—Shaw's Sushi Chef Naoki Nakashima, an authority on Japanese cuisine and etiquette, will lead interactive Japanese sushi demonstrations at Shaw's Chicago on Saturday, April 26, and Saturday, May 31. Both of the classes will take place 12-3 p.m. The price is $65 per person per class, and includes lunch, libations and a take-away gift. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Shaw's Chicago at 312-527-2722.
—The Home Brewer's Guide to Vintage Beer ( $24.99 ) contains recipes, drink profiles and the evolution of beer. Each chapter delves into a different style of beer: porter, stout, pale ale, mild ale, stock ale, burton ale, scotch ale, brown ale, dinner ale, light ale, table beer and more. Ronald Pattinson is the author; see www.barclayperkins.blogspot.com .
—The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 E. Delaware Pl., will welcome new Executive Chef Stephen Wambach on April 7. Most recently, in 2013, Wambach joined Michelin-starred Restaurant Marc Forgione as chef de cuisine of the contemporary American restaurant in New York.
—Elite Traveler, the self-described "Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine," has announced its annual "Elite 100" of the world's best restaurants—and for the third consecutive year, Alinea, 1723 N. Halsted St., sits at the top of the list, The Chicago Tribune reported. L2O, the only other Chicago restaurant to appear on the list, is ranked 62nd.
—During April, Azzurra, 1467 N. Milwaukee Ave., is showcasing the cuisine of Lazio—the region in Italy where Rome is located—with its new Sunday Supper menu. Among the items are olive pesto crostini; sheep's milk ricotta with English peas, toasted walnuts and mint; and lamb with artichokes. The cost is $12-$23 per person; call 773-278-5959.
—Porkchop opened its Hyde Park location, at 1516 E. Harper Ct., on March 31. The restaurant and whiskey bar—which "dishes out an urban interpretation of a Southern backwoods experience"—is the second location from proprietor Jovanis Bouargoub. See www.chicagoporkchop.com .
—Japonais by Morimoto, 600 W. Chicago Ave., is now open for lunch. Lunch is served Monday—Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. There are soups/salads, sandwiches, lunch sets, hot and cold plates, maki rolls, and sushi/sashimi. See www.japonaismorimoto.com .
—April 9 is Chinese Almond Cookie Day, and Bartlett restaurant TL's Four Seasons Chinese & Japanese Restaurant, 110 W. Bartlett Ave., has teamed with Chicago's Chiu Quon Bakery. Guests dining at TL's on the food holiday will receive complimentary almond cookies all day from the bakery. See www.tlsfourseasons.com .
—Wicker Park restaurant Nando Milano Trattoria, 2114 W. Division St., will launch its first series of cooking classes in April. Led by Executive Chef Alessio Vullo, Nando's cooking classes will focus on "fare de mangiare per la famiglia" or family-style meals. Classes ( limited to 10 people ) will be held on Sundays, 12-1:30 p.m. The cost is $80 per person. Call 773-486-2636.
—Compass Bar, 433 W. Diversey Pkwy., is now offering a weekend brunch ( 11 a.m.-3 p.m. ) as well as Thursday and Friday lunch service. Brunch items include crab cake Benedict, steak and eggs, cinnamon ginger French toast and breakfast pizza. See www.compassbarchicago.com .
—Businessman, humanitarian and basketball Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson will deliver the keynote presentation at the National Restaurant Association's ( NRA ) annual trade show May 18 at McCormick Place. Since retiring from basketball, Johnson has committed himself to bringing jobs and brand-named businesses to underserved communities. The trade show will be held May 17-20, and the 2014 International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event, held in conjunction with NRA Show, will take place May 18-19.
—The suburb of Long Grove will host the annual Long Grove Chocolate Fest Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults are $5; kids 12 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased in advance for a discounted rate at www.visitlonggrove.com .
—Commonwealth Tavern, 2000 W. Roscoe St., now offers brunch Monday through Sunday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The brunch menu includes items like a breakfast burger; barbecue shrimp and grits; mussels with chorizo, hominy and tomatillo; a seasonal veggie omelet; a selection of breakfast sides; and more. See www.CommonwealthChicago.com .
—Burger Boss ( 3208 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago; 7512 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park ) is ringing in his third birthday with deals such as the The $3 Third Birthday Burger through April 6. The $3 Third Birthday Burger is packed with a single 100-percent Angus beef patty topped with all the fixings—lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayo—all resting between two toasted Brioche buns. Visit www.theburgerboss.com .
—To commemorate National Grilled Cheese Month ( April ), Sedgwick's Bar and Grill, 1935 N. Sedgwick St., is offering the "Wiki-cheese-ia." The special grilled cheese starts with layers of American, Swiss and Gouda cheeses, topped with a grilled tomato and packed with smoked crispy pancetta and avocado all in between a soft pretzel bun. The $10 sandwich will be available through April 30.
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