EAT
Soup & Bread & That's All She Wrote
The Hideout 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. 773-227-4433
Dip your spoon into soups by chefs from La Sirena Clandestina, The Butcher & Larder and others-served with breads and cookies-at this benefit for Swim Cafe owner Karen Gerod's cancer treatments; then hear spirited readings on health care and caretaking by That's All She Wrote founders Angela Benander and JH Palmer, author Dmitry Samarov ("Hack") and more. 5:30-8 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
(Free!) Tasting Event
Two 1132 W. Grand Ave. 312-624-8363
Get over the mid-week hump with an array of passed appetizers from the restaurant's winter menu as you sample new releases and vintage brews from Goose Island including Bourbon County Brand coffee stout, Gillian Belgian-style farmhouse ale and more. 6:30 p.m. Phone RSVP required.
DRINK
Wine Wednesday
J. Rocco 749 N. Clark St. 312-475-0271
There are no limits on the options you can try with 50 percent off all wines by the glass from the Italian-focused menu including 2012 Pala Vermentino di Sardegna (regularly $8 per glass) and 2011 Endrizzi Serpaiolo super Tuscan (regularly $10 per glass). 5 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover.
Release Party
Atlas Brewing Company 2747 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-295-1270
The local craft brewery greets the end of the year with the beginning of a new bold, full-bodied, hoppy ale-Pterodactyl Deathscream imperial red IPA-made with a blend of Galaxy, Centennial and Fuggles hops with German red malt and a bit of wheat. Try a 13-ounce tulip glass for $8. 7 p.m. No cover.
DO
The Moth Grandslam
Park West 322 W. Armitage Ave. 800-514-3849
Help the evening's guest judges crown the best storyteller as Chicago comedian Brian Babylon hosts five-minute true tales on the theme of "Old Enough to Know Better" from 10 monthly champions including local storytellers Erin Kahoa, Erin Diamond and WBEZ's Don Hall. 8 p.m. $17. Tickets: jamusa.com/park-west
REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY
Check out a below-ground stained glass exhibit open now inside the Chicago Pedway below Randolph Street on the north side of Macy's State Street.