This Labor Day ( Monday, Sept. 1 ), Shaw's Crab House will celebrate the U.S. workforce at both Chicagoland locations. There will be a half-priced oyster deal; in addition, at 4-6 p.m., the Schaumburg location will serve oysters for 50 cents apiece in both the Oyster Bar and on the outdoor patio. Visit www.shawscrabhouse.com .
Bar Takito has opened at 201 N. Morgan St. in the West Loop. The restaurant is a Latin inspired shared-plate concept from Chef/Partner David Dworshak ( Takito Kitchen, Carnivale, Spring ) with a complementary beverage program from GM/Partner Adam Weber ( Takito Kitchen, Trenchermen, Mercadito, Roka Akor ). See www.bartakito.com .
French restaurant Bistro Campagne, 4518 N. Lincoln Ave., has several August specials. Among them are De Bruin Farm-raised rabbit pappardelle, Dotson Farm heirloom tomato salad, and Klug Farm peach-and-apricot crumble. In addition, patrons can dine in the outdoor garden, which is in full bloom. Visit www.bistrocampagne.com .
Vice District Brewing Co. is slated to open Friday, Aug. 29, at 4 p.m. Located at 1454 S. Michigan Ave., Vice District Brewing Co. occupies a landmark building and pays homage to the history of the area. Opening-day beers will include a black IPA ( India Pale Ale ), extra special bitter IPA, a blonde IPA and molasses porter as well as a special collaboration release with Finch's.
Cece & Melinda, with Raymi Productions, have announced the first annual Mac & Cheese Fest to be held Saturday, Oct. 4, at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd., at 12-3 p.m. Tickets will be available through TicketMaster Sept. 1 for $50, and proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana. For more information, visit www.macandcheesechicago.com or contact Melinda@raymiproductions.com .
Shock Top Oyster Fest returns for its 16th year on Saturday, Sept. 6, to the 2000 block of West Roscoe Street ( at Damen Avenue ) in the Roscoe Village neighborhood. Brews will be available courtesy of this year's beer sponsor, Shock Top, and the Village Tap Bar & Grill, 2055 W. Roscoe St. will sell raw oysters. Fest hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; a portion of the $7 gate donation benefits the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce.
Now through Sept. 1, each of the Kimpton Restaurants of ChicagoSable Kitchen & Bar, Atwood Restaurant, 312 Chicago and South Water Kitchenwill be collecting gym-shoe donations. For each pair of shoes collected, guests will be given a voucher for a free dessert at any restaurant for their efforts in helping support Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. "Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day" is Sept. 12.
Health-conscious fast-casual franchise Freshii is hosting a frozen-yogurt throughout August. Valid 3-5 p.m. every day this month, Freshii locations are offering frozen yogurt with one topping for $2.99; a second topping can be added for 50 cents more.
SpritzBurger, 3819 N. Broadway, is hosting a seafood boil Sunday, Sept. 14, 6-9 p.m. Chef Dan Smith will feature shrimp, crab, crawfish, littleneck clams, mussels, Andouille sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes, served family-style. The price is $40 ( without tip ); call 773-868-9866 or visit Brown Paper Tickets.
The Great American Bacon Festival will take place Saturday, Sept. 6, at Union Station's Great Hall, 225 S. Canal St. VIP admission starts at 6:30 p.m., with general admission beginning at 7 p.m., with the event ending at 9:30 p.m. There will be everything from a tasting station to unlimited samples to trivia games. Tickets are $65-$110 each; see thegreatamericanbaconfestival.com .
Bon Appétit presents Chicago Gourmet has announced the chefs competing in this year's burger competitionthe Hamburger Hopon Friday, Sept. 26. Chef contenders include The Hearty Boys, RL's Ryan Pitts and Farmhouse's Eric Mansavage, among others. Individual tickets for the Hamburger Hop are nearly sold out, and still available when purchased bundled with the official after-party, Late Night Gourmet. See www.chicagogourmet.org .
RIVA Crab House, located at Navy Pier, announces a dollar oyster special during September to kick off the fall season. The special is available Monday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Sept. 28, in the upstairs bar and dining room only from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. ( At least six pieces must be purchased. ) See www.RivaNavyPier.com .
Oakbrook Terrace's Devon Seafood + Steak ( 17W400 22nd Street ) is hosting an exclusive five-course meal showcasing fine pairings from Banfi Wines on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. The Banfi Wine Dinner costs $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 630-516-0180. Visit www.devonseafood.com for more information.
Send items to Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup.com or follow on Twitter @Azygous60610 .