—As part of the Designing Louder Than Words bottle box competition created by the Design Museum of Chicago and Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, more than 60 designers, architects and creators submitted box designs that were inspired by Chicago and could safely house a whisky bottle. The winner was Chicago architectural designer Taylor Mentzer, with her "Scorch.Box" design. The Scorch.Box is now a limited-edition box ( just more than 200 made ) that houses Aberlour's' newest expression: Aberlour Single Cask No. 22112, a 15-year-old first-fill bourbon barrel.
—Fry the Coop will present "Fried Chicken & Bubbles" on Wed., Oct. 16, at Wells Street Market, 205 W. Wacker Dr., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Pairings will include Nashville wings with Chandon Etoile, cheesy chicken and waffles with Chcondon Blanc de NOIR, and banana pudding bites with Chandon Sparkling Red, among others. Tickets are $65 each; visit Eventbrite.com/e/fry-the-coop-fried-chicken-bubbles-tickets-71084027239.
—The Peninsula Chicago, 108 E. Superior St., has announced the launch of a guest chef series in The Lobby to celebrate Chicago's rising talent, including its chef de cuisine, Brandon Veitch. The Chef Dinner Series kicks off on Monday, Oct. 21, with Troy Jorge, Executive Chef of Temporis; the 20-seat restaurant in Chicago's West Town neighborhood was recently honored with a Michelin star for a second consecutive year. Guests are invited to arrive at 6:30 p.m. and will have the opportunity during the evening for a meet-and-greet with the chefs; dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The price of the dinner is $110, which includes a welcome cocktail, with wine pairings for an additional $60. Call The Lobby at 312-573-6695, email diningpch@peninsula.com or book via OpenTable at The Lobby.
—Giglio's State Street Tavern, 825 S. State St., celebrates National Dessert Month with $5 Chicago-style cheesecake or tiramisu tower throughout October. Guests can indulge in either dessert ( no additional purchase necessary ) at the eatery owned by Chicago mega personality and famed boxing promoter ( Hitz Boxing ), Bobby Hitz.
—It is Florida Stone crab season at Truluck's restaurants ( in Rosemont or in Chicago's Gold Coast area ) starting Oct. 15. Truluck's will offer area diners limited-time, all-you-can-eat Florida Stone Crab for a relatively low price. See Trulucks.com .
—Shake Shack announced its newest Chicago location—in Willis Tower, by the Skydeck entrance at 316 W. Jackson Blvd. It will be part of Catalog ( the more-than-300,000 square-feet curated dining, entertainment and community experience, as well as a 30,000 square-feet outdoor deck and garden ) evolving at the base of Willis Tower. In addition to the classics, the Willis Tower Shack will be offering a unique selection of frozen custard concretes: Coldspot, Da' S'mores and Pie Oh My.
—The spot etta, 1840 W. North Ave., has launched its first-ever happy hour. Happy hour takes place Monday through Friday at 5-6:30 p.m., and includes $1 rack-roasted oysters and $1 crispy fried chicken oysters, as well as $15 bottomless carafes of beer, house wine and classic cocktails like the "etta" rita and etta Old Fashioned. This will be available at the bar and in the dining room.
—In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ocean Prime Chicago, 87 E. Wacker Dr., is frosting its Signature Coconut Cake pink. One dollar from each cake sold will be donated to Gilda's Club—a free support community for men, women, teens and children living with cancer, along with their families and friends. This promotion is live through Oct. 31.
—The Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame has postponed its Oct. 16 event inducting Sarah Grueneberg as Chef of the Year, Meg Galus as Pastry Chef of the Year, Ina Pinkney as Legendary Chef and Mary Kay Bonoma as Industry Leader. A new date projected for February 2020 will be announced. Tickets purchased have been refunded.
—On Oct. 17-Nov. 3, Headquarters Beercade, 213 W. Institute Pl., will host "The Nightmare Before Halloween: A Tim Burton Experience." In addition to backdrop moments from BeetleJuice ( tiptoe through the graveyards and sandworms ), Edward Scissorhands ( spooky castle with trimmed shrubs ) and Sweeney Todd ( beware of the barber chair ), guests can sip spooky cocktails, take part in Tim Burton-themed trivia and costume contents. There will also be three flavors of boozy candied apples—Pumpkin Spiced Rum Apple, with milk chocolate and pumpkin spiced walnuts; Sour Mash Whiskey, with caramel and pretzels; and Vanilla Vodka, with white chocolate and pretzels. See HQRiverNorth.com/tim-burton/ .
—The Trotter Project—Chef Charlie Trotter's legacy foundation—is hosting its marquee event of the year, the Third Annual Excellence Gala: Women & Innovation. Friday, Oct. 18, 4:30-11:30 p.m., at The Lakewood, 1758 W. Lake St. Trotter's longtime friend and mentor Chef Carrie Nahabedian will be this year's honorary chair. Tickets for the event are $375-$475 each; visit TheTrotterProject.org/events-1/2019/10/18/3rd-annual-excellence-gala.
—In honor of the release of Michael Jordan's proprietary blend, 2016 Barrel 23, Michael Jordan's Steak House—located inside the InterContinental Magnificent Mile at 505 N. Michigan Ave—will offer guests a three-course Domaine Serene pre-fixe dinner menu complete with wine pairings Friday-Sunday, Oct. 18-20, for $125/guest. Barrel 23 is a rare blend of pinot noir, crafted to unique specifications and made exclusively for Michael Jordan's personal cellar and renowned steakhouse in collaboration with Domaine Serene Winery. The wine will be first tasted at a wine dinner on Thursday, Oct. 10; see BrownPaperTtickets.com/event/4360668. To RSVP for the Oct. 18-20 dinners, see MJSHChicago.com .
—To celebrate Sweetest Day ( Oct. 19 ), The Rose Hotel Chicago O'Hare, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 5200 Pearl St., is offering a $50 prix-fixe menu featuring three courses and a champagne toast to enjoy with that special someone. Courses will include golden beets, goat cheese, candied smoked pork belly, pecans and arugula topped with maple balsamic dressing; a hanger steak, confit sweet potatoes, roasted brussel sprouts, crispy leeks and sage chimichurri; and a trio of hand-selected desserts. Visit the-rose-hotel.com/food-and-beverage.html .
—The Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence will return in January 2020 and the public can begin recommending choices spanning 15 categories across the region's culinary community today through Oct. 20. The Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence is the only Chicago-based awards ceremony that recognizes regional culinary originality and talent. The event will be held on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020 at Venue SIX10, 610 S. Michigan Ave. Award winners from the previous three years ( 2017-19 ) may not be nominated again in the same category, though they are eligible in other categories. Public recommendations are now open and may be made at banchetawards.com/ballot/ .
—Blue Door Kitchen and Garden, 52 W. Elm St., is partnering with Owin Swift for an experiential evening of fine dining and eclectic wine with a five-course meal on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m. Culinary items include roasted rainbow carrots, Nash hot fried oyster, stuffed quail, venison tenderloin and chocolate ganache ( with corresponding wines ). Tickets are $125 each; visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/orin-swift-wine-dinner-tickets-73994576771.
—Craveable Hospitality Group and cr( eat )e restaurant consulting—the brands behind Jimmy at the James, Piecaken Bake Shop and Caputo Trattoria—have opened the chef-driven concept WoodWind, 259 E. Erie St. The contemporary American restaurant from cr( eat )e restaurant consulting CEO Matt O'Neill features regionally focused cuisine enhanced with global flavor profiles alongside an extensive beverage program. See WoodwindChicago.com .
—Bernie's, 660 N. Orleans St., will host a pumpkin carving party/ contest Wed., Oct. 23, 6-8:30 p.m. Guests can test their skills during the event for the chance to win a $100 gift card. Event tickets are available on Eventbrite for $15 each, and include one pumpkin, carving tools,and one new fall cocktail.
—On Oct. 24-26, Chicago will welcome the James Beard Foundation's Taste America presented by Capital One for a weekend of food and conversation surrounding the non-profit's mission of cultivating a better food world for all. The program will include a "Raising the Bar" cocktail event on Oct. 24 and a gala dinner on Oct. 25. Visit JamesBeard.org/tasteamerica.
— WTTW's Emmy-winning local restaurant review series Check, Please! returns for its 19th season with host Alpana Singh on Friday, Oct. 25, at 8 p.m. on WTTW11 and WTTW.com/checkplease. Season 19 will feature hot spots and hangouts from neighborhood favorites to award-winning fine dining—including the show's very first coffeehouse in episode one. Future episodes will feature eateries in Chicago's Fulton Market, Logan Square, Rogers Park, Ukrainian Village, Hyde Park and Old Irving Park neighborhoods, and in the suburbs as well.
—Hubbard Inn, 110 W. Hubbard St., will reopen Friday, Oct. 25, after months of renovations. While still incorporating elements from the original Hubbard Inn, guests will enjoy a new cocktail experience and artistic presentations of globally influenced American fare from Executive Chef Eric Babula ( Punch Bowl; City Works ), a Chicago-based chef originally from central Missouri.
—Indian restaurant ROOH Chicago, 736 W. Randolph St., will celebrate Diwali with an exclusive, ticketed tasting menu ( $85/person ) on Sunday, Oct. 27. Selections, courtesy of Executive Chef Sujan Sarkar and Chef de Cuisine Sahil Sethi, will include dishes not currently available on the daily menu, such as tandoori cauliflower with dum ki gravy and nut crumble; and paneer pasanda with lababdar sauce, pepper and nigella chutney. Reservations can be made at ROOHChicago.com/roohreservations.
—On Oct. 28-Nov. 1, Molly's Cupcakes South Loop, 1150 S. Wabash Ave., will offer its Graveyard Cupcake. The sweet item is chocolate cake dipped in ganache filled with Oreo filling, topped with buttercream, Oreo crumbs, and a Milano Cookie gravestone and gummy worms.
— Jake Melnick's Corner Tap, 41 E. Superior St., has a unique Halloween offering. Available this month only, the Nightmare on Superior Street ( $16.95 ) features a habanero and cheddar patty, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese, crispy jalapenos, XXXX mayo and ghost pepper dust on a black kumo bun.
—Guests who visit Estelle's, 2013 W. North Ave., on Halloween night will enjoy a half off happy hour items ( except shots ) at 5-7 p.m., along with all-night specials like a $5 Halloween Mystery Shot, $4 featured drafts and $5 Tito's cocktails. Halloween party-goers can enjoy late night food until 4 a.m. as well as a $5 quesadilla ( chicken or cheese with sour cream and pico ).
— ED451, 739 N. Clark St., celebrates Halloween with cocktail specials, offered for $1 to those who come dressed in costume on Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31. Guests can also get complimentary tarot card readings in the bar lounge at 6-8 p.m. Also, on Oct. 24-31, there will be $13 cocktail specials such as Sangre, Buckets of Blood and Blood & Bones.
—Fans of the Italian restaurant Balena ( which suffered extensive fire damage in 2017 ) are being invited Nov. 1-24, Wednesdays through Sundays starting at 5 p.m., a menu highlighting the favorite dishes from Balena courtesy of executive chef Chris Pandel at Dutch & Doc's, 3600 N. Clark St. Dishes such as the taglioni nero ( with sea urchin and crab ) and lemon kale orecchiette will be available. Reservations can be made via OpenTable or at http://bit.ly/BalenaPopUp.
—The culinary event Kouzina will return to the National Hellenic Museum ( NHM ), 333 S. Halsted St., 6:30-10 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 7. The museum will present a collection of chefs—including Chef Louie Alexakis of Avli River North and Executive Chef Max Robbins of Longman & Eagle—showcasing signature dishes that have been influenced by Greek cuisine or culture. Tickets are $100 per person in advance or $125 at the door, and include food, wine and full access to the museum; visit NationalHellenicMuseum.org/calendar/kouzina/ or call 312-655-1234.
—Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry ( an event for those 21 and older ) is returning to Chicago for the 30th year on Friday, Nov. 8, at Revel Fulton Market. Notable chefs like Heather Terhune ( Tre Rivali ), Jon Brooks ( Beholder ) and Justin Sutherland ( Pearl & the Thief ) will be serving items. All of the proceeds support the No Kid Hungry campaign to end childhood hunger in this country. See events.nokidhungry.org/events/chicagos-taste-nation/ .
—Meals on Wheels Chicago's signature fundraiser, the Celebrity Chef Ball, is taking place Friday, Nov. 8, 6-11:30 p.m. at Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan St. The evening of food and philanthropy brings more than 80 top chefs, mixologists and Chicagoans together to help homebound neighbors. Tickets are $200-$400 each; visit MealsOnWheelsChicago.org/ccb.
—True Food Kitchen—the award-winning, seasonally inspired restaurant and bar involved with healthful dining that was founded by integrative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil—announces its second Illinois location, in western Chicago suburb Oak Brook. The 32nd restaurant for the health-driven restaurant brand will open its doors at Oakbrook Center on Wed., Nov. 20. Dishes will include the ancient grains bowl, organic Tuscan kale salad, inside out quinoa burger, spaghetti squash casserole, and the flourless chocolate cake.
—L.A. Burdick, 609 N. State St., now features The Burdick Cookie. The item includes chocolate, walnuts, local farm-fresh butter and eggs,and fresh vanilla beans.
—Francois Frankie's, 222 W. Randolph St. has debuted a new Saturday event, "Frankie's Jazz Brunch." Taking place at 10 a.m.-1 p.m., guests can listen to the musical stylings of saxophonist Roy McGrath and company while enjoying Chef Mike Sheerin's brunch staples. Brunch favorites include corned beef hash, roasted vegetable shakshuka and challah French toast.
—This football season, cheer on your favorite team at The Bar at Hotel Zachary, 3630 N. Clark St. Every Sunday, enjoy specials including Bud Light & Zachary Chips for $12 and Edward 40 Hands & Chips for $28. Specials are available during All Day Menu times, 1 p.m. on non-game days and through Feb. 2, 2020.
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