Bits and crumbs

Dakota’s Sports Bar & Grill is open in Monroe, a new sports bar concept. Restaurateur Tom Lewison, former president at Bojangles', an owner with Just Fresh, franchisee of Qdoba and partner in a Wendy's franchise, plans more locations. The menu ranges from tacos and pizzas to burgers and steaks and is staffed by "Dakota's Girls." A grand opening celebration will be Saturday. 608 W. Roosevelt Blvd. in Monroe; 704-776-9813; www.dakotassportsbar.com.

Osso offers "Modern Renaissance," and Italian food and wine pairing, Oct. 18, with five courses, arranged tasting-style, rather than as a sit-down dinner. Among the fare: salmon porchetta over polenta with 2010 Piane di Maggio, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo; and herb-roasted leg of lamb carved tableside, with 2009 Viticcio "Bere," Toscana Rosso. $39.95; reservations required: 704-971-0550; N.C. Music Factory.

Chipotle brings back "Boorito" for Oct. 31: Come in costume between 4 p.m. and closing that day and you get a burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos for $2. Proceeds from the fundraiser, up to $1 million, will benefit the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, which supports "farmers and organizations that make sustainable and humanely raised food possible," said founder Steve Ells.