Weekend Planner: Sake Dinner, Italian Cooking Classes, Veuve Mobile, and Lillie's Q Cookout

Sake Dinner at Ani

Drinking a large amount of sake attuned to a multi-course meal is even better when proceeds benefit a good cause. Such is the case at a special sake dinner at Ani on August 9, which serves to support Japan House at the University of Illinois. Titled Ichi-go, Ichi-e (one time, one meeting), the dinner features a sake tasting and seminar by Tenzing Spirits, followed by a multi-course meal prepared by chef Shin Matsuda. A reception kicks things off at 6:00 p.m., which includes a sparkling sake lychee cocktail, followed by a seven-course degustation paired with sakes. Dishes inclide sashimi, maki, seared fish, vegetable shumai, robata-grilled chicken, almond mousse, and more. The cost to attend is $225 per person, $100 of which is tax deductible. Diners going in pairs pay $425, $200 of which is deductible. For reservations, call 217-244-9934 or email japanhouse@illinois.edu.

Scoula 312 is Back in Session

School is back in session. Fortunately for you, the curriculum is delicious Italian cooking. Phew! At 312 Chicago, executive chef Luca Corazzina is bringing back Scoula 312 on the first or second Saturday of every month through the end of the year. At each themed class, which starts this Saturday at noon with the "Art of Grilling," students will learn Italian recipes right from the Italian master himself, a Padova native reared in the home kitchen alongside his mother. After this weekend's class, follow-up lessons include the Art of Fish on September 6, the Art of Risotto on October 11, the Art of Meat on November 8, and the Art of Holiday Recipes on December 6. Each class starts at noon and costs $45 per person, which includes recipe cards, a bottle of 312 Aged Balsamic, and light bites

(Corazzina in action at 312 Chicago. Learn from him.)

Veuve Cliquot Mail Truck Comes to Chicago

Forget the ice cream truck. The Veuve Cliquot mobile sounds so much better. In fact, the Veuve Cliquot Mail Truck is making its way across America as we speak, stopping in Chicago at Plum Market on August 8 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and on August 9 at Binny's Lincoln Park at noon. For the former, the truck will be hosting a bubbly event at Plum Market's WineBar, set to include a live DJ, gratis hors d'oeuvres, and two glasses of Veuve Cliquot. All for just $15. Additional glasses of Veuve are also available for purchase that evening at a special price. First 50 people in attendance receive a goodie bag, and guests who purchase a bottle of Veuve that evening get a limited edition mailbox and postcard to send as a gift. Purchase tickets here.

Lillie's Q at Sportsman's Club

Sportsman's Club keeps with its ongoing outdoor cookout series with its latest restaurant guest this weekend, Lillie's Q's Charlie McKenna. On August 10 at 2:00 p.m., McKenna will be bringing his meaty talents to the bar's back patio, serving up a slew of 'cue along with preview dishes from his upcoming LQ Chicken Shack. Moody Tongue will also be in attendance with special craft beers for the day. The $20 entry fee earns you Lillie's Q food, Moody Tongue beer, and live music by Uncanned Music.

- Matt Kirouac

Weekend Planner: Sake Dinner, Italian Cooking Classes, Veuve Mobile, and Lillie's Q Cookout

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