MK The Restaurant Takes Summer Break

Michael Kornick's MK The Restaurant, 858 N. Franklin, is closed through August 5 for its annual summer break and private client rental.

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The Band Perry @Naperville Ribfest

There's a hole lot of barbecue and music going around and Naperville Ribfest, July 2-5, is joining in. Festivities include two stages; an International craft beer tasting and a carnival.

Rib vendors include: Armadillo's BBQ and Rib Company, Atlanta, GA: Desperados BBQ and Rib Co., Independence, OH; The Howling Coyote; Mojo's Rib Shack, Coolville, OH; Bigfoot BBQ Cooking Teem, Mentor, OH; Smokin' Joe's; Texas Outlaws, Houston, TX; Uncle Bub's; Robinsons; SGT. Oinks BBQ Co. and Colonel Dan, Chesapeake, VA.

The music lineup is equally impressive and includes: The Band Perry (pictured); Paul Rodgers of Bad Company; Hot Hot Robot; Replica; 7th Heaven; Rio Bamba; School of Rock; Stephen Neal; M&R Rush; Sammy Hagar and the Circle; Kellie Pickler; Tres Moustache; LiveWire; Derringer and Rye; Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown and Lil Red and The Howlin Wolves.

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Uptown's Rib Fesitval

Enjoy a weekend of barbecue and music during Windy City RibFest Uptown getting underway noon July 3 at Lawrence and Broadway.

Barbecue vendors include: Aussom Aussie Australian BBQ; Chicago BBQ Company; BBQ King Smokehouse; Porky Chicks BBQ; Sweet Baby Ray's and Texas Thunder BBQ.

The entertainment lineup includes: Funkadesi; Liquid Soul; Swizzle Tree, Trippin Billies; Lucky Boys Confusion, Guitarra Azul and Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press. Black Ensemble Theatre holds a special performance.

Hours are noon to 10 p.m. July 3-4; noon to 9 p.m. July 5.


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Bellagio's Bortolini Holds Chocolate Class in Chicago

Bellagio Resort's Master Chocolatier Sylvain Bortolini holds a professional-level chocolate candies and panning class 1-8 p,m. July 13-16 at the French Pastry School, 226 W. Jackson; $1,150.

In the four-day, hands-on class Bortolini will cover spreads; nut pralines and chocolates; sugar confections and panning. There's only one spot left register here.

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Food, Films and Fun

It's not quite dinner and a movie, but there will be food and an evening of entertainment under the stars when the Loft partners with Rooftop Films to present the "LOL Movie Series," curated by Whitney Cummings."

The event kicks off with "Bridesmaids," 8:30 p.m. July 8 on the rooftop at Whole Foods Lincoln Park, 1550 N. Kingsbury. Admission is free. However, a RSVP  is required. Next up: Ghost World (July 15); "When Harry Met Sally (July 22).

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Scone City goes red, white and blue

Pastry Chef Laurie McNamara of Scone City, 1632 W. Division, has created two patriotic-inspired offerings in honor of the Fourth of July: a savory roasted blue potato, oven-dried tomato, goat cheese, basil, thyme and a sweet offering of strawberry-blueberry with blueberry glaze adorned with stars. The holiday scones, $3.75 each, will be available July 3 only. The shop will be closed the 4th of July.

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Edible Chicago's Summer Soiree

Edible Chicago's summer bash "Bourbon, Bluegrass & Fried Chicken," is 1-4 p.m. Aug. 2 at Ignite Glass Studios, 401 N. Armour; $95.

Small batch bourbon makers include: Bakers; Basil Hayden's, Bookers and Knob Creek. The fried chicken will be provided by Carriage House, Honey Butter Fried Chicken and Gemini Bistro.

A VIP package (entry at noon) includes canapes by Art Smith's Table 52, special pours from Angel's Envy and New Holland Distillery along with a private glass-blowing demonstration; $120.

A soundtrack of Chicago area bluegrass bands serves as background music. Early bird tickets are available through July 1.

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Park Grill PlumpJack Wine Dinner

Park Grill, 11 N. Michigan, hosts a PlumpJack Wine dinner 7:30 p.m. July 29; $125. The four-course-menu includes: P.E.I. mussels, bacon confit, jalapeno, parsley and cream paired with Cade 2014, Sauvignon Blanc; duck confit tagliatelle; Rosemary, Maple Leaf Farm duck and shallot paired with 2012 PlumpJack Cabernet Sauvignon Estate; chocolate braised short ribs, grilled Brussels sprouts and celeriac puree paired with 2012 Adaptation Petite Sirah and a dessert course of chocolate torte and raspberry coulis paired with a 2012 PlumpJack Syrah. Reservations required.

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New Brunch Spot Aims to Please

Corporate Chef Todd Stein and Executive Chef Russell Kook ("Hell's Kitchen" runner up) of Remington's, 20 N. Michigan, after a soft launch last month, has officially instituted its full weekend brunch, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Menu items include: lobster deviled eggs; rotisserie pork hash; crab Benedict; steak and eggs; East/West coast oyster (raw bar); eggs Florentine; veggie burger and French dip.

Specialty cocktails, mimosas, bloody Marys and an extensive beer and wine selection also await.


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Gin Week at Buena

The Bar on Buena, 910 W. Buena, in the middle of its Gin Week salute, hosts a bash featuring cocktails made with New Holland Artisan Spirits, 7 p.m. June 25. Cocktails range from $8-$12.

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Shaw's 4th of July Specials

Shaw's Crab House, both locations, will feature an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil for the Fourth of July. The meal includes, crawfish, potatoes, sausage and corn, available while supplies last ($30). Other specials for the day include: half-priced oysters in the oyster bar all day and hand-shucked briny bivalves for $1 per piece from 4-6 p.m. (Schaumburg location).


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Cantina Laredo's Summer Mojitos

Cantina Laredo, 508 N. State, has added three seasonal drinks (in time for National Mojito Day July 11 or, if you prefer, red, white, and blue varieties to toast the 4th of July) to its mojito menu. Drop in and cool down with these summer selections: Watermelon (Don Q Cristal rum; watermelon; mint and lime); Coco (Don Q Cristal rum; coconut; mint and lime) and the black & blue (Don Q Cristal rum, blueberries, blackberries, mint and lime); $10.25 each.


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Chefs Support "Starving Artists"

Area chefs partner with the Chicago Artists Coalition for Starving Artist 2015, the organization's annual fundraiser, 7-11 p.m. June 25 at Venue One, 1034 W. Randolph. The event, built around food and art, is designed to support efforts for the advancement of a sustainable community for entrepreneurial arts and creatives. Participating chefs include: Tony Quartaro (Formento's): Patrick Sheerin (Trencherman); Sean Pharr (The Bristol) and Shawn Doolin (Venue One). Tickets are priced from $75-$250.


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2015 Chefs on the Grill Event

The Eighth Annual Chef's on the Grill event kicks off  5:30 p.m. June 25 on the plaza outside of Park Grill, 11 N. Michigan. The event, benefitting Common Threads and the Illinois Restaurant Association Education Foundation's (IRAEF) ProStart scholarship program, features more than a dozen restaurants in a competitive heat to determine the best grill recipe among the participants, which include: Park Grill; Old Town Pour; Howells and Hood; The Gage; Frontier; Chicago Yacht Club; Tesori; Acanto; Mercat a la Planxa; Rural Society; Farmhouse; Sunda and Labriola. Tickets are $85.


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Hot Dougs, Hot Weekend

Doug Sohn's Hot Doug's specialty dogs return for the two-day revival of  the Dog Dayz of Summer hot dog fest, June 27-28 at Goose Island Barrel Warehouse, 605 N. Sacramento.

Doug's all-star line up includes: bacon cheeseburger; chicken chorizo; spicy Thai chicken sausage; ultimate garlic sausage; baked ham sausage; jerk pork sausage; Hungarian smoked pork sausage; spicy andouille; veggie dog; Thuringer sausage and the atomic sausage. Doug's famous duck fat fries also surface for the occasion.

Goose Island brews on tap include: 312 Urban Wheat; Honker's Ale; Goose Island IPA; Green Line and Blue Line. Specialty tappings to be featured are Matilda; Sofie and The Ogden along with a variety of Bourbon County Stouts.

Discussions on the topic of sausage include a session with David Manilow of "Check, Please!" and another with Tony Fitzpatrick of Vienna Beef.

Live music includes: Bobby Bare, Jr.; Freakwater; Archie Powell & the Exports; North by North; the Hitmaker; Bare Mutants; the Lawrence Peters Outfit; Whitey Mystery and the Claudettes. Check site for schedule.

Two sessions daily: noon to 3 p.m.; 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $75.

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Katherine Anne Confections' Summer Preview

Katherine Anne Confections, 2745 W. Armitage, hosts a preview of its summer camp-inspired treats 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 26; $30.

New flavors include: Fig Newton truffle (milk and semisweet chocolate, dried fig, orange-lemon, brandy, Biscoff cookie spread); Rocky Road (salted caramel marshmallows, milk and bittersweet chocolate, roasted almonds); Chex Mix caramel (a classic honey caramel with Chex Mix); Arnold Palmer caramel (SenTeaMental Moods black tea caramel with lemon zest); Cucumber Cooler caramel (cucumber yogurt caramel with fresh mint). Featured marshmallow creations are the cherry limeade (Seedling Farms cherry juice and fresh-squeezed limes) and watermelon (fresh watermelon with a touch of paprika).


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Bannos Hosts Cajun Cooking Class

Get to know Chef Jimmy Bannos of Heaven on Seven and the origins of his popular restaurant during the return of his Cajun cooking class, 7-9:30 p.m. July 1, 111 N. Wabash, 7th floor. The evening includes a five-course dinner and demo. Tickets, ($75), includes tasting of prepared dishes and all-you-can-drink-beer, wine and hurricanes.


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Kit Kat's "Kinky Boots" Brunch

Diva Madam X shimmies about Cyndi Lauper style during a brunch salute to Broadway in Chicago's "Kinky Boots," (opening July 7 at Cadillac Palace Theatre), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 5, Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted. The film, starring Cyndi Lauper, will play in the background. The cocktail of the day is the Land of Lola (Pinnacle red licorice vodka, cherry schnapps, lychee liqueur with a splash of Champagne); $7. In addition, a giveaway will be held with three guests winning tickets to the live production, which runs July 7-26.


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AlphaBeer: Women in Beer Event

Women love beer, not just downing a cold one out a frosted mug or neatly sipping it out of a pilsner glass, but brewing it as well.

AlphaBeer, partnering with Barley's Angels Chicago, features women brewers on the rise during AlphaBeer XIV, 6-9 p.m. June 27 at A.J. Hudson's Public House, 3801 N. Halsted; $50.

Jill Houk hosts the event with special guests Jennifer Breckner, Brooklyn Brewery; Jennifer Faulk, Louis Glunz Beer, Sarah Green, Sweetwater Brewing; Lisa Gregor, Church Street Brewing Co. and Claudia Jendron, Temperance Beer Co ushering in the unique 26-beer collection,
featuring an A-Z lineup of brews.
PHOTO CREDIT: A Garbot Photograph

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White Oak Tavern & Inn's Brunch Chef

Sous Chef Scott Weisner (pictured) has been appointed by Executive Chef John Asbaty of White Oak Tavern & Inn, 1200 W. Webster, to oversee the restaurant's brunch service. Weisner's, under the head chef's direction, Midwest-driven dishes, created with items from local farms, brings a down-home experience to the heart of the city. Menu items include: Slagel Farms beef hash with sunnyside eggs, flavors of pastrami, pea shoots and horseradish vinaigrette and Three Sisters grits, soft eggs, baby collards greens, sorghum brown butter and pickled onions. whiteoak


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Third Rail's Avion Event

Third Rail Tavern, 1133 W. Madison, hosts an Avion Tequila tasting and taco pairing 6:30 p.m. June 23; $35. Tequila master Andres Arias along with Third Rail owner Danny Shapiro lead the event. Guests start the evening with the "welcome" cocktail-- the Elevated Margarita (Avion Silver, lime juice, agave nectar), followed by tastings with Reposado, Anejo and Espresso labels.

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Nacional 27's Ceviche Day Salute

Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron, serves up a round of special ceviche combinations in honor of National Ceviche Day (June 28). Seven varieties, see menu below, will be available, a la carte, June 25-27.

National Ceviche Day Menu

Rainbow - octopus, shrimp, tuna, cilantro marinade $9.95

Chipotle Salmon - tomato, pickled onion, lime jicama $10.95

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Lobster Citrus - onions, cucumber $12.95

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Shrimp & Scallops - citrus, sweet peppers, avocado $9.95

Spicy Octopus & Crab - jicama, cucumber $10.95

Ahi Tuna & Watermelon - spicy rice wine vinaigrette $9.95

Peruvian Shrimp - onions, cucumber, choclo $9.95

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Fountainhead Market Opens

Fountainhead Market, 1966 W. Montrose, a craft beer, whiskey and spirits retail shop, opens adjacent to the popular Fountainhead, craft beer and whiskey bar spearheaded by Cleetus Friedman, June 23. Among the items stocked in the shop: Fountainhead's private label single cask whiskeys and curated wine selection. Drop by from 4 p.m. The specialty shop will also feature hot and cold sandwiches. fountainhead


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Get Buzzed

Dark Matter Buzzed coffee liqueur, the collaboration between CH Distillery and Dark Matter Coffee, debut's during the "Big Lebowski" summer party, 5-11 p.m. June 25 at the CH Distillery, 564 W. Randolph. The specialty item (750 ML bottle) will be available for purchase during the event; $35. The cocktail of the evening is the Caucasians (CH/Dark Matter liqueur; CH vodka, cream). The pop culture film, starring Jeff Bridges, will play throughout the evening.

Chef Martin Revamps Sausage Line

Chef Martin Old World Butcher Shop relaunches its homemade sausage line staying true to the brand's traditional Austrian recipe while introducing a revamped antibiotic and hormone free product. Chef Martin products are available in specialty shops throughout the Midwest, including Fortune Fish & Gourmet.

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Two Brothers Tasting

Cactus Bar and Grill, 404 S. Wells, hosts a Two Brothers Brewing tasting 5-7 p.m. June 18. The local craft brewer's Jon Luecht will be on hand to introduce the company's Wobble IPA. Guests receive a souvenir pint glass with the purchase of the new craft beer ($5). Samples are individually priced.


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CH's Summer Spirits

CH Distillery, 564 W. Randolph, has launched a round of summer fruit-infused brandies kicking off CH Cherry Brandy (European eau de vie using cherries from Traverse City, MI). Other seasonal launches will include: peach (made with peaches from Mick Klug Farm, St. Joseph MO); pear (using Seedling Farm pears, South Haven, MI) and quince (quince from Arkley Farms, Independence, OR, with apple, pear, kumquat and honey).

CH also partners with Dark Matter Coffee for the 2015 summer launch of Dark Matter Buzzed (coffee liqueur with light touch of caramel). Coming in August 2015 CH/Atlas Ginbock, a partnership with Atlas Brewing to introduce a pairing of CH gin with Atlas' Maibock beer, creating a light botanical-infused gin with subtle malt sweetness and mild floral hops. Stay tuned for seasonal fall launches coming October 2015. chdistillery

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Pig Roast and Whiskey Sampling

The Whiskey, Wine and Swine pig roast and tasting is 1-4 p.m. June 20 at Montrose Beach, 200 W. Montrose; $45, general admission; $65, for VIP package, which allows holders to enter at noon. The event includes other food vendors, entertainment and souvenir tasting glass. eventbrite

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Martini Madness Awaits

National Martini Day is June 19 and Chicago eateries and bars are gearing up for a fun day. Here's a sample of what's shaken:

Barbakoa 1341 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove. Spice & Ice (jalapeno-infused vodka, mango, ginger-habanero syrup, topped with a spicy rim) specially priced $5. barbakoa













Community Tavern, 4038 N. Milwaukee. Martinez Revisited (Liberator Old Tom Gin, Cocchi Vermouth de Torino, Cocchi Rosa, Luxardo cherry liqueur and a Maraschino cherry). communitytavern

Koi, 624 Davis, Evanston. Try a refreshing and exotic Lychee martini (fresh-picked lychee-based cocktail).  koi 

Level 257, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg. Guests receive a complimentary 30-minute game card with the purchase of any martini June 19-21. level257


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Primehouse Ice Cream Social Returns

Executive Pastry Chef Amanda Warren celebrates the arrival of summer with delectable frozen treats when the Primehouse Ice Cream Pop-Up returns June 19 at the patio entrance of JIMMY Chicago, 610 N. Rush. Warren kicks off the season with a parade of artisan floats debuting with the Reverse Root Beer (root beer sorbet, Goose Island vanilla cream soda, garnished with whipped cream); $5. A new float will surface 3-5 p.m. Fridays through August. Next up on the menu: Orange Creamsicle (pictured) June 26. Get  all the scoop at #FloatsOnFriday.                                                                        

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City Winery Chicago Riverwalk

City Winery's Chicago's Riverwalk location opens June 12 on the bank of the Chicago River between Dearborn and State, 11 Riverwalk South. The venue features an outdoor 107-seat wine/dining garden and a 14-seat private indoor dining area. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
citywineryriverwalk

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Carnivale's Pride Weekend Kick Off

Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton, kicks off Pride weekend with a rousing evening of cocktails, dessert and live performances during "Dessert, Drag & Cabaret," 9:30 p.m. June 25. Aly Bockler from "You & Me This Morning" and Angi Taylor of 103.5 KISS-FM hosts the event. DJ AJ Dubbz and Carla Starla entertain; $30, includes dessert flight and specialty cocktail. Ages 21 and over. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. carnivalechicago

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BreakRoom Brewery Taps into Father's Day

BreakRoom Brewery, 2925 W. Montrose, serves up four craft beers for the price of three during its "Hops for Pops" Father's Day crowler promotion June 14-21. Purchase three canned crowlers, which can be filled with any of the pub's draughts on tap, to go and get a fourth one free when mentioning "Hops for Pops." The 32-ounce canned beers are $9 each. breakroom


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Beer & Bags Drink Night

Drink, 871 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, features $2 drafts and a night of playing bags every Wednesday through summer. No cover. beerandbags

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Selfie-taking Session at Mercat

Mercat a la Planxa, 638 S. Michigan, has added selfie-taking to the list of Father's Day activities. The restaurant will have a special area set up during brunch, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21, for snapping selfies. Guests are encouraged to post the selfie via social media using #mercatchicago. The winner of the best selfie will receive a complimentary dinner for two. mercat

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Summer WingFest Tix

Tickets for Chicago's Best inaugural outdoors Summer WingFest, 1-7 p.m. Sept. 5 at Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington, go on sale noon June 24. Proceeds benefit Variety the Children's Charity. wingfest

February 2015 event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY96igDOylY                                 

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Maple & Ash Invites Neighbors to Sample Wares

Maple & Ash, 8 W. Maple, scheduled to open in August, is feting guests to pre-opening "specialty bites" created by the restaurant's executive chef David Ochs and pizza master Jared Batson of the Nomad Food Company during "Pop Up Grilling" events kicking off June 13. Additional dates are July 18 and August 15. Dates are subject to change. mapleandash

Photo: Chef Ochs with M&A managing partner Brian O'Connor (credit: Huge Galdones)



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Chef Todd Stein Takes Charge @The Windsor

The Windsor, 160 E. Huron, spearheaded by 4 Star Restaurant Group Corporate Chef Todd Stein, opens in mid-July. The American restaurant will offer full lunch and dinner service focusing on share plates, utilizing seasonal and local ingredients; and creative rotisserie items. Craft cocktails also play a big role in the restaurant's concept. 4srg

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Chipotle/Major League Soccer Tie-in

Chipotle and Major League Soccer have partnered for a special promotion offering a trip to AT&T MLS All-Star Week, July 27-31, in Denver, CO. The complete package (for four) includes tickets to the All-Star Game (July 28) and pre-game field passes, round-trip business class airfare, transportation to and from destination airport and hotel, hotel stay, $650 car rental allowance during stay and $5000 for spending. Enter by texting the word "Homegrown" to 888222. The deadline to enter is July 5. For details, visit chipotlehomegrown

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Koi Joins in Taste of Evanston

Koi Fine Asian Cuisine and Lounge is one of the participants in the Lighthouse Rotary Club's Spring Fundraiser, "Taste of Evanston," 4-7 p.m. June 14 at the John Evans Center and Lawn, 1800 Sheridan Rd., Evanston. The event includes live big band music. Tickets are $75. Proceeds benefit a number of nonprofit efforts supported through the club.

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Pilsen's Chuck Wagon Roundup

The Pilsen community hosts a food truck social June 6-7 on 18th Street between Throop and Racine. In addition to more than 25 food trucks, featuring everything from barbecue to pierogis and cupcakes, there will be live entertainment and family activities. A $5 donation is suggested. pilsenfoodtrucksocial

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Carlucci Patio Party Initiates Al Fresco Season

Carlucci Restaurant, 1801 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove, kicks off the summer season with a patio party, featuring live music by Frank and Dave, 6:30 p.m. June 4; $30, includes buffet and three drink tickets. carlucci

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