What's Happening In Chicago: August 2016
August has arrived! Summer still has so much to offer, so get out to some of these great events and new restaurants showing up this month in Chicago.
El Che Bar
Chef John Manion of La Sirena Clandestina has begun accepting reservations for his new restaurant, El Che Bar. Inspired by his experience and travels in Argentina, Manion will bring wood-fired fare and spirits from the Americas to his food and cocktail menus. Look forward to dishes like pork chop with plums, hot mustard, and peanut-pork rind crumble and cherry bomb peppers with soubise, egg yolk, and lemon. Make your reservations via OpenTable.
PorkChop
Have you caught Pokemon Go fever? If you've worked up an appetite catching them all, you'll want to head to PorkChop and its sister restaurant Chop. They are offering some great incentives for aspiring Pokemon masters. At Chop, get $1 oysters at level 5, $1 beer at level 15, and 50% off your bill at level 25. PorkChop is offering a free slider for level 5 trainers, a free appetizer at level 15, and $1 beer at level 25. Now that's a catch!
Osteria Langhe
Have you tried the plin at Osteria Langhe? Whether you are a fan or haven't yet had the pleasure, August 20 is your chance to learn how to make the cheese-filled ravioli yourself. Chef Cameron Grant will lead a class in making the dish from scratch, from kneading the dough to shaping the pasta. Students will enjoy specially selected samples of wine while they work, chosen by wine director Aldo Zaninotto. The class is $50 per person. Call to make reservations.
Air & Water Show
The Signature Room will be hosting its annual watching party for the Air & Water Show the weekend of the 20 and 21. Enjoy 360 degree views of all the action, as well as a gourmet buffet from executive chef Cardel Reid. The party will go on from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, and tickets are available for $175 per person per day. Call 312-280-0465 to make reservations for this unparalleled experience of one of Chicago's iconic summer events.
Arami
Get some sake cred with Arami's owner and certified sake professional Ty Fujimura. Fujimura will lead an Introduction to Sake class at Arami on August 24. The class will focus on recognizing different flavor profiles and learning the sake basics. Izakaya snacks are included with the tasting, and participants will also get 10% of their meal if they choose to stay for dinner afterwards. The class begins at 6:30 p.m.. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by calling 312-243-1535.
Forbidden Root
If some combination of beer and pong are more your speed, Forbidden Root will be hosting a ping-pong tournament against its resident master: founder Robert Finkel. Challengers will have the chance to win Forbidden Root merchandise. For more casual players, there will be open ping-pong tables for play. $5 beers will quench your thirst as you battle it (or paddle it) out! The event will be from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on August 24.
Paella Cook-Off
The 3rd annual Paella Cook-Off will take place at Mercat a la Planxa on Thursday, August 25, hosted by chef Jose Garces. Presented in partnership with Chicago Gourmet, five Chicago chefs will serve their best and most creative paella dishes to the judges, including last year's People's Choice winner Mike Sheerin and Garces himself. Admission is $45 per person and includes hors d'oeuvres, paella samplings, and a sangria bar. VIP tickets are also available for $65 and include an exclusive reception and a meet and greet with chef Garces. Purchase tickets here.