Shore Club returns with new and favorite cocktails

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Shore Club, 1603 N. Lake Shore Drive, opens for the season May 11 with a new lineup of frozen libations for those hot summer days soon to come. Cool down or just chill out, on the venues revamped patio (now featuring better lighting and healthier food options), with added drink options such as strawberry daquiri, Gold Coast colada, and the Beach Body margarita.

Returning favorites include: Chicago ’71, inspired by the historic Chicago fire (gin, champagne, simple syrup and a fresh lemon twist); Life’s a Beach (tequila, prickly pear cactus, lemon and demerara) and the Beach Party cocktail (cucumber-infused vodka, pineapple, lime, jalapeno and sparkling wine).

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Slurping Turtle holds sushi-making class

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Chef Tadashi Nagura of Slurping Turtle, 116 W.  Hubbard, hosts a Sushi 101 making class 6-7:30 p.m. May 8; $45, includes hand-rolled sushi making session along with bites paired with sake selections. Space is limited and reservations required.

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Mercadito happenings

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Mercadito's, 108 W. Kinzie, Mixology Academy with Paul Tanguay and special guest Aria Veneklasen, presents a class featuring drinks made with Hornitos Tequila and Maker's Mark, 3 p.m. April 28. 

Following the class, beginning at 6 p.m., the restaurant hosts a prix fixe Cinco de Mayo inspired dinner designed by chef Aldo Ayala and mixologist Paul Tanguay featuring five courses paired with 5 Hornitos cocktails; $85. Reserve a spot here.

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Gene & Georgetti post time

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Gene & Georgetti, both locations (500 N. Franklin; 9421 W. Higgins,  Rosemont) launched spring cocktails with a derby theme the new libations, available through May 13, include: Mint Julep, Old Fashion, Manhattan, Bourbon Sour, with fresh lemon and cherry; Revolver with Tia maria coffee liqueur, orange juice and an orange twist; Bourbon Snap with Peach Schanpps, Canton ginger liqueur, orange juice.

If your palate prefers a more regal drink the Royal Reese (bourbon, Chambord, muddled mint, sugar and ginger beer) is the winning ticket (the drink is named for the restaurant's managing partner's horse Reese). Drinks vary from $10-$16 depending on bourbon selected: Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve or Hudson Baby Bourbon. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Storybook Farms.

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Dining Out for Life Chicago is April 26

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Dining Out for Life Chicago is April 26. The event, which began in 1991 and now is held in 60 cities across the country, is in support of HIV/AIDS awareness and programs. View participating restaurants and what meal proceeds will be donated from here.

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Wine/beer glass painting and sipping class

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Calavera Wine Glass/Beer Mug painting class takes place May 3 at Maestri Tutoring, 1858 S. Throop. Guests are invited to paint their own wine glass or beer mug during the BYOB painting and sipping session; $25, includes 1 glass, multi-surface paint, brushes and finger food to go along with the sipping. Must be age 21 and older. Tickets.

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Tuman's Derby de Mayo deals

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Tuman's Tap & Grill, 2159 W. Chicago, hosts Derby de Mayo a combined salute to the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo beginning 11 a.m. May 5. Day-long drink and food specials will be available including $3 Tecate cans; $10 W.L. Weller Special Reserve mint juleps; $12 Banhez Mezcal Palomas and $12 chicken enchiladas. Derby post time is 5:34 p.m.

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WhiskeyX Chicago @Soldier Field

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The United Club at Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus, hosts WhiskyX Chicago 6-10 p.m. April 27. The event features more than 60 distilleries, chefs and food trucks and a live fperformance by Mowgli's.

Distillers include: Aberlour; Ardberg; Bulleit Bourbon; Calumet Bourbon; Crown Royal; Dewar's; Four Roses; Glenmorangie; Knob Creek; Johnnie Walker; Maker's Mark; The Macallan; Guinness; Power's Irish Whisky; Tin Cup and Wild Turkey; Wyoming Whisky.

Participating chefs include: Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven); Cedric Harden, John Hogan, Tony Mantuano and Ken Pritz (River Roast) and Tadashi Nagura (Slurping Turtle).

Food trucks include: America Glory Food Truck; Bop Bar; Chicago Lunchbox; Da Lobsta Food Truck; La Cocinita Chicago and Porkchop Chicago.

If you enjoy a good cigar with your whisky hand-rolled cigars from Nicaraguan purveyor AJ Fernandez will be available.

Tickets, are $75-$125. Designated Driver tickets are $50. Must be 21 and over to attend.

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Katherine Anne Confections' truffle-making Mother's Day event

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Katherine Anne Confections, 2745 W. Armitage, hosts a Mother's Day Truffle Party beginning 11 a.m. May 12,. Guests will be feted to a truffle-themed high-tea that includes creating a hand-rolled truffle. Die-hard truffle loves will have the opportunity to create their own chocolate recipe; with a recipe. In addition mimosas, scones with house-mad jam and tea sandwiches will be available. Limited space. Tickets are $70.

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Artango kicks off five days of $5 specials for Cinco de Mayo

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Artango Bar and Steakhouse, 4767 N. Lincoln, salutes Cinco de Mayo with $5 specials that includes $5 tacos (choice of veggie or chicken, two per order) and $5 classic margaritas, available May 1-5.

In addition the restaurant will host a European Cabaret Night, featuring an array of international music beginning 8:30 p.m. May 5.

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Mercat a la Plax holds gin and tonic making class

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Mercat a la Planxa, 638 S. Michigan, hosts a gin and tonic making class beginning 5 p.m. April 26. The evening gets started with a cava reception, followed by mixologist David Bohula's insightful session on creating the iconic drink. Must be 21 and over. Reserve a spot at: ellen.logue@sagerestaurantgroup.com PHOTO: The heartyspot.com

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Midnight Pig Tap Room set to open

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Sonas Hospitality's Midnight Pig Tap Room, 1557 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, a self-serve beer tap opens April 19. Guests have more than 30 selections to choose from. Of course, the beer of the hour is Midnight Pig, crafted locally in Plainfield. How does the system work, Visitors receive a card to load desired dollar amount and are free to sample any or all of the taps. Just can and self-pour by the ounce.

In addition Chef Marcus Mooney will be on hand to provide a few select dishes from a pig-inspired menu that include a pork confit poutine, bacon beer filet tips, porchetta baguette sandwich and charcuterie boards.

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El Tapeo's Tour de Spain dinner

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El Tapeo Modern Spanish Kitchen, 2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook, continues its Tour de Spain series 6 p.m. April 26 with five-course dinner paired with Spanish wine and cocktails. Chef Matthew Cappellini takes guests on a culinary excursion through five different regions of of Spain. 

Here's the catch the exclusive dinner is only for eight. The cost is $85, plus tax and gratuity. A $50 non refundable deposit is required. Upcoming Tour de Spain dinners will be held: 6  p.m. May 17 and 6 p.m. June 14. Tickets.

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The Chelsea Room opens with a pinch of verve

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The Chelsea Room, 221 N. Clark, is now open. The swank lounge, which is an art and music driven venue, is named for New York's historic Chelsea art district. To kick off the opening the lounge is hosting a Throwback Thursday party beginning 6 p.m. April 19. During the event the bar will serve up drinks specials that include: Ziggy Stardust, a rum-based cocktail, $10; Jamseson shots, $5; draft beers, $5 and two bottles of Veuve Clicquot for $300.

A Dj will be on hand spinning retro music that includes: Blondie; David Bowie and a variety of '90s hip hop. 

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Frunchroom opens April 17 in Portage Park

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Quay Tao's new restaurant Frunchroom, 4042 N.Milwaukee, officially opens to the public beginning 8 a.m. April 17.  This American cafe infuses Jewish and Italian culinary themes to create deli food such as its bacon, egg and gorgonzola cheese sandwich. The deli smokes its lox and cure meats in house. Regular hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday with weekend brunch hours 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Pictured: Matzo ball soup.

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2018 Chicago Spring Wine Festival

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The 2018 Chicago Spring Wine Festival takes place 4-6 p.m. April 21, Old Town Social, 455 W. North.

Participants include: 5K Wine; Reggae Wines; Malene; ch Distillery; PRP Wine International and Lagniappe Beverage. Tickets.

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Cantina Laredo gets festive with Cinco de Mayo cocktails

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Cantina Laredo, 508 N. State, kicks of the upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebration with an early launch of festive drinks. The lineup of  "Fiesta Flip" cocktails, a trio of tequila drinks topped with a booze-infused boat float Include: 3 G's Please (Sauza Tres Generaciones Plata Tequila, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, orange bitters and muddled strawberries, topped with a Sauza Tres Generaciones Plata Tequila strawberry boat float, $13); Cabo Flip (Cabo Wabo Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier and fresh lime, topped with a Cabo Wabo Blanco lime boat float, $12.75) and the and Sunshine Margarita (1800 Silver Tequila, Grand Marnier, agave nectar and fresh orange, lemon and lime juices, topped with a Grand Marnier lemon boat float, $12) available for a limited time. 

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Purple Asparagus hold fundraising event

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Purple Asparagus hosts "Purple by Night," its annual fundraiser 6-9 p.m. April 22 at the Ivy Room, 12 E. Ohio. Purple Asparagus is a nonprofit organization that educates children, families and the community about eating that’s good for the body and the planet. 

Food and beverage vendors include: Candid Wine, Lagunitas Brewery Company and Beam Suntory. 

NBC5's Safia Lewis serves as master of ceremony for the event. Tickets.

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City Barbeque opens Orland Park location

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City Barbeque, 14301 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, opening 10:30 a.m. April 23, is the restaurant's second Chicagoland location. The first 50 guests will be feted with a limited edition "First Fifty" City Barbeque T-shirt along with a coupon for  a free sandwich on their next visit. 

The venue has also partnered with local charities that will receive 25 per cent of the sale when a patron mentions the charity's name. during opening week. These are the current charity partners: Bridge Teen Center (April 23); AnnMarie Foundation  (April 24); Orland School District 135 (April 25); Sertoma Centre (April 26) and Veterans Voices (April 27). 

A grand opening will be held April 28 with 10 per cent of the days sales benefitting Orland Park Baseball 4 All. In addition games, giveaways and other activities will be held throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.  PICTURED: City Barbeque's Judges Sampler.

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Plush Pup makes the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame cut

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Plush Pup, 5344 N. Cumberland will be honored with an induction into the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame. The Norwood Park eatery, owned and operated by George Bistolis and family, will be the 119th inductee. A ceremony takes place 10:30 a.m. April 17 at the restaurant.

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Tin on Tin Cocktail Classic @Raised

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Raised, 1 W. Wacker, hosts the Second Annual Tin on Tin Cocktail Classic Mixology Competition, featuring six Chicago bartenders creating healthy cocktails, emphasizing sustainable, local and natural ingredients, 4:30-8:30 p.m. April 16. Tickets

Competitors are: Alexis Brown, The Drifter; Angie Caballeron, Bellemore; Mike Finn, Luxbar; Jeremy Patenaude, Somerset at the Viceroy Hotel; Jenesis Reynolds, the Allis at Soho House and Cristina Villalpando, Cindy’s at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. The grand prize winner earns a trip to the 2018 Bar Convent Brooklyn June 12-13, Brooklyn Expo Center.

Local comedian Matty Ryan (pictured) is the host for the event. Tickets. 

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aliveOne tax day special

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The tax man cometh (official tax day is April 17) and so does relief in the form of specials served up at area bars and restaurants including aliveOne, 2683 N. Halsted. The bar is featuring half off beer and cocktails 5-7 p.m. April 17. Other specials include $2 domestics and $2-3 select craft drafts, available all day.

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Chicago Cocktail Social 2018

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Area bars come together under one roof for the highly anticipated 5th Annual  Chicago Cocktail Social taking place 6:30-10 p.m. April 19, Marchetti Galleria, 825 W. Erie. 

Participant include: Boleo, 122 W. Madison; drumBar, 201 E. Delaware; The Pink Squirrel, 2414 N. Milwaukee; The Vig, 1527 N Wells. 

Along with bar service PR Italian Bistro, 3908 N. Sheridan and STK, 9 W. Kinzie will cater the event. Tickets.

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Fort Willow's new Sunday Brunch

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DMK's Fort Willow, 1721 N. Elston, launches its "Dim Sum & Then Some" Sunday Brunch menu 10 a.m. April 8. in addition to dim sum food items include: avocado toast with whipped goat cheese and fresh herbs; $8; French toast bites with maple bourbon dipping sauce; $5 and egg 'n toast (buttered toast, fried egg, spicy cheese and bacon; $7). The brunch's signature drink is  raspberry tequila sangria (tequila, white beaujolais, raspberry and lemon. Brunch is available until 3 p.m. 

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