This weekend is a chance to try a new restaurant, remember why you love an old one so much or make a case as to why you're the ultimate chef. Here's the 312 Dining Diva's culiinary picks for the weekend.
THURSDAY
Hearty, the homey bistro from Stephen McDonagh and Dan Smith of Hearty Boys fame, debuts in Lakeview. We're looking forward to offbeat bites like rabbit corn dogs, lobster pot pie, and pork belly and beans. Yummy in that tummy!
FRIDAY
BIN 36 has been celebrating 10 years in business all year long, and this month's special is a doozy: jumbo shrimp and freshly shucked oysters for $2! And if you think that's awesome, wait until December -- the actual anniversary month -- when they unveil deals for $1. Cannot wait.
SATURDAY
A Sip for St. Ben's takes place in a pretty cool location. The wine-tasting party happens at Aquae Sulis showroom (2211 N. Elston St.). They've even gotten a sommelier from Scoozi! to answer your burning questions about wine. The party raises scholarship money for St. Benedict High School. 7-10pm. $50.
SUNDAY
If you think your chili's the bomb, enter it in the annual Chili Cook-Off happening at Sheffield's. The winner gets a $200 Sheffield's gift card, but even if you don't compete you still win because you'll get to taste them all, plus chow down from a buffet of quesadillas, pork sliders, tater tots and more. 2-5pm. $15 ticket includes food and two beer tickets (three beer tickets for contestants).
MONDAY
And cast members from Young Frankenstein will perform during Monday Night Live at Petterino's. If I were you I'd get there early because the open-mic event is usually pretty crowded, but they're expecting an especially large turnout tonight. Starts at 7:30pm. $15 per person dining minimum.
Audarshia Townsend is the creator of the local food blog 312DiningDiva.com. She also provides content for Dining Chicago, Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine, Playboy.com and Concierge Preferred.
