What to Eat, Drink, See & Do in October
via Sunda New Asian
It’s that time again! As the leaves change and the weather begins to get colder, many of us may want to stay inside, but you can consider THIS your sign to get out and enjoy the fall weather while it lasts! From the Oyster Festival at Shaw’s Crab House to new menu items at EPIC Burger, follow along for all the best things to do in October….
Celebrate Filipino American History Month at Sunda {All October}
Sunda New Asian’s Founder, Billy Dec, as well as Executive Chef Mike Morales are celebrating Filipino American History Month throughout October with special dishes inspired by Dec’s new PBS Documentary “Food. Roots.”, which he filmed while in his mother’s native islands of the Philippines to learn the recipes of his ancestors. These specials will be available all month long in October and include: Rellenong Alimasag made with stuffed crab, mustard greens and calamansi aioli, plus Bistek Ribeye and Bibingka (Coconut Rice Cake) served with ube buttercream and banana leaf.
Dig in to Oyster Festival at Shaw's Crab House {October 3-19}
Returning for its 34th season, Shaw's Crab House’s Annual Oyster Festival is returning this October. Celebrated in Chicago and Schaumburg, Chef Naoki presents an oyster-centric menu of items like Oyster Rockefeller, Oyster Po'boy, Buffalo Fried Oysters, Charbroiled Oysters and more! Shaw’s Chicago will also be offering an exclusive Oyster-Kase dinner, led by Executive Sushi Chef Naoki Nakashimia. The menu highlights fresh fish, wagyu beef, and oysters.
Plan a Spooky Season Party at Bodega
Want to plan the perfect Halloweeen party for all of your friends, but don’t have the space in your walk up? Book one of Barrio’s private event spaces for all your party needs. If you’re planning a smaller gathering for the perfect Stranger Things-themed party, check out Blank’s Bar. But if you’re throwing a huge spooky extravaganza, you’re going to need one of the larger spaces like Bodega. It will be an epic night for all!
LÝRA Greek Restaurant + Alpha Estate Wine Dinner {October 16}
If you need an October date idea, night out with the girls or just really want good wine and food, look no further than this dinner. LYRA and Alpha Estate Vineyard invite you to experience a 5-course dinner by executive chef, Samuel Rosale, which will be perfectly paired with Alpha Estate founder/winemaker, Angelos Iatridis’, wines. Tickets are available for groups of 2 to 5 people.
Give Back to The Lynn Sage Foundation with In Good Taste {All October}
Most of Chicago knows that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in observance of that, restaurants across the city are teaming up with the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation to raise money for cancer research. Stop in to spots like Goddess and Grocer for a pack of Breast Cancer Awareness Month cupcakes or Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for Sangria that gives back. A portion of proceeds go directly to the foundation and you can see the full list of participating restaurants here!
Buy Taste of Hope Tickets {November 3}
One of our favorite charitable events of the year is back for its ninth year and now is the perfect time to snag a ticket (or two) before the big night at Navy Pier. Bringing award-winning chefs and Chicago foodies together, Taste of Hope’s mission is to celebrate the American Cancer Society's progress in the fight against cancer as well as raise much-needed funds. If you’re looking for a way to give back during the holidays, this is your first and best chance!
Try the EPIC Burger Fall Specials {Through November}
Epic Burger is always coming up with something new and this month is no different. Fall specials include Loaded EPIC Fries topped with smoked bacon, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, grilled onions and Epic sauce. You can also try their Kettle Crunch Burger with double angus beef patties, bacon onion jam, kettle fried potato chips, aged cheddar cheese, pickles and Epic sauce on a brioche bun - It was featured at Chicago Gourmet’s Hamburger Hop!
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent