Photo: courtesy the peninsula chicago
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with Chef Yip's mooncakes at The Peninsula Chicago.
Monday, 9/16 to Sunday, 9/22: Diners can welcome the harvest moon at The Peninsula Chicago (108 E. Superior St., 312-337-2888) during its Mid-Autumn Festival. Shanghai Terrace offers a special menu spotlighting chef Wing Wah Yip’s traditional mooncakes, and The Lobby hosts a special “Aftermoon Tea” featuring the pastries. On Thursday, Chef Yip teaches a dim sum cooking class for $80 per person, and a Chinese tea appreciation class is scheduled for Friday, priced at $60 per person.
Thursday, 9/19: To honor National Bourbon Month, Porkchop (941 W. Randolph St., 312-773-9333) hosts Chicago’s Koval Distillery for a night of bourbon tasting and cocktail specials featuring the craft spirit. A representative from Koval will hand out free samples and discuss the process of distillation from 7 to 9 p.m.
Friday, 9/20: The end of the week brings National Punch Day, and Barrelhouse Flat (2624 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-857-0421) plans to celebrate with a showcase of its in house punch program. From 6 to 9 p.m. bar goers can order a glass of the libation, a punch that combines Banks 7 Rum, La Favorite Ambre, Allspice Dram, fruit, and syrup, for $7 from a vintage cart as it makes the rounds between tables.
Saturday, 9/21: Lincoln Square hosts the 26th Annual Apple Fest. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the 4700 block of N. Lincoln Avenue (between W. Leland and W. Lawrence) transforms into a labyrinth of vendors selling apple pies, hot apple cider, bushels of fresh apples, and even apple pizza. A music stage and kids area guarantees a day of harvest happiness for everyone.
Saturday, 9/21: Remember our roundup of food trucks from the beginning of summer? You’ll have the opportunity to sample at least half of the list at the 2013 Chicago Food Social. The event started as the Chicago Food Truck Social in 2011, but has expanded to include restaurant stands, chef demos, a cocktail lounge, and live music. Admission is $5. Check out the website for information on location and food vendors.
Sunday, 9/22: Candied bacon and a cocktail named The Pig Lebowski are part of the festivities planned for the Gimme Bacon brunch at Tavernita (151 W. Erie St., 312-274-1111). From 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. a four-course sharing menu featuring bacon from Nueske’s and Burton’s Maplewood Farm will be on special for $18.50. All diners receive complimentary bacon tastings and bacon-themed party favors. Like we needed more reasons to eat bacon.
Sunday, 9/22: If you prefer your pork with a side of apples, check out the first annual Cider Toast Pig Roast at Uncommon Ground (1401 W. Devon, 773-465-9801). The restaurant teams with Vander Mill Cider for an afternoon of food, cider tasting, and live music. Tickets cost $40, the roast lasts from 2 to 6 p.m.