friday10
Dennis Zulanis from the Oregon-based Rogue Brewery will discuss and offer samples of a selection of beers. 6-9 PM, West Lakeview Liquors, 2156 W. Addison, 773-525-1916, free.
saturday11
Kuma’s Corner celebrates its fourth anniversary with a block party featuring free hot dogs and brats and music by Baroness, Lionize, U.S. Brass, the Paul Green School of Rock All-Stars, and Clutch (Kuma’s has a four-cheese burger named in honor of the band). Noon, Francisco between Belmont and Elston, 773-604-8769, free.
AleFest features 200 beers from more than 80 breweries, including Lagunitas, Two Brothers, Piece, Left Hand, and Flossmoor Station, plus an exhibit by the Siebel Institute on the science behind brewing. Some of the proceeds benefit the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. Admission includes 20 samples. 21+. 2-6 PM, Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus, 937-623-2337, $40, $10 designated drivers.
Slow Food Chicago hosts a tour of food on Argyle, starting at Tank Noodle and covering everything “from pho to French pastries.” 9:30 AM-noon, 4955 N. Broadway, 773-878-2253, $20, $15 Slow Food members.
sunday12
Taste Food and Wine’s annual Bastille Day celebration offers French wine, champagne, beer, and cheese, plus absinthe and live music. 3-6 PM, 1506 W. Jarvis, 773-761-3663, $30, $25 in advance.
monday13
Halsted Tastes Better has a Bastille Day theme this year, with participating restaurants–including Minibar, Chicago Diner, Firefly, and Kit Kat Lounge–serving twists on French dishes. The annual “waitperson’s race” will return this year, and the Erin McDougald Quintet performs French and American jazz. 6-9 PM, Aldine and Halsted, $30, $25 in advance.
wednesday15
Pastry chef Richard Cusick teaches a class on frozen desserts, including homemade ice cream, Italian granitas, and layered ice cream parfaits. 6-8 PM, Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy, 600 W. Chicago, suite 860, 866-443-0437, $45.