Carnivale Gets on Board the Food Truck Train

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Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton, gets on board the food truck band wagon beginning in August. The restaurant's food truck will operate 7 days a week, year round, and will be seen all over the Chicagoland area including designated downtown food truck stops and suburban location. Also, don't be surprised to see the Carnivale truck line up with other vendors during Chicago-area land festivals. The food truck will also be available to hire out for parties and other functions.

Among executive chef Rodolfo Cuadro's truck menu offering are restaurant favorites such as ropa vieja and crispy cod dish tacos with chipotle aioli; frita Cuban burger made with chorizo, aged cheddar, aji amarillo aioli on a brioche bun and the arrachera steak served as a sandwich with green papaya slaw, pickled jalapenos, chili aioli, cucumber and cilantro. Also, hand-cut French fries will be available with a choice of chimichurri or Parmesan truffle oil.

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#ChicagoMash: Beer Mansion Event

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Here's an event to hop on over and enjoy sampling brews at #ChicagoMash: Beer Mansion hosted by Brooklyn Brewery, 5 p.m. August 13, Beer Masnsion, 1446 W. Kinzie. 

Other breweries include: Hopewell Brewing Company; Marz Community Brewing Company, Solemn Oath Brewing Company and Aquanaut Brewing Company. 

Food from Kimski and Chholula Sauce will be provided. Also, live music from Clearance, Pool Holograph and Yawn will be featured. Neat giveaways will be handed out by select companies including Reckless Records and Graham Crackers Comics. Purchase tickets. 

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Bloody Mary Fest

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Professional and amateur mixologists stir up a bevy of drinks when they vie for the title best concocted cocktail during Highwood's Bloody Mary Fest, sponsored by Tito Vodka and Miss Mary's Mix, taking place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 31. 

Competitors include: Alex's Washington Garden; Food Courier; Forest Floor Foods; Jimmy Luvs Bloody Mary Mix; La Casa de Isaac; Miss Mary's Morning Elixir; Toadstool Pub; Tap House Grill; The Humble Pub; Tony Chachere's Creole Foods; The Ram Restaurant & Brewery: The Wooden Nickel and Vintage Vine Bloody Mary Mix. 

Live music provided by Zydeco Voodoo Band and Project two Music.

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Rock Out at Rockit Bar During Lolla

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Can't make Lolla? Rockit Bar and Grill, 22 W. Hubbard, is live streaming the four-day concert (July 28-31) along with serving Lolla-inspired cocktails.

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Kizuki Serves Up Free Ice cream

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Here's a good scoop. Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya, 1482 N. Milwaukee, is giving away a complimentary scoop of Japanese matcha ice cream through August 7. The restaurant is giving away 50 servings of ice cream noon to 6 p.m. July 29-31; August 5-7. In addition diners check-in on Facebook to receive a complimentary serving July 27-28; August 1-4. When visiting ask server about the promotion.

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Fujimura Hospitality's Entente Opening Soon

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The team behind Fujimura Hospitality (Arami; SmallBar and Pub97) is opening Entente, 3056 N. Lincolnm, a new casual fine dining spot opnes late summer. 

Ty Fujimura will be the head man in charge with Chef Brian Fisher, formerly of Schwa, running the kitchen; Pastry Chef Mari Katsumura, formerly of Grace, Acadia, over desserts  and Angie Silberberg, formerly of Cochon Volant and Solo House, serving as beverage director and general manager.

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Wine Crawl Chicago

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Wine Crawl Chicago, featuring wine and food samplings, taking guests from the terrace to the rooftop of hot Chicago spots. The event gets underway 1 p.m. August 6 with a kick-off party at The Parker, 700 W. Couch in the West Loop.

Following the kick off party the group heads to 52Eighty Rooftop Lounge, 166 E. Superior (Mile North Hotel). More locations included. 

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Oyster Day @III Forks

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Chef Cedric Harden of III Forks Prime Steakhouse, 180 N. Field, celebrates National Oyster Day (August 5) with $1 oysters along with half-priced draft beer and cocktails on tap, from 4-6 p.m. 

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Luella's New Weekday Breakfast Menu

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Chef/Owner Darnell Reed of Luella's Southern Kitchen, 4609 N. Lincoln, recently introduced a weekday breakfast menu, available 6:30-10:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. The menu, featuring an array of southern-inspired dishes, includes a recipe that pays tribute to his grandmother (jambalaya with Carolina gold rice, andouille sausage, and poached eggs;$11).

Other featured dishes Nashville hot chicken and waffles, made with Nashville hot sauce; $12; bourbon strawberry shortcake waffles with strawberry compote, bourbon-maple syrup and Chantilly cream; $12; housemade oatmeal with dried cherries and sorghum pecan crumble; $7; soft shell crab Benedict with buttermilk battered fried crab, farm eggs and smoked hollandaise sauce; $15 (pictured).

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Tuscany's Ten Under $10 Deals in 10 Minutes

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Executive Chef Bolla Loza, Tuscany Restaurant, a Phil Stefani Signature Restaurant, 550 S. Milwaukee, Wheeling, launched an express lunch service featuring ten menu items priced $9.95 each, made to order in less than 10 minutes.  

Highlights of the "The Ten Under $10" menu, available 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, includes: Tilapia Speziata (blackened tilapia, Julian vegetables, mashed potatoes); Gnocchi Cipriani (potato dumplings, tomato brandy creamy basil sauce); Pappardelle Con Ragu di Salsiccia (homemade flat ribbon, sausage ragu) and Spaghetti alla Carbonara (spaghetti with bacon, parmigiano cream sauce).

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Tesori Salutes National Lasagne Day

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Tesori Trattoria and Bar, 65 E. Adams, salutes National Lasagna Day (July 29) with two homemade specials: veal pancetta lasagna with sage, tomato garlic and homemade ricotta; $16 (pictured) and a vegetarian-friendly spinach and ricotta version with marinara; $15, available 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made at 312.786.9911. 

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Barley's Angels Beer Event

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Barley’s Angels Chicago, a women’s craft beer appreciation and education group, hosts a co-ed backyard BBQ event, featuring food by Johnny Van's Smokehouse, 1-4 p.m. August 13 on the patio at Montrose Saloon, 2933 W. Montrose; $25.

Johnny Van will be cooking up beer-based pulled pork, a vegetarian option (beer-based smoked jackfruit) also available. 

During the event Van shares some of his BBQ sauce recipes along with holding a discussion on incorporating beer in his dishes for more flavor. Montrose Saloon will design a special beer list for guests, who will receive two selections. Purchase tickets.

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Arami Hosts a Sushi Making Class

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Chef Nelson Vinansaca of Arami, 1829 W. Chicago, hosts a sushi making class 6:30 p.m. July 20; $60. The hands-on class includes a maki and temaki rolling tutorial session followed by a three course prix fixe menu. Call for reservations (312) 243-1535.

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III Forks Sommelier for a Day

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III Forks Prime Steakhouse, 180 N. Field, hosts a "Sommelier for a Day" wine tasting, spotlighting South American selections, 5-7 p.m. August 3; $20. 

Wine specialist Jessica Marshall-Bruckner leads participants through a sampling of six varieties paired with hors d'oeuvres crafted by Executive Chef Cedric Harden. Selections include: Los Vascos Rose 2015; Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 2014; Terras Torrontes 2015; Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2014; Tamari Cabernet 2013 and Primus Carmenere 2011. Guests will have the opportunity to vote to determine the selection of the month. RSVP @312.938.4303.

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Kick Salutes National Chicken Wing Day

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Kick Restaurant and Lounge, salutes National Chicken Wing Day with a wing-centric, half-price happy hour special 4-6 p.m. July 29. 

Chef Tim Lavelle will feature "Hot & Hotter" wings, made with a signature dry rub and the choice of preparation: chipotle BBQ; garlic buffalo; or chile de arbo; $5.50 (regularly $11).  Guest can also select a trio of all three styles (9 total) for $5.50 as well. 

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Flagship's New Charitable Happy Hour

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Flagship, 1622 W. Belmont, kicks off Happy Hour for a Cause, 6 p.m. this evening (July 15) with a portion of the happy hour benefiting Brian and Amanda Bickell Foundation. A different charity will be selected for the weekly happy hour (6-9 p.m.) event.

Food and drink specials during the event includes two-drink, one-food item options (well drinks and domestic drafts plus one food item; $25) or (call drinks, domestic drafts and bottles and one food item; $30). 

Food item selections include: Baja fish tacos, spicy popcorn shrimp, jumbo wings, cheese quesadillas, cheeseburger with fries, BBQ or Buffalo chicken wrap with fries.

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The Northman's Inaugural Cider Class

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The Northman, 4337 N. Lincoln, hosts its first cider-making class, Cider 101, July 18. Guests will learn the origins of cider, how it is made, different varieties and about the huge cider trend in the culinary world. During this introductory class visitors will learn the historic value of cider in the global food culture. Tickets ($25), include a 4-flight tasting and light snacks.

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Taste of River North 2016

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River North restaurants delight the crowd with samples of their culinary specialties during the 15th annual Taste of River North being held July 22-24, in Ward Park, along the Chicago River, 630 N. Kingsbury. 

Participating restaurants and food vendors include:  The Kerryman; El Hefe; Pranzi; The Motel Bar; Ruth's Chris Steakhouse; Farmhouse; Kinzie Chophouse; Taco Joint Urban Taqueria and Cantina; Da Lobster; Sholado; Starfruit and Fanny May.

In addition to food the event includes non-stop music including Friday (July 22): Armitage (5 p.m.); Sleep on It (6 p.m.); Sidewalk Chalk (7 p.m.) Lucky Boys Confusion (9:30 p.m.). Saturday (July 23): Band Called Catch (noon); Nick Lynch (2 p.m.); Run Forest Run (4 p.m.); Boy Band Review (6 p.m.) and Sixteen Candles (8 p.m.). Sunday (July 24): Fletcher Rockwell (noon); Chris Buehrle Band (1:30 p.m.); Funk Crusaders (3 p.m.); Stache (4:30 p.m.); Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press (6 p.m.).

Also this year's special anniversary marks the return of the Lurie's Kids Activity Area.  Event hours are 5-10 p.m. July 22; noon to 10 p.m. July 23; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 24.

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Persona Pizzeria Grand Opening July 21-22

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Personal pizzas in 90 seconds or less. That's right. Persona Pizzeria, set to open soon (grand opening is July 21-22) in the loop at 170 W. Washington. The restaurant is the co-concept of Glenn Cybulski, a world pizza champion who holds 112 culinary awards. Dressed with selections of your choice the pizza is cooked in a special wood-fire oven, ready in 90 seconds or less. Aimed to deliver incredibly fresh offerings, Persona's toppings and sauces are made fresh every morning. Locally grown vegetables are used for toppings.

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Miller Lite Beer Garden at Navy Pier Turns 100

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The Miller Lite Beer Garden at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand, hosts a centennial celebration July 15. During the event guests will be feted to a 100 pennies ($1 each) items menu, available 2-5 p.m. only, that includes: Miller Lite, Coors Light; hot dogs and nachos with cheese. 

In addition other drink and food specials priced up to $6, including hurricane cocktails ($6), will be available throughout the event. 

The festivities continue after 5 p.m. with live music from local band Murley (5:30-8 p.m.). The day concludes with a Champagne toast and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

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Sunda Hosts a Cakebread Wine DInner

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Sunda, 110 W. Illinois, hosts a Cakebread wine dinner 6 p.m. July 12. Proprietor Dennis Cakebread will be on hand to discuss the pairings selected for Jess DeGuzman's five-course dinner; $125, does not include tax and gratuity. Purchase tickets.

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Chicago Cub's On Deck Luncheon

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The Chicago Cubs' second On Deck Luncheon Series takes place noon July 19, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, 58 E. Oak.

Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and Cubs executive vice president and general manager Jed Hoyer will be on hand for a live 670 The Score broadcast with on-air talent Matt Spiegel. Tickets are on a first come-first served basis. Purchase tickets.

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Jacquy Pfeiffer Book Party

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Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer of The French Pastry School of Kennedy King College, hosts a coffee and dessert event in support of his book The Art of French Pastry, 2-4 p.m. July 9, Read it & Eat, 2142 N. Halsted. Purchase tickets.

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Tallboy Taco Salutes National Daiquiri Day

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Tallboy Taco, 325 W. Huron, inside Nacional 27, salutes National Daiquiri Day (July 19) with three special rum-based creations: Spiced Mango Arbol; Habanero Ginger Lime; and Raspberry Lemon, available all day, ($8 each). 

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Taste of Chicago Opens at 11 a.m. Today

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Chicago's largest and oldest food festival Taste of Chicago, gets underway at 11 a.m. today (July 6). Special food events include the Celebrity Chef du Jour, a ticketed event featuring area chefs preparing a three-course menu served in an air conditioned tent. The event kicks off 6:30 p.m. July 6 with Graham Elliot with special guest Masterchef Junior Season Four winner, Addison . Other featured chefs are Kevin Hickey (July 7); Patrick Sheerin (July 8); Chris Macchia (July 9) and Abraham Conlon (July 10). Click for more information and ticket availability.

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New Belgium Tap Takeover at Franklin Tap

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New Belgium Brewing is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Fat Tire with five "collabeerations" that give a twist to the fan favorite 5-7 p.m. July 14, Franklin Tap, 325 S. Franklin.

Mark Padilla, representative for the Colorado-based brewery, will be on hand to discuss the selections, which guests will be able to sample. Full pints will be available for $6 each. Selections include: Allagash Fat Funk Ale; Avery Fat Wild Ale; Firestone Walker Fat Hoppy Ale; Hopworks Fat Sour Apple Ale and Rhinegeist Fat Pale Ale). 

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Carnivale's Day at the Beach

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Don your favorite retro beachwear accessory (glasses, hat, board shorts, sun dresses  and flip flops) and get ready to party during Carnivale's, 702 W. Fulton, Beach Party brunch 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 17.  Guests who come in wearing beachwear will receive a complimentary mimosa.

 Brunch highlights include red velvet French toast; chicken 'n waffles; build-it-yourself bloody Mary bar and mimosa kits, Special guests pinup model Ruby Spencer, Miss Tammi Savoy and Sadie North will be on board. A live DJ will also be on hand. Reservations are recommended.

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