I’m currently in Hungary, eating my way through all of the Chicken Paprikash I can hold…but that didn’t stop me from pulling together this week’s Deep Dish news before I left town!
As we head toward Halloween, there are plenty of options around the North Shore for fun and festivities.
Epic Chef Battle at Kendall College
On Wednesday, Oct. 23, WBEZ joins forces with Kendall College to bring you the Chef Battle: Dessert Edition . Five local pastry chefs will face off to create the best sweet treat, using Intelligentsia’s brand new line of Kilogram teas as an ingredient. Whole Foods Market will provide additional ingredients. You, the audience member, will get to try each dessert and vote for your favorite. Additional tasty vittles will be offered courtesy of Kendall; beverages will be handled by Goose Island Beer and Intelligentsia Coffee. The event will be hosted by WBEZ’s The Afternoon Shift host, Niala Boodhoo. What fun! Kendall College, 900 N. Branch St., Chicago; $15 general admission, $12 WBEZ members, $10 students
Saigon Sisters at Night
Maybe you’ve been to Saigon Sisters (567 W. Lake St., Chicago, 312-496-0090) at lunchtime for one of their delicious Banh Mi sandwiches, but you’re missing something if you don’t check out their dinner offerings (also pictured above). I stopped in a few weeks ago for an incredible meal that included Lobster and Avocado Spring Rolls, a whole flash-fried Red Snapper, Beef Tenderloin Luc Lac (prepared with oyster sauce, red onions, arugula and radishes), and an amazing Chocolate Ganache dessert with curried granola and spiced whipped cream. Yum!
Going to the Dogs
Geneva’s Niche Restaurant (14 S. 3rd St., Geneva, 630-262-1000) is hosting their 2nd annual Festive Pet Parade and Costume Contest Sunday, Oct. 27, beginning at 1 pm. There is a $10 fee to participate, and all proceeds go directly to support the Anderson Animal Shelter . Bring your dog dressed to impress!
Pinstripes Halloween Ball
On Thursday, Oct. 31, Pinstripes (1150 Willow Rd., Northbrook, 847-480-2323) will offer treats all day for trick-or-treaters. The following day, Friday, Nov. 1, they will host a costume contest to kick off their fall lunch and dinner menus. A day late, sure, but one more opportunity to dress up like Wonder Woman! Hypothetically. Prizes are worthy of your time: the 1st place winner receives a Pinstripes party for 8 people; 2nd place scores a party for 4; 3rd place wins a $25 gift card. The contests begin in the evening at 8 p.m.; free admission.
Salty, Bitter, Smoky
My latest craving is The Bitter End margarita at Taco Diablo (1029 Davis St., Evanston, 847-868-8229), made with Campari and smoky mezcal. Damn, that’s good. All tacos, normally $3.98 a piece, are only $2.75 after 9 p.m. It’s the perfect stop after a movie. Go for the Duck Chorizo and Egg Taco. You know I wouldn’t steer you wrong!
Do you have news for me? A new place in your neighborhood, a wine dinner on the horizon, or a dish I just have to try? Send me an email at jchernoff@makeitbetter.net or tweet at me @Juliechernoff and let me know the Deep Dish.
