Build blanket forts under pinball machines. Why not?
1 Blanket Bowl (Headquarters Beercade) First day of 2018, you’re hungover. Spend the day building blanket forts and throwing back cereal-infused cocktails. You may wear pajamas. Get on the wagon mañana. $25 (includes four drinks, just what you need). (January 1)
2 Tastes of the World: Dim Sum (20 East at the Talbott) Chefs in the Talbott Hotel flex their culinary muscles to make Chinese brunch food. Only a butthead would call it “cultural appropriation.” So don’t. Just eat and enjoy. $55 (January 11)
3 Jean Banchet Awards (Venue SIX10) Awards honoring Chicago chefs and supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. To hell with James Beard. $75-$150. (January 14)
4 Daisies Fermentation Dinner (Daisies) Chef Joe Frillman and visiting chefs whip up a dinner using foods that have undergone controlled decay—tasty and good for you. So much more than pickles, but yes, there will be pickles. (January 22)
5 Restaurant Week (Around town) Walk around. Eat food at restos that offer deals at lunch, brunch and dinner. How hard can it be? (January 26-February 8)
Dining and Drinking Editor for Newcity, David also writes a weekly food column for Wednesday Journal in Oak Park and is a frequent contributor of food/drink and travel pieces to the Chicago Tribune, Plate Magazine and other publications. David has also contributed chapters to several books, including Street Food Around the World, Street Food, and The Chicago Food Encyclopedia. Contact: dhammond@newcity.com
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