Friday, September 16, 2011

Off The Grid Grubbing . . .

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Tim Williams (left), Brandon Baltzley (Photo: BOOM Photography!) and Troy Graves

You're already aware of fall's biggest foodie fests, but didja know about some of the more under-the-radar events happening around town?

Here's what is going down, from a few unconventional pop-up restaurants to a cocktail party with sippin' and swagger:

Sepia's Sal Munoz, Arthur Hon and award-winning mixologist Josh Pearson are part of the team behind Guerrilla Exhibit, happening 7-10pm Sunday at an undisclosed location in Bucktown. Chefs—or culinary artists—Kurt Guzowski and Thomas Rice are behind the multi-course menu that's paired with cocktails and vino. It's $105 per person and the location will be revealed to guests the day of dinner. RSVP here.

Celebrate the end of Green City Market's annual Locavore Challenge with a picnic supper featuring local food from the Honest Meal Project, Limelight Catering and Green City Market. The dinner will be held in the south gallery of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Dr.) 6-8pm Sept. 21. Get the $30 tickets here.

Former Japonais mixologist Tim Williams breaks out on his own with Pour Souls, a new monthly event featuring interactive cocktail classes, a cocktail competition, artwork and local chef fare. The free, kickoff event occurs at The Space Movement (1474 N. Milwaukee Ave.) and starts at 8pm Sept. 30; RSVP to poursoulsmixology@gmail.com.

Equally appetizing is Food and Drink: In the Time of Phylloxera happening at Rootstock on Oct. 2. Reservations are filling up fast at this neighborhood-oriented eatfest put on by chef Troy Graves (Eve, Montarra, Tallulah) and The Gage/Henri mixologist Clint Rogers. The multi-course menu is inspired by the cuisine of European nations plagued by Phylloxera in the late 19th century. The five courses include beer and cocktail pairings (non-alcoholic pairings available upon request). Four seatings at 6:30, 7, 8:30 and 9pm. $85 per person; email phylloxerapopup@gmail.com for reservations.

And former Alinea/Tribute chef Brandon Baltzley takes a cue from Grant Achatz's Next concept with this promising pop-up at Pensiero in Evanston. For this special event, he plans to pay homage to the apex of Imperial Rome. He's spent ample time researching the era, and is whipping up a 10-course menu that'll be paired with wines. Two limited seatings on Oct. 17; reservations required by calling the restaurant here. $140 per person; $60 extra for wine pairings.

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