Solstice Communications

It may not feel like it, but spring is on its way—we hope! Katherine Anne Confections, Sandwich Me In, Cage + Aquarium and the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance have some great events planned this month to get you into the spring spirit! Ring in the new season with everything from tasty truffles to a wedding event.

Celebrate April with the fun events listed below!

Themed Public Nights with C+A Publik

Every Thursday in April

starting at 10:00 p.m.

C+A Publik, a division of Cage + Aquarium, the premier event deejay, photography and live music service in Chicago, is excited to host a month of events! For the month of April, Cage & Aquarium’s staff will be hosting music events at Jerry’s every Thursday to showcase some great free music nights!

The full April schedule is….

Thursday, April 4 - Tighten Up! – An ode to funk and soul with DJs Tyler Huffman and Limbs

Thursday, April 11 - Guilty Pleasures – A mix of C+A’s favorite “cheese” (often from the 80s and 90s) with DJs Demchuk and Lecks

Thursday, April 18 - 1UP – 80s jams popular and obscure selected by DJs Tyler Huffman and Bloodshot Scott
Thursday, April 25 – ’93 Til – Golden Era of hiphop with DJs ShAde and Limbs

For more information, visit the Facebook event page!

Jerry’s

1938 W. Division St.

Chicago, IL

Springtime Truffle Making Parties with Katherine Anne Confections

Friday, April 5

6:30 p.m.                                

-Or-

Saturday, April 27

4 p.m.

Spring is in the air—well, maybe not yet, but we can pretend! Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista of Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier, will be hosting two Truffle Making Parties in April—perfect timing to make delicious treats for Spring! Katherine opens her kitchen and recipe book to the public as she demystifies the art of making truffles. To celebrate the changing season, Katherine will be incorporating traditional spring-time flavors into the truffles.

$50, includes wine, light appetizers and truffles! Reservations are required and space is limited, so sign up today! http://www.katherine-anne.com/parties

Katherine Anne Confections

2745 W. Armitage

Chicago, IL 60647

Earth Day Event at Sandwich Me In

Sunday, April 21

11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Sandwich Me In, a sustainable sandwich-focused restaurant in the Lakeview neighborhood, is excited to host an Earth Day event! For an entire day, Sandwich Me In will be hosting educational discussions with farmers, chefs and green folks, as well as fun activities for kids!

This event is focused on sustainability and educating the community. It is a great opportunity for Chicagoans to snack on delicious food while learning how to reduce their carbon footprint.

Food and beverage samples, live music and face painting will take place all day. For the complete schedule, click here.

Sandwich Me In

3037 N Clark St.

Chicago, IL

773-250-0286

The Green Wedding Recyclery

Brought To You By The Chicago Green Wedding Alliance

Sunday, April 28, 2013

11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The Chicago Green Wedding Alliance, a group of wedding vendors dedicated to sustainability and building green events, is excited to host a Wedding Recyclery for brides and vendors to recycle and sell wedding goods at Loft on Lake!

The Green Wedding Recyclery is a collection of wedding items from recently-wed couples and wedding vendors. Slightly used and vintage wedding items—from Mason jars, to vases, to dresses, to jewelry and more—will be available for brides, grooms and vendors to peruse and buy. This is a great opportunity to save money, reuse stuff and save the world (or at least create a little less waste!)

Chicago Green Wedding Alliance members will also be on hand to give tips about building a green wedding & how to create the wedding of your dreams while maintaining a dedication to sustainability. There will be a concession stand, a DJ & more wedding fun!

$5 suggested donation to benefit the Resource Center

Loft on Lake

1366 W. Lake St

Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 738-2437

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Katherine Anne Confections, The Big O and Bread & Wine have some great gift ideas, events & date nights planned to make the holiday easy for you! These events (including the perfect way to give your Valentine The Big O!) are a sure way to have a fun-filled February!

February is definitely the month of love, so fall in love with everything from mouth-watering truffles to dynamic dishes for dinner at the tasty events listed below!

Give Your Valentine What They Really Want for Valentine’s Day:

The Big O…Truffle!

at Katherine Anne Confections

Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier, has teamed up with The Big O, a hand-crafted ginger liqueur made in the Midwest, to create an amazing Valentine’s Day truffle, The Big O! These delightfully rich and complex truffles combine the complex flavors present in The Big O with honey, fresh ginger, Illinois Sparkling champagne and then bathing the ganache in bittersweet chocolate and capped with a miniature white chocolate heart. The Big O truffle has a tangy, toasty nuance that will be sure to give any Valentine the satisfaction of The Big O. Available starting today for $3 each.

Katherine Anne Confections

2745 W. Armitage

Chicago, IL 60647

A Week Of Love & Chocolate 

At Katherine Anne Confections

Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier, is celebrating Valentine’s Day with several events starting on Saturday, February 9 through Thursday, February 14! Join Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista, and other Chicago vendors for “A Week of Love and Chocolate” at the Katherine Anne Confections Confiserie. This is the perfect opportunity to support local artisans on this special holiday!                         

The Schedule:

February 9^th from 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Handmade cards from Fixin’ It Up Handmade Card Creations will available for purchase at the Confiserie plus a calligrapher will be on hand to write complimentary love notes for that special someone!

February 10^th from 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Illinois Sparkling, Co. will be pouring up complimentary bubbly samples. Stop in & sip on champagne while picking out the perfect truffles, caramels & marshmallows for your loved one!

February 13^th Valentine’s Day Truffle Making Party with Champagne from 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a bubbly truffle-making party! As part of the week of celebrations, Katherine Anne Confections’ Confiserie will be hosting an evening of chocolate—perfect timing for delicious, love-infused treats! Katherine opens her kitchen and recipe book to the public as she demystifies the art of making truffles. This is the perfect opportunity to create delicious treats to share with your significant other (or not!).

The party starts off with appetizers, champagne and socializing. Attendees sample the chocolates, discuss pairings and taste ingredients before moving on to designing flavors and creating ganache. Participants will create classic hand-rolled truffles with Katherine’s guidance—in addition, she will share tips and tricks for designing the perfect truffle. Those who attend will create, design, melt, chill, scoop and roll truffles to completion. Each participant will leave with a sampling of the truffles created that day.

Champagne and small bites will also be served. The cost is $60 per person & reservations are required. For tickets & more information, click here http://www.katherine-anne.com/parties.

February 14^th from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Free samples of champagne will be available all day for customers! Last-minute gift-buyers can peruse the delicious treats for the perfect gift while sipping on some complimentary bubbly. Your honey will forgive you if it takes a bit longer!

Katherine Anne Confections

2745 W. Armitage

Chicago, IL 60647

Valentine’s Day Made Easy

With Bread & Wine

Bread & Wine, the neighborhood American bistro, wine bar and market on Chicago’s

Northwest Side, is excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Chef Curtis will bring in a

whole lamb from Catalpa Grove Farm to create some amazing specials for this

Valentine’s Day celebration. Some of the Valentine’s Day specials include:

Lamb shoulder rillet, pickled turnip, yogurt. 14

Lamb loin wrapped in lamb belly, white bean puree, ash cracker, braised leeks, romesco. 25

Each couple will be able to choose from three specials (the third TBA) or order from the regular menu and receive a shared amuse bouche at the beginning of the meal. There is no cover charge for this evening and all regular menu items will be available. Reservations are recommended! 

Thursday, February 14 (kitchen will close at 9:30, the bar will stay open)

Bread & Wine

3732 W. Irving Park Rd

Chicago, IL

It’s that time of year again…holiday lights, frost on the windows…oh, and don’t forget great food, beer & chocolate events! It’s a busy season, but there are a few things you definitely won’t want to miss!

Here are a few December events with SmallBar Division, Katherine Anne Confections, Oskar Blues Brewery, Bread & Wine and The Scrumptious Pantry that are sure to get anyone (even the Grinch!) into the holiday spirit.

MONDAYS AT BREAD & WINE

Every Monday

Every Monday, Chef Curtis Gamble will be selecting six pieces of the highly-lauded housemade charcuterie and cheese for only $20! (normally priced at $28)

Bread & Wine

3732 W. Irving Park Rd

Chicago, IL

December Chef Collaboration at Katherine Anne Confections

December 3^rd-the month of December

The recently-opened Katherine Anne Confections confiserie is excited to continue its monthly chef collaborations! Katherine is creating a limited-edition collaboration truffle with a different Chicago chef every month with proceeds benefitting a charity of the chef’s choice.

For the month of December, Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista, has partnered with Heather Terhune of Sable to create the Buttered Rum truffle. The truffle has been created using bittersweet and milk chocolate, brown butter, dark rum, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and orange bathed in delicious, rich Katherine Anne Confections’ ganache.

Proceeds will benefit Common Threads. This truffle will be available beginning December 3^rd through the month of December or while supplies last!

Upcoming collaborations include Leonard Hollander from Marion Street Cheese Market and more to come…

Make Your Own Truffles at Katherine Anne Confections!

Wednesday, December 5

6:30 p.m.

Get into the holiday spirit with an evening of chocolate! Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista of Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier, will be hosting a December Truffle Making Party—perfect timing for delicious, holiday-flavored treats! Katherine opens her kitchen and recipe book to the public as she demystifies the art of making truffles. Come into Katherine’s kitchen and warm up in the most delicious way possible!

The party starts off with appetizers, wine and socializing. Attendees sample the chocolates, discuss pairings and taste ingredients before moving on to designing flavors and creating ganache. Teams of 3-5 people will create classic hand-rolled truffles with Katherine’s guidance—in addition, she will share tips and tricks for designing the perfect truffle. Those who attend will create, design, melt, chill, scoop and roll truffles to completion. Each attendee will leave with a sampling of the four truffles created that day.

The price is $50 and includes wine, light appetizers and truffles! Reservations are required and space is limited, so sign up today! http://www.katherine-anne.com/parties

Katherine Anne Confections

2745 W. Armitage

Chicago, IL 60647

HEIRLOOM CLASS AT THE SCRUMPTIOUS PANTRY

Thursday, December 6

6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

The Scrumptious Pantry, the heirloom-focused gourmet food company, continues the “Heirloom 2.0” event series, designed to teach traditional food values and skills to urban dwellers and beyond. The Scrumptious Pantry founder Lee Greene will discuss what to look for in produce, the basic steps in the canning process, how to ensure food safety, plus some of Lee’s favorite heirloom recipes that are perfect for the holidays. Home canned foods are great stocking stuffers and hostess gifts for the upcoming holiday season, so this intro will focus on the basics. To sign up for this class, click here. The class costs $20 each, feature a specialized professional teacher and include refreshments and light snacks.

The Scrumptious Pantry

3230 W. Fullerton

Chicago, IL 60647

OSKAR BLUES CASK TAPPING

Friday, December 7

7:00 p.m.

SmallBar Division is celebrating the holiday season with a special Oskar Blues Cask Tapping event! Smiddy, a stout made from the second running of the grain used to make the Oskar Blues Imperial Stout, Ten FIDY, will be on cask. A keg of Ten FIDY will also be tapped for a side-by-side comparison.

In addition, Chef Justin White has created a special Shepherds Pie with Stout Gravy to feature at the event. The stout gravy is made from Ten FIDY, last seen at the 3Floyds Beer Brunch over a year ago!

For more information, visit the Facebook invite page: https://www.facebook.com/events/393253687421016/

There is no cover charge for this event and the beer is available for purchase and consumption at SmallBar.

SmallBar Division

2049 W. Division St.

Chicago, IL

773-772-2727

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT SMALLBAR DIVISION

Monday, December 31

8:00 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Sit Down: SmallBar Division is offering 30 seats for New Year’s Eve reservations. $100 a person gets guests a guarenteed seat for SIT DOWN at 8:00 p.m. for a celebratory three-course dinner with full drink pairings & one bottle of complimentary bubbly per couple. Reservations are required. Email smallbar.chicago@gmail.com or call 773-772-2727. Tickets can also be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/300441

New Year’s Even Git Down: At 10:00 p.m., SmallBar Division will open the doors wide open for the annual no cover, no reservations GIT DOWN with DJ Intel and DJ Pickel of The Comeups. First come, first served!

SmallBar Division

2049 W. Division

Chicago, IL

NEW YEAR’S DAY AT SMALLBAR DIVISION

Tuesday, January 1

12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

New Year’s Day Hangover Brunch: Cure what ails you! SmallBar Division will be open at noon with the full brunch menu served until 4:00 p.m. Plus: bloody marys and mimosas will be available to help you get back on your feet for 2013.

SmallBar Division

2049 W. Division

Chicago, IL

Summer is in full swing—and this Chicago weather is not letting us forget it! The end-of-summer months are filled with great beer, food and chocolate events from SmallBar Division, Oskar Blues, Bread & Wine and Katherine Anne Confections!

From a new confectionary storefront to a beer dinner with a new Colorado-based brewery, these events are sure to end the summer with a bang! See below for more details.

Hopothesis Tapping At Smallbar Division

Thursday, August 9

6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

SmallBar Division is excited to welcome Chicago’s newest brewery, Hopothesis Beer Company, with a tap event featuring $5 pints of its debut I.P.A. The brewer/owner will be on hand to talk about his experiences getting this beer company up and running and, of course, talk about beer!

SmallBar Division
2049 West Division

Chicago, IL

5^th Quarter Nights at Bread & Wine

Every Monday

5:00 p.m.

Monday evenings at Bread & Wine, the new neighborhood American bistro, wine bar and market on Chicago’s Northwest Side, are “5^th Quarter Nights,” meaning Chef Curtis Gamble will focus on less utilized sections of animals called “offal,” which are not part of the most commonly utilized four animal quarters. Chef Gamble will create delicious menu items using sweetbreads, liver, tail, marrowbone, hearts and much more. To mix it up, the special menu will be carefully paired with select bourbon and beer (instead of wine!) The regular dinner menu will also be available.

Also on Monday evenings, Bread & Wine is will show their love for those in the restaurant industry by offering a 10% discount to industry folks.

Bread & Wine

3732 W. Irving Park Rd

Chicago, IL

Oskar Blues Beer Dinner at SmallBar Division

Wednesday, August 22

7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

SmallBar Division is extremely excited to welcome Oskar Blues, a Colorado-based brewery, to Chicago with a five course beer dinner! The evening will kick off with a some delicious beer from Oskar Blues followed by a meal specially designed by Chef Justin White. Each course will be paired with an awesome beer from Oskar Blues, which known for their craft beer in a can. This is one of the first opportunities to taste this beer in Chicago. The full menu will be available soon.

$60 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call SmallBar at 773-772-2727 or email at smallbar.chicago@gmail.com

SmallBar Division

2049 W. Division

Chicago, IL

Farmer Dinner to Benefit Slow Food at Bread & Wine

Wednesday, September 12

7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Bread & Wine, the neighborhood American bistro, wine bar and market on Chicago’s Northwest Side, is excited to partner with Slow Food Chicago for a delicious Farmer Dinner! As with all of the dishes at Bread & Wine, Chef Curtis Gamble has created the menu focusing on farm-to-table fare. Guests can choose to add optional pairings and enjoy amazing craft beer from St. Louis, MO based Perennial Brewery, which has been carefully selected to enhance the food.

In addition to a delicious meal and pairings, guests also get to meet Marty from Spence Farms for some background on the farm and its practices.

A portion of the ticket price goes to benefit Slow Food Chicago, an organization dedicated to creating dramatic and lasting change in the local food system to ensure equity, sustainability and pleasure in the food we eat.

Admission is $55 without pairings, $80 with pairings. RSVP by September 11 to info@breadandwinechicago.com

Bread & Wine

3732 W. Irving Park Rd

Chicago, IL

Katherine Anne Confections To Open Confectionary Storefront

Thursday, September 13

11:00 a.m.

Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier known for its decadent truffles, caramels and marshmallows, will open an artisan-style café/storefront in its current Logan Square space on September 13, 2012. Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista, will be selling her company’s delicious treats and offering more flavors more often. To add to the storefront experience, Katherine Anne Confections will be partnering with various local Chicago vendors to bring customers locally roasted coffee, teas and French-inspired pastries.

While the delicious confections will be available to go, guests will also be able to enjoy, sit back and relax with a freshly brewed cup of French-press coffee in the 14-person seating area. The tabletops, countertops, etc. will all be built with reclaimed wood, emphasizing Katherine’s dedication to sustainability. The café décor will be a rotating display featuring various local artists. Rich, truffle hot chocolate will also be among the offerings, which will allow guests to select their favorite Katherine Anne truffle or caramel to drop into the hot chocolate.

Katherine Anne Confections

2745 W. Armitage Ave.

Chicago, IL

Summer in a busy time, but there are a few events that you won’t want to miss! Katherine Anne Confections is hosting a preview party with delicious truffles, caramels and marshmallows, while SmallBar Division is having a tap party with amazing craft beers! See below for more details. Enjoy!

TRUFFLE & CARAMEL & MARSHMALLOW PREVIEW PARTY WITH

KATHERINE ANNE CONFECTIONS

Thursday, July 26

5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Truffles & caramels & marshmallows, oh my! Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista of Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier, is in her kitchen, despite the Chicago heat, creating delicious summer flavors and is excited to host a Preview Party with August flavors of mouth-watering truffles, caramels and marshmallows! During the summer, Katherine Anne Confections makes a new truffle and caramel every week! Be among the first to preview and indulge in nine new limited-edition, un-launched truffles, caramels and marshmallows to be released at the weekly farmers markets in August.

Wine flows freely as attendees enjoy an evening of food and fun, including delicious bites from FIG Catering. Get into Katherine’s kitchen to celebrate summer in the most delicious way possible!

PREVIEW LIST:

Plum Ginger Truffle: semisweet and bittersweet chocolate, roasted market plums, fresh grated ginger.
Cilantro Lime Sweet Corn Truffle: white chocolate, local sweet corn, fresh squeezed lime, homegrown cilantro, blue tortilla chip.
Blueberry Coriander Truffle: white chocolate, market blueberries, coriander, dried blueberry.
Lemoncello Truffle: bittersweet chocolate, lemoncello, lemon zest.
Goat Milk Caramel: honey caramel made with goat milk.
Cherry Rosemary Caramel: classic caramel infused with homegrown rosemary and market cherries.
Raspberry Fleur de Sel Caramel: honey caramel made with local raspberries, dipped in bittersweet chocolate, garnished with cayenne sea salt.
White Wine Caramel: classic caramel made with white wine.

Arnold Palmer Marshmallow: locally blended black tea, lemon.

$25, includes an evening of food and fun

Space is limited and truffles are made to order, so reserve your spot today!

Limited quantities of confections will be available for purchase that evening and you will be able to pre-order treats for future weeks.

Katherine Anne Confections

2745 W. Armitage

Chicago, IL 60647

THREE FLOYDS ZOMBIE DUST PARTY

AT SMALLBAR DIVISION

Thursday, July 26

6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

SmallBar Division has been quietly waiting for the intense Zombie Dust from Three Floyds Brewing to come back around and the time has come! To celebrate, SmallBar Division is going to tap Zombie Dust along with a bunch of other fun Three Floyds brews. The draft list is below.

DRAFT LIST (get more info on the beers here):
Zombie Dust
Artic Panzer Wolf
Ham on Rye
Dreadnaught
Hell’s Black Intelligencer

SmallBar Division
2049 West Division

Chicago, IL

This hot July weather is getting the best of us all! Beat the heat with this great event with Katherine Anne Confections! This chocolate and cocktails party (what a great combo!) will help distract you from the 100-degree weather and focus your mind on something delicious—chocolate and cocktails!

Chocolate and Cocktails with Katherine Anne Confections and North Shore Distillery

Summer is here and what better way to celebrate than with chocolate and cocktails? Katherine Anne Confections and North Shore Distillery are teaming up for TWO delicious events—Chocolate & Cocktails Chicago and Chocolate & Cocktails Lake Bluff. These events will be evenings of handcrafted cocktails and artisan truffles, caramels and marshmallows.

Chocolate & Cocktails Chicago will kick off with a welcome cocktail and a chance to mix and mingle. Next, enjoy five mini-cocktails perfectly paired with five decadent treats from Katherine Anne Confections. Savory light bites will also be available.

At Chocolate & Cocktails Lake Bluff guests will enjoy five mini-cocktails perfectly paired with five decadent treats from Katherine Anne Confections or can purchase full sized cocktails ala carte.

Chocolate & Cocktails Chicago at Katherine Anne Confections:

Friday, July 20

6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Katherine Anne Confections

2745 W. Armitage Ave.

Chicago, IL 60647

Ticketed Event: $35 per person, includes a welcome cocktail, light bites and five mini-cocktails paired with five treats. Buy your ticket online at http://www.katherine-anne.com/parties.

Chocolate & Cocktails Lake Bluff at North Shore Distillery:

Saturday, July 21

5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

North Shore Distillery

28913 Herky Dr. #308

Lake Bluff, IL 60044

$30 per person, includes five mini-cocktails paired with five treats. Advanced reservations required. To make reservations, contact North Shore Distillery at tours@northshoredistillery.com or 847-574-2499.

-OR-

Open House Style: Stop by at try a single pairing in full size for $10 each (no reservation required).

The mouth-watering pairings are listed below.
Welcome Cocktail: Chamomile Gimlet – Sol Chamomile Citrus, Fresh Lime, Honey

Cocktail: Rhubarb Fizz – Distiller’s Gin No. 6, Rhubarb Simple Syrup, Fresh Lime and soda

Treat: Strawberry Lime Truffle (dark chocolate)

Cocktail: Sol 76 – Sol Chamomile Citrus Vodka, fresh lemon and sparkling wine

Treat: Orange Ginger Marshmallow

Cocktail: Spiced Pear Fizz – Aquavit – Private Reserve, pear, amaro, soda

Treat: Goat Cheese Pear Walnut Truffle (white chocolate)

Cocktail: Summer in France – North Shore Vodka, blackberry preserves, St. Germain, fresh lemon.

Treat: Blackberry St. Germain Truffle (milk chocolate)

Cocktail: Orange Cinnamon Flip – Distiller’s Gin No. 11, Orange Curaçao, Fresh Orange Juice, Honey, Egg

Treat: Coffee Hazelnut Truffle (dark)

It’s June…which means summer is not far away and the weather is starting to get warm! Bread & Wine, Katherine Anne Confections, Vinejoy and Purple Asparagus all have great food, chocolate, wine or kid events planned to help you get in the summer mood. From a kids’ healthy cooking class to the launch of a delicious brunch menu, these events will definitely get you into the right spirit!

Celebrate the new season with these delicious June events listed below!

Kids’ Cooking Class with Purple Asparagus

Sunday, June 10

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Melissa Graham, Head Spear of Purple Asparagus, the non-profit that educates children, families and the community about eating that’s good for the body and the planet, will teach a class for kids in the Lifestyle Center of Whole Foods South Loop. Children who attend will leave with a new found love of a healthy food and hands-on cooking experience. This event is for children ages 6-12.

Cost is $5 for children ages 6-12. Space is limited. Register here or at Customer Service at Whole Foods South Loop in advance.

Whole Foods South Loop
1101 South Canal Street #107

Chicago, IL 60607

June Truffle Making Parking with Katherine Anne Confections

Friday, June 15

6:30 p.m.

Summer is here! Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista of Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier, will be hosting a June Truffle Making Party—perfect timing for delicious, summer-flavored treats! Katherine opens her kitchen and recipe book to the public as she demystifies the art of making truffles. Come into Katherine’s kitchen to celebrate the arrival of the new season in the most delicious way possible! Those who attend will create, design, melt, chill, scoop and roll truffles to completion.

$50, includes wine, light appetizers and truffles! Reservations are required and space is limited, so sign up today! http://www.katherine-anne.com/parties.php

Katherine Anne Confections

2745 W. Armitage

Chicago, IL 60647

Bread & Wine Launches Brunch

Saturday, June 16 & Sunday, June 17

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

(and every Saturday and Sunday that follows)

Bread & Wine, the new neighborhood American bistro, wine bar and market on Chicago’s Northwest Side, is launching brunch on June 16 & 17—just in time for Father’s Day weekend! Guests will choose from many delicious brunch dishes courtesy of Chef Curtis Gamble. In addition to the classic brunch cocktails—Bloody Mary and Mimosa—the mixologists at Bread & Wine created two new cocktails to pair with the brunch dishes.

Brunch goers can enjoy their meal outside at Bread & Wine’s recently opened patio. Brunch will take place every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (Bread & Wine will close at 2:00 p.m. and reopen at 5:00 p.m. for dinner service). Reservations are recommended.

Bread & Wine

3732 W. Irving Park Rd.

Chicago, IL 60618

Potluck with Vinejoy and FIG

Monday, June 18

6:00 p.m.

The crews at Vinejoy and FIG decided to host a potluck during the week for those who can’t make it to Vinejoy’s typical Saturday night potlucks. They have teamed up and are excited to host an Industry Potluck with the theme JuneTeenth, a holiday commemorating the day that the slaves found out they were free. Attendees will bring African American food—both traditional and reinvented.

Visit the Facebook event page for more information.

FIG Catering

1850 S. Blue Island Ave.

Chicago, IL 60608

Tuesday Tasting Menu at Bread & Wine

Every Tuesday

5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Last but not least, don’t forget to stop into Bread & Wine on Tuesday’s for their Tuesday Tasting Menu! Check out their Facebook page for more details.

Bread & Wine

3732 W. Irving Park Rd.

Chicago, IL 60618

It’s your lucky month! Katherine Anne Confections, SmallBar, Vinejoy and Trinity Irish Dancers have great events all month that will be sure to get you into the spirit of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. The luck of the Irish is on your side with everything from tasty Irish truffles to performances by the world renowned Trinity Irish Dancers.

Celebrate March with the fun events listed below!

Trinity Irish Dancers Perform Around Chicago

March 9^th-March 24^th

It’s hard to believe, but St. Patrick’s Day is almost here! To celebrate the month of the Irish, the Trinity Irish Dancers, the Illinois-based, world-renowned children’s Irish dance company, celebrating its 30^th anniversary this St. Patrick’s Day, is performing public shows throughout Chicagoland. The Trinity Irish Dancers will be getting the city into the spirit of its favorite holiday—St. Patrick’s Day! The full schedule is below.

Trinity Irish Dancers St. Patrick’s Day Performances

March 9

11:00 a.m. Chicago Loop Alliance Lightscape Performances on State St.

8:30 p.m. Young Irish Fellowship Club’s Forever Green Party

March 10

7:30 p.m. St. Ignatius St. Pat’s Party

March 11

12:00 p.m. Northwest Side Irish Parade

March 12

7:30 p.m. Simsa na nGael

March 16

12:00 p.m. Daley Civic Center-Under the Picasso Program

4:30 p.m. Chicago Loop Alliance-Lightscape Performances on State St.

5:00 p.m. Durty Nellie’s

6:30 p.m.  The Irish Legend

8:30 p.m. Chief O’Neill’s

March 17

11:00 p.m. Tommy Nevins

11:15 a.m. The Kerry Piper

12:00 p.m. Downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Parade

2:00-4:00 p.m. Navy Pier Family Pavilion

2:30 p.m. Tommy Nevins

4:00 p.m. Mercy Home Shamrocks for Kids Party-Chicago Hilton

4:30 p.m. The Irish Legend

5:00 p.m. Chicago Irish American Heritage Center St. Pat’s Party

5:00 p.m. Mickey Finn’s St. Baldrick’s Party

6:00 p.m. Bourbon Street

6:00 p.m. Wild Goose Bar and Grill

6:30 p.m. Chief O’Neill’s

7:30 p.m. John Barleycorn-Schaumburg

9:00 p.m. Chief O’Neill’s

March 18

4:30 p.m. The Irish Legend

7:00 p.m. Chief O’Neill’s

St. Patrick’s Day Truffle Making Party with at Katherine Anne Confections

Wednesday, March 14

6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista of Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier, will be hosting a March Truffle Making Party—just in time to make delicious treats for St. Patrick’s Day! Katherine opens her kitchen and recipe book to the public as she demystifies the art of making truffles. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Katherine will be incorporating traditional Irish flavors into the truffles, such as Guinness, Baileys and corned beef (okay, maybe not corned beef!). This is the perfect (and delicious) opportunity to get into the Irish frame of mind and create Irish treats to share with your family and friends!

$50, includes wine, light appetizers and truffles! Reservations are required and space is limited, so sign up today! http://www.katherine-anne.com/parties.php

Katherine Anne Confections

2745 W. Armitage Ave.

Chicago, IL 60647

March Beer Brunch at SmallBar

Sunday, March 18

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

The Beer Brunch is back at SmallBar! In partnership with 5 Rabbit Brewery, SmallBar is excited to celebrate the month of March with a delicious menu paired with tasty beers from 5 Rabbit. SmallBar will offer a special menu designed by Chef Justin White to pair with unique brews from 5 Rabbit Brewery (see descriptions of the tasty beers here).

The pairings for March (available only March 18 at SmallBar Division) are listed below, the prices are for the entrees only:

Schnitzel Tinga Chilaquiles   12

thin, crispy Gunthorp chicken thighs and caper, honey, tomatillo salsa over fried corn chips, topped with house chorizo simmered in chipotle tinga sauce

Suggested Pairing: 5 Rabbit

An Influenced Goulash   13

slow roasted Gunthorp pork shoulder and cascabel pepper stew over coriander, lard braised cabbage and poached yucca with shaved jalapeno and breakfast radish

Suggested Pairing: 5 Lizards

Roast Poblano Pepper and Potato   14

stuffed with grilled brown gulf shrimp and munsterkase over golden potato latke with jicama, hibiscus and cane sugar salad

Suggested Pairing: Huitzi

Hoja Santa and Balsamic Grilled Quail    15

over tarragon perogi with chipolini onion beignet, poached quail egg and maple caramel jus

Suggested Pairing: Viday Muerte

Due to the popularity, reservations are strongly recommended. Contact SmallBar at smallbar.chicago@gmail.com to save your seat today!

SmallBar Division

2049 W. Division St.

Chicago, IL

Free Irish Dance Classes with Trinity Irish Dancers

March 10th-March 18th

Trinity Irish Dancers, a staple in the Chicago Irish dance community and beyond, is celebrating its 30th Anniversary by giving away 30 FREE dance classes (throughout Illinois and Wisconsin)! To Mark this milestone and in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Trinity Irish Dancers invites children to sample an Irish dance class at one of their many locations. Dancers will be with the award-winning teaching staff for an hour-long introductory class. Trinity parents and teachers will be on hand during classes to answer questions about the program.

Trinity invites boys and girls ages 3 ½ -12 to discover the basics of Irish dance, learning a few skills and steps set to Irish music—for FREE. No previous dance experience is necessary.

To register, visit http://www.trinityirishdancers.com/try-free-irish-dance-class and click on the location you are interested in to reserve your spot. For more information, call 877-326-2328 or email info@trinitydance.com.

Potluck with Vinejoy

Saturday, March 31

7:00 p.m.

Vinejoy, a wine company which provides Chicago with unique hand-crafted, story-filled wines, is excited to launch their 2012 Potluck Dinner Series with a potluck in March! Vinejoy’s Potluck Dinners are the ultimate party which invites diners to be part of the fun—and contribute to the menu!

The only way to receive an invitation to this and other Vinejoy events is by signing up for the Vinejoy newsletter (http://www.vinejoy.net/). Attendees are asked to bring a dish of their own design using the featured ingredient garlic.

Cost is $10 per person, space is limited to 20 people.

Located at the art studio of JC Steinbrunner in Ravenswood.

Valentine’s Day might be geared toward couples—but they aren’t the only ones who should enjoy the month of February! Katherine Anne Confections, Logan Square Kitchen and Vinejoy are making sure everyone—singles and couples of every description—have a fun-filled February with great food, chocolate, beer and wine events.

February is definitely the month of love, so fall in love with everything from mouth-watering truffles to unique, hand-crafted wines at the tasty events listed below!

12 Perfect Pairs at Katherine Anne Confections

Friday, February 10

5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista of Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier, is excited to host the unique tasting event, “12 Perfect Pairs”! Enjoy an evening of perfect pairings featuring six different Vinejoy wines, cheese-focused savory bites by FIG Catering, three awesome brews by Half Acre Beer and brand new truffles, caramels and marshmallows from Katherine Anne herself. There will be 12 carefully paired combinations for attendees to try…and try some more! All products will be available for purchase, so those delicious, flavorful experiences can be recreated at home.

Check the event Facebook page for a list of the mouth-watering creations: https://www.facebook.com/events/293950260653139/?notif_t=event_invite

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Buy your ticket online at http://www.katherine-anne.com/parties.

Katherine Anne Confections

2745 W. Armitage Ave.

Chicago, IL 60647

Valentine’s Day Pastry Market at Logan Square Kitchen

Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12

10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Logan Square Kitchen presents its 3^rd Annual Valentine’s Day Pastry Market—a delicious event that gives attendees a taste of some the best sustainable, small-batch, pastry, cake, ice cream, handmade confections and culinary gift items available in Chicago. Many of the artisans found here are not widely available outside the LSK and local Markets.

Attendees at this delectable event will discover amazing handmade pastries, candy, chocolate and more. This is the perfect chance to shop for your Valentine or linger around the kitchen and enjoy your own savory creation over a great coffee, warm cider or hand-crafted cocktail.

Among the artisans, you will see emerging talent next to the familiar faces that make Chicago a great food town. Vendors make unique creations for each Market.

For an up-to-date list of vendors, visit http://www.logansquarekitchen.com/events/lsk-presents

Tickets are $1 for adults and kids are free.

Logan Square Kitchen

2333 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Chicago, IL 60647

Valentine’s Day Truffle Making Party at Katherine Anne Confections

Sunday, February 12

2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista of Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier, will be hosting a February Truffle Making Party—just in time for Valentine’s Day! Katherine opens her kitchen and recipe book to the public as she demystifies the art of making truffles. Instead of buying your Valentine another box of chocolates, make this year something special by creating your own unique, delicious truffles!

Tickets are $50 and include wine, light appetizers and truffles! Reservations are required and space is limited, so sign up today! http://www.katherine-anne.com/parties.php

Katherine Anne Confections

2745 W. Armitage

Chicago, IL 60647

Already have a special someone? Celebrate at a unique wedding event presented by the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance. Details are below.

Wedding Event Presented by Chicago Green Wedding Alliance

 Sunday, February 26, 2012

12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Want to create a zero waste event? Committed but don’t fit into conventional molds? Looking for the fairy tale wedding with a twist? Don’t want to wear a dress? You both want to wear a dress? Want an amazing dress? LGBT? Straight? We have you covered…

The Chicago Green Wedding Alliance is excited to host Committed, an avant-garde, green wedding show housed at the newest eco-venue in Chicago, Greenhouse Loft. This isn’t your typical wedding show, as it will be geared towards committed couples—couples of any description—men + women, women + women, men + men. This wedding show will be dedicated to couples who are committed to each other, committed to the environment and committed to throwing the best party Chicago has ever seen.

The show consists exclusively of members of the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance, a thoughtful group of local Chicago vendors that make “being green” an important part of their business models. The Committed show will feature sustainable and organic food tastings, local beer, wine and cocktail demonstrations, wedding dress and tux models, DJs and bands, photographers, venues, invitation makers, salon nail and make-up demonstrations, sustainable and organic confections and cake samplings and much more.

For more information and a list of vendors, visit http://www.committedlovechicago.com/

Tickets for the show are $10 for singles and $15 for couples. To buy your tickets, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/217073

Greenhouse Loft

2545 W. Diversey

Chicago, IL

It’s that time of year again…holiday lights, snow on the ground…oh, and don’t forget great food and beer events! It’s a busy season, but there are a few things you definitely won’t want to miss!

Here are a few December events with SmallBar, City Provisions and Katherine Anne Confections that are sure to get anyone (even the Grinch!) into the holiday spirit:

Truffle Making Party at Katherine Anne Confections
Thursday, December 15th
6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Due to popular demand, Katherine Anne Confections has added another pre-holiday Truffle Making Party! This gives you another chance to learn how to make some delicious goodies for the holidays as Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista, opens her kitchen and recipe book to the public as she demystifies the art of making truffles. This is the perfect opportunity to learn how to make delicious truffles in time for the holidays—your friends and family won’t believe their taste buds!

The admission is $50, includes wine, light appetizers and truffles!

Reservations are required and space is limited, so sign up today! http://www.katherine-anne.com/parties.php

Katherine Anne Confections
2745 W. Armitage
Chicago, IL 60647

Holiday Tap Event at SmallBar
Friday, December16th
7:00 p.m.

SmallBar toasts the season with a Holiday Tap Event! Join SmallBar as they get into the holiday spirit and tap some of their favorite holiday beers! This is a great opportunity to taste some delicious holiday beers, try a craft cocktail off the recently launched winter cocktail menu and fill up on stellar dishes off the food menu (like the highly talked about fish sandwich!).

Join SmallBar at either location for a great selection of beers:

Fullerton Tap List:
The Bruery 4 Calling Birds
Great Divide Hibernation
N’Ice Chouffe
Great Lakes XMas
St Feuillien Cuvee de Noel
St Feuillien Christmas
Anderson Valley Winter Solstice

SmallBar Fullerton
1415 W. Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL

Division Tap List:
Avery Old Jubilation
Great Lakes XMas
3 Floyds Alpha Klaus
Ska Euphoria
Tyranena Sheep Shagger
Delirium Noel
Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti

SmallBar Division
2049 West Division
Chicago, IL

There is no cover charge for this event and the beer is available for purchase and consumption at SmallBar.

Tasting Event at City Provisions
Saturday, December 17th
3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

City Provisions is hosting a taste event with Distinctive Imports Wine and Sunny Lane Farms Jams.

City Provisions
1818 West Wilson
Chicago, IL
773.293.2489

There is no cover charge for this event.

Holiday Pop-Up with Katherine Anne Confections
Sunday, December 18th
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Katherine Duncan of Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier, will host her first-ever Holiday Artisan Pop-Up Food Market, “Season’s Eatings.” Get into the holiday spirit with local artisans from Scrumptious Pantry, Fig Catering, Ingram’s Jam & Bread and SenTeaMental Moods for a day of delicious holiday treats. These edible creations are not widely available—in fact, most of these delectable treats are made underground and only sold in select locations around the city!

With winter festivities in full swing, everyone has cookies, caramels, truffles, pies or hot chocolate on the brain (or all of the above!)—so, satisfy these cravings all at once at “Season’s Eatings.”

There will be samples available, as well as products to take away as gifts. The gifts you will find here will delight any foodie on your Christmas list! This is also a great opportunity to taste the brand new and highly anticipated marshmallow line from Katherine Anne Confections—which will be serving mini truffle hot chocolate shots paired with the new marshmallows.

Indulge in sweet and savory treats, sample new offerings from Chicago area artisans and finish your holiday shopping with gifts all created with local ingredients.

This is a free event. Also, be sure to check out the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=301389866545761

Katherine Anne Confections
2745 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647

Tasting Event with City Provisions
Tuesday, December 20th
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

City Provisions is hosting a taste event with Half Acre where you will have the chance to taste Big Hugs, an imperial stout.

City Provisions
1818 West Wilson
Chicago, IL
773.293.2489

There is no cover charge for this event.

Fresh Eggnog at City Provisions
Saturday, December 24th
City Provisions will close at noon, but is available for all your Christmas needs.

Some fresh eggnog made by Chef Cleetus Friedman himself is the perfect way to start your Christmas Eve!

New Year’s Eve Party at SmallBar
Saturday, December 31st

What better way celebrate the beginning of 2012 than with SmallBar? Enjoy delicious craft beer and housemade cocktails from the new winter cocktail menu, as you ring in the New Year at Lincoln Park and Division Street’s easiest NYE celebration! Enjoy food, beer & beats featuring great Chicago house music with a champagne toast at midnight!

21+. No Cover. No Reservations. First Come. First Served.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at either Smallbar location:

SmallBar Division
2049 W. Division
Chicago, IL

SmallBar Fullerton
1415 W. Fullerton
Chicago, IL

New Year’s Day Brunch at SmallBar
Sunday, January 1st
12:00 p.m.

After a crazy night welcoming the year 2012, cure your hangover with SmallBar on New Year’s Day with a delicious brunch! SmallBar will be open at noon with their full brunch menu, bloody marys and mimosas to help you get back on your feet for 2012.

There is no cover charge for this event.

Cure what ails you at either SmallBar location:

SmallBar Division
2049 W. Division
Chicago, IL

SmallBar Fullerton
1415 W. Fullerton
Chicago, IL