Weekday Planner: Chef Roast, Wine Dinner at Geja's Cafe, and Negroni Week

Chef “Roast” at River Roast

Everyone loves a good-hearted roast. For the sake of charity, River Roast is hosting a chef “roast” on June 7, wherein five famed Chicago chefs come together to roast each other for the sake of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Along with host chefs Tony Mantuano and John Hogan, attending chefs include Jimmy Bannos Sr., David Burke, and Takashi Yagihashi. They’ll be working together on a five-course dinner, followed by the main event, emceed by WXRT Radio’s Lin Brehmer. It all starts with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. After dinner, each chef will take turns on stage roasting their comrades. The cost to attend is $75, with proceeds benefitting the food depository. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Argyle Winemaker Dinner at Geja’s Cafe

Fondue and Oregon wine are on deck for a special multi-course dinner at Geja’s Cafe on June 6. The guest winery for the evening is Argyle Winery, which starts pouring at 6:30 p.m. for the four-course affair. Food to be served includes salad, cheese fondue, beef tenderloin, chicken and shrimp, and flaming chocolate fondue, each one paired with wine. A representative from the winery will be on hand to mingle and talk about the products. The cost for dinner is $60 per person and reservations can be made by calling Geja’s Cafe. 

Negroni Week at Tesori

Negronis take the spotlight at Tesori, which is participating in Negroni Week from June 6 through June 12. With cocktail sales from special Negronis benefitting the United States Bartender’s Guild, you can feel good about indulging. The drink du jour is Tesori’s rendition of a Boulevardier, which contains Eagle Rare bourbon, Campari, carpano antica, and orange. It’s priced at $12, with $1 from each drink going to the Guild. 

- Matt Kirouac