Friday Foodie Forecast: Food for thought

Friday Foodie Forecast: Food for thought
Friday Foodie Forecast: Food for thought

Friday Foodie Forecast: Food for thought

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

Can you think of a better way to spend your time and money than indulging in delicious food and drink all while giving back to those in need? Food meets philanthropy this week as Chicagoans are invited to match their generous spirit with their culinary pursuits in several charitable events taking place throughout the city. Japonais will host a fundraiser to aid those devastated by the earthquake/tsunami in Japan, while The Publican and Kendall College - teaming up with Chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. – both host events benefitting local hunger-relief and youth organizations. So go ahead and reward yourself with that extra glass of wine and bite of dessert, after all, it’s for a good cause.

Japan Fundraiser at Japonais

In an effort to raise awareness and help those devastated by the recent tsunami, the Japan America Society of Chicago joins forces with Japonais Restaurant & Lounge in the Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Fundraiser this Tuesday, March 29 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. For $20 per person/$25 at the door, guests can enjoy passed hor d’oeuvres provided by the restaurant, a sake tasting donated by Tenzing, beer by Goose Island and cupcakes by More. All proceeds and donations will go directly to The Japanese Red Cross. For more information, visit www.jaschicago.org. Japonais is located at 600 W. Chicago Ave.

Food Drive at The Publican

Continue in the spirit of giving and join in The Publican’s food drive this Saturday, March 26 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Due to the great success and overwhelming response from the food drives over the last year, The Publican has made the event a quarterly occurrence benefitting The Greater Chicago Food Depository. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishables and canned goods, and as a reward for the good deeds, will be treated to complimentary beer from 3 Floyds Brewing Co. and tasty snacks by Hannah’s Bretzel. Those who donate will also be entered into a raffle to win a progressive dinner for two at The Publican, Blackbird and Avec.  The Publican is located at 837 W. Fulton Market. For more information, visit www.thepublicanrestaurant.com.

Youth Benefit at Kendall College

Chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. of The Purple Pig will join the Jobs For Youth Board’s second annual Spring Escape fundraiser as a special guest host taking place at Kendall College this Thursday, March 31 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Attended by over 200 young professionals, guests at the event will sample cuisine from the Dining Room at Kendall College – the only culinary school restaurant recognized in the Michelin Guide Chicago 2011. Other notable highlights include demonstrations of The Spring Escape specialty cocktail created by expert mixologists, Better Living Through Alchemy; Ketel One cocktails served through an ice sculpture poured directly into guest’s martini glasses; a spirits tasting; a wine pull where guests who donate an additional $20 are guaranteed to bring home a bottle of wine valued from $25 to $200; and free trolley service from the Loop to Kendall College. Tickets are $75 for general admission and $95 for VIP - which includes a personal cooking demo with Chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. – and can be purchased online at www.jfychicago.org, or by calling Adam Levy at 312-499-4778 x142. All proceeds from the evening benefit Jobs For Youth – note: you must be 21 or older to attend the event. Kendall College is located at 900 N. Branch St.

-Dimitra Apostolopoulos