1 Meals on Wheels Chicago’s Celebrity Chef Ball (Morgan Manufacturing) More than eighty Chicago chefs gather to celebrate food and philanthropy with a seated dining event and a larger reception-style gathering—the Chef’s Tasting Party—for 500 guests. Raffle, dancing, silent auction. November 8
2 Christmas Carol Dinner (Lawry’s) It’s early for Christmas, but this fun evening kicks off with eggnog and holiday carolers followed by a four-course dinner (featuring prime rib) and then to the Goodman for “A Christmas Carol.” November 17
3 Last Saturday Discotheque (Bar Biscay) After dinner, the West Town Franco-Spanish restaurant turns into a seventies-inspired disco until 2am. November 30
4 Winter Wonderland Launch (The Godfrey) Embrace the winter by dining and drinking a selection of coffees (from an interactive siphon coffee maker), a seasonable menu of shareable plates and s’mores in igloos with fire pits. November 23
5 Thanksgiving at a Steakhouse (RPM Steak) RPM, one of Chicago’s premier steak places, serves a Slagel Family Farm Turkey (roasted or fried), with all the traditional sides and a few surprises, including white truffles shaved tableside, and rare Hokkaido Snow Olive Beef. November 28
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
Dining & Drinking Top 5: November 2022 To quote Ezra Pound, “Winter is icumen in/Lhude sing Goddamm/Raineth drop and staineth slop/And how the wind cloth ramm/Sing Goddamm.” Sure, you can look out the window at the gathering clouds and sing Goddamn, or you can make the best of a chilly situation by venturing out to eat, drink and enjoy life while you can.
Dining and Drinking Top 5: November 2021 As of this writing, these Chicago events are still scheduled for November; check the respective websites for updates or changes and for COVID requirements requiring masks, social distancing, and vaccination status.
Dining and Drinking Top 5: May 2022 The weather is encouraging us to go out and have fun, even with the enduring specter of the plague hanging over our heads. To be on the safe side, check websites for these events.
