photo: roots handmade pizza
Roots Handmade Pizza celebrates its second birthday party Wednesday night. Imagine some lumps of crustacean and you're looking at Chris Curren's lobster pizza—a party time debut.
Tuesday, 5/28: Spend the evening with Tallgrass Beef at The Happ Inn (305 Happ Rd., Northfield, 847-784-9200). Tallgrass’s founder, the broadcast journalist Bill Kurtis, will host a $65 three-course prix fixe meal. All proceeds from the event will go to the Big Shoulders Fund Science Enrichment Staddle Camp at Brush Creek Ranch.
Wednesday, 5/29: Wish a happy second birthday to Roots Handmade Pizza (1924 W. Chicago Ave., 773-645-4949), where samples, specials, and free birthday cake will be available throughout the day. New pizzas created by chefs Rick Ortiz (Antique Taco) and Chris Curren (Homestead) will make their menu premieres at the party. Drink specials will include $2 house brew pours, $3 shots, and $5 Grey Goose cocktails, and all dine-in pizzas are 20 percent off.
Friday, 5/31: Head to your favorite park with a date and a picnic basket from The Florentine (151 W. Adams St., 312-660-8866). Call 12 hours in advance to pick up a $65 Ciao Bello Date Basket (breadsticks, cheeses, roasted almonds, olives, grilled vegetables, Pollo al Mattone, biscotti, and a bottle of wine) or a $40 Italian Summer in the City Basket (homemade beet chips, chicken and avocado panini, salad, and ricotta cheesecake).
Saturday, 6/1: Get some mimosas, Bloody Marys, brunch appetizers, free manicures, and shop for jewelry at the Baubles and Brunch event at Benchmark (1510 N. Wells St., 312-649-9640). The under-$100 jewelry selection will be provided by House of Gemmes.
Sunday, 6/2: Get the French experience at Le Bouchon (1958 N. Damen Ave., 773-862-6600), where sous-chef Oliver Poilevey, son of chef Jean-Claude Poilevey, will present a $60 seven-course Nose to Tail dinner celebrating the restaurant’s 20th anniversary. The celebration continues from the next day through June 8, with all entrees running $19.93.