—Takito Kitchen, 2013 W. Division St., has unveiled a special $20 Wagyu steak taco that chef/partner David Dworshak has prepared. The taco ( which can be split in two for easy sharing ) features grilled Wagyu steak, foie gras, truffled mushrooms, Parmesan, Urban Till arugula and smoked cayenne atop a black garlic tortilla.
—To officially launch the collaboration between Japonais, 600 W. Chicago Ave., and critically acclaimed Japanese chef and Food Network's Iron Chef and Iron Chef America star Masaharu Morimoto, Japonais by Morimoto will throw a soft launch party Wed., Jan. 29, and celebrate with some of Chicago's finest chefs. General-admission tickets are available for $150 and VIP tickets are available for $250, and proceeds will benefit Common Threads. See http://events.commonthreads.org/eventDetails.aspx?eventId=127.
—On Jan. 29, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap, 41 E. Superior St., will have London brewery Meantime take over eight of Jake's taps; Meantime is offering such items as India Pale Ale, Coffee Porter and Cranberry Stout. Also, on Feb. 4-7, there will be cider parties in homage to Chicago's CiderCon. Call 312-266-0400, visit www.jakemelnicks.com, or follow the venue on Facebook and Twitter.
—Da Lobsta ( 12 E. Cedar St. and the French Market, 131 N. Clinton St. ) is marking its one-year anniversary through February. The eatery is known for its lobster roll sandwiches ( $12.95 ), but also has blue crab ( $10.95 ) and shrimp ( $8.95 ) options. Other items include lobster grilled-cheese sandwiches, lobster mac and cheese, and the dessert choice of whoopie pies. See www.dalobstachicago.com .
—The Drawing Room, 937 N. Rush St., has announced its Valentine's Day menu ( Feb. 14-15 ). The four-course prix fixe dinner ( $49 per person ) includes ahi tuna, pan con tomate or beef tartare for the first course; apple salad; duck confit, pan-seared coulette steak or mushroom chevre crepe for the entree; and chocolate lava cake, vanilla bean creme brulee or strawberry sorbet for dessert. Reservations are required; call 312-266-2694.
— In recognition of National Nutella Day, any guest who dines at Kanela Breakfast Club ( located in Lakeview and Old Town ) and orders the signature Banana Split Crepe ( fresh strawberries, fresh banana, Nutella, crème de pÃ˘tisserie; $9 ) will receive a complimentary Julius Meinl coffee. See www.KanelaCafe.com .
—The Berkshire Room—a craft cocktail lounge from The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group located at 15 E. Ohio St.—has an entirely new upscale bar snacks menu. The menu is broken down into five sections: "Dealer's Choice Bar Snacks," "Dealer's Choice Meats & Cheeses," "Mini Sandwiches," "Bigger Bites" and "Desserts." Items range from bourbon-cured olives to Truffled Excess Chocolate Cake. See www.theberkshireroom.com .
—Chicago Restaurant Week continues through Feb. 6. The annual culinary celebration will feature prix fixe menus starting at $22 for lunch and $33 and/or $44 for dinner ( excluding beverages, tax and gratuity ). Among the many city and suburban restaurants participating are Allium, bistronomic, Cicchetti, Bistrot Zinc, Farmhouse Chicago, Henri, Mon Ami Gabi, Phil Stefani's 437 Rush, McCormick & Schmick's, and Oceanique. See EatItUpChicago.com .
—Juno Restaurant, 2638 N. Lincoln Ave., is closed temporarily because of a fire, according to The Chicago Tribune. The cause of the fire is unknown, but it apparently originated in one of the building's upstairs apartments. There was extensive damage to the front of the building, co-owner Jason Chan said, but most of his restaurant was unaffected.
—DMK Burger Bar is offering one fan a year's worth of free burgers in a contest that ends Jan. 31. Fans are invited to "Like" one or all of the DMK Restaurants' Facebook pages for the chance to win. For more information, visit www.dmkburgerbar.com .
—Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue, a new signature restaurant from Fifth Dining, will make its debut in Chicago on the seventh floor of Saks Fifth Avenue's Michigan Avenue store Jan. 31. Sophie's is inspired by U.S. fashion designer Sophie Gimbel—the arbiter of style for Saks for nearly 40 years—and will offer American cuisine and libations in a setting overlooking Michigan Avenue. For more information or reservations, visit www.sophies.com or call 312-525-3400.
—Roka Akor Old Orchard and Roka Akor Chicago are inviting guests to wine dinners on back-to-back nights ( Jan. 29 and 30, respectively ) to celebrate the award-winning varieties from Laetitia Vineyard and Winery. Eric Hickey, president and head winemaker of Laetitia Vineyard, will be at both events. The cost is $85 each, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Call Roka Akor Old Orchard at 847-329-7650 or Roka Akor Chicago at 312-477-7652.
—American Junkie, 15 W. Illinois St., is giving customers a chance to win a pair of tickets to see the Chicago Blackhawks. During each game, every customer who wears Blackhawks gear while watching will be entered to win. Two drawings for the Blackhawks tickets will be held Jan. 29.
—"Chicago's Best WingFest" will take place Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington St., 1-5 p.m. Tickets ( $30-$65 ) may be purchased directly at www.WingFest.net, and attendees must be at least 21.
—Devon Seafood Grill ( 39 E. Chicago Ave., Downtown Chicago ) and Devon Seafood + Steak ( 17W400 22nd Street, Oakbrook Terrace ) are hosting a Valentine's Weekend three-course prix fixe dinner for two Feb. 14-16. The Valentine's prix fixe menu costs $95 for two, or $50 for an individual. ( Regular menu items are also available. ) For reservations, call Devon Seafood Grill ( Downtown Chicago ) and Devon Seafood + Steak ( Oakbrook Terrace ) at 630-516-0180.
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