MONDAY 25
Nothing beats a case of the Mondays like free sips of Death’s Door vodka and gin at Taste Food and Wine in Rogers Park. 6–7:30pm. 1506 Jarvis Ave (773-761-3633). Free.

The Chicago Gourmets are at it again with a wine reception and dinner at The Stained Glass Bistro in Evanston. And honestly, tell me that white-truffle and ricotta ravioli paired with a glass of white Bordeaux doesn’t sound delicious right now. Reserve a spot. 6:30pm. 1735 Benson Ave (708-383-7543). $95 for members, $105 for nonmembers.

TUESDAY 26
Patrick Conway of Great Lakes Brewing is in town for a slew of beer dinners (see Thu 28), starting with one on the roof of the Northalsted Whole Foods. A six-course dinner cooked by the grocery store’s chef will be paired with brews like Edmund Fitzgerald Porter and Holy Moses White Ale. 6–8pm. 3640 N Halsted St (773-472-0400). $50.

WEDNESDAY 27
Fox and Obel hosts North Shore Distillery co-founder Sonja Kassebaum for a class on mixing drinks such as French rivieras, ginger gimlets, and lemongrass mojitos. If you’ve yet to try the distillery’s Sirene Absinthe Verte, now’s your chance. 6–7pm. 401 E Illinois St (312-379-0139). $10.

Hey, big spenders—wait, do big spenders exist in this economy? Anyway, just in case there are any of you out there: Tonight Smith and Wollensky features Chateau Ste Michelle wines alongside five courses of classic steakhouse fare like oysters, peppercorn-crusted ahi tuna, and (of course) filet mignon. 6:30–9:30pm. 318 N State St (312-670-9900). $100.

Of all the decisions I’ve made lately (Obama v. Clinton, side bangs v. center part, organic eggs v. just cage-free ones), I’ve yet to really noodle over the differences between whites from Chablis or Macon. But hey, now that we’ve got our candidate, maybe it’s time to sweat the small stuff. Webster’s Wine Bar hosts a tasting of more than 15 wines at Chablis vs. Macon: The Other White Burgundy. Reservations required. Email signup@websterwinebar.com. 7:30pm. 1480 W Webster Ave (773-868-0608). $35.

20 bucks buys tastings of five wines and appetizers at Quartino’s—and the focus this month is on Greek producers. Make a reservation, or just drop in. 7–9pm. 626 N State St (312-698-5000). $20.

Rick Bayless gets inducted into the Chefs’ Hall of Fame (who knew there was such a thing?) at the Chicago Culinary Museum tonight. Charlie Trotter (the 2006 inductee) and other big shots around town will be there for cocktails, an awards ceremony, and a “wandering feast”—whatever that might involve. Buy advance tix here. 5:30–9:30pm. Palmer House Hilton, 17 E Monroe St. $175–200.

THURSDAY 28
Loneliness and tequila dinners are a dangerous mix. Bring a pal for the Tequila Gran Centenario Dinner at Adobo Grill’s Old Town location. The corn-focused, four-course meal starts with a squash-blossom-stuffed corn crepe and ends with a sweet corn cake topped with corn ice cream. 7pm. 1610 N Wells (312-266-7999). $43.

A multi-course beer dinner with Great Lakes Brewing pairings is a bargain for $48. Especially when it’s Jerry’s in Wicker Park presenting courses like Dortmunder beer-battered chicken alongside a glass of Dortmunder gold lager. GLB’s Patrick Conway hosts. 7pm. 1938 W Division St (773-235-1006). $48.

Mixologist John Kinder left mk to do some other things…like eat chocolate. He’s at Vosges Haut Chocolat boutique tonight matching cocktails with candy bars at a Culinary Cocktail Tasting. See if your senses can handle the pairing of a bacon-and-chocolate bar with a Bourbon-sugar-snap sour. 7:30–9:30pm. 951 W Armitage (773-296-9866). $60.

Oceanique jumps on the wagon and ditches the wine dinners for farm dinners. The first Green Summer Farmer’s Market Dinner has all the necessary ingredients: heirloom tomatoes (in a gazpacho with grilled shrimp), Michigan raspberries (in a palette-cleansing sorbet) and local peaches (in a cobbler for dessert). The menu is available all night (5:30–9:30pm). 505 Main St, Evanston (847-864-3435). $65.

FRIDAY 29
There’s a recession going on, people. Who can afford all these multi-course dinners? Taste of Melrose Park—where tasting portions of 75 diverse dishes top out at $2—has the right idea. Through Sun 31. Fri 5pm–midnight, Sat noon–midnight, Sun noon–10pm. 1000 N 25th Ave, Melrose Park (708-343-4000). Free.

SATURDAY 30
More free stuff: Catch Freddy Sanchez of Adobo Grill demonstrating how to prepare seasonal Mexican fare at the Green City Market. 10:30am. Market runs 7am–1:30pm. Lincoln Park, between 1750 N Clark and Stockton Drive. Free.

SUNDAY 31
Take advantage of the long weekend with a trip out to the Chicago Botanic Gardens, where Ramiro Velasquez, from Carlos’ in Highland Park, will give cooking demos at 1:30 and 2:30pm. 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe (847-835-5440). Free (except for parking—so ride a bike!).