Experience

“Tacos y Cervezas”- the Perfect Pairing at Barrio Urban Taqueria

Barrio Urban Taqueria

Date: Thursday, March 1st 2012
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When you visit your favorite taqueria, what do you order? Tacos and cervezas of course! Chef Martin Cabrera has teamed up with Firestone Walker Brewing Co. of Paso Robles, California, to create five different tacos to pair perfectly with their rich and tasty artisanal beers. The tacos and beer pairings will be showcased at Barrio’s “Tacos y Cervezas” Dinner on Thursday, March 1; 6:30 p.m. reception, 7:00 p.m. dinner. Firestone Walker Brewery representative, Rob Salitore, will be on-hand to present the beers and their profiles.

“Tacos y Cervezas” Dinner Menu:

• Veal sweetbreads taco with a hiutlacoche sauce, crispy shallots and queso fresco
  Union Jack IPA
• Crispy pork belly taco marinated with pulque with roasted quince and pickled apples
  Humbolt Brown Hemp Ale
• Roasted skate wing taco with Oaxacan mole and spiced marcona almonds
  Red Nectar
• Taquitos de Borrego simmered in a pasilla/Walker’s Reserve Porter beer reduction with shaved manchego cheese
  Walker’s Reserve Porter
• Taco with a tempura IPA beer batter, vegetables with a black bean hummus and queso de cabra
  Double IPA

The evening is priced at $35 per person (not including tax or gratuity). Reservations are required.

A Finch Beer Dinner and New Speakeasy Supper Club

Frontier Chicago

Date: Wednesday, February 29th 2012
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Frontier will host two exclusive events on Wednesday, February 29. Guests are invited to indulge in a four-course Finch Beer Co. Beer Dinner beginning at 7:00 PM. Additionally, Frontier continues to celebrate Chicago’s rich history of decadence and elegant debauchery with the secret Speakeasy events every other Wednesday. On February 29, Frontier will introduce a $25 three-course Supper Club prix fixe menu that guests can enjoy while listening to live entertainment. Both events feature menu items created by Pioneer Tavern Group Corporate Executive Chef Brian Jupiter. Details on both events available below.

FINCH’S BEER DINNER

• WHEN: Wednesday, February 29 at 7:00 PM
• COST: $50 per person
• RESERVE: For Reservations contact rich@pioneertaverngroup.com

MENU

• First Course - Golden Wing Golden Ale paired with house made sausage
• Second Course - Cut Throat Pale Ale paired with Cajun spiced snapper
• Third Course - Threadless IPA paired with grilled kangaroo with porcini demi
• Fourth Course - Vanilla Cream Stout paired with white chocolate and black pepper mousse

SUPPER CLUB AT SPEAKEASY

• WHEN: Wednesday, February 29 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• COST: $25 Prix Fixe Menu; $3 - $7 drink specials
• RESERVE: Call Israel for reservations 312.656.4839 or ifernandez@pioneertaverngroup.com

PRIX FIXE MENU

• First Course – Deviled Eggs or Peppadew Peppers
• Second Course – Beet Carpaccio or Tomato & Goat Cheese Tart
• Third Course – Salmon Dish (seared salmon butter braised leaks with a preserved lemon vinaigrette) or Airline Chicken
• Dessert – a la carte

DRINK SPECIALS

• $3 Domestic Tallboys (High Life, PBR, Old Style)
• $5 Tumbleweed & Old Fashioned (featuring Angel’s Envy)
• $6 Cherry Smash
• $7 Manhattan

Studio Gourmet presents Executive Chef Jason Berthold: RN74

CIRCOLO

Date: Tuesday, February 28th 2012
Reservations at Eventbrite

Join us on Feb 28, 2012 for

• a welcome cocktail provided by Chopin
• Small Bites
• Live Cooking Demonstration & Tasting provided by Executive Chef Jason
• A Live Interview where you will get to hear all the stories and experiences of how he got to where he is today!

Cocktail Reception

Dungeness Crab, Chestnut,
Blood Orange & Cutting Celery
&
Sunchoke Soup
Smoked Scallops, Hazelnut
Espresso Bean

Cooking Demonstration & Tasting

California Asparagus, Gold Beets,
Comte, Black Truffle & Vin Jaune

Plus, we have a special Guest Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis aka The Grape Goddess will also be there to pair wines with Jason's Tasting Dish!

All this for only $35.00
Start time: 5:30 @ Circolo

prasino Wicker Park 2012 Spirit Education Series Continues with Northshore and Hum

prasino

Date: Thursday, February 23rd 2012
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The next Spirit Education Event at prasino Wicker Park will be on Thursday, February 23rd at 6:30 pm with North Shore and Hum. Special Guest Adam Seger will be available to speak about the spirits. He has worked with prasino Mixologist Todd Ekis to create the drinks. prasino Executive Chef Scott Halverson has crafted the menu to match the delicious cocktails.

North Shore / hum Dinner with Special Guest Adam Seger

Thursday, February 23rd at 6:30pm
$48/person (excluding tax and gratuity)

hum tea punch – hum, green and jasmine tea, lemon, agave simple syrup, basil, soda

hamachi crudo with chickpea purée, kumquat salad, chive oil

gin blossom – kumquat infused north shore #6 gin, north shore eldergin liqueur, grapefruit cordial, tonic

braised beef cheek, crispy potato, roasted carrots, cabernet foie gras emulsion

avariation – north shore sol, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette, lemon cordial, swedish herb bitters

elderflower panna cotta with citrus salad, pomegranate molasses, ginger tuille

hum suissesse on the north shore – hum, north shore sirene, orgeat syrup, caramelized simple syrup, heavy cream, orange flower water

Reservations are limited. Call 312-878-1212 to make a reservation.

prasino's commitment to sustainability is not only reflected in its seasonal, local and organic menus and interior design. prasino is committed to serving artisanal, small batch, local and limited-production spirits.

The series schedule is as follows:

• February 23 - Northshore and Hum
• March 8 - Green Bar
• March 22 - Fair
• April 5 - Local Wine and Spirits

Rio’s D’Sudamerica Observes Lent with Specials using Popular Peruvian Grain, Quinoa

Rio's D’Sudamerica

Date: Wednesday, February 22nd 2012 to Friday, April 6th 2012
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Traditionally in Peru, the middle of February is a celebratory time with carnivals and festivities as families prepare for Lent. Once Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22, it is a quiet and calm time filled with customary food and family gatherings. At Rio’s D’Sudamerica, guests can enjoy some of the traditional Lent specials with a focus on a popular grain, Quinoa, which originated in Peru. These dishes will be available on Wednesday, February 22 and every Friday through April 6.

Rio’s Lent Specials

Chaufa de Quinoa
Peruvian style stir fried Quinoa sautéed with green onions, Peruvian corn, red pepper, egg, ginger and soy sauce. Available with chicken, shrimp or fish. $16

Quinoa Seafood Paella
Slow cooked Quinoa in a seafood broth and white wine with shrimp, octopus, squid, mussels, and clams, red peppers and green peas. $19

Quinoa Salad
Tomatoes, Quinoa, mixed with fresh white cheese, basil, cilantro, roasted green and red peppers, topped with olive oil and lime juice. Served on a bed of lettuce. $8

Sabor Saveur Offers Fresh Fish Specials in Honor of Lent

Sabor Saveur

Date: Wednesday, February 22nd 2012 to Friday, April 6th 2012
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The menu at Sabor Saveur boasts delicious fish and seafood dishes throughout the year, so during Lent season, Chef Yanitzin Sanchez enjoys adding specials that guests can enjoy throughout the winter and spring. This year, Chef Yanitzin will offer one appetizer and two entrees that are perfect for honoring Lent available Wednesday, February 22 and every Friday evening through April 6.

Appetizer

Shrimp Mignon $16
Served with apple cider and caramelized apples with red onion, and Brussels sprouts.

Entrees

Mole De Olla $30
Sea bass served with pasilla, pulque sauce accompanied with pumpkin flower and zucchini.

Halibut $30
Served with pesto crust and a ricotta cheese Tamal.

Pinstripes Offers Lent Specials from Meatless Meals to a Friday Fish Fry

Pinstripes

Date: Wednesday, February 22nd 2012 to Friday, April 6th 2012
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Traditionally, the 40 days of Lent are honored with food and celebrations along with meatless meals on Ash Wednesday and every Friday and Saturday through Good Friday. Available daily at both suburban locations, guests can observe Lent at Pinstripes with meatless options from the regular menu along with Fish Fry Fridays! Feast on an array of Chef Cesar Gutierrez’s specialties such as Maple Glazed Salmon ($19), Pine Nut Crusted Halibut ($24), Gnocchi and Yellowfin Tuna ($18) or the Ahi Tuna Salad with lemon-caper dressing ($13). Chef Gutierrez will also be offering a succulent Friday Fish Fry special including wild-caught beer-battered cod, served with Parmesan fries, whole grain mustard, horseradish coleslaw and house-made tartar sauce ($13).

The Lent specials at Pinstripes will be offered Wednesday, February 22 through Friday, April 6 and available for both lunch and dinner.

Next Door Lounge in Hollywood Debuts "Whiskey Wednesdays"

Next Door Lounge

Date: Wednesday, February 22nd 2012 to Wednesday, April 11th 2012
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Liven Up Your Hump Day with A Guided Whiskey Tasting and Cigars to Follow

Esteemed Hollywood watering hole Next Door Lounge is launching its highly anticipated guided whiskey tastings with “Whiskey Wednesdays”. Each Wednesday night between February 22nd and April 11th, the experienced barmen of Next Door Lounge, alongside established Master of Whiskey Ed Adams will showcase a particular spirit genre and explain the diversity and depth of each group ranging from North American whiskeys to single and blended scotches. Chef Fidel Mendez will delight guests with custom food pairings complementary to the specific whiskey flight. Following the tasting guests are invited to the newly designated cigar patio where cigars will be made available to attendees.

From 8:30pm-10:00pm every “Whiskey Wednesday”, guests of Next Door Lounge can enjoy a specified whiskey flight consisting of four pours from some of the world’s most prominent distilleries, including: Bulleit Rye, Oban, Johnnie Walker (Double Black and Gold), Lagavulin, Talisker, Crown Royal (Cask 16), and Buchanans Master Blended, among others. Each Wednesday will focus on a specific selection of whiskeys so patrons can get a thorough tutorial on the darker spirit and its numerous types and classes:

• Whiskeys of the World on February 22nd and March 21st
• North American Whiskeys on February 29th and March 28th
• Blended Scotches on March 7th and April 4th.
• Single Malt Scotches on March 14th and April 11th

Master of Whiskey Ed Adams who represents various distilleries will be on site to lead guests through the tastings. The Next Door Lounge barmen will also teach attendees how to make a signature cocktail using one of the whiskeys featured that week. The “Whiskey Wednesday” experience comprised of the guided tasting and complementary small bites is $30 per person and can be purchased by calling the restaurant or making a reservation online at www.nextdoorhollywood.com. Following the experience, attendees are invited to check out the newly designated cigar patio which opens at 10pm where an established selection of premium cigars will be available.

Mardi Gras at South Branch

South Branch

Date: Monday, February 20th 2012 to Friday, February 24th 2012
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Beginning Monday, February 20th through Friday, February 24th, celebrate Mardi Gras by enjoying Louisiana style specials at South Branch (100 S. Wacker Drive). Try the New Orleans Style "BBQ Shrimp" ($14.95), sautéed with celery, onions, bell peppers, green onions in a delicious Creole seasoned garlic butter and beer sauce served with warm French bread for dipping, or the Chicken Jambalaya ($12.95), chicken prepared with the trinity (celery, onions and bell peppers), Andouille sausage, pork tasso, stock and spices served with long grain rice.

Mardi Gras at Sweetwater Tavern & Grille

Sweetwater Tavern and Grille

Date: Monday, February 20th 2012 to Sunday, February 26th 2012
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Enjoy a taste of the Big Easy at Sweetwater Tavern & Grille (225 N. Michigan Avenue) Monday, February 20th through Sunday, February 26th. Order from the specialMardi Gras menu (available for lunch and dinner) featuring dishes such as Alligator Gumbo ($6.95), a rich intense flavored soup with celery, onions, bell peppers, Andouille sausage, spices and alligator meat served with rice, or a signature Muffaletta Sandwich ($10.95) with hot capicola, salami, pepperoni, ham, Swiss and provolone cheeses topped with an olive spread.

New Menu for Rustic House: Seasonal Offerings in Lincoln Park

Rustic House

Date: Tuesday, February 14th 2012 to Saturday, March 31st 2012
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New menu items at Rustic House include Fish & Kettle Chips featuring pan fried seasonal lake fish with red cabbage slaw and house made remoulade ($24); and Baked Jumbo Shrimp Scampi with white wine, garlic butter, fresh lemon and panko bread crumbs ($28).

As always, Rustic House offers up a literally rotating menu of daily specials prepared on their imported Rotisol French Rotisserie. Specials include Free-Range Organic Chicken (offered daily), Kurobuta Pork, Maple Leaf Duck L’Orange, and Baby Suckling Pig among others and all are served with a choice of side dish.

New Menu for Gemini Bistro: Seasonal Offerings in Lincoln Park

Gemini Bistro

Date: Tuesday, February 14th 2012 to Saturday, March 31st 2012
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New seasonal specialties at Gemini Bistro include Florida Red Grouper with Tuscan kale, crispy proscuitto, garlic confit, and cioppino broth ($27); and Roasted Pork Tenderloin with parsley potatoes, haricot verts, and whole grain mustard sauce ($23).

As a sweet finish, Chef Jason Paskewitz has added an authentic New York Cheesecake with graham cracker crust and cranberry compote ($9). The cheesecake takes diners back to Paskewitz’s New York roots—he began his culinary career by baking and selling cheesecakes out of his home in New York City at the young age of 13.

PL8 Simply Asian Celebrates Valentine’s Day Weekend with a Special ‘Red Menu’ and Guest Mixologist Adam Seger

PL8

Date: Friday, February 10th 2012 to Wednesday, February 29th 2012
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Beginning February 10 through the month, celebrate everything ‘red’ with PL8’s “Red Menu”! PL8’s ‘red’ menu not only honors the holiday associated around the color red, but also pays homage to the color that traditionally, in China, is associated with courage, loyalty, honor, success, fortune, fertility, happiness and passion. Gather a group of friends or cozy up with your sweetheart and order “Red Menu” specialties from the passionate Red Dragon cocktail to the luscious Sweet & Sour Chicken and spicy Dragon Noodles.

PL8 “Red Menu”:

• Red Dragon Cocktail $11- Effen Black Cherry, Pama Liqueurm, Cherry Pom juice, lemon concentrate, simple syrup and lime juice.
• Strawberry Sparkler $10- Prosecco, strawberry puree and Stoli Vanilla.
• Sweet & Sour Chicken $13- All natural chicken wok tossed with sweet and sour- pineapple, lychee and mango.
• Red Cooked All Natural Pork $13- All natural pork slowly braised with daikon and served in a clay pot with sautéed garlic pea tendrils.
• Spicy Dragon Noodles $12- Fresh wheat noodles tossed with all natural chicken, spinach, mushrooms and spicy red chile sauce.
• Spicy Szechwan Shrimp $16- Wild caught shrimp wok tossed with a spicy cherry chili sauce served over Chinese broccoli.

In honor of Valentine’s Day weekend, join Mixologist Adam Seger behind the bar at PL8 as he shakes things up with his refreshing HUM Liquor. Adam will be on-hand Friday, February 10 from 7-9 p.m. to show guests how to create three new cocktails perfect for the holiday including: Sparkling Sangria, Pineapple Thai Basil Mojito, Cherry Chili Blood Orange Martini and Asian Toddi. All recipes are available. February 10 through the month.

Valentine's stay at Madrona Manor

Madrona Manor

Date: Friday, February 10th 2012 to Friday, March 2nd 2012
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Barrio Supports the Greater Chicago Food Depository with Month-long ‘Round Up’ in February

Barrio Urban Taqueria

Date: Wednesday, February 1st 2012 to Wednesday, February 29th 2012
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Porkchop presents February live music

Porkchop

Date: Wednesday, February 1st 2012 to Wednesday, February 29th 2012
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Porkchop, the West Loop’s only late night BBQ and whiskey spot, announces their February live music lineup. All shows begin at 10:00 PM and most have no cover charge. The featured February live music drink special is a $5 PBR draft and Old Crow Whiskey shot combo. Guests will enjoy Porkchop’s laid-back rock n’ roll country house atmosphere, gourmet comfort food and BBQ, and over forty choices of whiskey.

FEBRUARY LIVE MUSIC:

• 2/3 - Double Feature Friday: Boy Blue and Carbon Tigers
  10:00 PM – $5 cover
• 2/11 - The Flips
  10:00 PM – No Cover
• 2/17 - Bailiff
  10:00 PM – No Cover
• 2/24 - Dorian Taj
  10:00 PM – No Cover
• 2/25 - Northpilot
  10:00 PM – No Cover
• 2/29 - Tiny Miles & the Big Kids
  10:00 PM – No Cover

New specials at Bin 38

BIN 38

Date: Saturday, January 21st 2012 to Saturday, March 31st 2012
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• Come check out our Sunday brunch from 10am to 2pm, make a reservation and check out the brunch menu
• You can now purchase BIN 38 gift certificates online
• BIN 38 Happy Hour: $27 three course prix fixe menu, $6 white or red glass, $4 craft beer - Monday through Thursday, 5-7pm
• 40% off all bottles to take home 7 days a week
• 40% of all bottles in house every Tuesday, open to close

Weekly spirit education series!

prasino

Date: Thursday, January 12th 2012 to Wednesday, March 7th 2012
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Fan Favorites at Jake's

Jake Melnick's Corner Tap

Date: Sunday, January 1st 2012 to Thursday, March 1st 2012
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Jake's goes double time with two January burgers packed with Italian flavor. Back for round two, "The Fan Favorite" is in celebration of Spiaggia Executive Chef Sarah Grueneberg's participation on this season of Top Chef! Chef Sarah's recipe puts an Italian spin on an American classic with a wood grilled 9oz Angus beef patty, creamy gorgonzola, crispy pancetta, caramelized onions and Spiaggia's signature balsamic on a toasted sesame seed bun. The Meatball Burger features Jake's signature 9oz patty blend with traditional meatball spices, topped with provolone cheese and marinara served on a garlic toasted roll. Served with freshly cut fries, the burgers of the month are priced at $11.95, or $12.95 when accompanied by a Trumer Pils pint to quench your thirst.

Not forgetting the libations, "The Fan Favorite" cocktail also celebrates Chef Sarah. Available for $10.00, this sumptuous sip includes Basil Hayden Bourbon, Goose Island Spiced Ginger and fresh lime served over ice and garnished with a lime wheel.

Both "Fan Favorites" will be available until the conclusion of this season's Top Chef. Guests can also vote for Sarah for Top Chef Favorite by texting "SARAH" to 27286.