Any readers who wanted to take advantage of La Madia's $4 lunch anniversary special yesterday but couldn't? You now have a second chance. more ›

Got lunch plans for Monday? If not, try to keep those plans open. It's La Madia's fourth anniversary, and the River North thin-crust pizza palace announced that to celebrate the occasion, four of its favorite pies will be available for just $4 apiece during lunch service (11:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). more ›

• Tonight: Head out to D.O.C. Wine Bar (2602 N. Clark, 773-883-5101) for their $25 “Millionaire’s Flight” Fridays. Every friday through January Sommelier and Wine Director Greg Sorrell hand-selects special wines that are generally offered only by the bottle to showcase.
• Saturday: La Madia's cooking class series continues with tomorrow's lesson in how to make pizza. from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., learn how to make proper artisan pizza dough and proper “stretching” techniques. Recipes include a classic margherita pizza, which includes La Madia’s signature tomato sauce, as well as a seasonal winter pizza. Both wood-burning oven firing and home-oven baking techniques will be discussed while participants enjoy perfectly paired wine selections. Guests will also receive a take-home pizza making kit so they can try the recipes. (59 W Grand, 312-329-0400)
• Saturday: the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Wine and food has set up a tour of Intelligentsia Coffee's Fulton Street roasting works from 10 a.m. - noon. Cost is $30 ($20 for AIWF members). RSVP here.

We’ve already mentioned many times in this column our love of cozy, informal restaurants with great food. We don’t mean greasy diners or burger joints, though they certainly have their charm. We’re looking places with a stylish décor, unique and well-prepared food, a good bit of booze and a bill under $50 for two. La Madia fits the bill perfectly. more ›

October events include a lot of country-focused events. Oh, and a theatrical S&M and Burlesque Show combined with Dr. Seuss characters. We don't make this stuff up, folks. Check it: more ›

Beer, Beer, and MORE BEER. Speaking of, if anyone knows where in Chicago we can get a bottle of some Feldschlosschen Dunkle Perle (pictured), we'll will trim your toenails (okay, maybe not - but dinner's in it for you). Let's see what's in the hopper, foodies! more ›

We had the good fortune to attend a cocktail mixing event at La Madia last week led by their mixologist, Jennifer Contraveos. Jennifer is a Chicago cocktail-ing star, winning regional and national competitions and being named one of the top mixers in the city by Metromix. Formerly the head mixer at Graze, she’s taken over the helm at La Madia. more ›

Lots of upcoming events in September. Get out those calendars and start making your reservations for some good food and drink. more ›

Tuck in for another Friday Buffet. more ›