wine & dine

May Wine & Dine Events

2/1–8/1
Battle of the Pizzas
If you've got the perfect pizza dough or the most-wanted pizza sauce around, you may have a winner on your hands. Submit a recipe that best reflects Chicago by using locally produced ingredients or one that showcases Chicago-inspired pizza. A Bolla wine must also be included to compliment the pizza. Five winners, one from each region of the U.S., will receive a pizza oven and a Bolla pizza pack. The grand winner will be sent on a trip to Verona, Italy to visit Bolla's winery and attend the 2009 World Pizza Championship. www.bolla.com/taste

5/1
Toast of the Town
Do you enjoy fine wine and fine restaurants? Better not miss Toast of the Town, then. Held at the Field Museum, more than 500 different wine, spirits and signature entrees will be provided by over 100 wine and spirits vendors and over 30 Chicago restaurants, including Coco Pazzo, Brasserie Jo, Topolobampo and more. VIP tasting will begin at 6pm. Grand Tasting commences at 7pm. $95-$185. 6–10pm. Field Museum, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, www.wineenthusiast.com.

5/5
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Check out Zapatista's all-day fiesta. Enjoy shrimp fajitas, chipotle chicken burritos or other authentic Mexican entrees paired with a $5 margarita. End your meal with the tantalizing Dessert Sampler, which includes gelatos and Mexican cheesecake. 11:30am–10pm. Zapatista, 1307 South Wabash Avenue, 312.435.1307, www.zapatistacantina.com

5/7
Boutiques Wine Tasting
Would you like to shop, sip and support all at once? Enjoy handbag and jewelry boutique shopping while sipping on your favorite wine and supporting the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center at Erin Gallagher Jewelry Gallery and Bess & Loie Handbag Boutique. The Auxiliary of the CCAC will host this evening featuring top-notch wine and culinary presentations from professionals. $75 Advance Tickets, $100 At The Door. 6-8pm. Erin Gallagher Jewelry Gallery, 1017 West Lake Street, 312.492.3825. www.chicagocac.org

5/11
King Indulgence for a Queen
Head over to Shaw's Crab House for a Mother's Day brunch buffet. In addition to getting your fill of king crab legs, there's sushi, French toast, eggs and much more. For the special women of the day, Shaw's will be giving each a flower and a $25 gift certificate to come visit again. Shaw's Crab House, 21 East Hubbard Street, 312.527.2722, www.shawscrabhouse.com

5/11
Spice Up Mom's Life
With extended hours and special gifts for mothers, Vong's Thai Kitchen aims to please mom on her day. Drop by early or late for a delicious plate of pad thai or spicy curry, and don't forget to end mom's meal with the Crème Brulee Trio or the Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake. She'll be thanking you all the way from the entrée to the dessert. 4-9pm. Vong's Thai Kitchen, 6 West Hubbard Street, 312.644.8664, www.vongsthaikitchen.com

5/27
Dine with Wine Connoisseurs
Wildfire Wine Director Brad Wermager invites you to join him and a representative from the Louis M. Martini winery in California to a wine dinner. This delectable dinner will feature a special discussion and presentation from the Louis M. Martini representative. Wines will be accompanied by the exquisite cuisine of Chef Steven Lukis. Pricing varies depending on food and wine served. 6:30pm. Wildfire, 159 West Erie Street, 773.398.6960, www.wildfirerestaurant.com

5/28
Shop with the Chef
Get up close and personal with Aria Executive Chef Brad Parsons as he guides you through Chicago's Green City Market looking for the freshest and best produce and products of the season. You'll be able to participate with some of Chicago's top chefs in cooking demonstrations, talk with local farmers who raise fresh, sustainable produce and then return to Aria where Chef Parsons will use the ingredients selected by the group to create a gourmet lunch. $100 + Gratuity. 10am. Aria, 200 North Columbus Drive, 312.444.9494

Compiled by Elizabeth Heiberger

If you have an event for Wine and Dine, please submit it to dining@tcwmag.com. Include "Wine and Dine Events" in the subject heading.