So Many, Many Foodie Happenings . . .

MJSH Chicago's Bone-In Prime Ribeye Steak. (Photo: Michael Jordan's Steak House)

You'd think that since summer's winding down, the food-focused events would too, right?!

Not a chance.

First off, former Branch 27 Executive Chef John Manion is hosting a two-day pop-up Brazilian dinner in the Warehouse District August 26-27. Eater Chicago's got all the details, which includes a multi-course meal paired with cocktails and wine. Manion's also gotten the legendary Frank Orrall (Poi Dog Pondering, Thievery Corporation) to deejay for the event.

Clandestino, one of my favorite pop-up restaurant collectives, is making its next event very interactive for diners. TomatoFest in the Edible Schoolyard happens August 27, beginning with a cocktail reception and tomato picking at 5pm followed by a five-course dinner paired with craft beers at 6. The menu also celebrates the 40th anniversary of Alice Waters' Chez Panisse Foundation, with proceeds benefiting the organization. The $100 tickets are available here. Happens at the Academy of Global Citizenship (4647 W. 47th St.).


A chef from The Drake's Cape Cod Room whipping up miniature crab cakes at last year's "Taste of the Gold Coast." (Photo: Raymi Productions)

Taste of the Gold Coast takes place at the Sutton Place Hotel (21 E. Bellevue Pl.). Guests will get to sample fare from neighborhood hot spots like The Drawing Room, Cape Cod Room, Il Mulino and Pane Caldo. 6-9pm August 23. Tickets are $80-$100 in advance if you purchase them here or $120 at the door.

Also happening on August 23 is the supposed grand opening of Michael Jordan's Steak House. Here are Time Out Chicago's menu highlights, which include a sneak peek at the Bone-In Prime Ribeye Steak, Colossal Crab Cake and Key Lime Bombe.

And speaking of TOC, the pub is doing its annual Food Truck Social on August 27. The event takes place at 700 N. Ashland Ave., and the lineup is impressive. Gaztro-wagon turns into a pop-up resto for the occasion and has the likes of Bill Kim of Urbanbelly and Belly Shack (noon-2pm), Michael Carlson of Schwa (2:30-4:30pm), Justin Large of Big Star (5-7pm) and Stephanie Izard of Girl & the Goat (7:30-9:30pm) whipping up signature bites. Look also for food trucks Bergstein's Deli, Flirty Cupcakes, Gaztro-wagon, Haute Sausage, Hummingbird Kitchen, La Isla Café, Southern Mac, Starfruit Café, Sweet Miss Giving's, Sweet Ride Chicago and Tamalespaceship. Noon-10pm August 27. Suggested $5 donation benefits Share Our Strength.

Two additional high-profile spots are also doing something special for Share Our Strength this month. All proceeds from DMK Burger Bar's beer floats benefit the organization August 25-31. The float features Brekenridge Brewery's Vanilla Porter and Peterson's vanilla bean ice cream for $5.

And Tavernita Executive Chef/Partner Ryan Poli has created a marinated grilled shrimp, watermelon & tomato salad with pickled red onions taco, with all sales going to the organization. You get four tacos for $16 at dinner or three tacos for $12 during lunch. It's available through the end of the month at Mercadito.