Chicago Area Restaurant QuickNews – May 18th
The weather is finally starting to seriously warm up (for real this time!) and there is no shortage of restaurant events in the Chicagoland area! Check out many the beer and wine dinners, cooking classes, a special burger menu, a Peruvian menu and much more in today’s QuickNews on the Yumblog!
Chicago Area QuickNews for Mother’s Day 2012 (Specials)
Bar Toma
Bar Toma will be offering several specials for Mother’s Day! In addition to the regular menu for Mother’s Day, Bar Toma will be offering Crispy braised Berkshire pork cheek, with raw asparagus and poached egg, an Egg and Truffle pizza and an Almond and Hazelnut focaccia cake with vanilla gelato and balsamic marinated berries! Bar Toma will also be featuring Bellinis and Bloody Marias from the bar. All kids will receive a complimentary temporary Chef Erik’s “MOM” tattoo to show their mom exactly how much they love them! Reservations can be made on opentable.com or by calling 312-266-3110!
Gioco
Gioco will be opening early for Mother’s Day from 11:00am to 10:00pm to showcase a unique a la carte menu! The menu will include Gioco lunch favorites like Caprese (foir di latte mozzarella, ripened tomatoes, basil and extra virgin olive oil), Prosciutto & Melone (600-day aged prosciutto and seasonal melon) and Bianco (filet of white fish, cannellini beans and arugula pancetta salad). The full menu will also be available upon request. Call 312-939-3870 for reservations!
La Madia
La Madia in River North will be open at 12:00pm until 1:00am on Mother’s Day. As an extra special treat, Chef/Proprietor Jonathan Fox, all mothers who dine at La Madia on Mother’s Day will receive complimentary housemade chocolate Italian truffles and a $10 gift certificate for a future visit! The made-from-scratch menu includes dishes like various bruschette (mozzarella di bufala campana; creamed ceci bean), Neapolitan-inspired pizza (housemade fennel sausage & sweet onions; shaved artichoke with reggiano parmesan and garlic; cracked organic egg with prosciutto and black pepper) and much more. Chef Fox has also created a gluten-free menu with a wide array of dishes! Call 312-329-0400 for reservations. The private dining room (seats 14) may also be reserved by asking for Julie.
Geja’s Cafe
Geja’s Cafe will be treating all moms to a complimentary 5-minute massage on Mother’s Day! Moms will step away from the table to enjoy some pampering in a relaxing atmosphere with licensed massage therapists from Lincoln Park Massage Spa while they dine! Enjoy one of 20 combinations of fondue entrees, in addition to traditional cheese fondue and flaming chocolate dessert fondue. An extensive wine list is also available. The restaurant will be open at noon. Call 773-281-9101 for more information or reservations!
Athena Greek Restaurant
Athena Greek Restaurant on Halsted will be giving all mothers who dine at the restaurant on Mother’s Day a complimentary St. Germain Champagne Cocktail (one per person)! Enjoy delicious Greek cuisine in a old-world setting on Athena’s recently renovated patio with a view of the Chicago skyline! The full lunch, dinner and cocktail menus will be available al fresco. Call 312-655-0000 for reservations!
Gemini Bistro
Gemini Bistro will be offering a three-course prix fixe dining option on Mother’s Day! The prix-fixe, available between 5:00pm and 6:30pm for $32 per person includes a choice of starter, entree and dessert. Wine pairings are also available for $23 per person. Choices include Yia Yia’s Salad and Creamless Tomato Stoup to start (among others), Roasted Salmon, Free-Range Chicken or Steak Frites as an entree and Apple Crisp, Creme Brulee or daily selections of Sorbet or Gelato for dessert! The regular dinner menu will also be available to order from. Call 773-525-2522 for reservations!
Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse
Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse invites guests to celebrate Mother’s Day with USDA Gibsons Prime Angus Steaks, chops, fresh fish, enormous lobster tails, massive desserts, an extensive wine list and large martinis! The lunch menu will be available from 10:00am -11:00am and the dinner menu will be available from 11:00am to 12:00am. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 312-266-8999.
Koi
Koi in Evanston invites all mothers to eat FREE on Mother’s Day! All moms will receive a free entree (up to $13 value- excludes sushi items). Limit one mom per table, 3-person minimum. Dinner service begins at 4:30pm! Call 847-866-6969 for reservations!
LM Restaurant
LM Restaurant will be honoring Mother’s Day with an exclusive three-course prix fixe menu prepared by Chef/Partner Brad Phillips. For only $35 per person, guests can enjoy Dungeness Crab Bisque, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Slow Roasted Salmon, Milk Chocolate Terrine and more! There are several choices available for each course. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 773-942-7585.
Quartino
Quartino will be giving all mothers who order an entree a complimentary Bellini! Guests can enjoy Chef John Coletta’s dining room menu all day! The menu includes specialties like Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, artisanal salumi, a variety of seasonal dishes and much more! The restaurant will be open on Mother’s Day from 11:30am to 12:00am. Call 312-698-5000 for reservations.
Rustic House
Rustic House invites you to spoil your own mom on Mother’s Day with their signature Chocolate Tart dessert for $10! Chef/Partner Jason Paskewitz was inspired to create the recipe because it is his own mother’s all-time favorite dessert! This delicacy is filled with a luscious chocolate-hazelnut créme fraîche and topped with chantilly creme. The full dinner menu will also be available to order from. Call 312-929-3227 for more information or reservations!
Benny’s Chop House
Benny’s Chop House will be serving a special spring menu on Mother’s Day that has been created by Chef Jonathan Lane, as well as a Surf and Turf Mother’s Day special! As an extra treat, Benny’s has hired a professional photographer to shoot photos of families celebrating that day! The photo is free when dining at Benny’s! Benny’s will be open from 11:30am to 9:00pm. Call 312-626-2444 for more information or for reservations.
PL8
PL8 will be celebrating Mother’s Day by giving all mothers a beautiful carnation, as well with a card with a $10 gift certificate towards their next visit to the restaurant! The restaurant will also offer menu specials along with their regular menu. PL8 will be open on Mother’s Day from 3:00pm to 9:00pm. Call 847-382-1988 for reservations!
Due Lire Vino & Cucina
Due Lire Vino & Cucina will be opening early on Mother’s Day and will offer a three course prix-fixe menu for $35 per person, as well as the regular dinner menu from 12:30pm to 9:00pm. Executive Chef Kevin Abshire’s Mother’s Day menu includes a choice of appetizer, entree and dessert, with selections like fennel and carrot soup with mascarpone cheese; homemade pappardelle with duck ragu, fava beans and pecorino cheese, cherry hazelnut tart with cardamom black pepper gelato and more. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 773-275-7878!
Chicago Area QuickNews for Mother’s Day 2012! (Brunches: Part 2)
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
For Mother’s Day, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will be serving a special prix-fixe brunch for only $34.95 per person from 11:30am to 3:00pm! A brunch cocktail, Blood Orange Fizz, will also be available, as well as Fleming’s traditional a la carte menu. Entrees include items like Filet Mignon Benedict and New Orleans-Style French Toast. As an extra special treat, mothers will also receive a complimentary$25 Dining Card to use on a future occasion (between May 14-June 15 2012)! Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 312-329-9463 (Chicago location) or 847-793-0333 (Lincolnshire location).
Agio Italian Bistro
Agio Italian Bistro in Palatine invites moms and families to a Mother’s Day brunch buffet on their patio! Guests will enjoy a carving station (featuring filet and pork tenderloins), omelets, Belgium waffles, smoked fish, pasta dishes, chicken dishes, peel and eat shrimp, calamari, fresh fruits, salads, pastries and more! There will be three seatings. The first is from 10:00am to 12:00pm, the second from 12:30pm to 2:30pm and the third from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 847-991-2150.
Carlucci Restaurant
For Mother’s Day, Carlucci Restaurant in Downer’s Grove is offering a three-course prix fixe menu featuring both traditional and Italian dishes for $28.95 or $32.95, depending on entree selection! Highlights of the Brunch menu include Minestrone Soup, Roasted Beet Salad, Sausage and Peppers, Crepes, Frittata con Spinaci e Carciofi, Roasted Prime Rib and more! Then, for dinner, a three-course prix fixe is available for $28.95 or $36.95 per person, depending on entree selection. Dinner choices include Caprese Salad, Arancini, Ravioli Gamerita, a 12 oz. New York Strip Steak and more! Reservations are required.
Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House
Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House in Naperville invites guests to their annual Mother’s Day brunch! The event includes a Carving Station with prime rib of beef and honey rosemary glazed ham, an Omelet station, a Shellfish Bar with oysters, shrimp and snow crab claws, a Buffet with brunch classics, a Kid’s Table and a Sweets Station, plus a Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar for adults! The cost is $45 for adults, $15 for children 4-12 and children 3 and under are free! The price includes all the stations, plus orange juice, coffee, tea, iced tea and soft drinks. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 630-548-3764.
Benjamin
Benjamin will be hosting an upscale buffet on Mother’s Day from 10:00am to 3:00pm that will feature locally-sourced, seasonal American cuisine! There will be an omelet station, a carving station, hot and cold salads, entrees, side dishes and a sweets table. In addition, each brunch guest that is 21+ will receive a complimentary mimosa! The cost is $39 per person and reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 847-748-8737.
Quince
Quince will be celebrating Mother’s Day with a family-friendly brunch! Chef Andy Motto has created a special three-course menu for adults ($35 per person, plus tax & gratuity) and a two-course menu for children 12 and under ($15 per person, plus tax and gratuity). Some highlights of the menu include Smoked Salmon Crepe, Quiche, Frittata, Steak Benedict, Sorbet Trio, Lemon Tart and more! The brunch will be offered from 10:00am to 2:00pm. For reservations, call 847-570-8419!
ZED451
ZED451 will present a lavish, unlimited sampling menu from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Mother’s Day. In addition, a complimentary mimosa will be given to each mom! The brunch menu will include dishes like smoked salmon, panettone french toast, seasonal fruit, warm cinnamon rolls, maple Cajun bacon, poached eggs with corned beef hash, tomato basil frittata, crab cake benedict and much, much more! Various drink specials will be available as well, like house-made bloody marys ($5), mimosas ($3) or any of the Liquid Market seasonal cocktails. The brunch is $29 (plus tax & gratuity) for adults, children 6-12 are $15, and children 5 and under are free. A dinner menu will also be offered from 5-10pm, for $48! Call 312-266-6691 for reservations!
The Red Canary
The Red Canary in River West will be offering a special brunch menu prepared by Chef Daniel Tolentino, available from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The brunch will include a variety of dishes, from sweets and savories to sandwiches and salads. All moms will get a complimentary meal (one per table, tables of four or more). The Red Canary will also offer bottomless mimosas ($18) and bottomless bloody marys ($20). Call 312-846-1475 for reservations, which are recommended but not required.
Elate
Elate will be offering a Mother’s Day brunch menu from 10:30am to 2:30pm. In addition to classic menu items, Elate will be adding an optional buffet for an additional $12. The buffet will include seasonal fruits, cheeses and desserts. The a la carte menu includes classics like Breakfast Pizza, Banana Custard French Toast and the Elate Burger. Elate also features a juice bar during brunch, with favorites like fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juice, but also offers blends like the Asian Rabbit (carrot juice and ginger) and the Sunrise (pineapple, strawberry and lime juice). For an additional $20, Elate will also provide bottomless mimosas with the purchase for any brunch entree! Call 312-202-9900 for reservations!
Maxwell’s at the Club
Maxwell’s at the Club will be serving a special Mother’s Day brunch from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The brunch will feature prime rib, roast turkey breast and leg of lamb carving stations, an omelet and waffle bar, pastries and seasonal fresh fruit. In addition, a variety of appetizers, salads and entree choices will be available. The brunch is $45 and the children’s brunch is only $15 for children 10 and under! Call 312-527-5800 (extension 301) for reservations.
Prairie Grass Cafe
Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook will be hosting a special brunch buffet for $45, excluding tax, gratuity and beverages, from 9:30am to 2:00pm on Mother’s Day. Every guest will start their meal with the PGC Benedict (a poached egg w/spinach and roasted tomato hollandaise) and are then able to enjoy the brunch buffet, which includes an omelet station, hot waffles, Shepherd’s Pie, Braised Lamb, Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, various salads, breads, pastries, and more. A dessert buffet will also be featured, with delights like Homemade Creme Brulee Minis, Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble and more! Children’s brunch options are also available for $15 (10 and under). The regular dinner menu will be available from 5:00-9:00pm. Call 847-205-4433 for reservations.
Shiraz on the Water
Shiraz on the Water will be putting on a special Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday! Executive Chef Carol Buckantz has created a buffet menu that features breakfast dishes, made-to-order omelets, seafood selections, various salads and lunch entrees, carving stations and sweet treats! Children will be able to enjoy a knee-high buffet with kid-friendly dishes, like silver dollar pancakes and pizza squares. Live music will be played during the brunch for a wonderful Mother’s Day meal! Tables for the brunch will be offered at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm (last seating at 2pm). For reservations, call the Brunch hotline at 630-894-3800!
Park Grill
Park Grill will be featuring Executive Chef Alex Shalev’s special brunch menu from 11:00am to 4:00pm. The menu features seasonally-inspired dishes, from savory to sweet selections, to salads and sandwiches. Guests may dine inside or outside on the patio! A children’s brunch menu will also be available. This brunch is perfect for those who are participating in the annual “Y-Me Race at Your Pace” event too! Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 312-521-7275!
Chicago Area QuickNews for Mother’s Day 2012! (Brunches: Part 1)
Bistronomic
Bistronomic will be celebrating Mother’s Day with an exclusive brunch and dinner prix fixe! Diners will be able to customize their three-course brunch and dinner menus, choosing from multiple choices for each one. The featured brunch items include Bistronomic Deviled Eggs (homemade mayo, smoked salmon, mache salad), Croque Madame (Nueske’s ham, pleasant ridge, Mornay sauce), Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad (fennel shaving, French beans, black olives) and more! Some highlights of the dinner menu include Lake Superior Whitefish (glazed French lentil, bacon lardons, Dijon mustard vinaigrette), Braised Lamb Shoulder (asparagus, glazed pearl pasta, thyme sauce0, Strawberry Caramelized Crepes (vanilla bean custard, raspberry sauce) and more! The three-course Brunch will be served from 10:00am to 4:00pm and the three-course Dinner will be available from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The cost is $32 per person and $15 for a two-course Kid’s menu (kids 5 and under are FREE!). Call 312-944-8400 for reservations.
Carmine’s
Enjoy lunch and dinner at Carmine’s on Mother’s Day starting at 11:00am! A Brunch Buffet Menu includes a Carving Station featuring roast beef and ham, an array of breakfast items and more! Adults are $40, children between 6-12 years old are $15 and children under 6 are FREE! Call 312-988-7676 for reservations.
Terzo Piano
Terzo Piano will be hosting a special brunch buffet for $75 for adults and $35 for children under 12 (tax and gratuity not included). In addition, all moms will receive a complimentary pot of Terzo Piano’s signature salted caramel. The brunch buffet will include items like Pea Shoot Salad, House Cured Salmon, Smoked Whitefish Crostini, Made-to-Order Omelets, House-made Herb and Cheese Focaccia, Braised Chicken w/Spring Vegetables, Brioche French Toast, a Carving Station, Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Buttercream, Chocolate Pots de Crème with Salted Caramel and much, much more! Call 312-443-8650 to make brunch reservations!
Volare
This Mother’s Day, Volare will be offering an array of new menu items created by Executive Chef Massimiliano Campagnini. Guests can choose from a menu of appetizers, soups and salads, entrees and desserts to create a four-course meal for just $28.95. Some dishes that guests can choose from include Ostriche Rockefeller, Fried Calamari Fritti, Agnolotti ai Funghi, Crespelle ai Sapori di Mare, Agnello al Forno, Crostatina di Fragole and many others as well. Tax and gratuity is not included. The brunch menu will be available from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 312-410-9900.
Carnivale
Carnivale will be opening early for Mother’s Day and will be featuring unique a la carte brunch items created by Executive Chef David Dworshak. Some highlights of the menu include Torrejas (French toast, sweet plantains, smoked bacon, maple syrup w/fresh fruit, $11), Arepa Eggs Benedict (corn arepa , pork belly, raw cheddar, fried egg, aji limo sauce, $14), Grilled Lamb Chops (purple potatoes, spring onions, snap peas, pistachio salsa verde, $24) and many other dishes. These brunch specials will be available from 11:00-2:30pm and Carnivale’s regular dinner menu will be available from 11:00am to 9:00pm/ Call 312-850-5005 for more information or reservations.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse
Chicago Cut Steakhouse will be welcoming families and moms for Mother’s Day with an extra special brunch on May 13th from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The brunch will feature items like a Hand Carved USDA Prime Tenderloin, Nueske Ham-off-the-Bone, a large Seafood Station w/shrimp, crab, oysters and salmon pastrami, an Omelet Station and Dessert Table! The cost for the brunch is $49 for adults and $24 for children 12 years old and younger. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 312-329-1800.
Chicago q
All mothers that dine at Chicago q on Mother’s Day will get a complimentary order of Chef/Partner Lee Ann Whippen’s special house-made peanut brittle! In addition, Chicago q is celebrating with a special brunch, with dishes like the Niman Ranch Hickory and Apple Smoked Bacon Sausage Breakfast Sandwich, Smoked Chicken Eggs Benedict, Cheddar-Chive Biscuits, Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast and more! Call 312-642-1160 for reservations!
Frontier
Frontier will be hosting a three-course prix fixe brunch for Mother’s Day this year! For just $30, guests can enjoy signature brunch items, as well as bottomless mimosas. Selections like Applewood Smoked Salmon, Chicken and Biscuits, Crab Benedict, Grillades and Gravy, Grillades and Gravy (and more) will be served. The regular brunch menu will also be available to order from. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 773-772-4322.
ItaliAsia
ItaliAsia will also be serving brunch on Mother’s Day- all day! The menu includes dishes like Oriental Sweet and Sour Soup, a Carving Station featuring USDA Choice Prime Strip Loin with Cabernet Demi Glaze, an Omelet and Egg Station, Chicken Vesuvio, Mushroom Polenta, Pasta Bolognese and more! Adults are $24.95 and children 12 and under are only $12.95! Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 312-529-1157.
Lottie’s Pub
Lottie’s Pub will be featuring their weekend brunch specials, including Breakfast Biscuit Sliders ($7), Burritos ($8 each), Veggie Burritos ($7 each) and The Breakfast Plate ($5.50). These specials will be available starting at 11:00am on Mother’s Day! Call 773-489-0738 for more information!
LUXBAR
LUXBAR will be celebrating Mother’s Day with their signature brunch featuring some new items! Some of these highlights include the Gold Coast Omelet ($11.50), House Cured Salmon Frittata ($11), Breakfast Burrito ($10.50), Veggie Hash ($9.50), Fresh Berries ($9) and more! Mom’s can also enjoy some special brunch cocktails like Prosecco Mimosas ($8.25) and LUXBAR’s signature Zing Zang Bloody Mary ($8.75). Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 312-642-3400!
Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush
Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush will be offering a special Mother’s Day brunch from 11:00am to 3:00pm. The brunch will include selections like breakfast, pasta, salad, seafood and antipasto stations created by Executive Chef Federico Comacchio. The full menu will also be available upon request. Call 312-222-0101 for reservations.
Porkchop
Want to treat your mom to some Southern-style comfort food? Take her to Porkchop between 11:30am and 12:00am, where she can order a la carte from the regular brunch menu that includes Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict ($12), Chicken ‘n Waffles ($12), Cornmeal Pancakes ($8) and Homemade Bacon Glazed Doughnuts ($7). Moms will also receive half-price mimosas, bloody mary’s and more!
Quay Restaurant & Bar
Quay Restaurant & Bar will be celebrating Mother’s Day from 10:00am to 3:00pm with a la carte brunch specials including an entree plate of Herb Crusted Leg of Lamb, Honey Bear Ham, Sweet Corn Bread with Lobster, Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Glazed Baby Vegetables for just $26.99. Other specials that will be available include Lobster Truffle Mac and Cheese ($18), Spring Vegetable Frittata ($8), Whole Roasted Branzino with jumbo lump crab stuffing and sweet corn butter sauce ($31) and more! Call 312-981-8400 for reservations!
Riva Crab House
Riva Crab House on Navy Pier will be offering a delicious Mother’s Day brunch along with a beautiful view of the lakefront. Chef Luigi Garcia will be showcasing a chef-attended omelet station, carving station, fresh oysters, shellfish, fresh fruit, a dessert display and a variety of sides. Guests (21 and over) will also enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne. Large parties are welcome. The regular menu will be available at 5:00pm. Adults are $42.95, kids (ages 4-12) are $17.95 and kids 3 and under are free! Reservations are required and can be made by calling 312-644-7482!
Tavern on Rush
Tavern on Rush will be featuring a special a la carte brunch menu on Mother’s Day that will include items like Strawberry-Melon Gazpacho, Grand Marnier & Pecan Oven French Toast, Baby Arugula Salad, Spinach & Wild Mushroom Gratin and a Vanilla Pound Cake served with lemon sorbet, berry compote and Chantilly cream. The full menu is available upon request! The regular brunch, lunch and dinner menus will also be available! Call 312-644-9600 for more information or reservations.
The Pony
On Sunday the 13th from 11:00am to 3:00pm, The Pony will have weekend brunch specials for Mother’s Day, including Chicken and Biscuits ($12), Cin-A-Bun ($10), Steak Skillet ($12) and more! The full menu will also be available to order from. Call 773-828-5055 for more information or reservations!
Tuscany
Tuscany on Taylor Street will host an a la carte Brunch Menu created by Executive Chef Victorio Padilla. Featured dishes include Tuscan Benedict (toasted ciabatta, crisped prosciutto, poached eggs, hollandaise, castelvetrano olives, potatoes parmigiano, $13) Steak and Eggs (prime steak, scrambled eggs, potatoes parmigiano, Tuscan toast and fresh melon $15) and much, much more! Regular menu items will also be available. The Brunch menu will be available from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 312-829-1990.
Chicago Area Restaurant QuickNews – April 27th
April is coming to a close and May is just around the corner! There are many restaurant events coming up in the beginning of May, from Cinco de Mayo celebrations, to Kentucky Derby specials and much more! Keep your eye out for more upcoming QuickNews on the Yumblog, featuring places to chow down on a burger for “National Burger Month” as well as a special edition for Mother’s Day. For now, check out these events!
Chicago Area Restaurant QuickNews – April 18th
We may be more than halfway through April, but there are still plenty of Chicago area restaurant events this month!
Read on »
Chicago Area Restaurant QuickNews – April 11th
Quay Restaurant & Bar will be hosting a House Brunch every Saturday beginning April 14th from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. There is no cover charge and the brunch menu will include items like House-Smoked Salmon Benedict, Bananas Foster French Toast, Chicken Hash and more! House Music by DJ Jordon V will be featured during brunch as well. Call 312-981-8400 for reservations.
Baconfest 2012 is coming up this weekend! Unfortunately, tickets are sold out, but not to worry! You can still satisfy your bacon cravings by eating at Park Grill! Park Grill will be offering eleven bacon specials from Sunday, April 15th to Friday, April 20th, including a cocktail, appetizers, entree and dessert. The menu will be available during lunch and dinner service, Sunday April 15th through Thursday, April 19th from 11:00am to 9:30pm and Friday, April 20th, from 11:00am to 10:30pm. Chef Alex Shalev’s menu includes items like Chicken Thigh and Applewood Bacon Crostini, Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Hanger Steak with Fingerling Potato-Bacon Hash and Soft Center Chocolate Cake with Bacon Brittle and Vanilla Ice Cream. Call 312-521-7275 for reservations or more information.
April is National Florida Tomato Month! Stop by Benny’s Chop House to taste Executive Chef Jonathan Lane’s Florida Tomato and Pesto Flatbread for just $8.99. Chef Lane is also featuring another Florida Tomato special- a beautiful tomato salad. Call 312-626-2444 for more information!
Carnivale will be offering a Tax Refund to all dining guests during lunch and dinner on April 17th! Diners will receive a $15 gift certificate to use on their next visit. The certificates will be valid through May 31st, 2012. Call 312-850-5005 for reservations.
Koi in Evanston will also be giving diners a break on April 17th by offering Sesame Chicken for only $10.99 (normally $13.95). This special price is only available during dinner, for dine-in guests. Call 847-866-6969 for reservations.
Chicago q will be celebrating tax day by offering a special three-course prix fixe menu! On Tuesday, April 17th, lunch is only $15 and dinner is $18! The menu includes a choice of appetizer, entree and dessert and features items like House Bacon Cheddar Hush Puppies, Smoked Dry-Rubbed Wings, Pulled Pork or Kobe Brisket Sandwiches for lunch, and Half Slab Baby Back or St. Louis Ribs for dinner. Entrees are served with a choice of cornbread, coleslaw or French fries. Call 312-642-1160 for reservations!
Glenview House is pairing up with Chimay to host a beer dinner on Wednesday, April 18th. Representative Bobo Van Mechelen from Chimay will be on hand to describe each Belgian beer that will be paired with Chef Grant Slauterbeck’s four-course menu. The menu will feature dishes like Pork Belly & Risotto, Soft Shell Crab & Snow Cone, Prosciutto & Halbit & Fava and Dehydrated Bacon Dusted Beef Tenderloin & Chef Surprise. Check-in is at 6:45pm and dinner begins at 7:00pm. The cost for the evening is $65 per person, all inclusive. Call 847-724-0692 for reservations.
Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush will be hosting an exclusive wine dinner featuring Vini Polvaro on Wednesday, April 18th. Hors d’oeuvres will be served at 6:30pm and dinner at 7:00pm. Executive Chef Federico Comacchio’s four-course menu will include items like Steamed Baby Octopus, Organic Gnocchi, Roasted Rib Eye Filet and more. Each course will be paired with Vini Polvaro wines. The cost is $68 per person. Call 312-222-0101 for reservations.
Bistronomic will be offering a late night prix fixe in April! Beginning at 9:00pm, Sunday-Thursday, late night diners will be able to order French bistro cuisine and a drink for only $15! Reservations are not accepted, as this is only available to walk-ins only. The prix fixe includes Croutons of the Day (Crostini topped with various Bistronomic favorites like salmon tartare, pork rillettes, olive oil poached tuna and more) and a glass of red or white wine of the day. Call 312-944-8400 for more information.
Chicago Area QuickNews for Easter 2012!
Wow! It seems like our St. Patrick’s day QuickNews post was just yesterday…but Easter is just around the corner! If you haven’t made your Easter breakfast plans yet, check out today’s highlights about the many restaurant brunches and Easter specials in Chicagoland!
This Week’s Dinner: Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits
Autre Monde means “another world”, which is probably a good thing since the restaurant is in Berwyn and that town isn’t exactly on the tip of peoples’ tongues when asked “What cities have the best food?” This is meant as absolutely no insult to Berwyn at all, but hopefully you get the point: That Autre Monde Café & Spirits is all sorts of big city good, but it’s in the near suburbs of Chicago. Yes, in Berwyn. And directly across the street from Oak Park. Click through to read about the dinner I shared with my wife Amy!
Chicago Area Restaurant QuickNews – March 27th
It’s almost time for our special Easter edition of QuickNews on the Yumblog, but there are a few notable events to mention before all the Easter brunches begin!
Quartino will be holding their monthly Wine Bash, on Wednesday, March 28th, from 7:00-9:00pm, with registration beginning at 6:30pm. This month’s Wine Bash features wines from VINI Wines. The tasting will have samples of VINI Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Seasonal fare prepared by Executive Chef John Coletta will be paired with each wine. The menu includes Grilled Zucchini with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, assorted Neapolitan Pizze, Bruschetta and Italian meats and olives and other festive dishes. The cost is only $20 and guests are able to purchase bottles of the featured wines for only $10! Reservations are not accepted, as guests must register at the door. Call 312-698-5000 for more information.
Are you running in the Chicago Half-Marathon this upcoming Sunday, April 1st? Relax after the marathon at lunch or dinner with some specialty pasta dishes at Carmine’s! Director of Culinary Operations Michael Ponzio has created several flavorful pasta items like Penne Bolognese, Linguine with Clams, Tortellini Carbonara and many others. Call 312-988-7676 for reservations!
Also next Sunday (and every Sunday after that), Tokio Pub in Schaumburg will be serving a buffet that features favorites from the menu, like BBQ Ribs, Char-Grilled Meatballs, Grilled Chicken Stir-Fried Noodles and Pork Belly Nachos! There will also be a “Taco Time Table” where guests can build their own tacos with ingredients like warm tortillas, braised pork, chicken, steak or tofu and an array of toppings! In addition, there will be a maki table with ceviche, sushi and salads. Dessert is even offered in the form of vanilla ice cream! The buffet is served from 11:00am – 2:00pm, for ONLY $20 per person! Call 847-278-5181 for reservations!
Koi in Evanston will be hosting a Chef’s Table event on Tuesday, April 3rd, at 7:00pm. Sushi Chef Kenny Tan will be creating 8-courses as guests watch and learn. Each course is paired with sake and described by the sushi team. Tan’s knife skills and talent will also be shown via live camera feed above the sushi bar. April’s Chef’s Table event features dishes like Seafood Salad, an Uni Shooter, Crispy Eel Roll and Filet Mignon Nigiri. The cost for the evening is $45 per person, all-inclusive. Tickets are required and can be bought here!
Want to support your community and enjoy some delicious food at the same time? On Thursday, April 5th, Francesca’s Tavola will have an Eat and Earn program to benefit the Hersey Jazz Band! A portion of your bill will be donated to the Hersey Jazz Band! Call the restaurant at 347-394-3988 for more information or for reservations.
Baseball season has finally started! Whether you’re a Cubs or Sox fan, you can enjoy a FREE two day tailgate party at III Forks! On Thursday, April 5th (aka Cubs Opening Day) and Friday, April 6th (White Sox Opening Day) complimentary grub prepared by Executive Chef Clark Grant will be served to party guests! Dishes like Perkins Farm BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, Kobe Sliders and Italian Beef Sandwiches will be served. Absolut summer cocktails and half-price brews will also be available. The baseball games will be shown on the five outdoor screens and Absolut representatives will be on hand to pass out cocktails. A raffle will also be held for two seats to future Sox and Cubs games! The menu will be offered from 4:00pm – 12:00am! Call 312-938-4303 for more information!
