Weekend Beat: Sweetest Eats

It's been said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but the truth is, the ladies like to eat too. So with that wonderful Hallmark holiday Sweetest Day on tap this weekend, the 312 Dining Diva has some ideas to get your grub on and save a few bucks at the same time.

THURSDAY
A little Spanish flavor goes a long way at Eivissa, where you can enjoy half-price tapas (4-6pm), $5 caipirinhas and $3 mojitos every Thursday. Bonus: Live Latin band, too! 4pm-2am.

FRIDAY
Around the Coyote Fall Arts Festival returns to Bucktown—where it belongs. The three-day fest kicks off with an opening party tonight at Blu Coral Sushi for free appetizers and $2 domestic/$3 imported beer in the lounge. $20 for a weekend pass.

SATURDAY
Gold Coast gem Le Colonial offers an amazing prix fixe menu Saturday for $50 per person. You'll get an appetizer, entrée, dessert and glass of cava.

And those looking for late-night cocktails should head to Perennial's picturesque corner lounge in Lincoln Park. Just sink into one of the many colorful sofas and indulge in a tasty B2, made with Basil's Hayden bourbon, basil-infused simple syrup and a touch of orange bitters.

SUNDAY
Those heading over to Around the Coyote Fall Arts Festival should first hit up Francesca's Forno for brunch. You'll find a number of breakfast classics tweaked with Italian accents, including Truffled Egg Toast, a house-cured pancetta with coddled yolk, fontina cheese and mixed greens from northern Italy. The Italian-born chef, Massimo Salatino, has managed to include favorite dishes from every region in Italy. 10am-3pm.

MONDAY
Today kicks off Rioja Wine Week, and Nacional 27 gets in the mix with a number of events happening through Oct. 24. They're doing paella pairings (Suckling Pig and Roast Organic Chicken Paella!), vibrant rioja-based sangrias, wine flights and other deals throughout the week.

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.

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