EAT
Fire up the grills
The Plaza at Park Grill, 11 N. Michigan Ave. 312-521-7275
Hot grills and cool drinks abound at the Chefs on the Grill competition, an al fresco benefit for the Special Olympics in which you sample offerings from 14 ofChicago's top chefs and vote for your favorites. "Hungry Hound" host Steve Dolinsky MCs the festivities, which also include door prizes and live music by The Walk-Ins. 5:30-9 p.m. $75 with RSVP by noon: parkgrillchicago.com/plaza; $90 at the door.
Get the scoop (free!)
Bar Toma, 110 E. Pearson St. 312-266-3110
Even though it's felt like summer for weeks, the solstice officially hits Wednesday. In honor of the day, the Gold Coast Italian eatery offers a free scoop of gelato in nine flavors such as straciatelle, mint or caramel. 3-5 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.
DRINK
Light up the sky
Landshark Beer Garden at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-5446
Nothing says summer like cold drinks and fireworks, so grab a seat on the patio and celebrate with solstice-only specials including $4 Two Brothers Dog Days beers and $3 Barefoot wines (pinot grigio, pinto noir and moscato) and settle in for a free 9:30 p.m. fireworks show. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sweet and sweeter
Sugar Bliss, 509 N. Orleans St. 312-845-9669
Summer flavors get a touch of elegance at a cupcake and wine tasting, which features previews of six summer-themed mini-cupcakes—including root beer, chocolate-covered strawberry and chocolate peanut butter pretzel—with wine pairings and a complimentary goody bag. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $28. RSVP required.
DO
Which 'wich?
The Fifty/50, 2047 W. Division St. 773-489-5050
Attend a viewing party for Wednesday's episode of the Travel Channel's "Adam Richman's Best Sandwich in America" on 18 TVs and try the show's featured sandwich, The Four-Courser—pulled pork topped with gouda bechamel, a mac 'n' cheese waffle, sweet potato chips, fried jalapenos and barbecue sauce—for $4 (regularly $10) with a hosted Fireball whiskey cocktail tasting. 8-9 p.m. No cover.
REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY
Summer'shere!Check our Chicago public pools guide at metromix.com for where to cool off.
JULIA BORCHERTS IS A REDEYE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR.
