Bar Novo's Early NYE Kickoff

Bar Novo at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, 1 W. Wacker, gets the celebration started early Dec. 31with a special sport-driven menu that includes pulled pork nachos, dry aged beef sliders and Buffalo chicken wings. The cocktail of the day is the Red Asinthe Champagne cocktail (lucid Absinthe, Absolut vodka, lemon and strawberry purée and a hint of Champagne).  The day begins at noon and continues through 2 a.m. Jan. 1. barnovo

Iconic Chef Charlie Trotter Found Dead In Lincoln Park Home

Chicago chef Charlie Trotter was pronounced dead in his home earlier today. The self-taught North Shore kid rose in status to be one of the city's most affluent chefs and mentor to many who followed in his culinary footsteps. A James Beard Award winner and the inaugural inductee into the Chicago Culinary Hall of Fame (2006) Chef Trotter has received numerous honors including being honored under the Bush administration for his philanthropic endeavors through his Charlie Trotter Culinary Education Foundation along with being the He also 2005 recipient of the International Association of Culinary Professionals' Humanitarian of the Year Award. Chef Trotter turned 54 in September.

Dr. Who 50th Anniversary

Municipal Bar, 216 W. Ohio, joins in the multi-city Dr. Who 50th Anniversary Trivia event 5:30 p.m. Nov. 16. Admission is $5. municipalbar

Parliament's Halloween night party

Parliament, 324 W. Chicago, serves up lofty fun Halloween night starting at 9 p.m. The "grand hall" of  entertainment transform into a ghoulish Westminister palace with music madness and plenty of spooktacular libations.

Eleventh Hour Haunted House

The Eleventh Hour attraction, which has been voted  the #1 haunted house four out the last five years running, has a new location, 1940 George, Melrose Park.The 30,000 square foot venue features 20-ft. tall scenes and theme park quality sets for a Halloween fright-night adventure like none other. Must be 18 or older. http://www.eleventhhour.info

Bar On Buena Halloween Happening

Fright night at the BoB includes scary movies, mood music and monstrous malts during Bar On Buena's, 910 W. Buena, Halloween event  beginning  7 p.m. Oct. 31. Guest wearing costumes get $1 off discount on drafts. http://www.baronbuena.com

The Parthenon

Chicago Gourmets hosts a dinner honoring Chicago food writer Camille Stagg, author of The Parthenon: Great Mediterranean Recipes from the Heart of Chicago's Greektown
cookbook, at 6 p.m. October 16 at The Parthenon, 314 S. Halsted. Tickets are $59.  Books will be available for purchase.

Epic's Pumpkin Burger

Chef Matthew Pollock of Epic, 112 W. Hubbard, is featuring a pumpkin burger (burger topped with fried pumpkin, caramelized apple slice and Swiss cheese served with hand-cut fries) and pumpkin lager pairing through Oct. 31; $15. http://www.epicrestaurantchicago.com

Timothy O'Toole's Oktoberfest Weekend

Celebrate the German festival with bier and bites specials 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Sept. 28; 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sept. 29 during Timothy O'Toole's, 622 N. Fairbanks. Biers include 25-ounce steins of Sam
Adams, Great Lakes, Leinie's Oktoberfest selections; Hofbrau Oktoberfestbier and New Belgium Hoptober brews; $6.50 each. Featured bites are soft pretzels; chicken schnitzel and bratwurst sandwiches. http://www.timothyotooles.com

Little Market Brasserie's Monday Sundaes

Little Market Brasserie, 10 E. Delaware, is now featuring do-it-yourself sundaes from 3:30 to 11 p.m. Mondays, $10. When ordering the the sundae guests are served a bowl of homemade ice cream and then work their way to the build-your-own sundae bar where they can top the dessert with an array of goodies including hot fudge, strawberry, and caramel sauces, cherries, whipped cream and more. http://www.littlemarketbrasserie.com

LM's New Fall Menu

Executive Chef Ben Reaves of LM Bistro, 111 W. Huron, has a new fall menu as well as a seasonally-based prix fixe dinner, $39. New items include smoked trout; tomato bisque, beef tartare; braised wild boar and cauliflower fritters. http://www.lmrestaurant.com

Epic's Vodka Cocktail Class

Beverage director Michael Cristiani of Epic, 112 W. Hubbard, hosts a rooftop cocktail class 6 p.m. Sept. 26; $25. http://www.epicrestaurantchicago.com

Seadog Haunted Cruises

Seadog runs haunted cruises from Oct. 4-27 and Halloween day (Oct. 31). Costumed tour guides during the night-time cruises uncover the cities haunted underbelly along the river. The one-hour cruise departs nightly at 6:15 p.m. at Navy Pier. Tickets are $29.95; $18.95 for kid age 3-12. http://www.seadogcruises.com

Carlucci's End of Summer Blast

Say goodbye to the summer during Carlucci's, 1801 Butterfield, Downers Grove, "End of Summer Party" 6-9 p.m. Oct. 10; $20, includes dinner buffet and three drinks. Chicago band Soda performs live. http://www.carluccirestaurant.com

Mercadito's Top Chef Tacos

Mercadito, 108 W. Kinzie, hosts the Best of Tacos for Strength Dinner 6:30 p.m. Oct. 1; $85 in the lower level Double A bar. The selections, as voted for on Facebook, include Michelle Bernstein's (Michy's, Miami) galbi churrasco taco (pictured); Rodelio Aglibot's (BLT) fried oyster taco; Giuseppe Tentori's (GT Fish & Oyster) GT Fish taco; Julian Medina (Toloache, New York) bohemian beer-braised brisket taco and Andrew Zimmerman's (Sepia) chicken tikka taco. Procceeds benefit Share Our Strength. http://www.mercaditorestaurants.com

        

Lottie's Dresses Up For Chicago Fire Season Opener

Lottie's Pub, 1925 W. Cortland, transforms to the "Chicago Fire" watering hole Molly's for the show's season opener viewing party 9 p.m. Sept. 24. Admission is free. Food and drink specials the Chicago Fire spicy burger, $8 and $4 fire ball shots. http://www.lottiespub.com

Jake Melnick's Oktoberfest

Jake Melnick's Corner Tap's, 41 E. Superior, Oktoberfest specials include the bacon brie burger (nine ounce wood-grilled burger, topped with Applewood smoked bacon, melted brie,grilled cremini mushrooms, arugula, tomato jam served on a brioche bun with French fries ), $12.95. http://www.jakemelnicks.com

Sushi + Rotary Sushi Bar Offers New Daily Specials

Sushi + Rotary Sushi Bar's, 4430 Fox Valley, Aurora, new daily spoecials includes a $20 plate with glass of wine (five of the restaurants $3.50 dishes plus glass of wine). Deals start Sept. 23. http://www.rotarysushi.com

High Noon's Oktoberfest

What's in das boot? Beer, of course. Join in the fun during High Noon Saloon's, 1560 N. Milwaukee, Oktoberfest celebration now through Oct. 6. The 80-ounce das boot stein can be filled with domestic brew Bud Light ($20). For the more spirited choose from a selection of imported or crafted beers including Hofbau Oktoberfest; Southern Tier Hop Sun; Revolution Anti-Hero; Half Acre Daisy Cutter; Goose Island Green Line, Lagunita’s Lucky 13 and Stella.

http://www.highnoonchicago.com

LaMadia's Six for Six

LaMadia, 59 W. Grand, features $6 pizzas and $6 glasses of wine in honor of its sixth anniversary 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Sept, 30-Nov. 3. The dine-in only options will change weekly. http://www.dinelamadia.com

American Junkie Bears/Vikings Action

Former Chicago Bear and Super Bowl XX Champ Steve McMichael joins guests game-day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 15 at American Junkie, 15 W. Illinois; $10. Activities include a raffle benefitting the Walter Payton Memorial Scholarship Fund. Purchase tickets at http://www.youswoop.com

Tavern on Rush Christian Louboutin Shoe Giveaway

Tavern on Rush, 1031 N. Rush, kicks off its Monday Ladies Night series Oct. 7. A pair of Christian Louboutin shoes will be raffled off during the event. Registration for the raffle begins at 9 p.m. Prizes will be awarded at 11 p.m. Second place prize is a bottle of Dom Perignon. http://www.tavernonrush.com

Sola Goes Vegan For September

Carol Wallack of Sola, 3868 N. Lincoln, partners with Jessica Murnane of One Part Plant for September's three-course vegan prix fixe menu. Dishes include ginger soup with corn, shallot salad and chili oil; soba noodles, soy chili tofu, corn-edamame succotash with a soy lime vinaigrette and a tasty dessert of chocolate brownie with sweet corn topped with coconut sorbet, blackberry-cocoa coulis and cocoa nibs; $30. Wine pairing available for an additional $15. http://www.sola-restaurant.com

Dunlay's Belgium Beer Event

Chef Kevin Ives of  Dunlay's on the Square, 3137 W. Logan, hosts a beer garden harvest party featuring Belgium brews paired with a beer-driven menu 6-9 p.m. Sept. 24; $25. http://www.dunlaysonthesquare.com

Hidden Shamrock's Halfway To St. Paddy's Day Party

Celebrate the halfway point to St. Patrick's Day during the Hidden Shamrock's, 2723 N. Halsted, six-month mark to St. Patrick's Day event, 1-5 p.m. Sept. 14. A party package, $40, includes lunch buffet, Miller Lite and Coors Light drafts along with well cocktails. http://www.thehiddenshamrock.com

The Music Of John Denver

Ted Vigil and Steve Weisberg present the songs of John Denver during the musicasl tribute "John Denver: A Rocky Mountain High," 8 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Rialto Theatre, 102 N. Chicago, Joliet; $30-$45. http://www.ticketmaster.com

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre 2013-14

Terence McNally's "Master Class" is the Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre 2013-14 season opener 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood. Previews are Oct. 11-13. The show runs through Nov. 24. Tickets are $20-$39.http://www.theo-u.com

Denyce Graves Performs during Sphinx Virtuosi

Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves makes a special appearance during Sphinx Virtuosi returning 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 to the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph. Tickets for this one-time, one-night only event are $10-$25. http://www.harristheaterchicago.org

Frontier's Foodie Dinner

Kangaroo chili is among the delicacies guests will be feted to during the next installment of  Chef Brian Jupiter's So You Think You're a Foodie dinner 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at Frontier, 1072 N. Milwaukee. $65.
http://www.thefrontierchicago.com

Nacional 27 Mexican Independence Day

It's fiesta time. Chef Chico Vilchez of Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron,serves up a festive menu in honor of Mexican Independence Day Sept. 12-16. http://www.n27chicago.com

Porter's B & B at Bowes

Porter's hosts a beer and barbecue bash 4-8 p.m. Sept. 14 at Bowes Creek Country, 1250 Bowes Creek, Elgin. http://www.cityofelgin.org/bbbowes,

Cafe des Architectes' Fall Amis du Chef Dinner

Cafe des Architectes, in Sofitel Chicago, 20 E. Chestnut, hosts its fall Les Amis du Chef multi-course dinner focusing on French Wines at 7 p.m. Sept. 26. For the event Chef Greg Biggers and Pastry Chef  Lee Omilinsky welcomes special guest Steve Tauschman of Southern Wine & Spirits. The dinner is $150. http://www.cafedesarchitectes.com

Kit Kat's "EVITA" Brunch

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted, hosts an "EVITA" brunch 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 15. The event, in honor of the return of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony Award-winning musical "EVITA" to the Chicago area, Sept. 18-Oct. 6 at the Ford Oriental Theatre, will feature the Argentini cocktail ( Effen black cherry vodka, cranberry juice, blood orange liquor and cava, $6). Diva Madame X belts songs including the show-stopping hit "Don't Cry For Me Argentina." During the event five guests will have the oppourtnity to win opening night tickets to the show. http://www.kitkatchicago.com

Steve Harvey Hosts Singles Event

Steve Harvey, talk show host and bestselling author of Think Like a Lady Act Like a Man, hosts a singles symposium for ages 18-45 Sept. 7 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. Admission is free with registration. http://www.singlessymposium.eventbrite.com

Zed451 holds Back-to-School Cooking Class

Learn how to make healthy snacks for the family with Executive Pastry Chef Kate Milashus of Zed451, 739 N. Clark, during "Confections with Kate," 2 p.m. Sept. 14, $20. Treats include peanut butter oatmeal cookies and fig newtons. http://www.zed451.com

Ina's Closing New Year's Eve

Chicago culinary icon Ina Pinkney, affectionately known as the "breakfast queen," will close the doors of her west loop restaurant Ina's, 1235 W. Randolph, Dec. 31, 2013. http://www.breakfastqueen.com

Brandy Headlines African Festival

Grammy Award-winning singer Brandy performs during African Festival of Arts Chicago Aug. 30-Sept. 1 in Washington Park. Admission is $10; $5, children/seniors. VIP packages available. http://www.africanfestivalchicago.com

Hidden Shamrock Labor Day Deals

Stop in the Hidden Shamrock, 2723 N. Halsted, Aug. 31-Sept. 2 for Labor Day beer and burger specials that include an Angus beef patty on a pretzel bun served with hand-cut fries deal for $5. http://www.thehiddenshamrock.com

City Tavern's Laurent-Perrier Event

City Tavern, 1400 S. Michigan, hosts a Laurent-Perrier and Peaches reception 6-8 p.m. Aug. 27; $25. http://www.citytavernchicago.com

Brasserie By LM Partners With MSI

Guests purchasing an adult and child's meal at Brasserie By LM, 800 S. Michigan, through Oct. 31 will receive a voucher for one free child's admission to the Museum of Science and Industry. Maximum of two vouchers per table with required puchase. http://www.brasseriebylm.com

Gary Hosts a Michael Jackson Tribute

The Jackson family's hometown, Gary, Indiana, hosts a three-day block party saluting Michael Jackson Aug. 29-31. WVAZ-FM's Glen Cosby and former Klymaxx member Joyce Irby hosts the event kicking off at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 29 on the family's former block 2300 Jackson Street. Festivities include live music, food vendors, games and fireworks. http://www.theofficialmjjtribute.com

Fulton's Butcher Trio

With the fall comes meatier stick-to-your-ribs dishes and Executive Chef Kevin Schulz of Fulton's on the River, 315 N. LaSalle, is on target with the September launch of the Butcher Trio (featuring two meats and a seafood) paired with wine; $60. http://www.fultonsontheriver.com

James Beard Taste America After Party

Tickets are now available for Night Bites, the official James Beard Foundation Taste America after party, 9 p.m. to midnight Sept. 20 at Union Station 225 S. Canal. Proceeds benefit the James Beard Foundation and Common Threads. http://www.jbftasteamerica.org

SmallBar Turns 9

SmallBar Division, 2049 W. Division, celebrates 9 years with a Midwestern boil starting 2 p.m. Sept. 8. The bar, voted Best Bar Food 2013 by Chicago magazine, serves up an afternoon of good eats, Virtue cider and beers and live music. http://www.smallbardivision.com

Mercat a la Planxa's New Cocktails

New beverage manager Casey O'Connell of Mercat a la Planxa, 638 S. Michigan, whips up innovative Spanish-inspired cocktails featuring seasonal fruits, unique ingredients such as pink peppercorn and a lot more surprises. http://www.mercatchicago.com

Court Theatre's "The Mountaintop"

David Alan Anderson (pictured) as Dr. King leads the cast of  Court Theatre's Chicago premiere of the Laurence Olivier Award-winning play "The Mountaintop," 1 p.m. Aug. 24 at the DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th. The production is a salute to the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his profound and memorable "I Have a Dream" speech. The production opens Sept. 5 at Court Theatre. http://www.dusablemuseum.org

Chicago Q Turns 3

Chicago q, 1160 N. Dearborn, is celebrating its third anniversary and the restaurant is calling on guests to help select the menu by submitting their top three fave dishes on facebook through Aug. 27. The winning combination will be featured as the three-course prix fixe anniversary dinner Sept. 3-8; $30. The winner receives dinner for four during the anniversary week. http://www.chicagoqrestaurant.com

Burke's Bacon Bar Opens

David Burke officially opened Burke's Bacon Bar, 610 N. Rush in The James Chicago, Aug. 20. The sandwich shop features an array of bacon-inspired petite sandwiches, salads, sides and desserts. http://www.burkesbaconbar.com

Chef David Burke during launch party

Hero Monster Zero at Hard Rock

Hero Monster Zero with 8090 performs 9 p.m. Sept. 5 at Hard Rock Cafe, 63 W. Ontario. http://www.heromonsterzero.com,

Maroon 5 & Guests

Maroon 5 with Kelly Clarkson and Rozzi Crane perform 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland, Tinley Park; $35.50-$125.50. http://www.ticketmaster.com

Geja's Marshmallow Roast

Local girl scouts assist guests during a toasted marshmallow and s'more-making family event 5-10 p.m. Aug. 30 at Geja's Cafe, 340 W. Armitage. A $5 donation is requested; $2 for children. Proceeds benefit the The Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. http://www.gejascafe.com

Brazilllll........

Here's yet another reason to make it down to the party capital of the world. Helen Rizzo, executive chef of Mani restaurant in Sao Paulo, Brazil was named Veuve Clicquot Best Female Chef for 2013.

Photo by MIRO

Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival

Shopping in Chicago, priceless. Mastercard sponsored  Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival is Aug. 22-Sept. 2, kicks off with a runway spectacular showcasing the shops at  900 N. Michigan at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan. Special guests include Jason Derulo and Christina Hendricks. Tickets are $30. http://www.themagnificentmile.com

Allman Brothers Band

Don't miss '70s iconic rock band Allman Brothers Band, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20-21 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State; $60-$120. http://www.ticketmaster.com

Chief O'Neill's Salutes Namesake

Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant, 3471 N. Elston, pays homage to its namesake, turn-of-the-century Chicago police superintendent Francis O'Neill Francis O'Neill, during a celebration in observation of his 165th birthday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Aug. 24. Toast the occasion with the drink of the day Ireland Forever (Boru vodka, Midori melon liqueur, and orange juice, $5. Fifty per cent of the day's profits benefit the 100 Club of Chicago. http://www.chiefoneillspub.com

Kit Kat's End of Summer "Grease" Brunch

The Pink Ladies (white wine sangria, Hpnotiq Harmonie and St. Germain garnished with pink glowstick) and Rydell High (cruzan citrus rum, St. Germain and soda garnished with fuzzy dice) are among the Summer Lovin' cocktails featured during Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club's, 3700 N. Halsted, end of summer "Grease" brunch Sept. 1. http://www.kitkatchicago.com

Cat Cora Back-to-School Easy Recipes

Celebrity chef and mother of four Cat Cora's Kitchen by Gaea's Olive Oil gives the 1-2-3's of quick and easy back-to-school recipes including feta and olive oil cupcakes, Greek style nachos (pictured) and crispy baked fishsticks with honey mustard dipping sauce. http://www.gaeaus.com

• ½ Cup Roasted Red Peppers
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic (Minced)
• Pinch Kosher Salt
• 1 ½ Teaspoon Fresh Oregano (Minced)
• 1 ½ Teaspoon Cat Cora’s Kitchen by Gaea Sitia, Crete or Kalamata D.O.P. Greek extra virgin olive oil
• 12 Ounce Pita Chips
• 2 Cup Pepper Jack Cheese (Shredded)
• 8 Ounce Mild Feta Cheese (Crumbled)
• ½ Cup Cat Cora’s Kitchen by Gaea Green Greek Olives (Pitted and Sliced)
• ¼ Cup Cat Cora’s Kitchen by Gaea Kalamata Olives (Pitted and Sliced)
• ½ Cup Cherry Tomatoes (Quartered)
• ½ Cup Non-fat Greek-style Yogurt