T.S. Eliot was off by a couple months. February is the cruelest month: wet, gray, cold and generally not much fun. Here are five entertaining options, and just remember: April is not that far away.
1 Cider Summit (Grand Ballroom, Navy Pier) 150 selections of apple spirits, cider cocktails, mead and “a few surprises” are promised at the region’s largest hard cider tasting event. February 4
2 An American Culinary Journey: From Southern Roots to Fusion Flavors (Barrington’s White House) A celebration of Black History Month and achievements in food, music, science and literature, with dinner by Chef Christian “Lucke” Bell from Atlanta’s Oreatha’s at The Pointe. February 8
3 Wine and Cheese: Uncensored (The Wine Goddess) Fermented grape juice and fermented milk have long had a thing for each other, and this event promises “basic-to-barely legal wine and cheese pairings.” February 9
4 Dumplings for My Dumpling (Get in the Kitchen) The Party School of Cooking Classes presents a Valentine’s Day event, and when you attend with your “dumpling,” you’ll learn to prepare three “amazing dumplings.” February 10
5 Arlington Heights Twelfth Annual Chili Cook-Off (Arlington Ale House) If February had a signature dish, it’d be chili: hearty and, most importantly, warming. For this event, more than a dozen local restaurants and groups prepare their best versions, with beans and (for you Texans) without beans. February 19
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: February 2022 With COVID requirements in place, many restaurants/bars are opening up to something close to business-as-usual, and one-off events are moving ahead.
Dining & Drinking Top 5: January 2023 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, but there are many amusements this month... and many involve eating and drinking.
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.
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: 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.
