The briefs

Emmett's back in Palatine

After weeks of rumors, it's official. The owners of Emmett's Ale House and Brewing Co. will return to downtown Palatine in early December. Emmett's will take over the first floor space at 110 N. Brockway St., the same spot it occupied before closing to make way for Brockway Chophouse. Emmett's, which has locations in Oswego, West Dundee and Downers Grove, left Palatine in May 2006 because of "philosophical differences" with the building's owner, the Hummel Group. The upscale chophouse opened in its place but then closed unexpectedly in September.

Holiday Boutique Tuesday

The Buffalo Grove Fitness Center will host its sixth annual Holiday Boutique from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Local artisans and regional vendors will showcase their items, including handcrafted jewelry, personalized gifts and accessories. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Animal Assisted Therapy program at Northwest Community Hospital. Admission is free. For more information, call the fitness center, at 601 W. Deerfield Parkway, at (847) 353-7500.

Funds raised go to dogs

The Almost Home Foundation, a local animal rescue group, will host its annual dinner dance and silent auction Dec. 8 at the Marriott Hotel, 50 N. Martingale Road, in Schaumburg. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The silent auction is at 7 p.m. and dinner is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 for members and $50 for nonmembers and must be reserved in advance. Information is available on the group's Web site, www.almosthomefoundation.org.