After amassing national acclaim from the likes of Food & Wine and Cochon 555, Jason Vincent was at the top of his career game when he decided to step down from his chef de cuisine post at Nightwood. His departure was met with a collective jaw drop from Chicago’s culinary community, leaving anxious curiosity in his wake as to where he would end up next and what he would pursue. With a couple notable events and appearances this month, Vincent serves to fill that eager void. At least for now.

The Chicago Marathon races into action on Sunday, October 12, an occasion that merits an all-out pre-marathon carb blowout in order for runners to amass stamina for the big day. And since it’s of the utmost importance that we all show solidarity, pasta binges all around! Restaurants throughout the city are rising to the occasion with a bevy of starchy specials.

Summer may be but a faint recollection, but there’s no need to stow your barbecue cravings for the year. The Windy City BBQ Classic is back on October 11, marking one of the biggest and best food events of the year. Entering its third year, the Classic hosts more than 40 pit masters and upwards of 4,000 attendees.