Looking for spooky fun this week? Here's a slew of Halloween options to keep you sated (and scared).
Join chef John Coletta at Quartino in River North for complimentary pumpkin carving on its alfresco patio October 30 from noon–5 PM. Guests can take advantage of free pumpkins, candy apples and candy corn, plus carving lessons from the chef himself; stencils and safety gloves will be supplied (312-698-5000).
But, wait, you want to eat pumpkins? Bistro 110 near the Magnificent Mile is offering a three-course pumpkin prix fixe featuring creamy pumpkin soup, pumpkin ravioli in brown butter sauce and pumpkin pie for $26.95 throughout the fall season (312-266-3110; reserve online).
If you're not afraid of a little camp, head to Irving Park’s Little Bucharest Bistro Friday–Sunday for a three-course, $25 "Transylvania Tasting Menu" that includes items like "Blood Boiling Soup" (Romanian tomato stew with vegetables), "Grave-Digging Dessert" (red velvet cake) and "Monster-licious Mititei" (mini sausages). Wash it all down with a "Vampire Kiss Martini" featuring vodka, champagne, Chambord and a red sugar rim (773-604-8500).
On All Hallows' Eve itself, try La Madia for lunch or dinner, where the kitchen is cooking up a special pumpkin "pie," a pizza featuring organic roasted pumpkin, Sicilian pecorino romano cheese and roasted cipollini onions for $14 (312-329-0400; reserve online).
From 5 PM until closing, Tapas Valencia in the South Loop is celebrating with its usual $2 tapas, plus spooky martini cocktails and, for guests who arrive in costume, a complimentary $10 gift certificate that can be used on your next visit (312-842-4444).
Finally, for those looking to celebrate Day of the Dead, River North Mexican Zocalo is offering a $20, three-course meal with dishes like chile atole (broth made with corn kernels and masa and flavored with Mexican herbs) and mole negro (braised beef short ribs in black mole) served with a baked sweet potato and seasonal roasted vegetables (available November 1 and 2, 5–10 PM; 312-302-9977; reserve online).