Dining out: Fall means barrel-aged stouts, cocoa crawls and prepping for Thanksgiving
PB and bourbon stout
It's barrel-aged stout season, and Riverlands Brewing Company in St. Charles is bringing back their Barrel Aged Orbital Velocity on Friday, Oct. 27. Riverlands ages their peanut butter cup imperial stout for 18 months in Old Elk and Buffalo Trace barrels, producing a 14.5% ABV snack-in-a-glass. Barrel Aged Orbital Velocity is available on tap or in $25 to-go bottles starting at noon until supplies last. There's no limit and also no other distribution available, so head to 1860 Dean St., Unit A.
Feeling crabby?
It's also Florida stone crab season, which means Truluck's in Rosemont is serving fresh claws that go from trap to table in 24 hours. For more than 30 years, Truluck's has worked with third-generation crabbers in South Florida who boil their freshly harvested stone crab claws immediately either on the boat or dockside, then pack them in ice and put them on a plane. From there it's just a short trip to O'Hare and then your stomach. Fun fact: Florida law forbids the harvesting of whole stone crabs, but since they can regenerate lost limbs, crabbers can take their meaty claws without killing them. Stone crab season at Truluck's, 9860 Berwyn Ave., runs through May 1.
How do you like them apples?
Stan's Donuts & Coffee and Magnolia Bakery are combining two of their fall favorites, Stan's apple cider doughnuts and Magnolia's apple crisp pudding, for new, limited-time treats. Stan's Apple Cider Pudding Le Stan is their traditional Le Stan croissant doughnut infused with Magnolia's apple cider pudding-inspired pastry cream and tossed in a cinnamon sugar coating with a pastry cream drizzle. At Magnolia's downtown loop location, they'll be offering their pudding layered with Stan's apple cider doughnuts. Both products are available through the end of the month at Stan's, with locations in Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Rosemont, Schaumburg and Chicago.
En garde
Windy City Dueling Pianos is bringing its act to Spartan Ale House, 3032 English Rows Ave., Naperville, from 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. Come see two pianists battle it out on stage, playing your favorite songs from all genres and having some laughs along the way. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.
Anyone can cook ...
But can just anyone cook Thanksgiving dinner? Maggiano's Little Italy in Naperville wants to help you try with an adult cooking class Thursday, Nov. 2. Their executive chef will teach you (yes, even you) how to make Thanksgiving dishes and demonstrate how to properly carve the bird. Recipes will be provided so you can show off for your family. In addition to the cooking demo, you get to feast on a family-style Thanksgiving dinner, replete with wine. The class runs from 6-8:30 p.m. at 1847 Freedom Drive. The $80 tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Cocoa crawling along
The Geneva Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Cocoa & Chocolate Crawl from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Offerings from hot cocoa to chocolate-covered potato chips to Black Forest chocolate dessert wine will be available from local businesses that include Aurelio's Pizza, Burger and Sushi House (B.A.S.H), Craft Urban, Crumbl Cookies, Ella's Italian Pub, Fair Game, Flourish, Geneva Ale House, Geneva Winery, Geneva Winery Bistro & Wine Bar, GIA MIA, Inluro, Little Red Barn Door, The Little Traveler, Livia Italian Eatery, Liz and Kate Boutique, Nobel House, Pärla, Penrose Brewing Company, Stockholm's Restaurant & Brewery, Sweet Sensations, Urban Artisan and The Winding Deerpath. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased at genevachamber.com.
Happy anniversary
Grill House in Northbrook is celebrating its sixth anniversary with a slew of specials Tuesday through Sunday, Oct. 31-Nov. 5. Daily specials include buy one, get one desserts on Tuesday and kids eat free on Wednesday. Diners can enter a raffle for a chance to be one of 20 winners of a $50 gift card. Grill House is located at 3061 Dundee Road.
On the move
Acquaviva Ristorante Batavia recently cut a ceremonial ribbon to celebrate their new location at the former home of Tribella Restaurant at 1900 Mill St. The new location is opening soon and features fresh Italian cuisine and wines from the Acquaviva Winery in Maple Park. Check their Facebook page for updates on the official opening date.
And the winner was ...
Winners of the Barrington Great Taste Awards were announced last week during the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce's TasteFest at Wild Onion Brewery & Banquets in Lake Barrington. More than 20 local restaurant and spirit vendors participated. Wild Asparagus Catering took home the crown for Best Taste, Gianni's Cafe won for Best Entree, Garfield's Beverage Warehouse won for Best Spirit and Ambrosia Euro-American Patisserie was honored for Best Dessert.
• Send dining events to rwest@dailyherald.com.