It’s hardly one of the city’s big events, but precisely because it’s modest and homey it’s one of my favorite celebrations of the changing of the seasons in Chicago—and if I don’t go, it at least inspires me to do a little bit of it at home. It’s Osteria Via Stato’s annual heirloom tomato dinner, at which Chef David DiGregorio prepares a whole feast around the summer fruit in its final moments of peak freshness. This year’s has special guest Nick Nichols of Nichols Farm & Orchard, a familiar Green City Market vendor; it’s Wednesday, September 23, starting at 6:30 pm, and is $68 per person, wine pairings included. Call 312-642-8450 for a reservation.
• Dusek’s will celebrate its two year anniversary with Blocktoberfest, a free block party on Allport on Sunday, October 27. It’s family friendly (also beer and sausage and music friendly). Find out more here.
