—Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. and Lincoln Park Zoo's Auxiliary Board are hosting the third annual BrewLights on Thursday, Dec. 1, 5:30-9:30 p.m. The festival features a dozen local craft, seasonal and import beers on tap throughout the zoo during ZooLights. Tickets are $49-$60 each; visit http://bit.ly/2dn8mho.
—State and Lake Chicago Tavern, 201 N. State St. ( located in theWit Hotel ), is hosting a Bourbon and Bites Benefit to raise money for the Greater Chicago Food Depository on Wed., Nov. 30, 6-9 a.m. The culinary event will feature three food pairings with three crafted cocktails of Woodford Reserve created by theWit's new executive chef Nathan Sears. Tickets are $55/person; visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bourbon-bites-benefit-tickets-29482907169.
—Fairmont Chicago, 200 N. Columbus Dr., is kicking off the 2016 holiday season with its third annual Cookies and Cheer Luxury Cookie Exchange on Thursday, Dec. 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m. During the event, guests will have the opportunity to sample unlimited cookies from the wide variety of unique seasonal offerings including chai snickerdoodles, double-fudge oatmeal stout cookies and orange walnut spice logs. Tickets for the Cookies and Cheer event are $60 per person and on sale now; space is limited and reservations are required by visiting Eventbrite.com, event name "Cookies & Cheer."
—The honors for the 2017 Michelin Guide Chicago were announced, The Chicago Sun-Times noted. Grace in the West Loop and Alinea in Lincoln Park, each retained its rating of three stars. ( Only 14 restaurants in the country have that rating. ) Also, Chicago's culinary world claims five two-star Michelin winners, as newcomer Oriole and perennial Chicago favorite Tru joined Acadia, 42 Grams and Sixteen. Nineteen establishments have one-star ratings; among them are Boka, Blackbird, Sepia, North Pond, Everest, Goosefoot and Spiaggia.
—The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, 521 N. Rush St., has partnered with Bottle & Bottega to offer a brunch event on Sunday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. While enjoying light sips and snacks, attendees will paint a trio of glass ornaments, following the direction of a Bottle & Bottega artist. The cost of the event is $47 and includes, quiche, fruit, and one mimosa; as well as three glass ornaments; the usage of all necessary painting supplies, including an apron, and artistic direction by Bottle & Bottega. To register online, visit http://bit.ly/OrnamentsAtTheGwen.
—Animale, 1904 N. Western Ave., has a new breakfast menu ( weekdays 7-10 a.m. ) filled with hot sandwiches and pastries. Some of the items include a sausage, egg and mozzarella panini; lemon-and-ricotta pancakes; Greek yogurt; 12-hour steel-cut oatmeal; and lemon poppyseed muffins. See AnimaleChicago.com .
—Schaumburg's Shaw's Crab House, 1900 E. Higgins Rd., is offering a variety of sides and sweets currently available for order through New Year's Day. Some of the items include creamed and sauteed spinach, mashed sweet potatoes, lobster mac 'n' cheese, mini-crab cakes, lobster bisque and chocolate cake. Call 847-517-2722.
—The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort ( 3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook ) is hosting the western suburbs' biggest breakfast with Santa events on two consecutive Sundays, Dec. 11 and 18. Admission is $35 for adults, and $14 for kids 5-12, and the event can be combined with a special Hilton for the holidays overnight offer, where families can enjoy the event and a discounted guestroom for the evening starting at $99. Visit OakBrookHillsResort.com or call 630-850-5555.
—Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, will host "Brunch with Santa" on Sunday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Brunch with Santa Kids Specials include chicken fingers, grilled-cheese sandwiches and brioche French toast, among other items, and there will be specialty brunch cocktails for the adults. Reservations are required; call 312-850-5005.
—The December River Roast Neighborhood Chef Series dinner featuring Tony Mantuano ( chef-partner at Spiaggia ) will take place Monday, Dec. 19, 6-8:30 p.m. at River Roast. Chefs John Hogan and Tony Mantuano will offer a five-course menu and wine pairings; highlights include gnocchi with white truffles, a fish course, chicken carved table side, tarta di cioccolato and more. Admission is $125 each; visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neighborhood-chef-series-tickets-28169033337.
—The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has announced the 20th anniversary of the Grand Chef's Gala, the organization's annual black-tie event. Presented by the Greater Illinois Chapter of The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the event will take place Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, 6 p.m.-12 a.m., at Navy Pier's Grand Ball Room. Emceed by The Food Network's, Jeff Mauro, 50 elite chefs and mixologists will provide guests with signature dishes, desserts and cocktails. Richard Melman, founder and chairman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, will be honored with the "Chicago Classic Award." See GrandChefsGala.com .
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