—The artisan doughnut shop Glazed and Infused has created two new items for custom catering orders, the Christmas Tree Doughnut Tower and Snowman Doughnuts. Glazed and Infused's 18-inch-tall tower ( $80 ) is composed of more than 100 doughnut holes decorated in seasonal green and red sprinkles. Also, hot-drink options include a Hazelnut Macchiato, Iced Dark and Iced White Mocha; and a variety of latte flavors, including Pumpkin Spice, Caramel, Cinnamon Dolce and Iced Vanilla. Visit www.goglazed.com .
—There will be a chocolate tasting and whiskey pairing Wed., Dec. 17, with To'ak co-founder Jerry Toth at Lush Wine & Spirits, 2232 W. Roscoe Ave., 6-7:30 p.m. Attendees will taste four dark chocolates from around the world, including To'ak Ecuardorian Chocolate ( $260 per 50-gram bar ), and pairings with three spirits. Admission is $45; call 312-666-6900.
—The women's board of the Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced that the triennial gala Wine Auction 2015 will take place Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, on the famous stage of the Ardis Krainik Theatre, 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr. At the event, the board will unveil its commemorative wine, Song, which is bottled in Napa Valley, California. Tickets are $1,500 each; call 312-827-5682 or contact lyricwineauction@lyricopera.org .
—Stellar Wine Company opened in Lake View on Dec. 13. Located at 820 W. Belmont Ave., the shop offers not only wines but also craft beers, spirits and artisan cheeses. Plans for 2015 include a wine club, regular tastings, online ordering and special events. Visit www.stellarwinecompany.com .
—GRK Greek Kitchen, a fast-casual restaurant concept in Chicago that serves authentic Greek food, will open a third location—this one in the Chicago Loop. The newest GRK Greek Kitchen is at 111 W. Monroe St. The two other locations are at 219 W. Washington St., in the Loop ( opened January 2011 ), and 251 E. Huron St., inside Northwestern Memorial Hospital ( opened May 2013 ). Visit www.facebook.com/GRK.Kitchen.
—"Brew U: A Beer Education Series" will take place Jan. 7-Feb. 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Dusek's, 1227 W. 18th St. A $75 ticket, which includes beer tastings, is good for the entire six-evening series of classes ( covering six weeks ) such as "Lagunitas: Hop-ology" and "Moody Tongue: Culinary Pairing School." Call 312-526-3851 or visit DuseksChicago.com .
—For its 30th anniversary, Shaw's Crab House will work with a number of local restaurants and chefs to present the "greatest hits," according to a press release. Among other things, there will be a four-course crab dinner Jan. 16 and an oyster/cocktail event in Oyster Bar Feb. 22. Visit www.ShawsCrabHouse.com .
—The 16th Chicago's Best WingFest will take place Feb. 22 at Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington St., 1-5 p.m. WingFest has tailgating, wings from 25 area restaurants, competitive wing-eating, six categories of competition and more. Funds raised will benefit Chicago Neighbors United. General admission tickets for this 21-and-over event are $40; see www.WingFest.net .
—Lockwood Restaurant & Bar, located within The Palmer House Hilton at 17 E. Monroe St., is offering a four-course prix fixe dinner menu in celebration of Christmas on Wed.-Thursday, Dec. 24-25. ( Dinner will be 5-10 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 25. ) Among the options are seared sea scallop, roulade of Amish chicken, roasted pumpkin ravioli, an artisan cheese and charcuterie board, beef ribeye and roasted pear tartine, among others. Visit www.lockwoodrestaurant.com .
—Guests who visit Lottie's Pub in Bucktown and The Pony in Lakeview this holiday season will enjoy specialty Christmas beers ( while supplies last ) and seasonal cocktails ranging from $7 to $10. Among the cocktails are the Rumpelstiltskin ( $7; Rumple Minze and hot chocolate topped with whipped cream ), Italian cider ( $7; Tuaca Italian liqueur and hot apple cider served with a cinnamon stick ) and Kentucky hot chocolate ( $7; Buffalo Trace and hot chocolate ).
—Real Urban Barbecue—located in Highland Park ( 610 Central Ave. #177 ), Vernon Hills ( 1260 S. Milwaukee Ave. ) and now open in Oak Brook ( 2119 Clearwater Dr. )—is offering a special holiday carryout menu. Among the many items are mini-potato pancakes, butternut squash bisque, whole Amish hickory-smoked turkey, smoked prime rib and triple-layer cakes. Call 847-947-6490.
—This New Year's Eve, 437 Rush, 437 N. Rush St., will offer its regular menu along with specials that Executive Chef Christian Fantoni will prepare. New Year's Eve specials include king crab salad, oyster chowder, veal loin, surf and turf, panna cotta and more. Reservations are required; call 312-222-0101.
—Schaumburg's Tokio Pub, 1900 E. Higgins Rd., will host a "Taco Time" on New Year's Day, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. This means one-dollar tacos like the Crispy Chicken, Steak, Nacho Taco, Crying Tiger Shrimp and Crispy Fish. Call 847-278-5181 or visit www.tokiopub.com .
—Through Dec. 22, The Smoke Daddy, 1804 W. Division St., is taking orders at www.thesmokedaddy.com for its holiday 2014 catering menu. Said menu includes smoked turkeys, pulled turkey and glazed hams along with a large selection of sides, desserts and spirits.
—Odyssey has announced that this will be its first year to participate in First Bites Bash, the official kick-off event for the eighth annual Chicago Restaurant Week. This event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Union Station, 500 W. Jackson Blvd. Tickets are $44 ( with an additional $9 for drink pairings ); see https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-bites-bash-2015-official-kick-off-event-for-chicago-restaurant-week-tickets-13767070679.
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