evening of food centered around five ingredients at its Key Ingredient Cook-Off at the Bridgeport Art Center (1200 W. 35th St.) tonight (7-10pm). A gaggle (26 to be exact) of chefs from places like Perennial Virant, NoMI, El Ideas, and Fat Rice will be competing for your vote. Your $65 ticket gets you cocktails from Scofflaw, beer, wine, and tasting portions.
Wine Riot @ Union Station
Learn more about the selection and tasting of wine at this two-day event in the Great Hall of Union Station. Over 250 wines, interactive learning booths, crash courses in types of wine, and entertainment are on the bill. Event is 7-11pm tonight; 1-5pm and 7-11pm tomorrow. Tickets $60.
Michael Pollan and Monica Eng @ Harris Theater
Food policy writer Michael Pollan and Tribune food writer Monica Eng appear at the Harris Theater tonight as part of the Chicago Community Trust's 98th anniversary celebration. Event begins at 5pm; tickets $125.
Chicago Hearts Boston @ Taco Joint
Taco Joint, 158 W. Ontario Ave., hosts a benefit for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing tonight from 8pm to 1am. Chicago bartender Liz Pierce and Jacy de Oliveira guest-bartend for the first two hours, making drinks they'll serve at the Speedrack national finals. Then Joy Richard and Sabrina Kershaw of Citizen Pub/Franklin Restaurant Group in Boston serve cocktails from some of Boston's top bars from 10pm on. Tickets are $20 and cover all food and drink, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the One Fund Boston. RSVP to Daniel at dan@highproofchicago.com. 21+
Recipe for Success @ U of C Law School
If you're interested in shutting down your thriving medical practice (or quitting your insurance paperwork-processing gig) and starting your own food truck, the Institute for Justice (which has been a huge advocate for the city's food truck vendor community) is holding a daylong workshop this Saturday at the U of C Law School (1111 E. 60th St.) for newbies to the game. Topics covered are how to navigate licensing, hiring, marketing, and business strategies; meals included. Registration required; event is free to attend.
Dining Out for Life
A slew of fantastic restaurants (among them Longman & Eagle, Big Jones, and Sola) will donate a portion of their proceeds from today's meal sales (breakfast, lunch or dinner, if applicable) to Edge Alliance as part of Dine Out for Life, a nationwide event to support AIDS-related service organizations.
NRDC Earth Day Craft Beer Tasting @ Galleria Marchetti
Drink beer in the name of Mother Earth tonight at Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie, from 6-9pm. Your $50 ticket gets you a lotta beer (from Half Acre, Finch's, Goose Island, Revolution, and Barrington's Wild Onion Brewery), appetizers, a souvenir glass, and the good feeling that you're helping the environment.
Whiskey Barrel-Aged Beer Fest @ Delilah's
Delilah's, 2771 N. Lincoln Ave., kicks off a week of events leading up to Whiskeyfest with a tasting of beers aged in whiskey barrels, beginning at noon today. Beers from more than 50 breweries will be on tap. No cover, $20 for 20 sample tickets. 21+
Pinot Days @ Navy Pier
Taste over 100 types of your new fave wine pinot noir today at Pinot Days, which will be held at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand, 2-5pm. Admission $75.
Baconfest @ UIC (SOLD OUT)
Pork takes over at the UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt) today in two sessions (12:30pm and 6:30pm); tickets sold out.
Sardinian Wine Dinner @ Publican Quality Meats
Taste the food and drink of that little Mediterranean island with Publican Quality Meats (825 W. Fulton Market Street) tonight at a special five-course dinner featuring wines from Cantina Sociale
Oliena vineyard. Cost $75 per person; email or call Grace at 312-496-0012 to
reserve.
Soup & Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 West Wabansia) holds the final Soup and Bread fundraiser tonight from 5:30 to 8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity. This year each week has a theme, and tonight's final one is "the pantry shelf." Cooks include Swim Cafe, Mana Food Bar, Hoosier Mama Pie Co. baker Allison Scott, and staff and dieticians from Vital Bridges. Plus bread from Publican Quality Meats and special end-of-the-season pie and other baked goods! Event is age 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult. Details on Facebook.
Girl Food Dinner @ West Town Tavern
The name is pandering but the cause is good; women chefs from all over the city unite for an evening of lady-made food and drink in the name of benefiting the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Event begins at 5:30pm at West Town Tavern, 1329 W. Chicago; your $150 ticket gets you a five-course meal prepared by Susan Goss of West Town Tavern, Nicole Pederson of Found Kitchen, Laura Piper of Trattoria 10, and Jessica Oloroso of Black Dog Gelato.
International Tom Hanks Day
Celebrate the day of Hanks--not that rapscallion NU student Chet Haze, but his far more affable, talented dad Tom--at two side-by-side bars (Uncle Fatty's, 2833 N. Sheffield, and Headquarters Beercade, 950 W. Wolfram) today starting at noon. Drinks, raffles, movies starring Tom played on heavy rotation, and more drinks await you. The event is also a benefit for one of Hanks' favorite charities, Lifeline Energy, which provides solar-powered media players and radios for people in developing countries. Admission $5.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 West Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30-8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity. This year each week has a theme, and tonight's final one is "Spring Forward." Event is age 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult. See you next year!
Gapers Block Microbrewery (& Distillery!) Crawl
Gapers Block hosts the second-ever Microbrewery (& Distillery!) Crawl, a tour through some of Chicago's best microbreweries and small distilleries, today beginning at noon at Metropolitan Brewery, 5121 N. Ravenswood Ave. (entrance on Winona), and continuing to Koval Distillery, Begyle Brewing, Spiteful Brewing and Atlas Brewing, 2747 N. Lincoln Ave. For $45, you'll get samples of beers and spirits at each stop, and learn about the inner workings of some very different operations. Capacity is capped at 60 people; get your tickets now! Note: Note: Transportation is provided from stop to stop, but will not be returning to Metropolitan. You'll probably want to leave your car at home. 21+
Marcoot Jersey Creamery Dinner @ Jam
It's a multi-course evening of cheese at Jam (3057 West Logan Blvd.) when they team up with downstate Greenville's Marcoot Creamery for tonight's dinner ($50 per person, $15 extra for drink pairings).
Fête Night Market @ Room 1520
This benefit for Fresh Moves has food (La Sirena Clandestina and Ruxbin are among the vendors scheduled to appear), drinks, and shopping all in one place--in this case, Room 1520 (1520 W. Fulton Market). Event runs 5:30-10pm, tickets $5-15.
Municipal Flag Day @ Square One
Join Chicago-based Next Star Vodka at Square One, 1400 S. Michigan Ave., tonight in honor of Municipal Flag Day, a long forgotten holiday honoring the four stars and two stripes. Enjoy samples of Next Star Vodka cocktails, drink specials and more from 4pm to close. No cover. 21+
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 West Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30-8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity. This year each week has a theme, and tonight's is "Chicago vs. Chicago." The Drive-Thru staff will be one of the chefs, so you know you'll have to show! Event is age 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
Family Cooking Class @ Alliance Francaise
If you have or know a child ages 7-10 who loves to cook, team up with them today (2-4pm) and learn how to make cheese and vegetable croquettes at Alliance Francaise, 54 W. Chicago Avenue. Cost $35 for one adult and child; $50 for family (max. 4).
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 West Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30-8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity. This year each week has a theme, and tonight's is "Double A: Alliums and Asparagus." Event is age 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
Saki University
saki, 3716 W. Fullerton Ave., launches its first Saki University "skill share workshop" series today at 3:30pm. Gaslight Coffee Roasters staff will demo brewing setups and offer tips on brewing and tasting from 3:30 to 5pm, then Froilan Landeros of The Recyclery Collective will give a bicycle 101 tutorial from 5 to 7pm. Free.
An Evening of Fish, Fowl and Other Deliciousness @ La Sirena Clandestina
Honey Butter Fried Chicken teams up with La Sirena Clandestina (954 W. Fulton Market) for a collaborative dinner of (natch) fried chicken, pimiento mac and cheese, fried smelt tartar, and other exciting delights tonight. Tickets $55; RSVP required. Call LSC at 312-226-5300 to reserve.
Empty Bottle Farmers Market
The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., hosts a farmers market today from noon to 5pm. Shop more than a dozen local vendors of fresh produce and other goods. Free.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 West Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30-8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity. This year each week has a theme, and tonight's is "Paris vs. Tokyo." Event is age 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
Chicago Chef's Week Begins
Enjoy specially (read: lower) priced lunch ($22) and dinner ($44) menus as part of Chef's Week, which kicks off today and runs through March 22nd. Balena, Perennial Virant and Trencherman are among the impressive list of participants.
Good Food Festival
The Good Food Festival runs March 14-16 at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd. Today's programming begins at 9am and includes a seminar on fermentation by Sandor Katz, workshops on a variety of food topics, a Chef's Kimchi Challenge and an exhibition show featuring more than 150 vendors. Festival passes are $10 in advance, $15 at the door; workshop tickets are $35-75 in advance, $45-90 at the door.
Good Food Festival & Localicious
The Good Food Festival runs March 14-16 at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd. Today's programming begins at 9am and includes panels on food policy and school food, as well as an industry trade show. Then in the evening, from 7 to 9:30pm, Localicious brings together restaurateurs and suppliers for a celebration of locally sourced food and drink.
Registration for today's trade show and panels is $40 in advance, $50 at the door. Tickets for Localicious are $75 in advance, $90 at the door; get a combination pass for all of today's events for $100 in advance or $130 at the door.
Good Food Festival
The Good Food Festival runs March 14-16 at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd. Today's programming begins at 8:30am and revolves around financing for food-related businesses. Registration for today is $95 in advance, $125 at the door.
Dough Masters Featuring Jim Lahey @ Bar Toma
No-knead pizza and bread pioneer Jim Lahey of Sullivan Street Bakery in New York City will be cooking up a few pizzas at Bar Toma, 110 East Pearson, at 6:30 tonight. There will be a brief welcome reception before a family-style meal of antipasti and three of Lahey's pizzas. Tickets are $45 before fees. Lahey's book My Pizza will also be on sale.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 West Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30-8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity. This year each week has a theme, and tonight's is "Noodles, dumplings, and kreplach." Event is age 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
Chowdah Fest @ Columbia Yacht Club
Tonight's benefit for the Sea Scouts features New England's (or Manhattan's, whichever you prefer) finest stew from the hands of such chefs as Giuseppe Trentori of GT Fish and Oyster, Kevin Hickey of Allium, and Three Aces' Matt Troost. Awards will be given by a panel of experts, as well as the audience's favorite. Event runs from 6:30-9:30pm at the Columbia Yacht Club, 111 North Lake Shore Drive. Tickets $40.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 West Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30-8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity. This year each week has a theme, and tonight's is "The Ground." Event is age 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
Here's the Story @ Stage 773
Here's the Story, a storytelling series combined with a potluck is back at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, tonight. Doors open at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm. This month's featured performers include Ian Belknap of Write Club, author Paulette McDaniels, musical duo River Rising, and actress Audrey Flegel. There is also an opportunity to sign up for open mic slots, to be drawn. Tickets are $8 or free if you bring a dish to share for the potluck. Buy tickets here.
Artisan Food Warehouse Sale @ The Scrumptious Pantry
Logan Square's "hierloom-focused gourmet food shop," The Scrumptious Pantry (3230 W. Fullerton), hosts a warehouse sale today from 11am - 2pm. Come by to peruse products from some of Chicago's highest-quality artisans and foragers and come away with some unique condiments, baked goods, and snacks at highly discounted prices! The event is free and complimentary virgin Bloody Marys will be served.
Soup & Bread @ FitzGerald's
FitzGerald's Nightclub, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., hosts a new monthly edition of Soup & Bread beginning tonight at 6pm in the SideBar. Soup chefs include Bodhi Thai Restaurant, Skrine Chops, Sheila Russell and more. Pay what you can.
Divine Dine & Wine
The West Central Association Chamber of Commerce's second annual Divine Dine & Wine event is tonight from 6 to 9pm at VenueOne, 1044 W. Randolph St. Enjoy more than 25 West Loop restaurants, plus wine, beer and cocktails. Tickets are $95 or $125 for VIP, and come with a free subscription to Time Out and a complimentary ride from Uber.
Winter Indulgence Night @ the Grafton
Provenance Food & Wine, Veruca Chocolates team up with the Grafton (4530 N. Lincoln Avenue) for an evening of chocolate, cheese, rum and beer. Your $20 admission gets you four paired "courses" of these lovely snacks and drinks to enjoy while you wait for spring. Event begins at 7pm.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 West Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30-8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity. This year each week has a theme, and tonight's is "NYC vs. LA." Event is age 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
Bourbon and Burton Dinner @ deca
Maple syrup maker Tim Burton (of southern Indiana's Maplewood Farm) teams up with Wirtz Beverage and chef Mark Payne of deca (160 E. Pearson) for tonight's evening of eating (a three-course "Bourbon and Burton"-themed meal) and learning about how Indiana's foodstuffs are making a comeback from author David Hoppe, who will be signing copies of his book Food for Thought: an Indiana Harvest. The meal (which starts at 7:30pm) is $59 per person with cocktail pairings, and it looks delicious: salmon, duck, and banoffee pie to finish.
"Ode to Our Roots" Vegan Beer Dinner @ Revolution Brewery
Five courses (celery, carrot, parsnip, onion and ginger) dedicated to vegan eats--with beer pairings, natch--are on the menu tonight at Revolution Brewery, 2323 N. Milwaukee. Admission $75.
Cleetus Friedman/Dark Horse Release @ Fountainhead
Dark Horse Brewery and Cleetus Friedman release their collaboration beer, I'll Have More Stout, tonight at Fountainhead, 1970 W. Montrose Ave., at 7pm. Many of Friedman's other collaborations will be on tap, including Haymarket Brewery's Rosemary's Red Devil, Two Brothers Testudo, Dark Horse Sasparilla Six, and Vander Mill Sweet 73. More details on Facebook. 21+
Taste of New Orleans @ Barn & Company
Fat Tuesday may have come and gone, but tonight's Pitmaster dinner at Barn & Company (950 W. Wrightwood) sounds like an indulgence well worth the weight (see what I did there?). Your $40 admission gets you a three-course meal of New Orleans' best dishes (po boys, gumbo, etouffee, fried green tomatoes and pecan pie to finish) paired with Jack Daniels cocktails (sazerac!). Event runs 7-9pm; reservations accepted.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 West Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30-8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity. This year each week has a theme, and tonight's is "All things cow-nsidered." Event is age 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
Re-Thinking Soup Honors Edna Lewis @ Hull House
The chef of the legendary Cafe Nicholson gets props at today's Re-Thinking Soup, which begins at noon at Hull House, 800 S. Halsted. One of her recipes will be simmering on the stove, readings of her cookbooks and music are also on the menu. Free.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 West Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30-8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity. This year each week has a theme, and tonight's is "Lust, love, and hate." Event is age 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
The 66th Annual Latke-Hamantash Debate @ UofC
It's normally in November, but the annual Latke-Hamantash Debate sponsored by the University of Chicago has been moved to this evening from 7:30 to 9:30pm at Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St. on the UC campus. Faculty and scholars will do the honor of debating the merits of both foods; perhaps this year it will be decided. Free to attend, but the post-debate reception (where you'll get to sample some of the material under consideration) is $5.
Fat Tuesday party @ Rockit
Enjoy Mardi Gras-themed hors d'oeuvres and a VIP reception tonight from 6-8pm at Rockit, 22 W. Hubbard. The evening benefits non-profit organization, Rock for Kids and will also feature a live performance by Glass Lux. Tickets are $20 and include unlimited drinks and passed apps. They're available for purchase at the door or online. RSVP and more on Facebook.
WinterBrew @ DANK Haus
The Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and the Square Kegs Home Brew Club host the second annual WinterBrew beer festival and homebrew competition today at DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Two sessions, from 2 to 5pm and 7 to 10pm, will feature beer from local breweries including 5 Rabbit, Begyle, Finch, Half Acre, Metropolitan and Revolution, as well as food by the Grafton Pub and Fountainhead and spirits by Koval Distillery. General admission is $10 and includes a 9oz. tasting glass. Drink/food tickets are $1 apiece.
Gapers Block BBQ Bowl
Gapers Block's second annual BBQ Bowl is at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., today! From noon to 3pm, sample ribs by some of the city's top barbecue joints and vote on your favorite. Participating restaurants, including Barn & Company, Harmony Grill, Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, PorkChop, Robinson's, Rub BBQ and more. We'll have live music from Marko Casso, drink specials and a raffle, too. Admission is $20 online or at the door. All ages.
Cider Summit @ Navy Pier
The Cider Summit at Navy Pier brings together cider makers from around the world, offering more than 60 ciders for you to try. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and include a tasting glass and 10 drink tickets; additional drink tickets are $2 apiece. The event is in the Lakeview Terrace Room from 11am to 7pm. 21+
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 West Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30-8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity. This year each week has a theme, and tonight's is "Down under." Event is age 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
artEdge at the MCA
The Museum of Contemporary Art is throwing its annual fundraising benefit, artEdge, on Feb. 2 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event offers guests a decadent evening filled with the romance of the Industrial Age and features a concert by the critically-acclaimed indie pop band, Fitz and the Tantrums.
Attendees will begin their evening with hors d'oeuvres in the Chain-Link Room. They'll then make their way through the Automation Room, Corrugated Room and Chain Room, sampling food from an automated conveyor belt and experiencing live performances curated by Peter Taub, the MCA's Director of Performance Programs.
The event takes place at the MCA Warehouse, 1747 W. Hubbard St. Individual tickets are available for $1,000, which includes the cocktail reception, dinner, dessert reception and concert performance. Table packages begin at $15,000. Concert tickets are available for $150 and include the dessert reception, open bar and concert performance. To purchase tickets, table packages, make reservations, or to inquire about sponsorship, email hhanas@mcachicago.org or call (312) 397-3868.
Third Year Crazy Party @ Revolution Brewery
Come celebrate Revolution Brewery's third birthday with nine food/beer pairings, a souvenir tasting glass, and a 22oz specially brewed bottle for the occasion. Come early (1-4pm) or late (5-8pm) to their brewery (3340 N. Kedzie); tickets $50.
Chicago Restaurant Week
The ten-day affair of specially-priced lunch and/or dinner prix-fixe menu deals all over the city begins today. Blackbird, Sepia and Trencherman are among the 250+ participants.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30-8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity. This year each week has a theme, and tonight's is "Triple B: Beans, Beer, and Bacon." Event is 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
To Øl Beer Tasting @ Northdown Cafe
German "Gypsy brewery" To Øl owners Tobias Emil Jensen and Tore Gynther stop at Northdown Cafe and Taproom, 3244 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 5pm on their world tour. They'll be pouring their Snowball Saison, Goliat Coffee Stout and Walk on Water. More details on Facebook. 21+
Northcenter CSA Night
Interested in signing up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share? Representatives from local CSAs will be on hand at the Epiphany UCC, 2008 W. Bradley from 7-9 pm tonight. The event is sponsored by the Northcenter Neighborhood Association. It is free.
The Dinner Party @ Mayne Stage
Food and culture intersect tonight at Mayne Stage (1328 West Morse) for The Dinner Party. Michael and Patrick Sheerin of the Trencherman will be serving hors d'oeuvres, Vin Divino beings the wine and Vosges the chocolate; a jazz duo opens the evening, followed by art collector Howard Tullman, musician Kelly Hogan and Black Ensemble Theatre Artistic Director Jackie Taylor. They may talk, perform, or just sit there; you'll have to find out yourself. Cocktails at 6:30pm, event begins at 7pm. Tickets $30.
Red Door Chili Cookoff
Red Door, 2118 N. Damen Ave., hosts a chili cookoff tonight at 6pm in support of the "Chicken Freedom Project" by Slagel Family Farms. Chefs Troy Graves of Red Door, Mark Steuer of Carriage House, Matt Troost of Three Aces, John Manion of La Sirena Clandestina, Enoch Simpson of endgrain, Eric Mansavage of Farmhouse, Rob and Allie Levitt of The Butcher & Larder, and Art and Chelsea Jackson of Pleasant House Bakery compete to see whose chili the audience and judge Audarshia Townsend of 312 Dining Diva vote the best. Tickets are $25.
Ramova Room Soup Kitchen @ Benton House
Chicagoist presents the "Ramova Room" Soup Kitchen at the Benton House, 3052 S. Gratten St., tonight from 6 to 9pm. Guest chefs -- including Allium's Kevin Hickey, Bridgeport Pasty Company's of Jay Sebastien and Carrie Clark, Nightwood's Jason Vincent, Pleasant House Bakery's Art Jackson, Vera's Mark Mendez and Zaytune Mediterranean Grill’s Daniel Sarkiss -- will each serve soup in the recreated Ramova Grill dining room at the center. Suggested donation is $10. All proceeds benefit the Benton House's food pantry.
First Bites Bash @ Union Station
Give Chicago Restaurant Week the push-off it so greatly needs tonight at the First Bites Bash, tonight from 6 to 9pm at Union Station, 500 W. Jackson St. Tastings from 50 participating restaurants (among them Baume & Brix and Mercadito), along with beer from Blue Moon and Peroni, are on the bill. Your $95 ticket benefits the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
Everyone Loves Chicken Soup @ Spertus
Spertus' Executive Chef Laura Frankel will prep you for your next cold at the Everybody Loves Chicken Soup class tonight at the Spertus Institute, 610 S Michigan; class begins at 6:30pm, admission $18-25.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30 to 8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity; tonight's charity is the Marjorie Kovler Center. This year each week has a theme, and tonight's is "the ocean." Event is 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
Soul Food Junkies @ Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St., presents a free screening of Soul Food Junkies today from 2pm-4:30pm. The documentary, directed by filmmaker Byron Hurt, examines the history, sociology, culture and health factors associated with African-Americans and soul food. A Q&A with community health activists follows. For more information, call 312-744-6630.
Fire & Ice Party @ Vertigo Sky
Vertigo Sky Lounge at the dana Hotel, 2 W. Erie St., celebrates the relaunch of Fire & Ice, its outdoor rooftop ice bar, with a party from 8pm to midnight tonight. Call 312-202-6060 or email rsvp@vertigoskylounge.com for reservations.
Cask Night @ SmallBar Division
Head over to SmallBar Divison, 2049 W. Division St., at 7pm for a cask tapping tasting from Three Floyds, Solemn Oath, Jolly Pumpkin, Half Acre and Oskar Blues.They also are making available 30 VIP tickets whereby the tastings will come with food pairings and a chance to mingle with the brewers from Three Floyds, Half Acre and Solemn Oath. That portion will run from 5 to 7pm and you can get those tickets here.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30 to 8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity; tonight's is the Irving Park Community Food Pantry. This year each week has a theme, and this one is "our neighbors to the North." Event is 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
Baconfest Satellite Dinner @ Three Aces
Three Aces' chef Matt Troost gets porky with it at tonight's five-course spectacle of bacon, complete with two cocktails and a bourbon-bacon milkshake to boot. Event is $75; doors open at Three Aces (1321 West Taylor) at 6:30pm.
The Frosting on the Filipino Cake @ Kendall College
Maribel Anama of Park Ridge's Mrs. A.'s Cupcakes @ the Pickwick shares her secrets of baking Filipino-influenced treats this morning from 10am-noon at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch. Event sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago; admission $3-5, free parking.
Kulturkueche: Potato Pancakes @ Dank Haus
Learn how to make potato pancakes the right way this evening at Dank Haus, 4740 North Western. Admission $16.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight from 5:30-8pm (or until the soup runs out). Local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots, with (encouraged) donations going to a local food-related charity; this week's is Inspiration Corporation. This year each week has a theme, and this one is "Four Cs: Cumin, Coriander, Cardamom, Cilantro." Event is 21+, but children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
Drunk Monkeys 50th Episode @ Watershed
The Drunk Monkeys video podcast celebrates its 50th episode tonight with a screening and live taping at Watershed, 601 N. State St. (under Pops for Champagne), from 5pm to 7pm tonight. No cover. 21+
Slow Food Chicago's Jelly Workshop @ Kendall College
Ease out of holiday cooking with this jelly-making course tonight at Kendall College (900 North Branch), 6:30-9:30pm. Your $45 fee gets you all the tools needed to sweeten up your future toast. Event sponsored by Slow Food Chicago.
Soup & Bread @ Hideout
Soup & Bread starts its 2013 season tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. This year each week has a theme, and this one is "green." Enjoy fresh soups from Swim Cafe, La Sirena Clandestina, Milk & Honey, Martha Bayne, Wendy Miller and possibly others from 5:30 to 8pm (or whenever the crock pots run out.) Bread supplied by Publican Quality Meats and Rae Hill. Donations accepted, and benefit Casa Catalina Food Pantry. 21+, but children admitted if accompanied by an adult.
New Beer's Eve @ Atlas Brewing
Three new microbreweries, Atlas, Begyle and Lake Effect, celebrate New Year's Eve together at Atlas Brewing Company, 2747 N. Lincoln Ave., starting at 8pm tonight. Enjoy an open bar, hourly beer tappings, food and more. Tickets are $65. 21+
Sit Down & Git Down @ SmallBar Division St.
Reserve your spot for a $100 three-course sit-down meal at 8pm with full drink pairings, including one bottle of bubbly per couple.
At 10pm, doors open for the annual no-cover "git down," featuring music by Dj Intel and Dj Pickel of The Comeups. First come, first serve! At SmallBar Division St, 2049 West Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622.
Wicker Park Flight
You'll tour and sample foods and drinks from four of Wicker Park's best eating holes (Butcher and Larder, Prasino, The Bedford, and Frontier) beginning at 2:30pm; even the chefs will be on hand for questions. Tickets $145.
Dryhop Brewers Tasting @ Northdown Cafe
DryHop Brewers, a soon-to-be-opened gastro-brewpub in Lakeview will be hosting a tasting of their collaboration Black IPA at Northdown from 7pm to 9pm. The first 10 tasters will receive a Belgian snifter to take home and Head Brewer Brant Dubovick will be on hand to talk about their program. Further details here.
FischMas Beer Tasting @ Fischman Liquors
Fischman Liquors & Tavern, 4780 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts its annual FischMas Christmas Beer Tasting today from 2pm to 7pm. Sample 12 Christmas beers from Three Floyds, St. Bernardus, Great Lakes, Anchor, Delerium and more. Food trucks will be serving food outside. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. 21+
"Pastrami on Rye" @ Kendall College
Ted Merwin, associate professor of religion and Judaic studies at Dickinson College, presents "Pastrami on Rye: An Overstuffed History of the Jewish Deli," a lecture on the role and importance of delicatessens in Judaic culture, today at 10am at Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch St. Admission is $3.
Wicker Park Flight
You'll tour and sample foods and drinks from four of Wicker Park's best eating holes (Butcher and Larder, Prasino, The Bedford, and Frontier) beginning at 2:30pm; even the chefs will be on hand for questions. Tickets $145.
Auction @ Charlie Trotter's
The legendary restaurant, which closed in August after 25 years in business, will be selling off its wares today onsite (816 W. Armitage). Everything from the decor to the ovens is on the block; begins at 11am.
Hanukkah Klezmer Brunch @ City Winery
Celebrate the festival of lights at City Winery's Klezmer brunch at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St. Admission $10; grub not included.
Fête Chicago @ Room 1520
This pop-up market (and benefit for Fresh Moves) features vendors hawking food and other holiday gifts and goods as you snack on treats from places such as Hot Chocolate, Old Town Social and Bang Bang Pie. Event runs 6-10pm at Room 1520, 1520 W Fulton. Tickets $5.
Cocktails and Capone @ Chicago History Museum
Prohibition was repealed 79 years ago today--a perfect reason to head to the Chicago History Museum for Cocktails and Capone, which will be an evening of history and fine, fine drinking; Deirdre Capone (great-niece of dear old Al) will be on hand to discuss her infamous relative, along with CHM's John Russick, who will give a nifty history lesson about Prohibition. To top off the festivities, Templeton Rye--the legendary Iowa-based whiskeymakers whose brand was boosted by Capone--will be serving up their finest. What's not to love? Event runs 6-9pm at the CHM, 1601 N Clark; admission $30-40.
Potato Prowess @ Horwich JCC
Chef Laura Frankel of the Spertus Institute will walk you through how to make a monster potato latke at tonight's Potato Prowess class at the Horwich Jewish Community Center, 3003 W Touhy. Event begins at 6:30pm; admission $18-25.
Pop-Up Cheese Salon @ Lux Bar
It doesn't get much better than cheese, and it doesn't get much cheaper than free. Drop by Lux Bar, 18 E. Bellevue Place, tonight at 7 p.m. for a free local and artisanal cheese tasting sponsored by Great American Cheese Collection. Rub elbows with heralded cheesemakers like Jon Loomis from Zingerman's Creamery and Fons Smits from Ludwig Farmstead Creamery, sip on some discounted drinks, and nibble on cheese-centric apps. The event's free, but reservations are required.
The Rice Table @ Vincent
Vincent (1474 W Balmoral) celebrates the intersection of Dutch and Indonesian cuisine tonight at their Rijsttafel ("The Rice Table) event, a multi-course meal which begins at 5:30pm; tickets $45.
Ms. Mint's Holiday Bazaar
Ms. Mint's Holiday Bazaar runs from 4 to 9:30pm tonight at the Goose Island Brewpub, 1800 N. Clybourn Ave. Shop for art and crafts from local artisans, try unique regional foods and spirits, and create custom gift baskets. Admission is free; tasting tickets are $12.
Pastry Chicago Gingerbread House Competition @ Drake
Get in the holiday spirit at Pastry Chicago's Annual Gingerbread House competition this afternoon; the Drake Hotel (140 E Walton) hosts the 2pm judging and viewing ceremony. Snacks and refreshments will be served as you view the competition. Free.
Wicker Park Flight
You'll tour and sample foods and drinks from four of Wicker Park's best eating holes (Butcher and Larder, Prasino, The Bedford, and Frontier) beginning at 2:30pm; even the chefs will be on hand for questions. Tickets $145.
Dan Smyth & Steve McDonagh Book Release
Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh, are doing a reading and tasting tonight at the Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., at 7pm to promote their new cookbook, The New Old Bar: Classic Cocktails and Salty Snacks from the Hearty Boys. Free.
The Dinner Party @ Mayne Stage
The Dinner Party talk show over dinner takes place tonight at the Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. Host Elysabeth Alfano leads a discussion with Peter Sagal of "Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me!", violinist Rachel Barton Pine, actor Tim Kazurinsky and chef Jared Van Camp of Nellcôte. Attendees will join in dinner made by Van Camp, along with wine pairings by Hirtzberger/Vin Divino and chocolate by Vosges. Lynne Jordan performs as the opening act and artist Dmitry Samarov will be sketching live. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Doors open at 6pm, cocktail hour begins at 6:30pm. 21+
A Night of Whiskey, Beer and Music @ City Winery
City Winery, the new music venue/winery/restaurant on Randolph Street, turns itself upside down tonight for a night of Whiskey, Beer and Music. The event features a tasting flight of different bourbons from Heaven Hill Distilleries, paired with some of the venue's favorite craft beers, while three separate alt-country acts provide an appropriate whiskey-drinking soundtrack. Performers include banjoist Danny Barnes, the raucous Waco Brothers, and the Al Scorch Country Soul Ensemble. Tickets range from $18-$22 and doors open at 6pm. Music begins at 8pm. City Winery is located at 1200 W. Randolph Street in the West Loop.
Special Soup & Bread @ Hideout
Soup & Bread holds a special benefit dinner for The Good Fork, a Brooklyn restaurant that was shut down by Hurricane Sandy, tonight at 5pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Soup makers include Bloodshot Records' Rob Miller, Schwa, Lula, Swim Cafe, Milk & Honey and Soup & Bread's own Martha Bayne and Sheila Sachs. Publican Quality Meats is donating the bread, and Kelly Hogan will be making banana pudding. Rob Miller and Jon Langford will DJ. Free to eat, but donations go to help The Good Fork and Restore Red Hook. 21+
Smitten Kitchen Book Signing @ Book Cellar
If you love the cooking website Smitten Kitchen as much as I do, this event is for you. SK's own Deb Perelman appears today at 3pm at the Book Cellar (4736-38 North Lincoln Ave) to sign copies of her new book.
Red Door Animal Shelter Bazaar & Cookie Sale
The Red Door Animal Shelter holds its annual winter bazaar and cookie sale at Warren Park Fieldhouse, 6601 N. Western Ave., today from 11am to 4pm. Sample hundreds of homemade cookies and shop for holiday gifts. Free.
Chicago Fine Chocolate Show
The Chicago Fine Chocolate Show runs Nov. 16-18 on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Sample confections from more than 100 vendors. Admission is $25 for adults (including 15 sample tickets), $10 for children (including five sample tickets). VIP tastings are also available. The festival runs from 9am to 4pm today.
Single Malt Whisky: The Islay 8 @ Kendall College
The final event of the Chicago Food Film Festival gives a spotlight to whisky, with a premiere showing of Whisky: The Inlay Edition, along with several other films, the awards ceremony for the entire film fest, and a full-on Scottish meal prepared by Pleasant House Bakery.and other delights. Tickets $65-85; 7pm VIP admission, 7:30pm everyone else.
Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beer @ Bridgeport Art Center--SOLD OUT
This celebration of beer in casks takes flight today at the Bridgeport Art Center (1200 West 35th Street) in two sessions: 1-5pm and 6-10pm. Drink, drink and be merry.
Chicavo! and Avocado Takedown @ Kendall College
Celebrate all things avocado as part of the Chicago Food Film Festival. Your $45 tickets gets you an array of snacks--pizza, doughnuts, and macarons--paired with films that star them (can you get pizza's autograph afterward?). Plus, you'll be treated to the entries for Matt Timms' Avocado Takedown (1-3pm) in which chefs battle for a $500 prize for the best avocado-laden dish (no guac allowed!).
Chicago Fine Chocolate Show
The Chicago Fine Chocolate Show runs Nov. 16-18 on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Sample confections from more than 100 vendors. Admission is $25 for adults (including 15 sample tickets), $10 for children (including five sample tickets). VIP tastings are also available. The festival runs from 10am to 10pm today.
Thanksgiving in Paris @ Alliance Francaise
Learn how to give your Thanksgiving dinner some class at this morning's cooking class, which runs 10:00am-1:00pm at Alliance Francaise, 54 W Chicago. You'll learn how to "French-ify" turkey, along with butternut squash soup, a root vegetable gratin and an apple pie. C'est magnifique! Admission $70-80 plus a $15 materials fee.
Milwaukee-Style Fish Fry @ Kendall College
The Chicago Food Film Festival goes Sconnie Style tonight with a Milwaukee-style fish fry at Kendall College (900 N Branch); to wash down the grub, you'll see a slew of paired films, such as a documentary about fish fries, sweet potato pie, and pickles. Event begins at 6:30pm; tickets $55-75.
Chicago Fine Chocolate Show
The Chicago Fine Chocolate Show runs Nov. 16-18 on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Sample confections from more than 100 vendors. Admission is $25 for adults (including 15 sample tickets), $10 for children (including five sample tickets). VIP tastings are also available. The festival runs from noon to 10pm today.
Farm to Film to Table @ Kendall College
This benefit for the Good Food Project (and opening soiree for this weekend's Film Food Fest) features food by Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark (who teamed up for the brief second act of Bonsoiree, which closed last month), wines by Frei Brothers, and a slew of good film entertainment. Event is at Kendall College, 900 N Branch; tickets $45-65, begins at 6:30pm.
Andersonville Homebrew Contest @ Mary's Attic
Twenty home beer brewers will compete for the title tonight from 6:30-9:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N Clark. Small bites from Hamburger Mary's, entertainment and a souvenir glass are yours as well! Tickets $15-20. Event benefits the Andersonville Development Corporation.
Sommelier Smackdown @ Spiaggia
Alpana Singh and her sommelier colleagues (among them Shebnem Ince of the Gage and Henri and Aaron Sherman of the Girl and the Goat) host an evening of food and wine pairings that will likely be out of this world--in fact, the theme of the evening is Old World versus New World, with two competitors on each dish, battling it out for the best selection. Tickets $195; event begins at 6:30pm and is at Spiaggia Private Events, 980 N Michigan. Part of the proceeds benefit the Cancer Research Foundation.
Soup & Bread @ Garfield Park Conservatory
Soup & Bread holds a special soup night at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., tonight from 6pm to 8pm. Soup makers include West Town Tavern, Mana Food Bar, City Provisions, Inspiration Kitchens and GB's own Cinnamon Cooper, who will be serving their creations throughout the Conservatory, stationed near key ingredients in their soups. $5 suggested donation benefits the Conservatory and the neighborhood group Breakthrough Urban Ministries.
Ada for the Arts
Ada Street and Facets are team up to present Documentary Shorts by Tom Palazzolo, five short comedic documentaries featuring Chicago's eccentric side, alongside a five-course dinner and drinks. Tickets are $50, and the show starts at 9pm. All proceeds go to Facets (1517 W. Fullerton). Reserve a spot by emailing eboyer@dmkrestaurants.com.
Food & Wine Chef Showcase
The 14th annual FOOD & WINE Chef Showcase returns to Chicago tonight from 6:30-9:30pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. The event will feature dishes from some of the city's best chefs, including Stephanie Izard of Girl & the Goat, paired with wines and spirits from around the world. Tickets are $110 in advance and $125 at the door, 21+.
Dose Market
Dose Market runs from 10am to 4pm today at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St. Shop boutique clothiers, local artisans and gourmet food purveyors -- details here. Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
Beer Hoptacular @ Riverfront Theatre
Celebrate all things hoppy at this event, which runs in two sessions (1:00-4:30pm and 6:00-9:30pm) today/tonight at the Riverfront Theatre, 650 West Chicago. Your $45 admission gets you your fill of the over 100 craft brewers in attendance; you can also vote for your favorite. Music and food will also be there (to absorb the alcohol and make you dance all funny).
Being a Chef: Confit @ Alliance Francaise
Confit (food that has been immersed in a flavor-enhancing substance) gets center stage at today's cooking class, which runs 10:00am-1:00pm at Alliance Francaise, 54 W Chicago. Admission $70-80 plus a $15 materials fee.
Beer Hoptacular @ Riverfront Theatre
Celebrate all things hoppy at this two-day event, which kicks off tonight (6:00-9:00pm) at the Riverfront Theatre, 650 West Chicago. Your $45 admission gets you your fill of the over 100 craft brewers in attendance; you can also vote for your favorite. Music and food will also be there (to absorb the alcohol and make you dance all funny).
Deb Perelman @ The Book Cellar
Renowned food blogger Deb Perelman will be at The Book Cellar (4736 North Lincoln Avenue) today from 3-4:30pm for an informal meet and greet. She will also be signing copies of her debut, The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, which of course, features recipes from her food blog of the same name.
Ada for the Arts
Ada Street and Facets are team up to present Maxwell Street Blues, a film about the history of Maxwell Street and it's impact on Chicago blues, alongside a five-course dinner and drinks at the restaurant, 1664 N. Ada St. Facets Director and NPR contributor Milos Stehlik is featured as guest speaker. Tickets are $50, and the show starts at 9pm. All proceeds go to Facets (1517 W. Fullerton Ave.). Reserve a spot by emailing eboyer@dmkrestaurants.com.
Logan Square Chef's Dinner @ Lula Cafe
Abraham Conlon (the forthcoming Fat Rice), Beverly Kim (ex-Bonsoiree and Top Chef angry doormat/contestant), Johnny Anderes (Telegraph), and Matthias Merges (Yusho) join Lula's Jason Hammel for an evening of eating that benefits the Comfort Station. Your $175 ticket gets you the full package: six courses, wine/cocktails, and even the gratuity. Event takes place at Lula Cafe, 2537 N kedzie; cocktail hour starts at 6pm, dinner at 7pm, and music from local band oRSo at 9:30pm.
United States of Chocolate @ Francis Parker
Learn more about the widening universe of chocolate varieties and purveyors today at Francis Parker School, 2233 N Clark, from noon to 4pm. Discussions and samples await you! Event is part of the Chicago Humanities Festival; admission $5-15.
Grant Achatz @ Francis Parker SOLD OUT
Chef and gastro-god Grant Achatz talks about the philosophy behind his work this morning from 10 to 11am in the auditorium of Francis Parker school, 2233 N Clark. Tickets $5-15. Event sponsored by Chicago Humanities Festival. UPDATE: This event is sold out.
Half Acre Charitable Chili Cook-Off
The fourth annual Half Acre Charitable Chili Cook-Off benefiting Arts of Life kicks off at 5pm tonight at 2010 W. Carroll Ave. Teams will compete against each other for chili supremacy in both meat and vegetarian categories -- and you get to be the judge. You also get to drink Half Acre beer and eat Black Dog gelato and listen to the Arts of Life Band and the The Kodiak Farm Boys. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Fall French Market
The eighth annual Fall French Market runs Nov. 2-4 at Lycée Français de Chicago, 613 W. Bittersweet Pl. Browse arts, crafts and gourmet foods from around 100 vendors and enjoy French food and music. Tonight's opening party, from 7pm to 10pm, includes dinner by Vietnamese restaurant Hai Yen and a dance performance by the Vietnamese Student Association of UIC. Admission is $35 in advance, $45 at the door.
CitySwarm Truck or Treat
CitySwarm hosts Truck or Treat, a Halloween-themed food truck event, tonight at 7pm in Wrightwood Park, 2534 N. Greenview Ave. Babycakes, Curried, Samichbox, Bergstein's NY Deli and Tamalie Foodie will offer one savory dish emblematic of the truck, and also serve a sweet treat made special for the event. At 8:30pm head over to The Crossing, 2548 N. Southport Ave., for a pint of Blue Moon Pumpkin beer and other drink specials. Tickets are $25 early bird, $30 regular price.
The Dinner Party @ Mayne Stage
The latest episode of Fear No Art's "The Dinner Party" tapes tonight at the Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. Guests this month are Michelle Boone, Chicago commissioner of Cultural Affairs; David Manilow, creator and executive producer of "Check, Please!"; and Susanna Negovan, Sun Times columnist and former Michigan Avenue Magazine editor in chief. Elysabeth Alfano hosts. The chef for the evening is Sean Sanders of Brown Trout, who will cook for both the guests and the audience. Doors open for a cocktail reception at 6:30pm; the show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $25. 18+
Roosevelt Road Zombie Walk & Pub Crawl
The third annual Roosevelt Road Zombie Walk and Pub Crawl kicks off tonight at 7pm -- but get started at the zombie makeup and costume staging session from 4:30 to 6:30pm at Horrorbles, 6729 W. Roosevelt Rd. Then set off from there on a bar crawl that ends with an afterparty at FitzGerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., featuring food, horror films and more. Tickets are $15, with proceeds benefiting West Suburban PADS. 21+
EAT THIS! Stories for the Love of Food
Neck-Breaker Productions and The Lincoln Lodge will present the first show in the brand new storytelling series, EAT THIS! Stories for the Love of Food, tonight at 8pm at the Lincoln Lodge, 4008 N. Lincoln Ave. Host of the show is Monte LaMonte, and features stories told by folks from the food industry, including "Hot" Doug Sohn, Cleetus Friedman, Madeleine Yastrow, Chuck Sudo, Justin White, Lena Dahl and Victoria Wiedel. Tasty sample snacks will be provided by Hot Dougs, City Provisions and Small Bar Division. Check out montelovesfood.tumblr.com for more information. Event is Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door.
Chef Battle Royale
WBEZ presents the Chef Battle Royale tonight at 6pm at Salvage One, 1840 W. Hubbard St. "The Morning Shift" host Tony Sarabia leads a discussion with food bloggers and dining scene personalities while attendees sample Ethiopian food from Ras Dashen, Vietnamese and Chinese dishes from Tank Noodle, Polish food from Restaurant Staropolska, Puerto Rican specialties from Borinquen and vegetarian fare from Munch. Black Dog Gelato will offer Goose Island root beer floats, and Intelligentsia and Goose Island Beer will be served. Tickets are $10 for students, $12 for WBEZ members and $15 for the general public.
A Concert of Covers: Songs About Food
The Southside Hub of Production, 5638 S. Woodlawn Ave. hosts "A Concert of Covers," an open-mic concert in which every song performed must be a cover -- with the added theme of "Food." The show starts at 7pm, and SHoP's weekly potluck will be going on at the same time, so bring some food and enjoy the music. Free.
St. Feuillien Brewery Owner @ Fountainhead
Dominique Friart, owner of St. Feuillien Brewery in Belgium, will be at The Fountainhead, 1970 W. Montrose Ave., tonight at 7pm to talk about her beers, her brewery and its collaboration with California's Green Flash Brewery. The Fountainhead will offer special pairing menus inside the restaurant and on the heated rooftop patio.
Malort & Cheap Beer Festival
Paddy Long's, 1028 W. Diversey Ave., hosts a Malort and Cheap Beer Festival tonight at 9pm. Enjoy $2 cheap beers from around the country, $3 shots of Malort, and a variety of games such as a Malort slogan contest and a flavor description contest. The entire Jeppson's Malort team will be on hand to meet the fans and a Malort historian will be presenting the complete oral history of the product as well. No cover, 21+.
CHAOS Brew Club Harvest Fest
CHAOS Brew Club holds its annual Harvest Fest today at its brew house, 1329 W. Grand Ave., off the alley. From 3 to 8pm, enjoy home-brewed beer and cider, plus sweet and savory foods like apple pulled pork sliders and pumpkin pie. Membership is required, but you can buy a trial membership for just $25. 21+
Food: Returning to Our Roots @ MCA
Sandra Holl of Floriole is among the panelists at this talk on how to escape food innovations and still eat well, which goes down at the Neeson Theater in the MCA (220 E Chicago) tonight from 4:30-6pm. Talk is part of Chicago Ideas Week; admission $15.
Bucktown Apple Pie Contest @ Holstein Park
Today's Apple Pie Contest at Holstein Park (2200 N Oakley, 2-5pm) will teleport you back to olden days--live music, games and fun for the kids, and a massive apple pie contest; you can enter your pie ($25 fee), or stick around after the judging to buy individual slices of all the competition.
Dose Market
Dose Market runs from 10am to 4pm today at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St. Shop boutique clothiers, local artisans and gourmet food purveyors -- Details here. Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
Fish Monger Class @ Butcher and the Burger
Butcher and the Burger chef Allen Sternweiler will teach you how to prepare fish perfectly this evening from 4-6pm at his restaurant (1021 W Armitage) as part of Chicago Ideas Week. Must be 18+ years old to participate; admission $15.
mK/Green City Market Trip & Demo
Join chef Erick Williams today for a trip to the Green City Market (1701 N Clark) to buy produce and talk seasonal eats, and return to his home base (mk, 868 N Franklin) for a cooking demo of your Market finds. Event runs 9am-noon and is sponsored by Chicago Ideas Week.
Breadmaking Demo and Sampling @ Floriole
As part of Chicago Ideas Week, Floriole chef Sandra Holl opens her doors to demonstrate breadmaking at her shop (1220 W Webster) tonight from 6:30-8:30pm. You'll get some to snack on, of course. Admission $15; kids age 10-16 must participate with an adult.
Tour of Lifeway Foods
Learn more about how kefir became a popular grocery item this afternoon at Lifeway Foods (6101 W Gross Point, Niles) from 2-4pm. You'll tour the facility, sample their wares and talk with CEO Julie Smolyansky. Tour offered as part of Chicago Ideas Week; admission $15.
Chicago Beer Geeks' Bears Bash
The Chicago Beer Geeks and In the City TV host a Bears Bash today from 2pm to 7pm at The Garage Bar & Sandwiches, 6154 N. Milwaukee Ave. Admission is free and the first two rounds of Baderbrau are on the house; for $15, get additional pours, a commemorative wristband and raffle tickets. RSVP or get tickets here. 21+
Chicago Beer Festival
The Chicago Beer Festival takes place in Union Station, 225 . Canal St., today. Sample beers from more than 50 breweries from Chicagoland and around the country. Two sessions run from 1 to 4pm and 6 to 9pm. Tickets are $40. 21+
Taco World @ Kendall College
The Chicago Foodways Roundtable sponsors a lecture at 10am today on the origins and significance of the taco in eating culture. Historian Jeffery Pilcher will be at the helm. Event is at Kendall College, 900 North Branch; free parking. Admission $3; RSVP via email.
Mash Tun Oktoberfest
Mash Tun Journal holds Mash Tun Oktoberfest in celebration of the magazine's second issue today in the atrium at the Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St., from 5 to 9pm. Admission is $30 in advance, $40 at the door, and includes a copy of the new issue of Mash Tun Journal, a souvenir tasting glass and complementary tastings of more than two dozen beers. 21+
Indepenent Spirits Expo
The Independent Spirits Expo is at Carmichael's Warehouse, 1052 W. Monroe St., tonight from 7 to 9:30pm, with a special VIP session starting at 5pm. Meet distillers, brand owners, importers of artisanal spirits from around the world, and sample more than 100 spirits. General admission is $55, VIP admission is $75. 21+
Wicker Park Bucktown Fall Dinner Crawl
The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce hosts a Fall Dinner Crawl tonight from 6pm to 9pm. Choose between two "routes" with more than a dozen restaurants, each offering a special dish for crawlers. Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 day of, and may be picked up at Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave., or at the Chamber office, 1414 N. Ashland Ave.
The Big Palate Challenge
Sono Wood Fired Pizzeria, 1582 N. Clybourn Ave., hosts The Big Palate Challenge, in which seven food writers will have 30 minutes to identify 20 ingredients by taste alone. Competing will be Anthony Todd of Chicagoist, Huge Galdones of Galdones Photography, Michael Gebert of Grub Street Chicago, Chandra Ram of Plate Magazine, Nick Kindlesperger of Serious Eats Chicago, Heather Sperling of Tasting Table and Tatiana Abramova of TheBrideScoop.com. Wine, beer and hors d'oeuvres will be served to the audience while they wait to see who wins (if anyone). Doors open at 6:30pm, with the contest beginning at 7pm sharp. Tickets are $20, and the proceeds benefit Share Our Strength.
Chicago Gourmet
The third annual Chicago Gourmet food festival runs Saturday and today in Millennium Park. Sample food from dozens of local restaurants, enjoy wine and attend cooking demonstrations by some of the city and country's top chefs. Single day tickets for Saturday are sold out, but tickets for Sunday and weekend passes are still available. The festival runs from noon to 5pm today.
Oktoberfest Chicago
The final day of Oktoberfest at St. Alphonsus Church,1429 W. Wellington Ave., is family fun day! "Kinderfest" provides activities from children from 11am to 2pm. Enjoy beer, brats, and all things German. There will also be a big screen to air the football game. Oktoberfest beings at 11am, and ends at 7pm. Free admission.
Mid-Autumn Festival @ Chinese-American Museum
The Chinese-American Museum (238 West 23 St) celebrates mid-autumn this evening from 6:30-9pm with food and entertainment. Admission $8-10.
Chicago Gourmet
The third annual Chicago Gourmet food festival runs today and Sunday in Millennium Park. Sample food from dozens of local restaurants, enjoy wine and attend cooking demonstrations by some of the city and country's top chefs. Single day tickets for Saturday are sold out, but tickets for Sunday and weekend passes are still available. The festival runs from noon to 6pm today.
Schubas' Pig, Swig and Record Dig
Schubas hosts its second annual Pig, Swig and Record Dig, bringing together record collectors, roasted pork enthusiasts and beer drinkers everywhere to 3159 N. Southport Ave. for a midday smorgasbord of music, meat and punker meet-cutes. Show up early for limited edition screen prints, rare 7”, the smell of crackling pig skin, and discounted cans of Goose Island’s finest for $2. Starts at 11am, runs ‘til 4pm. Free admission, all ages.
Oktoberfest Chicago
Oktoberfest continues in the West Lakeview neighborhood at St. Alphonsus Church, 1429 W. Wellington Ave., with German food, music, arts & crafts, and of course, beer. Join the fun to celebrate Deutschland the Chicago way. Festivities begin at 11am, and end at 11pm. $5 admission.
Main Stage
11am - School of Rock
1:45pm - A Thousand Julys
3:45pm - The Polkaholics
5:30pm - Your Villain, My Hero
8pm - 16 Candles
Beer Hall
4:30pm - Don't Speak, a No Doubt Tribute Band
6:30pm - The Polkaholics
9pm - The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
Chicago VeganMania
This year's Chicago VeganMania is going to be bigger than ever is going to have over 100 vendors. Enjoy meatless dining and more on Saturday, September 29 from 10 am to 5pm at the Broadway Armory on 5917 North Broadway Street.
Taste of France in Chicago
Taste of France in Chicago is a guided neighborhood tour that also supports Action Against Hunger's mission to end world hunger. Saturday's 10 a.m. tour is of the Chicago French Market in the West Loop. Purchase tickets and learn more about the tour here.
McToberfest @ DANK Haus
The Irish American Heritage Center and DANK Haus German American Cultural Center team up to host the second annual McToberfest tonight at DANK Haus, 4740 N. Lincoln Ave., from 5pm to midnight. Enjoy Irish and German beer, spirits and food, while Jimmy's Bavarians, Gerry Haughey and the Identity Irish Dancers perform. Tickets are $10 at the door. 21+
Oktoberfest Chicago
Oktoberfest kicks off in the West Lakeview neighborhood at St. Alphonsus Church, 1429 W. Wellington Ave., with German food, music, arts & crafts, and of course, beer. Join the fun to celebrate Deutschland the Chicago way. Festivities begin at 5pm, and end at 11pm. $5 admission.
Main Stage
5:30 - The Bratwurst Brothers
7pm - 'Stache!
8:30 - Wedding Banned
Beer Hall
7:15 - The Bratwurst Brothers
9pm - Dot Dot Dot
Reach Out & Read Dinner @ PQM
Reach Out and Read Illinois holds a benefit dinner at Publican Quality Meats, 825 W. Fulton Market, tonight at 7pm. Tickets are $135.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., hosts Veggie Bingo from 5:30 to 8pm on Wednesdays. Co-sponsored by NeighborSpace, Hideout Veggie Bingo features a grand prize of fresh produce from Irv and Shelly's Fresh Picks, plus many more prizes donated by various local organizations and individuals. There are also free hot dogs donated by Hot Doug's! Bingo cards are $2 each, or three for $5; all proceeds benefit local gardens.
Longman & Eagle's What's Happening!! Block Party
Longman & Eagle, 2657 N. Kedzie Ave., is joining forces with Old Style and Windy City Soul Club to throw its second What's Happening!! The menu includes corn pudding, wild boar sloppy joes and venison sausage with sauerkraut, and a pig plate with lots of barbecue fixings. This free, outdoor event is from 4 to 10pm today on Schubert and Kedzie avenues, adjacent to the restaurant.
Andersonville Dessert Crawl
Beer may have kicked off the tradition of Chicago beer crawls, but Andersonville likes to do it sweet style. The seventh annual Andersonville Dessert Crawl today from 2pm to 5pm features over two dozen restaurants and three delectable routes to feed your sweet tooth (the ice cream, cupcake or lollipop route). Participants can pick up their Dessert Crawl "passport" at pH Productions, 1515 W. Berwyn Ave., and then proceed to the participating restaurants and stores for tasting-sized portions at each location. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the event. Buy tickets and view participating restaurants here.
Fork and the Road: Oven Lovin'
Fork and the Road food tours by bike embarks on its Oven Lovin' tour, today, a vegetarian-friendly exploration of backed goods. The 16-mile tour pushes off from the Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave., at 11am, and ends back there at 4pm. Tickets are $50.
Windy City Coop Tour
The Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts host their 3rd annual Windy City Coop Tour Sept. 22-23 from 10am-2pm at various locations around the city. Talk with Chicagoland chicken-keepers about their experiences raising chickens in the city. A map of locations and tour guidelines are available on the Windy City Coop Tour website. The event is free and self-guided. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. No dogs or other pets allowed on the tour.
ReBuilding Rockabilly Riot
The ReBuilding Exchange, 2160 N Ashland Ave., hosts Rockabilly Riot, a concert fundraiser and party, tonight at 7pm. DJ Coffin Banger will spin and Pillow Talk will perform live for a rockabilly sock hop. There will be complimentary craft beer from Half Acre Beer and Three Floyds and food for sale from Enoch's Doughnuts, Pleasant House Bakery, Co-Op Sauce and more. Tickets are $25.
Bloodshot Records' 18th Birthday @ Mayne Stage
Chicago's own Bloodshot Records is turning 18 years old, and to celebrate, they're teaming up with 93XRT and Lagunitas Brewing to ring in their birthday. Join them for a night of live music and beer tastings for just $12 (advance tickets only). The music kicks off at 7pm with performances from Lydia Loveless, Jon Langford & Skull Orchard, Dex Romweber Duo, Deadstring Brothers, Shake'em On Down (featuring Rick Sherry and Joel Paterson). Plus, enjoy a Lagunitas beer tasting starting at 6pm. Download a sampler of the artists playing. The Mayne Stage is located in Rogers Park at 1328 Morse Ave. 773-381-4550.
HOPS! Oktoberfest
The Homebrewer's Pride of the Southside (HOPS!) home brewing club hosts its 15th annual Oktoberfest party today from 2 to 6pm at VFW Post 5079 in Bridgeport, 3202 S. May St. Enjoy brats and a wide variety of beers made by members. Tickets are $30. 21+
Monster Food Truck Rally @ The Plant
Today, the Plant, a vertical farm operation located in the Back of the Yards (1400 W 46th St), opens its doors to interested folk, with live music, food from several trucks (among them Bridgeport Pasty, Wagyu Wagon and Babycakes), info on sustainable farming, screenings of the documentary "Food Deserts in the Land of Plenty," and of course, the good feeling that comes with supporting an innovative business. Admission $7, event runs 11am-5pm.
Windy City Coop Tour
The Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts host their 3rd annual Windy City Coop Tour Sept. 22-23 from 10am-2pm at various locations around the city. Talk with Chicagoland chicken-keepers about their experiences raising chickens in the city. A map of locations and tour guidelines are available on the Windy City Coop Tour website. The event is free and self-guided. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. No dogs or other pets allowed on the tour.
Lost Recipes Found @ Kendall College
Monica Kass Rogers of LostRecipesFound.com, a website dedicated to the recipes that were once loved but then lost (think signature dishes from now-closed department store cafes or corporate cafeterias, family casserole recipes you only partially remember, or recipes taken from sides of flour boxes), speaks today at Kendall College about the labor of love that is her site. Event begins at 10am at Kendall College, 900 North Branch. Free parking; admission $3.
Apple Fest
The 25th annual Apple Fest brings the surrounding community together to celebrate the first day of Autumn. The festival, which is put on by the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, kicks off at 8am on the 4700 block of N. Lincoln Ave, and continues until 5pm. Enjoy live music, activities for children, an array of vendors, selling clothing, food, drinks, and of course, apples. It's sure to be a bushel of fun!
Big Night Benefit @ Chicago Cultural Center
The Friends of Animal Care and Control bring you a night of food and entertainment in the name of the city's animal shelter at Big Night, which runs 6:30-9:00pm at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington. Tickets $100-125.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., hosts Veggie Bingo from 5:30 to 8pm on Wednesdays. Co-sponsored by NeighborSpace, Hideout Veggie Bingo features a grand prize of fresh produce from Irv and Shelly's Fresh Picks, plus many more prizes donated by various local organizations and individuals. There are also free hot dogs donated by Hot Doug's! Bingo cards are $2 each, or three for $5; all proceeds benefit local gardens.
The Golden Stein @ Dolce Casa Cafe
This benefit for Winnemac Park will let you taste four homebrewed beers, sample hors d'oeuvres, and vote for your favorite pairing. Event runs 4-9pm at Dolce Casa Cafe, 4947 N Damen; tickets $35-40.
Buen Provecho! Pilsen
The Eighteenth Street Development Corporation sponsors a restaurant crawl of Pilsen's best eats today from 2-7pm. Your $25 ticket buys specially priced dishes from thirty restaurants, among them Nuevo Leon, Lalo's and May Street Cafe.
Bacon Take-Down
The third annual Chicago Bacon Take-Down hits Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., today at noon. $15 gets you tastes of every competitor's bacon dishes and a say in who wins.
Guinness Oyster Fest
Because the middle of Roscoe Village (Roscoe Avenue between Damen and Leavitt) is where you should find a plethora of oysters and Guinness and this year, 10,000 Maniacs (more specifically the '90s band, not the people who will flock to perhaps the last festival of the year). Runs 11am to 10pm Saturday and today. $7 suggested donation.
Guinness Oyster Fest
Because the middle of Roscoe Village (Roscoe Avenue between Damen and Leavitt) is where you should find a plethora of oysters and Guinness and this year, 10,000 Maniacs (more specifically the '90s band, not the people who will flock to perhaps the last festival of the year). Runs 11am to 10pm today and Sunday. $7 suggested donation.
Fork and the Road: Cure-ious Tour
Fork and the Road food tours by bike embarks on A Cure-ious Tour today, exploring the city's sausages, forcemeats and charcuterie. The 17-mile tour pushes off from the Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave., at 11am, and ends back there at 4pm. Tickets are $60.
Chipotle Cultivate Festival
Chipotle Cultivate Festival brings fun and food to Lincoln Park, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West. Twelve culinary experts will demonstrate sustainable cooking. Enjoy free music, food, and educational food-related activities. The festival runs from 11am to 7pm. Free.
Chefs' Tent West:
11:30am - Jon Shook & Vinny Dotolo
1pm - Zakary Pelaccio
2:30pm - Chipotle Chefs
4pm - Amanda Freitag
5:30 - Richard Blais
Chefs' Tent East
11:30am - Paul Kahan
1pm - Danny Grant
2:30pm - Matthias Merges
4pm - Sarah Grueneberg
5:30pm - Chris Pandel
Music Stage
12:15pm - JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound
1:45pm - J Roddy Walston & the Business
3:15pm - LP
4:45pm - Allen Stone
6:15pm - G. Love & Special Sauce
The Original Food Pyramid: Beer, Bread and Foie Gras @ Kendall College
Physician and author Michael Fenster talks today at Kendall College (10am, 900 N Branch) about the history of what constitutes "good health," with an emphasis on ancient Egypt. Admission $3-5; free parking. RSVP via email. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago.
Chicago Festivale
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's sixth annual Festivale beer festival takes place tonight at Carmichael's Steakhouse Warehouse, 1052 W. Monroe St. Enjoy ore than two dozen beers, food and live music, and bid on a silent auction. A VIP reception begins at 6pm, general admission is at 7pm. Tickets are $100 for VIP, $65 for general. 21+
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., hosts Veggie Bingo from 5:30 to 8pm on Wednesdays. Co-sponsored by NeighborSpace, Hideout Veggie Bingo features a grand prize of fresh produce from Irv and Shelly's Fresh Picks, plus many more prizes donated by various local organizations and individuals. There are also free hot dogs donated by Hot Doug's! Bingo cards are $2 each, or three for $5; all proceeds benefit local gardens.
Homestead Pig Roast
Homestead, 1924 W. Chicago Ave., hosts a pig roast on its rooftop deck today from 1pm to 5pm, featuring a 100 lb. Swabian Hall pig, apps and sides, sweets from West Town Bakery, and Templeton Rye cocktails. Tickets are $45 per person, available online.
German American Fest
Lincoln Square's German American Fest runs Sept. 7-9 at the intersection of Lincoln and Leland avenues. Enjoy German draft beer, sausage and pretzels, German music and other cultural programming. Admission is free. The festival runs from noon to 11pm tonight.
Kegs for Kids
The third annual Kegs for Kids benefit for Peirce Elementary School is today from noon to 5pm at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. Bid on a silent auction while tasting more than 60 beers as well as food from neighborhood restaurants. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door. 21+
Windy City Wine Festival
The Windy City Wine Festival returns to Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park today and Saturday. Sample more than 345 wines from around the world, enjoy gourmet food and live music. Tickets are $28 in advance or $35 at the door; designated driver tickets are $10. The festival runs from 3pm to 9pm today.
German American Fest
Lincoln Square's German American Fest runs Sept. 7-9 at the intersection of Lincoln and Leland avenues. Enjoy German draft beer, sausage and pretzels, German music and other cultural programming -- including the annual Von Steuben Parade at 2pm today. Admission is free. The festival runs from noon to 11pm tonight.
Fork and the Road: The Silk Road
Fork and the Road food tours by bike embarks on The Silk Road, today, a "vegetarian-adaptable" tour of China, Afghanistand and Turkey. The 18-mile tour pushes off from the Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave., at 11am, and ends back there at 4:30pm. Tickets are $55.
German American Fest
Lincoln Square's German American Fest runs Sept. 7-9 at the intersection of Lincoln and Leland avenues. Enjoy German draft beer, sausage and pretzels, German music and other cultural programming. Admission is free. The festival runs from 5 to 11pm tonight.
Windy City Wine Festival
The Windy City Wine Festival returns to Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park today and Saturday. Sample more than 345 wines from around the world, enjoy gourmet food and live music. Tickets are $28 in advance or $35 at the door; designated driver tickets are $10. The festival runs from 4pm to 10pm today.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., hosts Veggie Bingo from 5:30 to 8pm on Wednesdays. Co-sponsored by NeighborSpace, Hideout Veggie Bingo features a grand prize of fresh produce from Irv and Shelly's Fresh Picks, plus many more prizes donated by various local organizations and individuals. There are also free hot dogs donated by Hot Doug's! Bingo cards are $2 each, or three for $5; all proceeds benefit local gardens.
312 Urban Block Party
The 312 Block Party starts at 5:30pm tonight on Walnut Street between Wood and Wolcott, down the street from Goose Island's Fulton Street brewery. Enjoy live music (including St. Vincent, Kelly Hogan and Maps & Atlases), a pig roast from the Clybourn brewpub, food trucks, a Matilda Lounge featuring Goose Island's Vintage beer line, and of course 312 urban wheat ale. RSVP on Facebook for tickets. 21+
Crush in Old Town
The Crush in Old Town runs today and Sunday on Wells Street from North to Schiller from noon to 10pm. Enjoy live music, food and drink while perusing arts and craft by local vendors. There's also a kid's area with face-painting and other fun activities.
North Stage:
1pm - The O'My's
3:30pm - Perfect Kiss
6pm - Like Pioneers
8:30pm - Andrew Belle
South Stage:
2:15pm - Northbrook Garage
4:45pm - Pet Lions
7:15pm - My Gold Mask
Fork and the Road: 'Wich Way
Fork and the Road food tours by bike embarks on Wich Way today, visiting three tasty sandwich spots. The 14-mile tour pushes off from the Intelligentsia Millennium Park Coffeebar, 53 E. Randolph St., at 11am, and ends back there at 3:30pm. Tickets are $50.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., hosts Veggie Bingo from 5:30 to 8pm on Wednesdays. Co-sponsored by NeighborSpace, Hideout Veggie Bingo features a grand prize of fresh produce from Irv and Shelly's Fresh Picks, plus many more prizes donated by various local organizations and individuals. There are also free hot dogs donated by Hot Doug's! Bingo cards are $2 each, or three for $5; all proceeds benefit local gardens.
Free Gyros Day
Today is the fourth annual Kronos Free Gyros Day! Fill out the coupon form, find the closest participating restaurant and collect your free gyros sandwich. (Consider putting a couple bucks in the Fisher House donation box while you're there.)
Grilling Series @ Publican Quality Meats
Join the chefs at Publican Quality Meats, 825 W. Fulton Market, today from 3pm to 8pm for a parking lot barbecue. They'll provide the meats (natch), sides, dessert and cocktails--and even seafood and veg alternatives. Chef Bill Kim of Urban Belly/Belly Shack will join PQM at the grill.
2nd Annual Food Truck Social
Food trucks, music acts and people who live those food trucks gather again for the second annual Food Truck Social on Chicago Avenue between Wood and Wolcott. The event starts at noon and goes until 10pm Saturday and today. More details here.
Fork and the Road: Global Snack Attack
Fork and the Road food tours by bike embarks on a Global Snack Attack today, tasting snacks from Latin America, Italy, Serbia and India. The 14-mile tour pushes off from the Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave., at 11am, and ends back there at 4pm. Tickets are $50.
Rock & Roll Pig Roast @ Standard Bar & Grill
A great meeting of minds will occur today when meat-lovers, vegetarians, beer-lovers, and music fans get together at The Standard Bar & Grill, 1332 N. Milwaukee Ave., for the second annual Rock and Roll Pig Roast. Just $15 at the door gets you food including roasted pork, veggies and sides. Beer specials will flow, dogs will be welcomed, and over 10 bands will play from 12:30pm to 10pm, rain or shine. Proceeds benefit Rock for Kids, which brings music education to kids in Chicago. Bands include Secret Colours, Sybris, Bully in the Hallway, and more! Learn more and download a free mixtape. All ages.
2nd Annual Food Truck Social
Food trucks, music acts and people who live those food trucks gather again for the second annual Food Truck Social on Chicago Avenue between Wood and Wolcott. The event starts at noon and goes until 10pm today and Sunday. More details here.
Blue Line Coffee Crawl
Caffentures leads a Blue Line Coffee Crawl this morning at 9am. You'll hit three to four coffee shops on the tour, sampling three coffees at each location. Cost is $30.
The Last Draught @ Metro
The Last Drought: A Benefit Concert for Harvest Moon Farms takes the stage at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., tonight. The show, as you might guess, benefits Harvest Moon Farms, an organic vegetable farm in Viroqua, WI. Mr. Blotto performs with special guests. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 8pm. 18+
WBEZ Sound Opinions End of Summer BBQ @ Navy Pier
Celebrate the upcoming end of summer with WBEZ's Sound Opinions crew tonight on the terrace of Navy Pier, 848 E Grand, from 7-10pm. Food from Honey Butter Fried Chicken, the Butcher and Larder, Hoosier Mama Pie Company, Black Dog Gelato, Hum Spirits and Virtu Cider will be served. Tickets $35; discounted parking for $8.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., hosts Veggie Bingo from 5:30 to 8pm on Wednesdays. Co-sponsored by NeighborSpace, Hideout Veggie Bingo features a grand prize of fresh produce from Irv and Shelly's Fresh Picks, plus many more prizes donated by various local organizations and individuals. There are also free hot dogs donated by Hot Doug's! Bingo cards are $2 each, or three for $5; all proceeds benefit local gardens.
Grilling Series @ Publican Quality Meats
Join the chefs at Publican Quality Meats, 825 W. Fulton Market, today from 3pm to 8pm for a parking lot barbecue. They'll provide the meats (natch), sides, dessert and cocktails--and even seafood and veg alternatives. Chef Jason Hammel of Lula & Nightwood will join PQM at the grill.
Fork and the Road: Cure-ious Tour
Fork and the Road food tours by bike embarks on A Cure-ious Tour today, exploring the city's sausages, forcemeats and charcuterie. The 17-mile tour pushes off from the Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave., at 11am, and ends back there at 4pm. Tickets are $60.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., hosts Veggie Bingo from 5:30 to 8pm on Wednesdays. Co-sponsored by NeighborSpace, Hideout Veggie Bingo features a grand prize of fresh produce from Irv and Shelly's Fresh Picks, plus many more prizes donated by various local organizations and individuals. There are also free hot dogs donated by Hot Doug's! Bingo cards are $2 each, or three for $5; all proceeds benefit local gardens.
Taste of Andersonville Dinner Crawl
You can choose the Salt, Pepper or the Whole Enchilada (both) routes, but it's guaranteed you will eat well at the Taste of Andersonville Dinner Crawl, which kicks off at 4pm at the Swedish History Museum, 5211 N. Clark. You'll get a "passport" which allows you eats at many of the neighborhood's best places, among them M. Henry, Kopi, Lady Gregory's, Premise, Vincent and Marigold. Tickets $25 for one route; $40 for both (price goes to $30 and $50 on day of event). Sponsored by the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce.
Fork and the Road: Oven Lovin'
Fork and the Road food tours by bike embarks on its Oven Lovin' tour, today, a vegetarian-friendly exploration of backed goods. The 16-mile tour pushes off from the Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave., at 11am, and ends back there at 4pm. Tickets are $50.
Windy City Rib Classic
The inaugural Windy City Rib Classic takes place today in the Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Dr. Watch 20 of Chicagoland's fiercest barbecue teams compete for supremacy in ribs, chicken and sauce categories. Learn how to do it yourself in demos led by barbecue experts, and enjoy barbecue from Rub BBQ while watching live music by the Northside Southpaws, Casa de Soul, the Black Willoughbees and Blue Road. Free to attend. The competition begins at 10am.
Chicago's Greatest Dive Bars Tour
The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., hosts an evening of exploring those dusty, dark bars alight with neon beer ad signs, perhaps a pool table, and a lot of sad bastards nursing their 20th cheap beer of the day. You'll learn about their histories and the evolution of bootleg liquor, moonshine and all those classy beverages of Prohibition. Sound awesome? Tour runs 6-9pm, cost $25-30.
CSA Potluck @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., hosts a CSA Potluck tonight starting at 5:30pm. Bring a dish to share, and meet representatives from nine farms -- Mike and Clare's, Mint Creek, Heritage Prairie, Peasants' Plot, Radical Roots, Harvest Moon, Breslin Farm, Three Plaid Farmers, Earth First, Nisse Farm and Vidonevich Farm -- who will be on hand with samples of locally raised meat and produce. Free, 21+.
Benefit for Ashley @ The Dark Room
The Dark Room (2210 W. Chicago) is putting on a benefit event for Ashley Pruneau, the Mana Food Bar cook who was assaulted in her home on July 1. $15 will get you music from DJ White Shadow, Casa del Sol, and Lightfoils, and food and gift cards from a number of local businesses. Event starts at 7pm, for more details visit Facebook.
Taste of the Nation @ Navy Pier Ballroom
Chefs from all over the city unite in the name of erasing hunger in the U.S. tonight at the Navy Pier Ballroom, 600 East Grand. Event runs 6-10pm; tickets start at $95.
Arts & Craft @ Public House
The Chicago Artists' Coalition hosts Arts & Crafts, an event showcasing contemporary art inspired by local craft beers, tonight at Public House, 400 N. State St., starting at 6pm. Industry of the Ordinary, Brent Fogt, Alexandra Lee, Nancy Lu Rosenheim and Shawn Stucky created works inspired by Solemn Oath's Oubliette, Finch's Threadless IPA and Golden Wign, 5 Rabbit Golden Ale and Goose Island's four sisters collection -- all of which will be on tap. Tickets are $30.
RM Opens Tonight in West Loop
Anticipated Champagne Salon, RM, opens tonight at 5:00 in the West Loop. 116 N. Green St.
Check out our preview in Drive-Thru
Edge Fest
Edgewater's first-ever Edge Fest runs today and Sunday on Broadway between Thorndale and Ardmore. The festival boasts a bacon theme -- enjoy bacon in its many guises from food vendors, browse dozens of arts and craft vendors, and enjoy music on two stages. $5 suggested donation. The festival runs from noon to 9pm today.
Main Stage:
11am - Opal and Friends
2pm - Trevor McSpadden
4pm - Helo Nuvo
7pm - 16 Candles
Second Stage:
11am - TBD
1pm - TBD
3pm - Steve Sebby Trio
5pm - Swing Gitan
7pm - The Train Company
Edge Fest
Edgewater's first-ever Edge Fest runs today and Sunday on Broadway between Thorndale and Ardmore. The festival boasts a bacon theme -- enjoy bacon in its many guises from food vendors, browse dozens of arts and craft vendors, and enjoy music on two stages. $5 suggested donation. The festival runs from noon to 10pm today.
Main Stage:
noon - School of Rock
1pm - Anna Fermin
3pm - Dime Store String Band
4:40pm - Chicago Spirit Brigade
5pm - This Must Be the Band
8pm - Too White Crew
Second Stage:
noon - Wandering Endorphin
2pm - TBD
4pm - Treehouse
6pm - Eric Lambert
8pm - The Empty Pockets
Fork and the Road: The Silk Road
Fork and the Road food tours by bike embarks on The Silk Road, today, a "vegetarian-adaptable" tour of China, Afghanistand and Turkey. The 18-mile tour pushes off from the Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave., at 11am, and ends back there at 4:30pm. Tickets are $55.
IPA Day @ Franklin Tap
Franklin Tap, 325 S. Franklin St., is celebrating National IPA Day by offering five IPAs for $6 each all day today. Barfly IPA, Bell's Two-Hearted IPA, Finch Threadless IPA, Revolution Brewing Anti-Hero IPA, Ska Modus Hoperandi are $6 a pint all day.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., hosts Veggie Bingo from 5:30 to 8pm on Wednesdays through Sept. 12. Co-sponsored by NeighborSpace, Hideout Veggie Bingo features a grand prize of fresh produce from Irv and Shelly's Fresh Picks, plus many more prizes donated by various local organizations and individuals. There are also free hot dogs donated by Hot Doug's! Bingo cards are $2 each, or three for $5; all proceeds benefit local gardens.
Chik-Fil-Gay Appreciation Day @ Hearty
Hearty, 3819 N. Broadway, is holding a special Chik-Fil-Gay Appreciation Day dinner tonight from 5pm to 10pm. The menu will feature a fried chicken breast sandwich on a toasted buttered bun with pickles and a side of fries for $10, with all proceeds going to Equality Illinois for marriage equality. Call 773-868-9866 for reservations.
DMK/Hinterland Beer Dinner
DMK Burger Bar and Green Bay's Hinterland Beer team up for two four-course beer dinners tonight at 6pm and 8:30pm at Fish Bar, 2956 N. Sheffield Ave. Tickets are $35 per person; email mshort@dmkrestaurants.com to reserve. All proceeds will go to help send Make-A-Wish Foundation beneficiary Andres, a 16-year-old Chicagoan with spinal muscular atrophy, to Disney World.
Beef Fore Quarter Butchering Demo @ Butcher and Larder
A beef fore quarter gets the Butcher and Larder treatment (if you know what I mean) tonight at 5pm at their store located at 1026 N. Milwaukee Ave. Your $50 admission also gets a 10% discount on their retail.
Fork and the Road: Global Snack Attack
Fork and the Road food tours by bike embarks on a Global Snack Attack today, tasting snacks from Latin America, Italy, Serbia and India. The 14-mile tour pushes off from the Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave., at 11am, and ends back there at 4pm. Tickets are $50.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., hosts Veggie Bingo from 5:30 to 8pm on Wednesdays. Co-sponsored by NeighborSpace, Hideout Veggie Bingo features a grand prize of fresh produce from Irv and Shelly's Fresh Picks, plus many more prizes donated by various local organizations and individuals. There are also free hot dogs donated by Hot Doug's! Bingo cards are $2 each, or three for $5; all proceeds benefit local gardens.
#Foodiechats @ Vienna Beef Factory
Twitter discussion group #Foodiechats celebrates National Hot Dog Day at the Vienna Beef Factory Store, 2501 N. Damen Ave., from 6pm to 8:30pm tonight. Tour the factory, enjoy free hot dogs, sausages and special chili-cheese-hot dog pizza from Rosati's, and participate in this week's #foodiechat live on Twitter. RSVP here.
Grilling Series @ Publican Quality Meats
Join the chefs at Publican Quality Meats, 825 W. Fulton Market, today from 3pm to 8pm for a parking lot barbecue. They'll provide the meats (natch), sides, dessert and cocktails--and even seafood and veg alternatives. Chef Michael Schreader of Urban Union will join PQM at the grill.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
The sixth annual Roscoe Village Burger Fest shuts down the intersection of Damen and Belmont today and Sunday. From 11am to 10pm, enjoy hamburgers from 11 area restaurants, plus music and a variety of vendors. $6 suggested donation.
Leavitt Stage:
noon - How Far to Austin
1:15pm - Chris Buehrle
2:45pm - Josh & the Empty Pockets
4:20pm - Sugar & the Hi-Lows
6pm - Andrew Belle
8:15pm - Freddy Jones Band
Damen Stage:
12:15pm - School of Rock
1:45pm - Sorry for Partying
3:45pm - ABBA Salute
5:45pm - Kashmir
7:45pm - Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press
Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival @ Logan Square
The annual Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival continues three days of music, art, theater, dance and food in Logan Square. Events run from 11am-10pm today on Milwaukee Ave. between California and Kimball.
Fork and the Road: 'Wich Way
Fork and the Road food tours by bike embarks on Wich Way today, visiting three tasty sandwich spots. The 14-mile tour pushes off from the Intelligentsia Millennium Park Coffeebar, 53 E. Randolph St., at 11am, and ends back there at 3:30pm. Tickets are $50.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
The sixth annual Roscoe Village Burger Fest shuts down the intersection of Damen and Belmont today and Sunday. From 11am to 10pm, enjoy hamburgers from 11 area restaurants, plus music and a variety of vendors. $6 suggested donation.
Leavitt Stage:
noon - Red Jr
1:30pm - Up Down Off
3pm - Rego
4:30pm - Scott Lucas & the Married Men
6:35pm - Van Ghost
8:30pm - Rusted Root
Damen Stage:
12:30pm - The Break
2pm - Fletcher Rockwell
3:30pm - Dave Zagar Trio
4:45pm - The Handcuffs
6:15pm - Liquid Soul
8:15pm - Trippin Billies
Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival @ Logan Square
The annual Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival continues three days of music, art, theater, dance and food in Logan Square. Today events run from 11am-10pm on Milwaukee Ave. between California and Kimball.
Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival @ Logan Square
The annual Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival kicks off three days of music, art, theater, dance and food in Logan Square. Events start this afternoon at 4pm and run all weekend on Milwaukee Ave. between California and Kimball.
SummerBrew 2012
The Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce hosts SummerBrew 2012, a beer lover's pre-party for the Square Roots Festival this weekend. From 6:30pm to 10pm in the city parking lot at 4533 N. Lincoln Ave., sample 15 beers from Two Brothers, 5 Rabbit, Finch, Founders, Greenbush, Half Acre, Hinterland, Metropolitan, New Holland and Vander Mill Cider that won't be available at the festival. The Grafton Pub and Fountainhead will serve food. Admission is $20, which includes a complimentary 9oz. glass and your first beer; food and beer tickets are $1 apiece. 21+
Pig Butchering Demo @ Butcher and Larder
If you really want to see it, the Butcher and Larder holds a pig butchering demo tonight at 5pm at 1026 N. Milwaukee Ave. Reservations required; $50 admission, comes with a 10% discount on the evening's meat purchases.
Windy City RibFest
I don't get it, but if you love ribs and want the opportunity to eat them at Lawrence and Broadway, get your buns to the Windy City RibFest, which runs Friday (5-10pm), Saturday (noon-10pm) and today (noon-9pm). Entertainment and all the street fest trimmings included.
Windy City RibFest
I don't get it, but if you love ribs and the opportunity to eat them at Lawrence and Broadway all weekend, get your buns to the Windy City RibFest, which runs Friday (5-10pm), today (noon-10pm) and Sunday (noon-9pm). Entertainment and all the street fest trimmings included.
Fork and the Road: Cure-ious Tour
Fork and the Road food tours by bike embarks on A Cure-ious Tour today, exploring the city's sausages, forcemeats and charcuterie. The 17-mile tour pushes off from the Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave., at 11am, and ends back there at 4pm. Tickets are $60.
Ramadan Food Rituals @ Kendall College
Learn more about the month-long holiday of fasting observed by Muslims at Kendall College (900 N Branch) today at 10am. Yvonne Maffei of My Halal Kitchen will talk about the foods that are permitted to be eaten during Ramadan. Event sponsored by the Chicago Foodways Roundtable. Free parking; admission $3. Email to RSVP.
Windy City RibFest
I don't get it, but if you love ribs and the opportunity to eat them at Lawrence and Broadway all weekend, get your buns to the Windy City RibFest, which runs today (5-10pm), Saturday (noon-10pm) and Sunday (noon-9pm). Entertainment and all the street fest trimmings included.
Bustlin' Bucktown Pub Crawl
The Chicago History Museum leads a walking tour of the bars that made Bucktown famous (or in some cases, mildly liveable). Tour runs 7-10pm, cost $25-30.
Green Week Home Brew Contest @ Neo Futurarium
Andersonville Development Corporation sponsors an evening of sampling a heap of home-brewed beer in honor of its annual Green Week celebration. Food, music and the good feeling of supporting a good cause are also on tap. The winning beer will get a seasonal selling stint at Hamburger Mary's. Tickets are $15. The event is at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave., and starts at 6pm.
Green City Market Chef's BBQ
Many of the city's best chefs converge on Lincoln Park tonight for a high-end barbecue benefiting the Green City Market. Food, drinks, entertainment--sounds better than cooking it yourself! Adult tickets start at $125 (kids 12 and under are $25). Event runs 5:30-8pm at 1750 N. Clark St.
Farmers' Markets of the Heartland Lecture and Signing @ HWLC
Author and blogger Janine MacLachlan discusses her new book Farmers' Markets of the Heartland tonight at the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S State, at 6pm.
Pig Butchering Demo
If you've considered purchasing an entire butchered pig but are a bit intimidated by all the different cuts and possibilities, then you'd be wise to learn more about pig butchering. Thankfully Butcher & Larder is doing a pig butchering demo today at 5pm for $50 per person. But today's is extra special because farmer Janie Crawford of Crawford Farm will be present to share how her pigs are different from others and B&L owner Rob will explain why her's are perfect for charcuterie and curing.
Grilling Series @ Publican Quality Meats
Join the chefs at Publican Quality Meats (825 W Fulton Market) today from 3-8pm for a parking lot barbecue. They'll provide the meats (natch), sides, dessert and cocktails--and even seafood and veg alternatives. Chef Johnny Anderes from Telegraph will join PQM at the grill.
Provençal Menu @ Alliance Francaise
Learn more about how to make southern French faire (stuffed vegetables, grilled duck breast, peach soup) today at Alliance Francaise (54 W Chicago) with Chef Madelaine Bullwinkle. Event runs 10am-1pm; admission $85-95.
Fork and the Road: Oven Lovin'
Fork and the Road food tours by bike embarks on its Oven Lovin' tour, today, a vegetarian-friendly exploration of backed goods. The 16-mile tour pushes off from the Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave., at 11am, and ends back there at 4pm. Tickets are $50.
Chicago's Greatest Dive Bars Tour
The Chicago History Museum hosts an evening of exploring those dusty, dark bars alight with neon beer ad signs, perhaps a pool table, and a lot of sad bastards nursing their 20th cheap beer of the day. You'll learn about their histories and the evolution of bootleg liquor, moonshine and all those classy beverages of Prohibition. Sound awesome? Tour runs 6-9pm, cost $25-30.
Oak Street Beach BBQ
Oak Street Beach Food & Drink hosts a barbecue from 2pm to 6pm today. For $35 per person, you'll get a plate of pulled chicken, brisket and pork, plenty of sides, and two cocktails or other drinks. Call 312-988-4650 for more info.
Chicago Craft Beer Festival
The Chicago Craft Beer Festival runs June 29 through July 1 at St. Michael in Old Town, 1633 N. Cleveland Ave. The event includes a street festival with music, arts and craft vendors, food and beer, as well as daily beer tastings. Admission is $5; the beer tastings are ticketed separately. See the site for full details. The festival is open from 11am to 9pm today.
Chicago Craft Beer Festival
The Chicago Craft Beer Festival runs June 29 through July 1 at St. Michael in Old Town, 1633 N. Cleveland Ave. The event includes a street festival with music, arts and craft vendors, food and beer, as well as daily beer tastings. Admission is $5; the beer tastings are ticketed separately. See the site for full details. The festival is open from 11am to 10pm today.
Chicago Craft Beer Festival
The Chicago Craft Beer Festival runs June 29 through July 1 at St. Michael in Old Town, 1633 N. Cleveland Ave. The event includes a street festival with music, arts and craft vendors, food and beer, as well as daily beer tastings. Admission is $5; the beer tastings are ticketed separately. The festival is open from 5pm to 10pm today. See the site for full details.
Culinary Fundraiser for DIFFA/Chicago Tonight
Jared Van Camp of Nellcôte and Celeste Campise of Spiaggia to name a few will be gathering tonight at Reid Murdoch Building to help raise money for DIFFA/Chicago in the annual Chef's Table culinary event. Tickets can be purchased online for $150.
Harold Washington College Jazz & Pop Ensemble @ South Shore Cultural Center
The first of four scheduled performances for the Harold Washington College Jazz and Pop Ensemble will be held today at the Parrot Cage Restaurant located inside the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive. The musical ensemble will perform two brunch sets at 11:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-2:30pm. Tickets are $25; reservations are recommended. Call 773-602-5333 or RSVP online.
Dose Market
Dose Market celebrates its first birthday from 10am to 4pm today at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St. Shop boutique clothiers, local artisans and gourmet food purveyors -- Details here. Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
Summer Gratins @ Alliance Francaise
Learn how to make this French delicacy--vegetables, eggs, cheese, butter and breadcrumbs--today at Alliance Francaise (840 N Dearborn) with Chef Madelaine Bullwinkel. Event runs 10am-1pm; admission $85-95.
Summer Solstice Potluck @ Rancho Verde
Slow Food Chicago and Christy Webber Landscaping team up for a summer solstice potluck event at Webber's headquarters, aka Rancho Verde, at 2900 W Ferdinand tonight from 6-9pm. Bring a dish to share and enjoy the provided wine, cider, bread and salmon. Tickets $10-15 (kids under 12 free).
Philanthropy with a Twist II
Mingle and nosh at NV Penthouse Lounge located at 116 W. Hubbard (near the Merchandise Mart Brown line and Grand Red line stops) from 7-10pm tonight. Tickets are $45 ($35 if purchased before June 20) and gain you free beer, wine, vodka drinks and appetizers. Buy tickets. Proceeds of ticket sales go to four local charities: Rock for Kids, Lupus Foundation of America - Illinois Chapter, Youth Services of Glenview, and Found.
French for Parisian Pastries @ Multilingual Chicago
If you're planning a trip to Paris (or another French-speaking country), learn how to navigate the pastry shops and use the language to your advantage tonight at Multicultural Chicago, 2934 N Milwaukee, from 6-7:30pm. La Boulangerie will be bringing sweets for some in-class demos (to make the event more authentic!). Admission $30.
Slow Food Chicago Fennel Canning Workshop @ Logan Square Kitchen
You "can" do that (rim shot!) at tonight's workshop on how to prepare and store your fennel haul. Slow Food Chicago hosts the event, which runs from 6-9pm at Logan Square Kitchen, 2333 N Milwaukee. Advance registration required; admission $35-45.
Real Men Cook @ Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center
The new Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 1250 W. 119th St., hosts Real Men Cook, today from 3pm to 6pm. This annual culinary event, now in its 23rd year, is the ultimate Father's Day food festival, featuring samples served up by volunteer chefs and grillmasters, cooking demonstrations and workshops, and a special musical performance by Grammy award-winning jazz saxophonist, Kirk Whalum. Tickets are $10-$25; for more information, contact whatscooking@realmencook.com.
Chicago Pizza Fest
Why not devote an entire street fest to one of the city's finest exports? Pizza gets the street fair treatment today, noon-10pm at Wilson and Broadway.
Taste of Randolph Street
Taste of Randolph combines food from area restaurants and music on three stages all weekend, June 15-17, on its namesake Randolph Street from Peoria to Racine. The fun goes from 11am to 10pm today. $10 suggested donation.
West Stage:
11am - Signature Voices
1pm - Sanctified Grumblers
3pm - Angel Melendez & The 911 Mambo Orchestra
5:30pm - Hollows
6:45pm Artbeat Live
7:30pm - Pyrotechniq
8pm - The Hold Steady
Center Stage:
noon - Moksha Yoga
4pm - Carla Starla
6pm - Sound Bar DJs
East Stage:
1pm - Santah
3:45pm - Adam Ezra
6pm - David Vandervelde
8:30pm - Ezra Furman
Chicago Pizza Fest
Why not devote an entire street fest to one of the city's finest exports? Pizza gets the street fair treatment today and tomorrow, noon-10pm at Wilson and Broadway.
Taste of Randolph Street
Taste of Randolph combines food from area restaurants and music on three stages all weekend, June 15-17, on its namesake Randolph Street from Peoria to Racine. The fun goes from noon to 11pm today. $10 suggested donation.
West Stage:
1pm - Unicycle Loves You
2:45pm - Curbside
4pm - Young Buffalo
6:15 - Empires
8pm - Chris Robinson Brotherhood
Center Stage:
3:30pm - Justin Reed
6pm - Smart Bar DJs
East Stage:
noon - The Gina Knight Orchestra
2pm - Chris Siebold & Psycles
4pm - Stolen Silver
6pm - The Right Now
7:30pm - Math Games with Fareed Haque & Special Guests
Taste of Randolph Street
Taste of Randolph combines food from area restaurants and music on two stages all weekend, June 15-17, on its namesake Randolph Street from Peoria to Racine. The fun goes from 5pm to 10pm today. $10 suggested donation.
West Stage:
6pm - Those Darlins
8:30pm - Los Campesinos
Center Stage:
The Mid DJs
East Stage:
5:45pm - The Real Gone
8pm - Funkadesi
Chicago Ministry of Rum Festival
The Ministry of Rum holds its annual Rum Festival tonight at the Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., from 6pm to 9pm; VIPs get in at 5pm. Sample more than 50 rums from nearly two dozen distilleries, and enjoy artisanal cheeses and other snacks. Tickets are $40, $50 for VIP. 21+
Art of the Bowl @ Benton House
Head to the Benton House Food Pantry, 968 W. 31st St., tonight between 6:30pm and 9pm for The Art of the Bowl. Donate $15 and choose one of hundreds of hand-made ceramic bowls created and donated by local artists, then share a meal of soups and chili made by local chefs and foodies.
Midsommarfest
Andersonville (@ Foster and Clark) turns into a street festival epicenter this weekend. Food, entertainment, kids stuff, and outdoors fun is on the bill. Runs Sunday, 11am-10pm. Suggested donation $5.
Ribfest
Get rib-by with it at Ribfest, which runs tonight, Saturday and Sunday at the intersection of Irving Park, Damen, and Lincoln. Music, beer, more beer, and ribs await you. Event runs noon-10pm today.
Chicago Sausage Experiment @ Bottom Lounge
Amateur sausage makers will unite and fight for pork supremacy today at this event, which is looking for competitors and an audience. Can you make sausage? Sign up--the winner gets a free trip to NYC to visit Brooklyn Brewery, along with other exciting trinkets (and they'll even give you $50 for ingredients!). Can you eat sausage? Then buy a $15 ticket to show up and sample the wares. Event runs 1-4pm at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake.
Slow Food Chicago Pig Roast @ Goose Island
Celebrate summer and all the food that defines it at this barbecue, which is a benefit for members of Slow Food Chicago to attend the Tierra Madre conference in Italy later this year. Chefs from Three Aces, Sable Kitchen + Bar, and Green Zebra (among others) will be cooking sides for the pork, which will be provided by Slagel Farms. Vegetarians will have their own fare, too. Event runs 2-5pm at Goose Island Brewery, 1801 West Fulton. Tickets $60-80.
Midsommarfest
Andersonville (@ Foster and Clark) turns into a street festival epicenter this weekend. Food, entertainment, kids stuff, and outdoors fun is on the bill. Saturday and Sunday, 11am-10pm. Suggested donation $5.
Ribfest
Get rib-by with it at Ribfest, which runs tonight, Saturday and Sunday at the intersection of Irving Park, Damen, and Lincoln. Music, beer, more beer, and ribs await you. Event runs noon-10pm today and Sunday.
Lambic & Sour Beer Festival @ Delilah's
Delilah's, 2771 N. Lincoln Ave., hosts its Lambic & Sour Beer Festival, a tasting of Belgian lambic and geuze beers from more than a dozen breweries, from noon to 5pm today. $20 gets you 20 sample tickets. 21+
Midsommarfest
Andersonville (@ Foster and Clark) turns into a street festival epicenter this weekend. Food, entertainment, kids stuff, and outdoors fun is on the bill. Friday 5-10pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am-10pm. Suggested donation $5.
Ribfest
Get rib-by with it at Ribfest, which runs tonight, Saturday and Sunday at the intersection of Irving Park, Damen, and Lincoln. Music, beer, more beer, and ribs await you. RibMania, a IFOCE-sponsored competition, starts tonight at 6pm on the north end of the event. Event runs 5-10pm tonight and noon-10pm tomorrow and Sunday.
Greg Hall @ CROP
The Chicago Rarities Orchard Project, which hopes to install an apple orchard in Logan Square, hosts a talk by former Goose Island brewmaster and current Virtue Cider founder Greg Hall at the Haas Park fieldhouse, 2402 N. Washtenaw Ave., tonight at 6pm. Free, but donations accepted.
Food Truck Social
Satisfy your food truck craving and help support the non-profit Rock For Kids all in one trip tonight at a special Food Truck Social in the parking lot at 1540 N. Fremont St. from 5:30-8pm. Participating trucks include Duck N' Roll, The Wiener Wagon (from Chubby Wieners), Starfruit, the Wagu Wagon, and La Adelita. The lot is in Lincoln Park at the corner of Fremont and Weed. Nearest Red Line stop: North & Clybourn; buses: North Ave. or Halsted. RSVP and invite friends on Facebook. 15% of sales will go to Rock for Kids so the organization can continue providing quality music education to underserved children of Chicago.
SausageFest
This street festival (Sheffield, between Addison and Waveland) is a celebration of all things pork--Bobak's and Paulina Meat Market will represent their wares--and a benefit for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. A "Sausage King" will be crowned during the festivities, too. Event runs noon-10pm.
SausageFest
This street festival (Sheffield, between Addison and Waveland) is a celebration of all things pork--Bobak's and Paulina Meat Market will represent their wares--and a benefit for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. A "Sausage King" will be crowned during the festivities, too. Event runs noon-10pm today and tomorrow.
World Kitchen Learning Series: The Indian Spice Cabinet @ Gallery 37
Learn all about cooking with Indian cuisine's most prominent spices today at 11am at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St. Admission is $30. Event offered by the City's World Kitchen Learning Series.
Pig Roast @ The Southern
The Southern, 1840 W. North Ave., hosts a Memorial Day pig roast from 2pm to 11pm today. $14 tickets get you your share of a heritage breed Swabian Hall pig and all the trimmings, plus $6 Templeton Rye drinks. The pig comes out of the kitchen around 3pm.
Pig Roast @ Captain Morgan Club
The Captain Morgan Club, Wrigley Field's open-to-non-ticketholders bar at Sheffield and Addison, is hosting a pig roast today while the Cubs play the Padres inside the stadium. Doors open at 9am, and three roasted pigs will be served starting at 11am till they're gone. The pork is free with drink purchase. 21+
Mole de Mayo
The fourth annual Mole de Mayo mole festival and cook-off runs Saturday and today, May 26-27, from 11am to 9pm on Peoria Street between 16th and 18th. Sample many, many moles from local restaurants, browse vendor booths, watch lucha libre wrestling and enjoy a wide variety of Latin-American musical acts, plus DJ sets by DJ Rebel X, Sonorama and DJ Resistol 5000. Suggested donation $1-5.
2pm - Sol Azul
3pm - Caupolican
4pm - Luciano Antonio Trio
6pm - Son del Viento
7pm - Buya
8pm - Cumbia Machin
Mole de Mayo
The fourth annual Mole de Mayo mole festival and cook-off runs today and Sunday, May 26-27, from 11am to 9pm on Peoria Street between 16th and 18th. Sample many, many moles from local restaurants, browse vendor booths, watch lucha libre wrestling and enjoy a wide variety of Latin-American musical acts, plus DJ sets by DJ Rebel X, Sonorama, DJ Soundculture and DJ Miss Cedeño. Suggested donation $1-5.
noon - Mariachi de la Orozco
1pm - Food & Fire
2pm - Phero
2:50pm - Hurakan
3:40pm - Son Mudanza
4:35pm - Jugo de Mango
6:20pm - Fandanguero
7:25pm - Malafacha
8:30pm - Sones de Mexico
Baderbrau Release @ Binny's
Baderbrau Pilsner, Chicago's first craft beer, officially announces its relaunch with a press conference and tasting party at Binny's South Loop, 1132 S. Jefferson St., tonight. The press conference begins at 5pm, and the tasting will run from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Free, 21+.
Slow Food Farm Dinner @ Uncommon Ground
Uncommon Ground serves up a slow food bounty to benefit the members of Slow Food Chicago who are attending the annual Terra Madre conference in Italy tonight at their Devon location, 1401 West Devon. Hors d'oeuvres and a three-course of meal of some seriously awesome-sounding food (Nettle risotto! Roasted pork!) are on the menu. Cocktails at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. Admission $65. Call 773-465-9801 to reserve.
Gimme Shelter! Fundraiser @ Gallery 1028
Tonight's benefit will help build storm shelters for survivors of the tornado that ripped through Joplin, Missouri last spring. DJ sets from Cage + Aquarium, Fig Media, Okyne Medialab, Style Matters and Toast and Jam are on the bill. VIPs will be treated to passed hors d'oeuvres and a special performance by hip-hop breakdancing by Sour Apples Crew. Event runs 7-11pm (VIP hour 6-7pm), at Gallery 1028, 1028 North Hooker. Tickets $25-50.
Chef's Table at Bar Forza
This month's Chef's Table series features an evening of feasting on the creations of Chef Mario Giuseppe Mentesana, who has two five star restaurants in Florence and is now bringing his expertise to Lincoln Park's Bar Forza. Tonight from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at 2476 N. Lincoln Ave. $30, RSVP.
Craft Day Afternoon @ Fizz
Fizz, 3220 N. Lincoln Ave., teams up with The Map Room for an afternoon of beer tastings from craft brewers and apps. Event benefits Hamilton Elementary School; admission starts at $50. Runs 1-5pm.
Lottie's Pub 78th Anniversary
Lottie's Pub, 1925 W. Cortland Ave., celebrates 78 years in business with an all-day and all-night party today, starting at 11am. Enjoy specials including 78-cent draft beers, $4 Jameson and $7.80 homemade 14-inch pizzas. There will be live music all day, and karaoke beginning at 8pm. No cover. 21+
Arcade Brewery Fundraiser @ Claddagh Ring
Arcade Brewery continues to raise funds for its Kickstarter with an event at Claddagh Ring, 2306 W. Foster Ave., tonight from 8pm to midnight. Celtic Rock band Flatfoot 56 and comedian Drew Frees perform, and there'll be a raffle. $20 suggested donation. More details on Facebook. 21+
Dose Market
Dose Market's annual Mother's Day show runs from 10am to 4pm today at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St. Shop for or with Mom among more than 50 local gourmet food purveyors, artisans and fashion boutiques. Lots of giveaways, too -- details here. Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
The Snackpot Launch Party @ Schubas
The Snackpot, a new snack-oriented blog, celebrates its launch with a party at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., starting at 7pm. The evening will feature DJ sets by Johnny Loftus, Pat Sisson and Ed Anderson, readings by Keith Ecker, Shannon Cason, Jacob Daneman and others -- and, of course, snacks. Free beer from 7pm to 9pm. $10 donation is suggested. 21+
World Kitchen Learning Series: A Fresh New Season @ Gallery 37
Learn how to make a killer picnic tonight at 6pm at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St. Admission $30. Event offered by the City's World Kitchen Learning Series.
Paul Virant @ Book Cellar
Chef Paul Virant celebrates the release of his new book, The Preservation Kitchen, at Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 6pm. There will be snacks!
Artrageous on Clark Street
Artrageous is a day of art and food events showcasing businesses on or near Clark Street in Lincoln Park, sponsored by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. From 10am till 5pm, art events take place at 2532 N. Clark St. and food events take place at 2324 N. Clark St. All events are free. See the website for details.
Chicago's Greatest Dives @ Chicago History Museum
If you like the kind of bars that have vinyl seats, tile floors and harsh neon lighting from beer signs, join your fellow lovers of dive bars for a crawl/tour of several of the City's best, sponsored by the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark. Tour runs 6-9pm; tickets $25-30.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a grand and lively celebration across Chicago. An annual festival and parade to commemorate Mexican heritage and the freedom and independence fought for during first years of the American Civil War, Cinco de Mayo inspires spirited celebrations throughout the city. One of them starts today at the Douglas Park Cultural and Community Center, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr., and continues tomorrow and Sunday, when it doubles as the end point of the Cinco de Mayo Parade. Free entry; food and beverage vendors.
Schnitzel Spargel Spaetzle @ Dank Haus
Frau Ingrid of Dank Haus will teach you how to make the best of such German delicacies as spaetzle and schnitzel tonight at Dank Haus, 4740 N Western; class fee is $16, and event runs 7:30-9:30pm.
Road Food: Exploring the Midwest One Bite at a Time
The Greater Midwest Food Alliance holds a symposium, Road Food: Exploring the Midwest One Bite at a Time, this weekend at Kendall College, from April 27 to April 29. Today's activities run from 9am to 4pm and include a 9am breakfast at Lou Mitchell's, 565 W. Jackson St., and tours of the relocated Maxwell Street market and a tour of Feast: Radical Hospitality in Contemporary Art at the Smart Museum. Tickets to today's breakfast are $20; the tours are $10, and are available online.
Booze, Bars, and Bootlegging @ Chicago History Museum
Join this pub crawl, which will hit up several of the city's most famous speakeasies with the Chicago History Museum (event starts at 1601 N Clark) today from 1-4pm. You'll drink and learn about Chicago's most infamous (and thirsty).Tickets $25-30.
Road Food: Exploring the Midwest One Bite at a Time
The Greater Midwest Food Alliance holds a symposium, Road Food: Exploring the Midwest One Bite at a Time, this weekend at Kendall College, from April 27 to April 29. Today's activities run from 9am to 4pm and include a keynote by RoadFood.com's Michael Stern titled "Will Success Spoil Regional Food?" and panel discussions on drive-in restaurants, culinary traditions in small-town cafes, horseshoe sandwiches, Depression-era pie trucks, the history of the Midwest supper club and more (full schedule here). Lunch features a range of Midwestern specialties including horseshoes, pork tenderloin sandwiches and runza; an afternoon break features a tasting of Midwestern wines and Wisconsin cheese. Tickets to the conference are $85 for the weekend, available online
Pastoral's Artisan Producer Festival
Today from 11am to 3pm, Pastoral hosts its Artisan Producer Festival at the Chicago French Market, 131 N. Clinton St. Sample products and celebrate artisanal food, beer and wine from around the world, and meet some of the people who make them. Free. Details on Facebook.
Road Food: Exploring the Midwest One Bite at a Time
The Greater Midwest Food Alliance holds a symposium, Road Food: Exploring the Midwest One Bite at a Time, this weekend at Kendall College, from April 27 to April 29. Today's activities run from 3pm to 7pm and include a talk by Terri Ryburn about life along Route 66, an update on the Illinois State Fair Heirloom Recipe Contest, and a discussion of "Food Trucks: Yesterday and Today" with Louisa Chu. A food truck dinner follows. Tickets to the conference are $85 for the weekend, available online
Dining Out For Life
Tonight is the 19th annual Dining Out For Life around the Chicago area. Participation is simple: simply go out to dinner at one of the participating restaurants, and a portion of your bill will be donated to AIDS service organizations. See the Dining Out For Life Website for full details on the event.
Make Mine Ginger Cooking Class @ World Kitchen
Discover the versatility of ginger tonight at the Spring Express cooking class, which will be held at the World Kitchen, 66 E Randolph; class begins at 6pm. Admission $30; registration required.
GNR Awards Dinner @ Manny's
LTH Forum holds a ceremony and chowdownathon to honor their Great Neighborhood Restaurants awards recipients tonight at Manny's, 1141 South Jefferson; event begins at 6pm. Admission $50 for a specially prepared meal and an evening of foodertainment; you must RSVP at the LTH Forum thread.
Barking for Brews Benefit @ Revolution
Midwest Rescue of Illinois holds a benefit for their pit bull rescue programs tonight at Revolution Brewery, 2323 North Milwaukee, from 5-7pm. For $35, you get unlimited beer, appetizers, and that warm feeling of knowing you're helping animals in need.
E-Dogz and Birrieria Zaragoza Pop-Up @ Roots & Culture Contemporary Art Center
It's not my rap group, no--E-Dogz and Birrieria Zaragoza team up for a brief (but sure to be memorable) collaboration on Mexican street food; the pair will be in the E-Dogz truck at Roots & Culture Contemporary Art Center (1034 N MIlwaukee) between 5-7pm today; you can buy tickets to purchase such items as Five Spice Duck "Confitas" tacos. Yowza.
Sixpoint Release @ SmallBar Division
SmallBar Division, 2049 W. Division St., hosts a release party for Brooklyn's Sixpoint Brewery tonight from 6pm to 11:30pm. Spice of Life, Righteous Ale and Crisp will be available on tap, and Sweet Action, Bengali Tiger and Resin will be available in bottles. No cover, 21+.
4SQ Day @ Southern Mac & Cheese
Fans of Foursquare celebrate "4SQ Day" today at the Southern Mac & Cheese, 1840 W. North Ave., at 6:30pm. RSVP on Meetup.com.
Dose Market
Dose Market brings together food and fashion at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., from 10am to 4pm today. Peruse gourmet food and drink and shop the latest fashions; see a vendor list here. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
Chicago Mobile Food Symposium
Join the My Streets! My Eats! campaign and the Institute for Justice for the Chicago Mobile Food Symposium, a community symposium on mobile food in Chicago. The event runs from 8:30am to 1:30pm today in the University of Chicago Law School Auditorium 1111 E. 60th St., and will include a session for food vendors on understanding local legal issues, a panel discussion, and a food truck meetup. The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Attendees can register here.
Luscious Layers Cooking Class @ World Kitchen
Your cake-baking and bar-making skills will get a workout today at the Spring Express cooking class, which will be held at the World Kitchen, 66 E Randolph; class begins at 11am. Admission $30; registration required.
Julia and Simca: a Franco-American Culinary Alliance @ Kendall College
The Culinary Historians of Chicago sponsor a morning (10am-noon) lecture on the friendship between an American living in France who would go on to become a culinary powerhouse and her French partner who showed her the way. Julia Child and Simca Beck's legendary relationship will be discussed in detail by historian and author David Strauss. Event takes place at Kendall College, 900 North Branch; admission $3-5. Free parking. Email to RSVP.
Night Lab: The Science of Smell
Science is Sexy presents Night Lab: The Science of Smell, a free talk with Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, tonight from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. Dr. Hirsch will share research on smell and taste, illuminating how our sense of smell influences human emotion, mood, behavior, diseases states, consumer preferences and weight loss. Attendees will get do their own experiments as well, smelling and tasting their way through the evening. Free. 21+
Spring Express Cooking Class @ World Kitchen
Learn to cook with what is coming up in your garden (rhubarb, asparagus, etc.) tonight at the Spring Express cooking class, which will be held at the World Kitchen, 66 E Randolph, 6-8pm. Admission $30; registration required.
Academy For Global Citizenship Benefit @ Hideout
Virtue Cider, Greg Hall's new hard cider company, debuts its first product, Red Streak, at a benefit for the Academy for Global Citizenship tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., starting at 7pm. In addition to Red Streak cider, there will be food from Belly Shack, GT Fish & Oyster, Lula Cafe, Hot Chocolate, Publican Quality Meats, Sunday Dinner Club, Trencherman and Yusho. The Waco Brothers and The Blisters (Spencer Tweedy's band) perform. Tickets are $50.
Drink to the Music! @ Chicago History Museum
Get on the Chicago History Museum's trolley of fun for a trip of several of the bars that played a hand in influencing the city's music scene. Event runs 7-10pm; admission $25-30. Museum is at Clark an North Avenue.
Brew Springsteen
Join a dozen local home brewers at Variable Space, 1564 N. Damen Ave., from 2pm to 7pm for Brew Springsteen. $25 admission includes 15 drink tickets and food from Chef Won and company. 21+
Wine & Music Pairing @ Bin36
Janelle Carter, editor of The Cork Chronicles, and vocalist Charles Hammond Jr. co-host Hello, My Name Is...," a wine and music pairing event at Bin36, 339 N. Dearborn Ave., tonight from 8pm to 10pm. Hammond will preview his debut EP, Hello My Name Is… while Janelle Carter will guide attendees through a blind tasting of several different wines. Tickets are $35; $65 VIP tickets get you into the preparty at 7pm. 21+
ICE Chicago Benefit @ Longman and Eagle
The International Contemporary Ensemble holds a benefit for its programs in music education and performance tonight at Longman and Eagle, 2657 N Kedzie. Tasting menu from chef Jared Wentworth, drinks, a silent auction and performances by ICE artists is on the bill. Event starts with a champagne reception at 4pm; dinner 5-7:30pm.Tickets $150-300.
Chicago Beer Fest @ Union Station
What's that sound? It's the sound of the beer train pulling in to Union Station. (OK, not really, but it is time to drink!) The Chicago Beer Festival will fill Union Station today with two sessions for your beer-loving pleasure. Tickets are $40 per session (1-4pm and 6-9pm) and include access to free samples from dozens of breweries (local, national, and international) including 5 Rabbit, Argus, Pipeworks, Bell's, Abita, Spaten, Sapporo, Rogue, Brewery Ommegang, and more! Food will be available as well, at an additional cost. More on Facebook. Union Station is located at 210 S. Canal St.
Casa de Soul @ Chief O'Neill's
Casa de Soul, chef and GB contributor Alan Lake's Brazilian jazz band, celebrates the release of its new self-titled album tonight at Chief O'Neill's, 3471 N. Elston Ave. -- which happens to be where Lake is currently chef. The show starts at 8pm, but get there early so he can cook you dinner, too. Call 773-583-3066 for reservations. Free, all ages.
The New Colony's Fools Ball @ The Dank Haus
If you've enjoyed getting to know the characters from New Colony theater productions over the last few years (particularly FRAT and Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche), you may want to check out the Colonists' first annual Board Fundraiser, featuring favorite characters from shows past as well as The New Colony's upcoming production in partnership with Bailiwick Chicago, Rise of the Numberless. $40 ticket includes live entertainment, hors d'oeurves, wine and beer, games, and silent auction; group discounts available, booked over email. 8pm, The Dank Haus, 4740 N. Western Avenue, 6th Floor.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) hosts Soup and Bread, which is a casual soup-eating event and fundraiser for a local food-related charity. Donate what you can; eat what you will. Event runs 5:30-7:30pm.
What's Brewing in Chicago? The Politics of Beer
The Illinois Humanities Council sponsors tonight's lecture on beer's place in Chicago history at Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 West Randolph. Event starts at 6:30pm and is free. RSVP requested.
Dale DeGroff @ The Drawing Room
Trailblazing mixologist and author Dale DeGroff tells stories of his 40 years behind the bar, accompanied by jazz guitarist Andy Brown, at The Drawing Room, 937 N. Rush St., tonight from 7pm to 8:30pm as part of the Museum of the American Cocktail's "On the Town!" series. Complementary cocktails and apps will be served. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door. 21+
Maple Syrup Festival
From 10am to 3pm Saturday and today, the North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., holds its annual Maple Syrup Festival. Watch the entire maple syrup-making process from tapping the tree to collect sap to boiling it down into syrup. Taste the final product, make maple-based crafts, and enjoy the Nature Center's grounds. Free.
Maple Syrup Festival
From 10am to 3pm today and Sunday, the North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., holds its annual Maple Syrup Festival. Watch the entire maple syrup-making process from tapping the tree to collect sap to boiling it down into syrup. Taste the final product, make maple-based crafts, and enjoy the Nature Center's grounds. Free.
WhiskyFest @ Hyatt Regency--SOLD OUT
The 12th annual WhiskyFest, which offers every make and model of the devil's water, kicks off at the Hyatt Regency, 151 W Wacker, tonight from 6:30-9:30pm. Tastings, seminars, and food (to absorb the damage) are on the bill. Admission $155-205.
Capone's Whiskey: The Story of Templeton Rye @ Mayne Stage
If you like whiskey, you'll love Templeton Rye, the legendary export of a small community in Iowa whose residents illegally made the drink in their sheds (when farming wasn't paying the bills) during the Depression. Al Capone, who loved Templeton Rye, influenced the whiskey's popularity and frequent availability in speakeasies all over the Midwest. Filmmaker Kristian Day tells the tale of Templeton Rye and its place in Midwest culture in his recent film Capone's Whiskey: The Story of Templeton Rye, which will be shown tonight at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse. Doors open at 6:30pm; film starts at 8pm, followed by a Q&A with Day. Tickets $10-15. Templeton Rye, which began commercial, above-board sales in 2006, hosts a post-film reception. Event sponsored by Gapers Block.
Pitmaster Dinner @ Barn and Company
Three Floyd's Beer teams up with chef/pitmaster Gary Wiviott for a three-course meal with pairings tonight at 7:30pm at Barn and Company, 905 W Wrightwood. Admission $40. Reservations required.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) hosts Soup and Bread, which is a casual soup-eating event and fundraiser for a local food-related charity. Donate what you can; eat what you will. Event runs 5:30-7:30pm.
Speed Rack @ Bottom Lounge
Speed Rack, a speed bartending competition for women, comes to the Volcano Room at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., from 3pm to 7pm today. Tickets are $25 All proceeds from the event will go to breast cancer education, prevention and research. 21+
Dye One On @ Fulton's on the River
Fulton's on the River, 315 N. LaSalle St., has perhaps the best view in town of the dying of the Chicago River for St. Patrick's Day. The restaurant will be hosting its fourth annual "Dye One On" party on its riverside patio today from 8am to 1pm, with heat lamps to keep you warm and food and drink specials such as $5 bangers and mash and $2 pints of green beer. No reservations required.
From Haggis to Headcheese: The Fall and Rise of Odd Bits @ Kendall College
Chef and Author Jennifer McLagan takes you into the more offbeat use of animal parts to show you it's not that offal (yes!) today at Kendall College, 900 N Branch, 10am-noon. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago; admission $5, $3 for students and no charge for CHC members or Kendall students and faculty. Emailed RSVP requested.
Localicious @ Good Food Festival
The Localicious party at the Good Food Festival provides a fun opportunity to sample food and drink from more than 20 seasonally oriented restaurants and more than a dozen local breweries and distillers. Sunnyside Up provides the soundtrack. The event runs from 7pm to 9:30pm at the UIC Forum, Roosevelt Road and Halsted Street,. Tickets are $75.
Good Food Festival @ UIC Forum
Food, activism, politics, economics, and science intersect at this three day-long conference at UIC Forum (725 W Roosevelt) road. Tickets $15-250.
Erin Go Beer! Irish Pubs of Chicago @ Chicago History Museum
Get on the Chicago History Museum's trolley of fun for a trip of several of the city's most Irish pubs to celebrate the upcoming Saint Patty's Day. Event runs 7-10pm; admission $25-30. Museum is at Clark an North Avenue.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) hosts Soup and Bread, which is a casual soup-eating event and fundraiser for a local food-related charity. Donate what you can; eat what you will. Event runs 5:30-7:30pm.
Erin Go Beer! Irish Pubs of Chicago @ Chicago History Museum
Get on the Chicago History Museum's trolley of fun for a trip of several of the city's most Irish pubs to celebrate the upcoming Saint Patty's Day. Event runs 1-4pm; admission $25-30. Museum is at Clark an North Avenue.
Meals on Wheels Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament/Benefit
Meals on Wheels holds a Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament and benefit tonight at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 W Washington. Cocktails and buffet. Event runs 6:30pm-midnight. Tickets $80-320.
Mixologist Mash-up
Tonight from 6pm to 9pm at Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave., the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce hosts the Mixologist Mash-up. Bartenders from The Boundary, Club Lucky, Pint, Subterranean and Wicker Park Tavern will compete to create a cocktail that best symbolizes the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods. Tickets are $25, and gets you samples of each cocktail, appetizers, a free subscription to Time Out and 20 percent off Drink Deck bar discount cards.
Erin Go Beer! Irish Pubs of Chicago @ Chicago History Museum
Get on the Chicago History Museum's trolley of fun for a trip of several of the city's most Irish pubs to celebrate the upcoming Saint Patty's Day. Event runs 7-10pm; admission $25-30. Museum is at Clark an North Avenue.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) hosts Soup and Bread, which is a casual soup-eating event and fundraiser for a local food-related charity. Donate what you can; eat what you will. Event runs 5:30-7:30pm.
Farm to Table Dinner @ Osteria Via Stato
Osteria Via Stato, 620 N. State St., hosts a five-course farm to table dinner tonight at 6:30pm, featuring Slagel Family Farm's, hormone-free beef, pork, lamb and chicken in an Italian-inspired menu, with each course paired with beers from Great Lakes Brewing Company. Louis John Slagel and Kevin Hack from Great Lakes will be in attendance to discuss their products. The dinner is $65 per person (not including tax and gratuity); for reservations and menu call 312-642-8450 or visit osteriaviastato.com.
Chowdah Fest @ Columbia Yacht Club
Tonight's benefit for the Sea Scouts features New England's (or Manhattan's, whichever you prefer) finest stew from the hands of such chefs as Giuseppe Trentori of Boka and GT Fish and Oyster, Sarah Grueneberg of Spiaggia (and this season of Top Chef), Nicole Pederson of C-House, and Mark Steuer of the Bedford. Event runs from 6:30-9:30pm at the Columbia Yacht Club, 111 North Lake Shore Drive. Tickets $35.
Seed and Story Swap
Get your future garden in order at today's Seed and Story Swap at Hull House on the UIC campus, 800 S Halsted, 2-5pm. Learn what can grow, what can't, and trade stories with your fellow gardeners. Free.
Chicago's Greatest Dives @ Chicago History Museum
If you like the kind of bars that have vinyl seats, tile floors and harsh neon lighting from beer signs, join your fellow lovers of dive bars for a crawl/tour of several of the City's best, sponsored by the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark. Tour runs 6-9pm; tickets $25-30.
Little City Junior Board's Food Frenzy @ Loft on Lake
Lula, Mana Food Bar, and Coco Pazzo are among the restaurants appearing at the Little City Junior Board's third annual Food Frenzy, which takes place tonight at Loft on Lake, 1366 W Lake. Food, drink, raffle prizes and a "Mystery Wine" contest are on the bill. Tickets $60-75.
IHOP National Pancake Day
IHOP celebrates National Pancake Day today by offering a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. In return, the restaurant asks that you make a donation to the Children's Miracle Network.
Booze, Bars, and Bootlegging @ Chicago History Museum
Join this pub crawl, which will hit up several of the city's most famous speakeasies with the Chicago History Museum (event starts at 1601 N Clark) today from 1-4pm. You'll drink and learn about Chicago's most infamous (and thirsty).Tickets $25-30.
Slow Food Annual Meeting @ Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Come farmers, chefs, locavores and gardeners to Slow Food Chicago's annual meeting to discuss eggplant, pigs, basil and ducks for the coming growing season. You'll hear about this year's theme (and their newly defined mission), learn what sort of events and volunteer opportunities will be available and provide ideas for how we can make Chicago a more farmer-friendly city. Hosted at the Peggy Notebart Museum at 2pm. Free reservations required.
Purple Asparagus Wine Tasting @ Feast
Feast Bucktown, 1616 N. Damen Ave., hosts a wine tasting benefiting Purple Asparagus, a Chicago non-profit that educates children about healthy eating. For $20, enjoy sustainably-farmed/organic/biodynamic wines and light appetizers from 7pm to 9pm. All proceeds benefit Purple Asparagus. 21+
Alliance Dance Co. Dinner
Alliance Dance Company hosts a fundraising dinner at Ranalli's, 1512 W. Berwyn Ave., tonight from 8pm to 11pm. For $25 you'll get unlimited wine, appetizers, salad and pizza, and learn about Alliance Dance's upcoming performances.
Chicago Foodies Food Truck Bash
Food blog Chicago Foodies holds its first Food Truck Bash tonight at The Green Lady, 3328 N. Lincoln Ave, at 6pm. For $35, La Adelita, The Brown Bag Lunch Truck, and Cupcakes for Courage will provide a tasting menu paired with beer from Two Brothers Brewing. Tickets are available here or at the door.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) hosts Soup and Bread, which is a casual soup-eating event and fundraiser for a local food-related charity. Donate what you can; eat what you will. Event runs 5:30-7:30pm.
Empty Bottle Chili-Synth Cookoff
The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., holds its second annual Chili-Synth Cookoff tonight at 7pm. Taste the chili and enjoy synthesizer-based music by Jeremiah Fischer, Deep Earth, Anthony Janas, Jeff Host and Rolan Vega. Beau Wanzer and Brett Naucke share hosting duties. Admission is $4. 21+
Chicago Restaurant Week Begins
The week of prix fixe menus at a range of restaurants begins! Aria, Naha, Japonais and Mercat a la Planxa are among the participants. Most cost $22 for lunch and $33/$44 for dinner (food only; tax, tip and drinks not included). Make reservations now! Ends February 24.
Animal Magnetism @ Galleria Marchetti
This annual benefit for PAWS features food, drinks, a raffle for a trip to Vegas, and a pet-friendly atmosphere (finally, an event with some good conversation!). Event is at Galleria Marchetti, 825 W Erie, and starts at 7pm. Tickets starts at $125; bring Fido for an additional $25.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) hosts Soup and Bread, which is a casual soup-eating event and fundraiser for a local food-related charity. Donate what you can; eat what you will. Event runs 5:30-7:30pm.
I Love Bloomingdale @ Revolution Brewery
Help raise funds for the Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail and the Trust for Public Land at this open bar and appetizer bonanza at Revolution Brewery, 2323 North Milwaukee. They'll have supplies for making Valentines, as well as a photo booth (oooohh!). Event runs 7-9pm; tickets $5 for kids, $20 student, $30 everyone else.
Dose Market
Dose Market brings together food and fashion at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., from 10am to 4pm today. Peruse gourmet food and drink and shop the latest fashions; see a vendor list here. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
Sunday Bloody Sunday @ Chicago History Museum
Visit some of the city's best places to get a bloody mary while discussing such sundry topics as Valentine's Day (or the Saint Valentine's Day massacre) today with the fine folks from the Chicago History Museum (1601 North Clark). Event runs 1-4pm; tickets $25-30.
Trenchermen Pop-Up @ Logan Square Kitchen
Chefs and brothers Michael and Patrick Sheehin, who have experience at some of the nation's best restaurants (wd-50, Blackbird) under their toques, join forces for a pop-up dinner tonight, Monday and Tuesday at Logan Square Kitchen, 2333 North Milwaukee. A five-course meal with wine pairings is yours for $120/person; reservations required. Seatings 7:30pm on Sunday and 5:30pm-9pm on Monday-Tuesday (times vary each day; check their schedule for info).
Valentine's Day Pastry Market @ Logan Square Kitchen
Logan Square Kitchen (2333 N Milwaukee) holds its annual pastry market today from 10am-3pm. Vendors include Paper Moon Pastry, Honeypie, and de la Rue Patisserie will be among the vendors in attendance. Admission $1.
Vintage Strong Beer Fest @ Delilah's
Need a strong ale? A live beer? From noon-5pm today, get your fill of these potions (and more) at Deliliah's, 2771 N. Lincoln. Over 50 breweries will be in attendance, among them 3 Floyds, Central Waters, New Holland, and Half Acre. Tickets $20.
Valentine's Day Pastry Market @ Logan Square Kitchen
Logan Square Kitchen (2333 N Milwaukee) holds its annual pastry market today and tomorrow, 10am-3pm. Vendors include Paper Moon Pastry, Honeypie, and de la Rue Patisserie will be among the vendors in attendance. Admission $1.
From Bean to Bar @ Garfield Conservatory
Walk through the process of how chocolate is made--from a brownish, nondescript bean to that Snickers in your hand--today at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park, from 10am-noon today. Admission $15-20.
Mastering Moroccan Phyllo @ Alliance Francaise
You will learn to make both savory and sweet dishes with this versatile wrapping pastry at Alliance Francaise, 54 W Chicago. Class runs 10am-1pm under the eye of Chef Madelaine Bullwinkel; advance registration required. Admission $85 AF Members/$95 Non-Members.
Chicago's Greatest Dives @ Chicago History Museum
If you like the kind of bars that have vinyl seats, tile floors and harsh neon lighting from beer signs, join your fellow lovers of dive bars for a crawl/tour of several of the City's best, sponsored by the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark. Tour runs 6-9pm; tickets $25-30.
Martha Bayne @ Quimby's
Journalist and Soup and Bread creator Martha Bayne appears at Quimby's (1854 W North) tonight at 7pm to chat about the weekly soup-eating charity event's recently published cookbook.
Meet Your Chicago Distillers Night @ Jerry's
Jerry's Sandwiches, 1938 W. Division St., hosts Meet Your Chicago Distillers Night tonight from 7pm to 10pm. The event will feature staff from Koval Distillers, Evanston Evanston's Few Spirits, Lake Bluff's North Shore Distillery and Journeyman Distillery from Three Oaks, MI. $10 admission gets you samples from each distiller as well as one specialty cocktail made with one of the distilleries' spirits. DJ Tankboy will spin during the afterparty from 10pm to midnight. 21+
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) hosts Soup and Bread, which is a casual soup-eating event and fundraiser for a local food-related charity. Donate what you can; eat what you will. Event runs 5:30-7:30pm.
Science of a Cocktail Party @ DIRTT
This fundraiser for Illinois Science Council at DIRTT (325 N. Wells Street, Suite 1000) features cocktails and other marvels of science. Event runs 8-11pm; tickets start at $60.
Chicago's Classic Restaurants: Past, Present and Future
Chicago Foodways Roundtable sponsors this morning lecture about the big names in Chicago dining dating from the city's inception to the present--think The Berghoff to Alinea--with authors and historians Neal Samors and Eric Bronsky. Event takes place at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, from 10am-noon. Free parking. Tickets $3. You must RSVP to attend.
BBQ Bowl @ Club Lucky
Gapers Block's first annual BBQ Bowl barbecue competition takes place today from noon to 3pm at Club Lucky, 1824 W. Wabansia Ave. Come sample ribs by seven of the city's top restaurants, and vote on your favorite for "People's Pick." Our special guest judges will also select their "Critic's Choice" award winner. Your $25 admission gets you samples from all the competitors, plus two Southern side dishes, drink specials and a whiskey tasting by local Koval Distillery. Soul band The Congregation also performs.
Chicago Restaurant Week First Bites Bash
Chicago Restaurant Week kicks off with the First Bites Bash in the Grand Hall of Union Station, 500 W. Jackson St., tonight from 6pm to 9pm. Chef Stephanie Izard hosts the event, featuring sweet and savory tastes from more than 50 local restaurants, along with beverages from Moet Hennessy, Belveder and Blue Moon. Tickets are $125, with 100 percent of net proceeds going to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) hosts Soup and Bread, which is a casual soup-eating event and fundraiser for a local food-related charity. Donate what you can; eat what you will. Event runs 5:30-7:30pm.
Lincoln Square Winter Brew
The Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce and the Square Kegs Home Brew Club host the first annual Winter Brew tonight in the fifth floor ballroom at Dank Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave., from 7pm to 11pm. Enjoy beers from five of Chicago's microbreweries (plus microdistiller Koval), as well as food from The Grafton Pub and Fountainhead. Admission is $10, and beer and food are purchased via a ticket system. Details here.
Red/White Benefit @ Fine Wine Brokers
From 7:30-9pm tonight, you'll sip vino while helping out homeless animals in the city. Red/White, which benefits the Red Door Animal Shelter, will be at Fine Wine Brokers, 4621 N Lincoln. Tickets $40.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) hosts Soup and Bread, which is a casual soup-eating event and fundraiser for a local food-related charity. Donate what you can; eat what you will. Event runs 5:30-7:30pm.
Lillie's Q Mexican Pop-Up Dinner
The BBQ spot in Wicker Park (1856 W North) pays homage to their talented sous chef Jose Landa tonight by turning over the menu to his Mexican cuisine. A six-course meal full of delights like Shrimp Chile Rellano, Ceviche, and Coconut Flan results! Tickets $45; seatings are between 6:30 and 9pm.
Chocolate Extravaganza @ Le Cordon Bleu
The Le Cordon Bleu (361 West Chestnut) serves an eight course chocolate tasting menu tonight from 6:30-9pm. Some delicious-sounding stuff is on the menu (chocolate-braised short ribs? Yes). Tickets $79; reservations required.
Beer Brunch @ SmallBar on Division
SmallBar on Division is amping up its brunch offerings for an installment of its popular beer brunch. Each menu item has been created with one of 3 Floyds' more unique brews in mind. New selections include spicy buttermilk fried frog legs, lamb shepherd's pie in black sun gravy and a soft scotched egg over handmade beef sausage and roman gnocci. Check all of their new offerings here.
The prices for each entrée range from $9-13 and the beers are available ala carte. The full brunch menu will also be available during this special event. Reservations are recommended (smallbar.chicago@gmail.com).
Midwest Baking Traditions @ Chicago History Museum
Chefs Jenny Lewis and Heidi Heidecker will be discussing how the Midwest made its mark on sweet treats (we invented the brownie!) and baking styles all over the world today at Chicago History Museum (North and Clark), today from 10am-noon. Admission $5, $3 for students and free for members of the Culinary Historians of Chicago, which sponsors the event. RSVP required.
Stout and Chili Night @ C.H.A.O.S. Brew Club
Chili, home-brewed beer, and cocoa are center stage at tonight's first annual Stout and Chili Night at C.H.A.O.S. Brew Club, 1329 West Grand. Admission $20.
The Brew Ho-Ho Celebrates Home Brewers
The only event in Chicago that celebrates home brewing, The Brew Ho Ho will feature eight home brewers that will dole out one-of-a-kind brews, each paired with a variety of edible baked treats. Featured brewers include: Brutally Honest Brewing, Powell Brewhouse, Big Dicks Brewing, Soma Ale Works, Corazon, Rockwell Brewing, New Oberpfalz and Second Story Brewing. Chef Won Kim (Marketing Event Chef At Whole Foods Lincoln Park and Private Chef) will be pairing brews with delicious baked treats. Admission is $20 at the door and includes 10 beer samples, five treat tickets and a sample of Angel's Envy bourbon. RSVP to learn the location of the event. Event takes place on January 21st from 2pm to 7pm.
Soup and Bread @ World Kitchen
Author Martha Bayne, who started the Soup and Bread series at the Hideout, leads a cooking class about--what else?--soup at Gallery 37, 66 E Randolph, at 11am today. Class is part of the World Kitchen series; admission $30. Advance registration required.
Winter Ragouts @ Alliance Francaise
Learn how to make three types of this hearty French stew today at the Alliance Francaise, 54 W Chicago. Chef Madelaine Bullwinkel will be at the helm. Cost $85 AF members, $95 for everyone else. Advance registration required. Class runs 10am-1pm.
Kulturkueche: Krautwickel @ Dank Haus
Learn to make the German delicacy Krautwickel (i.e. steamed beef wrapped in cabbage leaves) tonight at 7:30pm at Dank Haus, 4740 North Western. The $18 admission covers materials and includes demonstration, recipes, tasting and one beverage. Reservations required.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) hosts Soup and Bread, which is a casual soup-eating event and fundraiser for a local food-related charity. Donate what you can; eat what you will. Event runs 5:30-7:30pm.
Beer Brunch @ SmallBar on Fullerton
SmallBar on Fullerton is amping up its brunch offerings for an installment of its popular beer brunch. Each menu item has been created with one of 3 Floyd's more unique brews in mind. New selections include spicy buttermilk fried frog legs, lamb shepherd's pie in black sun gravy and a soft scotched egg over handmade beef sausage and roman gnocci. Check all of their new offerings here.
The prices for each entrée range from $9-13 and the beers are available ala carte. The full brunch menu will also be available during this special event. Reservations are recommended (smallbar.chicago@gmail.com).
Similar offerings will be available at the SmallBar on Division on January 21
Julie Hyzy Affairs of Steak Book Launch
What do the White House, cooking and mystery novels have in common? Author Julie Hyzy who has been releasing a series of mystery novels that involve the oval-office's chef. She will hold a release for her newest title in the seriesAffairs of Steak today at 1pm at Centuries and Sleuths bookstore 7419 W. Madison Street in Forest Park, IL. Refreshments will be served, some made from the recipes in her books.
Tipping and Class Warfare in the Early 20th Century @ Kendall College
Join professor Andrew Haley of the University of Southern Mississippi for a discussion of the history of server gratuities, and the tension it caused for middle-class Americans who wanted to be part of the restaurant culture but resented the higher class of service for those diners willing to pay a little extra. Event is at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, from 10am-noon. Free parking. Event is $3 for Kendall students, $5 for everyone else, and is sponsored by Chicago Foodways Roundtable; you must RSVP to attend.
Soup & Bread @ Hideout
Soup & Bread starts a new year at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Come enjoy homemade soups, fresh bread and a little music spun by DJ Treetop Lover. Free, but donations encouraged; proceeds benefit Casa Catalina Basic Human Needs Center in Back of the Yards. 21+
Bottom Lounge Beer Social w/Founders
Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St. hosts a Beer Social tonight at 7pm featuring Grand Rapids' Founders Brewery. $20 gets you a beer when you arrive, four beer and sausage pairings and a dessert beer. Founders will be debuting its imperial stout at the event. 21+
Pig Roast @ Cantina 46
Cantina 46, 46 E. Superior St., hosts a New Year's Day pig roast from 11am to 4pm. Enjoy conchita pibil prepared in a Cuban Caja box by guest chef Troy Graves, along with traditional accompaniments, for $15 per person. For an additional $15, you can get bottomless mimosas, sangria and bloody marys. Call 312-664-0100 or email event@cantina46.com for reservations.
Eve of the Eve @ Union Station
The 18th annual Eve of the Eve gala will be held in Union Station's Great Hall, 500 W. Jackson Blvd., tonight at 8pm. Welcoming more than 2,000 of the city's young professionals, the black-tie optional event's proceeds will benefit the HighSight fun, which provides scholarships, tutoring, and mentoring for high school students. Tickets are available at $125 in advance or $140 at the door. 21+
Dark Night @ Acre
Acre, 5308 N. Clark St., hosts its second annual The Dark Night dark beer tasting tonight at 5pm tonight. Two dozen stouts, porters, black ales and more will be poured, $5 for a taste. Contact the restaurant at 773-334-7600 for details and reservations. 21+
Stephanie Izard Book Signing @ Whole Foods Lincoln Park
The chef and author will be signing copies of her new book Girl in the Kitchen at the 1550 Wine Bar at the Lincoln Park Whole Foods (1550 N Kingsbury) tonight from 630-8:30pm.
Spirit Dinner @ Mercadito
Mercadito is opening up their Mexican sauna-esque private room downstairs for a series of Spirit Dinners. Four course sharing menus are developed by infusing the "spirit of the evening" into each dish, then pairing it with a cocktail using the same spirit. Get the walk through of the spirit's development from a local rep and sip yourself to better knowledge of El Tesoro Tequila tonight.
Tickets are $55 each. For reservations call: 312.329.9555.
Seasons Eating Pop-Up @ Katherine Anne Confections
Fig Catering and Katherine Anne herself are among the vendors hosting a small pop-up food shop today at Katherine Anne Confections, 2745 W Armitage from 10am-3pm.
Stephanie Izard Book Signing @ Book Cellar
The chef and author will be signing copies of her new book Girl in the Kitchen at the Book Cellar, 4736 N Lincoln, beginning at noon.
Eli's Cheesecake Dock Sale
Eli's Cheesecake holds a sale (up to 50% off) of its cheesecakey wares today at their warehouse at 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive, 9am-3pm. You can also get the same pricing online from Dec 16-18 if you can't make the trip west.
Truffle-Making Party @ Katherine Anne Confections
Want to say you've entered the chocolate-making business? Katherine Anne Confections hosts a wine tasting and truffle-making party at 6:30pm (at their bakery, 2745 West Armitage); for $50, you'll get vino, appetizers, and four of your handmade creations.
Hideout Holiday Sale
It's free to attend this annual crafty sale nestled in the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. The Hideout Holiday Sale takes place tonight from 6-9pm. Bonus: this year learn about the Hideout 2012 CSA with Peasants Plot Farm. (After the sale, stick around for some banjo twangin' by The Dog Patch Ramblers. $5 suggested donation, starting at 9pm.) 21+
Tony and Cathy Mantuano @ Harold Washington Library
Married chef and wine expert duo Tony and Cathy Mantuano of Spiaggia will be at the Harold Washington Library (400 S. State) tonight at 6pm to talk about their recent revisions to the Silver Spoon cookbook--and they're bringing samples, too, so I hope you're hungry. Booksigning follows.
Chicago by the Pint Book Signing @ Hopleaf
Author Denese Neu will be in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight at 7pm to sell and sign her book Chicago by the Pint: a Craft Beer History of the Windy City. 21+
The Greenhorns @ The Plant
The Greenhorns, a documentary about the challenges facing young farmers in America, screens at The Plant, 1400 W. 46th St., tonight at 7:30pm. A discussion with five local farmers will follow the film. Tickets are $7 if you RSVP by Dec. 7, $10 at the door. Admission includes popcorn and beer (if you're 21).
Open House @ Floriole
Check out Floriole Cafe and Bakery tonight for a free open house event. They’ll be sampling items from their catering menu, answering questions about holiday orders, helping with beverage pairing, and previewing a new drink to be added to their menu this holiday season. 1220 W. Webster Ave., 6:30 - 8:30pm. Free.
Dose Market
Dose Market brings together food and fashion at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., from 10am to 4pm today. Peruse gourmet food and drink and shop the latest fashions; see a vendor list here. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
Julmarknad @ Swedish American Museum
Begin the holiday season at the Julmarknad, a weekend-long food, crafts and entertainment fair at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark, 10am-4pm. Caroling, accordion music, folkdancing, and a visit from Santa is scheduled! Nearby stores will have special deals going as well, so you can step out and do some shopping while you're in the mood. Admission $2.
Julmarknad @ Swedish American Museum
Begin the holiday season at the Julmarknad, a weekend-long food, crafts and entertainment fair at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark. Caroling, accordion music, folkdancing, and a visit from Santa is scheduled! Nearby stores will have special deals going as well, so you can step out and do some shopping while you're in the mood. Admission $2.
Cooking in the 21st Century South @ Chicago History Museum
The Culinary Historians of Chicago bring chef and author Virginia Willis to the Chicago History Museum (1601 N Clark) today from 10am to noon to talk about her latest book, Basic to Brilliant, Y'all (with samples thrown in, of course) and her life a a Southern cook. Admission $5, $3 for the Historians' members. You must RSVP via email.
The Science of Chocolate @ Callebaut Academy - SOLD OUT
This event is at capacity and can no longer longer accommodate walk-in guests. Look at chocolate in a different way tonight at Callebaut Chocolate Academy, 600 W Chicago, at 6:30pm. Folks from Callebaut will be explaining the origins, processing, use, and health benefits of chocolate. Event is free and sponsored by the Night Lab series.
CitySwarm Fireside Series @ Benchmark
CitySwarm kicks off its winter Fireplace Series, sponsored by Leinenkugel Fireside Nut Brown Ale, tonight at 6pm at Benchmark, 1510 N. Wells St. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 21+
Chicago by the Pint Book Signing @ Goose Island Clybourn
Author Denese Neu celebrates the release of her book Chicago by the Pint: a Craft Beer History of the Windy City with a book signing and party at the Goose Island Clybourn brewpub, 1800 N. Clybourn Ave., from 6:30pm to 9pm. Free.
El Bulli Documentary @ Siskel Film Center
Cooking in Progress, a documentary about the famed El Bulli restaurant, opens today for a run until December 1 at the Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State.
Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Dinner
Chicago Cut Steakhouse, 300 N. LaSalle St., will host a Thanksgiving dinner with festive prix fixe (a complete meal at a fixed price). From 11am-11pm Chicago Cut Steakhouse invites guests to enjoy traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as sweet potatoes, green beans almondine, and much more. The main event will be a maple glazed roast turkey and of course the night wouldn't be complete without something sweet. For reservations call (312)-329-1800. Adults are $49.95. Kids $25, children under two are free.
Huntley Turkey Testicle Festival
The Parkside Pub, 11721 Main St. in Huntley, celebrates its 29th annual Turkey Testicle Festival today starting at 11am. Enjoy a day of music, beer and, of course, turkey balls. Admission is $10. 21+
Turkey Testicle Festival @ Timothy O'Toole's
Timothy O'Toole's, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., is hosting a Turkey Testicle Festival tonight at 9pm. The pub will challenge participants to consume the testicular treats for a chance to win a whole turkey. A pumpkin-pie-eating contest for the softer stomachs will follow, with a $20 bar tab for the winner. 21+
Latke-Hamantash Debate
For 65 years, the University of Chicago Hillel has been the host for an important annual debate on the relative merits of the latke vs. the hamantash. This year's debate is tonight at 7:30pm in Mandell Hall, 1131 E. 57th St. Watch professors Richard Rosengarten, Malynne Sternstein and Tobias Moskowitz in a battle of wit and rhetoric, with Prof. Ted Cohen as moderator. Doors open at 7pm. The debate is free; a post-debate tasting reception is $5. RSVP on Facebook.
Cuban Rum Revolution Dinner
Tonight beginning at 7pm, Nacional 27 (located at 325 W. Huron) will host a dinner party dedicated to the Cuban "rum revolution." Guests will start the evening off with a 30-minute rum cocktail mixology class and tapas, followed by a three-course Cuban inspired dinner at 7:30pm. The event will also feature live Latin music and Cuban rhythms. Tickets are $50 per person, which includes drinks tax and gratuity. To make reservations call (312) 664-2727.
Spirit Dinner @ Mercadito
Mercadito is opening up their Mexican sauna-esque private room downstairs for a series of Spirit Dinners. Four course sharing menus are developed by infusing the "spirit of the evening" into each dish, then pairing it with a cocktail using the same spirit. Get the walk through of the spirit's development from a local rep and sip yourself to better knowledge of Hennessy Cognac tonight.
Tickets are $55 each. For reservations call: (312) 329-9555. Mercadito is located at 108 W Kinzie Street.
Chicago Food Film Festival
The Chicago Food Film Festival is in its second year, with screenings paired with food and drink from local names (among them Hoosier Mama, Pleasant House, Intelligensia, Doughnut Vault). Festival is at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, with the exception of Edible Adventure #4, which is at Intelligensia Roasting Works at 1850 West Fulton) All-Access pass is $135; individual events start at $20. Festival runs through Sunday.
Tankedgiving @ Nisei Lounge
Head out to Wrigleyville's Nisei Lounge tonight for a special charity hosted bar benefiting Rock for Kids. Volunteer bartenders will be filling glasses with special cocktails, and there will be free food from PopChips, and lots of fun. Tips go right to Rock for Kids! The event takes place from 6-8pm tonight at the Nisei, located at 3439 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. RSVP on Facebook if you like.
Re-thinking Soup @ Jane Addams Hull House
The Jane Addams Hull-House Museum commissioned writer Terri Kapsalis to create an "alternative label" for Jane Addams' travel medicine kit, a small leather case with four vials used by Addams during her many travels in the early 20th century. Kapsalis will read excerpts from this label and lead discussion of its creation at Re-Thinking Soup at the Jane Addams Hull House Museum, 800 S. Halsted St., from noon to 1pm today. Free.
Pints & Poses @ Metropolitan Brewing
Metropolitan Brewing opens its brewery at 5121 N. Ravenswood Ave. for "Pints & Poses," a 90-minute yoga session followed by a tasting of the brewery's beers, hosted by Prairieland Yoga and Brewvana. The event starts at 1pm; admission is $10. 21+
Logan Square Kitchen Pastry Market
Katharine Anne Confections, Rare Bird Preserves and Jo Snow Syrups are among the vendors in attendance at the Pastry Market event today at Logan Square Kitchen, 2333 North Milwaukee, 10am-3pm. Admission $1.
Logan Square Kitchen Pastry Market
Katharine Anne Confections, Rare Bird Preserves and Jo Snow Syrups are among the vendors in attendance at the Pastry Market event today and tomorrow at Logan Square Kitchen, 2333 North Milwaukee, 10am-3pm. Admission $1.
Handmade Holidays Craft Fair @ Chicago Urban Art Society
Today's HANDMADE HOLIDAYS CRAFT FAIR features over 30 vendors, selling their hand-made crafts at the fair, including: clothing, jewelry, pottery, leather goods, soaps, paintings, silk-screens, etc. and an additional 15 vendors selling homemade food. The first and second place winners of the Sixth Annual Feria del Mole will be selling their famous mole. This fair takes place today from 11am to 6pm at the Chicago Urban Arts Society at 2229 South Halsted Street. The Second Annual Craft Fair a fundraiser to benefit programs at Universidad Popular and to help support the Students for Students scholarship. More info here.
Pinot Days Grand Festival @ Navy Pier
A wealth of wine awaits you at Pinot Days. Today's Grand Festival at Navy Pier (600 E Grand) from 1pm-5pm features tastings and food. Admission $50.
Garage Sale/Bake Sale @ NAHA
Chicago's finest chefs are teaming together to host a garage sale/bake sale this Saturday with proceeds going to Les Dames D'Escoffier and Green City Market. Garage sale junkies will find hidden treasures from the kitchens of Achatz, Bayless, and Trotter to name a few. Think chefs' knives, kitchen tools, sautee pans, cookbooks, aprons, and Green City Market founder Abby Mendel's cookie cutter collection. Plus tasty old fashioned baked goods will be available for purchase from Hoosier Mama Pie Company, Vanille Patisserie, Publican's Sam Radov, Mindy Segal, Gale Gand, and others.
The sale will run from 8am to 2pm at NAHA. Cash only. $5 entrance fee.
Stephanie Izard @ Foodease
Stephanie Izard, the only female Top Chef winner and the heart and soul of Girl & the Goat restaurant, signs Girl in the Kitchen: How a Top Chef Cooks, Thinks, Shops, Eats and Drinks at Foodease, 835 N. Michigan from 12pm-2pm.
Bacon and Whiskey Tasting
Everyone loves bacon, so why not add some whiskey to the mix as well? The Irish Oak, 3511 N. Clark St., will be hosting bacon and whiskey tastings tonight beginning at 7:30pm, where connoisseurs of both can come mingle and taste the mouthwatering pairings. Tickets are $35 per person; space is limited. Call 773-935-6669 for more information.
Brew With A View
Cityscape Bar, 350 W. Mart Center Dr. 15th floor, is inviting guests to sample an assortment of beers while taking in a panoramic view of the city's River North area tonight from 6-7pm. Participants will sample several featured brews and some small bites of food as well. Guest will also receive a buy-one-get-one-half-off coupon to ItaliAsia for attending that can be used tonight or for a future evening, and in addition can also enter to win a $100 gift card. Free to attend, limited space available. Email cityscape@martplaza.com to make reservations. 312-836-5000 for more information.
Modern Midwestern Table @ North Pond Cafe
North Pond chef Bruce Sherman teams up with Steve Plotnicki of Opinionated About U.S. Restaurants 2011 for a dinner this evening at 6:30pm. Admission $120. You can see the menu, which features dishes from several Midwestern restaurants (Sanford of Milwaukee, June of Peoria, Revolver of Findlay, OH) online--looks delish!
Re-thinking Soup @ Jane Addams Hull House
At this week's Re-thinking Soup event at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum,800 S. Halsted St., Soup and Bread's Martha Bayne will discuss the cultural history of soup and bread and their contemporary uses in building community and fostering social justice. Noon to 1pm. Free.
Logan Square Chamber of Commerce 2011 Harvest Dinner
The Logan Square Chamber of Commerce hosts a benefit dinner at the Logan Square Auditorium. Sample food from neighborhood restaurants, enjoy local music, and bid at the silent auction, which benefits the Logan Square Farmers Market and other programs of the Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door ($10 for children under 12). Reserve tickets online or by calling the Chamber at 773-489-3222.
Battle of the Bhut @ Jake Melnick's
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap, 41 E. Superior St., hosts "The Battle of the Bhut," a competitive eating competition featuring hot wings made with ultrahot habanero and the bhut jolokia chilis, today at 1pm. First prize is $1,000.
Dose Market
Dose Market brings together food and fashion at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., from 10am to 4pm today. Peruse gourmet food and drink and shop the latest fashions; see a vendor list here. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
Hot Chocolate 5/15k Race @ Grant Park
This outdoor 5k/15k run is a good way to get your exercise and snacking in -- at the race path's end is Ghirardelli-brand hot chocolate and fondue, along with more food, entertainment, kid fun, and the like. Event starts at Grant Park; takeoff times are 7:40am for 5k, 8:10am for 15k. Admission $48-65; increases to $53-75 after Oct 24.
Half Acre Charitable Chili Cook-Off
The third annual Half Acre Charitable Chili Cook-Off is tonight from 5pm to 8pm at The Arts of Life Chicago, 2010 W. Carroll Ave. Twenty-four teams will compete for chili supremacy, while everyone else just enjoys the chili, ice cream from George's Ice Cream and Sweets and fresh Half Acre beer. The Arts of Life Band will also perform. Tickets are $10 online, $15 at the door. All proceeds go directly to supporting The Arts of Life.
Beer Hoptacular @ Aragon
The Beer Hoptacular returns to the Aragon Ballroom (1106 W. Lawrence) today for two sessions of drinking and loving drinking. Session One runs from 1-5pm; Session Two, 7pm-11pm. Piece, Five Rabbit, Finch's, Half Acre, Dogfish Head, Great Lakes Brewing Company and Bell's are among the breweries that will be in attendance. You can also compete in their Homebrew Challenge if you're of the homemade beer persuasion. Admission $35 per session in advance, $45 at the door.
Chicago Vegan Mania @ Pulaski Park Fieldhouse
Even if you like the meaty stuff, take a walk on the wild side today at Chicago Vegan Mania; food (Upton's Naturals and Chicago Diner are among the vendors), live entertainment, cooking demos, fun for kids, and a vegan goods marketplace await you. You may like what you see and eat! Event is at Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 West Blackhawk, 10am-5pm; free admission.
Soup and Bread Cookbook Launch Party @ the Hideout
The Hideout's very own Wednesday night soup-kitchen-party has got another reason to celebrate. Soup and Bread is holding a party to celebrate the release of Soup and Bread Cookbook: Building Community One Bowl At A Time tonight from 7pm-9pm. They'll have soups from West Town Tavern, Swim Cafe, the Butcher & Larder, Milk & Honey Cafe and Mana Food Bar. Plus bread from La Farine and musc from DJ Mike Bulington.
Copies of the cookbook will be available and as always, proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Honest Meal Project Farm-to-Table Dinner
The Honest Meal Project hosts its first farm-to-table dinner tonight from 6:30pm to 10:30pm at Experimental Station, 6100 S. Blackstone Ave. The three-course dinner will feature ingredients from local farms, and will be paired with Midwestern wines. Tickets are $50. Children age 10 and up welcome.
Rooftop Halloween Party
The Newly opened III Forks Steakhouse, 333 E. Benton Plc., will be throwing a Halloween party tonight from 5-11pm under the stars. Guests are invited to dress up in their best costumes and head up to the heated rooftop for the costume contest. Dinner for two for III Forks will be awarded to the best female, male, and couple costumes. III Forks will also be offering complimentary hors d'oeuvres from 5-7pm and the bar will be mixing cocktails perfect for the spooky evening. No cost to attend. For more information call 312-938-4303.
Masquerade del Mercado @ Carnivale
This benefit for Green City Market (organized by their Junior Board) features food from restaurants such as Sprout, Nightwood, and Old Town Social, as well as drinks from Death's Door and Goose Island. Prizes, entertainment, and costume-wearing is also on the menu. Get your Big Mac costume on and get over there! Event runs 4-8pm at Carnivale, 702 W Fulton Market. Tickets start at $65.
History of Austrian Breads @ Kendall College
Learn more about the breads of our European friends this morning at Kendall College, 900 North Branch. Austrian Michael Mikusch (of the Austrian Bakery and Deli) will give demos and history of the ryes and strudels that put his homeland on the culinary map. Event runs 10am-noon; admission $5, $3 for Kendall students. Organized by the Culinary Historians of Chicago.
Bottomless Pig Roast
Division Ale House, 1942 W. Division St., will be celebrating the Purdue Homecoming game today at 11am by offering an all-you-can-eat roast pig with sides and accompaniments. The pig meal package also includes Miller Lite Drafts and goes from 11am-2pm. There will also be a prix-fixe brunch for $25 dollars, which will include brunch entrees and breakfast cocktails- also from 11am-2pm. All day deals include $5 22oz Miller Lite mugs and $8 22oz imported mugs. For more information call 773-384-6886.
American South Wine Dinner Pairings
Table fifty-two, 52 W. Elm St., will combined the upcoming launch of their new Southern Wine List with a five-course American South Wine Dinner tonight beginning at 7pm. Crafted by Chef de Cuisine Rey Villalobos the meal will feature traditional southern pairings with hard-to-find wine produced in Georgia, Louisiana, Virginia, Texas and Kentucky. The dinner pairing will be the first of its kind in Chicago because many of the wineries have only begun to harvest within the last 15 years. $85 per person, not including tax or gratuity. Call for reservations: 312-573-4000.
Taste of Fooditude
Kids' cooking webcast Fooditude's third annual Taste of Fooditude is tonight at the Chicago French Market, 131 N. Clinton St., tonight at 6pm. Come enjoy food and beverages from local restaurants and meet the finalists for this year's Fooditour. Tickets are $50 for adults, $25 for kids; get access to a pre-opening cocktail party at 5:30pm for $75.
Bikes, Bites and Brews Tour
Sample the four food groups of Chicago (pizza, hot dogs, cupcakes and beer) while cruising on a bike ride though some of city's famous neighborhoods on the Bikes, Bites and Brews Tour. The tour will be making stops in Wrigleyville, the Gold Coast, Old Town, Lakeview and Lincoln Park while learning the history of the foods you ingest. Departing from Ogden Slip and River East Docks, 465 N. McClurg Ct. at 11:30am and lasting for four hours. Tickets are on sale now, $59 for adults $49 for students/seniors. Must have college ID present. Tickets include bike, helmet and all food/beer samples. For more information call (312) 915-0995.
Tea with Bertha Palmer @ Highland Park Community House
If you'd like to be transported back to the late 1800s, go to the Highland Park Community House (1919 Sheridan Road, Highland Park) today at 1pm for high tea with (a reenactor dressed as) socialite Bertha Honore Palmer. Tickets $50; $60 at door. Event organized by the Greater Midwest Foodways Alliance.
The Early Years of Gourmet Mag @ Kendall College
Historian David Strauss teams up with the Chicago Foodways Roundtable to talk about the history and cultural impact of Gourmet magazine today at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch, 10am. Admission $3, free for Kendall students. Email to RSVP.
For the Love of Beer
Market Bistro, 401 E. Illinois, will be holding a "For the Love of Beer" informal buffet of dishes that perfectly pair some beloved beers. Space is extremely limited so call ahead for reservations. 7-9pm. $35 + tax and gratuity. Call 312-379-0132 for reservations.
Cooking Up a Cure
Cooking Up a Cure, a benefit dining event benefiting the Chicago chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation, takes place tonight at 5:30pm at Salvage One, 1840 W. Hubbard St. Enjoy food from more than 20 local restaurants, plus beer, wine and cocktails, and an auction emceed by Steve Dolinsky. Tickets are $125.
Friends of James Beard Benefit @ Blackbird
Paul Kahan and crew host chefs from other stellar U.S. restaurants (Town House of Chilhowie, VA; Red Medicine of Beverly Hills, CA; and McCrady's and Husk of Charleston, SC) tonight for a benefit dinner event for the James Beard Foundation at Blackbird, 619 W Randolph, at 5pm. Admission $175 for JBF members, $200 for everyone else.
Dose Market
Dose Market brings together food and fashion at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., from 10am to 4pm today. Peruse gourmet food and drink and shop the latest fashions; see a vendor list here. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
Bucktown Apple Pie Contest @ Holstein Park
You can compete or just show up for the num-nums; the Bucktown Apple Pie Contest, which runs today from 2pm-5pm at Holstein Park (2200 N Oakley), has entertainment for the kids, pony rides, food, and fun!
Nightmare on Clark Street Bar Crawl
Field test your Halloween costume at Nighmare on Clark Street, a bar crawl through Wrigleyville today from 11am to 5pm starting at the Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison Ave. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 day-of, and include a special goblet and drink specials at each of the bars. 21+
Spirit Dinner @ Mercadito
Mercadito is opening up their Mexican sauna-esque private room downstairs for a series of Spirit Dinners. Four course sharing menus are developed by infusing the "spirit of the evening" into each dish, then pairing it with a cocktail using the same spirit. Get the walk through of the spirit's development from a local rep and sip yourself to better knowledge of Fortaleza Tequila tonight.
Tickets are $55 each. For reservations call: (312) 329-9555.
Meals on Wheels Nourish Our City Benefit @ Macy's
Many of the best chefs in the city join forces tonight in the name of Meals on Wheels; event begins at 6pm at Macy's, 111 N. State St., 9th Floor. Tickets start at $125.
Food Deserts: A Call to Action
Community leaders, academic researchers, and activists will be meeting tonight from 5:30pm-7:30pm at K.L.E.O. Community Family Life Center (119 E. Garfield) to talk about the food desert crisis in Chicago and what is being done to combat it. Event is free, but RSVP encouraged. Event coordinated by the Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program.
Italian-Style Pig Roast
Due Lire in Lincoln Square will host an Italian-style pig roast in the garden today from 3pm-7pm. Executive Chef Kevin Abshire will be preparing the whole pig and then slowly roast it for hours in Due Lire's backyard garden patio. Along with freshly roasted 'porchetta', Chef Abshire will serve several flavorful side dishes. Three beers from Andersonville's Metropolitan Brewing Co. will be offered to pair with the pork and side dishes ($10 flights or $4 bottles). $25 per person. 4520 N Lincoln Ave.
Andersonville Dessert Crawl
Andersonville's 6th annual Dessert Crawl will be held today from 2pm to 5pm, where over two-dozen stores and restaurants in the area will showcase their sweet treats. The crawl begins at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., where participants will pick up their "Dessert Crawl Passport" then continue on their journey to 10 different locations. Participants can also choose between three different sugary routes on the crawl. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 day of. Call (773) 728-7552 for more information.
Family Farmed's Autumn Harvest Supper @ Heritage Prairie Farms
In case your celebrity chef addiction wasn't adequately sated at Chicago Gourmet, here's another chance to mingle with the big names. Family Farmed's Autumn Harvest Supper this year features Stephanie Izard and Giuseppe Tentori of the BOKA Group, who will create a multi-course (and given the timeline, lengthy) meal. Buses equipped with mixologists are available for the first 100 attendees who register, meaning you can start the party downtown and not have to worry about getting back from Elburn -- which is a trek, believe me. A book singing for Izard's new tome, as well as tours of the Heritage Prairie operations will round out the day. Tickets are $125, available online; dinner starts at 3:30pm at Heritage Prairie Farms, 2N308 Brundige Road, Elburn, IL 60119. Buses will depart Chicago at 2pm from The Girl and the Goat and from BOKA.
International Hotdog Forum @ Roots & Culture
It's an age old debate: which city boasts the best style of hotdog? The International Hotdog Forum aims to put this argument to rest by bringing together a dozen regional hotdog recipes to celebrate their nuanced differences and diversity. Chef Eric "E-Dog" May has assembled a caucus of 11 guest chefs who have contributed recipes representing their chosen city's style of dog. Sample their creations at Roots & Culture, 1034 N. Milwaukee Ave., from 4pm to 7pm today. $10 donation.
Beer-Cheese Pop-Up @ Half Acre
The guys over at Half Acre are hosting a pop-up cheese shop in their tasting room from 3 to 6 this Saturday. Check out a variety of cheese from Jasper Hill Cellars (including my personal favorite Cabot Creamery) and bread from Elmore Mountain both Vermont-based artisans. From Gabriel, "Cheese goodies will be available for purchase - and available for accompaniment with a complimentary flight of sample sized pours, representing 4 of our particularly cheese friendly brews. In short, you buy the cheese, you get the beers."
Kegs for Kids
Kegs for Kids is tonight at the Mundelein Auditorium at Loyola University, 1020 W. Sheridan Rd., from 5pm to 10pm. Enjoy more than 50 beers from craft and microbreweries, food from local restaurants and a special Metropolis coffee blend roasted just for the event, and bid on items in a silent auction. Tickets are $65, with $100 VIP tickets available; proceeds from the event benefit Pierce Elementary School.
River North Oktoberfest
River North will be celebrating Oktoberfest this evening from 5pm-9pm with an adventure to six different restaurants in River North. Participants will spend about 25 minutes at each location sampling food and drinks. The party will end at Rockit Bar & Grill, where there will be an hour long open bar, more food, and also music. Registration will be held from 5pm-6pm at Nick's Fishmarket Bar and Grill, located in the north lobby of the Merchandise Mart. Tickets are $50 per person.
Rock Bottom Taps Brew for Breast Cancer
Rock Bottom,1 W. Grand Ave., will tap their "Wonderbrew" today at 5:30pm in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Lynn Sage Foundation will also be on hand selling raffle tickets for a 50/50 split that will be drawn around 7pm. Those who buy raffle tickets will receive a free pint along with a pink ribbon. The American wheat beer conditioned with raspberries will be available all month long (or until supplies last). For each $5.25 pint of "Wonderbrew" sold $0.25 will be donated to the Lynn Sage Foundation's "In Good Taste" campaign. Free.
Fork and the Road Tours: Tour of Asia
Meet at Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn, today at 11am for a bike-guided tour of Indian, Thai and Central Asian fare in the area. Tour led by Fork and the Road; tickets $50. Event ends at 3pm.
Rib-A-Que Smoke Out @ Moonshine Brewery Co.
The 4th annual Rib-A-Que Smoke Out will be hosted today by Moonshine Brewing Co., 1824 W. Division St., from noon to 6pm. Chicago's top chefs, BBQ restaurants and even amateurs will compete for the Gilded Grill trophy, $350 and bragging rights as the "Smoke-out Champion." Each competitor will rub, slather, grill or smoke their way to the best version of BBQ baby back ribs they can produce along with a side dish for rib lovers and guest judges to devour. The audience will place their votes along with the celebrity judges, while listening to live music all day. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door and one ticket samples all. Event happens rain or shine. Call (773) 862-8686 for more info.
Backyard Film & Music Fest
From 2-6pm today at the Wicker Park Art Center, 2215 W. North Ave., the Backyard Film and Music Fest will hold the film portion of day. The short films will feature local and international artists. The festival will also feature a performance by Judson Claiborne to a silent 1942 documentary. Afterwards the music portion of the evening will be held at the Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western Ave., beginning at 9pm. Patrons will also have access to drinks and several food from several of Chicago's best food trucks throughout the day. Full event tickets are $20 per person, film only tickets are $10, and music only tickets are $15.
Lustful Fermentation: A Study of Chocolate & Cheese
A study of some favorite fermented delicacies such as chocolate, cheese and a little vino too will be held today from 6-8pm at the Lincoln Park Vosges Haute Chocolate, 951 W. Armitage. $40 per person. To reserve a spot call 773-296-9866 or email Raquel@vosgeschocolate.com.
Fall Canning Workshop
If the idea of reaching into your pantry in January and pulling out a jar full of summer is appealing to you, check out the Fall Canning Workshop sponsored by Neighborhood Nutrition Centers -- a relatively new nonprofit that's creating local food systems. Suggested donation is $5. The class starts at 6:30 p.m. at Luther Memorial Church, 2500 W. Wilson Avenue. Suggested donation's $5; reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling (773) 339-5915.
Independent Spirits Expo
The first-ever Independent Spirits Expo fills the Volcano Room at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., tonight with the owners, makers and retailers of some of the best independently produced vodka, whiskey, rum, tequila, mezcal, cognac and other spirits for you to sample. Tickets for the from 6:30pm to 9pm open tasting are $45 before Sept. 1, $55 after; VIP tickets are $60/$75 and get you in at 5pm.
Screening of Urban Roots @ Chicago Center for the Performing Arts
Urban Roots is a story of the growing urban farming movement in Detroit. The film focuses on people from all over Detroit coming together to build a community on growing food. Doors open at 5:30pm for a reception before the film begins at 7pm. Once the film is over there will be a panel discussion of local experts along with Q&A. Tickets are $18 in advance $20 at the door. A portion of the proceeds from the film will go towards putting farms in schools. Cash bar. Chicago Center for the Performing Arts is at 777 N. Green St.
Slow Food Chicago Harvest Dinner @ Uncommon Ground
Slow Food Chicago hosts a harvest dinner tonight at Uncommon Ground, 1401 West Devon.
Sake-Tini Class @ Chen's
Chen's Chinese and Sushi martini experts will be hosting a class on mixing sake-martinis this evening from 6:30pm to 8pm. Students will learn how to make some of Chen's distinctive martinis that include the classic Japanese ingredient of sake. Throughout the evening Chen's will also offer hors d'oeuvres while everyone is working on their mixology. Some of the featured martinis of the night include Pear Sake Martinis, Ginger Sake Martinis and also a "students choice." Tickets are $20 per person and include sampling of five martinis and an array of hors d'oeuvres. Reservations are required. 3506 N. Clark St. (773) 549-9100.
Dose Market
Dose Market brings together food and fashion at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., from 10am to 4pm today. Peruse gourmet food and drink and shop the latest fashions; see a vendor list here. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
Former Bear Jim McMahon @ Quay Bar
Former Bear Jim McMahon will be hosting a viewing party at 1pm for the highly anticipated Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers game today at Quay Restaurant & Bar in Streeterville, 465 E. Illinois. McMahon will be available for autographs and photos before, during, and after the game. Guests will be able to enter to win a McMahon jersey, which will benefit The Dave Duerson Foundation to help athletes deal with mental illness. Quay will also offer a free bus ride to and from Soldier Field for patrons call for reservations. (312) 981-8400. No Cover.
Chicago Culinary Throwdown @ Goose Island Brewery
Chicago's WBEZ 91.5FM will kick off their Off-Air Event Series with the budding tradition of a Chicago culinary throwdown. Chefs Jill Barron of MANA Food Bar, Chris Curren of Blue 13 and Elate, Carlos Ysaguirre of Anteprima, Leonard Hollander of Marion Street Cheese Market and Heather Terhune of Sable will each be paired with a different Goose Island beer, that must be included in their finished dish. The Goose Island Brewery, 1800 W. Fulton St., hosts the event with complementary beer and free food. $15/general admission, $12/WBEZ members and $10/students (with ID). Event begins at 4pm.
Maxwell Street Walking Tour
Join the Culinary Historians of Chicago on a walking tour of Chicago's classic urban marketplace. Created by historic ordinance in 1912, Maxwell Street was the birth place of Vienna Beef, Nabisco and that fabulous polish we all know and love. Email your RSVP to chicago.foodways.roundtable@gmail.com or call (847) 432-8255. The tour begins at 11am at the Maxwell Street cul-de-sac that is 1/2 block west of Halsted, and will run for 1.5 hours.
Chicago TomatoFest Potluck
Do you grow your own tomatoes? Don't worry, there's a fest for that! Come to the Chicago Honey Co-op for a TomatoFest potluck tonight. Bring your home grown beauties, a potluck dish to share, and chairs or picnic blankets to sit on. Event held in partnership with Slow Food Chicago. The Chicago Honey Co-op is located at 3740 W. Fillmore. Cost is $10 for Slow Food Chicago and Chicago Honey Co-op members (plus side dish or dessert); $15 for non-members (plus side dish or dessert). Children are free. 4pm-5pm -- Help harvest at the preSERVE garden (at 12th Pl and Central Park Ave); 5pm - 8pm -- TomatoFest Potluck at the Chicago Honey Co-op. Tickets can be purchased here.
Fork and the Road Tours: Mediterranean Cruise
Meet at Intelligensia Coffee in the Loop (53 E Randolph) today at 11am for a bike-guided trip that will touch on Italian, Greek and Middle Eastern fare at several restaurants around the city. Tour led by Fork and the Road; tickets $60. Event ends at 4:30pm.
Rock & Roll Pig Roast
The Rock & Roll Pig Roast at Ethyl's Beer and Wine Dive, 324 S. Racine, features, as you might have guessed, music (by Mannequin Men, Secret Colours, Bully in the Hallway, The Record Low, Chicago Stone Lightning Band and Elephant Gun) and roasted meat and veggies, plus plenty of beer and other drinks. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 21+
Urban Harvest @ City Farm
Head to City Farm at Division and Clybourn tonight; from 4-9pm they're holding an Urban Harvest, complete with food, drink, entertainment, and kids stuff (4-6pm only). Tickets $5 for kids, $15 for students, and $30 for everyone else.
Oktoberfest 101 @ Timothy O'Toole's
Timothy O'Toole's, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., will be hosting "Oktoberfest 101" tonight starting at 7:30pm. Participants will learn about the traditions of Oktoberfest, inducing food and brews. Four beers and four food pairings will be sampled. $20 per person. Call 312-642-0700 to reserve a spot. 21+
Chicago Gourmet @ Millennium Park
If you love wine, food and having a major city landmark all to yourself and your peers, Chicago Gourmet is your event this weekend. Runs today and Sunday at Millennium Park (201 E Randolph St); tickets start at $164.
Hamburger Hop @ Harris Theater
The second annual Hamburger Hop returns to Millennium Park's Harris Rooftop Theater (205 E. Randolph Drive) tonight from 6pm-9pm. 15 chefs will compete to win the title of best burger in Chicago, and you'll get your own burgers and drinks to nosh; event is part of this weekend's Chicago Gourmet. Admission is $100.43.
Green City Market Locavore Supper @ Peggy Notebaert Museum
Come celebrate all things local with the champions of local food. While picnicking on a locally sourced supper from Limelight Catering, Dana Cox (local food activist, blogger, chef) will reflect on this years harvest and local eating. The event will be held in the south gallery of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Drive) from 6pm to 8pm. Reservations are $30 per person can be purchased here.
Spirit Dinner @ Mercadito
Mercadito (108 West Kinzie Street) is opening up their Mexican sauna-esque private room downstairs for a series of Spirit Dinners. Four course sharing menus are developed by infusing the "spirit of the evening" into each dish, then pairing it with a cocktail using the same spirit. Get the walk through of the spirit's development from a local rep and sip yourself to better knowledge of Belvedere Vodka tonight.
Tickets are $55 each. For reservations call: (312) 329-9555.
Talk Like a Pirate Day "Booty Crawl"
Today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, and the Booty Crawl pub crawl will have ye in high spirits, don'tcha know. From 8pm to 11pm, The crawl hits McGee's, Wrightwood Tap, Durkin's, Duffy's, Redmond's and Maeve, with trolly service between bars. Drinks and libations include a pirate's booty buffet, rum punch and domestic drafts. The crawl costs $15; call 773-868-8073 for more information. 21+
Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements @ Eckhart Park
This three-day-long event at Eckhart Park (1330 W. Chicago Ave.) features music from such acts as Shellac, School of Seven Bells and Sidi Toure, circus and acrobatics performers, a farmers market, the Renegade Craft Fair, and a fun walk/run. I wish more outdoor festivals were like this! Admission to some events is free; others run up to $20.
Fork and the Road Tours: Deli-cious
Eat at several of the city's best delis today on this bike-guided tour, led by Fork and the Road Tours. Event runs 10am-2pm and begins and ends at Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn. Cost $60.
Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements @ Eckhart Park
This three-day-long event at Eckhart Park (1330 W. Chicago Ave.) features music from such acts as Shellac, School of Seven Bells and Sidi Toure, circus and acrobatics performers, a farmers market, the Renegade Craft Fair, and a fun walk/run. I wish more outdoor festivals were like this! Admission to some events is free; others run up to $20.
ART WAR @ Treasure Town
This epic, experimental, two-day art/performance fest in Little Village promises to deliver -- with interactive installations, live murals, combative performance, culinary experiments, sustainable fashion, fire-spitters, a skate park, a tattoo artist & the tamale guy (to skim the surface). If you're looking for a lively, unusual time, look no further. Tonight's event starts at 8:08pm. Treasure Town is located off the Pink Line at 2106 S. Kedzie. More more information, click here and here.
Adobofest 2011 @ LaBagh Woods
Adobofest 2011 is upon us, so bring your tasting spoons (and a healthy appetite, of course) to LaBagh Woods to judge whose adobo will reign supreme. Feel free to bring other eats for picnicking fun. If you're feeling competitive, there's still time to sign up and enter your own adobo dish. Click here to register. LaBagh Woods, Foster and Cicero, 11am to 5pm.
Wunder of Wine @ Dank Haus
Sample the wines of Deutschland tonight at Dank Haus, 4740 N Western, at 6pm. For $20, you'll be in the company of sommelier Krunch Kretschmar (no joke, that is his name).
Half-Way to St. Patrick's Day Party
Timothy O'Toole's Irish Pub, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct, goes green for their half-way point to St. Patrick's Day party today. The all-green celebration goes on all day and includes a special menu offered by Chef Corey Grupe and plenty of St. Patrick's Day drink specials we all love. Free to attend, 11am-3am. 21+
Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements @ Eckhart Park
This three-day-long event at Eckhart Park (1330 W. Chicago Ave.) features music from such acts as Shellac, School of Seven Bells and Sidi Toure, circus and acrobatics performers, a farmers market, the Renegade Craft Fair, and a fun walk/run. I wish more outdoor festivals were like this! Admission to some events is free; others run up to $20.
ART WAR @ Treasure Town
This epic, experimental, two-day art/performance fest in Little Village promises to deliver, with interactive installations, live murals, combative performance, culinary experiments, sustainable fashion, fire spitters, a skate park, a tattoo artist & the tamale guy (to skim the surface). If you're looking for a lively, unusual time, look no further. This event starts at 8:08pm tonight and basically continues on until about 3am on Satuday night. Treasure Town is located off the Pink Line at 2106 S. Kedzie. More more information, click here and here.
Delirium Friday @ Paddy Long's
You may know Paddy Longs as the home of the summer pig roast, but this Friday, the bar will be celebrating Belgian Delirium beers (Tremens, Nocturnum, and Christmas brew Noel) on draft by giving away some official glassware with each glass. No more pilfering pint glasses in your bag (illegal and dangerous, shame on you)! And as with many complex beers, Delirium always seems to taste better served in the appropriate stemware. Score on two counts. Mussels cooked in Delirium will also be on the menu. No reservations required, and Delirium Day giveaways begin at 7pm. Paddy Longs, 1028 W. Diversey, 773.290.6988.
Buen Provecho Pilsen
Tour a heap of Pilsen's best eats (among them Los Comales, Honky Tonk BBQ, Nightwood, and La Esperanza) at this event celebrating Mexican Independence Day, which runs from 5:30-9:30pm along 18th Street. Admission $25 ($30 day of). Sponsored by Eighteenth Street Development Corporation.
Big Night Animal Fundraiser @ Chicago Cultural Center
This fundraiser for the Friends of Animal Care and Control benefits the thousands of homeless animals that make their way through the doors of the City's Animal Facility. Event features food from a range of local chefs (Koren Grieveson of Avec, Jill Barron of Mana Food Bar, etc.), a silent auction, food and entertainment. Event starts at 6pm at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington. Tickets $90.
Slow Food Chicago Pig Roast @ Goose Island
Slow Food Chicago hosts its 3rd annual Pig Roast at Goose Island, 1800 West Fulton Street. 2pm-5pm.
LTH Forum Picnic
If you are a fan of the wonderful LTH Forum site, their annual picnic (today at Labagh Woods near Devon and Peterson, Grove 1) is an opportunity to eat with the best. Sign up on their website.
Homemade Baby Food Class @ Little Beans Cafe
Learn how to make delish noshes for your (or someone else's) baby today at Little Beans Cafe, 1809 W Webster, from 1:30pm-3pm today. Registration $20; materials cost $5.
Windy City Wine Festival
The Windy City Wine Festival runs Sept. 9-10 at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Sample wine from more than 30 wineries, snack on food from local restaurants and enjoy the outdoors. The festival runs from 3pm to 9pm today. Tickets are $27 in advance or $35 at the door; designated drivers get in for just $10.
Whiskey Raw @ Everleigh Club
Tonight at 9pm, the Everleigh Social Club, 939 W. Randoph St., hosts Whiskey Raw, a tasting of white whiskeys accompanied by appropriate passages read by Naked Girls Reading. It's part of the Liquid Chicago series. Tickets are $20. 21+
Windy City Wine Festival
The Windy City Wine Festival runs Sept. 9-10 at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Sample wine from more than 30 wineries, snack on food from local restaurants and enjoy the outdoors. The festival runs from 4pm to 10pm today. Tickets are $27 in advance or $35 at the door; designated drivers get in for just $10.
Labor Day @ Chick-fil-A Water Tower
Today only, from 3pm-5pm, all-you-can-eat nuggets when you buy a 12-piece nugget. 30 E Chicago Ave.
What's Happening!! BBQ & Party @ Longman & Eagle
Longman and Eagle provides the pig roast, Jettison Quarterly provides the reading material and Windy City Soul Club provides the music for What's Happening!!, which takes place tonight at 6pm at L&E, 2657 N. Kedzie. The event is FREE!
Fork and the Road Tours: 'Wich Way
Sample sandwiches of Puerto Rican, Vietnamese, and Mexican flavors today at this bike-guided tour of several sandwich spots in the city, led by Fork and the Road. Event runs 11am-3:30pm and starts/ends at Intelligensia Coffee, 53 E Randolph. Tickets $50.
Southside Oktoberfest @ Toyota Park
Head to Toyota Park (7000 S. Harlem Ave in Bridgeview) for the Southside Oktoberfest celebration complete with food, entertainment and car show! Event runs today through Monday. General admission $5.
Spirit Dinner @ Mercadito
Mercadito is opening up their Mexican sauna-esque private room downstairs for a series of Spirit Dinners. Four-course sharing menus are developed by infusing the "spirit of the evening" into each dish, then pairing it with a cocktail using the same spirit. Get the walk through of the spirit's development from a local rep and sip yourself to better knowledge of Grand Marnier tonight.
Tickets are $55 each. For reservations call: (312) 329-9555. Mercadito is located at 108 W Kinzie Street.
Belgian Fest 2011
Goose Island hosts its annual festival of locally brewed Belgian-style ales at the Clybourne brewpub, 1800 N. Clybourn Ave., today from noon to 4pm. Sample beers from more than a dozen breweries and talk with the brewers. Tickets are $25, with proceeds benefiting Growing Power.
Fork and the Road Tours: Mediterranean Cruise
Meet at Intelligensia Coffee in the Loop (53 E Randolph) today at 11am for a bike-guided trip that will touch on Italian, Greek and Middle Eastern fare at several restaurants around the city. Tour led by Fork and the Road; tickets $60. Event ends at 4:30pm.
Food Truck Social
Time Out Chicago presents a Food Truck Social. Your favorite food trucks will be on display in this eat, drink and listen event (music lineup booked by the Empty Bottle); featuring such stand-out Chicago eateries and chefs as Bill Kim of Urbanbelly (Noon-2pm), Michael Carlson of Schwa (2:30pm-4:30pm), Justin Large of Big Star (5pm-7pm), and Stephanie Izard of Girl & the Goat (7:30pm-9:30pm), just to name a few. So stop by and get your favorite street food fare all in one place, without having to chase down the trucks. Noon-10pm at 700 N Ashland Ave, $5 suggested donation.
Chicago Heritage Craft Brewfest
The Irish American Cultural Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., hosts its first annual Chicago Heritage Craft Brewfest in the center's Fifth Province Pub from noon to 7pm tonight. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, for which get you tastes of more than 25 beers, including several local breweries and, of course, Guinness. The tasting runs till 4pm, after which it's a cash bar until 7pm, with live music by Machine Gun Mojo and LTD. 21+
Pastry Crawl
Who needs a pub crawl when you can go on a pastry crawl?! Seriously now. Join Pastry Chef Patrick Fahy of Cafe des Architectes at the Sofitel Water Tower Place for a tour of his pastry kitchen. The tour will be followed by a dessert demonstration and a tasting of several of Chef Fahy's confections. Each guest will leave with a goodie bag of delicious edible souvenirs upon departure. Tour/demo runs from 12pm-2pm. Tickets are $45 per person. The Sofitel Water Tower Place is located at 20 E Chestnut St.
Farmageddon Documentary @ Siskel Film Center
In the wake of documentaries that focus on the complexities of commercial food production comes Farmageddon, which is about how raw milk (of all things) became a hotbed of government regulation and surprise inspections involving drawn guns. Farmageddon starts a six-day run today at the Siskel Film Center (164 N State); Kristen Canty, the film's director, will be present at the Saturday and Monday screenings.
Two Brothers Brewing Tasting Event
Uncommon Ground will host a Two Brothers Brewing 3-Course Tasting Event tonight. The local Warrenville, IL brewery will serve as the inspiration behind the meal. Uncommon Ground on Clark Executive Chef Justin Martin has created 3 courses infused with Two Brothers brews: the "Long Haul" Session Ale, "Domaine DuPage" French Country Ale, and "The Bitter End" Pale Ale. (See event site for full course listing.) 6pm - 8pm, $25 per person. Event held at Uncommon Ground on Clark, 3800 N. Clark St. Seating limited, call ahead for reservations. 773-929-3680
Rock for Kids Tour and Tasting @ Koval Distillery
Koval Distillery is opens their doors tonight to host two tours of their facilities for good people like you and me, ending with a whiskey tasting complete with light snacks--all for charity. Rock for Kids will receive 100% of the $20 admission fee. The special tours will begin at 6:15pm and 8:30pm.
Everything But the Kitchen Sink Sale @ Big Star
Big Star is hosting an "Everything But the Kitchen Sink" sale. Out on their sidewalk from noon to 4pm Big Star and its sister restaurants (Publican, Avec, Blackbird, and Violet Hour) will be selling their extra and unused plates, cutlery, beer mugs, chairs and more in order to benefit the Garfield Park Conservatory. Proceeds of the sale will help the Conservatory recover from severe damage due to a massive hail storm.
Everything But The Kitchen Sink Sale will be from 12-4pm today at 1531 N. Damen.
Oak Park Micro Brew Review
This fourth annual event boasts being the largest zero-waste beer festival in Illinois. I don't know how much competition they have for that title, but with more than 90 beers from more than 30 breweries available to try, it's certainly the largest festival this month. It'll feature the Illinois Craft Brewer's Guild's "Replicale" project, in which 15 or more Illinois brewers all brew the same style beer in order to "showcase the nuances in brewing technique and system design." It's being held today in downtown Oak Park on Marion Street between Lake Street and North Boulevard from 3pm to 7pm. Standard tickets are $35 online, $45 at the door; see event website for more details and other ticket options.
Pints for Pups Dog Park Fundraiser @ Dunlay's on the Square
Help raise money for the future Logan Square Dog Park at Dunlay's on the Square (3137 W Logan) today from 3pm-5pm. You'll get unlimited beer, sangria and soda for $40 (tickets must be purchased in advance); door prizes and a silent auction are also part of the event. Your dog is welcome on the patio, too!
Chicago Ice Cream & Gelato Festival
The Chicago Ice Cream & Gelato Festival runs from 6pm to 9pm both Thursday and today at the Grand Piazza at the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame, 1431 W. Taylor St. Sample ice cream and gelato made by regional "micro-creameries" including Canady le Chocolatier, Graeter's of Ohio, Homer's Ice Cream, Hudsonville Creamery, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Mitchell’s Soda Shop, Polyscience (makers of the Anti-griddle), Shawn Michelle's Ice Cream and Zingerman’s Creamery -- plus demos by several pastry chefs and some non-dairy desserts and drinks as well. Jeni Britton Bauer will sign copies of her new book, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home, both nights. Admission is $25 in advance or at the door; children are $10.
Chicago Ice Cream & Gelato Festival
The Chicago Ice Cream & Gelato Festival runs from 6pm to 9pm both today and Friday at the Grand Piazza at the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame, 1431 W. Taylor St. Sample ice cream and gelato made by regional "micro-creameries" including Canady le Chocolatier, Graeter's of Ohio, Homer's Ice Cream, Hudsonville Creamery, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Mitchell’s Soda Shop, Polyscience (makers of the Anti-griddle), Shawn Michelle's Ice Cream and Zingerman’s Creamery -- plus demos by several pastry chefs and some non-dairy desserts and drinks as well. Jeni Britton Bauer will sign copies of her new book, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home, both nights. Admission is $25 in advance or at the door; children are $10.
Green City Market Cooking Class
Join Chef Kendal Duque at the South Loop's Chicago Firehouse Restaurant for a demonstration on how to prepare a three-course meal using fresh ingredients purchased at Green City Market. Participants will also receive recipe cards to take home as well as a "restaurant industry discount" at the Green Acres and Seedling Farm stands at GCM the following Saturday. Cost of class is $60 per participant. 6pm-7:30pm. The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant is located at 1401 S Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60605. 312-786-1401
Taste of Andersonville Dinner Crawl
The Taste of Andersonville Dinner Crawl runs tonight from 6pm to 9pm. Starting from the Swedish American Museum, diners have a choice of two crawl routes: "Salt" is vegetarian friendly, while "Pepper" adds meat. Each includes stops at 11 restaurants and cost $25 in advance or $30 day-of -- or you can do both routes for $40 in advance or $50 day-of.
Little Bee, Big Mystery Movie @ Notebaert
Slow Food Chicago hosts a screening of the Ellen Page-narrated documentary Little Bee, Big Mystery at the Notebaert Nature Museum, Cannon Drive and Fullerton, tonight at 6:30pm. RSVP via email.
Last Call for Threadcakes
Threadcakes, the cake competition hosted by the Chicago based t-shirt company, Threadless, closes today at 12am. Lots of sweet prizes, as well as a stellar panel of judges make for the greatest cake competition on earth! So what are you waiting for? Get baking before it's too late!
Street Food Artistry @ Galleria Marchetti
Celebrate street art and the food that gets sold near it today at Galleria Marchetti, 825 W Erie, from 1-7pm. Entertainment, cooking demos, food, and a silent auction are on the schedule. Tickets start at $40 (children's tickets are $20).
Dose Market
Dose Market brings together food and fashion at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., from 10am to 4pm today. Peruse gourmet food and drink and shop the latest fashions; see a vendor list here. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
56th Annual Ginza Holiday @ Midwest Buddhist Temple
The 56th Annual Ginza Holiday, a large Japanese cultural festival, will be presented by the Midwest Buddhist Temple (MBT) Aug. 12 - 14 at 435 W. Menomonee Street in Old Town. Flown in from Tokyo for this event, four master craftsmen (Waza) will demonstrate their generations-old skills creating unique crafts. The public will have the opportunity to meet the Waza and purchase their crafts. Several other exhibits and booths will be filled with Japanese dry goods, snacks, kimonos and jewelry. An abundance of traditional Japanese cuisine will be offered, from udon to kintoki. Featured in the festival will be ongoing stage performances with the energetic taiko drumming, classical dance, traditional and not-so-traditional music, martial arts and a ukulele group! Aikido, Judo and Karate schools will demonstrate self-defense tactics, while Kendo (Japanese fencing) will entertain the crowd. The chapel will be open for guests who are interested in observing the place of worship and learning the basics of Buddhism. During stage intermissions, Rev Ron Miyamura will deliver short Dharma talks. A benefit donation of $6 for adults, and $5 for students and senior citizens will be collected at the gate. Children under 12 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Details here.
56th Annual Ginza Holiday @ Midwest Buddhist Temple
The 56th Annual Ginza Holiday, a large Japanese cultural festival, will be presented by the Midwest Buddhist Temple (MBT) Aug. 12 - 14 at 435 W. Menomonee Street in Old Town. Flown in from Tokyo for this event, four master craftsmen (Waza) will demonstrate their generations-old skills creating unique crafts. The public will have the opportunity to meet the Waza and purchase their crafts. Several other exhibits and booths will be filled with Japanese dry goods, snacks, kimonos and jewelry. An abundance of traditional Japanese cuisine will be offered, from udon to kintoki. Featured in the festival will be ongoing stage performances with the energetic taiko drumming, classical dance, traditional and not-so-traditional music, martial arts and a ukulele group! Aikido, Judo and Karate schools will demonstrate self-defense tactics, while Kendo (Japanese fencing) will entertain the crowd. The chapel will be open for guests who are interested in observing the place of worship and learning the basics of Buddhism. During stage intermissions, Rev Ron Miyamura will deliver short Dharma talks. A benefit donation of $6 for adults, and $5 for students and senior citizens will be collected at the gate. Children under 12 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Details here.
Chicago Food Walks by Rebecca Wheeler
Join culinary instructor, Rebecca Wheeler for an imaginative food walk touring eateries in the Arglye neighborhood. Participants will enjoy a leisurely 3.5 hour guided walking tour with pit-stops at local eateries. Along the way Rebecca will share tips on how to find the best hidden restaurant gems as well as tips on how to prepare new foods at home. Tours are $85 per person. See site for ticket info and future tour date offerings.
56th Annual Ginza Holiday @ Midwest Buddhist Temple
The 56th Annual Ginza Holiday, a large Japanese cultural festival, will be presented by the Midwest Buddhist Temple (MBT) Aug. 12 - 14 at 435 W. Menomonee Street in Old Town. Flown in from Tokyo for this event, four master craftsmen (Waza) will demonstrate their generations-old skills creating unique crafts. The public will have the opportunity to meet the Waza and purchase their crafts. Several other exhibits and booths will be filled with Japanese dry goods, snacks, kimonos and jewelry. An abundance of traditional Japanese cuisine will be offered, from udon to kintoki. Featured in the festival will be ongoing stage performances with the energetic taiko drumming, classical dance, traditional and not-so-traditional music, martial arts and a ukulele group! Aikido, Judo and Karate schools will demonstrate self-defense tactics, while Kendo (Japanese fencing) will entertain the crowd. The chapel will be open for guests who are interested in observing the place of worship and learning the basics of Buddhism. During stage intermissions, Rev Ron Miyamura will deliver short Dharma talks. A benefit donation of $6 for adults, and $5 for students and senior citizens will be collected at the gate. Children under 12 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Details here.
S'more Celebration
Visit the Southport Grocery and Cafe for a Pop-Up-Shop Event in partnership with Truffle Truffle artisinal confections for a celebration of call things s'mores. The cafe will be featuring s'more inspired desserts along with all the gourmet ingredients you'd need to make your own. The pop-up event will be leaving you asking for "s'more please!" and will run from 11am - 3pm at the Southport Grocery and Cafe, 3552 N. Southport Chicago, IL 60657. 773-655-0100
Prasino Opening
Tonight, CS Modern Luxury Chicago sponsors an exclusive opening event for the new Wicker Park restaurant Prasino. With two successful locations already operating in LaGrange and St. Charles, tonight the restaurant debuts in Chicago. Prasino is the Greek word for "green" and they strive to serve clean food in a modern, environmentally conscious setting. 6pm-9pm. Located at 1846 W. Division St.
And Action! Saloons on the Screen @ Chicago History Museum
Visit several bars featured in Chicago films tonight at 6:45pm with the Chicago History Museum. You'll meet at the CHM (North and Broadway), then get on a trolley for a tour. Admission $25-30.
Taste of the Nation @ Navy Pier Ballroom
If you are a sucker for events in which some of the city's best chefs get together in one room to dish out their high-end eats and drinks for one special evening, Taste of the Nation is a great opportunity to support anti-hunger charities while getting your chow on. Event is tonight at Navy Pier's ballroom, 600 E Grand Ave, from 7pm-10pm. Admission starts at $95 per person.
Bikes, Bites & Brews
Burn some calories riding your bicycle to make room in your tummy for some sweet eats with Bobby's Bike Hike Kiosk -Bikes, Bites & Brews Tour. This 4 hour bike tour (approximately 13 miles) will weave through Wrigleyville, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lakeview and Lincoln Park will have you sampling eats from Chicago's fav food groups - pizza, hot dogs, cupcakes and beer. $59 for Adults; $49 for Students/Seniors. Price includes bike. 11:30am Monday. Reserve your spot online (and save 10%), or call 312-915-0995. Tours depart from Odgen Slip at the River East Docks (465 N McClurg Court Chicago, IL 60611.
(Tours offered M-F through Oct 13th).
A Sustainable Reality Kickstarter Fundraiser Party 2.0
In order to reach their goal of $11,000 by midnight (central time) on August 12 A Sustainable Reality is hosting one final Kickstarter bonanza tonight from 5pm to 10pm at The New Chicago Brewing Company, 1400 W. 46th St., the soon-to-be sustainable brewery that operates within The Plant located in the Back of the Yards on the South Side. They will be providing live entertainment all evening long via a large eclectic ensemble of local bands and artists. Booze and food will be served all night, complimentary with ticket purchase. Tickets are $20.
Salted Caramel Pop-up Shoppe
Confectioner Salted Caramel once again takes over Espresso Thy Art, 4019 N. Damen Ave., for a pop-up sweet shop today from noon to 4pm. Sample caramels, gourmet popsicles and sundaes -- plus face painting and other fun stuff for the kids.
Fork and the Road Tours: Latin Meat Lovers
Meet at Intelligensia Coffee in the Loop (53 E Randolph) today at 11am for a bike-guided trip to the south side for a tasting of several of the city's best Latin meat. Tacquerias, Argentinian steak houses, and a Cuban restaurant are on the menu. Tour led by Fork and the Road; tickets $60. Event ends at 5pm.
Christian Boudard Cooking Demo @ Alliance Francaise
Christian Boudard, the pastry chef from Paris' Guy Savoy Restaurant, gives a cooking demo tonight for his famous pastry La Boule Noire (the "magic chocolate ball") from 6-8pm at Alliance Française, 54 W. Chicago Ave. Admission $50 for members, $60 for non-members.
Chicago Farmers Market COUNTRY Chef Challenge
Head to Daley Plaza today to watch the Chicago Farmers Market Country Chef Challenge. A lineup of Celebrity Chefs will have 30 minutes to create a delicious dish using market goods in front of a live audience. Catch the action and see who will be crowned the master of the market. This free event will also feature a canvas bag giveaway along with a chance to win a $100 gift card to each of the participating chefs' restaurants. Don't miss out! 50 W Washington Chicago, IL 60602 between 11am to 1pm.
Fork and the Road Tours: Deli-cious
Eat at several of the city's best delis today on this bike-guided tour, led by Fork and the Road Tours. Event runs 10am-2pm and begins and ends at Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn. Cost $60.
The Bra Crawl
The Bra Crawl benefiting breast cancer awareness kicks off at Mad River, 2909 N. Sheffield Ave., tonight at 6pm before moving on to The Coach House, Uncle Fatty's and State. Tickets are $10. 21+
Gypsy Pop-Up Restaurant @ Logan Square Kitchen
Chefs from Le Sardine and Le Bouchon team up tonight through Sunday at Logan Square Kitchen (2333 North Milwaukee) to present Gypsy, a pop-up restaurant. The menu looks delish---Fried Risotto Balls with Romesco Sauce, Duck Tacos with pickled Onion, Cilantro and Citrus, Vegetarian Crepe, Peanut Butter & Jelly Ice Cream and Mojito Sorbet. Operatinh hours: Friday 4-11pm; Sat-Sun: noon-11pm.
Pierogi Fest
This weekend's PierogiFest brings together the cherished crescent of filled dough with the beloved outdoor festival to celebrate, imbibe and consume; you could also meet that special someone. PierogiFest is located a short drive away in Whiting, Indiana; the event runs Friday-Saturday (11am-10pm) and Sunday (11am-5pm) at 119th St and Indianapolis Boulevard.
Fair Food Book Signing @ Daley Plaza Farmers Market
Cheese, chard, and now a signed copy of Dr. Oran Hesterman's book Fair Food. What doesn't the Daley Plaza Farmer's Market have to offer? Since the book is about changing the landscape (pun!) around food in this country, and arming the reader with questions to pose your local farmers, Daley Plaza seems like a particularly appropriate location to pick up a copy and meet it's author, and champion of the Fair Food Network. Hesterman will be on site Thursday July 28th, from 11am to 1pm, Daley Plaza Farmers Market (Washington Boulevard between Dearborn and Clark).
MasterChef Viewing Party
Join MasterChef contestant Suzy Singh on the rooftop at The Wit tonight for a viewing party. Suzy has created a special Punjabi Flatbread Pizza for the event. The Wit is located at 201 N State Street. The party starts at 6pm with a contestant meet and greet. The show airs at 8pm and there will be post party celebrations at 9pm. All you have to do is show up.
MasterChef Viewing Party
Join MasterChef contestant Suzy Singh on the rooftop at The Wit Monday and Tuesday night for a viewing party. Suzy has created a special Punjabi Flatbread Pizza for the event. The Wit is located at 201 N State Street. The party starts at 6pm with a contestant meet & greet. The show airs at 8pm and there will be post party celebrations at 9pm. All you have to do is show up!
Fork in the Road Tours: Tour of Asia
Meet at Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn, today at 11am for a bike-guided tour of Indian, Thai and Central Asian fare in the area. Tour led by Fork and the Road; tickets $50. Event ends at 3pm.
Que for the Cure
ManBQue hosts Cue for the Cure, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. For $25, enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner (veggie options available), PBR while it lasts and live acoustic performances from The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir's Elia Einhorn, Spitalfield's Mark Rose, Ballroom Boxer, Gunner's Daughter and Bob Palas, plus DJ Jaime Black. The fun runs from 5pm to 9pm tonight at Darkoom, 2210 W. Chicago Ave.
Being a Chef: Island Cuisine @ Alliance Francaise
Learn the cuisine of the old French colonies of French West Indies, Mauritius and Reunion today with the Alliance Francaise from 10am-1pm. Class takes place at 810 N. Dearborn; $85 for members, $95 for non-members.
The Chicago Vegan Chef Showdown
Are you a fan of Upton's Naturals? Serving the finest in faux meat products, Upton's seitan will be the secret ingredient to this weekend's Vegan Chef Showdown held at The Funky Buddha Lounge. Twenty individual chefs, or teams of chefs, will compete for the title of Chicago's Best Vegan Chef! All ages, open to the public. $1 suggested donation per sample. The Funky Buddha Lounge is located at 728 W. Grand Ave. Event runs from 3pm to 7pm.
Culinary Historians of Chicago: Viktorija Todorovska
Cookbook author and sommelier Viktorija Todorovska, who just released The Puglian Cookbook: Bringing the flavors of Puglia home, talks today with the Culinary Historians of Chicago at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, at 10am today. Admission $3-$5; email to RSVP.
Green City Market BBQ @ Lincoln Park
For 100 bucks tonight you can get small bites from practically every privately-owned restaurant in Chicago, served by the hard working back of the house folks that we rarely get to see. Sample over 100 dishes from all over Chicago, while sipping on Koval cocktails, Half Acre, Goose Island and Piece brews, and are adequately smashed and delightfully full. Curious about which chefs you may see? These folks all buy from GCM and are likely to be in their whites that night.
Tickets for the best outdoor food events just went on sale this week so grab 'em while they're hot folks. Green City Market BBQ is from 5:30pm-8:00pm. Lincoln Park is located at 2045 Lincoln Park West.
Windy City Ribfest
Uptown's third annual Windy City Ribfest brings local and national barbecue teams to Lawrence and Broadway July 15-17 to cook up ribs for the masses, while music fills the air. A suggested $5 donation gets you in the door. The fest runs from 5pm to 10pm tonight; here's today's musical lineup:
12:15pm - Our Name is Jonas
2:15pm - Blah Blah Blah
3:45pm - The Personnel
5:15pm - Dot Dot Dot
7:30pm - Georgie Porgie & Linda Clifford
Windy City Ribfest
Uptown's third annual Windy City Ribfest brings local and national barbecue teams to Lawrence and Broadway July 15-17 to cook up ribs for the masses, while music fills the air. A suggested $5 donation gets you in the door. The fest runs from 5pm to 10pm tonight; here's today's musical lineup:
12:15pm - Stevie G
2pm - Rubber
5pm - JT & The Clouds
6:30pm - Mr. Blotto
8:30pm - Rusted Root
Windy City Ribfest
Uptown's third annual Windy City Ribfest brings local and national barbecue teams to Lawrence and Broadway July 15-17 to cook up ribs for the masses, while music fills the air. A suggested $5 donation gets you in the door. The fest runs from 5pm to 10pm tonight, with How Far to Austin playing at 5:45pm and Cowboy Mouth playing at 8pm.
Brewers BYO @ Logan Square Kitchen
Gaztro Wagon and Half Acre pair up for a night of drinking, eating and more drinking at Logan Square Kitchen, 2333 N Milwaukee, from 7-10pm. Admission $30 for three beer flight and food pairing; cash bar for additional drinks.
Homemade Bread Showcase @ Los Manos Gallery
Learn the beauty of eating homemade bread tonight at Los Manos Gallery, 5220 N Clark, from 6:30-7:30pm. Event sponsored by Chicago Amateur Bread Bakers as part of Andersonville's Green Week. Free samples!
Opening Day: Seaway Bank Farmers Market
The Seaway Bank Farmers Market starts today! Market runs each Wednesday from 9am-2pm at 645 E. 87th Street.
Food Truck Tuesdays
Food Truck Tuesdays carries on into July at the northwest corner of North and Halsted tonight between 4pm and 7pm. Tonight's trucks include ARRFSCARF, Brown Bag, Gaztro Wagon, Sweet Ride, 5411 Empanadas, Meatyball Mobile and Tamalli Space Charros. More details on Facebook.
Dose Market
Dose Market brings together food and fashion at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., from 10am to 4pm today. Peruse gourmet food and drink and shop the latest fashions; early shoppers this month will get to try a complimentary cocktail from The Aviary, among other treats. See a vendor list here. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Roscoe Village hosts its annual Burger Fest street festival from 11am to 10pm Saturday and Sunday at Damen and Belmont, featuring, you guessed it, hamburgers from nine area restaurants, music on two stages and more fun for the kids and their parents. $6 suggested donation.
Here's today's music schedule:
Main Stage
noon - The Dreamtree Shakers
2pm - School of Rock
3:30pm - Rock Candy
6pm - Arra
8:15pm - Foghat
Damen Stage
noon - Josh & the Empty Pockets
1:30pm - The Handcuffs
3:30pm - Divebar
5:30pm - Cold Blue Kid
7pm - Super Happy Fun Club
8:30pm - Canasta
Fork and the Road Tours: Latin Meat Lovers
Meet at Intelligensia Coffee in the Loop (53 E Randolph) today at 11am for a bike-guided trip to the south side for a tasting of several of the city's best Latin meat. Tacquerias, Argentinian steak houses, and a Cuban restaurant are on the menu. Tour led by Fork and the Road; tickets $60. Event ends at 5pm.
Being a Chef: Pissaladière and Socca @ Alliance Francaise
Join the Alliance Francaise to learn to make pissaladière (tarts filled with caramelized onions and garnished with anchovies and olives) and socca (a chickpea crepe) today from 10am-1pm. Class takes place at 810 N. Dearborn; $85 for members, $95 for non-members.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Roscoe Village hosts its annual Burger Fest street festival from 11am to 10pm Saturday and Sunday at Damen and Belmont, featuring, you guessed it, hamburgers from nine area restaurants, music on two stages and more fun for the kids and their parents. $6 suggested donation.
Here's today's music schedule:
Main Stage
noon - The Flat Cats
1:30pm - Rego
3pm - Ordinary Outcast
4:30pm - The Hat Guys
6:30pm - Dot Dot Dot
8:30pm - Smithereens
Damen Stage
12:30pm - Mr. Singer & Kerry Appleberry
2:15pm - Diana & the Dishes
3:45pm - Secret Colours
6pm - Otter Petter
8:15pm - Todd Carey
Soup & Bread: GP Conservatory Benefit @ The Hideout
The Hideout is hosting a special Soup and Bread benefit program tonight to help fund the cleanup and repairs of the Garfield Park Conservatory, which was severely damaged by last Thursday's hail. Stop by The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) tonight (5:30 - 8pm) and stuff your face for a good cause. Details here.
Soup & Bread for Garfield Park Conservatory
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, is hosting a special summer edition of Soup & Bread tonight to raise funds for the Garfield Park Conservatory, which suffered catastrophic damage in last week's hailstorm. Stop by between 5:30 and 8pm for cold soups and fresh bread from La Farine Bakery. Numero Group's Michael Slaboch will DJ. If you can't make it, consider donating online.
Opening Day: Two North Riverside Farmers Market
Today is the opening of the Two North Riverside Farmers Market, which will run every Wednesday from 11am-7pm at (where else?) 2 N. Riverside.
Opening Day: Pullman Farmers Market
The Pullman Farmers Market starts today! Market runs each Wednesday from 7am-noon in Arcade Park at 111th & Cottage Grove.
Opening Day: Lawndale Farmers Market
The Lawndale Farmers Market starts today! Market runs each Wednesday from 3-6pm at 3555 W. Ogden.
Opening Day: Plaza 300 Farmers Market
The new Plaza 300 Farmers Market joins the party starting today. The market runs each Tuesday from 7am-2pm at 300 N. LaSalle.
Horseshoe Tournament & Hot Dogs @ Bangers & Lace
Bangers & Lace is hosting its own backyard barbeque and horseshoe tournament, complete with $1 hot dogs and a fine selection of American beers to help improve your game. The Tournament begins at 12pm sharp in the backyard of B&L.
Pig Picnic @ Longman & Eagle
Longman & Eagle is roasting a whole Slagel Farm hog, Cuban style, on their patio for the stragglers left in the city. They'll be serving corn on the cob, bacon, spring onion potato salad, baked beans & coleslaw for $20 a person, excluding beverages (though I'm sure Jared will have something delightfully patriotic up his sleeve). Begins today at 5pm.
Horseshoes & Hot Dogs @ Bangers & Lace
Bangers & Lace is hosting its own backyard barbeque, all weekend long. Friday through Monday, they'll have horseshoe pits and $1 hot dogs, plus a fine selection of American beers. Friday through Monday, 12pm-5pm.
Fork and the Road Tours: Ice-Cycle
Fork and the Road Tours leads today's bike-guided tour of several of the city's best ice cream and gelato joints. Event runs 11:00am-3:30pm and starts/ends at Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 West Berwyn. Tickets $50.
Salted Caramel Pop-up Shop
Candy makers Salted Caramel open a "pop-up pop shoppe" in Espresso Thy Art, 4019 N. Damen Ave., from noon to 4pm today. They'll be debuting their new line of frozen treats, and will also have doggy desserts on hand for your canine friend. Free.
Horseshoes & Hot Dogs @ Bangers & Lace
Bangers & Lace is hosting its own backyard barbeque, all weekend long. Friday through Monday, they'll have horseshoe pits and $1 hot dogs, plus a fine selection of American beers. Friday through Monday, 12pm-5pm.
Horseshoes and Hot Dogs @ Bangers & Lace
Bangers & Lace is hosting its own backyard barbeque, all weekend long. Friday through Monday, they'll have horseshoe pits and $1 hot dogs, plus a fine selection of American beers. Friday through Monday, 12pm-5pm.
Food Truck Tuesdays
If you too are skeptical of the food truck hype, you may want to head to the northwest corner of North and Halsted tonight between 4pm and 7pm for Food Truck Tuesdays. At least four trucks will be there every Tuesday in June.
Chicago Magazine Summer Brew Release Party
Chicago magazine commissioned Pipeworks Brewing Co. to make a custom summer beer to celebrate the release of the magazine's Chicago beer issue. Head to The Map Room, 1949 N. Hoyne Ave., tonight from 6pm to 8pm for a free pint. More info and RSVP on Facebook. 21+
Evanston Food Truck Festival
Evanston holds its first-ever Food Truck Festival today in Grey Park, 1051 Main St., from 11am to 2pm. Hummingbird Kitchen anchors, with unnamed cupcake and empanadas joining in.
Fork and the Road Tours: 'Wich Way
Sample sandwiches of Puerto Rican, Vietnamese, and Mexican flavors today at this bike-guided tour of several sandwich spots in the city, led by Fork and the Road. Event runs 11am-3:30pm and starts/ends at Intelligensia Coffee, 53 E Randolph. Tickets $50.
City Provisions Farm Dinner
City Provisions is kicking off their farm dinner season today at Dietzler Farms in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Get onboard the biodiesel bus at 1pm, enjoy food & beer pairings from Half Acre Beer Company. At the farm, you will be given a full tour by the farmer, then sit down to a multi-course dinner paired with more of the brewery's beers. After dinner, participate in a bonfire, then board the bus back to Chicago.
Tickets, which are $225.00 include round trip transportation to each farm, snacks and beer on the bus, a tour of the farm, a 5-course meal with beer pairings on the farm, and more! Call (773) 293-2489 to make your reservation. Also click here for a list of other dinners this season.
Piven Theatre Workshop's 40th Anniversary @ MCA Loft
Piven Theatre Workshop will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a red carpet evening of dinner, cocktails and an exciting live auction at the MCA Loft (1747 W. Hubbard) tonight from 6pm to 10pm. For more information and to purchase tickets call (847) 866-8049 or visit Piven's website.
Opening Day: Southport Farmers Market
The Southport Market opens today at Blaine School, 1420 W. Grace; event runs Saturdays from 8am-2pm.
Brews + Bacon @ Vosges
Vosges Haut-Chocolat presents Brews + Bacon: A Collaboration in Chocolate at its Lincoln Park boutique, 951 W. Armitage Ave., tonight from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Sample a variety of variations on chocolate and bacon, paired with beer and cocktails, such as the Vosges Bacon Bloody Mary. Attendees will also get 10 percent off purchases during the event. Tickets are $40; reserve your spot by calling 773-296-9866 or emailing raquel@vosgeschocolate.com.
Summer Solstice Picnic @ Chicago Honey Coop
Slow Food Chicago hosts a Solstice Potluck at Chicago Honey Coop (3740 West Fillmore) tonight from 6-9pm. Bring a potluck dish to share and $15, which will get you tours of the apiary and a great summer night. Rain date is Sunday, June 26.
Grafitti Zone's Spring Fundraiser @ Chicago Urban Arts Society
Four youth artists -- winners of Graffiti Zone's Next Top Artist Contest will be honored tonight at GZ's Spring Fundraiser. The event will take place at Chicago Urban Arts Society: 2229 S. Halsted from 6 to 9pm. Hosted by Chicago hip hop performer Philip Morris, described as "one of the ultimate word smiths of hip-hop (Skope Magazine)," the evening will feature catering by Green Cuisine, open bar, silent auction and performances by Opera-Matic with sound by Mark Messing. Ample free parking is available behind the building, off of Cermak. Tickets are $35 at the door, or online at graffitizone.org. All proceeds to benefit Graffiti Zone, a non profit arts organization serving the 29th ward.
Opening Day: Uptown Farmers Market at Weiss Hospital
The Uptown Farmers Market at Weiss Hospital starts today! Market runs every Thursday at 4646 N. Marine from 7:30am-12:30pm.
Opening Day: Andersonville Farmers Market
The Andersonville Farmers Market starts today! Market runs each Wednesday from 3-8pm
on Berwyn between Clark & Ashland.
Food Truck Tuesdays
If you too are skeptical of the food truck hype, you may want to head to the northwest corner of North and Halsted tonight between 4pm and 7pm for Food Truck Tuesdays. At least four trucks will be there every Tuesday in June.
Fork in the Road Tours: Tour of Asia
Meet at Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn, today at 11am for a bike-guided tour of Indian, Thai and Central Asian fare in the area. Tour led by Fork and the Road; tickets $50. Event ends at 3pm.
Minor Art Attack Craft Fair/Benefit @ 2055 W. Erie
This is not your run of the mill craft fair. This is a community gathering together to help a school in need, with local crafters and artists coming together in support of Madero Middle School in Little Village (28th St. and Kedzie), a 90% reduced/free lunch school in need of books. Check out the newest goods from over 20 kick ass local crafters, artists and vintage sellers.
Want to kick it up a notch? Bring books (any subject manner as long as in decent condition) to donate to Open Books Ltd., an organization that helps provide funding for literacy programs right here in Chicago. This event takes place today from 12pm to 6pm at 2055 W. Erie. More details here.
Minor Art Attack Craft Fair/Benefit @ 2055 W. Erie
This is not your run of the mill craft fair. This is a community gathering together to help a school in need, with local crafters and artists coming together in support of Madero Middle School in Little Village (28th St. and Kedzie). They are a 90% reduced/free lunch school, in need of books. Check out the newest goods from over 20 kick ass local crafters, artists and vintage sellers. The first 50 attendees will receive a free Minor Art Attack tote bag. Want to kick it up a notch? Bring books (any subject manner as long as in decent condition) to donate to Open Books Ltd., an organization that helps provide funding for literacy programs right here in Chicago. This event takes place today from 12pm to 8pm and tomorrow from 12pm to 6pm at 2055 W. Erie. Details here.
Six Corners BBQ Fest
Head to the six corners (near 4000 N. Milwaukee) today for some quality barbecue, live music, and more barbecue. Event runs noon-2:30pm. Donation $5 for admission.
Opening Day: Northcenter Farmers Market
The Northcenter Farmers Market starts today and runs Saturdays from 7am-1pm at Belle Plaine, Damen and Lincoln.
Opening Day: Bridgeport Farmers Market
The Bridgeport Farmers Market begins today at 35th and Wallace; event runs every Saturday from 7am-1pm.
Opening Day: Willis Tower Plaza Farmers Market
The Willis Tower Plaza Farmers Market starts today! Market runs every Thursday at
233 S. Wacker from 7am-3pm.
Opening Night: Lincoln Square Evening Market
The Lincoln Square Evening Market starts tonight! Market runs 4-8pm each Thursday at 2309 W. Leland Ave.
Opening Day: Eli's Cheesecake/Wright College Farmers Market
Today kicks off the Eli's Cheesecake/Wright College Farmers Market, which will run every Thursday from 7am-1pm at 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr.
Opening Day: Avondale Farmers Market
The Avondale Farmers Market starts today! Market runs each Wednesday and every other Saturday from 3-6pm at 3300 N. Whipple.
Cheesemaking 101 @ Whole Foods Market
Craving cheese that's so fresh it deserves a good face-slapping? Make your own! At this demo, taught by GB's own Sunny, who writes the food blog Smart Cabbage, you'll learn to make simple, affordable cheeses -- ricotta, paneer and chevre -- and get some pointers on elegant, fast presentations for your freshly made creations. The $10 class fee includes samples, instructional materials, and a free gift. Registration strongly recommended; call (773) 244-4200 for info. Whole Foods Market Lakeview, 3300 N. Ashland Avenue.
Food Truck Tuesdays
If you too are skeptical of the food truck hype, you may want to head to the northwest corner of North and Halsted tonight between 4pm and 7pm for Food Truck Tuesdays. At least four trucks will be there every Tuesday in June.
Gourmet Wagon
Chef Matt Maroni of Gaztro Wagon will be at Treasure Island (2121 N Clybourn Avenue) tonight from 7pm-9pm cooking up a whole mess of tasty vittles at a cooking class. The cost is $18 and you can register by phone: (773) 880-8880. The adventurous menu (trout, calves liver, and more) will be delightful thanks to Maroni.
Opening Day: Pritzker Park Farmers Market
The newly formed Pritzker Park Farmers Market starts today and runs each Tuesday from 7am-3pm at 344 S. State St.
Heather Lalley @ Floriole Cafe & Bakery
Heather Lalley is the author of The Chicago Homegrown Cookbook: Local Food, Local Restaurants, Local Recipes -- celebrate the book's release at Floriole Cafe & Bakery (1220 W. Webster) tonight from 4pm-7pm.
Nightlab: the Science of Coffee @ Schubas
Sarah Kluth of our very own Intelligentsia Coffee hosts an evening of learning about the origins and process of the production of coffee. The event begins at 7pm in the upstairs area of Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. Free!
Opening Day: Independence Park Farmers Market
The Independence Park Farmers Market starts today at 3945 N. Springfield and runs the second & fourth Sundays of the month from 9am-1pm.
Opening Day: Erie Street Farmers Market
The Erie Street Farmers Market begins today at 500 West W Erie; event runs Sundays from 8am-1pm.
Ribfest
Northcenter's Ribfest blocks off Lincoln Avenue from Irving Park Road to Warner Avenue June 10-12. Enjoy ribs and other tasty foods by dozens of local and regional restaurants, listen to live music and have fun from noon to 10pm today. $5 donation requested. Music schedule is as follows:
South Stage:
1:30 Pinto and the Bean
4pm Bailiff
6:30pm The Ettes
9pm Tapes 'n Tapes
North Stage:
noon Tanglewood
2:45pm Common Shiner
5:15pm Nathan Xander & Witchouse
7:45pm Hayes Carll
Fork in the Road Tours: Deli-cious
Eat at several of the city's best delis today on this bike-guided tour, led by Fork and the Road Tours. Event runs 10am-2pm and begins and ends at Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn. Cost $60.
Wells Street Art Festival
Art, entertainment and delicious food (I had a memorable steak sandwich a few years ago from the Bistro Margot tent--ah, the memories) are part of the Wells Street Art Festival, which runs today and tomorrow at North and Wells, 10am-10pm. Suggested donation $7 before 5pm, and $10 after 5pm.
Opening Day: Printers Row Farmers Market
The Printers Row Farmers Market starts today and runs Saturdays from 7am-1pm at Dearborn & Polk.
Opening Day: Bronzeville Farmers Market
The Bronzeville Community Market begins today; the event runs Saturdays from 8am-1pm at 4400 S. Cottage Grove.
Ribfest
Northcenter's Ribfest blocks off Lincoln Avenue from Irving Park Road to Warner Avenue June 10-12. Enjoy ribs and other tasty foods by dozens of local and regional restaurants, listen to live music and have fun from noon to 10pm today. $5 donation requested. Music schedule is as follows:
South Stage:
noon The Future Laureates
2:45pm Four Star Brass Band
5:15pm Like Pioneers
7:45pm Ezra Furman & The Harpoons
North Stage:
1:30pm Dirty Pigeons
4pm Colin Gilmore
6:30pm Fort Frances
9pm Waco Brothers
Ribfest
Northcenter's Ribfest blocks off Lincoln Avenue from Irving Park Road to Warner Avenue June 10-12. Enjoy ribs and other tasty foods by dozens of local and regional restaurants, listen to live music and have fun from 5 to 10pm tonight. At 6pm, watch professional competitive eaters chow down on baby back ribs in Ribmania. $5 donation requested. Music schedule is as follows:
South Stage:
5pm Geoff Dolce
7pm My Gold Mask
9pm Jukebox the Ghost
North Stage:
6pm RibMania
7:45pm The Legendary Shack Shakers
Gift Circle @ Mess Hall
How a gift circle works: people meet, share some food and introduce themselves, form a circle, then go around and share what they need. All kinds of things have been asked for: bodywork, help healing a broken heart, advice on marketing a product, someone to talk to about life goals, help cleaning out files, etc.Then people go around again and offer a gift, something they would like to share with no expectation of it being accepted. Again, a wide range of things have been offered: a dreamcatcher, a vacuum sealer, shamanic healing, handquilted potholders, research help (from a librarian), help writing a simple will (from a lawyer), etc, etc. Afterward, people check in with those who responded to the gifts/needs/wishes and schedule them. (Bring your calendars!) 6:30pm to 7pm: Potluck (BYOB, dish). 7pm to 8:30pm: Gift Circle. Free & open to the public. Mess Hall is located at 6932 N. Glenwood Ave.
Opening Day: South Shore Farmers Market
The South Shore Farmers Market begins today! Market runs every Wednesday from 7am-1pm in the ShoreBank Parking Lot at 70th & Jeffery Blvd.
Opening Day: MCA/Streeterville Farmers Market
The MCA/Streeterville Farmers Market begins today in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art, located at Mies van der Rohe and Chicago. Runs every Tuesday from 7am-1pm.
Opening Day: Lincoln Square Farmers Market
The Lincoln Square Farmers Market begins today at the corners of Lincoln, Leland and Western in the parking lot at the base of the Western Brown Line station. Runs every Tuesday from 7am-1pm.
Opening Day: City Farm Market Stand
The City Farm Market Stand at 1204 N. Clybourn is open for business effective today. The market runs every Tuesday-Friday from 3-6:30pm.
Food Truck Tuesdays
If you too are skeptical of the food truck hype, you may want to head to the northwest corner of North and Halsted tonight between 4pm and 7pm for Food Truck Tuesdays. At least four trucks will be there every Tuesday in June.
Opening Day: Loyola Farmers Market
Today is the kickoff of the Loyola Farmers Market at 6542 N. Sheridan. The market runs from 3:30-6pm.
Fork and the Road Tours: Ice-Cycle
Fork and the Road Tours leads today's bike-guided tour of several of the city's best ice cream and gelato joints. Event runs 11am-3:30pm and starts/ends at Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 West Berwyn. Tickets $50.
Opening Day: Wicker Park and Bucktown Farmers Market
The Wicker Park & Bucktown Farmers Markets begins today and runs Sundays from 8am-2pm at the actual Wicker Park, at Wicker Park & Damen.
Opening Day: Pilsen Community Market
The Pilsen Community Market begins today at 1800 South Halsted and runs Sundays from 9am-3pm.
Opening Day: Logan Square Farmers Market
Drama aside, the Logan Square Farmers Market begins today and runs Sundays from 10am-3pm at the southeast corner of Logan and Milwaukee.
Opening Day: Glenwood Farmers Market
The Glenwood Sunday Market begins today at 6950 N. Glenwood (between Morse & Lunt) and runs Sundays from 9am-2pm.
Lincoln Square Maifest
Maifest makes a mess of Lincoln Square June 2-5 this year. The festival celebrates the (hopefully) good spring weather with German food, music and lots of beer. The revelries continue at Lincoln and Leland avenues today from noon to 1opm.
Sausagefest @ Sheffield and Addison
Today and tomorrow from noon-10pm, sausage, music, beer, and non-sausage food rules at Addison and Sheffield. If you're so inclined, you can enter the King of Sausagefest contest; a winner will be crowned today. This is the only time that being at a sausage fest is a badge of honor and not a sad pronouncement of male singledom. Suggested $5-$7 donation for entry.
Lincoln Square Maifest
Maifest makes a mess of Lincoln Square June 2-5 this year. The festival celebrates the (hopefully) good spring weather with German food, music and lots of beer. The revelries continue at Lincoln and Leland avenues today from noon to 11pm.
Chicago Foodways Rountable: Ken Hom @ Kendall College
Writer and chef Louisa Chu will interview Ken Hom as part of the Chicago Foodways Roundtable of the Culinary Historians of Chicago. A native Chicagoan, Hom started out washing dishes at King Wah, became a cooking mentor to Charlie Trotter and Ming Tsai, and lends his name to an extremely popular line of woks. Surely there are more exciting details to learn as well! Talk starts at 7pm, tickets are $5 per person (free to Kendall students and faculty with ID). To reserve a spot leave a message at (847) 432-8255 with your name, telephone number and how many people in your party or e-mail the Roundtable. Kendall College, 900 N. Branch Street.
Lincoln Square Maifest
Maifest makes a mess of Lincoln Square June 2-5 this year. The festival celebrates the (hopefully) good spring weather with German food, music and lots of beer. The revelries continue at Lincoln and Leland avenues tonight from 5:30pm to 11pm.
Opening Day: Hyde Park Farmers Market
Today marks the first meeting of the Hyde Park Farmers Market. Event runs Thursdays from 7am-1pm in a new location---53rd & Lake Park Avenue.
Lincoln Square Maifest
Maifest makes a mess of Lincoln Square June 2-5 this year. The festival celebrates the (hopefully) good spring weather with German food, music and lots of beer. The revelries kick off at Lincoln and Leland avenues tonight from 5pm to 9pm.
Stimulus Social Club @ Old Town Social
Tonight, come out for a special happy hour that benefits Rock for Kids, a non-profit that provides music education for at-risk youth in Chicago. The event, sponsored by Stimulus Social Club along with Rock for Kids, will be hosted at Old Town Social at 455 W. North Ave. (1 block west of the Sedgwick Brown Line stop) and runs from 5:30 to 9pm. Arrive early and receive a free drink and appetizers between 6 and 7pm. Your $10 donation at the door goes to Rock for Kids programming. See the invite online, and you can also RSVP on Facebook.
Craft Beer Week: Prost! German Bars of Chicago
As part of its Chicago Craft Beer Week series, the Chicago History Museum (1601 N Clark) hosts an educational trolley tour of German bars of the city. Event runs 6pm-9pm tonight; admission $25-30 (does not include drinks).
Craft Beer Week: Erin Go Beer! Irish Pubs of Chicago
As part of their Craft Beer Week series, the Chicago History Museum (1601 N Clark) hosts an Irish-centric pub crawl tonight from 6pm-9pm. Admission $25-30 (does not include drinks).
Craft Beer Week: Booze, Bars, and Bootlegging! Prohibition Era Chicago
As part of their Craft Beer Week series, the Chicago History Museum (1601 N Clark) hosts a historical trolley tour of the bootlegging circuit of 1930s Chicago tonight from 6pm-9pm. Admission $25-30 (does not include drinks).
Craft Beer Week: Voyage of the IPA, Chicago Style
As part of its Chicago Craft Beer Week series, the Chicago History Museum (1601 N Clark) hosts a lecture about the history of India Pale Ale and its place in American brewing, complete with a tasting at the end. Event runs 6:30pm-8:30pm tonight; admission $60-65.
Urban Assault Bike Ride
You and a friend team up, ride around the city to checkpoints, perform an onsite obstacle course, and if you finish first, you win! This event, which benefits Break the Gridlock, ends with a party where the event began--Murphy's Bleachers at 3655 North Sheffield. Tickets $60 per person. Starts at 9am.
Craft Beer Week: Chicago's Greatest Dives Tour
The Chicago History Museum kicks off Craft Beer Week with this tour of the diviest dives of the city. From 5-8pm (plenty of time to drink and get home in time for All in the Family reruns), you'll get a chartered tour from the museum (which starts at 1601 N Clark) and discussion session. Admission $25-30.
Sweet and Sour: Life in Chinese Family Restaurants @ Lee Center
The Lee Center at the Chinese‐American Museum of Chicago (238 West 23rd Street) hosts a lecture today at 2pm by John Jung, the author of Sweet and Sour: Life in Chinese Family Restaurants about the history of family-run Chinese restaurants in the United States. CAMOC Members free; non-members $2.
Craft Day Afternoon @ Map Room
Fizz and the Map Room team up for Craft Day Afternoon, a celebration of great craft beer, from 1pm to 5pm today. Sample beers from more than 30 breweries, enjoy food, take home a souvenir glass more. All the proceeds of the $50 ticket benefit Hamilton and Morton public elementary schools. 21+
Wort Workshop Series #4 @ Spoke
PUBLIC BREWERY is part art installation, part DIY brewery, and completely community oriented. Visitors are invited to bring an ingredient they have grown or purchased locally to be used as part of today's workshop demonstrating home-soda making techniques. Today's drink will be a crabapple blossom soda incorporating crabapple blossom syrup donated by the Chicago Rarities Orchard Project (CROP). A representative from CROP will also facilitate discussions about this new project taking place in Logan Square. An exhibition at the end of the month allows today's participants to taste the fruits of their labor. Today's workshop runs from 12pm - 3pm. This event is all ages and families with children are strongly encouraged to attend. All children must be chaperoned by an adult. $5 per family/group. Spoke is located at 119 North Peoria, #2D.
Local Craft Beer Parties @ Maria's & Co-Prosperity Sphere
Hey beer lovers, tonight three of the country's most rad craft breweries are hosting a double event in Bridgeport: One at Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar (960 W. 31st St.) and a simultaneous event takes place two blocks away at the Co-Prosperity Sphere (3219 S. Morgan St.). These events are being held to celebrate Chicago Craft Beer Week. Half Acre, Three Floyd's and Dogfish Head will be stocked at Maria's, with some rare beers on draft. 7pm til 2am. No cover.
The event at Co-Prosperity Sphere takes place from 8pm to 11pm. Admission is $10, which entitles you to complimentary craft beers. There are no online or presale admission tickets. Meet the staff of your favorite breweries: Three Floyd's Gregg Alzinga will be on the decks. Lord of the Yum Yum will perform at both venues. Proceeds will go to the non-profit arts organization Public Media Institute.
Chicago Craft Beer Week Begins
Today marks the first day of Chicago Craft Beer Week, a citywide event of samplings, parties, lectures and demonstrations of the Devil's Water. Series runs through May 27.
Empty Bottle Farmers & Bakers Market
The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., hosts its monthly farmers and bakers market today from 11am to 3pm. Vendors and more info listed here. Free.
Flights and Bites @ The Bad Apple
Join the lovely Bapple staff and Founders Brewing for an evening of appetizers paired with beers at the Bad Apple to kick of American Craft Beer Week. Beers from the Grand Rapids, MI brewer will include Curmudgeon, Double Trouble, Imperial Stout and more, with such accompanying snacks as pulled pork corn arepas, oxtail sliders, cirtus scallops and asparagus, and coffee cupcakes. $30 covers the spread, more details on the Bad Apple website.
Farm Tour and Dinner @ Slagel Family Farms
Featuring a dinner cooked by the chefs from The Bristol, Nightwood, and one sixtyblue, as well as a butching demonstration from Rob Levitt of the Butcher and Larder, this all-day trip to Slagel Family Farms (bus transportation to and from Chicago included) offers a step closer to the farm-to-table trend for the average diner. Compared to other, similar farm dinners in the Chicagoland area, this packs an awful lot of punch for the ticket price, with three excellent chefs in charge of the goods (which you'll see! On the farm!). Kids are welcome with adult supervision, and tickets can be purchased online for $200 $125 per person (less for young ones). The bus picks everyone up at Nightwood, 2119 S. Halsted, promptly at noon; Slagel Farms is located at 23601 E. 600 North Road in Fairbury, IL. Call 815-848-9385 with any questions.
Gift Circle @ Mess Hall
How a gift circle works: people meet, share some food and introduce themselves. Then they form a circle. People go around and share what they need. All kinds of things have been asked for, and the need is spoken with no expectation of it being fulfilled. People in the circle respond if they feel it. Then people go around again and offer a gift, something they would like to share with no expectation of it being accepted. Again, a wide range of things have been offered. Afterward, people check in with those who responded to the gifts/needs/wishes and schedule them. (Bring your calendars!)
6:30pm to 7pm: Potluck (BYOB, dish). 7 to 8:30pm: Gift Circle. Free & open to the public. Mess Hall is located at 6932 N. Glenwood Ave.
Top Chef: The Tour
Bravo brings its "Top Chef" touring show back to Chicago Monday and today. Join Mike Isabella and Antonia Lofaso today at the Whole Foods Lincoln Park, 1550 N. Kingsbury St., for head-to-head cooking demos at 10:30am, noon and 1:30pm. Free, but reservations required.
Top Chef: The Tour
Bravo brings its "Top Chef" touring show back to Chicago today and Tuesday. Join Mike Isabella and Antonia Lofaso today in Millennium Park at Chase Promenade North, Michigan and Randolph, for head-to-head cooking demos at 10:30am, noon and 1:30pm. Free, but reservations required.
Chicago Ukulele Cabaret: Uke Gastronomica @ Silvie's
The Chicago Ukulele Cabaret presents the latest in its seasonal open mike evenings at Silvie's Lounge (1902 W. Irving Park Road, just west of the Brown Line stop). Tonight's theme: Uke Gastronomica. Musicians are invited to play up to 3 food- or drink-related songs in a 15 minute set; a ukulele must be one of the instruments for all your songs. Apart from that, you're free to do as you wish; costumes, skits and audience participation are encouraged. The evening starts at 8pm, and there's no cover charge. For more information, search for the "Chicago Ukulele Cabaret" group on Facebook.
Bake Sale & Butcher & Larder
Butcher & Larder, 1026 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts a bake sale benefiting Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale today from 10am to 4pm. The bake sale, organized by Roll Chicago, will feature sweet and savory treats of all sorts, donated by a wide range of businesses and individuals. Cash only. More details (including how to donate items for the sale) here.
Wort Workshop Series #3 @ Spoke
PUBLIC BREWERY is part art installation, part DIY brewery, and completely community oriented. Visitors are invited to bring an ingredient they have grown or purchased locally to be used as part of today's workshop demonstrating home-brewing techniques. Today's brew will be a Pilsen Beekeeper's Ale incorporating malted honey and three pounds of local honey from beekeeper Donna Oppolo. Oppolo will also facilitate discussions on local food production. An exhibition at the end of the month allows today's participants to taste the fruits of their labor. Today's workshop runs from 3 - 8pm. Participants must be at least 21 years old. $5 entry fee. Spoke is located at 119 North Peoria, #2D.
Green City Market @ Lincoln Park
Green City Market moves to their outside location starting today, ready with radishes, rhubarb, asparagus, spring greens, and of course locally made pastries, whole grains and spreads. Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris of Prairie Fire will be doing a cooking demo at 10:30. The market runs Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, May through October.
Green City Market @ Lincoln Park
Green City Market moves to their outside location starting today, ready with radishes, rhubarb, asparagus, spring greens, and of course locally made pastries, whole grains and spreads. Rob Levitt of Butcher and Larder will be doing a cooking demo at 10:30. The market runs Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, May through October.
Zombie Pub Crawl
Get in your finest dead person gear for an afternoon/early evening of drinking with fellow zombies around the Andersonville neighborhood (Simon's, Farragut's and Mary's, among them). You can register at @mosphere, 5355 N Clark. Admission $20.
Wort Workshop Series #2 @ Spoke
PUBLIC BREWERY is part art installation, part DIY brewery, and completely community oriented. Visitors are invited to bring an ingredient they have grown or purchased locally to be used as part of today's workshop demonstrating home-brewing techniques. Today's brew will be a Humboldt Part Cherry Pale Ale incorporating cherries picked from a Humboldt Park resident. Local urban agriculturalists also facilitate discussions on local food production. An exhibition at the end of the month allows today's participants to taste the fruits of their labor. Today's workshop runs from 3 - 8pm. Participants must be at least 21 years old. $5 entry fee. Spoke is located at 119 North Peoria, #2D.
Global Activism Expo @ UIC Forum
Derived from the "Global Activism Series" hosted by "Worldview"'s Jerome McDonnell, the Global Activism Expo has become WBEZ's largest event of the year, happening again today (complete with music & food) and gathering hundreds of Chicago-area global activists, each providing ways you can immediately get involved and join their efforts. Doors open at noon and stay open until 6pm; it's FREE -- so bring your classes, your children, your neighbors, your friends and family. The address is 725 W. Roosevelt. Details here.
Dark Lord Day @ 3 Floyds
If you love beer, you'll get into a rental car, drive to 3 Floyds Brewery (9750 Indiana Pkwy, Munster, IN) for Dark Lord Day, the one day of the year when their Russian Imperial Stout is available for drinking. You'll need a ticket, which is hard to come by. Good luck.
Foods of the Great Depression @ Kendall College
The Greater Midwest Foodways Alliance sponsors this weekend-long event about the foods of the Great Depression, which starts today at Kendall College, 900 North Branch. Lectures, panel discussions, a recreation dinner of period recipes, and tours of Maxwell Street, historical exhibits, and living history farm are part of the agenda.
Dining Out For Life
Edge Alliance presents Dining Out For Life, the annual dining event to help raise funds for those living with HIV/AIDS. Participating couldn't be easier; simply go out to dinner at one of the participating restaurants (list available at the Edge Alliance Website), and a portion of your bill will be donated. Many locations will have "ambassadors" available all evening to answer your questions about the event and to take your donations. See the Edge Alliance Website for more details.
Earth Day Bar Event @ uncommon ground
uncommon ground on Clark (3800 N. Clark St.) is hosting a four-course dinner with pairings featuring Michigan's Seedling Fruit Farm and wines from Von Beaumont distributing of Downers Grove. The first course begins with blue point oysters with five citrus mignonette paired with m lawrence "sex" brut rose. Tickets are $40, excluding tax and tip. Reservations required: (773) 929-3680. More details here.
WONKA BALL 2011: A Royal Wedding @ SAIC Ballroom
Polish your tiaras! Before Prince William and Kate Middleton tie the knot across the pond, About Face Theatre is throwing its own royal wedding at WONKA BALL 2011. AFT's premier fundraising event will be held tonight at the School of the Art Institute Ballroom, 112 S. Michigan Ave., at 6:30pm with a VIP reception at 5:30pm. Tickets are currently available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or 773-784-8565. The evening will include a silent auction, open bar, mouth-watering edibles from some of Chicago's best restaurants including Atwood Café, Garrett Popcorn, J&L Catering, Polo Café, Terry's Toffees and more. WONKA BALL wouldn't be complete without plenty of music, dancing, entertainment and of course lots of surprises--including a "Wonka-style" visit from Queen Elizabeth herself! Tickets are a steep $250/VIP reception or $150/general admission. Details here.
Meat Workshop @ Kitchen Chicago
Slow Food Chicago is sponsoring a meat-know-how workshop today from 10:30 to 1 pm at Kitchen Chicago, 324 N. Leavitt. In this hand-on class, you will learn how to prepare spring lamb with peas, an integral part of the the traditional Southern Italian Easter meal. You will also learn how to handle other cuts of spring lamb, such as shoulder chops, perfect for a quick and flavorful work night dinner. Lamb will be provided by Mint Creek Farm and Viktorija Todorovska is the instructor for the day. Viktorija studied Italian cooking at Apicius, in Florence, Italy and is a food and wine educator in Chicago. Tickets are $35 for Slow Food members, $45 for non-members, available here.
Cake 101 @ Whole Foods Market
Got a special occasion coming up? Make it even more memorable with a homemade cake! Learn how to make layers, build multiple tiers, frost and simply-yet-elegantly decorate delicious cakes with GB's own Sunny, who also writes the food blog Smart Cabbage. $10 class fee includes samples, instructional materials, and a free gift. Pre-registration strongly recommended. 3300 N. Ashland Avenue, 7pm.
Chicago Food Truck Summit
TimeOut Chicago's Senior Food & Drink Correspondent Heather Shouse has a book coming out called Food Trucks: Dispatches and Recipes From the Best Kitchens on Wheels. Heather will host a book release party in conjunction with the Book Cellar and Goose Island that will double as the city's first food truck summit. All the fun will be had in the parking lot of Goose Island Brewpub (1800 N. Clybourn) tonight from 7pm-10pm. To find out more about the summit and which trucks will be there, head to the Facebook page.
Living a Life Organic @ Chicago History Museum
An Earth Day-inspired discussion takes place tonight at 6:30pm in the Lecture Hall of the Chicago History Museum. With three panelists, Paula Miller of Whole Foods, Tim Murakami of Growing Home and Alison Neumer Lara of Earth911.com will discuss all of those favorite terms of the locavores in our city. Does "organic-biodynamic-natural-sustainable-farm-raised-fair trade" really make a difference? Is it affordable? The event is free but requests you make a reservation here.
History of the World in Six Glasses Book Discussion @ First Slice
Slow Food Chicago sponsors a discussion of this Tom Standage book today at First Slice Cafe, 4401 N Ravenswood Ave, from 2pm-3pm. Email to RSVP.
Pastry Chicago's Cookie Competition @ Whole Foods
Pastry Chicago sponsors its fourth annual cookie competition at the Lincoln Park Whole Foods (1550 N. Kingsbury Street) from 1pm-4pm. Register by April 11 if you've got the stuff.
Gift Circle @ Mess Hall
How a gift circle works: people meet, share some food and introduce themselves. Then they form a circle. People go around and share what they need. All kinds of things have been asked for: bodywork, help healing a broken heart, advice on marketing a product, someone to talk to about life goals, help cleaning out files, etc. The need is spoken with no expectation of it being fulfilled. People in the circle respond if they feel it. Then people go around again and offer a gift, something they would like to share with no expectation of it being accepted. Again, a wide range of things have been offered: a dreamcatcher, a vacuum sealer, shamanic healing, handquilted potholders, research help (from a librarian), help writing a simple will (from a lawyer), etc, etc. Afterward, people check in with those who responded to the gifts/needs/wishes and schedule them (bring your calendars!).
6:30pm to 7pm: Potluck (BYOB, dish). 7pm to 8:30pm: Gift Circle. Free & open to the public. Mess Hall is located at 6932 N. Glenwood Ave.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A volunteer team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money.
Firkin Tapping @ Owen & Engine
Tonight, Owen & Engine will be tapping a firkin of Metropolitan's Krankshaft, but this one's been spiced up a bit. Coriander was added directly to the firkin, adding a flowery, earthy, lemon-like twist to the mild fruity notes of Krankshaft Kolsch, just in time for spring. The folks at O&E will be serving a curried prawn and mussel with sweet peas, diced cucumbers and grilled halumi cheese. 2700 North Western Avenue. Call (773) 235-2930 for more information.
Don't Call Me Joe @ Catalyst Ranch
WBEZ invites you to Don't Call Me Joe, billed as a "traditional coffee cupping" at Catalyst Ranch (656 W. Randolph) featuring people from Intelligentsia Coffee serving coffee, and a slate of authors including Kyle Beachy, Paul Durica, Fred Sasaki, Sam Weller, and others presenting "Readings on Coffee". The event starts at 7pm; tickets are $15, $12 for WBEZ members, and $10 for students with ID. Full information at the WBEZ Website.
Baconfest @ UIC Forum
This year's Baconfest, a celebration of all things swine, is a huge space upgrade from last year, but given the honor roll of this year's vendors (Longman and Eagle, Balsan, Purple Pig, among many others), this doesn't mean the event won't sell out immediately. Event is at UIC Forum (725 W Roosevelt); tickets $65-100.
Become a Backyard Orchardist @ Notebaert Museum
Slow Food Chicago hosts a workshop on how to grow your own orchard today at the Peggy Notebaert Museum (2430 North Cannon) from 1pm-5pm. Tree seedlings will be available on`site for purchase. Bring a knife (how many places ask you to do that nowadays?). Admission $25 for Slow Food members, $35 for the rest of us.
Mother Nature's Nectars @ Chicago History Museum
Celebrate all liquids organic during tonight's trolley tour of places serving beers, wines and spirits of an earthy nature. Event sponsored by the Chicago History Museum; tickets $25-30. Starts 6:45pm, meeting location will be announced the week of the tour.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A volunteer team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money. This week, Drive-Thru staffers are among the soup-makers!
Edible Books & Tea
The Center for Book & Paper Arts' 12th annual Edible Books & Tea is this evening from 6pm to 8pm in the Columbia College Chicago Library, 624 S. Michigan Ave., 3rd Floor—North. All the books on display are made from edible materials -- and many will be devoured at this event. Admission is $10, $5 for members and Columbia students.
Spätzle 3 Ways Cooking Class @ DANK-HAUS
Learn how to make Spätzle--the soft egg noodles common to several European cuisines--with a basket, with a press and on a board at this month's DANK-HAUS cooking class. The $18 fee includes the demonstration, recipes, tasting and one drink. Class is from 7:30-9:30pm at DANK-HAUS German Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave. Call 773-561-9181 to sign up.
Taste of Zafen @ DePaul
Celebrate the first birthday of Zafen, a microfinance initiative for rebuilding Haiti, tonight from 5-7:30pm at the DePaul Center, 1 East Jackson. For $25, you'll get wine, cheese, chocolate from the French Pastry School, and a silent auction.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A volunteer team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money.
Goose Island Beer Dinner @ Harmony Grill
Join Goose Island brewmaster and dean of Chicago brewers Greg Hall for a meal built around fancy, special Goose Island beers from the Reserve (e.g. Matilda and Pere Jacques, Pepe Nero), and Extreme Ale (e.g. Nightstalker) families. Harmony Grill's Chef Rafael Lopez has designed a four-course menu around the beer selections, with a watercress and pear gelee salad, roasted Asian-style bbq duck, seared goat (!) served with a stuffed triple-creme cheese (!!!), and a banana split with Matilda-orange ice cream for dessert.
Seating is limited to only 55 guests. Tickets are $48 per person, dinner starts at 7:30pm. For more information and reservations, visit Schubas online (scroll down to find the event) or call 773.525.2508 x17. Harmony Grill and Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Avenue.
Long Lazy Lunch Picnic @ ACRE
ACRE hosts a "Long Lazy Lunch" picnic today from 4-8pm at 1913 W. 17th St.-- an afternoon of treats and libations featuring musical performances by ACRE residents. This is a celebration of the release of KADABRA: Recipes and Miscellany from ACRE 2010-- part cookbook, part scrapbook created by Melissa Damasauskus and Rachel Ettling, who command the kitchen at ACRE's summer residency program. Also available are ACRE's new calendar tea towels designed by Alex Chitty and Jessica Taylor Caponigro. Performances include improvised acoustic melodies by Matt Austin and EJ Hill, noise influenced tunes by Marvin Astorga and Young Joon Kwak, and experimental video djing by John Paul Glover. KADABRA: Recipes and Miscellany from ACRE 2010 contains excerpts from the original overflowing binder of recipes used to feed the residents of ACRE's 2010 summer residency program. This handmade book is documentation of the first ACRE residency kitchen, highlighting favorite recipes and featuring notes, anecdotes, photographs and reflections on learning to cook creatively and resourcefully for a large group of varied eaters. More info can be found at acreresidency.org.
Food Depository Benefit @ Publican
Donate non-perishables and canned goods for The Greater Chicago Food Depository at the Publican (837 West Fulton Market) today from 1:30-3:30pm; you'll be entered into a drawing for a free progressive dinner at Publican, Blackbird & avec for two.
The Potato, and The Civil War @ Chicago History Museum
The Culinary Historians of Chicago (CHC) sponsor a lecture on two different but interesting topics: whether hunger played a role in ending the Civil War, and the history of the potato. At the helm is historian Andy Smith, editor of the Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America. Event begins at 10am at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark. Admission $5, $3 for CHC members. RSVP required due to space limitations.
Maple Syrup Festival @ North Park Nature Village
Maple syrup's all the rage these days. Learn about its humble roots (hardy har) and the time-consuming-yet-remarkably-simple syrup-making process at the park district's free Maple Syrup Festival, today and tomorrow. Samples + snacks + free music + arts and crafts = fun for the whole family. 5801 N. Pulaski Road, from 10am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Learn The History Of Salt & Pepper
Season up your food history knowledge with Tom and Patty Erd, owners of The Spice House.Take a trip to the Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 N. Lincoln Ave., for a special free presentation about salt and pepper today at 1pm. Registration is required. Sign up on the Morton Grove Public Library website, or call their reference desk at 847-929-5101.
David Lebovitz Book Signing @ Hotel Allegro
Cookbook author David Lebovitz appears at the Hotel Allegro (171 W Randolph) from 4-6pm for a book signing event promoting his new book The Sweet Life in Paris. Onsite book sales benefit the Greater Midwest Foodways Alliance.
Breadmaking 101 @ Whole Foods Market
Intimidated by yeast? Never kneaded anything before? Let Sunny, from the popular food blog Smart Cabbage, show you how easy homemade bread can be! We'll tackle basic sandwich bread, herbed foccacia and everything bagels. Cost of the class, which starts at 7 p.m., is $10 includes instructional materials, snacks and a free gift. Pre-registration strongly recommended; call 773.244.4200 to sign up. Whole Foods Market Lakeview, 3300 N. Ashland Avenue.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A volunteer team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money.
Chicago Chef Week Begins
Today kicks off Chicago Chef Week, which means $22 lunch/$33 dinner prix-fixe menus at a range of nice places such as Avec, Lockwood and Sepia. Runs through March 26.
Cochon 555 @ Renaissance Blackstone Hotel
Five of Chicago's most respected chefs face off at this pig-centric event. Three Floyds Brewpub's Mike Sheerin, Sepia's Andrew Zimmerman, Mercat a la Planxa's Michael Fiorello, Girl and the Goat's Stephanie Izard and The Bristol's Chris Panel will each prepare from snout to tail a heritage breed hog. An equally illustrious panel of 20 local judges will choose a winner based on presentation, utilization and overall best flavor, but attendees get to sample it all paired with five wines provided by Alysian, Chase Family Cellars, Copain Wines, Elk Cove Vineyards and Red Car Wine. General admission tickets to Cochon 555 are $125 per person with entry at 5:00pm. V.I.P. tickets are $175 with entrance at 3:30pm and a cheese and oyster reception with reserve drinks. Advance purchase is suggested. The Renaissance Blackstone Hotel is located at 636 S. Michigan Ave.
Hoosier Mama 2nd Birthday Scavenger Hunt
Hoosier Mama Pie Company celebrates the second anniversary of its store with a scavenger hunt today, sponsored by Drive-Thru! Register by calling HMPC at 312-243-4846, then show up at the shop, 1618.5 W. Chicago Ave., at noon with your 1-3 person team to get your task list. The winning team gets a year of free pie (one a month) and $100 donated to the charity of its choice. More details in Drive-Thru.
Heritage Prairie Farm Spring Equinox Dinner @ Geneva Golf Club
Celebrate spring with this family-style feast by Heritage Prairie Farm. Enjoy local artisan cheeses and dishes including Maryland Jumbo Lump Crabcake with Lemon Basil Aioli, Red Wine-braised English Shortrib and Cinnamon Poundcake with Roasted Apple Caramel Sauce and Whipped Sweet Cream. The evening begins at 6:00pm. Tickets are $75 per person plus tax and can be purchased online. A cash bar will also be available. Geneva Golf Club is located at 831 South St., Geneva, IL. Call 630-443-8253 for more information.
Chicago Food Policy Summit @ UIC Forum
Learn more about developments in urban agriculture, nutrition education in schools, and a bevy of other hot topics in food policy today at the 6th Annual Chicago Food Policy Summit, which takes place at UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt from 10am-6pm. Tickets start at $40. Runs through 3/19.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A volunteer team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money.
Almost Pi(e) Day @ Firkin & Pheasant
The Chicago Nerds Social Club presents their second annual Pi Day pie bake-off and competition. This year the event happens on the day BEFORE Pi Day, so it's an Almost Pi(e) Day event. Attendees are invited to bring their home-baked pies in for the tasting competition, and there will be trivia competitions, prizes to people who memorize the most digits of pi, and other geeky edu-tainment. The event happens tonight from 6pm to 8pm at the Firkin & Pheasant (670 W. Diversey). See the Chicago Nerds event page for full details and to buy tickets.
Coffee Cupping @ CityGrounds
The recently opened CityGrounds Coffee Bar, 507 W. Dickens in Lincoln Park, is hosting a coffee cupping at 1 p.m. led by coffee educators from Metropolis. You can taste new coffees that'll be on tap at CityGrounds this spring, learn which foods pair particularly well with coffee, and get a demonstration of the pour-over coffee brewing method.
Sweet Home Chicago: Chocolate and Confectionery Production and Technology in the Windy City
Holy cow, this sounds wonderful; a lecture about the candy and chocolate history of this city led by writer and curator Beth Kimmerle,
who recently published Blommer: An American Chocolate Legacy. Event takes place 10am-12pm at the John Crerar Library at University of Chicago (5730 South Ellis) Cost: $5 per person, free to University of Chicago students and faculty with ID. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago.
Wisconsin Supper Clubs Doc Fundraiser @ Will's Northwoods
If you've ever been to Wisconsin, you may have driven by (or better, eaten at) one of the state's many supper clubs, which served cocktails, steaks and prime rib in an elegant, often dimly lit atmosphere. If you're interested in this cultural phenomenon, head to Will's Northwoods (3030 N Racine) tonight for a fundraiser to support a documentary in the works about supper clubs.
Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas book signing at Kendall College
Founders of Alinea and all-around culinary superstars, Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas, will be on hand at Kendall College for a signing of their book, Life, On the Line: A Chef's Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We Eat, starting at 2pm today. The event costs $45 to attend and includes beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres and a signed book. RSVP today to events@kendall.edu or call 312-752-2196.
Gift Circle @ Mess Hall
How a Gift Circle Works: people meet, share some food and introduce themselves. Then they form a circle. People go around and share what they need. All kinds of things have been asked for: bodywork, help healing a broken heart, advice on marketing a product, someone to talk to about life goals, help cleaning out files, etc. The need is spoken with no expectation of it being fulfilled. People in the circle respond if they feel it. Then people go around again and offer a gift, something they would like to share with no expectation of it being accepted. Again, a wide range of things have been offered: a dreamcatcher, a vacuum sealer, shamanic healing, handquilted potholders, research help (from a librarian), help writing a simple will (from a lawyer), etc, etc. Afterward, people check in with those who responded to the gifts/needs/wishes and schedule them. (Bring your calendars!) 6:30 to 7pm: Potluck (BYOB, dish). 7 to 8:30pm: Gift Circle. Free & open to the public. Mess Hall is located at 6932 N. Glenwood Ave.
Awe Dub Sessions @ Rodan
AWE DUB SESSIONS is a night of rare and classic sci-fi film & reggae. All vinyl, all night selected by RUFFY, TUFFY, and RAD BRIAN. Special guests include a rotating cast of musicians, selectors, and chanters-- both local and international. Tonight's session: "Give Thanks & Praises Ina Topo Duh Holy Mountain!" features a crucially projected double feature from the great Alejandro Jodorowsky! El Topo (1970) & The Holy Mountain (1973) meet the sweetest in obscure roots, rockers, dub & dancehall vinyl. Awe Dub Sessions takes place every second Thursday of every month from 10pm to 2am. 21+. No Cover. Rodan is located at 1530 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Little City Food Frenzy @ Loft on Lake
Sample food from an array of Chicago restaurants and network with young professionals at this event to benefit Little City Foundation, which provides programs and services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Food Frenzy participants include: Crofton on Wells, Goose Island Beer Company, Mana Food Bar, Prairie Fire, redFLAME Pizzeria, Sweets & Savories, Taco Joint, Terlato Wine Group and Theory Sports Bar and Grill. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased online. The event begins at 7:30pm at Loft on Lake, 1366 W. Lake St.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A volunteer team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money.
Erin Go Beer! Irish Pubs of Chicago
The Chicago History Museum hosts a walking tour of Irish bars and drinks (and probably drunks, too) and mini-lectures on St. Patty's Day tonight; tickets $20-25. 316 N Elizabeth St., 7pm-10pm.
Erin Go Beer! Irish Pubs of Chicago
The Chicago History Museum hosts a walking tour of Irish bars and drinks (and probably drunks, too) and mini-lectures on St. Patty's Day tonight; tickets $20-25. 1pm-4pm, 1601 N. Clark St.
Erin Go Beer! Irish Pubs of Chicago
The Chicago History Museum hosts a walking tour of Irish bars and drinks (and probably drunks, too) and mini-lectures on St. Patty's Day tonight; tickets $20-25. 7pm-10pm, 1601 N. Clark St.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A volunteer team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money.
Mexican Cooking Class @ Mercadito
You may have seen the Mercadito deal on Gilt City Chicago back in December for an evening of cooking and cocktails with Chef Patricio Sandoval and a group of your friends. If $2,500 was a bit too rich for your blood, however, and you like meeting new people, consider yourself presented with a second chance now, since Mercadito is holding a chef-led cooking class for only $70 per person on Monday, February 28. The evening, "Explore the South of Mexico Region," will feature five dishes, from tamales to flan (and who hasn't been to intimidated to try either of those in their apartment's galley kitchen?), with paired cocktails from the mixology staff. Reservations are required in advance. Mercadito, 180 W. Kinzie, 312.329.9555, class starts at 6pm.
WingFest @ Bailey Auditorium
The twelfth annual Chicago WingFest will once again be held at the Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington. The event will take place today from 1pm to 6pm. General Admission tickets are $25 and VIP tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.
Sexy Black Benefit @ Gold Star
Black dogs and cats living in shelters have a significantly higher euthanasia rate and are less likely to be adopted--because of outdated ideas about superstition, incorrect stereotypes about aggression, and being visually overlooked in shelters as equally loving and loveable pets for you and yours. Virtually Home Chicago, a nonprofit rescue group, is holding a benefit tonight from 7-10pm at the Gold Star (1755 W Division) for these "Sexy Black" animals. For $20, you'll get a drink, sandwich, tote bag, and the fuzzy feeling of knowing you've helped out some furry friends in need...and while you're at it, adopt an animal!
Martinis and Mutts @ Proof
Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control host tonight's benefit for the stray pooches and kittehs of the city. From 7pm-9pm at Proof (1045 N Rush), your $50 admission ($75 at the door) gets you drinks, passed apps from an assortment of places (among them Rosebud, Mercadito, and Swirlz Cupcakes), and an opportunity to meet some hunky hockey players (Darren Haydar and Jason Krog of the Chicago Wolves) and journalist Bill Kurtis and wife Donna LaPietra (of Tallgrass Beef).
World Kitchen Learning Series: Make Mine Chicken
Put some cluck in your chicken! Learn more at 6pm through the World Kitchen Learning Series, held at Gallery 37 (@ 66 E Randolph). Admission $30; advance registration required.
86 Hunger Dinner Series @ Heaven on Seven
Tonight's dinner at Heaven on Seven (600 N Michigan, 2nd Floor) will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository's 86 Hunger series. Tickets $150.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A volunteer team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money.
Ingredients @ Logan Square Kitchen
Logan Square Kitchen, 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts a screening of the documentary Ingredients tonight. Your $25 ticket includes naanwiches from Gaztro-wagon; a cash bar will offer selected brews from Revolution and Haymarket breweries. Doors open at 6:30pm.
Ox-Bow Benefit Dance Party @ Architectural Artifacts
Join the artists and creative people who work/play at Ox-Bow artist "colony" for a night of art, auctions, eating, drinking, dancing and FUN, benefiting Ox-Bow. Tickets are $25 after 9pm. Come hear DJ Eric May spin the jams (reggae, funk, soul, dub). Dance with your pals. Take in the art. Have a few drinks. Take a gamble on the works on paper raffle. Get your glamor shots taken by Glitter Guts. If you want to come earlier, tickets are $100 and include food and drinks and a live and silent auction. This party is tonight from 6:30 to 11pm at Architectural Artifacts: 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Chicago Restaurant Week
The annual event for visiting restaurants you can't normally afford begins today. Specially priced (read: low) prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at a pile of high-end places will be offered through February 27. Make reservations ASAP!
Mardi Gras, Windy City Style @ Chicago History Museum
New Orleans comes to Chicago during this guided trolley tour of Mardi Gras-centric bars around town tonight. Tickets are $25-30. Starts 6:45pm, starting location tbd week of tour.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A volunteer team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money.
Comfort Food (and Wine) in America @ West Town Tavern
Join Chefs Susan and Drew Goss of West Town Tavern today from 10am-noon at their restaurant (1329 West Chicago) along with food writer Nancy Ross Ryan to discuss the evolution and current state of comfort food (which West Town does quite well) and wine. Event presented by Culinary Historians of Chicago. Admission $5, $3 for students and no charge for CHC members. Email to RSVP.
Valentine's Day Pastry Market @ Logan Square Kitchen
You or your valentine deserve some loving treats! Head to Logan Square Kitchen (2333 North Milwaukee) today (and tomorrow) from 10am-3pm for their Valentine's Pastry Market. Treats from vendors like Katherine Anne Confections, Jo Snow Syrups and Flour Cake & Pastry will be for sale. Admission $1.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A volunteer team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money.
Rory Lake's Super Pot Luck "Bowl Full of Dreams" w/ Cooler By The Lake @ Empty Bottle
Get your game on this Superbowl with a potluck's worth of food, better music than your average half-time show, and a victory dance party (there is also a bar if your team loses). Empty Bottle and traveling party Rory Lake's Karaoke Dreams host all this, starting at 5pm. 1035 N Western Ave, $5 (FREE if you bring food).
Crossroads Fund - Social Hour for Social Change
The Crossroads Fund is hosting a fundraiser at T's Bar and Restaurant at 5025 N. Clark. Saturday, February 5, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM, 10 percent of food and liquor purchases are going to the fund--and there's no cover.
Crossroads funds a number of social justice initiatives in Chicago, including safety from bullying for kids in schools, justice for prisoners, workers' rights, and equality for LGBT folks.
For more information contact Sheila O'Donnell, 773-227-7676, or Sheila@crossroadsfund.org, or check out the Crossroads Fund web site.
Animal Magnetism @ Galleria Marchetti
This annual fundraiser for PAWS Chicago brings people and pets together for an evening of food, dance, entertainment, silent auction and raffle. Event at Galleria Marchetti, 825 West Erie, 7pm. Tickets start at $125 (and an additional $25 for Fido).
aChicagoThing.com Anniversary Party @ RockIt
Rockit Ranch Productions CEO Billy Dec is not only throwing a huge two year anniversary bash for all who have supported him online thus far, but he is having his blog anniversary party benefit The Greater Chicago Food Depository. The event will take place on Thursday, February 3rd from 7pm to 9pm at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard). A limited number of advanced tickets will be available online at http://aChicagoThing.com for $20, and available at the door for $40. 100% of ticket proceeds go to The Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout CANCELED
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A volunteer team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money. UPDATE: The Hideout is closed due to the blizzard. No Soup for you!
86 Hunger Dinner Series @ Boka
Tonight's dinner at Boka (1729 N Halsted) will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository's 86 Hunger series. Tickets $150.
Chowdah Fest
The first annual Chowdah Fest Chicago takes place tonight at the The Columbia Yacht Club, 111 N. Lake Shore Dr., from 6:30pm to 9pm. Sample chowders from more than a dozen top restaurants and chefs, and vote for your favorite. Tickets are $75, with proceeds benefiting Sea Scouts youth sailing.
World Kitchen Learning Series: That Takes the Cake
Explore the African American tradition of cake-baking at this class. Meets today from 11am-2pm at Gallery 37, 66 East Randolph. Register in advance; admission $30. Class offered through the city's World Kitchen Learning Series.
Cassoulet Class @ Alliance Francaise
Learn how to make the delicacy cassoulet today at Alliance Francaise (810 North Dearborn) at 9am with Chef Madelaine Bullwinkel. Admission $85-$95.
Book Signing by Marissa Guggiana @ Butcher & Larder
Tonight at 7pm, Marissa Guggiana, author of Primal Cuts, will sign books and meet fans at new butcher shop Butcher & Larder (read more about the business in Drive-Thru). The Butcher & Larder is located at 1026 N. Milwaukee Ave. (773) 687-8280
Grand Chefs Gala @ Fairmont Hotel
Tonight's benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the Fairmont Hotel, (200 N Columbus) features food from many top shelf chefs (Girl and the Goat, BOKA, Piccolo Sogno), the Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence, and entertainment. Starts at 6pm, tickets begin at $60 for the afterparty ($400 for the meal).
86 Hunger Dinner Series @ Custom House
Tonight's benefit dinner (at Custom House, 500 S Dearborn) will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository's 86 Hunger series. Tickets $150. 6pm-10pm.
Urban Gateways Interactive Launch Party @ Chicago Urban Art Society
In commemoration of the last 50 years of bringing arts education to Chicago youth, Urban Gateways: Center for Arts Education invites you to celebrate the momentous anniversary with them at an interactive launch party tonight at the Chicago Urban Art Society's Gallery at 2229 S. Halsted St. and will feature a visual art and graffiti gallery exhibition by some of Chicago's most notable contemporary artists, the debut of their new interactive website, "I Am Urban Gateways", live student performances and an Urban Gateways art exhibition. Free and open to anyone 12 and up, but RSVP is required.
Winter Delights Cooking Class @ Logan Square Kitchen
FIG Catering will teach you how to make some comforting, delicious winter food tonight at Logan Square Kitchen (2333 North Milwaukee). Class begins at 5:30pm; cost $85.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A new team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money.
Ric Hess Memorial @ Sheffield's
Ric Hess, owner of Sheffield's, died unexpectedly last Monday, January 17. A memorial service will be held today at the bar, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave.. Doors open at 3pm, service at 6:30pm.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Quick Dough
Learn your way to culinary riches through making bread; this class teaches the basics. Meets today from 11am-2pm at Gallery 37, 66 East Randolph. Register in advance; admission $30. Class offered through the city's World Kitchen Learning Series.
Mini Bacon Fest @ Provenance Logan Square
As a pregame event to April's Baconfest, head to the Logan Square location of Provenance (2528 N. California Avenue) today from 3-6pm for bacon-y treats from Rich Chocolates & Candies, Brand BBQ, and Spencer's Jolly Posh British & Irish Foods.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A new team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money.
RE:COM Comedy Show & Launch Party @ Crown Tap Room
The official launch party for RE:COM's Social Media issue begins at 8pm tonight at the Crown Tap Room: 2821 N. Milwaukee. RE:COM is a national publication, headquartered in Chicago, that focuses on alternative stand-up comedy. In this issue, they feature Marc Maron, of the WTF podcast, plus Paul F. Tompkins and Comedy Death-Ray Radio's Scott Aukerman. The launch party doubles as the inaugural edition of the Crown Comedy Show, and features James Fritz (whose debut comedy album "Deflated" was recently the No.1 seller on iTunes); Ricky Carmona (featured on HBO Latino); Chad Briggs (winner of Impress These Apes Season Four); Natalie Jose (comedian and singer of the beloved Patsy Cline cover band, the Weepin' Willows); and Sean White, recent Chicago transplant and winner of the RE:COM Perfect Tweet Contest. The show starts at 9pm. There will also be a FREE TACO BAR. More info here.
Beer Bistro Menu @ Alliance Francaise
Make some seriously delicious combinations of beer and food (Stout Brownies with Cranberry Puree!) today at Alliance Francaise (810 North Dearborn) at 10am with Chef Madelaine Bullwinkel. Admission $85-95.
As Always, Julia Child @ Kendall College
Culinary historian Dr. Joan Reardon will take you on a tour of the correspondence between Julia Child and Avis DeVoto today at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, at 10am. Event sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago; email to RSVP. Admission $5, $3 for students.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Get your slurp on at this weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities tonight at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. A new team of chefs and bakers donate the soup and bread; you donate the money.
86 Hunger Dinner Series @ Naha
Tonight's benefit dinner (at Naha, 500 N Clark) is a collaboration between the chefs of Naha and Prairie Fire will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository's 86 Hunger series. Tickets $150. 6pm-10pm.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Eleven Soups
Now is the time to learn how to make soups, and this class will lead the way. Meets today from 11am-2pm at Gallery 37, 66 East Randolph. Register in advance; admission $30. Class offered through the city's World Kitchen Learning Series.
Family Cooking Class: Madeleines @ Alliance Francaise
The Alliance Francaise hosts a kids (ages 6-10) and parents cooking class to make madeleines today at 2pm, 810 N Dearborn St. Admission $30 for one child, $55 for two siblings, $45 for each parent.
Lost German Chicago @ DANKhaus
Chicago Foodways Roundtable hosts a exhibit viewing this morning at DANKhaus (4740 N Western) from 10am-noon on the history of German culture in Chicago, with historian Joseph Heinen talking about food's place in the city's history. Admission $5. Email for more information.
Kitchen Confidence Class @ Gallery 37
Learn the basics of cooking and kitchen navigation at tonight's class, offered through the World Kitchen Learning Series. Class is at Gallery 37, 66 East Randolph. Admission is $100 for four total classes (tonight and January 13, 20 and 27).
$6 Menu @ Dunlays On The Square
Tonight, Dunlays On The Square will be offering all their menu items, and every bar beverage for $6 to celebrate their sixth birthday at the Logan Square location. 3137 West Logan Blvd, (773) 227-2400.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
Soup and Bread, the weekly fundraiser for area food-related charities, kicks off its third season at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, from 5:30-7:30pm. Show up, eat soup cooked up by a team of volunteer foodies and bread donated by bakeries and pastry classes, and throw in a couple of bucks for your share.
Chicago Bears Big Screen Brunch @ Schubas
Schubas offers Bears fans a brunch party to watch the Bears on their 10-foot screen in the music room. The brunch starts at noon, and admission is free (RSVP on Facebook). Schubas: 3159 N. Southport. (773) 525-2508.
Christmas Eve Dinner @ Takashi
Much-praised Chicago sushi restaurant Takashi will offer a special five-course Christmas Eve dinner tonight with optional wine pairing. The meal costs $58, optional wine pairing costs and additional $30. À la carte menu also available. Dinner service runs from 5:30-10pm, reservations recommended (773) 772-6170. 1952 N. Damen Ave.
Have Yourself a Very Whiskey Christmas @ Cooking Foods
Let your heart be light: hit up this two-hour whiskey class at Cooking Fools, 1916 W. North Avenue. Led by mixologist Angie Jackson, the two-hour session will feature the city's own Koval Lion's Pride Organic Dark Rye Whiskey, Koval Rye Chicago (which is organic and kosher), New Hampshire's Cabin Fever Maple Whiskey, Pendleton Canadian Whiskey from Oregon, and Rowan's Creek Bourbon Whiskey from Kentucky.
Tickets to the tasting are $40; score yours by visiting Cocktail Cottage or calling (708) 557-0717. From now on, your troubles will be out of sight.
Appetite for Africa Lecture and Lunch @ Sikia
The Culinary Historians of Chicago host a lecture on the cuisine of Africa today at 10am at Sikia Restaurant of Washburne Culinary Institute, 740 W 63rd St. Northwestern prof Robert Launay will talk followed by an optional lunch of African fare served by culinary students. Lecture $2-5; lunch $27. Email to RSVP.
Sunday Dinner @ Floriole
I ate a sandwich at Floriole earlier this fall that just about melted my face off. (In a good way.) An impressive feat when all you're working with is bread, ham, cheese, butter and mustard. So imagine what's going to happen when roaming restaurateurs Sunday Dinner comes over to use the bakery's giant, sky-lighted space to whip up a multi-course meal on Monday and Tuesday, December 13 and 14. According to Tasting Table, winter salads, truffled mac and cheese and chestnut soufflé are to be expected, as well as wine pairings! Call or email the bakery to make a reservation. Dinner starts at 7pm, and will cost you $85. (But remember, wine! Face-melting! Totes worth it.) Be sure to pick up a peanut butter and jelly cookie on the way out -- you can thank me for the tip later. Floriole Cafe and Bakery,1220 W. Webster Avenue, 773.883.1313.
Sunday Dinner @ Floriole
I ate a sandwich at Floriole earlier this fall that just about melted my face off. (In a good way.) An impressive feat when all you're working with is bread, ham, cheese, butter and mustard. So imagine what's going to happen when roaming restaurateurs Sunday Dinner comes over to use the bakery's giant, sky-lighted space to whip up a multi-course meal on Monday and Tuesday, December 13 and 14. According to Tasting Table, winter salads, truffled mac and cheese and chestnut soufflé are to be expected, as well as wine pairings! Call or email the bakery to make a reservation. Dinner starts at 7pm, and will cost you $85. (But remember, wine! Face-melting! Totes worth it.) Be sure to pick up a peanut butter and jelly cookie on the way out -- you can thank me for the tip later. Floriole Cafe and Bakery,1220 W. Webster Avenue, 773.883.1313.
Jigger, Beaker & Glass Cocktail Party @ The Whistler
The Whistler kicks off its new monthly series of cocktail parties tonight. Head mixologist Paul McGee will be offering over 30 exotic concoctions from Faulkner and Hemingway drinking buddy Charles H. Baker Jr.'s Around The World with Jigger, Beaker and Glass. The party starts at 6:00pm at The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-227-3530.
St. Lucia Festival of Lights @ Swedish American Museum
Join in the holiday spirit for the St. Lucia Festival of Lights, which starts at 4:45pm at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark. A candlelit carol procession up Clark Street begins the event, followed by singing, food and fun back at the Museum. The procession is free, but admission to the Museum is $1 or a canned food donation.
Christmas Market @ Logan Square Kitchen
Head to the Logan Square Kitchen (2333 North Milwaukee) today and tomorrow (10am-3pm) for an assortment of holiday gifts and treats. $1 admission.
JDRF Chance of a Lifetime Gala @ McCormick Place
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund's annual gala offers food, a silent auction...and Hall and Oates. If you can go for that, event begins at 5:30pm at McCormick Place, 2301 South Lake Shore. Tickets $375.
ACRE Winter Benefit Country in the City (aka ACRE County Fair) @ Heaven Gallery
Join the rest of the art school elite and bohemian set this Friday for ACRE's Winter Benefit at Heaven Gallery. ACRE needs your support to continue to provide resources for and programming by emerging artists from Chicago and beyond. Hang out with some sheep and chicks in the Petting Zoo! Deck yourself in plaid and grab a corn cob pipe for the photo booth! Sip some home-made hard cider from our new ACRE mugs! Sign up for the cake eating contest with a spin, led by Industry of the Ordinary. Try your luck on our prize wheel! Get some great deals on art by local and national contemporary artists at the art auction and sale.
Keep that warm feeling going and join us for an after-party a few doors down at The Crocodile (1540 N Milwaukee Ave) featuring DJs and dancing, starting at 11pm. Heaven Gallery is located at 1550 N Milwaukee Ave. on the second floor. Admission is $20 ($10 for students) suggested donation, and includes 3 raffle tickets. More details here.
Holiday Wine and Beer Festival @ Whole Foods Market Lincoln Park
Check out the Holiday Wine and Beer Festival at Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park, 1550 N. Kingsbury, tonight from 4 to 8pm, where you can try over 300 wines, beers and spirits. For free. Everything poured at the event will be on sale for at least 10% off, and when you buy six or more bottles (mix or match, even) you'll get an additional 10% off. While you're there, be sure to snack on samples from the prepared foods and catering departments, and enter raffles for items like a PS3, a Serrano ham, large-format wine bottles, and autographed celebrity cookbooks. Win-win -- literally.
Forks Over Knives Film Premiere @ Malcolm X College
Forks Over Knives, a documentary about healthy eating, will be screened tonight for free at 7pm at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Van Buren. Cook County Chief Medical Officer Terry Mason, who appears in the movie, will be present for a post-film panel discussion. Seating in the auditorium is limited; the first 400 persons to RSVP will be guaranteed a spot.
$5 Wine Tasting @ The Chopping Block
Whether you need a case of house wine for your next party or a badass bottle of vino for your Secret Santa, The Chopping Block's December wine tasting will get you moving in the right direction. For just $5, you can taste through the store's selection of holiday-centric wines and get expert wine advice from The Wine Goddess Diana Hamann. 4747 N. Lincoln Avenue, from 7pm-8:30pm. (and repeated at the store's Merchandise Mart location on December 13).
Pastry Chicago Annual Gingerbread House Contest @ Hotel Sofitel
Pastry Chicago holds its annual Gingerbread House Contest at the Hotel Sofitel Water Tower (20 East Chestnut) from 1pm-3pm today. This year's theme is Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structures. Free.
LTH Forum Holiday Party @ Tre Kronor
Get your Scandinavian eats on with the members of LTH Forum at tonight at their holiday party at Tre Kronor, 3258 W Foster, 8pm. Tickets $68 (sales accepted through noon on December 2). RSVP through their site.
On the Tip of My Tongue @ Gorilla Tango
"On the Tip of My Tongue" is a theatrical performance based on food and memory, and is written, performed, and presented by Neighborhood Writing Alliance participants. Award-winning Affrilachian Poet Parneshia Jones provides artistic direction. Event is free, but reservations are required -- call (773) 684-2472 to reserve your seats.
--Gorilla Tango Theater, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Julmarknad @ Swedish American Museum
Music, food and handmade crafts mark the annual Julmarknad event, which takes place today from 10am-5pm (and tomorrow from 11am-4pm) at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark. Admission $2.
Baking for the Troops @ Kenmore Studio
Appliance manufacturer Kenmore and The Food Network's Sunny Anderson are hosting a kick-off party event for "Baking for the Troops," a program that will send up to 250,000 cookies to deployed troops. From noon to 6pm at the Kenmore Studio (678 N Wells), you can enjoy cookies, meet Sunny (from noon-1pm only), decorate ornaments, and send personal messages overseas to troops. The event will also be broadcast live on Facebook.
World Kitchen: Deck the Halls @ Gallery 37
Become the holiday chef you always wanted to be. Learn how at 6pm through the World Kitchen Learning Series, held at Gallery 37 (@ 66 E Randolph). Admission $30; advance registration required.
Bring the General Home Benefit @ Revolution Brewing
The Logan Square Draught Beer Preservation Society hosts a benefit tonight from 6-9pm at Revolution Brewing, 2323 North Milwaukee, to raise funds to relocate a statue of General John Logan from a corner of Grant Park to the neighborhood named after him. I'm glad someone cares.
Holiday Cooking and Cocktail Class @ Ben Pao
The holidays are just around the corner, and if you see another port wine cheese ball sitting on a buffet table, you'll scream. Head to Ben Pao's holiday cooking class, where you'll learn the secrets of dim sum and specialty cocktails, thereby ensuring your holiday party's status as the block's coolest.
Students will learn to make shrimp dumplings, satays, summer rolls, and chicken-topped rice crackers, as well as Asian pear saketinis, ginger plum martinis, and hot buttered rum drinks. Pony up $35 for the 10:30am class, and you'll get lunch, an apron, a $10 Ben Pao gift certificate and recipe cards to take home. Reserve your spot by calling (312) 222-1888. Ben Pao is located at 52 W. Illinois Street.
World Kitchen: Time to Be Thankful @ Gallery 37
Thanksgiving and fall season cooking will be a breeze after this class! Learn more today at 11am through the World Kitchen Learning Series, held at Gallery 37 (@ 66 E Randolph). Admission $30; advance registration required.
St. Morten's GlöggFest @ Swedish American Museum
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce hosts an evening of glögg from neighboring Simon's Tavern (the first sampling of the season's batch!), music, food and a silent auction at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark. Admission $30; event begins at 7pm. Proceeds benefit the Chamber.
Juelejentenes Christmas Bazaar @ Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church
If you like Norwegian delights (Julekake! Spritz! Berlinerkranser!) and pea soup, get your fjols to the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church (2614 N. Kedzie) for the annual Christmas Bazaar, which runs 10am-4pm. Baked goods, a raffle, and a pea soup lunch await you. Free admission.
Wines for Turkey @ Cellar Rat
Find the perfect wine for your Thanksgiving dinner at the Cellar Rat this evening. From 4-8pm, the shop'll be pouring samples of eight turkey-friendly wines, ranging from classic pairings like pinot noir and gewurtztraminer to less traditional selections. Cellar Rat is located at 1811 W. North Ave.
World Kitchen: Cut to Perfection @ Gallery 37
Knife skills are the hallmark of a good chef--join the fold! Learn more tonight at 6pm through the World Kitchen Learning Series, held at Gallery 37 (@ 66 E Randolph). Admission $30; advance registration required.
Intoxica! Polynesian Pupus & Tiki Cocktails @ Trader Vic's
Pick up the latest edition of the Chicago Drink Deck, a bundle of $10 gift certificates to over 50 bars and restaurants, and stay for tiki cocktails and Polynesian appetizers at Trader Vic's from 8pm to midnight. The $30 in-advance admission ($40 at the door) includes the Drink Deck, a beer, glass of wine or Mai Tai and noshes. Enjoy specialty tiki cocktails by Clandestino Dining for $7 to $9 each. Already have a Drink Deck? Then show it at the door for an extra drink. Trader Vic's is located at 1030 N. State St., 312-642-6500.
Supercharge Your Soups @ Whole Foods Market
Need a four-star dish on a four-dollar budget? Think soup. In Supercharge Your Soups, taught by Sunny from the food blog Smart Cabbage, you'll learn how to prepare flavorful, elegant soups that pack tons of flavor and are easy on the wallet. Recipes will include Thai red curry carrot, chickpea-potato-leek, and spiced butternut squash with maple creme fraiche. The class is $10, and includes samples and instructional materials.
Call Whole Foods Market Lakeview, 3300 N. Ashland Ave., at (773) 244-4200 to reserve your spot in the class, which starts at 7pm.
Michelin Guide Launch @ Violet Hour
Join us and a few friends (Chicago Bites, Eater, Grub Street and Metromix) tonight from 6-8pm at the Violet Hour (1520 North Damen) to celebrate the launch of the first-ever 2011 Michelin Guide to Chicago. Noshes and drinks will be provided, but you must have a ticket to attend the free event (space is first-come, first-served); RSVP here.
Wine 101 @ Cellar Rat
Don't know cabernet sauvignon from sauvignon blanc, or the difference between a nose and a finish? Not sure what to take to that BYOB, or to pair with your dinner tonight? Sounds like you need to sign up for Wine 101 at Cellar Rat. Learn how to match food with wine, describe what you like, and get the most bang for your buck, whether at a wine shop or restaurant. The class, which of course includes tasting, costs $25 and starts at 5:30pm. Cellar Rat is located at 1811 W. North Avenue.
Chicago's Dandy Candy History @ Lexington College
The Culinary Historians of Chicago sponsor this morning's lecture on the history of candy in our fine city -- licorice! Blommer's chocolates! Tootsie Rolls! Frango mints! The list is endless. Jenny Lewis of Chicago Candy Tours leads the festivities, which begin at 10am at Lexington College, 310 S Peoria. Free parking; tickets $3-5. RSVP requested.
Charitable Chili Cook-off
Chili fanatics face off at the second annual Half Acre Charitable Chili Cook-off benefiting The Arts of Life, 2010 W. Carroll Ave., tonight at 5pm. Tickets are $10 in advance (before Oct. 29), $15 at the door.
Talk Turkey to Me! @ Kendall College
Bring your turkey-cooking questions for the Goddess of Thanksgiving -- Renee Ferguson, who has served as Butterball's resident expert -- at 10am today at Kendall College, 900 North Branch. Free Parking; admission $3. Event sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago.
Marwen Benefit Art Fair with Threadless @ Marwen's Gallery
Marwen announces its fifth annual Art Fair, a celebration, exhibition, and sale featuring approximately 150 works created by Marwen students, alumni, staff, and teaching artists. Half of the proceeds of each work sold benefits Marwen's free art programs for Chicago's under-served young people; the other half benefits the artist.Lowry Hill is the presenting sponsor of Art Fair. Art Fair attendees may vote for the winners of the "Threadless Live at Marwen" t-shirt design challenge; full proceeds of Threadless display art sold at the event benefit Marwen.
The Art Fair is today from 5:30 to 11pm (DJ set begins at 8pm) in Marwen's River North gallery space at 833 North Orleans. A suggested donation of $40 includes food and drinks; $30 advance tickets available (before October 31) at Marwen.org. The phone number for general inquiries is (312) 944-2418.
Barbara Fairchild Book Signing @ Spice House
Barbara Fairchild, long-time editor of Bon Appétit, will be signing her new book Just Desserts, The Cookbook for All Things Sweet and Wonderful, at Spice House in Old Town (1512 N Wells) from 6-8pm tonight. The event will include samples from the new book, as well as treats from the French Pastry School and Callebaut Chocolate. Spice House will have books available for sale. Email spices@thespicehouse.com with the number of people attending to reserve a spot.
Ming Tsai @ Chopping Block
PBS superchef Ming Tsai signs copies of his newest cookbook Simply Ming One Pot Meals: Quick, Healthy & Affordable Recipes and gives a cooking demo and tasting tonight from 5-7pm at the Chopping Block's Merchandise Mart store (222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 107).
Halloween Pastry Market @ Logan Square Kitchen
The Logan Square Kitchen, 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts a weekend-long pastry and confection market featuring treats from an array of local businesses (e.g. Fritz Pastry, Katherine Anne Confections,TinyCakes) to celebrate the spookiest of seasons. Runs 10am-3pm both days; admission $1 (kids free).
Halloween Pastry Market @ Logan Square Kitchen
The Logan Square Kitchen, 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts a weekend-long pastry and confection market featuring treats from an array of local businesses (e.g. Fritz Pastry, Katherine Anne Confections,TinyCakes) to celebrate the spookiest of seasons. Runs 10am-3pm both days; admission $1 (kids free).
Japanese Culinary History @ Chicago History Museum
Join author Elizabeth Andoh to talk about Japanese food at the Chicago History Museum today at 10am, North and Clark Avenue. Event sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago. Admission $3-5.
BOO-ze! Haunted History Tour--SOLD OUT!
Join the Chicago History Museum for a trolley tour of haunted pubs in the city Scary drunks are the best! Admission $25-30.
Paranormal Preservation @ Excalibur with Preservation Chicago
Join Preservation Chicago at Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn St., from 6-8pm for a Halloween celebration. Sean Parnell, author of Historic Bars of Chicago, will give a brief talk about the haunted history of the Dome Room and will sign books. The $30 ticket includes two drinks, an appetizer buffet and a one year membership for new members.
Coffee 101 @ Whole Foods Market
Curious about the differences in taste between coffees from Central America, Africa and the Pacific Rim? Not sure whether a French press really makes a difference? Don't know whether you prefer light, medium, or dark roast, or which brew has the most caffeine? Check out Coffee 101 at Whole Foods Market in downtown Evanston, where a coffee buyer will lead you through the basics. From beans to brewing, you'll figure out how to come up with the cuppa joe you prefer.
Whole Foods Market Evanston North is located at 1640 Chicago Ave. Reserve a space in the free class by calling (847) 733-1600.
BOO-ze! Haunted History Tour--SOLD OUT!
Join the Chicago History Museum for a trolley tour of haunted pubs in the city Scary drunks are the best! Admission $25-30.
Logan Square Harvest Dinner
The Logan Square Chamber of Commerce hosts a buffet-style dinner to benefit its programs, such as the Logan Square Farmers Market and Summer Sessions on the Square, at Logan Square Auditorium. Many neighborhood restaurants such as Lula Cafe and Urban Belly/Belly Shack will be providing food starting at 6:30pm, and a post-dinner concert featuring Furious Frank and Royal Pines will begin at 9pm. There will also be a silent auction featuring wares and services from local businesses. Tickets are $40 in advance ($50 at the door), and $10 for children, and can be purchased at the farmer's market or by calling the chamber at (773) 489-3222.
-Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 North Kedzie Blvd, 3rd floor
Dinner: Seasonal and Sustainable @ Sola
To conclude the Food Revolution lecture series at the Chicago History Museum, head to Sola (3868 N. Lincoln) at 6:30pm tonight for a meal of fresh, GMO-less cuisine with VIP treatment by chef/owner Carol Wallack. Tickets $60-65 (gratuity not included).
Taste of the Neighborhoods Tour
The City hosts a tour today of the eats representing selected neighborhoods around Chicago--Greek on Halsted, Italian on Taylor, South side BBQ, Middle Eastern in Albany Park--and you can join them! The Taste of the Neighborhoods tour series meets monthly; destinations are announced a few weeks before the tour, so contact the City to find out what's on the menu for today.
Hard Cider 101 @ Timothy O'Toole's
Toast fall with a glass of hard cider. Timothy O'Toole's Pub, 622 N. Fairbanks Court, will feature five different varieties of Woodchuck Cider tonight at 8pm -- pumpkin, fall, amber, Granny Smith, and pear. The $20 fee for the tasting includes samples, appetizers, and Woodchuck product giveaways.
Call (312) 642-0700 to reserve a space for the tasting. (Unfortunately, you can't visit their website for more info -- apparently the domain name expired earlier this month.)
Taste of Fooditude @ Architectural Artifacts
Tonight's Taste of Fooditude event is geared for tweens -- yes, kids of the 8-12 persuasion -- to become more interested in food, cooking and nutrition. Cooking demos, live music, food and a silent auction are part of the fun. Event runs 6:30-9:30pm at Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N Ravenswood. Tickets $25-50.
In the K/Now: The Non-GMO Movement @ Chicago History Museum
Tonight's 6:30pm lecture at the Chicago History Museum (Broadway and North) will tell you all you need or want to know about our buddy and enemy known as GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Farmer Keith Bolin and NEIU biology professor Beth Braun will talk turkey about the history, present and future of GMOs. Gigantic salmon to be served afterwards (just kidding!). Free with museum admission.
2nd Annual Cooking Up a Cure @ Salvage One
Eating excellent food tastes a little better when you know it's for a good cause. Chicago's top chefs are teaming up to for Cooking Up a Cure, a culinary all-star dining event, to support the Chicago area chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation and promote continued research into a cure for the disease. This delicious event will be chaired for the second time by Cleetus Friedman, owner of City Provisions, and will be held at Salvage One.
Doors open at 5:30pm and tickets cost $100.
Salvage One
1840 W. Hubbard St.
Chicago, IL 60622
Fresh @ Chicago History Museum
Learn more about today's food production innovators and thinkers at this lecture today at 1:30pm at the Chicago History Museum, Broadway and North. Free with museum admission.
World Kitchen: Autumn Harvest @ Gallery 37
You can still eat well after the summer ends! Learn more today at 11am through the World Kitchen Learning Series, held at Gallery 37 (@ 66 E Randolph). Admission $30; pre-registration required.
Cocktail Class and Adopt-an-Herb @ Nacional 27
Next up in Nacional 27's monthly cocktail class series: heirloom apple- and pear-based drinks. Mixologist Adam Seger will demonstrate two cocktails -- an apple/pear sangria with a local apple wine base, and a hard cider-spiked pear and apple mojito. The class fee -- which is $27, of course -- includes cocktail samples, passed appetizers, and recipe cards.
After the class, the restaurant will host its second annual Adopt-an-Herb cocktail party -- aspiring plant parents will have the opportunity to take home a plant from N27's Mojito Garden. The party's free, and will include passed appetizers and a cash bar. Adopters will receive a plant, an adoption certificate, plant care instructions, and recipe cards for re-creating Seger's herbed cocktails at home.
Nacional 27's located at 325 W. Huron. The cocktail class starts at 5:30pm, and the adopt-an-herb party kicks off at 7pm. Don't dawdle -- plants are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Taste of Ten: Beyondmedia Gala @ Architectural Artifacts
Chicago media-arts nonprofit Beyondmedia Education celebrates its 10th anniversary with an evening of food and fun tonight at Architectural Artifacts (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave). Indulge in an array of culinary delights provided by ten of Chicago's top chefs. The event runs from 6-10pm and includes Media Justice Awards, live entertainment and dancing. VIP, general admission and low income tickets are available. Call (773) 857-7300 for details or visit the website.
Culinary Conversation @ Downtown Farmstand
Join the culinary conversation, as local farmers and business owners discuss how to bring local food from farm to table. The Downtown Farmstand, 66 E. Randolph, hosts Dave Cleverendon of Kinnikinnick Farm and Peter Klein of Seedling Fruits along with their customers Alison Bower of Ruth and Phil's Ice Cream and Cleetus Friedman of City Provisions; the quartet will talk about partnership, local flavor, and the successes and frustrations of local food distribution.
After the lecture, attendees can participate in a private tasting and after-hours shopping. For more info or to reserve seats, call (312) 742-8492.
Perfect Pies @ Whole Foods Market
Does streusel topping give you the shakes? Do you quake at making a pie crust that doesn't come in a hard plastic shell, yet long for flaky buttery layers? Fear no more: after this class, taught by Sunny from the food blog Smart Cabbage, you'll be turning out perfect pies with confidence and ease. Learn to turn out perfect crusts with aplomb, and recipes for all sorts of exciting pie fillings besides. $10 class fee includes samples and instructional materials. Pre-registration recommended. 3300 N. Ashland Avenue, 7pm.
The Future of Food @ Chicago History Museum
Watch the documentary about how technology has intersected with food and farming at the Chicago History Museum (Broadway and North) today at 1:30pm; NEIU biology professor Beth Braun leads a post-film discussion. Free with museum admission.
Bucktown Apple Pie Contest @ Holstein Park Fieldhouse
This marathon of pie competitions runs from 2-5pm today at the Holstein Park Fieldhouse, 2200 N Oakley. Free admission, entertainment for the kids, and (for a small fee) pie sampling are at your fingertips.
Noodle Class @ Ben Pao
National Noodle Day was this past Wednesday, but you can belatedly celebrate the holiday by taking a noodle dish cooking class at Ben Pao, 52 W. Illinois St. Ben Pao's chef Jim Hoveke will team up with "noodle expert" Phil Lee to demonstrate several noodle recipes, including peanut noodles, veggie chow fun noodles, and spicy dragon noodles. The class, which includes lunch (of noodles, natch), an apron, and a $10 Ben Pao gift certificate, costs $35 and starts at 10:30am. Call (312) 222-1888 for more info or to register.
Chicago VeganMania @ Pulaski Park Fieldhouse
Celebrate all things meatless and dairyless at Chicago VeganMania, a festival of vegan culture, commerce, community, couture and cuisine. Chefs, authors, speakers, craft vendors, nonprofit groups and bands will be featured from 10am to 6pm at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk.
World Kitchen: Come for Brunch @ Gallery 37
Stop blowing money at your favorite brunch spot and take it back into your own hands after attending this how-to for a tasty home brunch at 11am through the World Kitchen Learning Series, held at Gallery 37 (@ 66 E Randolph). Admission $30; pre-registration required.
World Kitchen: Apples by the Bushel @ Gallery 37
Learn more about intricacies of the apple tonight at 6pm through the World Kitchen Learning Series, held at Gallery 37 (@ 66 E Randolph). Admission $30; pre-registration required.
5th Annual Andersonville Dessert Crawl
Choose from three routes--Sugar, Spice or Everything Nice--and indulge in sweets from up to 24 neighborhood restaurants. The event benefits the Andersonville Development Corporation, a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable development in the Andersonville commercial district. The Crawl runs from 2:00 to 5:00 pm and begins at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets for both the Sugar and Spice routes can be purchased for $40 online, $50 at the door. For more information, call 773-728-7552.
Fork, Cork & Style @ Arlington Racetrack
Laugh all you want at the location -- but this event (11am-7pm at Arlington Racetrack, 2200 West Euclid Avenue in Arlington Heights) will feature cooking demos from chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Brian Malarkey and Top Chef alums, as well as wine tastings and eatins. Tickets start at $25.
Oktoberfest @ Whole Foods Market Evanston
Thirsty? Hungry? Thrifty? Check out the free Oktoberfest celebration at Whole Foods Market Evanston North, 1640 Chicago Ave. There'll be a pumpkin beer taste-off; a Munich Oktoberfest beer taste-off; food and beer pairings; product giveaways from beer vendors; and a gift basket raffle. Call (847) 733-1600 to register for the event and reserve a free tasting stein. And since the event's from 4-7pm., you should be able to catch the Purple Line Express both ways. (With all this free beer, you'd be crazy to drive.)
Kings of Pastry Film @ Siskel Film Center
The documentary Kings of Pastry, which we've talked about over at Drive-Thru, opens today for a week-long run at the Siskel Film Center, 164 North State Street.
Rocktoberfest at Rockit
From Thursday, September 30th through Sunday, October 3rd, Rockit Bar and Grill will be celebrating Rocktoberfest, a hip take on the autumnal German celebration. They'll be serving up gigantic soft pretzels, mini brats with tangy sauerkraut, bockwurst with red cabbage and spaetzle, and over-sized slices of German chocolate cake. Wash it all down with a keepsake 32 ounce Rocktoberfest mug, which you can take home with you and remember all the good times you had at Rocktoberfest...which may be tricky if you refill your mug! Rocktoberfest is happening at Rockit's River North location (22 West Hubbard Street) and their Wrigleyville location (3700 N. Clark Street) too.
Chicago Wine Club Presents the Cabernet Wine Tasting
The Chicago Wine Club will be hosting a Cabernet wine tasting at Blue Star Wine Bar (1209 N. Noble St.) from 6-8:30pm.
The event will include multiple stations where guests can blind taste over 30 Cabernets from around the world. Over ten non-Cabernet beverages will also be available, along with light appetizers. Guests will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite Cabernet.
Tickets are $30 in advance online or $40 (cash only) at the door. Advanced tickets can be purchased here.
Cooking For Geeks @ Pumping Station: One
Pumping Station: One, the Chicago hackerspace, proudly presents Jeff Potter, author of the recently released Cooking For Geeks. Jeff will be speaking tonight about the book, and why geeks are interested in food preparation. The event happens tonight at 8:30pm at Pumping Station: One (3354 N. Elston); admission is free, but you can also pre-purchase a copy of the book for the signing portion of the evening. RSVP for this event at Eventbrite.
Slow Food Chicago Happy Hour @ Prairie Fire
Slow Food Chicago invites you to get your drink on tonight at Prairie Fire, 215 N Clinton, starting at 6pm. Proceeds benefit SFC's educational programming.
A Taste of the Marathon Course @ Fleet Feet Pipers Alley
The Chicago Marathon is less than two weeks away. Get your run on by participating in this delicious preview. Start the evening with a 3 to 6-mile run, which begins and ends at Fleet Feet Sports' Pipers Alley location, 1620 N. Wells St. After the run, sample food from restaurants located in neighborhoods hosting the marathon, including Lakeview, Old Town, Little Italy, Chinatown and Pilsen. Finally, toast the evening with Goose Island's 312 Urban Wheat Ale. The event is free. RSVP online.
Taste of the Neighborhoods Tour
The City hosts a tour today of the eats representing selected neighborhoods around Chicago--Greek on Halsted, Italian on Taylor, South side BBQ, Middle Eastern in Albany Park--and you can join them! The Taste of the Neighborhoods tour series meets monthly; destinations are announced a few weeks before the tour, so contact the City to find out what's on the menu for today.
Feria de Mole @Universidad Popular
Universidad Popular, 2801 S. Hamlin Ave., hosts its fifth annual Feria de Mole from 1 to 6 p.m. Adult admission to the fair is $10, which earns you the equally important rights to taste and judge all mole entries. The winner of the popular vote gets a $500 cash prize. For more info, call 773.733.5055.
Rib-A-Que Smokeout @Moonshine
Moonshine, 1824 W. Division, hosts its third annual Rib-A-Que Smokeout today from 12-6 p.m.
Amateur and professional competitors -- including Smoke Daddy, SmallBar, and the Chicago Police Department -- will vie for the Smoke-Out Champion title by preparing ribs and side dishes. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door, and include voting rights and unlimited samples.
Kegs for Kids @ Metropolis Roasting Garage
The Hopleaf and Metropolis Coffee Company host a Kegs for Kids fundraiser for Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies tonight from 4pm to 9pm at the Metropolis Roasting Garage, 5545 N. Clark Street. The event will feature live music, a silent auction, and 30-plus one-off beers from breweries like Dogfish Head, Dark Horse, 3 Floyds, Founders and Half Acre. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door, and include unlimited beer, food, and coffee.
Active Trans Bike and Dine Tour
Want to bike and eat around Oak Park/Riverside/River Forest? Today's Bike and Dine Tour, a 12-mile jaunt around the area, is just for you. 11am to 2pm, begins and ends at Marion Street Cheese Market, 100 South Marion Street, Oak Park. Cost is $50. Organized by Active Trans Alliance.
Stir Frying to the Sky's Edge @ Kendall College
The Culinary Historians of Chicago are gonna wok and roll (hee hee) at this morning's lecture at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, at 10am. Author Grace Young will be talking about her book (of the same title of this lecture), along with giving a cooking demo and book signing afterward. Tickets $3-5; parking free. RSVP here.
Latino Culinary Tour of Logan Square
Multilingual Chicago hosts a tour of several Logan Square area Latin American restaurants (with a one hour-long Spanish lesson!) today from 11am-3:30pm. Food, transportation and instruction included. Tickets $45.
Chicago Food Film Festival @ MCA Warehouse
The Chicago Food Film Festival, a weekend-long celebration of food on film (today and tomorrow at the MCA Warehouse, 1747 W. Hubbard), kicks off tonight at 8pm with Eat Your Fill, a documentary about a man's mission to eat every deep fried or be-sticked item at the Wisconsin State Fair, to Celeriac, a short-form thriller (no joke). Documentaries about farm stands, soda making, oysters, and raising grass-fed beef are also on the schedule, along with food; each night of the festival features dishes paired with the night's cinematic offerings. Eats from DMK Burger Bar accompanies Saturday night's showing of an abbreviated version of Hamburger America. Tickets for both nights start at $25.
Chicago Gourmet @ Millennium Park
Join the swells for wine and noshing at Chicago Gourmet, which starts today and runs through Sunday at a cordoned off Millennium Park. Lectures, exhibitions, and food from many of the city's finest chefs await you. Tickets start at $150, but you can earn a free one-day ticket if you participate in the Dine Around promotion between August 30 and September 24.
Common Threads' World Cookout @ Fulton's on the River
Tonight's benefit for Common Threads offers food and drink from an array of Chicago chefs. Event starts at 6:30pm at Fulton's on the River, 315 N LaSalle. Tickets $75-150.
Big Night Benefit for FCACC @ Chicago Cultural Center
Join fellow animal lovers for this benefit for Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control starting at 6:30pm at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington. Rancher and journalist Bill Kurtis emcees a silent auction, you'll eat food from local chefs (Stephanie Izard of the Girl and the Goat and Susan Goss of West Town Tavern are among them), enjoy music, and imbibe from an open bar. Help out the city's neediest animals. Tickets $85.
Project: Local @ Whole Foods
If you're interested in seeing your favorite locally made product -- or selling your own wares -- on the shelves of Whole Foods, they want your business. Come to the South Loop store (1101 S Canal) tonight for Project: Local, a meet-and-greet with WF brass, who will give you guidance on how to bring your stuff to their shelves. Event runs 5-8pm.
"Beer Science! Beer Scientist!" @ Firehouse Grill
Join Goose Island Beer Company's Jason Karras and learn the basic science behind brewing. This informal conversation is part of Northwestern University's free Science Cafés series and takes place from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at Firehouse Grill, 750 Chicago Ave., Evanston.
Diabetes & Obesity: Confronting the Epidemic @ UIC Forum
The Institute of Medicine hosts an academic research conference on obesity today at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt, from 8:30am-6pm. Discussion of the reasons and treatments for obesity-related illness will be discussed. Tickets $50; lunch included.
Third Annual Brew Not Bombs Benefit at Portage Theater
Brew Not Bombs is an annual benefit for local groups working to end violence and promote community justice. The even will also spotlight local beer and food (including a home-brewing demonstration), as well as area music and DIY culture. Festivities start at 4 pm with a home-brew tasting and a bake-off, with music and entertainment scheduled until midnight, at the Portage Theater (4050 N Milwaukee Ave.). Tickets are $10 at the door or from the web site.
Slow Food Chicago Book Discussion @ First Slice
Slow Food Chicago invites you for a discussion of the book Heat by Bill Buford today at First Slice Cafe, 4401 N Ravenswood, at 2pm.
Share Our Strength's Great American Dine Out
Starting tonight through next Saturday, help yourself an those in need through participating in the Great American Dine Out, a benefit for Share Our Strength. Selected restaurants (among them Carnivale, Tuscany and Corner Bakery) will donate a portion of your bill to SOS, which is dedicated to ending hunger. Sound tasty?
Oktoberfest! German Pubs of Chicago Tour
Tonight's trolley tour will take you into the heart of German Chicago and its many fine pubs. Admission $25-30; sponsored by the Chicago History Museum.
Ice Cream 101
Summer's over, but ice cream's still delicious. So learn to make your own! In this class, taught by Sunny from the food blog Smart Cabbage, you'll learn about -- and taste! -- the difference between sorbet, sherbet, frozen yogurt, ice cream and custard. You'll leave with some great recipes that will work with or without an ice cream maker. I scream, you scream... well, you know. $10 class fee includes samples and instructional materials. Pre-registration strongly recommended. Sundae school (hardy har) will be held at Whole Foods Market Lakeview, 3300 N. Ashland Avenue, at 7 p.m.
Vertical Farming Lecture at Chicago Cultural Center
Vertical farming expert Dickson Despommier, a professor of environmental health sciences and microbiology at Columbia University in New York City, is speaking at the Claudia Cassidy Theater about this method of planting food in urban settings. The presentation is in conjunction with City Is a Community Garden, an exhibition at the Chicago Tourism Center that focuses on urban gardens, vertical farming and urban chicken keepers. The lecture, at 6 pm, is free. Go to this city web site for more info.
Beer Vs. Wine: The Final Showdown
The final installment of Whole Foods Market's Beer Vs. Wine trilogy is shaping up to be a no-holds-barred, fight-to-the-death battle. Participating restaurants include MK, Blackbird, Hot Chocolate, Kuma's Corner and City Provisions, and the beverage lineup will feature wines from all over the world and some outstanding craft brews, including beers from the event sponsor, Stone Brewing. Discussions will be led by beverage rivals Robert Houde, a master sommelier, and cicerone Wes Phillips. The madness starts at 3 p.m. at WFM's Lincoln Park location, 1550 N. Kingsbury. Tickets are $40, and all proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Fork and the Road Dumpling Derby Tour
Practically every culture has some form of stuffed dough. Join Fork and the Road to sample dumplings from around the world without leaving Chicago on this 17-mile, 3-stop bicycle tour. The two-wheeled adventure runs from 11am to 4pm, and begins and ends at Kitchen Sink Cafe (1107 W. Berwyn Ave.). Cost is $50 per person, which includes food but not beverages. Visit www.forkandtheroad.com for more information (including how to rent a bike if you don't have one) and to make reservations.
LTH Forum Picnic
Join the folks from LTH Forum today for their annual picnic at LaBagh Woods, Grove 1 (near Catalpa and Cicero in the Cook County Forest Preserve). The pictures from past events are proof enough that this will be the best picnic you'll have all summer. This is an RSVP-required invite through LTH, so you need to v isit their page to sign up.
Prost, Oktoberfest! @ Chicago History Museum
Beer, lederhosen, and a German history will go together like peas in a pod today at the Chicago History Museum. From 6-8pm you'll learn about Oktoberfest and its city connections, and get some entertainment as well. Admission $50-55.
Karma Kitchen Meetup @ Klay Oven
Karma Kitchen meets for a day of "pay it forward"--style eats at Klay Oven, 414 N Orleans, noon-3pm.
Bacon Take Down @ Lincoln Hall
Enter to win; buy tickets to sample. Today's Bacon Take Down (1:30pm at Lincoln Hall at Fullerton and Halsted) pairs porky goodness with 20 eager chefs competing for $1500 in prizes (the event is also a benefit for anti-hunger charities). If you can't handle the heat, pay $15 to get in and sample their wares (our own Andrew Huff and Cinnamon Cooper will be making bacon jam!).
Slow Food Chicago TomatoFest Potluck Dinner @ Chicago Honey Coop
Slow Food Chicago hosts a TomatoFest Potluck Dinner tonight at Chicago Honey Coop, 3740 West Fillmore, at 5:30pm. Bring an appetizer, main course or dessert to share; they'll provide the wine (but not the designated driver, sorry). Tickets $10-15.
City Urban Agriculture Update @ UIC
Want to know what the city is doing to further urban agriculture? Join CEED this morning from 9:30am-noon at UIC's Disability, Health, and Social Policy Building (1640 W. Roosevelt Road) for a lecture by Kathy Dickhut, Deputy Commissioner, Chicago Department of Zoning and Land Use Planning. She will discuss the work being done to update the city's zoning code to accommodate urban agriculture. RSVP via email.
Cupcake Bike Tour
The gals at Cupcakes Take the Cake are hosting a Cupcake Bike Tour today starting at 1 p.m. The event is free, though be sure to bring cash to purchase cupcakes along the way. RSVP to participate on their site.
SPILL @ Betty Rhymer Gallery
Come on out this evening at 4:30PM to the opening reception of SPILL at the Betty Rhymer Gallery, 280 S. Columbus Drive! This is an SAIC Undergraduate painting exhibition curated by Judith Geichman and John Phillips. This exhibition features work by Brian James Bartlett, Stephanie Brown, Inah Choe, Jan Christopher-Berkson, Chris Urban, Coyote Detlaff, Jennifer Diaz, Sarah Doll, John Dominguez, Danica Favorito, Rachel Fay, Ali Gibbons, Danny Giles, Wyatt Grant, Samantha Haring, Zachary Hunter Harvey, Alyssa Herlocher, Ji Soo Hong, Julieann Hu, Heelim Hwang, Ryan Ingebritson, Emma E. James, Elizabeth Jung, Andre Kerm...an, Youjeong Kwon, Jihee Lee, Manuel López Aguilar, Betsy O'Brien, Sohhee Oh, Tilghman Pelczar, Tessa Perutz, Stephani Plichta, Betany Porter, Brenna Quinn, Dan Rizzo-Orr, Daniel Schmid, Joey K Sheung, Jessica Turcios, Tully, Jobet Uy and Nayeon Yang.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The fine folks who brought you the weekly fundraiser soup-eating slurp-a-thon Soup and Bread (along with NeighborSpace) have taken their interests to a new activity...bingo. Veggie Bingo runs every Wednesday at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Event begins at 6pm; cards are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Proceeds benefit Chicago community gardens. Event runs weekly through September 29.
Bars Across America Reading @ Lush
Today from 1 to 2pm, occasional GB contributor John Greenfield will be signing copies of his book, Bars Across America: Drinking and Biking from Coast to Coast, at Lush Wine and Spirits, 1257 S. Halsted St. If you stop into the new Rapid Transit Cycle Shop at 1305 S. Halsted, you can get a free Rapid Transit pint glass, which Lush will fill with free Half Acre beer at the reading.
Fermentation Action Workshop @ Mess Hall
Join Milton Dixon at Mess Hall today from 10:30am to 12:30pm as he demonstrates how to make three different kinds of ferments: vinegar pickles, sauerkraut, and mead. Mess Hall is located at 6932 N Glenwood.
First Annual GingerFest
Redheads Unite! Tonight at Mrs. Murphy & Son's Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln Ave., gingers from across Chicago will meet to celebrate their fair skin, freckles and unique hair. The festivities -- which will include live music, food, drinks and the crowning of King and Queen Ginger -- run from 8 to 11pm. Tickets cost $20, but redheads (real or artificial) will be admitted at half-price. To make a reservation (suggested, but not needed) call (773) 248-3905.
Death's Door Spirits Tasting @ Uncommon Ground
Death's Door Spirits, which makes small-batch spirits from organic wheat harvested on Wisconsin's Door County Peninsula, is teaming up with Uncommon Ground to offer a three-course tasting. Try a gin negroni paired with goat cheese and melon lettuce rolls, a whiskey peach manhattan with fried calamari, and a vodka green tomato bloody mary with chicken parmesan. True to Uncommon Ground form, the menu ingredients are super-local, super-seasonal. The event costs $25, runs from 6-8 p.m. at the Wrigleyville location, and will have limited seating, so call (773) 929-3680 to claim a space.
third course
death's door vodka green tomato bloody paired with gunthorp farm chicken parmesan & heirloom tomato sauce
Savor the Seasons Tomato Festival
Tomatoesget their due at their very own Savor the Seasons Festival today at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives, from 9-10am.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The fine folks who brought you the weekly fundraiser soup-eating slurp-a-thon Soup and Bread (along with NeighborSpace) have taken their interests to a new activity...bingo. Veggie Bingo runs every Wednesday at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Event begins at 6pm; cards are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Proceeds benefit Chicago community gardens. Event runs weekly through September 29.
Pizza & Beer School @ Sheffield's Bar
Ian's Pizza in Wrigleyville & Sheffield's Bar are hooking up to host their second annual Pizza and Beer School. Your class schedule will cost $30 and begins tonight at 7pm. Be ready with $30, an empty stomach and summer-lulled mind. @ Sheffield's Bar: 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. RSVP: tchicagoevents@rocketmail.com or call (773) 716-7200.
Slow Food Chicago Pig Roast @ Goose Island
Slow Food Chicago hosts its annual Pig Roast benefit today at Goose Island (1800 W Fulton) from 2-5pm. Goose Island provides the drinks, and chefs from places like Mado and Kith & Kin do the swine prep. There's vegetarian options, too! Tickets are $50 before August 1; $60 after.
Taste of the Neighborhoods Tour
The City hosts a tour today of the eats representing selected neighborhoods around Chicago--Greek on Halsted, Italian on Taylor, South side BBQ, Middle Eastern in Albany Park--and you can join them! The Taste of the Neighborhoods tour series meets monthly; destinations are announced a few weeks before the tour, so contact the City to find out what's on the menu for today.
Fork and the Road Blue Plate Special Tour
Join Fork and the Road to explore classic American diner deliciousness with this progressive meal by bike. Fuel up with some hearty chili on the South Side. Next, savor some soulful fried chicken and biscuits at a culinary landmark of the Civil Rights Movement. End the day with a fine slice of pie. The two-wheeled adventure runs from noon to 5:30pm, and begins and ends at Intelligentsia Millennium Park Coffeebar (53 E. Randolph St.) Cost is $50 per person, which includes food but not beverages. Visit www.forkandtheroad.com to make reservations.
Active Transportation Alliance Bike and Dine Tour
Want to bike and eat around Batavia? Join the Fox Valley Cycling Club today for the Bike and Dine Tour, which is organized by the Active Transportation Alliance. 11am-4pm, begins here.
Historic Bars of Chicago Pub Crawl West Side-Style
Hop on a trolley and join the Chicago Bar Project's Sean Parnell from 6-10:00pm on this tour of historic watering holes along what was the city's Polish Broadway. A former burlesque theater, betting parlor and speakeasy are among the stops, which also include a visit to Chicago's original beer bar. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and cost $30 per person or $50 per couple. The tour fee includes a signed copy of Parnell's Historic Bars of Chicago.
Bars on the Banks Pub Crawl
Join the Chicago History Museum tonight (6:45-10pm) for a trolley tour of some of the city's finest pubs along the river and lake. Cost $25-30.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The fine folks who brought you the weekly fundraiser soup-eating slurp-a-thon Soup and Bread (along with NeighborSpace) have taken their interests to a new activity...bingo. Veggie Bingo runs every Wednesday at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Event begins at 6pm; cards are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Proceeds benefit Chicago community gardens. Event runs weekly through September 29.
LaDonna Redmond @ Northwestern University
LaDonna Redmond, a community food security activist working on the city's west side, lectures at Northwestern's Hughes Auditorium (303 E. Superior, 1st floor) tonight from 6-7:30pm. Redmond is President and CEO of The Institute for Community Resource Development, which converts Chicago 's vacant lots into grow sites, creates farmers' markets, and works to influence food policy. Event is free but an emailed RSVP encouraged.
Spiaggia Farm Luncheon
It may cost as much as your total food budget for a few weeks ($150 per person), but it sounds delish: Spiaggia is organizing a day-long field trip to Nichols Farm in Marengo for a luncheon cooked by their chefs, using Nichols' ingredients. Tours, games, and a Top Chef-style "Quickfire Challenge" for guests are on the menu. Bus leaves Spiaggia (980 N Michigan) at 11am and returns at 7pm; RSVP required.
The Orbit Room's Third Anniversary Tiki Party
Avondale's Orbit Room is celebrating their third anniversary today with a tiki party on their enormous tiki patio tonight, featuring complimentary steak and chicken tacos, $2 PBR drafts, $2 lowrider (teq & rRse's) shots, and $4 Jameson. Local rockabilly band Hillbilly Idle will perform as well. This event is from 6pm to 3am at The Orbit Room (2959 N. California.)
Mabel's Wayback Machine @ The Op Shop 3
Mabel Stark, world famous tiger trainer from the 1920s, is hosting a variety show based around the ideas of improbable histories and hyperbolic figures. With a handmade time machine that doubles as a players' stage, Mabel will take us through history in an effort to prevent her true love's death. Along the way, she discovers an odd cast of characters who share their stories through word, song, sound, and movement. Acts include: a puppet show, sing-song storytelling, poetry, comedy, music performances, tiger wrestling, and more. The performance starts at 6:30pm, followed immediately by a (pot luck) dinner at 8pm. This event is FREE and open to the public--just bring a dish to share. The Op Shop 3 is located at 5226 S. Harper Ave. For more info contact Kayce Bayer: (773) 827-7502, kaycebayer [at] yahoo.com.
Taste of the Nation @ Aragon
Chefs from all over the city (among them Purple Pig, Blackbird, Province, Urban Belly) will be in top form at tonight's Taste of the Nation event at the Aragon Ballroom. A benefit for Share Our Strength, 100% of tickets go to local anti-hunger charities. Tickets start at $95; event begins at 7pm.
Story Club @ Uncommon Ground on Clark
Story Club, a monthly open mic storytelling series, combines the spontaneity of an open mic with featured readings at Uncommon Ground (3800 N. Clark). Tonight's featured readers are Alyson Lyon and Keith Ecker of Essay Fiesta. Open mic sign-up at 8pm, go time at 8:30. This event is free. For more information visit Uncommon Ground or Story Club.
Put (Free) Chocolate in The Poison Cup @ Vosges
Vosges Haut-Chocolat and The Poison Cup are teaming up for a free chocolate and wine pairing event tonight. From 5 to 7 p.m. at Vosges' 951 W. Armitage outpost, you can sample four different pairings, ranging from Vouvray and curry truffles to malbec and caramels. After the tasting, walk a couple blocks to The Poison Cup, 1128 W. Armitage, where you can score a 15% discount on the evening's featured wines.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The fine folks who brought you the weekly fundraiser soup-eating slurp-a-thon Soup and Bread (along with NeighborSpace) have taken their interests to a new activity...bingo. Veggie Bingo runs every Wednesday at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Event begins at 6pm; cards are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Proceeds benefit Chicago community gardens. Event runs weekly through September 29.
People's Radio Workshop @ Mess Hall
Messhaller Allan and other members of the Radios Populares Collective will lead a two-part workshop on building a low-power FM radio station from the ground up! Join them in building THE PEOPLE'S RADIO at Mess Hall, broadcasting during the Glenwood Ave Arts Fest (Aug 20-22). This event is today and Aug 15 from 10am to 2pm at Mess Hall (6932 N Glenwood.)
Fresh @ Film Center
Fresh is a film that brings a little sunshine to the growing food movement. Director Sofia Joanes explores the rebel industry of pesticide and hormone free farms that seek to create a food product that is good for us, the environment, and the plants and animals that provide it.
Screening starts at 8:45 pm. Tickets are $10 general admission, $7 for regular students, $4 for SAIC students, and $5 Film Center members. Tickets can be purchased through the Film Center's box office or their website.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The fine folks who brought you the weekly fundraiser soup-eating slurp-a-thon Soup and Bread (along with NeighborSpace) have taken their interests to a new activity...bingo. Veggie Bingo runs every Wednesday at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Event begins at 6pm; cards are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Proceeds benefit Chicago community gardens. Event runs weekly through September 29.
Fresh @ Film Center
Fresh is a film that brings a little sunshine to the growing food movement. Director Sofia Joanes explores the rebel industry of pesticide and hormone free farms that seek to create a food product that is good for us, the environment, and the plants and animals that provide it.
Screening starts at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $10 general admission, $7 for regular students, $4 for SAIC students, and $5 Film Center members. Tickets can be purchased through the Film Center's box office or their website.
Fresh @ Film Center
Fresh is a film that brings a little sunshine to the growing food movement. Director Sofia Joanes explores the rebel industry of pesticide and hormone free farms that seek to create a food product that is good for us, the environment, and the plants and animals that provide it.
Screening starts at 8:45 pm. Tickets are $10 general admission, $7 for regular students, $4 for SAIC students, and $5 Film Center members. Tickets can be purchased through the Film Center's box office or their website.
Fresh @ Film Center
Fresh is a film that brings a little sunshine to the growing food movement. Director Sofia Joanes explores the rebel industry of pesticide and hormone free farms that seek to create a food product that is good for us, the environment, and the plants and animals that provide it.
Screening starts at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $10 general admission, $7 for regular students, $4 for SAIC students, and $5 Film Center members. Tickets can be purchased through the Film Center's box office or their website.
Fresh @ Film Center
Fresh is a film that brings a little sunshine to the growing food movement. Director Sofia Joanes explores the rebel industry of pesticide and hormone free farms that seek to create a food product that is good for us, the environment, and the plants and animals that provide it.
Screening starts at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $10 general admission, $7 for regular students, $4 for SAIC students, and $5 Film Center members. Tickets can be purchased through the Film Center's box office or their website.
Fork and the Road Blue Plate Special Tour
Join Fork and the Road to explore classic American diner deliciousness with this progressive meal by bike. Fuel up with some hearty chili on the South Side. Next, savor some soulful fried chicken and biscuits at a culinary landmark of the Civil Rights Movement. End the day with a fine slice of pie. The two-wheeled adventure runs from noon to 5:30pm, and begins and ends at Intelligentsia Millennium Park Coffeebar (53 E. Randolph St.) Cost is $50 per person, which includes food but not beverages. Visit www.forkandtheroad.com to make reservations.
Fresh @ Film Center
Fresh is a film that brings a little sunshine to the growing food movement. Director Sofia Joanes explores the rebel industry of pesticide and hormone free farms that seek to create a food product that is good for us, the environment, and the plants and animals that provide it.
Screening starts at 5:45. After the July 31 screening, Evanston/Skokie organization the Talking Farm will direct a Q&A about how they try to create sustainable urban agriculture through education and great food. Tickets are $10 general admission, $7 for regular students, $4 for SAIC students, and $5 Film Center members. Tickets can be purchased through the Film Center's box office or their website.
Savor the Seasons Carrot Festival
Carrotsget their due at their very own Savor the Seasons Festival today at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives, from 9-10am.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The fine folks who brought you the weekly fundraiser soup-eating slurp-a-thon Soup and Bread (along with NeighborSpace) have taken their interests to a new activity...bingo. Veggie Bingo runs every Wednesday at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Event begins at 6pm; cards are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Proceeds benefit Chicago community gardens. Event runs weekly through September 29.
Art World Chicago @ Sullivan Galleries
At Sullivan Galleries, 33 S. State, 7th Floor at 5:00pm Devening Projects + Editions, Peregrine Process, Julius Caesar, Suitable Gallery, Parking Space and Club Nutz come together to celebrate Art World Chicago.They offer a unique opportunity to participate in a condensed version of the social and geographic structure of an art scene by experience of over a dozen artists' original work in an environment conducive to the discussion of our braided expectations of venue, reputation, biography and community. Exhibiting artists include Christopher Michlig, Michael Pfisterer, Joseph Grigely, Thomas Roach, Kozue Hasegawa, Mike Schuh, Matt Hanner, Hot Can and many more. Don't miss it!
Spirited Dinner @ Kith and Kin
Summer's the time for iced tea and flowery patio drinks. Tonight's 6-course dinner at Kith and Kin combines both by partnering with Adam Seger's Hum Spirits Company for hibiscus-infused rum spirits (hibiscus-rum, get it?), and teas from the Rare Tea Cellar and Ineeka Organic Tea. Courses include such mouth-watering notables as wasabi-smoked mussels, summer pea soup poured around lamb carpaccio, and an island-style wild boar sausage and stuffed goat bbq. Each course comes with a specially designed and paired Hum- and tea-based beverage. Cocktail reception begins at 6:30pm, full menu is available on their Facebook page, reservations are required. For more details and to claim a spot at the table, call (773) 472-7070. $65 per person. 1119 W. Webster Avenue.
Milwaukee Avenue Arts Fest
The second annual MAAF continues today (for its final day) in Logan Square, featuring curated art galleries filled with eclectic works in all media, live music on three stages boasting diverse and critically-acclaimed line-ups, theater, dance, film, vaudeville and other live performances, an indoor art market, a community mural, children's activities, local cuisine and Magic Hat craft brews, and last but not least, a freaking trolley! Most importantly, don't forget to stop by the Gapers Block booth. The festival is from noon to 11pm today. It runs along Milwaukee between Kimball and California Ave. in Logan Square.
Taste of the Nation/Share Our Strength Benefit @ DMK Burger Bar
DMK Burger Bar hosts an easy to participate mini-benefit for Share our Strength/Taste of the Nation tonight at their lovely restaurant, 2954 N.Sheffield. Starting at 8 PM, a $10 donation gets you half off of the price of every item on the menu (i.e. $4 burgers/$2.50 craft beers).
Booze and Bacon @ Slow
Booze and Bacon is always a foolproof recipe for crowd-pleasing. A group of dynamic people indulging in simple pleasures, it seals the perfect night. Opening at 7pm this evening, this exhibit at Slow, 2153 W. 21st St., features the work of Brooke Barnett, Benjamin Bellas, Tola Brennan, Judith Brotman, Christopher Bungart, Ann Chen, Laura Davis, Meg Duguid, Jason Dunda, Kirk Faber, Brent Garbowski, Max Garett, Jeffrey Grauel, Matt Harrison, John Henley, Andrew Holmquist, Fred Holland, Michael Hunter, Carol Jackson, Brad Johns, Larry Lee, Kirsten Leenaars, Mican Morgan, Helen McElroy, Chris Naylon, William Newhouse, Susannah Papish, Laura Prieto-Velasco, Scott Ramon, Tim Schade, Sarah Wild, and Philip von Zweck and many more.
Milwaukee Avenue Arts Fest
The second annual MAAF continues today in Logan Square, featuring curated art galleries filled with eclectic works in all media, live music on three stages boasting diverse and critically-acclaimed line-ups, theater, dance, film, vaudeville and other live performances, an indoor art market, a community mural, children's activities, local cuisine and Magic Hat craft brews, and last but not least, a freaking trolley! Most importantly, don't forget to stop by the Gapers Block booth. The festival is from noon to 11pm today and Sunday. It runs along Milwaukee between Kimball and California Ave. in Logan Square.
Milwaukee Avenue Arts Fest
The second annual MAAF begins today in Logan Square, featuring curated art galleries filled with eclectic works in all media, live music on three stages boasting diverse and critically-acclaimed line-ups, theater, dance, film, vaudeville and other live performances, an indoor art market, a community mural, children's activities, local cuisine and Magic Hat craft brews, and last but not least, a freaking trolley! Most importantly, don't forget to stop by the Gapers Block booth. The festival is from 4pm to 11pm today, and from noon to 11pm Saturday and Sunday. It runs along Milwaukee between Kimball and California Ave. in Logan Square.
Pierogi Fest
You can get to Whiting, Indiana by car, train or bike...just get there today, tomorrow and Sunday for their annual Pierogi Fest. Food, entertainment (Polish IDOL?) and more food await you. Events start at 11am daily.
Chefs and the City @ Peninsula Chicago
Non-profit Vital Bridges, an HIV/AIDS outreach organization, teams up for a benefit with over 30 high-profile Chicago chefs, including Arun Sampanthavivat (Arun's), Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Bill Kim (Urban Belly), Shawn McClain (Green Zebra) and others, for a tasting and a fashion show. Hob-nob with the big wigs, and enjoy the sights and tastes atop the terrace of the Peninsula Hotel, all for a good cause. 6pm. $250. Peninsula Chicago, 108 E. Superior. For more info, call Vital Bridges at (773)-271-5117.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The fine folks who brought you the weekly fundraiser soup-eating slurp-a-thon Soup and Bread (along with NeighborSpace) have taken their interests to a new activity...bingo. Veggie Bingo runs every Wednesday at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Event begins at 6pm; cards are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Proceeds benefit Chicago community gardens. Event runs weekly through September 29.
Free Gelato* @ Go Roma
I didn't know that in 1984 President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream month, nor did I know that the third Sunday of July is designated as National Ice Cream day. But the clever folks at Go Roma do, and on Sunday July 18th the Go Roma at 848 N. State Street is offering a complimentary scoop of their gelato to patrons who purchase an entree. So if you're downtown on the 18th of July and have a hankering for Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Burnt Carmel, Cappuccino or Lemon Sorbet flavors of gelato, you now know where to go for a free scoop!
*mostly.
Free Preview of Luxury Ice Cream Festival @ Kenmore Studios
Head to the Kenmore Live Studio (678 N. Wells) tonight from 7-9pm for a free preview of the Chicago Luxury Ice Cream Festival, which features samples from Bleeding Heart Bakery and music from Liquid Soul. Yes, that Liquid Soul.
Cupcake Eating Contest @ Bleeding Heart Bakery
Organic cupcakes rock your world: Bleeding Heart Bakery is opening a new Lakeview location today. To celebrate, they're holding a cupcake eating contest complete with prizes. $25 registration; e-mail to register. Bleeding Heart Bakery, 2961 N. Lincoln Ave., 2pm.
BBQ History @ Chicago History Museum
Smoque's Barry Sorkin (and journalist Craig Goldwyn) will talk about the history of 'cue today at the Chicago History Museum, Broadway and North Avenues, today at 10am. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago. Admission $3-5.
10th Annual Green City Market Chef's BBQ
The 10th Annual Green City Market Chef's BBQ will be held in Lincoln Park tonight from 6-8pm. Food from the city's most bestest restaurants -- Purple Pig, Bin 36, Prairie Fire, Socca, Piccolo Sogno, and The Girl and the Goat -- will serve food and drink beyond your wildest dreams. Tickets $100 ($25 for ages 2-12 and under age 2 is free).
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The fine folks who brought you the weekly fundraiser soup-eating slurp-a-thon Soup and Bread (along with NeighborSpace) have taken their interests to a new activity...bingo. Veggie Bingo runs every Wednesday at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Event begins at 6pm; cards are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Proceeds benefit Chicago community gardens. Event runs weekly through September 29.
POP! Fest @ Rock Bottom
Rock Bottom Brewery in Warrenville (28256 Diehl Road) will host the unveiling of a malt liquor made from popcorn today at their POP! Fest. Tickets are $15 and include a souvenir glass and tastings from Goose Island and Flossmoor. Event runs 1-5pm.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
The Belmont Arts and Music Fest has been resurrected as a weekend-long homage to the Earl of Hamburg's favorite meal. The Roscoe Village Burger Fest features a very 90s-heavy music lineup (10,000 Maniacs, Gin Blossoms), drinking, general street fair shenanigans, and of course, burgers. Runs today and tomorrow, noon to 10pm, at Belmont and Damen.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The fine folks who brought you the weekly fundraiser soup-eating slurp-a-thon Soup and Bread (along with NeighborSpace) have taken their interests to a new activity...bingo. Veggie Bingo runs every Wednesday at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Event begins at 6pm; cards are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Proceeds benefit Chicago community gardens. Event runs weekly through September 29.
Taste of the Neighborhoods Tour
The City hosts a tour today of the eats representing selected neighborhoods around Chicago--Greek on Halsted, Italian on Taylor, South side BBQ, Middle Eastern in Albany Park--and you can join them! The Taste of the Neighborhoods tour series meets monthly; destinations are announced a few weeks before the tour, so contact the City to find out what's on the menu for today.
Junk Shot Benefit for the Gulf Coast @ West Loop Studio
Tonight's benefit for relief in the BP-ravaged Gulf Coast includes music from Toast and Jam and drinks and noshes from a bevy of local businesses, among them Fig Catering, Hearty Boys, City Provisions, and Food for Thought. There's also a raffle for gift certificates and other prizes. Proceeds benefit the Greater New Orleans Foundation Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund. Event starts at 7:30pm at West Loop Studios, 17 North Elizabeth; tickets $30. FYI, tickets MUST be purchased in advance, as the venue cannot take money at the door for admission.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The fine folks who brought you the weekly fundraiser soup-eating slurp-a-thon Soup and Bread (along with NeighborSpace) have taken their interests to a new activity...bingo. Veggie Bingo runs every Wednesday at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Event begins at 6pm; cards are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Proceeds benefit Chicago community gardens. Event runs weekly through September 29.
Willy Wonka @ Fulton River Park
The Fulton River District and Blommer Chocolate Company hold an outdoor showing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the superior Gene Wilder version) at dusk (8:45pm) tonight at Fulton River Park (601 W. Kinzie St.). The exciting part? They will be giving out chocolate bars beforehand, some of which will have Golden Tickets (wow! really!) for gift certificates at restaurants (among them Province, Carnivale, the Chicago French Market and Prairie Fire) and other fun prizes. Get there early.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Top Shelf Tour
Learn more about how local food is made and successfully sold at this class, which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 11am-2pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30; tour will involve provided bus transportation.
Taste of Chicago @ Grant Park
The roller coaster ride of food and entertainment that is the Taste of Chicago starts today at Grant Park. Event runs through July 4.
Anthony Bourdain @ Harold Washington Library
Anthony Bourdain, host of No Reservations and foodie extraordinaire, will discuss and sign copies of his latest book, Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook, the long awaited follow-up to Kitchen Confidential. Medium Raw tracks Bourdain's professional journey from his early days as a cook to the culinary tour guide we all know and love. The event is free, but seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis, so get there early. 6pm, Harold Washington Library Center: 400 S. State Street.
Animal Care and Control Benefit @ Durkin's
Eat and drink away for a stray! Durkin's (810 West Diversey) hosts a benefit for Chicago Animal Care and Control tonight from 6-9pm. The $25 admission includes drafts, wine, well drinks, soda and pizza.
Juxtapose: An Evening of Art, Burlesque and Music @ Intuit
All creative disciplines get fair play at this gathering of like-minded, yet disparate folks. For one evening, you can treat yourself to the art of Charles Steffen, the burlesque of the Chicago Starlets, DJ spins by Derek Erdman, delectable foods by Fiery Alyce, and cocktails by the good folks at Matchbox.
Visit the Intuit site for the full scope. $30. 756 N. Milwaukee Ave
World Kitchen Learning Series: Land of the Midnight Sun
Scandinavian fare is in the spotlight--aka perpetual sunlight--at this class, which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Growing Power @ Fourth Presbyterian Church
Will Allen of Growing Power gives a talk on his organization's success tonight at 7pm at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E Chestnut.
Savor the Seasons Strawberry Festival
Strawberries get their due at their very own Savor the Seasons Festival today at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives, from 9am-10am.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The fine folks who brought you the weekly fundraiser soup-eating slurp-a-thon Soup and Bread (along with NeighborSpace) have taken their interests to a new activity...bingo. Veggie Bingo runs every Wednesday at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Event begins at 6pm; cards are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Proceeds benefit Chicago community gardens. Event runs weekly through September 29.
Spare a Stray @ Lucky Strike
This benefit for Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control is easy as pie--anyone who brings in this flyer all day gets 20% of their bill donated to FCACC. A reception with prizes will also be held from 6-9pm. Event is at Lucky Strike, 322 E. Illinois.
Slow Food Chicago's Brewmasters Dinner @ Uncommon Ground
Uncommon Ground (1401 W. Devon) hosts Slow Food Chicago's third annual Brewmasters Dinner tonight at 6:30pm. A rooftop reception and a four-course meal matched with Goose Island beers follows. Tickets $75 per person, excludes tax and gratuity. Reservations required; call (773) 465-9801.
Slow Food Chicago Summer Solstice Potluck Supper @ Chicago Honey Coop
(RESCHEDULED FROM 6/18) Join fellow foodies tonight from 4-7pm at the Chicago Honey Coop (3740 West Fillmore) for a potluck dinner sponsored by Slow Food Chicago. Salmon, beer, pop and wine will be provided; bring a side dish or dessert to share; admission $10 for Slow Food Chicago/Chicago Honey Coop members; everyone else $15.
Taste of the Neighborhoods Tour
The City hosts a tour today of the eats representing selected neighborhoods around Chicago--Greek on Halsted, Italian on Taylor, South side BBQ, Middle Eastern in Albany Park--and you can join them! The Taste of the Neighborhoods tour series meets monthly; destinations are announced a few weeks before the tour, so contact the City to find out what's on the menu for today.
Fork and the Road City Sprouts! Tour
Join Fork and the Road in collaboration with Chicago Public Radio (WBEZ) on this bicycle tour celebrating edible gardens. Discover how culinary students at Kendall College make use of the Goose Island campus' gardens and sample some of the bounty. Visit Ukrainian Village's A Tavola and hear from Chef Daniel Bocik about his garden while enjoying seasonal Italian dishes. Finally, visit Growing Home's Wood Street Urban Farm as part of Chicago Public Radio Presents' "Growing a Green, Healthy Neighborhood" event. The 20-mile tour runs from 10:00am to 5:30pm, starting at Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch St. Cost is $65 per person and includes food at all stops and admission to the WBEZ event. Reserve online.
O Canada! @ Kendall College
Be reminded that American food is not the best through the eyes of Canadian expats (Tim Hortons! Poutine! First Nations! Tons of fish!) today at Kendall College, 900 North Branch @ 10am. Free parking, admission $3-5. Event sponsored by Chicago Foodways Roundtable.
World Kitchen Learning Series: When Salad is the Meal
Salads get an upgrade from side to entree at this class, which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Urban Gateways' Interactive Arts Benefit @ Cultural Center
Support arts education for every Chicago-area child. Join Urban Gateways for an evening of cocktails, dinner, and interactive media, visual and performance art. Children are encouraged to attend. This benefit is at 6pm at the Cultural Center (78 E. Washington.) Tickets are $150 per person/ $50 per child. Click here for more info.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
The fine folks who brought you the weekly fundraiser soup-eating slurp-a-thon Soup and Bread (along with NeighborSpace) have taken their interests to a new activity...bingo. Veggie Bingo runs every Wednesday at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Event begins at 6pm; cards are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Proceeds benefit Chicago community gardens. Event runs weekly through September 29.
Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki @ Fairmont Hotel
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs (CGA) is hosting a luncheon with Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador to the United States from Japan, today at 12:30pm at the Fairmont Hotel (200 N. Columbus Dr.). Registration is $45 for CGA members and $55 for non-members and can be made online or at the hotel starting at 12pm.
Northcenter Ribfest
Northcenter's annual Ribfest runs from noon to 10pm at the intersection of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park. Enjoy barbecue and other food from more than two dozen vendors. Tell Your Friends, Holding Mercury, The Dig, Ceiling Stars, The Shams Band, These United States, Langhorne Slim
and The Whigs perform. Free.
Midsommarfest
Andersonville's annual outdoor festival brings it: music, food, shopping, dancing--everything you need for one of the summer's first parties. Admission $5. Foster and Clark, all day through late evening.
Drinking & Writing Festival
The 6th Annual Drinking & Writing Festival celebrates the life and work of noted drinker and writer Mike Royko. Speakers include Northwestern University's Bill Savage, urban social scientist Denese Neu, Haymarket Pub & Brewery founder and brewer Pete Crowley, and Drinking & Writing's Sean Benjamin and Steve Mosqueda. Special guest David Royko will read from his upcoming book Royko in Love: Mike’s Letters to Carol. Beer from Illinois Craft Brewers Guild members including Rock Bottom, Goose Island, Metropolitan, Three Floyds and Half Acre will be served, along with a few beers from Portland, OR. You can also compete in the 2 Drink Minimum Writing Contest. Today from noon to 5pm at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and include 10 drink sample tickets. 21+
For The Love Of Hops Festival 2010
Two Brothers Brewing Company is at it again. Hosting this year's For The Love of Hops Festival 2010 today at their brewery in Warrenville, they're celebrating that delicious bittering agent during the second annual release of their Hop Juice Double IPA!
There will be guest beers from around the country. Four bands (TBA) will be playing during the day, admission is free, and 50 percent of sponsorship funds will go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. All this will take place at their brewery, 30W315 Calumet Ave. Warrenville, Illinois 60555. You can find out more at the event website here!
World Kitchen Learning Series: Garden Variety
Learn how to make awesome meals from garden-sourced ingredients at this class, which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Northcenter Ribfest
Northcenter's annual Ribfest runs from noon to 10pm at the intersection of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park. Enjoy barbecue and other food from more than two dozen vendors. Furious Frank, Unicycle Loves You, The Generationals, Deep Cricket Night, John Henry & The Engine, Those Darlins, Bottle Rockets and Califone perform. Free.
Midsommarfest
Andersonville's annual outdoor festival brings it: music, food, shopping, dancing--everything you need for one of the summer's first parties. Admission $5. Foster and Clark, all day through late evening.
Northcenter Ribfest
Northcenter's annual Ribfest kicks off tonight at 5pm at the intersection of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park. Enjoy barbecue and other food from more than two dozen vendors. At 6pm, the festival holds its first-ever rib eating contest, with 12 competitive eaters facing off for a $1200 purse. Mucca Pazza, The Ike Reilly Assassination and Robby Fulks perform. Free.
World Kitchen Learning Series: It's a Secret
Learn how to make a culinary TKO at at this class, which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Taste of Chicago Preview
Get a preview of the 2010 Taste of Chicago at Daley Plaza, where you can try out "Taste Portions" of select menu items that will be available at the big event this June 25-July 4 in Grant Park. Admission is free, but bring cash if you plan on eating anything. 11am-2pm. 50 W. Washington.
Mojito Mixology Class @ Carnivale
Come out tonight from 6:30pm to 8:30pm to join Elizabeth Mendez in a Mojito making lesson at Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton St. Students will learn the history behind the classic Cuban cocktail while creating and sampling perfectly muddled mojitos. Cost is $25 per person and includes mojito samples and appetizers prepared by Chef Mark Mendez.
Taste of Chicago Preview
Get a preview of the 2010 Taste of Chicago at Daley Plaza, where you can try out "Taste Portions" of select menu items that will be available at the big event this June 25-July 4 in Grant Park. Admission is free, but bring cash if you plan on eating anything. 11am-2pm. 50 W. Washington.
Oistrach Symphony Orchestra Summer Quartet
Tonight come see the Oistrach Symphony Orchestra Summer Quartet perform
Haydn Opus 76 Quartet No. 2 in D Minor "Quinten" and Mozart String Quartet No. 15 in D Minor K.421 at the Church of the Three Crosses, 333 W. Wisconsin Street in Lincoln Park. This is an open house concert, no tickets are required. A post concert wine and cheese reception and musician discussion follows. For more information e-mail info@oistrachsymphony.org.
Daniel Biss Fundraiser @ Hot Doug's
Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's is hosting a fundraising event benefiting Daniel Biss for State Representative tonight from 6-8:30pm. Award-winning local brewery Two Brothers Brewing Company will also have delicious beer available. The picnic event is held at a turn-of-the-century mansion at 803 W. Hutchinson. Check here for tickets and more information on the event.
History of Pastry with Gale Gand @ Kendall College
Pastry chef extraordinaire Gale Gand will talk about the history of pastry at Kendall College (900 North Branch) today at 10am. Admission $3-5; free parking. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago; RSVP via email.
Beer Hoptacular @ Aragon
Sample over 200 craft beers at Beer Hoptacular, which runs today at the Aragon Ballroom, 1106 West Lawrence. Food, entertainment, and educational sessions (drunks need to learn, too!) about the art of beer await you. Tickets $45 ($55 at the door). Runs 1:00-5:00pm and 6:30-10:30pm.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Dine Like an Egyptian
As follow-up to the June 3 lecture at the Oriental Institute, learn to cook with the same ingredients of ancient Egypt at this class, which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Fork and the Road Blue Plate Special Tour
Join Fork and the Road to explore classic American diner deliciousness with this progressive meal by bike. Fuel up with some hearty chili on the South Side. Next, savor some soulful fried chicken and biscuits at a culinary landmark of the Civil Rights Movement. End the day with a fine slice of pie. The two-wheeled adventure runs from noon to 5:30pm, and begins and ends at Intelligentsia Millennium Park Coffeebar (53 E. Randolph St.) Cost is $50 per person, which includes food but not beverages. Visit www.forkandtheroad.com to make reservations.
Spring Trunk Show @ Galleria 1712
Join Halo Stitch and Leeba Creations this evening for cocktails and appetizers from 6pm to 10pm. This fundraiser collectively commemorates their cause, which is to create Fairly Traded jobs for women in India and raise money for Leeba Hope, a foundation which raises money for children with special needs.
Beer Hoptacular @ Aragon
Sample over 200 craft beers at Beer Hoptacular, which runs today and tomorrow at the Aragon Ballroom, 1106 West Lawrence. Food, entertainment, and educational sessions (drunks need to learn, too!) about the art of beer await you. Tickets $45 ($55 at the door). Runs 6:30-10:30pm.
Sense Objects @ Noble and Superior Projects
Come on out to Noble and Superior Projects from 6pm to 10pm tonight, right off the Chicago Blue Line at 1418 W. Superior St. Apt 2R. This exhibition features the work of Kate O'Neill, whose photography series Third Law depicts constructed performances addressing the materiality of banal materials through futile gestures. Rebecca Kressley's installation ON THE SOUTH LOCK OVER SHINE conjures sensuous experiences through careful arrangements of materials that subtly decay and collapse over time.
The Interview Show @ Hideout
Mark Bazer talks with Charlie Trotter and author/Cubs player Doug Glanville, and Prescott Tolk, Shadenfreude and The Jordan Years perform at this month's Interview Show at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, tonight at 6:30pm. $5 at the door. 21+
Free Lunch Drinks @ Longman & Eagle
Longman & Eagle began lunch service this week and they are celebrating on Friday, June 4 with free shots of whiskey and beers from 11 am to 3 pm. Longman & Eagle is located at 2657 North Kedzie Avenue. (773) 276-7110
World Kitchen Learning Series: Dine Like an Egyptian
Oriental Institute Egyptologist Emily Teeter presents a richly illustrated slide lecture and private tour of Oriental Institute's Egyptian gallery. The lecture is based on the culinary clues hidden in the collection exhibits. This event is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at the Oriental Institute, 1155 East 58th. Must register with/purchase admission through the Oriental Institute.
Benefit Dinner for Growing Home
Growing Home's eighth-annual benefit dinner features local and sustainable treats, including a cocktail hour with an open wine bar and hors d'oeuvres and a seated, three-course meal. Frances Moore Lappé, author of Diet for a Small Planet, will give the keynote address. 78 E. Washington, 5:30pm. The dinner is $125 per person; for more information or to purchase tickets, visit the web site.
Fork and the Road Dumpling Derby Tour
Practically every culture has some form of stuffed dough. Join Fork and the Road to sample dumplings from around the world without leaving Chicago on this 17-mile bike tour. The two-wheeled adventure begins and ends at Kitchen Sink Cafe (1107 W. Berwyn Ave.). Cost is $50 per person, which includes food but not beverages. Visit www.forkandtheroad.com for more information and to make reservations.
The Pentagon Saves the World @ The Pentagon
Come out tonight to the opening of The Pentagon Saves the World, from 7pm to 11pm. Featuring works in video, photography, sculpture and film by Deborah Stratman, Jim Zimpel, Jesse Avina, Daniel Baird, Jake Myers and The Pentagon Education Collective. This exhibition examines the effectiveness and importance of heroics in contemporary American culture such as the archetypes of heroic athletes, soldiers, astronauts, cowboys and other saviors. Come early for soup and beer. The Pentagon Gallery, 961 w 19th Street.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Exotic India
Take an edible vacation to the East at this class, which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Absolute Kinography and World Revolution @ Woodlawn Collaborative
Come join us tonight at the Woodlawn Collaborative, 6400 S Kimbark Ave -Porter Room, 1st Floor from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, to watch Dziga Vertov's Man With a Movie Camera. It is an experimental 1929 silent documentary drawing from the ferment of the international socialist revolutions of 1917 to 1923. A discussion will follow. Free pizza will be served. For more information, contact Greg (gregg@uchicago.edu).
Sunday Funday Pubcrawl/Benefit for Natasha and Stacy
Today's Wicker Park/Bucktown area bar crawl (2-10:30pm) of eleven area bars (Cans, Club Lucky, Silver Cloud, etc.) will benefit recent assault victims Natasha McShane and Stacy Jurich. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Blue Line Grill, 1548 North Damen.
Chop Suey @ Chicago History Museum
Join food writer Andrew Coe to learn more about the history of the beloved Chinese-ish dish at the Chicago History Museum, North and Clark, at 10am this morning. Coe will be available to sign copies of his newest book Chop Suey: A Cultural History of Chinese Food in the United States, and attendees will get a nifty sampling of Chinese food. Cost $3-6; email to RSVP (requested).
World Kitchen Learning Series: Come to the Cabaret
The cuisine of Berlin is on stage at this class, which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 11am-2pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Marcus Samuelsson @ Macy's
The extremely cute chef (and current Top Chef Masters competitor) Marcus Samuelsson gives a free cooking demo of burgers at Macy's on State Street at noon today (111 North State, lower level). Marcus will also sign copies of his cookbook "New American Table."
World Kitchen Learning Series: Killer Kabobs
Explore how to make a rockin' kabob at this class, which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
The Italian Way: Food and Social Life @ DePaul
Visual sociologist Douglas Harper of Duquesne University will analyze how the food and foodways of some two dozen families in Bologna, Italy reflect identity and values structure. This free lecture is at 6:30pm in DePaul's Schmitt Academic Center, Room 161, 2320 N. Kenmore.
Natasha & Stacy Benefit Day @ Logan Bar & Grill
Logan Bar & Grill bartender Chris McCaughan's band The Lawrence Arms is playing a sold out benefit show tonight at Subterranean to raise funds to help out Natasha McShane and Stacy Starl Jurich who were brutally attacked as they walked home April 23rd. The staff of Logan Bar has decided to donate 25% of their day's tips, as well as 100% of customer donations to help out the two girls. Logan Bar will match all funds raised today! Logan Bar is located at 2230 N. California Ave. (773) 252-1110. (More on the attacks.)
Michigan Craft Beer Celebration @ Small Bar Logan
Tonight, Small Bar Logan Square hosts an evening highlighting some of Michigan's finest craft brewers. Eight rare tap beers will be available from Bells, Founders, Dark Horse, Jolly Pumpkin and New Holland. All kegs will be tapped at 7 pm. Small Bar Logan Square is located at 2956 N. Albany. (773) 509-9888.
Goose Island Brewmaster's Dinner @ Longman and Eagle
Longman and Eagle (2657 North Kedzie Avenue) chef Jared Wentworth and Goose Island brewmaster Greg Hall have prepared an exciting five-course meal paired with five Goose Island brews. Tickets are $78, which includes tax and gratuity, and can be purchased here.
Savor the Seasons Melon Festival
Melonsget their due at their very own Savor the Seasons Festival today at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives, from 9-10am.
Taste of the Neighborhoods Tour
The City hosts a tour today of the eats representing selected neighborhoods around Chicago--Greek on Halsted, Italian on Taylor, South side BBQ, Middle Eastern in Albany Park--and you can join them! The Taste of the Neighborhoods tour series meets monthly; destinations are announced a few weeks before the tour, so contact the City to find out what's on the menu for today.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Pasta Extravaganza
Get your Italian on at this class, which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 11am-2pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Beer Under Glass @ Garfield Park Conservatory
The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild sponsors an evening of drinking and contemplating the greenery of the Garfield Park Conservatory (300 North Central Park) tonight. Microbrews from local crafters such as Argus, Goose Island, & Half Acre will be on tap, along with food (to wash it all down). Beer Under Glass runs 5:30-8pm; tickets $35 ($45 day of).
World Kitchen Learning Series: Catering and Caring
Learn more about catering using sustainable ingredients at this class, which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 11am-2pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Preservation Chicago: Drinking in Your History
Preservation Chicago presents a talk by Chicago Bar Project's Sean Parnell on the history of bars and speakeasies in Chicago tonight at the Green Door Tavern, 678 N. Orleans, one of the city's oldest bars. The talk will be given in the bar's old speakeasy room, which is usually closed to the public. Tickets are $25 in advance, and include two drinks, light appetizers, a copy of Parnell's Historic Bars of Chicago, and a one-year membership to Preservation Chicago.
Mommie Dearest Screening and Brunch @ Music Box Theatre
The Music Box Theatre, Camp Midnight, and Blue Bayou are teaming up for a Mother's Day celebration worthy of applause. The Music Box is screening the cult classic Mommie Dearest (1981) with a series of pre-show entertainment provided by Dick O'Day and the Hell in a Handbag players. There will be a mother/daughter matching outfit contest, a music video from the Joan Crawford-inspired band the Joans, and finally a interactive screening of Mommie Dearest that begs for audience participation. The pre-show entertainment and screening start at the Music Box Theatre (3733 North Southport Avenue) at 1:30pm. Blue Bayou, directly across the street from the Music Box, will be hosting a discounted brunch 9am to 1pm. Mother-child duos will receive 15% off their order when they mention they are attending Mommie Dearest. Tickets for the screening are $12 and can be purchased in advance through Brown Paper Tickets. Reservations for brunch at Blue Bayou can be made by calling (773)
871-3300.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Celebration Brunch
Brunch gets a makeover at this class, which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Slow Food Chicago's Tea 101 @ Sweet Cakes Bakery
Slow Food Chicago sponsors a tea primer today at Sweet Cakes Bakery, 901 North Damen, from 10-11:30am. Rishi Tea will be providing the sippin', you just need to bring your mouth (for quipping, I guess). Cost $5. Advance registration required (group size is limited).
Talk (Kentucky) Derby To Me
Faith & Whiskey, 1365 W. Fullerton Ave., hosts "Talk Derby To Me," a Kentucky Derby viewing party, from noon until close today. The bar will show all the day's races, offer bourbon-based drink specials all day, and is holding a contest for the best female derby hat and the best male derby suit at the conclusion of the main race; winners each get a 15-person private party at the bar.
Roots & Culture Gallery's 4th Annual Fundraiser Party
Featuring a full bar, Chicago style street food, funky DJ's (DJ Ryon (Healing of the Nation Sound System), Rock Hard Gym (NIGHT SCHOOL), and Ross Kelly (Chicago Workgroup, Kokorokoko) spinning the funky business, and a world class art auction featuring the generosity and talents of just about every talented young artist in this beautiful city. $10 Admission from 8pm to midnight. Roots & Culture is located at 1034 N. Milwaukee Ave.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Mexico's Year in Chicago
Celebrate "The Year of the Mexico" at this class, which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 11am-2pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Two-Craft Minimum @ Cole's
Crafts and beer? Where do you sign up? The Chicago Style Crafters are holding a craft fair at Cole's (2338 N. Milwaukee) tonight from 4:30-9pm. Admission is free but the handmade stuff isn't.
ChicaGo Green @ Brookfield Zoo
ChicaGo Green educates and entertains about the small steps everyone can take to make a big positive impact on the environment. Explore a 40-foot CTA hybrid bus, frost organic cupcakes from Bleeding Heart Bakery, check out a fashion show, and much more. 10am - 5pm at Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513, (708) 485-0263. Admission is reduced (TBA).
Dining Out For Life
The 17th annual Dining Out For Life happens this evening at various restaurants in the Chicago area. Participation is simple: just go to one of the participating restaurants, and a portion of the money you spend there will be donated to AIDSCare Progressive Services. Please see the Dining Out For Life Website for more details.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Get into the Kitchen
Learn basic cooking skills at this class. which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Lost Southern Foods Dinner with Slow Food Chicago @ Big Jones
Join fellow foodie historians at Big Jones (5347 N. Clark) tonight at 6:30pm for a five-course tasting menu of coastal Southern cuisine--gumbo, pralines, and andouille are among the treats on the menu. The restaurant's Executive Chef, Paul Fehribach, will come out from the kitchen to talk about the food's origins. Learn and eat -- how awesome is that? Cost is $45.00 per person.
Anthony Bourdain @ Chicago Theater
Mr. Personality hits up the Chicago Theater (175 N. State Street) tonight at 8pm for some storytelling and humor (no food samples, sorry).
Green and Growing Fair @ Garfield Park Conservatory
Celebrate Earth Day and the return of spring at the Annual Green & Growing Fair at the Garfield Park Conservatory, today from 10am-3pm (300 North Central Park). At this free event you'll learn more about gardening through demonstrations and workshops, and go home with a packet of the winner of the One Seed Chicago "Seed of the Year," which will be announced at noon. A silent auction, live music, and a book sale await you and your green thumb!
World Kitchen Learning Series: Springtime Desserts
Make some spring-themed desserts at this class. which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 11am-2pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Mugs for Mutts @ Mickey Finn's
Support your local pet rescue at the Mugs for Mutts benefit, tonight at Mickey Finn's (412 North Milwaukee, Libertyville) from 6-9pm. Music, food, prizes and a silent auction are part of the bill. Tickets are $25 ($30 at the door).
The Nicest Man Dave Thomas Benefit Concert @ The Empty Bottle
This is a benefit to help raise money to cover Dave Thomas' massive hospital bills from cancer, featuring an assortment of local art, retail, and food up for auction.It also features live performances by The Record Low, Follows, and Amalea Tshilds. Show starts at 9:30pm, admission is $12, 21+. The Empty Bottle is located at 1035 N. Western Ave.
National Food Blogger Bake Sale
Local food bloggers In Good Taste and What's Gaby Cooking make their tasty contribution to Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale: the proceeds from their cupcakes, cookies and pies go towards Share Our Strength, an organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger. Help them do what so many other food bloggers around the country are striving towards today at Smash Cake, 2961 N. Lincoln Ave., at noon. Free!
Taste of the Neighborhoods Tour
The City hosts a tour today of the eats representing selected neighborhoods around Chicago--Greek on Halsted, Italian on Taylor, South side BBQ, Middle Eastern in Albany Park--and you can join them! The Taste of the Neighborhoods tour series meets monthly; destinations are announced a few weeks before the tour, so contact the City to find out what's on the menu for today.
Global Activism Expo @ UIC Forum
Hosted by Worldview's Jerome McDonnell, Chicago Public Radio Presents... is thrilled to again present this remarkable celebration - complete with food, music and over 100 Chicago-area Global Activists, all featured guests of Worldview's Global Activism Series. On the air for seven years now, the series continues to be inspirational, and bringing everyone together for this Expo has quickly become an annual event. This event is free and takes place from noon to 6pm. Click here for all the juicy details.
In a Paperweight Opens @ Tony Wight Gallery
In a Paperweight is a group show featuring the work of Walead Beshty, Sebastiaan Bremer, Daniel Gordon, Tamar Halpern, Barbara Kasten, Sara VanDerBeek and James Welling. Also opening tonight is Allison Schulnik's Home for Hobo Too. For information about the show visit Tony Wight's website, call John Henderson at 312-492-7261 or email them at info@tonywightgallery.com. Tony Wight Gallery is located at 119 N. Peoria St. The opening reception is tonight from 5-8 and the show will stay up through May 15.
MMX Spring Group Show Opens @ Zg Gallery
A selection of really talented local artists will be showing their work at Zg Gallery (300 W. Superior) starting tonight. The opening reception is from 5:30 to 7:30pm, and the show will stay up through May 22. Participating artists include Molly Briggs, Ben Butler, Amy Casey, Bill Frederick, Dan Gamble, Steve Hough, Regin Igloria, Gregory Jacobsen, Anna Jóelsdóttir, Justin Henry Miller, Mark Murphy, Martina Nehrling and Jackie Tileston. Click here to see examples of their work.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Get into the Kitchen
Learn basic cooking skills at this four-part class. which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30. Future classes are April 22 and 29.
Tax Rebate Day @ In Fine Spirits
Andersonville wine shop and bar In Fine Spirits wants to help ease the pain of filling out those 1040s today. All purchases at the shop and the bar will be 10.25% off regular pricing on April 15th only (that's the same price as the city's sales tax, just FYI). Offer not valid with any other discount. In Fine Spirits is located at 5418-5420 N. Clark St. Shop (773) 506-9463 Bar (773) 334-9463.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Tipsycake Wedding Cake Tasting
Tipsycake, 1043 N. California Ave., hosts a wedding cake tasting event today from 2pm to 7pm. For $7 a person, you can try a variety of cake flavors; half the proceeds will be donated to the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center. Space is limited; call (773) 384-4418 to RSVP.
Baconfest @ Stan Mansion
Baconfest, a celebration of the porky treat that has touched hearts and minds all over the world, awaits you today. Watch the website for further details.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Fast and Flavorful
Learn to cook good meals quickly at the Fast and Flavorful class. which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 11am-2pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Chicago Foodways Roundatable: Show and Tell @ Kendall College
This history of the Easy Bake oven, Lamb Cake, and why we dye eggs at Easter will be discussed this morning at a free-for-all sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, at 10am (previously scheduled Columbian Exposition lecture is postponed). Admission is free--so is parking. Bring your culinary memories!
Spring Pastry Market @ Logan Square Kitchen
Following the immense success of the first Pastry Market in February, Logan Square Kitchen hosts another full-day showcase of small-batch pastry makers. Vendors include: BTrue Bakery, City Provisions Catering & Events, Fig Catering, and more. The Market takes place from 10am to 3pm at Logan Square Kitchen, 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave., (773) 342-2333.
Dogfish Head Night @ Sheffield's
13 draft beers from Dogfish Head plus the renowned craft brew's founder and staff will be on hand at Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield) from 6-11pm. The full list of brews is available here.
No Impact Man @ Green Street Theater
Mindful Metropolis presents a special Chicago showing of No Impact Man, a documentary that follows the life of Colin Beavan as he decides to completely eliminate his personal impact on the environment for one year. This means going vegetarian, buying locally, avoiding elevators, television, cars, buses, and airplanes, as well as toxic cleaning products, electricity, and all material consumption. Doors open at 5:30pm for the reception, with food catered by City Provisions and desserts by The Chicago Diner. The film will begin at 7pm, followed by a presentation from local experts, including Associate Director for the Delta Institute and Director of the Green Business Development Center, Wyllys Mann, and Journalist, Writer, and Homesteader, Deborah Neiman-Boehle. Tickets are $15 in advance. The Chicago Center for Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Get into the Kitchen
Learn basic cooking skills at this four-part class. which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30. Future classes are April 15, 22 and 29.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Drink & Draw FOOD @ Spudnik Press
Every month, Spudnik Press, the West Town printmaking studio, holds an evening doodling session open to anyone with a sketchbook and drawing utensils. The theme of this month's Drink & Draw is food. There will be food to draw and PBR and wine to drink. Bring more to share. Drink and Draw takes place from 7:00-9:30pm at Spudnik Press, 1821 W Hubbard, Suite 308, 312-532-0304. Suggested donation is $5.
Easter Brunch @ Jack's on Halsted
Gay Chicago Magazine is hosting Easter brunch this year, complete with music, drink specials, and delicious food. They will also be collecting clothing, canned goods and toiletries for Vital Bridges at the event. Vital Bridges helps individuals throughout Chicagoland impacted by HIV and AIDS to improve their health and build self-sufficiency by providing food, nutrition, housing, case management and prevention services. 10:30am - 3:30pm. 3201 N. Halsted Street. Admission is free, plus the cost of brunch. For more information, contact Gay Chicago Magazine at 773-327-7271.
World Kitchen Learning Series: The Perfect Egg
Learn how to cook an egg and eggy dishes properly tonight at The Perfect Egg class. which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Culinary Conversation with Food Women @ The Downtown Farmstand
In celebration of Women's History Month, Judith Dunbar-Hines will lead a lively conversation with five women who own and operate Chicago area food businesses to learn about their journey establishing, operating and marketing their successful operations. This event will take place at Chicago's Downtown Farmstand (66 E. Randolph), which will remain open until 8pm to accommodate post-event shoppers. Participants include Nicole Bergere, Nicole's Crackers; Jessica Volpe, Pasta Puttana; Jenny Yang, Phoenix Tofu; Meg Dhamer, Pigtales Twist; and Elizabeth Madden, Rare Bird. Admission is free but capacity is limited. Advance registration is required by calling (312) 742-8497.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Chicago Chef Week Begins
Chicago Chef Week is a prix fixe promotion at a juicy list of local places (Boka, Spring, Province, etc.): diners will be treated to $20 lunch and $30 dinner specials. No complaints here. Event starts today and runs through March 28.
Chicago Victory Gardens: Today and Tomorrow @ Kendall College
The Culinary Historians of Chicago take us back to the days of victory gardens (food, not the theater) in the city through a morning lecture at Kendall College, 900 North Branch. RSVP requested. Event begins at 10am. Free parking.
Scavenger Hunt @ Hoosier Mama
Hoosier Mama Pie Company celebrates its first birthday today with a scavenger hunt. Participants (teams of 1-3) will complete for a year's supply of pie (say it with me!). Must register in advance. Event begins at noon, 1618 West Chicago
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Two Brothers Tapping Event @ Hopleaf
Two Brothers Brewing Co. is celebrating the release of two of their new J-Series ales at Hopleaf (5148 N Clark).
On tap are the new Resistance IPA and Long Haul Session Ale. Both use French Oak Brewing Tanks (called "foudres") to age the ales. Swing by and see if you can taste the difference! Event details are located on the Hopleaf website, found here.
Monday Night Dining @ Kendall College
This winter, students of Kendall College's Monday Night Dining Symposium will be interpreting Latin American cuisine for a weekly set five-course banquet. Tonight is the last evening of the seres, and the menu will feature Mexican cuisine. The event takes place in The Dining Room at Kendall College (900 N. Branch St.), with seating starting at 6:30pm and dinner at 7pm. The $38 fee per person covers food, non-alcoholic beverages, and tax, but not gratuity. BYOB with no corkage fee is also available. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling (312) 752-2328.
Pi(e) Day @ Firkin
The Chicago Nerd Social Club presents a Pi(e) Day celebration at Firkin (670 West Diversey). Among the events: a pie contest; a contest to see who can rattle off the most digits of pi; and a one minute basic math test. The event runs from 5pm to 8pm. Tickets are $5, or free if you're participating in the pie contest. Full information and tickets available at the Chicago Nerds Website.
Breakfast With the Apes
The Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting a breakfast in the Regenstein Center for African Apes with the assistant curator of primates. After breakfast, diners will view chimpanzees and gorillas during their most active time of day. Breakfast is at 9am, and the visit to the ape house is at 10am; admission is $65 for zoo members and $75 for nonmembers.
Tickets available here. (Children under 12 are not admitted.)
Taste of the Neighborhoods Tour
The City hosts a tour today of the eats representing selected neighborhoods around Chicago--Greek on Halsted, Italian on Taylor, South side BBQ, Middle Eastern in Albany Park--and you can join them! The Taste of the Neighborhoods tour series meets monthly; destinations are announced a few weeks before the tour, so contact the City to find out what's on the menu for today.
Family Farmed Expo @ UIC
The Family Farmed Expo is great opportunity to meet and chew the sustainable cud with advocates of local growing and eating initiatives. Lectures, exhibits, and of course food are on the menu. Event is at UIC Forum, 725 West Roosevelt.
Localicious Party at Family Farmed Expo @ UIC
The Family Farmed Expo is great opportunity to meet and chew the sustainable cud with advocates of local growing and eating initiatives. Tonight's Localicious party will show you the best of regional eats while you mingle with the swells. Event takes place at UIC Forum, 725 West Roosevelt, 7-9pm.
Family Farmed Expo @ UIC
The Family Farmed Expo is great opportunity to meet and chew the sustainable cud with advocates of local growing and eating initiatives. Lectures, exhibits, and of course food are on the menu. Event takes place at UIC Forum, 725 West Roosevelt.
No Foam Chicago Fundraiser @ Lemmings
No Foam Chicago is having a fundraiser tonight from 6pm-8pm at Lemmings, 1850 N. Damen Ave. A $20 cover will get you two drink tickets and light appetizers.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Monday Night Dining @ Kendall College
This winter, students of Kendall College's Monday Night Dining Symposium will be interpreting Latin American cuisine for a weekly set five-course banquet. Tonight's menu features Brazilian cuisine. The event takes place in The Dining Room at Kendall College (900 N. Branch St.), with seating starting at 6:30pm and dinner at 7pm. The $38 fee per person covers food, non-alcoholic beverages, and tax, but not gratuity. BYOB with no corkage fee is also available. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling (312) 752-2328.
Iron Cupcake Chile @ Smash Cake
This month Iron Cupcake challenge is between Irma from Beautiful Cake and Michelle from Bleeding Heart Bakery and the special ingredient is chile. $5 gets you in the door and plenty of cupcakes. Other food and beverages will be available for sale. The event will be hosted at Smash Cake, located at 2961 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL. To register or more info: beautifulcakes@sbcglobal.net. For more information on the history of Iron Cupcake, go here.
Harvest Moon Farms Open House @ LUSH West Town
Meet the people behind Harvest Moon, a 20-acre certified organic farm in southwest Wisconsin, and learn about their 2010 community supported agriculture (CSA) program. This year, all three LUSH locations will serve as Harvest Moon CSA delivery sites. The meet and greet takes place tonight at LUSH West Town, 1412 W. Chicago Ave., from 6:00-8:00 pm.
I'm There: A Birthday Celebration for Chicago @ Chicago Art Department
I'm There: A Birthday Celebration for the City of Chicago is meant to give a celebratory real-time, ground level look at the current state of three pivotal neighborhoods in Chicago--Wicker Park, Wrigleyville and Pilsen. Each neighborhood will be represented visually by a photographer and musically with a DJ from each 'hood. Each photographer and DJ collaborated to take unique shots for a one night only photography exhibit that is meant to produce a truly unique and personal journey into their neighborhood and lives as influential artists in the city. America's Dog will be providing food, 404 Wine Bar will be sampling some spectacular wines, and Bleeding Heart Bakery is putting together a cake of epic proportions. There will be a hosted Old Style bar from 7-8pm with a donation-based wet bar after that. Admission is free from 7-11pm. Chicago Art Department is located at 1837 S. Halsted.
Tastes of Lebanon
The Oriental Institute is hosting a Tastes of Lebanon dinner at Fattoush Restaurant (2652 N. Halsted St.), where owners Samer and Lina Elakhaoui will prepare and explain several traditional Lebanese dishes, including fattoush, their signature salad. Enjoy mezze (appetizers), a sampling of entrees, and desserts. Diners will also receive a recipe to take home with them. The dinner takes place from 7-9pm. The fee is $49 for Oriental Institute members, or $54 for non-members, and it includes food, tax, gratuity, and wine. Pre-registration is required and can be done online or by calling (773) 702-9507.
Drive-Thru Staff Cooks for Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies (one of tonight's special chefs is your beloved Drive-Thru staff!) prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Monday Night Dining @ Kendall College
This winter, students of Kendall College's Monday Night Dining Symposium will be interpreting Latin American cuisine for a weekly set five-course banquet. Tonight's menu features cuisine from the Caribbean Islands. The event takes place in The Dining Room at Kendall College (900 N. Branch St.), with seating starting at 6:30pm and dinner at 7pm. The $38 fee per person covers food, non-alcoholic beverages, and tax, but not gratuity. BYOB with no corkage fee is also available. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling (312) 752-2328.
Chicago's Best WingFest
Thirty of the city's top hot wing-selling restaurants compete to see whose are the best, today starting at 1pm at Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington Ave. Come sample wings judged in Mild, Hot, BBQ, or Exotic categories; watch a wing-eating contest; and enjoy live blues music hosted by WXRT's Lynn Bremer. Tickets are $24, available in advance; VIP tickets are available for $50. Proceeds benefit Chicago Neighbors United. 21+ More info here.
Presidential Dining @ Kendall College
Chicago Foodways sponsors a lecture on the history of dining in the White House today at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, from 10am-noon. Culinary historian Barbara Kuck will take you through presidential dining from George Washington up to Barack. Cost $3; Kendall students free. RSVP at (847) 432-8255 or via email. Free parking.
Culinary Conversation with Terra Brockman @ The Downtown Farmstand
Tonight from 6-7:30pm at Chicago's Downtown Farmstand. (66 E Randolph)Terra Brockman, author of The Seasons on Henry's Farm: A Year of Food and Life on a Sustainable Farm, will join Judith Dunbar-Hines of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs for a conversation and reading followed by a book signing. Capacity is limited, advance registration is required by calling (312) 742-8497 or clicking here.
Distillation Tasting @ Webster's Wine Bar
Join in Webster's first-ever tasting focused on distilled wines. Ponder tonight the ancient roots of distillates while sampling over 20 classic and new examples from around the world including Cognacs, Armagnacs, Brandies de Jerez, Alsatian fruit eau-de-vies and Italian grappas. The tasting begins at 7:30pm and costs $40 per person. Email or call (773) 868-0608 to sign up. Webster's Wine Bar is located at 1480 W. Webster.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Taste of the Neighborhoods Tour
The City hosts a tour today of the eats representing selected neighborhoods around Chicago--Greek on Halsted, Italian on Taylor, South side BBQ, Middle Eastern in Albany Park--and you can join them! The Taste of the Neighborhoods tour series meets monthly; destinations are announced a few weeks before the tour, so contact the City to find out what's on the menu for today.
"Bittersweet History of Chocolate in France" @ Lexington College
Join local sugar artist Mark Seaman today for this lively discussion on the history of chocolate in France. Be regaled with sweet tales of kings and queens and learn how chocolate goes from bean to bar. Also, indulge in confections prepared by the French Pastry School of Chicago. The talk takes place from 10am to noon at Lexington College, 310 S. Peoria St. (two blocks west of Halsted, just south of Jackson). Parking is free in the adjacent college garage. Cost of the program is $5, $3 for students and members and no charge for CHC members and Lexington faculty and students. To reserve, call Barbara Olson at (708) 788-0338, or e-mail to save your spot.
Chicago Restaurant Week
The third annual Chicago Restaurant Week is a spectacle of dining--a range of area restaurants, from the Gage to the Benihana in Wheeling--offer prix fixe ($22 lunch and/or $32 dinner menus until February 28.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Tasty Treats Today
Monica Eng of the Tribune will be moderating a discussion about the new wave of local candymakers (Katherine Anne, Terry's Toffee, Rich's Chocolates)--samples abound!--tonight at 7pm at the Chicago History Museum, North and Clark. Cost $8-10.
Monday Night Dining @ Kendall College
This winter, students of Kendall College's Monday Night Dining Symposium will be interpreting Latin American cuisine for a weekly set five-course banquet. Tonight's menu features cuisine from Peru and Chile. The event takes place in The Dining Room at Kendall College (900 N. Branch St.), with seating starting at 6:30pm and dinner at 7pm. The $38 fee per person covers food, non-alcoholic beverages, and tax, but not gratuity. BYOB with no corkage fee is also available. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling (312) 752-2328.
Feast with the LP Zoo's Felines
Join Lincoln Park Zoo for breakfast in the Kovler Lion House while listening to the zoological manager of carnivores. Learn about our own lions, tigers and other cats, then view the zoo's cats as they explore their habitats first thing in the morning, their most active time of day. Breakfast is at 9:30am, and ticket, which must be purchased by Feb. 11, are $65 for zoo members and $75 for nonmembers. Get tickets here. (Children under 12 are not permitted.)
Clandestino's Valentine's Dinner Series
In 2010, Clandestino will continue to wander the city, serving lavish feasts in some very unique spaces. Join them for their upcoming Valentine's Dinner Series for a menu featuring Gunthorp Farm Duck and Faith's Farm Berkshire Pork. This event is BYOB. Wine recommendations to be announced. To see the menu and to RSVP, see Clandestino's website.
Paczki Eating Contest @ Bennison's Bakery
If I'm not a contestant, I will be enviously watching eight teams of two gobble down paczki for money and prizes today at Bennison's Bakery, 1000 Davis Street in Evanston at 3pm. Join me. Or join a team; call (847) 328-9434 to register.
Clandestino's Valentine's Dinner Series
In 2010, Clandestino will continue to wander the city, serving lavish feasts in some very unique spaces. Join them for their upcoming Valentine's Dinner Series for a menu featuring Gunthorp Farm Duck and Faith's Farm Berkshire Pork. This event is BYOB. Wine recommendations to be announced. To see the menu and to RSVP, see Clandestino's website.
Valentine's Pastry Market @ Logan Square Kitchen
Buy some love today at the Valentine's Pastry Market at Logan Square Kitchen, 10am-3pm at 2333 North Milwaukee. Treats from local bakers such as Sugarkist, Katherine Anne, Floriole, Rare Bird Preserves, and Rich Chocolates and Candies will be sold.
Sweet Saturday @ Garfield Park Conservatory
Sweet Saturdays return to the Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N Central Park Ave) today from 11am to 4pm. Focused on plants that provide the key ingredients to some of our favorite sweet treats, this family friendly event allows visitors of all ages to sample the facts, the flavors and the fun of some of the most tantalizing tropical treats. Today's feature is vanilla tasting, brought to you by Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Specialists of Waukegan, Illinois. There's also live music in Horticulture Hall's Sweet Saturdays' Tropical Café and hands-on activity stations. Suggested donation is $3.
Clandestino's Valentine's Dinner Series
In 2010, underground supper club Clandestino will continue to wander the city, serving lavish feasts in some very unique spaces. Join them for their upcoming Valentine's Dinner Series for a menu featuring Gunthorp Farm Duck and Faith's Farm Berkshire Pork. This event is BYOB. Wine recommendations to be announced. To see the menu and to RSVP, see Clandestino's website.
Sweet Tooth Bake Sale/Art Show for Chicago Art
This bake sale benefit features an art installation by James Casper Jankowiak, art display by glitter artist Sue Zola and an art raffle by 12 artists, and music by local DJs. A $20 door donation gets you complimentary wine and beer along with a complimentary pastry ticket. The money goes to several Chicago-based arts organizations. This event is from 6-10pm at 2003 S. Halsted. Click here for more information.
Clandestino's Valentine's Dinner Series
In 2010, underground supper club Clandestino will continue to wander the city, serving lavish feasts in some very unique spaces. Join them for their upcoming Valentine's Dinner Series for a menu featuring Gunthorp Farm Duck and Faith's Farm Berkshire Pork. This event is BYOB. Wine recommendations to be announced. To see the menu and to RSVP, see Clandestino's website.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Classic Candy @ Chicago History Museum
Monica Eng of the Tribune will be moderating a discussion about the love of candy between reps of the Wrigley and Primrose Candy companies tonight at 7pm at the Chicago History Museum, North and Clark. Cost $8-10.
Safe & Sound Dinner @ Landmark
If you're looking for a meal free of allergens, head to Landmark (1633 N. Halsted) tonight for a specially prepared dinner that will keep your allergies under control. Tickets $50 per person; RSVP required.
Monday Night Dining @ Kendall College
This winter, students of Kendall College's Monday Night Dining Symposium will be interpreting Latin American cuisine for a weekly set five-course banquet. Tonight's menu features Argentinian cuisine. The event takes place in The Dining Room at Kendall College (900 N. Branch St.), with seating starting at 6:30pm and dinner at 7pm. The $38 fee per person covers food, non-alcoholic beverages, and tax, but not gratuity. BYOB with no corkage fee is also available. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling (312) 752-2328.
Sweet Saturday @ Garfield Park Observatory
Sweet Saturdays return to the Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N Central Park Ave) today from 11a to 4p. Focused on plants that provide the key ingredients to some of our favorite sweet treats, this family friendly event allows visitors of all ages to sample the facts, the flavors and the fun of some of the most tantalizing tropical treats. Today's feature is honey tasting, brought to you by the Conservatory's Volunteer Beekeepers, who care for the Conservatory's 12-hive apiary. There's also live music in Horticulture Hall's Sweet Saturdays' Tropical Café and hands-on activity stations. Suggested donation is $3.
Animal Magnetism @ Galleria Marchetti
Tonight's benefit for PAWS gives you an opportunity to mingle with the swells (and their pooches--dogs are welcome!) in the name of helping out a deserving charity. Drinks, buffets, and dancing can be yours for $125 (an extra $25 if you're bringing Fido). Event begins at 7pm at Galleria Marchetti, 825 West Erie.
A Sweet Kinda Town @ Chicago History Museum
Learn all about Chicago's historical connection to confections tonight at 7pm at the Chicago History Museum (North and Clark) with author Beth Kimmerle, who will be signing copies of her new book Blommer: An American Chocolate Legacy afterward. Cost $8-10.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Exploring Breads of the South
Biscuits, cornbread, quick cakes and everything that is southern breads will be explored in this class, part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 66 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Groundhog Day @ Swissôtel
If you live anywhere in the United States except for Punxsatawney, Pennsylvania, then Groundhog Day is an amusement; perhaps an opportunity to complain about the current weather or harbor a hope for better.
But the folks in Phil's hometown are serious about his prognosticative ability, and it seems that Swissôtel (323 E. Wacker)in Chicago is as well.
Today through Sunday, February the 7th, Swissôtel will be hosting a Groundhog Day promotion in The Lobby Lounge. There's a custom menu courtesy of Executive Chef Dan McGee that consists of a selection of German bratwurst and specialty bretzels from Hannah's Bretzels (180 W. Washington), as well as a signature drink: The Ground Hog.
Other attractions include Groundhog Day film trivia to win complimentary appetizers.
For more information, you can check out Swissôtel's website here.
Monday Night Dining @ Kendall College
This winter, students of Kendall College's Monday Night Dining Symposium will be interpreting Latin American cuisine for a weekly set five-course banquet. Tonight's menu comes from Puerto Rican and Cuban cuisine. The event takes place in The Dining Room at Kendall College (900 N. Branch ST.), with seating starting at 6:30pm and dinner at 7pm. The $38 fee per person covers food, non-alcoholic beverages, and tax, but not gratuity. BYOB with no corkage fee is also available. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling (312) 752-2328.
IHOP National Pancake Day
IHOP celebrates with a free shortstack of buttermilk pancakes, 7am-10pm, at participating locations. Donations made that day benefit the Children's Miracle Network.
Slow Food Chicago Annual Meeting
Join Slow Food Chicago for their 2010 annual meeting. They will recap their 2009 year and highlight their planned 2010 projects and events. Enjoy food from Chicago's local producers, farmers, and chefs, thoughts from nationally-renown activist, educator, and Director of the Edible Schoolyard in Berkely, CA: Marsha Guerrero, and conversation with the Chicago chapter members, board, and supporters! At Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch St, Chicago 60622
Gracen Brilmyer's To Come From @ Knock Knock Gallery
Based on the artist's time spent while living in Sweden, Gracen Brilmyer's latest show, To Come From is a site-specific body of work that sifts through memories while living abroad. Working intuitively within self imposed time constraints, Brilmyer embraces the unique possibilities and foibles inherent within the printmaking process. Creating layers by printing over original drawings, paintings and other prints, the final pieces reference both reality and characters form the artist's own imagined narratives. Drawing influence from traditional comic books, the passage of time is depicted as multiple points within a single panel. Knock Knock Gallery is located at 3658 S. Wolcott #2F. The reception starts at 6pm.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Gluten-Free Gourmet
Ditch the gluten with style in this class, part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 11am-2pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 66 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Scent of Cinnamon
Your cooking will get spicy from the Scent of Cinnamon class, part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 66 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Red/White: A Wine Tasting Benefit for Red Door Animal Shelter @ Fine Wine Brokers
Join fellow animal (and wine) lovers for a benefit for the Red Door Shelter tonight at Fine Wine Brokers, 4621 N. Lincoln Avenue. Wine tastings, snacks and raffles are on the bill. Tickets $40; event begins at 7:30pm.
Winter Doldrums Cocktail Dinner @ Naha
Shake off the winter blues with a special dinner highlighting rare teas, spirits and cocktails that are paired with a game and winter root vegetable influenced tasting menu. The event takes place at Naha (500 N. Clark St.) and costs $125/person, all inclusive. Space is limited, so call (312) 321-6242 or e-mail the restaurant for times and reservations.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Jim Beam Bourbon Dinner @ Schuba's
If you love Jim Beam and eating, enjoy this match made in bourbon heaven tonight: a four-course prix fixe meal where JB is an ingredient AND a drink. Jim Beam "Bourbon Professor" Steve Cole will be on hand to school you. Tickets are $60, you must be over 21 (of course), event starts at 7:30pm at Schuba's (3159 N. Southport).
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Biodynamic Wine Tasting & Book Signing @ Brasserie Jo
Join Chef Jean Joho of Brasserie Jo and Todd Hess of H2Vino this evening for a special wine tasting to benefit the Chicago Waldorf School. Learn the differences between between sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines, sample an array of olive oils and nosh on appetizers by Chef Joho. Chef will also be signing copies of his book, The Eiffel Tower Restaurant Cookbook, which will be available for purchase at the event. The tasting is from 5:30-8:30pm and costs $40 per person. Call (773) 828-8458 to RSVP. Brasserie Jo is located at 59 W. Hubbard St.
Tapped @ Siskel Film Center
You'll never look at Evian the same way. Tapped, a documentary that uncovers the troubling commercial water industry, premieres at the Siskel Film Center (164 N. State) at 6pm.
Tapped @ Siskel Film Center
You'll never look at Evian the same way. Tapped, a documentary that uncovers the troubling commercial water industry, premieres at the Siskel Film Center (164 N. State) at 5pm.
A Bake Sale for Haiti
Medici on 57th (1327 E. 57th) is hosting a charity bake sale to benefit the people of Haiti affected by the recent earthquake. Medici will be selling their sweets at the event, along with Luscious Layers Bakery, Bleeding Heart Bakery, Jimmy Jamm Sweet Potato Pies, Sugar Beez Custom Cookies and Katherine Anne Confections. All proceeds will be donated to Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam for their ongoing relief efforts in Haiti. Event runs from 2:30pm-6pm. Email bakesale4haiti@gmail.com if you have questions or would like to donate to the cause.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Counting Beans
Learn to love legumes and their brethren at the Counting Beans class, part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Chicago Originals Restaurant Week
Chicago Originals Restaurant Week offers discounted prix-fixe meals at a bevy of local and suburban restaurants--this year's deal is $29.10 for a three-course menu. Sweets and Savories, Cafe Matou, Le Titi and Paris and Highland Park's Cafe Central are among the participants. Event runs until January 31.
Haiti Benefit @ The Hideout
Hideout Haiti Benefit tonight at 8pm, featuring music from the Waco Brothers and Eleventh Dream Day, a poster sale by Judgeworks, and a bake sale organized by Joanna of My Vegetable Blog. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. The Hideout 1354 West Wabansia (773) 227-4433
New American TableReception & Dinner @ C-House
Marcus Samuelsson, chef and owner of C-House, has published a book called New American Table and is celebrating tonight with a beer dinner at his restaurant. The cocktail reception and four-course dinner includes pairings by Goose Island, with a brew master on hand to educate diners about the beer. The reception starts at 6:30pm, followed by dinner at 7:30pm. This event costs $65, or $85 if you'd like an autographed copy of the book, excluding tax and tip. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant at (312) 523-0923.
The Pleasure of Pasta @ Quartino
The Culinary Historians of Chicago present a morning lecture on the history, love and preparation of pasta with Quartino executive chef John Coletta and food writer Nancy Ryan. A few pasta treats and a book signing of the two's new book, 250 True Italian Pasta Dishes: Easy and Authentic Recipes follows. Event runs 10am-noon at Quartino, 626 N. State. Admission $3-5. To reserve, please call Barbara Olson at (708) 788-0338 or email .
Kombucha Class @ Dream About Tea
Learn everything you need to know about making the popular fermented tea at home during this two-hour lesson. The class starts at 11:30am and costs $50, which includes the kombucha starter. Dream About Tea is located at 1011 Davis St., Evanston. Call (847) 864-7464 to RSVP.
Five Star Bar/Half Acre Brewery Bus Tour
Just $10 gets you a seat on the bus taking off from Five Star Bar (1424 W Chicago Ave) traveling to Half Acre Brewery in Lincoln Square (and back) for a special brewery tour and tasting today. Bus leaves at 1:30pm from Five Star and returns at 5pm. Details online. RSVP to info@fivestarbar.com or buy tickets at the bar. 21+
3rd Annual Winter Block Party for Chicago Hip-Hop @ Chicago Urban Art Society
Kicking off 2011, Chicago Public Media (WBEZ 91.5 FM) continues its Off-Air Series with the 3rd Annual Winter Block Party for Chicago's Hip-Hop Arts at Chicago Urban Art Society today from 11am to 10pm. Created to celebrate Chicago's hip-hop arts, this annual party begins at 11am with free events such as: a visual art and graffiti gallery exhibition; marketplace; hip-hop barbershop; the Vocalo Sampling Showcase with Vocalo host Jesse Menendez leading a presentation on the art of sampling; lots of special guests; music all afternoon by some of Chicago's favorite DJs including Itch 13, Sweatpants Money, DJ Susannah Kim; and more! Ticketed programs this year include a screening of Copyright Criminals, which examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, tracing the rise of hip-hop from the urban streets of New York to its current status as a multibillion-dollar industry, and the popular "First Come, First Served!" one-on-one B-Boy/B-Girl battle hosted by Chicago's own Legendary Brickheadz. Highlighting the event will be a ticketed evening program titled Original Style: Exploring the History of Chicago House hosted by Kevin Coval, which will include archival film of the scenes and sounds of the 1980s and 90s, music selections courtesy of SilverRoom founder DJ Eric Williams, plus the founders of Chicago House: DJ Frankie Knuckles, known as 'The Honorary Godfather of House Music'; Robert Williams, owner of the Warehouse and Music Box; Frederick Dunson, original warehouse manager; Reggie Corner, House music promoter; Lewis Lazu, dancer and promoter; and many more. The evening will wrap up with an After Party with legendary house DJ Ron Trent and seminal Hip-Hop DJ Jesse De La Pena! Admission during the day is free with optional ticketed programming for $5 general admission or $3 for WBEZ members. Tickets for the evening program are $15 general admission, $12 for WBEZ members, and $10 for students with a valid ID. Tickets are available at www.wbez.org/events. The Chicago Urban Art Society is located at 2229 S. Halsted Street.
Cocktail Class @ Nacional 27
Shake off the cold with a hot cocktail! In this month's cocktail class Adam Seger, Nacional 27's resident mixologist will show you how to prepare two hot concoctions: Hot Buttered Hum and Hot Agave Mocha. The class runs from 5:30-6:30 PM, and you'll learn how to mix these drinks, sample them, enjoy passed appetizers, and receive recipe cards. $27 per person. Call 312-664-2727 or visit Nacional 27's website for reservations.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Meat and the Farmer
Meet a local meat purveyor from Slagel Family Farms and learn how to cook with their meats at the Meat and the Farmer class, part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Taste & Travel: Guatemala
REI, Hostelling International, and Whole Foods team up for this travel and food series on different countries around the world. This month they visit Guatemala. The class starts at 6:30pm in the upstairs community room at REI (1466 N. Halsted St.) with a slide presentation and lecture by experienced travelers from Hostelling International. Then the class moves to Whole Foods (1550 N. Kingsbury) for wine or beer and food samples from the region. Cost is $15, but participants receive a $5 Whole Foods gift card. For more information, e-mail churwit@rei.com. Reservations are required, so call Whole Foods customer service at (312) 587-0648 to reserve your spot.
Importer Wine Tasting @ Webster's Wine Bar
Participate in this unique event and learn how to discern an importer's palate across a range of wines. Sample 20-25 European bottlings from a select group of importers including Skurnik/Theise, Rosenthal, Dressner and Lynch.The tasting begins at 7:30pm and costs $40 per person. Email or call 773-868-0608 to sign up. Webster's Wine Bar is located at 1480 W. Webster.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for a local food-related charity where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
City Provisions Supper Club
City Provisions kicks off its monthly Supper Club event with a cocktail party at Architectural Artifacts (4235 N. Ravenswood Ave.). The party gets under way at 7pm and features cocktails from Death's Door Spirits, heavy finger food from City Provisions, and desserts from Floriole Bakery. Cost is $75, all inclusive. Make reservations by calling (773) 293-2489 or e-mail supperclub@cityprovisions.com.
"Winter Warmup with Hearty Soups" Cooking Class @ WAVE
At WAVE's monthly cooking class, Executive Chef Kristine Subido shows you how to prepare seasonal foods. This month, soup's on the docket. Learn how to prepare soups as Chef Subido demonstrates. The two-hour class takes place at the restaurant (644 N. Lake Shore Dr.) and kicks off at 2:30pm with a cocktail, followed by the lesson and lunch with wine. Cost is $60 for one person, $110 for two, or $210 for four, and the fee includes tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made online. For more information, call (312) 255-4460.
The Local Tourist Restaurant Week Begins
C-House, Mercat a la Planxa and LM are among the businesses participating in Local Tourist's Restaurant Week, which begins today; the week-long event boasts $25 lunch and $35 dinner menus, and 10% of each meal goes to pediatric cancer charity Endure To Cure.
At the Bar with Nick & Charles @ The Drawing Room
The Drawing Room's Executive Chef Nick Lacasse and Chief Mixologist Charles Joly are partnering for this dinner and cocktail event. Enjoy a three-course dinner paired with specialty cocktails. Dinner starts at 6:30pm at The Drawing Room (937 N. Rush St.). $45/person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 312-266-2694.
At the Bar with Nick & Charles @ The Drawing Room
The Drawing Room's Executive Chef Nick Lacasse and Chief Mixologist Charles Joly are partnering for this dinner and cocktail event. Enjoy a three-course dinner paired with specialty cocktails. Dinner starts at 6:30pm at The Drawing Room (937 N. Rush St.). $45/person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (312) 266-2694.
Soup and Bread @ Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for the St. John Berchman's Food Pantry where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5:30-8pm.
Explorations in Food Writing Class @ Evanston Public Library
If you're interested in honing your food writing skills, have we got the class for you: Northwestern University and the Evanston Public Library are holding a free (yes, free!) eight-session creative writing class starting tonight where each week you will learn how to translate your favorite meals into words. So if you're looking to make a New Year's resolution to eat less, perhaps writing more will be an easier goal to keep. Evanston Public Library, Main Library, 1703 Orrington Avenue. Tuesday, 7-9pm.
Complimentary Cake @ Brasserie Jo
In celebration of the French holiday King Day, Brasserie Jo is offering complimentary "King's Cake" to all dining guests. This flaky, puffed-pastry is filled with almond creme and is being specially prepared for Brasserie Jo by the French Pastry School. Brasserie Jo is located at 59 West Hubbard, Chicago. (312) 595-0800.
15th Annual Kwanzaa Observance Program @ Malcolm X College
Malcolm X College is hosting the 15th Annual Kwanzaa Observance Program today, starting at 10am. This is the last day of the largest known seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa in the country publicly held in an institution of higher learning. Admission is free. For more information contact Jessica Holloway: Kwanzaa Chairperson at 312-850-7472 or arhoden@ccc.edu. Malcolm X College is located at 1900 W. Van Buren. For more information, including the schedule, check out this press release.15th Annual Kwanzaa Observance Program at Malcolm X College today, starting at 10am. This is the last day of the largest known seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa in the country publicly held in an institution of higher learning. Admission is free. For more information contact Jessica Holloway: Kwanzaa Chairperson at 312-850-7472 or arhoden@ccc.edu. Malcolm X College is located at 1900 W. Van Buren. For more information, including the schedule, check out this press release.
New Year's Day Pajama Brunch @ Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
Start 2010 by brunching at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba (2024 N. Halsted) between 10am and 3pm--and you don't even need to get out of your pajamas. Order from Spanish-style brunch offerings, cava cocktails, and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Complimentary churros and fresh-squeezed orange juice will also be available. All diners who do show up in their PJ's will receive a gift certificate in the amount of their brunch bill. Call (773) 935-5000 for more information and reservations.
Surly Beer Pairing Dinner @ Rodan
Say good-bye to 2009 with good beer! Rodan (1530 N. Milwaukee Ave.) is teaming up with Surly Brewing to offer a four-course dinner with beer pairings. This guided tour event will take place from 6-10 PM and is limited to 50 people. The dinner alone costs $35, plus $15 for the beer pairings. For more information and to reserve your spot, call 773-276-7036 or e-mail Rodan.
NYE Party @ Kaplan's Liquors
Each year Kaplan's Liquors hosts a New Years Eve party, and this year is no different, but they're expecting quite a crowd. There will be free Korean and Polish Food and a Youtube Karaoke performance with VJ Eddie Gymkata of the 80's performance art band, Members Only, among other things. Korean ladies, mutants, and sexy co-eds will be mingling with intellectuals, art fags, old men, and union guys. Should be pretty fun. Should be free, too, except for the booze. The party will be from 8:30pm to 2am. It's a bar, so only go if you're 21+. Kaplan's Liquors is located in Bridgeport at 960 W. 31st. St. Call them at 773-890-0588 for information.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Guinness 250th Anniversary Toast @ Smoke Daddy
If you haven't yet celebrated the 250th anniversary of Guinness beer, Smoke Daddy (1804 W. Division) is giving you a chance to raise a pint. Mingle with Guinness reps and enjoy Ireland's favorite brew. The party starts at 7pm and is free. Pints of Guinness, Smithwick's Ale, and Guinness' 250th Anniversary Stout will be on special for $6/pint. A flight of all three will also cost $6. For more information call (773) 772-MOJO (6656).
15th Annual Kwanzaa Observance Program @ Malcolm X College
Malcolm X College and the Bolozi Wazee (Council of Elders) - Shule Ya Watoto (School for Children) are celebrating 15th Annual Kwanzaa Observance Program at Malcolm X College, starting today and continuing through Kwanzaa every day starting at 10am, until January 1. This is the largest known seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa in the country publicly held in an institution of higher learning. Admission is free. For more information contact Jessica Holloway: Kwanzaa Chairperson at (312) 850-7472, or arhoden@ccc.edu. Malcolm X College is located at 1900 W. Van Buren. For more information, including the schedule, check out this press release.
Chicago Cycling Club's Bagel Ride @ Robert Crown Center
Finished opening your presents early? Then don your cold-weather active gear and join the Chicago Cycling Club for their annual Bagel Ride. This year, the leisurely 10-mile ride meanders through the North Shore, starting at 10am at the Robert Crown Center (1701 Main St.) in Evanston. The ride ends with brunch at The Bagel Restaurant at Old Orchard. Contact Paul Pomerance at (847) 275-9094 for more information.
LTH Forum's 5th Annual Christmas Eve @ Happy Chef
If you don't celebrate Christmas (or need a reason to escape from a get-together), LTH Forum is holding their annual Chinese Christmas Eve dinner tonight at Happy Chef at 6pm (2164 South Archer). Meal price around $30. RSVP required.
Christkindlmarket (Last Day)
It's your last chance to celebrate baby Jesus like a German! Today is the last day of the annual Christkindlmarket (the "Charming German American Holiday Festival for Friends and Families") at Daley Plaza. If you are looking for something to do with your kids because they've been out of school all week for Winter break and are spazzing out, or if you've got in-laws in town for Christmas and you don't want them sitting around your house, judging you, this may be your answer. 11am-4pm. Daley Plaza: 50 W. Washington. Ho Ho Ho.
Luca Corazzine @ Green City Market
Luca Corazzina of 312 Chicago will conduct a 10:30am chef demonstration at Green City Market, which is currently located at the Notebart Nature Museum (Fullerton at Lake Shore). This is also the last market until January 16th so stock up!
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Empty Bottle Farmers Market
The Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Ave.) hosts its first-ever farmers market from 11am to 5pm today in collaboration with the Advocates for Urban Agriculture. Twelve vendors will sell everything from hand-spun wool to organic herbs and canned goods. Free admission.
Paul Fehribach @ Green City Market
Paul Fehribach of Big Jones will conduct a 10:30am chef demonstration at Green City Market, which is currently located at the Notebart Nature Museum (Fullerton at Lake Shore).
The View from the Kitchen @ Chicago History Museum
Presented by the Culinary Historians of Chicago, today's lecture about the culinary travels of a former chef of the family who owned Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece Fallingwater will not disappoint. "The View from the Kitchen: an Upstairs-Downstairs Look at Frank Lloyd Wright's Most Famous House" runs 10am-noon at the Chicago History Museum,1600 N. Clark. Admission starts at $3; RSVP requested.
Adam Seger's Cocktail Class @ Nacional 27
Nacional 27's Adam Seger's bringing in some holiday sparkle at this month's cocktail class, which features Champagne. Learn how to make two Champagne cocktails, the "Apertif 27" and the "Sparkling Holiday Mojito." The $20 class fee includes cocktails, passed appetizers, and recipe cards and takes place at the restaurant (325 W. Huron). Reserve your spot online or call 312-664-2727.
Bruce Sherman @ Green City Market
Bruce Sherman of North Pond will conduct a 10:30am chef demonstration at Green City Market, which is currently located at the Notebart Nature Museum (Fullerton at Lake Shore).
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Ugly Sweater Contest @ Sheffield's
Put on your most craptastic sweater and head to Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield) for the chance to win some great prizes, including Cubs tickets and memorabilia, Sheffield's gift cards, and more. The Ugly Sweater Contest is in conjunction with Sheffield's coat and canned food drive, so the price of admission is a coat or some canned food. It all kicks off when the Bears game starts at noon. For more information call (773) 281-4989.
Poultrygeist @ Music Box
Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (known as "cinema's first chicken-zombie horror-comedy...with musical numbers") plays tonight at the Music Box (Southport and Grace) at midnight. Director Lloyd Kaufman will attend both screenings. Tickets $10.
Gingerbread House Decorating Competition @ Old Orchard
If you're headed to Old Orchard (4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie) today to buy gifts and visit Orange Julius, make a stop by the mall-sponsored Gingerbread House Decorating Competition (you can enter, too, you know) after 11am to see green-friendly gingerbread houses (my recommendation is to make rooftop solar panels from bananas). Winners will be announced at 1pm.
Dill Pickle Food Co-op Grand Opening
The much-anticipated Logan Square food cooperative will be celebrating the opening of its store today with a line-up of special guests and events. Details can be found on their website. The Dill Pickle Food Co-op is located at 3039 W. Fullerton and is open 7 days a week, 12-8pm.
Alexander Cheswick @ Green City Market
Alexander Cheswick of May Street Market will conduct a 10:30am chef demonstration at the Green City Market, which is currently located indoors at the Notebaert Nature Museum (Fullerton and Cannon).
Poultrygeist @ Music Box
Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (known as "cinema's first chicken-zombie horror-comedy...with musical numbers") plays tonight and tomorrow at the Music Box (Southport and Grace) at midnight. Director Lloyd Kaufman will attend both screenings. Tickets $10.
The Madame Barker Holiday Variety Show (with Rick Bayless)
Rick Bayless is hitting the stage with local ensemble 500 Clown for The Madam Barker Holiday Variety Show at Prop Thtr. Along with the holiday-themed music, dancing, magic and comedy, Bayless will be on stage creating edible concoctions.
Tickets are $10, available at the door only, so expect the same sorts of lines you find at other Bayless businesses around town--though the 11pm start time might cull the crowd a bit.
Prop Thtr is at 3502 N Elston.
Nice Cream & Glazed Donuts Winter Flavors Launch Party @ Green Grocer
Start the weekend on a sweet note. Stop by Green Grocer tonight from 5-7pm to sample the newest winter flavors by Chicago-based Nice Cream and Glazed Donuts. Indulge in: Vanilla Bean and Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate Chips, Spicy Chocolate, Gingersnap with Cookie Pieces and Cinnamon Ice Cream with Spicy Candied Pecans. Then enjoy Chocolate Candy Cane and Bourbon Pecan Pie donuts. Green Grocer is located at 1402 W. Grand Ave., (312) 624-9508.
Soup and Bread Cookbook Release Party
The Soup and Bread Cookbook is tonight from 5pm to 8pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. There won't be any soup at the party, but there will be spiked hot cider, and you'll be able to buy the cookbook for $20 (signed if you'd like), as well as silkscreened prints of some of Paul Dolan's illustrations. You can also sign up to cook for Soup and Bread 2010, which kicks off on Jan. 6. A portion of the proceeds from all sales will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Free, 21+.
Lake Claremont Press Open House
Lake Claremont Press hosts an open house at its offices, 1026 W. Van Buren, 2nd Flr., tonight from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Author Jean Iversen will sign copies of the new edition of BYOB Chicago. Wine tasting and food samples from restaurants in the book to accompany. Also, Denise Maple from VaVaVroom female motorcycling enthusiast boutique will talk and show fashions. Wine and other refreshments will be served, and Lake Claremont's back catalog will be available for sale. Space is limited, so RSVP to lcp[at]lakeclaremont.com is requested. Free.
15th Annual Kwanzaa Observance Program @ Malcolm X College
Malcolm X College and the Bolozi Wazee (Council of Elders) - Shule Ya Watoto (School for Children) are celebrating 14th Annual Kwanzaa Observance Program at Malcolm X College, starting today and continuing through Kwanzaa, everyday starting at 10am, until January 1. This is the largest known seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa in the country publicly held in an institution of higher learning. Admission is free. For more information contact Jessica Holloway: Kwanzaa Chairperson at 312-850-7472 or arhoden@ccc.edu. Malcolm X College is located at 1900 W. Van Buren. For more information, including the schedule, check out this press release.
Sam Burman @ Green City Market
Sam Burman of Bluprint will conduct a 10:30am chef demonstration at Green City Market, which is currently located at the Notebart Nature Museum (Fullerton at Lake Shore).
"How to Build a Food Web from Scratch" @ Northwestern University
Northwestern University's Institute on Complex Systems hosts University of Chicago ecologist Stefano Allesina for this lunch time talk on food web models or new ways of depicting who eats whom. "Connecting the Dots: How to Build a Food Web from Scratch" is free and takes place from 12-1pm at the Chambers Hall Lower Level Classroom, 600 Foster St., Evanston. Call (847) 467-1348 for more information.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Cooking and Bead-Making Demo @ Red Light
Join your fellow animal lovers for an afternoon of cooking and bead-stringing demonstrations at Red Light (820 West Randolph) starting at noon. Chef Jackie Shen will be cooking a slew of holiday dishes and dessert, after which you'll sample her creations. Local beadmaker (and 10 year-old) Ian Cahr will then lead a bead-making class. Interesting, right? This event is a benefit for Chicago Animal Care and Control. Tickets are $35. Call 312-733-8880 to reserve.
2009 LTH Forum Holiday Gastroextravaganzathon @ Sun Wah
LTH Forum holds its holiday eatfest tonight at Sun Wah BBQ, 5041 N. Broadway, from 6-10pm. I'm sure it will completely rock. Tickets $35. RSVP required.
Cookie Baking Class @ Forkable
Join Andrea of the food blog Forkable for a day of holiday cookie baking! The event will take place on Saturday, December 5 from12 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Andrea's Chicago home. The event is $40 per participant and space is limited. More information can be found in Drive-Thru. Register through Brown Paper Tickets.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Grande Finale
The end is nigh, but the dessert quality is high at the "Grande Finale" party/class, which is part of the city's World Kitchen learning series. Learn how to make awesome desserts for your holiday soirees. Class runs 11-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30, and registration is required.
Pat Sheerin @ Green City Market
Pat Sheerin of the Signature Room will conduct a 10:30am chef demonstration at the Green City Market, which is currently located indoors at the Notebaert Nature Museum (Fullerton and Cannon).
Chicago Foodways: 1934 Union Stock Yards Fire @ Kendall College
Learn more about the destructive 1934 blaze at Chicago's Union Stock Yards today at Kendall College (900 N North Branch St) at 10am. Fire historian Jeff Stern will share his knowledge about this historic event, courtesy of the Chicago Foodways Roundtable. Admission $2. RSVP requested.
The Madame Barker Holiday Variety Show (with Rick Bayless)
Rick Bayless is hitting the stage with local ensemble 500 Clown for The Madam Barker Holiday Variety Show at Prop Thtr. Along with the holiday-themed music, dancing, magic and comedy, Bayless will be on stage creating edible concoctions.
Tickets are $10, available at the door only, so expect the same sorts of lines you find at other Bayless businesses around town -- though the 11pm start time might cull the crowd a bit.
Prop Thtr is at 3502 N Elston.
LUSH West Town Grand Opening
LUSH opens its new West Town location at 1412 W Chicago Ave to the lushes of the neighborhood (and city) for an open house tonight from 6-9pm. Free wine and beer.
Guy Fieri Road Show (w/Hot Doug) @ Rosemont Theater
The Food Network's Guy Fieri comes to the Rosemont Theater tonight @ 7pm for what his website says is "food, rock n' roll, and everything they won't let me do on TV! " I don't know what that means but am too polite to make a suggestion. Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's will join him. Tickets start at $45. 5400 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Pantry/Holiday Party
Whip up a holiday party using common pantry items at the "Pantry/Holiday Party" class, part of the city's World Kitchen learning series, will get you cooking like the professionals. Class runs 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30, and registration is required.
Time Out Chicago's Dining and Libation Society @ Old Town Social
Time Out Chicago hosts its second annual Dining and Libation Society event tonight at 7pm at Old Town Social, 455 W North Ave. The $42 ticket gets you dinner and holiday cocktails, and an opportunity to meet David Tamarkin, TOC's food editor.
Brian Huston @ Green City Market
Brian Huston of Publican will conduct a 10:30am chef demonstration at the Green City Market, which is currently located indoors at the Notebaert Nature Museum (Fullerton and Cannon).
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Thomas Keller Book Signing @ Oakbrook Williams-Sonoma
If you want to give legendary chef Thomas Keller a piece of your mind, here's your chance: head to the Oakbrook Williams-Sonoma (142 Oakbrook Ctr, Oakbrook, IL) tonight at 6pm, where he will be signing copies of his latest book, Ad Hoc at Home. Note that he will only sign copies of Ad Hoc that are purchased on site at Williams-Sonoma. .
Organic, Shaken and Stirred @ Nacionale 27
Join author Paul Abercrombie for a launch party celebrating his new book Organic, Shaken and Stirred tonight from 6-8pm at Nacionale 27, 325 W. Huron. Drink samples, demos and a book signing await you. Free.
Rockabilly Chili Cookoff @ The Orbit Room
Bring your best chili and see if qualifies as the best in town. The winner gets cash! There will be several drink specials, including $4 Bloody Mary's so you can wash down some spicy tomatoey delicious chili with spicy, tomato-y, delicious booze. There is a $10 entry fee if you want to compete. The contest starts at 4pm and the judging is at 6. The Orbit Room is located at 2959 N. California. Visit their website for more information or call them at (773) 588-8540.
Rob and Allison Leavitt @ Green City Market
Rob and Allison Leavitt of Mado will conduct a 10:30am chef demonstration at Green City Market which is currently located at the Notebart Nature Museum (Fullerton and Lake Shore). This will also be the last day to pick up any local Thanksgiving goodies.
Pig Butchering Demo @ Mado [SOLD OUT]
Local snout-to-tail expert Chef Rob Leavitt will butcher a pig and discuss how to use each cut. Attendees will bring home a sampling of cuts of pork. The demonstration begins this evening at 6:30pm at Mado Restaurant (1647 N. Milwaukee Ave.). Cost is $50 per person, and space is limited to 10 people. To RSVP, call (773) 342-2340 or email madorestaurant@att.net.
AlphaBeer
Get to know beer as well as you know the alphabet. This event sponsored by TheLocalTourist.com takes you on a world beer tour from A to Z--literally. Sample 1-3 oz. pours from every letter of the alphabet, with Eric Hobbs of Goose Island leading you through them. It takes place at The Globe Pub (1934 W. Irving Park Rd.) tonight from 6-9pm. Cost is $40, participants must be 21 and over, and you must reserve your spot in advance. For more information call (312) 282-7466.
Elaina Vazquez Chef Demo @ Green City Market
Elaina Vazquez of Boutique Bites will conduct a 10:30am demonstration at Green City Market, which is currently located at the Notebart Nature Museum (Lake Shore Drive at Fullerton).
Cob Connection Benefit @ LooseLeaf Lounge
Don't miss this opportunity to support urban farming and a locally-owned business! Come enjoy a dinner made with Cob Connections fresh produce, tea provided by LooseLeaf, and dessert by the Chicago Dinner. The benefit runs from 7pm to 9:30pm. Tickets are $20 at door and $15 in advance. The LooseLeaf Lounge is located in East Lakeview at 2915 North Broadway. Call (773) 809-5371 for more information or visit the LooseLeaf Lounge website.
25th Annual Passport to France @ Union League Club
Celebrate French culture with the French-American Chamber of Commerce - Chicago Chapter (FACC) tonight from 6pm to 9pm at the Union League Club of Chicago (65 W Jackson Blvd). Enjoy an evening of French flavors and music, featuring food from Bistro 110, Red Hen and Café des Architectes, sweet crepes, cheese and charcuterie and French wine and spirits, including Georges Duboeuf's 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau.
Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Visit the FACC website for more information.
Lake Claremont Press Open House
Lake Claremont Press hosts an open house at its offices, 1026 W. Van Buren, 2nd Flr., tonight from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Policemen David Haynes and Christopher Garlington, authors of the forthcoming The Beat Cop's Guide to Chicago Eats, will pass out donuts and eatery advice, and will do a special live broadcast of their radio show. Wine and other refreshments will be served, and Lake Claremont's back catalog will be available for sale. Space is limited, so RSVP to lcp[at]lakeclaremont.com is requested. Free.
Rick Bayless Chef Demo @Green City
Rick Bayless, Top Chef Master Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill, Topolobampo and Xoco, will conduct a 10:30AM chef demonstration at Green City Market, currently located at the Notebart Nature Museum.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Two Brothers Beer Dinner @ Hopleaf
Western Suburban microbrewer Two Brothers will be the star at this five-course meal prepared by Chef Ben Sheagren. It all takes place in Hopleaf's upstairs space (5148 N. Clark St.), with registration at 6:30 PM, followed by dinner at 7:00. Ages 21+. The cost is $50 per person, reservations are required, and seating is very limited. E-mail reservations (number of seats, full name, and phone number) to Lousie@hopleaf.com. For more information contact 773-334-9851.
Food and Wine Entertaining Showcase @ MCA
Tons of Chicago culinary powerhouses (among them Carrie Nahabedian, Shawn McClain, Art Smith and Grant Achatz) will be Food and Wine magazine's annual Entertaining Showcase tonight at 6:30pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago. Food, wine and tips on food and wine are on the bill. Tickets start at $110.
Thai Luncheon @ Big Bowl
Big Bowl (60 E Ohio) is hosting a Thai Luncheon at 12:30pm. Writer and cook Nancy McDermott will be taking diners through a culinary tour of Thailand focusing on various regions and techniques. The luncheon is $39.
Presented by ChicaGourmets! and Big Bowl, you can make reservations here for this and other ChicaGourmets! events.
Polish Golabki Workshop
Want to learn how to make Polish Golabki, the wonder that is stuffed cabbage? If Golabki tempts your tummy, chefs from the Red Apple Restaurant is holding a workshop today for you to learn the art. Two sessions will be held throughout the day: Session I is 11am-12:30pm, and Session II runs 1:30- 3:00pm. Admission is $18 for ages 16 and older. Event will be held at the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, 984 N. Milwaukee Ave. Free parking. Call (773) 782-2600 ext 2639 to RSVP.
Pinot Days Chicago @ Navy Pier
Explore the diversity of American Pinot Noir with this grand tasting at Navy Pier. The event includes over 60 producers and 300 wines from all major pinot regions in the country. Taste wine and food samples, and talk with the winemakers. It takes place this afternoon from 1-5pm at Navy Pier's Festival Hall B (600 E. Grand Ave.). Tickets cost $50 and can be ordered online.
Tyler Florence @ Whole Foods
Food Network star Tyler Florence will be appearing at the Whole Foods at North and Kingsbury today from 4-6pm to talk about his new book, new line of baby food, and to give you his phone number. Just kidding about that third part.
Women Helping Women: Shopping & Cocktails
The Chicago Chapter of the Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails (LUPEC) are partnering with twelve boutiques in the West Loop for an evening of shopping and cocktails from 5-9 PM. At each store, enjoy a classic cocktail (ages 21+) while you shop. Monetary donations collected during the event will benefit the Greenhouse Shelter. Check out LUPEC's website for a full listing of participating boutiques. For more information, contact Sonja Kassebaum at 847-219-7442.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Mrs. Charles Darwin's Recipe Book @ Ina's
Chicago Foodways Roundtable sponsors a lecture this morning at 10am at Ida's (1235 West Randolph Street) about the woman Chuck Darwin loved more than relativity--his wife, Emma, who had a mammoth cookbook for meals hearty enough for a deep thinker like her hubby. Learn more about Emma, Chuck, and the foods they loved. Admission $2. RSVP via email or call (847) 432-8255.
Turkish Feast
Istanbul Restaurant (3613 N. Broadway) is hosting a Turkish Feast tonight. The reception starts at 6:30pm with dinner served at 7pm.
Owner-Chef Yasar Demir is presenting each course with a wine pairing. Starters of hummus, baba ghanoush, and ezme are paired with a 2008 Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Reisling, and an entree of chicken shish kebab or beef kebab are being served with 2006 Zwei.1 Zweigelt.
This dinner is presented by ChicaGourmets!, and you can find a PDF of the event menu and more information here.
The dinner is $39 all inclusive, and is limited to 40 diners.
New Belgium Experimental Dinner @ Lush
Lush Wines and Spirits at 1257 South Halsted holds an "experimental" dinner tonight, pairing pork shoulder, sausage and sauerkraut with sour beers from New Belgium tonight from 5-8pm. Tickets $15. RSVP required.
Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer @ Bailey Auditorium
Celebrate beer today at the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer today at the Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington (Chicago Journeyman Plumbers' Local Union 130). I suppose they won't be selling soda.
Half Acre Chilli Cookoff @ The Arts of Life Studio
Half Acre Brewery's Charitable Chilli cookoff is tonight. It benefits The Arts of Life, a non-profit community that uses art to assist developmentally disabled adults discover personal growth, and is being co-presented by Nice Cream and Chicagoist. There will be additional prizes for the People's Choice award-winner. The first 50 people to show up get a door prize, and a raffle gives you the chance to win even more swag. Get your pre-sale tickets now for only $5; pre-sales end on Friday. And if you think you've got what it takes, enter your chili for $20. The cookoff begins at 5pm at The Arts of Life Studio: 2010 W. Carroll, $5 advance, $10 at the door, $20 per chili entry.
DIFFA Table Hop & Taste @ Merchandise Mart
The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) is hosting a Table Hop & Taste event at Merchandise Mart (222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza) today at 11am to raise funds for the fight against AIDS. This food and wine tasting will feature food from restaurants like Bistrot Zinc, Market, Old Town Social and RL and wines from Castello di GABBIANO. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.
The DIFFA is a not-for-profit fundraising and grant making foundation that distributes funds to Chicago area HIV/AIDS service agencies. More information about DIFFA and about ticket and event details can be found on their website.
Pumpkins and Squashes @ Kendall College
The "Pumpkins and Squashes: Evolution in an American Family's Folk Food" will teach you all you need to know about the beloved little nutty, starchy guys we love to eat. Lecture sponsored by Chicago Foodways Roundtable. Lecture begins at 10am at Kendall College, 900 North Branch. Free parking. Admission is $2 free to Kendall students and faculty with ID. RSVP via email or call (847) 432-8255.
A Taste of the Seasons @ Union League Club
Seven Generations Ahead holds its annual benefit tonight from 7-11pm at the Union League Club, 65 West Jackson. Food, entertainment and a silent auction are on the menu. Tickets start from $125.
Anthony Bourdain @ Genesee Theatre
Celebchef Anthony Bourdain will be at Waukegan's Genesee Theatre tonight at 8pm to talk about, well, Anthony Bourdain. Tickets start at $49.50.
Battle of the Bhut @ Jake Melnick's
If you like charity and eating hot wings in a contest-type environment, head to Jake Melnick's (41 East Ontario) tonight at 6pm to fulfill your needs. "Battle of the Bhut" will feature XXX Wings (XXX-tra spiced-up with Bhut Jolokia pepper) and cheap beer specials for the evening. Chicago Firefighters will also attend to grab donations for their "Fill the Boot" program, which benefits the CFD's Widows and Orphans Fund. The winner will get free tickets to a future Bulls/Blackhawks game, a future private party at Melnick's, and a year's supply of wings. Journalist and cattle rancher Bill Kurtis will emcee.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Allergen-Free Throwdown @ Boka
If you have the sniffles, coughs or other general allergy-provoked malaise when it comes to dining, head to Boka (1729 North Halsted) tonight at 6pm for an allergen-free meal that is free of gluten, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and treenuts. Admission is $50 and includes several courses and taxes/gratuity. RSVP online or call 773-665-0430.
Kids Halloween Party @ Green City Market
Green City Market is hosting at Halloween Party during their last outdoor market of the season. Starting at 9am, a Green City volunteer with conduct a special Halloween Tour of the market for the kids. At 9:30am, some of the best pastry chefs in Chicago, including Mindy Segal of Hot Chocolate, will provide sample tastings. In addition to this, there will be costume contests, cooking demos, and more! South end of Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton Drive.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Fall Festival of Fruits
Learn how to cook with fall fruits, from the standard apple to the exotic quince, at the "Fall Festival of Fruits" class, part of the city's World Kitchen learning series. Class runs 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30, and registration is required.
"Saving the Jewish Deli" Lecture @ Manny's
David Sax, author of "Save the Deli: In Search of Perfect Pastrami, Crusty Rye, and the Heart of Jewish Delicatessen," will give a free talk about his book tonight at 6pm at Manny's, 1141 South Jefferson.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30p at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Fundraiser for a Farmers Market @ The Glenwood Bar
Help Rogers Park and the 49th Ward get a Sunday farmer's market at the Morse Red Line stop by attending this fundraiser at the Glenwood Bar. The event, titled "Market Dazed", benefits the proposed 2010 Glenwood Sunday Market. 2pm -6pm at The Glenwood Bar, 6962 N. Glenwood Ave. (just north of the Morse stop on the Red Line). $35 in advance. $40 at the door. Tickets. Your ticket price includes tastings of organic, local, biodynamic wine, spirits, and beers. Food tastings will include crepes, cheeses, chocolates, tofu, gelato, and much more. Enjoy local music by Tom Jones, Ron Scroggin, and Anita Chase (Half Mad Poet). Observe live art demonstrations by Andrew De la Rosa, John Bambino, Annette Jackson, Henry Thompson, and Patricia Woods.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Meet the New Italians
You'll learn that Italian food is red and green--green with kale and other leafy plants at the "Meet the New Italians" class, part of the city's World Kitchen learning series. Class runs 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30, and registration is required.
VIP Pro Bacon Cookoff @ Publican
Head to the Publican (845 W Fulton Market) from noon to 3pm today to see some of the best chefs in Chicago compete for the title of best bacon maker (or something like that).
"Beef: From Plains to Plate" Symposium @ Kendall College
Join the Greater Midwest Foodways Alliance for a three-day spectacular learning series as they learn about the history, technology and future of beef--yes, beef! A range of demonstrations and lectures are scheduled throughout the symposium; attend as many as you like (admission price varies by event). See schedule for details. Most events will be held at Kendall College, 900 North Branch. RSVP by calling (847) 432-8255, or email.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Now You're Cooking
The "Now You're Cooking" class, part of the city's World Kitchen learning series, will get you cooking like the professionals. This is part of a four-class series that will end tonight. Class runs 6-8pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30 ($100 for all four), and registration is required.
"Wines of Italy" Showcase @ Follia
Follia (953 W Fulton Market) will be adding some "vino" to their motto of "cibo e moda" (food and fashion) tonight at 7pm.
Hosted by the owner Bruno Abate, the west loop Italian hotspot will present a four course dinner showcasing a variety of Italian wines from Sardina, Piedmont, Bolgheri, and Tuscany.
The dinner is priced at $65 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), and you can RSVP at (312)-243-2888.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30p at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Cooking Up a Cure
The Scleroderma Foundation holds its Cooking Up a Cure event tonight from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave. The event features food from more than 20 of Chicago's leading restaurants, including City Provisions, David Burke's Primehouse, Heaven on Seven, Uncommon Ground, Bleeding Heart Bakery, Carnivale, Veerasway as well as both silent and live auctions, with all proceeds going to advocacy and research of scleroderma. Tickets are $100 each. To purchase tickets, contact Ann Peterson at apeterson@scleroderma.org or (312) 660-1131.
LTH GNR Awards Dinner @ Marie's Pizza
They love food, so join the netizens of LTH Forum for their annual Great Neighborhood Restaurants awards dinner, which will be held at Marie's Pizza (4127 W. Lawrence) tonight at 6pm. RSVP requested.
James Beard Foundation Benefit Dinner
Support the organization that supports American culinary excellence at this benefit dinner at The Publican (837 W. Fulton Market), where chefs from Blackbird, avec, The Publican, and Pamela Fitzpatrick of Fox & Obel will join forces to present a five-course dinner with Champagne, wine and beer. The event costs $125 (including tax and tip), and reservations must be made in advance. Call (312) 733-9555 to reserve your place.
Bucktown Apple Pie Contest @ Holstein Park Fieldhouse
You like apple pie? Then get your shoes and eating pants on and head over to the Holstein Park fieldhouse (2200 N. Oakley) today for the Bucktown Apple Pie Contest. A pie judging contest, food and entertainment await you. Event runs 2-5pm. Admission is free.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Curds and Whey
Your home is already a bar, you may as well make the accompanying grub at the "Bar Food" class, part of the city's World Kitchen learning series. Class runs 11a-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30, and registration is required.
Thirty Turning Points in the Making of American Cuisine @ Lexington College
The Culinary Historians of Chicago will be talking about the construction of American Cuisine today at Lexington College, 310 South Peoria from 10am-noon today. Andrew F. Smith, who teaches food studies at the New School University in Manhattan, will preside over the lecture. Admission is $5, $3 for students and free for CHC members and Lexington faculty and students. To reserve, please call Barbara Olson at (708) 788-0338 or email your reservation.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Now You're Cooking
The "Now You're Cooking" class, part of the city's World Kitchen learning series, will get you cooking like the professionals. This is part of a four-class series that will end on October 22. Class runs 6-8pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30 ($100 for all four), and registration is required.
Evanston Second Annual Harvest Celebration @ Now We're Cookin'
The Land Connection will hold a benefit for the Evanston Farmers Market tonight at Now We're Cookin', 1601 Payne Street, Unit C from 6:30-9pm. Food from a bevy of local restaurants (Uncommon Ground, the Stained Glass) and related businesses (Blue Marble Creamery, Nichols Farm) are on the bill. Tickets $80-100.
Hunger and Homelessness in Chicago Talk @ Hostelling Int'l
Chicago Cares will be holding a free panel discussion tonight from 6-7:30pm about the state of homelessness and hunger in the city at the Hostelling International building at 24 E. Congress Pkwy. Please RSVP by 10/12 with Margaret Kushiner at (312) 780-0800, ext 146 or via email.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize, a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's. The event is tonight from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased on-site. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30p at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
"Cooking History" Film @ CIFF
The movie Cooking History will be shown today at 5pm at the AMC River East 21 as part of the Chicago International Film Festival. Admission $5.
"Cooking History" Film @ CIFF
The movie Cooking History will be shown today and tomorrow at 5pm at the AMC River East 21 (322 E Illinois St) as part of the Chicago International Film Festival. Admission $5.
4th Annual Andersonville Dessert Crawl
Do you choose SUGAR, SPICE, or both? Either path leads to deliciousness during the 4th Annual Andersonville Dessert Crawl, which starts at the Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark) and ends with you being full of tasty things. Tickets and more information available here.
Burgoo Festival
Up for a road trip? Stew's cooking at the Burgoo Festival in downtown Utica, IL (100 miles SW of Chicago) today from 9am-5pm.
18th Annual Harvest Festival
Celebrate the new autumn season at North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., today and tomorrow at the 18th Annual Harvest Festival from 10am to 3pm.
This free fall celebration will have a scarecrow building contest, storytelling, live music, a farmer's market, tours throughout the Nature Center's preserve, and seasonal food and refreshments available for sale. There is no registration required for this family-friendly event, open to all ages.
VeganMania Festival @ Pulaski Park
It's not bad-- in fact, vegan food is quite delicious and leaves none of the heavy greasiness of their meaty counterparts. If you're a convert (or merely curious), head to Pulaski Park today for VeganMania Festival, where you'll get information and samples galore of the non-meat and non-dairy persuasion. Entertainment, too! Event runs 10am-4pm at 1419 W Blackhawk. Admission free.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Now You're Cooking
The "Now You're Cooking" class, part of the city's World Kitchen learning series, will get you cooking like the professionals. This is part of a four-class series that will continue on October 15 and 22. Class runs 6-8pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30 ($100 for all four), and registration is required.
Forkable Launch Party @ Archie's Tavern
Forkable blog redesign launch party, Thursday, October 8 from 7 pm to 10 pm at Archie's Tavern (2600 W. Iowa). $2 whiskey and beer and free food made by the website author.
North Shore Cocktail Dinner @ OTOM
Learn about pairing cocktails and food at OTOM (951 W. Fulton Market). Enjoy a three-course dinner, cocktails by North Shore Distillery, and conversation by Chef Thomas Elliott Bowman and representatives from North Shore. The dinner starts at 7pm, and cost is $50, plus tax and tip. RSVP no later than Monday, October 5th by calling (312) 491-5804.
Green City Market Apple Fest
Today, 9:30am, at Green City Market, savor the seasons! Chef tastings with Patrick Sheerin (Signature Room), Alex Cheswick (May Street Market), Sarah Levy (Sarah's Pastries & Candies). 1750 N. Clark.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize, a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's. The event is tonight from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased on-site. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30p at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Eli's Cheesecake Festival
The 13th Annual Eli's Cheesecake Festival will bombard you with entertainment, food, a classic car show, chef demos, things for the kids, and of course, cheesecake. Event runs 11am-5pm at Eli's Cheesecake World, corner of Montrose and Forest Preserve Drive.
Eli's Cheesecake Festival
The 13th Annual Eli's Cheesecake Festival will bombard you with entertainment, food, a classic car show, chef demos, things for the kids, and of course, cheesecake. Event runs today from 9am-5pm and tomorrow from 11am-5pm at Eli's Cheesecake World, corner of Montrose and Forest Preserve Drive.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Curds and Whey
Get your cheese-making on at the "Curds and Whey" class, part of the city's World Kitchen learning series. Class runs 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30, and registration is required.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Now You're Cooking
The "Now You're Cooking" class, part of the city's World Kitchen learning series, will get you cooking like the professionals. This is part of a four-class series that will continue October 8, 15, and 22. Class runs 6-8pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30 ($100 for all four), and registration is required.
Save Some Green @ Blind Faith Cafe
Blind Faith Cafe (525 Dempster, Evanston, IL) has been providing a vegetarian option to the Northshore since 1979! To celebrate 30 years of providing alternative dining, Blind Faith will provide a delicious meal and let the customer name the price!
Today through Saturday, October 3rd, customers can enjoy an entree and choose to pay what they want. In addition, during this celebration, Blind Faith Cafe will be hosting a drawing for a complimentary dinner for 4!
Call the Cafe @ (847)-328-6875 for more information!
Cakewrecks.com Book and Cupcake Party
Join your fellow fans of CakeWrecks.com for a book signing and cupcake contest party at the Old Orchard Mall's Barnes and Noble tonight at 7:30pm in Skokie.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize, a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's. The event is tonight from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased on-site. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
Danny Ovanin @ Green City Market
Danny Ovanin of Glen Prairie will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30p at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Fish 101
Learn the basics of cooking fish, from choosing the meat to boning and preparing it. Fox & Obel fishmonger Jonathan Wise shows you how by taking Atlantic salmon and turning it into two finished dishes you'll be able to taste. Students will also take home recipes. The class takes place at Fox & Obel (401 E. Illinois) from 6-7:30pm and costs $25. Register online or call (312) 410-7301 for more information.
Chicago Gourmet @ Pritzker Pavilion
Even though last year's inaugural event left much to be desired, Chicago Gourmet returns again to Pritzker Pavilion today. While you eat small plate-style dishes from Chicago's most famous chefs and drink from the huge wine selection, you'll have lectures and the Pavilion to enjoy. Tickets from $115.
Chicago Gourmet @ Pritzker Pavilion
Even though last year's inaugural event left much to be desired, Chicago Gourmet returns again to Pritzker Pavilion today, 11am-6pm. While you eat small plate-style dishes from Chicago's most famous chefs and drink from the huge wine selection, you'll have lectures and the Pavilion to enjoy. Tickets from $115.
Share Our Strength's Great American Dine Out
It's a a win-win: you eat, and the needy eat. Share Our Strength's Great American Dine Out helps combat childhood hunger in America when you dine out. Restaurants such as Carnivale, Corner Bakery, Salpicon, Tizi Melloul, Cafe Spiaggia, Lawry's and Flatwater are some of the restaurants who will donate a portion of their sales to the cause. Last night!
Todd Stein @ Green City Market
Todd Stein of Cibo Matto/Roof at the Wit will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Preservation Chicago Benefit @ Elks National Veterans Memorial
Preservation Chicago's 2009 Autumn Benefit will be held at the amazing Elks National Veterans Memorial (2750 N. Lakeview Avenue) tonight from 6PM to 9PM. Preservation Chicago promises "superb hors d'oeuvres, an open bar, a big band, a silent auction of unique Chicago memorabilia ... and a guided tour of what has been described as one of the most magnificent war memorials in the world." Tickets are $75 in advance and $95 at the door, with valet parking included. For tickets and additional information visit the organization's website.
World Kitchen Learning Series: No Money, No Time
The "No Money, No Time" class, part of the city's World Kitchen learning series, will get you cooking quickly with on a budget. Class runs 6-8pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30, and registration is required.
Mexican Fiesta Farm Dinner @ Heritage Prairie Farm
It's not too late to get back to the farm before the frost sets in! Heritage Prairie Farm continues their monthly family-style farm dinner right there on the agricultural premises, featuring the fruits of their own land. The main table will feature slow-braised beef barbacoa with ancho and cacao, black bean and epazote tamales, chayote and butternut squash hash, chilaquiles, dessert apple empanadas and more. The full menu is available on the event website.
Also included is a tour of the farm and mariachi band. The dinner is BYOB (and drinks will also be available to purchase by the glass), starts at 6pm, and costs $65 per adult. Tickets available online. Call Portia Bellow Lowndes for more information: (630) 443-8253. Heritage Prairie is located just west of Randall Road on Highway 38. 2N308 Brundige Road, Elburn Illinois 60119.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize, a box is tonight from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased on-site. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
Localvore Town Hall Meeting @ Notebaert
Talk about the state of localvore-ism tonight at the Notebaert Museum, 2430 Cannon Drive. Event sponsored by the Green City Market and runs 5:30-7:30pm.
Andrew Brochu @ Green City Market
Andrew Brochu of Pops for Champagne will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30p at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Chicagoland Car-Free Day
The Active Transportation Alliance and the region's public transportation options collectively sponsor Chicagoland Car-Free Day today. Take the pledge not to drive today, and you can print out a coupon for a dollar off a large drink at area Caribou Coffee locations.
Conversations in Cheese
Fox & Obel (401 E. Illinois) hosts this class dicussing the seasonality of cheese. Kathy Guidi, Maitre Fromager leads the talk, where participants will look at cheeses of late summer and fall and learn when a cheese's optimal flavor comes out. During the class, participants will taste five cheeses and two wines. It runs from 6-7:30pm and costs $35. Register online or call (312) 410-7301 for more information.
Free Oysters and Beer @ Cole's Bar - Logan Square
Free oysters and beer at Cole's Bar in Logan Square from 8 to 10 pm on Monday, September 21st. Sample raw oysters and North Coast Old #38 stout (pints are $3) while enjoying a free show by The Thin Man. Cole's Bar is located at 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Localvore Summer Dinner Series @ Red Light
The weather is warming up, farmers' markets are unfolding tents all over town, and if you're lucky enough to have a yard, gardens are bursting with early summer produce. But what if you don't have a yard, or a farmer's market, or the stamina to create your own Localvore Challenge, but still want to eat seasonal and local this summer? If you've got $65, the KDK Restaurant group has you covered with their series of summer five-course dinners featuring ingredients grown or raised in the area. For menu information and updates, go here. 820 W. Randolph, reservations are required. Call (312) 733-8880 to reserve a place, or for more information.
The Kitchen is Open for Business
Kitchen Chicago, Chicago's premiere co-op professional kitchen has gotten a new space in the West Loop (324 N. Leavitt). They're getting settled in and will be having an open house today from 3pm to 7pm. Whether you're interested in starting a food business, looking for a space to rent for an event, or just like fantastic food and want to meet some independent makers of fine food, show up at the Leavittown Lofts and follow the signs to their new space.
Share Our Strength's Great American Dine Out
It's a a win-win: you eat, and the needy eat. Share Our Strength's Great American Dine Out, which runs today through September 26, helps combat childhood hunger in America when you dine out. Restaurants such as Carnivale, Corner Bakery, Salpicon, Tizi Melloul, Cafe Spiaggia, Lawry's and Flatwater are some of the restaurants who will donate a portion of their sales to the cause.
Artificial Intelligence 4: Raver Rewind 2000 @ Ai Lounge
Get ready to re-live the heydey of electronic music in Chicago with Raver Rewind 2000 on Saturday September 19 at Ai Lounge. Four Chicago-based DJs who've experienced the scene firsthand back in the day will be playing records only from 1992-2000 for an authentic soundtrack.
What's not prohibited is getting into the "raver spirit" by dressing the part--phat pants, bright colors, ravey t-shirts, and bringing some PLUR and good vibes. For some of us who were there in the scene, it will be a night heavy on nostalgia, and will bring back the joy of hearing classic tracks that we remember fondly.
For the newer recruits into the contemporary electronic music scene, it will be educational to hear the tracks, trends and products of available technology that influenced the kind of music being made today.
Arrive early to nosh on Ai Restaurant's AMAZING Japanese food & killer sushi. Valet is available for $10 all night. 358 W. Ontario, Chicago, 10pm-2am. 21+
Popkan (Old school House)
Cesario Magnifique (Italo / electro / disco)
Gianna Hardt (House / techno)
Tim Kasper (Vintage techno)
Live Visuals by DREAMDAZE (www.dreamdaze.org)
Official Site: http://www.subvariant.com
John Krause @ Green City Market
John Krause of the French Pastry School will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Berghoff Oktoberfest
Berghoff's Oktoberfest runs through today in Federal Plaza, Adams and Dearborn streets, from 11am to 9pm daily. Enjoy classic German food, Berghoff’s private-label beer and root beer, and Bavarian polka by the Johnny Wagner Band. Modern Day Romeos also performs today at 5pm. Free.
Beer @ Metropolitan Brewery
The Neo-Futurists present a special one-night-only remount of their recent prime time show Beer, a musical about ... well, about beer. A fantastical, magical trip through the world of brewing beer that's sure to teach you the difference between a beer and a lager. Tonight's performance is a fundraiser to help take this show to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO this month. Beer starts tonight at 8pm at Metropolitan Brewery (5121 N. Ravenswood, at Winona). Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through the Neo-Futurists Website, or by calling the Neo-Futurist hotline at (773) 275-5255.
Berghoff Oktoberfest
Berghoff's Oktoberfest runs today through Friday, Sept. 18, in Federal Plaza, Adams and Dearborn streets, from 11am to 9pm daily. Enjoy classic German food, Berghoff’s private-label beer and root beer, and Bavarian polka by the Johnny Wagner Band. Sixteen Candles also performs today at 5pm. Free.
Wine and A Flu Shot @ South Loop Wine Cellar
Whether you're frugal, or just need a bit of liquid courage, get your flu shot while sipping a glass of wine at the South Loop Wine Cellar tonight. Details here. The event runs 7-9pm at the South Loop Wine Cellar, 1442 S. Michigan Ave. and costs $40.
Chefs Collaborative National Summit @ Kendall College
Chefs from all over the country meet today for the Chefs Collaborative National Summit at Kendall College (900 North Branch) to talk about the future of food beyond dinner specials--lectures about using sustainable ingredients and learning more eco-friendly practices in the kitchen, along with programs on pork and wine are on the bill. Registration $50-250.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize, a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's. The event is tonight from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased on-site. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
Berghoff Oktoberfest
Berghoff's Oktoberfest runs today through Friday, Sept. 18, in Federal Plaza, Adams and Dearborn streets, from 11am to 9pm daily. Enjoy classic German food, Berghoff’s private-label beer and root beer, and Bavarian polka by the Johnny Wagner Band. Maggie Speaks also performs today at 5pm. Free.
Buen Provecho! Pilsen
Enjoy 25 Pilsen restaurants on this second annual neighborhood restaurant tour. The event takes place today, Mexican Independence Day, from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the festival. See Drive-Thru for more information.
Savor the Seasons "Melon Fest" @ Green City Market
Loving melon just got easier today at the Green City Market, 9am at Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Lisa Santos @ Green City Market
Lisa Santos of Southport Grocery and Cafe will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Chefs Collaborative National Summit @ Kendall College
Chefs from all over the country meet today for the Chefs Collaborative National Summit at Kendall College (900 North Branch) to talk about the future of food beyond dinner specials--lectures about using sustainable ingredients and learning more eco-friendly practices in the kitchen, along with programs on pork and wine are on the bill. Registration $50-250.
Second Annual Adobofest @ LaBagh Woods
The Filipino American Network of Chicago presents Adobofest, a friendly cooking competition that asks whose adobo reigns supreme in Chicago? A $5 donation buys you the chance to sample the contestants and vote for the winner. Taking place at the LaBagh Woods Preserve (enter at the intersection of W. Foster and N. Cicero Avenues), the contest begins at 11:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM.For more information, call (312) 519-2834 or send e-mail to adobofest@fan-chicago.org.
Green City Market Harvest Celebration
Journalist and rancher Bill Kurtis and his wife Donna LaPietra host a benefit celebration for the Green City Market tonight at their home. Details here.
LTH Forum Picnic @ Labagh Woods
Foodie site LTH Forum holds its annual picnic at Labagh Woods in the Cook County Forest Preserve, near Cicero and Foster. RSVP and get more details here.
World Kitchen Learning Series @ Gallery 37
The "Cardamom Kitchen" class, part of the city's World Kitchen learning series, will get you cooking with some of the more exotic spices in the cabinet. Class runs 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30, and registration is required
James Gottwald @ Green City Market
James Gottwald of Rockit Bar and Grill will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
World Kitchen Learning Series @ Gallery 37
The "On the Cutting Edge" class, part of the city's World Kitchen learning series, will get you friendlier with the knife--in a good way. Class runs 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30, and registration is required
Slow Food Chicago's Tomato Fest Potluck Supper @ Chicago Honey Co-op
Tonight's Tomato Fest Potluck Supper @ Chicago Honey Co-op (3740 W. Fillmore) is another fine opportunity to eat well in a cool setting. Slow Food Chicago sponsors the 5:30pm-8pm event. Goose Island will provide the drinks. You must bring an appetizer or main course (preferably with tomatoes as an ingredient) or dessert. Tickets $10 for Slow Food members and Honey Co-op members; $15 for non-members. Kids free. Tours will be given of the Co-op, so be bee-friendly; wear light-colored clothing and skip the perfume.
Panera Fall Sampler Day
In celebration of its new fall menu, Panera Bread is offering samples of its Power Breakfast sandwich; BBQ Chopped Chicken salad; Napa Almond Chicken sandwich; and two new brownies, one blonde and one fudge. Tastings are available from 6 am to 9 pm at all Panera locations.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize, a box is tonight from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased on-site. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
Eric Estrella @ Green City Market
Eric Estrella of the Ritz-Carlton will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Localvore Challenge Kickoff @ Green City Market
Begin your commitment to eating locally grown foods today at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle. Event begins at 7am.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30p at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
La Mode: Parisian Fashions in the Age of Impressionism
Discover Impressionist Paris at Mon Ami Gabi (2300 N. Lincoln Park West). Enjoy a French meal and a slide show on Parisian fashion by an Art Institute lecturer. The evening starts at 6pm with a wine reception, followed by the lecture, then a multi-course French dinner. The event costs $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required. Call (773) 348-8886 to reserve your spot.
Labor Day BBQ & School Supply Drive @ Fizz
Make your last day of summer feel good at Fizz' 6th annual Labor Day BBQ that doubles as a fundraiser. The event takes place at Fizz (3220 N. Lincoln Ave.) from 2-8 PM. Cost is $10 cash or $10 worth of new school supplies that will be donated to Chicago Public School students in financial need. Call 773-348-6000 for more details.
Melissa Graham @ Green City Market
Melissa Graham of Monogramme Catering will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Interview Show @ Hideout
Mark Bazer's The Interview Show returns to The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight from 6:30pm to 8pm. Guests this month include actor Joey Slotnick, author Claire Zulkey and encased meat purveyor Doug Sohn. Admission is $5. 21+
Chicago Luxury Ice Cream Festival
The Chicago Luxury Ice Cream Festival takes place tonight from 7pm to 10pm at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr. More than a dozen local creameries and micro-creameries will offer samples of their products, several pastry chefs will do cooking demonstrations, and more ice cream fun will be had. Tickets are $25.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize being a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's (whoa!). Event runs Wednesdays beginning July 8 through September 9 from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased onsite. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
Andrew Zimmerman @ Green City Market
Andrew Zimmerman of Sepia will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30p at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.
Insider's Wine Tasting @ In Fine Spirits
Matthew Rorich of Napa Valley's Forlorn Hope Winery comes to In Fine Spirits (5420 N. Clark St.) to share some unusual varietals such as Torrontes (La Gitana), Verdello (Que Saudade) and Touriga Nacional (Mil Amores). Spend the afternoon (from 3-5pm) enjoying wine and light paired appetizers. Cost is $15, and reservations can be made by calling (773) 334-9463.
Slow Food Chicago's Pig Roast @ Goose Island
Slow Food Chicago hosts a benefit pig roast today @ Goose Island Brewery, 1800 West Fulton, 3-7pm. Heaps of food (even for vegetarians), beer, wine and soda will make you smile. Food always does, right? Tickets $50-55.
Equality Illinois' Pie-Throwing Contest @ Sidetrack
Today the "Pielitical becomes Personal" at Equality Illinois' Pie-Throwing Contest, a benefit for the LGBT organization which runs 2-5pm at Sidetrack (3329 N. Halsted) in the front courtyard area. Politicians and local names, among them Windy CIty Times publisher Tracy Baim, Ron Huberman of Chicago Public Schools, Alderman Tom Tunney, and state legislators Greg Harris, Sara Feigenholtz and Deb Mell will allow you to yes, throw a pie in their face for charity. But you have to have the winning bid, so come armed with cash.
Joy Feldman Book Signing @ Green City Market
Author Joy Feldman will give a lecture about her writings on living and eating healthy (and man a book signing) today at 11am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Rick Gresh @ Green City Market
Rick Gresh of David Burke's Primehouse will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
St. Bernard Project fundraiser @ Matilda
A fundraiser to benefit the St. Bernard Project, which continues to rebuild in the lingering wake of Hurricane Katrina takes place at Matilda tonight. It's been four years since this disaster hit, and much of the devastation has been long forgotten. The non-profit gains 25% of all revenue from the night. For you, it is a great opportunity to support a very worthwhile cause, as well has have a great time and even better deals:
All Abita beer (brewed in Louisiana) is $4. Amber, Purple Haze and Turbodog on draft, Restoration Pale Ale in bottles.
All appetizers are $5 each.
$5 table charge will apply, with 100% given to the St. Bernard Project.
DJ Kream will liven up the mood
Free raffle for all customers: Gift basket w/ Matilda dinner for two certificate and Abita swag + Abita Turbodog neon sign.
Matilda is located at 3101 N Sheffield, Chicago 773-883-4400
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize being a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's (whoa!). Event runs Wednesdays beginning July 8 through September 9 from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased onsite. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
La Mode: Parisian Fashions in the Age of Impressionism @ Mon Ami Gabi
Discover Impressionist Paris at Mon Ami Gabi (2300 N. Lincoln Park West). Enjoy a French meal and a slide show on Parisian fashion by an Art Institute lecturer. The evening starts at 6 PM with a wine reception, followed by the lecture, and then a multi-course French dinner. The event costs $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required. Call 773-348-8886 to reserve your spot.
Savor the Seasons "Tomato Fest" @ Green City Market
Learn how to work with the heralded red globe of goodiness at a Tomato Fest today at 9:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Freddy Sanchez @ Green City Market
Adobo Grill's Freddy Sanchez will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Slow Food Chicago's Eat-In @ Daley Plaza
Slow Food Chicago hosts an "Eat-In" today from noon-1pm at Daley Plaza--in their words, "a fun, inspiring rally" that will allow participants to sit at tables provided by SFC throughout the plaza to eat lunch and talk about food and its future.
Pressure Cooker @ Gene Siskel Film Center
Pressure Cooker, a documentary film about the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program, will be screened at the Gene Siskel Film Center tonight at 6:15 pm. More information can be found in Drive-Thru.
Re-Thinking Soup @ UIC
The weekly Re-Thinking Soup series starts up again today (not exactly soup season, but "Late Summer Minestrone" is on the menu) at UIC's Jane Addams Hull-House Dining Hall (800 S. Halsted) from noon to 1:30pm. Kicking off this year's series is a lecture and discussion facilitated by Joshua Viertel, Slow Food USA's newly (and first-ever) elected President.
Pig Roast/Sox Game @ Reggie's
Reggie's party bus will bring you to the 1pm White Sox/Orioles game for free on Sunday - it departs at around 12:30pm. For $20, you can score a ticket to the game, a Sox foam visor (free visor day!), a bus ride back to the bar, and admission to the pig roast. That's right, Reggie's is roasting a pig. The pig roast will feature live music from Sam Sliva & the Good, Mad Bread, Grace Askew (Tennessee), and Mississippi Gabe Carter. You can partake in all-you-can-eat sloppy joes for $5, along with $3 drafts of Guinness and Smithwick's on draft, $13 Buckets of Miller Lite & High Life, $2 Busch tall boys, and $1.50 Blatz/Hamm's/Old Milwaukee/Stroh's cans.
2nd Annual Oak Park Microbrew Review
Get on the Green Line and head to the Oak Park Microbrew Review, which runs today from 3-8pm at Marion Street between South Boulevard and Lake Street. On the bill are tastings of 50 craft beers from 20 Illinois microbreweries. Live music and food are also at your disposal. Tickets start at $35. A VIP event will be held from 2-3pm.
Pressure Cooker @ Gene Siskel Film Center
Pressure Cooker, a documentary film about the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program, will be screened at the Gene Siskel Film Center this afternoon at 3:00 pm. More information can be found in Drive-Thru.
Craig DiFonzo @ Green City Market
Craig DiFonzo of A Mano will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Pressure Cooker @ Gene Siskel Film Center
Pressure Cooker, a documentary film about the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program, will be screened at the Gene Siskel Film Center tonight at 6:00 pm.
Chicago representatives of Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) Nicola Copeland and Anthony McPhee - along with mentor and instructor Wilma Stephenson, featured in the film, will be present for audience discussion. More information can be found in Drive-Thru.
Beer Pairing Tasting @ In Fine Spirits
Learn how to pair beer and food at In Fine Spirits (5420 N. Clark St). Arcadia Ale's "Ale-vangelist" Jim Javenkoski will be on hand with five beers that will be paired with selections created by Chef Marianne Sundquist. It all gets underway at 7:30pm. Cost is $30, and you can make reservations by calling (773) 334-9463.
The Neo-Futurists present "30 on Thursday"
The Neo-Futurists present "30 on Thursday", a remount of some classic plays from the archives of their 20-year-old show Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind. These classic plays are being presented as part of a fund-raising drive to help take their recent prime time show Beer to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO. The show starts tonight at 9:30pm. Tickets are $15; $20 tickets are available, and include a post-show beer tasting at the Hopleaf (5148 N. Clark). See the Neo-Futurist Website for details. Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Clark (at Foster). (773) 275-5255.
Heirloom Tomato Cocktail Class @ Nacional 27
Mixologist Adam Seger's picking tomatoes for this month's cocktail class at Nacional 27 (325 W. Huron). Learn how to make an Heirloom Tomato Mojitonico and an Heirloom Tomato Mojito. The $20 all-inclusive class fee includes the demonstration, cocktails, passed tapas, and recipe cards. The class runs from 5:30-6:30pm, and you can call (312) 664-2727 to register.
Owen Roe Winery Dinner @ Shaw's Crab House
Shaw's Crab House (21 E. Hubbard St.) welcomes Owen Roe Winery proprietor David O'Reilly for a six-course wine dinner. Owen Roe Wines will be paired with dishes such as swordfish steak, king salmon, and venison. The evening begins with a reception at 6:30pm, followed by dinner and a wine discussion at 7pm. The event costs $99.99 a person, and reservations must be made by Monday, August 17. For more details and to reserve your spot, call Sommelier Steven Tindle at (312) 527-2722.
Localvore Summer Dinner Series @ Opera
The weather is warming up, farmers' markets are unfolding tents all over town, and if you're lucky enough to have a yard, gardens are bursting with early summer produce. But what if you don't have a yard, or a farmer's market, or the stamina to create your own Localvore Challenge, but still want to eat seasonal and local this summer? If you've got $65, the KDK Restaurant group has you covered with their series of summer five-course dinners featuring ingredients grown or raised in the area. For menu information and updates, visit http://www.opera-chicago.com/. 1301 S. Wabash, reservations are required. Call (312) 461-0161 to reserve a place, or for more information.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize being a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's (whoa!). Event runs Wednesdays beginning July 8 through September 9 from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased onsite. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
Jericho Michel @ Green City Market
Jericho Michel of Hearty Boys will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Windy City Rib Fest @ Union Park
Music and ribs are on the bill for the first annual Windy City RIb Fest at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. Admission $7. Event runs noon-10pm.
Eli's Cheesecake 1st Annual Jazz Festival
Nothing goes better with cheesecake (apparently) than live jazz. Eli's is putting on a family-friendly jazz festival at Eli's Cheesecake World (6701 West Forest Preserve Dr., Chicago) from 3-6pm today. Performers include The Will Miller Quintet and The Matt Carroll Trio with Vocalist Elana Schulman. FREE admission, parking and cheesecake samples.
Jennifer 8. Lee Booksigning/Lecture @ St. Therese
NYT writer and food journalist Jennifer 8. Lee will be in town today, talking about her new book The Fortune Cookie Chronicles at St. Therese School, 247 W. 23rd St from 1-3pm. Lecture is free but reservations are required; email or call (312) 949-1000.
Windy City Rib Fest @ Union Park
Music and ribs are on the bill for the first annual Windy City RIb Fest at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. Admission $7. Event runs noon-10pm.
Toni Roberts @ Green City Market
Toni Roberts of C-House will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Veggie Bike and Dine - SOLD OUT
The Active Transportation Alliance partners with NeighborSpace for today's vegetarian/vegan culinary tour on pedals. Veggie Bike and Dine starts at Howard Area Community Garden (1715-1725 W. Juneway Terrace) at 10:30am, and from there will eat at a smorgasbord of places, from Chicago Diner to Taste of Lebanon. Tickets $50-55. SOLD OUT.
Windy City Rib Fest @ Union Park
Music and ribs are on the bill for the first annual Windy City RIb Fest, which kicks off tonight at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. Admission $7. Event runs 5-10pm.
Taste of the Nation @ Ravenswood Billboard Factory
Tonight's Taste of the Nation charity event brings together names from Chicago's culinary top shelf (Shawn McClain, Mindy Segal, Paul Kahan) to benefit anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength. Event runs 6-10pm at Ravenswood Billboard Factory, 4025 North Ravenswood. Tickets $175-250.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize being a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's (whoa!). Event runs Wednesdays beginning July 8 through September 9 from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased onsite. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
Rodelio Aglibot @ Green City Market
Rodelio Aglibot of Sunda will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Carnivale Dinner/Slow Food Chicago Benefit @ Goose Island
Goose Island Brewery and Carnivale are teaming up for a benefit dinner for Slow Food Chicago tonight at 7pm at Carnivale (702 West Fulton Market). The menu--ribs, chicken and corn--sounds delish. Tickets (all-inclusive) are $65; call (312) 850-5005.
Monday Mix Cocktail & Spirits Tasting
Door County, Wisconsin's Death's Door Spirits comes to In Fine Spirits (5420 N. Clark St.) to showcase their sustainable spirits, including white whiskey, gin, and vodka. At this event, you'll sample all three spirits and enjoy cocktails made with the white whiskey and gin, concocted by guest bartender Peter Vestinos. The event takes place from 8-10pm and costs $15 ($10 with an industry ID). For more information, call (773) 334-9463.
Reverse Boycott at Fox & Obel
Carrotmob Chicago, a group of consumers who band together to spend money at socially responsible businesses, is putting its buying power behind Fox & Obel. The mob plans a "buycott" or reverse boycott from noon until 6pm: they're encouraging local consumers to visit Fox & Obel for their food needs, and the store, in return, will use part of the proceeds to continue to reduce its carbon footprint.
Latin Fest @ Green City Market
Chefs from Cafe 28 and May Street Market will give a cooking demonstration of Latin cuisine today at 9am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives. Music and tastings are also on the bill.
Mado @ Green City Market
Chefs from Mado will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Interview Show w/Rick Bayless, Kidz in the Hall
Celebchef Rick Bayless, hip hop duo Kidz in the Hall, author and Onion AV Club critic Nathan Rabi, and monologist Susan McLaughlin Karp appear on The Interview Show hosted by Red Eye columnist Mark Bazer tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 6:30-8pm. Admission $5. 21+
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize being a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's (whoa!). Event runs Wednesdays beginning July 8 through September 9 from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased onsite. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
Paul Virant @ Green City Market's Club Sprouts
Vie's Paul Virant will give a kid-friendly cooking demonstration today at 9:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Randy Zweiban @ Green City Market
Randy Zweiban of Province will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
A French Cheese Course @ LUMA
Sofia Solomon of local cheese supplier Tekla will be leading a lecture on French cheese making and tasting tonight at Loyola University Museum of Art (820 North Michigan Avenue) at 6pm. Admission $15-20.
Taste of Wisconsin @ Kenosha Harbor
If you love the foodie mecca that is Kenosha, Wisconsin (I'm not lying), you can take the Metra UP North line to the city's harbor for the free Taste of Wisconsin, which runs Saturday (11am-10pm) and Sunday (11am-6pm) at Kenosha's harbor, 6th Avenue and 54th Street. Food, music, and the relief that you're nowhere near Taste of Chicago is on the bill. Afterward you should go to Tenuta's; you'll thank me later.
Sushi Rolling Party
The Japanese Cultural Center (1016 W. Belmont) is hosting a sushi rolling party from 2:30-4:30 this afternoon. During the party participants will make three full sheets (at least 15 pieces) of sushi. The event costs $15 ($12 in advance) and includes all ingredients. For more information or to make a reservation please email Genea at japaneseculturecenter@gmail.com.
Taste of Wisconsin @ Kenosha Harbor
If you love the foodie mecca that is Kenosha, Wisconsin (I'm not lying), you can take the Metra UP North line to the city's harbor for the free Taste of Wisconsin, which runs Saturday (11am-10pm) and Sunday (11am-6pm) at Kenosha's harbor, 6th Avenue and 54th Street. Food, music, and the relief that you're nowhere near Taste of Chicago is on the bill. Afterward you should go to Tenuta's; you'll thank me later.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize being a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's (whoa!). Event runs Wednesdays beginning July 8 through September 9 from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased onsite. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
Savor the Seasons "Carrot Fest" @ Green City Market
Learn how to store your carrot stash before its growing season ends so that you can enjoy it for months to come today at 9:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Jeannie Stephenson-Posilovich @ Green City Market
Jeannie Stephenson-Posilovich of The Goddess and Grocer will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
History of French Pastry @ LUMA
Kelli and Dimitri Fayard of Vanille Patisserie will be talking about the history (and present) of French pastry (with samples!) tonight at 6pm at Loyola University Museum of Art (820 N. Michigan). Admission $15-20.
Pierogi Fest
Don't miss this nationally acclaimed festival focused on (as the name would suggest), Slavic dumplings stuffed with a variety of delicious fillings. Pierogis and other Eastern European delicacies, contests, and even a parade and Piroguettes feature prominently. 11am-10pm, 119th St. and Indianapolis Blvd. in Whiting, IN. Directions and more here.
Olive Oil/Vinegar Lecture @ Chicago History Museum
The Culinary Historians of Chicago will hold a lecture today at the Chicago History Museum, North & Broadway, at 10am to talk about the marriage of olive oil and balsamic vinegar throughout history. Rick Petrocelly of the Olive Tap is the guest speaker. Admission is $5, $3 for students and members and no charge for CHC members. RSVP via phone (708) 788-0338 or email.
Kimberly Schwenke @ Green City Market
Kimberly Schwenke of 312 Chicago will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Paul Virant @ Green City Market
Paul Virant of Vie will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Stephanie Izard @ The Chopping Block
Get a sneak peek at Stephanie Izard's new restaurant The Drunken Goat as she stops by The Chopping Block's Merchandise Mart location (Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 107) to cook up dishes from her new menu. The event takes place from 6-9 PM and will include an amuse bouche, appetizer, entree, dessert, and wine pairings. Register online or call 312-644-6360. Cost is $150.
Localvore Summer Dinner Series @ Gioco
The weather is warming up, farmers' markets are unfolding tents all over town, and if you're lucky enough to have a yard, gardens are bursting with early summer produce. But what if you don't have a yard, or a farmer's market, or the stamina to create your own Localvore Challenge, but still want to eat seasonal and local this summer? If you've got $65, the KDK Restaurant group has you covered with their series of summer five-course dinners featuring ingredients grown or raised in the area. For menu information and updates, visit Gioco online. 1312 S. Wabash, reservations are required. Call (312)-939-3870 to reserve a place (cost of event is $14.95), or for more information.
Culinary Curiosity Tour @ Kendall College
Join the Chicago Foodways Roundtable as they tour a new exhibit at Kendall College that shows off antique food production devices. You'll be joined by the exhibit's curator (nice bonus). Cost $2 (free for KC students and faculty). Event begins at 10am today at 900 North Branch. RSVP via email or call (847) 432-8255.
Shelley Young @ Green City Market
Shelley Young of the Chopping Block will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Free Screening of "Food, Inc." @ Landmark Century Centre Cinema
Chipotle, of all places, is hosting a free screening of "Food, Inc." tonight at Landmark Century theater, Diversey and Clark, at 7:30pm. Get there early -- seating is first come, first served.
Green City Market Summer BBQ Festival
Tonight from 6-8pm you'll give your appetite a workout at the Green City Market Summer BBQ Festival, which will offer a bevy of foods from the Market cooked by the best and brightest of area chefs, among them Paul Kahan of Blackbird, avec and Publican; Jason Hammel & Amalea Tshilds of Lula Café and Nightwood; Carrie Nahabedian of Naha; Paul Virant of Vie; and Spring and Green Zebra's Shawn McClain. Event is at Lincoln Park and is a benefit for Green City Market.Tickets are $60 (more for sponsorship tables).
Mike Cisternino @ Green City Market
Mike Cisternino of Tavern at the Park will give a cooking demo at the Green City Market today at 10:30, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize being a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's (whoa!). Event runs Wednesdays beginning July 8 through September 9 from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased onsite. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
Talk, Tour and Taste @ French Pastry School
Loyola University Museum of Art will sponsor a tour of French Pastry School (226 West Jackson) tonight from 6-8pm, along with a tasting with Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer. Admission $20-$25.
Bastille Day Celebration @ Pops For Champagne
Pops For Champagne (601 N. State St.) uncorks some fine bubbly in honor of the French national holiday. $35 gets you food and unlimited French sparkling wine in their courtyard from 3-8pm. Additional sparkling varieties will be available for sale as well. Tickets are available in advance or at the door. Call (312) 266-7677 for reservations.
Great Lakes Brewing Beer Dinner @ The Publican
This month's beer dinner at The Publican features brews from Cleveland's Great Lakes Brewing Company. The event includes a four-course dinner for $45. Beer pairings are an additional $15-20. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling (312) 733-9555.
Kuma's Corner Fourth Anniversary Party
Kuma's Corner (2900 W. Belmont) is celebrating their Fourth Anniversary by throwing a Block Party. In addition to free food and fun, the band CLUTCH (namesake of Kuma's 4 cheese burger) will be playing live. More information can be found at Kuma's website and at the event's Facebook site.
New Belgium Tour de Fat @ Palmer Square
The Tour de Fat returns! Bikes, music, bikes, beer, bikes, and fun converge upon Palmer Square (2118 N. Kedzie Blvd.) from 9am to 4pm. Sponsored by New Belgium Brewery, the event will feature lots of the company's products and a "I want to trade my car for a bike!" contest. The event also benefits West Town Bikes.
Shroomin' with City Provisions
City Provisions is back again with another farm dinner. What begins as a group of strangers gathered at our space, turns into a group of colleagues hanging out by a bonfire.
This month is an especially unique farm dinner that will teach you about the inner workings of River Valley's mushroom farm. In addition to using their mushrooms, the wonderful selection of produce from River Valley's farm will also be used. So vegetarians celebrate! This is a dinner for you.
Joining the dinner will be Gabriel Magliaro of Half Acre Brewing Company, not just a local brewery, but in our neighborhood. Only 36 seats available, so reserve yours today (773-293-2489)!
$125.00 all inclusive
Bus will depart at 2:00 p.m., returning around 11:00 p.m.
1820 West Wilson, Chicago
Alefest @ Soldier Field
Alefest tours through Chicago today, landing on Soldier Field's Stadium Green. From 2pm to 6pm, enjoy beers from more than 50 craft breweries, enter a silent auction and raffle of beer-related collectibles and more. $40 gets you admission, 20 samples, a year's subscription to Time Out Chicago and a commemorative glass. 21+
Heather Terhune @ Green City Market
Heather Terhune from Atwood Cafe will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Lost Abbey Dinner @ Hopleaf
Hopleaf (5148 N. Clark St.) brings in brewmaster Tomme Arthur from San Marcos, CA's Lost Abbey Brewery for this seven-course dinner. Chef Ben Sheagren has designed a menu that pairs with these Belgian-style brews. The event starts with a reception at 6:30pm, followed by dinner at 7. Cost is $75. Reserve your spot by e-mailing Louise at Hopleaf. For more information call (773) 334-9851 or go here.
Culinary School @ Great Lakes Naval Base Tour
Join the Chicago Foodways Roundtable for a tour of (and lunch at) the Naval Culinary School at the Great Lakes Naval Station today. You'll get a tour of the School, which runs a thirty-day training program for students that covers kitchen basics and emergency response skills. Graduates go on to cook on U.S. Navy ships, so get a whiff of their skills before they sail off into the culinary horizon. Event runs 11am-1pm. Tour is free, lunch is $4.25, and RSVP required. Parking is available, and the Base is across the street from the Metra North Chicago station (off the Kenosha Line). Call (847) 432-8255 or email to reserve your space.
Veggie Bingo @ Hideout
If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize being a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's (whoa!). Event runs Wednesdays beginning July 8 through September 9 from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased onsite. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.
Jimmy Sneed @ Green City Market
Jimmy Sneed of Naperville's Sugar Toad will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Iron Cupcake II @ Veranda Greek American Taverna
The second Iron Cupcake challenge happens this evening at Veranda Greek American Taverna (5700 W. Irving Park), and the theme of the evening is tropical flavors. 6pm. For full information and to register email beautifulcakes at sbcglobal dot net.
Tart Baking Class @ The Twisted Baker
Old Town's The Twisted Baker (1543 N. Wells St.) hosts a monthly class on baking sumptuous treats. This month they're focusing on tarts. The class starts at 6:30pm and costs $40. Call (312) 932-1128 for more information and to reserve your spot (unfortunately, their website doesn't have any information about their monthly classes).
Pig Roast & Luau @ Fizz Bar & Grill
Fizz Bar & Grill (3220 N. Lincoln Ave.) is hosting a pig roast today starting at 3pm, complemented by tiki drinks and Bud Lime buckets. Proceeds from your $10 donation benefit the Great Chicago Food Depository. For more information call (773) 348-6000.
Taste of Chicago's Last Day @ Grant Park
Eh. The monster wreaks havoc on its final day in Grant Park. Now's the time to give your email address to the clerks at your favorite food stands and make them promise to write you.
Hot Dog Eating Contest @ Purgatory
What is our National Holiday without a Hot Dog eating contest? Purgatory Pizza (3415 N. Clark St) is hosting it's first annual Fourth of July unofficial Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Festivities kick off at 1pm sharp, and cost $5 to enter. Competitors must be entered by noon. You can register ahead of time by emailing dom@purgatorychicago.com or via phone at (773) 975-6677.
Weber Grill Cooking Demo @ Green City Market
Chefs from the Weber Grill Restaurant will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Taste & Travel Series - Italy
REI tempts your international tastebuds with a series of classes designed to show you a country in both pictures and food. The night kicks off at the store (1466 N. Halsted) at 6:30pm with a slide show by travelers from Hostelling International Chicago. Then you'll walk over to the new Whole Foods (1550 N. Kingsbury) for samples of Italian cuisine prepared by chef Frank Rossi of Racconto Foods. Future classes in the series will discuss India and Israel. Cost per class is $15, and you can register online. Participants do get a $5 Whole Foods gift card. For more information contact Claire Hurwitz or call REI at 312-951-6020.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Fourth of July Picnic
Learn how to make picnic-ready dishes in time for the 4th of July holiday at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Today's class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Class runs 11am-2pm. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Gale Gand @ Green City Market
Chef Gale Gand of Tru will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Low and Slow BBQ Lecture @ Kendall College
If you read our recent review of new cookbook Low and Slow: Master the Art of Barbecue in 5 Easy Lessons, in which LTH Forum founder Gary Wiviott explains the art of making the best BBQ around, you will drop your plans for this morning and head to Kendall College, where Wiviott (and food writer Colleen Rush) will walk you through the delicate process of cooking some good meat. Event is sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago, and begins at 10am at 900 North Branch Street; $3 admission (free for Kendall students and faculty), and there's free parking. RSVP required via email or phone (847) 432-8255.
Kid, You'll Move Mountains @ Taste of Chicago
The Taste of Chicago is a great way for locals to get exposed to some of Chicago's finer bands. This year Kid, You'll Move Mountains is set to preform on the Taste stage (Balbo and Columbus). Kid, You'll Move Mountains has been impressing local audiences for the past year with their recent album Loomings, a complicated yet enjoyable album. Famed Sun-Times critic Jim DeRogatis recently wrote about the band in his weekly column, saying the band's music "keep things moving forward with a propulsive urgency that never neglects the classic Midwestern power-pop melodies." The band hits the stage at 2:30pm and, like all shows at the Taste of Chicago, is free to get in to. If you haven't seen this band before, grab some grub and take a look.
Put Some Free Sausage In Your Mouth During Pride Weekend
Purgatory Pizza (3415 N. Clark St) is recognizing Chicago's Pride Weekend by adding free sausage by request to its pies this weekend (Friday the 26th through Sunday the 28th). Swing by and tell 'em you want Pride Sausage on your pie!
Around the World in 80 Sips
Tonight from 7pm to 10pm, Chicago-based Bottlenotes is hosting "Around the World in 80 Sips," an exploration of more than 80 wines from, as the name implies, all around the world, at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave.. It's an opportunity to try wines from less well-known regions like China and Lebanon alongside the more established wine spots. An assortment of artisanal cheeses and food from local restaurants will help soak up some of that wine.
Tickets are $50 in advance, $75 at the door, but Gapers Block readers can get an exclusive $10 discount by using the code GAPERSBLOCK at checkout.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Sensational Salads
Make a boring salad exciting tonight from 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Chris Koetke @ Local Beet/Eli's Farmers Market Lecture Series
The Local Beet and Eli's Cheesecake sponsors a 1pm guest lecturer at Eli's/Wright College's Farmers Market, which is held every Thursday at 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive. Today's speaker is Chris Koetke, the Dean of Culinary Arts at Kendall College.
Rick Bayless @ Green City Market
Celebchef Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Absinthe Tasting @ Delilah's
After being banned for decades, absinthe is back on the market with a vengeance. As part of their Vincent Van Gogh Birthday celebration, Delilah's (2771 N. Lincoln) is hosting an absinthe tasting tonight where you'll be able to sample all of the 16 brands of absinthe available in the U.S. market. Several producers and reps will be on hand as well. Enjoy watching Van Gogh-related films, absinthe cocktails, and Amsterdamned DJ Mike Miller. $20. For more information contact Mike at (773) 472-2771 or mike@delilahschicago.com.
How to Boil Water
All chefs have to start somewhere, so if you don't know how to cook (and are afraid to admit it), this class is for you. Jonathan Chase, Catering Sous Chef at Fox & Obel (401 E. Illinois), will teach you some basic recipes that will help you find your way around the kitchen. You'll get to take home recipes and get a 10% discount at the store. It runs from 6-7:30pm, costs $25, and you can register online or call 312-410-7301.
Beer and Cheese @ Hopleaf
A pairing of Wisconsin artisan cheeses with six American beers is on the bill tonight at Hopleaf (5142 N Clark) at 7pm. Representatives of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board and Michigan's Arcadia Ales will be on hand to talk about the food. Tickets are $25 and space is limited. Email to RSVP.
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Fork and the Road Tours Begin
Fork and the Road, a local business that organizes bike tours with customized food stops (Asian, vegetarian, etc.), begins operations today, with an "International BBQ"-themed tour beginning at 11am at Pause Cafe (1107 W. Berwyn, tickets $50). Registration required.
Kids' Restaurant Week Begins
A group of Chicago restaurants, including Coco Pazzo Café, David Burke's Primehouse, Eve, and one sixtyblue among others are participating in this week-long event which runs from today to June 28. Each restaurant will offer special prix fixe menus for which kids 11 and under will pay their age and others will pay $29. There are early dinner seatings from 5-7pm, and part of the proceeds will benefit the city's Green City Market. Visit kidsrestaurantweek.com to make reservations and for more information.
Greater Chicago Food Depository Hunger Walk @ Montrose Harbor
The Greater Chicago Food Depository Hunger Walk will benefit the Depository's work to eradicate hunger in Chicagoland. Event begins at 8am at Montrose Harbor. If you can't walk, consider donating to the event.
Jason Hammel & Amalea Tshilds @ Green City Market
Jason Hammel & Amalea Tshilds of Lula Cafe and Nightwood will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Sound Opinions Fundraiser Dinner
Join music critics Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis for a music-themed five-course dinner tonight at 7pm (location will be revealed to ticket holders). A benefit for their radio show Sound Opinions, the event will be catered by Clandestino Chicago with wine pairings from Candid Wines. 7pm. Tickets are $250.
'Sweet' Summer Solstice Potluck Supper @ Chicago Honey Coop
Slow Food Chicago hosts a potluck dinner tonight at Chicago Honey Coop, 3740 W. Fillmore, from 6-9pm. Tickets $10 for Slow Food members and Honey Coop members + side dish or dessert; $15 for non-members + side dish or dessert. Children are free.
Localvore Summer Dinner Series @ Marché
The weather is warming up, farmers' markets are unfolding tents all over town, and if you're lucky enough to have a yard, gardens are bursting with early summer produce. But what if you don't have a yard, or a farmer's market, or the stamina to create your own Localvore Challenge, but still want to eat seasonal and local this summer? If you've got $65, the KDK Restaurant group has you covered with their series of summer five-course dinners featuring ingredients grown or raised in the area. The series kicks off tonight at Marché, where the LaGrange, IN Gunthorp Farms' pork and rabbit star on a menu that also includes Heirloom Tomato Salad with House Made Ricotta, Rockit Greens, Balsamic Vinaigrette; Roasted Corn Bisque with Sweet Corn Hash; and a Rhubarb Crème Brulée, created by Executive Chef Cory Peterson. 833 W. Randolph, 6:30pm, reservations are required. Call 312.226.8399 to reserve a place, or for more information.
Half Acre Beer Tasting @ South Loop Wine Cellar
South Loop WIne Cellar (1442 S Michigan Ave) hosts Chicago's own Half Acre Beer Company for a tasting tonight. Taste Half Acre's Over Ale, Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, and Lager from 6-8pm.
Laura Frankel Cooking Demo @ Spertus Institute
Laura Frankel of Wolfgang Puck at Spertus Institute will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Spertus Institute, 610 S. Michigan Avenue.
Savor the Seasons "Strawberry Fest" @ Green City Market
Chefs from Blue 13, mk and Now We're Cooking will teach you how to prepare strawberries for the long haul with freezing and storage techniques that will help you enjoy the harvest beyond their growing season today at the Green City Market at 9:30am. Stockton and LaSalle Drives.
Japanese Gourmet Fair @ Mitsuwa Marketplace
Mitsuwa Marketplace's gourmet fair is having its last day, with Japanese sweets and snacks that rarely cross the Pacific--unless you have a Japanese relative who sends out care packages. Although the Chicago store will have a smaller selection than the stores on the coasts, it'll have takoyaki (creamy dough balls with octopus and a special sauce), sweet potato & apple pies from a well-known bakery, specialty fish cakes and traditional Japanese sweets, and more. The gourmet fair goes on during the usual store hours of between 9 am and 8 pm. Mitsuwa is located at 100 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights.
UFC's Clay Guida at Bennigan's
UFC fighter, Clay "the Carpenter" Guida will be at Bennigan's on Michigan Avenue. Guida, who trains in Tinley Park, will show up at 9 pm to meet fans and promote his fight against Diego "the Nightmare" Sanchez at the Ultimate Fighter Season 9 finale.
Food of the Philippines: Two Perspectives @ Lexington College
Join Kristine Subido (Executive Chef, Wave Restaurant) and Janet Rausa Fuller (Food Editor, Sun-Times) today from 10am to Noon at Lexington College (310 S. Peoria Street-free parking) to talk about their perspectives as Filipinos and their take on the country's native food. Samples and discussion are on the menu. Tickets are $3/$5. RSVP required.
The Art of Preservation Benefit
Preservation Chicago's spring fundraiser, "The Art of Preservation," takes place from 5:30 to 8:30pm tonight at 1835 S. Halsted Street in the Pilsen art district. Drinks and food from Pilsen restaurants will be provided, along with music by local Latin band Son Del Viento. Tickets are available for $25 in advance from http://www.preservationchicago.org or $30 at the door. Call (773) 334-8800 or email info@preservationchicago.org for more information.
Japanese Gourmet Fair @ Mitsuwa Marketplace
Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlignton Heights has a gourmet fair from today till Sunday (6/14), with Japanese sweets and snacks that rarely cross the Pacific--unless you have a Japanese relative who sends out care packages. Although the Chicago store will have a smaller selection than the stores on the coasts, it'll have takoyaki (creamy dough balls with octopus and a special sauce), sweet potato & apple pies from a well-known bakery, specialty fish cakes and traditional Japanese sweets, and more. The gourmet fair goes on during the usual store hours of between 9 am and 8 pm. Mitsuwa is located at 100 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights.
Foie Gras Week Begins
Starting today through Tuesday, you'll be able to snag a $10 dish containing the former forbidden fruit of Chicago, aka foie gras, at a range of restaurants (e.g. Cafe Bernard, Cafe Matou, Carlos, Cyrano's Bistrot, David Burke's Primehouse, Hemingway's Bistro, May Street Market, and Union League Club) courtesy of Chicago Chefs for Choice (and their outdated website).
The Cheddar, The Better
Fox & Obel (401 E. Illinois) hosts a class devoted to the world's most popular cheese: cheddar. Learn how it's made and taste your way through numerous samples while sipping a glass of wine. The course costs $25 and runs from 6-7:30pm. Register online or call (312) 410-7301.
Integrity Spirits Tasting @ Drinks Over Dearborn
Microdistiller Rich Phillips of Portland, OR-based Integrity Spirits will be at Drinks Over Dearborn (650 N. Dearborn, 2nd floor) this evening talking about his company and their brands. The event includes tasting Integrity's Lovejoy Vodkas, 12 Bridges Gin, and Trilium Absinthe. Ages 21+, 4pm-7pm. Free. For more information, call 312-337-WINE.
LTH Forum Anniversary Party @ Weegee's
Celebrate the 5th anniversary of LTH Forum, Chicagoland's best food discussion board, today at Weegee's (3659 W. Armitage Ave.), 1-5pm. Admission is $30, which covers food; you can buy tickets through LTH's site.
Yelp Eats @ Various Restaurants
From June 1-7, you can dine at a nice list of local places (among them Brasserie Jo, May Street Market, Stained Glass, Uncommon Ground) from their special $25 prix fize menu, courtesy of Yelp.
Picnics & Pies Fund-Raiser
Blue Sky Inn is holding its annual fund-raiser at Lush Wine & Spirits at 1257 S Halsted Street (312-738-1900). The bakery and nonprofit will auction off picnic baskets prepared by celebrity chefs, including Charlie Trotter, Ina Pinkney and Rick Bayless. Other activities include an amateur pie-baking contest, face painting for kids and wine tastings. The event begins at noon and ends at 5pm; admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door for everyone over the age of 12. Tickets available here.
Yelp Eats @ Various Restaurants
From June 1-7, you can dine at a nice list of local places (among them Brasserie Jo, May Street Market, Stained Glass, Uncommon Ground) from their special $25 prix fize menu, courtesy of Yelp.
National Donut Day
Get a free donut (with beverage purchase) at participating Dunkin Donuts today in celebration of National Donut Day — a holiday started by the Chicago Salvation Army. (Too bad all the Chicago Krispy Kremes are gone -- they're giving donuts away!)
Yelp Eats @ Various Restaurants
From June 1-7, you can dine at a nice list of local places (among them Brasserie Jo, May Street Market, Stained Glass, Uncommon Ground) from their special $25 prix fize menu, courtesy of Yelp.
Yelp Eats @ Various Restaurants
From June 1-7, you can dine at a nice list of local places (among them Brasserie Jo, May Street Market, Stained Glass, Uncommon Ground) from their special $25 prix fize menu, courtesy of Yelp.
Yelp Eats @ Various Restaurants
From June 1-7, you can dine at a nice list of local places (among them Brasserie Jo, May Street Market, Stained Glass, Uncommon Ground) from their special $25 prix fize menu, courtesy of Yelp.
Jarvis Square Wine Affair
Enjoy the summer air and admire master sommelier Alpana Singh at the 2nd annual Jarvis Square Wine Affair this evening. Singh will be joining Guppo di Amici and Taste Food & Wine, as the two neighbors (they are literally next to each other in the quietly "happening" Jarvis Square, just off the Red Line station) pour 40 different wines and serve light appetizers. Tickets are $35 at the door, but if you reserve beforehand, it's $30. 1506-08 W. Jarvis Ave. 6:30pm - 9pm, reserve at 773-508-5565 (Gruppo) or 773-761-3663 (Taste).
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Yelp Eats @ Various Restaurants
From June 1-7, you can dine at a nice list of local places (among them Brasserie Jo, May Street Market, Stained Glass, Uncommon Ground) from their special $25 prix fize menu, courtesy of Yelp.
Iron Cupcake Chicago Challenge
The folks at Beautiful Cakes have issued Chicagoans a challenge - come up with the best citrus flavored cupcake! The Iron Cupcake Chicago Challenge will be held at Veranda Greek American Taverna tonight at 6pm. More bakers are needed, so if you can whip up something quick, drop Beautiful Cakes an e-mail at beautifulcakes@sbcglobal.net or call them at (773) 777-7535. Nonbakers are also welcome to enjoy drink and appetizer specials. 5700 W. Irving Park Rd.
Yelp Eats @ Various Restaurants
From June 1-7, you can dine at a nice list of local places (among them Brasserie Jo, May Street Market, Stained Glass, Uncommon Ground) from their special $25 prix fize menu, courtesy of Yelp.
Sushi Making for the Whole Family
The Shedd Aquarium, along with Purple Asparagus, is offering a sustainable-sushi making class for adults and children from 4pm to 6pm in the Lobster Lab. Families can prepare rolls using sustainable fish and talk with aquarium experts about the ways different fish are caught or farmed. The class is $20 for adults and $5 per child. For reservations contact Melissa Graham at Purple Asparagus (773-991-1920 or info@purpleasparagus.com).
Menomena @ Do-Division
The Do-Division Street Festival takes over Division from Ashland to Leavitt on Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 10pm. Flosstradamus (Saturday) and Menomena (Sunday) rock it out alongside food, vendors, beer, kids' activities and a sidewalk sale. Blue Line (check for shuttle due to track work): Ashland/Milwaukee or Damen/Milwaukee. Bus: 9 Ashland, 49 Western, 50 Damen, 56 Milwaukee, 70 Division (check for re-route). Free Bike Valet.
Flosstradamus @ Do-Division
The Do-Division Street Festival takes over Division from Ashland to Leavitt on Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 10 p.m. Flosstradamus (Saturday) and Menomena (Sunday) rock it out alongside food, vendors, beer, kids' activities and a sidewalk sale. Blue Line (check for shuttle due to track work): Ashland/Milwaukee or Damen/Milwaukee. Bus: 9 Ashland, 49 Western, 50 Damen, 56 Milwaukee, 70 Division (check for re-route). Free Bike Valet.
Gale Gand @ Chopping Block
The Book Cellar is partnering with the Chopping Block for a special presentation of chef and cookbook author Gale Gand who will share her new book Gale Gand's Brunch!: 100 Fantastic Recipes for the Weekend's Best Meal. Gand will demonstrate her favorite recipes and provide sample dishes from the new book. Admission is $55 per person and includes a copy of the book. Save your spot by calling the Chopping Block at 773-293-8490. 7pm at 4747 N. Lincoln Ave.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Grilling for a Cause @ The Chopping Block
The Chopping Block's "Cooking for a Cause" program allows you to learn some new cooking skills and also help out a local charity. Today's class, at TCB's Lincoln Square location (12pm, $75 per person), is a cooking class and party to celebrate outdoor grilling. Event benefits the Disabled Patriot Fund. Registration required.
Free Admission to the New Modern Wing @ Art Institute/Depository Food Drive
Today is the last day that you can visit the newly opened Modern Wing of the Art Institute (111 S. Michigan Ave) for free. For the $12-18 that you're saving in admission, help out the hungry in Chicago by bringing a donation for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, who will be accepting non-perishable items at food collection sites that will be located on the Michigan Avenue and the Monroe Street sides of the building.
Mouthwatering Memorial Day Grilling Class @ Fox & Obel
Learn how to rock out your Memorial Day grillfest at Fox & Obel, 401 East Illinois. From 6-7:30pm you will be walked through how to make a menu for the holiday. Admission is $35; reservations required.
Free Admission to the New Modern Wing @ Art Institute/Depository Food Drive
From May 16-22, you can visit the newly opened Modern Wing of the Art Institute (111 S. Michigan Ave) for free. For the $12-18 that you're saving in admission, help out the hungry in Chicago by bringing a donation for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, who will be accepting non-perishable items at food collection sites that will be located on the Michigan Avenue and the Monroe Street sides of the building.
Free Admission to the New Modern Wing @ Art Institute/Depository Food Drive
From May 16-22, you can visit the newly opened Modern Wing of the Art Institute (111 S. Michigan Ave) for free. For the $12-18 that you're saving in admission, help out the hungry in Chicago by bringing a donation for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, who will be accepting non-perishable items at food collection sites that will be located on the Michigan Avenue and the Monroe Street sides of the building.
From Recipe to Reality @ Wright College
Do you often think a recipe of yours could make you a millionaire were you to market it? Could you become the real Sausage King/Queen of Chicago? The next Mrs. Field? The University of Nebraska is offering a traveling workshop called "From Recipe to Reality" tonight at Wright College (4300 N. Narragansett). Call (402) 472-2819 to register.
Free Admission to the New Modern Wing @ Art Institute/Depository Food Drive
From May 16-22, you can visit the newly opened Modern Wing of the Art Institute (111 S. Michigan Ave) for free. For the $12-18 that you're saving in admission, help out the hungry in Chicago by bringing a donation for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, who will be accepting non-perishable items at food collection sites that will be located on the Michigan Avenue and the Monroe Street sides of the building.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Whole Foods Lincoln Park Preview Party
Get a sneak peek at the new Whole Foods Lincoln Park at 1550 N. Kingsbury St. -- the third largest in the world -- at a preview party tonight from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, benefiting three non-profits: Children's Memorial, Friends of 2016 and Common Threads. Chicago's own Wilco and Rick Bayless are among the expected rumored celebrity guests. (Wilco's management denies they'll be in attendance.) Tickets are $25.
Lunch Hour By DiGiorno
DiGiorno is transforming Pioneer Plaza into the "ultimate, hassle-free lunch lounge" today. Free samples of DiGiorno Flatbread Melts will be distributed, and drivers who want their free lunch will get a quarter for parking. Plus rickshaws will be deployed throughout the loop to pick up famished lunchers. Pioneer Plaza (Michigan at Wacker).
Free Admission to the New Modern Wing @ Art Institute/Depository Food Drive
From May 16-22, you can visit the newly opened Modern Wing of the Art Institute (111 S. Michigan Ave) for free. For the $12-18 that you're saving in admission, help out the hungry in Chicago by bringing a donation for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, who will be accepting non-perishable items at food collection sites that will be located on the Michigan Avenue and the Monroe Street sides of the building.
In Defense of Food Discussion
Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto, signs the latter book and discusses "the answer to the question of what we should eat that comes down to seven simple but liberating words: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." at 6pm today in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium at the Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St. Presented by Chicago Matters. Free. More details here.
Free Admission to the New Modern Wing @ Art Institute/Depository Food Drive
From May 16-22, you can visit the newly opened Modern Wing of the Art Institute (111 S. Michigan Ave) for free. For the $12-18 that you're saving in admission, help out the hungry in Chicago by bringing a donation for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, who will be accepting non-perishable items at food collection sites that will be located on the Michigan Avenue and the Monroe Street sides of the building.
Andersonville Wine Walk
Spend today (2-5pm) browsing at 22 of Andersonville's shops while you imbibe on wines provided by In Fine Spirits. Tickets $25. Event benefits the Andersonville Development Corporation.
The Haute Cuisine of Ancient Mesopotamia @ Oriental Institute
Join historian Karen Wilson for a discussion about the foods of Mesopotamia and a tour of the Oriental Institute's related exhibit today at the Oriental Institute Museum at 1155 E 58th St at 10am. Tickets are $7, event sponsored by the Chicago Foodways Roundtable. RSVP required.
Free Admission to the New Modern Wing @ Art Institute/Depository Food Drive
From May 16-22, you can visit the newly opened Modern Wing of the Art Institute (111 S. Michigan Ave) for free. For the $12-18 that you're saving in admission, help out the hungry in Chicago by bringing a donation for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, who will be accepting non-perishable items at food collection sites that will be located on the Michigan Avenue and the Monroe Street sides of the building.
Escape to Australia @ Fox & Obel
Australian chef Jon-Antony will be cooking in the way of Oz tonight at Fox and Obel, 401 E. Illinois, 7-9pm. Admission is $25 and covers wine, grub and talking about crocs. Registration required.
Chicago Fair Trade's Global Fest
Chicago Fair Trade highlights its connections to Latin America with Global Fest tonight from 5pm to 9pm at Zapatista Cantina, 1307 S. Wabash. According to CFT's site, "In addition to Latin American food, beverages and music, two Fair Trade artisans from Peru will share their stories during a brief program that will also feature the presentation of Chicago Fair Trade's first Changemaker Award." Tickets are $40.
Three Floyd's Brewing Dinner @ Lloyd's
Lloyd's Chicago (1 S. Wacker Dr.) is hosting a 5-course dinner, with each course paired with a particular beer from Munster, Indiana's Three Floyd's Brewing. The menu includes mussels, roasted poblano and blistered corn soup, BBQ duck breast, braised beef short ribs, and chocolate cake creme brulee. It all kicks off with a reception at 6pm. Seats are $39.95 plus tax and gratuity. Call (312) 407-6900 for reservations.
Wine 101: Sensory Experience @ Fox & Obel
Sniffing and drinking is on the bill tonight at Fox & Obel, 401 East Illinois. From 6-7:30pm you will go from novice to not a novice when it comes to choosing and savoring wine. Admission is $25; reservations required.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Courting Le Cordon Bleu @ Chicago History Museum
Author Kathleen Flinn will talk about her memories of the elite cooking school today at the Chicago History Museum (North and Broadway) today from 10am-12pm. Admission is $5, $3 for students and members and no charge for CHC members. To reserve, please call Barbara Olson at (708) 788-0338 or e-mail your reservation to: rsvpchc@yahoo.com. ChicaGourmets hosts a reception and luncheon with Flinn at 12:30pm at Chez Joel, 1119 W. Taylor St. Admission is $59.50, inclusive, for members of ChicaGourmets/Culinary Historians and $69.50 for nonmembers. For information or to register call 708-383-7543, or go to www.ChicaGourmets.org.
Green City Season Kick-off Rally
Although Green City Market moved outside to Lincoln Park (1750 N. Clark) on Wednesday, May 6, the market hosts its official 2009 season kick-off rally today. Green City continues in the park Wednesdays and Saturdays (except July 4) from 7am to 1pm.
KDK Restaurants Trolley Crawl
The Trolley Crawl of KDK restaurants includes stops at Marche, Opera, Gioco and Red Light. The tour, which is $50 per person, will start at 6:30pm at Marche and end across the street at Red Light. For reservations, call Marche at (312) 226-8399.
Half Acre Beer Dinner @ bluprint
Here's your chance to really try the new Chicago brewery Half Acre Beer. They're pairing up with bluprint (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, suite 135, first floor) for a five-course beer dinner that features three brews made especially for the event. The dinner runs from 7-10pm. $55 covers the meal and beer, but not tax and tip. Reservations required and can be made by calling (312) 410-9800.
Green City Market Opens in Lincoln Park
Green City Market moves outside to Lincoln Park (1750 N. Clark), where it will continue Wednesdays and Saturdays (except July 4) from 7am to 1pm.
History of the Hot Dog Lecture @ Kendall College
Tonight at 7pm the Chicago Foodways Roundtable will be holding a lecture at Kendall College (900 North Branch) about the history of hot dogs (locally and worldwide) that will feature Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's and author and historian Bruce Kraig (Hot Dog: A Global History). Admission is $3 per person, free to Kendall students and faculty with ID. Free parking. RSVP required.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Cooking Vegetarian for a Cause @ The Chopping Block
The Chopping Block's "Cooking for a Cause" program allows you to learn some new cooking skills and also help out a local charity. Tonight's class, at TCB's Lincoln Square location (2pm, $65 per person), will teach some vegetarian cooking skills. Event benefits the ALIVE Rescue. Registration required.
World Kitchen Learning Series: The Sweet Taste of Spring
Make your own candies with Katie Das today from 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Morel Lunch @ Vie
While the Slow Food Chicago-hosted morel hunt is closed, you can still partake of the morel lunch at Vie (4471 Lawn Av, Western Springs) today at noon. Tickets $20-55.
Mole de Mayo in Pilsen
Even though the Cinco de Mayo event at Navy Pier was called off by the H1N1 flu virus, Mole de Mayo will STILL take place tomorrow at El Zocalo at 18th & Paulina from 11am-7pm. A mole cook-off judged by a panel of experts (among them Check, Please!'s Alpana Singh), dancing, mariachi, drinking and eating are on the bill.
Dining Out for Life
The 16th annual Dining Out for Life happens tonight at restaurants and bars across the Chicago area. These establishments are donating a portion of their proceeds to AIDSCare Chicago, a local nonprofit helping people living with AIDS. Just peruse the list of restaurants on the Dining Out for Life Website, go there tonight, and they'll take care of the rest. It's that simple!
Brewmaster's Dinner @ Uncommon Ground
Slow Food Chicago hosts a Brewmaster's Dinner tonight at the Rogers Park outlet of Uncommon Ground (1401 W Devon) at 6pm. Tickets $75.
Spring Beer Festival @ Brasserie JO
Enjoy a quick after-work beer tasting at Brasserie JO (59 W. Hubbard), where for $20 you can sample over 20 beers from some top U.S. microbreweries and imports. As you drink, you can chat with representatives from the breweries and enjoy paired hors d'oeuvres. 6-8pm. Purchase tickets online or call 312-595-0800 for more information.
Retro Scotch Dinner
Chef Laura Frankel and Wolfgang Puck Catering at Spertus Gourmet (610 S. Michigan Ave.) present a four course meal paired with fine single malt scotches. The menu will include scotched mushrooms, wild Alaskan smoked salmon, Beef Wellington, and orange-infused Crepes Suzette. 6:30pm, $100 per person. RSVP by April 23 by calling 312-322-1773.
Soup and TIFs @ Hideout
A special installment of the popular Soup and Bread series at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) from earlier this year, Soup and TIFs will nourish the body and mind with yet another array of soups (from chefs at Swim Cafe, Celestial Kitchens, among others), but this time with discussion about the notorious TIF system in the city with 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack, Reader political columnist Ben Joravsky and Everyblock.com's Daniel O'Neil. Event runs 6-8pm, all donations will be given to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Cooking Tuscan for a Cause @ Chopping Block
The Chopping Block's "Cooking for a Cause" program allows you to learn some new cooking skills and also help out a local charity. Tonight's class, at TCB's Merchandise Mart location (The Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 107, 6pm, $90 per person), will teach some Tuscan cooking skills. Event benefits the Bella Center of Chicago. Registration required.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Soupline Cinema Sunday @ Rodan
On Sundays, Rodan (1530 N. Milwaukee Ave.) features Asian soup and cult cinema. From 6-9 PM (or until they run out of soup), Asian noodle soup bowls are $3. They also offer a Three Floyds draft beer for $3. Tonight's movies are 1958's "The Underworld Beauty" and 1987's "The Shaolin Hand Lock" by Ho Meng Hua. For more information call 773-276-7036.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Let's Eat In
Create your own at-home supper club today from 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Dark Lord Day @ Three Floyds
Get in your car and head to Munster, Indiana for Three Floyds' Brewery's Dark Lord Day. Beer, BBQ and live music are on the bill, even if you didn't get a golden ticket to buy bottles of 3F's heralded Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout. Event runs 11am-6pm @ 9750 Indiana Pkwy, Munster, IN.
Green and Growing Fair @ Garfield Park Conservatory
The 17th annual Green and Growing Fair (2nd listing) offers workshops on square foot gardening, seed starting, and composting, and speakers on dehydrating food and native pollinators. One Seed Chicago celebrates the winning seed of their competition, the bean, with free seed packets. Garfield Park Conservatory. 10am to 3pm, 300 N. Central Park Avenue. El: Green to Conservatory/Central Park Drive. Bus: 82 Kimball-Homan.
Zombie Pub Crawl
The Chicago Zombie Pub Crawl returns to Andersonville today. Get ghouled up and go drinking! Registration is $15 in advance, $20 at the event -- which gets you a t-shirt, a zombie makeup kit, two tickets to any pH Productions show, and keepsake mug that you will need to take to all the bars. It doesn't get you free drinks, but the mug will get you access to drink specials. Registration begins at 2pm; check the site for details. 21+
Alice Waters @ Green City Market
Green City Market enjoys its last winter market at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum from 8am to 1pm. Alice Waters visits for a signing of her book, The Edible Schoolyard, from 10:30am to 11:30am.
Pre-Industrial Pig Dinner
When I got word of the Underground Food Collective's Pre-Industrial Pig Dinner that will unfold tonight, I thought about a trip I took once to Old World Wisconsin, a living history museum nestled in the center of the Badger State. On a blistering August day, I watched a staff of men in awkward 19th century clothing do the backbreaking daily operations of a farmer as a cheery narrator rambled on about milking cows and baling hay. I was glad that the only thing I had to do was watch their pre-industrial struggle as I sipped my post-industrial (?) Diet Coke. Times have changed, but the farming technique and sentiment remains; Saturday's dinner centerpiece is pork from four Red Waddles that were humanely raised at a Wisconsin farm. Tickets are $65. Event begins at 7pm at a private home in Ukrainian Village (address will be provided with ticket purchase); RSVP required.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Ten Classic French Sauces
Bearnaise, anyone? Learn to cook and work with ten French sauces tonight from 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Veggie U Benefit @ Lockwood
Join Lockwood Chef Phillip Foss for a benefit dinner for The Chef's Garden, an Ohio-based project promoting sustainability education for elementary students (aka Veggie U) tonight from 6-9pm at Lockwood, 17 E. Monroe. Tickets $95.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day
Free cones at participating Ben & Jerry's location today. A list of participating Chicago area locations can be found in Drive-Thru.
Sustainable Seafood @ Shedd Aquarium
Chow down on seafood prepared by chefs Carrie Nahabedian (NAHA) and Sarah Stegner (Prairie Grass Cafe) tonight at the Shedd Aquarium. Les Dames d'Escoffier is hosting an event titled "Sustainable Seafood" that showcases the chefs' recent trip to Alaskan native fishing villages. 6pm, 1200 S. Lake Shore. Tickets $50-60.
Soupline Cinema Sunday @ Rodan
On Sundays, Rodan (1530 N. Milwaukee Ave.) features Asian soup and cult cinema. From 6-9 PM (or until they run out of soup), Asian noodle soup bowls are $3. They also offer a Three Floyds draft beer for $3. Tonight's movies are 1982's "Duel to the Death" by Siu-Tung Ching and 1958's "The Hidden Fortress" by Akira Kurosawa. For more information call 773-276-7036.
Greek Easter Menu @ Taxim
Celebrate Greek Easter (or just Greek cuisine) at the newest and most contemporary addition to the city's Hellenic dining establishment -- Taxim in Wicker Park. A traditional roasted lamb with fried eggplant, potatoes and pita takes center stage, and other courses include "rocket" (arugula) salad with seared haloumi cheese, ramps with goat feta and house-made phyllo, and kokoretsi (i.e. the nasty, but delicious bits of the afore-mentioned lamb). Each course comes with a suggested wine pairing -- dinner runs $45 per person for five courses without the booze, $69 per person with wine. Kalo pascha indeed. Call (773) 252-1558 for more information and reservations. Taxim is located at 1558 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Top Tens
The World KItchen celebrates 10 years of cooking classes by cooking some of their favorite recipes from past classes today from 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Free Dumpling Making Workshop @ Antena
Local artist Sarah Best will be leading a free dumpling workshop today at Antena (1765 S. Laflin St.). Come by anytime between 12-5pm, bring your favorite dumpling fillings, something to trade, or a gift for your fearless leader! Or make other crafts with supplies you bring or find in the space!
Rockfest @ Rock Bottom Brewery
Rock Bottom Brewery (1 W. Grand) hosts their 2nd annual Rockfest this afternoon from 1-5pm, in which 50 beers from all eight of Rock Bottom's Midwest outlets compete against each other to win the Golden Bung Hammer. Sample the beers and vote for your favorites. Tickets are $25 and are available online or at the door.
Green City Market @ Peggy Notebaert
Green City Market's first year round market runs every first and third Saturday through April 18 inside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum , 2430 N. Cannon, from 8am to 1pm Bus: 151 Sheridan, 76 Diversey - or ride your bicycle.
"Beer Wars" documentary
Tonight at 7 PM, three Chicago theaters will be showing the documentary "Beer Wars," a movie about independent brewers who are battling the beer giants. Following the movie, Ben Stein will lead a live (on screen) discussion. Find theaters and order tickets here.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Soupline Cinema Sunday @ Rodan
On Sundays, Rodan (1530 N. Milwaukee Ave.) features Asian soup and cult cinema. From 6-8pm (or until they run out of soup), Asian noodle soup bowls are $3. They also offer a Three Floyds draft beer for $3. Tonight's movies are 1967's "Branded to Kill" by Seijun Suzuki and 1993's "Green Snake" by Tsui Hark. For more information call 773-276-7036.
Ottoman Empire Dining Culture @ Chicago History Museum
Learn more about how the Turks ate today at the Chicago History Museum, 1600 North Clark, from 10am-12pm. Historian Channon Mondoux will be at the helm, relating recipes, customs, and a narrative of a simulated dinner. Yum. Event organized by Culinary Historians of Chicago. Admission $3-5. RSVP required. ChicaGourmets will host a post-lecture lunch at Roscoe Village's Turquoise (cost $42-52).
World Kitchen Learning Series: Ten Beautiful Spring Cakes
Gear up for Easter and spring baking with Tipsy Cake's Naomi Levine at the "Ten Beautiful Cakes" cooking class tonight from 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Chicago Food Policy Summit
The Chicago Cultural Center will be ablaze with chatter today at the Chicago Food Policy Summit, which runs 8:30am-5pm. Discussions about labor, food access, school programs are on the schedule, along with an appearance by guest speaker Rick Bayless. Tickets $20.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
True Flavors Celebrity Cook Off @ Chopping Block
Join recent Top Chef finalists Carla Hall & Stefan Richter for a charity event for True tonight at the Merchandise Mart location of the Chopping Block (222 Merchandise Mart, #107). From 6-9pm, you'll get drinks, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction and raffle while you watch Carla and Stef battle it out again (sigh). Tickets $150.
World Kitchen Learning Series: the Arab-Israeli Cookbook
Learn to cook Middle Eastern dishes at the "Arab-Israeli Cookbook" cooking class today from 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Meet Mr. Jelly Belly
Lakeview candy store Candyality is holding a Jelly Belly Trunk Show from 11am to 4pm. Candy lovers can sample the original 50 Jelly Belly flavors, and decide whether Very Cherry is the new black or if Jalapeno really is hot. The Jelly Belly Mobile will roll in at 11am, and Mr. Jelly Belly himself will stop by.
Candyality is at 3425 N Southport Avenue (773-472-7800).
Green City Market @ Peggy Notebaert
Green City Market's first year round market runs every first and third Saturday through April 18 inside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum , 2430 N. Cannon, from 8am to 1pm Bus: 151 Sheridan, 76 Diversey - or ride your bicycle.
RampFest @ Garfield Park Conservatory
It's time to celebrate spring with...ramps! Glorious ramps! RampFest , a tribute to the first partygoer to the spring growing season, is tonight at the Garfield Park Conservatory from 7-9:30pm. Ramp-heavy dishes by chefs such as Paul Virant (Vie), Paul Kahan (Blackbird), and Carrie Nahabedian (Naha) are on the menu, along with a silent and live auction. Journalist and Cattle Rancher Bill Kurtis will be there, too. Event benefits The Land Connection. Tickets $75-125.
David Burke's Primehouse third anniversary
Celebrate Primehouse's 3rd anniversary and get free stuff with your fancy steak.
Now until April 4th, guests who order the 55-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye will receive a complimentary sommelier's choice glass of wine and a free slice of their signature dessert, the Slice of Prime - decadent layers of rich chocolate mousse, cake and fudge with s'mores ice cream. Maybe that takes some of the sting out of a $65 price tag for a 20 oz bone in cut? Dry aged in the signature pink salt-lined meat cellar, this steak is worth a celebration.
David Burke's Primehouse
616 N Rush St
Cheesemaker Dinner @ Marion Street Cheese Market
Want to eat dinner with cheesemaker (and founder of the American Cheese Society) Allison Hooper tonight at Marion Street Cheese Market? You have your chance tonight @ 7pm. A special menu and brief talk by Ms. H. about the love o' fromage follows. Must RSVP to MSCM ASAP. Enough acronyms for you? 100 S. Marion Street, Oak Park.
Edible Books Show & Tea @ Columbia College
Want to make good on your desire to literally eat a book? The 10th annual Edible Books Show & Tea @ Columbia College's Library (624 South Michigan, Flr 3N) tonight from 6-8pm will give you an opportunity to eat food fashioned into books (or book-related subjects). Admission $5-10.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its FINAL Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for the Greater Chicago Food Depository where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5-8pm.
Grant Achatz @ Now We're Cookin'
This sounds like too good to be true, especially given the date, but we're going to run with it: Now We're Cookin' is hosting a cooking demonstration by Grant Achatz at their Evanston store today. For a mere $65, you'll get wine and appetizers made by the staff at NWC, and Achatz will demonstrate his kitchen magic. For an additional $50, you can buy the slip-covered edition of his newest book and get it autographed. Event begins at 6:30pm at 1601 Payne Street, Unit C. Reservation required.
9th Annual WhiskeyFest
Malt Advocate's 9th annual celebration of whiskey comes to town today. Taste over 200 whiskeys from all over the world, enjoy a gourmet buffet, and attend seminars by some of the top names in the industry. The drinking gets underway at the Hyatt Regency (151 E. Wacker Dr.) from 6:30-9:30pm. The $95 ticket price includes a commemorative tasting glass and a one-year subscription to Malt Advocate magazine. Order tickets online.
Scotch Whisky Tasting @ Delilah's
Learn about different types of scotch at Delilah's (2771 N. Lincoln Ave.) tonight. The event kicks off at 7pm with a tasting of Glenlivet single malts. At 10pm learn about vatted malt whisky with Compass Box. At midnight Chivas will be on hand to share its 18-year premium blended scotch. Ages 21+. Free. For more info call 773-472-2771.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
BourbonPalooza @ Twisted Spoke
Bourbon maker Julian Van Winkle stops by the Twisted Spoke (501 N. Ogden Ave.) tonight for an evening of whiskey cocktails created by Nacional 27's Adam Seger and bourbon-inspired snacks. Also on hand will be Brian Ellison from Death's Door Spirits and Jimmy Russell from Wild Turkey. Beer lovers note: Twisted Spoke will be tapping their keg of Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout. Ages 21+. 8pm-2am. Free. Call (312) 666-1500 for more information.
The Great Whisk(e)y Debate @ Five Star Bar
Is it "whisky" or "whiskey"? Learn the nuances between scotch, bourbon, and Canadian whisky at this tasting event tonight at Five Star Bar (1424 W. Chicago Ave.). Simon Brookings from Laphroaig & Ardmore, Dan Tullio from Canadian Club, and Steve Cole from Small Batch Bourbons will lead the event. The debate kicks off at 9pm and includes a whisk(e)y tasting. Ages 21+. Free. For more details call (312) 850-2555.
Intro to Kentucky Whiskey @ Delilah's
Kentucky whiskey is the theme of the night at Delilah's (2771 N. Lincoln Ave.). Starting at 6pm and then every two hours until midnight, they will feature a different brand and discuss its technical aspects. Free. Ages 21+. For more info call 773-472-2771.
Templeton Rye Classic Cocktail Night @ Fizz Bar & Grill
Before you go to WhiskyFest, spend an evening at Fizz Bar & Grill (3220 N. Lincoln Ave.) with representatives from Templeton Rye, a whiskey made just over the border in Iowa that was a favorite of Al Capone's. Learn about the history of some classic cocktails and this whiskey's place in Chicago's history. 8-10pm. Ages 21+. Free, but seating is limited. RSVP by calling 773-348-6088.
Buffalo Trace Whiskey Tasting @ Delilah's
Tonight Delilah's (2771 N. Lincoln Ave.) offers a complete portfolio tasting from the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Representatives from the distillery will also be in attendance. 8 PM. Ages 21+. Free. Call 773-472-2771 for more info.
Rogers Park Dinner Crawl
Just $25 gets you four hours of dining options in Rogers Park on 3/29 for the Rogers Park Dinner Crawl. Alderman Joe Moore will be along for the ride as participants explore dining options in Rogers Park. Participating Restaurants include: African Harambee, Carribbean American Bakery, Charmers Cafe, Common Cup, Grande Noodle, Heartland Cafe, Jamaica Jerk, Lake Side Cafe, Las Islas Marias, Los Portales, Luzzat, Morseland, Masouleh, Sahara Kabob, and Taste Food & Wine. Check in first at DevCorp North's offices (1557 W. Howard St.) to pick up your "passport" and map. The shuttle service will drive the route continuously, allowing you to complete the Dinner Crawl at your own pace. Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. Proceeds will go to support the work of DevCorp North. For more information, contact Katrina Balog at kbalog(at)devcorpnorth(dot)org, or call DevCorp North at 773-508-5885.
Taste of the Neighborhoods Tour
Travel Chicago and savor cuisines from two different restaurants serving assorted small-plate samplers. Taste the nuances; talk exotic ingredients, techniques and cultures; and collect recipes. Dessert or sweets on the last stop are the cherry on top. Restaurants are determined three weeks before tour dates -- call for details and to check availability as seats go quickly on this, the most popular of the Chicago Neighborhood Tours. The tour is about five hours long and departs from the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, at 10am. Tickets are $50; Seniors, students and children ages 8-18 are $45. Available online. Call 312-742-1190 for more information.
Cava Tasting @ Pops for Champagne
Start your evening with some Spanish bubbly at Pops! Cava is one of the most important wine regions in the world for sparkling wine, but its value and popularity has led to some sub-par wines in the market. The experts at Pops have chosen four of their favorites to showcase Saturday afternoon, offering just a small sample of the best from the region.
Pops for Champagne
601 N State
3pm-5pm
$15
RSVP here
Jack Daniels @ Delilah's
Representatives from Jack Daniels will be on hand at Delilah's (2771 N. Lincoln Ave.) tonight to share the history of the distillery and give the opportunity to taste the Single Barrel & Gentleman Jack whiskies. Must be 21+. 8 PM. Free. Call 773-472-2771 for more info.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Time for Thai
Make your own Thai food at home at the the "Time for Thai" cooking class today from 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Maker's Mark Tasting/Michael Jackson Book Launch @ Delilah's
Delilah's (2771 N. Lincoln Ave.) hosts two whisky related events today. First up is the 4 PM launch of Beer Hunter, Whisky Chaser, a collection of essays in tribute to legendary beer and whisky expert Michael Jackson. Books will be available for sale for $19.99. A toast to Jackson will occur at 7 PM.
At 8 PM join representatives from the Maker's Mark distillery for a tasting and seminar on its bourbon. The event will include the basics of bourbon and how Maker's Mark is made.
Both events are free. Ages 21+. Call 773-472-2771 for more info.
Ardbeg Scotch Whisky Tasting @ Delilah's
Delilah's (2771 N. Lincoln Ave.) kicks off a week's worth of WhiskyFest-related events tonight with a tasting of Ardberg Scotch Whisky, as well as a showing of paintings of the Ardbeg Distilery by Scotsman Ian Gray. The event starts at 8 PM and is free. Call 773-472-2771 for more info.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for the Greater Chicago Food Depository where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5-8pm.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Goose Island Stout Fest
Explore the world of stout beer at this afternoon beer fest that showcases over 20 stouts from different Chicagoland brewers, including Goose Island Beer Company. Sample styles range from coffee to oatmeal to bourbon county. It all takes place at Goose Island's Clybourn's Siebel Hall (1800 N. Clybourn) from 1-5pm. The $30 fee includes a commemorative glass.
Maple Syrup Festival @ North Park Village Nature Center
Tap that...tree at the Maple Syrup Festival today at the North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 North Pulaski. From 10am-3pm you'll get to tap trees for the sap of the gods. Sweet.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Pretty Plates
Make your next dish look picture-perfect at the the "Pretty Plates" cooking class today from 11-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Passage to India Lecture @ Ranjana Bhargava Indian Cooking School
The Culinary HIstorians of Chicagoclair will hold a lecture about Indian cuisine today at the Ranjana Bhargava Indian Cooking School, located at 6730 S. Euclid Avenue, today from 10am to noon. Cookbook author and chef Suvir Saran will talk about how to use spices common to Indian cuisine, and will be signing copies of his books afterward. Lecture admission is $3-$5. RSVP required. Also, ChicaGourmets will be offering a $39 post-lecture luncheon at the school.
Green City Market @ Peggy Notebaert
Green City Market's first year round market runs every first and third Saturday through April 18 inside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum , 2430 N. Cannon, from 8am to 1pm Bus: 151 Sheridan, 76 Diversey - or ride your bicycle.
National Corndog Day @ Wiener and Still Champion
Get to Wiener and Still Champion (802 Dempster St in Evanston) today to celebrate National Corndog Day; the lovable tube of corny meatiness will be sold at a special $1.25 price with an array of new dipping sauces to enhance its flava. Like it needs it, right?
World Kitchen Learning Series: Springtime in Tokyo
Representatives from the Japanese consulate will be on hand to guide your cooking of their native cuisine at the the "Springtime in Tokyo" cooking class tonight from 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for the Greater Chicago Food Depository where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5-8pm.
Beer Education @ Brasserie Jo
Learn about Belgian beers at Brasserie Jo (59 W. Hubbard), with the latest in its series of $1 classes. Tonight's session focuses on Belgian beers and will be lead by Hildegard van Ostaden of the family-run Urthel Brewery. You'll learn about the brewery, taste several beers, and enjoy passed appetizers. The class runs from 6 -7pm. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 312-595-0800.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Chicago Flower & Garden Show @ Navy Pier
Today is the last day of this week-long exhibition, designed to help "aspiring gardeners take it up a notch," includes workshops on container gardening, a marketplace selling garden and green-related products, "garden gourmet" showcasing the culinary talents of both local and national chefs, and a horticulture competition. Hours are 10am-6pm at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., in Festival Halls A and B. Admission today is $14. Visit the official website for more information or call Navy Pier at 312-595-5282.
Chicago Flower & Garden Show @ Navy Pier
This week-long exhibition, designed to help "aspiring gardeners take it up a notch," includes workshops on container gardening, a marketplace selling garden and green-related products, "garden gourmet" showcasing the culinary talents of both local and national chefs, and a horticulture competition. Hours are 10am-8pm (6pm on Sunday) at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., in Festival Halls A and B. Admission is $14 on weekends, $12 on weekdays. Visit the official website for more information or call Navy Pier at 312-595-5282.
World Kitchen Learning Series: French Connection
Channel your inner Julia Child at the the "French Connection" cooking class today from 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Chicago Foodways Roundtable: Civilized Dining Philosophies
The Chicago Foodways Roundtable will be learning about the "origins and role of vegetarianism in Indian philosophy, religion and daily life" from culinary historians Colleen Sen and Bruce Kraig today at 10am Kendall College (900 North Branch Street, Chicago). Admission is $2 per person, free to Kendall students and faculty with ID. Join them!
Chicago Flower & Garden Show @ Navy Pier
This week-long exhibition, designed to help "aspiring gardeners take it up a notch," includes workshops on container gardening, a marketplace selling garden and green-related products, "garden gourmet" showcasing the culinary talents of both local and national chefs, and a horticulture competition. Hours are 10am-8pm (6pm on Sunday) at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., in Festival Halls A and B. Admission is $14 on weekends, $12 on weekdays. Visit the official website for more information or call Navy Pier at 312-595-5282.
Chicago Flower & Garden Show @ Navy Pier
This week-long exhibition, designed to help "aspiring gardeners take it up a notch," includes workshops on container gardening, a marketplace selling garden and green-related products, "garden gourmet" showcasing the culinary talents of both local and national chefs, and a horticulture competition. Hours are 10am-8pm (6pm on Sunday) at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., in Festival Halls A and B. Admission is $14 on weekends, $12 on weekdays. Visit the official website for more information or call Navy Pier at 312-595-5282.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Get in the Kitchen
If you've never really cooked but want to fire up your skills, this four-part class will get you going in the kitchen. You can take as many classes in this series as desired. The "Get in the Kitchen" class series starts tonight from 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 for single classes ($100 for all four) and pre-registration is required.
Ecuadorian Chocolate Tasting @ Fine Arts Building
Slow Food Chicago, in collaboration with the Kallari Foundation, is presenting a unique tasting experience of fine Ecuadorian chocolate today from 6pm to 8pm in the Curtiss Hall in the Fine Arts Building (410 South Michigan Avenue). All chocolate lovers can talk chocolate with the master chocolatier Enrique Cerda of Kallari Chocolate, while enjoying various chocolates paired with wines and craft beers. Kallari is the only farmer's cooperative in the world that harvests, markets and enjoys all profits from its line of organic chocolates, comprised of about 850 indigenous families growing cacao in the Andean mountains. RSVP for limited seating at martha.kallari@gmail.com; more info.
Chicago Flower & Garden Show @ Navy Pier
This week-long exhibition, designed to help "aspiring gardeners take it up a notch," includes workshops on container gardening, a marketplace selling garden and green-related products, "garden gourmet" showcasing the culinary talents of both local and national chefs, and a horticulture competition. Hours are 10am-8pm (6pm on Sunday) at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., in Festival Halls A and B. Admission is $14 on weekends, $12 on weekdays. Visit the official website for more information or call Navy Pier at 312-595-5282.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for the Greater Chicago Food Depository where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5-8pm.
Chicago Flower & Garden Show @ Navy Pier
This week-long exhibition, designed to help "aspiring gardeners take it up a notch," includes workshops on container gardening, a marketplace selling garden and green-related products, "garden gourmet" showcasing the culinary talents of both local and national chefs, and a horticulture competition. Hours are 10am-8pm at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., in Festival Halls A and B. Admission is $12. Visit the official website for more information or call Navy Pier at 312-595-5282.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Chicago Flower & Garden Show @ Navy Pier
This week-long exhibition, designed to help "aspiring gardeners take it up a notch," includes workshops on container gardening, a marketplace selling garden and green-related products, "garden gourmet" showcasing the culinary talents of both local and national chefs, and a horticulture competition. Hours are 10am-8pm at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., in Festival Halls A and B. Admission is $12. Visit the official website for more information or call Navy Pier at 312-595-5282.
Chicago Flower & Garden Show @ Navy Pier
This week-long exhibition, designed to help "aspiring gardeners take it up a notch," includes workshops on container gardening, a marketplace selling garden and green-related products, "garden gourmet" showcasing the culinary talents of both local and national chefs, and a horticulture competition. Hours are 10am-6pm (8pm on during the week) at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., in Festival Halls A and B. Admission is $14 on weekends, $12 on weekdays. Visit the official website for more information or call Navy Pier at 312-595-5282.
Chicago Flower & Garden Show @ Navy Pier
This week-long exhibition, designed to help "aspiring gardeners take it up a notch," includes workshops on container gardening, a marketplace selling garden and green-related products, "garden gourmet" showcasing the culinary talents of both local and national chefs, and a horticulture competition. Hours are 10am-8pm (6pm on Sunday) at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., in Festival Halls A and B. Admission is $14 on weekends, $12 on weekdays. Visit the official website for more information or call Navy Pier at 312-595-5282.
World Kitchen Learning Series: In a Stew
If you want to learn how to make a quality stew, take yourself over to the the "In a Stew" cooking class today from 11am-2pm pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Green City Market @ Peggy Notebaert
Green City Market's first year round market runs every first and third Saturday through April 18 inside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum , 2430 N. Cannon, from 8am to 1pm Bus: 151 Sheridan, 76 Diversey - or ride your bicycle.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Noodling Around
Take a culinary trip through the cooking of noodle dishes that span across different ethnicities (pho, kreplach, etc.) at the the "Noodling Around" cooking class tonight from 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Soup and Bread @ The Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for the Greater Chicago Food Depository where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event runs 5-8pm.
Happy Birthday, Chicago! @ Chicago History Museum
Celebrate the city's 172nd birthday party @ at the Chicago History Museumwith music, crafts, and birthday cake from 10am-pm General admission to the Museum is FREE. 1601 N. Clark St. Call (312) 642-4600 for more details.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Soup Off @ Custom House
Custom House is holding a Soup Off cooking contest this Sunday (500 S. Dearborn). For $15, guests will sample and judge soups made by a bevy of local chefs such as Shawn McClain (of Spring) and Carrie Nahabedian (of Naha). A judge's panel will decide the winner with the audience's help. Event runs 1pm-4pm and is a benefit for the Food Depository.
Taste of the Neighborhoods Tour
Travel Chicago and savor cuisines from two different restaurants serving assorted small-plate samplers. Taste the nuances; talk exotic ingredients, techniques and cultures; and collect recipes. Dessert or sweets on the last stop are the cherry on top. Restaurants are determined three weeks before tour dates -- call for details and to check availability as seats go quickly on this, the most popular of the Chicago Neighborhood Tours. The tour is about five hours long and departs from the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, at 10am. Tickets are $50; Seniors, students and children ages 8-18 are $45. Available online. Call 312-742-1190 for more information.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Get in the Kitchen
If you've never really cooked but want to fire up your skills, this four-part class will get you going in the kitchen. You can take as many classes in this series as desired. The "Get in the Kitchen" class series goes from 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 for single classes ($100 for all four) and pre-registration is required.
The Drive-Thru Staff Cooks for Soup and Bread @ the Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for the Greater Chicago Food Depository where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots.
Tonight's chef is the staff of Drive-Thru, so come out and taste our tasty soups.
Donations encouraged. Event begins at 5pm.
IHOP National Pancake Day
Whether you're celebrating Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras or National Pancake Day, IHOP's giving away three buttermilk pancakes from 7am to 10pm at participating locations, in exchange for a donation to the Children's Miracle Network or local charities. More details here.
Mardi Gras Celebration and Abita Beer Pairing @ Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
Get your Mardi Gras on at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap (41 E. Superior), where they're hosting their second installment of an all-you-can-eat-and-drink beer tasting series. Fittingly, tonight's beer comes from Louisiana's Abita Brewery, and four of its beers will be paired with Cajun-inspired dishes. The beer pairing takes place from 6:30-9pm, with live music from 7-11pm. Tickets cost $30, and 10% of total sales will be donated to the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. Buy your tickets at the bar or by calling 312-266-0400.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Forkable Chili Night
Food blogger and underground dinner club hostess Andrea Newberry presents another Forkable event: Forkable Chili Night. Tickets are $25 and include a 3-course prefix meal served family style. The event starts at 6pm and is BYOB (which stands for "bowl" and "booze" in this case). Tickets are available online. Location is disclosed upon reservation.
Winter Blues Pub Crawl
The Chicago Bar Project is sponsoring their first pub crawl today from 1-7pm. The drinking kicks off at John Barleycorn (658 W. Belden Ave.), and the rest of the lineup will be announced there. Tickets cost $25 and include trolley transportation (with free beer aboard). Tickets must be purchased by February 15, and can be purchased online.
Sample Saturday at Dinner by Design
Dinner by Design's kitchen in Lakeview is hosting a sample sale. Shoppers can taste some of the ready-made meals available from the store, and get 20% off entrees (such as spaghetti pie, parmesan-crusted pork chops or mediterranean tilapia) from the take-and-bake freezer. The sale runs from 9am to 2pm. 3720 N Lincoln Avenue.
Green City Market @ Peggy Notebaert
Green City Market's first year round market runs every first and third Saturday through April 18 inside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum , 2430 N. Cannon, from 8am to 1pm Bus: 151 Sheridan, 76 Diversey - or ride your bicycle.
Chicago Restaurant Week Begins
Great food at one great price! Please your palate and your pocketbook during Chicago Restaurant Week when more than 130 restaurants serve up special 3-course lunches for $22 and dinners for $32. Details and locations on their website.
S-MAC-kdown @ Goose Island
A benefit for the Organic Schools Project, S-MAC-KDOWN will pit professional chef against everyday chef in the battle of who makes the best mac and cheese. For $50 ($75 at the door), guests get apps, drinks, dessert, entertainment, a silent auction, and of course, mac and cheese served up by locals such as Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, Amalia Obermeier-Smith of Kuma's Corner, and Chris Pandel of The Bristol. Event runs 7-10pm at Goose Island Brewery, 3535 N. Clark.
Soup and Bread @ the Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for the Greater Chicago Food Depository where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event begins at 5pm.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Cheese and Beer Pairing Class
Marion Street Cheese Market (100 S. Marion, Oak Park) aims to take the mystery out of pairing cheese and beer with a class tonight at 7 PM. Class members will learn about and taste six different cheese and beer pairings. Tickets cost $30. For more information and registration, call 708-725-7200.
Veggie V Day @ Enclave
Mercy for Animals hosts their 4th Annual Vegetarian Valentine's Party with drinks, vegan treats, music and dancing. 8 to 11pm. Enclave Nightclub, 220 W. Chicago. $25 Advance or $30 at the door. 21+.
Get Buzzed & Win $100 @ Chicago Buzz Barbershop
To celebrate the release of their new caffeinated Butterfinger Buzz candy bar, the company is hosting a free event at Chicago Buzz barbershop on 124 S. Franklin Street, tonight from 7 to 10pm. The catch: To earn a $100 gift card, you dudes have to get a buzz cut and have the company's logo spray-painted on your new 'do. (You'll also be entered for the chance to win a trip for four to Las Vegas for two nights, a year's supply of Butterfinger candy bars and a $2,500 gift card.) Hosts promise the orange color will wash out in time for Valentine's Day.
"Mapping Food, Supermarkets, and Community in Chicago" @ Newberry Library
Chicago State University geography professor Daniel Block discusses Chicago communities' access to quality groceries. Reception 5:30pm, lecture at 6pm. Free for Map Society members, all others $5 suggested donation. 60 W. Walton St. For more information, call (312) 255-3689 or visit the website.
Chocolate & Beer Pairing Dinner @ The Berghoff
The famed Berghoff restaurant (17 W. Adams) is hosting a beer pairing dinner tonight at 6:30pm. Enjoy a five-course dinner featuring chocolate-inspired food matched with Berghoff beers. Cost is $45.00 plus tax and gratuity. For ages 21 and up. RSVP is required either by e-mail at: mwright@berghoffgroup.com Subject: Beer Dinner, or by phone at 312-408-0071.
Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
Beers, Brats and Bras
Isabella Fine Lingerie in Lincoln Park is hosting its first Beers, Brats and Bras shopping event today from 11am to 5pm. Guys can shop for their sweeties, swill some beer and eats some grilled brats. The store is located at 840 W Armitage Avenue (773)-281-2352.
Green City Market @ Peggy Notebaert
Green City Market's first year round market runs every first and third Saturday through April 18 inside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum , 2430 N. Cannon, from 8am to 1pm Bus: 151 Sheridan, 76 Diversey - or ride your bicycle.
PAWS Animal Magnetism Benefit @ Galleria Marchetti
PAWS Chicago will be holding their Animal Magnetism benefit tonight at Galleria Marchetti, 825 West Erie. Admission begins at $125.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Get in the Kitchen
If you've never really cooked but want to fire up your skills, this four-part class will get you going in the kitchen. You can take as many classes in this series as desired. The "Get in the Kitchen" class series starts tonight from 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 for single classes ($100 for all four) and pre-registration is required.
Linda Long @ Green Grocer
Linda Long, author of Great Chefs Cook Vegan, which includes recipes by Charlie Trotter and other great chefs, will be meeting, greeting and taking pre-orders for her book at Green Grocer, 1402 W. Grand Ave. (at Noble) from 4 to 6pm. Bus: 9 Ashland, 65 Grand.
Soup and Bread @ the Hideout
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) holds its Soup and Bread weekly fundraiser tonight for the Greater Chicago Food Depository where local chefs and foodies prepare a selection of soups for your casual slurping from the bar's crock pots. Donations encouraged. Event begins at 5pm.
Re-thinking Soup @ Hull House
Soup and discussion about the topics of the day are on the menu at Hull-House Kitchen's Re-thinking Soup series. Today (and every Tuesday) from 12-1:30pm at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Residents' Dining Hall (800 South Halsted) come in for a hearty meal and a chat. Event is free, but donations are accepted.
No Reservations: the Chicago Episode
Anthony Bourdain's take on Chicago eats on his show No Reservations premieres tonight at 9pm CST. To celebrate the occasion, we'll be liveblogging during the show. Also, we'll be giving away a lovely No Reservations-related PRIZE during the episode, so stop by for a chance to win!
Whiskey University @ Five Star Bar
Five Star Bar (1424 W. Chicago) is sponsoring a class on the finer aspects of bourbon this afternoon from 4-6pm. The session is led by Whiskey Professor Steve Cole of Beam Global Spirits and Wine and features tastings of four bourbons. Cost is $10, $5 for industry professionals. Space is limited, so RSVP by calling 312-850-2555.
Taste of the Neighborhoods Tour
Travel Chicago and savor cuisines from two different restaurants serving assorted small-plate samplers. Taste the nuances; talk exotic ingredients, techniques and cultures; and collect recipes. Dessert or sweets on the last stop are the cherry on top. Restaurants are determined three weeks before tour dates -- call for details and to check availability as seats go quickly on this, the most popular of the Chicago Neighborhood Tours. The tour is about five hours long and departs from the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, at 10am. Tickets are $50; Seniors, students and children ages 8-18 are $45. Available online. Call 312-742-1190 for more information.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Tropical Escape
Want to pretend winter is an illusion by cooking some island-esque dishes? You can at the "Tropical Escape" cooking class, today from 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Go with the Grains
If you want some guidance with making rice and other healthy grains, register for the "Go with the Grains" cooking class, which will be held tonight from 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Green Grocer's First Birthday Party
The Green Grocer hosts their first birthday party with vendors, samples and plenty of local, organic and specialty products. Stop by to say hi or just shop. 5 to 7pm. 1402 W. Grand Ave. (at Noble). Bus: 9 Ashland, 65 Grand. Facebook Event.
The Art of Soup @ Marche
Executive chef Cory Peterson demonstrates how to prepare French onion, apple quince, butternut squash and white bean soups. Includes samples and wine. $30. 833 W. Randolph St., for more information call 312-226-8399.
Kitchens: the Culture of Restaurant Work @ Kendall College
Join the Chicago Foodways Roundtable for a lecture about the inner world of restaurant work titled "Kitchens: The Culture of Restaurant Work," which will be presented by Northwestern Sociology Professor (and foodie) Gary Alan Fine today at 10am at Kendall College, 900 North Branch Street. Free parking. Admission is $2 per person, free to Kendall students and faculty with ID.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Defining Curry
If you're looking to cook with the venerable spice curry, head to the "Defining Curry" cooking class today from 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Get in the Kitchen
If you've never really cooked but want to fire up your skills, this four-part class will get you going in the kitchen. You can take as many classes in this series as desired. The "Get in the Kitchen" class series starts tonight from 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 for single classes ($100 for all four) and pre-registration is required.
Craft Beer Sampling @ Bottom Lounge
Two well-known breweries, Dogfish Head (DE) and Three Floyds (IN), are collaborating on a new beer called Popskull. Sample the beer and give your $.02 to brewery folk at The Bottom Lounge tonight for just $10 (includes a pint of Popskull). The Bottom Lounge is located at 1375 W. Lake St. and the event is open to the public after 9pm.
Winter Bike to Work Day @ Daley Plaza
Ride your bicycle to Daley Plaza for free hot cocoa and coffee to celebrate Winter Bike to Work Day with Active Transportation Alliance (formerly Chicagoland Bicycle Federation). (Dearborn and Washington) 6:30am to 9am.
Forkable Inauguration Bash
Are dinner clubs the new restaurants? Find out at local blog and dinner club Forkable's Inauguration Bash, where you'll dine on a the three-course prefix meal with like-minded food enthusiasts while discussing your hopes for the next four years. The dinner is $35 for pre-registration ($40 at the door), BYOB, and starts at 6pm. Reservations are required -- location is disclosed upon reservation. Email blog author Andrea for reservations or more information.
Snout to Tail @ Notebaert/Green City Market
To kick off the re-opening of the 2009 Green City Market year-round market (held indoors for right now), Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill), Paul Kahan (Blackbird) and Paul Virant (Vie) are among the chefs who will be cooking with pork from the Market today at the Notebaert museum from 8am-1pm. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon. Event is free, but RSVP required.
Beer School Beer Festival @ Sheffield's
Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield) presents its first beer festival this afternoon from 1-4pm. With beers from fifteen different craft breweries, you'll be able to sample some limited edition and rare microbrews and talk to representatives from well-regarded breweries, such as Bells, Three Floyds, and Surly. Tickets cost $40 and include 12 drink tickets and passed appetizers. Only 100 tickets are available, so reserve your spot by calling 773-281-4989.
Green City's First Year Round Market @ Nature Museum
Green City Market kicks off their first year round market today. Every first and third Saturday through April 18, find Green City inside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum , 2430 N. Cannon, from 8am to 1pm Bus: 151 Sheridan, 76 Diversey - or ride your bicycle.
Barack Obama on Check Please!
A never-aired episode of Check Please! from 2001, featuring Barack Obama and his visit to the Dixie Kitchen will air on Friday, January 16 at 8pm on WTTW.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Choose & Use
If you like buying kitchen gadgets but need some direction on how to use tools such as knives and cookware, head to the "Choose & Use" cooking class tonight from 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Cocktail Class @ Nacional 27
Learn to mix cocktails from one of the best mixologists in the city. Nacional 27's Adam Seger leads this class where you'll learn all about agave nectar, watch how to make two cocktails with the ingredient, and enjoy snacks. The class runs from 5:30-6:30 PM and costs $15, plus tax and tip. Call to RSVP.
Nacional 27
25 W. Huron
Chicago, IL
(312) 664-2727
Mojitos 101 @ Carnivale
Learn how to mix the perfect mojito under the tutelage of Carnivale's mixologist Victor Baheza. The class runs from 6:30-8:30pm and includes drink sampling and appetizers. $25 per person. RSVP by calling 312-850-5005.
Carnivale
702 W. Fulton Market
Vodka 101 @ Brasserie Jo
Learn how to mix cocktails while enjoying samples and appetizers made with alcohol as part of the restaurant's vodka fest, running Jan. 12-18. Price: $1. 7-8pm, 59 W. Hubbard St. For more information, visit the website or call (312) 595-0800.
Chemistry of Cooking @ Chicago Cultural Center
Moto's Homaru Cantu will be talking about the science behind his innovative food tonight at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 6-7:30pm. Free.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Winter Warmers
Soup is the perfect cold weather meal, so if you're looking to learn how to make soup (or make soup better) head to the "Winter Warmers" cooking class today from 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
World Kitchen Learning Series: The New Economy
If you're looking to cook well on a budget, head to "The New Economy" cooking class tonight from 6-8:30pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Champagne Tasting @ South Loop Wine Cellar
If you missed the big blow-out champagne tastings earlier this month, stop at South Loop Wine Cellar tonight to bone up on bubbly before you buy your stash for New Year's Eve. 6:30-9pm. $5.
South Loop Wine Cellar
1442 S. Michigan Ave.
312-356-0630
LTH Forum Jewish Xmas Eve @ Lao Sze Chuan
If you don't celebrate Christmas or don't care to, join your foodie friends from LTH Forum for a Christmas Eve Chinese feast. at Lao Sze Chuan, 2172 S. Archer (time TBD, but probably around 6pm). RSVP required through LTH Forum.
Holiday Dessert Class @ Opera
Steal some unusual holiday dessert tips and ideas--green tea tiramisu, five spice roasted banana ice cream, and more--from chef Beverly Kim of Opera today. $30 will get you into a dessert class that comes with samples (of course!) and wine tasting. Class starts at 11:30 AM in Opera, at 1301 S. Wabash Ave. Call 312-461-0161 for more information and to RSVP.
All You Can Eat @ Book Cellar
Joel Berg, the Executive Director of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger, comes to the Book Cellar to discuss his new social/political book All You Can Eat: How Hungry is America?. In the book, Berg draws attention to the poverty and hunger and the increasing number of people that are made to wait in lines at food pantries throughout the country while offering a simple plan to end it for good. Free at 7pm at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.
PAWS Chicago Karaoke Benefit @ Piece
Help out lovable pooches and kitties at PAWS Chicago's Christmas Carol Karaoke Benefit at Piece. Get deals on Festivus brew ($5) and scarf some green and red Jell-o shots while you work up that courage to belt out a tune. Donations of $5/song are requested, and the more you eat and drink, the more PAWS gets-they're being given 10% of all sales that night. The fun starts at 9pm. Piece Pizza is located at 1927 W. North Ave. 773-772-4422
Best Latke in Chicago Battle @ Spertus
In the imaginary Alaskan city of Jewish refugees that Michael Chabon created for "Yiddish Policemen's Union," a latke was a beat officer, cleverly nicknamed after the round, flat top of their uniform hats. In our not-so-imaginary city, a latke is still what it has always been--a potato pancake. So, when the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies says it wants the best latke in Chicago, it doesn't mean they're looking for the best and greatest among our police department. They're looking for yummy potato pancakes.
Email your best latke recipe, along with a little write-up of "why this latke is the best in Chicago" to latkes@spertus.edu. If your recipe is selected by "a committee of Jewish Kitchen Divas" as the greatest, you'll be invited for a live latke battle tonight against chef Laura Frankel, who spearheads the Wolfgang Puck at Spertus.
Recipe competitors get to attend the latke battle and brunch for free, while spectators pay $45 for buffet brunch, latkes (of course!) and recipes starting at 11am. The real show--the latke cook-off--will start at 12:30pm, and will be judged by Ina Pinkney (chef & owner of Ina's on Randolph) and Aaron Freeman (comedian). The slots for recipe competitors are limited. For reservation and more information, call 312-322-1757 or go to the event page.
A History of Hot Dog Stands and the Public's Passion for Them @ Kendall College
Join the Culinary Historians of Chicago as they explore the hot dog and its Chicago roots. Vienna Beef's Bob Schwartz will be on hand to sign his new book "Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog," and a post-lecture hot dog sampling for attendees. Event is 10am-12pm at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch. Cost is $3-5; email or call Barbara Olson at (708) 788-0338 to RSVP.
Christmas & Winter Beer Tasting @ Delilah's
From noon-5pm today, Delilah's is hosting their 10th Annual Christmas & Winter Beer Tasting. With over 100 beers to sample, it's about the biggest winter brew tasting you'll find in the area. Entry is $20, and you'll get 20 tickets for sampling, plus information about the beers.
Delilah's
2771 N. Lincoln Ave.
773-472-2771
Slow Food in the Heartland @ Book Cellar
Join Chef Kurt Michael Friese at the Book Cellar as he discusses his new book A Cook's Journey: Slow Food in the Heartland. The book explores and explains the Slow Food movement through the Midwest and includes recipes by the author and the people featured in his journey. Free at 7pm at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.
Port Pairings @ Kendall College
Come see Kendall College's student chefs present their submissions in the school's annual recipe competition. This year's challenge? To create a dish that pairs with Cockburn's Special Reserve Port, the contest's sponsor. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres start at 6pm in the Capitanini Family Banquet Room (900 N. North Branch); plate tastings start at 7:30pm. RSVP to CockburnsRSVP@Beamglobal.com by Friday, December 5, to attend. Guests must be 21+ and may be videotaped. Free.
Stephanie Izard @ Now We're Cooking
Former Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard will be at Evanston's Now We're Cooking (1601 Payne) tonight at 6:30pm for a holiday cooking demo. She'll cook, you'll eat. Admission is $50 ($25 for students, school ID required) includes demonstration, tasting, wine and question-and-answer session. Email to RSVP (required).
World Kitchen: Holiday Dessert Buffet @ Gallery 37
Today's class (11am) will give you the tools you need for your holiday baking endeavors. "Holiday Dessert Buffet" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
LTH Forum Holiday Extravanganza
This is the real holiday party you want to attend. Chuck's Southern Comfort Cafe, 5557 W 79th St., Burbank. Space is limited; tickets ($45) are non-refundable. Check their forum for further details.
Chicago Foodways Roundtable: Connie's Pizza Demystified
Join Chicago Foodways Roundtable for a at 2373 S. Archer. The history of the pizztour and pizza sampling at Connie's Pizzaa giant will be discussed, as well as how they keep up with the times. Cost is $12; event begins at 10am.
Party Like It's 1933 @ The Drawing Room with LUPEC
Join the lovely ladies of LUPEC Chicago to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the repeal of prohibition this Friday, December 5, 2008 at The Drawing Room (937 N. Rush) at 10 pm.
Try the $33 prefix dinner & drink pairing menu, or sip on a prohibition-era cocktail from the special menu, all while listening to 1930's tunes by the Ron Mills Orchestra. Period attire is encouraged (but not required).
World Kitchen: Stress-Free Party Appetizers @ Gallery 37
Tonight's class (6pm) will help you make some quick, good food for your next party. "Stress-Free Party Appetizers" is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Slow Food Chicago Holiday Potluck @ Hull House Museum
Join Slow Food Chicago for a holiday potluck at the Jane Adams Hull-House Museum tonight from 6-9pm on the UIC Campus, 800 S. Halsted. Reservations required; admission $5-10.
Greenheart Shop Holiday Party
Today, from 5-8pm, the not-for-profit store Greenheart Shop will host their annual holiday party to benefit Chicago Fair Trade. Sample fair trade chocolates and wine while you shop. 20% of sales during the event will be donated to Chicago Fair Trade.
The Greenheart Shop is located at 764 N. LaSalle. For more information call 312-264-1625.
NaNoWriMo Grand Finale Writefest & Cookie Swap
Come to Open Books and get in the final pages of your National Novel Writing Month masterpiece. Simply put, it's the 15-Hour You Can Do It Yay Yay Writefest and Cookie Swap. What better way to celebrate the completion of your novel than with cookies and other NaNoWriMo winners? 9am-midnight. Free at 213 W. Institute Pl., Suite 305. Email info[at]open-books[dot]org for more information.
26th Annual Turkey Testicle Festival
That's right: turkey testicles. As many as you can eat for just $10 from 11am to 1 in the morning at this long-running event at the Parkside Pub, 11721 E. Main St. in northwest suburban Huntley. Several bands will perform, and there are t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats available for souvenir purchase. Call 847-669-8496 or check here for more details.
62nd Annual Great Latke-Hamantash Debate
Potatoes for Change! Cookies First! Four University of Chicago professors will debate which treat reigns supreme: latke or hamantash. A post-debate reception at 9:30pm, where guests are welcome to eat the contestants, costs $5. Doors open at 7pm. Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St. Visit www.uchicagohillel.org/Hillel_Website/Latke_Hamantash.html for more information.
FamilyFarmed EXPO @ Chicago Cultural Center
The FamilyFarmed EXPO brings local farmers and family-owned producers of food and farm products together with the public, trade buyers and leaders in the field to foster relationships that facilitate the growth of local food systems. Event is at Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St. Starts 10am, admission $15-60.
Turduckenism @ Honky Tonk BBQ
Demystify the hybrid meat turducken with award-winning chef Efrain Cuevas at Pilsen's Honky Tonk BBQ tonight from 6-9pm. For the $45 admission, you'll get dinner and a turducken cooking lesson. 1213 W. 18th St.
FamilyFarmed EXPO @ Chicago Cultural Center
The FamilyFarmed EXPO brings local farmers and family-owned producers of food and farm products together with the public, trade buyers and leaders in the field to foster relationships that facilitate the growth of local food systems. Event is at Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St. Begins 10am, admission $15-$60. Local chefs will be on hand for Localicious!, an event that features local food made by local people.
Thanksgiving: the Great American Holiday @ Kendall College
Join the Chicago Foodways Roundtable for a discussion of the culture and history of Thanksgiving eats with cookbook expert Penelope Bingham this morning at 10am at Kendall College, 900 North Branch. Admission is $2, free for Kendall students and faculty with ID. Email to RSVP.
Beer School @ The Map Room
Join brewmaster Greg Browne of Mickey Finn's Brewery for the latest edition of Beer School, where you can learn all about holiday beers. Class starts at 6pm, and is limited to the first 45 people who register. $25 per person. For more information, call 773-252-7636. The Map Room is located at 1949 N. Hoyne.
FamilyFarmed EXPO @ Chicago Cultural Center
The FamilyFarmed EXPO brings local farmers and family-owned producers of food and farm products together with the public, trade buyers and leaders in the field to foster relationships that facilitate the growth of local food systems. Event is at Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington; admission $15-60. Local chefs will be on hand for Localicious!, an event that features local food made by local people. Begins 10am.
World Kitchen: Girlfriends Get Together @ Gallery 37
Tonight's class (6pm) will help you cook dishes for a Girls' Night that doesn't involve eating raw cookie dough and Doritos. "Thanksgiving Memories" is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Beaujolais Nouveau Party at Fox & Obel
Join Wine Director Mark Wrobel and Jaqueline Pitrack of Heritage Wine Cellars at Fox & Obel, 401 E. Illinois Street tonight from 6:30-7:30pm to celebrate the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. The party will include French cheeses, French music, a short talk on the history of Beaujolais Nouveau, and cake. All attendees will receive a bottle of Louis Tete Beaujolais Nouveau to take home and 10% off any other purchases that evening. Cost is $20 per person. Space is limited, RSVP at 312.379.0139 or online.
World Kitchen: Thanksgiving Memories @ Gallery 37
Today's class (11am) will help you plan for Turkey Day. "Thanksgiving Memories" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Chicago Beer Society Fall Tasting & Dinner
Today the Chicago Beer Society will hold their 32nd Annual Fall Tasting and Dinner, the oldest commercial beer tasting in the country. The event consists of a multi-course meal prepared by chef Charles Fegert and a blind tasting conducted with souvenir Chicago Beer Society glasses. The event takes place at Rock Bottom Chicago, 1 W. Grand, from 6:30-11pm. Tickets are $45 for CBS members, $55 for non-members. Reservations due by November 9.
Culinary Historians of Chicago: "Flavored with History"
The Culinary Historians of Chicago host Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg, authors of The Flavor Bible, for a talk on flavor pairings in food and drink throughout history. Chef Jennifer Bucko Lamplough, Associate Dean at Robert Morris College, and her students, will present a sampling of dishes inspired by the book. Event details: $5 per person, Robert Morris College, Institute of Culinary Arts, 401 S. State St., 10am to noon. To reserve a spot, please call Barbara Olson at (708) 788-0338 or e-mail rsvpchc@yahoo.com.
Eric Ripert Dinner @ Ritz-Carlton
Ripert is coming, Ripert is coming! The legendary chef behind Le Bernardin in NYC will be in Chicago Thursday to...sign some copies of his new book On the Line (doled out courtesy of ChicaGourmets!). But wait, there's food: the initial reception will be followed by a four course dinner of dishes from the book, prepared by the Ritz's Mark Payne. I guess that's how you know you're really good -- when someone else prepares your three-Michelin-star food for you so you can just sit back and relax. The event will be held at the Ritz-Carlton, where Ripert will be the final guest in this year's authors tour.
More information through the ChicaGourmets! events page. $125 per person, all-inclusive. 6pm reception, 6:30pm dinner. Ritz-Carlton Chicago, 160 E. Pearson St. To RSVP, call 312.573.5231 or email susan.maier@fourseasons.com.
World Kitchen: the Christmas Cookie Jar @ Gallery 37
Tonight's class (6pm-8:30pm) will expand your cookie mindset in preparation for holiday baking. "The Christmas Cookie Jar" is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required: register online, by calling 312-742-TIXS, or at the box office. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
How's the Bar? Launch Party
How's the Bar?, a new bar rating site, celebrates its launch with a party at The Fifty/50, 2047 W. Division, tonight at 8pm. Free, 21+.
Eric Ripert Dinner @ Ritz-Carlton
Ripert is coming, Ripert is coming! The legendary chef behind Le Bernardin in NYC will be in Chicago Thursday to...sign some copies of his new book On the Line (doled out courtesy of ChicaGourmets!). But wait, there will also be food. An initial canape reception will be followed by a four course dinner of dishes from the book, prepared by the Ritz's Mark Payne. Thanks to sponsorship from Moet & Chandon, each course will also be paired with champagne. The event will be held at the Ritz-Carlton, where Ripert will be the final guest in this year's authors tour.
More information through the ChicaGourmets! events page. $125 per person, all-inclusive. 6pm reception, 6:30pm dinner. Ritz-Carlton Chicago, 160 E. Pearson St. To RSVP, call 312.573.5231 or email susan.maier@fourseasons.com.
A Modern Holiday Brunch Cooking Class @ Fox & Obel
Learn how to make brunch dishes that will run your bowl of oatmeal out of town tonight at the "A Modern Holiday Brunch" class at Fox & Obel, 401 E. Illinois. The 6-7pm class is $45. Go here to register or call 312-379-0139.
Open House @ Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy
If you like chocolate and learning, head to the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy (600 W. Chicago Ave, Ste. 860) tonight from 6-7:30pm for an open house.The $25 admission includes a tour of the school, chocolate tasting, artisan chocolate making demonstration, Q & A session, and artisan chocolates to take home. Call 866-443-0437 or email to register.
The Lost Abbey/Port Brewing Company Launch @ Hopleaf
Lost Abbey/Port Brewing Company from Solano Beach, CA, is now distributing in Chicago. As part of their launch, they're hosting a "Meet the Brewer" event in the upstairs level of Hopleaf (5148 N. Clark St.) tonight at 7pm. Sample their full line of beers, talk with brewer Tomme Arthur, and enjoy a buffet of Hopleaf's food.
Christopher Kimball @ Borders
Christopher Kimball, of America's Test Kitchen and Cooks Illustrated magazine, will be signing copies of The America's Test Kitchen Family Baking Book and The Cook's Country Cookbook at 7 pm at the Lincoln Park Borders at 2817 N. Clark. See the Borders website for more information.
Weisman Park Renovation Fundraiser @ Noodles & Co
This evening, Noodles & Co (2813 N. Broadway) will donate 25% of all sales toward the Weisman Park renovation project. Donations accrue on sales between 4pm and 10pm, and you must have this flyer to have your sale count.
Thanksgiving 101 Cooking Class @ Fox & Obel
Join Fox & Obel's Corporate Executive Chef Michael Grieb tonight from 6-7:30pm at Fox & Obel, 401 E. Illinois Street, to learn more about how to cook a turkey and the sides for your Thanksgiving feast. Admissionis $50 and comes with a 10% coupon for the store (good for only tonight).
World Kitchen: Goin' South @ Gallery 37
Today's class (11am-1pm) will teach you how to cook South American the right way. "Goin' South" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Festival of Wood and Barrel-aged Beer
The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild's sixth annual festival celebrates wood-aged beer from around the country. The drinking will take place in separate sessions, from 1-5pm and 6-10pm, with only 500 tickets available per session. It's located at the Chicago Journeyman Plumbers' Local Union,130 Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington Blvd. Tickets are $35 and can be ordered online at Brown Paper Tickets.
World Kitchen: In the Apple Orchard @ Gallery 37
Tonight's class (6pm-8:30pm) will teach you how to make some fine dishes from apples--yum-o. "In the Apple Orchard" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Green City @ Nature Museum
Green City Market is at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for the winter. The market goes Wednesdays and Saturdays in November and December from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. New this year, Green City will continue through the winter, from January through April on the first and third Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2430 N. Cannon Drive. Bus: 151 Sheridan, 156 LaSalle (weekdays only), 76 Diversey.
Free Coffee (if you vote) @ Starbucks
Go into a participating Starbucks, tell them you voted, and you'll receive a free 12oz. coffee today.
All-you-can-eat Bacon Night @ Chinaski's
At Chinaski's (named after a Bukowski character) in Bucktown, they care about two things: literature and bacon. Belly up to the bar on Monday nights for their never-ending baskets of bacon and enjoy an evening of crispy pork with a side of an author-named sandwich. Come back other nights of the week for open-mic readings and scheduled literary events. Chinaski's is located at 1935 N. Damen Ave. in Bucktown. 773-489-2353. Open 6pm-2am Sun-Fri, 6pm-3am Sat.
LTH Forum GNR Awards Dinner @ Sun Wah BBQ
Join fellow foodies from LTH Forum tonight at 6pm at Sun Wah BBQ (1134 West Argyle) for their 2008 Great Neighborhood Restaurants Awards, which is kind of an Oscars for restaurants, except that it's local and more gratifying. RSVP required; all-inclusive meal cost is $45.
World Kitchen: Terrific Tamales @ Gallery 37
Today's class (11am-1pm) will get you making this Mexican delicacy in no time. "Terrific Tamales" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Green City @ Nature Museum
Starting Saturday, November 1, Green City Market moves from their warm-weather Lincoln Park spot to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. They continue every Wednesday and Saturday in November and December from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. New this year, Green City will continue through the winter, from January through April on the first and third Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2430 N. Cannon Drive. Bus: 151 Sheridan, 156 LaSalle (weekdays only), 76 Diversey.
World Kitchen: Beyond Dinner @ Gallery 37
Tonight's class (6pm) is part of a four-part series to help you become a more confident chef. "Beyond Dinner" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Vincent Di Battista @ Green City Market
Chef Vincent Di Battista of Campagnola will give a cooking demo at the Green City Market today at 10:30am.
Free Tacos Courtesy of Jason Bartlett
Tampa Bay shortstop Jason Bartlett stole a base in the first game of the World Series between the Rays and Philadelphia Phillies, entitling every man, woman, and child in the country to a free Taco Bell hardshell beef taco. Stop by any Taco Bell location today from 2-6pm to claim your crunchy, meaty reward.
World Kitchen: Election Night @ Gallery 37
Today's class (11am-2pm) will get you in the mood for making tasty eats while watching November 4th's election returns. "Election Night" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Patrick Sheerin @ Green City Market
Chef Patrick Sheerin of The Signature Room at the 95th will give a cooking demonstration today at the Green City Market at 10:30am.
Fox & Obel's "Cocktails for a Cause" Event @ MCA
The Medical Research Junior Board Foundation of Children's Memorial Hospital will be holding their "Cocktails for a Cause" event at the Museum of Contemporary Art tonight at 7:30pm. This Fox and Obel-sponsored event will have food, live and silent auctionsd, and entertainment. 220 E. Chicago Avenue. Tickets $100, $125 at the door.
World Kitchen: Pepper, Paprika and More @ Gallery 37
Tonight's class (6pm-8:30pm) will help you distinguish between spicy spices and how to use them when cooking. "Pepper, Paprika and More" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Harvest and Halloween Sweets Cooking Class @ Fox & Obel
For a mere $35, you can learn how to make holiday sweets from Fox & Obel's pastry chef Mark Gyure. Apple tarts, cookies, and pumpkin desserts are on the menu. Class runs 6pm-7pm at Fox & Obel, 401 E. Illinois.
Giuseppe Tentori @ Green City Market
Chef Giuseppe Tentori of Boka will be at the Green City Market holding a cooking demo today at 10:30am.
Meatball Contest and Tasting @ Swedish-American Museum
Enter your family's famous Swedish meatball recipe in the contest or come to the Swedish-American Museum at 5211 N. Clark St. just to taste and vote for your favorite meatball. Celebrity judges will be on hand to award prizes, and a small buffet and refreshments will be served. The event starts at 7 pm. Admission is $20 for members of the museum and $30 for non-members. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 773-728-8111.
Chicago Food Depository's Bag Hunger Auction @ Sheraton
Chefs from area restaurants, among them Susan Goss of West Town Tavern and Ida Pinkney of Ida's, will participate in the Chicago Food Depository's Bag Hunger Auction, tonight at the Sheraton (301 E. North Water), 6pm. Dinner and both a live and silent auction of sports memorabilia, cooking packages and Cubs tickets to follow. Tickets upward of $100 each.
Food: a Cultural Journey Lecture @ Field Museum
As part of the "National Geographic Live! at The Field Museum" series, photographer Penny De Los Santos will be showing the foods of different countries and their cultural and geographical importance. 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. Lecture begins at 7:30pm. Contact The Field Museum for more information.
Riesling and Cheese @ Fox & Obel
Learn more about the pairing of Riesling and cheese with Fox & Obel's Mark Wrobel, cheesemonger Jimmy Kuykendall, and David Read of Pure Wine Company tonight at Fox & Obel, 401 E. Illinois. Class is 6-7pm; admission is $20.
Harvest Party @ Green Grocer
Green Grocer Chicago throws a fall harvest party at their store from 5 to 7 p.m. to celebrate friends, food and fall. Sample from local food producers. Try the first release of Nice Cream ice cream (a new gourmet organic ice cream company), hot cider, vegan pumpkin pie, and get information on winter farmers markets. 1402 W Grand Ave.
Devon-a-thon II: Go West! with LTH Forum
This is the best food crawl ever. Join LTH Forumers on an eating journey going west from Western Avenue down Devon Avenue today beginning at 10am. Kosher, Indian, Korean and Georgian (!) fare are on the menu thus far. RSVP required.
Bucktown Apple Pie Contest @ Holstein Park
Holstein Park (2200 N. Oakley) is the site of the 4th annual Bucktown Apple Pie Contest, which takes place today from 2-5pm. Pastrysmiths Gale Gand of Tru and Koren Grieveson of Avec will judge the competition, which is limited to 75 entries ($15 fee). Music, pumpkin decorating, a silent auction, and a $1,000 raffle are also on the bill. Event benefits Friends of Holstein Park.
World Kitchen: Rooting for Ginger @ Gallery 37
Today's class (11am-2pm) will teach how you to use ginger in an array of dishes. "Rooting for Ginger" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Barbara Fairchild Book-Signing @ Green City Market
Bon Appétit Editor-in-Chief Barbara Fairchild will be signing copies of the new Bon Appétit Fast Easy Fresh Cookbook at the Green City Market, at 1750 North Clark Street, from 9:30 to 11:30 am. A $5 donation will be made to the Green City Market by the Spice House for each book purchased at the market. Call (773) 435-0280 for more information.
Season Premier of Check, Please! Tonight
Season 8 of Check, Please!, a popular restaurant review show on WTTW, is premiering tonight at 8:00PM with encore showings on Saturday at 4:30PM and on Sunday at 10:00PM. The season kicks off with reviews of: Honky Tonk BBQ, The Signature Room and TAC Quick.
Tune in every week to see new shows!
Urban Beekeeping Lecture @ Cultural Center
Learn more about beekeeping from Michael Thompson, the Director of the Chicago Honey Coop, at the Cultural Center tonight at 6pm. Event is sponsored by Slow Food Chicago.
World Kitchen: Beyond Dinner @ Gallery 37
Tonight's class (6pm-8:30pm) is all about improving your cooking techniques beyond your flair for roast beef and mashed potatoes. "Beyond Dinner" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is part of a four-part series; admission is $30 for individual sessions, $100 for all four. Pre-registration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Barbara Fairchild Book-Signing @ The Spice House
Bon Appétit Editor-in-Chief Barbara Fairchild will be signing copies of the new Bon Appétit Fast Easy Fresh Cookbook at the Spice House, 1512 North Wells, from 7 to 8:30 pm. RSVP by calling (312) 274-0378 or emailing Spices@thespicehouse.com.
Jared Lee Van Camp @ Green City Market
Chef Jared Lee Van Camp of Osteria di Tramonto will give a cooking demo today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, south end of Lincoln Park.
Andersonville Dessert Crawl
The Andersonville Development Corporation is sponsoring their Third Annual Dessert Crawl on Sunday, October 12, starting at 1 PM. Choose from either (or both, if you've got a massive sweet tooth) the Swedish Stroll or the Rainbow Route, along which you'll enjoy twelve desserts from different establishments in the neighborhood. One route costs $25, both is $40, and you can add an optional wine tasting at In Fine Spirits for another $20.
Annual Burgoo Festival in Utica, IL
It's that time again! Columbus Day weekend means heading out into the wilds of Utica, IL and sampling some fall foliage, handicrafts, and some homemade burgoo (just like mom used to make!). Utica, and the Annual Burgoo Festival are located just down the road from the popular Starved Rock State Park, you can make a day of enjoying some simple pleasures just a couple hours west of Chicago.
The Sweet History of French Pastry Lecture @ Kendall College
Mark Seaman of Marked for Dessert will lecture on French pastry today at 10am at Kendall College. Event is sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago. If you're even more interested in pastry, Seaman will be hosting a second event at his store on October 16 to wax poetic on pastry and talk about the pastry tour of France that he will be leading next spring (and you can go, too!).
Dennis Ryan and Megan Munitz @ Green City Market
Dennis Ryan and Megan Munitz of Fraiche Kitchen will give a cooking demo today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, south end of Lincoln Park.
World Kitchen: End of the Season Garden @ Gallery 37
Tonight's class (6pm-8:30pm) will teach how you to make use of what vegetables are still in season at the local markets. "End of the Season Garden" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Mark Payne @ Green City Market
Chef Mark Payne of The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton will give a cooking demonstration at the Green City Market (south end of Lincoln park) today at 10:30am.
Washington HS Culinary Arts Fundraiser
Washington High School's Culinary Arts program holds a silent auction and fundraiser at The Joynt, 650 N. Dearborn, tonight from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Tickets are $40 and includes complimentary drinks, hors d'oeuvres and music.
Alpana Singh's Wine Tasting @ House Theatre
Join Check, Please! host Alpana Singh for a tasting of Gallo wines, followed by a performance of The House Theatre's Dave DaVinci Saves The Universe -- all to benefit On The House, an outreach program that works with kids from disadvantaged schools to experience theatre. Tickets are $75.
Porkapalooza
If you've got enough energy to drive 150 miles from the city to Red Horse Ranch in Fennville, MI for Porkapalooza, a noon to midnight festival of meaty gluttony, you should: the event will also have beer, wine, entertainment, and it benefits the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance. Admission $10-40.
World Kitchen: What Columbus Carried @ Gallery 37
Today's class (11am-2pm) will teach how you can make Italian on only a few ingredients. "What Columbus Carrier" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Chris Macchia @ Green City Market
Chef Chris Macchia of Coco Pazzo will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, south end of Lincoln Park.
The Interview Show @ Hideout
Mark Bazer's Interview Show returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, tonight at 6:30pm. This month's guests include "Top Chef" winner Stephanie Izard, author Kevin Davis and stand-up comic Hannibal Buress, and features performances by Buress and Jeff Dorchen of Theater Oobleck. $5 at the door. 21+
Chicago's Downtown Farmstand @ 66 E. Randolph
Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs brings Chicago's Downtown Farmstand to 66 E. Randolph with fruits, vegetables, preserves and baked goods from within 250 miles of the city. The pilot Farmstand will offer educational programs and lunchtime demonstrations on Wednesdays and Fridays. The Farmstand opens October 1, with a Grand Opening celebration featuring samples and demos from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Afterwards, the Farmstand operates Tuesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-December, and re-opening in Spring 2009.
Jericho Michel @ Green City Market
Chef jericho Michel of Hearty Boys will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, south end of Lincoln Park between Stockton and LaSalle.
East Lakeview Neighbors Oktoberfest
East Lakeview Neighbors celebrates Autumn with its 10th annual Oktoberfest at Murphy's Bleachers, 3655 N. Sheffield Ave., from 3pm to 7pm today. Your $20 donation gets you a pig roast, chicken, brats and grilled veggies; beer, wine and pop; a raffle and silent auction; and music. All proceeds benefit local non-profits.
Chicago Gourmet @ Millennium Park
Think of this as a Taste of Chicago with a heftier price tag and more upscale eats. Chicago Gourmet will have food samplings from a rock star roll call of the city's top chefs (Graham Eliot Bowles, Rick Bayless, Carrie Nahabedian, Mindy Segal) and literal Top Chefs (Stephanie Izard, Dale Levitski), as well as cooking demonstrations, seminars and wine samplings. Tickets run from $100-400.
8th Annual Oktoberfest @ St. Alphonsus
Come celebrate Oktoberfest at St. Alphonsus church in Lakeview. This church, founded by German immigrants in 1882, really knows how to put on an Oktoberfest -- complete with oom-pah bands, brats, dancing, and, of course, plenty of German brews. The party goes on all weekend, starting Friday night 9/26, from 5-11pm, Sat. 9/27 11am-10pm, Sun. 9/28 noon-9pm. St. Alphonsus is located at 3000 Lincoln Ave. (at Wellington).
Chicago Gourmet @ Millennium Park
Think of this as a Taste of Chicago with a heftier price tag and more upscale eats. Chicago Gourmet will have food samplings from a rock star roll call of the city's top chefs (Graham Eliot Bowles, Rick Bayless, Carrie Nahabedian, Mindy Segal) and literal Top Chefs (Stephanie Izard, Dale Levitski), as well as cooking demonstrations, seminars and wine samplings. Tickets run from $100-400.
8th Annual Oktoberfest @ St. Alphonsus
Come celebrate Oktoberfest at St. Alphonsus church in Lakeview. This church, founded by German immigrants in 1882, really knows how to put on an Oktoberfest -- complete with oom-pah bands, brats, dancing, and, of course, plenty of German brews. The party goes on all weekend, starting Friday night 9/26, from 5-11pm, Sat. 9/27 11am-10pm, Sun. 9/28 noon-9pm. St. Alphonsus is located at 3000 Lincoln Ave. (at Wellington).
Chicago Gourmet @ Millennium Park
Think of this as a Taste of Chicago with a heftier price tag and more upscale eats. Chicago Gourmet will have food samplings from a rock star roll call of the city's top chefs (Graham Eliot Bowles, Rick Bayless, Carrie Nahabedian, Mindy Segal) and literal Top Chefs (Stephanie Izard, Dale Levitski), as well as cooking demonstrations, seminars and wine samplings. Tickets run from $100-400.
8th Annual Oktoberfest @ St. Alphonsus
Come celebrate Oktoberfest at St. Alphonsus church in Lakeview. This church, founded by German immigrants in 1882, really knows how to put on an Oktoberfest -- complete with oom-pah bands, brats, dancing, and, of course, plenty of German brews. The party goes on all weekend, starting Friday night 9/26, from 5-11pm, Sat. 9/27 11am-10pm, Sun. 9/28 noon-9pm. St. Alphonsus is located at 3000 Lincoln Ave. (at Wellington).
World Kitchen: Magic of Morocco @ Gallery 37
Tonight's class (6-8:30pm) explores the spices and textures of Moroccan eats. "Magic of Morocco" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Oktoberfest/Harvest/Pumpkin Beer Tasting @Delilah's
Delilah's has gotten their hands on as many of these beer styles as possible--including a five-year vertical of Ayinger Oktoberfest--and will be hosting a tasting on Tuesday, September 23 from 5 PM - 9 PM. Entry is free; however, you pay by the taste.
Delilah's
2771 N. Lincoln Ave.
773-472-2771
Eli's Cheesecake Festival
Head out to the Eli's Cheesecake Factory (6701 W. Forest Park) for its Cheesecake Festival, benefitting the New Horizon Center for Developmentally Disabled and the Greater Chicago Food Depository! Rides, food, cooking demos, an opportunity to meet the 2008 Michigan Apple Queen, a classic cars exhibit, fun for the kids, and of course, LOADS of cheesecake. Also, if you bring a non-perishable food donation item for the Depository, you'll get a free slice of cheesecake.
Eli's Cheesecake Festival
Head out to the Eli's Cheesecake Factory (6701 W. Forest Park) for its Cheesecake Festival, benefitting the New Horizon Center for Developmentally Disabled and the Greater Chicago Food Depository! Rides, food, cooking demos, an opportunity to meet the 2008 Michigan Apple Queen, a classic cars exhibit, fun for the kids, and of course, LOADS of cheesecake. Also, if you bring a non-perishable food donation item for the Depository, you'll get a free slice of cheesecake.
"Vuelta a Tacos" Bike-and-Dine
LTH Forum is sponsoring a "Vuelta a Tacos" bike and dine ride today through the city to celebrate Mexican Independence Day and, of course, eat some good food. RSVP required, so head over to the site for more information.
World Kitchen: What's for Dinner @ Gallery 37
Today's class (11am-2pm) is about beef! Glorious beef! "What's for Dinner" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Exploring the Culinary Collections of the Newberry Library
Join the Chicago Foodways Roundtable as they discuss the Newberry Library's food-related books, from historical texts to recipes. Event takes place at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, at 10am. RSVP required.
World Kitchen: Beyond Dinner @ Gallery 37
This class about making your meals a work of art is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Lincoln Square Apple Fest
Fall means it's apple season, so get started on your apple eating and cider drinking at this annual festival. It's at Giddings Plaza, 4731 North Lincoln Avenue from 8 am to 5 pm. Free.
World Kitchen: Party Planning 101 @ Gallery 37
Make your next party rocking at the Party Planning 101 cooking class, which will be held today from 11a-2pm. This class is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!
Southern Cooking @ Chicago History Museum
The Culinary Historians of Chicago host Virginia Willis as she discusses "Southern Cooking." The event begins at 10 am. Visit their website for more details.
David Di Gregorio of Osteria via Stato @ Green City Market
Chef David Di Gregorio of Osteria via Stato will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, located between Clark and Stockton.
World Kitchen: "Fast Forward" Cooking Class @ Gallery 37
The Fast Forward cooking class, which will highlight quick recipes made from seasonal ingredients, will be held tonight from 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37, 66 E. Randolph Street as part of the World Kitchen series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Laura Frankel of Spertus Cafe @ Green City Market
Chef Laura Frankel of Spertus Cafe by Wolfgang Puck will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, between Clark and Stockton.
Localvore Challenge Begins
The Green City Market is challenging you to eat only locally grown foods for two weeks (September 10-24). The Localvore Challenge means that your food has to be grown in Illinois or a bordering state, although you can establish an exceptions list of basic ingredients (olive oil, salt, pepper, vinegar, coffee, etc.). Also, if you're itching to go out to eat, a bevy of restaurants such as Lula Cafe, 312 Chicago, Le Lan and Uncommon Ground will have a menu item each night that is Localvore Challenge-friendly.
Demystifying Seafood @ Fox & Obel
Everyone says seafood is so easy. Oh, stick a piece of orange roughy in the oven for dinner, it's sooooooooo easy. Easy if you can remember all those little porportions (4 oz at 400 degrees for 40 minutes... That doesn't seem right. Maybe it's 40 oz at 4 degrees for 400 minutes... Wait.) Easy if you have no shame when it comes to over poaching a shrimp, or sauteing a slab of skin-on salmon. If not... well it's not so easy after all.
Not so, says Fox & Obel, and corporate executive chef Michael Grieb is out to prove them right. For $45 and an hour and a half of your time, he'll take you through the basics of cooking seafood through a variety of different methods, and with the aid of several different fishy friends. On the menu so far is lake trout, walleye pike, and wine. Okay, so that last one isn't a fish. You caught me. Anything else you buy in the market on your way out is 10% off.
Fox & Obel, 401 E. Illinois, Thursday, September 11, 6-7:30pm. RSVP here, or call 312.379.0139 to save your place.
Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
The first annual Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon will offer tastings, demonstrations, and presentations by chefs and authors. Ghirardelli, Guittard and Coco Delice Fine Chocolates are just a few of the famous chocolatiers who will be participating. The event runs from 11 am to 5 pm and takes place in the Grainger Ballroom at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children under 6. See the event website for more information.
Chefs' Supper-In-The-Country Harvest Celebration & Auction
If you have $250-$1000 that is burning a hole in your pocket, head to the home of Tallgrass Beef and news anchor Bill Kurtis tonight @ 5:30pm for
Wives of the White Sox players will be holding a nonperishable food drive to benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository before the team plays the Los Angeles Angels today; the women will be on-hand collecting items at stadium gates.White Sox Wives Canned Food Drive @ US Cellular Field
Guinness Oyster Festival
The Guinness Oyster Festival hits Roscoe Village today from noon to 11pm. $7 gets you through the gates to drink Guinness (and Harp) and eat oysters while listening to music:
Noon: The Hue
1:30pm: Trippin Billies
4:00pm: Hello Dave
6:30pm: Carolina Liar
8:30pm: Everlast
Shelley Young @ Green City Market
Shelley Young of the Chopping Block will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30 a.m. at the Green City Market, located at Clark and Stockton Drive.
Rob and Allie Levitt @ Green City Market
Chefs from Wicker Park's Mado will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30 a.m. at the Green City Market, located at Stockton and LaSalle Drive.
Fiesta Boricua in Humboldt Park
Humboldt Park's 15th Annual Fiesta Boricua -- the Midwest's largest Ethnic Music Festival -- will take place on Division between Paseo Boricua's giant metal flags. Three stages will feature top talents in Salsa, Plena, Reggaeton and House plus over 100 food, arts and crafts vendors. The all-day event will also include a health fair, skateboard demo area, art gallery and cultural performances. Everyone's invited to come celebrate Chicago's Puerto Rican community! Division Street (between Western & Mozart). 11AM to 8PM.
Chef Freddy Sanchez of Adobo Grill @ Green City Market
Chef Freddy Sanchez of Adobo Grill will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, located at Clark and Stockton Drive.
Dill Pickle Food Co-op Benefit @ Empty Bottle
Dill Pickle Food Co-op holds a benefit tonight at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western, featuring performances by Tirra Lirra, Allá and Willis P. Jenkins. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Additional donations accepted. Doors open at 8:30pm, 21 and over.
Chef Nancy Brussat of Convito Cafe and Market @ Green City Market
Chef Nancy Brussat of Wilmette's Convito Cafe and Market will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, located at Clark and Stockton Drive.
Rick Bayless @ Palmer House, Chef's Hall of Fame Induction
Celebchef Rick Bayless will be inducted into the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame tonight at the Palmer House Hotel, 17 East Monrie, tonight from 5:30-9:30pm. Tickets are $175 (before event) or $200 (at the door) and include attendance to a cocktail reception, silent auction, awards presentation and a "Wandering Feast," which I'm sure is short for "passed hors d'oeuvres."
Whole Foods Flavorfest @ Trebes Park
Head over to Trebes Park, located at Webster and Racine, today for FlavorFest, a WholeFoods brainchild of music, food samples, cooking demos and activities for the kids. It will make you forget that you can easily spend 50 bucks there on a frickin' bread run.
Slow Food Chicago BBQ Benefit @ Kendall College
Kendall College students are hosting a meal of smoked meats and tons of side dishes as a benefit for the Slow Food Chicago delegation to the Terra Madre conference in Italy tonight at 6pm in the school's cafe (900 N Branch). Tickets are $25 for Slow Food Members and Kendall Parents; $35 Non-Members.
Bar AIDS
Bar AIDS, a benefit for AIDS Care Chicago, will be held tonight at several bars across the city. A portion of drink sales will be donated to the charity.
Whole Foods Flavorfest @ Trebes Park
Head over to Trebes Park (Racine/Webster) today for FlavorFest, a WholeFoods brainchild of music, food samples, cooking demos and activities for the kids. It will make you forget that you can easily spend 50 bucks there on a frickin' bread run.
5th Annual Southern Boy BBQ
Griffith Tutoring, a non-profit organization preparing at-risk students on the ACT, presents the 5th Annual Southern Boy BBQ at Charlie's Ale House, 1224 W. Webster, starting at 1pm today. Sample barbecue flown in from Memphis, Alabama, North Carolina, Texas and Kansas City, judge your favorite, and wash it down with some cold beer. Tickets are $40, with the proceeds benefiting Griffith Tutoring.
Chef Craig DiFonzo of A Mano @ Green City Market
Chef Craig DiFonzo of A Mano will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, located at Clark and Stockton Drive.
1st Annual Oak Park Microbrew and Food Review
This is cool: today from 3-7pm is the 1st Annual Oak Park Microbrew and Food Review, featuring 50 select craft microbrews from 15 microbreweries across the state representing the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. Local restaurants will be pairing the beers with their food, participants will vote for their favorite brew, the event will be zero waste (compostable, sustainable products), and live music and entertainment is on the bill. A VIP Pre-event will be at Marion Street Cheese Market (100 S. Marion). Tickets are $35 per person; VIP Pre-event - $65 per person (includes entry to main event).
Jimmy John's Freaky Fast Summer of Fun @ North Ave Beach
Sandwich hawkers Jimmy John’s will be auctioning off packages consisting of sandwiches and other themed prizes today at North Avenue Beach; proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
GOOD Magazine/Slow Food Chicago @ Salvage One
GOOD Magazine will be teaming up with Slow Food Chicago for an evening of food, drink and music at Salvage One (1840 W. Hubbard) tonight at 7:30pm. Your $20 admission is a donation to Slow Food Chicago; it also gets you a subscription to GOOD. RSVP required.
Event-planning Open House @ Morton's
If you're planning a special occasion soon -- wedding, bar mitzvah, graduation, etc. -- head to Morton's, 65 E. Wacker Pl., today between 4pm and 7pm for their "Open House for All Occasions." Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine and Champagne while rubbing elbows with some of the city's premier event planners and vendors. Free, but RSVP is required; contact Jessica Geisinger at 312-201-0464 or jessica_geisinger@mortons.com if you plan to attend.
Chocolate & Wine @ Just Grapes
Just Grapes, 560 W. Washington, hosts a wine and chocolate "master class" with Vosges Chocolates tonight from 6pm to 8pm. Tickets are $50, and includes a Vosges gift set.
Limelight Food Illuminated Catering Demo @ Green City Market
Brian Shustrick of Limelight Food Illuminated Catering will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, located at Clark and Stockton Drive.
Hull-House Kitchen: Rethinking Soup
Jane Addams Hull House on UIC's campus, 800 S. Halsted, restarts its weekly Rethinking Soup series today from noon to 1:30pm. Enjoy homemade soup and conversation with fellow diners for free (donations accepted). The day's program will include a special listening session with short audio-docs about food and other enticing subjects chosen with help from Third Coast International Audio Festival.
Brewmasters Dinner/Green City Market Benefit @ Goose Island
Chefs from culinary powerhouses Vie, Custom House, 312 Chicago and Publican will be cooking up finds from the Green City Market and pairing them with Goose Island beers tonight at their 1800 N. Clybourn brewpub for an event benefitting the Market. Your $150 ticket covers the food and the fun. Email to RSVP.
Slow Food Chicago Dinner @ Le Lan
Slow Food Chicago will be hosting a dinner at Le Lan (749 N Clark) tonight at 7:30p featuring fruit from Seedling Farm. The $75.00 ticket price includes wine and tip. Call Le Lan to RSVP (312-280-9100).
Taste of GiGi's Playhouse @ Logan Square Auditorium
Logan Square-area restaurants such as Lula Cafe, El Cid and Buona Terra will be on hand for Taste of GiGi's Playhouse, which benefits the suburban Downs Syndrome awareness center. Restaurants will be doling out samples (5-7:30pm), live band karaoke (@8pm), and a full bar supported by Vas Foremost, noFriction and Sam's Wines and Spirits, among others (5-10pm) await you at the Logan Square Auditorium (Logan and Kedzie). Tickets start at $75 per person.
Chef Heather Terhune of the Atwood Cafe @ Green City Market
Chef Heather Terhune of the Atwood Cafe will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30am at the Green City Market located at Clark and LaSalle.
Air & Water Show
The 50th annual Chicago Air & Water Show spends the weekend buzzing your house and scaring your pets. It's free in Lincoln Park, centered on North Avenue Beach. Catch the Blue Angels, Golden Knights parachute team, the Shell Extreme water show and more.
Slow Food Chicago Tomato Festival and Potluck Supper at the Chicago Honey Coop
Sample tomatoes and eat good food tonight at 6pm at the Slow Food Chicago Tomato Festival and Potluck Supper at the Chicago Honey Coop, 3740 W. Fillmore. Tickets are $15.00 for Slow Food members and Honey Coop members + potluck dish $20.00 for non-members + potluck dish. RSVP required.
Savor Tomatoes @ Green City Market and Ritz-Carlton
Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris of the Prairie Grass Cafe will hold a tomato tasting today at 9:30 am at the Green City Market. The same event will be taking place at the Ritz-Carlton dining room with Mark Payne also at 9:30am.
Chef Dean Zanella of 312 Chicago @ Green City Market
Chef Dean Zanella of 312 Chicago will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30am at the Green City Market located at Clark and LaSalle.
Slow Food Chicago Annual Garden Celebration @ Dawes School Garden of Eatin'
Slow Food Chicago is holding a potluck tonight from 6-7:30pm at the Garden of Eatin' at Dawes Elementary School (440 Dodge Ave, Evanston). Bring a side dish to serve 10 people, along with your own plates, utensils, and beverage (no alcohol). Desserts will be provided. RSVP required.
Slow Food Chicago Terra Madre Dinner @ Osteria Via Stato
Join Slow Food Chicago for a family-style dinner at Osteria Via Stato (620 N. State) tonight at 6pm. The event is a benefit for delegates to travel to Italy for a conference. Tickets are $65 for Slow Food Members/$75 for Non-Members. RSVP required.
Taste of the Nation @ Trump Tower
David Burke of Primehouse will team up with 20 Chicago chefs (including "Top Chef: Chicago" winner Stephanie Izard and "Top Chef: Miami" competitor Dale Levitsky) to create a wide variety of dishes to sample at this benefit for Share our Strength. Master Sommelier Serafin Alvarado and a select group of Chicago mixologists will present a tasting of wines and "Classic Cocktails from Around the World." This event will take place at 6 pm at Trump International Hotel & Towers at 401 North Wabash.The cost is $150, and proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Illinois Hunger Coalition, the Near North Health Service Corporation and Vital Bridges. To make reservations, visit the event website. For more information, contact Stina Augustsson at saugustsson@strength.org.
Carribean Festival @ Union Park
Tonight's Carribean Festival at Union Park (at Lake, Randolph and Ashland) promises to be a rollicking good time. Music, food (Yellowman!) and a celebration of health awareness are on the bill. More information is available on their site, but tickets are $5-15, and the event runs noon-10pm on Friday (8/8), Saturday (8/9) and Sunday (8/10).
Ginza Holiday in Old Town
Head to Old Town for the 53rd Annual Ginza Holiday, a Japanese cultural festival which will be presented by the Midwest Buddhist Temple in Old Town today (435 West Menomonee). Japanese cultural exhibits and demonstrations, anime, taiko drumming, classical and folk dances, and martial arts are on the bill; the food promises to be awesome as well. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens. Children under 12 are free. Hours: 11:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Chef Paul LoDuca of Vinci @ Green City Market
Chef Paul LoDuca of Vinci will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30am at the Green City Market located at Clark and LaSalle.
Jimmy John’s Freaky Fast Summer of Fun @ North Ave Beach
Sandwich hawkers Jimmy John’s will be auctioning off packages consisting of sandwiches and other themed prizes today at North Avenue Beach; proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Carribean Festival @ Union Park
Tonight's Carribean Festival at Union Park (at Lake, Randolph and Ashland) promises to be a rollicking good time. Music, food (Yellowman!) and a celebration of health awareness are on the bill. More information is available on their site, but tickets are $5-15, and the event runs noon-10pm on Friday (8/8), Saturday (8/9) and Sunday (8/10).
Ginza Holiday in Old Town
Head to Old Town for the 53rd Annual Ginza Holiday, a Japanese cultural festival which will be presented by the Midwest Buddhist Temple in Old Town today through Sunday (435 West Menomonee). Japanese cultural exhibits and demonstrations, anime, taiko drumming, classical and folk dances, and martial arts are on the bill; the food promises to be awesome as well. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens. Children under 12 are free. Hours: Saturday, 11:30 a.m.- 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 10, 11:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Carribean Festival @ Union Park
Tonight's Carribean Festival at Union Park (at Lake, Randolph and Ashland) promises to be a rollicking good time. Music, food (Yellowman!) and a celebration of health awareness are on the bill. More information is available on their site, but tickets are $5-15, and the event runs noon-10pm on Friday (8/8), Saturday (8/9) and Sunday (8/10).
Ginza Holiday in Old Town
Head to Old Town for the 53rd Annual Ginza Holiday, a Japanese cultural festival which will be presented by the Midwest Buddhist Temple in Old Town today through Sunday (435 West Menomonee). Japanese cultural exhibits and demonstrations, anime, taiko drumming, classical and folk dances, and martial arts are on the bill; the food promises to be awesome as well. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens. Children under 12 are free. Hours: Friday, 5:30- 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m.- 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 10, 11:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.
IL Greener Pastures Fiber Cooperative Lecture @ Eli's Cheesecake Factory
Eli's Cheesecake Factory (6701 W. Forest Pk Drive) holds a farmer's market onsite on Thursdays, along with guest speakers for a lecture series on local and sustainable farming. Today's guests are from the Illinois Greener Pastures Fiber Cooperative who will speak from 1-2pm.
Charlie Socher of Cafe Matou @ Green City Market
Chef Charlie Socher of Cafe Matou will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30am at the Green City Market located at Clark and LaSalle.
Time Out Chicago @ Hot Doug's
Time Out Chicago travels to Hot Doug's today at 1:00 to sample The New Chicago, the winning recipe in their recent hot dog contest. Free copies of TOC's Eating and Drinking Guide to any readers who show up! Hot Doug's: 3324 N. California. (773) 279-9550.
Project Dine Out with Purple Asparagus at Uncommon Ground
Purple Asparagus, the local nonprofit devoted to promoting and enjoying good food, is hosting its second-annual Project Dine Out at Uncommon Ground from 5-7pm. The evening includes a family-style meal made with locally grown or produced ingredients, such as Gunthorp Farm pulled-pork sandwiches, heirloom tomato bruschetta with fresh mozarella, and carrot and zucchini fritters with Capriole goat cheese. Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for kids under 13; adults can pay an extra $10 for a drinks package along with their meal. Tickets are available from Brown Paper Tickets. Uncommon Ground is at 1401 W Devon Street.
A Biography of Honey @ Green City Market
Ever wanted to know more about how honey goes from bee to cute little squeezable bear container? Join the Chicago Public Library and Holley Bishop, beekeeper and author of Robbing the Bees: A Biography of Honey, The Sweet Liquid Gold that Seduced the World, at 12pm at the Green City Market as she reads from and discusses her book that celebrates all the wonderful work of the honeybee. Free. Green City Market is located at the south end of Lincoln Park between 1849 N. Clark St. and Stockton Dr.
Urban Farm Field Day @ City Farm
Learn about urban farming, starting off at City Farm at 10 a.m. with a tour and chat with grower Tim Wilson. Regroup at Green City Market at 11:30 to hear Sheri Doyel and Dennis Fiser of Tomato Mountain Farm. Stay to hear about bees at noon. $5 to register. More info.
Fabulous Food Firsts Tour @ Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs’ Culinary Director will lead a tour featuring stops at famous institutions where foods like brownies and other beverages and cooking equipment were first created. The tour will run from 10 am to noon and will leave from the Chicago Cultural Center at 77 E Randolph St. The cost is $10. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 312-742-8497.
Tiki Drinks Mixology Seminar @ Sam's South Loop
Learn how to make the perfect Zombie and more at a special tiki drink mixology seminar at Sam's Wine & Spirits in the South Loop, 50 E. Roosevelt, tonight from 7pm to 8:30pm. The seminar is led by James Teitelbaum, author of Tiki Road Trip; the $25 registration fee includes an autographed copy of the book. Space is limited; register in advance here. 21+
John Caveny @ Eli's Cheesecake Factory
Eli's Cheesecake Factory (6701 W. Forest Pk Drive) holds a farmer's market onsite on Thursdays, along with guest speakers for a lecture series on local and sustainable farming. Today's guest is John Caveny of Caveny Farms in Wisconsin (heritage poultry production) who will speak from 1-2pm.
Ming Tsai @ WTTW
Super Chef Ming Tsai will be making an appearace at the WTTW studios (5400 N. Saint Louis) tonight for a meet and greet and to sign his newest cookbook, Ming's Master Recipes. Event begins at 6:30pm. Tickets are $10 for WTTW members and $15 for non-members. Reserve your spot online or call (773) 509-1111, ext. 6.
Cheese Sale @ Kendall College
As part of its annual meeting in Chicago this week, the American Cheese Society will be holding a free, open to the public sale of specialty cheeses today in the dining room of Kendall College at 900 N. North Branch Street today from 10am to 1pm.
Festival of Cheese @ Hilton
Do you like--no, LOVE--cheese? While in town for their annual meeting, the American Cheese Society will be holding a celebration of the lovely stuff tonight at the Hilton Hotel from 5:30pm-9:00pm. Tickets are $85 for non-members, but that's what you normally spend on cheese, so consider it a deal.
Summer Abundance Dinner @ Va Pensiero
The Land Connection holds a Summer Abundance Dinner tonight at Va Pensiero, 1566 Oak Ave. in Evanston, from 6:30pm to 10pm. Enjoy a three-course meal with wine and hors d'oeuvre reception created by owner Jeff Muldrow and chef Eric Hammond from fresh, seasonal produce from Henry's Farm selected from the Evanston Farmer's Market that morning. The cost is $80 per person, all inclusive, with a portion of the proceeds will go to support The Land Connection's work. Call 847-475-7779 to reservation reserve your spot. Limited to 60 guests.
Tour de France with LTH Forum
Oui oui! In the spirit of the Tour de France, join LTH Forumers for a 20-30 mile organized bike ride and French food trip in the city today beginning at 11am. Crepes, croissants and an endcap dinner at Cyrano's is scheduled. Limited to 15 riders; RSVP required.
Shopping with Alice Waters @ Green City
Alice Waters will take marker-goers about Green City Market on a shopping trip to prepare for a fundraising lunch. Shopping with Alice from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., with a booksigning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., proceeds benefiting Green City Market.
Stan Schutte @ Eli's Cheesecake Factory
Eli's Cheesecake Factory (6701 W. Forest Pk Drive) holds a farmer's market onsite on Thursdays, along with guest speakers for a lecture series on local and sustainable farming. Today's guest is Stan Schutte of Triple S Farm, who will speak from 1-2pm.
Wine. Dine. Donate. @ MK
Eat some farm-fresh goodness and wine (yay!) for charity tonight at MK (868 N. Franklin). Wine. Dine. Donate. will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository and feature food by MK's own Michael Kornick and Pastry Chef Amy Sampson. Reception begins at 6:15pm, dinner is at 7:15pm; tickets are $125.
Three Floyds Brewer's Dinner
Head to Indiana's Three Floyds Pub for an awesome-sounding dinner (begins @ 6:30pm) paired with their brews. Here's a sampling:
Bruschetta (Pride & Joy)
Smoked Gazpacho and Arugula Salad with Salmon (Dreadnaught)
Oysters Rockefeller and Smoked Beef Brisket (Alphanaught -- a triple IPA)
Pear Sorbet (Calumet Queen)
Rack of Lamb with Roaster Vegetable Puree (Blackheart -- an English-style IPA)
Assorted Cheeses (Black Ops. Smoked Helles Lager)
English Trifle (Dark Lord)
Tickets are $60/person, price includes tax and gratuity. You need to purchase/pick up tickets by July 13.
Open House and New Magazine @ Green Grocer
The friendly and local Green Grocer is hosting an open house to celebrate the new seasonal magazine Edible Chicago, while debuting local farmers, artisan food makers and chefs. Bring your friends to sample, watch demos, get recipes, and buy lots of tasty groceries. Judging from owner Cassie Green's charismatic personality, this is sure to be a love fest that you shouldn't miss. Monday, July 21 from 5 to 8 p.m., 1402 W. Grand Avenue.
Wine Library TV's Gary Vaynerchuk @ Threadless
Gary Vaynerchuk, host of Wine Library TV, will be at the Threadless store, 3011 N. Broadway, at 7pm tonight to sign his book, Gary Vaynerchuk’s 101 Wines Guaranteed to Inspire, Delight, and Bring Thunder to Your World. More details here.
Eat * Green * Design
Church Street Village, the nation's only full geothermal residential community, host "Eat * Green * Design," an eco-chic open house today from noon to 4pm. Sample organic wine and cheese pairings by prominent Whole Foods Chef Jean Hougard. Enter our complimentary raffle to win a Whole Foods organic gift basket or a "Green Your Home" starter kit. Church Street Village is located at 1613 Church St. in Evanston, half a mile east of the Purple Line Davis stop.
Tribune Good Eating Awards Nominees Due
So you think you can cook (cook, cook, cook, cook...)? Don't let reality tv stars get all the attention this summer -- nominate yourself, or your favorite local chef, restuarant, baker, butcher, candle-stick maker, wine geek, dinner party hostess, cooking class instructor, etc. for a Chicago Tribune Good Eating Award. The nominees honor folks in the food and beverage industry who've "made a difference" -- from the bartender who made you swoon at Violet Hour to the elotes guy out in front of your local Walgreens, sign 'em up!
Entries are due TODAY, July 18, and should be emailed to ctc-goodeating@tribune.com. More details are available here.
Green City BBQ Fest
Join chefs from a ton of great restaurants in Chicago (Blackbird, Avec, Adobo, Vie, Naha) for the Green City Market BBQ Festival, which is tonight from 6-8pm in Lincoln Park. Adults $50, kids $10.
Yelp Eats
Yelp is holding its first Yelp Eats event from July 11 to 17. A nice list of restaurants in the city (Le Lan, Il Covo, May Street Market) will be offering special $25 prix fixe menus.
Yelp Eats
Yelp is holding its first Yelp Eats event from July 11 to 17. A nice list of restaurants in the city (Le Lan, Il Covo, May Street Market) will be offering special $25 prix fixe menus.
Yelp Eats
Yelp is holding its first Yelp Eats event from July 11 to 17. A nice list of restaurants in the city (Le Lan, Il Covo, May Street Market) will be offering special $25 prix fixe menus.
Yelp Eats
Yelp is holding its first Yelp Eats event from July 11 to 17. A nice list of restaurants in the city (Le Lan, Il Covo, May Street Market) will be offering special $25 prix fixe menus.
Greek Festival @ St. Andrew's Church
Opa! It's time to party like the Greeks -- with food, ouzo, beer and carnival rides at St. Andrew's Church in Edgewater. This celebration of Greek culture includes traditional food, live folk music and dancing, carnival rides and games, an Orthodox book store, Greek art, a raffle and silent auction. Tix are $2 and FREE for kids 12 and under. Fest it up 7/12, 2-11pm and 7/13, noon-11pm. St. Andrew's is located at 5649 N. Sheridan Rd. 773-334-4515.
Bastille Day @ Taste Food and Wine
Celebrate freedom -- French style at a Bastille Day celebration of French food and wine! On today from 1-5pm join Taste Food and Wine and Poitin Stil as they sample a selection of French champagnes, beers, and food in Rogers Park. Located just a stone's throw from the Jarvis Red Line stop, there's no need to wine and drive. The shop is located at 1506 W. Jarvis Ave. Call 773-761-FOOD (3663) for more info. Tix are $30 adv./$35 at event (if available).
Yelp Eats
Yelp is holding its first Yelp Eats event from July 11 to 17. A nice list of restaurants in the city (Le Lan, Il Covo, May Street Market) will be offering special $25 prix fixe menus.
Greek Festival @ St. Andrew's Church
Opa! It's time to party like the Greeks -- with food, ouzo, beer and carnival rides at St. Andrew's Church in Edgewater. This celebration of Greek culture includes traditional food, live folk music and dancing, carnival rides and games, an Orthodox book store, Greek art, a raffle and silent auction. Tix are $2 and FREE for kids 12 and under. Fest it up 7/12, 2-11pm and 7/13, noon-11pm. St. Andrew's is located at 5649 N. Sheridan Rd. 773-334-4515.
Bastille Day Cooking Lesson @ Alliance Francaise
Wave your French flag in surrender, call your freedom fries by their proper name, and celebrate Bastille Day in the most appropriate French fashion: learn to cook some Provencal cuisine. And then close down your place of business and take a nap for several hours in the afternoon. The Gastronomy team at the Alliance Francaise de Chicago presents a celebratory meal of tapenade tartine, grilled sea scallops with pesto and cracked wheat, banon (goat cheese) and mesclun salad, and an olive oil cake with fruit garnish. July 12, 10am to noon at 810 North Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60610, (312) 337-1070. More information and reservations online.
Cherries and Berries @ Green City Market
This Saturday's Green City Market (1750 N. Clark from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) brings sweet cherries, which apparently are only around for a few weeks, from Seedling. Seedling also tells us to look for their sour cherries (aka tart, or pie, cherries) next week - and that although blueberries and raspberries typically go from tart to sweet as the season progresses, you can expect them sweeter straight away this time.
Yelp Eats
Yelp is holding its first Yelp Eats event from July 11 to 17. A nice list of restaurants in the city (Le Lan, Il Covo, May Street Market) will be offering special $25 prix fixe menus.
Free Slurpee Day @ 7-Eleven
What's so great about Friday being the hottest day of the week? Well, when that Friday is 7-Eleven Day, you get a free Slurpee! That's right, it's Free Slurpee Day at participating 7-Eleven stores, just because it's 7/11/08. Find a store near you online.
Yelp Eats
Yelp is holding its first Yelp Eats event from July 11 to 17. A nice list of restaurants in the city (Le Lan, Il Covo, May Street Market) will be offering special $25 prix fixe menus.
UPick Black Raspberries Begins @ Garwood Orchard
If you're inclined to get out of the city and pick your own berries, Garwood Orchard's (near LaPorte, Indiana) black raspberry UPick begins Thursday, July 10.
Grapes and Hops @ Chicago Botanic Garden
The first of a series of Wednesday events at the Chicago Botanic Garden, courtesy of the Regenstein Fruit and Vegetable Garden. (Those Regensteins. Always adding their name to something awesome.) Pros will be on hand to guide patrons through choosing a beer or wine, pairing it with food, and Whole Foods will provide a cooking demonstration. And here's the best part: designated drivers get free admission (and lots of cheese, crackers and other nibbles to keep them happy while their pals get a little sauced). The garden trolley is available for safe returns to the city as well for a mere $2. Tickets are available available at the Visitor Center Information Desk and online, $8 for Botanic Garden members, $10 for non-members, with group ticket packages available. July 9, 6 to 8pm at 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022, 847.835.5440, more information online.
Cherries and Berries @ Green City Market
This Wednesday's Green City Market (1750 N. Clark from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) brings sweet cherries, which apparently are only around for a few weeks, from Seedling. Seedling also tells us to look for their sour cherries (aka tart, or pie, cherries) next week - and that although blueberries and raspberries typically go from tart to sweet as the season progresses, you can expect them sweeter straight away this time.
Taste of Chicago
The Taste of Chicago runs thru 7/6, bringing its sea of gastronomic tidbits to Grant Park once again. This year, plan your route with an interactive map. Admission is free, but food and drink tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8 at the festival. Get all the lowdown on the music, food, cooking demos, and family activities online.
Music includes:
Aly & AJ, A Cursive Memory and Keke Palmer at the Petrillo Music Shell at 2:00 p.m.
and at the Taste Stage:
12-12:45 pm - Kimbrough & Company (Jazz)
1:30-2:15 pm - Joan Collaso (R&B)
3-3:45 pm - Nellie Travis (Blues)
4:30-5:30 pm - Alan Gresik Swing Shift Orchestra (Jump/Swing)
Taste of Chicago
The Taste of Chicago runs thru 7/6, bringing its sea of gastronomic tidbits to Grant Park once again. This year, plan your route with an interactive map. Admission is free, but food and drink tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8 at the festival. Get all the lowdown on the music, food, cooking demos, and family activities online.
Music includes:
Bonnie Raitt and Dave Barnes at the Petrillo Music Shell at 5:30 p.m.
also, on the Taste Stage:
12-12:45 pm - La Zafra (Steele Drum)
1:30-2:15 pm - Diana Rein (Pop/Rock)
3-3:45 pm - Shannon Raye (Country)
4:30-5:15 pm - Caozz (Rock/Funk)
6-6:45 pm - Chicago Groove Collective (R&B)
7:30-8:30 pm - Bumpus (Funk)
Taste of Chicago
The Taste of Chicago runs thru 7/6, bringing its sea of gastronomic tidbits to Grant Park once again. This year, plan your route with an interactive map. Admission is free, but food and drink tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8 at the festival. Get all the lowdown on the music, food, cooking demos, and family activities online.
Music today includes:
Gomez, the Old 97's and Alejandro Escovedo at the Petrillo Music Shell at 3:00 p.m.
also, on the Taste Stage:
12-12:45 pm - Frisbie (Pop)
1:30-2:15 pm - Ash Avenue (Alternative)
3-3:45 pm - 312 Chicago (R&B)
4:30-5:15 pm - Bert Cattoni (Country)
6-6:45 pm - Bethany Pickens Trio (Jazz)
7:30-8:30 pm - Melvin Taylor (Blues)
Taste of Chicago
The Taste of Chicago runs thru 7/6, bringing its sea of gastronomic tidbits to Grant Park once again. This year, plan your route with an interactive map. Admission is free, but food and drink tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8 at the festival. Get all the lowdown on the music, food, cooking demos, and family activities online.
Music includes:
The 28th Annual Independence Eve Concert at the Petrillo Music Shell at 8:00 p.m.
and the Fireworks Spectacular starting at 9:30pm
and at the Taste Stage:
12-12:45 pm - Mike Mangione (Americana)
1:30-2:15 pm - Lockdown (Hard Rock)
3-3:45 pm - Men at Large (R&B)
4:30-5:15 pm - Mind's Hideaway (Alternative Rock)
6-7 pm - U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors (Jazz)
Taste of Chicago
The Taste of Chicago runs thru 7/6, bringing its sea of gastronomic tidbits to Grant Park once again. This year, plan your route with an interactive map. Admission is free, but food and drink tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8 at the festival. Get all the lowdown on the music, food, cooking demos, and family activities online.
Music includes:
Fantasia and Estelle at the Petrillo Music Shell at 5:30 p.m.
and on the Taste Stage:
12-12:45 pm - Ditchweed Diesel (Roots Rock)
1:30-2:15 pm - Wendy Morgan (Pop)
3-3:45 pm - Green Thirteen (Contemporary to Classic Rock & Roll)
4:30-5:15 pm - Mike Roman & The Tellstars (Latin Rock)
6-6:45 pm - T.L. Williams Ensemble (Jazz)
7:30-8:30 pm - Dan Buck & The Boyzz (Classic Rock)
All About Absinthe Seminar
Sam's Wine & Spirits, 1720 N. Marcey St., hosts an absinthe seminar by the founders of North Shore Distillery at 7:30pm tonight. You'll get to taste their Sirène Absinthe Verte, which was recently reviewed in Drive-Thru. Tickets are $15 and space is limited, so registration is required $15.
Taste of Chicago
The Taste of Chicago runs thru 7/6, bringing its sea of gastronomic tidbits to Grant Park once again. This year, plan your route with an interactive map. Admission is free, but food and drink tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8 at the festival. Get all the lowdown on the music, food, cooking demos, and family activities online.
Music includes:
Joss Stone and Ryan Shaw at the Petrillo Music Shell at 5:30 p.m.
and at the Taste Stage:
12-12:45 pm - Sarah and the Tall Boys (Acoustic Blues)
1:30-2:15 pm - The Javelinas (Rock & Roll)
3-3:45 pm - Garaj Mahal (Innovative Fusion)
4:30-5:15 pm - The Frantic (Rock)
6-6:45 pm - Gregg Gibbs (Luther Vandross Tribute)
7:30-8:30 pm - Phil Guy and the Chicago Machine (Blues)
Take Your Dog to Brasserie Jo
If you love your dog and French food, take Fido to the patio at the venerable Brasserie Jo tonight for dinner, as each Monday in June from 5-10pm will feature a different dog-friendly activity during dinner:
2-Minute Pet Mini Massage, June 2
Tails in the City Fashion Show and Canine Therapy Corps Fundraiser, June 9
Amy Myan Binder, Animal Communicator, June 16
Petraits Pet Photography…for Charity! June 23
The Inner Pup with Lindsay Goldring, June 30
You can also get a Brasserie Jo dog goody bag, with proceeds going to the Anti-Cruelty Society.
Taste of Chicago
The Taste of Chicago runs thru 7/6, bringing its sea of gastronomic tidbits to Grant Park once again. This year, plan your route with an interactive map. Admission is free, but food and drink tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8 at the festival. Get all the lowdown on the music, food, cooking demos, and family activities online.
Music includes:
A "Taste" of the Best of Broadway headlined by the casts of Chicago's own Jersey Boys and Wicked, joined by the Broadway stars of Legally Blonde, A Chorus Line and others at the Petrillo Music Shell at 6pm.
and at the Taste Stage:
12-12:45 pm - Joe Walega's Happy Hearts Orchestra (Polka)
1:30-2:15 pm - The Voices (Temptations Tribute)
3-3:45 pm - Latin Satin Soul (Latin Soul)
4:30-5:15 pm - Waterstreet (Hard Rock)
6-6:45 pm - Scott McKeon (British Blues Guitarist)
7:30-8:30 pm - BBI (R&B)
Taste of Chicago
The Taste of Chicago runs thru 7/6, bringing its sea of gastronomic tidbits to Grant Park once again. This year, plan your route with an interactive map. Admission is free, but food and drink tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8 at the festival. Get all the lowdown on the music, food, cooking demos, and family activities online.
Music today includes:
Chicago's own Plain White T's and Josh Kelley @ the Petrillo Music Shell at 5pm
and at the Taste Stage:
9:30-11 am - Race To Taste After Party featuring Pawnshop (SkaFroRaggaeBlues)
12-12:45 pm - Ed-U-Tainment (R&B)
1:30-2:15 pm - Funk in the Trunk (Funk)
3-3:45 pm - Ifficial Reggae Movement (Raggae)
4:30-5:15 pm - Kimmy Jo & The Country Road Show (Country)
6-6:45 pm - Carazz (Afro-Caribbean Jazz)
7:30-8:30 pm - Too White Crew (Hip Hop Tribute)
Vegan Grill-Out and Ice Cream Social @ Humboldt Park
Vegan grillables and Temptation ice cream cones will be sold in Humboldt Park at 1 p.m. Meet at the first baseball diamond, just south of North Avenue and west of California Avenue. Info.
Summer Sippings w/Alpana Singh
"Check Please!" host and sommelier Alpana Singh leads a tasting more more than 20 summer wines at Juicy Wine Co., 694 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight from 7pm to 9pm. She'll also sign copies of her book, Alpana Pours. The event benefits Dress for Success, which assists economically disadvantaged women transitioning from unemployment to self-sufficiency by providing interview suits, confidence boosts and career development. Tickets are $40 each; reserve a seat by contacting Sarah Ross at seross@hearst.com by July 15.
Taste of Chicago
The Taste of Chicago runs thru 7/6, bringing its sea of gastronomic tidbits to Grant Park once again. This year, plan your route with an interactive map. Admission is free, but food and drink tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8 at the festival. Get all the lowdown on the music, food, cooking demos, and family activities online.
Music today includes:
Stevie Wonder @ Petrillo Music Shell at 5:30pm
and at the Taste Stage:
12-12:45 pm - My My My (Indie/Pop)
1:30-2:15 pm - Dago Red (Rock)
3-3:45 pm - Tanya Reed (Jazz)
4:30-5:15 pm - Arthur Sutton and the Gift of Praise (Gospel)
6-6:45 pm - Karen Hart Band (Pop/Rock)
7:30-8:30 pm - Malina Moye (R&B/Soul)
World Kitchen Learning Series: June in a Jam
Now is the time to take all the seasonal berries you're buying and make them into some jam with staff from the French Pastry School at the "June in a Jam" class from 11am-2pm today through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30; click here for more information and to register.
Taste of Chicago
The Taste of Chicago gets going today and runs thru 7/6, bringing its sea of gastronomic tidbits to Grant Park once again. This year, plan your route with an interactive map. Admission is free, but food and drink tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8 at the festival. Get all the lowdown on the music, food, cooking demos, and family activities online.
Music today includes:
Chaka Khan and Angie Stone @ Petrillo Music Shell at 5:30 p.m.
and at the Taste Stage:
10:45 am - Taste Opening Ceremony featuring Kooza from Cirque du Soleil
12-12:45 pm - Ac Rock (Ac apella)
1:30-2:15 pm - Instant Karma (John Lennon/Beatles Tribute)
3-3:45 pm - Liz Mandeville (Blues)
4:30-5:15 pm - Shauwn Knight (Jazz/Neo Soul)
6-6:45 pm - Lisa René Band (Pop/Rock/Funk)
7:30-8:30 pm - KCR Ensemble (All Ladies Ensemble)
Culinary Crosstown Classic @ Four Seasons
Summer is here, bringing with it baseball, brats, beer, and ever-intensifying tension between the North and South sides' on the topic of their favorite team. If you'd like to participate in defending your neighborhood honor even if you don't know what ERA stands for, consider the Crosstown Culinary Classic, where nascent James Bear awardee Carrie Nahabedian of Naha and Kevin Hickey of Seasons throw down for the Cubs, the Sox, fine dining and (the real kicker) a great cause, as the Iron-chef style showdown will benefit Common Threads. For $250, participants will enjoy a cocktail reception, view of the cook-off and enjoyment of the resulting four-course meal (possible dishes are rumored to include cheese fries with truffles, soft shell crab mini-sandwiches, and tobacco leaf-smoked Carolina pulled pork sandwiches), as well as a silent auction. For tickets, visit the Common Threads site. The event will be June 27, 6:00 PM at the Four Seasons Hotel, 120 East Delaware Place.
World Kitchen Learning Series: What in the World is This?
Never feel like an idiot in the produce section again after attending "What in the World is This?" class from 6-8:30pm through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs, where you will learn to identify less common ingredients. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30; click here for more information and to register.
Take Your Dog to Brasserie Jo
If you love your dog and French food, take Fido to the patio at the venerable Brasserie Jo tonight for dinner, as each Monday in June from 5-10pm will feature a different dog-friendly activity during dinner:
2-Minute Pet Mini Massage, June 2
Tails in the City Fashion Show and Canine Therapy Corps Fundraiser, June 9
Amy Myan Binder, Animal Communicator, June 16
Petraits Pet Photography…for Charity! June 23
The Inner Pup with Lindsay Goldring, June 30
You can also get a Brasserie Jo dog goody bag, with proceeds going to the Anti-Cruelty Society.
River North Summerfest @ Erie Park
This weekend, River North turns out tents from some local restaurants (Ai Japanese, Buca DiBeppo, Citizen, Kitsch'n, LaMadia, Melting Pot, Rocket, The Redhead Piano Bar, and Zocalo) and some summer fun, including personal massages, kayak rides and pet adoptions (!) at their annual Summerfest celebration. Nothing says "neighborhood festival" like fondue-on-a-stick and wriggly puppies licking up any drips. Right? Well, nothing says "River North neighborhood festival..." 11am to 7pm this Sunday, June 22 at Erie Park (Erie and Kingsbury streets), and for more information contact the River North Residents Association or the River North Association, or call 312-645-1047.
LTH Forum's 1,000 Recipe Potluck
To celebrate their fourth birthday, the people at LTH Forum are holding a "1,000 Recipe Potluck" at Blue Fig Catering (1850 S. Blue Island) today at 5pm. Bring a dish from one of the 1,000 recipes posted on LTH Forum, along with a $5 admission fee.
Pizza Fest
The second annual Pizza Fest begins today at the corner of Fullerton and Racine from noon to 10pm. Contests judged by local chefs, live music, and lots of the cheesy stuff will be available. Fest also runs Sunday, same times. The event is sponsored by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce.
Boxed Cereal Drive @ Panera for Greater Chicago Food Depository
Bring in an unopened box of cereal today to any Panera Bread store in Cook County to benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
The Fabled Farmers Markets of Southern California @ Chicago History Museum
Why care about California? Well, it set the model for what this city knows as its farmers markets. Join the Culinary Historians of Chicago and author Amelia Saltsman, author of “The Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook” from 10 to noon today at the Chicago History Museum (1600 N. Clark) for a talk about the history and renaissance of the farmers market. Book signing follows. Admission is $5, $3 for students and members and free for CHC members. Email or Call Barbara Olson at (708) 788-0338 to reserve.
Sausagefest @ Old Gold
Lauren Anderson, Oli Watt, and Ingrid Watt present Sausagefest at Old Gold, 2022 N. Humboldt Blvd., basement entrance, starting at 4pm. It's all the sausages and sauerkraut you can eat for $5 a plate and all the beer you can drink -- in an official Sausagefest stein -- for $5 a stein. The space will be transformed into a German brauhaus, and Oli's coaster collection will be on display.
Kick-off Celebration for Kids' Restaurant Week
Head to the Green City Market for cooking demonstrations (from the Spatulatta Girls, among others), a Sushi Skool, chef-hat decorating and lots of food samples to celebrate the start of Kids' Restaurant Week. Demos start at 9:30 am. The market is located at the south end of Lincoln Park, between Clark Street and Stockton Drive.
World Kitchen Learning Series: The Family Reunion
Prepare for your next family party at the "The Family Reunion" class from 11am-2pm through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30; click here for more information and to register.
Chicago Cooks Signing @ Fox and Obel
Head to Fox and Obel (401 E. Illinois) 12-2pm today to meet and get the John Hancock of Chicago Tribune Food Editor Carol Mighton Haddix, editor of the book Chicago Cooks: 25 Years of Food History with Menus, Recipes, and Tips from Les Dames d’Escoffier Chicago.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Farmers Market Finds
Learn more about seasonal cooking at the "Farmers Market Finds" class from 6-8:30pm tonight through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30; click here for more information and to register.
Benefit for Red Door House @ Il Fiasco
Tonight from 5-10pm, a portion of food sales at Il Fiasco (5101 N. Clark) will be donated to Red Door House. A raffle with prizes will also be held.
Chicago Beer Society-3rd Wednesday @ Map Room
Join Chicago Beer Society's for their monthly 3rd Wednesday meeting, June 18th at 6 pm. Don't know the different between a pilsen and a stout? This crew has the answer for you.
Map Room is located at 1949 N Hoyne Ave (SE corner of Armitage and Hoyne), in Chicago. It’s about a 10-minute walk from either the CTA El stop at Western (Blue Line) or the Metra Union Pacific North and Northwest station at Clybourn Junction. The CTA 73 Armitage bus stops virtually at the door and the 50 Damen bus is one block to the east, but neither runs very late. Cabs are always plentiful on Armitage Avenue.
Take Your Dog to Brasserie Jo
If you love your dog and French food, take Fido to the patio at the venerable Brasserie Jo tonight for dinner, as each Monday in June from 5-10pm will feature a different dog-friendly activity during dinner:
2-Minute Pet Mini Massage, June 2
Tails in the City Fashion Show and Canine Therapy Corps Fundraiser, June 9
Amy Myan Binder, Animal Communicator, June 16
Petraits Pet Photography…for Charity! June 23
The Inner Pup with Lindsay Goldring, June 30
You can also get a Brasserie Jo dog goody bag, with proceeds going to the Anti-Cruelty Society.
Testicle Festival
That's right. The Sportsman’s Club in downstate Mount Sterling throws its annual Testicle Festival today. From 3pm till midnight, get all the pig, cow, sheep, turkey and buffalo testicles you can eat, along with lots of games, live music and more. If you're daring, take your spot in the testicle eating contest. $10, 21 and over. Call 217-773-9096 for more details.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Top Chef Challenge
If you have what it takes to survive in a Top Chef-esqe series of Quickfire challenges and on-the-spot cooking, sign up for the "Top Chef Challenge" class from 11am-2pm through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30; click here for more information and to register.
North Shore Distillery Cocktail and Food Pairing Dinner @ Quince Restaurant
The North Shore Distillery will be hosting a cocktail and food pairing dinner tonight at Quince Restaurant, 1625 Hinman Ave. in Evanston. The one-night only tasting menu of food and cocktail pairings designed by Quince’s chef and mixologist team using North Shore spirits. This dinner will have a limited number of seats, and the chef and mixologist will join the group to talk about their creations. $70 per person, before tax and gratuity; call 847-570-8400 for reservations.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Urban Entertaining
Create the scenery for a lovely party at the "Urban Entertaining" class that will be held tonight from 6-8:30pm through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30; click here for more information and to register.
All About Herbs
Whether you grow your own or pick them up at the farmer's market, there's nothing like fresh herbs to brighten any dish. This hands-on cooking class at The Wooden Spoon will teach you delicious summery recipes using parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme ... okay, and basil, too. 6:30 p.m. Cost is $65. Call 773-293-3190 for more information.
Growing Home's Sixth Annual Benefit
Chefs from Lula, Vie and Green Zebra will be serving up good eats tonight at 6pm at the Chicago Cultural Center for a benefit for Growing Home, a nonprofit that employs homeless and low-income people to help raise organic agriculture. Oprah's eating buddy Art Smith will be the keynote speaker. A silent auction and raffle will also be held. Tickets are $100 per person, $750 for a table of 8.
Northcenter Ribfest
Ribfest celebrates its 10th year in Northcenter. Come for the food -- including, obviously, ribs and barbecue from some of the city and region's best rib joints -- and stay for some great music on two stages both days. Today's full lineup below. $5 donation to get in.
12pm - Hot Heels Records
1pm - Inchworm
2pm - Lush Budgett
3pm - The Bon Mots
4pm - Van Ghost
5pm - Scotland Yard Gospel Choir
6pm - Joe Pug
7pm - Illinois
8pm - Ha Ha Tonka
9pm - Nada Surf
Green City Market
Get over to the Green City Market today from 7am-1:30pm, located at the south end of Lincoln Park, between Clark and Stockton Drive. The finest in fresh produce and other goods will be sold by a range of local and regional vendors. Dana Beningo from Chicago Cooks will give a demo at 10:30am.
Northcenter Ribfest
Ribfest celebrates its 10th year in Northcenter. Come for the food -- including, obviously, ribs and barbecue from some of the city and region's best rib joints -- and stay for some great music on two stages both days. Full lineup below. $5 donation to get in.
12pm - Republic Tigers
12pm - Boho Paisley
1pm - Mighty Short Bus
2pm - Rafter
3pm - Kevin Flynn & The Avondale Ramblers
4pm - Company of Thieves
5pm - piNK dEVil
6pm - Skybox
7pm - The Silos
8pm - Treaty of Paris
9pm - The Alternate Routes
Hawaiian Luau
The weather's still only hinting at summer, but this cooking class at The Chopping Block will take you straight to the islands in your mind. Instructors will demonstrate how to make Mango and Shrimp Summer Rolls; Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with Volcano Spiced Pineapple Relish; Coconut Rice; and Passion Fruit Chiffon Pie. 7 to 9:30 p.m. Cost is $40, and reservations are required.
World Kitchen Learning Series: The Armenian Church Ladies
Get the lowdown on Armenian delicacies such as baklava and borma from actual church ladies from11am-2pm at the "The Armenian Church Ladies" class that will be held through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30; click here to register.
The Chicago Summer Wine Festival
The Lincoln Park Young Professionals present the Chicago Summer Wine Festival tonight from 6pm to 9pm at Howard Orloff Jaguar/Land Rover/Volvo, 1924 N. Paulina. Sample wines from more than 50 wineries -- plus Skyy vodka martinis and a margarita bar -- and food from local restaurants. Complementary limo service provided by Sam's Wine & Spirits. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at door.
Chicago Beer Society @ Goose Island
Drink up and discuss your favorite brews at Chicago Beer Society's monthly 1st Thursday gathering tonight from 7pm to 10pm at the Goose Island Brewpub, 1800 N. Clybourn. This is the forum to get answers to your brew-related questions and to hobnob with Chicago's "beer elite." Free (well, pay your own way), and 21 and over. Closest CTA stops are North/Clybourn (Red Line) and Armitage (Brown Line). Cabs are easily available on Clybourn Avenue.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Dining Mediterranean Style
Tonight is a night for Turkish eats at the "Dining Mediterranean Style" class that will be held through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
AIWF Pinot in the Park II
Head to Millennium Park tonight for Pinot in the Park II, a wine sampling with sommelier Joseph Spellman. The event is sponsored by the American Institute of Wine and Food.
Green City Market
Get over to the Green City Market today from 7am-1:30pm, located at the south end of Lincoln Park, between Clark and Stockton Drive. The finest in fresh produce and other goods will be sold by a range of local and regional vendors. Today's cooking demo will be given by celebchef Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill.
Veggie Bike & Dine Registration Opens
The Veggie Bike and Dine celebrates conscious dining and the diversity of Chicago's neighborhoods while emphasizing the ease of getting around by bicycle. This year's ride partners with NeighborSpace, Chicago's community garden land trust, for a tour of some of the City's finest urban oases. The menus are vegan - entirely plant-based and exclusive of meat, fish, dairy products, eggs and other animal products. Registration is $50 for members and $55 for non-members. Registration opens at 10 a.m. on June 3 at biketraffic.org, and is expected to quickly sell out. The event is Saturday, September 13. (Disclosure: Gapers Block's resident vegan, Chris Brunn, co-organizes this event as a volunteer for Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.)
Streets of Chicago Fashion Show @ Victor Hotel
Sine Qua Salons is sponsoring a fashion show fundraiser for Preservation Chicago. Jeff Millbern, Anna Fong, Wolfbait & B.Girls will show clothing alongside a design by Steven Rosengard of "Project Runway." The event is in the Victor Hotel, 311 N Sangamon. The cocktail reception starts at 6:30pm with the hair and fashion show beginning at 8pm. Tickets are $25 and available online. All proceeds will benefit Preservation Chicago.
Green City Market
Get over to the Green City Market today from 7am-1:30pm, located at the south end of Lincoln Park, between Clark and Stockton Drive. The finest in fresh produce and other goods will be sold by a range of local and regional vendors. Caterer Greg Christian will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30am, too!
Intro to Biodynamic Agriculture @ Angelic Organics Leraning Center
Learn the principles and practices of biodynamic agriculture in this one-day workshop, presented by the Angelic Organics farm (famous for its CSA boxes and a documentary film about the farm's spearhead) with Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. The workshop is held from 9 am to 5 pm at the Angelic Organics Learning Center, located at 1547 Rockton Rd, Caledonia, IL, about an hour and a half from Chicago. $90 will get you a day's worth of lectures on how to treat farms as living organisms, as well as hands-on activities to enhance learning. For registration, visit Angelic Organics Learning Center's website.
Gapers Block 5th Anniversary Party
Gapers Block is five! Come help us celebrate tonight at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, from 9pm till close. We'll entertain you with performances by Bossa Saravah and The Revelettes go-go dance troupe, plus sets by DJs Arpad and James Vane -- plus a secret special guest! There'll also be games, giveaways and prizes, not to mention drinks and other fun. Admission is just $10 at the door! More details here.
World Kitchen Learning Series: 40 Years in Greektown
Join staff from The Parthenon restaurant tonight from 6-8:30pm to celebrate Greektown and its eats at the "40 Years in Greektown" class that will be held through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Wine Cellar Raid @ Cafe Matou
Every 4th Wednesday of the month from 5 - 10 pm, Cafe Matou features wines from the restaurant's cellar, 25 to be exact, priced at $17 each.
Cafe Matou is located at 1846 N. Milwaukee Ave. Call 773-384-8911 for more information.
Green City Market
Get over to the Green City Market today from 7am-1:30pm, located at the south end of Lincoln Park, between Clark and Stockton Drive. The finest in fresh produce and other goods will be sold by a range of local and regional vendors. Chef Matt McMillin from Big Bowl will be leading a cooking demo today at 10:30am.
Crawfish Boil @ Toons
Toons started their crawfish boil 9 years ago and decided to bring the boilers up from Lake Charles LA. This year they will have over 800lbs of crawfish! They'll also serve red beans and rice, muffaletta's, corn & potatoes, as well as Andouille, mushrooms etc.
The date is Sunday May 25th. The price is $25 dollars all you can eat! The festivities begin at noon and is a kid-friendly event. Abita beer specials all day as well!
Toons Bar & Grill
3857 N. Southport
773-935-1919
660 Curries Luncheon at Marigold with ChicaGourmets
Raghavan Iyer, author of 660 Curries, will be discussing his new book at Marigold (4832 Broadway) today at 12:30p with ChicaGourmets. A four-course Indian meal will be served. Tickets are $65/55.
Camp Chicago
The Southern Foodways Alliance (in concert with LTH Forum and Greater Midwest Foodways Alliance) will be holding a delicious day camp-like series of events beginning today through May 25 that explore Chicago's many foods, from soul food to bourbon to tamale sandwiches. Camp Chicago is meant to draw tourists to the city, but is open to anyone, and the organized excursions sound great for those of us who love eating but are carless.
Sake 101 @ Sam's Wine & Spirits
Sam's Wine & Spirits, 1720 N. Marcey St., holds a seminar on sake tonight from 6pm to 7:30pm. Learn about sake history, the different styles and how to pair it with food. Presented by Dewey Weddington, vice president of marketing at SakeOne and a leading sake authority on sake. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance.
Chicago Beer Society-3rd Wednesday @ Map Room
Join your fellow beer connoisseurs for some libation and conversation at the Map Room, starting at 6 pm on May 21st.
CBS Members can receive $1 off all non-discounted beers (drafts and bottles).
Map Room is located at 1949 N Hoyne Ave (SE corner of Armitage and Hoyne), in Chicago. It’s about a 10-minute walk from either the CTA El stop at Western (Blue Line) or the Metra Union Pacific North and Northwest station at Clybourn Junction. The CTA 73 Armitage bus stops virtually at the door and the 50 Damen bus is one block to the east, but neither runs very late. Cabs are always plentiful on Armitage Avenue.
Consider the Cocktail @ Weegee's
Join Slow Food Chicago for a celebration of the repeal of prohibition tonight at Weegee's (3659 W. Armitage) from 4-7pm. Mixologists will be on hand to make American cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Event benefits Slow Food USA. Cost is $50 per person.
Green Festival @ Navy Pier
Green Festival celebrates over 350 local and national greener businesses and over 150 speakers, workshops and food. Bring in at least three books to donate, and get $5 off. Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Details. 600 E. Grand Ave. Bus: 2, 29, 65, 66, 124.
Organic Plants Sale @ Kilbourn Park
You can pick up organic baby plants from the Chicago Park District's greenhouse in Kilbourn Park today from 10am to 3pm. 150-plus varieties include heirloom tomatoes, exotic peppers, flagrant herbs and houseplants. Reasonable prices start from $2 a plant. Staff at the greenhouse is knowledgeable about backyard gardening in the area (organic or not), so be ready to ask questions as you line up for entry. The event continues Sunday as well, from 10am to noon. For more info, read this press release. Kilbourn Park is at 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave.
Berry Good Fun (kids' cooking class)
Chef Melissa Graham of Purple Asparagus and Monogramme Events will lead a cooking and tasting class for kids at the Farm House in Lincoln Park Zoo. Dishes (and drinks) include Rosy Sunrises (a kiddy cocktail), Mini Raspberry-Cornmeal Muffins, Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes and Homemade Berry Sodas. The class is $ 20 per child (one adult may attend with each child), or $15 for LPZ members. Tickets are available here.
Art of Chinese Tea Ceremony @ Galewood-Mont Clare Library
The Chicago Public Library hosts Mr. Bert Tan, a member of the Chinese American Culture Foundation, who presents the Art of the Chinese Tea Ceremony. Includes discussion of tea history, varieties, flavor, utensils, preparation and serving. Tea and snack tasting included. 2 p.m. Galewood-Mont Clare branch, 6969 W. Grand Avenue, 60707. Part of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
Green Festival @ Navy Pier
Green Festival celebrates over 350 local and national greener businesses and over 150 speakers, workshops and food. Bring in at least three books to donate, and get $5 off. Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Details. 600 E. Grand Ave. Bus: 2, 29, 65, 66, 124.
Green City Market @ 1750 N. Clark
Green City Market opens their first Saturday of the season, on the grass in Lincoln Park, at 7 a.m. At 9 a.m., Green City Market will rally in support of local sustainable agriculture and Green City Market's 10th Anniversary. The market is then open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:00 am - 1:30 pm. 1750 N. Clark. Bus: 11 Lincoln/Segwick, 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, 72 North, 73 Armitage, 156 La Salle.
Gourmet Wine Cellar @ Field Museum
Gourmet Magazine will be holding its Wine Cellar event tonight at the Field Museum (1400 S. LSD) from 6-9pm. Eats from local culinary rock stars such as Alinea, Aigre Doux, Blackbird, Avec, and mk will be served, along with (what else?) wine. Tickets are $90 before 5/1; $100 after. The event benefits The American Institute of Wine & Food.
President of a Chiapas fair trade coffee @ Soy Organic
Soy Organic Market in Pilsen hosts the president of the Maya Vinic Fair trade coffee in Chiapas for a presentation and movie of indigenous coffee
growers. Free Maya Vinic Coffee will be provided. 7 pm @ 1700 W. 19th Street, (312) 850-9801.
Banfi Wine Dinner with ChicaGourmets
Join ChicaGourmets at Vinci (1732 N. Halsted) tonight at 6:30p for a three-course meal and wines from Banfi vineyard. Tickets are $65.
Benefits of Locally Grown Food @ Sulzer Library
The Chicago Public Library presents an overview of the current food system and ideas for rebuilding it in Chicago. 7 p.m. at Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue, 60625. El: Brown Line to Western. Bus: 11 Lincoln, 49 Western, 50 Damen, 78 Montrose. RSVP to (312) 744-7616, ext. 2.
Taste on Chicago @ UIMA
Taste foods from West Town restaurants and meet Alpana Singh at this fund raiser for Smith Park. Tickets are $40 in advance. This event runs from 6 to 9 pm at the Ukrainian Institute for Modern Art, located at 2320 W Chicago Ave.
Green City Market Opens @ 1750 N. Clark
Green City Market, the sustainable farmers market on the grass in Lincoln Park, opens for the season with their 10th Anniversary, at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14. The market is then open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:00 am - 1:30 pm. 1750 N. Clark. Bus: 11 Lincoln/Segwick, 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, 72 North, 73 Armitage, 156 La Salle.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Perfect Picnics in the Park
Make your picnic fab tonight from 6-8:30pm at the "Perfect Picnics in the Park" class that will be held through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
George Motz @ Barbara's Bookstore Oak Park
George Motz will be at Barbara's Bookstore in Oak Park to talk about his book Hamburger America. Free. 7:30pm. 1100 Lake St., Oak Park. Call 312-413-2665 for more information.
AIWF Benefit with Patricia Wells
Join noted cookbook author and food journalist Patricia Wells tonight from 6-9pm at the Dining Room at Kendall College for a four-course meal (and wine) to benefit the new American Institute of Wine & Food scholarship program. Tickets are $85 AIWF Members / $100 non-members; the price includes signed copy of Wells's book We've Always Had Paris...and Provence. Call 312-752-2328 for reservations.
Patricia Wells @ The Book Cellar
Join Patricia Wells for a wine and cheese reception at The Book Cellar as she talks about her book We've Always Had Paris…and Provence: A Scrapbook of Our Life In France. Free. 4pm. 4736-8 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.
A Taste of Shakespeare with ChicaGourmets
Join ChicaGourmets for a four-course meal and lecture by Robin Williams, author of Sweet Swan of Avon: Did a Woman Write Shakespeare?. The event begins at 6:30p and will be at The Casino, 195 E. Delaware; tickets are $109.
Mitsuwa Marketplace Trip with Slow Food Chicago
Slow Food Chicago is organizing a tour of Mitsuwa Marketplace, the Arlington Heights grocery store that is a major source of Japanese eats in the Midwest. Event begins at Mitsuwa at 10:30am. Tickets required ($15 for SFC members; nonmembers $20).
Morel Hunt and Dinner @ Socca
Slow Food Chicago is sponsoring a morel hunt and dinner today. For $5, you will be driven to an area outside of the city to pick up the tasty item (bring your knife and a knapsack), and tonight, you can elect to have a specially prepared dinner at Socca (3301 N. Clark) that uses the bounty of your hunt ($60 per person). RSVP required for both events.
World Kitchen Learning Series: On Top of Spaghetti
Celebrate Children's Day by making meatballs with the people from local organization Purple Asparagus at the "On Top of Spaghetti" class, which will be held today from 11am-2pm through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Kids 7-12 years old welcome to attend but must be with parent/guardian. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
ChicaGourmets Dinner @ Trattoria Roma
Join ChicaGourmets for an italian feast at Old Town's Trattoria Roma tonight at 6:30p. The $49/59 ticket covers wine and a five-course meal.
Wine Enthusiast's Toast of the Town
Wine Enthusiast will be hosting a top-shelf wine tasting event this evening at the Field Museum, complete with 500 of the world's finest wines and spirits, food from local restaurants, and live music. The VIP Tasting is from 6:00 - 7:30pm and the Grand Tasting from 7:30 - 10:30pm. Tickets are $185. Click here for information.
Chicago Beer Society-1st Thursday at Goose Island
Not sure how your homemade beer measures up? On May 1st from 7-10 p.m., bring your own brew for expert review. Chicago Beer Society's posse of professional and amateur brewers will gather in the cellar to answer all of your beer-related questions.
The Goose Island Brewpub is located at 1800 N Clybourn, Chicago. Closest CTA stops are North/Clybourn (Red Line) and Armitage (Brown Line). Cabs are easily available on Clybourn Avenue.
31 Cent Scoop Night @ Baskin Robbins
Baskin Robbins will offer 31 cent scoops tonight from 5 pm to 10 pm in honor of America's firefighters (?). Follow the link for more information.
Brewmasters Dinner @ Uncommon Ground Devon
If you can part with $75 without too much heartbreak, Slow Food Chicago is inviting you to share the dinner table with the area's artisan beer lovers at Uncommon Ground on Devon tonight. A reception opens at 6:30pm, followed by the dinner an hour later. A menu with seasonal, local ingredients will compliment the bubbly goodnesses from Midwestern breweries like Two Brothers, Surly Brewing and others. More detail, including the list of featured brewmasters, is here. Call 773.465.9801 for required reservation. A part of the proceed will be donated to Slow Food Chicago.Chef Showcase @ Chicago History Museum
A discussion of the state of the city's cuisine will take place tonight with Chicago's top chefs as the panelists, among them Gale Gand of Tru, Michael Kornick of MK, Bruce Sherman of North Pond, and Carol Wallack of Sola. Event starts at 7pm at the Chicago History Museum. Cost: $10; $8 CHM members.
Artisan Breadmaking @ Pastoral Lakeview
You might have already encountered some beautiful baguettes and sourdoughs of Jory Downer, the award-winning baker behind Bennison's Bakery. The breads show up in farmers markets; alongside cheeses and olives in Pastoral; and of course, in their flagship store in Evanston. And chances are, you've been hooked--they are some of the best breads in town. Now, Jory will share his baking techniques with bread lovers at Pastoral in Lakeview (2945 N. Broadway). The class goes on for about 90 minutes from 7:30 pm, and costs $40. For reservation, visit the website.Gordon Ramsay @ Barbara's Books
Omg, omg, omg! The man himself, Gordon Ramsay, descends on Barbara's Bookstore in the State Street Macy's, ready to sign copies of his publications and, one can only hope, scream at patrons about the consistency of their risotto. In a good way. I don't think I'm alone in my desire to take my pants off whenever Ramsay heats up on screen, let alone takes off his chef's jacket and acts like a normal human being -- Barbara's expects a big enough crowd that only devotees who've purchased books at the shop will be able to get a coveted signature/verbal spanking. Buy a book, get a wristband, jump in line. Mr. Ramsay will hold court from 1-3pm, 111 N. State Street on the Lower Level.
Free Cone Day @ Ben and Jerry's
Stop by any Ben and Jerry's to receive a free cone today. It is also the company's 30th birthday. There are participating locations at Navy Pier, Evanston, Oak Park, and Glenview. Visit their website for more information.
Tea Lecture @ Palette and Chisel with ChicaGourmets
Join ChicaGourmets at Palette and Chisel (1012 N. Dearborn) from 2-5pm today to learn about the history of tea from authors Mary Lou and Robert Heiss, who also will talk about their new book The Story of Tea: a Cultural History and Drinking Guide. A meal will be served as well; the $49/59 ticket seems well worth the price.
Chicago Foodways: Prince Castle-Cock Robin @ Kendall College
Today from 10-11am at Kendall College (900 North Branch Street) the Chicago Foodways Roundtable will be talking about suburban hamburger drive-in eateries Prince Castle (later changed to Cock Robin) with Walter “Ted” Fredenhagen, Jr. of the family that started the restaurant chain. Admission $3 per person, free to Kendall students and faculty with ID.
Beer School @ Map Room
On Saturday, April 26 at 6 p.m., Greg Browne, brewmaster at Mickey Finn's Brewery in Libertyville, IL, will lead the April Beer School (topic: Bock Beers) at the Map Room. Students will study several beers and learn what exactly they're tasting and the roles that all of the ingredients and the brewing processes have in forming that taste. Don't miss a great opportunity to enjoy fine beer, good company and expert tutelage.
Limit, 50 people. Price, $25 per person. Hosted by Greg Browne. Call 773.252.7636 for more information.
Zombie Pub Crawl
Get dressed up in your best zombie costume and hit the bars of Andersonville with Chicago's first-ever Zombie Pub Crawl! The fun starts at 4pm today for pre-registration in the US Bank parking lot; the assembled zombie horde will make its way Simon's at 5pm, then on to Charlie's Ale House and finally Mary's Attic for zombie movies and more. Registration is $10 in advance, $15 day-of. Includes a sweet limited edition t-shirt. (The undead must be 21 and over to participate, obviously.)
Dark Lord Day @ Three Floyds Brewery
Three Floyds brewery will unveil the 2008 batch of Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout on Saturday, April 26. Get there early to get in line and bring plenty of cash.
World Kitchen Learning Series: French Brunch Classics
Learn to make the quintessential French brunch foods (quiche, Crepes, Eggs Benedict, etc.) today from 11am-2pm through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Uptown Cooking Class @ Inspiration Cafe
As part of the Food & Liquor project, Neighbors Project is partnering with national nonprofit Share Our Strength and Chicago-based nonprofit Inspiration Corporation to host a cooking class for people living in Uptown this Spring. Class participants will learn how to cook healthy, tasty, economical recipes using fresh foods purchased at their local corner stores or liquor stores. Each participating family will get a box containing all of the ingredients that will allow them to cook the meal at home. RSVP to volunteer@neighborsproject.org. 6 to 8 p.m. on April 25 at Inspiration Cafe, 4554 N. Broadway, Suite 207
Dining Out For Life
It's time for the 15th annual Dining Out For Life, in which local restaurants donate a portion of their evening's income to AIDS charities (the Chicago charity that restaurants will be donating to is AIDScare, a nonprofit helping people living with AIDS). Just check out the list of participating restaurants, make your reservations, and have a great meal. The restaurant does all the rest.
Sunday Dinner @ Somewhere in Oak Park...
Sunday Dinner, Chicago's local "artisan custom caterer," is laying out their checked table cloth on April 23 at a to-be-announced historic home in Oak Park for a charity dinner to support the Angelic Organics Learning Center. Angelic Organics is community supported agriculture farm all about sustainability and, presumably, deliciousness. The oh-so-seasonal Sunday Dinner menu includes ramps salad, halibut with olive hash, and sweet ricotta cannoli. More details on the invitation, tickets are $100/person (proceeds go to Angelic Organics), and the exact address will be announced to diners with reservations prior to the event. Sign up here, or call 773.288.5462.
The Local Option @ Chicago History Museum
In honor of Earth Day and Chicago's green initiatives, "The Local Option" lecture tonight at 7pm at the Chicago History Museum will cover the vocabulary of organic eating and locally-grown products. Celebchefs Rick Bayless and Sarah Stegner will be joined by Dave Cleverdon of Northern Illinois's Kinnikinnick Farm. Cost is $10; $8 CHM members.
AIWF Tour of Chinatown
Join the American Institute of Wine and Food today from 10a-3p for a tasting tour of Chinatown's eats and drinks with Calvin Soh of Shanghai Terrace. The tour begins at Chinatown Square (2084 S. Archer). Tickets are $50 AIWF members / $65 non-members. Email for reservations.
Get On the Bus Benefit @ First Slice
First Slice will be holding a benefit for its new mobile meals program tonight from 7-10pm at Architectural Artifacts (4325 N. Ravenswood). Your $50 donation ($60 at the door) will get you food from the First Slice kitchen, with drinks supplied by Goose Island, Vin Divino, The Hess Collection, and Crop to Cup Coffee. Live music, too! Email First Slice or contact the Pie Cafe at 4401 N. Ravenswood to reserve.
Free Wine Tasting @ A Vision
A Vision hosts a free wine tasting (2 - 3 wines) every Friday from 5 - 7pm. A Vision is located at 910 N Damen Ave and they can be reached at (773) 227-5700.
The Smoque Out @ Juicy Wine Co.
Wine and BBQ--what could be better? Head to The Smoque Out at Juicy Wine Co. and enjoy a sampling of BBQ from Smoque BBQ and wine tastings from K Vintners.
Thursday, April 17th from 7-9 p.m. $25
Juicy Wine Co.
694 N. Milwaukee Ave.
For more information, call 312-492-6620
World Kitchen Learning Series: Cute Cupcakes & Marvelous Muffins
Bake a sweet cup of fun from 6-8:30pm tonight through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Hot Dog! A History of Chicago Foods @ Chicago History Museum
You better arrive to this event hungry; Vienna Beef will be serving free hot dogs from 6:15–7:00 p.m., then sit back and digest while you enjoy a lecture about the history of the venerable hot dog, deep-dish pizza and other treats that have defined Chicago food delicacies. Event to be held at the Chicago HIstory Museum. Cost: $10; $8 CHM members.
Free Donut @ Dunkin Donuts
Dunkin Donuts will be offering "Tax Day Relief" by giving customers free donuts with the purchase of any size hot coffee all day today.
Free Frozen Yogurt @ Starfruit Grand Opening
Starfruit, the latest addition to the frozen yogurt scene here in Chicago, is giving away free small parfaits and free small servings of kefir frozen yogurt (while supplies last.) The cafe is located at 1745 West Division.
Chicago Homebrew Contest @ Binny's in the South Loop
Between 12-4p today, bring a 12-pack of your best homebrew to Binny's in the South Loop (1132 S. Jefferson Street) for judging. Binny's will ship your home concoction to Boston for entrance into the 2008 Samuel Adams Longshot contest; the winner of today's contest will be sent to Denver to attend the 2008 Great American Beer Festival.
World Kitchen Learning Series: A World of Fishes
Celebrate the beloved fish from 11am-2pm today through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Sipping South American Wines w/ The Winediva @ The Discovery Center
Join The Winediva for a tasting and lively lecture on South American Wines at The Discovery Center.
The wines of Chile and Argentina are as bold and flavorful as the Latin food they compliment. Come taste some traditional grapes from Chile like Chardonnay and Carbernet Sauvignon as well as some new favorites like Malbec and Torrontes. You'll find plenty to love at very affordable prices.
6pm-8pm
Discovery Center
2940 N Lincoln Ave
$64
call: 773-348-8120 to register
World Kitchen Learning Series: Now You're Cooking
Cook and serve like a professional tonight at the first session of the four-part "Now You're Cooking" class, which will be held from 6 to 8:30pm through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. The other three sessions will be held from 6-8:30pm on April 24, May 8 and May 22. Classes to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $100 for the series. Click here for more information and to register.
Top Chef Viewing Benefit @ Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
Join fellow foodies for a Top Chef viewing party to benefit Meals on Wheels tonight from 6-9pm at Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap (41 East Superior Street). During tonight's episodes, the TC contestants will be competing at last fall's Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Benefit at the Walnut Room at Macy's.
Free Jamba Juice Breakfast Meals till 10am
Today, from the time your local (Illinois) participating Jamba Juice store opens, until 10am, you can sample their new Breakfast Meals for FREE. You'll have a choice of a 12 oz. Chunky Strawberry, Granola Topper, Yogurt Blend, or Juice. (Baked goods are not a part of the free deal.)
Big Jones, Big Understanding, Big Success?
We told you several weeks ago that Big Jones Chicago would soon be opening up in the old Augie's space on Clark St. in Andersonville. As of Wednesday, they're officially open for real. Tonight they're hosting a fundraiser for eco-Andersonville, a green initiative run by http://www.andersonvilledevcorp.org/ Andersonville Development Corporation, and $50 gets you a sampling of their menu, cocktails, wine, a preview of the restaraunt, and the knowledge that you're making a neighborhood better.
Three Floyds Brewers Dinner @ Vie
Indiana brewery Three Floyds is holding a nine-course dinner tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Vie (4471 Lawn Ave, Western Springs) that pairs their beers with the cooking of Paul Virant. Some ideas of the menu include buttermilk-soaked-and-fried frog legs with PickelHaube Pilsner and wood-grilled sturgeon with Brian Boru Red Ale. Cost is $110 per person; call 708-246-2082 to reserve.
Blind Wine Tasting Tournament Finals @ In Fine Spirits
The second annual “Sweet 16” blind wine tasting tournament at In Fine Spirits has been going on since the start of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, but it comes to a close this weekend as the final winning wines go head to head in blind tastings. Come in and and vote for your favorite wine in each pair, and the store will record which wines get the most votes. The winning wine will be chosen Saturday. The tasting runs from 4 to 7 pm Friday and 2 to 5 pm Saturday at In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark.
Culinary Historians of Chicago - Jewish Cooking @ Chicago History Museum
The Culinary Historians of Chicago present "Jewish Cooking" with speaker Judy Kancigor. The event begins at 10:00 am at the Chicago History Museum. Visit their website for more details.
The Midwest: How Sweet It Is! @ Kendall College
The Greater Midwest Foodways Alliance will take a trip through the sweet dishes of the Midwest today from 9am-4pm at Kendall College (900 N. Branch), discussing its roots and growing popularity. Abe Lincoln's favorite dessert, recipes from 19th c. Michigan, and talking tough about the beloved kringle will also happen. Not to be missed! Tastings and lunch to be provided; tickets are $50, $60 at the door.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Cutting Up
Sharpen up your knife knowledge at the "Cutting Up" class, which will be held from 11am to 2pm through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Blind Wine Tasting Tournament Semi-Finals @ In Fine Spirits
The second annual “Sweet 16” blind wine tasting tournament at In Fine Spirits has been going on since the start of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, but it comes to a close this weekend as the final winning wines go head to head in blind tastings. Come in and and vote for your favorite wine in each pair, and the store will record which wines get the most votes. The winning wine will be chosen Saturday. The tasting runs from 4 to 7 pm Friday and 2 to 5 pm Saturday at In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark.
61st St. Farmers Market Fundraiser @ Experimental Station
The Woodlawn neighborhood has been identified as one of Chicago's "food deserts." The 61st Street Farmers Market project aims to help correct that by bringing in sustainably grown fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and dairy products. Help fund this effort by joining a fundraising event. Music by the Josh Abrams Quartet, hors d’œuvres and beverages, wine tastings by Damien Casten of sustainably produced Candid Wines, bread baking and other food demonstrations, raffles of regionally and sustainably grown foods and products. Friday, April 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Experimental Station, 6100 S. Blackstone Avenue.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Everyday Trattoria
Make nutritious Italian dishes pronto tonight at the "Everyday Trattoria" class, which will be held from 6 to 8:30 pm through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Basic Knife Skills @ Cooking Fools
If you need help with your kitchen knives, perhaps the Cooking Fools' basic knife skills class will help. You'll get the basics of cutting and chopping, and learn the parts of a knife, basic cuts, and purposes of common knives. 1916 W. North Ave. Tuesday, April 1; 6:30-9:00 PM, $70.00 per person. RSVP.
Maple Syrup Festival @ North Park Village Nature Center
Watch the entire syrup-making process from tree to table today at the Chicago Park District's Maple Syrup Festival, which will be held at the North Park Village Nature Center (5801 N. Pulaski) from 10am to 3pm today.
Maple Syrup Festival @ North Park Village Nature Center
Watch the entire syrup-making process from tree to table today at the Chicago Park District's Maple Syrup Festival, which will be held at the North Park Village Nature Center (5801 N. Pulaski) from 10am to 3pm today.
Bill Kurtis @ Prairie Grass Cafe
Journalist, cookbook author and cattle rancher Bill Kurtis will be at Northbrook's Prairie Grass Cafe at 1pm today for a signing session of his new book, The Prairie Table Cookbook. In addition, a delicious-sounding lunch featuring recipes from the cookbook made with meats from Kurtis' ranch, Tallgrass Beef, will be served by chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris. Cost to attend the meal is $35 (advanced payment required), and you know you're going to have to grab the book, too, which will be available onsite ($30); visit Prairie Grass Cafe for registration information.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Make Mine Vanilla
Celebrate the beloved flavor 11am-2pm today through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Rampfest 2008
Support The Land Connection while chowing down on dishes made of ramps (aka wild leek), the wonderful onion-like green, at this year's RampFest. Rampophilic dishes from restaurants such as Blackbird, Vie and Lula Cafe will be served. Tickets are $75-120; event starts at 7pm at Prairie Production, 1314 W. Randolph Street.
Wine Tasting @ Whole Foods
In addition to sampling great wines, attendees can sign up for discounted I-GO memberships or even win free memberships in a raffle. Complimentary rides to public transportation and the UIC campus following the event. Free. 5-7 p.m. 1101 South Canal St. For more info, call 773-269-4018 or visit the Website.
Easter Brunch @ Mon Ami Gabi
From an elaborate Make-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar to Mimosas and mouthwatering Apple French Toast, both Mon Ami Gabi locations (Chicago and Oak Brook) create a one-of-a-kind Easter Brunch. The brunch menu includes traditional Eggs Benedict with choice of Canadian Bacon, Smoked Salmon or London Broil; Apple French Toast made with Vanilla Brioche and Cinnamon Apples; and Market Fruit Salad prepared with Seasonal Fruit with Citrus Juices. Guests of the day can also enjoy a la carte specialties from the restaurants' regular menus. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 2300 Lincoln Park West and 260 Oakbrook Center. For more information or to make reservations for Easter, diners can call Mon Ami Gabi/Chicago at 312-348-8886 or Oak Brook at 630-472-1900.
Easter, Spanish-Style @ Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Executive Chef Tim Cottini offers a delightful Easter brunch with specially created holiday menu offerings consisting of over 12 breakfast tapas, Cava Cocktails and a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar. All diners receive a surprise "gift" egg with a tapas, paella or dessert certificate inside. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 2024 N. Halsted. To RSVP, call 773-935-5000 or visit the Website.
National Corndog Day @ The Weiner and Still Champion
Celebrate the most breaded and dipped of national food holidays — National Corndog Day — at Evanston's The Weiner and Still Champion hot dog stand, Saturday 3/22. In celebration of this national holiday the hotdog purveyor will be offering specials on its already famous hand-battered meaty treats (known as "Dippin Dogs"), as well as its well-loved sauces. The Dipping Dogs will be offered at a special one-day-only price of $1.25 each. In addition, they'll give away any choice of dipping sauce to anyone who purchases three Dipping Dogs. Sauces include mild sauce, a garlic aoli, spicy mustard, curry ketchup, honey mustard, and an Argentine garlic and herb sauce. The Weiner and Still Champion is located at 802 Dempster St., Evanston.
Easter Wine Tasting @ Just Grapes
Take a break from coloring Easter eggs and come join in the fine art of wine tasting. The holiday sipping session will give each participant a chance to taste wines that pair well with delicious Easter fare. Featured wines for the occasion will be light, yet flavorful to complement that hearty Easter brunch or Easter dinner. Free. 1-4 p.m. 560 W. Washington Boulevard, Suite 100. For more information please call 312-627-WINE, or visit www.justgrapes.net.
Wine Tasting @ Whole Foods
In addition to sampling great wines, attendees can sign up for discounted I-GO memberships or even win free memberships in a raffle. Complimentary rides to public transportation and the UIC campus following the event. Free. 5-7 p.m. 1101 South Canal St. For more info, call 773-269-4018 or visit the Website.
UNICEF Tap Project @ Participating Restaurants
From March 16-22, a range of selected local restaurants (e.g. A Mano, Vie, D'Agostinos and Uncommon Ground) will be participating in the UNICEF Tap Project, a benefit that asks diners to pay an extra $1 of their meal cost to support clean, accessible drinking water worldwide. Visit one of these restaurants tonight to support this worthwhile cause.
Rebuilding the Local Food System @ Green Drinks
This Chicago Green Drinks hosts an expert panel to address how we can make sustainable food accessible to everyone. Ages 21 and over. $7 Requested Donation. Jefferson Tap & Grille (325 N. Jefferson). Mingling at 5:30 p.m., panel discussion from 6:45-7:45 p.m.
UNICEF Tap Project @ Participating Restaurants
From March 16-22, a range of selected local restaurants (e.g. A Mano, Vie, D'Agostinos and Uncommon Ground) will be participating in the UNICEF Tap Project, a benefit that asks diners to pay an extra $1 of their meal cost to support clean, accessible drinking water worldwide. Visit one of these restaurants tonight to support this worthwhile cause.
Coffee 101 @ Gallery Cafe
Tonight from 7:30 to 9pm, learn more about the politics, geography and art of Fair Trade coffee at Gallery Cafe (1760 W. North Ave) with Ted Erski, a professor at McHenry Community College who has written books and taught classes about the heralded bean.
Chicago Food Policy Annual Summit @ Cultural Center
Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council invites community leaders to their Third Annual Summit from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, in Gar Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center. RSVP required. $20 suggested donation.
UNICEF Tap Project @ Participating Restaurants
From March 16-22, a range of selected local restaurants (e.g. A Mano, Vie, D'Agostinos and Uncommon Ground) will be participating in the UNICEF Tap Project, a benefit that asks diners to pay an extra $1 of their meal cost to support clean, accessible drinking water worldwide. Visit one of these restaurants tonight to support this worthwhile cause.
Irish Cooking Party @ Bespoke Cuisine
Bespoke Cuisine celebrates St. Patrick's Day the culinary way with a one-time-only Irish cooking party. Enjoy a unique gourmet experience, combining a hands-on cooking experience with a communal-style seated dinner. RSVP required. $100/person and includes cheese board appetizer, soft drinks, professional cooking experience, four-course gourmet dinner, recipe booklet, mini spice set and clean-up. Does not include food tax or gratuity. BYOB (beer/wine only). 6-9:30 p.m. 1358 W. Randolph. Call 312-455-8400 or email info@bespokecuisine.com to RSVP.
UNICEF Tap Project @ Selected Restaurants
From March 16-22, a range of selected local restaurants (e.g. A Mano, Vie, D'Agostinos and Uncommon Ground) will be participating in the UNICEF Tap Project, a benefit that asks diners to pay an extra $1 of their meal cost to support clean, accessible drinking water worldwide. Visit one of these restaurants tonight to support this worthwhile cause.
UNICEF Tap Project @ Participating Restaurants
From March 16-22, a range of selected local restaurants (e.g. A Mano, Vie, D'Agostinos and Uncommon Ground) will be participating in the UNICEF Tap Project, a benefit that asks diners to pay an extra $1 of their meal cost to support clean, accessible drinking water worldwide. Visit one of these restaurants tonight to support this worthwhile cause.
Alton Brown @ MSI
Alton Brown, host of the Food Network's "Good Eats" will be at the Museum of Science and Industry at 11am today for a lecture, Q&A and book signing. Admission is $40 for adults and $25 for children aged 3 to 11.
Natalie Zarzour @ Chicago History Museum
The Culinary Historians of Chicago present Natalie Zarzour, pastry chef and co-owner of Andersonville's Pasticceria Natalina, who will give a talk on Sicilian food culture from 10 am to noon at the Chicago History Museum at 1600 N. Clark. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and members of the museum and free for CHC members. To reserve a spot, call 708-788-0338.
World Kitchen Learning Series: In Praise of Pie
Perfect your pie-making skills from 11am-2pm today through the "In Praise of Pie" World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Tequila Tasting @ Fig Catering
Tequila lovers on LTH Forum are organizing a small (15-20 people max) tequila tasting tonight at 6pm at the headquarters of Fig Catering, located at 1850 S. Blue Island Ave. (between Ashland and Racine). You have to bring a nice bottle of tequila ($30-50) to get in the door; RSVP through the thread.
Fall in Love with Foie Gras Dinner @ Le Titi de Paris
Head out of the city to Le Titi de Paris in Arlington Heights for a "Fall in Love with Foie Gras" dinner tonight at 7:30pm. Enjoy a six-course menu featuring The Banned Stuff for $125 per person.
Mojito 101 @ Carnivale
Carnivale mixologist Victor Baheza teaches a class on how to make mojitos, including the classic mojito and raspberry mojito the restaurant is known for. Appetizers will be served. This event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and costs $25. Carnivale is located at 702 W Fulton Market. Call 312-850-5005 for more information.
How to Cook Your Life @ Gene Siskel Film Center
This 2007 German documentary profiles Edward Espe Brown, a Zen priest/best-selling cookbook author and his perspective on the connection between food and spirituality. Check out the Film Center website for additional details. 6pm. 164 N. State St. 312-846-2600.
Premiere of Chicago Edition of Top Chef
Just as the weather gets better, it's time to head indoors for some quality time with your cable TV. Top Chef's Chicago edition premieres tonight at 9pm on Bravo, and promises to pose more questions than answers. Will the local contestants have home turf advantage? Will Gail and Padma grab an after-work drink at Cardozo's? Will the contestants visit the Weiner's Circle and shy away from the verbal abuses of the staff? Let's work through these puzzling questions together.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Chicago Cooks History
Learn more about Chicago's rich culinary history today from 11am-2pm through the "Chicago Cooks History" World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Fifth Annual Community Shares "Share a Meal" Night
Several restaurants in the city (among them Wishbone and the wonderful Gale Street Inn) will be participating in Share a Meal Night, a benefit for Community Shares. Proceeds (ranging from 20-30%) from tonight's meals will be donated to the charity, which supports a range of causes in the city.
Easter Cooking Lesson and Lunch @ Vie
This is worth a trip to Western Springs: award-winning Vie chef Paul Virant will walk you through cooking for Easter, followed by a full three-course meal (with him!) and wine pairings today from 9:45am-1:30pm. Cost is $115 per person.
Daniel Knox, Khuper Tum, Kado And More At The Orphanage
Daniel Knox is one of Chicago's hottest musicians. (and a David Lynch fav) Having just come off a high profile and critically acclaimed show in London (for Daman Albarn) and rumored to be working with other well-known musicians, Knox's haunting piano sound is getting noticed. Joining Knox for this evening of music, art and delicious food (vegan goodies) are bluegrass players Henhouse Prowlers, eclectic jazzsters Khupera Tum and Second Life ambient star Kourosh Dini as well as artists Kado, Laura Hobson and Sharon Parment. The Orphanage is located in Bridgeport at 643 W. 31st St. This event will be filmed for an upcoming short movie on Chicago art and music.
Salt + Pepper History Lecture + Tasting @ Kendall College
Join The Spice House and Slow Food Chicago for a lecture on the history and use of salt and pepper. Expect to find out how salt and pepper became commonplace on the kitchen table, and learn what long pepper is. $30, net proceeds donated to Slow Food. Reservations required by March 5. (312) 274-0378. Kendall Culinary College, 900 North Branch Street, Chicago, March 8, 2008, 1:00-3:00 PM
World Kitchen Learning Series: Five Star Dining
Learn how to make fancy food today from 11am-2pm through the "Five Star Dining" World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Kitchen Confidence
Tonight begins "Kitchen Confidence," a four-week class series where you will learn how to approach your home cooking as a confident, professional chef. The class will run 6-8:30pm each Thursday, and end March 27. The class is held through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $100. Click here for more information and to register.
Night of the Living Ales @ Goose Island
The Chicago Beer Society sponsors tonight's Night of the Living Ales, a celebration of cask-conditioned ales that will feature casks of real ale from area breweries. If you love ale, this is the place to sample local brews and help pick the 2008 Champion Real Ale of Chicagoland. Advance admission is $35 for CBS members, $40 nonmembers, and includes a tasting glass, appetizers and lots of ale. Event takes place at Goose Island, 3535 N. Clark from 6-10pm. Take a cab home!
Chicago Foodways Roundtable: Behind-the-Scenes of Food Television
Experienced food journalist and producer Louisa Chu will be talking about her experiences in the food television industry today at Kendall College (900 North Branch) today at 10am. The event is sponsored by the Chicago Foodways Roundtable. Admission is $3. Email to RSVP.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Chicago Cooks History
Learn more about Chicago's rich culinary history today from 11am-1pm through the "Chicago Cooks History" World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
North Shore Distillery Tasting @ Binny's South Loop
The North Shore Distillery will be hosting a free tasting at the new Binny's South Loop location this Friday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Visit their website for more information.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Chicago Streets
Make your own version of Chicago street foods tonight from 6-8:30pm through the "Chicago Streets" World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Chef Christopher Tong @ Gilda's Club
Tong, of My Private Chef, continues his series of healthy cooking demonstrations. Gilda's Club provides a place where men, women and children with cancer, and families and friends, join with others to build social and emotional support in addition to medical care. Free to anyone touched with cancer. 6 p.m. 537 N. Wells St. For more info about My Private Chef, a private chef and gourmet dining service, contact Event Services at 773-981-8131 or visit the Website. For reservations, call 312-464-9900.
Principles of Biodynamic Farming and Winemaking @ Just Grapes
Learn how eco-consciousness extends into wine and winemaking. Join Just Grapes Wine Shop Corporate Sommelier Don Sritong and Erinn Benziger from Benziger Family Winery for an educational perspective on the growing trend of organic wine. $65. 6-8 p.m. 560 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 100. For more info, call 312-627-WINE, or visit the Website.
Warming Cup Cooking Class @ Hot Spot
World Kitchen presents the "Warming Cup" cooking class today at the Hot Spot (Education Center at the Chicago Cultural Center) from 1-3pm with a focus on hot beverages. Admission is $10; call 312-742-8497 to RSVP.
BYOB Chicago Book Signing
Jean Iverson, author of BYOB Chicago, will be signing copies of her book tonight from 6-7:30pm at Taste Food & Wine, 1506 W. Jarvis Avenue.
Provenance Food and Wine Birthday Celebration
Logan and Lincoln Square wine and food hawker Provenance celebrates its second birthday today from 3-6pm at their 2528 North California location. Cake, raffles and fun will be provided.
Michigan's Role in Culinary History Lecture
Justin Rashid, co-founder of online Michigan gourmet foodseller American Spoon will be giving a lecture about the foods of our neighbor to the east and over the pond at 10am today. Event is sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago; click here for more information.
Lemon Festival @ Mon Ami Gabi
To locally celebrate France's annual Menton Lemon Festival, Mon Abi Gabi's Chicago and Oakbrook locations will have their own Lemon Festival starting February 21 through February 27. A bevy of lemon-inspired dishes and drinks will be served, from Artic Char with Preserved Lemon and Butternut Squash Puree to Lemongrass Sorbet.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Rediscover Casseroles
Rekindle your love of casserole-making tonight from 6-8:30pm through the "Rediscover Casseroles" World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Chicago Foodways Roundtable @ Lao Sze Chuan
Oxford University Chinese Studies scholar Timothy Brook will be giving a lecture entitled "Vermeer's Hat: The Seventeenth Century and the Dawn of the Global World" at Lao Sze Chuan (2172 S. Archer Ave, 2nd Floor) tonight at 7pm as part of the Chicago Foodways Roundtable series. Dinner will be ordered/served family-style. Email RSVP required.
Winter Flavors Cooking Class @ Hot Spot
World Kitchen presents a Winter Flavors cooking class today at the Hot Spot (Education Center at the Chicago Cultural Center) from 1-3pm with a focus on using spice in your cooking. Staff from the Spice House will be on hand to work with participants. Admission is $10; call 312-742-8497 to RSVP.
5th Birthday @ Handlebar
Handlebar celebrates its fifth birthday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. with free appetizers, 50% off all drinks, and the return of Kalamzaoo Porter. Music from DJ Naomi and DJ Bear Bells and Mucca Pazza. 2311 W North Ave, 773-384-9546. El: Blue Line to Damen. Bus: 49 Western, 50 Damen, 56 Milwaukee, 72 North.
High Tea @ Chalkboard
Chalkboard offers High Tea on Saturdays from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. through March. Vegan accommodations can be made, preferably with 24 hours notice. 4343 N Lincoln Avenue, (773) 477-4177. Bus: 49, 50, 78. El: Brown Line.
Hors-d'oeuvres d'amour @ Alliance Francaise
Chef Stéphane Postoyan will demonstrate how to prepare romantic hors-d’œuvres such as tuna rillette, black olive tapenade, and scallops, all to be paired with French wine! The event begins at 6:15 pm and costs $35 for
AF members and $45 for non-members. See the Alliance Francaise website for more information.
Winediva on WGN radio LIVE from the Auto Show
Catch The Winediva from 4pm to 5pm on WGN radio (720 am) today as she chats with Steve Cochran about wines designed for lovin'. Or - ask wine questions in person at the Chicago Auto Show's WGN booth at the Chevy display. Just spare her the obvious drinking and driving comments...
Dia de San Valentino @ Zapatista
If you're tired of the same bland Valentine's standards (chocolate, fluffy gifts, diamonds, pfft) and are experiencing a serious taco craving, Zapatista Cantina may be the right place to celebrate this year. Their $55 three course dinner celebrating the "Day of Love and Friendship" (aw, singles can come too! Thanks, Emiliano!) includes four courses of drinks alone -- champagne, wine, margaritas and sangria. Plus a complimentary flower for each couple. Festivities start at 5pm and reservations are highly recommended. Viva la revolucion y l'amor! Zapatista, 1307 S. Wabash, 312.435.1307 or online for more details.
Valentine's Day Dinner and Limo Service @ Chaise Lounge
Nothing says love like an unrealistically long car. Or something like that. Chaise Lounge is offering a decadent slew of options in addition to the standard Valentine's Dinner for two, which starts at $150. Another $50 will get you roses to go along with dinner, and if you shell out between $400 and $600 (depending on where you live), you and your date will get limo service to and from the restaurant. If you missed out on the limo ride at prom or the prospect of watching a stretch Humvee negotiate North Avenue, this might just be your chance. Chaise Lounge, 1840 W. North Avenue, 773.342.1840, 4pm to 2am.
"I'm So Not Into V-Day" Wine Tasting @ Bin36
Does the lack of a certain significant someone drive you to drink on the year's most commercial, er, romantic holiday? Well at least you don't have to do it alone. (In the dark. With your cat. Sigh.) Bin36 is offering a special wine tasting in its loft space for the single, bitter or otherwise Valentined out among us, where $36 covers wine, cheese and other snacks. Be forwarned, their un-ironic Valentine's Dinner will be going on just downstairs -- so try to keep your bitterness to yourself on the way out... Tickets available online, and they haven't sold out yet. Bin36, 339 N. Dearborn, 6 to 9pm.
Show Your Love for the Bloomingdale Trail @ Weegee's
Join your fellow fans of the Bloomingdale Trail (when renovated, this will be the best thing that's happened to Chicago since stuffed pizza) at Weegee's (3659 W. Armitage) tonight for a benefit for the Friends of the Trail from 7-10pm. For a $30 suggested donation, you'll get your fill of beer and the opportunity to decorate a ceramic tile that will surely get you action the following night.
Winediva on WGN radio LIVE @ the Auto Show - POSTPONED
Sorry guys, Chris got bumped from today's show, but should be on later in the week.
Catch The Winediva from 6pm to 7pm on WGN radio (720 am) today as she chats with Steve Cochran about wines designed for lovin'. Or - ask wine questions in person at the Chicago Auto Show's WGN booth at the Chevy display. Just spare her the obvious drinking and driving comments...
Chocolate Festival @ Garfield Park Conservatory
The 9th Annual Chocolate Festival at Garfield Park Conservatory is a celebration of all things chocolate. Educational seminars on the origins of chocolate, as well as the process of chocolate and candy making will be given, along with fun activities for the kids (and chocolate manicures and massages for adults--how Sybaris!). Suggested donation $1. Festival runs today from 11am to 4pm.
Chocolate Festival @ Garfield Park Conservatory
The 9th Annual Chocolate Festival at Garfield Park Conservatory is a celebration of all things chocolate. Educational seminars on the origins of chocolate, as well as the process of chocolate and candy making will be given, along with fun activities for the kids (and chocolate manicures and massages for adults--how Sybaris!). Suggested donation $1. Festival runs today and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
Vegan Valentine's Party @ Framing Mode & Gallery
Mercy For Animals' 3rd annual valentine's party benefits MFA's animal advocacy work. $20 (advance) or $25 (door) includes spirits and vegan hors d'oeuvres & sweets. Best Dressed in Red Contest, cruelty-free silent auction and dance beats spun by DJ Veganinblack & DJ Microbe. Framing Mode & Gallery, 1526 S. Wabash. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Wine and Chocolate @ Big City Swing
The Indulgence Wine and Chocolate Tasting will take place tonight at Big City Swing, located at 1012 W Randolph St. The cost is $15, and the event runs from 10:30 pm to 3 am. Call 312-409-5161 for more information.
PAWS Chicago Benefit: Animal Magnetism
Join other animal lovers (and their animals) tonight at 7pm at Galleria Marchetti (825 W. Erie) for Animal Magnetism, a benefit for PAWS Chicago. Open bar, buffet, and dancing is on the bill. Advance tickets are $125 per person, and $25 per dog.
Bill Kurtis/Tallgrass Beef @ Fox and Obel
Bill Kurtis (Journalist, now Rancher and Owner of Tallgrass Beef) will be giving a presentation at Fox and Obel tonight from 6-7:30pm about Tallgrass Beef's open range, grass-fed meats. A signing session follows for his recent book, The Prairie Table Cookbook. Presentation is $35; book signing is free.
Beer and Chocolate @ 42 North Latitude
Unibroue and rr Chocolate will host a beer and chocolate seminar at 42 N Latitude, pairing four Unibroue brews with eight home-made rr candies. The seminar starts at 7pm and costs $20. Call 773-907-2226 for more information.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Gong Hay Fat Choy
Celebrate the Asian New Year (which begins today) tonight from 6-8:30pm by taking the "Gong Hay Fat Choy" cooking class, where you will learn about Asian delicacies and dishes through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register. Happy Year of the Rat to all!
Mardi Gras Brunch @ Alliance Francaise
A New Orleans-style Mardi Gras brunch will be prepared, while creole influences on French cuisine are explored. Recipes include : poached eggs with crabmeat, chicken andouille hash and sweet potato pecan pie. The brunch will take place from10:00 am to 12:30 pm and costs $75 for members and $85 for non-members. See the Alliance Francaise website for more information.
Forgotten Pioneers of the Beef Packing Industry @ Kendall College
Join fellow history buffs today at 10am at Kendall College (900 N. North Branch Street) to discuss the rise and fall of the beef-packing industry in Chicago, as well as the achievements of industry pioneers George H. Hammond and Marcus M. Towle. Presented by Richard Lytle of the Hammond (IN) Public Library. Admission $2.
Grand Chefs Gala @ Fairmont Hotel
Chefs from the city's top restaurants will be donating their skills tonight for the Grand Chefs Gala, a black-tie benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For $400, you will get cocktails, hors d'Oeuvres, a four-course dinner and desserts from such culinary rock stars as Top Chef's Dale Levitski, Aigre Doux's Mohammad Islam, and Pasticceria Natalina's own Natalie Zarzour. The Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence will also be given to Chicagoland's best chefs and restaurants. Event begins at 6:30pm. If you can't shell out for the full experience, come at 10pm for the dessert, cocktails and dancing portion for a mere $50.
International Night Grand Tasting @ Sam's Wine
Sam's Wine & Spirits, 1720 N. Marcy St., serves up a night of international wines. Sample wines from Greece, Chile, Germany and other places, all for just $25. Reserve your spot here; 21 and over.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Chocolate Challenge
Tonight from 6 to 8:30 pm, learn more about chocolate & how to make the stuff with Dan Sikorski (of Hannah's Bretzel) from the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Red/White: A Wine Tasting Benefit @ Fine Wine Brokers
Tonight from 7 to 9:30pm, enjoy a wine tasting benefit for the Red Door Animal Shelter at Fine Wine Brokers (4621 North Lincoln). Wine and hors d'oeuvres, as well as a special 10 percent off wine coupon (valid only during the event) will be yours for the taking. Red Door will receive 10 percent of sales that evening. Tickets are $35.
Mardi Gras Celebration @ Chuck's Cafe
An evening of Cajun food and music awaits you at the Mardi Gras celebration at Chuck's Cafe in suburban Burbank. According to the folks at LTH Forum, this is an event worth attending, and in this winter cold, we could all use some gumbo.
Mardi Gras Celebration @ Chuck's Cafe
An evening of Cajun food and music awaits you at the Mardi Gras celebration at Chuck's Cafe in suburban Burbank. According to the folks at LTH Forum, this is an event worth attending, and in this winter cold, we could all use some gumbo.
ChicaGourmets Dinner @ Cucina Donatella
Join foodies from ChicaGourmets tonight at 6:30 at Rogers Park fave Cucina Donatella for an Italian feast featuring Osso Bucco and Zuppa Inglese. Price is $69 for ChicaGourmets members, $79 for non members. Click here for more information.
Wine Tasting @ Alliance Francaise
Damien Casten of Candid Wines will offer a tasting of French-inspired wines from California and Germany. Regional French cheeses will be served as well. The event starts at 3 pm and costs $35 for AF members and $45 for non-members. See the Alliance Francaise website for more information.
The Jerk: Movies in the Loft @ Bin 36
Watch Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters with a host of celebrity cameos in this 1979 classic comedy while enjoying fancy chow and wine from Bin 36. Dig in to an artisinal wine and cheese selection followed by a three course meal for $48. No need to demand "new, fresh wine", Bin 36 has all the selections made for you. But you may want to keep an eye out for "snails on your plate." 6:30pm. Make reservations here.
International Food Festival @ University of Chicago
The International Food Festival (IFF) is hosted by the Asian Students Union and features free food from around the world made by various student groups and Hyde Park restaurants. There will also be performances by student dance and choir groups. This event runs from 6 to 10pm in Ida Noyes Hall on the U of C campus. See the website for more information.
25 Years of Great Chicago Cooking and Drinking @ Chicago History Museum
Join Chicago Tribune Food Editor Carol Haddix and Barbara Glunz from The House of Glunz Wine Shop today from 10am to Noon at the Chicago History Museum to discuss Chicago Cooks (25 Years of Food History, with Menus, Recipes and Tips from Les Dames d’Escoffier Chicago.) She will be joined by Barbara Glunz, who will discuss the changes in the wine and spirits business for the last quarter century. Cost of the lecture program is $5, $3 for students and members and no charge for CHC members; email to RSVP. Following the event is a ChicaGourmets luncheon and book signing with Carol Haddix at NAHA, 500 N. Clark, follows at 12:30. Cost is $79 and includes tax, tip and wines.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Winter Games
Today from 11:00am-2:00pm, you can learn how to make wintertime snacks and eats fit for the upcoming Superbowl from the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Food and Music on Sound Opinions
Be sure to listen to Sound Opinions on Chicago Public Radio (91.5 FM in Chicago) this Friday, Jan 25 at 8pm when Chef Anthony Bordain chats with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot about "two of the best things on earth: music and food." Other chefs, including Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's, will weigh in on the connection between the two topics and Jim and Greg are going to play some of their favorite food-related songs. Sounds delicious!
If you can't catch the show on Friday, it will re-air on Saturday at 11am and will be available by podcast the following Monday on theSound Opinions site.
We're Baking Bread Class @ Fox and Obel
Learn all about baking good bread tonight from 6-7:30pm at Fox and Obel with their Executive Baker, Pamela Fitzpatrick. You'll take home dough AND a loaf baked during the class. While you're at it, stop into their cafe and have their burger. They're awesome. Cost is $45; click here for more information.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Great Grains
Tonight from 6:00-8:30pm you can learn more about the importance of grains in your cooking from the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
DiVine Vodka Reception @ Brasserie Jo
Head to Brasserie Jo tonight from 5-8pm for an hors d'oeuvres reception sponsored by DiVine vodka, a Michigan-based distiller. Cost is $25 for food (which will be made with DiVine vodka) and cocktails; call 312-595-0800 to reserve your spot.
Slow Food @ Uncommon Ground
Slow Food Chicago presents "A Casual Midwestern Meal" at the recently opened Uncommon Ground on Devon Wed, Jan 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Appetizers will begin the meal followed by a family style dinner at 7 p.m. The cost is $35 per person which includes tax, gratuity, and a Slow Food donation. The soft drinks and metropolis coffee are free, but a beverage flight is another $15.
Reservations are recommended, which can be made by calling 773-465-9801. For more info on the even and the menu, click here.
Aigre Doux 1st Anniversary Dinner
The River North restaurant Aigre Doux celebrates its first anniversary with a prix fixe dinner tonight. The dinner is $75 per person and includes a complimentary glass of champagne and a menu including creative delights such as pan-seared diver scallops with sea urchin foam and blood orange vinaigrette, Tasmanian crab cake with avocado and pomelo mizuna salad and bluefin tuna carpaccio with arugula, kumquat and Sicilian pistachio. And those are just the appetizers. Not sold? Check out Drive Thru's review from last spring.
Dinner service begins at 5 p.m. and reservations are recommended (which can be made online or by calling 312-329-9400.
Chili Fest @ The Chopping Block
The winter months can be down right cold, so that's why we have chili! Learn how to make four different kinds of chili at this Chopping Block demonstration class. The chili's- White Turkey Chili; Chile con Carne; Veggie Black Bean Chipotle Chili; Chili with Poblanos and Pozole, are a sure thing to get your furnace working for the cold months ahead. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The cost is $40. The Chopping Block, 4747 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-472-6700.
Unibroue Pairing Seminar @ Custom House
For a measly $35, enjoy the food of the Custom House paired with Unibroue beer at the Unibroue Pairing Seminar tonight from 6-8pm. Click here for more information and to register. UPDATE: This event has sold out. An additional dinner has been added on Monday, Jan. 21, and it's nearly sold out too -- call 312-523-0200 to reserve a spot.
World Kitchen Learning Series: A Carribean Cruise
Today from 11:00-2:00pm learn more about Carribean eats from the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Winediva @ The Discovery Center
Learn to swirl, sniff and sip like a pro with GB's own Winediva! Taste the six "noble" grapes of the world and discover what all the fuss is about. Gain command of basic wine vocabulary and tasting technique. Bring all your questions about wine and food pairing, storage, sulfites or any other vexing wine dilemma. 6pm. The Discovery Center. Call (773) 348-8120 for reservations.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Lighten Up
Tonight from 6:00-8:30pm, learn more about how to make your cooking healthier from the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Chicago's Top Tables
Learn how to make signature dishes from some of Chicago's top restaurants at this evening cooking class offered by Wooden Spoon, 5047 N. Clark St. Chef Todd Moore will help participants prepare Beet Salad with Yuzu, Frisee, Black Pepper Walnuts, and Hickory Bacon, from Boka; Deluxe Focaccia with Taleggio Cheese, Truffle Oil and Fresh Herbs, from Avec; and New York Strip with Eggplant Puree and Balsamic Glazed Pearl Onions, from Custom House. Cost is $65. Register by calling 773.293.3190.
Greens, Greens, Greens
Chef Mehmet Ak of Cousin's I.V. Restaurant, a well-known vegetarian haunt, will talk about the differences between and health benefits of various greens at this, the first class in Whole Foods Lincoln Park's (1000 W. North) brand new Raw Foods Series. Chef Ak also will demonstrate how to prepare Mediterranean Kale with Spicy Curry and Black Forest Cherry Brownies. The class is free, but space is limited, so advanced registration is required. Call the store at 312-587-0648, or sign up at the customer service desk.
3rd Annual Midwestern Wine Tasting @ Bloom Inn
Today from 4-11pm, get your Midwestern drink on at the Midwestern Wine Tasting, which will be held at the Bloom Inn @ 2418 W. Bloomingdale. Julie Theander from the Vintages Tasting Room & Wine Garden in Galesburg will be bringing some of her favorite Midwestern wines to share and make an informal presentation. Admission is $10 or a bottle of wine that is produced in the Midwest.
World Kitchen Learning Series: Magnificent Meatless Meals
Today from 11:00am–2:00pm, learn more about how to go sans meat in your cooking from the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Non-Napa/Sonoma California Wine Tasting
From 6pm to 8pm at WineStyles Belmont, 1433 W. Belmont, taste California wines from the 90 percent of vineyards not in Napa or Sonoma. Free, 21 and over.
World Kitchen Learning Series: More than Marinara
Tonight from 6:00–8:30 pm, learn more about how to make the best marinara ever from the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Normandy Wine Dinner @ Cafe Matou
Cafe Matou will offer a five-course dinner, paired with wines from Normandy, for $71. This event starts at 7 pm, and reservations are required. Call 773-384-8911 for more information.
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King's Day @ Brasserie Jo
Celebrate the French holiday King's Day (a.k.a. "Epiphany") with a free piece of cake at Brasserie Jo at 59 W. Hubbard. If you find the bean in your piece of cake, you'll be crowned king or queen of the day! See the website for details.
Friday Night Improv @ Whole Foods Northalsted
Whole Foods Northalsted's Chef Abe plays Iron Chef/Next Top Chef tonight at 6pm at "Friday Night Improv" -- diners get to run around the restaurant and pick ingredients for the good chef to turn into a five-course gourmet meal. $50 per person; register at the customer service desk or online here.
Heartland Cafe New Year's Eve Bash
Reggae artists Aswah Gregory and the Enforcers headline the Heartland's year-end party. For 25 bucks, you get admission to the Red Line Tap and Heartland Cafe, Champagne at midnight, Heartland Cafe's New Year's Eve Buffet, and registration to the Athletes United For Peace's Last Race of The Year 2007. Buy tickets online; the race starts at 7:45 sharp, and doors open at 8 at the Heartland Cafe, 7000 N. Glenwood.
3rd Annual Jewish X-Mas Eve Chinese Dinner
LTH Forum is holding a Chinese feast at Lao Sze Chuan, 2712 S. Archer (Chinatown Mall, West End) tonight at 6pm for those of you who need an escape hatch from your family, something to do if you don't celebrate Christmas, or a need to indulge your Chinese food habit. Click here for more information and to register.
First Annual Matzo Ball @ Martini Park
Martini Park wants to be THE place to be for Jewish singles on the 24th. Doors open at 9pm for an evening of specialty cocktails and looking for someone that's finally good enough to meet your mother. $25.
Green City Market @ Notebaert Nature Museum
The Green City Market has moved indoors to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's North Gallery, located at 2430 N. Cannon Drive, and will be selling the same good stuff they're known for from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. today.
Holiday Wine Tasting @ Provenance
A free holiday wine tasting with Fine Vines will be held at the Logan Square location of Provenance, 2528 N California, from 6-8pm tonight.
Green City Market @ Notebaert Nature Museum
The Green City Market has moved indoors to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's North Gallery, located at 2430 N. Cannon Drive, and will be selling the same good stuff they're known for from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. today.
Rachel Ray @ Borders
Yum-o! Celebchef Rachel Ray will be signing copies of her book Just in Time at the State Street Borders (150 N. State) at 12:30pm today, and at the Oak Brook Borders (1500 16th St) at 7:30pm tonight. Call the store to make sure you're gingeriffic enough to attend, as the event will be packed.
Underground Wine Dinner @ Bon Soiree
Hosted by Provenance Food & Wine, the Underground Wine Dinner will pair Provenance's wine selections with Bon Soiree's food in a five-course meal featuring quail, lamb and winter root vegetables at the restaurant, located at 2728 W. Armitage, at 7pm tonight. Sounds delish! Price is $85 per person, and seating is limited. Contact Provenance to register.
Volo's Holiday Wine & Champagne Tasting
Taste up to eleven holiday appropriate wines and enjoy light appetizers in Volo's "Heated Backyard Cabana Patio". Find a wine you can't live without? Represenatives from Lush Wine & Spirits will be on hand to facilitate purchases of your favorite sips. 2:30-5:30pm. $25 in advance, $30 at the door, pending availability. Register online at localwineevents.com.
Sixth Annual Great Chicago Anthrax Scare and Santa Hat Run with Chicago Hash
Chicago Hash House commemorates its 2002 run when police mistook their flour trail marks as anthrax. Suit up in hazmat gear and a Santa hat to join in for an afternoon of drinking and running beginning at The Hidden Shamrock. The registration fee of $39 ($44 day of, pending availability) gets you hash appropriate gear and four hours of open bar and chow through the run. 2pm start. 2723 N Halsted.
Treleela Tea Tasting @ Provenance
If you dig tea, join other teaophiles at the Lincoln Square location of Provenance (2312 W. Leland) today from 11am-1pm for a free tasting of Treleela Teas, a Chicago-based organic whole leaf tea producer.
Holiday Wine Tasting @ Provenance
A complimentary wine tasting will be held at the Lincoln Square location of Provenance (2312 W. Leland) with local wine distributors H2Vino today from 3-6pm.
2007 LTH ChanuKwanzaChristadan Festivus
LTH Forum will be holding their holiday party, aka ChanuKwanzaChristadan Festivus, at Manny's Deli (1141 S. Jefferson), one of their Great Neighborhood Restaurants award recipients, tonight at 6pm. Cost is $50. A post-dinner raffle for foodstuffs such as homemade chili oil and a BBQ rub will be held, along with entertainment and a food drive. Click here for information and to register (do it soon!).
European Imports Warehouse Sale
European Imports Ltd., a local importer/distributor of the good stuff of Euroeats (cheese, wine, pasta, etc.) will be holding a rare warehouse sale from December 13-15 at their 2475 N. Elston headquarters between 9am and 3:30pm. Get in there for huge discounts! Cash and check only.
European Imports Warehouse Sale
European Imports Ltd., a local importer/distributor of the good stuff of Euroeats (cheese, wine, pasta, etc.) will be holding a rare warehouse sale from December 13-15 at their 2475 N. Elston headquarters between 9am and 3:30pm. Get in there for huge discounts! Cash and check only.
Beer & Bacon Bonanza
Provenance, along with Vella Cafe, will be hosting a four course "Beer and Bacon Bonanza" for the vegan-hating alcoholic in you. The menu includes pork loin roulade stuffed with bacon, apricots, and mushrooms; bacon infused fingerling potatoes; shortbread filled with brown sugar-bacon buttercream, and a chocolate stout ice cream float. $50, includes tax and tip. 6:30pm @ Vella Cafe (1912 N. Western). Tickets can be purchased at Provenance (2528 N. California, 773-384-0699 or 2312 W. Leland, 773-784-2314).
Deck the Pubs!
The Chicago History Museum is sponsoring a trolley tour of local bars to find the *real* meaning of Christmas. Meet at 6:45 p.m. at the Museum, located at Clark and North Avenues. Cost is $25, $20 for CHM members.
European Imports Warehouse Sale
European Imports Ltd., a local importer/distributor of the good stuff of Euroeats (cheese, wine, pasta, etc.) will be holding a rare warehouse sale from December 13-15 at their 2475 N. Elston headquarters between 9am and 3:30pm. Get in there for huge discounts! Cash and check only.
Green City Market @ Notebaert Nature Museum
The Green City Market has moved indoors to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's North Gallery, located at 2430 N. Cannon Drive, and will be selling the same good stuff they're known for from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. today. Chef Bruce Sherman from North Pond Cafe will give a cooking demo at 10:30 a.m. as well.
Winediva @ The Discovery Center
Take a super fun, no snobs allowed, wine basics class this Friday at 7pm and get your wine on before you hit the town! Register at the Discovery Center website or call 773-348-8120. $65. Welcome to Wine with The Winediva
Learn to swirl, sniff, and sip like a pro! Taste the six “noble” grapes of the world and discover what all the fuss is about. Gain command of basic wine vocabulary and tasting technique. Bring all your questions about wine and food pairing, storage, sulfites or any other vexing wine dilemma.
Empty Bowl @ First Slice Pie Cafe
Join an evening of modest meal--a bowl of soup and bread--to help Chicago’s hungry tonight, from 5 to 9 pm at the First Slice Pie Cafe. Ceramic artists (and hatching eggs of them) of Lillstreet Art Center have donated beautiful hand-made bowls, which will be filled by the Cafe’s hearty soup. The $20 you pay for each bowl of soup will be used to fight hunger, while you can take home the bowl as a “reminder of all the bowls you helped to fill.” The supper, a part of the nationwide Empty Bowl project, is first come, first serve.
Gapers Block/Calumet Photo Swap @ Calumet Photographic
Gapers Block and Calumet Photographic invite photographers of all experience levels to participate in a photo swap. Show up at Calumet with five 4"x6" photographs, hang out with other photographers and then leave with five photos from others. Food and drinks will be provided. If you're concerned about getting your prints done in time, contact Calumet's Michael Martens at michael.martens@calumetphoto.com. He'll print your images and bring them to the Swap for you to pick up. The event is free and will run from 6pm-8pm at Calumet Photographic, 1111 N. Cherry Ave.
Green City Market @ Notebaert Nature Museum
The Green City Market has moved indoors to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's North Gallery, located at 2430 N. Cannon Drive, and will be selling the same good stuff they're known for from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. today. Chef Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill will give a cooking demo at 10:30 a.m.
How's Your Drink? Booksigning @ Le Passage
Wall Street Journal writer Eric Felten will be in the Drawing Room at Le Passage, 937 N. Rush, tonight from 5:30 to 7pm for a book-signing for How's Your Drink?, a new book about cocktails and cocktail culture. Buy the book and get a free "culinary cocktail."
Changes in Cookbooks @ Newberry Library
Recipes not only offer guidelines to creating tasty meals, they also contain a fair bit of history within them as they're passed from generation to generation. The Newberry Library takes a look at how cookbooks have changed over the last 75 years with "Culture, Technological, and Sociological Changes in Cookbooks from the Early Twentieth-Centure to the Present." Authors Penelope Bingham and Connie Fairbanks will discuss how American trends can be seen in cookbooks, whether food has gotten tastier and easier to make, and what comfort food really is. Admission is $9; a 5:30pm reception precedes the 6:15pm presentation. 60 W. Walton. Call 312-255-3556 for more information.
Champagne Krug Tasting @ Pops
Taste the legendary Champagne Krug at Pops for Champagne from 5-7pm. Wednesday tastings don't usually require reservations, but this snazzy tasting has limited space. Call 312-266-7677 for reservations. Pops for Champagne 601 N State St. $25
Slow Food Chicago Holiday Potluck
Slow Food Chicago will be hosting a holiday potluck at the French Pastry School (226 West Jackson) tonight at 6pm. Bring a dish that will serve six people (beer and wine provided), chow on other delights and tour the school. Cost is $10 for Slow Food Chicago members, $20 for everyone else. Click here for information.
Mustaches for Kids Fundraiser @ T's
Mustaches for Kids holds a fundraiser tonight at T's, 5025 N. Clark St., at 7pm. The restaurant is donating 10% of all food and beverage sales to Mustaches for Kids. Drink a "mustache ride" shot and purchase a commemorative Polaroid of the experience (proceeds benefit Off The Street Club). Also, learn what M4K participants have named their mustaches.
Green City Market @ Notebaert Nature Museum
The Green City Market has moved indoors to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's North Gallery, located at 2430 N. Cannon Drive, and will be selling the same good stuff they're known for from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. today.
WCR Tequila Mockingbird Benefit @ Kuma's
Eat or drink at Kuma's Corner, 2900 W. Belmont, today at help raise money for Tahira "Tequila Mockingbird" Johnson, the Windy City Roller who was paralyzed in a bout earlier this year. The waitstaff of Kuma's will donate all their tips from today to a fund in her name.
World of Chocolate Benefit
Do you have both a sweet tooth and a heart of gold? Then get on over to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's annual World of Chocolate fundraiser! More than 30 of the city's finest chocolatiers will be mixing up batches of tasty humanitarianism from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue. Individual tickets are $75 in advance, $100 at the door.
Bars of Andersonville Pub Crawl
The Chicago History Museum is sponsoring a pub crawl of the fine bars of Andersonville. Meet at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark, at 6:45 p.m. to get your Glogg on and explore the neighborhood. Cost $25 ($20 for nonmembers).
Green City Market @ Notebaert Nature Museum
The Green City Market has moved indoors to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's North Gallery, located at 2430 N. Cannon Drive, and will be selling the same good stuff they're known for from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. today, with Chef Tony Priolo of Coco Pazzo Cafe giving a cooking demo at 10:30 a.m. as well.
Bears Brunch @ Gioco
In one of those rare instances where it pays more to drive to brunch rather than just stumbling around the corner to wherever someone will cook you eggs the fastest, Gioco offers a $10 all-day (or all-game) valet service for brunch-goers heading to the game. Stop in for the Italian South Loop eatery's "creative American brunch" (piatto tradizionale include pancakes and stuffed french toast), leave your car in their good hands and walk to Soldier Field. This week, Bears and Broncos! 9am to 2pm, 1312 S. Wabash, call 312.939.3870 for details, or click here to make a reservation online.
25th Annual Vegan Thanksgiving @ Chicago Diner
The Chicago Diner celebrates its 25th year of offering a vegan Thanksgiving service to its customers. The price is hefty ($35.95 per person, $20.95 per kid, and $40.95 if you want a raw meal), but you will be guaranteed of getting the best meat-free Thanksgiving feast in the city. Sittings are at noon, 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00 PM; you must call to make reservations. Chicago Diner: 3411 N. Halsted. (773) 935-6696.
Green City Market @ Notebaert Nature Museum
The Green City Market has moved indoors to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's North Gallery, located at 2430 N. Cannon Drive, and will be selling the same good stuff they're known for from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. today. Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris from Prairie Grass Cafe will give a cooking demonstration at 10:30 a.m. today as well.
Cooking Demonstration by Chris Nugent @ Alliance Francaise
Chef Chris Nugent of Les Nomades, which has been called the finest French restaurant in Chicago, will lead a demonstration of some of his favorite dishes at 6:15 pm at the Alliance Francaise. Reservations are required and the cost is $60 for members of the Alliance Francaise and $75 for the general public.
Green City Market @ Notebaert Nature Museum
The Green City Market has moved indoors to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's North Gallery, located at 2430 N. Cannon Drive, and will be selling the same good stuff they're known for from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. today.
Columbian Music and Food Festival @ Inter-American Magnet School
San Francisco-based folk band Aluna will perform traditional Columbian music and conduct workshops from 7:00pm to 9:15pm. Food will be sold during intermission. Proceeds from the performance will benefit the Inter-American School, a public elementary school on Chicago's north side that provides bilingual multicultural education to students from a mix of ethnic and economic backgrounds. For more information, call Gil Criollo at 773-203-7426. $10 adults, $5 children. 851 W. Waveland Ave.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day at Pops for Champagne
Celebrate the release of fun-loving French red wine Beaujolais Nouveau for three days straight, Nov. 15 to 17, at Pops for Champagne, 601 N. State St., 312-266-7677. Raise a glass for $6 or swig straight from a $30 bottle.
Beaujolais and Burgers
Metromix will be celebrating the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau wine on Thursday, Nov. 15, at Juicy Wine Company, 694 N. Milwaukee Ave. For $15, sample about 25 wines paired with "hot-off-the-grill" burgers. Come for the grub, stay for the free giveaways! RSVP recommended; contact 312-493-6620.
Green City Market @ Notebaert Nature Museum
The Green City Market has moved indoors to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's North Gallery, located at 2430 N. Cannon Drive, and will be selling the same good stuff they're known for from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. today. Chef Mohammad Islam from Aigre Doux will be giving a cooking demonstration at 10:30 a.m. today as well.
Nigella Lawson at Borders
The domestic goddess is stopping in Chicago in support of her new book, Nigella Express. She'll be signing books at the Borders on Michigan Avenue at 7 p.m. If it's like other Border's book signings, you'll need to get there early and probably buy a copy of the book there in order to get it signed. The store is at 830 N. Michigan Ave. Call 312-573-0564 for more information.
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.
Green City Market @ Notebaert Nature Museum
The Green City Market has moved indoors to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's North Gallery, located at 2430 N. Cannon Drive, and will be selling the same good stuff they're known for from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. today.
Pinot Days @ Navy Pier
If you go nuts for great Pinot Noir, you best get on the stick and register now for Pinot Days at Navy Pier. Over 50 producers of Pinot Noir from California, Oregon, Burgundy, New Zealand, and beyond will be in town from November 7th to November 10th for a muti-event festival celebrating the soft and sexy red grape. The grand finale is a tasting of over 150 different Pinot Noir-based wines from 1-4pm. $50 Lakeview Terrace at Navy Pier. More info is available at the Pinot Days website.
Local King Corn Premiere @ Facets
King Corn, a Super Size Me-esqe documentary about two people dabbling in corn farming for one year in order to get an insider's perspective on the role of corn in the food production industry. Premieres locally tonight at Facets Cinematheque, 1517 West Fullerton.
Greater Chicago Food Depository Benefit @ Va Pensiero
A benefit dinner for the Greater Chicago Food Depository will be held at Va Pensiero (1566 Oak Avenue, Evanston) at 6:30 p.m. tonight. A meal of tasty seasonal eats will be prepared by Chef Eric Hammond. The $100 per person cost also includes entertainment by the Beazley Phillips Trio. Call 847-475-7779 for reservations.
Green City Market @ Notebaert Nature Museum
The Green City Market has moved indoors to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's North Gallery, located at 2430 N. Cannon Drive, and will be selling the same good stuff they're known for from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. today. The Chicago chapter of Les Dames d’ Escoffier will be giving a cooking demonstration at 10:30 a.m. today as well.
Goose Island Release Party @ The Map Room
Goose Island brewers offer samples of Bourbon County Stout, Imperial IPA and other beers as part of The Map Room's International Night. Free food provided by Goose Island Wrigleyville. See The Map Room website for more information on this and other International Night offerings held every Tuesday. The Map Room, 1949 N. Hoyne Ave. 773-252-7636.
Conference for Conscious Living @ U of C
EarthSave Chicago hosts Conference for Conscious Living on animal compassion and vegan living. Guest speakers cover topics such as animal agriculture's effects on global warming and discuss connections animal rights has with feminism and civil rights. Ida Noyes Hall, University of Chicago, 1212 E. 59th Street. $40 advance, $50 at the door. 8 am to 4 pm.
Winter Green City Market @ Notebaert Nature Museum
Green City's Winter Market goes November 3rd through the end of December at the Notebaert Nature Museum. Shop for locally grown, sustainable foods, fresh from the farm. The Winter Market highlights efforts to build a sustainable, year-round, local food system in the Chicago region. Farmers are working hard to extend their growing season, using hoop houses and greenhouses, so that you can continue to enjoy fresh local produce throughout the year.
2340 N. Cannon Drive (Bus 151-Sheridan and 136-LaSalle)
Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:00 am to 12:00 noon
Restaurateurs Ball @ Macy's
How many parties take place on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street? The Restaurateurs Ball, an opportunity sponsored by the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) for industry insiders and outsiders will be cavorting and consuming tonight, with the $250 per person ticket proceeds to benefit the IRA Educational Foundation's Scholarship Initiative and ProStart Program.
The Future of Food and Our Daily Bread
These two food docs are playing at Facets as part of the Humanities Film Fest. The Future of Food, at 6:30, explores the genetically modified foods industry; and Our Daily Bread, at 8:30, looks at, without commenting on, the industrial places where food is made (in Europe, but likely pretty similar to the industrial places here). If Halloween didn't scare you, these films ought to do the trick. Facets is at 1517 W. Fullerton Blvd, 773-981-9075.
Wine Tasting @ Binny's
A "Best of the Best" Wine Tasting will be held at Binny's downtown Chicago location tonight (Thursday, November 1) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $35 for Binny's card members and $45 for non-members.
Best of the Best Wine Tasting at Binny's in Downtown Chicago.
Call (312)332-0012 or email for reservations (recommended).
Binny's
213 W. Grand Avenue
Tasting of Terror III @ Juicy Wine Co. (Plus a Special Live DJ Set from Mat Devine of Kill Hannah)
It's all treats, baby. No tricks.
At Tasting of Terror III, brought to you by Juicy Wine Co. (694 N. Milwaukee Ave.), you'll get to swirl, sip and learn about dozens of strange grape elixirs you may not know too much about. Plus, you'll get a 10% discount on any bottle that you purchase that night. Feel like dressing up? The guest who arrives in the best costume will receive a $50 Juicy Wine Co. gift certificate. It's sweeter than candy, boys and girls.
After the tasting, be sure to stick around for the after-party featuring a live DJ set from Kill Hannah's front man, Mat Devine.
The tasting is from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm with the after-party immediately following (duh, it IS an after-party). $35 for the tasting. Please call 312-492-6620 to RSVP. For more information, visit the website.
Halloween Fondant Cake Class
Vanille Patisserie will help you to create a Witch Hat cake. Each student will decorate the hats with fondant then paint them to make them as bug-ridden or melted-by-a-bucket-of-water as desired. Only a few more spaces are available; class is $130. Call Vanille Patisserie, 773-868-4574 to register.
Nosferatu Beer Tasting
Cleveland's Great Lakes Brewing Co. will be at West Lakeview Liquors, 2156 W. Addison, from 6 to 9pm with samples of the new seasonal "Nosferatu," a highly hopped stock ale. Samples of Great Lakes' Commodore Perry, Holy Moses, Elliot Ness, Edmund Fitzgerald and other beers will be available too, along with some Great Lakes swag. Free.
Bag Hunger Auction
The 14th Annual Bag Hunger Auction, a benefit for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, will be held tonight at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Dishes from local chefs will be served, plus a live and silent auction. This year's co-chairs are Gale Gand of Tru and Gale's Coffee Bar, Ina Pinkney of Ina's and Susan Goss of West Town Tavern. Click here for more information and to buy tickets.
Healthy Cooking Lecture @ The Spice House
Learn health cooking tips and techniques with a free lecture from Dr. Steve Arculeo, an expert on wellness and nutrition who's pearls of wisdom regularly bolster segments on several Chicago news channels. As the event takes place at the Spice House, 1512 N. Wells Street, it's no surprise that spices may be a key to healthy eating. 7pm, 312-440-9646 for reservations -- it's free, but space is limited.
Umami Dinner at West Town Tavern
West Town Tavern serves up a special meal that tantalizes all five tastes in every course. Wine director Drew Goss has paired each dish with a special wine designed to highlight the umami or unique savory quality present in foods like mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheese. Limited seating. Call 312-666-6175 for reservations. $85 including tax and gratuity. 5:30 pm. 1329 W Chicago Ave.
Tour de Champagne Chicago @ Drake Hotel
A pricy evening sampling champagnes from over 20 French vineyards with local snacks to match, the $110-145 per person event's proceeds go to benefit Common Threads and Meals on Wheels Chicago. A Paris getaway and other raffle prizes sweeten the deal. At the Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Place, 7 to 11pm. More details online here, or call the Drake at 312-787-2200.
East Meets West Beer Dinner @ Red Light
Chef Jackie Shen opens her doors to treat diners to her favorite beer and cuisine pairings. And anyone who's ever kicked back after a long day with kung pao and a High Life knows an upscale take on the combination is probably not to be missed. Beverage reps will talk you through their recommendations and pairings. Reservations accepted at Red Light, 312-733-8880. $50 per person, dinner starts at 6pm.
Autumn Wine Fling @ Osteria via Stato
Everyone's favorite sommelier Alpana Singh and local hot mixologist Adam Seger lead diners on a walk-through of 20 Italian wines and appetizers at Melman-Tramanto joint venture Osteria via Stato, 620 N. State Street. At $20 per person, that's about a buck a glass/plate, and other experts are on hand to help guide the way, and guide you to discounted bottles as well. 5:30 to 7pm, 312-642-8450 for more information.
Apple & Goose Island Dinner @ Hot Chocolate
Slow Food Chicago is hosting an apple-themed, locally-centered autumn dinner at Hot Chocolate at 6:30 pm. Each intriguing course features a specific species of apple (harvested by Seedling Farm), and is paired with a different artisanal beer from Goose Island. Even the dessert--Ida red spiced apple cake, Gala cider ice cream sandwich, salted pecan candy bar--comes with a yummy-sounding "Bourbon Barrel Aged Wheatmiser." $65, call 773-489-1747 for more information and to make reservations.
Bucktown Apple Pie Contest
The Bucktown Apple Pie Contest at Holstein Park Fieldhouse (2200 North Oakley, 2:00-5:00 p.m.) will feature 75 contestants competing for the top honor. Pies (and other foods) will be available for the selling and the tasting, along with games for the kids, a silent auction, and a $1,000 cash raffle (which could buy a lot of All-Clad, my friend). The event benefits the Friends of Holstein Park.
Learn to Roast a Pig
For $65, you can learn from Red Light's Executive Chef, Jackie Shen, and ABC 7's Steve Dolinsky (see, it's ironic, because he's Jewish) how to roast a pig. Chef Shen will also demonstrate some pork recipes from her upcoming cookbook.
The event gets started at noon. Call for more details and to RSVP.
Red Light
820 W. Randolph
Chicago, IL 60607
312.733.8880
Southport Green Market
Not content with the city's various farmers markets, the Southport Grocery and Cafe (1420 West Grace St.) will host several "Green Market" Saturdays over the summer and into the fall. In addition to showcasing locally grown vegetables, they'll up the ante with everything from flowers to baby food to artisan breads and cheeses on display from local growers and producers. Hours are 8AM - 1PM.
Market Cooking Class @ Alliance Francaise
Renowned French cooking instructor Madelaine Bullwinkle will lead a shopping excursion to the Green City Market and then lead a class in the kitchen at the Alliance Francaise on preparing fresh foods from the market. The day begins at 9 am and concludes at 2 pm. The cost is $80 for Alliance Francaise members and $85 for the general public. Call 312-337-1070 for more information.
Saveur Celebrates Chicago @ the Chopping Block
Sample food prepared by Bruce Sherman of North Pond, Tim Graham of Tru, Randy Zweiban of Nacional 27 and Gary Baca of Joe's Seafood among others and meet the editors of Saveur at the Chopping Block at the Merchandise Mart tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Tickets are $60 per person and can be obtained by calling 312-644-6360 or at the Chopping Block website. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Curry Chef Collaborative Dinner
Vong's Thai Kitchen will host a five-course "Curry Chef Collaborative Dinner" Thursday, October 4th at 7 p.m. All-inclusive tickets can be purchased for $75 by calling 312-644-8664.
Other restaurants participating in the event are Big Bowl, Wow Bao, Ben Pao, and Red Light.
Market Tour w/ Alice Waters @ Green City Market
Alice Waters, who (famously) spearheaded today's revived appreciation of locally produced food, will tour the Green City Market from 9 am to 10:30 am. You can expect her to chat with farmers and shoppers on the significance of farmers markets in healthy communities that delight over good food produced responsibly. Plus you'll get your grocery done. The event is followed by a farm-to-table brunch at North Pond, which costs $75 per person. For reservation for brunch, call 773-477-5845.
Chopping Block Trunk Show @ Merchandise Mart
Head down to the Chopping Block at the Merchandise Mart today between 10 am and 3 pm to partake in cookware demonstrations and tastings of gourmet food from vendors such as All Clad, Emile Henry, Rosle, Le Creuset, Global Knives, Epicurean and Totally Bamboo, Terry's Toffee, Julius Meinl, European Imports, The Cocoa Room and Urban Accents. No reservations necessary, and this is a free event.
Appetite Theatre's Bruschetta 2007 Short Play Fest @ Act One Studios
This year's Bruschetta: Comedy and controversy in bite-sized pieces, features 6 new short plays chosen from over 460 submissions. The 2007 production challenges ideas on religion, public education, political campaigns, intimacy, and celebrity through dark comedy and a little snack.
Act One Studios 640 N LaSalle St. Suite 535.
Friday and Saturday at 8pm.
Reservations: 312-787-9384. $15.
FREE bruschetta from Fox and Obel and FREE wine from H2Vino at intermission.
Appetite Theatre's Bruschetta 2007 Short Play Fest @ Act One Studios
This year's Bruschetta: Comedy and controversy in bite-sized pieces, features 6 new short plays chosen from over 460 submissions. The 2007 production challenges ideas on religion, public education, political campaigns, intimacy, and celebrity through dark comedy and a little snack.
Act One Studios 640 N LaSalle St. Suite 535.
Friday and Saturday at 8pm.
Reservations: 312-787-9384. $15.
FREE bruschetta from Fox and Obel and FREE wine from H2Vino at intermission.
Harvest Dinner @ Kendall College
Slow Food Chicago presents "An Intimate Evening With Alice Waters:
A Harvest Dinner Celebrating Midwest Artisanal Foods" October 5 at Kendall College.
The five-course dinner is $150 per ticket.
Click here for more information.
St. Francis Big Red Feast @ University Club
Carnivores unite for a good cause! A festival of red meat and red wine await attendees of Big Red, a benefit for Boys & Girls Club of Chicago. Dig in to beefy offerings from David Burke's Primehouse, Kevin, MK, Morton's, Smith and Wollensky, and many others while sipping robust reds from St. Francis Winery. University Club of Chicago. 76 E. Monroe. 6-8pm. $80
Panama Geisha Tasting @ Intelligentsia
Taste the world's most expensive coffee, Hacienda La Esmeralda's Panama Geisha, at an event hosted by and held at Intelligentsia's Coffee Roasting Works at 1850 W. Fulton Street. Admission is $25 and includes wine and hors d'oeuvres.
Limited quantities of half- and quarter-pound bags of the pricey roast will be available for $99 and $55, respectively.
Click here to register.
MJBeerHunter Tribute & Beer Tasting
Lush Wine & Spirits, 1306 S. Halsted St., is honoring the life of Michael Jackson, the beer critic extraordinaire, who passed away at the end of August, with a free beer tasting between 2 and 5pm. They'll also be participating in the world toast at 9pm. Call the store for details: 312-738-1900.
Preservation Chicago Autumn Benefit @ Opera Lofts
From 6:30pm to 9:30pm Preservation Chicago hosts their autumn benefit at the former scene studio and warehouse of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Opera Lofts, 2545 S. Dearborn Street. Advance tickets are $50 ($65 at the door) and provide you with complimentary drinks, hors d' oeuvres, a guided tour, live opera, entrance to the silent auction and a view from the roof. Additional details and tickets are available via their website. Call 773.489.0300 for other options and information.
East Meets West Beer Dinner @ Red Light
Tonight at 5 pm Red Light's executive chef Jackie Shen will prepare appetizers and a four course dinner with accompanying beer pairings. The dinner costs $65 and reservations can be made by calling 312-733-8880.
"Obscure Italian Sparklers" Wine Tasting
Try out "obscure Italian sparklers" -- sparkling wines from wineries in areas other than the famous Spumante region -- from 5pm to 7pm tonight at Pops for Champagne, 601 N. State St. Just $10 per person, no reservation necessary. 21 and over.
Andersonville Dessert Crawl
Got a sweet tooth? Put it to good use at the Andersonville Dessert Crawl, Sun., Sept. 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. Twenty-six local restaurants will provide deserts for gluttonous intake. But consider your sin wiped clean; the event benefits the Andersonville Development Corporation, a non-profit fostering sustainable community and economic development.
The event gets started at the Swedish American Museum (5212 N. Clark). Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. You can order tickets online or call 773-728-7552 for more information.
Participating restaurants include:
A Taste of Heaven, Andies, Ann Sather, Calo, Charlie's Ale House, En Thai Ce, Erickson's Delicatessen, Hamburger Mary's, Huey's, In Fine Spirits, Kopi Cafe, M. Henry, Middle Eastern Bakery, Ranalli's, Ravenswood Pub, Scrub-a-dub-dub, Starbuck's, Swedish Bakery, Sweet Occasions, Taste of Lebanon, La Cocina de Frida, Fireside Restaurant, Pasticceria Natalina, Reza's, The Coffee Studio, Il Fiasco
Humans: The Cooking Ape @ Field Museum
Harvard's Dr. Richard Wrangham proposes that cooking may be what distinguishes humans from the other animals. 1 PM. This lecture is free with museum admission, but requires pre-registration. 1400 S Lake Shore. For more information and to register, visit the website.
Fall Release Beer Tasting @ In Fine Spirits
Try this fall's new beers tonight from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at In Fine Spirits at 5418 N. Clark.
Appetite Theatre's 4th Annual Bruschetta Festival Opens
This year's Bruschetta: Comedy and controversy in bite-sized pieces, features 6 new short plays chosen from over 460 submissions. The 2007 production challenges ideas on religion, public education, political campaigns, intimacy, and celebrity through dark comedy and a little snack. Act One Studios 640 N LaSalle St. Suite 535. Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm through Oct 6. Reservations: 312-787-9384. $15.
Chocolate 101 @ Fox & Obel
Tonight from 6 - 7:30 pm, executive pastry chef Jimmy MacMillan of The Peninsula Chicago will demonstrate how to make chocolate. The class costs $45 and features sweets to taste, a glass of wine and a 10-percent discount at the store. Call 312-379-0139 or see the Fox & Obel website for more information.
Harvest Festival @ Chicago Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden is hosting a Harvest Festival that features live music, kids' activities, cooking demonstrations, and--of course--lots of harvest-y stuff for sale, including honey, bread, fruit, and more. A Roadside Flower Sale is being held at the same time. 11 AM to 4 PM. 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Admission is free, but parking is not. So take a train or bike! For more information, call 847-835-5440 or visit the website.
Food Channel at Logan Square Farmer's Market
The Food Channel will be filming a segment on barbecue wizard Grace Delcano of Galewood Cookshack at the Logan Square Farmer's Market today at noon. Stop in for some eats and face time with the camera!
Eli's Cheesecake Festival @ Eli's Cheesecake World
Eli's Cheesecake Factory is hosting the 11th annual cheesecake festival this weekend. You can sample Chicago's very own Eli's cheesecakes while watching others bury their noses in cheesecakes (to win the cheesecake eating contest), or listen to a multitude of music bands, or wow at 100-plus classic cars, or steal an idea or two from the demonstrating area chefs. It seems Eli's got every entertainment imaginable covered for the fest, including ones for kids as well. Free, 9-5 on Saturday, 11-5 on Sunday at 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr., Chicago.
Harvest Festival @ Chicago Botanic Garden
Today and tomorrow, the Botanic Garden hosts a Harvest Festival that features live music, kids' activities, cooking demonstrations, and--of course--lots of harvest-y stuff for sale, including honey, bread, fruit, and more. A Roadside Flower Sale is being held at the same time. 11 AM to 4 PM. 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Admission is free, but parking is not. So take a train or bike! For more information, call 847-835-5440 or visit the website.
Old Town Wine Crush
Wander down Wells St from 11am to 10pm to gawk and sample at the Old Town Wine Crush open air market. Taste your way through a selection of over 150 wines from 1 to 6pm and catch GB's own Winediva, Christine Blumer at free seminars between 2 and 4pm. Stomp grapes "I Love Lucy" style at 2:30pm or just hang out and listen to music. Duncan Sheik plays at 8:30pm. $6 donation. $20-30 wine tasting. 1400-1600 N. Wells St.
Eli's Cheesecake Festival @ Eli's Cheesecake World
Eli's Cheesecake Factory is hosting the 11th annual cheesecake festival this weekend. You can sample Chicago's very own Eli's cheesecakes while watching others bury their noses in cheesecakes (to win the cheesecake eating contest), or listen to a multitude of music bands, or wow at 100-plus classic cars, or steal an idea or two from the demonstrating area chefs. It seems Eli's got every entertainment imaginable covered for the fest, including ones for kids as well. Free, 9-5 on Saturday, 11-5 on Sunday at 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr., Chicago.
Fermentation Workshop-Vegetables
Fermentation expert Sandor Katz, also known as Sandorkraut, is leading a fermentation workshop from 1 to 4 pm at Water's School Fieldhouse, at Sunnyside and Campbell. There's a $50 suggested donation (which also gets you some fermented snacks), and reservations are recommended.Contact Julie Peterson at julie@beyondtoday.org for reservations, or check Sandor's Wild Fermentation site for details.
20th Annual Lincoln Square Apple Fest
Head to Lincoln Square today for their annual Apple Fest, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Festivities start at 8am, when the vendors start selling their fruits, veggies, cider and other farm-fresh foods. Stop by throughout the day for tastings, cooking classes and music. If you're feeling confident about your own special style of homemade apple pie, you can enter their pie contest. The day culminates at 4:45 with a pie-eating contest, which, if you've never witnessed one, is truly a spectacle to be hold. Details at http://www.lincolnsquare.org/
Introduction to Fermentation
Sandor Ellix Katz, aka Sandorkraut, has been promoting the glories of fermentation through his web site, Wild Fermentation, and books on fermentation and food revolutionaries. He's giving a talk and demonstration from 7 to 9 pm at the Peter Jones Gallery, 1806 W. Cuyler, (773) 472-6725. There's a $10 suggested fee. He's also appearing later in the week, talking about cider and pickled vegetables. Check his web site for details.
Mole and Tequila Dinner @ Adobo Grill
As part of its Oaxacan Mole Festival which runs from September 11 - 16 at both Chicago locations, Adobo Grill in Old Town will offer a Mole and Tequila Dinner tonight from 7 to 9 pm. The cost is $25.00 per person, and reservations can be made by calling 312-266-7999.
10th Anniversary Dinner @ Cafe Matou
Celebrate Cafe Matou's 10th anniversary with a 10-course wine dinner starting at 7 pm. The cost is $100, and the restaurant is located at 1846 N. Milwaukee. For reservations, call (773) 384-8911.
Logan Square Farmers Market
The Logan Square Farmers Market takes place every Sunday until October 28. The market is held at the corner of Logan, Milwaukee and Kedzie from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
German American Fest
Lincoln Square hosts its 87th(!) annual German American Fest this weekend at corner of Lincoln and Leland Aves. As if you needed an excuse to drink lots of beer and eat loads of brats.
The Von Steuben Parade will start on Saturday at 2 p.m. and will go down Lincoln Ave between Irving Park and Lawrence.
For more information call the United German-American Societies of Greater Chicago at 630-653-3018.
Friday: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: noon - 11 p.m.
Sunday: noon - 10 p.m.
Southport Green Market
Not content with the city's various farmers markets, the Southport Grocery and Cafe (1420 West Grace St.) will host several "Green Market" Saturdays over the summer and into the fall. In addition to showcasing locally grown vegetables, they'll up the ante with everything from flowers to baby food to artisan breads and cheeses on display from local growers and producers. Hours are 8AM - 1PM.
Coffee w/ the Concierge at Whole Foods N. Halsted
Stop by and kibbutz with Whole Foods Concierge Bradley Scott at 10am on Saturdays before your weekend errands. Enjoy free coffee, pastries and friendly chat about Whole Foods new building and services. 3640 N. Halsted.
Green City Farmers Market
The Green City Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday until October 31 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park (Clark and Stockton).
Edgewater Farmers Market
The Edgewater Farmers Market takes place every Saturday until October 20 from 7 a.m. to noon at the corner of Broadway and Norwood (on the corner of True Nature Foods).
Windy City Wine Festival
Taste over 250 wines at this year's festival, held at Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Grant Park. In addition to tastings, wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, live music and food from restaurants such as Rosebud and Sullivan's Steakhouse will be offered. The festival runs from 4 to 10 pm Friday and 2 to 10 pm Saturday, and tickets are $25. More information can be found at the event website.
Iron Chef Morimoto at Fox & Obel
Chef Masaharu Morimoto, star of both Iron Chef incarnations, will demonstrate recipes from his new cookbook at Fox & Obel from 12:30 to 1:00 today. A book signing will follow, from 1:00 to 3:00. The events are free, but reservations are required for the latter. Details are available on Fox & Obel's site.
German American Fest
Lincoln Square hosts its 87th(!) annual German American Fest this weekend at corner of Lincoln and Leland Aves. As if you needed an excuse to drink lots of beer and eat loads of brats.
The Von Steuben Parade will start on Saturday at 2 p.m. and will go down Lincoln Ave between Irving Park and Lawrence.
For more information call the United German-American Societies of Greater Chicago at 630-653-3018.
Friday: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: noon - 11 p.m.
Sunday: noon - 10 p.m.
Iron Chef Morimoto at Kendall College
Chef Masaharu Morimoto, star of both Iron Chef incarnations, will appear at Kendall College from 2:00 to 4:00 PM today to promote his new cookbook and demonstrate his chops. For $39, you can watch his demonstrations, eat some of his food, drink some wine, and get his autograph on your Wüsthof. More details and the sign-up form are on the ChicaGourmets site.
Windy City Wine Festival
Taste over 250 wines at this year's festival, held at Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Grant Park. In addition to tastings, wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, live music and food from restaurants such as Rosebud and Sullivan's Steakhouse will be offered. The festival runs from 4 to 10 pm Friday and 2 to 10 pm Saturday, and tickets are $25. More information can be found at the event website.
German American Fest
Lincoln Square hosts its 87th(!) annual German American Fest this weekend at corner of Lincoln and Leland Aves. As if you needed an excuse to drink lots of beer and eat loads of brats.
The Von Steuben Parade will start on Saturday at 2 p.m. and will go down Lincoln Ave between Irving Park and Lawrence.
For more information call the United German-American Societies of Greater Chicago at 630-653-3018.
Friday: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: noon - 11 p.m.
Sunday: noon - 10 p.m.
Dinner and Theater Package for Vella Cafe and Gorilla Tango Theater
Tonight is a special theater and dinner package sponsored by Vella Cafe and Gorilla Tango theater. For $35, you can head to Vella at 6:00 p.m. for a three-course dinner, then see 3 Cat Media's Cabaret Variety Hour at Gorilla Tango, which is basically across the street. Proof of ticket purchase will also get you a 10% discount off a pre-dinner wine purchase at Provenance. RSVP by August 31 at Gorilla Tango's website.
Hyde Park Farmers Market
The Hyde Park Farmers Market takes place every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 52nd and Harper until October 25.
Farmers Market @ Daley Plaza
The farmers market at Daley Plaza is held every Thursday until October 4 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Dearborn.
Green City Farmers Market
The Green City Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday until October 31 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park (Clark and Stockton).
Lincoln Square Farmers Market
The Lincoln Square Farmers Market takes place every Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of Lincoln and Leland Aves until October 30.
Logan Square Farmers Market
The Logan Square Farmers Market takes place every Sunday until October 28. The market is held at the corner of Logan, Milwaukee and Kedzie from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Green City Farmers Market
The Green City Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday until October 31 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park (Clark and Stockton).
Edgewater Farmers Market
The Edgewater Farmers Market takes place every Saturday until October 20 from 7 a.m. to noon at the corner of Broadway and Norwood (on the corner of True Nature Foods).
Hyde Park Farmers Market
The Hyde Park Farmers Market takes place every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 52nd and Harper until October 25.
Farmers Market @ Daley Plaza
The farmers market at Daley Plaza is held every Thursday until October 4 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Dearborn.
Green City Farmers Market
The Green City Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday until October 31 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park (Clark and Stockton).
Chicago Outdoor Film Festival
The final film of the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival, the classic family story The Sound of Music, will be shown tonight (weather permitting) at 8:01 p.m. at Butler Field in Grant Park (corner of Monroe and Lake Shore Drive).
Bagz on the Plaza @ Millennium Park
Park Grill at Millennium Park holds its Bagz on the Plaza tournament at 6 p.m. today. The cost is $20 per team and there will be prizes to be won.
Call (312) 521-7275 for more information or to sign up. Must be 21 to enter.
Lincoln Square Farmers Market
The Lincoln Square Farmers Market takes place every Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of Lincoln and Leland Aves until October 30.
Ditty Bops @ Seedling Orchard
On their way from Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music to Ann Arbor, the Ditty Bops join Green City Market's Seedling for a live concert at Seedling Orchard, 6717 111th Ave, South Haven.
Playing With Your Food @ The Cultural Center
The City of Chicago would like you to get down and dirty (not that dirty -- it's a family event) with your food as part of the Chicago Summer of Play. Learn how to turn your food into art, whether it's veggies or baked goods, and stop by the Eli's Cheesecake sponsored cake walk to check out how the pros do it. Chicago Cultural Center Grand Hall and Rotunda, 78 E. Washington Street, noon to 4pm, admission is free, for more details call 312-744-6630 or visit this site.
Logan Square Farmers Market
The Logan Square Farmers Market takes place every Sunday until October 28. The market is held at the corner of Logan, Milwaukee and Kedzie from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Green City Farmers Market
The Green City Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday until October 31 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park (Clark and Stockton).
Flavor Fest @ Jonquil Park
Whole Foods Market is hosting this year's Flavor Fest in Jonquil Park on August 25th and 26th. As you might expect, there'll be lots of free samples, as well as live music and chef demonstrations. Demonstrators include Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill and Sarah Levy of Sarah's Pastries and Candies. $5 donation goes to the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce.
Edgewater Farmers Market
The Edgewater Farmers Market takes place every Saturday until October 20 from 7 a.m. to noon at the corner of Broadway and Norwood (on the corner of True Nature Foods).
Dine Out Chicago, Multiple Locations
San Pellegrino sponsors Dine Out Chicago, where at participating restaurants, $1 is donated to the hunger-eradication organization Share Our Strength for every meal served on select dates. The full list of participating Chicago restaurants is available online here.
Hyde Park Farmers Market
The Hyde Park Farmers Market takes place every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 52nd and Harper until October 25.
Farmers Market @ Daley Plaza
The farmers market at Daley Plaza is held every Thursday until October 4 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Dearborn.
Dine Out Chicago, Multiple Locations
San Pellegrino sponsors Dine Out Chicago, where at participating restaurants, $1 is donated to the hunger-eradication organization Share Our Strength for every meal served on select dates. The full list of participating Chicago restaurants is available online here.
Green City Farmers Market
The Green City Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday until October 31 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park (Clark and Stockton).
Dine Out Chicago, Multiple Locations
San Pellegrino sponsors Dine Out Chicago, where at participating restaurants, $1 is donated to the hunger-eradication organization Share Our Strength for every meal served on select dates. The full list of participating Chicago restaurants is available online here.
Lincoln Square Farmers Market
The Lincoln Square Farmers Market takes place every Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of Lincoln and Leland Aves until October 30.
Dine Out Chicago, Multiple Locations
San Pellegrino sponsors Dine Out Chicago, where at participating restaurants, $1 is donated to the hunger-eradication organization Share Our Strength for every meal served on select dates. The full list of participating Chicago restaurants is available online here.
Dine Out Chicago, Multiple Locations
San Pellegrino sponsors Dine Out Chicago, where at participating restaurants, $1 is donated to the hunger-eradication organization Share Our Strength for every meal served on select dates. The full list of participating Chicago restaurants is available online here.
Slow Food High Tea at Angel Food Bakery
Seedling Orchard and Slow Food Chicago team up for afternoon tea at Angel Food Bakery, 1636 W. Montrose. Angel Food's chef Stephanie Samuels will turn stone fruits into treats paired with tea. The menu includes roasted peach "crackers," plum chutney "bruschetta" served on a shortcake round, stone fruit crumble bars, and plum and almond tartlets. Tea begind at 3:00. Practice extending your pinkies now.
Logan Square Farmers Market
The Logan Square Farmers Market takes place every Sunday until October 28. The market is held at the corner of Logan, Milwaukee and Kedzie from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Choose Local Fest @ Wild Oats Market Evanston
Locavorism is all over the place these days, but meeting your local producers can be rare. This is one such occasion: Wild Oats Market in Evanston is hosting the Choose Local Fest, where you can meet 10 local food producers/vendors to hear their stories, learn why shopping local is good, and sample their products. 12pm to 4pm. 1111 Chicago Ave., Evanston; 847-475-9492.
Green City Farmers Market
The Green City Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday until October 31 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park (Clark and Stockton).
New England Clambake Class @ Fox and Obel
Learn how to cook New England summer style right here on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan with Fox and Obel Executive Chef Suzanne Edwards. A tasting of all dishes (including lobster for everyone) and paired wine selections are included in the $50 class fee. 6 to 7:30pm at the 410 E. Illinois store, call 312-379-0139 with questions or to sign up.
Hyde Park Farmers Market
The Hyde Park Farmers Market takes place every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 52nd and Harper until October 25.
Farmers Market @ Daley Plaza
The farmers market at Daley Plaza is held every Thursday until October 4 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Dearborn.
Green City Farmers Market
The Green City Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday until October 31 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park (Clark and Stockton).
Slow Food/Seedling second annual peach dinner
Get peachy! South Haven's Seedling Orchard and Slow Food Chicago team up for their second annual peach dinner at Hot Chocolate, 1747 N. Damen. How many ways can they use peaches? This many: corn biscuits with sweet peach butter; peach and green tomato gazpacho; peach-glazed pork belly; Lambic-poached peaches filled with Jasper Hill Winnemare cheese; peach-sugar-cured Copper River salmon smoked over peach wood, braised kale, cauliflower puree; peach-brined lamb tenderloin with organic grits and peach succotash; peach-Rosé sorbet and creme fraiche ice cream terrine, warm honey infused with wildflowers, and preserved peaches. That's a hell of a lot of peaches! Call (773) 489-1747 for details.
Cheese Tasting and Book Signing @ Pastoral
Jeffrey P. Roberts, author of the cheese reference and travel guide The Atlas of American Artisan Cheeses, stops for his second Chicago cheese presentation and book signing at Pastoral Artisan Cheese from 1 - 3pm, 2945 N. Broadway, free. For more information call 773-472-4781 or visit this website.
Logan Square Farmers Market
The Logan Square Farmers Market takes place every Sunday until October 28. The market is held at the corner of Logan, Milwaukee and Kedzie from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Palmer Square Boulevard Art Festival
Music, food, art and trolley rides (my fave!) will be abundant at the fourth annual Palmer Square Boulevard Art Festival, which will be held today at Palmer Square Park (3100 West Palmer). The festival begins at noon each day, and ends at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Cheese Tasting and Book Signing @ Fox & Obel
Jeffrey P. Roberts, author of the new and surely soon-to-be-classic Atlas of American Artisan Cheeses, will be available for an artisan cheese presentation and book signing at the Fox & Obel Food Market from 1 - 3pm, 401 E. Illinois Street, free. For more information call 312-379-0113.
Southport Green Market
Not content with the city's various farmers markets, the Southport Grocery and Cafe (1420 West Grace St.) will host several "Green Market" Saturdays over the summer and into the fall. In addition to showcasing locally grown vegetables, they'll up the ante with everything from flowers to baby food to artisan breads and cheeses on display from local growers and producers. Hours are 8AM - 1PM.
Chicago Korean Festival
The festival features Korean cuisine, art, music, and dance, on Bryn Mawr Avenue between Kedzie and Kimball avenues. Saturday activities include a cooking demo and Sunday promises an eating contest and a fashion show. Admission is free. For more information go to www.koreanfestival.org
Edgewater Farmers Market
The Edgewater Farmers Market takes place every Saturday until October 20 from 7 a.m. to noon at the corner of Broadway and Norwood (on the corner of True Nature Foods).
Farmers Market @ Daley Plaza
The farmers market at Daley Plaza is held every Thursday until October 4 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Dearborn.
Hyde Park Farmers Market
The Hyde Park Farmers Market takes place every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 52nd and Harper until October 25.
Green City Farmers Market
The Green City Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday until October 31 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park (Clark and Stockton).
Lincoln Square Farmers Market
The Lincoln Square Farmers Market takes place every Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of Lincoln and Leland Aves until October 30.
"Pastry Basics" Cooking Class
Wouldn't it be great to say that you could make lemon curd? Pastry cream? Profiterole dough? If this sounds like the answer to your problems, sign up for Cooking Fools' "Pastry Basics" class, which will be held today at their 1916 West North Avenue store from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. An overview of mixing techniques, followed by instruction on doughs, curds and creams, will be taught.
Logan Square Farmers Market
The Logan Square Farmers Market takes place every Sunday until October 28. The market is held at the corner of Logan, Milwaukee and Kedzie from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Green City Farmers Market
The Green City Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday until October 31 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park (Clark and Stockton).
Edgewater Farmers Market
The Edgewater Farmers Market takes place every Saturday until October 20 from 7 a.m. to noon at the corner of Broadway and Norwood (on the corner of True Nature Foods).
Hyde Park Farmers Market
The Hyde Park Farmers Market takes place every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 52nd and Harper until October 25.
Farmers Market @ Daley Plaza
The farmers market at Daley Plaza is held every Thursday until October 4 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Dearborn.
"Girls on the Grill" Cooking Class
Cooking Fools will be holding a women-only class on grilling techniques tonight at their store, located at 1916 West North Ave, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. For $95.00, participants will learn the basics of grilling meats and vegetables, as well as get the lowdown on needed equipment. At the end of the session, a rooftop dinner of the night's test subjects will be held on the building's rooftop.
Green City Farmers Market
The Green City Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday until October 31 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park (Clark and Stockton).
Cooking Demo @ North Pond
James Beard Award nominee, Chef Bruce Sherman will do a cooking demo at 10:30 a.m. at North Pond restaurant. North Pond is located at 2610 N. Canon Drive.
The Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Day two of The Taste of Lincoln Avenue, the event includes food and craft vendors, five entertainment stages, a Kids' Carnival Area and more. The festival benefits the Wrightwood Neighbors Association with proceeds from the gates going to local charities, schools, parks, and neighborhood improvements. 2400 N. Lincoln, $7 to $10 donation. 12 N to dusk. For more information visit the website.
The Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Located on Lincoln Avenue between Fullerton and Wrightwood, the event includes food and craft vendors, five entertainment stages, a Kids' Carnival Area and more. The two day festival benefits the Wrightwood Neighbors Association with proceeds from the gates going to local charities, schools, parks, and neighborhood improvements. 2400 N. Lincoln, $7 to $10 donation. 12 N to dusk. For more information visit the website.
Kuma's Corner Fundraiser for Wicker Park Dog Park
The waitstaff and bartenders at Kuma's Corner, 2900 W. Belmont, are donating their entire day's salary and tips to the preservation of the Wicker Park Dog Park. Stop in for a burger (the Mastodon is tops) and help out a good cause.
Mike Ditka Signing Wine Bottles
Meet Mike Ditka and get him to sign one of "his" bottles of any of his five wines from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sam's Downers Grove location (2010 Butterfield Rd
Downers Grove).
Rose Wines Class @ Fox and Obel
Wine Director, Ashley Stockstill, leads the class "Think Pink" tonight from 6 to 7:30 p.m., where you'll "learn the subtle differences across the wines and how each one pairs with food from smoked salmon, tapenade and prosciutto, to olives, pizza and a variety of cheeses."
The class is $45. RSVP online or by calling 312-379-0139.
Ceviche and Cocktails @ Fox and Obel
Delacosta's Executive Chef, Adam Schop, will lead a class that promises to "demystify" the sushi of Latin food while sharing some of the recipes behind his restauring. Master Mixologist, Bridget Albert, will prepare Latin-inspired cocktails.
The class takes place at Fox and Obel from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $45. You can RSVP online or by calling 312-379-0139.
Chocolate and Wine tasting @ Vintage Wine Bar
Good For Party presents an evening of chocolate and wine pairings at Vintage Wine Bar in Wicker Park. While admission the event is free (as is your first taste if you RSVP), $25 will get you 4 tastings. The "party" gets started at 6 p.m.
Grilling @ Sam's
Sam's Wines and Spirits in Highland Park is showing customer appreciation by grilling hot dogs, burgers and brats and serving a variety of wines and beers. Here's the best part: it's FREE!
The event is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sam's in Highland Park is at 1919 Skokie Valley Rd
Highland Park, IL.
Couples' Wine Pairing @ Northshore Cookery
Northshore Cookery and Sam's Wines and Spirits have paired up to bring couples a hands-on Italian Wine Pairing dinner at 7 p.m. tonight.
According to Northshore, "The menu for the evening will include Panzanella (Tomato-Bread Salad), paired with Bramosia Chianti Classico; a Grilled Seafood Platter of Scampi, Calamari and Scallops, paired with Shannon Ridge Sauvignon Blanc; and Roasted Peaches with Mascarpone-Amaretti Stuffing, topped off with Mionetto Sergio."
The cost is a pricey $240.00 for couples. Register here.
Exotic Ice Cream Social @ Vosges Lincoln Park
Chill out at Vosges Exotic Ice Cream Social tonight.Your $30 ticket lets you sample funky novelties like frozen caramel marshmallow pops and fancy scoops of Red Fire (chipotle chocolate) and Naga (curry coconut).7-9pm Reservations are recommended.773-296-9866.
BBQ Sparerib Kickoff @ West Town Tavern
With all the blog chatter lately on BBQ, you may be hankerin for some ribs. Every Wednesday night, Chef Susan Goss is serving up a Texas-style pork spareribs special with sides of fried potato salad and black-eyed pea relish for just $18.75. If you really want to do it up, visit tonight for their official BBQ rib kickoff party. Wine fans can add a glass of Murphy Goode Liar's Dice Zinfandel 2004 for $10 and Chef will throw in a piece of her famed Lemon Chess Pie on the house. Plus, every diner that orders the Q special will get a packet of her BBQ dry rub spice blend to take home. Best make reservations just to be safe. 312-666-6175.West Town Tavern. 1329 W Chicago Ave.
Southport Green Market
Not content with the city's various farmers markets, the Southport Grocery and Cafe (1420 West Grace St.) will host several "Green Market" Saturdays over the summer and into the fall. In addition to showcasing locally grown vegetables, they'll up the ante with everything from flowers to baby food to artisan breads and cheeses on display from local growers and producers. Hours are 8AM - 1PM.
Bastille Day Tasting @ Binny's Highland Park
Storm the gates at Binny's in Highland Park to taste over 30 French wines from 1-4pm. Or you could just buy a ticket. $10 for Binny's Card Members. $15 regular admission. Call (847) 831-5400 for reservations.
Veggie Bike & Dine
Explore Chicago's southside vegan eateries with friendly bicyclists when the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and EarthSave Chicago host the fourth annual Veggie Bike and Dine on July 14, 2007. The Veggie Bike and Dine celebrates healthy dining and the diversity of Chicago's neighborhoods while celebrating bicycling's vital relationship to food, socializing, and civic life. The menus are entirely plant-based and exclusive of meat, fish, dairy products, eggs and other animal products. Registration is $50 for Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and EarthSave Chicago members. Non-members pay $55. This event will sell out. For more information, contact Arline Welty, Director of Development, at 312-427-3325 ext. 237.
Green City Market BBQ Festival
Words can't express how awesome the Green City Market BBQ Festival will be--over 50 chefs from Chicago's top restaurants (Rick Bayless, Shawn McClain, and Mindy Segal, to name a few) serving up dishes using ingredients from the popular (and almost year-round) Lincoln Park farmer's market. The picnic event will be held in the south end of Lincoln Park. Adults are $50 pre-event, $60 at the door. If you have a gaggle of friends who are also foodies, you can reserve your own table of ten for $100. Children ages 5-12 are $10, and children under age 5 are free. Click here for tickets.
Wine 101 w/ The Winediva @ Uncork It
Learn the basics of wine from Drive Thru's own Winediva, Christine Blumer. For just $20, you'll taste six wines and learn to swirl, sniff, and sip like a pro. Uncork it! 393 E. Illinois. Call 312-321-9400 for reservations.
Exotica: Surfin' in Chicago Afterparty Brunch
Exotica: Surfin' in Chicago winds down with brunch from noon to 3pm at Chef Shangri-La, 7930 W. 26th St. in North Riverside. Performances by The Bikini Beachcombers and The Reluctant Aquanauts. Reservations recommended; call 708-442-7080.
777 Wine Week @ Primehouse
Get a big ol' beefy lunch all this week at Primehouse and help out Common Threads. From 11:30am to 3pm, July 7-14, David Burke's Chicago meat emporium is offering a three course lunch special for $20.71. For just $7 more, you can sample seven wines from the selected region of the day to compliment your meal.
Exotica: Surfin' in Chicago Pre-party 2
Exotica: Surfin' in Chicago continues tonight with a visit to Hala Kahiki, 2834 River Rd. in River Grove from 5pm to 7pm, then on to Sand Bar, 3733 Grand Ave. in Brookfield at 9pm for more drinks and performances by The Cocktail Preachers and Roger & The Wraybands. Join other tiki and surf style enthusiasts for an evening of drinks and live music; check the Exotica site for details.
Chicago Singles @ Simply It
Chicago Singles for BYOB holds another dinner and casual conversation on Thursday, July 5th at Simply It in Lincoln Park. RSVP through http://chicagosinglesbyob.blogspot.com.
42nd Anniversary Special @ Gejas
Take the hottie you met at that BBQ on the 4th to a sure thing first date spot tonight. Gejas has been serenading googlie-eyed couples for over four decades and serving up darn fine fondue and well priced wines along the way. Tonight, they're offering 42% off your bill to celebrate!
Exotica: Surfin' in Chicago Pre-party 1
Exotica: Surfin' in Chicago starts tonight with a visit to Tiki Terrace, 1 S. Wolf Rd. in Prospect Heights. Join other tiki and surf style enthusiasts for an evening of drinks and live music; check the Exotica site for details.
Red, White and Brew tasting @ In Fine Spirits
Come to In Fine Spirits at 5418 N. Clark for their annual "Red, White and Brew" tasting and sample summer wines and beers free of charge from 4 to 6 pm. Call 773-506-9463 for more information.
Chef Heather Terhune @ Botanic Garden
Under the breezy shade of the Regenstein Fruit and Vegetable Garden of Chicago Botanic Garden, the chef Heather Terhune (of Atwood Cafe) is doing a cooking demo today. Judging from my past experiences, there should be plenty of tasty samples to go around. At 1:30 and 2:30. For more information, visit the Botanic Garden's Garden Chef Series.Taste of Chicago @ Grant Park
The Taste kicks off for its 27th year of feasting in Grant Park. The festival runs for 10 days (through July 8th) and features dishes from over 70 restaurants. And yeah, there will also be some live music and other activities, including cooking demonstrations and games for the kids. The gates will open at 11am each day and close at 9:30pm. Admission is free but you do have to buy tickets to get the food. Call 312-744-3315 for more information.
Wendella River Cruise, Architecture Tour & Wine Tasting
Enjoy a two hour boat cruise while sipping wine selections from Kafka Wine Company and nibbling Italian treats from Buca di Beppo. Your $57 ticket also includes a guided architectural tour along the Chicago River, souvenir wine glass, and discounted parking. More info is available at the Wendella Boats website.
Taste of the Nation
Taste of the Nation, a benefit for Share Our Strength, an anti-hunger and anti-poverty non-profit, will be held tonight at 6:00 p.m. at the River East Art Center. All of the ticket sale proceeds go to local food charities, such as the Greater Chicago Food Depository. For $100, you can rub elbows with your fellow philanthropists while sampling food and wine from a plethora of local chefs.
Summer Berry Dinner @ May Street Market
Seedling Farms and Slow Food Chicago will present a dinner at May Street Market with a theme: summer berries. Dishes include a summer salad with blackberry olive vinaigrette, a "cumin scented pan-seared pacific halibit with lumb crab potato and smoked rasberry emulsion" (yum!), and a "red wine shallot glazed duck breast with strawberry risotto." Vegetarian options are available as well.
The event will take place Monday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. at May Street Market. The $54 ticket includes wine, tax and gratuity.
Call May Street Market at 312-421-5547 for reservations.
Artistry of Wine @ Penninsula
Support the Foundation on Fighting Blindness by eating and drinking the night away at the swanky Penninsula Hotel on Friday June 22nd. Chefs from Nomi, Avenues, Roy's Chicago, Sushi Wabi and plenty more will be serving up tasty treats while Christine Blumer (The Winediva) and Bob Bansberg (Ambria) guide you through matching wines at each station. Tickets are $150 and available here.
Unibroue Beer Tasting @ Provenance
Tonight from 6pm to 9pm, Provenance Food & Wine, 2528 N. California Ave., hosts a celebration of St-Jean Baptiste Day, the "national" holiday of Québec, with the Québécuois brewery Unibroue. Sample Ephemere Apple, La Fin du Monde and Maudite, as well as a selection of specialty cheeses from Québec. Free.
SELF Dishes Cooking Event @ The Chopping Block
The editors of SELF magazine's Self Dishes will be on hand to teach participants to prepare healthy meals. The event will feature a cooking demonstration, a three-course meal including wine and a gift bag. It runs from 6 to 9:30 pm at the Chopping Block's Merchandise Mart location. Tickets are $100 and registration is at tasteofdishes.com/events.php. Call 312-644-6360 for more information.
Seedling Fruit Cooking Class
Seedling Orchard, from South Haven, Michigan, sells fruit at farmers' markets around the city, including Lincoln Square, Wicker Park, and in Evanston. They also offer a free cooking class at the Chopping Block once a month. Each class focuses on a different fruit. Classes run from noon to 1 p.m. Call 773-472-6700 for reservations.
Halsted Tastes Better
The Northalsted Area Merchant's Association promises some of the finest cuisine on the north side of Chicago at this one-night festival. Local restaurants like Ann Sather, Chicago Diner, HB Home Bistro and many others will have samples of food and drinks; there will also be a waitpersons' race and live jazz. The cost is $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. Admission includes tickets for food or drink items. Festivities are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call 773-353-5939 for tickets.
Rick Bayless at Custer's Last Stand Festival
Rick Bayless, the David Lee Roth of Mexican cuisine, will be appearing at Evanston's Custer's Last Stand Festival today to conduct cooking demonstrations while casually spouting off his encyclopedic knowledge of food.
Taste of Randolph Street
Taste of Randolph Street continues today, starting at 2pm. Come enjoy food from more than a dozen restaurants, watch cooking demonstrations by chefs from Marché, Red Light, Dine, Whole Foods and the Tribune Test Kitchen, and enjoy performances by Baby Loves Disco, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Marshall Crenshaw and Lowen & Navarro. On Randolph Street west of Halsted. More info and full schedule here.
Michael Chiarello at Custer's Last Stand Festival
Finally, a cooking demonstration that doesn't end with "...and that's how you pour milk." Noted chef and Food Network celebrity Michael Chiarello will be appearing today at Evanston's Custer's Last Stand Festival to conduct potentially life-changing cooking demonstrations of his signature California-Italian fare.
Slow Food Chicago 26th St. Adventure Tour
Join Slow Food Chicago on an "adventure tour" of 26th Street in Little Village. The tour starts at 9:30am at Panaderia La Baguette, 3117 W. 26th, and runs till about noon. Tickets are $15 for SFC members, $20 non-members, and there's only room for 20; reserve your spot here.
Taste of Randolph Street
Taste of Randolph Street continues today, starting at 2pm. Come enjoy food from more than a dozen restaurants, watch cooking demonstrations by chefs from de cero, Sushi Wabi, La Sardine, Whole Foods and Vivo, and enjoy performances by Adam Fitz, the Live and Times, the Changes, The Walkmen and Smoking Popes. On Randolph Street west of Halsted. More info and full schedule here.
Taste of Randolph Street
Taste of Randolph Street kicks off tonight at 5pm. Come enjoy food from more than a dozen restaurants while you listen to The Broken West, Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers and Fountains of Wayne. On Randolph Street west of Halsted. More info and full schedule here.
11th Annual Girl Food Dinner @ West Town Tavern
Four top female chefs join Susan Goss at West Town Tavern for a five-course meal to benefit the Chicago Food Depository. This year, the line up includes Stephanie Izard (Scylla), Jackie Shen (Red Light), Missy Robbins (Spiaggia), and Christine McCabe (Park Grill). The $150 ticket includes a signature Grey Goose welcome cocktail and wine with each course. Check out the full menu here.
Ribfest @ Lincoln and Irving Park
Ribs, live music, ribs, a corner for kids and a senior oasis, ribs, performing dogs, and oh yeah, ribs are on tap at this North Center neighborhood festival, which runs from noon to 10 pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission is a $5 donation which benefits the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce. Call 847-677-8273 for more information.
Southport Green Market
Not content with the city's various farmers markets, the Southport Grocery and Cafe (1420 West Grace St.) will host several "Green Market" Saturdays over the summer and into the fall. In addition to showcasing locally grown vegetables, they'll up the ante with everything from flowers to baby food to artisan breads and cheeses on display from local growers and producers. Hours are 8AM - 1PM.
Ribfest @ Lincoln and Irving Park
Ribs, live music, ribs, a corner for kids and a senior oasis, ribs, performing dogs, and oh yeah, ribs are on tap at this North Center neighborhood festival, which runs from noon to 10 pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission is a $5 donation which benefits the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce. Call 847-677-8273 for more information.
Wine. Dine. Donate @ MK Restaurant
Head to MK tonight for Wine. Dine. Donate, a benefit for America's Second Harvest sponsored by Epicurious.com. The MK himself (Michael Kornick), along with co-chefs from Blue Water Grill and Nine Steak House, will be whipping up lobster, rabbit and rhubarb for your $100 donation.
Chicago Singles for BYOB's First Dinner
Chicago Singles for BYOB's inaugural event: Four women and four men are invited to dine at various BYOB restaurants. The first dinner will be held Wednesday, June 6th. To reserve a spot, email ChicagoSinglesBYOB@gmail.com or visit http://chicagosinglesbyob.blogspot.com/ for more information.
Bistro 110: Sommelier for a Day
Bistro 110, 110 E. Pearson, is inviting diners to choose the summer wine list at a special "Sommelier for a Day" wine tasting event tonight from 6pm to 9pm. For $30, guests will be guided through a sampling of more than 20 wines, including pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, along with hors d'oeuvres. Guests will rank the selections on scorecards, and the Bistro 110 team will tally the scores to determine the highest highest-rated wines in each category, which will then appear on the summer wine list. Reservations are recommended; call 312-266-3110.
'Hot as a Mutha' Dinner @ Heaven on Seven
A special seven-course meal, full of Cajun spice, will be prepared by chef Jimmy Bannos at Heaven on Seven on Rush at 600 N. Michigan Ave. Also included is a spicy martini or Southern Limeade and unlimited soda. Dinner is served at 7 pm and costs $35. Call 312-224-8858 for more information.
Old World Meets New World Wine Dinner @ Tru
Sommeliers Scott Tyree, Alpana Singh, Robert Bath and guest winemaker Susana Balbo of the Susana Balbo Winery in Argentina will present tastings to accompany a five-course dinner tonight at Tru. Featured wines will hail from everywhere from France to India to Long Island. A 6 pm champagne reception will precede the dinner, which costs $225 per person. Call 312-202-0001 or email truparties@leye.com for more information.
Chicago Botanic Garden Wine Festival
Day two of the Chicago Botanic Garden Wine Festival in Glencoe, the event features 250 wines from more than forty exhibitors and includes cooking demos from some of Chicago's top chefs as well as wine seminars from top experts. Affordable, $25 in advance $30 at the door, admission includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, Festival Program, the Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, and the opportunity to purchase some of the wines. Designated driver admission is only $20 in advance and $15 day of and includes most of the regular package, excluding the tastings. The Chicago Botanic Garden is located on Lake Cook Road just east of the Edens Expressway. A portion of the proceeds benefits The Chicago Botanic Garden. For more information visit their website or call 847-382-1480.
The festival takes place Saturday June 2nd 12:00-8:00pm and Sunday June 3rd 12:00-6:00pm.
Chicago Botanic Garden Wine Festival
The two day event at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe will feature 250 wines from more than forty exhibitors and includes cooking demos from some of Chicago's top chefs as well as wine seminars from top experts. Affordable, $25 in advance $30 at the door, admission includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, Festival Program, the Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, and the opportunity to purchase some of the wines. Designated driver admission is only $20 in advance and $15 day of and includes most of the regular package, excluding the tastings. The Chicago Botanic Garden is located on Lake Cook Road just east of the Edens Expressway. A portion of the proceeds benefits The Chicago Botanic Garden. For more information visit their website or call 847-382-1480.
The festival takes place Saturday June 2nd 12:00-8:00pm and Sunday June 3rd 12:00-6:00pm.
Bubbles and Berries @ Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Feel like indulging yourself a bit? Head over to Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro for Bubbles and Berries! Champagnes and sparkling wines from across the globe combined with delicious summer strawberries equal a lovely decadent evening, especially with a chocolate fountain to cover up the strawberry nakedness. Advance tickets are $40, $50 at the door, 6pm - 9pm. Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro is located at 3905 N. Lincoln Avenue, 773-248-3905.
Veggie Bike and Dine Registration re-opens
25 advance tickets for the Veggie Bike and Dine sold out in less than one day after they went on sale April 16. The remaining tickets will go on sale at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29 at http://www.biketraffic.org/.
Explore Chicago's South Side vegan-friendly eateries with friendly bicyclists when the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and EarthSave Chicago host the fourth annual Veggie Bike and Dine on July 14, 2007, starting at 11:30 a.m. in Jackson Park.
The Veggie Bike and Dine celebrates healthy dining and the diversity of Chicago's neighborhoods while celebrating bicycling's vital relationship to food, socializing, and civic life. The menus are entirely plant-based and exclusive of meat, fish, dairy products, eggs and other animal products. Registration is $50 for Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and EarthSave Chicago members and includes a tour of the historic Pullman district. Non-members pay $55. This event will sell out.
Gapers Block's 4th Anniversary Party
Start Memorial Day Weekend off right! Gapers Block celebrates its fourth anniversary tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, starting at 9:30pm! The party features music by DJ Mary Nisi, the Heaven Seventies and the Occidental Brothers Dance Band International, our patented GB Staffer Bingo, lots of prizes and giveaways, and much, much more! Woot! $10 at the door, 21+.
Think Pink Rose Wine Class @ Fox & Obel
Fox & Obel Wine Director Ashley Stockstill will show you why you're missing out if you think you're too good for Rose. This event features tastings of a wide variety of Rose wine paired with foods like smoked salmon, tapenade, prosciutto, pizza and various cheeses. The class runs from 6:30 - 8pm and costs $45, which includes a 10%-off class-night discount for other purchases made in the store. See the Fox & Obel Events page for more information.
Le Diner et Comedie @ Alliance Francaise
A la "Dinner and a Movie," Alliance Française de Chicago will show Le Diner de Cons and hold a cooking class with Marie Verlé this Thursday, May 24th. Local author, Sheena M. Jones (Get a Life! In the City: Chicago) will be there as well.
The event goes from 6 to 10 p.m. and costs $55. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-800-431-3309.
9th Annual Share Our Strength / Food Arts Championship BBQ
This Sunday the Galleria Marchetti (825 W. Erie) will host the 9th Annual Share Our Strength / Food Arts Magazine Championship BBQ & Cookout. This offshoot of the 2007 NRA show pits some of Chicago's top chefs against each other in a backyard barbeque battle. Competitors include chefs from Viand, Blackbird, Sola, Les Nomades, McCormick and Schmick's and several other very reputable local restaurants.
While the event is free and open to the public, you'll need to jump through a few hoops to get in. It should be noted that having a culinary or restaurant affiliation will help but it's apparently not necessary. However, no matter who you are, you'll need an RVSP to get in. To get that just e-mail your name, title, establishment, address and phone number to bbq.rsvp@mshanken.com, or call 212-481-8610 x 789.
Sure, that doesn't sound like an event that's quite "open to the public," but they appear to be readily giving out RVSPs, so it's worth a shot. And, should you get in, dress is casual.
Spring Trip to Lynfred Winery
Opened in 1979, Lynfred Winery in Roselle, is the oldest winery in Illinois. If you are interested in seeing their gorgeous property and learning about their offerings, Provenance Food and Wine is organizing a trip with In Fine Spirits to Lynfred on Sunday May 20th. The day includes roundtrip transport to and from the winery (departing at 10:30am and returning by 6pm), lunch, a tour and a wine tasting with winemaker Andres Basso, all for $80. Contact Provenance to reserve your spot at (773) 384-0699.
Clotilde Dusoulier Book Signing @ Book Cellar
Clotilde Dusoulier, who created the popular Parisian food blog Chocolate and Zucchini, will sign copies of her new book Chocolate and Zucchini: Daily Adventures in a Parisian Kitchen at the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square. The event begins at 1:30 pm and is free and open to everyone.
National Restaurant Association Show
Billed as the Western Hemisphere's largest foodservice and hospitality event, the 2007 National Restaurant Association Show opens at McCormick place on May 19 and runs through the 22. International cuisine and beverages, equipment, furnishings, innovative design, technology, and more are showcased at this annual event featuring over 2,000 companies from more than 100 countries. There is plenty to do and see, from an "all organic" pavilion to ice carving competitions. Wear your walking shoes - this event is huge and there is a lot of ground to cover.
Slow Food Founder to Speak
The Founder of the Slow Food movement, Carlo Petrini will speak tonight (in Italian, with a translator) at Northwestern University School of Law's Thorne Auditorium (at Chicago and Lake) about his new book, Slow Food Nation: Why our Food Should be Good, Clean, and Fair.
The talk starts at 2 p.m. and admission is $5, although if you're a student or faculty, the event is free. Reservations are advised. They can be made here or by calling the Chicago Humanities Festival at 312-661-1028, ext. 40.
A book signing will take place following the lecture. Books will be sold by The Book Stall of Winnetka.
Women Chefs and Restaurateurs Dinner
Women Chefs and Restaurateurs will host a reception, dinner and silent auction featuring renowned local women chefs on Friday, May 18, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at The Union League Club, located at 65 West Jackson Boulevard in Chicago. Participating chefs include Ina Pinkney - Ina's; Deann Bayless - Border Grill and Topolobampo; Elvia Granados - Francesca's; and Michelle Garcia - Bleeding Heart Bakery. Tickets can be purchased online here for $150.00 per ticket or $1,300.00 per table of 10, and proceeds go to fund scholarship and internship opportunities for both beginning and experienced culinary professionals.
Ethel's Chocolates 2nd Anniversary
Ethel's Chocolates is celebrating its second anniversary and recent accolades in AOL City Guide and Chicago Magazine by giving away chocolates at all its Chicagoland locations:
2 N. Riverside Plaza
North Bridge Mall, 520 N. Michigan Ave.
900 N. Michigan Ave.
819 W. Armitage Ave.
3404 N. Southport Ave.
20530 N. Rand Rd. #416, Deer Park
527 Davis St., Evanston
45 S. Washington, Hinsdale
28 W. Jefferson St., Naperville
253 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie
Gourmet's Wine Cellar
Gourmet Magazine hosts its 4th annual Wine Cellar benefit for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Chefs include Gourmet’s Sara Moulton, Grant Achatz, Rick Bayless, Homaru Cantu, Jason Paskewitz and many more, giving cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and seminars. 6-9pm tonight at River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St. Tickets are $100, available online or by calling 1-800-679-0397.
Green City Market Opens @ park beside 1750 N. Clark
Green City Market, a well-known source of sustainable produce, opens Wednesday in the park beside 1750 N. Clark and runs Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This week (Wednesday and Saturday), you'll find baked goods, bread, asparagus, lettuce, greens, herbs, peas, sprouts, panini, flowers, plants, rhubarb, strawberries, onions, radish, rutabaga, tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms and more. Seedling, an excellent Green City source of fruit, will have their fall 2006 apple cider that they froze for us, apple and bear butters, dried fruit, and perhaps some of their rhubarb if it's ready. Check out the long list of farmers at Green City.
Get your bicycle out because there's no better way to roll here. Everyone's doing it. CDOT's ChicagoBikes.org gives tips. Stop in before work if it's on your way.
Pizza Making Demonstration @ Fox & Obel
Jonathan Goldsmith of Spacca Napoli will demonstrate pizza-making the Neopolitan way as Chicago Magazine's Jeff Ruby discusses his new book, Everybody Loves Pizza, which he wrote with the dining editor of the magazine, Penny Pollack. The event runs from 6:30 - 8 pm and costs $45, which includes a free autographed copy of the book. See the Fox & Obel events page for more information.
Wine, Women and Chocolate @ Bella Lounge
This benefit for the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization will feature appetizers, wine, signature pink cocktails, chocolate martinis and chocolate desserts. The event, which runs from 6 to 8 pm, will take place at Bella Lounge at 1212 N. State, and tickets are $50-$65. Call 312-440-3826 for more information.
California Night Tasting @ Sam's Wine & Spirits (Chicago)
Here's a chance to try a huge selection of wines from the Pacific Northwest for a reasonable price. Yes, its a $50 ticket (in advance), but this tasting usually features well over 200 wines and dozens of winemakers and owners of estates on hand to pour and share information. Despite the size of the event, this is no crapfest of mass produced $8 bottlings either. Plenty of reserve and limited production wines to keep even the biggest cork dorks happy. Tasting is from 5-8pm and taking public transit is a really good idea. The event draws a huge crowd, so be mentally prepared for rubbing elbows and everything else with 500 of your closest new friends.
Val de Loire Wine Dinner @ Cafe Matou
Chef Charlie Socher will present a five-course meal featuring the wine and cuisine of the Loire Valley this Tuesday at Cafe Matou, which is located at 1846 N. Milwaukee Ave. The dinner begins at 7 pm and costs $69, including tax and tip. Call 773-384-8911 for more information.
Wine Spectator Grand Tour Tasting @ Hyatt Regency
Super duper wine geeks may want to splurge on this fancy pants festival of high falootin wines. Tickets are an eye popping $200, but a savvy taster can easily get their money's worth with mere sips of some of the greatest wines in the world. Wineries like Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Ornellaia, Williams Selyem, Qunita do Noval, and Penfolds will be pouring their most highly acclaimed stuff, often by the winemakers themselves. The crowd can be a bit pompous, but who cares when you're sipping Chateau Margaux? Hyatt Regency Hotel, 151 E Wacker, 7-10pm.
Patricia Wells Book Signing @ Fox & Obel
Patricia Wells, celebrated cookbook author and teacher, will be signing copies of her new book, Vegetable Harvest: Vegetables at the Center of the Plate. The signing will take place from 11am-1pm at Fox & Obel at 401 E. Illinois.
Andersonville Wine Walk
In Fine Spirits will present Andersonville's first Wine Walk this afternoon from 2 to 5 pm. The event will feature tastings of more than 40 wines, and a specially printed wine glass will be given to each participant for sipping at various Andersonville shops and restaurants. Proceeds benefit the Andersonville Development Corporation. Call (773) 506-WINE for more information.
BeerFest 2007 @ Navy Pier
This Saturday, between celebrating Cinco de Mayo and watching the ponies run, head down to Navy Pier for BeerFest 2007: Beer on the Pier II. There will be hundreds of beers to sample and live music too. Tickets are $37.50-$47.50 per session, the first of which runs from noon to 4 pm and the second from 6 to 10 pm. Call 888-695-0888 for more information.
Gumballhead Kick Off Party @ Handlebar
For Cinco de Mayo, you can commemorate the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla and kick off the summer brewing season at Handlebar, with local (Hammond, Indiana) brewery, Three Floyds. According to Three Floyds' event listing, there will be "beer, bands and food." There will no doubt be bike enthusiast hipsters, as well. So dust off the bike you haven't looked at since last summer, tossle your hair, roll up your right pant leg and cycle on over.
Growing Home Chicago's 5th Annual Benefit
Growing Home Chicago's annual benefit dinner is tonight from 6 to 9 P.M. at the Garfield Park Conservatory. In addition to supporting their cause, your $80 ticket gets you a gourmet dinner made by the likes of Michael Altenberg, Greg Christian Catering, Fox & Obel, Lula Cafe, and Shawn McClain. There is also a silent auction. Details are available on this PDF.
Cinco de Mayo at Country House
The three Chicago area Country House restaurants are celebrating Cinco de Mayo on May 4 and 5, with lunch and dinner specials like Carne Asada, Chicken Enchiladas and Tamales Magdaleno. There's a location in Lisle (630-983-0545), Geneva (630-208-8181) and Clarendon Hills (630-325-1444).
Dog Eating Contest @ The Dugout
Pound as many hot dogs as you can and win Cubs tickets and a chance to eat more in the next round of competition. The contest begins at 5 pm at The Dugout at 950 W. Addison, and the entry fee is $10 per person. Call 773-281-4213 for more information.
Bavarian Früh Schoppen @ Brauhaus
The Chicago Brauhaus hosts a traditional Bavarian Früh Schoppen -- a "special brunch" -- today from 11:30am to 3pm. The brunch will feature Die Blaskapelle Seefeld, a 10-piece brass band, as well as Bavarian food and Spaten Mai Bock beer. Reservations recommended.
Save the Whale Bake Sale
Just a reminder, Half & Half is hosting the Save the Whale Bake Sale on Saturday from 1pm on. Proceeds will help fund Greenpeace's next venture to the Southern Ocean near Antarctica and to raise awareness on the plight of the whale, and engage the public to pressure the U.S. government in said plight. Come on down and buy a cookie for a good cause.
DarkLord Day @ Three Floyds Brewery
What's with beer geeks and satanic imagery?
Today, just over the border in Hammond Indiana, Three Floyds Brewery will sell their DarkLord Russian Imperial Stout and host a festival in honor of the brew. It's a once a year event, so command your excuses to get behind thee and high tail it over there! The event starts at noon and will include food, beer rating and trading, and bands.
Too bad it's not on a Sunday, because the irony of snagging a ride on the blue fundamentalist church bus that goes to Hammond First Baptist to 1), drink beer, and 2), drink a beer named after the Dark Lord, is priceless. Literally, too. Those rides are free.
Dining Out for Life
Dozens of Chicagoland restaurants donate a portion of your bill to AIDS Care Chicago, which provides housing, care and support services to children, families and adults living with advanced HIV/AIDS. Check out the Dining Out for Life website to see which restaurants near you are participating.
Two Brothers Brewery Tasting Dinner
Sola, 3868 N. Lincoln Ave., hosts a five-course dinner to match beers from Warren-based Two Brothers Brewing tonight at 6:30pm. The Ebel brothers will be on hand to talk about the beer. $55 per person; reserve your spot by calling 773-327-3868.
Spring Wine "Grand Tasting" @ Sam's Downers Grove
This Sunday from 1-4 PM, Sam's Wines & Spirits is throwing their 2007 Grand Tasting at the Downers Grove location. They'll have dozens of luscious reds and succulent whites representing vineyards from all across the globe. And Sam's always provides and array of wine prices at these events, so whether you arrive by limo or METRA (hey, it's Downers Grove, are you gonna walk?), you should be able to find the perfect wine to fit both your palate and your budget.
Register online for $20 or pay a $30 admission fee at the door.
Beer Tasting @ Treasure Island
As part of their "Passport to The World of Beers" series, Glunz Beer will host a beer tasting and discussion. Tonight's theme is Belgian beers. The tasting will run from 7 - 9 pm and costs $20.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 773-327-4265 ext. 307.
Junior Achievement Wine Tasting w/ The Winediva
Join our own Winediva, Christine Blumer, on April 19th at the swanky Tavern Club for a tasting of South American wines. Tickets are only $50 and you'll be helping support Junior Achievement in Chicago. Help kids by drinking; what could be better? Get tickets here.
Earth Day Happy Hour @ Goose Island
Learn how to conserve energy and live green -- while drinking quality beer -- at Goose Island Brewery's Earth Day Happy Hour today from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Exhibitors include the Chicago Bicycle Federation, Clif Bar, Consolidated Printing, Energy Detectives, I-Go Car Sharing, Millicare Cleaning, Openlands Native Landscaping and SoySafe Cleaners. There will be prizes and a raffle as well. Admission is free and so are the apps, but it's a cash bar, and you'll need to be 21 to drink. At the Clybourn brewpub, 1800 N. Clybourn Ave.
ViniPortugal 2007
The Portuguese Trade and Tourism Office and Port and Douro Wine Institutes are hosting a tasting of over 400 Portuguese wines and ports at the InterContinental Chicago. Come early for the seminar which will provide an introduction to the wines of Portugal from 6 to 6:30 pm. The tasting runs from 5:30 to 8 pm, and the price of entry is a $25 suggested donation, which benefits Share Our Strength. RSVP by Monday, April 16 by calling 800-871-9012 ext. 22171.
Anne Willan Lecture on Historical Recipes
Anne Willan, founder of the famous La Varenne Cooking School in the Burgundy region of France, will present a lecture entitled "An Exploration of the Best and Worst of Historical Recipes" at 10 am. The lecture will take place at Robert Morris College at 401 S. State St. in room 809. Sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago, the event is free for members, $5 for students, and $10 for the general public. For reservations, call 708-788-0338 or email rsvpchc@yahoo.com.
American Ruralist Movement @ Chicago City Arts Gallery
Attend the gallery opening of the American Ruralist Movement's first collective show at Chicago City Arts Gallery, 410 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 601. In addition to the art and wine, there will be two live Bluegrass music sets: 5:30-6:30 pm and 7:00-8:00 pm. The event is free and begins at 4:30pm and ends at 9pm. The exhibition runs from Friday, April 13 through Saturday, May 26.
IACP Cookbook Expo
For the first time this year, the International Association of Culinary Professionals will open its cookbook expo to the public during their annual conference. Over 60 authors are expected to be on hand at 5 pm downtown at the Hilton Chicago to sign their cookbooks. Admission is free but you must email IACPCookbookExpo@hqtrs.com to reserve your ticket.
Wine Tasting Benefit for CASE @ Urbanest
In Fine Spirits will present a tasting of 20 Wines for $20 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to benefit CASE (Community for Alternate Sources of Energy), a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainability and the environment run by students at Northside College Prep. Call Urbanest at 773-271-1000 or drop by the store at 5228 N Clark to reserve your spot.
Thai New Year Celebration @ Vong's Thai Kitchen
Tonight and tomorrow night (April 11th and 12th), Vong's Thai Kitchen at 6 W. Hubbard St.will be serving a special menu to celebrate the Songkran Festival, which is the traditional Thai New Year. Musicians and dancers will also be on hand from 5:30 pm to 10 pm. Call 312-644-8664 for more information.
Spirits Night @ Sam's Wine & Spirits
In advance of the sold-out Whisky Fest this Friday, Sam's Wine & Spirits holds its Spirits Night Grand Tasting tonight from 5pm to 8pm, featuring samplings of cognacs, armagnacs, bourbons, Scotch, Canadian and Irish whiskies. Meet Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller, Wild Turkey Bourbon; Simon Brooking, Master Ambassador, The Dalmore/Laphroaig; Jeffrey Topping, President, Wild Scotsman Whiskey; John McDougall, Master Distiller, McDougall's Selections; Tom Bulleit, Founder, Bulleit Bourbon; Richard Lombard, Sales Director, Lombard Whisky; George Grant, Brand Ambassador, Glenfarclas Malt Whisky; Fred Noe, Brand Ambassador, Jim Beam Brands; Peter Currie, Springbank Whisky; Martin Duffy, Master of Whisky, Chicago; Evan Cattanach, Master Distiller (ret.); Paul Cassidy, Michael Collins; Ian Miller, Master Distiller, Glenfiddich Whisky; Alex Nicol, Managing Director, Pigs Nose/Sheep Dip Whisky; and Nick Forbes, Senior Sales Executive, Duncan Taylor & Co Ltd. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door -- 21 and over, obviously.
Cooking Class and Chinatown Shopping Trip
Executive chef of Red Light Jackie Shen will lead a group on a grocery shopping expedition to Chinatown, including a stop for dim sum. The group will end up back at Red Light for a cooking class. The adventure begins at 9:30 am at the restaurant. The cost is $80 per person. Call 312-733-8880 for more information.
8th Annual Edible Book Show & Tea
The Columbia College Library will host the Chicago exhibit of this year's international festival of edible literature from 1 to 3 pm. Admission is free for those who contribute an edible book and $10 for those who come just to look and taste. Call 312-344-7369 or email ediblebooks@gmail.com to RSVP.
Wing Eating Contest @ Cans
It's too late to register as a competitor, but spectators are welcome at Cans Bar and Canteen. Teams of four will be vying for the title of wing-eating champion of Chicago, not to mention $500 and an X-Box 360, among other prizes. The contest kicks off at 8 pm, and it's free for those who come to watch the madness.
Unlimited Wine & Chocolate
That's right, unlimited wine and chocolate tonight at Kafka Wine, 3325 N. Halsted. It's a benefit for ChildServ, a family-oriented nonprofit that runs programs to help keep children and families out of risky situations. $45 in advance ($50 at the door) gets you in for a sampling of chocolate from around the world and a wide variety of complementary (and complimentary) wines; you'll also be entered in a drawing for a wine basket and White Sox tickets. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now by calling 773-867-7360.
Jazz & Juice @ Bin Wine Cafe
The News Quartet will play at this event featuring "wine, cheese, jazz & funk" at Bin Wine Cafe. The event costs $20 and runs from 7 to 9 pm. Call 773-486-cafe for more information.
FamilyFarmed.org Expo
The FamilyFarmed Expo takes place today at the Chicago Cultural Center. The schedule boasts about a dozen workshops, on topics like healthy eating and sustainable farming, a Farmer's Market, chef's presentatoins and general schmoozing with a bunch of local farmers and CSA operators.
Tickets to the Expo are two for $25 for both days, or $15 for one day.
Localicious Food and Wine Tasting Party @ Chicago Cultural Center
A group of local chefs will be serving up dishes made from local organic produce this evening at 6 pm in Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center. The Dominic Johnson Trio will also perform. This evening event is part of the FamilyFarmed.org Expo which runs through Saturday. Tickets are $75 in advance and $90 at the door. Call 312-951-8999 ext. 107 for more information.
"How to Eat Like a Local" @ 826CHI
"How many times have you blown your cover in Nigeria when asking for a fork to eat your foo foo?" Tribune reporter Monica Eng helps you fit in with a hands-on eating lesson for Ethiopian, Nigerian and Vietnamese food at this event tonight at 7pm at 826CHI, 1331 North Milwaukee Ave. 826CHI says, "there will also be a mystery food table where visitors who can guess what the heck they are eating will win glorious prizes." $25 gets you in; call 773-772-8108 reserve a spot in advance.
Chef Marcus Samuelsson @ Macy's
Marcus Samuelsson, chef at New York restaurant Aquavit, will be demonstrating recipes from and signing his new cookbook, The Soul of a New Cuisine: A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa. This event, which is free and part of Macy's African flower show "Gadina Africana," will take place from noon to 2 pm at the Marketplace, on the lower level of Macy's on State Street. Visit the store's events page for more information.
From Farm to Plate
Chicago Green Drinks is hosting its monthly event for "those interested in sustainability and environmental issues" at Jefferson Tap & Grille. Tonight's discussion: "From Food to Plate: Chicago Food Policy Issues." The discussion will include a panel discussion, community networking, and of course, food and drink. The panelists are Jim Braun
co-Founder of Illinois Farmer-Consumer Coalition, Irv Cernauskas, co-founder of Irv & Shelly's Fresh Picks, and Warren King, the general manager of Goodness Greeness.
If you're a nine-to-fiver, head over after work. It gets started at 5:30 and goes until 9 p.m., with the panel discussion from 7 to 8 p.m. The cost is $5 (or $2 if you're a student and/or low income), and since it's at a bar, you must be 21 or older to attend. Jefferson Tap is located at 325 N. Jefferson in Chicago.
March of the Chefs @ Lula Cafe
Slow Food Chicago presents the March of the Chefs tonight at 6:30pm at Lula Cafe, 2537 N. Kedzie. Chefs from across the country who attended the Terra Madre Congress in Turin, Italy last October, will be holding special benefit dinners in their restaurants to share their Terra Madre experiences. A portion of the proceeds from these dinners will go towards Slow Food Nation, a four-day celebration to promote and reinvigorate America’s diverse food traditions, planned for May 1-4, 2008, in San Francisco. Lula owner-chefs Lea Tshilds and Jason Hammel will host a three-course dinner featuring the products of local Dekalb organic farmer Adrian Plapp. Tickets are $40 per person and space is limited — no reservations are being taken — so you better arrive early.
Chef Didier Durand @ Chicagoland Flower and Garden Show
Chef Didier Durand of Cyrano's Bistrot will demonstrate preparing a dish made with fresh, all-natural (and potentially home-grown) ingredients. The demonstration starts at 1 pm and is part of the Garden Gourmet series at the Chicagoland Flower and Garden Show, taking place from March 10-17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center at 5555 N. River Rd. in Rosemont. Visit the show's website for more information.
20th Anniversary Celebration @ Ann Sather
Eat at the Andersonville location of Ann Sather Thursday, Friday, or Saturday (March 15-17) and get a free slice of Swedish marzipan birthday cake to celebrate the restaurant's 20th Anniversary. The restaurant is located at 5207 N. Clark St. Call (773) 271-6677 for more information.
Chocolate & Cheese @ Vosges
Chocolatier Katrina Markoff leads a tasting of chocolate and cheese pairings on March 15th at the Lincoln Park store at 7pm. Tickets are $30 and include some wine pairings, appetizers, and a chocolate goodie bag. Call 773-296-9866 or email armitage@vosgeschocolate.com to reserve a space.
Celebrating Women in Wine FREE @ Randolph Wine Cellars
Sample a selection of wines made by top female winemakers around the world from 5-8pm at Randolph Street Cellars. Chicago gals who want to really get their wine on can become members of Chicago City Sippers and receive 15 % off their purchases and visit with Gapers Block's own Winediva, Christine Blumer. Note to single guys: This is a no brainer. Women. Wine. Free.
"Sweet 16" Blind Wine Tasting @ In Fine Spirits
This battle of the wines kicks off today and continues throughout the duration of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Stop in to In Fine Spirits, located at 5418 N. Clark, and pick your favorite in the blind tasting, which will be a face-off between the two wines of a particular varietal or region. The winning wines will advance to the next round, so return often to the shop to ensure that your favorite goes all the way to the championship. Call (773) 506-9463 for more information.
Fried Chicken Throwdown @ West Town Tavern
Fried chicken expert John T. Edge from the University of Mississippi will be on hand to lead a three course dinner (each cousre featuring fried chicken) with wine pairings from Garretson Winery. "Fried chicken lore" and two short films featuring famous fried chicken restaurants of the South are also on tap for the evening. The dinner starts at 6 pm and costs $75 per person. The restaurant will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Southern Foodways Alliance. Check out West Town Tavern's events page for more information.
Mario Batali Book Signing @ Fox & Obel
From 2 to 3 pm, Mario Batali will be signing copies of his book Molto Italiano. There will also be a tasting of La Mozza wines, Batali's collaborative venture with Lidia and Joe Bastianich, and dishes prepared from recipes in the book. You must buy a book to attend, and you can "check in" anytime after 7am to receive a number for the signing. Check out the store's events page for more information.
Alton Brown @ Crate & Barrel
Alton Brown, star of Food Network's "Good Eats" and "Iron Chef," will be at the Crate & Barrel flagship store, 646 N. Michigan Ave., for a "free demo on the selection & the care and feeding of your most prized cutlery."
March of the Chefs @ Timo
Slow Food Chicago presents the March of the Chefs tonight at 6:30pm at Timo, 464 N. Halsted. Chefs from across the country who attended the Terra Madre Congress in Turin, Italy last October, will be holding special benefit dinners in their restaurants to share their Terra Madre experiences. A portion of the proceeds from these dinners will go towards Slow Food Nation, a four-day celebration to promote and reinvigorate America’s diverse food traditions, planned for May 1-4, 2008, in San Francisco. Tonight's event is hosted by Terra Madre chef John Bubula and features a four-course dinner with wine pairings and hors d’ouevre, with grass-fed beef from TallGrass Beef Company. Tickets are $50 per person and space is limited, so call 312-226-4300 now to reserve your spot.
"Orange Orngy" Festival @ Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
This week-long festival kicks off tonight with special dishes and drinks prepared with oranges, trivia, games, and a drawing for a home-cooked dinner made by the restaurant's executive chef, Tim Cottini. Saturday and Sunday, March 10th and 11th, the restaurant will serve an "Orange Orangy" brunch with a build-you-own screwdriver bar. Visit Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba's website for more information.
Italian Wine Dinner @ Osteria Via Stato
Master sommelier Serafin Alverado will be pairing Italian wines with a four-course prix-fixe dinner at this relatively new Lettuce Entertain You restaurant in River North. The meal costs $75, and seatings start at 6 pm. Call 312-642-8450 for reservations.
Grant Achatz & Michael Ruhlman @ Steppenwolf
Alinea's Grant Achatz is interviewed by New York Times contributing food writer Michael Ruhlman at 3pm today at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, as part of the theatre's Traffic Jam series. Tickets are $15. More info here.
A Taste of Hyde Park
A benefit for the Hyde Park Transitional Housing Project, this event will feature dishes prepared by many of Hyde Park's well-known restaurants. Celebrated jazz pianist Willie Pickens will perform live. The event, which runs from 6 to 9 pm, will be held at Church of St. Paul and the Redeemer at the corner of Dorchester and 50th Street. Tickets are $30 for the general public and $20 for students. Call 773-351-2049 for more information.
Unibroue Beer Dinner
Cooper's (1232 W. Belmont) hosts a dinner showcasing the Belgian style beers of the Canadian Unibroue. Each of the five courses will be paired with a different beer. $45 (not including tax and gratuity) gets you in. The dinner starts at 7:00. Reservations can be made at (773) 929-2667, and the menu can be previewed here.
Wine & Roses @ River East Art Center
This fundraiser for the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association will feature fine wines, hors d'oeuvres, auctions, and a raffle. Tickets for this event, which runs from 6 to 9 pm, are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. More information is available at the event's website.
"Living on the Wedge" screening @ The Lake Theater
This 2006 documentary on artisan cheese-making in southern Wisconsin will be screened at 6:30 pm at the Lake Theater at 1020 Lake St in Oak Park in Oak Park. The Marion Street Cheese Market is also hosting the event, which includes a tasting of cheeses from many local southern Wisconsin producers. Tickets are $35-$45, and proceeds go to the Oak Park Area Arts Council. Call 708-848-2088 for more information.
"Pouring with Alpana Singh" @ Mrs. Murphy & Son's
The women's only wine club, Chicago City Sippers presents "Pouring with Alpana Singh" Feb. 28 at Mrs. Murphy & Son's Irish Bistro. Singh, host of WTTW's "Check, Please," will discuss her new book "Alpana Pours" while attendees sip wine from Fox Valley Winery and the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association. Mrs. Murphy's will provide appetizers.
The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. and advanced reservations are required. The cost is $49 (which includes a copy of the book) or $29 (no book). Call 312-217-4313 for tickets.
"Picasso's Women" @ Café Ba-Ba-Reeba
Topless women? Actually, that's tapas and women. Both of which you'll get plenty of when Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! and the Art Institute present a six-course tapas dinner to accompany a lecture titled "Picasso's Women." The lecture will include slides featuring Pablo Picasso's renderings of the female form and the dinner will include wines, sherries and brandies. Girly drawings, girly drinks.
The event is the first in a four-part series titled "Spanish Masters," in which the restaurant and the museum will team up to offer diners a prix-fixe dinner and a presentation on Spanish art. "Picasso's Women" will take place Sunday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. The cost is $60 per person and reservations are required. They can be made by calling 773-935-5000.
Spy Basics: Desserts @ The Boring Store
Today at 3:30pm, kids can learn how to use liquid nitrogen to make instant ice cream with molecular geneticist Stephanie Levi at the Boring Store, 1331 North Milwaukee Ave., the "undercover secret agent supply store" now fronting (and partially funding) 826CHI. Call 773-772-8108 for more information.
Maple Tree Tapping @ North Park Village Nature Center
Maple syrup doesn't have to come from Vermont. The whole tree-tapping, syrup-making process takes place right here in the city, at the North Park Village Nature Center, located at 5801 N. Pulaski Road. From 1 pm to 2:30 pm this Saturday and Sunday (as well as March 10th and 11th), you can learn how it's all done and sample the sweet final product. Registration is required ahead of time. Call (312) 744-5472. For more information, visit the park's events page.
Maple Tree Tapping @ North Park Village Nature Center
Maple syrup doesn't have to come from Vermont. The whole tree-tapping, syrup-making process takes place right here in the city, at the North Park Village Nature Center, located at 5801 N. Pulaski Road. From 1 pm to 2:30 pm this Saturday and Sunday (as well as March 10th and 11th), you can learn how it's all done and sample the sweet final product. Registration is required ahead of time. Call (312) 744-5472. For more information, visit the park's events page.
Vintage Beer Fest @ Delilah's
For just $20, taste over 80 different beers from 50 breweries at this event, held annually at Delilah's, the funky bar at 2771 N. Lincoln. The festival lasts from noon to 6 pm and features brews from Goose Island, Piece Brewery, and Three Floyds. Call 773-472-2771 for more information.
Beer & Chocolate @ Provenance
Provenance Food and Wine is celebrating its first birthday with a beer and chocolate tasting. And when it's your birthday, you splurge: Unibroue and Vosges are on the menu. The tasting takes place on Feb. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Zingerman's Guide to Good Eating Book Signing
Ari Weinzweig, founder and CEO of Zingerman's, the legendary Ann Arbor deli turned food empire, will be at Pastoral, 2945 N. Broadway, from 6pm to 8pm tonight to sign his new book, Zingerman’s Guide to Good Eating. Free. Call 773-472-4781 for more information.
Lemon Fest @ Mon Ami Gabi
When life hands you lemons, make a crapload of stuff with lemons. That's what Lettuce Entertain You's French bistro, Mon Ami Gabi, is doing starting Thursdsay, Feb. 22 when it hosts its Third Annual Lemon Festival through Wednesday, Feb. 28th at both the Chicago and Oak Brook locations.
The festival will include a special menu featuring drinks, appetizers, entrées and desserts made with lemons, including citron martinis, lemon lollipops, lemon-thyme seared salmon and the quintessential lemon tart. There will also be trivia and games with a grand prize of a complimentary dinner for four. Just don't be a sour loser if you don't win.
Information about locations and hours can be found here.
Wine 101 w/ The Winediva @ Uncork it!
Learn the basics of wine from Drive Thru's own Winediva, Christine Blumer. For just $20, you'll taste six wines and learn to swirl, sniff, and sip like a pro. Wed Feb 21st at 7pm. Get more info here.
Wikstrom's moving sale
Wikstrom's Gourmet Foods, the Swedish deli that's been selling delicacies in the Andersonville neighborhood for over 40 years, is moving its business one block down Clark Street, and this weekend they're having a moving sale and open house with a free Swedish buffet. Hours today are 11:00 to 5:00. Wikstrom's: 5247 N. Clark. (773) 275-6100.
Wikstrom's moving sale
Wikstrom's Gourmet Foods, the Swedish deli that's been selling delicacies in the Andersonville neighborhood for over 40 years, is moving its business one block down Clark Street, and this weekend they're having a moving sale and open house with a free Swedish buffet. Hours today are noon to 7:00 PM, and hours tomorrow are 11:00 to 5:00. Wikstrom's: 5247 N. Clark. (773) 275-6100.
Chinese New Year Celebration at Ben Pao
The festivities will be going on throughout the weekend at River North's Ben Pao Restaurant, featuring a Chinese Lion Dance Friday and Saturday nights at 7 pm. A special "Pig Out" menu designed by famous Chinese-American Chicago residents will be available February 15-28, with a a pre fixe dinner on Sunday night. For reservations, call 312-222-1888. For more information, visit the restaurant's events page.
Winediva on WGN @ Chicago Auto Show
Visit Gapersblock pal Christine Blumer, owner of Winediva Enterprises, on February 13th at the Chicago Auto Show. She'll be chatting about wines to share with your sweetie on The Steve Cochran Show broadcast live from the Chevrolet booth at about 1:00pm. Don't have plans to gawk at the new hybrids on a Tuesday afternoon? No worries, you can tune in to 720 am or stream live from the WGN website.
Pre-Valentine's Taste Testing @ Book Cellar
Unibroue Beers and Katherine Anne Chocolates come to the Book Cellar to ofter a special pre-Valentine's Day taste testing. Space is limited and tickets are $10, so buy them now! The Book Cellar is located at 4736 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for reservations and information.
Sushi with The Fish Guy
Join the North Side's fave fishmonger, The Fish Guy, for some hands-on sushi making with Chef Leo Bariso. You'll learn how to make miso soup and a large variety of sushi and sashimi using The Fish Guy's freshest fish and shellfish. Plus, you'll have Chef Leo's complete attention and the relaxing environs of The Fish Guy store at 4423 N. Elston. The class costs $75 and registration is required. Call 773-283-8400 to learn more and reserve your spot.
Playing with Your Food @ Chicago Cultural Center
Ten professional artists will demonstrate how to sculpt food into jewelry, wrapping paper and other unique items. The event runs from 12:00-4:00 PM at G.A.R. Hall in the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington St. Free. For more information visit the Center's calendar.
Check, Please! new season starts
Everybody's favorite restaurant review program Check, Please! returns for a new season of reviews by plain old folks. Tune into Channel 11, WTTW, tonight at 8:00 PM.
World Kitchen Learning Series: More than Marinara
Tonight from 6:00–8:30 pm, learn more about how to make the best marinara ever from the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.
Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale @ Pulaski Park
Over 100 arts and crafts vendors, 2 food vendors, and 12 djs will keep you occupied from 12pm to 5pm at Pulaski Park, 1419 W. Blackhawk St. For more information, visit http://renegadecraftfair.com.
Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale @ Pulaski Park
Over 100 arts and crafts vendors, 2 food vendors, and 12 djs will keep you occupied from 12pm to 5pm at Pulaski Park, 1419 W. Blackhawk St. For more information, visit http://renegadecraftfair.com.
Claudia Roden @ Newberry Library
The author of many excellent regional and ethnic cookbooks, including the New Book of Middle Eastern Food and the Book of Jewish Food, Roden discusses her work this evening at 6:30 PM as part of the Nextbook Writers Series. $6 to $8, 60 W Walton. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the website.
Cooking with Organics @ MCA
Join Jim Slama, founder of FamilyFarmed.org and Conscious Choice magazine, and a chef from Wolfgang Puck's for a hands-on cooking workshop. Create an organic dish and discuss the health, ecological benefits, and practical concerns of using organics in the kitchen. This evening from 6-9pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E Chicago Ave).
Presented in conjunction with Massive Change: The Future of Global Design (through Dec 31) and Sustaintainable Architecture in Chicago: Works in Progress (through Jan 6). For more information call 312-397-4010 or visit the website.
Give Peas a Chance!
Chef John comes to the Museum of Contemporary Art to teach everyone how to make food fun again. In this workshop you'll learn tips for making easy, healthy dinners, and while you're eating your dinner tonight you'll get to see a special live sketch performance. Geared toward children 3-8 and their parents. Registration is required, $5 per person, and can be made by calling 312-494-9509. 4-6pm at 220 E. Chicago Ave.
Chopping Block Trunk Show
The Chopping Block is holding their second annual trunk show at their Merchandise Mart home. From 10am-6:30pm you can check out all of their vendors, including All Clad, Le Creuset, Global, Urban Accents and more. There will be cookware demonstrations and product tastings all day and you'll get to see products so new they're still in development. Free and open to all, suite 107 (enter off Wells St. for easy access). Call 312-644-6360 for more information.
Andersonville BBQ & Music Festival for St. Gregory's
Today might be your last summer fest (and technically, your first Autumn Fest of 2006). This one's got some sweet (and tasty) perks. There'll be BBQ for purchase, as well as some great music from some fine and dandy pop and bluegrass bands. In the St. Gregory's parking lot at 5500 N. Ashland Ave., starting at noon (music starts at 4pm) and running to 10pm, here's the lineup:
- Main Stage
4 p.m.: Prohibition Orchestra
5:15 p.m.: The Delafields
6:30 p.m.: Canasta
8 p.m.: Angel Melendez Mambo Orchestra
9:30 p.m.: Scotland Yard Gospel Choir
- Bluegrass Stage
4:45 p.m.: Devil In a Woodpile
6 p.m.: The Henhouse Prowlers
7:30 p.m.: Outlaw Family Band
9 p.m.: The Henhouse Prowlers
Your $5 admission will go toward repairing the stained glass at St. Gregory's church in Andersonville. For more info, call 773-561-3546.
Beer & Sausage Pairing @ Map Room
Jim Javenkoski (Culinary Attaché for Unibroue) and Hot Doug (you've probably heard of him) match sausage sandwiches with six of Unibroue's Belgian-style beers at the Map Room, 1949 N. Hoyne, at 6:30 PM. Tickets ($25) are extremely limited and available only at the bar, so you should probably call first: (773) 252-7636.
Pierogi Fest 2006
Pierogi Fest offers a variety of events all weekend long on 119th Street in Whiting, Indiana. Highlights include the Polka Parade, music, dancing, and -- of course -- lots of pierogis. Visit their website or call (219) 659-0292 for specific time and event information. Don't forget to shake hands with Mr. Pierogi and his friends!
Starbucks Coffee Break
What's better than coffee? Coffee that's free! Come to Two North Riverside Plaza from 11am-2pm today to get yours from Starbucks as they host a free coffee break, complete with pastries, sandwiches, teas, blended beverages and desserts. You can also get chair massages, skincare products from H2O+ and free TimeOut magazines. Sounds like the perfect way to spend a couple of summer hours.
Tour de Biergarten
The Logan Square Draught Beer Preservation Society presents The 2nd Annual Tour de Biergarten, A Bicycle Tour of Chicago's Finest Garden Taps today from 2pm till whenever. It's free, although you'll have to pay for any beers you drink.
Draught Itinerary:
2pm Happy Village (1059 N Wolcott Ave)
3pm Ten Cat (3931 N Ashland Ave)
4pm Village Tap (2055 W Roscoe St)
5pm Cheif O'Neils (3471 N Elston Ave) Lunch stop here
7pm Kuma's Corner (2900 W Belmont Ave)
8pm Small Bar (2956 N Albany Ave)
All the Tea in Chicago Signing
Ever wondered where you can get a good cup of tea in Chicago? You can find out from Susan Blumberg-Kason, when she signs her new book for you. This afternoon, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, at Provenance Food and Wine. 2528 N. California. For more information, call 773-384-0699. To learn more about Blumberg-Kason's book, click here.
2006 Taste of Chicago
The 2006 Taste of Chicago kicks off today in Grant Park. 10 days of food, entertainment, cooking lessons, and loads of people. Come by and sample the food from dozens of local restaurants, from Robinson's #1 Ribs to Star of Siam. See the Taste Website for full details.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Celebration @ Alliance Francaise
Join the Quebec Delegation in Chicago and Alliance Francaise at this free celebration of Quebec's national holiday. The party begins at 12:30 PM with a beer and cheese reception. A screening of the 2004 film Nouvelle France follows at 1:30 PM. 54 W Chicago. For more information, visit the website.
WineDiva Summer Splash
Occasional GB wine columnist Christine Blumer is hosting a special wine event tonight through her company, Wine Diva Enterprises. Along with sampling some tasty wines, you'll also be helping out the Appetite Theatre and celebrating Women in Wine with wines made, owned, or inspired by women. Tickets are $35 ($40 day of event, space pending) and the festivities run from 6:30-9pm at Webster's Wine Bar at 1480 W. Webster St. To reserve your spot, call 773-275-1931 or email tickets{at}appetitetheatre.com.
Say "Oui" to Kiki's Bistro, al fresco
Watch the lovely little French restaurant, Kiki's Bistro, turn Franklin Street into its own private Champs Elysees on June 14th, with a parade of over 20 vintage Citroen automobiles, a strolling musician, and a new sidewalk cafe menu. The Bistro is located at 900 N. Franklin St. and the festivities start at 6:30pm.
Andersonville Midsommarfest
This year marks the 41st year for Andersonville Midsommarfest. They've got the standard neighborhood festival's "eat meat on the street" thing going on, with a smattering of fine local Clark Street vendors from up in the 'ville. Plus, this year's got a really great and eclectic music lineup like Mucca Pazza, The Waco Brothers, and Elevation (the U2 tribute band). And, who doesn't like seeing the Jesse White Tumblers? Plus, there's tons of traditional Swedish-themed activities like a Maypole dance, Come out, and support (yet another) great neighborhood cause. The summer's just getting warmed up. The festival runs from 11am-10pm June 10th and 11th on Clark Street starting at Foster Avenue (closest El stop: Berwyn on the Red Line).
Anthony Bourdain @ Borders
Anthony Bourdain made one of my most favorite Food Network shows and I miss it dearly, but luckily I can revisit his wonderfully brusque personality whenever I pick up one of his books. Tonight Bourdain discusses and signs his latest writing, The Nasty Bits at Borders Michigan Ave. This book further chronicles the chef's adventures in extreme eating. Free at 7pm, 830 N. Michigan Ave. Call 312-573-0564 for more information.
The Pub Crawl To Cure A Hangover
The proprietors of the Drinking and Writing Brewery (currently performing the third version of the play of the same name in bars across Chicago) present a pub crawl to find a cure for the common hangover. The group will visit various bars on the north side, where participants will be asked to provide their own cures and compare them with the house cures of each establishment. The best cure will win a prize! The event is free, but you must register at the Drinking and Writing Website to attend.
"Top Chef" Casting Call
Think you've got what it takes to be a superstar chef? Prove it today at the casting call for Bravo's "Top Chef" reality TV show, at the Rock Bottom Brewery at State and Grand. There will be two audition sessions, from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Show up with your resume and this application form (PDF) and be prepared to whip up something tasty. Free.
Free Breakfast for Moms @ U Lucky Dawg
Hey, cheapskate! Take your mom to U Lucky Dawg, 6821 N. Western Ave., today between 7 and 11am for a free Mothers Day breakfast. Nothing says "I love you, Mom" like pancakes at a hot dog stand.
Twinkies Cookbook signing @ Barnes & Noble
An unusual cookbook signing today: Hostess' new book The Twinkies Cookbook, a guide to cooking with everybody's favorite creme-filled sponge cake. The signing happens today at noon at the Barnes & Noble store at 1 E. Jackson. Yes, there will be free Twinkies! For more information, call the store: (312) 362-8795.
All the Tea in Chicago Book Signing
If you've ever wondered where you can get the best cup of tea in the city, All the Tea in Chicago has got you covered. The book is the first guide to drinking tea in Chicago and author Susan Blumberg speaks this afternoon at Argo Tea, discussing the places she visited and a variety of information on tea. 3-5pm at 16 W. Randolph St. Books will be available for $10 at the free signing. Email info[at]desvoeuxpress[dot]com for more information.
Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day
Today is Free Cone Day at participating Ben & Jerry's stores. Check out the list of stores in Illinois and stop by one between noon and 8:00 PM today for one free scoop of your favorite flavor. Mmm, free...
Drink Organic Wine For Earth Day
Andersonville wine shop In Fine Spirits wants you to taste the best organic vino that Mother Earth has to give...for free. Wine tastings run from 3-6pm today and will feature a slew of organic wines for your taste buds to savor. Wines include: Albet i Noya Xarello, Sobon Estate Viognier, Brooks Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Nevada County Wine Guild Daily Red and Saint Peter's Organic English Ale. In Fine Spirits is located at 5418 N. Clark Street, call them up at (773) 506-WINE.
Wine Event with Dame Couture
Stop by Shiraz at 4425 W. Montrose for a wine event with Dame Couture. There will be a tasting and a discussion lead by WineKnow Chicago owner Cheryl Knecht; the discussion will include pairing wines with food, buying wines and a general guide to the different kinds of wine. 3-5pm and free, but RSVP is required. Email info[at]damecouture[dot]com or call 773-463-2162 for reservations and information.
Alpana Singh @ Dominick's
Alpana Singh, host of WTTW's Check Please!, appears tonight at a new Dominick's at 255 E. Grand from 5:00 to 7:00. A number of attendees will win a chance to appear on the restaurant review program, so if you're looking for a shortcut to getting on the program this might be your chance!
Decoding a Restaurant Wine List @ In Fine Spirits
Seemingly trickier than the DaVinci Code, wine lists can intimidate even the most intrepid wine enthusiast, especially when you need something that will go with rack of lamb, vegetarian pasta, and poached salmon all at the same time! Our two-part series takes the guesswork out of finding the right wine for the right foods at the right price. Tonight at 7pm, decode that list at In Fine Spirits. Reservations required for all wine appreciation classes. Classes are $30 each or $50 for 2 classes, pre-paid at time of reservation. Fees for Wine Club members are $20 per class. In Fine Spirits is located at 5418 N. Clark Street. Call (773) 506-WINE for more information.
Creative Head of Guinness Competition
In a contest that will test the dexterity of some of the best Guinness bartenders in the city, tonight, the contestant with the most creative design in the head of a Guinness pint will be crowned "The Master of the Most Creative Guinness Pint in Chicago". (No word on if that also comes with a sceptre and sash.) Enroll your favorite Guinness bartender at chicagosbestpint@gmail.com. (Include the Bartender's name, phone number and the bar or restaurant he or she represents.) Come and cheer or participate starting at 7pm at Fado Irish Pub (100 W. Grand Ave). Note: you must be 21 years of age or older to enter, and only the first 150 bartenders entered will be accepted for competition.
Farmer's Market Meeting @ Kitchen Chicago
If you're considering participating in the Farmer's Markets this year, Kitchen Chicago is hosting a get-together at their cafe this Saturday, March 4. The goal of this meeting is to provide a chance for people considering sharing table space at a market to meet one another and discuss any other market-related information. They'll have applications available, and can answer questions about them, specific markets their clients participated in last year, and using their kitchen. If you're interested, please RSVP to 773-463-0863 or email info@kitchenchicago.com. If you're interested, but cannot make this time, let them know and they may consider rescheduling or hosting a second event. Don't forget, applications for the City of Chicago and Green City Markets are both due March 15th. Kitchen Chicago is located at 4664 N. Manor, Chicago.
Steps to Decoding Wine @ In Fine Spirits
Affordable wine education is great, and you can get some at Andersonville wine shop In Fine Spirits tonight at 7pm. Their class will teach you that wine is not complex or difficult to understand. Your job as a taster is to use these tools that help you gain confidence and understanding of wine in order to have a better experience. Master an understanding of these 12 steps and you will have a basic understanding of most any wine. Reservations required for all wine appreciation classes. Classes are $30 each or $50 for 2 classes, pre-paid at time of reservation. Fees for Wine Club members are $20 per class. In Fine Spirits is located at 5418 N. Clark Street. Call (773) 506-WINE for more information.
The Berghoff Closes
If you haven't gotten in the door at Chicago Loop institution The Berghoff, today's your very last chance. Lines are stretching around the block as you read this (no more reservations are being taken, it's all first come, first serve), but here are some hints about getting that last 'vurst. Doors close (for good) at 9pm. Take some pictures, and post them here to preserve the memories.
Make a Biscuit (for the dog)
Today, from 2-4pm, learn to make an array of homemade, organic-friendly doggie treats and biscuits for that favorite pooch in your life from the editor of Healthy Dining Chicago newsletter. Don't have a dog? I bet you know someone who does. The class costs $20 per person. (Advance payment required.) For more information or to register, call 312-666-9979. Healthy Dining Chicago is located at 934 West Fry Street, Chicago IL 60622.
Make a Biscuit (for the dog)
Today, from 2-4pm, learn to make an array of homemade, organic-friendly doggie treats and biscuits for that favorite pooch in your life from the editor of Healthy Dining Chicago newsletter. Don't have a dog? I bet you know someone who does. The class costs $20 per person. (Advance payment required.) For more information or to register, call 312-666-9979. Healthy Dining Chicago is located at 934 West Fry Street, Chicago IL 60622.
Chocolate Eating World Championship
Today, bunnies are cowering in fear (well, chocolate bunnies anyway). The Onion and the International Federation Of Competitive Eating present the Chocolate Eating World Championship at the Chicago Chocolate Company. Billed as the GoldenPalace.net Valentine's Day Chocolate Massacre, this event will pay the winner a cool $5,000 (and, you know, a belly full of heart-shaped chocolates). The Chicago Chocolate Company is located at 847 W. Randolph St. and the contest starts at 11a.m.
Beer + Chocolate @ Hopleaf
So the bunny never tasted so good as when you dipped it in your stout? You're just the person who should head over to The Hopleaf for their Beer + Chocolate tasting. Reservations required, check out the specifics here [PDF]. The cost is $25/person, and the event starts at 7pm tonight. The Hopleaf is located at 5148 N. Clark St. Call (773) 334-9851 for more information or to make a reservation.
Garfield Park Chocolate Fest
Hop on the Green Line and eat yourself some chocolate this weekend. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy a bevy of chocolate-related events at the Garfield Park Conservtory. In addition to 250,000 pieces of FREE chocolate, there will be a chocolate spa, kids activities, chef demonstrations and tastings. Suggested donation is only a buck, but bring more cash, because there are plenty of yummies for purchase.
Garfield Park Chocolate Fest
Hop on the Green Line and eat yourself some chocolate this weekend. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy a bevy of chocolate-related events at the Garfield Park Conservtory. In addition to 250,000 pieces of FREE chocolate, there will be a chocolate spa, kids activities, chef demonstrations and tastings. Suggested donation is only a buck, but bring more cash, because there are plenty of yummies for purchase.
Free Wine Tasting @ In Fine Spirits
Here's a cheap date: take your sweetie to Andersonville wine shop In Fine Spirits for their free Argentinian wine tasting today, then slosh home, pop in a DVD, and do what the mood (and alcohol) dictates. Tastings run from 3-6pm. In Fine Spirits is located at 5418 N. Clark Street, call them up at (773) 506-WINE.
Singles Cooking Class @ Kitchen Chicago
Chef Daniel drops by Kitchen Chicago for a Singles Cooking Class wherein he'll show how to make his signature first course. Teams will help prepare the rest of the menu and then everyone gets to enjoy the meal together in the cafe. 6:30-9pm at 4664 N. Manor. The menu include Sashimi Tuna Spring Rolls with Tobiko Caviar, Soup of Sweet Potato and Chipotle Chiles and Red Wine Infused Rack of Lamb, among other tasties. $75. Register online.
Drinking & Writing On the Radio
You don't care about the Super Bowl because, hey, there are no Bears in it. The obvious choice now is to sit down, beer in hand, beside the old radio and listen to The Drinking & Writing Brewery Radio Show, tonight at 6pm on WLUW, 88.7FM (or listen online). Featured tonight is the recently retired Chicago sports writing legend Bill Jauss. They'll also talk to brewer Rick Schmidt from the Mishawaka Brewing Company in Indiana about his award winning beer, Four Horseman Ale. Finally, the instructive, entertaining ramblings of Pete Crowley, Radio Brewmaster.
World Kitchen: Cute as a Cupcake
Cupcakes are coming back and World Kitchen is holding this class to give you the best tips on creating sophisticated mini confectionary delights. Pre-registration is required for the $30 class and can be had by calling 312-742-8497 or visiting the box office at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph. 11am-2pm at Gallery 37.
World Kitchen: New Year's Resolutions
Is cooking the thing you've resolved to learn this year? Join World Kitchen at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts for a cooking class that caters to aspiring cooks of all levels. This class focuses on healthy salads and soups for "jaded winter palates." Pre-registration is required for this $30 class, 11am-2pm. Call 312-742-9497 to reserve your spot. Gallery 37 is located at 66 E. Randolph.
Kids on Check, Please!
Tonight's broadcast of Check, Please! (WTTW 11) features preteen reviewers dishing (sorry) about Ed Debevic's, Medieval Times, and King Crab. 8pm.
Learn to make sushi
Are you a little scared of that rice, fish, and seaweed concoction many of us love to snarf at restaurants? Well, have no fear, the City of Chicago is here! Learn to make sushi from experienced chefs at the World Kitchen for just $30. The class will teach the age-old techniques of wrapping and rolling sushi, as well as how to choose and purchase sushi materials and ingredients, different types of sushi, and other tricks of preparing sushi at home. The class runs tonight from 6-8:30pm at The Gallery 37 Center for the Arts. Pre-registration is required (and suggested, since the class will likely fill up) and can be done by calling 312-742-TIXS (8497) or by visiting the box office located at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St. The box office is open Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6pm.
Get Some Knife Skills
Prep work is easy, once you've learned how to select, use, and sharpen the most important tool in your kitchen, the knife! In this hands-on class, Chef Bryan will lead the class through various cutting techniques essential for building the confidence needed to carve, slice, dice and mince your next masterpiece. The class costs $65 and will be held at 6:30pm at The Wooden Spoon located at 5047 N. Clark in Andersonville. Call (773) 293-3190 to register.
Kitsch'n New Year's Day Hangover Brunch
This is Kitsch'n's eighth year of providing food, music and the hair of the dog to hungover New Year's Eve party-goers. From 10am-4pm at two locations -- 2005 W. Roscoe and 600 W. Chicago -- come in your pajamas, play some games and have some great food at the New Year's Day Hangover Brunch. Call 773-248-7372 or 312-644-1500, at their respective locations, for more information.
Ann Sather Disco Diva Brunch
Ann Sather's Broadway location, 3411 N. Broadway, helps ring in the new year with the Disco Diva Brunch from 7am to 4pm today. The disco music and mirrorball may not help your headache, but the food definitely will.
Intelligentsia Roasting Works Tour
For over a month now, I've been enjoying making coffee from Intelligentsia Coffee that I watched being roasted on one of their Roasting Plant Tours. It's by far the best three bucks I ever spent. Tours now operate twice a month at 10:30am and 12:30pm on Saturdays at their plant at 1850 W. Fulton Street. Yes, tickets are $3 (less than a latte) but space is limited so make your reservations early. On the tour, you'll get complementary coffee and tea (thank goodness, they're not a tease) and you also get a free (and fresh) 1/2 pound of coffee beans at the end!
EarthSave Chicago Potluck
Holiday eatin' can be great, but you have to admit, it's kind of geared towards the meat eaters. EarthSave Chicago is an organization that promotes a shift toward diets that are healthier for both people and animals and they're giving lessons on how to make a vegan holiday meal. Chicago Diner Chef Jo Kaucher will demonstrate vegan cooking options for the holidays. The potluck goes on at 6:30pm at Resurrection Lutheran School, RAP Classroom, 1050 W. School St. All you have to do is bring a favorite vegan dish to share, along with a serving utensil and a place setting. Call 708-531-8910 for more information.
Free Wine Tasting @ In Fine Spirits
Not sure what to give that good bar buddy for the holidays? Head out to In Fine Spirits today for a free tasting of Holiday Gift Wines. They're super nice at this Andersonville shop, and very knowledgeable as well. And hey, it's free wine! In Fine Spirits is located at 5418 N. Clark Street, and the tasting lasts from 3-6pm. Call 773.506.WINE for more information.
Sara Moulton @ Pastoral
Sara Moulton, Executive Chef of Gourmet Magazine and host of Sara's Secrets on the Food Network, makes an appearance at Pastoral tonight. The free event will include a signing of Moulton's new book and samples of the recipes she includes, complimented by Pastoral's artisan cheeses. 2945 N. Broadway from 5-7pm. Call 773-472-4781 for more information.
Local & Luscious December Delights
Lula Cafe and the CSA Learning Center, a nonprofit organization helping to create sustainable communities, welcome everyone to take part in Local & Luscious December Delights. The gathering is an inventive dinner which features a seasonal, three-course meal prepared with ingredients from Angelic Organics and other local farms. Advance tickets are $75; you can get them online and by calling 773-512-0395. 6:30-8:30pm at 2537 N. Kedzie Blvd.
Intelligentsia Roasting Works Tour
For over a month now, I've been enjoying making coffee from Intelligentsia Coffee that I watched being roasted on one of their Roasting Plant Tours. It's by far the best three bucks I ever spent. Tours now operate twice a month at 10:30am and 12:30pm on Saturdays at their plant at 1850 W. Fulton Street. Yes, tickets are $3 (less than a latte) but space is limited so make your reservations early. On the tour, you'll get complementary coffee and tea (thank goodness, they're not a tease) and you also get a free (and fresh) 1/2 pound of coffee beans at the end!
Holiday ExtravaKafka @ Kafka Wine Co.
Kafka Wine Co., Lakeview's cutest little wine shop, is holding a holiday wine tasting tonight from 7-9pm. Holiday ExtravaKafka is their biggest wine tasting event of the year where you'll get to sample staff favorites and best sellers from around the globe. Make your reservation by calling 773-975-9463; $10 per person. Trust me, the price is more than reasonable for all the wonderful wines you'll get to taste. 3325 N. Halsted.
International Night (Columbian) @ The Map Room
The Map Room's weekly catered dinner brings you a taste of Columbia, courtesy of Lincoln Avenue's Pollo Volador (expect mesquite-roasted chicken and plantains). A two-drink minimum buys you a trip to the buffet, a good deal made even more reasonable by this month's special of $3 pints of Two Brothers' Heavy Handed IPA. 7 PM. Call 773-252-7636 for more information.
Go Veggie's TurkeyLess Thanksgiving Banquet
Go Veggie is hosting a turkey-less Thanksgiving dinner at Garden Manor Banquets, 4720 W. Armitage Ave. The evening will feature two menu options -- a vegan Thanksgiving-style dinner and a raw foods meal -- as well as a book signing by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of Eat to Live and a raffle. Tickets to the 4:30pm dinner are $40 for Go Veggie members, $45 for non-members. Call 773-871-7000 for more information.
EarthSave Chicago Potluck
Holiday eatin' can be great, but you have to admit, it's kind of geared towards the meat eaters. EarthSave Chicago is an organization that promotes a shift toward diets that are healthier for both people and animals and they're giving lessons on how to make a vegan Thanksgiving. Chicago Diner Chef Jo Kaucher will demonstrate with a menu of roasted veggie turkey, stuffing and gravy, cranberry relish and raw soup. The potluck goes on at 6:30pm at Resurrection Lutheran School, RAP Classroom, 1050 W. School St. All you have to do is bring a favorite vegan dish to share, along with a serving utensil and a place setting. Call 708-531-8910 for more information.
Introduction to Cheese Workshop
Mon Ami Gabi presents an Introduction to Cheese workshop, educating "novice cheese lovers" about the world of French cheeses. The learning comes straight from the experts and is led by Sofia Solomon, president of a respected Chicago cheese importer and distributor. The workshop lasts from 12-2pm and covers everything from the history and principles of cheese making to proper tasting techniques to French wine pairings. It's $30 to participate and reservations are required. Call 773-348-8886 for more information and to save your spot. Mon Ami Gabi is located at 2300 N. Lincoln Park West.
Cheap 'n' Good Wines
While you're getting tipsy at this Chopping Block wine tasting, the Wine Goddess will tell you all about those affordable -- but still totally drinkable -- wines readily available. The seminar will be held at the Chopping Block's Lincoln Squre location on Lincoln south of Lawrence. Cost is $35.
Ted Allen @ Borders
Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's resident foodie, Ted Allen, will sign copies of his book at Borders Michigan Ave. The Food You Want to Eat is Allen's debut cookbook and serves as a quick-reference guide for those interested in getting in the cooking game. The free in-store event is at 7pm, 830 N. Michigan Ave. Call 312-573-0564.
Winediva Zinfandel Tasting @ West Town Tavern
The Winediva, Christine Blumer, takes you on a journey through the heart of darkness -- deep, rich, Zinfandel -- at West Town Tavern, 1329 W Chicago Ave., today from 3pm to 4:30pm. Enjoy a lively discussion and tasting of six prime examples of the all-American grape -- none of that pink stuff here. Register at the door for a chance to wine a copy of A Zinfandel Odyssey by Rhoda Stewart, the quintessential compendium of Zinfandel lore, with forward by West Town's chef, Susan Goss. $35 for the tasting; 21 and over, obviously. Call 312-666-6175 for reservations or more info.
Carlo Petrini @ Kendall College
The founder of the international Slow Food movement, a small but influential counterweight to the forces of fast, cheap, mass, and careless food production, will speak tonight on the notion of Virtuous Globalization. Carlo Petrinis talk will be followed by a screening of Darwins Nightmare, documentary exposing problems caused by injudicious trade practices. This event starts at 5:30 PM and costs $20 ($10 for members of Slow Food). 900 N. North Branch. For more information, visit the website.
Intelligentsia Coffee Roasting Tours
Mmm, a tour that smells like Intelligentsia Coffee? That's because it is Intelligentsia's coffee, at least, it's at their Roasting Plant here in Chicago. Tours now operate once a month at 10:30am and 12:30pm on Saturdays (twice a month in November and December) at their plant at 1850 W. Fulton St. Tickets are $3 (less than a latte) but space is limited so make your reservations early. On the tour, you'll get complementary coffee and tea (thank goodness, they're not a tease) and you also get a free (and fresh) 1/2 pound of coffee beans at the end! A tour gets going today, so hop to it.
Know Your Noble Grapes
Noble Grape Pop Quiz:
1. Do you know what a noble grape is?
2. Can you identify which of these grapes is not a noble grape?
Syrah
Riesling
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
To find the answers to these questions and more, plan to attend In Fine Spirits' Education and Tasting Seminar: Noble Grapes, tonight at 7pm. Cost is $25 and can be applied towards featured wine purchases. Seats are limited, sign-up though email at shane{at}infinespirits.com. In Fine Spirits is located at 5418 N. Clark Street, (773) 506-9463
EarthSave Chicago potluck
Ryan Howard, co-owner of Chicago Soydairy, will speak on his company's products and provide samples as part of EarthSave Chicago's potluck tonight, 6:30 to 9pm. Howard's talk is aimed at developing awareness of conscious foods and the business challenges faced by small start-ups. The event takes place at Healing Earth Resources, 3111 N. Ashland. Attendees should bring a vegan dish to share, an appropriate serving utensil, and a place setting (plate, napkin, cup, utensils). The potluck is free to members of EarthSave Chicago; cost is $5 for non-members and $2 for students with ID.
Bar-AIDS 2005
Bar-AIDS 2005, a charity event to benefit AIDSCare Chicago, happens this evening. How it works: you go to one of the 30 or so bars that are participating in the event (a complete list of establishments is on the Bar-AIDS site), and buy yourself a drink. Or more than one drink. Heck, buy drinks for your friends. The bar will then donate a portion of its proceeds that evening to AIDSCare. It's just like Dining Out For Life, but you end up drunk at the end of the night! Brilliant! See the Bar-AIDS site for complete details.
Short Films about Food
As part of the Stirring Things Up series of food-related events, a free program of vintage food-related short films, Eyes on the Pie and If You Know What's Good For You, is showing tonight at 7 PM at the Chicago Cultural Centers Claudia Cassidy Theater. The films are presented in part by the Chicago Film Archives, which safeguard thousands of films that used to be held by the Chicago Public Library. 77 E Randolph Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or click here.
Polonia Festival
Celebrate Labor Day weekend at the Copernicus Foundations 26th annual Taste of Polonia festival. Nonstop live music (not just polkas) will be presented on three stages; Polish artisans will sell their stuff; folk dancers will perform; and pierogies, potato pancakes, kielbasa, and other delicacies will be available from vendors.
The festival takes place at 5216 W Lawrence. Admission is $6, benefiting the Copernicus Foundation For more information, check the website or call 773-777-8898.
First Friday's @ Kafka
A lovely little shop specializing in affordable and tasty wines, Kafka Wine Co. holds a monthly tasting event featuring wines from one part of the world. Tonight, the wines are Italian and you'll get a chance to taste Chianti, Sicily, Piedmont and more. From 7-9pm, $10 gets you all the wine you need. Come early because the cozy shop gets packed rather quickly. Kafka is located at 3325 N. Halsted. Call 773-975-WINE for more information and to make your reservation.
Celebration of American Artisan Cheese
Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine partners with Slow Food Chicago for an education and social tasting evfent. Come celebrate the American Artisan Cheese, featuring the winners of the 2005 American Cheese Society competition. Yes...you read that correctly, and doesn't it sound wonderful? From 6-8pm you can taste some fine American cheese paired with American wines and learn more about the greatness of cheese from Pastoral's professional cheese and wine staff. Kendall College Culinary Auditorium, 900 N. North Branch St. RSVP by calling 312-643-0789 or emailing rsvp[at]pramanda[dot]com.
Grand Opening @ Swim Caf
The website's launched, a crew of regulars has been established, and so it's time. West Town's newly opened Swim Caf will do the Grand Opening Party thing this Friday. The coffee will be hot (or iced), the cafe crowded, and co-owner Karen will present her best batch of mini-chocolate-chip-banana-muffins to date. See you @ 6pm, 1357 W. Chicago Ave. 312-492-8600
Wine & Dine
Join In Fine Spirits and The Wooden Spoon at a Wine & Dine - BBQ Garden Party on Thursday, August 18th at 6:30 p.m. Class participants will enjoy a variety of appetizers complemented by wines. The menu will include: Thinly sliced flank steak served on mini rolls with spicy mayo, butterfly shrimp spiedini with chili and raspberry dip, yakitori chicken, lamb tikka on a skewer, grilled vegetable and brie stuffed quesadillas, grilled Monte Cristo sandwiches, grilled fruit and condiments. Cost is $65, seats are limited, sign-up by calling the Wooden Spoon, located at 5047 N. Clark, Chicago at (773) 293-3190. Or for more information, you can also call In Fine Spirits located at 5418 N. Clark, Chicago at (773) 506-WINE (9463).
Free Wine Tasting @ In Fine Spirits
Andersonville wine shop In Fine Spirits will host another free wine tasting today from 3-6pm. Wines will include: Big Tatoo White Blend, Chile; Masciarelli 2003 Trebbiano, Italy; Saintsbury 2000 Reserve Chardonnay, California; Cousino-Macul 2002 Finis Terrae, Chile; Smith Woodhouse 10 year Old Tawny Port, Portugal. The tastings are conducted in an open house style, so please plan to attend anytime between 3-6pm. In Fine Spirits is located at 5418 N. Clark St., Chicago, (773) 506-WINE (9463).
Vegetarians on Bikes
This afternoon is the second annual Veggie Bike & Dine, hosted by EarthSave Chicago and the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. The event is a 15-mile progressive dinner-style bike tour of four vegan-friendly restaurants in and around downtown Chicago, including Karyn's Cooked and Lao Sze Chuan. It kicks off at 1pm at the Green City Market in Lincoln Park (1750 N. Clark St.); you can get lots more details here. (Please note: there is no day-of registration and space is very limited.)
Free Cheesecake!
No, not vintage-pinup-cheesecake. Actually fatty cheesecake goodness! Get your free piece at any of the 79 Chicago Public Library locations to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Eli's Cheesecake.
I Was Really Very Hungry: A Portrait of M.F.K. Fisher
Part of the city's Stirring Things Up in Chicago, tonight's "food-inspired theater event" honors the great food writer M.F.K. Fisher. There will be a reading as well as a dinner menu inspired by the author's works. Chefs Linda Rosner and Jenny Lewis lead the dining portion of the evening while biographer Joan Reardon introduces the theatrical reading. This event begins at 6:30pm in the Claudia Cassidy Theater of the Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph. Admission is $30 and reservations are required. Call 312-744-9350 to save your place.
"French Masters" Dinner with Cezanne
Mon Ami Gabi and the Art Institute partner to present a series of "French Masters" dinners offering the opportunity to learn about some of the most famous French artists. Tonight's featured artist is Paul Cezanne and an AIC lecturer will give a slide presentation of Cezanne's works. A wine reception starts the evening at 6pm, followed by the presentation at 6:30pm and a multi-course French meal. Tickets are $65 per person; reservations are required. Call 773-348-8886 for more information.
The Transformation of Sugar and Water
Ever see those Food TV shows about cake decorating and wonder how, exactly, can you built a seven-foot-tall willow sapling out of sugar, complete with nesting doves? Find out how! Well, maybe not the doves. But join pastry master Mark Seaman spin and swirl sugar into gravity defying creations, decorations, and colors. The event will be held at the Adler Planetarium on June 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free with museum admission.
Cereality opens
Cereality, the restaurant that specializes in hot and cold cereals, officially opens in Chicago this morning at 6:00 AM. The Chicago store is just the third location for the chain (the other two are in Philadelphia and Arizona State University in Tempe). Cereality is located at 100 S. Wacker at Monroe.
Summer Sizzles Wine Tasting
Who wants free wine? Head to the Randolph Wine Cellars on June 25 from noon to 6 p.m. to taste sizzling summer whites, lovely rose wines, and bold reds. Learn what vino will bring your grilling to live. Free! For more info, call (312) 942-1212.
In Fine Spirits Wine Tasting
In case you need another reason to drink some nice wine this afternoon, Andersonville wine shop In Fine Spirits will be hosting a free wine tasting with the owners of Washington state's Maryhill Winery from 2pm-5pm today. Wines will include: 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, 2004 Viognier, 2003 Cabernet Franc Rose, 2002 Sangiovese, Fort Rock Red Blend and the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon "Proprietor's Reserve". The tastings are conducted in an open-house fashion so feel free to attend anytime.In Fine Spirits is located at 5418 N. Clark Street, Chicago. Call (773) 506-9463 for more information.
Halsted Tastes Better
The fifth annual food festival featuring Halsted Street restaurants happens this evening from 6:00 to 9:00. Among the restaurants providing food: Ann Sather; Cornelia's; Chicago Diner; Yoshi's; Firefly; X/O; HB; Kit Kat Lounge; and many more. All you can eat! Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. The festival takes place at the corner of Halsted & Aldine. You can purchase tickets at participating restaurants, or call (773) 353-5939.
Streets & San Man's Pub Grub Crawl
Dennis Foley, author of The Streets and San Man's Guide to Chicago Eats, is leading a tour of yummy eats. Find out where the best workingman's lunch is, plus Chicago-related facts and fables -- straight from the San Man's mouth. Cost is $65, and includes food, beverage and transportation costs. The tour is from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and departs from the Cultural Center. For more information, contact (312) 744-9350.
Empty Bowls
The Cuentos Foundation, an organization that "creates and facilitates cross-cultural interdisciplinary art programs," presents Empty Bowls, an afternoon of music, art and good conversation over a simple meal of soup and bread. There is a suggested donation of $9 or one or more non-perishable food items for the event, for which you will receive your soup and a handmade ceramic bowl to take home and the warm feeling you get knowing that your gifts will go toward helping the Local Soup Kitchen and the International Woman to Woman Foundation. The soup's on at 6321 N. Clark St., from 3-6pm. Call 773-761-4165 for more information.
Free Wine & Beer Tasting @ In Fine Spirits
Andersonville wine shop In Fine Spirits will offer a Free Wine & Beer Tasting today, from 3-6pm. Feel free to drop in anytime during the tasting to sample 3 different wines and 3 beers and check out the cute shop. For more information contact Jill & Shane Kissack at 773.506.9463 or email jill@infinespirits.com. In Fine Spirits is located at 5418 N. Clark Street, Chicago.
Alinea opens
Alinea, the latest venture by Chicago chef Grant Achatz and possibly the most highly anticipated restaurant opening in recent years, officially opens tonight. You're not getting in, not anytime soon (reservations are already booked through June), so you might as well start saving up now for the experience. (For a preview, see this article at Food and Wine magazine.) Alinea: 1723 N. Halsted. (312) 867-0110.
Girl's Night: Back to Bikinis
It's that time again...time for sandals, flip-flops and, eventually, bikinis. If it isn't snowing, I mean. Join The Chopping Block, the small Lincoln Park culinary school at 1324 W. Webster Ave., for Girl's Night: Back to Bikinis. Come taste healthy, flavorful party treats like mango ceviche and sesame ginger salmon bites, and take some recipes home with you. Registration for the 7:00-9:30pm class is $50 and there is a 24 hour cancellation policy. Call 773-472-6700 or email info[at]thechoppingblock.net for more information.
Chocolate 101 - Chocolate Tasting
Chef Uzma Sharif, of Love in Disguise Chocolate, joins Kitchen Chicago, 4664 N. Manor, to give a class on the wonders of chocolate. From 3-4:30pm she will explore how the sweet stuff is made, the differences between types of chocolate and will lead a chocolate tasting. It's a chocolate extravaganza! The class is $25 per person, 30 people max, so get your reservations in soon. Call 630-292-2196 or email loveindisguisechocolate[at]yahoo.com.
Dining Out For Life
The annual event Dining Out For Life, in which restaurants donate a portion of the day's proceeds to various HIV/AIDS charities, happens today at lots of restaurants around Chicago; see the Dining Out For Life Website for a list of participating restaurants. Proceeds from this year's event once again go to AIDSCare, a non-profit residence and servie organization for people living with HIV and AIDS. See the Websites for further details on the day's events.
Learn Basic Sushi Making at Dirk's
Another chance to learn all about sushi at Dirk's; Dirk's is having a basic sushi class on Tuesday, April 26th from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. This is a class for people interested in learning to make maki rolls. Do not eat dinner before coming to class, as you will be munching on miso soup and tuna avocado salad during class. This is a hands on class so be prepared to roll at least 3 different rolls and eat them all! Cost for the class is $75.00 per person or $125.00 per couple. Class size is limited so please call ahead to reserve space. Dirk's Fish & Gourmet Shop is located at 2070 N. Clybourn Ave; call for reservations: (773) 404-3475.
Belgian Beer Celebration: Kendall College
Kendall College hosts the 'Belgian Beer Celebration: A Discovery of Food, Culture and Drink' on April 15-16, 2005. The event will feature more than 100 beers, representing a majority of the many brands in the Chicagoland market. There will also be a selection of Belgian specialty foods, information, displays, seminars and beer items.
On Saturday, April 16, from 12:30-5 PM there is an open public tasting along with seminars presented by brewery experts covering: the beer styles and regions of Belgium, an evaluation of how certain beers age and develop, and the cuisine and gastronomy of Belgium-food and beer pairings.
For more information, please contact either Richard Cooper, Project Manager: 773-330-9886 or the Office of Wallonia Trade: 312-357-0992.
Belgian Beer Celebration: Kendall College
Kendall College hosts the 'Belgian Beer Celebration: A Discovery of Food, Culture and Drink' on April 15-16, 2005. The event will feature more than 100 beers, representing a majority of the many brands in the Chicagoland market. There will also be a selection of Belgian specialty foods, information, displays, seminars and beer items.
On Friday, April 15, there is a trade, media and professionals open tasting session from 1:30PM - 5:00 PM. Following this, a dinner at 6:30 PM, featuring Belgian beer cuisine, will be created by Kendall faculty and students in consultation with noted Belgian food and beverage personality, Herwig Van Hove. Mr. Van Hove will be present throughout the event and to autograph his book, 'Beer at the dinner table.' Tickets for the dinner are $70.00 per person, by reservation only.
For more information, please contact either Richard Cooper, Project Manager: 773-330-9886 or the Office of Wallonia Trade: 312-357-0992.
Learn Basic Sushi Making at Dirk's
Dirk's is having a sushi class on Tuesday, March 29th from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. This is a class for people interested in learning to make maki rolls. Do not eat dinner before coming to class, as we will be munching on miso soup and tuna avocado salad while we talk about sushi, rice, equipment, and ingredients. Also, the Wine Discount Center will be here sampling wine and saki. This is a hands on class so be prepared to roll at least 3 different rolls and eat them all. Cost for the class is $75.00 per person or $120.00 per couple. Students must be 21 or older. Class size is limited so please call ahead and reserve your space. Dirk's Fish & Gourmet Shop is located at 2070 N. Clybourn Ave; call for reservations: (773) 404-3475.
ABBA Brunch
Ann Sather Restaurant in Wicker Park, 1448 N. Milwaukee, holds its monthly ABBA Brunch today, from 8am to 3pm. Eat at Chicago's favorite Swedish diner while listening to the tunes of Sweden's favorite supergroup. Giveaways and menu specials are also featured. More info and a coupon at AnnSather.com.
Chocolate Fest @ Garfield Park Conservatory
It's time for the Garfield Park Conservatory's 6th Annual Chocolate Fest! Come enjoy free chocolates from more than a dozen vendors, see Chicago's only fruiting Chocolate trees and learn about the health and beauty benefits of your favorite sweet. 11am to 5pm. A donation of $1 is suggested. Check the Conservatory's site more information.
Chocolate Fest @ Garfield Park Conservatory
It's time for the Garfield Park Conservatory's 6th Annual Chocolate Fest! Today and tomorrow, enjoy free chocolates from more than a dozen vendors, see Chicago's only fruiting Chocolate trees and learn about the health and beauty benefits of your favorite sweet. 11am to 5pm. A donation of $1 is suggested. Check the Conservatory's site more information.
All About Pots and Pans
Flavour Cooking School at 7401 W. Madison in Forest Park offers a free class on how to select good pots and pans, and care for them. Good stuff for bachelors and young couples, this. You need to register in advance for this 4-5pm class at their website.
Taste of Check Please! @ WTTW studios
Calling all fans of WTTW's restaurant review program "Check, Please!" Tonight WTTW offers a very special event, Taste of Check Please, which features food from a long list of restaurants that were reviewed on the program. "Check, Please!" host Alpana Singh will preside over the evening, which also includes music, a silent auction, special prizes, and so much more. The event is pretty pricey ($125 for WTTW members and $150 for non-members), but if you're a rabid fan of this program this might just be the event for you. The evening runs from 6:30 to 10:00 at the WTTW studios (5400 N. St. Louis Avenue). Check the WTTW Website for full details.
Lunchtime Caribbean Dive
Lunchtime Caribbean Dive: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, noon Ride a mile or two to the Shedd Aquarium to meet the fish. Free. This is part of the Icicle Bicycle Festival. See www.bikewinter.org for more info.
"Check, Please!" back on the air
WTTW's addictive restaurant review program "Check, Please!" returns to the airwaves with a new episode tonight at 8:00. Don't forget to set the VCR/TiVo.
Hot Doug's open for business!
Hot Doug's, the much-missed hot dog shop in Roscoe Village, finally opens today for business at its new location, 3324 N. California. Hours are 10:30 to 4:00, Monday through Saturday. Be there or be hot-dog-less!
ABBA Brunch
Something about New Year's Weekend positively screams disco. And what better place to fulfill that urge than Ann Sather's ABBA Brunch? The ">Wicker Park location, 1448 N. Milwaukee, gets all dressed up like a disco, with a mirrorball and lights and everything, and you get to eat to the tunes of Sweden's greatest band! Rock! 8am to 3pm, no charge other than for whatever you eat.
Taste of West Indies
Norma Stephenson, owner of West Indies Bakery, will be hosting The Taste of West Indies tonight from 6pm to 10pm at Home of Life Church, 4650 W. Madison. This is a great opportunity to taste authentic Jamaican food right here in Chicago. West Indies Bakery is located on Chicagos South Side and specializes in Jamaican baked goods and food. Free. More info here.
Taste of Adventure
Head to the Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr., tonight and dine on such exotic foods as crickets, scorpions and rattlesnake, washed down with Redwood Creek wines, at the "Taste of Adventure." Author and artist James Prosek will lecture. 6:30-8:30pm. Free, but reservations required: call 888/281-8502.
Turkey Tune-Up
Don't know your way around the holiday bird? Calphalon Culinary Center, 1000 W. Washington St., is offering free turkey demonstrations--including preparing, roasting and carving--at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon Nov. 14. Pick up tips for stuffing and prepping, keeping it moist, knowing when it's perfectly done, and carving. Registration is required; call 312-529-0100.Fair Trade Coffee Tasting
Sample fair trade coffee from Mexico, Nicaragua and Guatemala, find out where you can purchase fair trade products and learn what you can do to help make fair trade possible. Featuring guest speakers and the documentary film "Grounds For Action." 2-4pm at the New World Resource Center, 1300 N. Western. $4 suggested donation, benefitting ChiapanECHO, a Chicago-based network that educates global citizens, provides resources and supports local communities in Chiapas, Mexico. More info here.
Pizza, Wine & Music
While Marie's Pizza is not the tackiest place you'll ever see, it's one of the few places around with '80s-style etched glass mirrors, red Naugahyde booths, and beehived patrons. Plus, it's attached to a liquor store that always advertises Bulgarian brandy. And now you have a reason to go!
Tonight, November 9, you can enjoy a dinner and dessert buffet, plus taste over 30 domestic and imported wines for just $20 in advance or $25 the day of. Marie's is located at 4129 W. Lawrence, a few blocks west of Pulaski. For more information, call 773-725-1812.
Beer & Brats & German Horns @ MCA
Join the MCA tonight as they celebrate Oktoberfest with german beer, brats, and some horns. Puck's will offer a traditional German buffet feast, dishing up delights such as chicken schnitzel, goulash soup, apple strudel, and of course, German bratwurst. Tickets to the event are just $18 per person ($16 for MCA members) and children under 12 eat for free. Rock out to the sounds of a German horn band as they play on the terrace from 5 to 7 p.m. Remember, viewing exhibits at the MCA is always free after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays! The MCA is located at 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. The MCA is located one block east of the historic Water Tower.2004 Chicago Wine and Food Festival
The second annual Chicago Wine & Food Festival will showcase and celebrate the excellence of Chicagos wine and culinary community. Chicagos top merchants will offer wines from around the world and some of our finest chefs will provide tastings of their beautiful cuisine. Tickets to the Festival and the Lecture Series may be purchased on-line by visiting www.cwff.net. Futher inquiries can be made by calling 312-752-2092. Net proceeds from the Festival benefit Chicago Gateway Green, Gallery 37, Our Common Threads and Kendall College.David Rosengarten Booksigning @ The Spice House
Please join The Spice House in a customer appreciation event. The talented culinary staff will be preparing hors d' oeuvres served with wine from David's new book, David Rosengarten Entertains: Fabulous Parties for Food Lovers. David is a well known Cookbook author, travel writer and TV journalist; he will be on hand to sign copies of his new book. While the event is complimentary, please RSVP to (312) 274-0378 or spices@thespicehouse.com. Monday, October 4th, 2004 5:00 - 6:30 pm 1512 North Wells St, Chicago Il 60610Vegan Potluck and Speaker
Tonight Erik Marcus will be speaking at the monthly EarthSave Chicago vegan potluck. Please bring your own table setting to reduce waste. The event will be held at Healing Earth Resources, located at 3111 N. Ashland at 6:30 p.m. This is a free event, but they request any donations if you can give. Erik is author of "Vegan: The New Ethics of Eating," and the new book, "Meat Market." He also runs a vegan website. For more information, please visit EarthSave Chicago.Naperville Wine Festival
Come to Naper Settlement to enjoy the second annual Naperville Wine Festival presented by Van Kampen Investments September 25th and 26th. The Festival hours are 19 pm on Saturday and 17 pm on Sunday. Sample wines from around the world as they showcase more that 130 different varieties. Enjoy cooking demonstrations by Chicagos top chefs and musical entertainment throughout the weekend. For more information or to buy tickets please call (847) 382-1480 or visit the Naperville Wine Festival website. Tickets: $20 Adults, $10 Designated Driver, $5 21-and-under, children under 12 free. The Naperville Wine Festival gets going at the Naper Settlement, located at 523 S. Webster Street, Naperville, IL.Naperville Wine Festival
Come to Naper Settlement to enjoy the second annual Naperville Wine Festival presented by Van Kampen Investments September 25th and 26th. The Festival hours are 19 pm on Saturday and 17 pm on Sunday. Sample wines from around the world as they showcase more that 130 different varieties. Enjoy cooking demonstrations by Chicagos top chefs and musical entertainment throughout the weekend. For more information or to buy tickets please call (847) 382-1480 or visit the Naperville Wine Festival website. Tickets: $20 Adults, $10 Designated Driver, $5 21-and-under, children under 12 free. The Naperville Wine Festival gets going at the Naper Settlement, located at 523 S. Webster Street, Naperville, IL.ABBA Brunch @ Ann Sather
Ann Sather once again holds its ABBA Brunch at the Milwaukee location today from 8am to 3pm. Listen to the Swedish supergroup's hits while you eat Swedish pancakes, omelets and those amazing cinnamon rolls. Also, register to win tickets to see Mamma Mia! when it returns to Chicago in November. At 1448 N. Milwaukee. Call 773/394-1812 for more info or to get on the waiting list ahead of time.Wine-tasting class @ Bin 36
Bin 36 presents the latest in a series of wine classes. Tonight's class, "Wine Speak: Learning How to Taste and Talk About Wine," begins at 6:30 PM at its Chicago location, 339 N. Dearborn at Marina City. The class is $36; see the Bin 36 Website to make a reservation, and for further information on the series of classes that it offers.Taste of Pakistan festival
Celebrate Pakistan Independence Day today on Devon Avenue! At noon, the Pakistan Independence Day Parade starts at the corner of Devon and Damen, and afterwards the Taste of Pakistan Festival happens. Local restaurants will be serving up their food, and there will be vendors and musicians at Warren Park (6610 N. Western). The festival runs from 2:30 to 7:30 PM. The event is free and open to the public.Eric Schlosser @ Green City Market
Eric Schlosser, the author of Fast Food Nation, is giving a free talk at the Green City Market, 9:30 a.m., 1750 N. Clark.ABBA Brunch @ Ann Sather
Here's a goofy-fun way to celebrate the nation's independence: Ann Sather Restaurant, 1448 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park, transforms into a disco today for their monthly ABBA Brunch. Enjoy the music of the Swedish supergroup while you sample the Swedish diner's morning fare. You can also register to win two free tickets to see the musical "Mamma Mia!," opening at the Oriental Theater this November. From 8am to 3pm today.Martin Yan @ Orland Square
Celebrity chef Martin Yan will be at the Orland Square Mall, 151st Street and Rt. 45 (LaGrange Road) in Orland Park, doing free cooking demos from 11am to 4:30pm.Free Lunch @ Chipotle!
Today is National Hunger Awareness Day; in recognition, all Illinois Chipotle stores will give out a free burrito in exchange for two non-perishable food items or a donation of $5. Donations benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.Green City Market
The weekly Green City Market in Lincoln Park, 1750 N. Clark, opens its 2004 season. It will operate every Wednesday through October.World Fair Trade Day
Fair Trade leaders and activists will gather at the World Fair Trade Day Fair at the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum this Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will highlight what the average citizen can do to make trade fair. The day will feature presentations by expert Mexican coffee farmers and a fair featuring fair trade product vendors. To find out more, check with Oxfam.Dining Out For Life
Dining Out For Life, the annual culinary event where restaurants nationwide donate a portion of their day's revenues to AIDS charities, happens tonight. If you'd like to help, go to the Chicago section of the site, peruse the list of restaurants, and make reservations. This year's beneficiary is AidsCare, a nonprofit residence and service organization for people living with HIV and AIDS.Register to Vote @ Ben & Jerry's
Tuesday, April 27 is Free Cone Day at participating Ben & Jerry's stores across the country. This year they are teaming up with Rock the Vote so, not only can you get free ice cream, you can also register to vote! Participating Chicago locations include stores at 338 W. Armitage Avenue, 26 West Randolph Street, and Navy Pier. Check out the Ben & Jerry's website to find a location near you.Christopher Kimball reading
Celebrated food nerd Christopher Kimball, host of America's Test Kitchen and publisher of Cook's Illustrated, will be serving from and discussing Baking Illustrated at Borders, 830 N. Michigan Ave. 7 p.m.Blogger Dinner
A contingent of webloggers -- mostly of the "knowledge blog" subset -- will be meeting tonight at Ben Pao, Hubbard and State, for dinner at 7:15. The Shifted Librarian has the list of attendees, but you need to RSVP to Rick Klau if you're planning on attending.Jamie Oliver @ Field's State Street
Jamie Oliver will sign his cookbook, "Jamie's Kitchen" and answer questions. Free - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Friday. Lower level of Marshall Field's, 111 N. State Street. For information, call 312-781-1000.Iron Chef Competition
Three audience members will be randomly chosen to participate in an Iron Chef Competition taday at the new Culinary Studio on the 7th Floor of the State Street Marshall Field's. Executive Chef Tim Scott will lead a panel of judges. The competition for this free event begins at 11am, and the winner receives free enrollment in cooking classes at the Studio plus a one-on-one session with one of the chefs at Field's.Rocco DiSpirito @ Field's
Celebrity Chef Rocco DiSpirito appears at the new Culinary Studio at Marshall Field's State Street today at Noon. Chef DiSpirito will be demonstrating recipes from his new cookbook, Flavor, and will be available afterwards to sign copies of the book. The event is free, and no reservations are required.Paczki @ Ann Sather's
Ann Sather's, 929 W. Belmont, is serving up a Fat Tuesday delicacy: paczki. Pronounced "punch-key," paczki are decadent cream-filled donuts and are part of the traditional Polish celebration of the last day before Lent. They'll be selling paczki for $1.25 each starting at 7 a.m. until supplies run out. (And of course customers can still get Ann Sather's famous cinnamon rolls, another perfect Mardi Gras food.)Slow cooking class
The latest in a series of cooking classes at Thai Wild Ginger in Lincoln Park is a class on slow cooking: the gentle art of using a Crock Pot. Duane Boslet, chef at Cafe Absinthe, will show you how to cook four tasty recipes with the use of a pot or Crock Pot (if you don't have one, the ones that will be used in the class will be for sale afterwards, ingredients included). Class runs from 7:00 to 9:00 tonight; check the site for registration information, and a schedule on upcoming classes. Thai Wild Ginger: 2203 N. Clybourn. (773) 883-0344.Chocolate Fest @ Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory, home to the only chocolate trees in Chicago that actually produce fruit, is hosting its 5th annual Chocolate Fest this Saturday and Sunday. Free tasting of different chocolates, opening of chocolate pods at 4:00PM, and various activites and displays. Did I mention chocolate? The park is open 11:00AM to 5:00PM, and is also currently home to GIANTS, a display of African dinosaur skeletons. $3 suggested donation. Garfield Park Conservatory: 300 N. Central Park Avenue. (312) 746-5100.Chocolate Fest @ Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory, home to the only chocolate trees in Chicago that actually produce fruit, is hosting its 5th annual Chocolate Fest this Saturday and Sunday. Free tasting of different chocolates, opening of chocolate pods at 4:00PM, and various activites and displays. Did I mention chocolate? The park is open 11:00AM to 5:00PM, and is also currently home to GIANTS, a display of African dinosaur skeletons. $3 suggested donation. Garfield Park Conservatory: 300 N. Central Park Avenue. (312) 746-5100.Taste of Check Please
Join WTTW for a food & wine event with tastings from restaurants that have been featured on Check, Please! Alpana Singh will host the event with prizes, a silent auction, music, and more Friday, February 6, 2004; WTTW Studios; 5400 North St. Louis AvenueVIP Admission 6:30 - 7:30 PM, tickets $150
General Admission 7:30 - 10:30 PM, tickets $80 -- alas, it's sold out.
Australian wine tasting
Sounds like a Monty Python sketch, but there is in fact an Australian wine tasting happening tonight, as part of the Australian Day Harvest Festival. The tasting happens downtown, at the Harold Washington Library's swanky Winter Garden on the 9th floor. Tickets are available at the link above, or call for more info: (212) 351-6585. (Yes, that's a 212 area code, not a 312.) Harold Washington Library: 400 S. State.Healthy Dining Club
Chicago's only singles' club catering to the health-conscious diner! Vegetarians and vegans are invited to celebrate the one-year anniversary of The Healthy Dining Club at 930 W. Huron. Dinner will be provided by local vegetarian- and vegan-friendly restaurants, including Amitabul, Chicago Diner, Intelligent Chocolates, and others. Reservations are $40; call (312) 666-9979.Cooking with Inspiration
"Cooking with Inspiration: Six Wines and Six Classical Dishes" at Inspiration Cafe, 4554 N. Broadway, Suite 207. Kevin O'Donnell, owner of The Outpost, leads a French wine tasting and discussion while chef Kyle Petersen teaches how to prepare several classic French dishes. Samples of both wine and food included. Proceeds of the event benefit Inspiration Corporation's many programs for the homeless. 7-9pm. Tickets are $50; to reserve your spot or for more info, call 773/878-0981.Christmas Dinner @ Ann Sather's
Maybe you're not able to join your family this Christmas. Or maybe you need to escape family this Christmas. Maybe Christmas isn't even your bag. Whatever the case, stop by Ann Sather's, 929 W. Belmont in Lakeview, for a special holiday dinner. Your choice of one of five great meals, including soup, salad and dessert, for $16.95. Call 773/348-2378 for more information.Green City Holiday Market
The Green City Market is having a Holiday Market this Saturday at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 8am to 1pm. Entrance to the zoo is free, and the market will be held in the Lion House. There will be cooking demonstrations, children's activities, and of course, all the usual organic and sustainable merchants to shop from: fruits & vegetables, hormone-free meats (pork and beef), organic meats (lamb, turkey, chicken, and duck), breads, artisanal cheeses, mushrooms, caviar, cider, vinegars, mustards, maple syrup, honey, coffee, and more.Exquisite Holiday Vegan Fare
Alyson Green will be in True Nature Foods (6034 N. Broadway, Chicago) between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday December 20th with a wide assortment of organic, vegan Christmas treats to sample. Orders will be taken on Saturday December 20th only for delivery on the day of your choice between December 21-24 and December 26-31. All deliveries will be made to True Nature Foods and come beautifully packaged ...perfect for hostess gifts!CBS Thirst Fursday
The Chicago Beer Society gets together on the first Thursday (or "Thirst Fursday") of every month at Goose Island Brewpub, 1800 N. Clybourn. Occasional educational sessions begin at 7pm, while the socializing and drinking begins at 8pm. Free. More info here.Thanksgiving
It's Turkey Day! Show up for a large meal at your parents' -- or invite'em over to your place! Just make sure to eat more than you should have, and turn on the TV for a marathon of football games and/or old movies.Green City Thanksgiving market
The Green City Market is having a Thanksgiving Market this Saturday at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 8am to 1pm. Entrance to the zoo is free, and the market will be held in the Lion House. There will be cooking demonstrations, children's activities, chestnut roasting, and of course, all the usual organic and sustainable merchants to shop from: fruits & vegetables, hormone-free meats (pork and beef), poultry (organic turkey chicken and duck), game, breads, artisanal cheeses, mushrooms, caviar, cider, vinegars, mustards, maple syrup, honey, organic Christmas trees, wild rice, and coffee.Beaujolais Nouveau Tastings
Beaujolais Nouveau is a French red wine that is meant to be drunk young. It's released every year on the third Thursday in November, and this year's harvest is supposedly excellent. There are several tasting parties going on tonight, so rather than make separate listings for each, here they are all in one:• The Chicago chapter of Wine Brats at Maeve, 1325 W. Wrightwood, serving Georges DeBoeuf 2003 Beaujolais Nouveau, 2002 Beaujolais-Villages and a 2002 Cru Beaujolais. 6:30 -8:30pm. $18 online in advance; $25 at the door if available.
• Pops for Champagne, 2934 N. Sheffield, serving Joseph Drouhin 2003 Beaujolais Nouveau from cask. 6-8pm. $25, reservations required.
• The French American Chamber of Commerce - Chicago Chapter at Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson, featuring food by chefs Dominique Tougne (Bistro 110), Didier Durand (Cyrano's Bistrot), Dale Levitsky (La Tache), Francoise de Melogue (Pili.Pili), John Bubala (Thyme) and others. Silent auction items include a "discover France" travel package. $45-$55. Reservations recommended; call 312/578-0444 and tell them the entry for the event on their website is broken.
• MonAmiGabi, 260 Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, serving 25 Crus Beaujolais wines. 6-9pm. $25, reservations recommended.
• MonAmiGabi, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, serving beaujolais & chardonnay, along with hors d'oeuvres & desserts. 9pm-1am. $30, reservations recommended.
• Your local wine shop, which will no doubt be offering some sort of special and likely offering tastes of the new shipment. All for the cost of a bottle of wine.
(Obviously, you must be 21 or over to drink at these events.)
