MON 10/2
Veg out
Chicago may be a meat-and-potatoes town, but even carnivores will want to sink their teeth into the World Vegetarian Day menus at Opera and Red Light. The restaurants are servin’ a slew of meatless options throughout the month in honor of the Oct. 1 holiday. Choices include Vietnamese spring rolls with sweet chile vinaigrette (Red Light), bittersweet chocolate pudding (Opera) and more. 5 p.m. Prices vary. Opera, 1301 S. Wabash Ave. 312-461-0161. Red Light, 820 W. Randolph St. 312-733-8880.
Viva Italia
You recently paid homage to Mexican independence and German beer. Now, celebrate Med-style with Festival Italiano. The 10th annual party features six days of traditional Italian food, wine, music, cooking classes, crafts and more. Festivities get under way with live opera performances (12:30-1:30 p.m.), art classes (2-4 p.m.) and Italian concert videos. Grazie, Italia! 10 a.m. Free. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. 312-553-9137.
Humorous Hodg-podge
Feeling bereft of talent these days? Humorist and “Daily Show” correspondent John Hodgman shows you how to feign it like a pro as he reads from his satirical almanac, “The Areas of My Expertise.” The funnyman waxes on American presidents who had hooks for hands, what you didn’t know about hobos and other fictional absurdities. Guitarist Jonathan Coulton provides musical accompaniment. Produced by Quimby’s. 7 p.m. Free. The Second City e.t.c., 1608 N. Wells St. 312-799-2698.
TUE 10/3
Pick of the vine
Aside from the fact that you’re sure you like the way it tastes, you don’t know squat about wine. But at Bistro 110’s Sommelier for a Day, that’s really all you need to be a certifiable pro. Sample more than 20 sparkling wines and champagnes–including Dom Perignon and Veuve Cliquot–at this walk-around tasting, and make picks for the restaurant’s fall wine list while you’re at it. Includes appetizers from chef Dominique Tougne. Reservations recommended. 6 p.m. $40. 110 E. Pearson St. 312-266-3110.
Abbreviated cinema
The Chicago International Film Festival kicks off Thursday, but before catching flicks from around the world, get a serving of local cinema at the Midwest Independent Film Festival. This month’s installment features a spirited collection of 12 shorts, including music videos, animated films, comedies and dramas. A Goose Island reception starts things off, and a party at Sausalito (543 W. Diversey Pkwy.) follows. 6 p.m. reception; 7:30 p.m. screening. $10. Landmark Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St. 312-642-4222.
Solo me, oh!
Is the phrase “party of one” getting old? Try for a second at the Singles Wine Pairing Dinner, where you can mingle with other solos during an upscale three-course meal with optional wine picks. Includes a cash-bar cocktail reception–and maybe even a pairing of your own. Registration: singlegourmetchicago.com. 6 p.m. $49-$65. Includes tax and tip. Block 44, 4365 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-772-3535.
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metromix@tribune.com
