Celebrating Thanksgiving Throughout Chicagoland

There are countless ways to enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving in Chicago.  Whether dining in or out, these restaurants and businesses are offering specials that will make it easy to entertain.

Delightful Pastries. Bring home delicious, homemade pies from Delightful Pastries for all to

Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie from Delightful Pastries

Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie
from Delightful Pastries

enjoy this Thanksgiving.   Whatever is your fancy, Delightful Pastries’ new expanded pie menu will have something to suit your taste. Included are traditional selections like Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie and the not so traditional Apple Caramel, Cranberry Fudge, Coconut Chocolate, and Bourbon Chocolate Pecan. All pies ($25) serve 8-10 people; are made from scratch and use no artificial flavors or preservatives.

For those entertaining for the weekend, pick up a breakfast/brunch savory pie such as the Spinach Lamb ($58), Veggie Quiche ($42), or Ham Quiche ($42). Other items on Delightful Pastries’ to go catering menu include: winter and grain salads, mini-pastry trays, international cookie trays and brownie trays. Pre-orders are recommended and package pricing is available. Orders may be placed at all three Delightful Pastries locations:  5927 W. Lawrence Avenue, in the Jefferson Park neighborhood (phone: 773-545-7215); the Old Town Chicago location at 1710 N. Wells St., just north of North Avenue (phone: 312-255-0724) and the Chicago French Market location at 131 N. Clinton Ave. (phone: 312-234-9644).

Delightful Pastries’ International Cookies Are Perfect for Holiday Entertaining

macaron stack

Macaron’s from Delightful Pastries

November starts the holiday season and entertaining is on everyone’s mind. Delightful Pastries makes it easy, with an array of international cookies, all holiday favorites from around the globe. Available are Cucidati (Sicilian Fig Cookies), Viennese Almond Crescents, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Polish Kolaczki (Raspberry, Apricot, Cheese), Christmas Mice,  Rugula, Linzer and Italian Rainbow Cookies ($19/lb. or by platter, $20-$30). French Macarons ($30 lb.) and Chanukah Macaroons ($1.75 each) also are available.

 

maxwells thankgiving 2013

Maxwell’s at the Club Thanksgiving

The East Bank Club is hosting Thanksgiving dinner at its place this year and you’re invited. The East Bank Club’s signature restaurant, Maxwell’s at the Club (500 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago), is offering a traditional turkey dinner buffet with all the trimmings, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., November 28.

Executive chef Mike Lodes is featuring a variety of appetizer and salad , a carving station with Roast Turkey served with gravy and natural jus, Roast Prime Rib of Beef with horseradish sauce, and Roast Leg of Lamb with mint jelly, and an abundance of side options. To finish off, guests will be treated to an impressive spread of seasonal fruits, assorted cakes, tortes, cookies, and cupcakes, and pies. The price is $45 for adults, $15 for children 10 and under. Reservations can be placed online at maxwellsattheclub.com or by calling (312)527-5800 ext. 301.

East Bank Club’s Food Shop’s Thanksgiving To-go

If you plan to entertain at home this Thanksgiving, East Bank’s Food Shop will be delighted to do the cooking. The Chefs at the Food Shop have put together a complete Thanksgiving menu to suit a variety of tastes. You have the choice of ordering a la carte from their entire menu or selecting the Thanksgiving Package. With the latter option the Food Shop chefs have curated their version of an ideal holiday meal. For the complete Thanksgiving menu visit eastbankclub.com, and to place your order call (312) 527 5800 ext. 318.

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Prairie Grass Cafe

Northbrook’s Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; 847-205-4433) chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris want to make your Thanksgiving dinner perfect and easy. The two award winning chefs have announced their “Thanksgiving To Go 2013” menu available for pre-order now. All orders must be received no later than Sunday, November 24 for pickup at the restaurant on Thursday, November 28 between noon and 3 p.m.

The à la carte menu includes everything you would want for the perfect Thanksgiving celebration. Start with a whole Roasted Turkey and Gravy, serving between 10 and 14 people for $110 or half a turkey to serve between 5 and 7 people for $60.

Homemade Apple Sage Stuffing ($14/quart) and Homemade Sausage and Giblet Stuffing ($24/quart) are available by the quart, serving between 4 and 6 people.

A variety of homemade appetizers include Butternut Squash Soup (Serves 4/$20/quart), Organic Mixed Green Salad with Shaved Parmesan, Pumpkin Seeds and Pomegranate (Serves 6-8/$45); Jumbo Cocktail Shrimp with Homemade Horseradish Sauce ($42/dozen); cut vegetable assortment with Amish blue cheese dip (Serves 6-8/$35); or Smoked Salmon Platter with Cream Cheese, Cucumbers, Capers and Red Onions with Pumpernickel and Whole Grain Baguettes (serves 6-8/$65).

Prairie Grass Cafe Pumpkin Pie with Heirloom Pumpkin Pie low res et

Prairie Grass Cafe Pumpkin Pie

Side dishes include Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes (pint/2-3 servings/$7; quart/4-6 servings/$14); Sweet Potato Puree (pint/2-3 servings/$8; quart/4-6 servings/$16); Sautéed Green Beans (pint/2-3 servings/$8; quart/4-6 servings/$16); Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnuts (pint/2-3 servings/$12; quart/4-6 servings/$24); and Local Cranberry Sauce (pint/2-5 servings/$8; quart/6-10 servings/$16).

A Prairie Grass Cafe Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without Mom’s Homemade Heirloom Pumpkin Pie ($24/pie/6 slices); Mom’s Pecan Pie ($24/pie/6 slices) or Double Chocolate Cake ($50/cake/10-12 servings).

Not in the mood to entertain at home? Bring your family and friends to Prairie Grass Cafe this Thanksgiving

Prairie Grass Cafe will be serving a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, November 28. The cost of $49 per person includes a choice of Butternut Squash Soup or Organic Mixed Green Salad with Pumpkin Seeds, Parmesan, Pomegranate and Balsamic Dressing; Oven Roasted Turkey with Mashed Potatoes and Homemade Gravy; Apple Chestnut Stuffing; Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash with Homemade Marshmallow Topping; fresh vegetable; local cranberry sauce, and choice of Mom’s Heirloom Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie or Double Chocolate Cake. Reservations are required.

Chicago French Market provides one-stop shopping for the Thanksgiving Holidays

Whether it’s a hostess gift, cooking supplies or a meal to go, the Chicago French Market provides opportunities for Thanksgiving shopping under one roof.

Abby Brown Artisan Soaps is featuring its ever popular Pumpkin Bars this month. A

Abbey Brown Pumpkin Soap

Abbey Brown Pumpkin Soap

perfect hostess gift for Thanksgiving and the holidays at only $8.50 per bar, Abbey Brown Soap Artisan creates handmade natural Olive Oil soaps, soothing body oils and relaxing bathing essentials. They make all of their fine products in house, infusing homegrown herbs and botanicals with pure essential oils.

Picking out the perfect wine to pair with Thanksgiving dinner or to bring as a gift is difficult if you’re not wine knowledgeable. When seeking expert advice, look no further than Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine at Chicago French Market. Pastoral is the perfect shop to learn more and receive expert help in choosing the perfect wine. Staff is trained to know wine and how to pair to complement foods. Stop by Pastoral for advice throughout November.

Stop at Oh Olive! at the French Market and sample its delicious Wild Mushroom and Sage extra virgin olive oil. It’s a perfect enhancement for drizzling over turkey before roasting or for using it to make delicious and unique rye bread turkey dressing.

Not everyone serves a traditional turkey for Thanksgiving, according to the folks at Sam’s

Sam's Gourmet Lasagna

Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna

Gourmet Lasagna. Sam’s offers a delicious ground turkey lasagna and has introduced a Steak & Potato Lasagna just in time for the holidays. They have upped their to go pre-packaged offerings for holiday gift, entertaining and corporate events.

 

 

 

Thanksgiving in Chicago means different strokes for different folks

By Lee Barrie and Cindy Kurman
Original story appeared in StreetWise

Chicago’s restaurant scene is filled with places to dine out on Thanksgiving Day. Most, including those that usually feature ethnic food, offer a traditional Thanksgiving meal, frequently offered in addition to the regular menu. Personally, we tend to be intrigued by restaurants that offer something unusual for Thanksgiving. After all, how many more turkey and sweet potato dinners does one really need to eat? So here is our take on where you might want to go for a taste of Thanksgiving with a different sensibility. Since many of you will be at home on T-Day, we’ve included some suburban spots for your enjoyment.

The Melting Pot Thanksgiving:
Thanksgiving from Around the World

Vermilion
11 W. Hubbard, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 527-4060; www.thevermilionrestaurant.com

Vermilion is one of our absolute favorite upscale restaurants in Chicago and has earned high praise among the culinary media around the country. Executive Chef Maneet Chauhan presents a sensory-rich menu using both Indian and Latin American ingredients. For Thanksgiving, Vermilion offers its annual $45-per-person prix fixe “Herb & Spice” six-course Thanksgiving feast from noon to 10 p.m. (the menu is also available throughout the weekend). Dishes include Brazilian Feijoada, black bean stew with meats and a hint of garam masala spice; Indian Black Cardamom Smoked Turkey with Indian Sarson Ka Saag; Bengali Panch Puran (ginger cranberry chutney) with fennel, cumin and mustard seed, and Mexican Pumpkin Pie. The “Herb and Spice” is usually a sellout, so make your reservations early.

SUSHISAMBA Rio
504 N. Wells, Chicago, IL
(312) 595-2300; www.sushisamba.com

SUSHISAMBA Rio is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The décor is gloriously colorful and the menu includes both Japanese and Brazilian dishes, with some combining elements of both. For Thanksgiving, enjoy special dishes in addition to the regular menu: Braised Short Rib Gyozas, with kabocha pumpkin purée, red shiso leaf, smoked ginger soy; Plainville Farms Turkey T-Bone, with sweet potato-brown sugar fries, bacon escarole, cranberry teriyaki glaze, and for dessert, Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread Pudding, maple syrup ice cream, roast pecans, candied shiso leaf.

The Not-Your-Meat-&-Potatoes Thanksgiving Feast

The Chicago Diner

3411 N. Halsted, Chicago IL
(773) 935-6696; www.veggiediner.com

If you’re seeking out a Vegan feast, you’re Thanksgiving dreams will come true at The Chicago Diner. This North Halsted area restaurant is considered one of the top vegan eateries in the country and this year marks their 27th annual Vegan Thanksgiving, with seatings at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The menu features select organic produce grown on Illinois and Wisconsin farms. For starters, enjoy Squash Apple Bisque and Field Greens Salad. Entrée choices are Veggie Turkey with seven grain stuffing & sage gravy, Beefy Wellington with seitan-mushroom duxelle & madeira shallot reduction, and Pumpkin Ravioli with hazelnut cream sauce. Don’t forget the side dishes: ginger-garlic green beans, herb stuffing, candied yams, rosemary redskins, cranberry relish. Desserts are scrumptious: Pumpkin Pie, Death By Chocolate Cake, and Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake. Reservations are essential and you can also order Thanksgiving dinner in carryout form. The price is $37.99 per person; $22.99 for children. Carryout meals start at $11.99 per person.
The menu says it all: Thanksgiving dishes that sound really good to us

Birch River Grill
75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, IL
(847) 427-4242; www.birchrivergrill.com

For Thanksgiving (from noon to 5 p.m.), this contemporary regional American restaurant is featuring such delectable items as Acorn Squash and Kentucky Bourbon Bisque, Autumn Salad with Mulled Wine Poached Pear Crumbled Bleu Cheese, Toasted Pecans and Kiln Dried Cherry Dressing; Maple Glazed Free Range Turkey Breast with Granny Apple Sausage Cornbread Stuffing, Sage Pan Gravy, Buttermilk Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes, Brown Butter Green Beans, Rustic Cranberry-Orange Relish, Spiced Pumpkin Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream. The Thanksgiving menu is $24.95 per person; kids age 12 and under are $13.95.

Restaurant Michael
64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL
(847) 441-3100; www.restaurantmichael.com
Chef/owner Michael Lachowicz is one of the most applauded French chefs in Chicago, having built a stellar reputation at Le Francais and Les Deux Gros. For Thanksgiving, he will meld his awesome culinary technique and amazing taste buds together with traditional Thanksgiving ingredients to serve up a Family Style Traditional Dinner: butternut squash soup with black truffle, baby green salads, brown-sugar-brine roast organic turkey, Chateaubriand, creamed mash potatoes and pan gravy, ground beef and sage dressing, Grand Marnier scented cranberry sauce, seasonal vegetables, pumpkin caramel tarts, cinnamon nutmeg ice cream with maple caramel sauce. Thanksgiving dinner is served from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The price is right: $45 per person and 1/2 price for kids 10 and under. You can also order “Thanksgiving to go” which is a hot and ready to serve carry out version of the same menu for $49 per person. To go orders must be picked up between 1 and 4 p.m.

Fast Food Thanksgiving

Kuma’s Corner
2900 W Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL
(773) 604-8769; www.kumascorner.com

For those of you with a case of the Thanksgiving munchies, you’ll not want to miss this Thanksgiving heart attack on a bun: Kuma’s famous “Sleep Burger” is a monster sandwich featuring turkey and gravy topped with deep-fried stuffing and cranberry sauce. The Sleep Burger will keep you wide awake while you eagerly gobble it down, but you may fall soundly asleep while digesting it. You were forewarned.

The To-Die-For-Dessert-to-Bring-Home Thanksgiving

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
921 Pasquinelli Dr. Westmont, IL; (630) 455-9846
798 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, IL; (847) 228-9551
http://www.pappadeaux.com/

Even if you’re not going out for Thanksgiving you can still wow your friends and family with Pappadeaux’s luscious signature Sweet Potato Pecan Pie, which is available for purchase just in time for your at-home holiday feast. Pie pre-order began November 2, and pick-up runs November 20-25. The price for one pie is $14.94 and you can buy a second pie for just $9.95. You won’t be disappointed. Call either restaurant location to order.

Note: DineWise is a weekly column appearing in StreetWise magazine. Lee Barrie is on the StreetWise board of directors and he and his wife Cindy own Kurman Communications, a Chicago-based public relations agency specializing in lifestyle, restaurant and hospitality strategic branding, marketing promotions, media relations and social networking. If you’d like your restaurant to be featured on the DineWise blog and in StreetWise magazine, please contact DineWise@kurman.com.