The grand opening party may be a week away, but China Grill quietly opened its doors about a week ago in the Hard Rock Hotel, 230 N. Michigan Ave. The menu is full of Asian-accented dishes, from miso-glazed black cod to Kobe beef tartare with Chinese mustard sauce (presumably that one is pan-Asian). Prices are a bit scary (there’s a duck entree for $48), though we’re told that most of the pricey entrees are meant to be shared by two or more. 312-334-6700.
Barring a last-minute glitch, Prairie Grass Cafe, 601 Skokie Blvd. in Northbrook, was scheduled to open its doors earlier this week. This is the new venture by ex-Ritz-Carlton chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris, who are collaborating on this contemporary-American menu, which they promise will be more familiar and approachable than the Ritz-Carlton food of yore. Former Seasons manager Rohit Nambiar (also Stegner’s husband) is running the front room and the wine program. 847-205-4433.
The “Bodega Ba-Ba-Reeba!” wine tasting at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! (2024 N. Halsted St.) at 5 p.m. Tuesday will feature more than 30 Spanish wines, sherries and brandies accompanied by tapas and paellas. The cost is $25 per person and includes tax and gratuity, reservations required. 773-935-5000.
Saloon Steakhouse (200 E. Chestnut St.) will host a Fall Wagyu Wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 3, featuring the B.R. Cohn winery with Cohn making an appearance. The cost is $99.95 per person and includes tax and gratuity, reservations required. 312-280-5454.
The Winemaker Dinner series at Geja’s Cafe (340 W. Armitage Ave.), 5:30 p.m. Nov. 8, will feature wines from the Merryvale Vineyards paired with Geja’s signature fondue cuisine. The cost is $58 per person, reservations required. 773-281-9101.
Dinotto Ristorante (215 W. North Ave.) will celebrate 15 years of serving fine Italian cuisine Nov. 10-11 with fixed-price meals for $15. 312-202-0302.
