WICKER PARK—Thursday is the second of three absinthe classes fittingly at the absinthe-themed The Savoy. Understand the role of the three herbs (anise, fennel, wormwood) and develop your own personal taste of the liquor that was banned for generations. [EaterWire]

MAGNIFICENT MILE—Tony Hu's project in the Shops at North Bridge will be a third Lao Sze Chuan and open in December. It's in the fourth floor space that used to house Hilligoss Galleries plus have a storefront on Michigan Avenue. [Crain's]

LOOP—Starting in June, classic Chicago staple The Berghoff will be brewing an updated set of beers. Look for a Solstice Wit and a Germaniac Extra Pale Ale among new ones at the home of the first beer brewed and served in Chicago after Prohibition. [EaterWire]

NEAR WEST SIDE—Learn about coffee roasting from a panel discussion and participate in a blind tasting Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at "Roaster Jam." Attendees include Counter Culture Coffee, Intelligentsia, and La Colombe at the Counter Culture Training Lab at 177 N. Ada St. [EaterWire]