Bow & Stern Oyster Bar, 1371 W. Chicago Ave., is now offering fall brunch ( starting at 10 a.m. during the weekend ). Among the offerings ( some of which sound quite innovative ) are Oreo-and-blueberry pancakes, the Bow Benedict ( smoked whitefish brandade, poached egg, Nueske's bacon and Malagueta hollandaise ), pumpkin pancakes, banana-bread French toast and housemade Pop Tarts. Visit bowandsternoysterbar.com .
Through Oct. 5, Chicago q, 1160 N. Dearborn St., will offer its homeback bockwurst created in the traditional way: with veal, pork, sauteed leeks, chives and garlic served atop onions and sauerkraut with whole-grain mustard.
Transgender chef Brandon Byxbe is opening a lunch counter at 741 Howard St., Evanston, in November. As a chef of seven years, Byxbe created the "Amazing Kale Burger," a healthy, vegan, gluten and soy-free alternatve. Byxbe is raising funds through Kickstarter for a 40-gallon steam ketle and commercial convecton oven to add to his new space, aiming to raise $5,000 by Oct. 14. See https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1024813986/the-amazing-kale-burger-wants-to-feed-you.
Eataly, 43 E. Ohio St., will host the Italian Food & Wine Festival Oct. 14-16. Among slated events are a four-course dinner at Baffo that chef/restaurateur Lidia Bastianich is hosting ( Oct. 14 ) and "Wine Around," a walk-around tasting with dozens of Italian producers ( Oct. 15 ). In addition, chefs Tony Mantuano, Ugo Alciati, Lee Wolen and Davide Oldani will hold seminars Oct. 16. ( Note: Events may be sold out. ) Visit www.eataly.com/chicago-italian-food-wine-festival/ .
Zed451 has hired Michael McDonald as executive chef, replacing Mike Hernandez, Crain's Chicago Business reported. In McDonald's 20-year career, he has worked with Charlie Trotter, Jean Joho, Nobu Matsuhisa and Gray Kunz. Most recently, he was executive chef at Luxbar and One Sixty Blue.
Taste Talks will take place Oct. 3-5 in Chicago. Events include "Mother of Pearl" Oct. 3 ( 7-10 p.m. ) at Kinmont, 419 W. Superior St.; "Free-Styling with Ice Cream Desserts" Oct. 4 at Soho House, 113-25 N. Green St.; and "All-Star Chef BBQ" Oct. 5 ( 1-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. ) at Palmer Square. Among the talent slated to appear are mixologist Charles Joly, Spiaggia Executive Chef Chris Marchino and Hot Chocolate owner/pastry chef Mindy Segal. Visit taste-talks.com .
Brasserie by LM, 800 S. Michigan Ave., and Argus Brewery are hosting a beer dinner on Thursday, Sept. 25, 5-8 p.m. The traditional French brasserie will offer four burgers that pair with a flight of four Argus Brewery beers. The meal is $20, not including tax or gratuity. Visit BrasseriebyLM.com .
Shaw's Oyster Fest Block Party returns to downtown Chicago on Friday, Sept. 26, 3-10 p.m., at 560 W. Grand St. More than 3,000 guests are expected to come down to Oyster Fest and slurp up nearly 15,000 oysters from the East and West Coast, signature bites from Shaw's Crab House, Goose Island beer, and live music from singer/songwriter Brett Dennen. Tickets are $25 each; visit www.oysterfestchicago.com .
Pizza chain Home Runn Inn will open its 10th Chicagoland location and first North Side restaurant at 3215 N. Sheffield Ave. in spring 2015. The new neighborhood eatery will be a 5,5000square-foot building with natural brick, wood ceilings and hardwood floors. Specialty pizzas include the Garlic Fireball, The Farmhouse and Chicago's Best ( sausage, pepperoni and smoked bacon ).
Suburban restaurant Real Urban Barbecue is serving family favorites for carry-out during the Jewish High Holiday celebrations: Wed.-Friday, Sept. 24-26, for Rosh Hashanah; and Friday-Saturday, Oct. 3-4, for Yom Kippur. Offerings include meats, salads and fresh vegetables, sides and desserts. Visit www.RealUrbanBBQ.com .
The Gage, 24 S. Michigan Ave., invites football aficionados to "Bear Down" with a series of comfort-food specials available during all home games. Game-day specials include Polish sausage ( Sept. 28 ), roast beef with potato ( Oct. 19 ), lamb shepherd's pie ( Nov. 16 ) and venison chili ( Nov. 23 ). For more information and reservations, call 312-372-4243.
Little Bucharest Bistro, 3661 N. Elston Ave., will host its first celebration of "The Best of Bucharest" on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. There will be grape-stomping; pig and lamb roasts; and minstrels and dancers. A buffet will be available for $25 ( gratuity not included ). Call 773-604-8500.
Send items to Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup.com or follow on Twitter @Azygous60610.