PICK OF THE WEEK
First look
Seeking a new football season hangout? Check out BlackFinn American Saloon (pictured) during the bar’s Grand Opening Party. All appetizers are free, so you can sample menu items ranging from standard pub grub like chicken tenders and buffalo wings to classier fare such as steak skewers and seared ahi tuna (right). Pair your snacks with wallet-friendly drink specials while you scope out the space, which is lined with dozens of TVs. No cover. 5-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Naperville. Reservations required.
Bite into value
For $20 you could either order a nice entree at some sit-down restaurant or you could sample dishes from nearly 20 local spots at Savor the Flavor: An Evening of Culinary Delight. The annual roundup of Woodridge spots hosted by the village’s chamber of commerce includes cooking demos and a cash bar, plus food samples from Vesuvio’s Italiano, Cabana Charley’s, Seven Bridges Golf Club and more. $15-$20. $5 for kids under 14. 5-9 p.m. Thursday. Bobak’s Signature Events, Woodridge.
Fundraising feast
Get plenty of variety for your money with samples of dishes from 23 top area restaurants at Bistro of the ’Burbs. Held at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, the bash features a performance by local comedian Spike Manton, who hosts “Harry & Spike” on ESPN Radio 1000, plus an open bar and two to three food offerings from Brio Tuscan Grill, Mon Ami Gabi, Wildfire and other spots. The annual benefit raises money for the Lombard Junior Philanthropic Fund, which supports DuPage PADS, the Lombard/Villa Park Food Pantry and other local organizations. $65. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Friday. Reservations recommended.
Pigskin party
Watching the play-by-play on the 8-by-10-foot screen at the Chicago Bears Tailgate Parties at Walter Payton’s Roundhouse could have an unforeseen side effect: Your living room TV will never look the same. Besides a great view, the bash features free bingo and raffles for the chance to win Walter Payton’s merchandise. Fuel up with 50 cent wings and $10 pitchers of Payton Pilsner and Payton Pilsner Light, both fresh from the pub’s on-site brewery. No cover. Sundays. Aurora.
FEEDING FRENZY
Hot plate
Save some cash without giving up dinner on the town with Shinto’s $15 four-course hibachi dinner. Watch chefs showcase their skills as they prepare your choice of chicken, steak, shrimp, calamari or veggies in a teriyaki sauce on a smokeless hot table. Onion soup, salad, rice and dessert round out this big meal with a tiny price tag. 4-6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Naperville.
Runway ready
Fashion Week Naperville stirs up stylish events for aspiring models and fashionistas. The second annual event kicks off with a modeling seminar and model search at Century 21 (Monday, Oct. 12.) and ends with a fashion show at Hotel Arista featuring styles from Naperville boutiques such as Le Frou Frou, Tresor and Twist (6-8 p.m. Oct. 16. 2139 CityGate Lane). Prices vary.
Latin beats
If you don’t know the difference between merengue and bachata, get schooled on how to move to the beat during Salsa Saturdays at Esteban’s. This Latin bar and eatery serves dinner until 8:30 p.m., with dishes ranging from enchiladas to empanadas. After that, the tables are cleared to make room for a dance floor. After an hour-long lesson, spend the night showing off your new skills. Despite the event name, classes teach different styles of Latin dancing each week, not just salsa. $10, $5 before 8:30 p.m., no cover with dinner reservation. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturdays. Naperville.
Do the ’due
Where: Downers Grove
You don’t need a date to share fondue for two. Grab some friends and treat yourself to the Girls’ Night Out at the Melting Pot. Make a toast to good company with $7 select martinis before moving on to a three-course dinner of salad, cheese fondue and chocolate fondue for dessert. Being single has never been so sweet. $18.99. 5-10 p.m. Thursdays. Downers Grove.
Rock on
Where: Naperville
If you’ve spent hours hammering chords and perfecting solos in front of your TV, now’s the time to show off your skills at CrossTown Pub & Grill’s Guitar Hero Tournaments. Download your favorite tunes on the bar’s arcade machine and play ’em on a 42-inch screen. Competitors chip in $5 to enter in the double elimination competition, facing off against their opponent to see who can nail the top score on the same song. At the end of the night, the cash pot is split among the top performers. With only two people able to play at once, there’s plenty of downtime to cool off with $6 domestic pitchers. No cover. 7 p.m. Mondays.
Savor the season
Where: Willow Springs
Dinner at Courtright’s in Willow Springs can be a pricey affair, but now you can sample some of summer’s freshest ingredients on the cheap with their $35 three-course dinner. Chef Jerome Bacle tackles a new theme each week, with wine pairings for an addition $15. 5-10 p.m. Fridays.
MORE ONGOING EVENTS
Trivial pursuit
Where: Downers Grove
Those random facts floating in the back of your brain could win you a $40 gift card at Tuesday Night Trivia at Ballydoyle Irish Pub. Whether you’re flying solo or with a team, answer questions on history, science and current events by jotting down your guesses and running them up to the host. Even if you’re stumped, contestants are encouraged to write down something funny, as all answers are read aloud. No cover. Tuesdays.
Happy hour heaven
Where: Lombard
If your after-work plans include a little shopping at Yorktown Center, fuel up first with the $2.95 bar menu at Brio Tuscan Grille. The hearty roundup of discount eats ranges from pepperoni flatbread and bruschetta to more unique picks like the shrimptini, baby shrimp and cocktail sauce served in a martini glass. After filling up at the large bar, head out to the airy patio for a signature peach bellini ($6.50). 3-6 p.m. and 9-10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 3-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. Fridays.
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Samantha Nelson is a Metromix special contributor. Lisa Arnett is the Metromix nightlife and shopping producer. lmarnett@tribune.com.
