Ryan Poli Hits Catwalk; Get on 24 Hour Restaurant Battle; Join Malika Ameen for a Cookie Exchange

RIVER NORTH—Got a crush on Perennial's Ryan Poli? Who doesn't. You can catch the bearded chef hitting the catwalk this Thursday when he models clothes supplied by the likes of Sebastien Grey, Imagine Lifestyles, Goorin Brothers and Haberdash as part of the Modern Man Party taking place at the Underground. Don't just show up though; you must RSVP for the bash, which kicks off at 9 p.m. [312DD]

GOLD COAST—Think you can run a restaurant? If you're part of a duo (two friends/ex-spouses/best friends/a nun and priest/etc.), the Food Network wants you to try out for 24 Hour Restaurant Battle. One will run the front of the house; the other will oversee the kitchen. Auditions are being held in Chicago Dec. 10 at the Affinia Hotel from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Think of it as the Amazing Race, without ever leaving the kitchen. And possibly ending up hating your mate. [EaterWire]

RIVER NORTH—If you loved Malika Ameen on Top Chef: Just Desserts and were devastated when she quit the show, you can drown your sorrows at an event she's hosting on Dec. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chopping Block at the Merchandise Mart. Ameen will bake a bunch of cookies and give tips on how to host a cookie exchange. And yes, you'll get to meet her. But hurry, you must RSVP by tomorrow (Dec. 1) and only 75 spots are open. [EaterWire]