The Friday Buffet
By Chuck Sudo in Food on Aug 8, 2008 3:03PM
Lots of festivals, tastings and food-related events this week, people.
- Tonight: If you want to learn about warm weather wines, the Chopping Block's Merchandise Mart location is hosting a Wine Goddess class on the subject this evening from 6-7:30 p.m. You'll also be able to sample some lighter reds, whites and blushes. Suite 107 in the Merchandise Mar, $60.
- Tonight-Sunday: Chuck's Southern Comfort Café in Burbank is throwing their annual Cajun Fest, sponsored by Abita Beer. There will be plenty of BBQ, Mexican and, natch, Cajun food, along with a huge beer tent and music all day long. St. Albert's Church Parking Lot 80th and State Road, Burbank.
- Tonight-Sunday: Taylor Street Festa Itlaiana will kick into high gear tomorrow and Sunday. Taylor Street from Loomis to Ashland
- Saturday: Pops for Champagne is hosting a tasting of champagne from Ambonnay, one of the most fertile areas of the Champagne region. 601 N. State St., 3-5 p.m., $20
- Sunday: David Hammond, who knows the eats at the Maxwell Street Market like few others, is leading an informal tour of the market Sunday. The tour starts at White Palace Grill (northeast corner of Roosevelt and Canal). Canal Street, from Roosevelt Road to 16th Street.
- Monday: Chardonnay will be the focus of the latest installment of Just Grapes Global Grapes Series from 6-7:30 p.m. Attendees will sample chardonnay selections from California, New Zealand, Italy, France, South America and Australia. 560 W. Washington, Suite 100. $35.
- Tuesday: We'd be remiss if we didn't remind you all of the Van Steenberge beer dinner at Brasserie JO. If you decide to attend, come say hello as we'll even be there. We don't bite. 59 W. Hubbard, 312-595-0800, 6:30-9:30 p.m., $49 (excluding tax and gratuity).
- Wednesday: Vinci hosts a four-course dinner featuring wine pairings from Frattina Wines. 1732 N. Halsted, 312-266-1199, 7 p.m., $45.
- Thursday: Epicurious.com editor-in-chief Tanya Steele will be at the Daley Plaza Farmers Market, part of the Epicurious national Greensmarket Tour. Steele will be discussing the localvore movement and savings strategies, while other Epicurious editors will be handing out eco-friendly tote bags, reusable recipe cards featuring only available local ingredients and other giveaways. If you show up, tell Steele you're a loyal Chicagoist reader. Daley Plaza farmers Market, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Thursday:Slow Food Chicago kicks off their inaugural Heirloom Tomato Festival at the Chicago Honey Co-op. It's a potluck fundraiser, so bring a dish to share. There will be plenty of beer and sodas from Goose Island, wine from Candid Wines and bread from Italian Superior Bakery on hand. More information can be found here. 3740 W. Filmore, 6-9 p.m., $20 ($15 for Slow Food Chicago members).