Prairie Grass Cafe's Dinner Benefitting Shedd Aqauriaum

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Prairie Grass Cafe, 601 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, partners with the Shedd Aquarium for a #GivingTuesday event. For the occasion the restaurant is featuring a fundraiser dinner, available Dec. 1, to help feed the otters housed in the aquarium. The furry sea critters daily intake of food is 25 percent of their body weight.

Chef partners Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris entree for the occasion is pollack in a Panko breadcrumb crust with a crab butter sauce ($26).

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Level 257's Support the Troops Effort

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Level 257, restaurant/game arcade, 2 Woodfield Mall, Unit A,  Schaumburg, and parent company NAMCO's effort to support troops is underway, 

The seasonal endeavor, partnered with Operation Supply Drop, a nonprofit that assembles gamer care packages to veterans and deployed US military across the world, kicked off Nov. 28 with the Pac-Man tree lighting ceremony. Guests are encouraged to bring in new or gently used unwrapped videogames and consoles. The giving season continues through Dec. 31. 

However, the effort is in overdrive through Dec. 1, offering guests, who donate requested items, a complimentary 30-minute Level Up game-play card. The gaming accessories will be incorporated in care packages that include apparel, personal products and other care products.


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Stretch Bar's Onesie Party

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It's the holiday season and anything goes including an adult-only onesie party 2-8 p.m. Dec. 6 at The Stretch Bar and Grill, 3485 N. Clark. Festivities include a best dressed onesie (apparently there's a lot on the market including American Rag holiday pieces available at Macy's, pictured) contest at 7 p.m. The winner receives a $100 cash and a TBOX pass (Twelve bars of Christmas pass). Second place winner receives a TBOX pass as well. Cocktails of the evening include 32-ounce Mason jar bloody marys, $5; Smirnoff peppermint shots; $5; mimosas, $5 and half-off bombs. 

Bring a nonperishable food donation and receive discount ticket for a drink. Donations will go to Lakeview Pantry.

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Destihl's Annual Tapping

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Destihl Brewery's Dosvidanya Russian Imperial Stout bottle release party is 5 p.m. Nov. 28 at Fountainhead, 1970 W. Montrose. 

On tap for the celebration is: Rye Barrel and Bourbon Barrel Dosvidanya; Wild Sour Series: Flanders Red; Abbey’s Single Belgian Ale and Bourbon Barrel Antiquity Rye Wine.

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Jake Melnick's 12 Wings of Christmas

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Jake Melnick's Corner Tap, 41 E. Superior, kicks off its holiday-inspired food specials with the Twelve Wings of Christmas beginning with apricot sriracha (Dec. 1); cilantro lime with jicama slaw (Dec. 2); Kung Pao duck wing (Dec. 3); superhot firecracker (Dec. 4); tequila butter with avocado citrus dipping sauce (Dec. 5); chimichurri with pickled red pepper (Dec. 6); Sammy's Chick Shack whole fried wing with Nashville Hot Sauce (Dec. 7); traditional mole with queso fresco (Dec. 8); spicy sweet orange peel chicken (Dec. 9); Jorge's salsa marita (Dec. 10); Thai coconut red curry (Dec. 11) and salsa Verde with Pedro's black bean dip (Dec. 12). 

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Founainhead BCBS 2015 Tapping

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Fountainhead, 1970 W. Montrose, hosts a Goose Island 2015 Bourbon County Stout tapping and other selections, 7 p.m. Nov. 25. Brews include: Great Road, Real Nice Surprise; Matilda; BCBS 2010; BCBS 2014; Proprietors BCBS 2010; BCBS 2015; BCBS Coffee 2015; BCBS Regal Rye 2015and BCBS Proprietors 2015.

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Bonjour of mk Holds Holiday Class

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Pastry chef Lisa Bonjour of mk, 868 N. Franklin hosts a buche de noel (traditional holiday dessert served in France) making class 4 p.m. Dec. 14. The cost is $20. Register here. 

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Bon Appetit/Chicago Gourmet Black Friday Tix Sale

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Tickets for the Ninth Annual Bon Appetit Presents Chicago Gourmet, Sept. 23-25, 2016 in Millennium Park, will be available for purchase for a limited time beginning noon Nov. 27. Click here to order tickets.

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Kit Kat's Victoria's Secret Viewing Party

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Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, 3700 N Halsted, hosts a Victoria's Secret 2015 Fashion Show viewing party, 9 p.m. Dec. 8. The runway collection will be projected on large screens while the club's divas perform during breaks in the screening.

Guests will be feted to half-priced martinis, including the drink of the night, VS Angel (Pinnacle Citrus Vodka, Domain de Canton Ginger and agave nectar, $7). Chef JoAnn Witherell will offer a full dinner menu, featuring "Opening Act" small plates, "Show Stoppers" (entrees) and "Grand Finale" desserts. To make table reservations, call 773-525-1111.

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Michael Anthony @GreenRiver

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Recipes from James Beard Award-winning New York chef Michael Anthony's (executive chef of Gramercy Tavern and Untitled) new cookbook V is for Vegetables, will be highlights on the Express Lunch menu during the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 4, at GreenRiver, 259 E. Erie.

Anthony will preside over a special three-course dinner at GreenRiver Dec. 4; $65. Anthony will sign copies of his book during the event.


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Timothy O'Toole's Turkey Testicle Festival

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Timothy O'Toole's, 622 N. Fairbanks, hosts its Sixth Annual Turkey Testicle Festival featuring turkey testicle and pumpkin pie eating contests beginning 9 p.m. Nov. 25.

The winner of the deep-fried turkey testicle eating contest (must register before 9 p.m.) will receive a whole turkey. The winner of the pie-eating contest, taking place at 11 p.m., will receive a $25 gift certificate.

Guests not participating in the contests can sample the bucket of balls (deep fried turkey testicles with dipping sauce; $7) and pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream ($4) from a special menu.


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The Smoke Daddy Thanksgiving Dinner To Go

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Orders for The Smoke Daddy's, 1804 W. Division, Thanksgiving BBQ Turkey dinner to go is closed. However, the restaurant will begin taking holiday to go orders beginning Nov. 30-Dec. 23.
Click here for details.

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III Forks' Repeal Day Specials

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III Forks Prime Steakhouse, 180 N. Field, salutes the 82nd anniversary of the 21st Amendment, which abolished Prohibition, Dec. 5 with period drinks.

Cocktails designed for the occasion are Old Fashioned (Knob Creek III Forks Single Barrel Edition, cinnamon, cherry/orange/angostura bitters: pictured); Last Word (Beefeater Gin, Green Chartreuse, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, lime juice) and Scofflaw (F.E.W. Bourbon, Dolin Dry Gin, lemon juice, grenadine), $12.50 each.


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David Burke's Primehouse's Pop-up Pie Shop

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Executive Pastry Chef Amanda Warren of David Burke's Primehouse, 616 N. Rush, introduces a pop-up petite pie shop beginning Dec.4 with pecan with whiskey caramel and pumpkin with sweet cream cheese. The offerings will be available 4-6 p.m. Fridays Dec. 4 through 18. The schedule (tentative) currently includes: cranberry apple with salted caramel and mascarpone ginger with apple ginger jam flavors (Dec. 11); vanilla cardamom pear with spiced custard and fried chocolate peppermint pudding with white chocolate crème anglaise flavors (Dec. 18). Pies are $5 for two; $25, for a dozen in collectible Primehouse tin. PHOTO: HUGE GALDONES

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Frontier's Oskar Blues Beer Dinner

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Tickets are still available for Frontier's, 1072 N. Milwaukee, four-course Oskar Blues beer dinner 7 p.m. Nov. 19.

Chef Brian Jupiter's main course is a whole roasted pig entree served with five-cheese macaroni, succotash, Caesar salad with polenta croutons and jalapeno cornbread paired with Old Chub Scotch ale. Dinner is $65. Tickets will be available through Nov. 17, 2015. Or, while supply lasts. Click here for details.

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Tokio Pub Apple Cider Dinner

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Tokio Pub, 1900 E. Higgins, Schaumburg, hosts "Appley Ever-After," a four-course dinner built around apples from Angry Orchard, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30. Among the courses: pork chops and applesauce (croquette, house-made apple butter made from Angry Orchard crisp apple variety, caramelized onions, gooseberries). Dinner is $45. Click here for details.

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GLB's Blackout Brew Returns

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Cleveland-based Great Lakes Brewing taps its Blackout Imperial Stout Nov. 20, with 4-packs available in their gift shop the same day beginning at 5 p.m. The specialty brew begins distribution Nov. 23. Click here for more detail.


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Nando's PERI-PERI and the Chicago Fire Partner

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Nando's PERI-PERI USA opens its fourth location at 22 S. Wabash, Nov. 21. The restaurant known for its fiery South African-Portuguese food gets help on opening day from members of the Chicago Fire soccer team. Chicago Fire players will man the grill for the occasion with 100 percent of sales Nov. 21-22 going to the Chicago Fire Foundation, whose mission is to help enhance the lives of disadvantaged youth in and around Chicago.


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M Burger's Seasonal Shakes

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M Burger, with just two weeks away to December it's time to get in the holiday mood and what better way than with a seasonal beverage. The restaurant's eggnog and peppermint shakes will be around Dec. 1-31.

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Flagship's Leave No Vet Behind Contribution

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Flagship, 1622 W. Belmont, will donate 20 per cent of every bill Veteran's Day (Nov. 11) to Leave No Veteran Behind, a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and investing in Veterans through employment, transitional jobs and education debt relief scholarships.

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Lotties Veteran's Appreciation Happy Hour

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Lotties Pub, 1925 W. Cortland, hosts a Veteran's appreciation happy hour 6-8 p.m. Nov. 11. Specials include $2 Veteran beer bottles; $2 American whiskey shots. A World War II trivia game takes place at 8 p.m.

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Speed Rack Chicago

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Speed Rack Chicago, an all-female speed-bartending competition gets under way 4 p.m. Nov. 15, Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport. Competitors include: Miranda Breedlove (Broken Shaker Chicago, Best Intentions & Four Tavern Group); Meredith Ann Barry (Bar Ombra); Mony Bunni (Queen Mary Tavern); Julieta Campos (Berkshire Room) Jacyara de Oliveira (Sportsman's Club); Julia K. Gordon (Lost Lake); Alyssa Heidt (The Violet Hour); Marissa Huth (Bordel); Nicole Jaskula (Pomp & Circumstance); Laura Kelton (Sportsman's Club); Jessica Lambert (Sable Kitchen); Danielle Lewis (GT Fish & Oyster); Kristina Magro (Pub Royale); Julia Momose (Green River); Sarah O'Malley (Untitled Supper Club); Melissa Romanos (Nico Osteria) Adrienne Stoner (Lost Lake) and Sarah Syman (The Dawson; Public Chicago Hotel). Two out-of-town competitors Missy Kissling (Parlour Bar, Minneapolis, MN) and Silvia Merski (The Station, Tucson, AZ) were recipients of scholarships to assist out-of-state bartenders that don't have Speed Racks in their cities participate in a competition in another city.

Tickets, $25; $30, at the door, includes cocktails from premium sponsors. Proceeds benefit breast cancer awareness charities. Click here for more details.

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Municipal Bar's Veteran's Day Special

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Municipal Bar, 216 W. Ohio, is offering 50 percent off  the bill of active, former and retired military personnel with proper identification Veteran's Day (Nov. 11).

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Real Urban Barbecue Birthday Bash

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames Real Urban Barbecue, 2119 Clearwater Dr., Oak Brook, celebrates its first anniversary with daily specials Nov. 14-17 (while supply lasts). Featured food specials for the RUB Birthday bash include: buy one whole chicken, get a second for $1 (Nov. 14); buy one order of rib tips, get a second for $1 (Nov. 15); buy one pulled pork sandwich, get a second for $1 (Nov. 16) and buy one full slab of baby back ribs, get a second for $1 (Nov. 17).  Like us on Facebook

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Chef Poli's "Jam at Night" Returns

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Chef Ryan Poli 's intimate dinner series "Jam at Night," returns Nov. 4-Dec. 5 at Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated Jam Restaurant, 3057 W. Logan.

Dinner starts at 7:30 p.m. Space is limited to 20 guests. Advanced tickets ($75-$90) required. Visitors can BYO for a $25 corkage fee. Click here to purchase.

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Mak's Veteran's Salute

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Mak, 1924 W. Division, will offer 50 percent off all orders to military personnel Veteran's Day (Nov. 11). The offer will be made available to all active and retired veterans with proper identification, dine in only. One discount per person, per visit, per identification.

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Contessa Enrica Rocca Visits RPM Italian

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Contessa Enrica Rocca and Chef José Arevalos of RPM Italian will host a dinner inspired by Rocca’s highly regarded cookbook, Venice on a Plate…but what a Plate! 6:30 p.m. Nov. 10. Each course will be paired with fine Italian wine, including Rocca’s own private label prosecco.

Chef Rocca's dinner menu is grilled sepia, wild mushroom risotto, and braised pork shank, finishing with a cream of mascarpone alongside Enrica’s own panna cotta. The event is $125 (plus tax; gratuity not included).

Reserve a spot by emailing rpmitalianparties@leye.com

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Kings Bowling Lounge

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Upscale bowling lounge Kings Bowl Lincoln Park, a 24,000-square foot venue in the NewCity complex, 1500 N. Clybourn, opened Nov. 2. In addition to bowling and a game room Kings houses a Max & Leo pizza lounge and 222-foot bar. More details here.

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Chef Priolo's Autumn Bounty

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Chef/partner Tony Priolo of Piccolo Sogne, 464 N. Halsted and Piccolo Sogne Due, 340 N. Clark, has designed a new seasonal menu incorporating ingredients such as squash, veal and zucchini to create an irresistible autumn menu that includes items such as Salmone (grilled roasted Loch Duart salmon, fregola, roasted squash, Brussels sprout, parsnip puree, garlic lemon white wine sauce: Piccolo Sogne) and Tagliolini (thin pasta, sea urchin butter, walnuts, amaretto cookies, sage: Piccolo Sogne Duo).

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