Enjoy a blood martini or other seasonal treats this week
RA Sushi restaurant at 2601 Aviator Lane in Glenview, will host a Halloween Bash from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Oct. 31.
Diners are invited to wear their costumes that will be judged on the categories of most original, scariest and "what were you thinking?"
Guests can enjoy drink specials, including a blood martini or a witches brew.
Food special will also be served until 2 a.m.
Call (847) 510-1100 for information.
A spot of bourbon for you?
Sam and Harry's, in the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive, hosts a Woodford Reserve Bourbon Dinner on Nov. 1.
A five-course dinner, featuring braised Berkshire pork, an oyster pie and duck, will be served along with various bourbons at 6 p.m.
Woodford Reserve master distiller Chris Morris will be on hand, along with Sam and Harry's executive chef Joshua Humphrey, to discuss with diners how to pair bourbon with a fine meal.
The cost is $95 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. For reservations, call Kelly Larson at (847) 303-4013. Visit www.samandharrys.com.
Mmmmm….. autumn is delicious at Regina's
Regina's Ristorante of Arlington Heights and Regina's Via Trent Uno of West Dundee are serving up some season entrees as autumn is now in full swing.
Diners can try a pumpkin-and-cheese-filled ravioli with a browned, butter sage sauce.
Or they might like a big steaming bowl of giambotto --an Italian stew-- with Italian sausage, boneless chicken breasts, and Italian tomatoes. The stews is served with Italian bread.
There is a butternut squash or seafood risotto. And to round out the meal with pumpkin cheesecake topped with a sweet caramel.
Regina's Via Trent Uno is at 628 Eighth St., West Dundee. Call (847) 836-0078.
Regina's Ristorante is at 27 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Call (847) 394-2728.
Visit www.reginas.net.
A bite of brunch
La Casa Del Gordo, at 2014 First Street in Highland Park, is celebrating the grand opening of its new weekend brunch with a half-price day on Oct. 27.
On that day only, every item on the menu (alcohol included) will be half price.
The new weekend brunch, featuring authentic Mexican fare, will be served from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
Some brunch highlights include either southwestern, Mexican or salmon pancakes; De Chile Relleno (three egg omelets) with cheese, salsa, sour cream and a tropical fruit salsa or a Michoacan Mexican skillet with eggs and skirt steak.
Guests might like to try an Azteca -- eggs with tortilla strips, green and red peppers, cheese and tomatillo sauce; served with corn bread.
For information, call (847) 266-1411 or visit www.lacasadelgordo.com.
Chili champ
Birch River Grill at 75 W. Algonquin Road in Arlington Heights, recently was awarded the "People's Choice Best Chili" award at the Harvest Heat Chili Cook-Off in Arlington Heights.
The cook-off invited local restaurants and area residents to submit their chili recipes. Birch River Grill will receive a banner to celebrate its win.
Try the chili for yourself. Call (847) 427-4242 or visit www.birchrivergrill.com.
Elephant Bar
The Elephant Bar Restaurant at 308 Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles is now open.
The restaurant features an open kitchen where diners can watch chefs prepare sweet and sour chicken and Shangahi cashew chicken in hot woks.
A wood fire broiler bastes Kona barbecue pork ribs along with grilling New York steaks and salmon.
The restaurant prides itself on not being ordinary - and features a sky blue dome ceiling in the bar area. For details, call (847) 391-8823 or visit www.elephantbar.com.