We have to hand it to Cardinal Francis George. He's a man of his convictions, especially when it comes to his stance on gay marriage. Even though his late hour plea to the General Assembly to vote down recognition of civil unions was for naught, George still feels he's right. Because, naturally, he has God on his side. more ›

• 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)

• Today: Chicago Wine School is hosting a course on Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This will include tasting a really good Pape and learning of some of the grape varietals that go into this classic French blend. (The Wine Consortium, 123 E. 23rd St., 6:30-8 p.m., $45.)
• Tomorrow: The highlight (such as it is) of Taste of Lincoln Avenue this weekend will be the Jimmy John's-sponsored sandwich making and eating competition. Recent Chicagoist podcast guest Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti, Tim "Gravy" Brown and others try to eat as many sandwiches as Jimmy John's can make. Who can forget Marcus and Stolpman's visit to this last year? Laura didn't even have a zoom lens last year and said that was too much detail. (2:30 p.m., Taste of Lincoln Avenue Montana Stage, Lincoln Avenue at Altgeld)
• Sunday: If Deep Dish and Gravy didn't spoil your appetite, head back to Taste of Lincoln, where FIG Catering will be setting up shop for the day

One person who probably loves beer more than us is Bob Skilnik. If you haven't read his musings on beer, you're missing a real treat and may actually learn something. Skilnik delves deep into the history of beer, with a particular emphasis on Chicago's history with the suds. Example: did you know that the recipe for Miller Lite was purchased by Miller from Meister Brau? more ›

Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway, 12/15, 8 p.m., $20-$25 more ›

Lectures more ›

“Most of my assignments started in the kitchen. It’s where people like to talk. Then I find out who they really are.” - Penny de los Santos more ›

While a Chicagoland Legoland is years away, The Graham Foundation’s latest exhibit is architectural fun with Lego models. “Models” doesn't quite describe them. No, they’re “7 New Architectural Species from the Danish Welfare State,” the brainchildren of Copenhagen’s Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). BIG’s big idea is to find new practical utopias by “investing in the overlap between radical and reality,” to create a “new breed in urban life forms.” more ›