Naperville's Ribfest 2017

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Ribfest 2017 kicks off  5 pm. June 30. Knoch Park , 724 S. West Street, Naperville. Look for food music and a holiday weekend of fun during the event.

Ribs/barbecue vendors include: Uncle Bub's; Robinson's; Coyote Roadhouse; Texas Outlaws; Johnson's BBQ; Armadillo's Ribs and BBQ; Mojo's and Pigfoot. View complete list. Also, view other food vendors. 

In addition there will be a Family Fun Zone featuring daily activities and fireworks. Live music includes: Toby Keith (8 p.m. June 30); B-52's (8 p.m. July 1); Collective Soul (6 p.m. July 2) and Better Than Ezra (4 p.m. July 3). See complete list here.  Gates open daily at noon. Must purchase tickets for concerts.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Angelo's Wine Bar's 2nd annual bock club party

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Angelo's Wine Bar, 3026 W. Montrose, hosts its second annual block club party 4-10:30 p.m. July 1. A $5 cover charge benefits Albany community improvement efforts. Complimentary beer and wine will be available while supplies last. In addition to food and drinks, there will be family fun that includes a bouncy house, live music and games.

Festivities held outside on Whipple street, which will be closed at Whipple and Montrose,
extending one block north.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Oyster Bah partners with Hopewell Brewing for collaborative dinner

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Oyster Bah, 1962 N. Halsted, partners with Hopewell Brewing Companyfor the Monday Night Raw collaborative dinner 6:30 p.m.  July 10; $60.

The four-course dinner includes: East coast oyster with Champagne mignonette paired with Off Black; West Coast oyster cucumber chili mignonette paired with Outside Voice; pork bite paired with Family Saison and a crawl fish boil paired with Ultra Glow. Purchase ticket.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Roof on theWit's 2nd JetSet locale

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Roof on theWit's, 201 N. State, second installment of the summer JetSet series is July 6-7 turning the rooftop area into a virtual paradise spiriting guests away to Spain's Costa del Sol region off the Balearic Sea via food, drinks and music. Doors open at 2 p.m. Reservation strongly encouraged.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Sal's Trattoria now open

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Sal's Trattoria, 2834 N. Southport, is now open for business. Chef/partner Allen Sternweller oversees the quaint eatery's kitchen, which churns our authentic Italian cuisine such calamari; burrata, scratch-made pastas. 

Menu items include: beef carpaccio with arugula, capers, red onion tomato and pepper-pecorino, $12 (pictured); rigatoni Bolognese  $16; beef tenderloin, gnocchi with crispy prosciutto, mushrooms and marinara, $15; and fettuccine carbonara.

Keeping on trend with the younger crowd, who prefer smaller servings, the restaurant features half portion-sized dishes for menu items such as spaghetti and meatballs, fettucini Alfredo and gnocchi. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and gluten free options.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

210 Restaurant's Gospel brunch returns

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

The gospel brunch at 210 Restaurant & Live Music Lounge, 210 Green Bay Rd, Highwood, Mother's Day was such a big hit it's returning 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 2 featuring live music by Jeannie Holliday and the Archie Parks Project ($34.95, adults; $19.95 age 11 and under).

Menu items include: deviled eggs; cranberry tuna salad; house smoked lox and mini bagel, and chopped liver. Heartier offerings include: shrimp and chicken gumbo; andouille jambalaya, pit smoked ham, scalloped potatoes; roast turkey with cornbread stuffing and roast Scottish salmon with citrus and capers and asparagus Polonaise.

For the sweet tooth: chocolate mousse, cheesecake bars, strawberry rhubarb bars, pecan bars and fresh fruit. Reservations can be made here. Or, by calling (847) 433-0304.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Ravenswood on Tap 2017

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Ravenswood on Tap takes place June 24-25 at Ravenswood and Berteau, a $5 donation is requested.

 Participating brewer include Andersonville Brewing, Band of Bohemia, Begyle Brewing Co, Dovetail Brewery, Empirical Brewery, Greenstar Brewing, Half Acre Beer Company, Koval Distillery and Spiteful Brewing. 

The musical lineup for June 24: Tyler Sjostrom (1 p.m.); Bill McKay (2 p.m.); the Just Luckies (3 p.m.); Elle Casazza (4 p.m.); Natalie Grace Alford (4 p.m.); Dan Rico (6 p.m.); Cold Country (7 p.m.) and Tara Terra (8 p.m.).

June 25 lineup: Funk Crusaders (1 p.m.); Trick Shooter Social Club (2 p.m.); Woodrow Hart & the Haymakers (3 p.m.); Willy Dynomite (4 p.m.) and Mike Maimone (5 p.m.).

Hours are 1-9 p.m. June 24; 1-6 p.m. June 25.  More information here.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Geja's Cafe 52nd anniversary celebration

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Geja’s Café, 340 W. Armitage, 52nd anniversary celebration is still in full swing. Don't miss out on specials such as $19.65 off a premier dinner, in honor of the restaurant's opening in 1965, Sunday through Thursday. Guest must mention they are visiting to celebrate the 52nd anniversary to receive discount. There will also be a special Champagne list offering 52 per cent off the items normal price.

In addition the winning recipe from the fondue sauce contest will be announced and the winning recipe will appear on the menu June 26-July 3.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Chicago Ale Fest

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

More than 100 brewers will showcase over 200 craft beers during the Chicago Ale Fest: Summer Edition, taking place 6-10 p.m. June 23; 2-6 p.m. June 24 at Butler field in Grant Park. Tickets.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Joy District launches seasonal menu

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Chef Matthew Wilde of Joy District, 112 W. Hubbard, has launched a menu featuring fresh seasonal ingredients.

New items include: Asian BBQ Duck Steamed Buns, Smoked Hamachi Crudo, and Poached Tiger Shrimp & Cucumber Salad (pictured), a selection of sushi rolls like Unagi Tako with octopus and barbecue eel, and entrees like Pan Roasted Red Snapper, and a Slagel Farm Butter Burger with black garlic and miso aioli. 

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Two Brother's kick off 20th anniversary celebration at Jerry's

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Two Brothers, celebrating 20 years of Chicago craft brewing, hosts a "Beer of the Month" kickoff event at Jerry's  Andersonville, 5419 N. Clark,  beginning 6 p.m. June 30. Brewery representative Emory Tower will be on-hand to  discuss the brand. out merchandise to guests. 

Featured brews include: Ebel's Weiss ($5/22oz keep the glass); Pahoehoe Coconut Golden Ale ($6.50/pint); A Bretter Day Biere de Mars Ale ($6.50/pint); and 2014 Fathom American Wild Ale ($7.50/ 8oz). 

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

The Blanchard's new bar menu

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

The Blanchard, 1935 N. Lincoln Park West,  launched a new bar menu. Executive chef Ryan Burn's new offerings include: Hudson Valley Foie Gras variations including (roasted banana, coconut, kiwi, black walnut powder, olive oil jam $20); black truffle crusted (candied lavender, sauce madeira, truffle essence, $22); marbled torchon (spice smoked pineapple gelee, celery, cocoa, quince, pink pepper, anise, $12) and 

Foie Gras Rase (shaved foie gras, poached rhubarb, rose gelee, goat milk custard, $16

​).

Pour Commencer: oeuf outhier (creamy scrambled egg, chive, vodka spiked crème fraiche, ossetra caviar, $14); toast and marrow (roasted bone marrow, toasted country sourdough, sauce grebiche, $10 ); spice roasted carrotes (puffed barley, cardamom tuille, vanilla scented crème fraiche, curry essence, $13); pannise frites: chick pea fries, green garlic, sauce verte, green garlic aioli, orange zest, $8); duck rillettes (prunes aigre-douce, pickled mustard seed, toasted sourdough, $10); eEscargots à la Bourguignonne (ramp and pernod butter, wild mushroom duxelle, herbed panko, $14).

Plats entrees: 

Blanchard burger (wagyu beef, slab bacon, butterkase cheese, shallot confit, garlic aïoli, frites, $18); steak frites (hanger steak, crispy frites, beausoleil oyster aioli, $24) Dover sole Veronique (cauliflower, grapes, capers, lemon, thyme, sauce veronique, pictured, $36) and King Crab (parisienne gnocchi, pickled ramps, morel mushroom, ramp nage, $24).   

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

STK and KetelOne

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

STK Steakhouse, 9 W. Kinzie, celebrates the official arrival of summer 7-11 p.m. June 21 with a party. The center of attraction, a salute to the steakhouse's partnership with Navy Pier, is an ice sculpture from KetelOne of the current Rolling Stones exhibition.

In addition KetelOne snowcomes, candy and the STK and Red Bull KetelOne Rolling Stones Exhibitionism cocktail will be available. The evening will also include an endless flow of Angel Rose pours . DJs Akib, Navic and Criz R, provide live beats.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Remedy's lineup of 'Weird Wednesday' specials

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Remedy, 1910 N. Milwaukee, kicks off new late night themed summer series "Weird Wednesdays," 10 p.m. June 21 with Karaoke Night led by Knight Sounds. During the event a drink special of Miller High Life bottle with an Evan Williams shot combo ($8), will be featured.

Upcoming themes include: Bob Ross Night featuring BYOA—bring your own afro (June 28), Celebrities Who Shouldn't Have (July 5); Movie Director Choice (July 12); Total Request Live (July 19); Christmas in July (July 26): Hairband Mayhem (August 2); Rosé and Animation (August 9); One Hit Wonders (August 16); Unicorns & Lisa Frank (August 23) and Mystery Night (August 30).

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Cubs' Almora hands out free frozen yogurt @ Navy Pier

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt will hand out freebies 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 20 at Polk Brothers Park at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. 

During the event Cubs center fielder Albert Almora will be on deck (noon to 1 p.m.) handing out samples. 

Yasso yogurt comes in a variety of interesting flavors including new selections: S’mores, black raspberry chip and toffee caramel chocolate chip. PHOTO: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Real Men Cook citywide event

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

The highly anticipated Father's Day event, Real Men Cook, launched in 2009, returns 3-6 p.m. June 18 in multiple locations across the city and suburbs. Proceeds benefit Real Men Cook Charities.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

SafeHouse salutes National Martini Day

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

SafeHouse Chicago, 60 E. Ontario, is featuring its Spytini cocktail (Grey Goose martini straight up, regularly $14) for $5 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. National Martini Day (June 19). In addition to the perfect "shaken not stirred" martini, guests can view spy themed memorabilia that includes, of course, items from the ultimate spy 007 from some of the James Bond films.

For Father's Day (June 18) the themed eatery is featuring its Spyburger and beer combo for $10.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Mercadito hosts "Dame Calor Experimental Dinner"

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Mercadito, 108 W. Kinzie, with Paul Sauter of Diageo, hosts a Dame Calor Experiential Dinner 6-9 p.m. June 19. For the occasion Chef Patricio Sandoval will prepare a five-course menu to be paired with Don Julio Tequila; $75. Limited reservations required being accepted. Reserve. 

In addition the restaurant will hold a mixology class featuring Bulleit bourbon, 3 p.m. June 17. Mixologist Paul Tanguay shares tips and techniques for preparing cocktails; $45.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Black bar crawl

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

The first-ever Black Bar Crawl, making stops at some of the city's most prestigious black-owned establishments, takes place Juneteenth weekend beginning noon June 17. Participants include: M Lounge, Renaissance; Tantrum and Velvet Lounge.  The complete venue lineup will be released the week of the event. Purchase ticket. 

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Park Grill's Father's Day pig roast

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Father's Day pig roast beginning 11 a.m. until sold out at Park Grill, at the Plaza Millennium Park, 11 N. Michigan, hosts a Father's Day (June 18) pig roast beginning at 11 a.m. until sold out. The menu includes: Berkshire pulled pork, andouille bbq baked beans, sweet corn on the cob and coleslaw. Admission is first come, first serve; $16. 

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

El Tapeo's Gazpacho Shooters

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

El Tapeo, located on the 9th floor of the Le Meridien Chicago, 2100 W. Spring Road, Oak Brook celebrates World Tapas Day (June 15) with complimentary gazpacho shooters for all guests and special shared plates.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Ironside Bar and Galley's National Lobster Day specials

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Ironside Bar and Galley, 546 N. Wells, is featuring its best-selling Lobster Tater Tots, (crunchy Maine lobster potato puffs with lobster-Sriracha dipping sauce), regularly $16, for $6 from open to close on National Lobster Day (June 15). 

Ironside will also feature its famous Lobster Burger (steakhouse-style beef patty topped with Maine lobster salad, fontina cheese, lettuce, and tomato on toasted brioche bun) and its Lobster BLT (Maine lobster, applewood smoked bacon, fontina cheese, lettuce, tomato, and tarragon mayo on toasted brioche bread) for $10 each, both come with a choice of side, and are regularly $19 each.

In addition three specialty kegs on draft brewed in Maine and a New England-style IPA will be featured: Maine Beer Company Peeper (rare American pale ale); Allagash Hoppy Table Beer (Belgian-style pale ale) and Forbidden Root Snoochie Boochies (rare hazy New England-style imperial IPA brewed in Chicago with tropical tasting notes and very little hop bitterness). 

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

MSI's Father's Day brunch

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

The Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, hosts a Father's Day brunch featuring two seatings 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. June 18. Menu items include hand-carved barbecue and Southern style dishes including: St. Louis-style ribs, hickory smoked chicken, duck confit hash, sausage and an assortment of sides and salads. 

Other events include a beer tasting and a raffle to win a new backyard smoker. Sales end June 12. Tickets.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve