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Tour the Nielsen-Massey Vanilla factory in Waukegan with the Culinary Historians of Chicago, Saturday at 10 AM. $2, reservations required; call 847-432-8255.
To kick off its weeklong Pumpkin Festival, featuring specials like pumpkin risotto and arctic char with a pumpkin seed crust, Mon Ami Gabi is sponsoring a tour of the Great Pumpkin Patch Saturday at noon. After lunch at local Amish restaurant Vera’s Family Meals (included in the price), attendees can pick cucurbits (i.e., squash) with chef Larry Tio, explore the straw bale maze, and take a wagon ride. Participants will receive a goody bag with pumpkin treats and a $25 gift certificate to Mon Ami Gabi. $25.
Monday starting at 6:30 PM, Vella Cafe offers a special three-course dinner to benefit the Logan Square Farmer’s Market. Most of the meal will be sourced from local farms (including that of longtime Reader staffer Vera Videnovich); offerings include roasted cauliflower soup, pork roast with apple cider glaze (or a veggie-friendly alternative, roasted vegetable galette with goat cheese), and poached pears with cardamom ice cream. It’s BYO and costs $40.
