SAVORY news and events (week of Sept. 30-Oct. 7, 2023)

A 'Hell's Kitchen' viewing party, an Alinea series and The Signature Room closes

—And I quote: “You worry too much about what goes into your mouth and not enough about what comes out of it.”—Chef Leah Chase

—Culinary item: A new California law will raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 per hour next year. In related news, I’m considering a move to California.

—Non-culinary item: Yes, I actually saw the season debut of Dancing with the Stars. However, regarding reality shows, I (currently) draw the line at Naked Attraction, despite its popularity. 

—October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and many Chicagoland restaurants and bars plan to hold fundraisers to help raise awareness.

Estelle's' F?!k Cancer Cosmo. Photo courtesy of Estelle's

For example, throughout the month, Estelle’s, 2013 W. North Ave., will sell F?!k Cancer Cosmos (with Stoli O, Apologue Aronia, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, lemon and cranberry juice), with the venue donating $2 per drink to Susan G. Komen. Also, Estelle’s will donate $1 from any signature cocktail to the organization.

Wake‘n Bacon, 420 W. Belmont Ave., will donate $1 from every "Mo’ Chicks Mo’ Poblanos” sandwich sold during October to the Lynn Sage Foundation Chicago’s In Good Taste Campaign. 

Geneva spot B.A.S.H., 124 N. West State St., will also donate a portion of proceeds from a specialty chef’s choice pink sushi roll to the Lynn Sage Foundation Chicago’s In Good Taste Campaign.

B.A.S.H.'s pink sushi roll. Photo courtesy of B.A.S.H

During October, $1 from each of Offshore Rooftop’s Hampton Water cocktails will be donated to Lynn Sage, with partner Hampton Water matching all donations as well. Menu items included in this donation are Jon Bon Jovi Rose cocktail (Grey Goose Strawberry Lemongrass, St. Germain, Hampton Water Rose, strawberry and lemon) as well as individual glasses and bottle purchases of Hampton Water Rose. 

In support and honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee will be donating 10% of all sales of their new fall drink, the Prickly Pear Refresher, to the Lynn Sage Foundation throughout the entire month to continue the fight to end breast cancer. 

The Goddess and Grocer's "Boobies For a Cause" cupcakes. Photo from The Goddess and Grocer

The Goddess and Grocer—not to be outdone—will sell “Boobies For A Cause Cupcakes” at all locations (Fulton Market, Bucktown, River North, Gold Coast and O'Hare Terminal 5). It’s $5.95 for a two pack of boobies in four varieties of skin shades to celebrate all women and $2 from each sale will be donated to Equal Hope. Large orders can be ordered via catering@goddessandgrocer.com.