Monday, May 4

Food nerds, rejoice: The 2015 James Beard Awards are (at long last) upon us. The gala is this evening at the Lyric Opera, and we’ll be on the scene tweeting the dining world’s big night. Follow assistant editor Carrie Schedler for updates this evening.

And if you want a drink post-awards, stop in to the party at La Sirena Clandestina (954 W. Fulton Market, West Loop) for your first taste of the beverages from the forthcoming Broken Shaker bar in River North. They’ll have free snacks from the soon-to-come spot’s kitchen crew, too.

Tuesday, May 5

Brandy is a fine drink, and it goes well with all manner of stuff from the sea, a fact that will be proven at a release dinner for Rhine Hall Distillery’s peach brandy at the seafood spot MFK (432 W. Diversey Parkway, Lake View, 773-857-2540). The four-course meal includes two drink pairings for $55. Buy tickets here.

Cheap lunch/dinner/snack alert! Every Tuesday in May, you can get a BBQ pulled pork sandwich from Lillie’s Q (1856 W. North Ave., Bucktown, 773-772-5500) for just $3 (instead of the usual $9). The promo is available from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is just offered at the Bucktown location.

Sunday, May 10

Did you forget to make Mother’s Day brunch reservations? You may have luck at Presidio (1749 N. Damen Ave., Bucktown, 773-697-3315), because Sunday is the first day they’ll be serving the midday meal. They’ve got tons of drink options, too, including a mango-spiked Bloody Mary.