January is traditionally the month for recovering from weeks of rollicking good times and feasting…but that doesn’t mean the good times—or the feasting— must end. Sure, you may have resolved to maybe modify your food and alcohol intake for the New Year, but there are many amusements this month… and many involve eating and drinking.
1 Speed Rack Season 11 (Thalia Hall) A women-focused, high-speed bartending contest, with sixteen all-star bartenders and one hundred percent of proceeds going to breast cancer organizations; enjoy a whole lotta shaking, stirring and mixing while sipping superb bevs (including NA options) and snacks. January 8
2 NA Day (Loft on Lake) Chicago’s first alcohol-free tasting event offers support to those swearing off booze for the New Year, with headliners including Seedlip, AVEC and Everleaf. January 14
3 Backyard Hero Master Class Hands-On Experience (Tischler’s Market, Plainfield) Sean Brock, recognized for his work at McCrady’s and Husk in Charleston, has gained national attention for his outstanding barbecue, and he now offers his pro guidance to help you hone your at-home grill skills. January 20
4 Mac n’ Cheese Crawl (Wrigleyville) “Wrigleyville’s best bars” offer six servings of mac n’ cheese, enough to soak up all the drinks you could possibly hold, with special offers and a guaranteed crawl home. You can resolve to be better in February. January 28
5 Winter Whisky Tasting Festival (Station Restaurant & Bar) Up to five hours of “whisky tasting bliss,” featuring twenty local and international brands, live music and food. January 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: January 2022 Things to do in Chicago in January, and if you're in a self-imposed "dry January," you're pretty much out of luck.
Dining & Drinking Top 5: June 2023 Warmer weather means more festivals and outdoor food events, so put on your sunblock and your feedbag and start enjoying the foods of summer in Chicago.
Dining & Drinking Top 5: February 2023 T.S. Eliot was wrong. February is the cruelest month: wet, gray, cold and generally not so much fun. Still, there are entertaining options, and here are five of them.
Dining & Drinking Top 5: March 2023 March is the month that starts us tentatively thinking that maybe, just maybe the cold weather is over and warm spring is on the way. Well, we shall see, but one thing for sure is that there are, indeed, some cool things to do (and eat, and drink) in March.
Dining & Drinking Top 5: April 2023 April showers? No problem! As long as it’s not snowing and cold, we’re good to go, and this April, there are lots of events popping up—like daffodils, or whatever—around the city and suburbs.
