You don't have to visit Hollywood for a good Oscar party
ROOM21, 2110 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago celebrates the 80th annual Academy Awards beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. The evening includes complimentary appetizers, signature Belvedere cocktails, a silent auction and awards for best-dressed guests presented by NBC's LeeAnn Trotter. It costs $45 at the door, with proceeds benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (312) 328-1198 or www.room21chicago.com.
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted St., Chicago hosts its own Oscar watching bash beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. In addition to the featured "Halfway to Hollywood" martini (all martinis are half price), chef Matt Stovey created three themed menu items. The Kit Kat Divas -- all female impersonators -- perform during commercial breaks. Reservations are recommended, but not required. (773) 525-1111 or kitkatchicago.com.
Think drinks
The Stonegate Conference & Banquet Centre, 2401 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates hosts "A Grapevine of Friends" beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Along with more than 60 wine varieties available for sampling, the night features gourmet food stations, silent and live auctions, live R&B by Souled Out and professional ballroom dancers. Tickets cost $95; proceeds benefit Clearbrook's employment services program. (847) 385-5302 or www.clearbrook.org.
Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, 53 E. Lake St., Chicago celebrates Gordon Halloran's 95-foot ice installation "Paintings Below Zero" (on view at Millennium Park through Feb. 29) at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Sommelier Jan Henrichsen discusses ice wines from around the world, including what they are and where the best ones are made. Samples are offered, and admission is free. (847) 385-5302 or www.clearbrook.org.
Harvest at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles kicks off its 2008 wine dinner series, which starts March 31, with a Wine Flight Reception at 6:30 p.m. Monday. Previewing all four featured wineries of the upcoming dinners, the reception includes a sampling of wine vintages, paired hors d'oeuvres and wine essence and aroma education. It costs $42. (630) 524-5080 or www.pheasantrun.com.
RA Sushi, 310 Yorktown Center, Lombard holds a "Sake and Sushi Social" at 6 p.m. Wednesday. After appetizers, the head sushi chef instructs guests on creating a perfect sushi roll from the fresh ingredients provided. Then, as everyone munches their creations, an expert discusses the cultivation of sake while providing three sakes for tasting. Reservations are required for the $25 event. (630) 627-6800 or www.rasushi.com.
Café Matou, 1846 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago hosts its monthly wine cellar raid all night Wednesday. More than 25 wines pulled from the restaurant's wine cellar by wine director James Rahn are offered with dinner for $17 a bottle. Reservations are recommended. (773) 384-8911 or www.cafematou.com.