1) Go cocoa-nuts at Chocolate Fest
Indulge your sweet tooth in northwestern suburb Long Grove by taking part in the three-day-long Chocolate Fest. The event will be a mess of sticky fingers and faces, with s’mores on a stick, chocolate-covered fruit and even chocolate beer. New this year is an “experience tent,” crammed with demonstrations and a chocolate fountain; returning favorites include classic carnival rides, a scavenger hunt and live music. $5; free for children younger than 12. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, May 19; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 20; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 21, at 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove, www.longgrove.org.
2) Drink your way through Andersonville
Twenty-six Andersonville businesses are getting together to toast to the neighborhood this weekend with the return of the annual Wine Walk. New this year will be two routes, going north and south, with 13 businesses represented in each. Wine from local distributors H2Vino, Cream, Heritage, Candid and more will be poured, curated by sponsor In Fine Spirits. A ticket gets you admission, wine tastings and a commemorative glass, with all proceeds supporting programming of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. $40. 3-6 p.m. Sunday; check-in begins 1 p.m. at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., www.andersonville.org/winewalk.
3) Celebrate a Little Village institution
Moreno’s Liquors, the Little Village shop known for its extensive collection of Mexican spirits, celebrates its 40th anniversary with events to thank the community. On Friday, the family-owned shop hosts a “Craft Night Out,” with tastings, live music and food from the Bruges Brothers food truck. Celebrations continue Saturday, with an all-day block party, complete with mariachis, Cuban jazz and food from Fat Shallot and Los Comales. Admission is free both days, with proceeds from food and drink benefiting the Little Village Chamber of Commerce. 4-8 p.m. Friday, May 19; noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at Moreno’s Liquors, 3724 W. 26th St., 773-277-7737, www.morenosliquors.com.
4) Try Pappy 20-year
This one’s for you, whiskey chasers. Logan Square cocktail bar The Whistler is serving super-rare Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20-Year bourbon this Sunday, and it’s first come, first served, limited to just one 1-ounce pour per guest. This is a chance to boast to your bourbon buddies that you got to taste the good stuff. $5.66 for 1 ounce. 5 p.m. until supplies run out Sunday, May 21, at 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-227-3530, www.whistlerchicago.com.
5) Grab brunch at Ella Elli
New brunch alert: Ella Elli, the recent opening in the Southport Corridor, will begin offering brunch Sunday. Tuck into the bakery board, a starter plate for carb lovers featuring a croissant, house-made everything bagel, assorted pastries and preserves ($10), before moving on to the chocolate-stuffed brioche French toast ($12) or eggs Benedict with harissa hollandaise ($13). For groups, the mimosa bottle service ($42) features Prosecco and a variety of juices. Keep an eye out for the new patio, slated to open in June. Brunch launches Sunday, May 21, and will run every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Ella Elli, 1349 W. Cornelia Ave., 773-935-3552, www.ellaellichicago.com.
jbhernandez@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @joeybear85
