Dining out: LongHorn Steakhouse's new hot menu items sizzle
Feeling hot, hot, hot
Just in time for the colder weather, LongHorn Steakhouse has added some new hot menu items. There are three turf and surf options: the crabcake filet (filet topped with a baked lump crabcake, lump crab meat and a lemon-garlic cream sauce), Flo's filet and citrus grilled lobster tail (filet paired with a fire-grilled cold-water lobster tail drizzled with citrus butter) and Flo's filet and lobster tail (filet with choice of grilled or crispy cold-water lobster tail). Warm up with the Nashville hot chicken (fried chicken breasts with a house-made sweet and spicy honey sauce and topped with pickles) or the fried pickles bold bites. LongHorn Steakhouse has locations throughout the suburbs. longhornsteakhouse.com/.
Mother Truckin' Beer Fest
With 35 breweries, 100 craft beers and 10 food trucks, The Mother Truckin' Beer Fest will be hopping Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Sears Centre. Participating breweries include Tighthead, Church Street, Dogfish Head, Empirical, Lagunitas, Revolution Brewing, Noon Whistle, Pollyanna, Crystal Lake Brewing, 2 Fools Cider, Scorched Earth, Wild Onion and many more. Enjoy gourmet tastes from Carnivale, Best Truckin BBQ, Toasty Cheese, 5411 Empanadas and more. The Daily Herald is sponsoring a free beer-cooking demonstration in the Tap Chef Lounge from 2 to 3 p.m. Come watch as the chef demonstrates how to prepare meals with beer. Samples will be handed out, but quantities are limited. General admission, which costs $45, allows for four hours of beer tasting (25 tickets for 3-ounce pours) from 1 to 5 p.m., food truck access and a souvenir glass. Designated driver tickets, which include access to the Point Break Lounge, complimentary nonalcoholic drinks and showings of “Point Break” on a continuous loop, are $15. Sears Centre Arena is at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates, (847) 649-2270 or mothertruckinfest.com/.
Gingerbread decorating workshop
Kids can learn how to decorate a gingerbread house like a pro during a decorating workshop from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 9 or 16, at The Clubhouse in Schaumburg. Parents are encouraged to join their children as one of Santa's helpers walks them through the steps to decorate a unique gingerbread house. During the event, holiday refreshments will be available for purchase. When decorating is complete, stick around to dine at the restaurant as a junior member meal is included in the package. The event is $35 plus tax per child. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and The Clubhouse requests a limit of two accompanying adults per child. Register for the Dec. 9 class at theclubhouse.com/gingerbread-decorating-120917 or for the Dec. 16 class at theclubhouse.com/gingerbread-decorating-121617. The Clubhouse is at 1301 American Lane, Schaumburg, (847) 298-8200 or theclubhouse.com/.
Saranello's Santa brunch
Santa Claus is coming to town, and you can find him at Saranello's Sunday Brunch. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 and 17, St. Nick will pass out candy canes and take pictures with the kids. While waiting to meet him, load up on made-to-order omelettes, salad, antipasti, waffles, pancakes, pastries, pasta, seafood, hand-carved steak and turkey, desserts and more. Don't miss the mimosas with seasonal fruit purees, champagne or $5 bloody Marys. Brunch costs $34.95 for adults and half price for kids younger than 12. Reservations requested. Saranello's is at 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, (847) 777-6878 or saranellos.com/.
Martini Challenge
Who has the Best Martini in the 'Burbs? Find out Monday, Dec. 11, when the Daily Herald hosts a live martini mix-off at Drink in Schaumburg. During December, Daily Herald readers voted for the top martinis in the suburbs. From 5:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, the top 12 finalists will compete live for the title. Enjoy music, raffles, a DJ and more. The $15 ticket includes admission, two martini samples, appetizers provided by Moretti's and a special goody bag. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to WACO (Woodfield Area Children's Organization). Drink Nightclub is at 871 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, eventbrite.com/e/best-martini-in-the-burbs-2017-registration-38728851036.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
It's time for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! Don your most over-the-top Christmas sweater for a chance to win the ugliest sweater award, plus enjoy food and drink specials from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Reserve 22 in Glen Ellyn. No reservations required for the party; reservations recommended for dinner. Reserve 22 is at 485 Winchell Way, Glen Ellyn, (630) 469-5550 or reserve22.com/events-1/.
Winter warmers
Empire in Naperville has added Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon to its cocktail collection. Choose from Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 year and Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 year. Head over to the bar on Tuesdays for Open Mic Night from 8:30 to 11:45 p.m. when anyone is welcome to play. Wednesday is Trivia Night from 8 to 11:45 p.m. Bring your smart friends because there are prizes for first and second place. Empire Burgers + Brew is at 48 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 355-9000 or empireburgerbar.com/.