PopSugar Chicago

Two Upcoming Events Go Whole Hog!

Kate Stahl — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 07:30:00 CDT

Save the date: my favorite barbecue spot, Lillie's Q (1856 W. North Ave., 773-772-5500), is amping up for a one-year anniversary celebration on Aug. 1 that's sure to be pork-tastic. Stop by the Bucktown resto anytime that day for $1 samplers of the Lillie's Q-Rita moonshine cocktail, made with Patron Silver, Grand Marnier, Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon Carolina Moonshine, the house's Smoky Memphis-style sauce, and homemade sour mix (the drink usually goes for $10). Then, starting at 9 p.m., Chef Charlie McKenna will start passing out all the different cuts of his 30-pound smoked whole hogs, from belly to shoulder. (Check out a few of his porky creations below.)

But the anniversary deal that I'm most excited about is the whole-hog contest that's going on right now. The prize: a pig package including a 30-pound porker and eight starters and sides, which feeds six to eight people and is normally sold for $325. To enter make a video of yourself talking about why you should win the whole hog dinner and upload it to Lillie's Q Facebook page by noon on the anniversary day. The restaurant will announce the winner on Aug. 2. Come on, you know you've always wanted to dine from snout to tail.

Keep reading for more info about the second whole-hog event.

Province: A Farm-to-Table Dining Destination

PopSugar Chicago — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:14:23 CDT

Providence's executive chef/owner Randy Zweiban has created an eco-friendly and undeniably versatile menu. With sides like the house-made rabbit sausage flatbread and entrees like the slow cooked organic salmon - all of which range from $5-23 - what's not to love?

This Week's Must-Do List: Party With Us at Bloomie's, See Some Cool Cars, and Bump It Up

Kate Stahl — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 08:02:00 CST

This week, future and current mamas can celebrate their bumps with some beauty, we'll be hosting a night of fashion and fun at Bloomingdale's, and Blokes & Birds is hosting a must-attend beer dinner.

Bump Club and Beyond hosts an event at Sub 51 at Hub 51 (51 W. Hubbard St.) on Tuesday, Feb. 8, from 6 to 9 p.m., with The Beauty Girl, Nicole Pearl, and Clarins. Pearl will be giving beauty advice, while Exhale Spa provides mini manicures, brow shaping, and great giveways. Everyone will have the chance to win awesome beauty prizes, but considering Hub 51 will be providing apps and drinks and Crumbs Bake Shop will be serving dessert, it's pretty much impossible to lose. Tickets are $50.
Stop by Vital Bridges' Chefs and the City fundraiser at Primitive (130 N. Jefferson St., 773-271-5117) on Tuesday, Feb. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. Browse the gorgeous artifacts, artworks, jewelry, and home furnishings at Primitive while you try bites from The Bristol, Perennial, Blackbird, Sepia, and Province and sip on wine and Effen vodka martinis from RL's bartenders. Tickets are $100, and proceeds benefit Vital Bridges' efforts to support Chicagoans impacted by HIV and AIDS.
On Wednesday, Feb. 9, Blokes & Birds (3343 N. Clark St., 773-472-5252; shown above) in Lakeview hosts a beer dinner with California's Lagunitas Brewing Company at 7 p.m. Executive chef Greg Cannon prepares a seven-course dinner, including pork and sauerkraut dumplings with Pils, fish and chips with Censored ale, mussels with Maximus IPA, oysters with Cappuccino Stout, and stilton souffle with Olde GnarleyWine ale. Tickets are $60, and you must reserve your space by calling the restauant. Ask for Daily.
We're hosting a fashion- and cosmetics-filled party at Bloomingdale's (900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-440-4460) on Thursday, Feb. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. Join us to shop the latest Spring collections (we promise warmer weather is coming), sip on some sweet cocktails, and update your look with a free makeover. The store will also be giving away a $2,500 gift card to one lucky lady. Check our site tomorrow for RSVP info, and walk-ins are also welcome!
The annual Chicago Auto Show opens on Friday, Feb. 11, and will continue through Feb. 19, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day at McCormick Place (2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.). The country's largest and longest-running auto expo will showcase more than 1,000 cars, including collectors' antiques and experimental and concept cars, so you can check out the electric ride you'll be driving around 2015. Admission is $11 at the door.

Source: Blokes & Birds and Chicago Auto Show