The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, 521 N. Rush St., is offering artisan popsicles, created in partnership with ItsaPop. The Gwen's guests can beat the heat with three flavors of popsicles from Chicago-based popsicle artisan Itsapop. Founded by Chef Sarah Russo, Itsapop is a female-owned company committed to organic and locally sourced products that are free of allergens. Available flavors include Straight Strawberry, Mexican Hot Cocoa and the hotel's custom creationThe Gwen, which includes mango, coconut milk, lemon and turmeric. The treats go for $6 a pop and can be enjoyed on their own or dipped into a glass of prosecco.
Equality Illinois will host its annual MOMosa brunch Saturday, Aug. 18, 12-3 p.m., at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St. Tickets are $40 in advance, and $45 each at the door; all proceeds support Equality Illinois. See www.equalityillinois.us/events/momosa-brunch-2/ .
In honor of its third consecutive year in Humboldt Park ( at 3021 W. Division St. ), Sangria Festival is expanding from one to two days, Aug. 18-19, noon-10 p.m. The fest is an homage to Latino culture, with authentic foods, arts, and performances all weekend in benefit of local charities. The food and drink at this year's Sangria Fest will present a variety of global options, including Mija Sangria Red & White, Juicy Luzy Sangria with Ruby Red, Pear, Pomegranate & Mango, Tapas Valencia ( paella ), Jeannie's Flan, Taco In A Bag ( nachos ), Boulevard Lounge ( Impossible Burger ), BLVD Pizza Bar, Flash Tacos, Sweet Lady Flan and more. Tickets are $25-$60 each; see SangriaFestivalChicago.com .
Maker's Mark hosted an event Aug. 10 at Wrigley Field that was a VIP preview of Chef Series local newcomer, Honey Butter Fried Chicken. The Chefs Series at Wrigley is now in its second year, with an expanded lineup of local celebrity chefs. Through Aug. 15, Honey Butter chef/owners Christine Cikowski and Josh Kulp are featuring ballpark classics with their signature fried chicken, along with sides and a limited-run Maker's Mark beverage with fresh squeezed lemonade and homemade cherry syrup.
Uncommon Ground Edgewater, 1401 W. Devon Ave., is hosting its 10th Annual Vegetarian Harvest Dinner Wed., Aug. 22, at 6:30 p.m. Dishes served will utilize produce grown right here along with with pairings of organic beer from Uncommon Ground's brewery, Greenstar Brewing. Tickets are $45 each; visit https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3590008.
The Tie Bar and the Green Tie Ball ( Sept 14 ) are teaming to celebrate National Bow Tie Day on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 6-8:30 p.m., for a good cause. During the public event at The Tie Bar flagship store at 918 W. Armitage Ave., guests will sample bites from Broken English, Sunda, Underground and wine from E & J Gallo Winery. While snacking, guests can pursue black-tie accessories and receive styling tips from The Tie Bar staff. RSVP at michael.corrigan@thetiebar.com . ( The ball will take place Friday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.-12 a.m., at The Geraghty, 2520 S. Hoyne Ave.
Through Friday, Aug. 31, Lawry's, 100 E. Ontario St., is offering a $150 prime-rib dinner for two. Items include a choice of Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc or the signature Meat & Potato Martini; the Original Spinning Bowl Salad; a choice of prime rib or salmon filet; and a dessert option. See http://www.lawrysonline.com/lawrys-primerib/chicago/general-info.
Shore Club, 1603 N. Lake Shore Dr., has announced a series of events running through October. Events include Rose Fest on the Beach ( Saturday, Sept. 15, 2-5 p.m. ), Whiskeyfest on the Beach ( Saturday, Sept. 22, 2-5 p.m. ) and Oktoberfest on the Beach ( Saturday, Oct. 6, 12-4 p.m. ) For more information, visit www.ShoreClubChi.com .
Bon Appetit presents Chicago Gourmet's event Hamburger Hop returns Friday, Sept. 28, on the Harris Theater Rooftop at 6-9 p.m. To celebrate Chicago Gourmet's overall Rock the Fork theme, the evening's DJ will spin crowd-pleasing, old-school jams while 15 chefs compete for the title of burger champ. The competitor line-up includes chefs from Miller's Pub, Virgin Hotels Chicago, Kinzie Chophouse, Cochon Volant Brasserie and other restaurants; chef/author/TV figure Carla Hall and Chef Tony Mantuano are among the judges. Visit https://www.chicagogourmet.org/page/HamburgerHop.
The James Beard Foundation ( JBF ) announced the cities and dates for its sixth annual Taste America national culinary tour: Sept. 28-Nov. 17. Chicago will share the dates of Oct. 26-27 with San Francisco. Chicago events include the Taste Chicago Benefit Dinner on Oct. 26 at Prime & Provisions/Builders BLDG, and free demos on Oct. 27 at Michigan Avenue's Sur La Table with Karen Akunowicz and Big Jones chef Paul Fehribach. See https://www.jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.
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