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All Month Long 

-Piedmontese Filet at Ocean Prime: For the entire month of December, Ocean Prime, 87 E. Wacker, will be offering a Certified Piedmontese Filet for $73 with truffle butter. Topped with rich truffle and roasted garlic and shallot compound butter, the filet is paired with Caymus Cabernet. Fresh-shaved black truffles will also be available for $18. 

-Die Hard Christmas Pop-Up at The Sixth: The Sixth is hosting the first-ever Die Hard Christmas Pop-Up Bar through December 31st. Transport yourself to Nakatomi Corporation's holiday party where you can sip specialty cocktails ($12-15) inspired by the film and explore all the photo opportunities the decked-out bar has to offer. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/584878102317875/

-Dinner at Tuscan Hen: Offered on weekdays until 8pm. This season, they're serving up the Butternut Squash Lasagna and Pumpkin Tiramisu.

-Half-Priced Rib Thursdays at BAOBAB BBQ: Get 1/2 priced ribs every Thursday at BAOBAB BBQ. The deal goes all day long and requires a 2-side minimum order. BAOBAB serves up barbecue with a South African touch. 

-Holiday Fundraiser at Hubbard Inn: Now through Tuesday, December 31, pay $8 to $22 for select menu items at Hubbard Inn. In the spirit of giving this holiday season, Hubbard Inn has partnered with No Kid Hungry for the month of December and will donate $1 from select menu items sold with the goal of raising $500. No Kid Hungry designated menu items from Executive Chef Eric Babula's new menu of shareable fare with a worldly twist will include the Octopus Tostada (Humboldt Park masa, tomato fennel chutney, braised spanish octopus), Chicken Skewers (boneless Amish thigh, braised and grilled, crispy skin, roasted zucchini, marinated cherry tomatoes, buffalo butter sauce), Ravioli (Semolina dough, braised beef short rib, house ricotta, poached egg yolk, beef jus, parmesan reggiano), Margherita Flatbread (San Marzano dried tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil), Napa Caesar (cabbage, romaine, parmesan crisps, house focaccia croutons), Salmon entree (Faroe Island salmon pan seared, English pea purée, cauliflower rice, lemon caper butter sauce, charred rosemary), and all draft beers.

-Holiday Benefit at Parlay at Joy District: Now through Tuesday, December 31, pay $8 to $22 for select menu items at Parlay at Joy District. Throughout the month of December, guests who visit at Parlay at Joy District will dine for a cause and help in raising funds for No Kid Hungry. Now through Tuesday, December 31, Parlay will donate $1 of the sale of select menu items to No Kid Hungry with the goal of raising $500. Charitable menu items include the Poutine, Cheese Curds, Caesar Salad, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Fried Chicken Sliders, and Apple Pie in a Bag. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger through effective programs that provide kids with the food they need. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization working to end hunger and poverty.

-Holiday Cocktails at Tuscany Restaurants: Available Sunday, December 1 through Tuesday, December 31 for $9 each, Tuscany Restaurants in Chicago and Wheeling will cheers the holiday season with $9 speciality cocktails including the following:

  • Jack Frost

Jack Daniel's Whiskey, simple syrup, cranberry juice, splash of orange juice and mint, garnished with an orange slice

  • Holiday Mule

Tito's Vodka, pomegranate juice, lime juice, ginger beer and dash of honey, garnished with a lime wedge

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Courtesy of Ocean Prime Chicago

December 2 through December 24 - Publican Quality Meats’ Cross-Country Holiday Cookie Swap

From December 2nd — December 24th, Publican Quality Meats’ cookie case will be decked out with an exclusive collection of holiday cookies. This year, they've kept some of last year's must-haves treats, and added new national chefs and recipes to the lineup. 

“We hope to make this a lasting tradition, both for the restaurants and all those who visit us,” says Erika Chan, Executive Pastry Chef at The Publican, Publican Quality Meats and Café Cancale. “Its pretty special that many of the chefs contributed recipes from their own family traditions. What better way to share in the love and holiday spirit than with some festive cookies for a cause?"

This all-star pastry chef lineup includes: 

  • Homemade Oreos from 2018 James Beard Award semifinalist, Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery + Cafe (Boston, MA) 

  • Chocolate Cookie Sandwich from Jessica Koslow of LA’s breakfast spot, SQIRL (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Coconut Drops from Eater Young Gun Lisa Ludwinski of Midwest pie shop, Sister Pie (Detroit, MI)
  • Pistachio Spelt Shortbread Cookies from 2018 James Beard Award semifinalist, Alison Pray of Standard Baking CO. (Portland, ME)
  • Molasses Cookies with Vanilla Marshmallow from 2018 James Beard Award nominee, Diane Yang (Moua) of Spoon and Stable (Minneapolis, MN)
  • Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies from three-time James Beard Award finalist, Dolester Miles of Highlands Bar & Grill (Birmingham, AL)
  • Scandinavian Gingersnap Cookies from 2018 Jean Banchet Award winner for Pastry Chef of the Year, Anna Posey of Elske (Chicago, IL)
  • Milk Chocolate Ginger Molasses Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting from 2019 Jean Banchet Award nominee for Pastry Chef of the Year, Nicole Guini of Blackbird (Chicago, IL)
  • Rosemary Pine Nut Cookie from four-time James Beard Award winner, Nancy Silverton of Pizzeria Mozza (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars from 2013 Jean Banchet Award winner for Pastry Chef of the Year, Leigh Omilinsky of Boka Restaurant Group (Chicago, IL)
  • Raspberry White Chocolate Blondies from Kat Gordon, of Muddy’s Bake Shop (Memphis, TN)
  • Fig-Tahini Cookies from three-time James Beard Award nominee, Margarita Manzke of République (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Surprise Christmas Cookie from 2019 Jean Banchet Award nominee for Rising Pastry Chef of the Year, Natalie Saben of Pacific Standard Time (Chicago, IL)
  • Frosted Animal Cookie from the master of ceremonies of the entire PQM Cross Country Holiday Cookie Swap, Erika Chan of The Publican, Publican Quality Meats and Café Cancale (Chicago, IL)

Each participating chef will provide one of their cookie recipes, which will be executed by Chan and offered at the counter all day at Publican Quality Meats for $3.50, with select sweets showcased in The Cookie Jar at The Publican for $15 during dinner service. A portion of the proceeds from sales will be donated to Deborah’s Place, a local organization with a mission to provide support and assistance to women undergoing housing struggles.  

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(Courtesy of Clayton Massey)

Friday, December 13

-Space Jam-Themese Easy Bar-Mitzvah: Easy Bar in Wicker Park will celebrate its 13th Anniversary on Friday, December 13 starting at 5 p.m. In honor of its 13th birthday, guests will be offered a Space Jam-themed “Easy Bar-Mitzvah” complete with a Space Jam step and repeat for photos, themed décor with centerpieces on the tables, and a sign-in board for guests. Rabbi Roodimes will also host a short ceremony with Challah bread to welcome Easy Bar into adulthood. The event will kick off with a half-price everything happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A “Monstars” cocktail with Bulleit Bourbon, Averna and lavender bitters will be on special for $8 all night and party-goers will be invited to dance to DJ Substance D spinning the hits from the Space Jam and Jock Jams soundtracks from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. There will also be and a custom-designed anniversary t-shirt giveaway (first come, first served).

-Ugly Sweater Party at Tuscany in Wheeling: To celebrate the holiday season, Tuscany in Wheeling will host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and Contest on Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music from Rod Stewart impersonator Clifford Tartaglia along with giveaways and holiday-themed drinks. The winner of the ugly sweater contest will also receive a prize.

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(Courtesy of Easy Bar)

Sunday, December 15 

-Brunch with Santa at Pennyville Station: From 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., brunch goers will be offered Pennyville Station’s full brunch menu and some time with the Big Man in Red. Santa will be there, ready to take photos with diners, while 10% of brunch proceeds will go to benefit Operation North Pole Chicago, an organization which fundraises throughout the year to bring magical holiday experiences to local children battling life threatening illnesses. Brunch, served every Saturday and Sunday at Pennyville, will be available from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

-99 Cent Cupcakes at Molly's Cupcakes for National Cupcake Day 

To celebrate National Cupcake Day, Molly’s Cupcakes will be offering the following cupcake flavors for just 99cents. Limit one per person and available at all locations. 

  • The following flavors will be available for purchase on December 15: 

    • Cake Batter 

    • Cookie Monster 

    • Flore's Molten Cake 

    • Oreo 

    • Peach Cobbler 

    • Butterscotch

    • Blueberry Cheesecake 

    • Chocolate Peanut Butter 

    • Peppermint 

    • S'mores 

    • Molly's Build Your Own Cupcake with vanilla, chocolate, carrot cake, red velvet, banana, and vegan: chocolate & vanilla

For more information: visit www.mollyscupcakes.com

Hours for Sunday, December 15: 10am-9pm 

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(Courtesy of Amy Roesch)

Wednesday, December 18 

-Weird Wednesday DIY Snowflake Night at Remedy: To celebrate the holidays, Remedy in Bucktown has put a festive spin on their weekly "Weird Wednesdays" late night activities series. Beginning at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, guests participate in a FREE DIY Cut-Out Paper Snowflakes activity. Remedy will provide the paper and scissors suitable for snowflake making magic. Guests can also sip on new seasonal cocktails like Remedy's delicious Apple Crisp cocktail with Sailor Jerry spiced rum, Captain Morgan, apple cider and lemon juice topped with prosecco. Patrons who arrive early will enjoy a half-off everything happy hour (excluding shots) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

-The Heritage's Chefs Collaboration Dinner Series: Each dinner will be taking place on the third Wednesday of every month at The Heritage and will be collaborating with a different local restaurant. Starting at 7pm, guests will be served a 5-course tasting menu for $75 per person based on cooking and preservation techniques that Chef Nariba Shepherd and the guest chef use. 

To take part in the dinner series, you must make a reservation for the date that you are interested in here, credit card payment required. 

Wednesday, December 18th - Found + Tenzing 

  • Chef Evan Sumrell will be speaking about what it takes to be a top chef in Chicago, along with his views on sustainability and working with local farmers. 
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Apple Crisp at Remedy (Courtesy of Ivy Tac)

Thursday, December 19 

-Dovetail's Czech Dark Lager Night: Dovetail's Czech Dark Lager was inspired by an afternoon at Prague's medieval temple to tmavé pivo, U Fleku —so for one night, they're turning their taproom into their own Czech beer hall. Tapsters will bring you half liters of our Czech Dark Lager until you say "No more!" They'll also have goulash and dumplings available to fill your bellies! For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/570293390203343/. Dark Lager night will begin at 4pm and last until 9pm. 

-Holiday Dining and 4th Anniversary Celebration at Osteria Trulli: The Italian restaurant which focuses on the rustic coastal cuisine of Chef Giovanni DeNigris’ native region of Puglia, will celebrate its 4th Anniversary with a special wine dinner experience on Thursday, December 19th. An ode to the cuisine of this often overlooked culinary region of Italy, this exclusive dinner will offer diners a five-course, family-style menu of traditional preparations of seafood, roasted meats, pasta, and more. Beginning at 7 p.m., each course will be paired with wines exclusively from the region as well. Chef DeNigris will walk guests through the menu and share his insight into the preparations as he celebrates the anniversary of his homeland's cusisin. Tickets ($98 per person).

-Feast of the Seven Fishes at Spiaggia: Café Spiaggia will be hosting its annual Feast of the Seven Fishes this holiday season. On Thursday, December 19, Executive Chef Eric Lees will bring the southern-Italian Christmas Eve tradition to life, offering a seven-course menu of seafood that celebrates Italy’s coastal bounty.

With seatings available at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., diners will enjoy artfully crafted, family style presentations of octopus, clams, fresh fish, and much more. Reservations are available for $75 per person, with optional wine pairings for an addition $25 per person.

A link to reservations is now live on Tock. 

The full menu includes: 

Grilled Oysters

Squid Salad (tomato, fennel (cold))

Fritto Misto (smelt, shrimp, lemon, neonata aioli)

Spaghetti with Clams (white wine sauce, bread crumbs)

Octopus Nduja (herbed potatoes, focaccia)

Rushing Waters Trout (white bean puttanesca, Kalamata olive, artichoke)

Dolci- Italian Christmas Cookies (mint chip & raspberry-basil gelato)

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(Courtesy of Spiaggia)

December 22 through December 28

-Utopian Tailgate to host “Chronikkah - Festival Of Light ’Em Up With Proceeds Benefitting Gilda’s Club Chicago: Utopian Tailgate – the 10,000 square foot indoor and outdoor rooftop party experience – will host “Chronikkah - Festival Of Light ’Em Up” starting December 22 where proceeds raised will benefit cancer support charity Gilda’s Club Chicago.

Chronikkah is a mashup of the celebration of Chanukkah and the celebration of marijuana – the later which is incorporated into much of Utopian Tailgate’s branding and menu names.
 
From December 22 thru December 28 (excluding December 24 & December 25 when Utopian Tailgate is closed) guests can participate in the Chronikkah in the following ways to raise money for Gilda’s Club.
 
1) At 8pm each of the nights during Chronikkah, guests can play in tournament games of Spinagogue – which is a dreidel game. Table games are a featured part of Utopian Tailgate and Spinagogue is an extension of that. A “Dreidel Officiant” will proceed over all the Spinagogue games.

Guests can buy 18 gelt (chocolate Chanukkah “coins”) to use as “currency” to allow them to play Spinagogue. A bag of gelt costs $10 on every night except the last night of Chronikkah  (December 30) – when the gelt costs $20. All proceeds from all gelt sold goes directly to Gilda’s Club.

Guests can buy up to seven bags of gelt each night to play Spinagogue. The person who wins the most gelt at the end of each night wins a Utopian Tailgate themed party pack.
 
On the closing night of Chronikkah’s Spinagogue gaming night (Monday, December 30), the prize package for the winner includes a $300 “Menorah Bubbler” featuring eight bowls and eight downstems.

2) During the Chronikkah celebration, Utopian Tailgate executive chef Nate Henssler will have rotating versions of “Loaded Latkes” that guests can purchase for $8. All proceeds from all sales of the “Loaded Latkes” will benefit Gilda’s Club.
 
3) Utopian Tailgate bar manager Becky Dorsen just rolled out a brand new winter cocktail menu. Three of her cocktails have been renamed for Chronikkah and Utopian Tailgate will donate $1 for each of those drinks sold during that time to Gilda’s Club. They are:

“Manischewitz What? (aka “Christkindle Who?):  red wine, brandy, alpine liqueur, spiced pear, cloves, allspce, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, orange peel ~ served warm
 
“Nuttin But A Chanukkah Party (aka “Nuttin But A Hound Dog”): peanut butter whiskey, banana, butterscotch, hot cocoa, whipped cream, butterfinger ~ served warm

“Not Just For Shoshanas” (aka “Not Just For Beckys”): vodka, tart cherry, mint, lime, sparkling wine

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