Thursday from 5:30 to 8 PM, Texas de Brazil hosts a fund-raiser for Imerman Angels. The $25 admission includes appetizers and two drinks (beer, wine, or caipirinhas).
Seasons executive chef Kevin Hickey, a White Sox fan, and Naha’s Beard-award-winning Carrie Nahabedian, a Cubs fan, go head-to-head Iron Chef-style in the Crosstown Culinary Classic Friday at 6 PM at the Four Seasons. They’ll prepare four courses of jazzed-up ballpark fare; there are also live and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit Common Threads, a nonprofit that educates children on the importance of nutrition and physical well-being. $250.
Friday from 6 to 9 PM at West Lakeview Liquors, PJ Fisher of Goose Island Beer Co. will sample out the reserve series of beers, including Pere Jaques, Matilda, Imperial IPA, and Bourbon County Stout. Free.
Whole Foods in the South Loop hosts a Local Vendor Fair with representatives from approximately 20 midwestern food producers Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. In addition to free samples, browsers can pick up recipes and cooking tips for Jersey Mary barbecue and baking sauces, Upton’s Naturals vegetarian meat alternatives, and Papa Lena’s Healthy Foods; try wine and caramel pairings from Das Caramelini; and hear a talk on the health and environmental benefits of grass-fed beef.
Craig Priebe signs Grilled Pizzas and Piadinas Saturday at 1 PM at the Book Stall at Chestnut Court; there’ll be samples as well.
Saturday from 5 to 8 PM, Lush Wine and Spirits in University Village (1257 S. Halsted, 312-738-1900) opens its new beer garden with a release party for the Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence XI Anniversary Ale. There’ll be free samples of the beer and grilled brats for around $2 each.
From Sunday through Thursday, Geja’s Cafe, the intimate fondue-and-flamenco joint that claims to be the “most romantic restaurant” in town, will take 43 percent off your bill to mark its 43rd anniversary. Reservations highly recommended.
Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, Just Grapes’ fourth annual Grill-Out adds burgers, brats, and other grilled items to its monthly wine tasting, which this month will feature good wines to pair with grilled food. There’ll be 35 for sampling, from sparkling shiraz to grenache. $45.