Tastings around town
Mixologist Charles Joly took home the winning title in the 42Below-sponsored Chicago bartender's competition.
Joly's winning entry 42 Bee Sting, 42Below manuka honey vodka, Domaine de Canton, fresh lemon juice topped with 3 dashes of peach bitters and skewer of candied ginger dipped in honey, $14, is now on the bar's drink menu.
Joly will compete in the fifth annual 42Below Cocktail World Cup in Queenstown, New Zealand, Sept. 9-13. Details: (312) 255-0022.
The Great Lakes Brewer's Dinner is at 7 p.m. Thursday; $48.
Patrick Conway, co-owner of Great Lakes Brewing Co., discusses and leads guests through a tasting of his crafted beer during a six-course dinner prepared by Mark Bires, chef and co-owner of Jerry's.
Menu items include Dortmunder beer-battered chicken with Louisiana Got Sauce cream paired with Dortmunder Gold Lager. Details: (773) 235-1006.
The chocolate boutique conducts a session in cocktail and chocolate pairing from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday; $60.
Featured duets include a goji candy bar with El Floridita No. 3, 10 cane rum, goji berry syrup, maraschino liqueur and lime juice; and the Oaxaca truffle collection with Sunset and Roses, Anejo tequila, rose blossom-scented agave nectar and Zinfandel. Details: vosgeschocolate.com/events.
Former-employee-turned-winemaker Alex Beloz returns to town for a tasting of his bold Lavoro Syrah from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. The winemaker left Chicago for Sonoma. A bottle of his Lavoro Syrah will be $39.99. Details: (773) 489-3454.
Kick off the end of summer with a celebration at 6 p.m. Sunday. Complimentary passed appetizers will include pulled pork sliders, deviled eggs, mini hot dogs, beef sliders and cotton candy. Details: (312) 640-0577.
The bar opens on its day off for a host of Labor Day specials including Stolichnaya cocktails, $5 and Irish pints (Harp, Magners, Guinness and Smithwicks), $4.
Food specials with drink purchase include chicken salad sandwich, $5, and spring salad with mixed greens, goat cheese, dried cherries, pecans, red onions with Champagne dressing, $5.
Late Night specials includes a $5 pizza menu available from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Details: (773) 549-0226.