Alpana Singh Hosting Chicago Restaurant Week Kick Off; Red Hen Closing in Wicker Park; More

WEST LOOP– Tickets to the Fourth Annual First Bites Bash, the event which kicks off Chicago Restaurant Week, are now on sale. Former "Check, Please!" host and master sommelier Alpana Singh will host the Jan. 29 event at Union Station that features food from more than 50 chefs and restaurants. Tickets cost $125 a pop and can be scooped up here. [EaterWire]

WICKER PARK– Red Hen Bread announced it will close its Wicker Park bakery and cafe on Dec. 15. at 1623 N. Milwaukee Ave. The final day for bread orders is Dec. 13, and Red Hen's Oak Park location will continue operating. [DNAInfo]

THE LOOP– Chicago Bagel Authority's first Loop location is almost ready to open. Initially scheduled for a mid-November opening at 11 N. Wells St., near the CTA's Washington/Wells Station, CBA changed its Facebook page to a photo reading "coming soon." [EaterWire]

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS– The northwest suburbs will soon see its first Aurelio's Pizza, as an Arlington Heights location of the south side staple could open early next year at 2944 W. Euclid Ave. [Daily Herald]