—Travelle at the Langham, 300 N. Wabash Ave., now has art-inspired signature cocktails. The restaurant's new cocktail menu is influenced by famous works of art, and all of the selections were hand-chosen by the Travelle bar team. For example, the Midori Garden—evocative of Hiroshi Yoshida's "In the Botanical Garden"—features Monkey 47 gin, banana liqueur, lavender syrup, lime juice, matcha, cream and egg for a concoction reminiscent of the Japanese landscape. See TravelleChicago.com/.
—Wow Bao—the fast-Asian concept specializing in savory steamed buns, pan-seared dumplings, and rice and noodle bowls—has now opened at 46 E. Chicago Ave. It serves specialty Wow Bao menu items like the signature hot Asian steamed buns, along with other favorites such as pot stickers, rice and noodle bowls, and seasonal items on the menu like their pumpkin bao, blackberry & guava ginger ale, Thai herb bone broth and more.
—The Broken Barrel Bar, 2548 N. Southport Ave., is serving Monday-night watch parties of the newest season of Vanderpump Rules starting Dec. 3. Chef Bryant Anderson has created food and drink specials inspired by the show, including The Pumptini ( vodka, lime juice, mint, cranberry; $10 ), fried goat-cheese balls ( $11 ), "It's Not About the Pasta" ( rotating pasta topped with house- smoked meats; $16 ) and more. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the specials will benefit Lisa Vanderpump's rescue and adoption center, Vanderpump Dogs.
—Katie Renshaw, of etta restaurant, was crowned "Bar Artist of the Year" at Italicus Rosolio's first-ever bartender cocktail competition. Renshaw has won the grand prize of a three-city tour of Europe, with guest bartending shifts at top cocktail bars in London, Barcelona and Milan. Matthew Schulze ( Underdog, in New York ) earned second place, with Rachel Sandra Johnson ( Raised, in Chicago ) taking third. Italicus an Italian liqueur that includes key notes of IGP Calabrian bergamot oranges and Sicilian citrons.
—Bar Cargo, 605 N. Wells St., is now offering a special white-truffle pizza topped with 15 grams of truffles straight from Alba, Italy. The pizza features the spot's traditional 96-hour Roman-style crust, sunny-side-up eggs and 15 grams of white truffles for $100. Guests must call 312-929-0065 at least 24 hours ahead to reserve it, and people can add truffle shavings ( for $75 ) to any other pizza on the menu.
—The Jewish deli The Bagel will close at the end of the month after 31 years in Skokie, The Chicago Tribune noted. Owner Danny Wolf and general manager Haya Golenzer announced on Facebook that the restaurant will close Nov. 29. The Chicago location of The Bagel in Lakeview will remain open.
—Ludlow Liquors, 2959 N. California Ave., is hosting a "Christmas Sucks" pop-up Nov 29-Jan. 1, 2019. Guests can enjoy creepy "Christmas decor, tragic family holiday photos and a special menu of not eggnog all month long," a press release noted. See Ludlow-Liquors.com.
—Schaumburg fast-casual spot Meze Mediterraneo, 680 Mall Dr., is open for Sunday brunch 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The restaurant—which serves tapas, seafood and prime steaks for lunch and dinner—has brunch offerings like classic and Mediterranean influenced Benedicts, power bowls, French toast and waffles, steak Oscar and a selection of burgers. To RSVP, call 847-598-6393 or visit OpenTable.
—Caffe Umbria, in Logan Square ( 2545 W. Armitage Ave. ) and River North ( 346 N. Clark St. ), is hosting a gift drive to benefit Friends of the Children. There will be a complimentary espresso with a gift donation. Caffe Umbria will also donate 5-percent of proceeds from the day to Friends of the Children.
—Pork & Mindy's Gingerbread 'Nado ( $6 ) blends vanilla ice cream, gingerbread cookies and caramel sauce. It's topped with crushed Oreos, M&Ms, sprinkles and a gingerbread man, and is available at the Bucktown and Wells St. Market stores through December. At Bucktown, 1623 N. Milwaukee Ave., guests who eat their way through 12 Days of Sangwiches, Monday, Dec. 3 through Tuesday, Dec. 18, can enter a raffle for free catering for 25.
—At 20 East at The Talbott Hotel, 20 E. Delaware Pl., daily specials during Hanukkah will include matzo ball soup; grilled beef brisket with romesco; latkes with apple mostarda; and challah with butter and truffle salt. Reservations can be made at https:// Article Link Here and 312-397-3633.
—The Barn Steakhouse is kicking off its winter wine dinner series with a special event Wed., Dec. 5, featuring acclaimed California winemaker, Greg Brewer, from Brewer-Clifton Winery. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., people will join the hostess-owner of The Barn, Amy Morton, for a meet-and-greet in the Winter Garden Room with Brewer. Dinner will follow in the loft space. The dinner costs $100 per person ( excluding tax and tip ); visit "An evening at The Barn Steakhouse with Greg Brewer of Brewer-Clifton" at BrownPaperTickets.com.
—Italian restaurant Prosecco, 710 N. Wells St., will host its 11th Annual Truffle Dinner on Wed., Dec. 5, with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Menu items will include housemade black-pepper tagliatelle, guanciale, farm egg, Pecorino Romano and shaved white truffles; and fior di latte gelato, black truffle honey drizzle; among other items. The cost is $200 per person, plus service fee and sales tax. Guests can reserve their spot by calling Director of Operations Jennifer Shoop at 312-951-9500.
—Chef StephenB and Get in the Kitchen's Jason Bailin will team for The Golden Girls-themed pop-up "Party On The Lanai!" on Friday, Dec. 7, 7-10 p.m., at 3617 N. Broadway. Items will include Rose's St. Olaf Salad and Big Daddy's Beef Short Rib, among other items. Tickets ( $79 each; no refunds ) are at https:// Article Link Here .
—Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, 221 N. Columbus Dr., will offer a four-course menu on Dec. 24-25 featuring smoked chestnut soup, winter citrus salad, guest's choice of a main, family-style sides and dessert. The cost is $58 ( $22 for kids 4-12 ). Reservations: 312-477-0234
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