Monday, March 9

Feast for the 44th birthday of Greek Islands (200 S. Halsted St., Greektown, 312-782-9855; 300 E. 22nd St., Lombard, 630-932-4545) today and tomorrow with special lunch and dinner deals. The $15 mid-day option includes a cup of soup, salad, a choice of four entrées, plus coffee and dessert; the $20 dinner swaps soup for a Greek spread and beefs up the main courses a bit.

Learn how to make more earth-friendly eats during a cooking demonstration at the Chopping Block (222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, River North, 312-644-6360). Author and writer Eugenia Bone will be cooking out of her new book, The Kitchen Ecosystem: Building a Perennial Pantry, and discussing the virtues of sustainable eating for home cooks. Register for the $35 event here. 

Wednesday, March 11

Sit down at the chef’s table at Osteria La Madia (59 W. Grand Ave., River North, 312-329-0400). They’ll be offering a super-seasonal five-course meal prepped by chef/owner Jonathan Fox for $67 (a price that includes three wine pairings). Call the restaurant to make a reservation.

Saturday, March 14

The projected high temperature for Saturday is, as of now, 45 degrees, which is basically ice cream weather. Conveniently enough, Capannari (10 S. Pine St., Mount Prospect, 847-392-2277) will open its doors for the season at noon, and if you bring in your own banana, you can get a banana split for 25 percent off.

Sunday, March 15

The South Side Irish Parade starts at noon today, and you’re definitely going to want a drink before or after (or both). We scouted the area for our big bars story this year—if you need a Guinness, here’s where to go.