Spread the Love This Valentine’s Day at Prairie Grass Cafe By Supporting World Central Kitchen

Valentine’s Day is always a special occasion at Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; Northbrook, IL; 847-205-4433), and this year, chef-owners Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris are spreading the love even further by supporting the World Central Kitchen with this benefit. Founded by acclaimed chef and restaurateur José Andrés, World Central Kitchen is an organization of “Food First Responders” that serves millions of meals every year to people in need after natural disasters and in response to poverty and hunger. The World Central Kitchen team is currently in Puerto Rico to help in the aftermath of the recent earthquakes.

“We are very proud to support Chef Andrés and World Central Kitchen,” said Stegner. “We hope that on Valentine’s Day our guests will join us in opening their hearts to this generous and dedicated organization that does such important work for those in immediate need.”

To emphasize this important mission, Prairie Grass Café will be selling flowers, Chef Sarah’s Hot Cocoa Mix, and Heart Sugar Cookies on Valentine’s Day. Guests can purchase them at lunch or dinner to take home and share with their loved ones. “These simple yet poignant gifts remind us that caring for others is an important message of Valentine’s Day,” said Stegner. “All proceeds from these sales will be donated to World Central Kitchen.”

Prairie Grass Cafe’s Valentine’s Day dinner menu will include some hearty and delicious specials: BBQ Braised Brisket with Mashed Potatoes & Mirepoix of Vegetables; Grilled Ora King Salmon with Sautéed Garlic Broccoli; and for dessert, Mom’s Cherry Pie. The full dinner menu will be available.
Prairie Grass Café is always very busy on Valentine’s Day, so please make reservations early by calling the restaurant at 847-205-4433.

About Prairie Grass Cafe
Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; Northbrook, IL; 847-205-4433), co-owned by chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris, supports Green City Market and local sustainable farms, selecting the freshest ingredients to reflect the season. To make a reservation, please call (847) 205-4433 or visit prairiegrasscafe.com. Follow Prairie Grass Cafe on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/SarahStegner, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/prairiegrasscafe, on Facebook at Facebook.com/PrairieGrassCafe.

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World Kitchen photos courtesy of World Kitchen

Fitbod workout app: personalized approach to getting fit in 2020

The chart-topping fitness app Fitbod, using sophisticated machine learning and data analytics to automatically build personalized daily workout routines, has found its way onto the iPhones and Apple Watches of thousands of fans and the number is growing steadily. Fitbod is a new-generation fitness app that’s smart and easy to use, serving up daily workout routines designed specifically for each individual.

The app takes the guesswork out of exercising by recommending workouts geared to each person’s fitness goals, level of fitness and physical condition. Guided by best practices in strength training and fitness science, Fitbod is a fitness lover’s dream, making workouts efficient, fun and optimizing results for everyone from exercise novices to advanced athletes.

The good news is that for all its sophistication, Fitbod is an affordable tool for nearly everyone. After three complimentary trial workouts, users can subscribe to the app for only $9.99 per month or get an annual subscription for $59.99. As an incentive to make your New Year’s resolution come true, annual Fitbod memberships are 25% off, just 44.99 per year, through January 31, 2020.

Fitbod generates a new personalized workout routine every day, taking into account what equipment and time is available, the user’s workout preferences and limitations, and information logged in from previous workouts. 

The app was launched for iOS on the App Store in 2015. It is a 2019 Apple Store Editor’s Choice pick and has a 4.8 rating based on nearly 64,000 reviews. A version for Android devices will be launched soon. The app currently works with Apple Health and other apps such as Activity, Fitbit and Strava, and more inter-app functionalities are anticipated. A free trial of the Fitbod app for iOS can be downloaded at https://fitbod.me.

Fitbod was created by co-founders Allen Chen and Jesse Venticinque to take advantage of breakthroughs in data analytics that make it possible to create fitness routines that are personalized while being based on best practices in strength training and fitness science.

Prior to co-founding Fitbod, Venticinque, with a background in human-computer interaction and cognitive sciences (Carnegie Mellon University and UCLA), led mobile product design efforts at LinkedIn and is a startup veteran of companies such as Slideshare, Altschool and Predictify.

“Consumer fitness tech today is like Google Maps without the directions feature. We have data-rich maps of people’s physical activity, but fail to help them navigate towards real results,” said Venticinque. “Fitbod bridges the gap, enabled by cutting edge personalization technology such as machine learning and predictive analytics. Resistance-training is the perfect type of exercise for this application. The activity naturally produces highly structured data (sets, reps, weight, equipment, etc.) and people vary widely in physical capability, making personalization critical to providing value.”

Allen Chen had a computer engineering background and worked in the financial industry as a high-frequency trading strategist. He used machine learning and data analytics to develop optimized trading and portfolio strategies for clients. “Through my lifelong passion for strength and sports training, I realized that the data analytics approach used to design and engineer investment strategies could be leveraged to create optimal fitness plans as well,” he said. “It may seem counter-intuitive that algorithms could guide such a human activity as strength training but actually the data helps to personalize and humanize the workout experience.”

Chen explained that according to fitness experts, daily routines need to vary from day to day in order to achieve best results. People’s lifestyles also dictate that exercise routines should be flexible. Depending on the day and circumstances, people may have a long or a short amount of time to work out. They may choose to go to the gym, work out at home, or may be on the road without access to their usual facilities and equipment. Fitbod takes all these factors into account and automatically designs an optimal workout routine for that day, based on what equipment and time period is available.”

All Fitbod’s suggested exercises are based upon best practices in strength training and fitness science. Fitbod has teamed with highly regarded fitness pros Chris Matsui, Nick Cerone, and Irene Gardner, who help architect the routines Fitbod recommends to achieve each users fitness goals, from muscle tone and bodybuilding to Olympic and Powerlifting. Routines can include such contemporary fitness approaches as supersets and circuit training. Fitbod users can master their daily routine by using available videos and text to learn about each exercise and view the proper way to perform it.

One of Fitbod’s strongest features is its ability to design workout routines that minimize the risk of injury. Fitbod tracks the user’s workout history and determines the muscle recovery state—which muscle groups need complete rest, or less intense exercise, so they won’t be overstrained. Over time, the daily workout routines become more individualized and challenging, pushing users to stretch their limits and reach their goals.

Personal trainers have found value in using Fitbod to assist them in their work with clients. “Fitbod is like having a technical assistant to assist me as I work with my clients,” said personal fitness trainer Nick Cerone. “Fitbod does the heavy lifting when it comes to designing the daily routine, calculating calories burned, determining muscle recovery states and tracking progress. This frees me up to concentrate on motivating and encouraging my clients while I use my training expertise to make sure they use proper form. Fitbod is a win-win for everyone.”

Currently, Fitbod integrates with other fitness or health apps including Apple Health, Fitbit and Strava. Going forward, the company plans to offer routines or add-ons that are targeted to special needs groups or are designed to optimize performance in specific sports or physical activities.

Personalizing workout routines

The personalization process starts when new users create a profile by entering individual fitness information, including their height, weight, gender and age, their fitness experience, physical limitations, available equipment and their fitness goals. Fitness activities can be targeted toward general fitness, strength training, muscle tone, bodybuilding, powerlifting and even Olympic weightlifting. Height, weight, age, available equipment and available workout time can be modified as often as needed so that the recommended workout fits into the user’s day. Fitbod can also pull in physical data from Apple Health—another iOS app—to keep the user’s workout history up to date. Finally, the app analyzes data from previous workouts to determine the muscle recovery state—which muscle groups need to recuperate and shouldn’t be exercised until another day.

Having considered these factors, Fitbod automatically creates a list of recommended exercises for the day, including the weights to be used and the number of required reps and sets. Users who are unfamiliar with an exercise can access instructional videos and text through the app. Each exercise is described, instructions are offered, and Fitbod tells them which muscle groups are involved. Exercise modifications are suggested for people with physical limitations.

The workout routines can incorporate more than sixty types of equipment including free weights, bars and benches, cable machines, weight machines and other equipment including resistance bands. The app will also recommend warm-up and cool-down exercises and cardio routines to augment the strength-focused exercises.

To help keep subscribers motivated, Fitbod subscribers get a Weekly Workout Report which includes such stats as Total Weight Lifted, Number of Logged Workouts, Total Workout Duration, Total Calories Burned and Exercises Performed. Personal Bests and workout streaks are also recorded as Fitbod Achievements.

Integrations with other health and fitness apps

Complementarity is at the core of Fitbod’s business model and integration with other fitness apps is a key functionality. Currently, to build users’ profiles, Fitbod can read and write data to Apple Health (weight, height, gender and age). Many of the Apple Health and Apple Watch workout routines—such as Indoor Run, Elliptical, Rower and Indoor Cycle—can be imported into Fitbod. The Activity app can pull in this data from the Apple Health app and use it to calculate calories burned during the workout.

Integration with Fitbit is also available, so Fitbit users can connect to their Fitbit account. Workout data from Fitbod can be posted to Fitbit.

For extra motivation, Fitbod users can connect their Fitbod account to Strava, a social network for athletes. Strava users can also post their Strava cardio fitness routines—Runs, Bike Rides and E-Bike Rides—since these affect the muscle recovery state and can be considered when Fitbod designs their daily routine.

Partnerships with other businesses

Fitbod has developed partnerships with several companies who see the value in encouraging people to stay fit by using the Fitbod app. Fitness clubs such as Raise the Bar Fitness in San Francisco and hotel organizations such as the Godfrey Hotel in Chicago have partnered with Fitbod to cross-promote the app. At Raise the Bar Fitness, in-house personal trainers are using the app to enhance their work with clients. The Godfrey Hotel offers complimentary Fitbod sessions as a special amenity. The workout routines are geared to the equipment in the hotel’s fitness center.

About Fitbod

Fitbod, Inc. is the developer of the Fitbod app, a technology platform that designs deeply personalized workout plans, allowing users to get maximum benefit from their fitness program. Using machine learning, data analytics, user data and exercise science best practices, the app creates optimized and personalized workout routines. In short, Fitbod helps users reach fitness goals efficiently and safely. Headquartered in San Francisco, Fitbod, Inc. is co-founded by Jesse Venticinque and Allen Chen.

Fitbod is currently available for iOS devices at the App Store. An Android version is in development.

For more information about Fitbod, please visit the website at https://fitbod.me.

Follow Fitbod:

Impress the wine enthusiast on your gift list with Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille 40th Anniversary Edition commemorative wine glasses

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille (5 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523; 630-571-1808) patrons who purchase a glass of Perry’s Reserve Big Red Blend will receive a complimentary commemorative 40th Anniversary Edition wine glass. Gift givers can create and give a collection with additional wine glasses for $15 each.

Guests who enjoy a bottle of Perry’s Reserve Big Red Blend while dining will receive a complimentary collection of four 40th Anniversary Edition wine glasses.

Perry’s Reserve Big Red Blend Price: $45 per glass or $180 for a bottle.

The Perry’s Reserve Big Red Blend
The Perry’s Reserve Big Red Blend features a blend of five Bordeaux red grape varietals. This small production wine is a sophisticated selection available in limited quantities. Aromas of the Perry’s Reserve Big Red Blend include red and dark fruits, cracked pepper, tobacco leaf and spices. The palate shows bright acidity, balancing raspberry and black currant notes. Spicy French Oak, mocha and vanilla bean are wrapped around integrated tannins providing a lingering, bright finish.

About Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille has earned a faithful following by perfecting prime since 1979. Beginning as a small butcher shop, Perry’s has grown into a renowned group of award-winning restaurants featuring USDA Prime beef, tableside carvings, signature selections, flaming desserts and handcrafted cocktails at its Bar 79. Specializing in a Rare and Well Done® experience, Perry’s currently operates steakhouse locations in Chicago, Birmingham, Denver, Miami and across Texas and will open a second Chicagoland location in Schaumburg in the Summer, 2020. In addition, Perry’s operates its two original butcher shops, now known as Perry & Sons Market & Grille, and has introduced a new sister concept called CARVE American Grille in Austin TX. For more information and updates on Perry’s Steakhouse, please visit https://PerrysSteakhouse.com.

Facebook (Facebook.com/PerrysDining), Twitter (@PerrysDining) and Instagram (@PerrysSteakhouse)

Eat, Drink and Enjoy Mary Mules This Holiday Season at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Oak Brook

Perry’s Merry Mule

‘Tis the season to entertain and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille (5 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523; 630-571-1808) is the perfect place to spread holiday cheer. With this seasonal cocktail, the restaurant is helping Chicagoans get into the holiday spirit.

Throughout December in Perry’s Bar 79, enjoy our festive Perry Merry Mule cocktail featuring freshly cut strawberries muddled with lime and cranberry juices shaken with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and served with a splash of ginger in a traditional copper mug for the merry price of $12. Cheers!

Make Your Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Reservations Today and Celebrate with a Spectacular Dinner at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

Christmas Eve
Perry’s will be open on Christmas Eve. Both the restaurant and Bar 79 will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, December 24. Perry’s will be offering its full dinner menu. Perry’s will be closed on Christmas Day.

Don’t forget Perry’s Pork Chop Friday and Pork Chop Sunday Supper – Perfect for Holiday Celebrations
For those celebrating holidays throughout the month of December, your guests will enjoy Perry’s Pork Chop Friday lunch* ($16) from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday, and don’t forget to celebrate with Perry’s delicious 3-course Pork Chop Sunday Supper Special, $39, every Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

*Perry’s serves lunch on Fridays only.

New Year’s Eve
Kick off your New Year’s Eve celebration with a dining experience that is Rare and Well Done®. Celebrate with a spectacular dinner. Perry’s is preparing a delicious special 3-course prix fixe dinner followed by a midnight Champagne toast in Bar 79. The price is for early dinner (reservations before 5:30 p.m. is $59.95 per person plus tax and gratuity. For reservations at 5:45 p.m. or later the price is $79.95 per person plus tax and gratuity. New Year’s Eve reservations are required. The restaurant will be open from 4 p.m. to midnight; Bar 79 remains open until 1 a.m.

Diners have their pick of Perry’s patron favorites and a few off-the-menu items including the White Bean Pork Chili, Harvest Salad, Chicken Oscar and Lobster Truffle Risotto.

Here’s what’s in store. Begin your 3-course meal with your choice of soup or salad: Lobster Bisque, French Onion Soup, Harvest Salad, Signature Wedge Salad or Caesar Salad; and choice of 8-oz. Filet Perry wrapped with applewood-smoked bacon & topped with jumbo lump crab meat; 14-oz. Prime New York Strip; 14-oz. Prime Ribeye, Perry’s Famous Pork Chop; Chicken Oscar, Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter; Crispy Skin Wild Red Snapper; Lobster Truffle Risotto, Chicken Oscar, or Spaghetti Squash Primavera (Vegetarian and vegan option).

Finish the meal on a sweet note with the White Chocolate Cheesecake, Dessert Trio or the Chocolate Crunch.

Appetizer and entrée complements will be available to order but not included in the per person price. The regular dinner menu will not be offered.

Perry’s will be closed on New Year’s Day.

Perry’s Gift Cards

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille Gift Cards, A Perfect Holiday Gift

Don’t know what to get your boss, colleagues, teachers and friends for the holidays? Perry’s gift cards make a delicious and much appreciated gift for everyone on the hard-to-shop-for list.

Now through December 31, receive a complimentary $25 Perry’s reward card for every $125 in Perry’s gift cards purchased. Reward cards are valid January 2 through June 30, 2020. They are not valid on holidays including Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and private dining events. The offer is good for up to $500 in reward cards. Perry’s Gift Cards are redeemable at all Perry’s locations, have no fees and never expire.

Perry’s Cellar Room

Private Dining – Celebrate the Holidays with Friends, Family and Business Colleagues

Make holiday party planning smooth and easy by letting Perry’s host your upcoming holiday events. With multiple private dining rooms that can seat up to approximately 80 guests, the restaurant is ideal for extended family get-togethers, office holiday luncheons, dinner parties and any other kind of event. Rooms are available Monday through Sunday. Additionally, although Perry’s is not open for lunch Monday through Thursday, the restaurant is available for private dining holiday luncheon events with certain restrictions. Call 630-571-1808 to reserve your room.

About Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille has earned a faithful following by perfecting prime since 1979. Beginning as a small butcher shop, Perry’s has grown into a renowned group of award-winning restaurants featuring USDA Prime beef, tableside carvings, signature selections, flaming desserts and handcrafted cocktails at its Bar 79. Specializing in a Rare and Well Done® experience, Perry’s currently operates steakhouse locations in Chicago, Birmingham, Denver, Miami and across Texas and will open a second Chicagoland location in Schaumburg in the Summer, 2020. In addition, Perry’s operates its two original butcher shops, now known as Perry & Sons Market & Grille, and has introduced a new sister concept called CARVE American Grille in Austin TX.

For more information and updates on Perry’s Steakhouse, please visit https://PerrysSteakhouse.com.

Facebook (Facebook.com/PerrysDining), Twitter (@PerrysDining) and Instagram (@PerrysSteakhouse)

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Family and Friends at Prairie Grass Cafe

A group of friends toasting with glasses of champagne

Whether you’re enjoying New Year’s Eve with family or friends, a trip to Prairie Grass Café (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook; 847-205-4433) is a perfect way to celebrate the end of 2019. An early celebration dinner from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. is planned. In addition to the regular menu, enjoy our New Year’s Eve specials. Reservations are recommended. Prairie Grass Cafe will be closed New Year’s Day.

New Year’s Eve Specials

Perfect New Year’s Eve Starter:

You and your friends will love a delicious bottle of Bugey-Cerdon for $52 per bottle or $15 per glass or enjoy a Mistletoe Kiss cocktail with Prosecco, cranberry, cinnamon syrup and cinnamon stick, and fresh mint leaf. $12.

Lobsters & Shrimp cocktail with Cognac sauce $39

(1 lb. lobster out of the shell) and 2 jumbo shrimp (US waters)

Enjoy a choice of special entrees:

Grilled  Ora King Salmon, with Wild Mushroom & Oat “Porridge” Broccolini with Garlic & Chili Flakes $36

Slow Braised Short Ribs, Mashed Potatoes & Root Vegetables $28

Finish your evening:

Dessert:  Banana Cream Pie  $8.50

For after dinner, enjoy Chateau Orignac $20 for a 2 oz. pour.

Enjoy Chateau Orignac after dinner.

Remembering Abby Mandel On What Would Have Been Her Birthday December 12

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Abby Mandel
Abby Mandel

Thursday, December 12, we are celebrating the birthday of Abby Mandel (1932-2008). Sarah Stegner, co-owner/co-chef of Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook; 847-205-4433) and founding board member of Green City Market, wants everyone to take the day to remember her and keep her vision alive.

Prairie Grass Cafe is raising money for the market’s The Edible Gardens in honor of its founder Abby’s birthday and the 20th Anniversary of the Green City Market.

“I’m giving all our guests at Prairie Grass Cafe an opportunity to contribute on that day. Guest donations will go directly to The Edible Gardens, located in the Lincoln Park Zoo and run by Green City Market.”

Prairie Grass Cafe also will be offering a special local Beet and Carrot Birthday Cake, created in honor of Abby’s birthday. “We are donating 100% of the proceeds from the cake sales on the 12th to The Edible Gardens program.”

“I want to help make sure the program that Abby and Jeanne Pinsof Nolan, The Organic Gardener, created and oversees for the market, is fully funded.”  

“It reaches so many inner-city children and helps them understand where their food comes from.  It’s an interactive garden that the children either plant or harvest depending on the season.  It’s free and open to the public,” Stegner said.

Green City Market, 1999
Donations made Dec. 12 at Prairie Grass Cafe will support The Edible Gardens

Holiday Cookie Baking Class at Delightful Pastries this Saturday, Dec. 7

Holiday cookies from Delightful Pastries in Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood.

As we enter the peak season for cookie baking, everyone has their family favorites. If you love to bake at home, you’ll be thrilled with the tips you can gain by attending Delightful Pastries Cookie Class, Saturday, December 7 from noon to 3 p.m.

Students will be making lots of cookies in this class. Some are simple, some are fancy — all of them are baked with a lot of heart.  You’ll learn how to bake American classics such as snickerdoodles to Italian Amaretti favorites.  Delightful Pastries co-owner, chef Dobra Bielinski, will be demonstrating the making of cookies for all kinds of bakers from the complicated to the simple ones.

Even children from the age of 10 can sign up for the class. Additionally, all students will be decorating their own gingerbread man. All student will get to taste the cookies in the class and will get to take a 1/2 pound home with them.

Students can sign up online, send a check to the bakery or call us at 773-545-7215 and we can take the sign ups via phone to avoid the online fees.

The class will take place at Delightful Pastries, 5927 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cookie-class-tickets-58682674459

Look your best for the holidays! Dr. Mark Golden has the solution

Give the gift of beauty this holiday season.
Now is the perfect time to treat yourself or a loved one to a cosmetic procedure to refresh your look for the holidays.

Ophthalmologist Mark Golden MD at Doctors for Visual Freedom, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1820, wants everyone to look their best for the holidays. “Now is the perfect time to treat yourself or a loved one to a cosmetic procedure to refresh your look for the holidays,” he says. Cosmetic fillers and Botox treatments are just some of the many services offered by Dr. Golden.

“People should not take chances by going to Botox parties and should always verify that the person administering Botox and fillers is FDA approved and a physician,” Dr. Golden says. “If you are getting injections into your facial muscles, you need a doctor who has specialized training in facial anatomy and a well-developed aesthetic eye.”

Dr. Golden has been performing Botox and filler injections for 17 years, ever since Botox was first FDA approved.

Pricing
Botox pricing can vary by quite a lot, Dr. Golden says. In downtown Chicago, the average price is about $20 per unit. The 11’s typically take 20 units and at Dr. Golden’s office that is only $195 dollars. Each additional units there are only $12.50. When a full-face treatment can use up to 60 units, Dr. Golden’s charges are very reasonable.

What about fillers?
Fillers also are an amazing way to take years off the appearance in a subtle manner, he says. “We are all interested in improving and maintaining an attractive appearance. Doctors for Visual Freedom offers cosmetic treatments that are low-risk and high-result investments.

Choosing a skilled ophthalmologist like Dr. Mark Golden gives you confidence you will achieve the results you seek. Cosmetic treatments can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving you with a more youthful and attractive outlook.

Skincare Products to Reduce Dark Under-Eye Circles

Dr. Golden also has a wide range of skin care products that reduce dark circles under eyes in as little as two weeks, amazing moisturizing creams with hyaluronic acid and anti-aging creams that reduce wrinkles without using Botox.

Some people may want to try Latisse which can increase eyelash growth. Most women find a dramatic increase in lashes in 6 weeks. “Our price of $150 for the large size is much cheaper than found at most drug stores,” he says.

Expansion of Eye Glass Frame Selection

With their recent move to Suite 1820 at 875 North Michigan Avenue Building, formerly the John Hancock Center, Doctors for Visual Freedom has expanded their eyeglass frame selection, adding almost a hundred new frames in the last several weeks including Gucci, Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Emilio Pucci, Swarovski, Mark Jacobs, Jimmy Choo, Versace, Carolina Herrera and Ray Ban.

They also offer eyeglasses that are more modestly priced, using good frames and quality optics, making glasses affordable for almost any budget.

Here’s a rundown of treatments and what to expect:

BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic is best known as an effective means of softening and relaxing contracting facial muscles that cause unseemly wrinkles. When your muscle is injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic, it no longer receives the nerve signal to contract.
One BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment can last anywhere from four to six months, but the muscle memory may cause a more permanent effect resulting in less severe muscle contractions over time. The treatment is typically complete in a few minutes with mild discomfort to the injected muscle.

Learn more about BOTOX® Cosmetic here.

JUVÉDERM®
As we age, our skin loses elasticity, and the actions of our facial muscles begin to create wrinkles and creases. The hyaluronic acid that is naturally present in your skin maintains the hydration and volume of your tissues. In medicine, this substance has been used to alleviate joint pain and treat wounds. Hyaluronic acid was first used for facial rejuvenation in Europe in 1996. The hyaluronic acid in JUVÉDERM® works by adding volume to your skin, thereby reducing the evidence of folds and fine lines.

Learn more about JUVÉDERM® here.

LATISSE®
The use of prescription LATISSE® is proven to produce longer and fuller eyelashes as well as promote eyelash growth. Results can be seen gradually within weeks and full results are achieved anywhere from eight to sixteen weeks. Using a sterile applicator, LATISSE® is applied daily directly to your lashes on the upper eyelid. No surgery is needed and LATISSE® is FDA approved as a medically safe procedure.
Chicago, Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights and Downtown Chicago residents have made Doctors for Visual Freedom their choice for cosmetic treatments in BOTOX® Cosmetic, LATISSE® and Juvederm™.

Learn more about LATISSE® here.

FILERS
Dr. Golden has been injecting fillers into the face to help people look younger for more than a decade. Fillers can be used diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness to the face. They fill shallow contours, soften facial creases, add volume to cheeks, and plump thin lips. With injectable fillers, you can look more youthful look for a fraction of the cost of a surgical facelift. Treatments generally take less than 30 minutes and results can last from a year to two or more.

The objective of fillers is to look better but not have the appearance of having had fillers. Patients have the opportunity to watch as fillers are applied so that they can make a judgment as to the amount to achieve the appropriate contour of the face. Our patients tell us that their friends and spouses say that they look younger or more rested, but typically no one knows unless told they are told that fillers were applied. A natural appearance is important to Dr. Golden and if you want exaggeration of expression or huge lips, you should look elsewhere for care.

BOTOX® Cosmetic injections relax the muscle under a wrinkle, but fillers can fill the deep creases or lines on the face causing trouble spots to nearly disappear. Fillers are used to plump and lift cheeks, jawlines and temples as well as eliminating deep creases not amenable to BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments quickly and easily.

SkinMedica® Products

At Doctors For Visual Freedom we believe everyone deserves to have radiant skin. That’s why we’ve picked the SkinMedica® line of advanced skin care products that rejuvenate skin. As skin ages, elasticity decreases and lines appear. Their scientifically proven recovery compounds include essential ingredients ranging from vitamins C and E to retinol to TNS®—a patented blend of growth factors, soluble collagen, antioxidants and matrix proteins. The impact is clear beautiful skin. All SkinMedica® products come with an absolute guarantee—use to the last drop and if you are not fully satisfied, bring it back for a full refund. That’s how confident we are about our products.

Learn more about SkinMedica® here.

About Dr. Mark Golden

Dr. Mark Golden has 28 years of experience pioneering high-quality eye care as an ophthalmologist. At Doctors for Visual Freedom, he practices medicine in the way he knows best—with lots of personalized attention, plenty of time with each patient, and the best technology to help patients see and look their best.

Dr. Golden spends a lot of time with all his new patients. He knows gathering a thorough patient history and establishing a relationship of trust with each patient will lead to better care and a better overall experience.

With the freedom to run his own practice, Dr. Golden is proud to practice medicine with patient satisfaction as a top priority. Among his values are no waiting time for patients, creating a comfortable and welcoming office, offering convenient hours at an easily accessible location, and serving patients who need emergency vision or eye care help by being available almost 24/7.

Beyond eye care, vision correction, and lens fittings, Dr. Golden offers a suite of services to help patients look and feel their best. He’s been administering BOTOX® and fillers since 2003 and is both creative and talented when it comes to improving patients’ facial aesthetics. He is now just as well known for this specialty as he is for vision care.

       Doctors for Visual Freedom
       875 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1820
       Chicago, IL 60611

       Monday 9am – 5pm
       Tuesday 9am – 5pm
       Wednesday 9am – 5pm
       Thursday 9am – 5pm
       Friday 9am – 2pm
       Saturday and Sunday Emergencies by appointment only
       BOOK ONLINE

Order pies and other treats from Delightful Pastries for Thanksgiving by Nov. 23

There’s nothing better than a delicious homemade pie to top off your Thanksgiving dinner. Dobra Bielinski, pastry chef/owner of Delightful Pastries, (5927 W Lawrence Avenue in Chicago, 773-545-7215) recommends treating your guests to the Elvis Pie ($22). This delicious and unique pie features an Oreo cookie crust filled with peanut butter cheesecake, chocolate custard, bananas and whipped cream. Of course, you can enjoy any of Delightful’s traditional offerings including Apple ($20), Pecan ($25) or Pumpkin ($16), or choose a slightly more decadent one like the Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie ($25), Cranberry Fudge Pie ($20) or Apple Caramel Pie ($22). Don’t procrastinate. Orders should be made no later than November 23. Call 773-545-7215.

Follow Delightful Pastries on Facebook and Instagram, and visit their website for more information.

Cranberry Fudge Pie from Delightful Pastries in Jefferson Park area of Chicago.

Veterans and Active Military… Enjoy A Complimentary* Sunday Supper on Sunday, Nov. 10 in honor of Veteran’s Day at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Oak Brook

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille (5 Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, Illinois; 630-571-1808) will be thanking veterans and active U.S. military this Veteran’s Day, Sunday, Nov. 10 from 4 to 9 p.m. As a token of appreciation, the popular steakhouse is offering a complimentary Rare and Well Done® 3-course Sunday Supper (value $39) to each veteran when dining with a paying guest who purchases the Sunday Supper or a dinner entrée.

Veterans can receive the three-course Sunday special by presenting their military I.D. Reservations are required to receive the special offer, which is only available to U.S. active and former military. Tax and gratuity are not included. Offer not available in private dining.

The three-course Sunday Supper begins with a choice of salad or soup.

Then feast on Perry’s Famous Pork Chop. This tender, seven-fingers high chop. It is cured, roasted, slow-smoked and caramelized, and served with homemade applesauce. To make it even more dramatic, this amazing meat lover’s delight is carved tableside.

For your grand finale, indulge in Perry’s luscious Dessert Trio. This signature dessert features a generous tasting of three dessert favorites—Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Crunch and Praline Cheesecake.

This Veteran’s Day, be pampered by Perry’s gracious, knowledgeable and attentive staff. We promise you a Rare and Well Done® experience. And thank you for your service!

*Reservations are required. Each veteran and active military must be accompanied by a guest purchasing an entrée or Sunday Supper Special and must present their US military I.D. to qualify for a complimentary meal. Offer valid on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019 only.

About Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille has earned a faithful following by perfecting prime since 1979. Beginning as a small butcher shop, Perry’s has grown into a renowned group of award-winning restaurants featuring USDA Prime beef, tableside carvings, signature selections, flaming desserts and handcrafted cocktails at its Bar 79. Specializing in a Rare and Well Done® experience, Perry’s currently operates 17 steakhouse locations in Chicago, Birmingham, Denver, Miami and across Texas, as well as the two original butcher shops now known as Perry & Sons Market & Grille. For more information and updates on Perry’s Steakhouse, please visit https://PerrysSteakhouse.com.
 
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