HAPPENINGS
We’re heading to Raise the Barn! A fall fest that supports urban agriculture while bringing together food, drink, and community on a 2.5-acre farm in Skokie.
Chef Tom Carlin will be cooking alongside friends from All Together Now!, Tripping Billy, Virtue Cider, middle brow, Trogo Kitchen & Market, Elle’s Marshmallows, and more. Expect earth-friendly natural wines and ciders, live music, fire pits, and s’mores — it’s an autumn night built for good food and good times..
Raise The Barn
Saturday, October 4 | 4-8PM | Howard Street Farm
Spend the evening at ParentConnect x Burl Happy Hour in the Garden Room at Shumaker Curated. It’s the perfect chance to meet and mingle with local parents over good food, drinks, and conversation.
On the menu: apps from Burl’s Head Chef Tom Carlin, paired with an open bar of wine and beer. Browse Shumaker Curated’s boutique showroom and art gallery while you’re here, and pop next door to Little Gems — they’ll be open with 20% off for our guests..
ParentConnect x Burl Happy Hour
Thursday, October 9 | 5:30-7:30PM | The Garden Room at Shumaker Curated
705 Washington Street, Evanston
Chef’s Get Pickled
Saturday, September 20 | 7-10PM | SPF Chicago, 2121 N. Clybourn Ave.
Join us at SPF Chicago for Chefs Get Pickled — the ultimate mash-up of food, drinks, and pickleball. Local chefs will trade aprons for paddles in a high-energy showdown, and you can jump in on the action too or cheer from the sidelines.
Burl’s own Rachel and Tom will be competing alongside some of the city’s top chefs. Between the volleys, fuel up with bites, cocktails, wine, and craft beer while the music keeps the energy high. With Chef Jeff Mauro hosting, it’s a night built for good times.
Neighborhood Cookout at Mack’s Bike & Goods
Saturday, September 13 | 12-4PM | 2948 Central St, Evanston
Join us for a neighborhood cookout at Mack’s Bike & Goods. Set right outside the shop, the afternoon will be all about good food, cold drinks, and easy company with friends and neighbors.
On the menu: grilled roti layered with gyro sausage, peach sauce, cucumbers, and herbs ($12), plus smoky peppers with parmesan ($5). Coolers will be stocked with sparkling water, and it’s BYOB — just bring what you like to sip while you hang out.
We’re heading to Seedling Farm, a biodiverse fruit orchard in South Haven, MI, and you’re invited. Expect farm-fresh flavor: lamb from Catalpa Grove, lavash, focaccia, and a table full of sides and sauces from the chefs at bar Berria, Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions, and Chef Jorge Campos. It’s BYOB, so bring your favorite bottle, a friend and come hungry! Seats are extremely limited.
Seedling Farm Midsummer Celebration
Saturday, July 12 | 2PM
A Summer Supper at Elawa Farm
Tuesday, August 19 | 6-9PM
We’re gathering for a one-night-only summer dinner at Elawa Farm in Lake Forest, and you’re invited. Set on the farm’s historic estate, the evening begins with a welcome cocktail and into a five-course feast that celebrates peak-season produce and thoughtful sourcing.
On the menu: grilled flatbreads with eggplant and peaches, country ham terrine, achar-roasted carrots, Catalpa Grove lamb with mole verde, and a summer fruit crostada with honey ice cream.
Bring your appetite, take a seat, and enjoy a produce-driven feast!