It’s definitely spring in Chicago – though many of us are wandering the streets in a daze, wondering vaguely why winter never arrived. The trees are covered in spring-green buds, and the daffodils and tulips are painting the scenery in joyous colors. And, of course, our fair city has lots of food and drink news, about which here are a few bits for your consideration.
Live music and chocolate in The Lobby at The Peninsula camp hotel in downtown Chicago. Every Friday and Saturday night from 730 to 11 come enjoy an evening of music, dancing, and chocolate. Guests to dine at The Lobby or Shanghai Terrace for dinner will receive a special 50% off on their chocolate experience.
Drumbar, since 2012 Chicago’s speakeasy-style cocktail lounge, is introducing a new passport-themed drink menu inspired by the bar staff’s experience with and love for a specific destination. Perfect to imbibe atop Drumbar’s rooftop terrace. Two examples: 1) THAILAND: Compass Box Glasgow Blend scotch, coconut milk, fresh mango puree, lime juice and house made sticky rice cordial; 2) MAINE: Templeton Rye, lemon, rosemary vermouth, Cruz Blackstrap and Lapsang dem tea topped with Allagash beer foam and a spray of Laphroiag Scotch Malt Whisky.
Irish Wheat Ale. Guinness, the company known for that distinctive wonderful dark drink called Guinness Stout, is right on trend now with a new ale made with wheat grown in Ireland. Wheat beer is huge across the world these days – in fact it’s the third largest beer segment today. And just in time for spring, Guinness Irish will be available in your favorite pub. It’s got a clean, crisp refreshing taste with notes of zesty citrus, subtle clove and – get this – banana! It’s a lovely pale gold with the typical wheat haze. Alcohol is 5.3%, and it’s made with hops are from Mount Hood and Amarillo and with Irish Wheat and Stout malts. Frothy head and mellow flavor. We love it. Guinness knows what it’s doing. Where to find Irish Wheat Ale in Chicago.
Drake Hotel. If you need an excuse to go and enjoy the lush surroundings and the excellent food at this Historic Hotel in downtown Chicago, consider the Palm Court’s High Tea as a great way to treat your administrative assistant, if you’re working and have one of those – or yourself and your pal if you’re retired and doing your own administering – for Administrative Professionals Day on April 26. Seatings are every hour and a half from 11am to 5pm. Or if you prefer an executive-type meal, reserve a table at Coq d’Or for a prix fixe menu that day from 11am to 2pm. Either way, prepare to feel pampered.
Firecakes Donuts will operate for two months a pop-up donut counter inside Lou & Grey, the contemporary women’s apparel store at 3442 N. Southport Ave. Locals and visitors alike are finding it a place to grab a great cup of coffee and a fabulous donut. Or visit Firecakes Lincoln Park store, 2453 N. Clark St. or its Hubbard Street location, 68 W Hubbard St.
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Firecakes Donuts also operates a Donut Truck in the Loop on weekday mornings and, in season, in the evenings and on weekends at various neighborhoods around Chicago. The Donut Truck also can be booked from private events and catering; please call 312-329-6500 for more information. Delivery, catering and pre-orders are available. Please place orders by 3 p.m. for next day pickup or Chicagoland delivery. Firecakes also serves a giant birthday cake donut that serves 2-3 people and an ice cream donut sandwich. Firecakes Donuts serves coffee from La Colombe Roasters. Major cards are accepted. For more information, please call the stores at 312-329-6500 (W. Hubbard St.) and 773-666-5277 (N. Clark St.)
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Weber Grill Restaurant, 539 N. State St. (also Lombard, Schaumburg, Indianapolis), on Easter Sunday (April 16th) offers grownups traditional holiday favorites, plus either Mimosa ($7) or Backyard Bloody Mary (Absolut vodka, housemade bloody Mary mix served with smoked sausage & Gouda skewer and a mini backyard brew 10.5). Along with their brunch plate, kids get Easter eggs filled with candy and special treats.
Brunch “A-la-carte” Features Served Until 2:00pm – Grilled Steak & Eggs Southwest Style Skirt Steak and Eggs Any Style Guajillo Salsa, Breakfast Potatoes ($17.50); Chocolate Cherry Pretzel Bread French Toast Fresh Strawberries, Whipped Cream ($10.50); Double Smoked Bourbon Glazed Ham Benedict, hollandaise, toasted English muffin grilled asparagus, breakfast potatoes ($14); Kid’s Brunch Plate (Twelve & Under), choice of scrambled eggs or pretzel bread French toast ($6.50).
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Weber’s fullDinner Menu served all day plus two specials: House Smoked Bourbon Glazed Ham, horseradish cream sauce, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus ($16); and Wood-Roasted Leg of Lamb, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, rosemary jus ($20).
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Snap Kitchen is excited to introduce three internationally inspired dishes, each boasting a unique primary health benefit. With an obsession for food innovation and believing that eating healthy should be really fun, Snap Kitchen was inspired to create three incredible new Bowls with Benefits, available in store or for delivery. The product of the collaboration between Snap Kitchen’s research and development chefs and dietitian, each bowl is based on a super-flavorful take on cauliflower rice, topped with nutrient-rich ingredients. The lineup includes a Whole30-approved bowl and vegan option.
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The Tex-Mex Chicken Bowl is Snap Kitchen’s take on the classic burrito bowl, with anti-inflammatory ingredients and superfoods like turmeric and spirulina for a whole new spin. The Tex-Mex bowl contains:
Spanish cauliflower rice with a smoky flavor from smoked paprika and mega anti-inflammatory benefits from turmeric;
spirulina crema made from cashew, avocado, and spirulina that offers up healthy fats and B vitamins;
topped with fajita veggies and chicken, and homemade red salsa.
Meatball & Kimchi Stir Fry Bowl with natural probiotics and nourishing prebiotics to get your gut in check. This bowl features:
kimchi fried rice made from cauliflower rice stir fried with fresh garlic, ginger, and kimchi;
grass-fed beef meatballs made with sautéed ginger, onion, and mushrooms for a tender texture and veggie bonus;
kimchi with fermented cabbage and sea vegetables featuring naturally occurring probiotics;
plus organic edamame, stir fried veggies, and ginger sesame vinaigrette.
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Packed with plant-based ingredients full of antioxidants, the Mediterranean Mezze Bowl is the most beauty-full meal at Snap Kitchen yet. This bowl features:
kale and cauliflower tabbouleh with zucchini, onion, jalapeno, and garlic;
golden turmeric chickpeas full of nutrients from turmeric, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast;
vegan tzatziki that starts with cashew crema with chopped cucumber, lemon zest, mint, and dill for a tangy addition to the bowl’s flavor lineup;
beet hummus full of nutrients like betalains with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification benefits that give your skin a healthy glow;
plus roasted red bell pepper and eggplant, and Kalamata olives.
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Order ahead or get them for delivery on the new Snap Kitchen app for iOS– it’s a beautiful app with full color pics that’ll make you even hungrier.