Navy Pier will kick off summer thisMemorial Day weekend when its widely anticipated free summer fireworks light up the sky at 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 28. But if you’ve got the time, plan to eat and enjoy some of the Pier’s other entertainments beforehand.
Fireworksat Navy Pier return at 9 p.m. every Wednesday and 10 p.m. every Saturday, through Labor Day. Navy Pier’s signature displays are synchronized to dramatic and popular music, and unique soundtracks for special occasions. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to find a great viewing spot along the Pier.
One of the best vantage points for viewing the fireworks is the Navy Pier Beer Garden, the city’s go-to destination for free, outdoor music all summer long, under the banner Live on the Lake. Opening night performances include John Kimler & Friends, Mike & Joe, and New Orleans funk and jazz artist Shamar Allen. Live on the Lake continues Sunday, May 29, with Fareed Haque, DJ Papa G, and Kofi & the New Roots, and on Monday, May 30, with Libido Funk Circus and Vintage Vinyl.
The Beer Garden is the local home of farm-to-foam beers from Tangled Roots Brewery, which creates a full range of light lagers and ales to dark, experimental brews made with hops grown on their farm right here in Illinois.
Visitors can also enjoy a mouthwatering experience at Ciccio (pronounced Chee-cho) officially opening from 11:00 a.m to.8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 26. Owner Mario Ferraro is a second-generation Chicagoland restaurateur. His new venture combines traditional Italian cuisine with Chicagoland favorites, like Ciccio’s star menu item, the “Italian Beef” Sandwich. Ciccio’s boasts a 100 percent scratch kitchen giving guests quality in every bite.
New this year, Jake’s on the Lake brings one of Chicago’s favorite restaurants to Navy Pier. Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap (see our previous enthusiastic review) is celebrating its 20th year in business this July, as the city’s hottest destination for hot wings. Jake’s famous wings—once named best in the country by NBC’s Today show—come in heat levels ranging from Spicy Buffalo wings to Firecracker Wings to XXX Wings—packed with habanero, ghost pepper and scorpion pepper. To view the full menu, click here.
Pixar Putt, open May 28 through Aug. 20, lays out a course of 18 fun and interactive holes of mini golf at Polk Bros Park, each based on characters from such beloved Pixar classics as “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” “Coco,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Wall-E,” and “Inside Out.”
Pixar Putt, co-presented by Rockefeller Productions and TEG Life Like Touring, will be open from noon to 10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays (with last entry at 8:30 p.m.) and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (last entry 8:30 p.m.). Pixar Putt is also available to Private Groups and Corporate Groups. Get your tickets at www.pixarputt.com/chicago.
See Chicago Dance kicks off the 10th annual Chicago Dance Month with a free two-hour performance that samples styles from ballet to fire acts with six different Chicago companies sharing the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park. The schedule features Nawja Dance Corps, 3 p.m.; Chicago Tap Theater, 3:20 p.m.; Raks Inferno, 3:45 p.m.; Movement Revolution Dance Crew, 3:55 p.m.; Visceral Dance Chicago, 4:05 p.m.; and Last Dance, 4:20 p.m. Live dance performances will return to Navy Pier at 3 p.m. every Saturday throughout summer at the Wave Wall.
Wave Wall Wax, a series featuring Chicago’s most recognized DJs spinning house and dance music, also begins May 28, with Steve “Miggedy” Maestro at 5 to 7 p.m. The series continues at 5 p.m. every Saturday through Sept. 3 at the Wave Wall Platform.
All events subject to change or cancellation. To view the full Navy Pier events calendar, click here.
Empty inside – Photo by REY MELVIN CARAAN on Unsplash
Chicago is home to thousands of excellent restaurants, and although they’re all closed for dining in, you can still get some fabulous food from many of them. One hospitality group whose member restaurants consistently feature top-quality food is Lettuce Entertain You® Enterprises. We have had some of our favorite dishes at a number of these establishments. So we’re happy to offer you a listing of some of the delicious goodies you can get for your mom and your family this Mother’s Day 2020, despite the coronavirus lockdown. Delivery and/or pickup as indicated. Enjoy! And have a great Mother’s Day.
Aba WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM WHERE: 302 N Green Street, Chicago IL 60607 WHAT: Aba is offering a Mother’s Day package that includes Classic Hummus with Crudite & Housemade Bread, Village Salad, Beef Tenderloin Kebabs, Grilled Chicken Kebabs, Lemon Dill Basmati Rice and Double Chocolate Tarte. Looking to show Mom some extra love? We’ve teamed up with Kehoe Designs to offer two different flower arrangements for her special day! The Mother’s Day menu is $25.95 per person, plus tax. Flowers range from $45 – $65, plus tax. Orders must be placed by Thursday, May 7 at 5:00 PM. Order online for carryout or delivery. CONTACT:Order online from Aba
Antico Posto WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM WHERE: 118 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523 WHAT: Antico Posto is offering a Mother’s Day package that includes Housemade Bread & Giardiniera, House Salad, Shrimp Risotto and Zuppa Inglese for four.The cost is $70, plus tax. Orders must be placed by Saturday, May 9 at 4:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time. CONTACT:630-586-9200
Beatrix – Streeterville WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM WHERE: 671 N. St. Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611 WHAT: Beatrix has teamed up with Flowers For Dreams to include a flower bouquet for Mom alongside a special brunch for four people. Mother’s Day Brunch & Bouquet Bundle for four includes Baked Apple French Toast, Scrambled Eggs (pro tip: top it with lobster!), Brown Sugar Bacon, Maple Chicken Sausage, Wild-Berry Parfaits, Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice and Intelligentsia Coffee. The cost is $110.95, plus tax. Looking for brunch for two? A Mother’s Day Brunch menu for two is available as well for $23.95 per person, plus tax. Orders must be placed by Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for pick-up only. CONTACT:312-642-0001 or order online from Beatrix
Big Bowl – Chicago & Lincolnshire WHEN: Sunday, May 10; Chicago: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Lincolnshire: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM WHERE: Chicago: 60 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611 | Lincolnshire: 215 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 WHAT: Big Bowl will be open on Mother’s Day for carryout, curbside pick-up and delivery. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for delivery or carryout. CONTACT: Chicago: 312-951-1888 or order online from Big Bowl – Chicago | Lincolnshire: 847-808-8880 or order online from Big Bowl – Lincolnshire
Bub City – River North WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM WHERE: 435 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654 WHAT: Add some Southern flare to this Mother’s Day with a Bub City Rib Dinner for four. Enjoy 2 full slabs of Charcoal-Roasted Baby Back Ribs, a side of Mac N’ Cheesy, Grilled Asparagus with a Lemon Aioli, Chopped Salad and Fresh Baked Bub City Cookies for just $59.95, plus tax. Bub City is also offering an 18-Hr. Natural Smoked Brisket Dinner or a Rib-and-Brisket Combo Dinner, plus extra add-ons for purchase like Bloody Mary Kits, Spring Dutch Tulip Bouquets and whole Peanut Butter & Key Lime Pies. Whole pie orders must be placed by Thursday, May 7 at 8:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call or order online for pick-up. CONTACT: 312-610-4200 or order from Bub City
Brasserie Jo WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM WHERE: Pick-up at Osteria Via Stato, 620 N State Street WHAT: Celebrate Mother’s Day with a classic dish from Brasserie Jo, the Shrimp Bag with Lobster Cognac Sauce. The family-style meal for two or four, includes Carrots a la Jo, Green Asparagus with white pearls and chives, the famous Shrimp Bag, Chocolate Mousse and a French baguette. The price is $23.95 per person, plus tax. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for pick-up only. CONTACT: 773-433-5330 or order online from Brasserie Jo
WHEN: Sunday, May 10; from 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM (closed 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
WHERE: 2024 N. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60614
WHAT: Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is offering a brunch package from 10:00 AM – 2:45 PM which includes Citrus French Toast with goat cheese butter and Patatas Bravas with sun-dried tomato aioli. Or, opt for Mother’s Day Dinner from 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM, packed with Brussels Sprouts Salad, Chicken & Vegetable Paella and more. Add on wine, sparkling cava, or Bloody Mary and cocktail kits for additional charges. Both packages are available for $40, plus tax for two or $80, plus tax for four people. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for delivery or carryout.
Crab Cellar WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM WHERE: 1962 N Halsted Street, Chicago IL WHAT: Crab Cellar meal packages will be available for Mother’s Day! Order for two people for $109, plus tax or for four people for $199, plus tax. The meal packages will be available for delivery or carryout and include Alaskan King Crab Legs, Prime Burgers, Hush Puppies, Mac & Cheese, Roasted Broccoli, Boardwalk Fries, Coleslaw and Coconut Cake. You can also add on a bottle of wine or a cocktail kit for additional charges. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for delivery or carryout. CONTACT:773-248-1737 or order online from Crab Cellar for carryout, order online from Crab Cellar for delivery
Di Pescara WHEN: Saturday, May 9 – Sunday, May 10; 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM WHERE: 2124 Northbrook Ct, Northbrook, IL WHAT: Di Pescara’s Mother’s Day special includes Double-Dip Shrimp Cocktail with remoulade and cocktail sauce, Tomato Bruschetta with buffalo mozzarella, Braised Prime Beef Short Rib, Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies, fresh Ciabatta Bread and more. The food is prepared cold and will include heating instructions. The cost is $30, plus tax per person, two person minimum per order. You can add on a bottle of wine or a Make-At-Home Mimosa Kit for $10, plus tax. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, May 6 at 7:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time. CONTACT: 847-498-4321
WHAT: il Porcellino’s Mother’s Day menu serves four and includes Garlic Bread, Italian Salad, Chicken Vesuvio, Rigatoni alla Vodka and Double Chocolate Cake. Round out the special day with an optional flower bouquet and Negroni or Spritz Kits for additional charges. This Mother’s Day package is $79.95, plus tax (gratuity not included). Orders must be placed by Friday, May 8. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for carryout or order online for delivery or carryout.
WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM WHERE: 60 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 WHAT: Joe’s Seafood – Chicago will be offering a Classic Shellfish Dinner for four for $199.95, plus tax. The meal package includes all of your Joe’s favorites including Florida Stone Crab Claws, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Joe’s Chopped Salad, Jennie’s Mashed Potatoes, Joe’s Grilled Tomatoes and Key Lime Pie. Orders must be placed by Friday, May 8 at 5:00 PM. Order online for carryout only. CONTACT: Order online from Joe’s Seafood – Chicago
L. Woods WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM WHERE: 7110 Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712 WHAT: L. Woods is offering brunch for four for Mother’s Day! Enjoy brunch with Strawberry & Banana French Toast for $30, plus tax or Prime Rib Hash with Scrambled Eggs for $50, plus tax. Make it a boozy brunch by adding a Mimosa Kit for $30, plus tax or Bloody Mary Kit for $60, plus tax. BBQ favorites will also be available a la carte for lunch and dinner. Orders must be placed by Friday, May 8 at 5:00 PM. Brunch must be picked up by Sunday, May 10 between 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, lunch and dinner must be picked up between 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time. CONTACT:847-677-3350
WHERE: 2300 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago IL 60614 WHAT: Mon Ami Gabi – Chicago is offering a three-course prix-fixe meal to-go with Gabi French favorites like Roast Salmon, Petite Filets, Chocolate Mousse and more. For the little frites, à la carte options from the kids’ menu are also offered. Add on wines a la carte or a Bloody Mary or Mimosa Kit that serves 4. The Mother’s Day prix fixe menu is available for just $40 (feeds two) or $80 (feeds four), plus tax and gratuity. CONTACT: 773-348-8886,pre-order online for pickup from Mon Ami Gabi – Chicagoor order online for delivery from Mon Ami Gabi
Naoki Sushi WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM WHERE: 5 W. Ontario, Chicago IL WHAT: Celebrate Mom with a sushi dinner by Chef Naoki. The meal for four people and includes Miso Soup, Shrimp Tempura Maki, Spicy Tuna Maki, Salmon Avocado Maki , Salmon Nigiri and Tuna Nigiri. The cost is $89, plus tax. Order online for delivery or carryout.
Osteria Via Stato WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM WHERE: 620 N State Street, Chicago IL 60654 WHAT: Osteria Via Stato is offering brunch and dinner packages for Mother’s Day! Enjoy Smoked Salmon, Bagels & Accompaniments, Vegetable Frittata, Ciabatta French Toast with Macerated Strawberries, Maple Syrup, Applewood Smoked Bacon and Calabrian Potatoes. The brunch cost is $25.95 per person, plus tax. Add a fresh fruit puree Bellini kit in Peach, Blood Orange, Blueberry or Raspberry for $19.95, plus tax. The dinner menu includes Creekstone Farm Beef Tenderloin, Spring Vegetable Panzanella, Ricotta Cavatelli with Wild Mushrooms, Asparagus with Grana and Tiramisu. The dinner cost is $43.95 per person, plus tax. Order by Friday, May 8 at 6:00 PM. The brunch menu is available for pick-up on Saturday, May 9 between 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM and Sunday, May 10 between 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, the dinner menu is available for pick-up between 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call or email to place an order and arrange a time for pick-up or order online for pick-up only. CONTACT: 773-433-5330 or order online from Osteria Via Stato
Quality Crab & Oyster Bah WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM WHERE: 1962 N Halsted Street, Chicago IL WHAT: Quality Crab & Oyster Bah is offering a brunch package for $99, plus tax for four. The package includes Bagels & Smoked Salmon, Fruit Salad, Bacon & Sausage and more with the option to customize your add-ons with Steamed King Crab, Fried Chicken, Shrimp Cocktail and more for additional charges. Orders must be placed by Friday, May 8 at 12:00 PM and picked up by Sunday, May 10 between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Quality Crab & Oyster Bah’s a la carte menu will be available from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM. View Quality Crab & Oyster Bah’s a la carte menu. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for delivery or carryout. CONTACT:773-248-3000 or order online from Quality Crab & Oyster Bah
RPM Italian WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM WHERE: 52 W. Illinois, Chicago, IL 60654 WHAT: Celebrate Mother’s Day with a shared RPM Italian meal for four! Enjoy Truffled Garlic Bread, Heirloom Tomato Salad, RPM Lasagna with Bolognese & Herbed Ricotta, Grilled Asparagus and Chocolate Chip Oat Cookies for dessert. Add on an optional Bellini Kit and bouquet of spring Dutch tulips to round out the special day. The price is $80, plus tax. Order by Friday, May 8 at 12:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for pick-up only. CONTACT: 312-222-1888 or order online from RPM Italian – Chicago
WHAT: Treat Mom to a special RPM Steak Mother’s Day Menu for four. The package includes Parker House Rolls, Kale Salad, Shrimp Cocktail, Chateaubriand, Local Spring Asparagus and Housemade Cookies. Add on an optional RPM Peanut Butter Pie, bouquet of spring Dutch tulips or beverage pairing to round out the special day. The Mother’s Day Dinner package is $125, plus tax (gratuity not included). Order by Friday, May 8 at 12:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for pick-up only.
Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago & Schaumburg WHEN: Sunday May 10; Chicago: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Schaumburg: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM WHERE: Chicago: 21 E. Hubbard St. Chicago, IL 60611 | Schaumburg: 1900 East Higgins Road, Schaumburg IL 60173 WHAT: Shaw’s Chicago & Schaumburg are offering Mother’s Day brunch and dinner packages for $99 each, plus tax for four people. The brunch includes Cinnamon Roll French Toast, Bagels & Lox, Fruit Salad and more while the dinner package features favorites like Shaw’s Clam Chowder, Caesar Salad and Mini Raspberry Pie. Both packages allow for add-on proteins such as Alaskan King Crab Legs and Roasted Tenderloin, as well as cocktail kits and bottles of wine for additional charges. Orders must be placed by Friday, May 8 at 12:00 PM. Orders must be picked up by Sunday, May 10 for brunch between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and for dinner between 12:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Shaw’s Chicago’s a la carte dinner menu will be available in addition to the packages from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM. View Shaw’s Chicago’s a la carte menu. Call the restaurant of your choice to place an order and arrange a time for pick-up or order online for delivery or carryout. CONTACT:312-527-2722 or order online from Shaw’s Chicago | jkoval@leye.com or order online from Shaw’s Schaumburg
Saranello’s WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM WHERE: 601 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL WHAT: Saranello’s is offering family-style Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner packages for four people that are $100, plus tax. The brunch includes citrus-cured Atlantic Salmon, Classic Eggs Benedict, Canadian Bacon, Smoked Vermont turkey with cranberry relish, 1.5 lbs of Roast Sirloin Prime Beef with horseradish cream and more. You can add a Make-At-Home Mimosa Kit for $10, plus tax. The dinner includes Parmesan & Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms, Large Gulf Shrimp with cocktail sauce, 1 lbs of pistachio-crusted Lake Superior Whitefish, Baked Mac and Cheese with aged Tillamook cheddar, a whole fresh baked Apple Pie and more. You can add on a bottle of wine for $25, plus tax. Orders must be placed by Saturday, May 9 at 12:00 PM and be picked up on Sunday, May 10 between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM for brunch and between 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM for dinner. Order online for carryout only. CONTACT:847-777-6878 or order online from Saranello’s
Seaside’s WHEN: Sunday May 10; 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM WHERE: 1962 N Halsted Street, Chicago IL WHAT: Seaside’s a la carte and meal package for four for $64, plus tax for delivery and $59, plus tax for carryout on Mother’s Day! Seaside’s Meal Package includes 1/2 Fried Chicken, full slab of Baby Back Ribs, Mac & Cheese, Roasted Broccoli, B&B Pickles, Coleslaw, and Peppermint Ice-Cream. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for delivery or carryout. CONTACT:773-248-1749 or order online from Seaside’s
WHAT: Summer House Santa Monica and Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar – Chicago are offering six Mother’s Day brunch and dinner packages. From the Smoked Salmon Platter for Four to a Roasted Beef Tenderloin Dinner for Four. Add on bottles of rosé, red or white wine for an additional $20 each, plus tax. All carryout and delivery orders will receive a special 50% off gift card to The CryoBar to treat mom on a future visit. Brunch items will be sold on Sunday, May 10 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and dinner items will be sold all day. All orders must be placed by Thursday, May 7 at 4:00 PM. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or pre-order online for pickup.
God bless the folks who are keeping our restaurants open for pickups and deliveries. Here are a few for your consideration – even one for you western ‘burbanites. Don’t forget to tip the staff and/or delivery person generously for staying on the job for us. Same for Instacart, UPS and FedEx. Thanks, people.
And by the way, as you may already have noticed, things are changing rapidly in this regard, so be sure to check with your chosen restaurant or delivery service to make sure they’re still doing it when you’re ready to place an order. If you want to see more, check the feeds at Twitter and Instagram.
Maggiano’s, 516 N. Clark. Family meals for pickup, delivery or via DoorDash. Choose from a variety of Maggiano’s classics, portioned for two people. Choose a salad, a pasta, and an entrée. Freshly baked ciabatta rolls and six Vera’s Lemon Cookies will accompany the meal. Please note Family Meal entrées do not include a side dish. Family Meal for Four, $60.00 – double the portions at only 50% more.
Cafe Spiaggia, Northwest Corner of Oak & Michigan. Offering curbside pickup available daily from 11a-8p. To pick up: Pull your vehicle to the Northwest Corner of Oak & Michigan under the 1000 Lake Shore Plaza Awning. Please call the restaurant at 312.280.2750 and let them know you have arrived. A team member will meet you at your car with your order.
Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap, 41 E. Superior. Offering curbside pickup available daily from 12 – 9p. For Pickup: Pull Your Vehicle in Front of Jake Melnick’s Located at 41 E. Superior St, with call the Restaurant at 312.266.0400 and let them know you have arrived. a team member will meet you at your car with your order. Delivery available via DoorDash and ChowNow.
River Roast, 315 N. LaSalle St. Offering Family Meals to serve 3-4 via delivery and curbside pickup daily 11a – 8p. To place your order, use DoorDash or call us directly at (312) 822-0100. Delivery is also available via DoorDash and Grubhub. To pick up: Pull your vehicle in front of River Roast (315 N. LaSalle St.) and put your hazard lights on. Call the restaurant at (312) 822-0100 to notify us of your arrival. A team member will meet you at your vehicle with your order.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, 431 N. Dearborn St. When you order directly through the restaurant, they’ll take 25% off your total.*(not valid with delivery services). Here’s their special takeout menu. Upon arrival, remain in your vehicle or wait outside the restaurant; just let us know where you’ll be when placing your order. We will gladly greet you outside.
Weather Mark Tavern, 1503 S. Michigan Ave. Offering pickup and delivery through DoorDash, GrubHub and Seamless. Call 312.588.0230 for takeout. Call for details on menus available.
And in case you live in the Oak Brook area…
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, 5 Oakbrook Court, Oak Brook. Offering to-go meals with curbside pickup. 630-571-1808. Two-course lunch menu $29, available Monday-Saturday, 11a to 4p; Sunday, 11a to 9p. Three-course dinner menu $45, available Monday-Saturday, 11 to 10;.Sunday, 11 to 9. First course includes choice of Wedge Salad, Caesar Salad or Kale Salad. The second course includes choice of 8 oz. Bacon-Wrapped Filet (6 oz at lunch), Perry’s Famous Pork Chop, Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter, Ultimate Chicken Parmesan, or Fried Shrimp. For an additional $5, Crispy Skin Wild Red Snapper; an additional $6, 14 oz Prime Ribeye (10 oz at lunch); or an additional $7, 14 oz Prime New York Strip (10 oz at lunch), are options.
Well, we’re getting our first tastes of spring out there – the beginning of the best season for fun in this great city full of patios and decks and rooftop venues. But whether you’re inside or out, it’s a great time to celebrate the return of this joyous season – however brief it may be. So here are a few party and celebration ideas to get you started.
Estelle’s, 2013 W. North Ave. in Wicker Park, is hosting a Pre-Earth Day Fundraiser on Friday, April 19 starting at 5pm. Enjoy drink specials and a raffle with $1 from all drinks sold being donated to the Gardeneers, the only Chicago-based nonprofit providing school garden programs that give communities equal access to healthy food and food education. Try Estelle’s special $10 themed cocktail, The Green Thumb and munch on “green” menu items like Fried Pickles Spears ($7) and Southern Style Green Beans ($6.50), both served with chipotle ranch, while you play at the Earth Day DIY seed activity table from 6 to 9pm (while supplies last).
Hubbard Inn, 110 W. Hubbard. Happy hour every Monday – Friday from 4 to 7pm. If you’ve got a yen to relive the 60s, come bask in the bar’s “Mad Men”-themed happy hour. Watch 1960’s movies like James Bond, The Graduate, Sound of Music, West Side Story and The Good The Bad and the Ugly. Or sing along with 60s music favorites like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, The Beach Boys and Bob Dylan. Ad agency employees (proof of employment, please) enjoy 15% off their total bill. Other specials include:
$1 oysters on-the-half-shell or shucked clams
$2 shrimp cocktail, scallop crudo, or king crab legs
$3 oyster shooter
$5 Manhattans and Martinis
Jake Melnick makes craveable stuff
Jake Melnick’s, 41 E. Superior, is sporting Music Bar Bingo. Instead of reading off letters and numbers, listen to clips of popular songs. The music ranges from the50’s to today’s top hits including fun themed rounds like 80’s rock, 90’s hits, and more. Music Bingo is free but pays out in real prizes every time. Jake’s partners with several beer companies for samples and awesome prices for upcoming Bar Bingo dates: April 9 & 23 (partnering with Half Acre); May 14, 28 (partnering with Lagunitas); June 11, 25 (partnering with 21st Amendment). Try these April specials while you’re playing or just enjoy: the Buffalo Chicken ($16.95); the Fiesta Wings ($13.95); Sriracha Chicken Mac ($12.95).
Kizuki, 1457 N. Halsted and 1482 N. Milwaukee, welcomes patrons on Monday, April 15 with a Tax Day special on all-you-can-eat unlimited refills of noodles added to any ramen order. Choose noodle type Chuka, Tonk, Tsukemen, Shirataki or Kale. Happy Hour from 5 to 7pm. A few Tax Day specials include: – $1 beers, one per person, with a signature ramen purchase (ask your server for specifics);- $3 Sake Bomb, $5 House sake; $5 House red/white wine; $7 Daily special sangria, $7 Momotoro, and several food specials.
Remedy Bar, 1910 N. Milwaukee, supports Earth Day on Monday, April 22, with an $8 “Sprouts Honor” gin cocktail. Bring friends, sip and watch episodes of Planet Earth on TV throughout the evening. A portion of proceeds from each cocktail will be donated to help kids become better students using project-based learning for STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects via Project SYNCERE.
Wings galore! Throw calorie caution to the winds and come sample from dozens of wing experts at the 20th annual Chicago’s Best WingFest on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 12 to 4pm. Watch Chicago Police Dept and Chicago Fire Dept contestants compete to eat the most. Credit Union 1 Arena (formerly known as UIC Pavilion at 525 S. Racine Ave.). After party! Elliot Bambrough is hosting it for $50 a person at 551 Live (551 N. Ogden Ave.), a new live music venue featuring Live Band Karaoke from 5 to 8 p.m. with $4 drink specials and a 551 Live swag giveaway. VIP tix also available. Visit https://wingfest.net.
Chicago restaurants are full of ideas for making summer-in-the-city the most fun you can have with your clothes on. From huge deals – like Hard Rock’s 71-cent burger to picnics on the go to deals on magic, pasta meals, beer and wine – Chicago is one of the best summer cities in the world. Check a few of these out:
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One hour only!Hard Rock Cafe Chicago, 63 W. Ontario St., celebrates its 47th birthday on Wednesday, June 14, by serving an Original 1971 Legendary® Burger offer for just 71 cents. First-come, first-serve from 11am to noon. Beef patty with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, a golden fried onion ring, crisp lettuce and vine ripened tomato, served on a toasted brioche bun with Hard Rock’s seasoned fries.
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Magic Night at Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton, June 14, 7-9:30pm. An unforgettable evening of mystery and laughter featuring the comedy and magic of Ken Mate. Ken performed on the NBC Special “The Worlds Greatest Magic.” He combines slick sleight of hand with the timing of a nightclub comic. $75 tickets include passed appetizers, tapas bar and magic. Carnivale is listed by Open Table as one of the top 100 nightspots in 2017.
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Picnic on-the-go.Columbus Tap, the inhouse restaurant of the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 North Columbus Dr., is now offering a special Picnic-in-the-Park menu. Selections range from wine and cheese, a full dinner of charcuterie, chicken salad, wine and dessert, to an elegant champagne and chocolate dessert picnic. Blankets and folding chairs can also be rented for $10 each and orders can be placed online. And now Fairmont Chicago offers complimentary rickshaw tours for hotel guests through Millennium Park from June 1 – August 31.
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And speaking of picnics to go, Remington’s (20 N. Michigan Avenue), has launched its summertime curated Picnic-Baskets-To-Go, available for pick-up only at Remington’s, located directly across from The Bean. Attendees of the Grant Park Music Festival or Millennium Park Summer Film Series are encouraged to place orders 24 hours in advance. Customize your basket with artisanal meats and cheeses, hot and cold sandwiches and salads like the Italian Sub, Shaved Prime Rib, Wrightwood Salad, and Crab Louis, and snacks like Trout Dip, Guacamole and Chips, Hummus and Pita, Grilled Artichokes, Housemade Coleslaw and Housemade Chips. Starting at $43 (repacks for only $28), picnic menu package orders come packed with everything you need, down to the wet naps. To view the full picnic menu, click here.
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Ravioli&Co, the new quick-service pasta and wine bar located on the first floor of Eataly, features three seasonal dishes and rotating daily specials priced under $15. Using pasta made fresh every morning by experts, dishes are prepared in real time while you watch at the Ravioli counter. Perfect for your work day lunch or quick healthy dinner fix during the week; available to dine-in and to-go. Optional Italian wine pairings available.
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AIRE, 100 W. Monroe, the hot rooftop bar on the 24th floor of Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago, is now featuring a pop-up grill from Kuma’s Corner to offer guests a new food experience this summer. Now open for the 2018 season, come for the hand-crafted cocktails, seasonal, shareable plates, and local craft beers. Perfect for happy hour meals and group get-togethers. Kuma’s Corner will offer its Led Zepplin, Darkthrone, WASP, and Pig Destroyer burgers for $10 at AIRE on Saturdays from 4–9pm.
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Ballast Point Tasting Room & Kitchen open now at 212 N. Green St. in the West Loop. Hours: 11– 11pm (kitchen 11–10:30pm). The new brewpub comes to Chicago by way of Ballast Point Brewing Company®, a pioneer in the craft beer movement in San Diego with a 20-plus-year history of supporting the art of home brewing and developing high-quality, innovative, award-winning beer.
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DMK Restaurants’ newest venture, Fort Willow, 1721 N. Elston, is set in a reimagined childhood tree fort, drawing inspiration for chef-driven cocktails and rotating food specials from around the world. Right now they’ve launched a new series of “Big Bites,” special sandwich combinations with global roots, each version available for two weeks only. Hurry in now to try the “Classic” Big Bite, available until June 21. It combines gooey cheddar cheese, buttery Havarti and ramp pesto and is paired with a baked goat cheese and tomato “soup” – but let’s be honest, that soup is for dipping!
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River Roast, 315 N. LaSalle Street, in the heart of River North, announces its new, cool Reid Bar. The place by day specializes in coffee, cold press, tea and made-fresh-daily layered donuts. Then, in the evenings, Reid Bar transforms itself into a showcase for curated craft cocktail items that feature extraordinary spirits along with delectable bites. You’ll love the atmosphere.
Chicago is a marvelous place to eat out any time, but some places go out of their way to offer specials for specific occasions. Too bad about the Bears, but you can still enjoy Super Bowl goodies in places around Chicago. And of course, it’s not too early to plan your Valentine’s Day – or anti-Valentine’s Day – celebration. And then, imagine this: a very large authentic Italian eatery opening up just down the street from – you guessed it – Eataly!
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Ella Elli (1349 W. Cornelia Ave) in Lakeview offers a chic alternative to the Super Bowl. No TVs on Super Bowl Sunday but you can have flights of rosé wines, rosé cocktails and frosé! Regular brunch menu from 10am to 2:30pm and dinner from 4 to 10pm. The “Super Bites” menu includes Shrimp Avocado Salad, pink shrimp with diced avocado, red onion and cilantro in a grapefruit-honey vinaigrette with crispy pita chips ($9); French Onion Dip and Chips, creamy onion dip with crispy pancetta and housemade potato chips ($6); Prosciutto Meatballs, fontina-stuffed beef and prosciutto meatballs simmered in a spicy tomato basil sauce over creamy polenta ($8); Potato Croquettes, three crispy parmesan potatoes with spicy Calabrian-Chile aioli and cilantro ($6); and Nduja-Stuffed Dates, over Gorgonzola fondue and topped with Marcona almonds ($7).
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Smoke Daddy smoked wings
Smoke Daddy (1804 W Division St.) in Wicker Park welcomes Super Bowl fans for the game from 4 to 9pm for an all-you-can-eat pig roast buffet and build-your-own chili bar – all for $20 per person (plus tax and gratuity)! Price also includes one Lagunitas pint. Reservations are strongly recommended; call 773.772.6656. OR pick your favorites from their popular catering menu for any Super Bowl party. Options include their signature wings ($30 feeds 10, $55 feeds 20), BBQ sliders ($40 feeds 10, $75 feeds 20), mac and cheese ($25 feeds 10, $45 feeds 20) and more. A la carte options include pulled pork ($16 per lb.), St. Louis-style ribs ($20 per lb.) and BBQ beans ($14 per lb.). Orders must be made by January 31 via email (catering@4srg.com) or phone (773.772.6656).
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STK Chicago, 9 W. Kinzie St., revs up the winter with fun specials like Game Day at STK. The Bears may be done, but you can still celebrate Super Bowl on Feb. 4 with $3 beers and $5 bites, plus a special half-time performance. Office Hours – Every Sunday thru Thurs 5 to 7pm, STK Chicago’s own take on happy hour gets you specific menu items like $5 cocktails and $7 small plates like Lil’ BRGs, Tuna Tartare, Crispy Rock Shrimp and more. Then consider Wine Down Wednesdays – half off bottles of wine every Wednesday.
ETA Restaurant avocado toast
ETA Restaurant + Bar, located inside Loews Chicago Hotel at 455 N. Park Dr., has lots of winter fun specials. Snow Days – warm up at ETA every time it snows in Chicago. $1 off Local Stops and Exotic Locations cocktails for every inch of snow predicted in the forecast (maximum 10 inches) that day by www.weather.com for zip code 60611. $10 off your cocktail! Chicago Restaurant Week, ETA Restaurant + Bar will be participating for the first time this year – special prix-fixe menu for lunch ($22++) or dinner ($33++). Game Day Specials, February 4. Sit down in front of the 7’ by 12’ TV screen in the hotel lobby to enjoy the Big Game, and chow down on menu items like ETA Burger (double patty, gouda, crispy onions, and tomato jam, $17), the Brat in a Blanket (with hot pepper jam, $10), and Chicken Wings (choice of bacon-buffalo sauce or garlic-parmesan sauce, $14), plus snacks and beer specials. Pro- or Anti-Valentine’s Day weekend! February 14-17 – enjoy the 4 Cs of Valentine’s Day (hint: Cupid isn’t one of them!): [fried] Chicken, Champagne, Cake, and Comfort. Whether you’re pro- or anti-Valentine’s Day, you can enjoy 3 days of special deals at ETA. From February 14-17, buckets of Hot Sauce Fried Chicken are only $39 each – a whole bird (8 pieces) served with buttermilk biscuits and house-made jam ($39). Champagne – splits of JP Chenet, Rosé Dry are $15. Chocolate Stout Cake – Nutella ganache, chocolate pretzels, and cherries ($9) makes the perfect dessert to enjoy with friends in the Comfort of ETA’s cozy ambiance.
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Cupitol Coffee + Eatery, 455 E. Illinois St. (and 812 Grove St. Evanston) will donate all hot and iced latte proceeds to Open Heart Magic, a Chicago-based, non-profit that uses the therapeutic power of magic and laughter to energize seriously ill children. Additionally, they will also offer Chocolate Dipped Strawberries at each location two for $2. Cupitol lattes feature a specialty espresso blend imported exclusively from Europe that’s based on 100% Arabica beans. Lattes include theChai, Mocha, Nutella, Vanilla, Caramel and Hazelnut Latte. Drink ’em regular or dairy-free with coconut or almond milk. But the menu also features full breakfast, lunch and dinner options plus pastries from the in-house bakery. Both locations open on Valentine’s Day from 7am to 9pm.
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Coming soon! Sapori Antichi Bar Italiano, 22 W. Ohio, opens its authentic Northern Italian full-service restaurant and bar in March 2018. It’s just down the street from Eataly Chicago, in the former Rev Burger space. With 2,300 square feet to accommodate 50-60 guests, the new 100% Italian – from kitchen equipment to tiles – restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a full bar, say founders Michael and Mary Meranda. Look for Italian dishes like Tigelle, an Italian small, round, thickish flat bread and Gnocco Fritto, an Italian bread typically sliced into diamond shapes and then fried. Meet friends and relax at the espresso and breakfast bar and the chef’s table where you might even get tastes not yet on the menu. We can always hope that the prices will be a bit less daunting than some of those at Eataly!
Love to learn about the specials some of our Chicago restaurants put together for the holidays. Fun. Festive. Food and drink to celebrate with. Check out these news bytes about 6 of them. And Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, etc. etc.
Naoki Fried Chicken – December 22nd & 23rd only. Naoki’s savory Japanese-style fried chicken, prepared by half or whole bird and served with Yuzo coleslaw, Roasted sweet potatoes and Teriyaki & Toban Jan dipping sauces. Available dine in or carry-out. To place an order or make a reservation, call 773-868-0002.
Texas de Brazil, 210 E. Illinois, will open early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve (11am to 9pm) with their full rodizio-style menu available all day, as well as Horseradish Crusted Ribeye (a special holiday item). Pricing for Chicago here and Schaumburg here. Closed on Christmas Day, but open regular hours with the regular menu on New Year’s Day.
The Shelby, 2759 W. Augusta Blvd. (their website isn’t up yet but Google has reviews) opened December 19. Open 5pm weeknights, and 11am Saturday and Sunday. Casual restaurant/bar with a hearty beer program, a full bar, and Chef (formerly with Haywood Tavern, Bite Cafe, Longman & Eagle, and Spiaggia) Rodney Staton-created snacks, salads, and a load-your-own burger and baked potato program. Enjoy their no-bull approach to food, drink, socializing, and service in soulful, well-worn surroundings (denim upholstery, dark wood carpentry, whitewashed brick walls, and canary yellow stools), and with a soundtrack influenced by the Memphis music scene: Stax records artists, Sun records’ Big Star, Isaac Hayes, and The Grifters, to name a few.
ENO Wine Room, 505 N. Michigan in the InterContinental Hotel, will be popping bubbles every hour to ring in 2018. Learn about ENO’s New Year’s Eve celebration here. If you’d rather celebrate at home, ENO’s General Manager and champagne expert, Amanda Herrell, suggests breaking out the bubbly bar yourself! Her beverage and food pairing recommendations include: Don’t feel pressured to serve only champagne! Other good dry bubbles: Crémant de Bourgogne, Cava, and Franciacorta. Sweeter tasty bubbles: Lambrusco, Brachetto, and Moscato d’Asti. Pair them well! With dry bubbles, stick with rich triple cream cheese. The rich and decadent flavors will be complemented by the bubbles. For the sweeter bubbly drinks, indulge in foie gras mousse. The effervescence combined richness and the berry flavor of the wine will mesh well with the savory dish.
Celebrate the New Year at Ceres Table, 3124 N. Broadway. Sunday, December 31 | 5:00pm – 11:00pm (reservation times) A special four-course, regional Italian meal, presented by Executive Chef Steven O’Neill. For $55/person (*Special: reservations before 6:30pm and after 10:30pm, only $45/person) guests will enjoy their choice of one dish per course from the complete menu.
Lowcountry, 1132 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago’s premier boil-in-a-bag seafood destination announces a second location opening in the South Loop early 2018. At Lowcountry South Loop, the magic four steps remain the same: choose your protein, like snow crab legs, head-on shrimp, mussels and more, then choose a sauce, a spice level, and add-ons like corn, sausage, and potatoes. New boil combinations launch upon opening, and now you can get pre-set seafood bags built for one, two, three, or four people filled with a variety of shellfish and add-ons. Love the music on their website!
The holidays for many ethnic groups are fast approaching. and Mago Grill & Cantina has the perfect addition to any celebration table. Mago is featuring a full size (9”) Eggnog Tres Leches and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Flan inspired by Chef Juan’s late grandmother’s holiday recipes, both $35, through December 31. They are both available with just 24-hour notice at any Mago Grill & Cantina location (Chicago, Arlington Heights, Bolingbrook or South Barrington). Perfect for those last-minute Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas dessert needs!
Mago Grill & Cantina fabulous holiday desserts
You might be surprised to learn there is a large Mexican-Jewish community in Chicago that draws influences from both cuisines. To honor this group, Mago decided to combine traditional Hanukkah dishes with a Latin flare, thus culinarily fusing Mexican and Jewish culture. Hanukkah Menu Items available only 12/12/17 – 12/20/17)
Playing off the traditional Hanukkah short rib meal, Mago will offer a limited-time Beef Short Rib entrée for $26 (Pulque braised, fork tender beef short rib served with Mole de Manzana, or Apple Mole and cilantro potato latkes). Or try Roasted Half Chicken for $20 (wild mushroom huitlacoche cream, roasted Yukon gold potatoes).
Honoring the Jewish tradition of eating apples with honey during Rosh HaShanah, Guava and Apple Crisp dessert for $8 (Baked granny smith apples with guava topped with a cinnamon crumble). Apples in the cocktail line: La Manzanita cocktail for $13 (Apple & cinnamon infused Patron Blanco Tequila, apple cider, fresh lime juice).
Mac and Cheese Day – 7/14: Get cheesed with Spin Dip Mac at Jake Melnick’s. Jake’s Creamy house-made mac n’ cheese is tossed with their creamy spinach artichoke dip, topped with cheddar and Swiss cheese then baked until golden. Garnished with fresh tomato, Parmesan, pita chips and Sriracha crema.
Ice Cream Day – 7/19: Treat yourself to Jake Melnick’s Hot Fudge Sundae ($6.25) after a “fish” dinner.
July Ahi Tuna Burger
The Asian B.L.T.T. is the perfect summer burger featuring a hand-packed Ahi Tuna burger, topped with smoked teriyaki bacon, wasabi ranch salad and crispy wontons. The salad is on the burger so it counts, right? BTW, July is Ice Cream Month so don’t hold yourself back from celebrating all month long!
July Pina Colada Wings
International Chicken Wing Day – 7/29: Grab a basket of the Spicy Pina Colada Wings, the perfect celebration flavor. Jake’s jumbo wings are fried until crispy, tossed in their house-made spicy pina colada sauce and garnished with toasted coconut. Served with Ranch dressing.
Oh, and just in case you don’t have enough carbs, it’s also National French Fry day on Friday, 7/14. Jake’s will be selling $5 specialty baskets this Friday, the 14th including the Breakfast and Street Fries.
As the temperatures continue to be chillingly above normal, we can all feel free to keep exploring our restaurant options, sans hoods, gloves and scarves. Check these announcements out:
Seasides carryoutw fried chicken
Seaside’s opens Monday, March 13 for carryout and delivery from the team behind Oyster Bah in Lincoln Park. The menu focuses on fried chicken, slow-cooked BBQ ribs, fresh Maine lobster, and sides, all fit for sharing. Harking back to childhood memories of the Jersey Shore, Oyster Bah and Shaw’s Crab House Partner, Bill “Seaside” Nevruz, brings family-style simple, delicious fare to take-home .
Seaside’s shares kitchen space at Oyster Bah. Order in person or online for pick up Mondays-Thursdays 5 -10 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 4 – 11pm, and Sundays from 4 – 9pm. Or get delivery through the Door Dash app. Right now, diners who place an order through Door Dash can receive $5 off (with a minimum purchase of $15) by using promo code LETTUCEEATS.
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Ella Elli, 1349 W. Cornelia Ave., the eleventh concept by 4 Star Restaurant Group (Tuco and Blondie, Crosby’s Kitchen, Remington’s), opened in Lakeview just off Southport Avenue last night, Tuesday, March 6. With culinary operations led by 4 Star Executive Chef Matt Eversman and branding and design development by Chicago-based Grip (Girl & The Goat, GT Fish & Oyster), the 75-seat concept is a warm, intimate lounge space to enjoy cuisine created with global influences, a unique wine list and classic cocktails.
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Guests can enjoy dishes by 4 Star Executive Chef Matt Eversman, alongside Executive Chef Nolan Narut that range from charcuterie and toasts, vegetables and salads to pizzas and pastas, meats, fish, and desserts. Cured Meats and Pickles, Artisanal Cheeses and Steak Tartar, with toast options like the Prosciutto Butter Toast with radish and dill.
Vegetables and salads are stand-outs at Ella Elli. Crispy Grain Salad with goat cheese and shaved vegetables, Roasted Carrots with crème fraiche, harissa and pickled celery. From the wood-burning pizza oven comes Roasted Oyster Mushroom with goat cheese. Pastas include Rigatoni with roasted cauliflower, mint and chilies. Seafoods include Hamachi Crudo with persevered lemon relish and Wood-Oven Octopus with crispy potatoes and salsa verde. Meats: Burger Au Poivre with St. André triple cream and watercress, or Lamb Scottadito with spiced yogurt and harissa. Desserts include Profiteroles with mint gelato and espresso dark chocolate sauce, and Spanish Blue Cheese Beignets with cardamom powedered sugar, fresh lemon and fig-balsamic glaze.
