This Week's Must-Do List: Good Eats, Fun Tastings, and a Grandiose Gala

There are plenty of temptations to derail your bikini diet this week — wine, beer, and tequila, oh my!

• It's a little too early for barbecue season — and all this rain certainly isn't helping. Take the American pastime indoors at State and Lake (201 N. State St., 312-239-9400) this Wednesday, April 27. The hip resto in TheWit hotel is offering an evening of burgers and brew from 5 to 7 p.m as a part of its new Brewmasters Series of events. This week, 10 bucks buys you a Leinenkugel's Classic Amber plus a juicy, charred beef burger topped with pork belly, Wisconsin cheddar, caramelized onions, and stone-ground mustard on a potato bun with a side of onion rings.
• If vino is more your speed, head down the block to Quartino (626 N. State St., 312-698-5000) for its monthly Wine Bash event from 7 to 9 p.m., also taking place on Wednesday. The sipping soiree will feature an array of wines from Italy with a focus on Sicilian wines and bites (think Quartino’s signature pizza, Italian meats, cheeses, and more) for $20 per person. Resos not required and registration starts at 6:30 p.m.
• It's Thursday, which means it's time once again to gather the girls and head over to The Underground (56 W. Illinois St., 312-644-7600) for another installment in the oh-so-fashionable Style Series, presented by Rockit Ranch Productions. This week, the catwalk theme is "Modern Man,"  featuring wares from an array of different men's boutiques and brands. Sounds like a good time with or without your significant other! Can't make it? Not to worry, as the series continues next week with more of the latest Spring fashions from yet another great Chi-town boutique. The fashion show begins at 11 p.m., but doors open at 9 p.m. for those of you who want to get a little cocktailing and conversation in beforehand.
• The Mag Mile may not be Spain's La Rambla, but there's a restaurant on the strip that will make you feel like you're there. Also taking place on Thursday, April 28, a tequila and tapas dinner at Mercat a la Planxa (638 S. Michigan Ave., 312-765-0524), starting with a reception at 6 p.m. The five-course feast ($75 per person) will be paired with Ocho tequila cocktails. One tequila, two tequila . . .
• While you won't need to tie up your ballet slippers, you'll probably want to sport a hot pair of heels at the Joffrey Ballet's annual Spring gala, taking place Friday, April 29, at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 E. Congress Pkwy, 800-982-2787) You may want to leave work a bit early that day because the black-tie bash begins with a 5:30 p.m. cocktail hour, followed by Joffrey Ballet’s first ever live auction (a luxe trip to Thailand and Bhutan anyone?) and a sample performance showcasing selections from the season. Guests will then be transported via shuttle to the Historic Palmer House (17 E. Monroe St., 312-726-7500) for drinks, dinner, and dancing in the hotel's beautiful State, Grand, and Red Lacquer rooms. Tickets are $600 each and can be purchased by calling 312-386-8921.