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

Sola's Peachy Keen Menu

Peach is the flavor of the month and Sola, 3868 N. Lincoln, celebrates the occasion with a three-course prix-fixe menu, available through Aug. 31; $30. Wine pairing available for an additional $15. http://www.sola-restaurant.com

Check, Please! Farm To Table Fest

A star-studded line up of chef's and mixologists step up to the plate for "Check, Please's" Second Annual Farm to Table Festival 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sept. 1 at the Round Barn Winery Estate in Baroda, Michigan. The day-long event features cooking and mixology demonstrations and a Q&A session with "Check, Please!" host Catherine De Orio. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor. http://www.checkpleasefestivals.com

The Florentine's Panini Flight

The Florentine, 151 W. Adams, is offering panini ($14)  and beer flights ($7) during lunch hours 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Aug. 31. http://www.e2hospitality.com

Jimmy Chicago Opens in The James

I had a chance to get a sneak peek earlier today of Jimmy, the retro lounge opening tonight (Aug. 16) in The James Hotel, 616 N. Rush. http://www.jameshotels.com

XA's New Offices

Talk about rooms with a view. Amanda Puck hosted an afternoon party Aug. 16 for friends and clients in XA, The Experiential Agency's new digs on the 29th floor of the John Hancock Building. I wore the right color (green) for the occasion because after seeing the view I was green with envy. http://www.expagency.com

Chef Rick Gresh enjoying the afternoon event

View from XA's office window

Amanda Puck has a reason to smile

Work never stops for XAers 

Chicago Air & Water Show

The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds return for the 55th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 17-18 at North Avenue Beach. The event is free. http://www.cityofchicago.org

Aeroshell

Taco Bell Launches Third Doritos Taco

Taco Bell launched the Fiery Doritos Locos Taco, the third in the Doritos series, exclusively in the Chicago area Aug. 15. The taco will be available nationwide Aug. 22. http://www.tacobell.com

Coppola Diamond Wine Recipes

Francis Ford Coppola Winery Diamond Collection Recipes. http://www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com

The Clarita

½ scoop lemon sorbet

¾ cup Black Label Diamond Collection Claret

Emerald '97

1.5 ounces Emerald Label Diamond Collection Pinot Grigio

1 ounce Melon Liqueur

1 ounce Lemonade

Fill with Club Soda over ice

Creme de Chardonnay
5 ounce Gold Label Diamond Collection Chardonnay
.5 ounce Creme de Cassis
Fresh Lemon Twist

Porkchop's Upcoming Events

Porkchop, 941 W. Randolph, whips up a special brunch for National Waffle Day Aug. 25, prices range from $9-$12. Items include the Fat Elvis (bacon waffle with peanut butter and whipped butter, $12. The restaurant partners with Goose Island Brewery for a bike giveaway 6-9 p.m. Aug. 29. Beginning 7 p.m. one raffle ticket will be given for each 312 Urban Wheat Ale pints purchased, $4. The prize: a 312 Sole Micklish bicycle.  http://www.chicagoporkchop.com

Drop's Air And Water Show Special

Drop, 1909 N. Lincoln, specialty drinks for the 55th Annual Air &b Water Show, Aug. 17-18, is the Hindenburg (Riesling dropped in Stiegl's grapefruit radler) and the Titantic (sparkling rose wine dropped in white wine sangria). Drinks are $9 each. Salute National Lemonade Day (Aug. 20) with homade vodka lemonades made with selections of Skyy vodkas, $5 a pint.  http://www.dropchicago.com

Sea Dog Adventure

Bring your dog aboard the Sea Dog Cruise Aug. 26 and enjoy a 30-minute spin around Lake Michigan for free. Without dog, $26.95. http://www.seadogcruises.com

Rascal Flatts in Tinley Park

Rascal Flatts' "Live & Loud" tour featuring the Band Perry and Cassadee Pope touches down 6 p.m. Aug. 17 at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland, Tinley Park. Tickets are $19.75-$71.95. http://www.livenation.com

Grand Marnier Limited Edition

Grand Marnier Collection No 2 Raspberry Peach arrives in September and stays around long enough to ring in the new year, $39.99. http://www.grand-marnier.com

Go Girl's Network Launch Party

Gallery Bar, 738 N. Clark, hosts a party for the launch of Go Girl Travel Network, an online resource and community for women travelers, 7 p.m. Aug. 15, $25; $30 at the door. http://www.gogirllaunchparty.eventbrite.com

Oceanique Celebrates Julia Child's 101th Birthday

Oceanique, 505 Main, Evanston, pays tribute to one of the most celebrated television chefs and French cookbook author Julia Childs Aug. 15-31 with an offering of wild Maine lobster with tropea onion, basil potatoes and yuzu saffron; $24. http://www.oceanique.com

Cantina Laredo Tequila Dinner

Chef Kennon Reed of Cantina Laredo, 508 N. State, creates a three-course dinner built around Corzo Tequila 7 p.m. Aug, 22; $49.99. http://www.cantinalaredo.com

Ruth's Chris' Hand-Crafted Cocktail Dinner

Ruth's Chris Steak House, participating locations, celebrates its New Orleans heritage with a hand-crafted cocktail dinner 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22 featuring drinks created with William Grant and Sons and Remy Cointreau USA brands. http://www.ruthschris.com

Butterfinger and Bart

The #WhoStoleBartsBar Van Tour stops in Chicago noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 9 at 7Eleven, 5457 N. Clark. http://www.bartsbutterfinger.com

National S'more Day

S'more, the pop culture treat that originated over a campfire, celebrates its National Day Aug. 10. Local restaurants, including Cucina Paradiso, 814 N. Oak Park (deconstructed s'more pictured), are offering special treats for the occasion. http://www.cucinaoakpark.com

Bakersfield Burger Bash

Chef Brian Wright of Bakersfield, 330 E. Ogden, Westmont, has a winning lineup of specialty burgers, available 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, that include Bonito, Royale (pictured), Bakersfield  and the Chef's specialty, which changes weekly. Burgers withhand-cut fries are $9. http://www.bakersfieldrestaurant.com

Zoovies at LPZ

"Zoolander" with Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller is the zoovie (movie of the month at the zoo) Aug. 13 at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2100 Cannon (rain date is Aug. 20). http://www.lpzoo.org

Northalsted Market Days

Wilson Phillips and KRose are among the acts performing during Northalsted Market days Aug. 10-11 on Halsted between Belmont and Addison. An $8 donation is suggested. http://www.northalsted.com

Bud Billiken Parade

The Chicago Defender Charities' 84th Bud Billiken Parade steps off 10 a.m. Aug. 10 at King and Oakwood top Garfield and Elsworth. Family activities follow at Washington Park. http://www.budbillikenparade.co