What's Happening In Chicago: October 2016
October is arriving with plenty of good eats, drinks, and merriment to ramp up your fall. Fish out the boots and sweaters and get cozy with these upcoming events.
Bacon and Beer Classic
Enjoy the bounty on Saturday, Oct. 1st as the Bacon and Beer Classic makes its Chicago stop. Local restaurants like Flo and Public House will fill Soldier Field with the irresistible smell of bacon, competing for a chance to participate in the 2016 World Food Championships. 32 beer vendors will be on hand to make sure your tasting glass is never empty. Tickets are all-inclusive and can be purchased on their website.
60654 Via... Series at Arbella
Indulge in the spirit(s) of Italy without leaving River North at Arbella. On Oct. 2, Arbella will host the second installation of their 60654 Via series, highlighting the flavors of other countries with specialty cocktails. Luxardo will feature in the drinks. Try the Luxardo spritz with soda, prosecco and lemon, or Tempo Bello with grapefruit-infused CH Gin and Tempus Fugit Elessio. Locals get a little something extra: 15 percent off with a 60654 on your driver's license.
Oyster Bah Seafood Boil
Celebrate the fall New England-style with a seafood boil at Oyster Bah. On Oct. 10, get a heaping plate of head-on shrimp, clams, sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob for $29.95 per person. You can also take advantage of their Magnum Monday with a glass of Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais for $11. It is recommended to make reservations by calling 773-248-3000.
Corsica Wine Dinner at avec
Travel with avec to the Mediterranean island of Corsica on Oct. 11 for the latest installment of their Island Wine Dinner series. Inspired by sommelier Eduard Seitan's love of rare island wines, this dinner will feature unique vintages paired with creative dishes from chef de cuisine Perry Hendrix and pastry chef Heather May. The five-course dinner is $60 per person and $55 for wine pairings. Reservations can be made by calling 312-377-2002.
Presidential Pizza
With the Presidential Debates now off and running, Giordano's is providing a tasty way to show your support for your candidate of choice. The day after each remaining debate, which will air Oct. 10 and Oct. 20, Giordano's will give guests the chance to infuse some civic pride into their stuffed deep dish pizza by opting for parmesan cheese headshots of either candidate on top of the pie. Scaarf down a slice and get out the vote!
Fried Chicken & Bubbles
Fried chicken & champagne is worth braving any weather for. Kendall College Trust will be hosting their second annual Fried Chicken & Champagne Fest on Oct. 22. "Check, Please!" host Catherine De Orio will host as twelve of Chicago's talented chefs compete for fried chicken glory. With representatives from restaurants like Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Boka, Salero, and more, there will be plenty of bites to enjoy while sipping on bubbles. Get more information and purchase tickets here.
Specials for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lettuce Entertain You restaurants will be pairing with Giuliana Rancic's Fab-U-Wish in Partnership with The Pink Agenda and The Lynn Sage Foundation's In Good Taste to offer delicious ways to support the cause. Specials across the Lettuce Entertain You family will let you eat & drink pink while donating to one of these two groups. Get the full list of participating restaurants here.
Vegetarian Awareness Month
Did you know Oct. is also Vegetarian Awareness Month? Hard Rock Café is doing its part with a limited-time vegetarian menu. All month long, Hard Rock Café will offer new veggie-centric dishes with vegan-friendly options. Try the cauliflower Buffalo "wings," grilled ratatouille wrap, or the cauliflower burger, paired with the Very Veggie 'Tini. Check out their website to see all the offerings.