—The wine-r things: Galit, the Michelin-starred Middle Eastern restaurant in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, is bringing its wine program beyond the dining room with the launch of the Galit Wine Club—a monthly subscription featuring rare, curated bottles and the stories behind them.
Helmed by Galit Beverage Director Scott Stroemer— the recipient of The Michelin Guide Chicago 2024 Sommelier Award—the restaurant’s wine program focuses on winemakers from Israel, Lebanon, Armenia, Turkey, Cyprus, Palestine and beyond. Each month, members will receive two to three bottles hand-picked from Galit’s cellar, along with tasting notes, background on the winemakers, and food pairing suggestions in collaboration with Galit’s James Beard Award-winning chef, Zach Engel.
—Sweet dreams: Not only did National Dessert Day recently take place, but October is also National Dessert Month!
To that end, several restaurants are offering sweet (pun intended) standouts. Just a few include the warm date pudding at Sifr; the coconut tres leches cake at El Che Steakhouse & Bar; the chocolate-chunk havlah cookie at Galit; and Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar’ s PB&J Bombs, which consist of dark chocolate, peanut butter crème and bright strawberry marmalade.
—There are three especially spooky concoctions to partake of at Cesar’s Killer Margaritas. The varieties include Black Widow (blackberry), Catrina (mango and raspberry) and Vampiro (strawberry).
In addition, during October, Cesar’s will be collecting photos of loved ones to be added to the restaurant’s Día De Los Muertos Ofrenda, an altar built to honor lost loved one. Guests can bring photos when they come in to dine or email them to events@KillerMargaritas.com, and the Cesar’s team will print them and add them to the altar. Please submit photos by Monday, Oct. 27.
—Dead reckoning: Bocaditos, in the West Loop, is hosting an intimate four-night Día de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 30-Nov. 2.
Each evening is limited to only 20 guests to embark on a four-course chef’s journey, with each dish paired to perfection alongside a handcrafted cocktail or spirit pour. Every night features a different premium tequila or mezcal partner. Tickets are $153.44 each; visit here to RSVP/purchase.
—On Thursday, Oct. 30, starting at 6 p.m., The Gwen Hotel invites guests to a magical night under the stars for a special rooftop screening of Wicked on Upstairs at The Gwen, 521 N. Rush St. (No doubt, this event celebrates Halloween and the upcoming film sequel.)
Cozy seating is first-come, first-served but those looking to elevate the experience can book a table or firepit couch in advance for dinner, drinks and a front-row view of the screen. And speaking of drinks, there will be themed cocktails such as The Glinda and The Elphaba ($20 each); there will also be Spellbound Popcorn ($9), consisting of pink and green kettle corn. RSVP here.
—Dawson’s day: On Nov. 1, The Dawson will host a Dia de los Muertos reception with partners Latinos Progresando, Ilegal Mezcal and Patron Tequila.
There will be live music, tequila and mezcal tastings, a special menu of food and drinks for purchase and artisan pop-ups. The $10 entry donation; a portion of proceeds will benefit Latinos Progresando and its mission to deliver information and resources for people to build secure, healthy and productive lives.
—In the spirit: On Sunday, Nov. 2, 2-6 p.m., there will be a Día de los Muertos event spanning both Diego and Golosa.
Guests can explore local artisanal vendors; enjoy face painting; take part in salsa dance classes (2-3 p.m.); listen to vinyl DJ sets from Mala Vida, Cozmika and La Queen (3-6 p.m.); and savor tacos and carne asada from the outdoor grill. Sponsored by Don Julio, Ron Zacapa, Mr. Black and Union Mezcal, the afternoon also includes Ponche tastings at 12-1 p.m. and Egg Limpias spiritual cleansing sessions. Guests can RSVP through Partiful.
—Fund house: The Evolved Network—which works alongside youth in oppressed communities—will hold its Eat & Evolve 2025 gala on Monday, Nov. 3, 6-8:30 p.m., at the BSH Showroom at THE MART (formerly The Merchandise Mart).
Some of the participating chefs will include Sebastian White (Evolved Kitchen and Garden), Arshiya Farheen (Verzenay), Paul Kahan (One Off Hospitality) and Diana Davila (Mi Tocaya Antojeria). Tickets start at $175 each; visit this link.
—Fry rollers: Nov. 3 is also National Sandwich Day—and Fry the Coop is celebrating.
Stop by any Fry the Coop restaurant on that day (while supplies last) to enjoy a fall-tastic sandwich day collab with Stan’s Donuts. The “Maple Long John Hot Chicken Sandwich” features a Maple Long John from Stan’s Donuts with Fry the Coop’s signature double-fried chicken tender and your choice of heat level, pickles and a spicy butter spread. The sandwich is $8.99 and available at all locations.
—Bark place: DOG. Hotel | Daycare—Chicago’s only privately owned, 24-hour luxury dog care facility—is setting a new standard in pet hospitality with the soft launch of its Lakeshore East location at 345 E. Wacker Dr. on Saturday, Nov. 1, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
The 11,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is designed with canine comfort in mind, offering an elevated experience that prioritizes safety, cleanliness, and personalized care. The free public event will feature local brand partners, a jazz trio and wine from Desparada,—along with plenty of camera-ready moments on the red carpet.
—Ghosting: Don’t forget to take a look at SAVOR with Andrew’s Halloween specials! They’re spook-tacular!
—The write stuff: Be sure to read and subscribe to my other Substack—Pop-Eds: My thoughts on pop culture. (Like SAVOR, it’s less than $5/month to access everything.) Columns have discussed Labubu, cheating, R&B music, Meghan Markle, vampire facials and 10 Things I Hate Among You, among many other topics.
Until next time…