Yes, Halloween is right around the corner—and spots all over Chicago are getting into the spirit (pun intended).
At Good Ambler, 216 N. Peoria St., Pastry Chef Meg Galus is crafting treats like pumpkin spice macarons, black cocoa crinkle cookies, maple pecan cheesecake brownies, apple-butter cream-cheese brioche and pumpkin pain suisse. However, for Halloween weekend (Oct. 28-29), there will be items such as black sesame old-fashioned doughnuts, Haunted Black Forest Cake, Graveyard Dirt Cups and Ghostly Caneles. See www.goodambler.com .
The Chicago Athletic Association (at 12 S. Michigan Ave., where Cindy's is located) is holding several Halloween-themed events, including Masha's Monster Mash Karaoke (Oct. 21, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.), with drag host Masha Potato; the ghoulish Bazaar of the Occult (Oct. 28, 4-10 p.m.), where people can shop the strange and spiritual; and the Romeo + Juliet Halloween Ball (Oct. 29, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.). "Monster Mash" and the bazaar are free events; tickets to the ball are $15 for one person/$25 per couple. See chicagoathleticevents.com .
French cafe Venteux, 224 N. Michigan Ave., is offering a seasonal Paint & Sip Soiree on Wed., Oct. 25, 6-9 p.m., in partnership with Pinot's Palette. A selection of drinks will be available, including beer, wine, and cocktails like the event's signature potion: the Black Magic Margarita, featuring Patron Tequila, activated charcoal, hibiscus and fire bitters. Tickets are $45 each; visit https://www.pinotspalette.com/logansquare/event/718262.
JoJo's ShakeBAR (formerly JoJo's Milk Bar)—which has locations in Chicago's River North area as well as Naperville—has several fall/Halloween-related events happening. For example, specialty menu items include the Pumpkin Patch Shake—which is topped with a massive taffy apple, a slice of pumpkin pie, a chocolate-toffee pretzel stick and a freshly toasted marshmallow. There are also a Pumpkin Patch Extravaganza (running through Nov. 3; bucketlisters.com/experience/pumpkin-painting-at-jojo-s-pumpkin-patch&, Basic Witch Mixology Classes (through Oct. 31; bucketlisters.com/experience/basic-witch-mixology&; and even a Dry Flower Disco Ball Workshop (only in Naperville, on Oct. 26). For more info, visit www.jojosshakebar.com .
At Cabra, 200 N. Green St., the "Cabra Chicago Scream Queens Halloween Drag Brunch" will take place Saturday, Oct. 28, starting at 11 a.m. Queen Athena Seraphina and her crew will be dressed to slay, bringing killer looks and dragtastic humor that will start your Halloween weekend right. Tickets are $15/person; visit OpenTable to RSVP.
Also on Saturday, Oct. 28, Italian spot UMMO, 22 W. Hubbard St., will host "The Mafia Masquerade" at 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. A promotion promised this as an event where "decadent beats and sultry vibes meet the captivating elegance of a mafia soiree on this Halloween eve." Costumes are encouraged. For more info and to RSVP, visit this link.
Note: An expanded version of this column is at SAVOR with Andrew, at future3733.substack.com .
