Night life: Autumn brews are king at Chicago Botanic
Autumn flavors in the garden
It's time for Autumn Brews: a seasonal beer tasting in the Chicago Botanic Garden from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, in the McGinley Pavilion. Brewers will serve two-ounce samples. They include Atlas Brewing Co., Emmett's Brewing Co., Founders Brewing Co., Great Lakes Brewing Co., Lake Bluff Brewing Co., New Holland Brewing Co., Revolution Brewing and Two Brothers Brewing Company. Tickets are $25 in advance or $28 at the door. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanicgarden.org.
The Annex opens in Barrington
An upscale cocktail lounge now exists in the building formerly occupied by the Park Avenue Wine Bar. An extension of McGonigal's Pub, The Annex distinguishes its own unique identity by serving specialty cocktails and nearly three dozen craft beers. Hours are 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The Annex, 205 Park Ave., Barrington. (847) 382-3900 or theannexlounge.com.
Drink pink at Carlucci
Go for the Pink-Tini at Carlucci throughout October and benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Made from Svedka Raspberry Vodka, Hpnotiq, St. Germain and cranberry juice, 20 percent of the proceeds from the $9 drinks goes to benefit breast cancer awareness month. Carlucci Restaurant, 1801 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove. (630) 512-0990 or carluccirestaurant.com.