Chicago Dining Events Stave Off Post-Summer Doldrums

By admin

Get slurping: Shaw's Crab House hosts a week of oyster-themed events.

by Jennifer Olvera When cold weather hits, Chicagoans hunker down, often preferring to stay indoors rather than endure the bitter, blustery cold. Fortunately, it’s still temperate enough — and there’s good reason to hit the town. This crop of local dining events will have you munching your way through the cold weather blues Shaw’s Crab House hosts its annual Royster with the Oyster extravaganza starting tonight through Friday. 25-cent oysters on the half shell will be available in the Oyster Bar all week from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. A nightly slurp-off encourages patrons to down a dozen oysters, hands-free, to win a grand prize of $1,000 at the final showdown, an event taking place at its festive tent party on October 15 at 7 p.m. The tent party, which spills onto Hubbard Street from 3 p.m.-10 p.m., costs $10, with a portion of proceeds going to the Shedd Aquarium. Once inside, there will be oysters galore, fresh seafood and loads of beer and wine for purchase. On the 14th, there’s also a special dinner, honoring Frank Randol, Randol’s Restaurant and Seafood Company in Lafayette, La., who is behind the restaurant’s fabled, namesake crab ($79 per person). Call 312-527-2722 for details. Meanwhile, on October 13 at 6:30 p.m., SugarToad’s Chef Geoff Rhyne will prepare a Slow Food dinner in conjunction with Slagel Family Farm in Fairbury, Ill. and local Two Brothers Brewing Company ($60 per person). It’ll kick off with a house-made charcuterie platter, before moving on to a lamb and pork cheek duo with Brussels sprouts, apples and mint as well as red cabbage rice. For dessert: peanut butter and banana tarte tatin and Concord grape sorbet. Call 630-778-8623 for reservations. Love mushrooms? Join One Sister Inc. for a mushroom hunt ($100) on October 16th, beginning at 7:45 a.m. Start with a freshly prepared breakfast, and begin the search for Maike. Pause for a garden lunch; then, hit the trails anew. Email [email protected] to sign up.