BON VIVANT: June 23 – 27

Sunday, June 23

WHAT: “I Want Candy” Brunch Bash
WHERE: Tavernita, 151 W. Erie Street
WHEN: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
$$$: $18.50 per person. For reservations, call 312-274-1111.

WHY: Honoring two national holidays – candy and LGBT pride –  this month’s ode-to-piggy-brunch serves up a classic collection of brunch-favorites-with-a-twist; a Hennessy-soaked, tastes-like-candy cocktail; and DJ Kareem will be spinning glow-stick-inspire anthem songs all afternoon long. But it’s the rainbow-hued Gummy Bear Bar we’re most excited about. If you’re thinking we’re referring to jovial leprechauns and pots of gold, then you’re absolutely right. Monies from Tippling Bros. Hennessy cocktail will be donated to GLAAD.

Wednesday, June 26

WHAT: Death’s Door Bar & Tasting Event
WHERE: uncommon ground, 1401 W. Devon Avenue
WHEN: Reception & rooftop farm tour kicks off at 6:30 p.m.; dinner starts at 7:00 p.m.
$$$: $30 per person. Click HERE to purchase tickets.

WHY: We don’t scare easily – if you ever saw our collection of classic fright favorites, you’d know that. So when we learned that Death’s Door was actually a Washington Island, WI-based spirits purveyor and not a demonic film about a couple of unlucky teens unlocking the doorway to Hell, we were, well, ambiguous. We perked up when we learned uncommon ground’s Executive Chef Evan Rondeau would be using the devil’s brew to create three organic, farm-to-table courses, complemented by craft cocktails. What can we say? Damnation tastes sweet.

Thursday, June 27

WHAT: “Chef Unplugged” Dinner Series feat. Food Network’s Ben Vaughn
WHERE: Liam Brex Kitchen Studios, 222 S. Main Street, Naperville, IL
WHEN: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
$$$: $75 per person, includes beer and wine. Space is limited. For more information, or to reserve your spot, call 630-803-4715.

WHY: Moms are renowned neat-nicks. Unfortunately, yours is so anal you find yourself diving for the plastic gloves and a face mask whenever she pops by your pad for an impromptu visit. Starting June 27, Beth Clinton Peterson (Beth’s Table) and celebrity chef, consultant and show host, Ben Vaughn kick off an intimate dining series featuring intimate toque talks and an interactive, five-course tasting menu. And though Chef Vaughn may star in Health Inspectors, a popular, reality TV show that gets restaurants squeaky clean and inspection-ready, you should still plan to leave the latex, and mom, at home.

Have an upcoming event you don’t want “24/7” to miss? Contact Kerry Shorr at: silvershorr@hotmail.com

Kerry Shorr, 24/7 Contributing Writer
Co-Founder, Luxe File Chicago