Two pound of crabmeat? No problem at Shaw's

Shaw's Crab House is hosting its annual Crab Festival throughout the month of January. Special menus are offered featuring crab dishes such as a three-course, family-style crab dinner with Alaskan king crab, clam chowder and some Maryland-style crab cakes. The Dungeness crab dinner boasts two pounds of crabmeat, au gratin potatoes and coleslaw.

Facts: Runs through Saturday, Jan. 31, at Shaw's Crab House, 1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg. (847) 517-2722 or shawscrabhouse.com.

Happiness and prosperity for the new year

Plan early for your Chinese New Year celebration as Karma Asian Food and Wine offers a special menu from Monday, Jan. 26, through Saturday, Jan. 31. Give yourself good luck by digging into the "Prosperity" fried golden pork wonton or the "Happiness" lobster in a sweet and spicy sauce. And for really good luck try the "Luck" tangerine crème brûlée.

Facts: Karma Asian Food and Wine, 510 E. Route 83, Mundelein. (847) 970-6900 or karmachicago.com.

Ready? Set? Cook!

Get some cooking tips from one of Chicago's top chefs, Ramiro Velasquez, at a cooking class at Carlos' Restaurant. Velasquez will demonstrate the preparation of a three-course lunch. Guests will then dine on the food after the demonstration and can bring recipes home to whip up the dishes in their own kitchens.

Facts: 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Carlos' Restaurant, 429 Temple Ave., Highland Park. The cost is $65. Reservations are required. (847) 432-0770 or carlos-restaurant.com.