Monday, March 7
Crown Chicago’s chowder champion at this year’s installment of Chowdah Fest aboard the Columbia Yacht Club’s ship (111 N. Lake Shore Dr., Loop). You’ll be able to taste creations from 14 area chefs (including Carlos Gaytan of Mexique and Johnny Anderes of the Kitchen) and chow down in an Eli’s Cheesecake dessert room. Buy $50 tickets here.
Get into a pickling workshop at River Valley Farmer’s Table (1820 W. Wilson Ave., Ravenswood, 872-208-3267), where you’ll learn how to convert veggies into preserved snacks starting at 7 p.m. Your $40 ticket includes snacks, a glass of wine, and take-home pickles.
Saturday, March 12
Make all your alcoholic Shamrock Shake dreams come true at 25 Degrees (736 N. Clark St., River North, 312-943-9700; 2015 W. Division St., Wicker Park, 312-763-9600). Starting today through next Thursday, they’ll have a Crown Royal and crème de menthe–spiked beverage topped with whipped cream and Lucky Charms for $12 in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
Sunday, March 13
It’s Daylight Savings Sunday, so spring forward with a brunch program that launches today at Mott St (1401 N. Ashland Ave., Wicker Park, 773-687-9977) with dishes such as coconut cream–topped French toast and steak and eggs with grilled kalbi.
Or, if your brunching tastes are a little more St. Pat’s–inspired, pop by Parts and Labor (2700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square, 773-360-7840) for their Green Eggs and Hamburgers brunch with $10 corned beef on rye sandwiches with fries and $7 Irish cream floats (a combo of Guinness ice cream with Fest Cola’s bourbon cream soda.) If you RSVP here, you’ll also get a free Jameson shot with the purchase of certain draft beers.