Weather Mark Tavern, 1503 S. Michigan Ave., is co-hosting its '80s party with The Burnham Group Prudential Rubloff Saturday, May 18, at 8 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best '80s attire and compete to win prizes for "Best Group Costume," "Best Big Hair" and "Best Overall Costume." (Costumes are not required.) See www.weathermarktavern.com .
The Cheeses of France Marketing Council will bring an interactive Cheese Café to 1051 N. Rush St. on Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The Cheese Café will feature samples, demos and more than 20 French cow's-milk cheeses, all available to the public at wholesale prices. For more information about the Cheeses of France, visit www.cheesesoffrance.com .
Chicago q chef/partner Lee Ann Whippen has been named a 2013 Kraft Foods Pitmaster. The Kraft Foods Pitmaster team consists of four nationally recognized barbecue chefs who use the company's authentic barbecue sauces as a base in their recipes. This year's pitmasters include Whippen, Jack Waiboer, Jim Johnson and Rob Gray.
The Rosebud Restaurant Group has announced the return of Centro Ristorante. On May 20, Centro will reopen at 6 W. Hubbard St., the former site of Bar Umbriago (another Rosebud eatery), which was closed and now is reborn as Centro, which was a 1990s hotspot. Hearty portions of dishes such as double-boned Colorado lamb chops and the 46-oz. T-bone for two will arrive in Centro's traditional communal copper serving dishes. See www.rosebudrestaurants.com .
Bad Dog Tavern, 4535 N. Lincoln Ave., has recently announced the official seasonal opening of its family and dog-friendly patio, which seats nearly 125. Pet owners are invited to not only enjoy the outdoor space, but also enter their canines to be part of the Bad Dog Hall of Fame. See www.baddogtavern.com .
Porkchop, the West Loop's only late night BBQ and whiskey spot, will celebrate its two-year anniversary Saturday, May 18. Porkchop's party will feature live music by the 290 East Band and a whole pig roast. In addition, the restaurant will offer anniversary specials on sliders and tacos. See PorkchopChicago.com .
Whole Foods Market in the South Loop, 1101 S. Canal St., will feature a hot lineup of 12 budget-friendly summer wines all priced under $16 at a Twitter tasting with My Daily Find Chicago ( www.mydailyfindchicago.com ) on Thursday, May 30, 7-8 p.m. Featured wines will include Vinum Cellars Chardonnay, Monte Velho Red and H&G Washington State Merlot.
Brindille (pronounced "braun-dee"), 534 N. Clark St., is now open. James Beard award-winning chef Carrie Nahabedian created the menu as "refined Parisian," and reflects her love of France and its cuisine. Highlighted elements include Dover sole, guinea fowl, rabbit and foie gras. A team of chefs from sister restaurant NAHA heads the kitchen at Brindille. See www.Brindille-Chicago.com .
Deleece, 3747 N. Southport Ave., is offering a six-course wine dinner Tuesday, June 4. Items will include seared diver scallops (with 2011 Tablas Creek "Patelin de Tablas Blanc") and crispy duck breast (with 2010 Beckmen Cuvee Le Bec), among other offerings. The cost is $75 each, and reservations are mandatory; call 773-325-1710 or visit www.deleece.com .
Grass Fed, 1721 N. Damen Ave., is introducing spring "night" and "day" menus by new Head Chef Jason Myers. New "night" menu large plates include the grilled Grass Fed NY strip steak ($22) and roasted half-chicken ($20); new "day" options include bread-pudding "French toast" ($10) and asparagus salad ($9). See www.GrassFedBucktown.com .
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