Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day in Chicago September 18

National Cheeseburger Day is upon us yet again and several Chicagoland restaurants are honoring it by featuring juicy and delicious cheeseburger options for everyone’s taste.

Frietkoten Cheese Burger, Photo by Cindy Kurman

CHICAGO FRENCH MARKET Frietkoten 131 N. Clinton St. Chicago, IL  (312)575-0306  ; www.chicagofrenchmarket.com   Chicago French Market’s, Frietkoten, is primarily known for its authentic Belgian fries and hearty selection of Belgian beers, both on tap and bottled.  However the recently added menu of gourmet Belgian cheeseburgers, made from beef that is freshly ground daily, is proving that the Belgians know what makes up a great burger.  It’s offering of cheeseburgers include a combination of choice toppings like smoked Gouda and blue cheeses, maple bacon, cheddar cheese, sweet grilled onions, apples, and fried egg. All cheeseburgers come with Frietkoten’s signature crispy Belgian fries and a dipping sauce for $8.75, plus tax.  Add a seasonal beer to make it a meal from one of its selections on tap including Avril Biere de Table and Debuisson Cuvee des Trolls, Blond Ale for only $11.

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE AND WINE BAR 25 E. Ohio, Chicago, IL  (312) 329-9463  ; www.flemingssteakhouse.com

960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL  (847) 793-0333  ; www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Fleming’s Prime Burger

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar not only serves prime steaks cooked to perfection, but its extensive new Bar la Carte  menu offers Fleming’s guests six all-new satisfying dishes available any time, any evening. More substantial than appetizers or the typical “bar bites” found at many restaurants, the addition of this Bar la Carte menu makes Fleming’s bar as much a destination for food as it is for wine and cocktails. Included in the new Bar la Carte menu is the Fleming’s Prime Burger, served with Wisconsin cheddar cheese, peppered bacon, and Fleming’s Signature Onion Rings.  Stop in to enjoy the prime burger on National Cheeseburger Day for $14, or enjoy it for only $6 between 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. during Fleming’s daily 5-6-7 promotion – in which you get a choice of 5 premium cocktails, 5 distinctive wines by the glass and 5 generous appetizers or the Prime Burger, each for only $6. Beverage specials are good all evening in Illinois.

Maxwell’s at the Club Steakburger

MAXWELL’S AT THE CLUB East Bank Club 500 North Kingsbury, Chicago, IL  (312) 527-5800  ; www.eastbankclub.com/dining/maxwells-at-the-club   River North and Fulton River District’s Maxwell’s at the Club, is open to the public despite its location in the private confines of East Bank Club. The restaurant serves some of the best food in the neighborhood, with many menu items customizable to please anyone’s particular tastes and desires.

One of the most popular selections at Maxwell’s is Max’s Minis, a trio of sliders that includes a mini prime steakburger, a mini Santé Fe chicken burger and a mini Yellowfin Tuna Steak burger, all topped with crispy onion strings for $10. For customized minis, ask for any combination of the three. Steak lovers will enjoy the very popular Mini Tenderloin Sliders for $14, a trio of seared mini filet mignon sliders finished with lemon and basil.   For a larger appetite, Maxwell’s Prime Steakburger is available for $11, made from ten ounces of prime beef, topped with lettuce tomato, onion and pickle and your choice of cheese, served with sweet potato fries, fresh-cut fries or seasonal fresh fruit.

TRADEMARK TAVERN 777 E. Butterfield Rd. Lombard IL    (630) 472-0777  ; www.trademarketavern.com   Trademark Tavern offers customers a way to truly indulge in the burger holiday; with its “Add a Patty” promotion. Running through September 22, customers can order 1/3 pound cheeseburgers for $3 and stack on as many extra patties as they wish for an additional $1 each. The burgers come with American cheese, lettuce, and pickle. Trademark also has a range of tempting cheeseburgers including its signature Trademark Burger for $10, made with a Pat LaFrieda™ ground chuck and ground short rib combination; topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. They also provide an enticing selection of cheese options including aged cheddar, Gruyére, provolone, Gouda, habanero jack, and blue cheese for an extra $1.

Z Burger at Zealous

ZEALOUS 419 West Superior Street Chicago, IL 60654  (312) 475-9112  ; www.zealousrestaurant.com   Zealous is celebrating 19 years in business this month, and as Michael Taus, chef/owner, continues to offer an award winning fine-dining experience to his patrons, he has proven he still knows how to produce a great cheeseburger.  Voted Chicago Magazine’s “Best Burger Ever” and Travel & Leisure’s “Top 10 Burgers in America” Zealous’ Z’ Burger is the pinnacle of a fine dining take on the all-around classic.  Served with Havarti cheese and tomato Remoulade on a house-made dill roll and served with fries, the highly coveted burger is available a la carte for $15.

 

Last Minute Mother’s Day Plans. Some great Chicago-area suggestions.

reprinted with permission from Got Buzz by Kurman Communications, Inc.

BISTRO ONE WESTBistro One West
1 W. Illinois St., St. Charles, Ill. 60174
(630) 444-0600
www.Bistro1West.com

Starting May 1, Bistro One West will keep its doors open for the first Sunday ever, making Bistro One West the ideal west suburban spot to celebrate Mother’s Day! Celebrate the day overlooking the beautiful Fox River on the Bistro One West deck. Enjoy from a delicious menu blend of all things special at Bistro One West including appetizers, entrées and desserts. Appetizers include Fresh Italian Cow’s Milk Burrata with roasted tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt for $11; Baby Wedge Salad with blue cheese dressing, cherry tomatoes and fruitwood smoked bacon for $9; Proscuitto

Deviled Eggs di Parma with seasonal fresh melon for $9; Deviled Eggs filled with buttered Maine lobster for $12; and Mixed Greens tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers and mozzarella with a garlic-thyme dressing for $7. Entrées include Sautéed Tilapia with sugar snap peas, wild mushrooms and roasted garlic butte for $19; Hawaiian Swordfish with grilled shitakes mushrooms, green onion and their signature cole slaw for $12;Sautéed Shrimp with green beans, house greens and lemon olive oil dressing for $12; Fingerling Potatoes with fresh farm egg, roasted asparagus and house greens for $10 (add crumbled ahi tuna, grilled steak or grilled chicken for $6); Meyer’s Farm Naturally Raised Half-pound Beef Burger for $10 (extras: cherry-wood smoked bacon for $3, caramelized onions for $1, fried egg for $2, Swiss, blue or cheddar cheese for $2, and sautéed wild mushrooms for $2); Natural Fruit-wood Smoked Bacon with lettuce, tomatoes, maple-orange aioli on cibatta bread for $10; Caged Free Egg Sandwich with assorted peppers, honey and white cheddar cheese for $8; and Grilled Wagyu served with potatoes and topped with an avocado butter for $26. Extra sides include fingerling potatoes, wild mushrooms or asparagus for $6 each.

Desserts include Butter and Bread Pudding with poached berry compote and vanilla sauce for $6; Caramelized Roasted Banana baked with cinnamon wonton and nutella cream for $6;French Butter Cookies with lemon curd, wild berry compote and chocolate sauce for $7; Vanilla Gelato with balsamic and strawberries or lemon sorbet with vanilla scented berries for $6; and Flourless Chocolate Cake with butter-cream and more chocolate sauce for $6.
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CHICAGO FRENCH MARKET

Chicago French Market 131 N. Clinton St., Chicago, Ill. 60661

Celebrate your Mom this Mother’s Day with treats and delights from Chicago French Market. Choose from a variety of vendors and their exceptional specials to make your Mom feel like a queen.

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine is happy to present their Mother’s Day gift box! Their gift for Mom features some of their most cherished products from local producers and a sparkling Rose from FPastoral Mother's Day Basketrance. Mom will be delighted with a Wabash Cannonball,a Farmstead Goat’s Milk Cheese from Capriole Farms in Greenville, Indiana; Quince and Apple brand fruit spread, a small batch preserved from Madison, Wisconsin; Potter’s Crackers, an artisan line of crackers from Madison, Wisconsin;Sweet Margy’s Handmade Toffee, made right here in Chicago; and abeautiful Veuve de Vernay Rose, a sparkling Tempranillo from Bordeaux, France. This Artisan Gift Box is $39.99 and will be available online for local delivery or shipping across the continental US, and can also be picked up at one of their three locations.

Pastoral Artisan is also offering a cross promotion with SpaSpace (161 N. Canal St., (312) 466-9585). Treat your Mother to something special. Let Pastoral cater your spa experience at SpaSpace and receive 10% off botSpa Spaceh your catering and your spa package. Must mention special when booking. Not valid with Spa Finder Certificates or any other offer. Not valid for gift certificate purchases. Offer valid 5/1/11 to 5/31/11. Call (312) 454-9644 or visit www.pastoralartisan.com for more information.

Sweet Miss Giving’s is offering specially decorated cupcakes to please any Mother. Call (312) 575-0212 or visit www.sweetmissgivings.com for more information.

Delightful Pastries will be featuring an array of natural, local and sustainable grown ingredients in a vast Mother’s Day Menu. Choose from gluten free desserts, mini pastries, beautiful mixed berry torte’s and savory quiches, Frittata’s, and Beet and Orange Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, just to name a few. Call (312) 234-9644 or visit www.delightfulpastries.com for more information.

Abbey Brown Soap Artisan’s Spring Special is running now through May 9. Step into spring with handmade products by WomanCraft, an organization providing employment for women regaining their independence. Special items include olive oil soaps wrapped in handmade paper in refreshing scents including Lavender, Jasmine Blossom and Rosebuds; recycled cards and note card sets, made from office paper and perished flowers, handmade and available in a variety of colors; and seed card packs, see your handwritten notes become wildflowers when buried, watered and cared for! Call (312) 738-2290 or visit www.abbeybrown.com for more information.

Have you orLes Fleurdered your Mother’s Day bouquets yet? Les Fleur offers truly original arrangements, gorgeous bouquets, beautiful gift items and more. This Mother’s Day treat your Mom to an array of flower specials; mini cymbidium orchid bouquets ($25), spray rose bouquets in assorted colors ($18), tulip bunches in assorted colors ($10) and pink oriental lily bouquets ($20) just to name a few! Call (312) 463-1111 or email les.fleurs@yahoo.com for more information.

Vanille Patisserie is offering a Mother’s Day limited edition,three-tiered boxes filled with 1/2 poundFrench Macaroons, 1/3 pound assorted shortbread cookies and 1/3 pound buttery caramels for $45. They are also featuring a Rose Vanille 8″ cake for $40 or a 6″ cake for $30, and a Vanilla Bean Mousseline, raspberry marmalade, rose cream center, and Vanille PatisserieVanilla financier cake witha raspberry Glaze for $40. Call (312) 575-9963 or visit www.vanillepatisserie.com for more information.

Canady Le Chocolatier is offering beautiful handmadeChocolate Truffles and Bon Bon’s. A 12 piece box of these specialties is $18. Call (312) 454-8700 for more information.

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RESTAURANT MICHAELRestaurant Michael
64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Ill. 60093
(847) 441-3100
www.restaurantmichael.com

Restaurant Michael is hosting a special three-course Mother’s Day brunch Sunday, May 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For $44 per adult and $19 per child (under 10 years of age), begin with choice of Tian of Pan-roasted scallop with baby spinach brie, tarragon-scented corn blini and truffle sauce; Duo of Sliced House-cured Smoked Salmon and Five-spice Seared Yellow Tail Tuna and a warm potato cake with chive and lemongrass crème frâiche; Caramelized Onion and Bacon “Tarte Flambé”; Early Spring Pea Soup with snow pea and fresh Maryland crab; Tossed Baby Greens dressed with choice of honey-truffle or champagne-herb vinaigrette.

For a second-course, choose from Filet of “Loup de Mer” in crispy potato scales with morels, fava beans and asparagus tips; Roast Breast of Duck and Foie Grass Strudel with door county cherries and natural jus; Roast Chateaubriand of Beef Tenderloin with potato gratin and sauce perigord; Duo of Baby Lamb Chops and “Karabuta” Pork Tenderloin Medallions with rosemary jus and baby French green beans; and Soft-shelled Crab Beignet over exotic mushroom risotto with crispy fried leeks and grilled asparagus. For a final dessert course, choose from Fallen Chocolate Soufflé and caramel gelato; Duo of warm bananas foster crepe and Tahitian vanilla panna cotta; Seasonal Sorbet and gelatowith toasted almond biscotti; Warm Berry Charlotte with brown sugar crème frâiche and cinnamon-nutmeg gelato;or Grand Marnier Chocolate Truffles.

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FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR Flemings
25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, Ill. 60611
(312) 329-9463

960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, Ill. 60069
(847) 793-0333
www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com

Mother’s Day Brunch May 8 –Fleming’s will open early at 11:30 am on Mother’s Day and offer a 3-course Brunch Menu until 3 pm, in addition to their regular menu. The Brunch Menu will be offered for $32.95 per person, and a Children’s Brunch Menu will also be available for $15.95. A specialty 99 calorie cocktail, the Tickled Pink, will also be available all day for $6.95. And to make the day even more special, every mother who celebrates at Fleming’s on Mother’s Day will receive a $25 Fleming’s Dining Card* to use for a future evening out. Reservations are now available and can be made online.

*$25 Fleming’s Dining Card valid from 5/9/11 – 6/12/11

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Prairie Grass & Prairie Fire

PRAIRIE FIRE
215 N. Clinton St., Chicago, Ill. 60661|
(312) 382-8300  www.prairiefirechicago.com

Prairie Fire is offering a special Mother’s Day three-course brunch menu for both adults and children 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8. For $42 per adult and $15 per child (under 10), begin the experience with Mini-croissants served warm to the table followed by selection from a three-course prix fixe menu. First-course items include Crispy Shrimp Roll with spicy dipping sauce; “Three Sister’s Garden” Pea Shoot Tendril Salad with arugula, asparagus, Dijon mustard vinaigrette and shaved aged cheddar;Prairie Fire Caesar Salad with romaine lettuce, homemade dressing, toasted croutons and shaved parmesan; and White Bean and Homemade Sausage Soup. Second-course items include Peeky Toe Crab Benedict with asparagus and citrus hollandaise Chicken Roulade with grilled vegetables; Parmesan Crusted Tilapia over creamed spinach and“Three Sister’s Garden” Micro Greens; Ancho Marinated Skirt Steak with mushroom ragout and potato wedges. Third-course dessert items include Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Icing; Double Chocolate Cake; Strawberry Cream Pie; Chocolate Cookie and Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.

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PRAIRIE GRASS CAFE 601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, Ill. 60062 847-205-4433 www.prairiegrasscafe.com

Prairie Grass Cafe is offering a special Mother’s Day prix fix brunch menu 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8 for bother adult and children. Select from the buffet and dessert buffet for $42 per adult and $15 per child (10 and under); tax, gratuity and beverage are not included. Buffet items include “Made to order” Omelet Station including choice of river valley ranch mushrooms, springonions, crumbled feta and spinach, and chopped fresh herbs; Fresh “Peekytoe” Crab with grated lemon and herbs for omelets; Hot Fresh Waffle Station with maple syrup; Applewood Smoked Maple Creek Farm Bacon; Roasted New York Grass Fed Beef Strip Loin with mushroom sauce and carved to order; Herb Roasted Little Red Potatoes; Spicy Braised Pulled Pork with Three Sisters Garden black beans, cilantro and avocado relish; Mint Creek Farm Homemade Lamb Sausage with chunky vegetable relish; Prairie Grass Cafe Signature Grass Fed Beef Shepard’s Pie; Parmesan Crusted Tilapia over creamed spinach;Platter of Asparagus with basil remoulade and sliced radished; Chopped Veggie Salad with crumbled Amish blue cheese, red wine vinaigrette (romaine, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers and tomato); Caesar Salad with romaine, homemade dressing, croutons and shaved parmesean;Fresh Housemade Farmer’s Cheese served savory with chives and fresh black pepper; Crusty Multi-grain Artisan Breads; Mini Chocolate Croissants; Cheese Danish; Raspberry Jam Danish and Sticky Pecan Rolls.

The desserts includes Crepe Station with valrhona and hazelnut spread, raspberry jam and whipped cream; Fresh Sliced Ripe Fruit; Platter of Berries; Double Chocolate Cup Cakes with butter cream icing; and Mom’s Fruit Cream Pie.

 

Chicago’s celebration as a world-class dining destination: Restaurant Week 2011


By Cindy Kurman and Lee Barrie
Originally published in Streetwise Magazine

For ten days beginning February 18 through February 27, Chicago celebrates Restaurant Week, with more than 200 restaurants offering special prix fixe menus at $22 for lunch and $33/$44 for dinner (beverage, tax and gratuity not included). This is a great opportunity to try new restaurants or old favorites and enjoy a great meal at a fabulous cost. Beverage, tax and gratuity are not included.

Having trouble deciding where to eat? Here’s our pick of must try restaurants who are participating.

Steak, American | Lunch Only (running special all month Feb. 1-Feb. 28!) $22 Menu
444 N. Wabash Ave. | Chicago IL 60611
City-N.Michigan | 312 626-2444
American | Lunch & Dinner Menus
619 W. Randolph St.  | Chicago  IL  60661
City-West Loop | 312 715-0708
Italian | Lunch & Dinner Menus
980 N. Michigan Ave. | Chicago IL 60611
City-N.Michigan | 312 280-2750
Seafood | Lunch & Dinner Menus
35 W. Wacker Dr. | Chicago IL 60601
City-Loop | 312 346-3500
Mexican | Lunch & Dinner Menus
814 W. Randolph St. | Chicago IL 60607
City-West Loop | 312 455-8114
East Bank Club / Maxwell’s at the Club
American | Restaurant Week Deal: Lunch & Dinner Menus
500 N. Kingsbury St. | Chicago il 60610
City-River North | 312 527-5800
American | Restaurant Week Deal: Lunch & Dinner Menu
111 W. Huron St. | Chicago IL 60654
City-Loop | 312 202-9900
Steak & Beef | Restaurant Week Deal: Dinner only Menu
25 E. Ohio St. | Chicago IL 60611
City-River North | 312 329-9463
Japanese | Restarant Week Deal: Lunch & Dinner Menus
600 W. Chicago Ave. | Chicago IL 60654
City-River North | 312 822-9600
Seafood, Steak & Beef | Restaurant Week Deal: Lunch & Dinner Menus
60 E. Grand | Chicago IL 60611
City-N.Michigan | 312 379-5637
Italian | Restaurant Week Deal: Lunch & Dinner Menus
59 W. Grand Ave.  | Chicago  IL 60654
City-River North | 312 329-0400
Vietnamese | Restaurant Week Deal: Lunch & Dinner Menus
937 N. Rush St. | Chicago IL 60611
City-N.Michigan | 312 255-0088
Breakfast/brunch | Restaurant Week Deal: Lunch & Dinner
108 E. Superior | Chicago IL 60611
City-N.Michigan | 312 573-6695
French | Restaurant Week Deal: Dinner only Menu
Belden Stratford Hotel 2300 N. Lincoln Park W. | Chicago  IL  60614
City-Lincoln Park/Lakeview | 773 348-8886
Latin | Restaurant Week Deal: Dinner Menu
325 W. Huron St.  | Chicago  IL  60610
City-River North | 312 664-2727
American | Restaurant Week Deal: Lunch & Dinner Menus
500 N. Clark St. | Chicago IL 60654
City-River North | 312 321-6242
American | Restaurant Week Deal: Lunch & Dinner
11 N. Michigan Ave. | Chicago IL 60602
City-Loop | 312 521-7275
Italian | Restaurant Week Deal: Lunch & Dinner Menus
464 N. Halsted St. | Chicago IL 60642
City-River West | 312 421-0077
American | Restaurant Week Deal: Lunch & Dinner Menus
215 N. Clinton St. | Chicago IL 60661
City-Near North | 312 382-8300
Italian | Restaurant Week Deal: Dinner Menu
2119 N. Clark St. | Chicago IL 60614
City-Lincoln Park/Lakeview | 773 549-0038
Fusion | Restaurant Week Deal: Dinner Menu
720 N. State St. | Chicago IL 60654
City-N.Michigan | 312 787-7599
Mexican | Restaurant Week Deal: Dinner Menu
1252 N. Wells St.  | Chicago  IL  60610
City-Near North | 312 988-7811
Mexican | Restaurant Week Deal: Lunch only Menu
445 N. Clark St.  | Chicago  IL  60610
City-River North | 312 661-1434
American | Restaurant Week Deal: Dinner only Menu
419 W. Superior St. | Chicago IL 60654
City-River North | 312 475-9112

Participating restaurants may offer Restaurant Week menus for lunch, dinner or both – at their discretion. Please view individual restaurant profiles for menu details. For a complete list of participating restaurants, go here.

About the authors
Cindy Kurman Barrie and Lee Barrie are the principals of Kurman Communications, Inc., a Chicago-based marketing and public relations agency. Please visit their blog at www.gotbuzzatkurman.com and check out all DineWise articles at www.dinewisechicago.com.