Friday Foodie Forecast: Frontera Farmer Foundation benefit, Wine Enthusiast bash and sushi and sake class

Friday Foodie Forecast: Frontera Farmer Foundation benefit, Wine Enthusiast bash and sushi and sake class
Toast of the Town Chicago comes to the Field Museum Friday June 17. Flickr/Teriyaki Matz
Friday Foodie Forecast: Frontera Farmer Foundation benefit, Wine Enthusiast bash and sushi and sake class
Toast of the Town Chicago comes to the Field Museum Friday June 17. Flickr/Teriyaki Matz

Friday Foodie Forecast: Frontera Farmer Foundation benefit, Wine Enthusiast bash and sushi and sake class

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A Charitable Fiesta at Frontera Grill
Join the Farmer’s Market Fiesta and support the 2011 Frontera Farmer FoundationThe Festival of the One True Taste at Frontera Grill this Sunday, June 12, from 12 - 3 p.m. Committed to promoting small, sustainable farms serving the Chicago area by providing them with capital development grants, 100 percent of proceeds from the event benefit the foundation and offers guests 15 tasting stations prepared by the culinary staff using ingredients from handpicked Midwest farmers (many of whom are past and present Frontera Farmer Foundation grant recipients). Local craft beer, wine and a specialty margaritas crafted solely for the benefit will also be on-hand. Tickets also provide access to a silent auction and raffle comprised of prizes including a chance to see an exclusive cooking demo from Chef Rick Bayless in the Frontera test kitchen, an all-inclusive 4-day trip to Mexico joining Rick, wife Deann and the staff exploring the culinary and cultural specialties in one of Mexico’s many regions, and a tequila and mezcal tasting with Carlos Alferez. Bidding ends on Monday, June 13th at 10:00 a.m. CST - for a complete list of auction items, click here. Tickets are $50 per person in advance, $60 at the door ($25 for children under 12) - to donate to the Frontera Farmer Foundation click here. Frontera Grill is located at 445 N. Clark St. For more information, visit http://www.rickbayless.com/.
Wine and Dine at the Field Museum
Celebrate all things food, wine and the Windy City when Toast of the Town Chicago will be taking over the Field Museum with more than 500 wines, spirits and beers joined by 35 local restaurants on Friday, June 17, from 6 - 10 p.m. Hosted by Wine Enthusiast, the Toast of the Town brings together signature Chitown dishes, including bites by the likes of BistronomicOld Town Social and L20, all under one roof set to the sounds of a live jazz band. This year a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Field Museum’s educational program and will have representation for Global Giving to allow attendees to give on-site donations for relief efforts in Japan.  For a complete list of participating vineyards and restaurants, click here. Cost of grand admission (21+ only) is $109, as a VIP ticket holder - (21+ only) $169 - which allows early admission and exclusive access to limited-production, reserve wines, and the opportunity for better one-on-one time with the wine makers and restaurateurs while the venue is a little quieter. Tickets are available to purchase at www.ToastoftheTown.com. The Field Museum is located at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. For more information, visit http://www.toastofthetown.com/tott_chi.asp.
Study Maki and Sake at SushiSamba Rio
Master the art of making maki and tasting sake at the Sushi & Sake 101class held at SushiSamba Rio this Tuesday, June 14, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Guided by sake sommelier Hayes Swope every second Tuesday of the month, guests learn all about the art of sushi as they sip and snack on a variety of cold and hot sakes, edamame, tempura, sashimi and sushi from Chef Dan Tucker. While listening to explanations on types of sake, its history and production methods, participants will also enjoy five tasty appertivos, learn how to choose sushi-grade fish, find out what tools you need to make sushi at home and gain insider sushi-making tips from a SushiSamba chefs. Space is limited and reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 312-595-2300. Cost for the class is $75 per person. SushiSamba Rio is located at 504 N. Wells St. For more information, visit www.sushisamba.com.
-Dimitra Apostolopoulos