Dining events
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!, 2024 N. Halsted St., Chicago teams up with Mon Ami Gabi for a Franco-Spanish feast. A slide presentation designed by the Art Institute of Chicago looks at the work of artists Pablo Picasso and Henri Marisse, and the multi-course dinner that accompanies it samples both restaurants' menus, including wines, sherries and brandies. It costs $65. Make reservations at (773) 935-5000.
Specials this week
Wild Fish, 730 Waukegan Road, Deerfield celebrates its first anniversary by offering complimentary champagne with every entrée purchase and complimentary appetizer samples for all. The offer continues until Wednesday, when the celebration culminates with a live jazz trio and half-price martinis. (847) 317-9453.
Café Matou, 1846 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago observes the change of seasons. Today and Saturday, chef Charlie Socher showcases his favorite spring veggie in three ramp-flavored dishes, while wine director James Rahn pairs them with roses, his favorite wine for warm weather months. Make reservations at (773) 384-8911.
Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, Chicago features sustainable Midwestern food during its "Farm to Table" series. Through May 25, chef Mark Mendez concocts three dishes with pork that originated at LaGrange, Indiana's Gunthorp Farms. Make reservations at (312) 850-5005.
For their benefit
The Doubletree Hotel, 9599 Skokie Blvd., Skokie hosts a benefit brunch for Evanston's Mitchell Museum of the American Indian at noon Sunday. Priced at $100, the menu features Native American staples corn, beans and squash. Antiques appraiser Karl Gates also makes a presentation and offers informal appraisals to the first 75 guests who made paid reservations. Make yours now at (847) 475-1030.
Red Light, 820 W. Randolph St., Chicago presents a pig roast to benefit Chicago's Near North Montessori School. Executive chef Jackie Shen and WLS-TV Channel 7's Steve Dolinsky demonstrate the proper way to roast a whole pig in a La Caja China box, along with preparing the box, pulling the pork and making the side dishes. Brewmaster Greg Hall also discusses Goose Island beers, which are included in the event's $55 fee. Make reservations at (312) 733-8880.
Think drinks
Viet Bistro and Lounge, 1346 W. Devon Ave., Chicago presents a complimentary showcase of Snow Queen Vodka from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today. Try the organic vodka on its own or in summer martinis concocted by sommelier Rashed Islam, along with free appetizers served by chef Dan Nguyen. Make reservations at (773) 465-5720.
Room21, 2110 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago welcomes winemaker Van Williamson at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, when a selection of zinfandel and chardonnay from California's Edmeades Vineyard accompanies chef Daniel Tucker's four-course dinner. It costs $75. Make reservations at (312) 328-1198.
Adobo Grill, 2005 W. Division St., Chicago hosts a Jose Cuervo Tequila dinner at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Chef Freddy Sanchez's three-course menu, paired with drinks, is priced at $35. Make reservations at (773) 252-9990.
Regina's Via Trent Uno, 629 S. 8th St., West Dundee offers a four-course wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Chef Phil Campanella's regional Italian cuisine complements wines from vineyards such as Hendry Ranch, Saintsbury, Anderson's Conn Valley and Rebenhof, all for $55. Make reservations at (847) 836-0078.