Like authentic Italian food and the wine that goes with it? On the last Wednesday of every month, Quartino hosts a “Wine Bash” where they offer tastings of featured regional vintages for $20. This coming Wednesday, March 27 from 7-9 p.m., Quartino will feature wines from the Puglia region paired with some signature snacks like pizza and Italian meats and cheeses tapas-style. Guests will also be permitted to purchase bottles to take home for $10 per bottle. The full bar and emphasis on sharing small plates makes Quartino a great place for a group of friends to unwind. No reservations accepted. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. at the door for the Wine Bash.
Quartino
626 N. State Street
Five-year anniversary party at the Fifty/50
The Fifty/50 sports bar and restaurant wants you to help them celebrate their fifth anniversary by indulging in their new menu and craft beer selection on Wednesday, March 20 from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. New additions include local brewery Revolution (cans), national heavyweights like Dogfish Head and Lagunitas (bottles), as well as four rotating draft beers. Transforming traditional bar fare into something a bit more unique, the Fifty/50 offers items like a bison burger with whipped cheddar cheese, sautéed mushrooms, pickled red wine onions and peppers alongside other plates like Asian duck salad or fried pickles. The anniversary party specials include:
*Grey Goose Cherry Noir vodka cocktail reception from 8 p.m.-9 p.m.
*$5 Grey Goose cocktails from open to close.
*All signature burgers are $5 from 8 p.m. until midnight.
*Free birthday cake for paying patrons provided by The Fifty/50’s sister restaurant, West Town Bakery & Diner.
*Five free party packages to be given away.
*Blackhawks vs. Anaheim Ducks on more than 20 new flat screens.
The Fifty/50
2047 W. Division
Macallan scotch tasting at Quay March 28
Scotch is good. It’s even better when paired with tasty snacks by people who really know what they’re doing. Quay Restaurant and Bar and Macallan single malt have teamed up to do just that on Thursday, March 28 for $50 per person (plus gratuity and tax) from 7-9 p.m. Reservations are required. A few menu items are house-smoked salmon, citrus-glazed bacon-wrapped scallop with watercress, and prime steak tataki, with each course being paired with a 10-, 12-, 15- and finally 18-year-old scotch from Macallan. Quay, in the Streeterville neighborhood, has a sports lounge with 45 televisions, a separate dining room for a more tranquil atmosphere, as well as views of the river.
Quay
465 E. Illinois
Think you’re more than an armchair foodie? Can you pick out the nuances and complexities of a professionally crafted dish? Step up to the challenge when Frontier hosts “So You Think You’re a Foodie?” dinner prepared by chef Brian Jupiter on Thursday, March 27at 8 p.m. The multi-course challenge is $75 per person, tax and gratuity not included, and you get an optional wine or beer pairing for an extra $15. Located in West Town, Frontier includes specialty cocktails, craft beers and wine pairings with their classic but approachable cuisine focusing on game and fresh herbs. Space is limited at this bison-oriented and chef’s table exclusive event, so get your tickets early.
Frontier
1072 N. Milwaukee
www.TheFrontierChicago.com
Lobster and filet special at Fleming’s
Finding a good surf n’ turf deal in the Midwest is a tall order, so when Fleming’s decided to pair North Atlantic lobster tail with a seared filet mignon for $37.95, including an appetizer and a side, it’s difficult not to take advantage. But hurry… the deal ends April 7.
Fleming’s Steakhouse
25 E. Ohio
www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com
Weather Mark Tavern in the South Loop is your place to hitch a ride to Cellular Field for the season opener April 1. A shuttle bus will leave the bar at 2:30 for the 3:10 first pitch, returning after the game. Reserve your spot on the bus by calling (312) 588-0230. Opening-day specials are as follows:
*Burger and beer special for $7
*Fireball Whiskey shots for $5
*Annual hot dog eating contest beginning at 6:30 p.m. (with prizes!)
Weather Mark Tavern
1503 S. Michigan Ave.
Brassfield Estate Winery dinner at Chicago Firehouse March 26
Menu items from the five-course feast include king crab, lamb meatballs, cedar-smoked salmon, and duck breast, all paired with delectable wines from Brassfield Estate Winery. If reserved by March 19, the cost is $55 per person; $65 otherwise (tax and gratuity excluded). The dinner will be held on March 26 at 6:30 p.m.
The Chicago Firehouse
1401 S. Michigan Ave.
www.ChicagoFirehouse.com
Wine Wednesdays at Viaggio at the Park
Wednesdays will be a bit more fun starting March 21 when Viaggio at the Park’s launches its Wine Wednesday, where wines by the glass and select bottles will be offered at half price. The regular menu pricing is around $10 to $12 per glass and $40 to $48 per bottle, halving those prices on Wednesday. All of this on top of fresh, authentic Italian food with a knowledgeable staff and calming ambiance.
Viaggio at the Park
401 W. Fullerton
www.ViaggioChicago.com
Article courtesy of The Real Chicago Magazine 
