—Tavernita, 151 W. Erie St., and guest hosts Kevin Aeh, Jeff Conway, Joe Cutaia, and Benjamin Newby will throw a Pride Month party supporting GLAAD on Sunday, June 23. Themed "I Want Candy," the brunch (11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) will feature a complimentary Gummy Bear Bar in addition to options such as Belgian waffles with fried egg, candied bacon and maple syrup. See http://tavernita.com/menus/tavernita_brunch.pdf.
—Evanston restaurant Koi, 624 Davis St., is unveiling Table 23, a way for guests to donate to Koi's monthly charity. (Koi's charity in June will be Senior Connections.) Table 23 is Koi's most sought after table, located in the main dining room with a window view of Davis Street and downtown Evanston. To be seated at the table, guests must make special reservations by calling 847-866-6969.
—Cru Kitchen & Bar, 25 E. Delaware Pl., is hosting a Brooks wine dinner Wed., June 12, at 7 p.m. (with a 6:30 p.m. reception). Attendees will dine on such items as lobster, hallibut cheek, slow-cooked salmon, various cheeses and desserts. The cost is $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity; call 312-337-4001 or email Benjamin Augustine at baugustine@crukitchen.com .
—The 5th annual Windy City Ribfest will take place Friday-Sunday, July 5-7, at Lawrence and Broadway. In addition to slabs, libations and music (from such acts as Liquid Soul and Velvet Jimis), there will also be arts & crafts and, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, a kids' activity area. In addition, visitors will be able to vote for their favorite ribs. See www.ChicagoEvents.com .
—Pastry Chicago is holding a free ice-cream social with Nielsen-Massey Vanillas Friday, July 26, 6-8 p.m., at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, 301 E. North Water St. There will be tastings as well as a demonstration by Chef Joshua Johnson of The French Pastry School. RSVP at info@pastrychicago.org or 312-726-2419, ext. 208.
—Howells & Hood, 435 N. Michigan Ave., has introduced "Blues Brunch." Various stations offer made-to-order omelets, Benedict dishes, cheeses and fruits, pastries, charcuterie and seafood, and more. Howells & Hood brunch is available Sundays 10 a.m-2 p.m.; reservations are accepted. Visit www.howellsandhood.com or call 312-262-5310.
—Fulton's on the River, 315 N. LaSalle St., is hosting a "Riverfront Barbeque" series June 13, July 11 and Aug. 8 (the second Thursday of each month). The patio parties will take place 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door; visit www.fultonsontheriver.com or call 312-822-0100. (Tickets are also at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/396798.)
—The Goddess and Grocer is teaming with David Barton Gym to offer a line of healthy smoothies at Goddess' location at 901 N. Larrabee St. The six varieties are all under 400 calories and they include Kiwi Berry; Mango Ginger; Peach Coconut; Almond Butter & Jelly; Pineapple, Kale & Coconut Oil; and Spinach, Pineapple & Avocado. See www.GoddessAndGrocer.com .
—The Lakeview Chamber of Commerce—through a community partnership initiative with the newly formed Friends of Lakeview and Lakeview Special Service Area No. 27 (SSA #27)—has announced its first annual Low-Line Market, a new prepared food and farmers market in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Through Oct. 17, people can visit the Low-Line Market every Thursday evening at the auxiliary exit of the Southport Brown Line CTA Station (between Belmont and Addison).
—The event "Spirituality and Spaghetti: The LGBTQ Experience" will take place Wed., June 19, 6-8 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 6011 W. 36th St., Cicero. Leaders from various religious backgrounds will discuss the effects of negative messages on LGBTQ people. Call 773-426-2406 or email engageyouth@hotmail.com .
—DryHop Brewers, 3155 N. Broadway, will open Thursday, June 13, at 5 p.m., with full lunch and dinner service Friday, June 14. The first DHB Growler will be held Saturday, June 8, 1-3 p.m.; visitors can be the first to see the space before it's officially open, buy and fill growlers (craft-beer containers), and try beers. See www.dryhopchicago.com .
—Homestead, a literal farm-to-table restaurant, has opened. Patrons will enter the restaurant through Roots Handmade Pizza (1924 W. Chicago Ave.), and will be led upstairs to the unique dual space on the second floor. Homestead (open 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday) will not accept reservations. The outdoor rooftop of Homestead features 80 outdoor seats with full view of the L-shaped 1,000-square foot organic rooftop farm and two vertical hanging gardens.
—Japonais, 600 W. Chicago Ave., has introduced Ping-Pong tables outside for guests to enjoy, particularly during happy hour (5-8 p.m.). There is also a riverfront patio complete with cabanas, floor lamps and pillows. In addition, there are summer cocktails such as The Lychee at Night (Reyka Vodka, Soho Lychee Liqueur, Lychee puree, a splash of lime juice, simple syrup and blackberries). See www.japonaischicago.com .
—The culinary store Sur la Table (6,060 square feet) has opened on level three of 900 North Michigan shops. In addition, resident chef Renee Gabbett will lead cooking classes and demonstrations for all experience levels and ages. The hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 12-6 p.m.
—Cityscape Bar and ItaliAsia, located on the 15th floor of the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, are offering signature dishes in celebration of National Lobster Day on Saturday, June 15. Cityscape will feature lobster mac-and-cheese ($16); ItaliAsia will be serving lobster risotto Fra Diavlo with arborio rice, sake wine, fresh Maine lobster, San Marzano tomatoes, red chili flakes and fine herbs ($30). See www.CityscapeBar.com and www.ItaliasiaRestaurant.com .
—The summer menu at Chicago q, 1160 N. Dearborn St., includes items such as smoked corn salad, seared ahi tuna club, smoked vegetable tamales, summer watermelon salad, homemade pound cake, and bourbon milkshake and cookies. See ChicagoQRestaurant.com .
—Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, will continue spring quarter classes with Latin Grilling 101, led by newly appointed Executive Chef Rodolfo Cuadros. The class will take place Saturday, June 15, at 12 p.m. The cost is $25 (reservations required); call 312-850-5005 or visit www.carnivalechicago.com .
—Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, 2024 N. Halsted St., will host a paella-making demonstration Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; and a flamenco dinner show Monday, June 24, at 7 p.m. The demo is $35 per person; the show is $15. Call 773-935-5000 to make a reservation.
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