Accompany dinner with wines, art
Artful eats
Mon Ami Gabi salutes the historical French garden with two multi-course French feasts which accompany slide presentations by the Art Institute of Chicago. The evenings begin with a 6 p.m. wine reception and costs $65. Reservations are required for the event, which is Monday at 260 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, (630) 472-1900, or Tuesday at 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago, (773) 348-8886.
El Jardin Norte, 1831 Tower Drive, Glenview, hosts glass sculptures, graphics and etchings by Austrian artist Adi Holzer, including pieces from his series inspired by Mozart. Holzer's work is on display from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, alongside a European wine tasting. The restaurant is also open for regular business. (847) 729-9888.
Think drinks
Vie, 4471 Lawn Ave., Western Springs, presents a seven-course beer dinner with Three Floyds Brewing Company. The 6:30 p.m. Monday meal, which costs $110, includes several exclusive Three Floyds varieties not available for retail sale. Make reservations at (708) 246-2082.
Adobo Grill, 356 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, features Tequila Don Julio during its April tequila dinner. Cocktails are paired with chef Othon Angel's four-course menu showcasing cuisine from the Mexican state of Michoacán. It begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and costs $38. Make reservations at (630) 627-9990.
Wine events
Maijean, 30 S. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills, kicks off its monthlong "April in Paris" celebration. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today, sample hors d'oeuvres and as many as 15 wines from France's Rhône region. It costs $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Then, a five-course dinner highlighting cuisine and wines from Burgundy takes place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, priced at $85. Make reservations for both at (630) 794-8900.
Vintner's Cellar Winery, 629 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville hosts a weekend of wine tastings to benefit a local team participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. A private tasting party at 6 p.m. today costs $20, with owner Vanessa Varriale-Oien guiding guests through eight red and white wines and explaining the winemaking process. Proceeds also go to the team from daily tastings (6 wines for $6 per person), taking place 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. (847) 918-9463.
Café Matou, 1846 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago presents its annual five-course dinner featuring pairings of wines and cuisine from France's Alsace region at 7 p.m. Tuesday. It's $73, and reservations are required. (773) 384-8911.
Vine Tastings, 123 E. Main St., Roselle welcomes singles and couples to a night of pairings from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday. For $8, try samples of cheese, food, chocolate and wine, plus mingle with like-minded gastronomes. (630) 529-1825.
Holy Mackerel! at the Westin Lombard, 70 Yorktown Center, Lombard offers its first wine dinner. Wines from Murphy-Goode Winery are paired with a five-course seafood dinner designed by chef Danny Salgado at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. It costs $85 and reservations are required. (630) 953-3444.
Niche Restaurant, 14 S. Third St., Geneva, hosts "Concert Between Courses" wine dinners at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Pianists Larry Dieffenbach and Jim Pritchard perform between three degustation courses paired with wines for $75 per person. (630) 262-1000.