Sample Sierra Nevada brews at Durty Nellie's

Durty Nellie's hosts its Sierra Nevada Artisan Ale Experience 2009, featuring samples of limited release and classic selections of beers from the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Representatives from the company will be on hand to discuss their beers. Guests will receive a pint of their favorite Sierra Nevada beer, along with a souvenir ale-tasting glass.

Facts: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $20 per person in advance and at the door. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.

Red hot celebration

fRedhots and Fries of Glenview invites its patrons to celebrate National Hot Dog month in July by trying some of the restaurant's more exotic hot dogs. Take a bite of the smoked salmon hot dog, or slather ketchup on the bison/buffalo hot dog. For those who like traditional "dogs," fRedhots and Fries still offers a Chicago-style Vienna Beef hot dog, in sizes ranging from 3 inches to the foot-long Big Foot.

Facts: fRedhots and Fries is at 1707 Chestnut Ave., in Glenview. (847) 657-9200 or fredhots.com. (847) 657-9200 or fredhots.com.

A spot of tea

The Hyatt Regency O'Hare is celebrating its summer theme of Novelteas with fruits, juices and freshly brewed iced teas that are shaken tableside. Varieties include vanilla with ginger and lemon, pear and lime, peach and pomegranate or camomile with mango and orange. The items are being served now through August at the hotel's O'H American Grill and Red Bar.

Facts: The Hyatt Regency O'Hare is at 9300 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont. (847) 696-1234 or ohare.hyatt.com.