Friday, February 22

Artist Tony Fitzpatrick’s Firecat Projects presents the Cig Harvey Opening and Book Signing. It’s the gallery’s first exhibit of photographs, and features Harvey’s stunning portrait work. She will sign copies of her monograph You Look At Me Like An Emergency. Three Floyds beer and wine courtesy of Red & White Wines will be served. Grab a bite next door from our friends at Red Door. Be sure to meet Firecat co-founder/director Stan Klein and his enigmatic muse Ella. Admission FREE.

Saturday, February 23

For the Love of Chocolate Foundation presents their 8th Scholarship Foundation Annual Gala at the Union League Club of Chicago. The dinner is sold out but tickets are still available to the Dessert Dance Party — and we know that’s why you’re really there. Walk the red carpet to find desserts by The French Pastry School alumni and all-access to the Cocoa Couture Fashion Show. The foundation awards scholarships to full-time students at The French Pastry School of Kennedy-King College. Admission $150.

Sunday, February 24

The Harvard Sportsman’s Club presents the annual Wild Game Dinner in McHenry County. My advice: dress warm in layers and get there early. The classic hunters’ menu will include pheasant, duck, venison, turkey, goose, plus wild game surprises. Possibly turtle soup this year? Admission $12, $10 early bird special. I will definitely be there again.

Monday, February 25

Red Door Kitchen & Bar presents a Tiki Charity Event to benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The Aviary’s Charles Joly, Blackbird’s Lynn House, Sepia’s Josh Pearson, and Red Door’s own Jay Schroeder will Zombie-fy you — plus pu pu platter inspired food by Avec’s Freddy Noinaj and Graham Stein. Admission $25 suggested donation, for four drinks and food.

Tuesday, February 26

deca restaurant presents the Burton and Bourbon Dinner [WARNING: AUTOPLAY MUSIC] at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago. Join our friend, the one and only Tim Burton of Burton’s Maplewood Farms for a maple syrup inspired dinner, paired with Woodford Reserve bourbon cocktails. Plus author David Hoppe will sign copies of his beautiful book Food for Thought: An Indiana Harvest. Admission $59. And remember, Burton’s National Maple Syrup Festival is coming up again in Medora, Indiana — and I will definitely be there again too.

Wednesday, February 27

Soup & Bread presents this week’s theme, NYC vs. LA at the Hideout. How’s that represent in soup? They don’t know either, so “go to town!” Bread from Publican Quality Meats and La Farine Bakery, this week all benefitting Association House in West Town. Admission FREE, by donation. Bonus Thursday night! Happiness is…a benefit for Soup & Bread with Theater Oobleck‘s revival of Mickle Maher’s play There Is A Happiness That Morning Is at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater. Admission $15 or “more if you’ve got it, free if you’re broke.” Half of the night’s box office will benefit Soup & Bread. 

Thursday, February 28

Experimental Station presents Winterdine, a five-course winter wood-fired dinner by Avec’s Erling Wu-Bower. Served in a wintery North woods setting, sweater and pants required, ski hat optional but suggested. Admission $250.