You better be-LEAF it: autumn is officially here! From pumpkin spice-filled drag queen performances on Mag Mile and fall-themed vegan dining experiences to a Fall Harvest Festival pop-up event with Parks and Recreation’s Li’l Sebastian and more, we are rounding up fun fall events, dining options and activities in Chicago for local foodies!
ENO Wine Room
ENO Wine Room is officially extending its Pour Decisions drag brunch series through the end of the year. Every Sunday, guests may enjoy bottomless mimosas, an entrée from the new brunch menu created by Executive Chef Craig Couper and appearances by well-known drag entertainers. Hosted by Chicago’s own Fox E. Kim, ENO Wine Room’s Pour Decisions will feature weekly themed performances by Alex Kay and Mikki Miraj, with pop-in performances by several RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni. Autumn themes include: Pumpkin Spiced Ladies, It’s Britney, Witch, Scream Queens, Harry Pocus, Monster Mash Halloween Bash, Canadian Thanksgiving, Hashtag Squash Goals and 50 Shades of Gravy. Doors open at 12 p.m. and the Drag show runs through 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, though guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online for $45.
Geja’s Cafe
Chicago’s oldest wine bar, Geja’s Café, is welcoming the upcoming fall season with the debut of its three-month wine festival Giro d’Italia, going on now through Saturday, November 30. Throughout these three months, wine enthusiasts of all calibers will have the opportunity to enjoy selections from the largest boot on Earth, complemented with Geja’s 3 course Premier Fondue Dinners. Geja’s exclusive wine list will be available by the glass and the bottle at low promotional prices. For more information, visit www.gejascafe.com.
Replay Lincoln Park
Replay Lincoln Park recently transformed into the town of Pawnee, Indiana for a Parks and Recreation pop-up experience! Guests are invited to celebrate like a Pawneean at several themed events including The Harvest Festival, a Glitter Factory Breakfast Buffet, a Mouserat Concert, trivia, bingo and more. The Harvest Festival will occur on Friday, October 4 with a special appearance by Li’l Sebastian at 6 p.m.! The pop-up will feature custom artwork and several photo opportunities at Pawnee destinations including the Department of Parks and Recreation, Shoe Shine Stand, Li’l Sebastian’s Stable, Eagleton Fence, the Pit and the World’s Smallest Park, plus bites inspired by JJ’s Diner and Sweetums and specialty cocktails like Galentine’s Day, The Ron Swanson and Snake Juice. For more information, visit www.replaylincolnpark.com.
Casati’s
Michelin Star Chef Christian Fantoni of Casati’s has challenged Master Pinsa Chef Daniele Papa to fly in from Rome for a Pinsa Pizza Showdown on October 8 – and guests are invited to witness (and enjoy)! Chef Papa will go head to head with Chef Fantoni to determine whose Pinsa, an inventive take on traditional pizza which offers 90% less carbs, fat and gluten. All day, diners may enjoy a four-course meal handcrafted by both Chefs, featuring two entrée Pinsas and two dessert Pinsas, for just $24 per person. Each guest will have the chance to vote to determine which Chef takes the crown. For more information, visit www.cpvino.com.
ROOH Chicago
ROOH Chicago is celebrating Diwali with a four-course tasting menu available Sunday, October 27. This special menu has been crafted for guests to have a unique Diwali experience, courtesy of Executive Chef Sujan Sarkar and Chef de Cuisine Sahil Sethi, and features dishes like Dahi Puri, Tuna Tostada, Tandoori Chicken, Chocolate Rum Ball and so many more. The ticketed experience is $85 per person, including taxes and gratuity. For more information or to make a reservation, visit ROOH Chicago’s website.
Kouzina at The National Hellenic Museum
Kouzina will be hosted by and held at The National Hellenic Museum on November 7 at 6:30 p.m. Chicago chefs and restaurants will come together to create dishes that feature “a twist on the classics,” highlighting each restaurant’s cuisine, with a hint of Greek inspiration. Over 700 guests will attend to eat, drink and celebrate. Proceeds from Kouzina benefit the museum’s vast efforts to offer rich and diverse programming including new exhibits, educational classes, activities and programs. Tickets to Kouzina can be purchased for $100 in advance by visiting their website or for $125 at the door.
Harbor
A new American cuisine dining destination, Harbor, is sailing into the heart of the South Loop, opening Fall 2019. Located in the former Gioco space at 1312 South Wabash, Harbor reinvents traditional American fare with a locally sourced menu and unique beverage program, both influenced by the Great Lakes and the founders’ personal passion for sailing. The menu will feature savory dishes prepared on a rotisserie, grill and hearth oven in an open view kitchen for guests to enjoy and watch as chefs prepare their plates. Harbor will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. with lunch and brunch hours being added soon. For more information or to make a reservation, visit their website.
River Roast
Kick-off weekends in October with a whole fried chicken ($42) from River Roast!
River Roast will also be donating a portion of the proceeds from the $50 Oyster & Rose lunch and dinner combo.
Enjoy Blues & Brunch Saturdays & Sundays at River Roast from 12pm – 3pm plus after work sets on Thursdays!
Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap
Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the Virtue Rose on draft ($6) and Virtue Cherry & Virtue Michigan Apple Cans ($7.50). Plus, pink koozie for $1 purchase will 100% go towards breast cancer awareness.
Additonally, October is National Pizza Month and Jake’s has got you covered with a variety of Detroit Pan Pizza. Starting at $15.95, grab a pie or two to share including Classic Cheese, Pepperoni, BBQ, or Spicy Chi-City Pie From the (313) to the (312).
Have fun at Bar Bingo at Jake Melnick’s Tuesday, October 8th and Trivia Night on Tuesday, October 22nd!
Patio at Cafe Brauer
Fridays in October beginning 10/4, enjoy the best of the season with a feast presented by the Patio at Cafe Brauer. Reserve your spot today at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-harvest-dinner-at-the-patio-at-cafe-brauer-tickets-60141038465
Koval Distillery
Cocktails & Vinyl Cocktail Class – Thursday, October 3rd at 7pm
Indulge in a new spin on cocktail making! Each drink will feature a curated album, ranging from funky jazz to rock. This is a partnership with Saturday Audio Exchange. Reserve your place at https://www.koval-distillery.com/newsite/classes-tours/cocktail-classes.
The Old Fashioned Cocktail Class – Friday, October 11th at 7pm
Learn new ways to fashion this classic, while paying homage to the rich history behind this cocktail. Learn how to incorporate fruit infused syrups, an array of spiced and savory bitters, as well as a variety of fresh herbs. For gin lovers, we will also be exploring a tasty version with the KOVAL Barreled Gin. Reserve your place at https://www.koval-distillery.com/newsite/classes-tours/cocktail-classes.
Artifact Events
8th Annual I Am Your Neighbor Benefiting Common Pantry – Friday, October 4th at 7pm
Common Pantry, Chicago’s oldest continually operating food pantry, not only continues to provide food for our neighbors in need but also helps individuals and families address the root causes of food insecurity. We hope you join us to celebrate and support Common Pantry with a night featuring food from local chefs, wine and craft beer and live music by Things That Fly, Sausalito and The Simpletones. Tickets are $125 and available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-i-am-your-neighbor-tickets-63920102748.
Ravenswood Community Services
Spirits of Ravenswood – Friday, October 25th from 7pm – 11pm
The Spirits of Ravenswood will feature tasting portions of local, craft beverages served alongside a specially designed, gourmet menu of small bites from the catering staff at the Ravenswood Event Center. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Food Pantry and Community Kitchen at Ravenswood Community Services. Early bird tickets are $100 and available through Oct. 11th. Purchase them at https://ravenswoodcommunityservices.networkforgood.com/events/14233-spirits-of-ravenswood.
