Hey, it’s not yet winter; no need to start hibernating right away. There’s still a lot of cool stuff to do, some of it out-of-doors, so put on a hat, wear gloves if you need ‘em, and get with it… while you can.
1 Lincoln Park Wine Fest (Jonquil Park) Lincoln Park is a tempting place to crack open a bottle of wine, and for this event sommeliers and brand ambassadors will crack twelve bottles of choice varietals and walk you through each of them. October 6-8
2 Chicago Food Truck Festival (La Bagh Woods) One of America’s top food truck festivals brings together Chicago’s most popular moveable feasts and some of its best brews; and, yes, there will be music and games. October 7-8
3 Stews & Brews (and Blues) (The Lot, Highland Park) Stews (broadly defined, including Hungarian goulash, beef Stroganoff and pozole) are just right for chillier weather, washed down with beer as you groove to tasty blues tunes. October 13-14
4 Great Food Expo (Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont) Now in its tenth year, this is the annual gathering of restaurant pros and even regular civilians who come together to take a few seminars, chomp a couple of bites and enjoy a sip or two. October 14-15
5 Chicago Indy Spirits Expo (The Hilton Hotel, Chicago) Do you favor the hard stuff? Then you’ll want to be at the Chicago Indy Spirits Expo, the largest gathering of small, independent, family-owned spirits makers, as well as importers, bottlers… and also some distributors and reps. Cheers! October 16
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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