Today's listings include pierogis, BBQ, bourbon, champagne and Chevalier. more ›

Between Head Bartender Mike Ryan and Master Sommelier Emily Wines, Sable Kitchen & Bar knows both the perfect whiskey and wine to pair with the food of chef Heather Terhune. But who knows best? more ›

With all the tastings, tappings and events happening around town related to Craft Brewers Conference, it's wise to formulate a plan of attack. The first step to putting together a successful plan is to recognize you aren't going to hit every event. Your wallet and liver will thank you later. Blackbird put together two sold out special beer dinners this week. Last night's beer dinner featuring the beers of Stone Brewing, Jolly Pumpkin and Norwegian brewery Nøgne-Ø (pronounced "Noon-yeh") made the list for three reasons - 1) It's Blackbird. that's always money well spent. 2) Chef de Cuisine and Food & Wine 2010 Best Chef winner Mike Sheerin's revamping of the Blackbird menu has been nothing short of astonishing. 3) The most intriguing brewery of the three was Nøgne-Ø. Brewmaster Kjetil Jikiun intimated last night that they're pretty much the vanguard for Norway's craft beer movement. That these three disparate breweries became comrades speaks volumes about the way good beer — like music, art and food — can bridge seemingly unbridgeable gaps. more ›

• The BIN School series at BIN 36 will focus on holiday entertaining. Specifically, BIN 36 Wine Director Brian Duncan and chef John Caputo will offer stress-free tips on all things champagne, food and entertaining for the holidays. (339 N. Dearborn, 6 p.m., $48)
• For you late lunch takers, Chicago's Downtown Farmstand's sweets fest is running from noon until 2 p.m. daily through December 23. Indulge your sweet tooth with an assortment of holiday treats from a different local bakery and meet the bakers. (66 E. Randolph)
• the Tuesday prix fixe menu at D.O.C. Wine Bar Lincoln Park (2602 N. clark St., 773-883-5101) features Thai Mussels with Spicy Coconut Milk, Snap Peas, and Crispy Wontons; Pan Roasted Duck Breast with Bok Choy Rice; and Ginger Carrot Cake. each course is paired with a select wine for a total cost of $30.

• Today is the final day of the annual Berghoff Oktoberfest in Federal Plaza. You've been warned.
• Tomorrow: Drinks Over Dearborn is hosting a free bourbon tasting from noon-3 p.m. While you're there, buy some of what you've sampled ans SAVE D.O.D. Kyle McHugh stocks some amazing product. (650 N. Dearborn, 312-337-9463)
• Tomorrow: Wicker Park Lutheran Church is hosting its fifth annual "World's Largest Potluck" from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event will go to help restore the 103-year-old landmark. (2112 W. LeMoyne)