Tastings around town
The main entree will be Australian lamb rack, caramelized fennel and persillade paired with a 2005 Edmeades Chase vineyard Zinfandel and Mendocino wines. (312) 328-1198.
The lounge celebrates Cher's 62nd birthday with themed drink and food specials beginning 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Drinks include the If I Could Turn Back Time -- Absolut Citron, pomegranate liqueur, Triple Sec, splash of lime -- and the I Got You Babe -- Absolut Pears, Triple Sec, mango, simple syrup and club soda martinis; $11.50 each.
The featured entree is Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves, which teams rock shrimp, spinach and mushrooms with a white cream sauce over spinach linguine, $21.
The lounge host a Snowqueen Vodka event at 6:30 p.m. Friday. During the event, master mixologist and sommelier Rashed Islam will launch his new summer fruit-inspired martinis, including the jackfruit, passion fruit and cantaloupe varieties.
Chef-owner Dan Nguyen will prepare complimentary small bites for the occasion. Reservations are suggested; call (773) 465-5720.
Chef Phil Campanella prepares a four-course Italian meal paired with wines at 6:30 p.m. May 22; $55. Pairings include duck tenders, mushrooms, onions in a red wine demi-glaze served on risotto paired with a 2006 Saintssbury Pinot Noir Carneros.
For reservations, call (847) 836-0078.
Chef Eric Smith conducts an outdoor cooking class from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday; $45. The price includes samples of his barbecued pork tenderloin, potato salad, shaved egg and panchetta, pistachio mousse with sugar cookies along with beer and wine. (312) 640-1156.
To toast its first anniversary, the restaurant is offering guests half-price martinis Thursday through May 21.
Visitors will also receive complimentary Champagne with the purchase of an entree. (847) 317-9453.