—Toy story: That Harper Kid (THK)—led by pro basketball player Linnae Harper—will hold its 4th Annual Toy Giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 20,12–4 p.m., at the Shine Bright Community Center, 8560 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Last year, the annual toy giveaway served more than 850 children and 400 parents during the holiday season. Among other things, this year’s event will feature complimentary family photos; free toys for kids up to 13 years old; and hot cocoa and holiday treats. The public can donate to the event at www.thatharperkid.org/events.
And now on to culinary items…
SPOTLIGHT: The 21-and-older pop-up “Sugar Plum Parlour” is back at The Parlourat The Albion Manor (on the second floor) for its second year on select dates through Saturday, Jan. 3.
There are drinks such as the coffee-forward Yule Be Sorry Martini(with graham cracker-infused bourbon, Giffard creme de cacao, Mr. Black coffee liqueur and marshmallow egg white foam), Grinch’s Night Out(creme de cacao, creme de menthe, fernet, heavy cream, absinthe spritz and chocolate shavings), the tasty eggnog drink Waltz of the Snowflakes—and non-alcoholic versions, too (with Yule Be Sober being the mocktail version of Yule Be Sorry). Special events will include a holiday burlesque show on Thursday, Dec. 18.
And don’t forget that there are some incredible bar bites at The Parlour, including cauliflower wings, fish bites and this month’s burger: The Goudafella. (I like a good pun.) Also, a shout-out goes to the very amiable mixologists Chandler (who said he gets about three to four Friends jokes a week) and Anais.
—Bark matter: Kindling, in the Willis Tower, is adding a little extra magic to the season with a sweet new holiday treat.
Throughout December, guests dining on Friday and Saturday evenings will receive one complimentary bag of Kindling’s signature dark chocolate peppermint bark per table with the purchase of any entrée. Reservations can be made on OpenTable and walk-ins are welcomed.
—Days like this: Labriola Ristorante is celebrating the holiday season with 12 Days of Pizza—a daily lineup of specialty pies available Dec. 13–24.
Each day features a different creation, from Italian Beef & Giardiniera Thin Crust to Burrata & Basil Deep Dish and the indulgent Meat Lovers Deep. For each pizza ordered, Labriola will donate $1 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, helping support local families in need this holiday season.
—Down on the farm: Guests are invited to a Slagel Farms dinner at Andros Taverna on Dec. 18-19, when there will be a celebration of lamb.
Some of the menu items will include starters like roasted lamb kalamaki and sesame village bread; entrees like dry-aged rib chop with charred eggplant as well as slow-roasted lamb with harissa; sides of Fournou potatoes and gigante beans; and apple cinnamon galaktoboureko.
Tickets are $78 each; RSVP here.
—Lox of luck: Through Jan. 4, 8 Crazy Nights—Chicago’s first and only Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar—will return to Wrigleyville spot Graystone Tavern.
Guests can step into a Hanukkah haven complete with more than 30,000 blue and white lights. New menu items for 2025 will include fried dill pickle spears with everything bagel ranch ($12), mini-bagels and lox served on three toasted mini bagels ($14) and new latkes including ricotta and orange marmalade ($10) as well as brisket ($12). They’ll accompany staples such as matzo ball soup, challah grilled cheese with tomato soup, house-made brisket sandwich served on challah bread, and boozy jelly donuts for dessert. And there will also be libations such as Hanukkah Harry’s Hot Chocolate (hot chocolate, Bailey’s chocolate, Bulleit Bourbon, whipped cream and blue sugar).
Events will include a Drag Bingo event on Monday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. hosted by Chicago’s favorite drag bubbie, Merriam Levkowitz; and a “Dreidel and Draft Challenge” on Friday, Dec. 19.
Until next time…
And for much more Chicago culinary news, please visit SAVOR with Andrew.