Eat this, drink that!

Rooftop garden herb garnished cocktail at Uncommon Ground Devon
Rooftop garden herb garnished cocktail at Uncommon Ground Devon WBEZ/Louisa Chu
Rooftop garden herb garnished cocktail at Uncommon Ground Devon
Rooftop garden herb garnished cocktail at Uncommon Ground Devon WBEZ/Louisa Chu

Eat this, drink that!

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Rooftop garden herb garnished cocktail at Uncommon Ground Devon (WBEZ/Louisa Chu)

Saturday, August 25

India is currently the second most populous country in the world, and one of North America’s best known Little India neighborhoods can be found on Chicago’s Devon Avenue, yet the culture’s cuisine still seems so misunderstood here. Find enlightenment at “What’s your hurry? Enjoy our curry!” with Anupy Singla at Kendall College, presented by the Culinary Historians of Chicago. Anupy, a local journalist-turned-blogger behind Indian as Apple Pie, will explain the difference between curry as South Asians know it and curry powder. She’ll also talk about her new book, Vegan Indian Cooking, as well as trends in Indian restaurants in the U.S. And, most importantly, she’ll cook samples. Listen to Anupy talk with WBEZ’s own Steve Edwards on the Afternoon Shift about easy Indian home cooking back in April, and at her last CHC appearance here. Admission $5 general, $3 students.

Sunday, August 26

Corks & Crayons, an all-ages celebration to benefit Purple Asparagus at the Greenhouse Loft, benefits not only a good cause but will also be held in a beautiful green space. The event feature some of the most beloved food and drink in the city: Eats by Sable, Moto, Pleasant House Bakery, Big Jones, Floriole, Hot Chocolate, Uncommon Ground, Farmhouse, The Peasantry, Trattoria No. 10, Katherine Anne Confections and Tipsy Cake; and drinks by 3 Floyds, Templeton Rye, and Candid Wines — plus non-alcoholic options, too (I did say all ages). Activities even include a mini farmers market. If you can’t make it, you can still bid on the silent auction, or just donate. Purple Asparagus’ mission is educate children, families and the community about eating that’s good for the body and the planet by bringing hands-on adventures to schools, community organizations, and farmers markets throughout Chicagoland. Admission $70 adults, $15 children 5 to 18, FREE children under 5.

Monday, August 27

Join the Eight Forty-Eight live broadcast from Bridgeview at Al Bawadi Grill, an LTHForum.com GNR (Great Neighborhood Restaurant) award-winner, worth the trip alone. Peruse the restaurant’s breakfast menu here. The Reader‘s Mike (SQUIRREL!) Sula notes breakfast items gallayeh (sautéed tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices, with or without meat) and fatteh humus (fatteh refers to a dish made with a base of stale bread, like an Arabic French toast), but Al Bawadi is best known for their real hardwood lump charcoal grilled kebabs (meat, veg, and seafood). As part of WBEZ’s Race: Out Loud series, join Eight Forty-Eight‘s Tony Sarabia and members of the Arab American community to discuss Arab American identity and the issues that most affect life in the area. Admission FREE, food and drink additional.

Tuesday, August 28

“One artist. One garage door. Three hours.” In what promises to be a unique and affordable, dining and art experience, at Ada for the Arts in the Ada Street Backyard, benefitting the Chicago Urban Art Society, artist Ruben Aguirre will transform the restaurant’s garage door into street art during the event. Meanwhile, chefs Michael Kornick and Zoe Schor will serve up baby back ribs, veggie skewers, grilled corn, watermelon jello and summer cocktails. (BTW, Vocalo presented a “Music & Stories” Race: Out Loud edition at the CUAS gallery last Thursday.) Admission $30 food, drink, and art performance included.

Wednesday, August 29

It doesn’t get any more local and lovely than this — modernist vegetarian menus are as rarer than heirloom vegetables — at the Local Harvest Vegetarian Dinner and Rooftop Farm Cocktail Reception with Virtue Cider pairings at Uncommon Ground Devon, benefitting the Slow Food Chicago Terra Madre Fund. New chef Matt Holmes will start with apps including EarthBox Shishito Peppers (charred, sea salt, olive oil) before a four course dinner: Tomato and Melon Gazpacho; Summer Bean Salad; Textures of Summer Vegetables; and Berries and Beets — that last dessert course paired with a Blackberry Summer Streak cocktail (Red Streak Cider, muddled blackberries, mint, and Koval‘s Chrysanthemum Honey liqueur). Admission $55.

Thursday, August 30

Always a good time with great hosts, Meet the Market back at Ada Street, hosted by the Green City Market Junior Board, benefitting GCM, features Kinnikinnick Farm produce (from Caledonia, Illinois) in paired apps by Chef Schor and custom cocktails with New Holland Artisan Spirits (from Holland, Michigan). A portion of the proceeds from every custom cocktail funds GCM’s LINK Matching Fund, which helps extend the food dollars of people on assistance when shopping at the market. Admission FREE, apps included, drinks additional (and the cost of the custom cocktails are your donation).