All posts by Barbara Payne, Editor

brunch, Chicago chefs, Chicago restaurants, food and wine, spirits and cocktails, wine and spirits

3 Chicago restaurants with late “winter” news

March 6, 2017 Barbara Payne, Editor

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.

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 Taproom dog friendly photo by Cindy Kurman — 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.

Chicago chefs, Chicago restaurants, food and wine, seafood, spirits and cocktails, wine and spirits

3 days only! 312 Chicago celebrates 19 years with $19 specials

March 3, 2017 Barbara Payne, Editor

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.

Here’s the complete menu:

Salmone, $27: Roasted Faroe Island Salmon, Tri-Colored Lentils, Cippolini Onions, Baby Spinach, Lemon Sauce
Branzino, $28: Mediterranean Skin-On Sea Bass, Cauliflower Puree, Manila Clams, Zucchini and Yellow Squash, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Garlic White Wine Sauce
Cacciucco, $29: Sauteed Scallops, Shrimp, Tuna, Mussels, Clams, Lobster, Light Spicy Tomato Broth, Grilled Garlic Crostini
Pollo, $23: Roasted Chicken Breast, Beech Mushrooms, Crispy Onion, Sweet Grilled Corn, Creamy Polenta, Chicken Succo
Maiale, $26: Roasted‎ Pork Chop, Black Tuscan Kale, Potato Cake, Prosciutto, Brandy Cream Sauce
Filetto, $35: Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Tri-Colored Fingerling Potatoes, Truffle Butter, Porcini Mushroom Sauce

burgers, Chicago restaurants, food and wine, holidays, spirits and cocktails

St. Patty’s Day in Chicago with D.E.W. and a Brew

March 2, 2017 Barbara Payne, Editor

One blazing-hot late morning, many summers ago, one of my then-husband’s acquaintances stopped by our house – probably to borrow a tool or something. I reflexively offered him a beer. He looked somewhat aghast and said, “Well I don’t think the sun is over the yardarm yet.”

I looked back at him with my eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. I said “What the heck is a yard arm?” (See here for the origin of the expression.) He told me, and I snorted a little bit. “Hey,” I said, “I’m Irish. We don’t even know where the yardarm is.”

You won’t, therefore, be surprised to learn that my dad loved his shot-and-a-beer boilermakers. And what more perfect combination for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day?

Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey is on an educational “D.E.W. and a Brew Tour” multi-city adventure to educate drinkers on how different beers complement the malty and sweet flavors of Tullamore D.E.W., the second largest Irish whiskey producer in the world.

Sponsored by Time Out North America, the tour helps consumers appreciate the joys of sipping an Irish whiskey alongside a beer. Partners include Time Out, the trusted global brand for inspiring and enabling people to make the most of their city, and a dynamic group of independent breweries across the country. Below are the three Chicago spots where you can hunker down with D.E.W. specials and be part of the fun:

Haymarket (Chicago) http://www.haymarketbrewing.com/
Emmett’s Brewing Co. (4 locations) https://www.emmettsbrewingco.com/
Emerald Loop (Chicago) https://emeraldloop.com/

appetizers, brunch, Chicago restaurants, holidays, live music and food, spirits and cocktails, where to eat in Chicago on holidays

Winter bar news – aliveOne and Fifolet

February 15, 2017 Barbara Payne, Editor

aliveOne Bar comes alive in a few new ways this month. Every Sunday beginning February 19, aliveOne will host Living Room Sessions, an open mic comedy event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Amateur comedians who want a shot at the stage can sign up starting at 5:30 p.m.

Every Sunday
6 pm to 1 am
Free to attend; $4 to $5 drink specials

Following Living Room Sessions, Dead Comedy at aliveOne will kick off at 10 p.m. featuring a two-hour stand up showcase with some of Chicago’s best comics. Sunday specials will include $4 Temperance brews, $5 Absolut Bloody Mary’s and FREE pool.

aliveOne and Bell’s Brewery will host a Hopslam Ale tapping on Wednesday, February 22; Hopslam beers are $7 all night.

Wednesday, February 22
5 pm to close
Free to attend; $7 Hopslam beers

Every weekday from 5 to 7 pm, aliveOne’s Happy Hour features half-price beer and cocktails.

And when you’re in the mood for old-school classic house music, aliveOne welcomes “Gramophone Records Presents – Clark St. Jams” in the back room starting 10 pm. No cover charge. How cool is that?

Fifolet to Host Four-Day Mardi Gras Celebration

Since we can’t all make it to Bourbon St. for Mardi Gras, Fifolet Cajun & Cocktails will be bringing the famous New Orleans festival to you right here in Chicago. Starting on Saturday, February 25^th, the new Wicker Part restaurant and bar will be ground zero for all things Mardi Gras. Four days of festivities will include everything from live music, Hurricane cocktails and face painting to authentic Creole/Cajun food specials, limited edition beers from New Orleans’ favorite brewery, Abita, and more.

Saturday, February 25, 5:00 pm – 2:00 am. 30¢ Beer Flights for 30 Minutes. For one night only, guests can enjoy 30¢ Abita beer flights for a period of 30 minutes. Guests will have the chance to partake in this promotion two times throughout the evening.

Taste of New Orleans. Executive Chef Kevin Crouse has created a special menu designed to allow guests to get a real taste of the Big Easy. Dishes on the Taste of New Orleans menu are available in half size portions to allow diners to taste as much as they want. In addition to signature menu items like Gumbo and Jambalaya, the following specials will be available:

Sunday Feb. 25 5pm-12am
Monday Feb.27 5pm-12am
Tuesday Feb.28 5pm-2am

*all available while supplies last.

Then come to join Abita Brewing Company’s Official Mardi Gras Party at Fifolet, where they proudly host the party for New Orleans’ favorite brewery! $4 Purple Haze | $4 Light | $4 Mardi Gras Bock

Find the Abita rep at the party and your first beer is on him/her. And party to one of Chicago’s best New Orleans-style bands, Four Star Brass Band, all evening long.

Fifolet will offer a family-friendly environment from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Kids are invited to partake in face painting and non-alcoholic Abita Root Beers. Face painting, 5pm to 8pm. Local artist Amanda Cohen will paint the fun-loving faces of Fat Tuesday party-goers. Can’t decide on a design? Look to one of the many Mardi Gras masks that line the walls of Fifolet for some colorful inspiration!

appetizers, brunch, Chicago restaurants, food and wine

Winter news from 5 Chicago restaurants

February 10, 2017 Barbara Payne, Editor

In no particular order, here are listings of some Chicago restaurants that have recently introduced new dishes or features or events for winter 2017.

Ixcateco Grill, 3402 W. Montrose, intros 5 new menu items to its menu of authentic central and southwestern Mexican cuisine. BYOB. Apps include Ensalata de la Casa (Cincho Queso and almonds and greens on a crispy corn tortilla $7) and Queso Fundido (melted Chihuahua cheese with vegetables or wood grilled chicken, poblano rajas and molcajete sauce $9).

Ixcateco for authentic Mexican cuisine and BYOB

Entrees include Salmon en Crema (wood-grilled salmon with tomatillo cream sauce $19), Pozole de Camarones (grilled shrimp in an herb-enhanced hominy stew $20), or New York Strip a la Mexicana entree (in a mole agostadero sauce with chunky garlic mashed potatoes, dried fruit and garnished with sesame seeds $23).

Oyster Bah, 1962 N. Halsted, has expanded Happy Hour options with new half-price options on their special Happy Hour menu, in addition to their $1.50 oysters. Find ’em here (look for an anchor next to them). Imagine: half-price OnionBurger with a glass of half-price South American Malbec. Or a half-price Seafood Platter with a glass of half-price Sauvignon Blanc. They’re also celebrating Restaurant Week (menu here), and every Tuesday there’s a New Orleans style special at Oyster Bah.

Acadia, 1639 S. Wabash, Chicago’s repeating two Michelin-starred restaurant, introduces a new and exciting tasting menu that lets you sample Chef Ryan McCaskey’s dining room cuisine in a condensed three-course tasting menu offered exclusively at the bar. For $45 per person, you get a peek into the Chef’s legendary creations: “Snacks:” Fried Head Cheese, saffron aioli;
Puffed Beef Tendon, ramen packet seasoning; grissini, Iberico, Boursin. First course: Grilled Baby Octopus, Calamari, Fennel, Chorizo. Second: Wagyu Beef, vegetable ash, sprout leaves, smoked soubise. Dessert: “Milky Way.”

Commonwealth Tavern, 2000 West Roscoe St. in Roscoe Village, is throwing an Oscar party for the 89th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday, February 26 at 7 p.m. Enjoy the red carpet shenanigans on eight 70-inch plasma televisions while sipping Oscars-themed drinks for $5 each: the Red Carpet martini (Patron, Patron Citronage, raspberry, cranberry) and Golden Statue cocktail (Ciroc Peach, peach puree, champagne) as well as a $5 Right Bee Cider.

Troquet River North Oscar, 680 N. Clark, is hosting a viewing party for the 88th Academy Awards on February 28th. The bar will be offering a selection Oscar themed cocktails, created by Beverage Manager Breanna DiMaggio, all available for $9. Additionally, guests who dine-in on February 28 will have the opportunity to enter a contest by submitting their Oscar predictions. The diner who makes the most correct predictions will receive a $50 gift certificate to Troquet River North (submit entries before 7:30 pm CST). And try one of their special Oscar-themed drinks like The MarShian (marshmallow vodka, orange juice, grenadine), the Sylvester Stallone (Town Branch bourbon, elderflower liqueur, orange bitters), or one of several others.

appetizers, brunch, Chicago restaurants, lunch, spirits and cocktails

U of C eats free at Nando’s Peri-Peri January 17

January 10, 2017 Barbara Payne, Editor

January 17 will go down in the history books as the birthday of renowned Chicagoans Michelle Obama, Dwayne Wade and, yes, Al Capone. And now a new chapter is written. For Tuesday, January 17, will be the day Nando’s PERi-PERi invites the University of Chicago to eat at Nando’s new Hyde Park restaurant, for free.

All day Tuesday, from 11am to 10pm, students, faculty and staff who present a valid University of Chicago ID can enjoy a free spicy flame-grilled 1/4 chicken, chicken sandwich, wrap, or pita.*

Nando’s will officially open its doors in Hyde Park at 1447 E. 53rd Street on Saturday, January 14. Nando’s will pay it forward that day by donating 100 percent of opening-day sales to the Kenwood Academy High School in Hyde Park, to help fund college visits for students at one of the best public schools in the city.

University of Chicago students and staff are welcome then, or again on Tuesday, when the restaurant opens for free to the Maroon community. Vita excolatur! Let your life be enriched with delicious Nando’s PERi-PERi!

appetizers, brunch, burgers, Chicago chefs, Chicago restaurants

“Real American” fast food vegan-style opening in Uptown

January 9, 2017 Barbara Payne, Editor

Kal’ish, 1313 W. Wilson, a short-order vegan restaurant that promises a 100% animal-free menu, opens in Chicago on January 14. That day at 1 pm you’re invited to stop by for complimentary samples of the restaurant’s hot cocoa, cookies, grilled cheese and tomato soup. Gina & Andy Kalish, operators of the Ravenswood Event Center, are excited to be opening the restaurant in the neighborhood they’ve called home for over 20 years.

“We’ve always wanted to open a vegan restaurant that could satisfy vegans and omnivores alike,” says Gina. “Kal’ish offers indulgent plant-based alternatives to favorites found at traditional fast food restaurants.”

Diners can expect a wide range of animal-free takes on classic Americana dishes, including gluten and nut-free options. Kal’ish makes from scratch all meat-like protein replacements, using legumes, roots, nuts, yeasts, wheat, vegetables, starches and more to find the right flavor combinations. To do so, the kitchen has become somewhat of a laboratory, testing ways to create animal-free versions that any eater would enjoy. Favorites from the menu include:

K Burger: a classic beefy patty, horseradish kale mayo, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion, served on a classic bun
Pulled Pork-N-Jack: pulled braised jackfruit, smoky sweet q sauce, purple slaw and pickles, served on a classic bun
Chili Cheese Fries: skin-on salted fries topped with savory house chili, cheese sauce and spicy pico de gallo
Farmer Brown Plate: steamed and griddled vegetables with Midwest curry on a bed of brown rice

In addition, Kal’ish also offers an all-day breakfast menu and Sunday brunch, with options including:

K-Eggs, Potatoes & Toast: a plant-based riff on traditional scrambled eggs with griddle potatoes and onions and a side of buttered toast
Clucker Crisp & French Toast: just like fried chicken & waffles, but plant-based
Biscuits & Sausage Gravy: southern classic fluffy biscuits with homemade vegan gravy and fennel sausage

Take out or eat in the bright, minimalistic space, designed by vegan architect Ferdinanda Marcic.

appetizers, brunch, Chicago restaurants

Unique Indian food and drink – Specials in Lincoln Park and Edgewater

January 5, 2017 Barbara Payne, Editor

While Indian food is considered an acquired taste by some, the good stuff is known the world over for its subtle, multi-layered flavors and aromas. And there is no shortage of very good Indian restaurants in our great city of Chicago. Check out TimeOut Chicago’s recent list of Chicago’s 10 best Indian restaurants here. And below is news about two others you may want to consider when you’re in the neighborhoods.

Hakka Bakka Kati Rolls in Lincoln Park serves fast casual Indian food featuring natural, fresh ingredients and authentic recipes to showcase the myriad of flavors that truly represent Indian cuisine. With a menu providing a simplistic approach, Hakka Bakka is putting one of India’s most popular street food items, the Kati Roll, on the culinary map. The Kati Roll features homemade, pan-seared flatbread filled with choice of chicken, lamb, paneer, chickpea, potato or egg, and is prepared with a Tikka (tomato and yogurt based) or Hariyali (cilantro and mint based) marinade, then topped with house made chutney like spicy chili, cilantro, sweet tamarind or savory yogurt.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPECIALS

Monday, January 16 through Tuesday, February 28 (one per customer)
$5.99 Mini Kati Roll Combo Meal (available now) includes Masala Fries and soft drink (chicken or chickpea mini roll only, dine-in only).
FREE tea & coffee

NATIONAL SOUP MONTH MONDAYS

Monday, January 9, 16, 23 & 30
FREE lentil soup with any purchase (one per customer, dine-in only). Hakka Bakka’s lentil soup is made in house daily from fresh and healthy ingredients. There is no oil or fat added and they use fresh mung beans boil it down for about two hours. A hearty, healthy alternative to and just as satisfying as heavy cream-based bisques.

NATIONAL HOT & SPICY FOOD DAY SPECIAL

Monday, January 16, National Hot & Spicy Foods Day
FREE veggie samosas with tamarind chutney with any purchase (one order per customer, dine-in only). Hakka Bakka’s spicy samosas are bite-sized deep fried triangles of dough stuffed with potatoes, peas, carrots, onions, and ginger. Think of it as an Indian Empanada.

And, further north, consider a unique Indian bistro Mango Pickle, located in Edgewater at 5842 North Broadway. Owner Marisa Paolillo learned how to cook Indian cuisine as a result of living and traveling in India for 9 years, and she continued to explore on her own. She worked for a time at The Table restaurant in Mumbai, India where she was exposed to the culinary world.

Marisa’s new bistro menu demonstrates her love for food and brings a spoonful of India back to Chicago. Using saffron and cardamom, Mango Pickle is serving up authentic Indian dishes with a Western twist. Based on the popularity of Chai Tea Time in India she’s created a special Chai menu. On Fridays and Saturdays starting at 4:30pm, Mango Pickle features a family recipe, Chai Masala, along with house-made syrups and infusions. The Chai Menu includes:

Bombay Masala Chai…$3
Spiced Hot Chocolate…$3

Then pick from one of these optional add-ons:

Saffron-cardamom…$1
Cocoa…$1
Spiced Jaggery…$1 (natural sugar that’s like a cross between spicy molasses and buttery caramel)
Coffee…$1
Bourbon…$ (according to selection)
Somrus Indian cream liqueur…$5

appetizers, Chicago chefs, Chicago restaurants

2-night chance to do dim sum at Intro

December 27, 2016 Barbara Payne, Editor

2 nights of dim sum at Intro. Photo credit: Anjali Pinto

If you haven’t experienced the joys of cuisine delivered by top chefs being given a chance to shine – and experiment using their highest skills, to the great enjoyment of guests – how about trying it this week? Wednesday, December 28 – Thursday, December 29 reserve your spot at Intro for a modern dim sum pop up. For two days only, three former Intro visiting chefs are taking the entrepreneurial skills that they learned at Intro to take over the restaurant with a menu inspired by their travels – in particular the nine Asian countries Chef Gillanders recently toured.

An a la carte menu and pre-fixe option are available will feature elevated dim sum, noodles and rice and family-style feasts. A limited number of reservations are available from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. next Wednesday, December 28 and Thursday, December 29 for this special a la carte menu. To make a reservation or view the menu, visit www.introchicago.com or call the restaurant at 773.868.0002.

Chicago restaurants

A few ideas for celebrating New Year’s 2017 in Chicago

December 22, 2016 Barbara Payne, Editor

If you can’t stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve, you can still enjoy libations and good food and even full dinners at any number of restaurants in Chicago this New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 2017. Below are a few ideas.

The Spanish Square Spanish pre-party for New Year’s Eve, 4-6 p.m. For early-to-bed types the party will start at 4 p.m. ET (11 p.m. in Spain). Party-goers will count down the minutes to the Spanish New Year via a live broadcast from Spain! Adults get a glass of Cava (Spanish bubbly) and kids can have sodas and specialty drinks. At the stroke of midnight (5 p.m. ET), you’ll partake in the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes (one at each stroke of the clock) for a prosperous 2017. $30 for people over 21, $25 for ages 9-20, and children 8 and under are free. Call for tickets (773) 717-7900 or visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2714804.

The Spanish Square NYE dinner, 7-9 p.m. A little later than the family party, consider coming for a sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner. Executive Chef Rafael’s special menu priced at $49 also offers an optional wine pairing for $20. You’ll finish the celebration by eating 12 grapes with a replaying of Spain’s broadcast of ringing in 2017 – one grape for each stroke of midnight. It’s the perfect way to kick off your celebration. Reservations (773) 717-7900.

Troquet River North, 9 pm – 2am. DJ music, a champagne toast, heavy hors d’oeuvres and party favors. Tickets – $65 before December 12, $80 after and at the door – include an open bar with a wide selection of craft beers, 10 different wines from Troquet’s unique draft wine system and house mixed drinks. 21 and over. Tickets INCLUDE tax and gratuity – get ’em at troquetrivernorth.com. Next day, enjoy New Year’s brunch, 10am-3pm. The $25 deal includes a choice of brunch entree and 1.5 hours of mimosas.

And, of course, don’t forget the many ever-reliable LEYE restaurants. They’ve collected all the happenings for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day at all of their venues – see links below. A few standout occasions for NYE include Studio Paris‘ black tie event, Naoki‘s omakase menu, and Ema‘s prix-fixe menu with Chef CJ Jacobson.

All LEYE New Year’s Eve events here: http://www.leye.com/new-year-s-eve

All LEYE New Year’s Day events here: http://www.leye.com/new-year-s-day

Sepia Chicago offers a festive menu curated by Executive Chef Andrew Zimmerman and wine pairings by beverage director extraordinaire Arthur Hon. Prices exclude tax and gratuity. Reserve for New Year’s Eve at 312.441.1920 (credit card guarantee is required). Menu and more info at www.sepiachicago.com

First Seating | 5:00pm-6:45pm – Four-Course Prix Fixe Menu
$85 | $145 with wine pairing
Second Seating | 8:00pm – 10:30pm – Six-Course Prix Fixe Menu $125 | $215 with wine pairings

Fork offers a 4-course prix fixe menu for New Year’s Eve – $70 per person with a $28 wine pairing. Check out the incredible Fork NYE menu with obviously carefully curated elegant wine pairings here.

Knife Restaurant, now open near Lincoln Square, offers a sophisticated, intimate New Year’s Eve with Chef Tim Cottini’s special tasting menu of three elegant gourmet courses, priced at $90 per person. Appetizer choices: 1) Beef Tartar with Bordeglaze, Apple and Smoked Shiitake Mushrooms and Beef Fried Toasts; 2) Lobster Thermidor; or 3) Celery Root Risotto and Fresh Black Truffles. Entree choices: 1) Winter Vegetables, a study of the winter’s bounty provided by local farmers; 2) Truffle Crusted, Dry Aged Beef Tenderloin; or 3) Dover Sole with Porcini Mushroom Mille Feuille. Dessert: a luscious Chocolate Mousse with Bittersweet Chocolate, White Chocolate and Tart Cherries.

Dovetail Brewery. What better way to celebrate New Year’s Eve than with a beer in your hand AND your dog by your side? Dovetail’s taproom is dog friendly, so you don’t have to worry about leaving your dog home alone. Now, you can celebrate the New Year with the entire family! Get all the details here.

Ixcateco Grill. Wonderful Mexican food and BYOB. Executive Chef/owner Anselmo Ramirez created new menu items to celebrate Feliz Año Nuevo. Everything from appetizers – empanadas with vegetables & goat cheese and unique house-made salsa – to entrees like wood grilled salmon with pumpkin squash mole or wood-grilled shrimp, pork or skirt steak, and the chef’s fabulous Tres Leches Cake, BYOBubbly! Seatings start at 5:30 pm; last seating 10:30 p.m. Call 773-539-5887 for a reservation or make it on-line at http://www.ixcatecogrill.com

Chicago Restaurant Examiner