Monday, August 24
Take a little bit of the bummer out of going back to school at Izakaya Mita (1960 N. Damen Ave., Bucktown, 773-799-8677), where any family dining with school-aged kids can get 10 percent off their bill from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The discount’s available now through September 9.
Thursday, August 27
Shell out a little cash for a sneak preview of this year’s Oyster Fest, the 27th edition of the annual bivalve celebration put on by the folks at Shaw’s Crab House, at the Garage (116 N. Aberdeen St., West Loop, 312-334-1784). Lunchtime visitors have a lot to look forward to: freshly shucked oysters for $1, a crab roll with chips for $14, clam chowder for $4, or a combo of a mini roll and chowder with chips for $11. The first 27 visitors will also be handed a free Oyster Fest ticket.
Saturday, August 29
It’s the first year for the Chicago Food + Wine Festival, a weekend of culinary events starring both local (Rick Bayless, Graham Elliot, both Jr. and Sr. Jimmy Bannoses) and national (Ludo Lefebvre, Tim Love, Jonathan Waxman) culinary talent. There are tons of things going on all weekend in Lincoln Park, and many of them still have tickets available—check here to see what your options are.
Sunday, August 30
Help raise funds for Vicki Westerhoff and her farm Genesis Growers, which saw much of this year’s harvest ruined by heavy rains earlier this summer, at a fundraiser organized by Paul Virant at Vie (4471 Lawn Ave., Western Springs, 708-246-2082). Eleven chefs, all of whom use Genesis produce in their restaurants, will collaborate on a reception-style meal (the list of participants includes Paul Fehribach of Big Jones, Patrich Sheerin of Trenchermen, and Erling Wu-Bower of Nico Osteria, among others), and there will be a silent auction as well. All proceeds will go to the farm. Call the restaurant to make a reservation.
Ramen by land, ramen by sea: The kitchen crews from two Land and Sea Dept. restaurants, Thank You Chinese (attached to Lost Lake) and Parson’s Chicken & Fish, will face off in a head-to-head Ramen Battle at Yusho (2853 N. Kedzie Ave., Logan Square, 773-904-8558). For $35, you can get your choice of bowls from one of the teams, some soft-serve, and a draft cocktail. The smackdown starts at 4 p.m.