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Looking for ways to warm up as the weather gets colder? Look no further than these November dining events across Chicago! 

Throughout November - Live Music and Hot Chocolate Stations at Chicagoland Mariano's 

Mariano's will be hosting complimentary live music and hot chocolate stations throughout November for holiday shoppers:

  • Live Music: 

-Tuesday, November 19th, stop by the Naperville Mariano's (1300 South Naper Blvd) for our live music from our favorite 80s cover band, Infinity, from 4pm - 7pm. 

-Saturday, November 23rd, stop by the West Loop Mariano's (40 South Halsted St) for live music by Chris Rob from 4pm - 8pm.

  • FREE Hot Chocolate Station! Enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate bar with a variety of toppings as well as unique holiday gift ideas for loved ones this season. Details on where to find the Hot Chocolate Station this season are below:

- Sunday, November 24th from 11am - 2pm at Park Ridge (1900 South Cumberland Ave)

- Monday, November 25th from 4pm - 7pm at Orland Park (9504 142nd St)

All Month Long - Live Music During Brunch or Dinner at River Roast

November is full of live music at River Roast! 

Blues & Brunch: Brunch at River Roast is Saturdays and Sundays from 11am - 3pm with live blues performances from 12pm - 3pm. 

11/2: Jimmy Burns

11/3: Fifty-One Lincoln Band

11/9: Joe Moss Band

11/10: The Smiley Tillmon Band

11/16: Linsey Alexander

11/17: Tom Holland

11/23: The Jamiah Rogers Band

11/24: Ring of Music Band & Orchestra

11/30: Eric Noden

After Work Set: Kick back and relax after a long day on Thursdays from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. 

11/7:  Rosa Reinemann

11/14: Heather Horton

11/21: Dave Herrero and Anne Harris

This month, River Roast is serving up a Beef Tomahawk as its roast of the month making it an ideal comfort meal for these colder nights. The Beef Tomahawk ($105) is a 40oz ribeye, wet-aged and served with crispy shoestring fries.

Beginning Friday, November 1 - Smoke Daddy Wrigleyville Offering Free Food To Anyone Named Ross

Now, that David Ross is in the Manager’s chair, Smoke Daddy Wrigleyville (3636 N Clark, Chicago, IL 60613) is ready to celebrate

Starting Friday, November 1, all guests that visit Smoke Daddy Wrigleyville with the first or last name Ross, will eat for free. Guests must show proof of identity to redeem up to $15 in free food from the BBQ joint overlooking Gallagher Way and Wrigley Field.

The special will run through November 14 and cannot be combined with any other discount or offer. 

Wednesdays Starting November 6 - Writer Wednesdays at About Last Knife

About Last Knife (ALK) – the modern steak bar on North Michigan Avenue – has partnered with the nearby American Writers Museum to bring Writer Wednesdays to the neighborhood. Starting on Wednesday, November 6, guests who donate a book to the neighboring Hotel Julian’s library receive their first cocktail from ALK’s new literary-inspired drink menu complimentary. The “Novel Approach” beverage menu includes eight craft cocktails ($14 each) such as:

  • Hemingway Daiquiri with rum, maraschino, grapefruit, and lime
  • Eventide – the name of Gwendolyn Brooks’ first published poem – with gin, americano, violette, and bitters
  • The Giving Tree – inspired by Shel Silverstein’s infamous children’s book – with sherry, cherry, and demerara
  • Bandit of Hell's Bend – a Western fiction novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs – with rye, cardamaro, and vermouth

Thursday, November 7 through Saturday, November 30 - Replay Lincoln Park Special Pop Up Series

Looking to create three spaces of unique fun for Chicagoans and visitors, alike, Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N. Sheffield Ave. will host various pop-ups beginning Thursday, November 7 and lasting throughout the entire month. The pop-up series themes include nods to the American animated science fiction sitcom, which is returning for a new season, Rick and Morty; the developer and video game publisher, NAMCO; and the children’s television series and soon-to-be-released feature film, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Featuring custom artwork and several one-of-a-kind photo opportunities designed by local artists, guests may immerse themselves in three distinct worlds within the popular arcade bar as follows.  

The Unofficial Rick and Morty Pop-Up

  • Beginning Thursday, November 7 and running through Sunday, November 24, Replay Lincoln Park is reviving its 2018 pop-up portrayal of the hit TV show Rick and Morty. Individuals are invited to hang with the entire Smith household and join in the adventures for an unofficial Rick and Morty pop-up in the main room with several themed events, viewing parties and trivia, spaceships galore and more. In tribute to Shoney’s restaurant Replay Lincoln Park has partnered with Zizi’s Cafe to serve a variety of snacks including Chicken Nuggets with Mulan Szechuan Teriyaki dipping sauce, the Rickshank Rickdemption Burger, Pickle Rick’s Mozzarella Sticks, Shoney’s Space Fries and Mr. Meeseeks Double Cheesecake. In addition to snacks, guests can sip on a variety of themed cocktails including The MeeseeksMorty’s Mind Blowing Margarita and the Rickhatten, which is served in a keepsake flask. 

NAMCO Man Cave

  • Continuing the special pop-up series, beginning Thursday, November 14, Replay Lincoln Park will host an ‘80s-themed NAMCO sponsored pop-up experience, which will also kick off the new Thursday ‘80s nights at the bar as well. Individuals will enjoy the many photo opportunities with NAMCO tapestries, framed art and seven classic NAMCO arcade games including Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Galaga, Tekken and more through the end the month. Replay Lincoln Park will also offer an extensive specialty cocktail menu for the duration of the pop-up including B52sSex on the BeachWoo WoosBartles and Jaymes wine coolers and a weekly $3 shot special every Thursday. With ‘80s DJs each Thursday and other specials, NAMCO Arcade fanatics will surely be in for a treat with all these classic games and the NAMCO Man Cave, which will always be accessible.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

  • Replay Lincoln Park will also host a Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood vignette pop-up through Saturday, November 30 as a nostalgic respite in today’s society. Featuring the beautiful television house, Mr. Rogers’ bench and the town’s quirky puppet theatre with Daniel Stripped Tiger, King Friday XII, Lady Elaine Fairchilde and Henrietta Pussycat, this pop-up invites guests to come along to the neighborhood as a place to feel comfortable and welcomed. Adding to the fun and hospitality, Replay Lincoln Park will host a Neighborhood Friendsgiving event catered by Zizi’s Café. Regardless of what destination individuals decide to tour, visitors should come prepared wearing their favorite colorful sweater and show their neighborly spirit.

Every Tuesday Beginning November 12 - "Filmed in Chicago" Winter Movie Nights at The J. Parker

Every Tuesday, beginning November 12th, Chicagoans can make their way to the Lincoln Park rooftop bar for big screen showings of filmed-in-Chicago favorites like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Risky Business, Uncle Buck, Home Alone and more. 

Better yet, movie buffs can sip rotating cocktail specials that pay homage to each movie’s favorite character. On November 19th, sit back and relax with a Cameron Frye (Peloton mezcal, Pur blood orange, lemon, spiced simple, syrup, and egg white) or warm up with a Kevin McAllister on January 21 (oat milk, abuelita chocolate, guajillo chile with your choice of Lustau PX Sherry, Vanilla Bourbon whipped cream or Kahlua to spice it up). Speciality popcorn will also be available, because well, movie nights.

  • The J. Parker Winter Movie Line-Up and Cocktail Specials

November 12, 2019: The Fugitive

Richard Kimble, with Tanqueray, Koval cranberry, framboise, lemon juice, simple syrup, red wine

November 19, 2019: Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Cameron Frye, with Peloton mezcal, Pur blood orange, lemon, spiced simple syrup, egg white

November 26, 2019: Adventures of Babysitting

Chris Parker, with Chicago Distilling ‘ceres’ vodka, Shipwreck coconut cream and blueberry puree

December 3, 2019: About Last Night

Danny Martin with Olmeca Altos Plata tequila, Leopold's cranberry liqueur, ginger liqueur, pomegranate syrup, lemon juice

December 10, 2019: Risky Business

Joel Goodson with Old Overholt Rye, rum, tequila, gin, Combier orange liqueur, Pimms #1, lemon, hibiscus tea

December 17, 2019: Uncle Buck

Buck Russell with Flor de caña rum, Captain Morgan spiced rum, heavy cream, simple syrup, whipped egg, nutmeg

[No movies on Christmas Eve or NYE]

January 7, 2020: High Fidelity 

Rob Gordon with Glenmorangie, Cherry Herring, spiced simple syrup, lime, ginger beer

January 14, 2020: The Blues Brothers

Jake Blues with Evan Williams bourbon, Plantation pineapple rum, banana liqueur, orange juice, black cherry, pomegranate, lemon, tiki bitters

January 21, 2020: Home Alone

Kevin McCallister with oat milk, abuelita chocolate, guajillo chile (option to add Lustau PX Sherry, Vanilla Bourbon whipped cream Baileys or Kahlua)

January 28, 2020: TBD

Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17 - 15th Annual Lycée French Market

The 15th Annual Lycée French Market will transform Chicago’s French international school into a bustling market filled with local and French artisans offering apparel, jewelry, home décor, gourmet food and more. Guests will also enjoy the French Market’s famous Bistro, featuring a menu of authentic French recipes.

The two-day event at the Lycée Français de Chicago, which draws upwards of 2,000 local attendees each year, will open its doors to the community on Saturday, November 16, from 10am to 5pm; and Sunday, November 17, from 10am to 4pm. The Market serves as an opportunity for the Lycée to welcome its neighbors and to celebrate the school’s French culture.

Open to the public, the 2019 Lycée French Market will take place on the school’s campus, located at 1929 West Wilson Avenue. A $5 donation is suggested at entry, and tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

Shoppers can easily access the Market from the Damen Brown Line stop, one block from the school. Street or paid garage parking is also available (Ravenswood Garage, 4551 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60640).

International French artist and illustrator, Yann Legendre, returns once again as the poster artist for the event. Limited edition prints will be available for purchase at the Market.

Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17 - St. Germain Brunch at Offshore

St. Germain & Offshore Chicago invite guests to step inside an enchanting story inspired by the thousands of fresh handpicked elderflowers that make St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur. Join Offshore for brunch to ring in the holiday season with friends!

Saturday, November 16th & Sunday November 17th, 2019 11:00 AM-3:00 PM

Reserve your table with our hostess today or call (312)535-6660

Monday, November 18 - Dos Urban Cantina's 4th Anniversary Party 

Dos Urban Cantina is throwing a 4th Anniversary Party that will be taking place on Monday, November 18 at Dos Urban Cantina (2829 W Armitage Ave). 

The event will begin at 6pm and feature food and drinks from Dos Urban Cantina, along with a variety of neighbors and friends, including Funkenhausen, The Publican, Superkhana International, Bar Sotano and S.K.Y. 

Tickets will be sold in the following tiers:

  • 6pm for $65
  • 8pm for $45

Thursday, November 21 - Wine Tasting Event at The Talbott

The Talbott invites you to Wine 101: The Perfect Pairing for the Holidays. Join us on Thursday, November 21 from 5 - 6:30PM for an exclusive wine tasting to help you select wine for your holiday table. Potash Markets wine buyer, John Reed, will share his knowledge and expert opinion discussing two whites, two reds and a dessert wine to wow your guests. Tickets are only $10 (available here), and include a glass of wine plus a tasting. Proceeds benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. 

Thursday, November 21 - Burlesque at Found Kitchen 

Evanston's Found Kitchen is hosting its quarterly burlesque show on Thursday, November 21st.

About the Show: The Burlesque show is individually curated with four dances, all 3-5 minutes long. They are in a traditional cabaret-style and an emcee entertains the crowd with jokes and juggles. 

To Attend: Burlesque at Found has a $20 cover fee and requires reservations. The show is meant to be enjoyed with cocktails and dessert after you've had dinner. Reservations are recommended for 6-6:30pm with the show beginning at 8pm.

For reservations, call 847.868.8945 to reserve your table! 

Thursday, November 21 - Passport to France at Zhou B Art Center

Hosted by the French-American Chamber of Commerce, Chicago (FACC-Chicago), Passport to France is our largest annual fundraiser and will be held next Thursday, November 21st 2019 at Zhou B Art Center in Chicago. 700+ guests and 40+ Chicago-area French restaurants, wine and spirits vendors participate in Chicago’s largest all-things-French celebration, which coincides with the annual launch of the Beaujolais Nouveau wine. 

The link to Passport event tickets, silent auction bidding and/or Air France raffle ticket purchases is online- and mobile-friendly: www.bidpal.net/france. Anyone can bid on silent auctions or purchase Air France raffle tickets – even those who can’t attend!

Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23 - Ocean Prime Chicago Lights Festival Chefs Tasting Menu

Ocean Prime Chicago will celebrate the Lights Festival with a special Chefs Tasting Menu. Courtesy of Executive Chef Jason Shelley, the menu will include guests’ choice from a variety of dishes for just $65 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) on November 22 and November 23. With grandeur windows, the restaurant provides patrons with one-of-a-kind views of the Chicago River and cityscape, for those seeking to overlook the Lights Festival. For the first course, diners may choose between French Onion Soup with Brandy and Aged Swiss, a Caesar Salad with Crisp Romaine, Parmesan Garlic Dressing and Brioche Croutons, or a House Salad complete with Romaine, Field Greens Granny Smith Apples, Goat Cheese, Walnuts and a Sherry Mustard Vinaigrette. For the second course, diners may choose from an 8 oz. filet with Gouda Potato Cake, Seared Spinach and Cabernet Jus, Freebird Farms Chicken with Spinach Bread Salad, Roasted tomatoes, Olives, Balsamic Jus, Teriyaki Salmon with Shitake Sticky Rice and Soy Butter Sauce, or Blackened Snapper served with Corn Spoon Bread and Jalapeno Tartar. Guests may enjoy a side dish from a selection including Creamy Whipped PotatoesBroccoli and CauliflowerTruffle Mac and Cheese or Chophouse Corn. To finish things off on a sweet note, the choice between Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte or Butter Cake will be offered.

Saturday, November 23 - Lights Festival Activation at Jake Melnick's

The Mag Mile Lights Festival is coming up on Saturday, November 23 and Jake Melnick's is going to deck out the Keg Room for the Lights Festival with a ridiculous amount of holiday cheer. 

It will be a convenient place to take a break from cold! They will have three hot spiked beverages which will include the Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate, Hot Totty, and Irish Coffee (all $7) and offer $5 dessert table for the kids, filled with all you can eat assorted pastries. 

Saturday, November 23 - District Brew Yards Bake Sale

A super-sweet time is just around the corner! On Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.District Brew Yards is hosting the first-ever Brew Yards Bake Sale! The West Town beer hall will serve up pastry ales and dessert-inspired beers alongside a selection of special goodies, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Growing Home, whose mission is to cultivate healthy people and communities through urban organic agriculture. During the event, 10 cents per every ounce of beer poured will also be donated to Growing Home.

The beer lineup includes:

  • Burnt City Rum Barrel Bananas Foster Imperial Golden Pastry Ale with banana, vanilla, cinnamon, and lactose
  • Burnt City Barrel-Aged Almond Pear Tart Imperial Golden Pastry Ale with pears, raspberries, vanilla, cinnamon, and lactose
  • Burnt City Bourbon Barrel Baklava Imperial Golden Pastry Ale with honey, vanilla, walnuts, cinnamon, and lactose
  • Burnt City Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting Imperial Golden Pastry Ale with vanilla, cacao nibs, and lactose
  • Bold Dog Sugar Bear Pastry Stout with cloudberry and marshmallow
  • Around the Bend Boston Cream Pie Stout

In addition to pastry ales on tap, this special event also includes other opportunities to treat yo'self and even find some cool holiday gifts:

  • Treats by DBY! The kitchen is making four desserts reminiscent of a typical elementary school bake sale (cue the nostalgia!). Plus, Oatly is bringing their new oat milk ice cream to make any dessert à la mode or to turn a pastry ale into a beer float.
  • Coffee! Passion House Coffee is offering hot coffee, freshly roasted beans, gifts and more. 
  • Mini-market! Growing Home is setting up a table to sell produce, jam, honey and small gifts. 
  • Dessert beer to go! The pastry ales will also be available in the shop in 4-packs of 16-oz. cans, which can make for a distinctive gift for a beer lovers this holiday season.

Brew Yards Bake Sale is complimentary to attend. The pour-your-own beer hall kindly reminds guests that it is a 21+ facility.

Saturday, November 23 - National Espresso Day Fundraiser at Caffe Umbria 

Just in time for the holiday season, Caffè Umbria’s locations in Chicago will host a fundraiser for Friends of the Children, a national nonprofit committed to breaking the cycle of generational poverty. On National Espresso Day on Saturday, November 23 , for every customer who orders an espresso ($2.75 to $3.25), espresso macchiato ($3.25 to $3.75) or espresso con panna ($3.50 to $4), Caffè Umbria will donate $1 to Friends of the Children. 

In the spirit of the holidays, customers are also encouraged to make a donation to their local chapter of Friends of the Children in Chicago. Accepted donations include general youth sizes of warm hats/beanies, gloves, non-perishable food (including popcorn and baking mixes), underwear (all kids sizes), children's books (culturally relevant), family movies (culturally relevant), warm throw blankets, family games (board games etc.), gift cards for families to shop for the holidays, arts and crafts (coloring books, slime kit, science kit), cooking supplies (hand mixer, pot or pan, kids cookbook).

Sunday, November 24 - ROOH Chicago Launches Sunday Brunch 

ROOH Chicago, situated on “Restaurant Row” at 736 W Randolph, will begin opening its doors earlier on Sundays to present a fresh, progressive take on classic brunch offerings. Beginning Sunday, November 24, ROOH will feature an inventive menu courtesy of Executive Chef Sujan Sarkar and Chef de Cuisine Sahil Sethi, along with an innovative cocktail menu and an imaginative ambiance that will take weekend dining to new heights. Foodies may indulge in this new menu every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We are delighted to share more time with our amazing patrons and take the Chicago Sunday experience to a whole new level,” says Executive Chef Sujan Sarkar. “Each item on the menu was thoughtfully curated to provide visitors with an inspired take on a meal that has become a weekend pastime in our city.” 

The new brunch lineup will span the entire flavor spectrum including everything from sweet to savory dishes to ensure that each guest will find something they love. Diners may expect to find dishes including a Lamb Chapli Burger served on a brioche bun with laccha onion, pickle, and ROOH masala fries; the Prawn Pepper Fry Benedict served on brioche with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce; along with a brunch favorite, Buttermilk Pancakes served with salted jaggery ice cream for those with a serious sweet tooth. ROOH will also offer an Eggs Our Way section, which will include the Ross Masala Omelette with tomato, onion, chili, and cilantro; the Vegan Omelette served with a graham flour pancake, cottage cheese, cilantro, and ginger alam; ROOH’s version of vegetarian scrambled eggs, the Paneer Bhurji served with ricotta cheese, green peas, and cilantro; and the Lamb Keema served with a fried egg and crispy potatoes.

Beginning Friday, November 29 - Portsmith Hosting Guest Chef Oyster Series

Portsmith – the sustainable seafood restaurant in River North – is hosting its third installment of its Guest Chef Oyster Series featuring eight Chicago chefs where all profits benefit the John G. Shedd Aquarium’s conservation efforts.
 
Portsmith is part of The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group and is located at 660 N State Street inside Eurostars Magnificent Mile Hotel. The Portsmith Guest Chef Oyster Series is the brainchild of Portsmith executive chef/partner Nate Henssler.
 
For eight weeks starting on Friday, November 29 a top Chicago chef will have their featured composed oyster available to guests at Portsmith. Each oyster costs $4 and all proceeds will go to the Shedd.

The Portsmith Guest Chef Oyster Series ‘Wrap Party’ is 6pm to 9pm on Thursday, January 23 at Portsmith. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Shedd Aquarium and their conservation efforts. Guests at the wrap party will receive the top three oysters from the Guest Chef Oyster Series, oyster shucking stations, sustainable seafood hors d'oeuvres, and two cocktail drink tickets.

There will also be conservationist speakers from Shedd Aquarium, as well as speeches on sustainability from some of their chef partners. Raffle tickets will be available on site to win prizes from some of Chicago's best restaurants, swag, and more.

Tickets for the wrap party are $35 each and must be purchased from this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chef-oyster-series-wrap-party-tickets-81862197035 

“Every year Shedd Aquarium welcomes two million guests for unforgettable encounters with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons” said Melissa Sommer, manager of corporate partnerships at John G. Shedd Aquarium. “But Shedd is more than just a destination. With partners in Chicago and around the globe, we’re also protecting endangered species and their habitats and rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in need. Here, there and everywhere, Shedd Aquarium is committed to supporting a world thriving with aquatic life, sustained by people who love, understand and protect it.”
 
Guest Chef Oyster Series Details

Week 1 – Friday, November 29 thru Thursday, December 5
Chef Miles Schaefer of 90th Meridian Kitchen & Bar
Grilled Moondancer Oyster, Spanish Chorizo, Piquillo Pepper, Migas
 
Week 2 – Friday, December 6 thru Thursday, December 12
Chef Tim Graham of Nico Osteria
Raw Wellfleet Oyster, Tomato-Honey Jam, Tarragon Oil, Viola
 
Week 3 – Friday, December 13 thru Thursday, December 19
Chef Eric Babula of Hubbard Inn
Raw Malpeque Oyster, Giardiniera Mignonette, Micro Cilantro
 
Week 4 – Friday, December 20 thru Thursday, December 26
Chef Abigail Zielke of All Together Now
Raw Kumamoto Oyster, Crispy Coppa, Pickled Mustard Seeds, Marigold
 
Week 5 – Friday, December 27 thru Thursday, January 2
Chef Joe Frillman of Daisies
Raw Beausoleil Oyster, Pickled Beet, Horseradish Crème Fraîche, Poppy, Dill
 
Week 6 – Friday, January 3 thru Thursday, January 9
Chef Brandon Cooper of Billy Sunday
Baked Blue Point Oyster, Sweet Onion Soubise, Chili Threads, Dill Pollen
 
Week 7 – Friday, January 10 thru Thursday, January 16
Chef Charles Welch of Good Fortune
Raw Hood Canal Oyster, Cucumber + Blackberry Mignonette, Cracked Black Pepper
 
Week 8 – Friday, January 17 thru Thursday, January 23
Chef John Manion of El Che Steakhouse & Bar
Roasted Delaware Oyster, Creamed Kale, Pimentón Hot Sauce, Potato Crumbs

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