Author Archives: dinewise

Go Nuts. Two Days Slated to Honor the Pecan – August 20 and 21 Celebrate with a Delicious Delightful Pastries’ Chocolate Pecan Burbon Pie

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If you’re a fan of pecans, you’ll go nuts about two upcoming holidays. Tuesday, August 20 is National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day. And, if that isn’t good enough, Wednesday, August 21 is National Pecan Torte Day.

Delightful Pastries is celebrating at all three of its locations (Chicago French Market, N. Wells St., and Jefferson Park) by offering their delicious Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie ($5.25/mini pie; $25/8-inch pie) by executive pastry chef and owner Dobra Bielinski (recipe below). Delightful Pastry also has the Chocolate Pecan Pie available without Bourbon.

Here’s a tidbit that will pique your interest. Did you know that pecans contain zinc, which boosts testosterone? Zinc is the reason people think oysters are aphrodisiacs. We bet you’re in the mood for a slice now!

Not just for Thanksgiving, pecan pie is a Southern staple and for good reason. There’s nothing quite like the smell of its warm, buttery crust and gooey, nutty center coming out of the oven.

The origin of the pecan pie is a little flaky.  Claims have been made of the dish existing in the early 1800s in Louisiana, but this does not appear to be backed up by recipes or literature. Attempts to trace the dish’s origin have not found any recipes dated earlier than 1897, and well-known cookbooks such as Fannie Farmer and The Joy of Cooking did not include this dessert before 1940.

Some have stated that the French invented pecan pie soon after settling in New Orleans, after being introduced to the pecan nut by Native Americans. Pecan pie may be a variant of chess pie, which is made with a similar butter-sugar-egg custard.

Whatever the history, it holds a well-deserved spot on your dinner or lunch menu.

Most pecan pie recipes call for a mix of eggs, butter, sugar, vanilla, salt and syrup or molasses poured into a pastry shell. Adding melting chocolate or bourbon are popular variations of the classic. Regardless, a scoop of fresh vanilla ice cream is always a welcome addition.

Delightful Pastries’ gives it a welcoming twist, adding bittersweet chocolate and bourbon to make a perfect pie for any occasion.

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Delightful Pastries’ Chocolate Pecan Bourbon PieChocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie

By: Executive Pastry Chef & Owner, Dobra Bielinski

 6 ounces butter, at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup molasses
5 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 ounces pecan halves
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons bourbon
1 9-inch pie shell

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

In an electric mixer, beat the butter with the sugar till smooth. Add the corn syrup and molasses, then the flour and mix well.

Beat in the eggs one by one, scraping down after each egg; add the vanilla extract and salt. Fold the pecans and chocolate by hand, add the bourbon.

Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, till the top is dry and the filling is barely jiggling. Let cool. 8 servings.

 

The Joke’s on You. Art You Can Laugh At Opening at Ready Coffee’s ORNOT Gallery August 21

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Art can be funny — sometimes inadvertently — but rarely do we see a show pointedly dedicated to funny art, especially at a coffee shop! But Art You Can Laugh At, hosted by resident comedian Nathyn Gibson at Ready Coffee’s ORNOT Gallery (1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, 773-360-7041) is set to open August 21. Packed with local and regional comedians, this is one comedy show not to miss. Get READY to revel in silliness with the sole purpose of making us guffaw and hiccup, laugh until we cry, and maybe even roll on the floor with laughter. The showcase is complimentary to boot and ORNOT Gallery plans to host similar comedic events bi-weekly with the first slated from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, August 21.

The inaugural performance will feature comics Tyler Jackson, Reena Calm, Conor Delehanty, Odinaka Ezeokoli, Katie McVay and Adam Burke. No reservations are necessary. Seating is limited to first come with plenty of standing room. Be there or be square.

About the Performers

tyler-JacksonTyler Jackson
Writer and comedian based out of Chicago doing many other things throughout the day that prevent my death. Tyler Jackson started out doing Stand Up in Louisville, KY, where he dived head-first into the scene and quickly started putting on shows and bringing in national headliners, trying to build up the independent comedy scene. He moved to Chicago in October and is working to do shows all over the place, in hopes that his stand up will get better and better! Tyler also is a co-producer for Black Star Comedy and host a mid-day open mic called the Late Late Breakfast.


Conor DelehantyConor Delehanty
Conor Delehanty is an up and coming comic based out of Chicago, and he performs in rooms across the Midwest. Conor’s act includes a tone of voice that is as engaging as this bio and a stage presence one woman after a show described as ‘tall’. Conor’s biggest accomplishment as a comic thus far has been taking full advantage of the free food in the Bob and Tom green room.

Conor is a co-producer of Tuxedo Cat Comedy.

Odinaka EzeokoliOdinaka Ezeokoli
I’m Odinaka.  OD if you’re a syllable conservationist.  Try not to stare at my chest. One of my favorite quotes about comedy comes from Richard Pryor, “Search for the truth and the funny will come.” I love that idea, easier said than done, but I still love it. I tell the story of my life as a mixed up son of Nigerian immigrants, born and raised in the American South but High Schooled in Nigeria, and try to make sense of it to myself and the world. I search for the truth in my life and in society and most of all I dig for the funny. In the words of Mr. Rogers, “Won’t you be my neighbor.” I’d like to leave you with another quote, this time from rapper and soulja boy protege, V.I.C., “Get silly, get silly.”

Odinaka is also a co-producer of the critically acclaimed “Congrats On Your Success” showcase

Katie McVay
Katie McVayComedian. Part-time cheesemonger. Terminally afraid. Half of Yell You Better.

Katie McVay can only be described as… Katie McVay. There’s not really anyone quite like her. You’ve heard comedians lament loneliness before, but never with the endearing combination of anger and positivity that Katie brings to the table. Katie’s inability to be anything other than the tiny firecracker she is has resulted in a quick rise to the top of the Chicago stand-up scene. After only about 18 months of leaving audiences gobsmacked with her unique brand of being extremely comfortable in her own discomfort, Katie was asked to join the elite stand-up cast at Chicago Underground Comedy. Her advice web series “Yell You Better” quickly became a YouTube hit and garnered her fans all over this great nation. Sure, Katie has opened for big stars like Tom Papa, and sure, Katie has performed at comedy festivals like Just For Laughs, but that’s not what’s important. What’s important is the way that you see more of yourself in Katie’s admittedly damaged take on life than you’d care to admit. See Katie McVay live and let her yell you better.

Adam Burke
Adam BurkeOriginally from the UK, Adam Burke began performing stand-up after writing a piece on comedy for a Chicago magazine. Before long, Burke became a fixture at Midwestern shows and showcases. His absurdist, verbose comedy covers not only the vagaries of life in his adopted hometown of Chicago, but also the usefulness of mammoths, dogs who study law, and the importance of gangland grammar. He has appeared on the Bob and Tom show, WGN 720 AM radio, and the Benson Interruption Podcast, and was listed as one of the Top 20 Comedians in Chicago by Comedy.com. Adam has appeared at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival in Portland OR, and as part of the Just for Laughs Chicago festival for three years running. In addition, he has opened for a wide variety of comedians including Jeff Ross, Maria Bamford, Bo Burnham, Brendon Burns, and Jake Johannsen, and Marc Maron. Adam also co-hosts the Cole’s open mic and is a co-producer of Parlour Car.

 

Reena Calm
Reana CalmReena Calm was made in Israel, raised near Boston, and is now thrilled to be a part of Chicago’s amazing Comedy scene. She performs at venues such as The Laugh Factory, Jokes and Notes, The Second City, ComedySportz and SO many different bars. Her parents are proud. Reena has featured in the Chicago Women’s Funny Festival, TBS Just For Laughs, and right now there’s a hilarious festival going on in her pants. Reena currently produces and hosts the Three Dead Moose Open Mic on Sundays, 100 Proof Comedy on Mondays, and HooHA Comedy on Tuesdays. She also loves talking about herself in the third person.

 

About Nathyn Gibson, Host
Nathyn GibsonNathyn Gibson is the host of the ORNOT Gallery’s Comedy Showcase: Art You Can Laugh At. Nathyn moved to Chicago last summer to pursue comedy. He also co-produces a monthly showcase in Logan Square called Black Star Comedy and is a regular performer in the A Night of Comedy series in Crown Point, Indiana. “Chicago has an amazing comedy scene, and I want to be an outlet to show what this town has to offer,” said Nathyn.

Like “Art You Can Laugh At” on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artyoucanlaughat. The Facebook event can be found at www.facebook.com/events/1407343499481259.

Oceanique Celebrates Julia Child’s 101th Birthday with a Lobster Dish that Julia Would Have Been Proud to Serve

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Wild Maine LobsterOceanique Restaurant in Evanston, Illinois (505 Main Street, Evanston, IL; 847-864-3435) will be participating in the 2013 Julia Child Bash sponsored by Chicago Originals ( www.chicagooriginals.com), from August 15-31, celebrating the 101th birthday of the famed French cookbook author and television icon. During this celebration, Oceanique is honoring the memory of Julia Child with their Wild Maine Lobster entrée (with tropea onion, basil potatoes, and yuzu-saffron), priced at $24.

“Julia Child was very fond of lobsters,” says Chef Mark Grosz. “On her TV show, The French Chef , she described them as ‘unique and beautiful, with a marvelous taste and really just like nothing else.’ She also said that lobster was a ‘special gastronomic experience.’ We consider Julia to be marvelous and like no one else, a person who made French gastronomy a special experience for millions of Americans. That’s why lobster is the cornerstone of our Julia Child 101th birthday celebration. We call our lobster entrée, simply, ‘Wild Maine Lobster.’ The dish includes tropea onion, basil potatoes and yuzu-saffron, and is priced at $24. We think Julia would have been very pleased with our lobster rendition.”

With roots in classic French culinary technique, Oceanique has evolved into a Contemporary Global restaurant. “It’s an evolution of which we believe Julia, as a food adventurer, would have heartily approved,” said Grosz. “We continue to use the freshest, locally available ingredients, clearly in the French tradition, and we use classic French techniques to bring out the wonderful flavor of the ingredients. What has changed at Oceanique, over the years, is our introduction of lighter ingredients into the menu and our greater use of fresh herbs, both of which reflect today’s contemporary preferences. We’ve also been inspired by our global culinary travels and so you’ll find ingredients from around the world.”

The highly acclaimed Oceanique has been voted the best seafood restaurant in the Chicago area by the Zagat Guide since 1993 and has earned the prestigious “Best Of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator every year since 1994. Wine Spectator has declared Oceanique as having one of the top 750 wine lists in the world.

Oceanique recently celebrated its 25th anniversary by undergoing a complete re-design. The new, contemporary look is light, airy and comfortable, with new lighting that brings out the beauty of Chef Grosz’s superb cuisine. Oceanique’s ambiance remains relaxed and hospitable, making it the perfect setting for food and wine lovers. Additional changes include a new bar and lounge menu featuring shareable small plates.

Oceanique, located at 505 Main Street in Evanston, Illinois, serves dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday and from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Oceanique at 847-864-3435 or visit the website at www.oceanique.com.

Hydroponically Grown Ravinia School Lettuce Featured at Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook

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Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris

Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris

Chicago North Shore restaurant, Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; Northbrook, IL.; 847-205-4433) has partnered with Ravinia School students by featuring their hydroponically grown lettuce on the menu. Each week the members of the Green Growers Club along with program head, third grade teacher Dennis Brosseau, deliver a shipment of freshly harvested green butter lettuce to Prairie Grass Cafe chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris. The lettuce is featured as the special Ravinia School Salad that is served with blue cheese dressing, apple slices and warm croutons ($9.50).

“The lettuce is delicious and the children have been a joy to work with. It’s rewarding to see their energy and enthusiasm. Supporting this in-school project is foundational in what we hope to achieve at Prairie Grass Cafe. Our country’s future is dependent on the health and education of our children. Our partnership with Ravinia Elementary School hits to the heart of how business and community can work together to empower our children. Everyone benefits. I strongly believe that having a food curriculum in school is paramount. The kids get to see where food comes from beginning to end and each step of the way. It changes the way they think and ultimately educates them in making smarter food choices,” said Sarah Stegner.

“The experience has been wonderful!” remarked Brosseau. “Sarah, George, and Dan [Sviland, general manager of Prairie Grass Cafe] have embraced the opportunity to feature our product. We deliver it by 4:15 p.m. each Friday, and it sells out by Sunday. My family and friends have eaten the salad at the Cafe and it is wonderful like all of their food.”

The Green Growers Club operates in two sessions; from September to April they focus on the hydroponically grown lettuce. Thirty-five students are involved in the program, divided into five teams. The school’s greenhouse contains seven growing tables where students plant the lettuce on a staggered basis, ensuring a crop harvest each week. Every Monday additional plants are germinated. By 4 p.m. Friday, 24 to 36 heads of lettuce are ready to be harvested and sold to Prairie Grass Café as well as teachers, the Highland Park Board of Education, and to other buyers.

In April for the spring session, the club switches its focus to soil plants. Students in grades kindergarten through second grade plant dwarf sunflower plants. By May the students have an opportunity to present those plants as Mother’s Day gifts. The third grade students will plant and nurture upwards of 600 zinnia and cockscomb celosia plants to sell at the upcoming Third Grade Plant Sale in early June. Several hundred of these plants can be found throughout the school, beautifying the grounds. Students also grow medium sized tomato plants and basil pots to sell. The Green Growers Club follows the students throughout their time at Ravinia, and when the students are ready to move on to another school they are gifted with a potted basil plant.

The program was started by now retired teacher, Paul Grant, “My friend… now retired, started growing basil hydroponically in his classroom many years ago. I apprenticed with a table in my classroom, too. In 1999 he approached the Parent Teacher Organization about building a greenhouse for the students to use. After a conscientious fund raising effort by the parents and staff, the greenhouse was built in 2000. The Green Growers Club grew basil, Paul’s baby, for many years. When he retired, I took over and lettuce became our main cash crop, along with the annual, June Third Grade Plant Sale,” said Brosseau.

About Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a controlled system, used as an alternative to growing plants in soil. The process yields a consistent quality product with little or no trouble from the natural elements such as insects, pests and weather. The entire process produces a tasty and nutritious plant.

About Ravinia School
Ravinia School is located at 763 Dean Avenue, Highland Park, IL on Chicago’s North Shore. The school currently serves more than 300 kindergarteners through fifth grade students. Ravinia now has 20 classrooms and 8 additional instructional areas including a greenhouse. More information can be found by calling (224) 765-3700 or by visiting www.edline.net/pages/Ravinia_ES.

About Prairie Grass Cafe
Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; Northbrook, IL; 847-205-4433) supports Chicago’s Green City Market and local sustainable farms, selecting the freshest ingredients to reflect the season. Prairie Grass Cafe currently serves lunch Monday – Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner Monday through Sunday. Dinner is served Tuesday – Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Monday and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Prairie Grass Cafe also serves breakfast Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays 9:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Light fare is available in the bar Monday through Friday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (847) 205-4433 or visit www.prairiegrasscafe.com.

Chicago Dining and Gift Ideas for a Romantic Valentine’s Day 2013

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It isn’t too early to start planning for Valentine’s Day and there’s plenty of choices through Chicagoland from which to choose. From Prix Fixe menus to caviar and champagne for two, your options to treat your special Valentine are endless.


Benny’s Chop House on Valentine’s Day is Just Right: A Warm, Beautiful Setting, Great Food and Drink plus Top-notch Live Jazz

When planning this year’s Valentine’s Day celebration, you will want everything to be just right. Look no further than to Benny’s Chop House (444 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL, 312-626-2444), one of Chicago’s most beautiful restaurants – warm and cozy – and yes, romantic, with many specialty cocktails and wine choices to stimulate your senses.

Benny’s menu of perfectly prepared dishes set the stage for a passionate celebration. Top that off with Benny’s flawless service and a terrific live jazz performance by Cecile Savage and Calvin “Koco” Brunson who perform in both French and English-sexy, indeed; express yourself.

Begin your Valentine’s Day with one of the many Champagne selections from Benny’s award winning wine list, which has earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Champagne selections by the glass include Château de Lisennes Crèmant Bordeaux and Henriet-Bazin Selection Montagne de Reims.

Benny’s also features one of Chicago’s finest international wine collections, with 25 selections by the glass and more than 1,500 selections by the bottle.

Shellfish TowerOysters have long been thought to have aphrodisiac properties and so, for starters, Benny suggests Oysters on the half shell, featuring eight different varieties from the American East and West Coast, flown in daily (half dozen, $14.99; dozen, $26.99). Other tasty starters include the unique House-Cured Maple Glazed Bacon ($14.99) and Prime Steak Tartare, served with waffle potato chips and violet mustard ($14.99).

You’ll also create an impressive start to your Valentine’s Day by sharing Benny’s magnificent Shellfish Tower for Two ($69.99). It’s a generous, delectable appetizer meant for sharing, featuring chilled lobster, shrimp and king crab.

Continue your Valentine’s Day celebration with flavorful salads such as the Roasted Beets Salad with goat cheese croquettes, black mission figs in bourbon-maple vinaigrette ($14.99), or Benny’s celebrated Grilled Romaine Salad with lemon-garlic vinaigrette ($8.99).

Benny’s will more than satisfy your culinary cravings with its selection of superb entrées. Benny recommends specialty seafood choices such as the one pound Whole Maine Lobster Tail, broiled to perfection ($49.99) or the Jumbo Sea Scallops served with crispy pumpkin polenta and a port wine reduction ($35.99). Meat lovers will enjoy the tender, perfectly grilled Colorado Lamb Chops ($42.99) and the comforting Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs ($24.99). For the best of both worlds, enjoy the Surf-N-Turf Style, featuring an 8 oz. Filet Mignon and a 10 oz. Cape Breton lobster tail ($52.99).

If steak is what’s on your calling card, Benny’s has Chicago’s Sliced USDA Prime Filet Mignon022 most diverse selections. Choose from its menu of perfectly prepared 100% USDA Prime natural, dry-aged or wet aged steaks, including the USDA Prime Natural 7 oz. Filet Mignon ($36.99), the USDA Prime Natural 16 oz. Rib Eye ($42.99) and USDA Prime New York Strip (available with or without bone in – wet aged, dry aged and natural from $36.99 to $54.99) or Surf-N-Turf Style , 8 oz. Filet and 10 oz. Cape Breton Lobster Tail (52.99). Kick it up a notch by adding an enhancement “Benny’s – style” to your steak, such as Bone Marrow, Oscar Style, King Crab, Blue Cheese, Maine Sea Scallop, Béarnaise, and Barbecue Chili Rub, among others.

Your after-dinner foreplay will begin with Benny’s amazing desserts. They’re generous and shareable, but they’re so good you’ll each want your own. Try the classic Carrot Cake ($8.99) made with roasted walnuts and sweet cream cheese frosting or the decadent Chocolate Layer Cake ($10.99) frosted with fudge buttercream, and garnished with rich chocolate sauce. Another unique creation is the Chocolate Pudding Cake ($9.99) accompanied by toffee ice cream and finished with a caramel crunch. And don’t forget the to-die-for Banana Cream Pie ($8.99) with caramel coated bananas.

Valentine’s Day Entertainment Featuring:  Jazz Artists Cecile Savage and Calvin “Koco” Brunson

This distinguished duo will pair their harmonic melodies with music fueled by African, French, and Brazilian traditions. They will be performing on Valentine’s Day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join them in the North Lounge and Bar and let their music transport you to another place.Cécile Savage was born in the Island of Martinique yet raised in Paris, France. She studied piano for many years and brought that knowledge with her when she moved to New York City and joined the Living Theater. Later she studied guitar with Ted Dunbar through the program Jazzmobile. She increased her repertoire to include electric bass with the blues harmonica legend Sugar Blue while she toured with Memphis Slim and Willie Mabon. Subsequently, she moved to Chicago and performed jazz and blues with many notable musicians such as Jimmy Dawkins. Ultimately, this led her to perform at the 2008 Jazz Festival: Tribute to Malachi Favors. All this shaped Cécile’s musical identity to comprise of a blend of French Cabaret and American Jazz.

Pianist and vocalist Calvin “Koco” Brunson’s accomplishments range from being the musical director for “Ain’t Misbehavin” to “The Great Nitty Gritty” and “Journey Through Forever.” He also won the prized Jeff award for the musical composition “In De Beginnin”.  Being the cultural ambassador for the city of Chicago has led him to perform in European festivals like Moers in Germany, and Nichelsdorff in Austria.

Bistro Voltaire
Bistro Voltaire (226 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago IL; 312-265-0911), Chicago’s most romantic French bistro nestled in the heart of River North, is offering a special three course Prix Fixe Menu for Valentine’s Day curated by Chef Farid Oualidi. The first course offers a choice between Risotto aux arômes de truffes (truffle scented risotto and porcini mushrooms), Salade de Jambon et melo (fresh melon and cured ham salad, parmesan tuile and port reduction), Potage d’asperges a lachaire de crabe (asparagus veloute topped with crab meat) and Huîtres gratinées (baked fresh oysters with Champagne Sabayon).

The second course is an exquisite selection of Filet Mignon au Roquefort (roasted beef tenderloin, Potato Anna, baby vegetables, blue cheese sauce), Loup de mer Provencal (seared Mediterranean Sea bass, braised cherry tomatoes, baby artichokes, bouillabaisse sauce, olive tapenade) and Magret de Canard aigre doux (pan roasted duck breast, glazed apples, wild rice cake, sweet and sour reduction).

The menu speaks for itself yet the romanticism is magnified by the warm decor and cozy Parisian bistro atmosphere. To finish up this meal, only truly decadent dessert options will do. Take your pick of Charlotte aux fraises, Mousse au Chocolat and Fruit de la Passion parfait.

Maxwell’s at the Club’s
Lobster Tail TuesdaysOn Valentine’s Day, Maxwell’s at the Club (500 N. Kingsbury St. Chicago IL) is offering a Prix Fixe four course meal, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You and your guest will be treated to an appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert. Appetizers include the choice of Pan Roasted Scallops and Cocoa Crusted Pulled Pork. Types of salads available include Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese and Baby Red Romaine. The entrée course will feature Petite Filet and Lobster Tail, Pan Roasted Snapper, Roasted New York Strip Loin and Rotisserie Amish Chicken.

For dessert, choose from a Pistachio and White Chocolate Torte, Ginger Crème Brûlée and more. Make your reservations for Maxwell’s Valentine’s Day Dinner, $45 a person, by calling (312) 527-5800 ext. 301.

Prairie Grass Cafe
Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd. Northbrook, IL; 847-205-4433) is the perfect family friendly place to spend Valentine’s Day. This restaurant focuses on locally grown fresh and organic ingredients.  Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bambaris invite families to enjoy Valentine’s day by ordering off the regular menu, no special Valentine’s pricing. Entrées like the Lake Superior White Fish with Portobello mushrooms, sautéed broccoli, and lemon butter sauce ($21) and Crispy Half Duck from “Maple Leaf Farm” with rainbow Swiss chard, herb stuffing “cake” and sautéed pear ($28) are two of the tasty treats that await you at Prairie Grass Cafe.

Chicago French Market- Bello Tea
Spending Valentine’s Day at home or going to a potluck party? Bello Tea at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-380-0707), has offered up delicious recipes for two tasty Valentine’s Day drinks. The Bello Mojito is made with delicious hibiscus spearmint tea, freshly squeezed lime juice, sparkling water and finished with a touch of sweetness. Try your hand at making Lara’s Caipirinha Bubbly ”Champagne.” This easily prepared drink combines Bello Organic Lara’s Caipirinha Herbal Tea with sparkling juice or champa gne with a fresh strawberry. Look below for step by step instructions on how to prepare both of these drinks.

Bello Mojito
Serves 2

MojitoetIngredients:

  • 8 oz. of Bello Hibiscus Spearmint Tea   
  • 1 oz. of Fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 2 oz. of Simple Syrup ( ½  water, ½ sugar)
  • 1 oz. of Sparkling Water
  • Fresh mint
  • Slices of lime

Preparation:
Brew Hibiscus Spearmint Tea and chill it until ready to prepare. In a martini shaker, muddle mint and lime slices together. Add simple syrup, lime juice and tea. To that add ice and shake well. Strain it into a martini glass and add sparkling water. Garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of lime. For a fun twist add your favorite rum. Substitute sugar with agave, if preferred.

Brewing Hibiscus Spearmint Tea
Add 2 tsp. of Hibiscus Spearmint tea to a tea pot then add 8 oz. of boiling water. Let it brew for 5 minutes. Strain and chill.

Lara’s Caipirinha Bubbly ‘Champagne’

Ingredients:Lara's Carpirinhaet

  • 1-2 oz. of Bello Organic Lara’s Caipirinha Herbal Tea
  • 6 oz. of Sparkling Juice or Champagne
  • Fresh raspberry or strawberry

Preparation:
Pour Sparkling Juice or Champagne into a glass. Add Lara’s Caipirinha tea and garnish with fresh raspberry or strawberry.

Brewing Organic Lara’s Caipirinha
Add 3 tsp. of Lara’s Caipirinha to a tea pot, and then add 8 oz. of boiling water. Let it brew for 5 minutes. Strain and chill. It yields 4-8 servings.

Chicago French Market – Delightful Pastries
Delightful Pastries at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago) has arranged an assortment of gift packages filled with delicious pastries and sweets for Valentine’s Day. Treat your sweetie to a dozen fresh strawberries dipped in bittersweet dark chocolate and drizzled with white chocolate ($25). Delightful Pastries also has a Chocolate Raspberry Ganache Tart ($30), this luscious treat is a sweet buttery tart layered with chocolate ganache and covered in fresh raspberries.

The Heart Shaped Chocolate Mousse Torte ($6.75) is perfect for two to share. This moist chocolate sponge cake is layered with chocolate mousse and decorated with rosettes of whipped cream. Also Delightful Pastries has a number of Valentine’s Day gifts under $20. These mini bundles include an assortment of raspberry and chocolate Parisian macarons, beautifully decorated gingerbread and sugar cookies, sweet gift boxes of handmade truffles and other chocolates. Place your orders at (312) 234-9644.

Delightful Pastries gift options don’t end there. Here are two gift box packages with loads of Valentine’s Day goodies.

Sweetheart Gift Box- $30

  • ginger bread and sugar cookie hearts
  • small box of raspberry and chocolate Parisian macarons
  • cookie bag of your choice
  • ¼  lb. handmade chocolate bark or ¼  lb. handmade truffles


You’re Amazing Gift Box- $50

  • heart cookie sandwich with chocolate butter cream
  • black and white cookie and cupcake
  • large box of raspberry, passion fruit and chocolate Parisian macarons
  • box of rum balls and chocolate pecan turtles
  • maple cranberry almond granola
  • two chocolate dipped strawberries


Chicago French Market- Lavazza Espression
Strawberry Espessone sendLavazza Espression at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-207-0500) is featuring two special Valentine specials, the Strawberry Èspessone™ and a gift with purchase promotion.

Strawberry Èspessone™ (small $2.95 – large 3.75)
It’s love at first taste with a fresh and velvety strawberry foam layered over decadent Italian drinking chocolate or a smooth espresso shot.

Lovely Shopper Promotion
Receive a complimentary “Falling in Love with Coffee” Shopper tote with the purchase of a pound of whole bean coffee ($13.50 – $14.75) through February 14.

Chicago French Market- Vanille Patisserie
Vanille Patisserie, the French bakery at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago), is offering a variety of Valentine’s Day treats for the big day. In lovely heart shaped pre-packaged chocolate, Vanilla and Raspberry Macarons are available in sizes of 8 ($15) and 18 ($32) pieces. Vanille’s French Conversation Sugar Cookies ($3 each), Mascarpone Heart Cheesecake ($5.75 serves 1) and heart boxes of handmade chocolates also are available (3 piece $5.95, ½ lb. box $25, 1 lb. box $47). Place your orders at (312) 575-9963.

 

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Chicago French Market- Wisma
Wisma LasagnaetFor an affordable, organic and local dining option for Valentine’s Day, Wisma at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-382-1805)  will be offering holiday savings consisting of 25% off any two dinners when purchased February 13-14. Try Wisma’s featured Vegetable Lasagna ($11) or Shells Carbonara ($9).

Give your Sweetie the gift of Visual Freedom with Lasik
LasikThis Valentine’s Day your loved one might be expecting chocolates or a fancy night on the town. But you can give her a lifetime of perfect vision with Lasik from Doctors for Visual Freedom (875 North Michigan Avenue Suite 1550, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-291-9957). With an office in the John Hancock Center on the Magnificent Mile, Dr. Golden is one of the earliest pioneers in the techniques of Lasik, having performing over 23,000 procedures.

If she already possesses 20/20 vision then you can help her bring back a more youthful glow with Botox® Cosmetic. For the special price of $12 per unit, women everywhere have been improving their appearance by ridding away extra fine lines. This Valentine’s Day, stop in to Dr. Golden’s office for Botox ® Cosmetic and learn more about the wonders of Lasik.

Prairie Grass Cafe Plates Up a February Full of New Dishes

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The farm-to-table restaurant Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; Northbrook, IL; 847-205-4433) is offering weekly specials to help combat the winter blues. Each Thursday evening, the family friendly North Shore eatery will feature a unique dish created by Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris. Additionally, the chefs are offering a Super Bowl Sunday Brunch and a delicious new Poached Pear Almond Financier dessert.

Thursday Night Game Specials
Each Thursday during the month of February, Prairie Grass Cafe will feature a unique dinner special. February 7 features Braised Duck in Red Wine Sauce with mushrooms, pearl onions and a layered potato, garlic and cream gratin ($28).

Valentine’s Day, February 14, features an assortment of special dishes. One option is a BBQ Pair of Quails with sage stuffing, sweet potato fries and apple slaw ($26). Another is the 1¼ lb. Maine Lobster “Out of the Shell” with fettuccine, vegetables and a rich lobster sauce ($32). The third choice is a “High Plains” Bison Filet with roasted winter vegetables and potatoes ($45).

On Thursday, February 21, a featured attraction is the Saddle of Rabbit with Mustard Sauce Braised Rabbit Legs served with sautéed spinach, onion, mushroom and bacon ($26). On February 28 guests can feast on the Braised Oxtail Ragout over creamy polenta and accompanied with Rainbow Swiss chard, leeks and kale ($18), with the option of adding on a Grass-fed Beef Tenderloin Filet (4 oz. $15, 8 oz. $30).

Prairie Grass Cafe will be open for lunch and dinner on all Thursdays in February; the full menu will be available in addition to the specials.

New Dessert
Each month throughout 2013 Prairie Grass Cafe will feature a new comfort dessert. This February, the chefs will be offering the Poached Pear Almond Financier. This light and moist French cake is a perfect way to finish up an exceptionally comforting meal at the Northbrook restaurant.

About Prairie Grass Cafe
Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; Northbrook, IL.; 847-205-4433) supports Chicago’s Green City Market and local sustainable farms, selecting the freshest ingredients to reflect the season. Prairie Grass Cafe currently serves lunch Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner is served Monday and Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Prairie Grass Cafe also serves brunch Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, 9:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Light fare is available in the bar Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (847) 205-4433 or visit www.prairiegrasscafe.com.

Eurofest 2013 at the Chicago French Market February 9

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Join the Chicago French Market for a showcase of European fare, artisan vendors and specialty food products, Saturday, February 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy intimate tastings, shop for European foods and beverages, listen to European music and watch demonstrations throughout the day. The Chicago French Market is located at 131 North Clinton St. between Washington and Randolph. Covered, ground-level parking is available in the MetraMarket parking lot located just north of Randolph with entrances from both Canal and Clinton. If you park for one hour or less, parking is free when your purchases total $20 or more at the market (receipts required for proof of purchase). #Eurofest

Bello Tea
Featuring English Tea Latte: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Earl Grey Lavender, Earl Grey de la Crème ($3 each).

The Hot Dog Guy
The “Spicy Ditka”- The Hot Dog Guy is one of the first retailers to roll out this new item. Mike Ditka is expanding his empire and has teamed up with Vienna to create a new spicy Polish Sausage, $4.99 (regularly $5.99)

Lavazza Espression
Lavazza Espression will be sampling their new artisan crafted gelato made in house at the Chicago French Market. Each sample will come with a survey; the completed survey may be redeemed for a $1 scoop of gelato of your choice. Lavazza also will be sampling the Affogato al Caffè.

Affogato al Caffè
A typical Italian treat: espresso poured over gelato. The hot espresso and cold gelato combine perfectly, changing textures and temperatures ($3.60 for regular size).

Lavazza 56 affogato al caffeet

Lavazza Affogato al Caffè

City Fresh Market
City Fresh will sample traditional European specialties including Cevapi, house-made pastries made at the City Fresh bakery, along with Eastern European wines and spirits, plus a sampling of Burek – traditional street food of the Balkans. Bojan Aleksic “The Burek Man” also will demo how to make Burek, including a tutorial on making City Fresh Market’s house-made phyllo dough. It’s thrown similar to pizza dough! Fun to watch and delicious to taste.

 

 

Delightful Pastries
Dobra Bielinski, pastry chef and co-owner of Delightful Pastries, will be selling paczki (traditional Polish doughnuts) and Pierogi at EuroFest. On any given day, you can choose strawberry and whipped cream, raspberry jelly or custard topped with chocolate fudge paczki. Or, you can sample “drunken” paczki in scrumptious varieties like vodka and vanilla bean custard, Patron XO Cocoa with chocolate custard, and orange liqueur and passion fruit jelly. Purchase six Paczki and get one free; buy six Pierogi and get one free.

Pastoral Artisan Cheese Bread & Wine
For Eurofest 2013, Pastoral will be sampling a perfect pairing of Langres, a cow’s milk cheese from France paired with Mascaro Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain. Langres is a creamy, bloomy rind cheese made in Champagne, France and pairs perfectly with the crisp and fruity Mascaro made in the brut nature (completely dry) style in Spain. Langres even boasts a concave cap that holds a splash of Champagne or sparkling wine, making these two a perfect pairing of European counterparts.

 

 

Les Fleurs
Les Fleurs, the Chicago French Market florist, will be featuring Dutch flowers including tulips, hyacinth, daffodils, iris and lilies. Bunches start at $8 each.

Oh Olive
Sample Italian olive oils and balsamic vinegars from Moderna, Italy (3 large bottles 375 ml bottle for $51).

Saigon Sisters
Enjoy Saigon Sister’s most popular Banh Mi sandwich, The Frenchman for $7.00 (normally $8.00).

Frenchman Banh Mi 2

Saigon Sisters Bah Mi The Frenchman

Spicy Monkey
Enjoy Spicy Monkey’s Brunswick Stew for $3 for a 10 oz cup.

Vanille Patisserie
Sample Vanille’s famous macarons. Buy two macarons and get one free. Limit six per customer. Gift box not included.

Macarons

Vanille Patisserie Macarons

Wisma
Try linguini with Italian sausage ragu and their popular beef stroganoff ($10 Stroganoff; $8 Linguini plus tax).

Frietkotten
Frietkotten will be featuring its Belgian Special-Small Belgian Fries with a Tap Beer, $7.50 (reg price $9.00).

Fumare Meats
Fumare Meats will be featuring its European Style Sandwiches.

Klay Oven Kitchen
Klay Oven Kitchen will be featuring Chicken Tikka Marsala (Staple Entrée in London).

Loop Juice
Loop Juice will be featuring its Green Juice (apple, cucumber, ginger, parsley, spinach, kale, celery) 10% during Eurofest.

Raw, LLC
Raw will be featuring its Lemon Squares.

Live Music
Enjoy live music by Serbian pianist Bane Djordjevic and international singer Gretta Pope.
Sultry and Sensuous . Lively and Lyrical . Classically Comedic . Proudly Patriotic .

Greta Pope’s performance spans all of these musical moods…and more! Segueing smoothly from a lively Brazilian number into a beloved Broadway song…from a swing/jazz number into one with a Country flavor, this multi-talented entertainer demonstrates a striking versatility of voice and style.Greta Pope is an International entertainer. She has delighted audiences throughout Europe, the Far East, South America and the Caribbean, as well as the United States and Canada. Ms. Pope has been touted as one of the great voices of our time, as she performs with ease all styles from Country to Opera, and from Rhythm and Blues to Broadway.