Feel welcome in the cozy classy atmosphere of Tortoise Supper Club
Just discovered the Tortoise Supper Club during a press event featuring D.E.W. Tullamore Irish whiskey’s “DEW and a Brew” tour through Chicago. Love the leather-and-wood ambience and loved the food and service, too. Now this cozy, classy restaurant, known for its steaks, chops and fresh seafood, is inviting us to come have a special cocktail so they can donate $3 per drink to the worthy cause of the month.
Cocktails for a Cause teams the supper club each month with a local non-profit to help raise awareness and funds for that organization. The restaurant/lounge creates an original limited edition cocktail and donates $3 of every one sold to that month’s non-profit partner.
This month, Tortoise Supper Club teams up with The Miracle Center, which provides arts-education-based programming for inner-city Chicago kids. Through its afterschool and summertime programs, youths aged 11 – 22 work together to develop full-scale theater productions that are then performed for the general public. These programs help kids strengthen their creative problem-solving abilities and build self-esteem by developing their leadership and general life skills.
Curtain Call isthis March’s Cocktail for a Cause. House-infused dill vodka is mixed with fresh-squeezed lime juice and a housemade honey syrup, finished with a couple dashes of grapefruit bitters and garnished with a touch of grapefruit zest. Even if you’re not a huge fan of mixed drinks, this one sounds like a winner.
No reservations required. Just come in and relax this month, meet the owners who are almost always onsite greeting guests, and know that 3 bucks of your Curtain Call price will be donated directly to The Miracle Center.
P.S. Weekly specials include Half Priced Signature Cocktails on Wednesdays, Sautéed Frog Legs and Buttermilk Battered Cod on Fridays, Northwoods Dry Rubbed Prime Rib on Saturdays and $1 Oysters / $1 Shrimp Cocktail from 4:30 – 6:30 pm on weekdays. Live Sinatra-style jazz music is played in the lounge every Friday and Saturday night.
It’s winter, right, people? 63 degrees? I don’t think so. 43 degrees? Not really. How about 70? Do I hear 70 degrees? In any case, it’s a great time to get out and try some of the delicious things going on at Chicago restaurants these days. Here are 3 of them.
Dim sum :Author: User:Das_O2 :Date: August 20th, 2005 :Notes: Typical dim sum breakfast in Hong Kong. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Intro, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, is now offering Dim Sum brunch, Sundays from 10am to 3pm. The unique and delicious menu can be ordered a la carte, or shared family-style at $22.95 per person. Check out: Smoked Salmon Bao, “Everything Spice”, Caper Szechuan Aioli, Chinese Homestyle Eggs with Pork Belly and Congee Rice and Chinese Donuts with Cinnamon and Espresso Milk. Full menu here and call 773-868-0002 to reserve.
Dovetail Brewery is dog friendly
Not a festival, not quite a market but absolutely a great time. Dovetail Brewery, 1800 W. Belle Plaine, will be hosting some of the tastiest artisanal local craft vendors in its taproom from noon to 5 p.m. on March 25. Stop by and create your own charcuterie board of assorted breads, cheeses and meats to accompany your favorite Dovetail beers. And by popular demand, Dovetail has added a 1 pm. tour on Saturdays. Stop by the brewery at either 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to enjoy an informative and fun tour. Tour admission is $15 which includes your choice of three Dovetail 0.3L servings of beer.
Ēma, 74 W. Illinois, another LEYE restaurant, is having its first-ever wine dinner on March 29 at 6:30. For $75 a person (plus tax and gratuity) you’ll be treated to a mezze feast of Ema favorites and specialty dishes crafted by Chef CJ Jacobson and accompanied by wines from Sandhi Winery in Santa Barbara, California. Leading the event is winemaker and James Beard beverage book winner Rajat Parr, author Secrets of the Sommelier, and recipient of the 2015 James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Professional. Call 312-485-5778 or email emaparties@leye.com to reserve.
As a thank you to customers in celebration of 19 years in Chicago’s bustling Theater District and across from City Hall, 312 Chicago, 136 N. LaSalle, and Chef Luca are offering *all* dinner entrees for $19 each as well as $19 bottles of select red and white wine. Starting on their anniversary, 3/12/17 and evenings through Tuesday 3/14, you can get everything at the party price – check the list below. Reservations are encouraged.
Delightful Pastries is at work for you this holiday
Delightful Pastries
Let Delightful Pastries (Jefferson Park, Chicago French Market) accent your holiday meal! Known for their outstanding baked goods and sweets, Delightful Pastries will offer an array of seasonal catering options such as Buche de Noel, a French yule log made out of genoise, filled with chocolate ganache and decorated with marzipan mushrooms and holly berries ($40); Traditional German Stollen, with candied orange peel, raisins, almonds and filled with marzipan ($20); Royal Gingerbread, filled with hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, raisins and candied orange peel and dipped in chocolate ($15); and Butter Cookie Christmas Tree, butter cookies filled with apricot preserves and decorated with royal icing and holiday sugar ornaments ($35).
Savory dishes are an excellent accompaniment to the main course or served as an appetizer. Some of Delightful Pastries’ stand-out dishes include Red Borscht ($8/quart) & Mushroom Turnovers, filled with sautéed mushrooms in a puff pastry ($14/dozen); and Meat Pie, filled with pork and ham and wrapped in bacon ($40).
Additional items include the vegan Holiday Bread ($10), loaded with pecans, cherries, raisins, cranberries, candied orange peel and currants and the vegan Pecan Cranberry Sourdough ($6), a hearty option made with cranberries and chopped pecans. Rum Eggnog($15.99) is sure to be a hit and small or large trays of mini pastries, brownies or assorted cookies are available as well.
To order, call one of the Delightful Pastries locations by Tuesday, December 20 (Chicago French Market, 312.234.9644 or Jefferson Park, 773.545.7215).
Harvest at Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Located directly on the Magnificent Mile, Harvest at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile (540 N Michigan Ave.) will offer a festive and delicious feast. The all-you-can-eat buffet will feature a carving station of Slow-Roasted Prime Rib and House-Smoked Ham with au jus and smoked apple butter. A cold buffet will include a Kale Caesar Salad, assorted Local Cheeses and Housemade Charcuterie and Shrimp Cocktail. The hot buffet will feature dishes such as Celery Root and Apple Soup, Housemade Sausage and Sage Cornbread Stuffing, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Michigan Apples and Bacon and Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes. The dessert table will include an assortment of Pecan Tarts, Eggnog Mousse Cups, Red Velvet Cake and more.
The menu will be offered on Christmas from noon to 10 p.m. Cost is $40 per adult and $20 per child under 10 years of age (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling 312.836.6334.
Smoke Daddy Will Smoke Your Bird Smoke Daddy (1804 W Division St.) in Wicker Park will offer a delicious Christmas catering menu. The BBQ restaurant will offer House-Smoked Whole Turkey (11 lb., $65; 20 lb., $90), Pulled Whole Turkey (1 lb., $16) and Glazed Ham, a partial bone-in, smoked ham with a sweet mojo glaze (9 lb., $69). Sides such as Cornbread Stuffing with sausage and spices ($10 per quart); Brussels Sprouts, oven-roasted with a lemon butter sauce ($10 per quart); and Garlic Mashed Potatoes ($10 per quart) and desserts like Sweet Potato Pie ($22) and Pecan Pie ($24) round out the menu. In addition, guests may pick-up bottles of wine ($12-$15) and the fixings for a Bloody MaryBar ($140 for 20 beverages) and/or Mimosa Bar($100 for 12 beverages).
Pick-up and delivery orders must be made by noon on Monday, December 19. Items will be picked-up cold with re-heating instructions on Thursday, December 22 and Friday, December 23. Guests may place their order online at www.thesmokedaddy.com.
Super busy? Overworked? Under-assisted? Plain old tired out – or just want to treat yourself? Sometimes cooking for the holidays feels like simply too much. Thank goodness many of our favorite Chicago restaurants choose to offer respite from the cooking, serving and cleaning up along with a warm and comfortable place to enjoy good food with whomever you choose to spend your holidays with. And don’t forget, if you eat out on these special days, be extra generous with your tips for the hard-working industry professionals who are making your day/night out possible and pleasant.
CHRISTMAS EVE, Saturday December 24, 2016
312 Chicago, Theater District/Loop, will be open Christmas Eve for brunch and dinner until 8PM featuring their regular menu. Walk-ins are available and reservations can be made by visiting www.312chicago.com or calling 312-696-2420.
Artango, 3 – 11:45 pm. Order from the regular menu or a three-course prix fixe menu for $55/adult and $24/child aged 4-12. Diners can enjoy classic Argentine dishes along with some holiday specials. An a la carte menu will be also available.
South Water Kitchen – Loop, reservations during regular hours until 7 pm. Chef Roger Waysok will be offering his brunch and dinner regular menu. South Water Kitchen is GREAT certified, which means guests of all dietary restrictions like gluten, can enjoy dishes like Cauliflower Steak, Pork Belly with Sweet Potato Gratin and Carrot Cake Twinkies. Walk-ins are available and reservations can be made by visitingwww.southwaterkitchen.com or calling 312-236-9300.
Big Bowl – Chicago, Lincolnshire, Schaumburg, contact your location for hours. Both locations open Christmas Eve, serving our regular menus as well as daily specials. To view hours by location or to make a reservation, click here.
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, brunch 9 am –3 pm; dinner 3 pm –10 pm.
Our Christmas Eve gift to you: Happy Hour all day! Whether you’re finishing last minute shopping or relaxing with family and friends, join us in the bar area for $16 pitchers of red sangria, $2-4 select tapas and $1 pintxos. View the full selection here. Bar seating is first come, first serve. Our regular brunch and dinner menus will be available in the main dining room.
Everest, Tuesday, December 13 through Saturday, December 24.
Christmas is a magical time in Alsace that holds many memories for Chef/Proprietor J. Joho, who grew up celebrating with family and friends over the dishes specially prepared for the occasion. Join him from Tuesday, December 13 – Thursday, December 29, as he brings these traditional preparations to Everest, serving a multi-course menu of elegant holiday fare, including foie gras, pike and roasted goose. This special menu is $135 per person (not including tax and gratuity). Wine pairings are available for $98 per person more. To make your reservation, call 312-663-8920 or visit www.everestchicago.com.
Intro, 4:30 – 8 pm. Join us on Saturday, December 24 for Executive Chef Stephen Gillanders family-style Chinese Christmas Eve Dinner including Black Truffle Egg Drop Soupwith winter truffle, scallion, white pepper; Foie Gras Fried Ricewith Hudson Valley foie gras, ginger crumbs; Roasted Peking Duckwith traditional & nontraditional garnishes; and for dessert, Egg Tart Brulee. The cost is $98 (not including, beverage, tax and gratuity). Intro’s visiting Chef Osaka’s Japanese Trattoria a la carte menu will also be available. For more information and to make your reservation, visit www.introchicago.com or call 773-868-0002.
This Christmas Eve, enjoy a special holiday meal chosen from their selection of fresh salads, sandwiches, seafood and prime steaks, alongside signature sides, and of course, pie. Highlights include: fresh Florida Stone Crab, Colossal Lump Crab Cakes, Chilean Sea Bass, Bone-In Rib Eye and Filet Mignon. To view the full menus, click here.
Mon Ami Gabi, Lincoln Park: 4 –9 pm; Oak Brook: 11 –10 pm.
This year, celebrate Christmas Eve with French fare. From savory crepes and quiches to bubbly French Onion Soup, and classics from Steak Frites to Beef Bourguignon, satisfy all your holiday cravings. To view the full menus, click here.
Nacional 27, 5 pm -10 pm. Offers a Christmas Eve special Cuban-themed, prix-fixe for $45 per person. Executive Chef Chico Vilchez’s four-course menu includes a tapas sampling, hearts of palm salad, choice of entree and pumpkin flan dessert. Guests may add an optional ceviche course for $9, along with a mojito or margarita for $11.
Osteria Via Stato, 4 pm – 9:30 pm. Join Executive Chef David DiGregorio this Christmas Eve as he prepares a dinner inspired by his family’s traditions, The Feast of Seven Fishes. Reputedly named for the seven hills of Rome, this multi-course, holiday meal captures the spirit of Italy with an abundance of seafood dishes from around the country, dessert and sides. The cost is $59.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. A la carte menu will be offered, as well as the regular menu in the dining room. For reservations call 312-642-8450.
Oyster Bah, 11 am – 10 pm. Oysters seem to have a rich holiday tradition in the Midwest. With oyster happy hour on Saturdays from 3-6 pm, guests can enjoy $1.50 oysters (one east and one west), a glass of bubbles, clam stuffies, shrimp and grits and more. Enjoy watching the neighborhood traffic from the garage window or make yourself cozy in the back or downstairs in the Low Tide Lounge.
Ramen-san, 11 am – 10 pm. Ramen-san is the perfect place to spend Christmas Eve: There will be bowls of piping hot noodles, perfectly chilled Asahi beer, and holiday classics like Home Alone, Jingle All the Way and The Santa Clause playing all day. Call Ramen-san at 312-377-9950 or visit ramensan.com for reservations.
Reel Club, 11:15 am – 10 pm. Open on Christmas Eve, serving its usual dinner menu. For location information or to make a reservation, click here.
R.J. Grunts, 11 am – 2 pm. Enjoy the famous “All-U-Can-Eat Weekend Brunch”, with items ranging from Pecan Bread Pudding French Toast and Mini Belgian Waffles to Grunts’ Thick-Cut Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, and Yogurt & Granola for just $15.95. As always, the world famous salad bar will be available (and included in the price!). Visit rjgruntschicago.com or call 773-929-5363.
RPM Italian, 3 – 11 pm. Come and enjoyan updated version of the classic Italian celebration, Feast of the Seven Fishes. The festive menu includes an array of antipasti and traditional fare—think Frutti di Mare with artisanal pasta and Roasted Maine Lobster—before coming to a sweet ending. The Feast of the Seven Fishes is $75 per person (plus tax; gratuity not included). In addition to this festive offering, the RPM Italian dinner menu will also be available throughout the evening. Call 312-222-1888 or visit rpmrestaurants.com for reservations.
Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago, IL, brunch 10:00AM – 2:00PM, dinner 4:00PM – 9:00PM, Oyster Bar open all day. Saturday brunch will be in full swing for those who want to enjoy a special treat before cooking for friends and family at home. Full main dining room menu will be available for dinner service which will include surf n’ turf, shellfish towers, many fresh fish selections and more. Oyster Happy hour as usual from 4-6 pm for a little snack and a cocktail before heading over to your celebration.
Shaw’s Crab House – Schaumburg, IL, brunch 10:30AM – 1:30PM / full menu 11:30AM – 9:00PM. This Christmas Eve, be the first to enjoy brunch on Saturday as well! With delectable new offerings and a fantastic new price of $39 per adult, $10 for kids 7-12 and kids 6 and under, consider starting a new tradition for you and your family.
Summer House Santa Monica, Lincoln Park, brunch 8 am – 3 pm; Lunch 11 am – 4 pm; dinner 4 pm – 10 pm. Spend your Christmas Eve surrounded by beach decor and summer vibes and enjoy your favorite California-inspired menu items, including the Wood-Grilled Hamburger with thousand island, Ancho-Marinated Chicken Tacos, and Grilled Faroe Island Salmon. A great place to relax before and on Christmas Eve – handcrafted cocktails and an extensive California wine list. To view the full menus, click here.
Stella Barra Pizzeria, brunch 10 am – 2 pm; dinner 2 pm –10 pm.
Take a break from your holiday hosting by letting us take care of Christmas Eve dinner. Share starters like fresh, handmade Burrata, Italian Chopped Salad or Crispy Brussels Sprouts before trying one (or more!) signature artisanal pizzas. With options including the Smoked Bacon & Goat Cheese Pizza, Bloomsdale Spinach & Kale and Butternut Squash, there’s something for everyone. View full menu online, and call 301-770-8609 for reservations.
Why not try something new for Christmas Eve? Tokio Pub will be offering full menu, including bowls of hot ramen, savory potstickers, delicious sushi and more. Grab a snack while you are wrapping up your last gifts at the Streets of Woodfield or Woodfield Mall with happy hour (items in red on menu) 4-6 pm. Call 847-278-5181
Wildfire – Chicago, Oak Brook, Glenview, Lincolnshire, Schaumburg
Contact your location of interest for hours. All locations will be open on Christmas Eve and serving regular dinner menu plus daily specials. To view hours by location or to make a reservation, click here.
Christmas /Christmas Eve Carryout. L. Woods, orders must be placed by Wednesday, December 21, 2016. Let L. Woods cater your Christmas Eve meal with a special holiday carry-out menu. All items, complete with re-heating instructions, can be picked up at L.Woods on Saturday, December 24. Please call 847-677-3350 for pricing information, to place your order and to schedule a pick-up time. Menu items include Oven-Roasted Turkey, Chopped Salad, House-Made Stuffing, Au Gratin Potatoes, Pecan Pie andButterscotch Bread Pudding. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, December 21.
For all the big-four holidays, you can leave it to Chef Didier of Cyrano’s fame. Fully cooked multi-course goose dinners available for pickup for the holidays. Also, you can order patés & rillettes, breads & morning pastries, vinaigrettes, soups & prepared dinner entrees, cheeses & more. To reserve yours, check out the entire menu here. Chef Didier’s Cyrano’s On-The-Go is located at Polo Cafe, 3322 S. Morgan Street in Bridgeport, Chicago. Email for more info here or call 773-620-3986
CHRISTMAS DAY, Sunday December 25, 2016
312 Chicago, Theater District/Loop. 5 – 8 pm. Chef Luca Corazzina has whipped up a Four-Course Christmas-Inspired Prix Fixe Menu – think antipasti then primi (lasagna or other pasta), secondi (beef stak, branzino, chicken) and dolci (tiramisu, panettone or pot de creme) – for $55 per person. very festively decorated dining room (regular menu not available).
Artango Brazilian Steakhouse, 2 – 8 pm. Enjoy athree-course prix fixe menu for $55/adult and $24/child aged 4-12. Diners can enjoy classic Argentine dishes along with some holiday specials. Live entertainment will be provided by acclaimed cellist Ian Maksin and guitarist Gabriel Datcu playing Christmas songs and other famous covers!
Di Pescara, 12 – 7 pm. Treat yourself to a festive meal, featuring Di Pescara’s cold water Twin Lobster Tail special, served with house-made Mac and Cheese. The dinner is $32.95 plus tax (gratuity not included). The regular menu is also available from noon to 7:00PM. Reserve via OpenTable or by calling 847-498-4321.
Wildfire – Lincolnshire, IL, 11 am to 8 pm. Friends and family can dine all day at Wildfire Lincolnshire on Christmas Day from the regular dinner menu and daily specials. For more information, please click here.
Sardinia is its own island, technically part of but culturally separate from the rest of Italy and Sicily. One of the most picturesque regions of Italy, the island remains a tantalizing secret for most Americans and so, until lately, have its wines. Giovanni Pinna, chief winemaker at Sella & Mosca, came to Cafe Spiaggia in Chicago recently to showcase some of the winery’s special wines ranging from value to luxury in price.
Sella & Mosca La Cala Vermentino
Sella & Mosca was founded in 1899 by two Piemontese businessmen, Erminio Sella and Edgardo Mosca, revered to this day for their prominent roles in the Risorgimento (Italy’s 19th-century unification movement). It was their love of unexplored terrains that led Sella, an engineer, and Mosca, a lawyer, to venture to Sardinia and start a winery on this idyllic island. European vineyards were just starting to recover from a devastating Phylloxera infestation and Sella &Mosca had an ambitious plan to reclaim the vineyards in the area known as I Piani.
Now, as Sardinia’s foremost wine producer, Sella & Mosca is renowned for premium wines made exclusively from estate-grown grapes. In addition to native varieties Torbato, Vermentino, Carignano and Cannonau, the winery has successfully pioneered the introduction of international grape varieties, notably Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. And they entrust their precious winemaking process only to top experts.
Sella & Mosca Terre Bianche Torbato
Giovanni was born in Sardinia and has devoted his entire career to studying, working and teaching others about the island’s unique viticultural landscape. With a university degree in agrarian science and another in viticulture and oenology, he took it all a step further by learning about innovative new research and cutting-edge technology at the institute for Wine Biotechnology at the University of Stellenbosch.
Not content with all that, he next achieved his master’s degree in oenology and a doctorate in microbic microbiology. Joining Sella & Mosca as oenologist in 2000, he quickly earned chief winemaker status and in this position he focuses on crafting wines of distinctive character with a defined link to terroir while managing an annual production of 7.6 million bottles. He regularly lectures at universities on topics related to oenology and viticulture, and as a researcher, frequently contributes articles to trade journals. Additionally, he has served since 1996 as a member of the Sassari chamber of commerce provincial commission for tastings and evaluation of DOC and DOCG wines.
Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna
These 6 beautiful wines all tasted lovely paired with the delicious menu presented by the culinary team at Cafe Spiaggia, and any of them will give you an excellent introduction to Sella & Mosca:
Do you expect exceptional food when you go out for live music? Chicago has a few places that make this a priority. In the city, where you can get there by cab or public transport:
Bandera, 535 N. Michigan. Jazz & blues every night. Cocktails, lunch and dinner in sexy, subtle lighting.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and Steak, 521 N. Rush St. Seafood, oysters, crab, sea bass, etc. and prime steaks. Pricey but highly rated.
Buddy Guy’s Legends, 700 S. Wabash. Rockin’ good music and down home Southern-inspired dishes. Word is, Buddy himself sits in sometimes!
And we just heard about one in the ‘burbs that’s making food a priority, too: 210 Restaurant and Live Music Lounge, 210 Green Bay Road, Highwood, IL. Co-owner and Executive Chef Jeff Tomchek brings 30 years of experience in several countries honing his abilities to turn fresh, high quality, locally sourced produce and ingredients into menu items that span regional and global cuisines as well as barbecue and Southern-style dishes.
Appetizers include Hawaiian Tuna Poke with toasted Macadamia Nuts ($13); Roast Local Corn Mexican Street Food Style ($5/$8); Korean Chicken Wings ($12); and Tomato Bisque ($5/$8). Salads include Roast Beets with Bean Hummas, Arugula & Pine Nuts ($12); Frillman Farms Heirloom Tomato with Burrata & Basil ($11); and a Crispy Chicken Chopped Salad with Chipotle Ranch ($18).
Main dishes include Baby Back Ribs, Dry Rub & Pit Smoked (taste $8, half $16/full slab $24); Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich with Arugula & Remoulade ($13); Roast Scottish Salmon with corn mashed potatoes and Mexican Truffle Vinaigrette ($24); and Andouille Jambalaya with Louisiana Style BBQ Shrimp ($19).
This place even lets you get your vegetables in with original presentations like Roast Local Eggplant with Moroccan Spices ($9); Miso Glazed Acorn Squash ($8); Roast Cauliflower with Thai three flavor sauce ($8) and Bacon Braised Collard Greens ($8); and Not Yo Mamma’s Mac & Cheese ($8); and Local Bi Color Corn Sautéed with Peppers & Onions ($8). Seasonal offerings and daily specials are listed on the website.
If you live in the city and want to enjoy 210 Restaurant and Live Music Lounge, consider finding a nice hotel in the area so you can stay as long as you like and not have to worry about driving home. If you live nearby, get thee hence and try it soon.
English: Several pieces of fried chicken. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Next Saturday October 22 from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, hundreds of Chicagoans will be on hand to enjoy the 2nd annual Fried Chicken & Champagne Fest. Proceeds from the event go towards financial assistance for hospitality and culinary arts students through the Kendall College Trust. A dozen award-winning Chicago chefs fry up their best recipes, and attendees munch those chicken renditions while sipping on a vast array of bubblies have been curated by Master Sommelier Serafin Alverado of headlining sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. And let’s just say, with the likes of Chef Lee Wolen from Michelin-starred Boka Restaurant participating, you are bound to exerience way beyond ordinary.
With over 60 different offerings from around the world – including luxury labels like Moet Imperial Rose, Dom Perignon and Palmes D’Or – everyone can find a perfect pairing or two. For a full list of Champagne, click here. Get more info and tickets here.
Oyster Fest Presented by Shaw’s Crab House returns to Chicago on Friday, September 30, 2016 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Chicago’s River North for its 28th year featuring great food and live music. Shaw’s Chicago and its sister restaurant, Oyster Bah, are great at creating fun food events all year, but check out the fun they’ve got planned for Oyster Fest week.
Sunday, September 25
William Fèvre Chablis Dinner at Shaw’s Crab House Chicago: This four-course dinner, plus reception, includes chablis selections and seafood pairings. Guests can enjoy glasses of Champagne Henriot and Bouchard Père & Fils courtesy of William Fèvre sister estates in Champagne and Burgundy. Priced at $75 per guest (tax and gratuity not included), the dinner will begin with a 6 p.m. reception and seated dinner at 6:30 p.m. Reserve at 312-527-2722. Event menu here.
Tuesday, September 27
Founders Beer Dinner at Shaw’s Crab House Chicago: Founders Brewing Co. has teamed up with Shaw’s as a sponsor of this year’s Oyster Fest, pouring delicious brews all festival-long. In celebration of the partnership, Founders is co-hosting a four course beer dinner with special guest and co-founder, Dave Engbers. The cost is $75 per guest (tax and gratuity not included), beginning with a reception at 6 p.m. and seated dinner at 6:30 p.m. Reserve at 312-527-2722. Event menu here.
Wednesday, September 28
Oysters, Oysters, and More Oysters at Shaw’s Crab House Chicago: Chicago Gourmets have teamed up with Shaw’s to welcome special guest and author Cynthia Nims for an oyster luncheon celebrating the recent publication of her book,Oysters: Recipes That Bring Home a Taste of the Sea. The luncheon features recipes from Cynthia’s book plus wine pairings and is priced at $75 per person (tax & gratuity not included) and will begin at noon. Reserve at chicagourmet.org.
Meet-and-greet the author who’ll sign books in the Oyster Bar from 4 to 6 p.m. where books will be available for purchase.
Happy Hour with Rowan Jacobsen at Oyster Bah: James Beard award-winning food writer Rowan Jacobsen will join us to promote his upcoming book, The Essential Oyster: A Salty Appreciation of Taste and Temptation (out on October 4th). From 4 to 6 p.m. Rowan will be posting up at the oyster bar as the guest shucker, but will also curate the day’s oyster list and introduce oyster pairings with his favorite William Fèvre chablis wines. Click here to stay tuned on wine features.
Thursday, September 29
Books, Oysters, and Cocktails with Rowan Jacobsen at Shaw’s Crab House Chicago: Rowan Jacobsen will also be hitting up Shaw’s Chicago to promote his book and from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Oyster Bar, guests receive a signed copy of Rowan’s new book, slurp down on Rowan’s favorite oysters (plus snacks) and enjoy some custom cocktails from our local bartender friends in Chicago’s cocktail scene. The event is priced at $75 per person and reservations are recommended. Call 312-527-2722 or visit the website here.
All week long: Oyster Bar Happy Hour: Starting Monday, September 26, Shaw’s Chicago will be featuring all day Happy Hour in the Oyster Bar! Enjoy one East coast and one West coast variety on special all week long at half-price ($18 per dozen).
Wouldn’t you know we found out just a little late thatthis year Riondo Prosecco designated August 13 National Prosecco Day to celebrate the sparkle of summer. This sparkling wine from Italy recently surpassed the 4-million case mark in sales (according to Impact Databank). So it makes sense that this charming wine should get its own national day of recognition. Some say no other beverage defines the Italian philosophy of la dolce vita – the good life – quite like the young and fresh sparkler called Prosecco.
It’s got an elegant mousse (bubbles) and a touch of sweetness, delighting with light-bodied, refreshing aromas and flavors of white spring flowers, citrus fruits and green apples. Pair that with a wallet-friendly price tag and you’ve got a fun drink for everyday, party or not.
About Prosecco:
It can only be produced in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions of Italy
Prosecco is no longer the name of the grape; it’s the regional designation, protected since 2009 by regulation. The name of the grape was changed t
o Glera, and
that grape must account for at least 85% of all Proseccos which might also include any of these native varieties: Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, Glera Lunga and international grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio
Prosecco’s effervescence comes in several levels. While iconic Proseccos are sparkling, versions can be made in sparkling (Spumante) or semi-sparkling (Frizzante) and even as still (Tranquillo) wines
It comes in 3 levels of sweetness — Brut (driest), Extra Dry, Dry or Demi-Sec (sweetest).
Even though Prosecco makes a quintessential before-dinner drink, you can pair one of its varieties with almost any menu and/or use it in an array of cocktail recipes.
English: Cans of prosecco. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
#NationalProseccoDay is the hashtag if you share on social media. And while you’re tweeting, sip a glass of Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero. Based on a review sample we tried, Riondo’s premium version can make you feel like it’s a special day any day. This super premium sparkling wine features Riondo’s signature string closure. Grapes: 100% Glera. Alc10.5%. SRP ~$14.00
include Baby Back Ribs, Dry Rub & Pit Smoked (taste $8, half $16/full slab $24); Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich with Arugula & Remoulade ($13); Roast Scottish Salmon with corn mashed potatoes and Mexican Truffle Vinaigrette ($24); and Andouille Jambalaya with Louisiana Style BBQ Shrimp ($19).
