Jimmy Bannos helps rebuild the Big Easy

He’s a strong supporter of New Orleans’ culture and cuisine, and ever since Hurricane Katrina struck, he’s done all he can to help.

So the latest effort Heaven on Seven’s Jimmy Bannos is doing is this worthy event happening Wednesday, Nov. 14 5:30-8pm. He’s teaming up with the Trust for Public Land to benefit New Orleans’ City Park with a benefit at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington Blvd.).

First guests may observe two presentations in the Claudia Cassidy Theater, “Geographies of New Orleans: Urban Fabrics Before and After the Storm” and “City Park: Progress to Date,” then join Bannos for a reception at his Heaven on Seven Loop location at 111 N. Wabash Ave., seventh floor. He’ll be serving up cocktails and his spin on New Orleans fare. $125 for both events; $100 for cocktail reception; $25 for presentation only. 312-263-6443 for tickets.

The Craft is back . . .

OK, so this just dropped in my inbox: an invitation for a party for MGD's new beer, The Craft, and it's happening on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at Galleria Marchetti (825 W. Erie St., 312-563-0495). Apparently they've been here before for one of these free parties, and they usually get some pretty big-name talent to perform.

This time, Doug E. Fresh is the host, with Black Thought from The Roots and Raekwon from Wu-Tang Clan scheduled to perform. You'd better get there early if you want to get in. RSVP at rsvp.chicago.mgd.com/av.do or RSVP@SLDMarketingGroup.net, and of course there's free beer for all. Doors open at 8pm.

Deal of the day . . .

So what it's Monday.

There's always time to hit a happy hour after work. And you don't have to settle for the usual wings and burgers if you head to McCormick & Schmick's. They've finally updated their popular happy hour menu--and all items are still under $4.

Even though you can still get the steamed black mussels, half-pound cheeseburger and pot roast sliders for $1.95, they've added some $3.95 items like the Mahi Mahi cakes, Asian cross-cut ribs and blackened fish tacos with pico de gallo and sour cream. No drink specials, but with those prices, I'm sure you can spare a few more bucks.

Hours: Happy hour at Loop location, Monday-Thursday 3:30-6pm; night happy hour Monday-Thursday 10pm-midnight; Friday, Saturday 11pm-1am; and Sunday, 9-11pm. The Rush Street location offers happy hour Monday-Friday 3:30-6:30pm, and then again Monday-Thursday 9-11pm. Two city locations: One E. Wacker Dr., 312-923-7226 or 41 E. Chestnut St., 312-397-9500.