Vie Gets Creative With Soup

Baby it's still cold outside so warm up with Vie's, 4471 Lawn, Western Springs, creamy pumpkin soup, which Chef Paul Virant has spiced up with unique ingredients that include foie gras mousse, maple creme fraiche and housemade oat streusel. vierestaurant

Delightful Pastries' Homemade Paczkis

Paczki Day is March 4 and Dobra Bielinski of Delightful Pastries serves up fresh homemade paczkis for the occasion. Varieties, ranging in price from $2-$3.25, include fresh strawberry and whipped cream; custard filled topped with chocolate fudge; rose petal jelly; plum butter and a selection of spirit filled pastries that include Jameson whiskey and chocolate custard; vodka and custard with Madagascar vanilla; and lemon curd and  moonshine. delightfulpastries

Nacional 27 Mezcal Madness

Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron, showcases a new Mezcal cocktail on Thursdays during the month beginning with the Sweet and Smokey (Sombra mezcal, mango puree, peach liquor, muddled grapes and strawberries, topped with Cava, $8) March 6. See listing for other cocktails below. n27chicago

 March 13:
Mezcal Mule (El Peloton de la Muerte mezcal, yuzu juice and ginger beer layered over crushed ice and garnished with a lime), $8 

March 20:
Mezcal Fashioned  (El Peloton de la Muerte mezcal, soda, orange bitters, muddled orange, cherry and sugar), $8

March 27:
Mezcal-rita  (El Peloton de la Muerte mezcal, tequila, lime juice, strawberry cucumber cilantro mint syrup, triple sec), $8

Illinois Restaurant Association's Living Legends Awards

On February 27 the Illinois Restaurant Assn. handed out its Living Legends Awards. Recipients are: * Outstanding Restaurateur: Rich Melman started the Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises chain and operations in 1971 with R.J. Grunts. * Outstanding Chef: Rick Bayless opened his first restaurant Frontera Grill in Chicago in 1987 and has since expanded his area restaurants to include Topolobampo, Xoco, Tortas Frontera, and Fontera Fresco. * Outstanding Vendor: Turano Baking Company Mariano Turano founded his first bakery in 1962.  * Company Award: Sysco Chicago/Sara Rowe ProStart Sysco, a global leader in selling, marketing and distributing product, supplies, and equipment to the foodservice and hospitality industries, operates 193 facilities serving approximately 425,000 customers. * Humanitarian Award: Kathryn Thanas, Lou Mitchell's established in 1923 by Lou Mitchell is owned today by Lou's niece, Kathryn Thanas. * Guardian of Tradition Award: Frank Sgro, Italian Village Frank Sgro began working at Italian Village in 1959. Today, now in his 60's, Sgro serves as the restaurant's dedicated maître d' that has helmed the front of house at Italian Village for more than 50 years.

Magnolia Bakery's Oscar-winning Cupacakes

Magnolia Bakery, 108 N. State, turns out two Oscar worthy treats in honor of the Academy Awards ceremony March 2.

• The Black: chocolate or vanilla cupcakes with shimmering gold dust atop light and airy whipped vanilla and chocolate icing; $3.50 each.
• The Best Picture: A dozen chocolate and vanilla edible image cupcakes highlighting the best movies of 2014; $60, per box of dozen. magnoliabakery

Chicago Cut Salutes Chicago

Chicago Cut Steakhouse, 300 N. LaSalle, salutes the City of Chicago's 177th birthday on March 4 with a couple of Chicago favorites that includes a partnership with Black Dog Gelato to create a special Chicago a unique dessert— Cracker Jack gelato sundae; $10. The restaurant's signature bone-in rib-eye will be $54. Visitors also will receive Chicago flag pins like those worn by the restaurant’s servers. chicagocut

iNG Launches New Tasting Menu in March

Executive Chef Tim Havidic of iNG, 951 W. Fulton, launches the Craft Beer Experience Menu video March 4. The menu, featuring both local and rare brews, is available as a three ($50); six ($85) or ten-course ($105) option. ingrestaurant

Kit Kat Lounge Hosts "Rock of Ages" Brunch

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club's, 3700 N. Halsted, "Rock of Ages" brunch 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 9 pays tribute to Broadway in Chicago's production saluting the music of  '80s rock stars click here opening March 11-16 at Bank of America Theatre. The drink of the day is the Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n Roll (Pinnacle vodka, olive juice, sirracha chili hot sauce garnished with peperoncini) cocktail; $6.75. Diva Madam X performs as Joan Jett and Pat Benetar. Giveaways during the brunch include five pairs of tickets to the show. kitkat

Municipal Bar Hosts Oscar Party Benefiting JDRF

Municipal Bar + Dining Company, 216 W. Ohio, hosts an Oscar night  Red Carpet party benefitting Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) beginning 6 p.m. March 2. Kelly Rizzo of East Travel Rock presides over the festive event that offers an evening of  fabulous food, fun and fashion including hair and makeup tutorials by Chicago stylist Crizen Hasegawa. Joan Rivers impersonator Ellie Weingardt (pictured) adds to the fun, serving up an evening of zingers while hosting the event's best dressed contest. Tickets are $60; advanced; $70, at the door. municipalbar. Purchase tickets here.

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Baconfest Tickets On Sale Feb. 24

Tickets for Baconfest Chicago 2014 being held April 25-26 at UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine, go on sale noon Feb. 24. Included among the 161 chefs serving up bacon-inspired dishes during this year's event are: Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno); John Chiakulas (Mity Nice Bar & Grill); John Gatsos (Tavern on Rush); Chris Pandel (Bristol/Balena): Nick Curtis (Kanela Cafe) and Mike Bellovich (Hub 51). Tickets, $100; $200, can be purchased here. For more information, visit baconfest.

Fountanhead's Crime & Punishment Event

Chef Cleetus Friedman of Fountainhead, 1970 W. Montrose, serves up a four-course brunch spotlighting rare Stone Brewing beers mixed in creative cocktails during the Crime & Punishment Brunch noon to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 23; $50. The menu includes whisky bacon benedict, multigrain toast, classic hollandaise paired with the Crime cocktail (Lucky Bastard ale with peppers added aged in bourbon barrels) and a course of cold smoked salmon, bastard braised white beans, romaine hearts, yogurt ranch and pickled onions paired with the Punishment cocktail ("bloody goliath" with pale ale back and punishment back). fountainhead

Bellwether Celebrates National Margarita Day

In celebration of  National Margarita Day (Feb. 22) Bellwether, 302 E. Illinois, invites guests to belly up to the bar and enjoy mixologist Amy Grant's grapefruit jalapeno margarita (Don Julio Reposado, fresh lemon, lime simple syrup, splash of grapefruit and muddled jalapeno); $14. bellwether

Shaw's Crab House Mardi Gras Celebration

Shaw's Crab House, 21 E. Hubbard, brings New Orleans to Chicago during its Mardi Gras celebration beginning Feb. 28 with special cocktails and a selection of Creole and Cajun food and music. The restaurant hosts Sunday Brunch with a Louisiana Kick, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 2; $55. The celebration comes to a close with a Fat Tuesday party, featuring an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil, March 4; $30. The Midway Ramblers Cajun Band joins in the fun 7-10 p.m. March in the Oyster Bar. shaws

The Dawson Hosts Tuesday Beer Chats

The Dawson, 730 W. Grand, kicks off a Tuesday Beer Chat series beginning Feb. 25 with Stillwater Artisanal Ales followed by Tallgrass Brewing, March 4 and Begyle Brewing, March 11. dawson

Andoni Luis Aduriz Events at iNG & Moto

"Check, Please!" Hosts Catherine de Orio (pictures) moderates a discussion on Northern Spain cuisine with guest chef Andoni Luis Aduriz of Mugaritz 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16 at iNG Restaurant, 951 W. Fulton; $150, includes appetizers and beverages. Following the event Aduriz will sign copies of his book Mugaritz: A Natural Science of Cooking. Books will be available for purchase.

Aduriz (pictures) and Chef Richie Farina of Moto, 945 W. Fulton, partner for a 10 course dinner (each chef will prepare five courses) beginning 5 p.m. March 17 at Moto; $250, with wine pairings.

Banh Mi Launches New Tasting Series

Banh Mi & Co.'s Loop location, 214 W. Van Buren, kicks off a "Taste of Vietnam" series 5-8 p.m. Feb. 26; $15. Owner Lee Trinh will be on hand to walk tasting series, which was designed to educate guest on Vietnamese food. banhmi

Chipotle Mini Series Debuts on Hulu and Hulu Plus

Chipotle's "Farmed and Dangerous" four-part series debuts on Hulu and Hulu Plus today. The show, hosted by actor Ray Wise, takes a look at how food is agriculturally cultivated and the industry's gallant approach to productivity and consumer awareness. Chipotle is sponsoring a mobile trivia contest in conjunction with the series with other episodes airing Feb. 24;  March 3 and March 10. farmedanddangerous

Frontier's Newest Foodie Dinner

It's time for another installment of  Frontier's, 1072 N. Milwaukee, "So You Think You're a Foodie" dinner taking place 8 p.m. Feb. 26; $72. Chef  Brian Jupiter tasting menu of various types of fried whole fish including snapper (pictured). frontier

Bow & Stern Oyster Bar's Oyster Blues Thursday

Good food and good music, how can you go wrong? Bow & Stern, 1371 W. Chicago, launches Oyster Blues Thursdays beginning 7 p.m. Feb. 20 with harmonica player Omar Coleman. bowandstern

The Pony's Blackhawk Events

The Pony, 1638 W. Belmont, hosts three Blackhawk events beginning with a round trip from the bar to Soldier Field March 1 against the Penguins: $25, includes refreshments on the bus. Registration is 3:30 p.m. the bus departs at 4:30 p.m. Game time is 7 p.m. March 6 it's a round trip from the bar to the United Center and back for a game against the Blue Jackets$75, includes one ticket to the game and refreshments on the bus. Registration is 5 p.m. the bus departs at 6 p.m. Game time is 7 p.m. Finally it's a Blackhawk road party at the bar featuring The Pony Ice Crew Girls 6:30 p.m. March 9. Specials include the Hawks Punch ($5). thepony

Bites Asian Tapas Valentine's Celebration.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with an Asian twist Feb. 14-15 at Bites Asian Tapas, 3313 N. Clark. The bistro features a selection of romantic small plates from Thailand, Japan, China, Vietnam and Korea. bitestapas

Dunlays' Firkin Beer Tapping

Dunlays on the Square, 3137 W. Logan, hosts an old-fashion beer tapping party beginning 5:30 p.m. Feb. 21. Two Brothers opens a keg of it's new French-pressed coffee infused Domaine DuPage. Chef Kevin Ives prepares special items to accompany the fresh-tapped brew that includes a short rib burger (garnished with bacon, fennel, celery root slaw and stone-ground mustard) and pint of firkin-tapped beer combo for $17. dunlays

Found and Bar Pastoral Partner for Moveable Feast Event

Chef Nicole Pederson of Found Kitchen and Social House, 1631 Chicago, Evanston, partners with Chef Chrissy Camba for Found's next Moveable Feast "For the Love of Cheese" taking place 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at Bar Pastoral, 2947 N. Broadway; $80. The five-course menu, paired with Candid wines, includes Grayson Tart with braised beef tongue, fingerling potatoes and poached farm egg paired with Domaine Sainte Croix 'Les Fournas' Carignan, Syrah and Grenache. Proceeds benefits Lakeview Pantry. foundkitchen

Bub City Salutes Johnny Cash

Bub City, 435 N. Clark, celebrates Johnny Cash's birthday Feb. 26 with a special birthday bash that includes a complimentary slice of "Black Out" birthday cake. Johnny Cash tribute band Petty Cash performs at 10 p.m. bubcity

Bellwether Celebrates National Margarita Day

Pull up a seat and take a sip. Feb. 22 is National Margarita Day and Bellwether's, 302 E. Illinois, Amy Grant mixes up a hot special--  Jalapeno Grapefruit Margarita (Don Julio Reposado, fresh lemon, lime, simple syrup and splash of grapefruit and muddled jalapeno; $14) for the occasion. bellwether

Gather Bar's Olympic Event

Gather Bar's "World of Cheers and Beers" event, featuring global brews, kicks off with the opening of Winter Olympics Feb. 7. The bar will host its own gold medal ceremony every Saturday, featuring a specialty selection honoring the country leading in gold medal wins. Beer selections include Boddinton's (UK); Pilsner Urquell (Czech Republic); Kronenbourg (France); St. Pauli Girl (Germany); Okocim (Poland) and Sapporo (Japan) The bar is located in the Renaissance Hotel, 1551 N. Thoreau, Schaumburg. renaissanceschaumburg

Ay Chiwowa Tequila Tasting Class

Learn how to prepare and pair tequila with food bites during Hablas Tequila, seasonal tequila tasting and food pairing class every second Tuesday 6-7:30 p.m. at Ay Chiwowa, 311 W. Chicago. Upcoming classes are: How to Make Guacamole (Feb. 12); Fresh Salsa Varieties (March 12) and How to Build a Tostada (April 9). aychiwowa

Niche Partners With Pipeworks Brewing

Niche Restaurant, 14 S. Third, Geneva, is the exclusive restaurant launch site (along with select retailers) for Pipeworks' Elijah's Rival Wheat Wine Ale through February. nicherestaurant

Rockit's Soup Fest

Warm up during the First Annual Soup Fest at Rockit Bar & Grill, 22 W. Hubbard and Rockit Burger Bar (closed Mondays), 3700 N. Clark, Feb 3-7. Daily offerings are: hearty beef stew (Monday); seafood bouillabaisse stew (Tuesday); smoked chicken chowder (Wednesday); roasted carrot soup (Thursday) and cheddar ale soup (Friday). rockitbarandgrill rockitburgerbar

 Rockit Ranch Productions: carrot roasted soup