—Nothing Bundt Cakes—a bakery specializing in nostalgic yet modern bundt cakes—has opened at 1953 N. Clybourn Ave. A grand-opening charity benefit will take place Friday, Jan. 15, with 20 percent of all proceeds supporting Imerman Angels, a not-for-profit organization that provides free one-on-one support to cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers. Other activities include an official ribbon-cutting event on Wed., Jan. 13, at 10:30 a.m., and a Bubbles and Bundts event on Thursday, Jan. 14, at 6-8 p.m. See NothingBundtCakes.com .
—Gold Coast pizzeria Bar Toma is officially open for brunch at 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. New menu items include Rise and Grind pizza ( bacon, onion, cheddar cheese and egg ), Diavolo pizza ( spicy sausage, jalapeno, cheddar cheese and egg ), Primal Mary with a PBR beer back, and the Moremosa ( house mimosa in a 16-oz. mug with fresh strawberries and an orange wedge ).
—In honor of Berwyn restaurant Autre Monde Café & Spirits' ( 6727 W. Roosevelt Rd. ) five-year anniversary, the Mediterranean staple is celebrating with a "Classics Menu," featuring standout dishes that have been there since the restaurant's inception. Some of the items that will be included through Feb. 20 are fried oysters; spaghetti, with shrimp, Calabrian peppers and brandy; and smoked and braised lamb shank, with roasted tomato and polenta. See AutreMondeCafe.net .
—Community Tavern, 4038 N. Milwaukee Ave., has unveiled its winter menu. Among the many items are foie gras torchon, cheddar-bacon muffin, prime beef tartare, bouillabaisse, double cheeseburger, roasted cauliflower and Berkshire tomahawk pork chop. See CommunityTavern.com .
—Online reservations for Chicago Restaurant Week ( Jan. 22-Feb. 4 ) can be made at eatitupchicago.com, where one also can see every participating restaurant ( a record 354 this year, 54 of them first-timers ) and their featured menus, according to The Chicago Tribune. A few of the participating restaurants are 312 Chicago, Macku Sushi, May St. Cafe, Park Grill, Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse, SideDoor and Spiaggia.
—Guests who visit Commonwealth Tavern, 2000 W. Roscoe St., to catch all the College Football National Championship Game action will enjoy specials including half-priced wings and $5 Microbrew drafts. Some of the draft selections include Right Bee Cider, Begyle Free Bird, Horse Boffo Brown Ale, Left Hand Sawtooth Ale and Boulevard Tank 7.
—Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, 58 E. Oak St., invites Chicagoans for its new happy-hour specials available on Wednesday evenings beginning Jan. 6. Wednesday Night Del-ight will highlight Del Frisco's bar offerings, including a selection of appetizers, Del's Prime Burger and filet-mignon sliders, all available at half price as well as discounted drink pricing.
—Phil Stefani's 437 Rush, 437 N. Rush St., celebrates National Soup Month with a Lobster Bisque soup available daily for $9 at lunch or $10 at dinner. Similarly, Navy Pier's Riva will feature a selection of daily soups created by Executive Chef Luigi Garcia like Riva Clam Chowder ( New England style, fresh clam meat; $7 lunch and $8 dinner ) and Lobster Corn Bisque ( sherry, brandy, Maine lobster; $9 lunch and dinner ).
—To commemorate 10 years, Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar, 626 N. State St., will hold a wine bash on Sunday, Jan. 10, 5-7 p.m. For $10, partygoers will enjoy a selection of Italian wines and a variety of signature Quartino bites, including frittata with spaghettini, spinach and roasted cherry tomato; penne vodka; hand-charred bell peppers with capers, garlic and extra-virgin olive oil; an assortment of Neapolitan pizze; and others. Visit GibsonsRestaurantGroup.3dcartstores.com/Quartino& .
—Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, 58 E. Oak St., will have happy hour-specials available on Wednesday evenings beginning Jan. 13. "Wednesday Night Del-ight" will highlight Del Frisco's bar offerings, including a selection of appetizers, the Prime DF Burger and Buffalo Style shrimp and more—all available at half price, as well as discounted drink pricing. In addition, Del Frisco's will have special door prizes from participating Oak Street stores such as Barney's, Tom Ford, Prada, Jimmy Choo and more. Prizes will be awarded each Wednesday at 9 p.m.
—Marking 30 years, tapas bar Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! will host a series of events Jan. 18-27. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is celebrating its roots by offering a selection of menu classics at original 1980s pricing for happy hour at the bar, Monday—Sunday at 4-6 p.m., plus Friday and Saturday from 10:00 p.m. until midnight.
—Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants founder and CEO Phil Stefani will be the recipient of the 2016 Chicago Classic Award at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's 19th Annual Grand Chefs Gala on Friday, Jan. 29. The Gene & Georgetti Chicago Classic Award recognizes lifetime achievement in Chicago's culinary scene. Phil Stefani has been a staple of the Chicago restaurant scene for more than 35 years, having operated some of the most successful fine-dining establishments in the city and suburbs, including Phil Stefani's 437 Rush, Riva Crab House and Tavern on Rush.
—Beef & Barley Chicago & Gastropub, 3001 N. Ashland Ave., is doing a Walk of Shame brunch on Sunday, Feb. 14 ( Valentine's Day ). It's for all of those singles out there who were looking for love the night before. There will be some themed punch-bowl specials and a new brunch menu for guests enjoy, as well as an old-school photo booth with some Valentine's Day-themed props. There will also be a single's themed soundtrack during brunch service.
—Chicago's Best WingFest will return for its 17th year on Feb. 21, 2016, 1-5 p.m., at Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington St. There will be wings from 25 area restaurants, competitive wing-eating and six categories of wing competition, among other things. See Wingfest.net .
—The Northalsted Business Alliance will host the Frost Fest Craft Beer Festival on Feb. 27-28, 2016. Through Dec. 28, 2015, there's a pre-sale offer that includes two tickets for the Frost Fest Craft Beer Festival at $50—and admission is normally regularly $35 apiece. Tickets are available exclusively on www.northalsted.com .
—Snap Kitchen—a healthy takeaway concept that has recently opened seven locations in the Chicagoland area—has released its winter menu. Some winter items include maple-roasted banana oatmeal, beef stroganoff, ginger-glazed salmon and quinoa "fried rice." See SnapKitchen.com .
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