Dining events: Pinstripes offers carbo-loading special before Chicago Marathon

Pinstripes' pairings

With the Chicago Marathon Sunday, Oct. 8, it's time for runners to carbo-load. To get you ready, all four Chicago locations of Pinstripes are cooking up a limited-time, marathon-eve special: Bottomless spaghetti and meatballs with a chopped salad for only $12. While you're tapering, try some bowling or bocce to get your body moving. Pinstripes is at 100 E. Higgins Road, South Barrington, (847) 844-9300; 7 Oakbrook Center Mall, Oak Brook, (630) 575-8700; 1150 Willow Road, Northbrook, (847) 480-2323; and 435 E. Illinois St., Chicago, (312) 527-3010. pinstripes.com/.

Naperville's Solemn Oath Brewery is pairing up with Oak Brook's Pinstripes to host a four-course beer dinner at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. A Solemn Oath representative and Pinstripes' chef will lead diners through an interactive dinner and discussion about each pairing. The main course includes Oktöberface stuffed pork loin, brussels sprouts, sweet potato and country gravy paired with Oktöberface. End on a sweet note with Italian-American apple tart, pecans, house-made gelato and spiced mango paired with the Snaggletooth Bandana IPA. Tickets costs $50, including tax and gratuity. Make reservations at pinstripes.com/oak-brook-illinois/event/four-course-beer-dinner/. Pinstripes is at 7 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, (630) 575-8700 or pinstripes.com/oak-brook-illinois/.

D&J's fetes 30 years

Lake Zurich's D&J Bistro turns 30 this month, and the French restaurant is hosting a 30th Anniversary Celebration Tuesday through Thursday, Oct. 10-12. Take advantage of the special four-course anniversary menu, which includes appetizer, soup or salad, entree and dessert, for $61. Enjoy live music with Mario & Laura. Plus, expect special guest appearances, games, prizes and more. Reservations required. D&J Bistro is at 466 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. (847) 438-8001 or dj-bistro.com/.

Fall at Portillo's

Now through Monday, Oct. 31, Portillo's is celebrating fall with seasonal dishes. Two new salads - the meatball salad (two meatballs covered in marinara on top of a Tuscan spring mix and chopped romaine with red onion, Gorgonzola, bacon and Portillo's house dressing) and the apple walnut harvest salad (Tuscan spring mix and chopped romaine with diced gala apples, dried cranberries, candied walnuts, Gorgonzola, grilled chicken and fat-free raspberry vinaigrette) - join the Usinger's bratwurst, topped with Bavarian-style sauerkraut and stone-ground German mustard on a brat roll, on the menu. Plus, Portillo's is offering $1 off all regularly priced beer, including Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest, at all locations except Addison, Bloomingdale and Villa Park. Portillo's has locations throughout the suburbs. portillos.com/.