Ina's Closes Today

There's one thing Chicago will miss as this year comes to a close-- Ina Pinkney's iconic breakfast spot. Pinkney announced in August that she had chosen this day to stop operation of her West Loop restaurant. So as we say good-bye to 2013 we bid adieu to Ina's. And to Ina Pinkney, affectionately known as the breakfast queen, we wish you well with future endeavors.

Frasca's Pizza Week

Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar, 3358 N. Paulina, hosts a pizza week Jan. 13-19, Selections, along with wine specials includes giveaways, bogos and a special pizza Benedict (three eggs over easy, sausage, bacon, prosciutto, cheese and Hollandaise sauce on a homemade crust; $15) available for brunch and dinner Jan. 18. A kid's pizza-making class is 2-4 p.m. Jan. 19. frascapizzeria

Muncipal's New Chef

Don Penza is Municipal Bar + Dining Company's, 216 W. Ohio, new executive chef. And, with a new chef comes a new menu. Look for items such as Philly cheese steak egg rolls; pork loin with goat cheese polenta and bourbon apple sauce and lobster roll (wild caught lobster, lemon aioli, shallots and fine herbs on a roll). municipalbar

Alpana Singh is Wine Enthusiast's Sommelier of the Year

Alpana Singh, master sommelier and owner of  "wine-driven" restaurant The Boarding House, 720 N. Wells, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, heads to New York to receive Wine Enthusiast's 2013 Sommelier of the Year Wine Star Award on Jan. 24. boardinghouse

Kanela Hosts a January Food Drive

Bring in a can of soup or non perishable food item when visiting Kanela, 3231 N. Clark, during January, which is National Soup Month, and receive a complimentary order of the restaurant's signature loukoumades (Greek doughnut with lemon honey syrup and toasted walnuts). Donations will go to local food pantries. kanelacafe

Donut Fest Sold Out

Tickets for Wicker Park's inaugural Donut Fest, featuring offerings from more than 15 vendors, are sold out. The fest takes place Jan. 26 at Chop Shop & 1st Ward, 2033 W. North. donutfest

Rack Gears Up For The Pack

Bears Super Bowl XX champion Dennis McKinnon joins fans at the Rack House Kitchen and Tavern, 222 E. Algonquin, Arlington Heights, to cheer the Bears on against the Pack 3-6 p.m. Dec. 29. Former Bear Adrian Peterson will be in attendance as well. Mckinnon and Peterson will sign autographs during the event. Guest will have the opportunity to win an autographed football during a raffle. Tickets are $5. Proceeds will benefit the Gridiron Greats, a charity which helps former NFL players in need. Drink speciasls include $5 Bloody Marys; $3 mimosas; $4 domestic beers; $12 domestic beer buckets. Chicken wings will be on special for .50 cents. Kickoff is at 3:25 p.m. rackhousetavern

Bountiful Eatery's NYE Special

Bountiful Eatery, 3313 N. Broadway, hosts a BYOB New Year's Eve Dinner 7-9 p.m. Dec. 31; $30. Reservations are required for the intimate dining destination, which features only eight tables. entree selections (all gluten free) include a choice of Dijon marinated salmon; marinated grilled chicken breast; marinated and grilled tofu kabob; marinated chicken kabob; ground bison plate; jalapeno and ground turkey plate and a Latin bowl. bountifuleatery

Sportsman's Club Now Open

Humboldt Park is home to Sportsman's Club, 948 N. Western, Matt Eisler and Kevin Heisner's first launch in the Heisler Hospitality neighborhood tavern series. The bar, which opened Dec. 20, offers an old-fashioned neighborhood atmosphere with cosmo flair. The tavern's interior design, which boast an art deco bar, was inspired by a French hunting drawn from the inspiration of a French museum and wooden hunting museum. Noted mixologist Jeff  Donahue (Aviary, Barrelhouse Flat and Graham Elliott) and Wade Elroy (Trenchermen, Barrelhouse Flat and the Dutch in New York). drinkingandgathering

The Drawing Room's NYE DInner

The Drawing Room's, 937 N. Rush, Tommy Sheean promoted from sous chef to newly appointed executive chef, is hosting as New Year's Eve dinner; $85, wine pairings are available for an additional $35. See menu below. drchicago

Amuse:

Heart of palm, tangerine, black pepper

First Course

Beet Tartare - cucumber, horseradish, crème fraiche, fennel puree

Ahi Crudo - jalepeno, pomegranate, cilantro

Second Course

Duck Confit - ravioli en brood, turnip, hazelnut

Roasted Brussels Sprouts - spaghetti squash, preserved lemon, thyme, parmesan

Third Course

Halibut - pancetta braised cabbage, maitake mushrooms, charred scallion vinaigrette

Beluga Lentils - roasted winter squash, pickled pearl onion, Romesco, goat cheese

Petite Tender - braised endive, sunchokes, caramelized onion puree, mustard demi

Dessert

Chocolate Crème Brulee, raspberry compote

Bread Pudding, kirsch brandy, cherry, pistachio

 

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurant's NYE Events

Kimpton Group restaurants Atwood Cafe, South Water Kitchen and 312 Chicago offer three different styles of New Year's eve celebrations Dec. 31.

Atwood Cafe, 1 W. Washington, rings out the old year with chef  Derek Simcik's six-course (each course is inspired by a local chef) tasting menu and Champagne toast; $70. atwoodcafe

Chef Roger Waysok of South Water Kitchen, 225 N. Wabash, taps into the holiday celebration with a dinner and beer pairing; $75. southwaterkitchen

Chef Luca Corrazzina of 312 Chicago, 136 N. LaSalle, opts for a four-course meat and veggie menu; $65, $90 with wine pairings. 312chicago

Caffeinated Club Comes to Chicago

Water-down coffee or sodas, who wants them? Caffeinated water, now that's whole new concept one that Caffeinated Club, flavored soda water with caffeine, has cornered. The 12-ounce bottled beverages contain 34 grams of caffeine (equal to the amount in a 12-oz can of cola) 15 grams of sodium, 0 grams of sugar, no artificial sweeteners and zero calories. Varieties include clear, orange grapefruit, raspberry and lemon. caffeinatedclub

City Tavern's New Brunch Menu

Executive Chef Amanda Barnes of City Tavern, 1416 S. Michigan, has designed a new brunch menu, available 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, that includes one entree and bottomless Champagne or mimosas for $25. See menu below. citytavern

Brunch Menu at City Tavern

Traditional two eggs any style, hash browns, ciabatta toast $10

Omelet of the Day hash browns $13

French Toast brioche, maple mascarpone, syrup, mixed berries $12

Bacon Pancakes whipped goat butter, maple syrup $12

Southern Benedict buttermilk biscuit, country ham, two poached eggs, Hollandaise $14

Pork Schnitzel two fried eggs, lemon, capers, maple mustard $15

Shrimp Hash hollandaise, two poached eggs, potatoes, bacon bits $18

Breakfast Burger half-pound burger, fried egg, bacon jam, garlic aioli, lettuce, pickles, onion, frites $15 add cheddar or swiss $1.50

Croque Madame brioche, gruyere, ham, farm egg, frites $14

Foie and Bacon Sandwich English muffin, maple syrup $15 

Monte Cristo ham, cheddar and bacon triple decker sandwich

Apple Salad arugula, pecans, chili vinaigrette $10

Escarole and Kale Salad blue cheese dressing, garlic croutons, bacon $12

Tavern Cheese Board
each $7, pick three $19, pick five $32

Tavern Charcuterie Board
each $8, Tavern Board $25

Salami Nostrano, Finocchiona, Coppa, Sopressata, Speck

Macku's Daily Specials

Chef Macku Chan's Macku Sushi, 2239 N. Clybourn, and Macku Signature, 2925 N. Halsted, restaurants now offer daily specials Sunday through Thursday including Tuesdays prix fixe seasonal menu with wine pairing; $45. See menu below. macku

Tuesday's seasonal prix fixe menu with wine pairings includes:

Carrot soup (pureed carrots, Alaskan king crab, white miso, cream, chives with rice cracker)

Nigiri with Toppings paired with 2011 Wither Hills, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 

Mebachi (big eye tuna, shiitake mushrooms, black pepper sauce)

Hamachi (Yellowtail, sautéed banana peppers, Japanese black pepper)

Sake (salmon, enoki mushrooms, truffle oil, chives)

Kanpachi (Amberjack spicy octopus)

Ika (squid, spicy tobiko sauce, basil)

Sashimi & Makimono paired with Junmai Ginjyo, "Cherry Bouquet", Dewazakura Oka Sake

Suzuki (pickled onions, chives, macadamian nuts, ponzu sauce)

Special Spicy Tuna (sweet potato tempura & kanpyo wrapped inside out topped with spicy tuna

Venison served with a curry sauce paired with 2010 Vina Los Molles, Syrah, Chile

Pastoral's Truffle Trio Cheese Sandwich Make's Oprah's 2013 Favorite Things List

Pastoral Arisan Cheese, Bread and Wine's Truffle Trio Cheese Sandwich is among Oprah's 2013 list of "Favorite Things." The sandwich, which features roasted local-produced turkey breast, Sottocenere truffle cheese, lemon artichoke pesto, red onions and field greens on a fresh baguette, returns for a limited time. pastoralartisan

Tanta's Holiday Specials

Tanta's, 118 W. Grand, Peruvian holiday specials will be available Dec. 20-24. Dishes include: Chuleton Doble (grilled Berkshire pork chop, spicy Brussel sprouts, sweet potato puree and rocoto passion fruit sauce); Pescado Nikei (grilled cod on green lima beans tacu-tacu, tamarind aji panca sauce and lima bean salad) and Quinoa and scallops (grilled jumbo scallops on organic quinoa and beet salad with cream passion fruit dressing). tantachicago

Big Jones' Traditional Creole Reveillon Dinner

Big Jones', 5347 N. Clark, Christmas Eve menu touches upon a long-standing Creole tradition of multi course menu choices featuring recipes from the Christian Women's League of New Orleans' Creole Cookery and Lafcadio Hearn's La Cuisine Creole. The dinner, available Dec. 24 only, is $49; $20, ages under 12. The menu is below. bigjones

First Course
Hearts of palms bisque with vanilla, Three Sisters corn mushrooms and housemade pumpernickel
Coconut and calf's foot soup (circa 1885) with shrimp and fingerling potatoes
Oyster stew with house-cured 2011 country ham and buttered croutons

Bread
House-baked rustic black walnut bread with house-cultured butter and quince jelly

Second Course
Roasted and pickled beets with clotted cream, absinthe gems, frisee and celery salt crispy bacon
Living Waters Farms butter lettuce with Green Goddess dressing, Amish blue cheese and crispy bacon

Third Course
Heritage American Buff goose gumbo with housemade chaurice meatballs and Arkansas Delta rice
Creamed venison pie with celery root, rutabaga and horseradish red wine jus
Stuffed Rushing Waters trout with crawfish boudin, cauliflower puree, root vegetables and candied satsuma
Heirloom purple barley risotto with creamy butter beans, roasted black trumpet mushrooms, Three Sisters garden pea greens and brown butter fried pecans

Fourth Course
Traditional doberge cake of chocolate, lemon and caramel
Rum and nutmeg bread pudding with oatmeal cookie crumble and vanilla bean ice cream
Warm kumquat and marrow pudding with whipped Kilgus Farmstand cream

Porkchop Hosts Ugly Sweater

Porkchop's, 941 W. Randolph, ugly sweater event is Dec. 20. Incentives for sporting your ugliest sweater include food and other giveaways. Winter drinks include Irish coffee, hot toddies and apple brandy cider. In addition a new late night food and drink menu, available beginning 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; midnight Friday-Saturday include:  $1 select appetizers (sliders, tacos, wings and fries); half-priced appetizers and a burger, beer and shot combo, $10.

Hyatt Regency Chicago's Holiday Giveaway

Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Chicago

There's still time to win big in Hyatt Regency Chicago's "Tis the season to ...shop" sweepstakes. Entries accepted through Dec. 22. Prizes include a $100 gift certificate to 900 North Michigan Shops; on night stay at the Park Hyatt. dinner for two at Stetsons Modern Steak + Sushi and a $100 donation to Toys for Tots in the winner's name. For rules, regulations and to enter click here.

Cantina Laredo Tamales To-Go

Start a new family tradition this holiday season with Cantina Laredo's, 508 N. State, homemade tamales to-go (available Dec. 23 and 24 only); $16.95 a dozen. Orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance. cantinalaredo

Kit Kat Lounge's Jingle Bell Brunch

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted, hosts two Jingle Bell Brunches, 11 a..m. to 4 p.m. Dec, 15 and 22. Diva Madam X entertains. kitkatlounge

Sunda delivers Holiday Cheer

Sunda's, 110 W. Illinois, holiday drink-- the toasted gingersnap (Bombay sapphire, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, egg white, ginger syrup, mint rimmed with crushed almond and orange)-- is  $14. sunda

Nando Milano Trattoria's Holiday Menus

Wicker Park's Nando Milano Trattoria, 2114 W. Division, is offering a special Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) menu featuring recipes from co-owner Dario and executive chef  Alessio (pictured) Vullo's own traditional holiday fare. The menu is listed below. nandomilano

Piatto del giorno

Soup of the day

Agnolotti in Brodo di Agnello | House made Raviolini Pasta filled with Milk-fed Lamb

Antipasto

Ostriche e Langustine Criditee | Chilled half dozen Oysters and Langustine Prawns in a Rhubarb and Radish Dressing

Vongole al Forno | A dozen of baked Boston Clams filled with Smoked Mozzarella in a Bread Crumb Crust

Primi Piatti

Fettuccine all'Aragosta | House made Fettuccine Pasta with half Lobster from Maine, Mussels and Clams in Imperial Sauce

Ravioli al Ragu di Fagiano | House made Ravioli filled with a Pheasant Ragout

Secondi Piatti

Stinco di Agnello | Marinated Braised Lamb Shank with Tuscan Potatoes and Rapini

*Risotto al Tartufo Bianco | Risotto made with imported Italian white truffles

Cernia al Pistacchio | Pacific Grouper encrusted in Pistachio with a medley of seasonal Vegatable in Porcini's Creme Sauce

Tagliata alla Fiorentina |10 oz. of Prime Rib eye Fiorentina style topped with shaved Parmesan Cheese served with Tuscan Fries, Arugula and Cherry Tomatoes

Dolci

Il Pandoro di Natale | House made traditional Italian Sponge Cake with a velvety cream of Mascarpone and Chocolate Fondue

*This dish is only available on New Year's Eve.

Carlucci's Holiday Cheer

Carlucci Restaurant, 1801 Butterfield, Downers Grove, shakes it up big time with its giant 42-ounce martini in a choice of the snowbird (Ketel One, Godiva white chocolate, Tuaca vanilla citrus flavored liqueur, Nocello liqueur and coconut puree) or mint chocolate chip (Absolut vanilla vodka, Creme de Menthe dark, Baileys Irish Whiskey, and Dorda chocolate liquor): $35, recommended for sharing. carlucci

Davanti Enoteca Feast of the Seven Fishes

Wine bar Davanti Enoteca, participating locations, serves up a holiday feast Italian style during its Feast of the Seven Fishes family-style dinner (see menu below), available Dec. 24-31; $65 per person. davanti

Feast of the Seven Fishes

(requires participation from entire table)

$65 per person (served family-style)

Includes your choice of an 8oz pour of Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc

Baccala Mantecato

whipped salt cod / fried capers / wild arugula / crispy lavosh

DueMinuti Calamari

calamari / tomato / castelvetrano olive / caper berry / chili flakes / fregola sardo

Sardinecon Fettunta

house-cured sardines / n’duja / thick cut Tuscan toast / shaved fennel

Pulpo con Ceci e Limone

braised Spanish octopus / pimenton / chickpeas / charred lemon vinaigrette

Linguine con le Vongole

Manila clams / lemon / herbs / toasted breadcrumbs / hand-cut linguine

Gamberetti Fra’ Diavolo

rock shrimp / cherry tomato / calabrian chili / basil / hand-rolled pici

BranzinoGrigliato

Whole grilled branzino / salsa verde / marinated lemons

,

Pony's Grown Up Christmas Bash

Pony, 1638 W. Belmont, hosts a Christmas party for grown ups 8 p.m. Dec. 20. And yes, Santa will be on hand to have his photo snapped with the big kids. A DJ will spin holiday tunes. Drink specials include candy cane shots ($4); Newcastle beer ($3); Heineken ($3) and Jim Beam drinks ($5). pony

InterContinental O'Hare's NYE Bash Early Tickets

Early bird ticket pricing for InterContinental Chicago O'Hare's, 5300 N. River, Rosemont,New Year's Eve Rock 'N' Roll Ball, beginning 8:30 p.m. Dec 31, ends Dec. 15. General admission tickets; $85; VIP Tickets: $125. Dinner packages and room and party packages are also available. Tickers include party, entertainment and favors. Performers include JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound; Cracker; Rod Tuffcurls and the Benchpress; Modern Day Romeos and My Blue Valentines. icohare

Nia's Holiday Wine Tasting

Nia, 803 W. Randolph, hosts a holiday sparkling wine event 3-5 p.m. Dec. 14; $40. Featured vintages include Adami Prosecco; Segura Viudas Brut Cava; Avinyo Organic Rose Cava; Segura Vidas Heredad Reserve Cava; Soracco Moscato D'Asti; Louis Boillot; Dopff Cremat; Varichon Rose. Reservations suggested. niarestaurant

Tokio Pub Ramen Burger

Chef Peter Balodimas of Tokio Pub, 1900 E. Higgins, Schaumburg, launched an innovative menu item today-- the Ramen burger (house-ground brisket and short rib Angus beef  topped with soy molasses, Tamari soy, caramelized onion, garlic, green onion, shiitake mushroom brown sugar ginger, sesame seed and a mizuna garnish between a Ramen noodle bun. The unique choice was inspired by chef Keizo Shimamoto, creation which made a big buzz in Brooklyn during a summer flea market. tokiopub

CH Distillery Holiday Gift Packages and New Limoncello Liqueur

CH Distillery & Cocktail Bar's, 564 W. Randolph, exclusive CH-EER holiday vodka and gin gift packages include liquor (vodka, Key gin or London Dry gin, an engraved flask, two shot glasses and West Loop Salumi's 100 percent Heritage Berkshire pork finocchiona salami, $85. The company has also released Crema di Limoncello, from a an authentic provided by collaborator Giuliani Vitagliano from an authentic Napolitan family recipe ($30). Also available as a gift set. chdistillery

Photos courtesy of Arnold Klein

Franklin Tap Tunes In To the 12 Beers of Christmas

Franklin Tap's, 325 S. Franklin, line up of the 12 Beers of Christmas, available through Dec. 31, are listed below. franklintap

12 Beers of Christmas Menu

Revolution Brewing: Fistmas Ale, 16-oz ($6)
Great Lakes Brewing: Christmas Ale, 16-oz ($6)

Southern Tier Brewing: 2XMAS, 16-oz ($6)  

Two Brothers Brewing: The More The Merrier, 16-oz ($6)

Brouwerij Affligem: Noel, 12-oz ($10)
Goose Island: Sixth Day, 16-oz ($6)
Anderson Valley Brewing: Winter Solstice, 16-oz ($6)
Samuel Adams: Merry Maker, 12-oz ($7)
Sierra Nevada: Celebration Ale, 16-oz ($6)
Three Floyds Brewing: Alpha Klaus, 12-oz ($8)
Lakefront Brewery: Holiday Spice, 12-oz ($8)

New Belgium Brewing: Frambozen, 16-oz ($7)

Plate Magazine's "Project: Blackbird" Chronicles the History Of Trend-Setting Restaurant

Plate magazine, spearheaded by editor Chandra Ram (pictured) in conjunction with the National Pork Board, has put together "Project: Blackbird," a multimedia presentation on the history of Blackbird and how the restaurant changed the face of Chicago dining. View at projectblackbird

Frontier's Winter Menu and 12 Beers of Christmas

Elk shepherd's pie, barbecue rabbit leg Texas-style barbecue sauce with succotash, $18 and wood pigeon with cornbread dressing, greens and gravy, $19 are among Executive Chef Brian Jupiter's new winter offerings. Beginning Dec. 10 the restaurant features the Twelve Beers of Christmas: Great Lakes Christmas Ale (Dec. 10); Serafijn Christmas Angel (Dec. 11); Ommegang Adoration (Dec. 12); Darkhorse 4 Elf (Dec. 13); Breckenridge Christmas Ale (Dec. 14); Goose Island Sixth Day (Dec. 15); Delirium Noel (Dec. 16); Scaldis Noel (Dec. 17); Two Brothers The More the Merrier (Dec. 18); St. Bernardus Christmas Ale (Dec. 19); Half Acre Big Hugs (Dec. 20) and N'ice Chouffe (Dec. 21). Frontier, 1072 N. Milwaukee frontier.

Space519 Holiday Trunk Shows

Mallory Einstein, whose mre jewelry mre, is favored by some of Hollywood's top celebrities including Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Winona Ryder, Eve, Paris Hilton and Mandy Moore, presents two holiday trunk shows 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 13-14 at space519 at The Shops of 900 N. Michigan. Items will include earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings priced from $50-$750. space519

Paris Hilton wearing mre jewelry's Fleur de lise pendant (coolspotter.com)

Bow & Stern Oyster Bar Opens This Month

West Town's Bar & Stern Oyster Bar, 1317 W. Chicago, is set to open Dec. 19. Brian Greene, most recently at The Savory, mans the establishment's kitchen. Chef Greene will execute a fishing and farm-to-table menu with more than 60 per cent of the menu devoted to seafood. Highlights include a raw bar with fresh shucked oysters. The restaurant will offer brunch and dinner. bowandsternoysterbar

David Burke's Primehouse's NYE Dinner

Executive Chef Rick Gresh of David Burke's Primehouse, 616 N. Rush, rings in the new year with a special dinner, with menus designed for both steak and non-steak fans, Dec. 31; $82. Pastry chef Jove T. Hubbard adds the crowning touch with a dessert menu that includes his Peruvian chocolate tart; Tahitian vanilla panna cotta with peach Prosecco sorbet and mango sponge cake and Meyer lemon sorbet with crystallized blueberries and raspberry mint marmalade. davidburkesprimehouse

Delish Diner Host Pop-up Garlic Dinner

Chef Alan Lake author of The Garlic Manifesto presides over a six-course dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Delish Diner, 2018 W. Division; $70. Chef Lake, a three-time winner of of the Delray Beach Garlic Festival's Professional Chef Competition, presents six of his award-winning dishes (see menu below). delishdiner

Chef Alan Lake

Menu:

First
Frisse, Mache, Arugula Herbs with pomegranate, pistachio, honey goat cheese, aged black garlic Dijon vinaigrette
Second
Umami Barleysotto
roasted portobello, parsnip, asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, tomato, red onion, caramelized cauliflower, elephant garlic
Third
Habibi's Levantine Lamb Kibbe Tartare
(bulgar, Aleppo pepper, mint, garlic confit za-atar crisps, homemade labneh
Four
Scampi
(roasted potstoed, porcini, browned garlic, lemon, cavolo nero, butternut squash, toasted almonds)
Fifth
Lobsang Souchong Tea Smoked Duck Breast
(Japanese eggplant-roasted garlic mousse, braised fennel, charred Brussels sprouts, tangerine-carrot-cinnamon oil, verde coulis)
Sixth
Warm Port Poached Pear
(dried fruit compote, vanilla bean ice cream Stilton-caramelized garlic tuille and iced homemade lemoncello 2011

The Glunz Tavern Champagne Tasting

Sample more than 40 varieties of Champagne and sparkling wines during The Glunz Tavern's, 1202 N. Wells, 10th Annual Champagne Tasting 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 6; $65. Bottles of wines and Champagnes sampled will be available for purchase at discount prices. Food samples, which includes sushi and caviar, will be available for purchase in larger serving sizes. theglunztavern

Timothy O'Toole's Bad Santa-Ugly Sweater Event

Don your tackiest most atrocious sweater for Timothy O'Toole's, 622 N. Fairbanks, ugly sweater party 8 p.m. Dec. 13. Activities include a photo op with Bad Santa and themed giveaways. Seasonal brews (see list below), $5 each and specialty drinks like the Santa shot (Fireball  and Bailey's, $3) will be available. timothyotooles

Christmas Beer List 
Great Lakes Christmas 
Founders Breakfast Stout
Hoppin' Frog Frosted Frog
Goose Island 6th Day
Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale
Delirium Noel
Leinie's Vanilla Porter
Green Bush Ursus Old Winter Ale
Scrumpy Winter Solstice
New Holland Cabin Fever
Revolution Fistmas
3 Floyds Alpha Klaus

Delightful Pastries Cookie Extravaganza

December 4 is National Cookie Day. Drop in any Delightful Pastries here for a selection that includes:

§  Linzer Cookies
Buttery cookies sandwiched with either raspberry or apricot jams

§  Mexican Wedding Cookies
Delicious nut cookies that melt in your mouth, dipped in powdered sugar.

§  Viennese Almond Crescents
These melt-in-your-mouth cookies contain no eggs. They are very fragile & hand shaped.

§  Raspberry Kolaczki 
Flaky yeast dough filled with locally made raspberry preserves

§  Apricot Kolaczki
Flaky yeast dough filled with locally made apricot preserves

§  Cheese Kolaczki
Flaky yeast dough filled with delicious cheese filling

§  Pistachio Shortbread
Egg free crunchy Irish shortbread with pistachio

§  Pecan Sables
Buttery French cookies made with delicious pecans

§  Sugar Cookies 
Butter cookies cut in different animal shapes and topped with sugar.

§  Italian Rainbow Cookies
Marzipan layers filled with raspberry and apricot jams, topped with chocolate layer.

Abbey Brown Soap Artisan Salutes Chicago Neighborhoods

Abbey Brown Soap Artisans located in Chicago French Market, 131 N. Clinton, have created three neighborhood inspired olive oil-based soaps: West Town; Gold Coast and West Loop ($5 each). The retailer also has a new seasonal scent: chocolate mint $8.50. abbeybrown

Found's Moveable Feast Dinner Series Continues

Found chef Nicole Pedereson and proprietor Amy Morton hosts an even of pagan ritual and crafted spirits during the third installment of their Moveable Feast dinner series beginning 6:30 p.m. Dec.17 at  Ward Eight, 629 W. Howard, Evanston; $80, plus tax and gratuity. Proceeds benefit Connections for the Homeless. Tarot card readers join in the evening's adventure. Click here for tickets.

Air

Parsnip Soup with Basil and Pistachio Foam

Water

Butter-Poached Sturgeon with Celery Root and Sweet Potato

Fire

Grilled Spicy Goat Sausage with Pumpkin Seeds

Earth

Roasted Beef with Mushrooms, Potatoes, and Raclette

Dessert

Pudding Cake with Blood Orange, Coconut, and Lime

Municipal Bar Turns One

Municipal Bar + Dining Company, 216 W. Ohio, invites guests in to help celebrate its first anniversary beginning at 10 p.m. Dec. 12. Drink specials include $8 Russian Standard cocktails. municipalbar

Two And Goose Island Tie One On

Two Restaurant, 1132 W. Grand, and Goose Island Brewery hosts a free tasting of seasonal brews beginning 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Featured beers: Bourbon County Stout; Two More Weeks; Lolita Belgian-style wild ale; Gillian Belgian-style farmhouse ale and Bourbon County Coffee Stout. two

Sunda's Holiday Sweets and Sides

Sunda, 110 W. Illinois, offers unique holiday sides and sweets including chocolate Hawaiian bread pudding, turkey shephard pie and Brussels sprout salad. sunda

The Drawing Room's New Chef and NYE Menu

The Drawing Room, 937 N. Rush, rings in the new year with a menu created by new executive chef Tommy Sheean. The five-course dinner ($85) is listed below; $85. drawingroom

Amuse:

Heart of palm, tangerine, black pepper

1^st Course

Beet Tartare - cucumber, horseradish, crème fraiche, fennel puree

Ahi Crudo - jalepeno, pomegranate, cilantro

2^nd Course

Duck Confit - ravioli en brood, turnip, hazelnut

Roasted Brussels Sprouts - spaghetti squash, preserved lemon, thyme, parmesan

3^rd Course

Halibut - pancetta braised cabbage, maitake mushrooms, charred scallion vinaigrette

Beluga Lentils - roasted winter squash, pickled pearl onion, Romesco, goat cheese

Petite Tender - braised endive, sunchokes, carmelized onion puree, mustard demi

Dessert

Chocolate Crème Brulee, raspberry compote

Bread Pudding, kirsch brandy, cherry, pistachio features

Rockit Bar Repeal Day Dinner

Prohibition ending was a legal cause celebre join in the fun during Rockit Bar's, 22 W. Hubbard, Repeal Day Whiskey DInner beginning 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, $45. rockitbarandgrill/repeal

Grand Avenue Shop Hop

Shop-to-you-during West Town's Grand Avenue Design District Shop Hop 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 7-8 on Grand between Ashland and Western. Visitors will be feted to discounts, food samples and activities at various retailers. grandavedesigndistrict

The Original Mother's 45th Birthday Bash

The Original Mother's, 26 W. Division, celebrates with a birthday party kickicking off at 8 p.m. Nov. 27. An unveiling of the Division Street Wall of Fame takes place at 8:30 p.m. Entertainment by the Spazmatics starts at 9 p.m. originalmothers

The Grid Launches Brunch Menu

The Grid, 351 W. Hubbard, hosts a seasonal affair "Savor the Season" 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8. A brunch of entree and one cocktail; $15; brunch entree and unlimited cocktails; $25. Brunch will also feature build-your-own bloody mary and mimosa bars. Local designers and boutiques will show collections and items, perfect for gifting this holiday season, during the event. thegridchicago

The Local Mixes it Up With Cocktails Created by Area Mixologists for Charity

The Local Chicago's, 198 E. Delaware, new cocktail program features guest mixologists concoctions (for charity) alongside in-house creations. The menu is listed below or click here

Local Mixologists' Cocktails ($13)

The Highwayman [Paul Bastien, Drum Bar]

Apple Brandy, Averna Amaro, Lemon, Raspberry Simple Syrup, Creole Bitters and Peychaud Bitters

(Big Shoulders Chicago)

The Tickler [Justin Cochren, J. Parker]

Vodka, St. German and Aperol (Juvenile Cancer Research at Children's Memorial Hospital)

You Make Me Bomba [Paul Saultier, Mercadito]

Brudal Extra Dry Rum, Ginger Syrup, Lemon Juice, Cucumber Puree, Yucateca and Mint

(Un86'd)

The Del Mar Derby [Tony Potempa, American Junkie]

Bacardi Superior, House made Ginger Simple Syrup, Lime, Muddled Raspberries and mint

(Operation Homefront)

The Haberdasher [Garrett Sweet, Perennial Virant]

Old Tom Gin, Amaro Meletti, Cynar, Luxardo and Maraschino (Growing Home)

Eval Apple [Brenda Eval, Three Dots and a Dash]

Lemon Juice, Apple Butter, Apple Cider, Benedictine and Old Overholt Rye Whiskey

(Typhoon Haiyan Relief/Philippine Red Cross)

Whitzey Rose [Sergio Serna, Drawing Room]

Mount Gay Black Barrel, Cointreau, Grenadine, Lemon Juice, Angostura bitters (Speed-Rack for Breast Cancer Research)

Tuscan Night [Mea Leech, RM Champagne Salon]

Cinnamon Syrup, Lemon Juice, North Shore Aquavit topped with Sparkling Rosé CHARITY: American Red Cross

Nelly Bly [Carlvin Marty, LUXBAR]

Angels Envy Bourbon, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Aperol, Fresh Lemon Juice, John D taylor's Velvet Falernum, Regan's Orange Bitters #6 (826CHI)

Heartland Cafe Revamps Menu

Roger Park's iconic Heartland Cafe, 7000 N. Glenwood,which has put the spotlight on eating healthy for more than 35 years ago, upgrades its menu with more organic and local sustainable dishes including menu items with selections from Earth First Farms. The menu launches Dec. 2. Click here

Greens, beans and grains salad