EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Foodie and beer enthusiast haunt The Publican's now serving an early evening menu until 5:30 p.m., so even latecomers can grub on popular dishes like farm chicken with summer sausage and frites ($21) and lamb pastrami bahn mi ($10) with pickled daikon radish, carrots, mint, cilantro and spicy aioli. Available 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday
837 W. Fulton Market, at Green; Fulton Market; 312-733-9555
SURF & TURF REDEFINED: You know not to expect the ordinary from the Violet Hour, and a "surf & turf" dinner hosted by the Wicker Park nightclub at the LUSH Wine & Spirits South Loop location is no exception. In this case, the "surf" is steamed mussels, and the "turf" refers to roasted goat, served along with plantains and corn. The feast will be accompanied by selections from Forlorn Hope Winery from Napa Valley. 6:30-9:30 p.m., $15
1257 S. Halsted St., at Roosevelt; South Loop; 312-738-1900
THE JAZZ MAN: Guitarist Jeff Parker of Tortoise fame is getting psyched for this weekend's Chicago Jazz Fest, just like the rest of us. He'll be playing a set with his jazz-infused Jeff Parker Organ Quartet at the Green Mill for a special Jazz Fest preview show tonight. 9 p.m.-1 a.m., $6
4802 N. Broadway Ave., at Lawrence; Uptown; 773-878-5552
Bored at work? Got a tip? No really, bored at work? Send your suggestions for evening activities to Wendy Wollenberg at nightlifemaven@gmail.com
