—In honor of the 58th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show, Kanela Breakfast Club in Old Town, 1552 N. Wells St., will offer a special "French Toast Flight" with lemon poppyseed, red velvet, banana nut and orange bread. Guests can pair the flight with one of Kanela's many new summer cocktails for $9 each including the Perks of being an Elderflower, Strawberry Lyndon and Rosemary's Bubbly. See KanelaBreakfastClub.com .
—The Signature Room, 875 N. Michigan Ave., welcomes Chicagoans and visitors to its annual Chicago Air & Water Show viewing party on Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 20-21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. At the event, guests can experience elevated food and drink in an elevated setting, with 360-degree views of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds' routine from 95 stories in the sky. Guests will enjoy a gourmet buffet prepared by Executive Chef Cardel Reid; tickets are $175 each, and people can RSVP by calling 312-280-0465.
—Uptown's Inspiration Kitchens, the nonprofit restaurant that helps homeless Chicagoans with its Foodservice Training program and on-the-job training, closed July 31, The Chicago Tribune reported. "In 2014, we lost more than $350,000 in federal funding for our Foodservice Training program in Uptown and were forced to consolidate at our west side restaurant," wrote Executive Director/CEO Shannon Stewart on the company's site. Meanwhile, the organization's Foodservice Training program will continue at its Garfield Park public restaurant and catering operation.
—In celebration of crayfish season, Smack Shack Chicago, 326 N. Morgan St., will host its first annual Crayfest on Saturday, Aug. 20, 3-10 p.m. The ticket price includes one of the restaurant's signature Hurricanes, a seasonal selection, which currently features Captain Morgan White and Black rums, orange, pineapple, lime, grenadine and passionfruit. Additional Hurricanes will be available for a special price of $5. Tickets are $20 each; visit Nightout.com .
—Michael Jordan's Steakhouse, 505 N. Michigan Ave., celebrates five years on the Magnificent Mile this August and, on Tuesday, Aug. 23, will donate a portion of proceeds to the James R. Jordan Foundation ( JRJF ). JRJF is dedicated to providing equal academic opportunities for underprivileged children, and believes that investing in youth is a key to the success of future generations.
—Chef Jose Garces again challenges local chefs to prepare the perfect paella at the 3rd Annual Paella Cook-Off at Mercat a la Planxa, 638 S. Michigan Ave., on Thursday, Aug. 25, 6-9 p.m. The chefs competing in the contest—an ancillary event produced in conjunction with Bon Appétit presents Chicago Gourmet—includes Salero's Ashlee Aubin, The Gwen's Angelina Bastidas, Travelle's Ricardo Jarquin, The Signature Room's Cardel Reid and Ada St.'s Joanna Stachon. Admission is $45-$65; visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mercat-a-la-planxa-3rd-annual-paella-cook-off-tickets-26730880784.
—On Monday, Sept. 5, Oyster Bah, 1962 N. Halsted St., will offer Labor Day specials. Among said specials are half of a fried chicken, served with Bad Seed hot sauce ( $17 ); and steamed lobster ( $37 ). Specials will come with sweet corn on the cob and cole slaw. See OysterBah.com .
—Mid-Autumn Festival, also referred to as Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday, will take place Thursday, Sept. 15. In celebration, The Peninsula Chicago's Shanghai Terrace, 108 E. Superior St., will be selling mooncakes, round pastries filled with egg custard, which are made individually by Chef de Cuisine Elmo Han. Orders can be placed starting this week and can be picked up from Shanghai Terrace Aug. 15-Sept. 15. ( They are $40 for a four-piece box and $78 for an eight-piece box, and they're on the menu at Shanghai Terrace for $8 apiece. )
—Identita Golose—one of the most prestigious international culinary organizations highlighting the best of contemporary cuisine—returns to the United States for the third annual Identita Chicago on Oct. 1-2. Eataly Chicago, 43 E. Ohio St., will host the event, which features some of Italy's most revered chefs along with esteemed U.S. chefs, all from prominent Michelin-starred restaurants. Admission is $75 for the Oct. 1 master classes, and $150 for the Oct. 2 lunch; see IdentitaGolose.com .
—Food Tank Chicago will take place Wed., Nov. 16, at the Gleacher Center, 450 N. Cityfront Plaza Dr., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Among the expected guests are Chicago Tribune food writer Bill Daley, chef Rick Bayless, IATP Executive Director Juliette Majot and Food Tank President Danielle Nierenberg. See https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-food-tank-summit-chicago-il-tickets-20817007229.
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