—Swiss congeniality: Rosemont’s Fashion Outlets of Chicago celebrated the grand opening of premium Swiss chocolatier Läderach on Nov. 8.
Offering the full assortment of Läderach chocolate, the Fashion Outlets of Chicago location marks the 50th North American store and only Midwest outlet location for Switzerland’s largest chocolate retailer. Läderach is located on Level Two of the shopping center.
—Having a ball: The 2024 Celebrity Chef Ball—hosted by Meals on Wheels Chicago (MoWC) on Oct. 25 at The Geraghty—was successful, to say the least.
More than 50 of Chicago’s most celebrated chefs—including Michelin, James Beard and Bib Gourmand winners—came together to support MoWC’s mission to end hunger and isolation for vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities in Chicago. Working together, MoWC was able to raise enough to deliver 179,000 meals by the end of the year. Co-Chair and Lead Chef Brian Jupiter, a longtime supporter and one of the participating chefs, said in a statement, “Meals on Wheels Chicago plays a critical role in addressing hunger in our most vulnerable communities. Events like the Celebrity Chef Ball allow the hospitality industry to unite for a common cause— ensuring everyone has access to nourishing meals.”
For more information on Meals on Wheels Chicago’s ongoing initiatives, please visit this link.
—TAO and why: Be sure to check out my interview with TAO’s Chef Amanda Barnes on the Windy City Times website. She talks about egg cooks, what restaurant has influenced her the most, queerness and much more.
—Rocco solid: A five-course dinner featuring celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito will take place at Tavern on Rush—now on the ground and second floors of the luxury hotel Thompson Chicago, at 1015 N. Rush St.—on Monday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. DiSpirito won the prestigious James Beard Award and has written 14 cookbooks, including three #1 New York Times best-sellers.
Tickets ($400 each, plus tax) will include a dinner prepared by DiSpirito as well as a signed copy of his latest cookbook, Everyday Delicious; paired Ruffino wines for each course; a chance to meet the chef; and gratuity. Course items will include jamon Iberico; tuna crude; paccheri pesto Rosso; baby lamb chops with cherry mustard glaze; and a trio of Basque cheesecake, tiramisu and Ghianduja Crunch hazelnut spread. RSVP at this link.
—Honoring veterans: On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille will recognize the bravery and sacrifices of our veterans.
Perry’s invites all veterans to enjoy a FREE 32 oz. dinner-cut pork chop when accompanied by a guest purchasing one dinner entrée at Perry’s Steakhouse; or enjoy a three-course $39 Military Menu that will be available from 4 p.m. until closing. Veterans dining alone or when dining with other veterans receive a dinner-cut pork chop for half off the original price.
—Being happy: Latin concept Brasero is celebrating National Happy Hour Day on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 5-10 p.m.
The restaurant will have discounted bites and drinks. Indulge in Brasero’s petite endive salad, salmon ceviche, grilled and chilled broccolini, grilled prawns, grilled oysters, pan-seared mushrooms, steak and yuca fries, and more. Cocktails such as the sangria, G&T, daiquiri and Moolah will also be available. The full happy-hour menu is here.
—Wine and dandy: The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce announced its annual “Wine Wobble” event, inviting Chicagoans to shop, sip and stroll through Chicago neighborhoods. The event will take place Nov. 14.
Attendees will embark on one of three specially curated routes—“Uncorked,” “Unscrewed” and “Unwined”—with each featuring local businesses offering exclusive promotions. Along the way, guests will enjoy wine tastings at every stop—up to 12 pours of two-ounce servings per route. Check-in will be between 5:30-7 p.m. at One Strange Bird, 2124 W. Division St. (for “Uncorked”); and Neighborly (1554 N. Milwaukee Ave., for “Unscrewed” and “Unwined”).
Tickets are $35 per person when purchased online in advance at Evenbrite.com, or $45 the day of the event; also, tickets are non-refundable and the event will take place regardless of weather conditions.
—Game on: River North throwback arcade spot Headquarters Beercade is celebrating its 12th anniversary with events on Nov. 14-16.
The RevQuarters Beercade-athon will take place Nov. 14, 6-10 p.m., with 30 teams of four competing in various HQ Games—and the grand prize being four concert tickets of your choice for a show in 2025. Customer Appreciation Night will be Nov. 15, with a beer giveaway at 9-10 p.m. in partnership with Temperance Brewing—and a PS5 giveaway at midnight. Lastly, on Nov. 16, Margarita Fest will take place at 3-8 p.m., with a $20 ticket including eight tastings and one full-sized Assault & Pepper marg; RSVP here.
—Pop life: Please don’t forget that I have another column, Pop-Eds, in which I air my thoughts on various hot-button issues. My latest column has my thoughts on sleep tourism, “queer panic” horror movies and, of course, the presidential election. Please check it all out at Andrew449.substack.com this week!
Also, check out the full SAVOR with Andrew, which has news about Megan Thee Stallion’s Chicago party and a lot more.