Friday, September 21

Did our craft beer story from Thursday make you want to whet your whistle? Perfect timing! This weekend is the end of the third annual Publican Fall Food Drive, benefitting the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Donate non-perishable food and get a complimentary beverage, immediately or for a later date. According to the GCFD, their most needed donation items are beans, canned fruit, canned vegetables, cereal, chili, jelly, macaroni and cheese, pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, rice, shelf-stable milk, soup, stew and tuna. And please, according to me, bring the good stuff, as in stuff you’d eat yourself. Admission FREE, but non-perishable food required for complimentary beverage.

Saturday, September 22

Remember those designer chicken coops? I wonder if there are any on the third annual Windy City Coop Tour? See for yourself in yards across the city during this tour des flocks organized by the Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts. There is no food and drink provided during this self-guided event, but consider it a long-term meal-planning. The tour runs all weekend, but some coops are only open Saturday or Sunday. Tour sponsors include Angelic Organics Learning Center, Home to Roost (urban chicken consulting), and Backyard Chicken Run (home delivery service for the urban organic farmer). Admission FREE.

Sunday, September 23

What’s Happening!! at Longman & Eagle? Their second annual outdoor block and dance party, featuring Windy City Soul Club, that’s what! Chef Jared Wentworth has created a special menu for the event, available outdoors only, including a Pig Plate with beans, corn pudding, coleslaw and pot salad; venison sausage with sauerkraut, apples, watercress and stone ground mustard on a pretzel bun; and a wild boar Sloppy Joe with pickled jalapeño and crispy sage on an onion brioche bun. I highly recommend drinks — of course — and saving room and ducking inside for any of pastry chef Jeremy Brutzkus’ desserts. Admission FREE, including outdoor  special menu, drinks and inside food additional.

Wednesday, September 26

Where did the season go? It’s the last Veggie Bingo of the year at The Hideout! Co-sponsored by NeighborSpace, this week benefitting the Jean Carter-Hill Community Garden at the Nicholson Technology Academy in Englewood. It’s your last chance to taste Hot Doug’s donated dogs hot off the grill; possibly win prizes from local artisanal food producers, farmers, and gardeners — including the grand produce prize from Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks. Admission FREE, bingo cards $2 each or $5 for three.

Thursday, September 27

And it’s the last Meet the Market of the season! This month, the Green City Market Junior Board takes you up to the Signature Room at the 95th in the Hancock, featuring produce from Leaning Shed Farm in both food and drink, with spirits donated by New Holland. Complimentary bites include heirloom tomato relish and Melrose pepper on pumpernickel rye with micro Thai basil; seafood ceviche with golden Greek pepperoncini and pepper micro cilantro; spiced ground beef with cherry bomb pepper, smoked cheddar, and micro cabbage. And the cocktails: Pumpkin Martini, with butternut squash and Huron white rum; The Mad Hatter, with Mexican sour gherkins and Hatter Royale Hopquila; and Sweet and Sour with Knickerbocker gin, candy onion, and peach habanero. Admission FREE, including food, drinks additional and are your donation to the Green City Market.