Tomorrow marks the start of the National Restaurant Association's annual trade show at McCormick Place. Happening simultaneously at the show is the inaugural International Wine Spirits and Beer Event. Senator John McCain is scheduled to address the show Monday. That should be an exciting speech . We'll be filing reports next week from the show, which runs through Tuesday. $75 must be the standard rate for culinary classes at the Alliance Francaise, because that's......

Slow Food Chicago and Uncommon Ground are joining forces for what appears to be, on paper, to be one hell of a dinner. The event next Wednesday at Uncommon Ground's recently opened Devon location will feature a menu of seasonal, locally farmed produce from chef Brian Millman with beers from Goose Island, Two Brothers, Surly Brewing, and Dark Horse Brewing. Additionally, the brewmasters for the respective breweries (Greg Hall, Jason Ebel, Omar Ansari and Aaron......

It's a good day outside and with the combination of springing forward the clocks, the South Side Irish Parade Sunday, and warmer temps next week there are plenty of weeks to go out. Start the weekend off by leaving work early and heading to the Artisan Cellar at the Merchandise Mart, where they'll be having a tasting of the new-to-the area Graham Beck wines from South Africa. The free tasting runs from 3:30-6 p.m.,......