Tastings around town

Chef Bill Kim puts an Asian spin on the popular German Oktoberfest celebration with a dinner selection full of surprises at 7:30 p.m. Monday, $95.

Menu items include pork belly with kimchi stew and cedar key oyster paired with Black Velvet beer cocktail: Guinness and sparkling wine and oak-aged Yeti Imperial stout with Vietnamese coffee ice cream, espresso and marshmallow.

Details: (312) 280-9100.

The church holds its 9th annual Friends of the Grape Wine Festival at 12:45 p.m. Sunday: $35; $60 per couple.

In addition to wine there will be a beer garden. Local restaurants will offer food samples.

Details: (773) 506-2191.

The hotel celebrates Vodka Day with a round of vodka-infused dishes and drinks.

Chef Michael Wallach's a la carte menu includes cream of tomato soup with vodka, $7; grilled lamb with a vodka mojito glaze, Kalamata mashed potatoes and Haricots vert, $36, and lemon thyme Madeleines with lemon vodka syrup, $7.

Drinks include the Banana Grove Martini: Van Gogh banana vodka, creme de banana and orange juice, $14.

The Shaken and Stirred menu is available Friday through Sunday.

Details: (312) 751-8100.

The restaurant gets creative with its spICE cocktails-- classic drinks with a little oomph.

The secret to these drinks are flavor-infused ice cubes.

Currently on the drink list is the spICE Port: cardamom and clove infused ice cubes in a ruby port and orange fleur de sel; and the spICE Manhattan: cherry and cinnamon flavored ice cubes in sweet vermouth, cherry brandy and Buffalo Trace bourbon. The drinks are $17 each.

Details: (312) 202-0001.

The pub hosts a six-week singing competition beginning Oct. 8.

The top prize in the Ticket to Fame contest is a trip for two to Los Angeles, $500 and the opportunity to perform live.

Contestants must be 21 or older and can register online at rushanddivision.com.