Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Staytion Market hosts art event

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Staytion Market and Bar, 1 W. Wacker, hosts Arts and Spirits, 5-7 p.m. March 6 in the library. Guests will be joined by local artist Jessica Hess, former c0-owner of the recently closed, Arts N Spirits, who will lead them through a painting session during the event. Call (312) 372-7200.

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Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Chicago chefs pitch in to help Puerto Rico's restaurant, hospitality and tourism industries effected by Hurricane Maria

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Chicago area chefs lend a hand to victims of of the hurricane that hit Puerto Rico with a special "A Recipe for Relief," a fund raiser in support of the restaurant, hospitality and tourism industry effected by Hurricane Maria. The event takes place 6-9 p.m. Mach 14 at The Lakewood, 1758 W. Lake Street. Tickets are $75.

Participating chefs/restaurants include: Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven); Jimmy Bannos, Jr. (Purple Pig); Kevin Hickey (Duck Inn); Tony Picolo (Piccolo Sogno); John Hogan (River Roast); Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia); Bill Kim (Urban Belly); Giuseppe Tentori (GT Prime Steakhouse); Joel Nickson (Wishbone); Dan Pancake (Autre Monde) and Brian Huston (Boltwood). Tickets.  


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Monday, February 26, 2018

Disount WingFest tickets are now available

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The first block of early bird discount tickets ($15 off) for the 19th Annual WingFest, noon to 4 p.m. May 6, UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine, are available through February 28.


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Sunday, February 25, 2018

Chicago Wine Fest in River North

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Early bird tickets are currently available for 2018 Chicago Wine Fest, noon to 4 p.m. March 10, Moe's Cantina, 155 W. Kinzie.

More than 35 wines will be available for sampling. Tickets ($60) includes wine tastings and cheese plate. 

To purchase tickets, or for more information visit www.chilifeevents.com.

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Saturday, February 24, 2018

The Fourth Annual Frost Fest

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The Fourth Annual Frost Fest, a celebration of craft beer, spirits and cider, takes place 2-5 p.m. February 25 in a party tent at 3514 N. Halsted. Sampling includes products from both local brewers and premium vendors. 

In addition to beer, beer and more beer—guests will be feted to a spectacular rainbow light show; live music by a DJ and special giveaways.  The February 24 sessions are sold out.

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Friday, February 23, 2018

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille's new seafood additions

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Just in time for lenten season Perry's Steakhouse and Grille, 5 Oakbrook Court, Oak Brook, has launched six seafood items including: the Everything crusted Ahi tuna (served with Asian slaw and ginger tomato fondu, $42.95: pictured); Atlantic Salmon (prepared one of three ways: grilled with lemon dill butter, grilled with basil sun-dried tomato butter or Moroccan-cured; $36.95) served with cauliflower mousse;  Crispy Skin Wild Red Snapper served with chive whipped potatoes and truffle vinaigrette; $39.95, and the Pan Seared Sea Bass ($44.95) served with creamy corn and red pepper coulis; $44.95. 

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

Bites Asian Kitchen salutes Margarita Day

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Bites Asian Kitchen and Bar, 3313 N. Clark, will offer a $3 discount off all Bites cocktails National Margarita Day (February 22), including the Bites Margarita (tequila, lime, ginger and salted rim, $7, regularly $10). 

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Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Epic Deli's limited-time only Lil Hank sandwich

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Epic Deli, 2616 Schaid Court, McHenry, with McHenry County Living, launched the Lil Hank (fried chicken breast topped with mac and cheese, pulled pork tossed in a Crystal Lake Brewing ale-infused barbecue sauce, cheese curds, chopped bacon and ghost pepper ranch served on a toasted brioche bun; $13). A special launch celebration takes place 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. February 21. The sandwich will be available through February 25.

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Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Commonwealth Tavern's Oscar viewing party

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Commonwealth Tavern, 2000 W. Roscoe, is hosting an Oscar viewing party beginning 7 p.m.  March 4. The bar will have more than a dozen plasma televisions tuned to the event. Oscar-themed drinks will be served during the occasion, including the Red Carpet martini (Cointreau, pomegranate juice and freshly squeezed lime juice) and the Golden Statue cocktail (Cointreau, cherry bitters, brandied cherry, orange zest, chilled Prosecco); $6 each.

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Monday, February 19, 2018

Dog Haus coming to Lincoln Park

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Dog Haus, 2464 N. Lincoln, which just opened a franchise in Rockford in December 2017, will be open a new location in Lincoln Park at 2464 N. Lincoln in late February. All Haus dogs, sausages, burgers and a fried chicken sandwich are served on grilled King’s Hawaiian rolls with a selection of toppings to choose.

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Sunday, February 18, 2018

Chicago Whisky and Wine Festival

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Chicago Whiskey and Wine Festival takes place February 24, Joe's Bar, 940 W. Weed Street. The event will be held in two sessions: noon to 3 p.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m. More than 20 vendors. Tickets (limited quantity) are $30-$50, includes admission, 15 tasting tickets, souvenir glass, food and other beverages and entertainment. Must be 21 and over with valid proof to attend. Tickets.

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Saturday, February 17, 2018

Elmwood Park Restaurant Week

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Elmwood Park, kicked off its inaugural "Dine-In Elmwood Park Restaurant Week" event February 16. Guests can sample food from more than 20 restaurants (all offering specials) including: Trattoria Peppino; Burger Moovment; Cafe Cubano; Great American Bagel; Lo-Los Sub Shop; Russell's Barbecue; Massa Cafe Italiano; Old Word Pizza; Wing Stop; Inari Sushi and D'Agostino Cannoli & Sapori Italiano. The event continues through 5 p.m. February 25. 

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Friday, February 16, 2018

Forbidden Root 2nd Anniversary bash

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Forbidden Root Brewery, 1746 W. Chicago, celebrates its second anniversary 5-10 p.m. March 8 with a beer-release party with head brewmaster Nick Williams on hand to handle questions from guests. Tickets for the Rootiversary event are $10 (available only at the door), price includes three 5-oz pours, souvenir glass and tour ticket, which entitles guests to sample a tour-only selection. 

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Thursday, February 15, 2018

Pinstripes bowling for cancer event

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Pinstripes, 435 E. Illinois, hosts the Third Annual Brewers Bocce Tournament noon to 5 p.m. February 17. Participating brewers include: Revolution, Goose Island, 3 Floyds, Two Brothers, Great Lakes Solemn Oath, Dark Horse and Virtue Cider. The event is in support of Zero's prostate cancer awareness effort. Visitors will be feted to $3 brews from participants.

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Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Nita's Gumbo opening in Country Club Hills

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With a name like Nita's Gumbo, 4153 W. 183rd, Country Club Hills, what better time to hosts a grand opening then Fat Tuesday? 

The new restaurant, sit-down eatery in the south suburbs, lets the good times roll during the opening celebration 3-8 p.m. February 13. Good food and live entertainment are on the menu for the festivities.

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Monday, February 12, 2018

Chicago Firehouse's Fat Tuesday event

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The Chicago Firehouse, 1401 S. Michigan, takes guests to the Big Easy during its Fat Tuesday celebration February 13. Guests will be feted to a special New Orleans' inspired food and drink menu. 

Food items include: Louisiana gumbo ($5, cup/$8 bowl); jambalaya ($14); voodoo shrimp with red beans and rice and cornbread($23); oyster Po' boy sandwich ($13) and beignet with bourbon creme Anglaise ($10).

Featured drinks include: Hurricane ($12); Vieux Carre ($12); French 75 ($12); Sazerac ($12) and Abita Purple Haze ($6).

Live performance by Stacy McMichael and her Hurricane Trio. Reservations available.

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Sunday, February 11, 2018

Sunda's Chinese New Year celebration

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Sunda, 110 W. Illinois, celebrates the Chinese New Year (the year of the Dog) beginning February 15 with a live dragon dance, special menu and red envelope prizes 

Honoring a Chinese tradition, every guest who orders an item from the special menu will receive a Red Envelope containing a prize. Festivities continue through February 21. Call for more details: 312-644-0500.

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Saturday, February 10, 2018

Libertad's new Saturday-Sunday brunch menu

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Libertad, 7931 N. Lincoln, Skokie, launched a new brunch menu, available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Latin American inspired menu includes dishes such as: pan Frances (challah, strawberries, seasonal fruit, and strawberry salsa; $13), tacos de Pescado (blackened cod, red cabbage kimchi, ancho remoulade, and queso fresco;$17), and the Torta (smoked salmon, red onion, tomato, cumin crema, pickled serrano, brioche, and housemade potato chips; $16).

Freshly made juices, coffee, and hot chocolate, and breakfast cocktails such as the Bloody Maria (served with tequila; $8) and Té Dulce (Modest vodka, lemon, pasilla chile black tea, sweet potato, and mango ($9).

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Friday, February 9, 2018

Cantina Laredo Herradura tequila dinner

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Cantina Laredo, 508 N. State, hosts a three course Herradura tequila dinner 7-9 p.m. February 24; $59.99.

Chef Damon Workman's pairings include: Mexican Street Corn on the Cob partnered with the Platium Pom (Herradura Silver, triple sec, cranberry and lime juice, pomegranate liqueur and simple syrup); Pozole de Pollo paired with Pineapple Cocktail (Herradura Anejo, orange and pineapple juice, dash of blue curacao); choice of Tacos de Filete with chipotle black beans and carrots eschabeche or Redfish Oscar with chile de arbol sauce, cilanytro lime rice and grilled asparagus paired with Lemon Drop (Herradura Silver, margarita mix, fresh lemon juice, topped with Sprite) and a dessert course of Coconut Cajeta Ice Cream accompanied by the Santiago cocktail (Herradura Reposado, Midori, grapefruit juice, margarita mix, dash of grenadine). Reserve a spot at 312-955-0014.

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Thursday, February 8, 2018

Heaven on Seven Mardi Gras celebration

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Heaven on Seven, 111 N. Wabash, 7th floor, lets the good times roll during its Mardi Gras celebration kicking off February 9 and 10, culminating into a full-blown Fat Tuesday celebration February 13. Events include live music, good food and big fun. Fat Tuesday dinner hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. Limited number of reservations being accepted: 312-263-6443.

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Wednesday, February 7, 2018

El Tapeo Tour de Spain event

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El Tapeo Modern Spanish Kitchen, 2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook, holds its second 2018 installment of Tour de Spain series, 7 p.m. February 22. 

The exclusive eight-seated event allows for an intimate setting where guests receive a culinary tour through five regions of Spain with Executive Chef Matthew Cappellini guiding visitors through each food item. Menu items include small plates, paella, meats and seafood representing regions that include: the west coast of Spain; Barcelona and Valencia. Wines and cocktails will accompany food items. Tickets are $85, includes tax and gratuity. Upcoming Tour de Spain dates are March 15 and April 5. Tickets.

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Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Pinstripes hosts Coppola wine dinner

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Pinstripes hosts a pre-Valentine's Day dinner centered around Coppola wines. Yes, the Hollywood clan. The four-course dinners will be featured 7-9 p.m. February 8 at Northbrook, 1150 Willow Road and Oak Brook, 7 Oak Brook Center Mall locations; 7-9 p.m. February 9 at Chicago, 435 E. Illinois and South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road locations. 

The evening begins with a reception featuring scallops on the half shell paired with Sofia, Blanc de Blancs followed by a salad of braised beets Humboldt Fog goat cheese and pistachio vinaigrette paired with Diamond Collection, Merlot; espresso crusted filet mignon with sweet potato, broccolini, peppercorn cream sauce paired with Director's Zinfandel and a dessert of strawberry and chocolate crostada (jam, dark chocolate gelato). Tickets are $50 per person (tax and gratuity included).

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Monday, February 5, 2018

Raised Bar's February Supper Club event

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Raised Bar's, 1 W. Wacker, February Super Club Series take place 4 p.m. to midnight February 10. Chef Timothy Powles' menu features; Green Papaya Salad ($10), paired with the Lime in da Coconut (Don Julio Reposado, tomato water, lime, chili powder, coconut La Croix, basil and mascarpone; $14) cocktail; grilled pork riblets ($13) paired with Fit for a Queen (Cherry Rhine Hall Brandy, lemon juice, simple syrup, ginger bitters, grapefruit bitters, cucumber and Prosecco; $15) cocktail; and honey roasted duck legs with crispy rice noodle, choy sum daikon, pickled carrot and chili; $17) paired with Get Pickled (Koval Dry Gin, simple syrup, pickled carrot juice, Hellfire Bitters, blood orange bitters and saline; $15).

The evening includes live music by Chicago pianist and composer Liza Micelli.

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Sunday, February 4, 2018

Nonnina hosts Il Borro wine dinner

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Nonnina, 340 N. Clark, hosts a five course Il Borro wine dinner 6:30 p.m February 8; $90, plus tax and gratuity. 

Chef Gabby Hernandez creates a dinner tailored around the magnificent bounty of wines from fashion icon Salavatore Ferragamo's own vineyard. 

Courses include: Bacon con Rucola (mozzarella, arugula, olive oil, Reggiano curls) paired with 2016 Il Boro Rose del Borro I.G.T. Toscana; La Scarola (escarole, apples radicchio, walnuts, red onion, truffle honey, pecorino) paired with 2018 Il Borro I.G.T. Chardonnay; Ravioli di Zucca (butternut squash filled pasta, brown butter, sage, walnuts, amaretti cookie) and Pappardelle duck ragu (wide flat pasta with braised duck sauce) paired 2015 Il Borrow Borrigiano Valdarno di Sopra D.O.C. Rosso; Braciole (braised beef rolled with pine nuts and raisins over cauliflower puree) paired with 2013 Il Borro Polisenna I.G.T. Toscana Rosso followed by a dessert of aged pecorino cheese, grapes, cantaloupe paired with 2014 Il Borro Pian di Nova I.G.T. Toscana Rosso.

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