THE BIG DEALS
FCheers to you
Lager feld
Mahoney’s Pub & Grille, 551 N. Ogden. Try 10, threeounce samples of crafted beer and complimentary sausage bites during the pub’s Lager Jam event noon to 3 p.m. May 19, $20; $25 at the door. Call (312) 733-2121;
Summit treat
Magnolia Bakery, 108 N. State. Nato-inspired cupcakes (vanilla cupcake with vanilla buttercream, topped with blue nonpareils, $3) will be around to May 25. Visit
Hot PL8
rom upscale to low-cal, the Sun-times’ “Big Deals” column brings readers the dish on food and drink specials that will not break the bank.
The Red Canary, 695 N. Milwaukee. In celebration of Chicago Craft Beer Week, enjoy $2 off all crafted drafts, cans and bottles 5 p.m. to midnight May 21-23. Call (312) 846-1475;
PL8 Simply Asian, 736 W. Northwest Hwy., Barrington. Be among the first to sample Lagunitas surprise seasonal brew during the restaurant’s patio-opening party, 6-8 p.m. May 24, $50. Pairings include spicy Sichuan wild-caught shrimp with Lagunitas Lil Sumpin, Sumpin Ale. Reservations required. Call (847) 3821988;
Gourmet burgers on tap
Franklin Tap, 325 S. Franklin. The bar’s burger of the week, available May 2126, is the pizza (half pound hand-formed ground beef patty topped with provolone, marinara sauce, sliced black olives, sauteed mushrooms, served with choice of side $11. All burgers are $5 Saturdays. Call (312) 212-3262;
Welcome neighbor
Brasserie by LM, 800 N. Michigan. Mention the word “neighbor” during the NATO conference, May 1821, and receive a 20 percent discount. Call (312) 431-1788;
Real good
Real Urban Barbecue, 610 Central, Highland Park. Grilling specials, May 21-28, include A Brisket flight (smoked waygu, smoke prime; and smoked black Angus with two sides and sauces including the sauce of the month: roasted Maui onion), $16.95. Call (224) 770-4227.
Here’s the scoop
Jbar/david Burke Primehouse, 610 N. Rush. Pastry Chef Jove Hubbard’s pop-up ice cream cart returns 3-5 p.m. Fridays. Selections for May 18 are strawberry white chocolate cheesecake; and Tanzanie pecan brownie. Scoops are $5 (cash only). Visit
Drink of the week
The Terrace at the Peninsula Hotel, 108 E. Superior. Toast the summer with the Golden Apple (Absolut Orient apple, sauterene, crowned with 24-kt gold leaf flakes) cocktail, $24. Call (312) 573-6695;
Gioco, 1312 S. Wabash. It’s Lambrusco week and the restaurant salutes the occasion with an enticing dish — five spices braised suckling pig belly prepared with red wine and served with a shrimp salad ($31) — available through May 20. Call (312) 939-3870;
Deal of the week