Weekend Planner: Red Hot Chili Pepper Pizza, Mixology Academy, Brunch at TWO
Red Hot Chili Pepper Pizza at Forno Rosso
With Lollapalooza weekend coming up fast, restaurants are getting in on the action with some themed specials like the ”Red Hot Chili Pepper Pizza" at Forno Rosso. Available July 28 through July 31, the duration of the massive music festival, the special pie features appropriately spicy soppressata, Calabrian peppers, chili peppers, housemade spicy oil, and basil. The pizza is best enjoyed on the West Loop restaurant’s brand new patio, which has seats for 60.
Mixology Academy at La Mez/Mercadito
We may still be in the middle of summer, but school is already getting stated at La Mez Agave Lounge, the subterranean mezcal bar below Mercadito. The bar is beginning an ongoing themed mixology academy, taught by head mixologist Dylan Stewart, and it all starts July 30 at 3:00 p.m. Priced at $45 per person, the classes are a lot more fun than standard schooling, wherein attendees get to learn tips and tricks to crafting cocktails at home. In addition to drinks, chef Patricio Sandoval will provide appetizers. The inaugural class is all about umbrella drinks and tiki cocktails, with forthcoming classes that include tequila and margaritas on August 27, mojitos on September 24, gin & tonics on October 22, and Old Fashioneds on December 17. For more information and to make a reservation, visit Mercadito’s webite or call the restaurant.
TWO Launches Brunch
You love TWO for dinner and drinks, now there’s more to love as the esteemed West Town destination officially rolls out Sunday brunch. True to TWO’s style, expect updated and seasonally inspired renditions of classic American breakfast favorites, like cinnamon rolls, shrimp and grits, lobster toast, double cheeseburgers, and potato pancakes with duck confit and fried duck egg. To drink, beverage director Graham Crowe has whipped up a lustrous array of libations, like a Corpse Reviver #TWO with gin, Combier, lemon, vermouth bianco, and absinthe; and the Maggie with vodka, cucumber, watermelon, elderflower, honey, and celery bitters. Brunch is served every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
- Matt Kirouac