Shakira, Guy Fieri, Shaw's 40th and remembering a restaurateur

For the week of March 9, there's also news about 312 Day and wine dinners

—Don’t forget!: Starting May 7, people older than 18 who plan to use their state-issued IDs or licenses to fly within the U.S. or enter certain federal facilities must have one that is REAL ID-compliant (identified by a gold circle with a white star in the middle, on the upper right corner of the ID/license). A dozen DMV facilities in the Chicago area will open on Saturdays to accommodate an “unprecedented demand” for REAL ID service, according to WTTW News.

And now on to culinary items…

—Shaw’s and effect: Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants’ Shaw’s Crab House is celebrating its 40th anniversary on April 7-11.

Shaw's Crab House. Image by Christina Slaton

Among the highlights, there will be throwback menu items, live music and other special events at the Chicago restaurant. Over the past four decades, Shaw’s has served more than 10 million oysters and welcomed 8 million guests.

Shaw's Crab House's whole king crab. Photo by Anjali Pinto

Regarding that retro menu, there will be items such as clams casino, sautéed frog legs, blue crab stuffed shrimp, jambalaya, 12 varieties of oysters on the half shell and more. There will also be a Champagne and oyster event (April 8), a performance by Chicago blues legend Big Dog Mercer (April 10) and the Day of Celebration (April 11).

—A singular sensation: Jody Andre—a fixture in Chicago’s restaurant scene going back more than two decades, when she headed the Andersonville spot Tomboy as well as The Room, and co-owned the Speakeasy Supperclub (with, among others, famed pianist Michael Feinstein)—has passed away. She was 65.

She got into the restaurant business after moving to Chicago in 1990, although she initially worked at PriceWaterhouse for five years. Besides the previously named spots, she owned Briejo Restaurant in Oak Park during 2007-11.

I was fortunate enough to interview her (more than 20 years ago), and I still remember how distinctly warm she was. When I asked what her advice would be for up-and-coming business owners, she responded, “Know your market. Look around to see if people need or want your product or service.” A celebration of Andre’s life will be held at eden, 2734 W. Roscoe St., on Saturday, March 22, 1-4 p.m.

—A woman’s worth: In celebration of Hard Rock International’s annual “International Women’s Month” in March and International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, Hard Rock and global superstar Shakira announced a year-long partnership that aims to empower women around the world to tell their stories, be their authentic selves and unite through the power of music.