Category Archives: live music and food

bars in Chicago, brunch, Chicago restaurants, live music and food, spirits and cocktails, wine

Music, mood & menus – winter merriment at 3 Chicago spots

February 6, 2020 Barbara Payne, Editor

We always enjoy hearing about the interesting promotions our local hotels and restaurants come up with to entice us to get out of the house in our traditionally-the-worst-time-in-the-winter days and nights. We like some of these for starters: music-themed fun throughout, late Restaurant Week fun and honoring women entrepreneurs with tequila and tidbits.

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 N. Columbus Dr., is turning its February environment into a paean to the joys of music. From cocktails at The Bar to special pricing for Spa services and dining options at Columbus Tap, the Sweet Sounds of Fairmont programming kicked off with a complimentary concert for guests featuring Jalen N’Gonda. Look for weekly Culinary Concertos and the Bar’s classic cocktails through March 29. This symphony for the senses extends to much-need R&R with mySpa treatments, guestroom packages, and meetings and events promotions. For more information, visit their website or call 312-565-8000.

Grant Park Bistro, 800 S. Michigan, part of the LM Restaurant Group, you can still get in on Restaurant Week through Sunday February 9. For $36++. You choose from starters like Wild Mushroom Soup brioche, thyme oil; or Fennel Ceviche grapefruit, espelette, cilantro, noisette; or Burnt Endive red wine poached pear, blue cheese, pistachio, red wine vinaigrette. Moving on from there, entrees included in the deal range from Duck Breast, Scallops, Butternut Squash or Celeriac Steak. Then dessert options Cinnamon Apple Tart or Brownie fudge brownie, with praline cremeux and caramel mousse. Or check out their very cool daily specials – like BYOB with your dinner on Saturday nights (no corkage fee)!

VU Rooftop bar, 133 E. Cermak Rd., invites you on Sunday March 3, 11zm to 2pm, to celebrate international women’s day with an exclusive boozy brunch to honor women entrepreneurs with an all-inclusive brunch and special guest, former State Senator, Toi Hutchinson. With exquisite dishes and liquor forward cocktails, the event is co-hosted by Fino Tequila, the Connection for Abused Women and Children (CAWC), and Toi Hutchinson, the former Illinois State Senator and the current senior advisor to the governor for cannabis control. A portion of the proceeds from select Fino Tequila cocktails will go to benefit the CAWC. For $35 get all you can eat from VU’s signature brunch men – items like Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Belgian Waggle; Chilaquiles Casserole with eggs, beans, roasted corn, and Chihuahua cheese; a Vegetable Frittata and more. The event will feature pop-ups that showcase women-focused brands, including makeup by Dior and more.

appetizers, bars in Chicago, brunch, burgers, carryout in Chicago, Chicago restaurants, holidays, live music and food, New Years Eve

Still looking? Consider these Chicago spots for NYE/NYD 2019

December 31, 2018 Barbara Payne, Editor

Always fun to consider the possibilities for New Year’s Eve, even if you never actually go anywhere (like some of us). But it’s kind of exciting to read about all the things you could be doing if you actually stayed up that late… And then there’s all the cool places to eat and drink on New Year’s Day. Here are a few for your edification – starting with the most expensive and randomly afterwards in vague alphabetical order, but then there’s the big list of LEYE venues that starts a new alphabet. Best approach: look first for addresses that seem like where you’d like to go.

BTW, we are just publishing this without fine editing because, darn it, it’s already early New Year’s Eve and we wanna give you some time to peruse. If you find an error or something that needs to be fixed, apologies ahead of time.

STK and SNL Experience team up, 9 W. Kinzie (near 360 N. State St.) for a Chicago NYE experience. With the purchase of a general admission ticket ($150), you get access to The Museum of Broadcast on the 4th floor of 9 W. Kinzie Street from 9pm – 1am on Dec. 31. DJ Mach 1 will be spinning from the set of SNL and attendees can enjoy an open bar, STK hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast while watching a live stream of the famed NYC ball drop. Say you want to be a bit extra and cap off 2018 in style, bottle service packages for you and your crew on NYE include:

Second City Table package ($1,000, up to 6 guests per table):
Brooklyn and/or Queens Table package ($4,000, up to 8 guests per table)
Live from NY and Chicago Stage package ($5,000, up to 8 guests per table)
Turd Ferguson Here Is Jeopardy Stage package ($6,000, exclusive stage party for 12)

Eataly Chicago, 43 E. Ohio St., is hosting its annual all-inclusive New Year’s Eve Party on December 31st from 9pm – 12:30am. Your ticket includes food from three of Eataly’s restaurants, including the seasonal Alpine restaurant, BAITA. Think: unlimited fresh pasta & risotto, pizza napoletana, arancini, mozzarella, and focaccia alongside bottomless red, white and sparkling Italian wines. There will also be tons of panettone and pandoro, pans of tiramisu and more. A live band and DJ will perform throughout the evening, and at midnight, a toast to ring in 2019!

aliveOne, 2683 N. Halsted. Monday, December 31 – $75 per person before December 15; $80 per person after December 15. FREE Admission to front bar only. Ring in the new year with an all-inclusive package from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. The package includes access to aliveOne’s private back room, a drink package with top shelf liquor, beer, wine and Red Bull, and a food buffet. Guests will enjoy a champagne toast at midnight and DJ sets from Boathouse all night. The front room at aliveOne will be open with no cover all night. For NYE tickets, visit http://aliveone.com/event/aliveones-new-years-eve-party/.

Arun’s Thai Restaurant, 4156 N. Kedzie. Monday, December 31; open at 5 p.m. $150 per person for 12-courses (food only). Enjoy a flavorful and visually stunning multi-course New Year’s Eve dinner of 12 artfully crafted Thai delicacies and a pour of champagne preceded by a complimentary amuse-bouche in the kitchen with world-renowned and James Beard award-winning chef Chef Arun Sampanthavivat. Enjoy bubbly cocktails in addition to their Thai-influenced drink program – $15 cocktails like the Black Thai Affair (muddle blackberries and Thai basil, Lillet Blanc, Caorunn Gin, lemonade, topped with prosecco and garnished with blackberry and Thai basil). $10 mocktails like the Seasonal Virgin Sour (cucumber and watermelon puree, house-made sour mix, egg white, lavender and melon kombucha) and more. RSVP by calling (773) 539-1909, on OpenTable or by visiting www.arunsthai.com.

HERE’S THE BEYOND PART…
Carnivale, 701 W. Fulton, located in prime West Loop territory, has a week-after-New Year’s Day brunch idea – come in your PJs!! How fun is that? Skip the craziness for NYD and come out on Sunday January 6, 10:30am – 3pm. Come with your brunch squad dressed in your Sunday Best PJs (you get a complimentary mimosa if you do!) and indulge in comfort food and drink for the annual Pajama Brunch! Enjoy signature brunch items including Pork Belly Benedict – Bay’s English muffin, spinach, poached eggs, red eye hollandaise, papas bravas, smoked pork belly and Skirt ‘n Eggs – Wood grilled skirt steak, two farm fresh fried eggs, chimichurri. A kid-friendly menu is also available. Adults (21+) can warm up at the Hot Chocolate Station featuring Kahlua, Frangelico and Baileys Irish Cream.

Commonwealth Tavern, 2000 W Roscoe St. in Roscoe Village. Monday, December 31 from 8pm to 1am. New Year’s Eve party for $60 per person includes microbrew drafts, domestic bottles, call drinks, wine, an appetizer buffet, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. For tickets, visit here.

The Crystal Gardens, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier. Monday, December 31 from 9pm to 1:30am. Admission starts at $99 per person; VIP Tickets start at $149. Reserved Guaranteed VIP Tables start at $199 per person. Enjoy one of the city’s best New Year’s Eve venues with its opulent setting featuring a one-acre botanical garden inside a six-story glass atrium. General Admission tickets include premium top shelf drinks and a Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants food station from 9pm to 1:30am with 20+ premium liquor bars, red carpet with step and repeat, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. Enjoy music from Chicago’s DJ Dante as well a premier view of the midnight fireworks show from a private terrace for guests of the Crystal Gardens only. Party-goers will also receive an official after-party wristband.

Guests can opt for VIP tickets, starting at $149, to enjoy all the benefits of general admission tickets plus express admission at 8:30 p.m., separate VIP express entry line, first chance to get tables, a special gift and more. Reserved Guaranteed VIP tables start at $199 per person and guests receive a VIP ticket plus a guaranteed table for two to eight people and one to four bottles of champagne based on the table size purchased. To purchase tickets, visit here.

EASY BAR, 1944 W Division St., Monday, December 31 ring in the new year with an all-inclusive package from 8pm to 1am. Includes a midnight toast featuring Taco Bell tacos paired with a glass of champagne. Includes private access to the back room, top shelf liquor, beer, wine, Red Bull, food buffet, and a DJ all night. Get tickets here – $75 per person until December 15 ($80 after December 15). The front bar at Easy Bar will be FREE and open to the public from 8pm to 2am with no dress code.

ESTELLE’S, 2013 W North Ave. Come for free on Monday, Dec. 31 (5pm to 4am with no cover or dress code). Optional drink package (7pm to 1am) for $65 per person until Dec. 15 ($70 per person after Dec. 15) includes top shelf liquor, beer, wine and Red Bull. Estelle’s will have DJ Dan Maloney spinning tunes and a champagne toast at midnight. Estelle’s menu will be available a la carte all night. Limited table reservations are available. Get tickets here.

Hubbard Inn, 110 W. Hubbard. Monday, Dec. 31 ring in the new year in River North with complimentary champagne from 8 – 9pm, a hosted bar from 9pm to 1am, passed hors d’oeuvres, DJ, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets here (starting at $50 per person)

Joy District, 112 W. Hubbard. Party here for NYE and receive a complimentary brunch next day to celebrate the new year. General admission (starting at $75 and going higher as the date nears) premium bar package (9pm to 1am). Enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres from Executive Chef Jason Hedin, access to a hosted champagne bar from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., access to both floors including the nightclub, live music from Chicago’s top DJ’s, a champagne toast at midnight, and more. VIP tables with bottle service are also available. For complete ticket information and pricing, visit https://www.eventstand.com/events/joynye2019. For information on VIP tables or rooftop igloo reservations, email nye@joychicago.com. All guests who purchase tickets will receive complimentary brunch at Parlay on Tuesday, January 1.

Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya, 1482 N Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park, offers a $1 sake bomb special up to New Year’s Eve. Pair yours with over 10 bowls of ramen. Highlights include Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen (rich pork broth flavored with Yamaguchi soy sauce, topped with black garlic oil), and Yuzu Shio Ramen (French sea salt, kelp and Japanese citrus based).

Remedy, 1910 N. Milwaukee, right between Bucktown and Logan Square, presents a New Year’s all-inclusive package from 7pm to 1am. The $80 package includes top shelf liquor, beer, wine, Red Bull, a food buffet, a champagne toast at midnight and a DJ Delayney spinning all night. For tickets, visit http://remedybarchicago.com/event/remedys-new-years-eve-party/. Starting at 1 a.m., Remedy will open to the public for the New Year’s after party until 4 a.m.

Roanoke Restaurant, 135 W. Madison St. in the heart of the Loop, invites you to celebrate on Monday, December 31 from 3pm until 11 for only $44 per person. Indulge in a festive three-course menu created by Executive Chef Greg Elliott, including a Supper Club Prime Rib, Herb Crusted Pork Chop, Linguine Puttanesca and more. Featured wines for the evening will include J Vineyard Pinot Noir ($12 glass, $48 bottle), Wente Cabernet ($13 glass, $52 bottle), Martin Codax Albarino ($10 glass, $40 bottle), plus a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

The Owl, 2521 N. Milwaukee, is open to the public on New Year’s Eve from 6pm to 4am with no cover. Optional all-inclusive $75 package from 7pm to 1am includes top shelf liquor, beer, wine, Red Bull and a food buffet, plus a compimentary champagne toast at midnight as well as DJ Adam Luksetich spinning all night. For tickets,
http://owlbarchicago.com/event/owls-new-years-eve-party/.

Tuscany, 1014 W. Taylor, offers New Year’s Eve dinner specials created by Executive Chef Victorio Padilla, plus complimentary party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. The regular menu will also be available and reservations are highly recommended.

Victory Tap, 1416 S. Michigan Ave. and Victory Italian, 434 W. Ontario, offer their regular menu and a huge welcome to NYE diners – as perfect for couples as it is for groups of friends/family.

Weber Grill, 539 N. State St., offers $45 to $80 food and drink Chef specials for pre-party dinner on New Year’s Eve. Consider Winter Green Salad (caramelized apples, dried cranberries, blue cheese, candied pecans, white balsamic vinaigrette; $6), Grilled NY Strip with Wild Mushrooms (12-ounce center cut, miso butter, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, broccolini; $34), Lamb Chops Provencal (rib chops, seasoned bread crumbs, red wine demi glaze, asparagus, parmesan truffle mashed potatoes; $36), Grilled Gulf Shrimp (ancho chile butter sauce, fried garlic, crispy marble potatoes, cebollitas, grilled bread; $26). For dessert, indulge in an Eggnog Cheesecake (bourbon caramel sauce, fresh whipped cream; $6).

LEYE is always giving Frequent Diners chances to earn extra points.
NYE or NY celebrations at LEYE spots are another great opportunity!

New Year’s Eve

Aba, 302 N. Green St. 3rd floor. Toast to 2019 from 4pm – 12 am (bar open til 2am) with craft cocktails and wines served alongside festive dinner specials including Lamb Osso Bucco with hand rolled saffron couscous and Greek Orzo with winter black truffles. Keep the celebrations going until midnight with complimentary pours of champagne. Aba menu.

Booth One – Hot Doug’s New Year’s Eve Party in Library Bar, 1301 N. State Parkway. For one night only from 4pm – 9pm, Hot Doug’s is popping up at the Library Bar at the Ambassador Chicago for a “no jackets” party! Ring in 2019 with legendary Chicago sausage connoisseur, Doug Sohn of Hot Doug’s and the team at Booth One. Enjoy a night of unlimited gourmet sausages including the signature Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli and Foie Gras Mousse, the legendary duck fat fries from Hot Doug’s, plus creations like the Alligator Sausage with Crayfish Remoulade and Jarlsberg Cheese, a cash bar with all cocktails, wine and beer under $10 and a live DJ set with a playlist curated by Doug. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Intonation Music Workshop, which supports music education for Chicago youth. Price: $100 per person, plus tax (gratuity not included)

Booth One – Dinner & Disco Party (Booth One Dining Room), 1301 N. State Parkway. 5-8pm and 9-11pm, take your pick of two New Year’s Eve dinner parties. Groups will be treated to a prix-fixe menu packed with our top dishes from 2018, plus new menu additions. Start your night with a Seafood Collection Tower, proceed to entrées like the Dover Sole with Sauce Americaine. The early dinner seating at 5pm will also have a live jazz ensemble. The later dinner seating at 9pm includes a disco party with party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Price: Early Dinner Seating at 5:00 PM is $65 per person, Later Dinner Seating at 9:00 PM is $105 per person

Bub City – River North, 435 N. Clark St. Brunch 10am – 3pm; NYE Party 9pm – 2am. BBQ brunch from 10am – 3pm and dinner from 5pm – 9pm. Starting at 9pm, enjoy beer-and-wing specials plus a live performance by Jake Dodds. Celebrating with a group? Nab one of the booth packages (limited availability) that includes premium drinks, a bottle of Prosecco, BBQ favorites and festive party favors. Bub City menu.

Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron. Dine, drink and dance your way to the new year from 5:30pm to 2am. Savor a Brazilian Churrascaria feast featuring dishes like BBQ’d Lamb Tacos, Roasted Corn Fundido and Grilled Steak, Shrimp and Scallop Skewers. Dance and toast to 2019 with a midnight balloon drop – plus the sultry sounds salsa, bachata and meringue by DJ X until 2am. Price: $39.99 plus tax (gratuity not included) for the seating from 6pm – 7:30pm / $99 plus tax (gratuity not included) for a seating from 7:30pm – 10pm which includes a champagne toast. Nacional 27 menu.

Naoki Sushi, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, Suite N. Celebrate from 5pm – 10:30pm with the full menu of Japanese small plates, nigiri, rolls, plus a selection of Naoki-style sashimi like, Scallop, black truffle, yuzo or Toro Tartare, caviar. Chef Naoki will feature Japanese specialties including Beef Filet with wasabi chimichurri and Roasted Halibut with wasabi miso. Dinner includes a special amuse and Champagne toast. Naoki Sushi menu.

Ramen-san – River North & Fulton Market. New Year’s Eve, 11am – 1am (last seating at 12am), come for the beef in the form of the ultra-special Wagyu & Black Truffle Ramen. Enjoy bowls of piping hot noodles, perfectly chilled Asahi beer and a complimentary sake bomb waterfall at midnight. Ramen-san menu.

Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago, 21 E. Hubbard. Bid 2018 goodbye from 9am – 12am at Shaw’s: brunch from 9am – 2pm enjoy a full seafood spread of oysters, sushi, king crab legs and more. Dinner in the Main Dining Room from 4:30pm – 12am, treat yourself to their Signature Whole Maine Lobster Dinner big enough for two: 5-pound, hard-shelled Maine Lobster served tableside along with au gratin potatoes and creamed spinach. The Oyster Bar will be open for dinner from 1pm – 12am. Price: Brunch is $75 for adults, $15 for kids ages 7 – 12 plus tax (gratuity not included) and free for kids under 6; Whole Maine Lobster Dinner is $170 plus tax (gratuity not included)

Studio Paris, 59 W. Hubbard. NYE party from 9pm – 2am. Dress to the nines and ring in the New Year at Studio Paris Nightclub. Enjoy a DJ set by special guest Jerzy, nosh on a lavish dinner of passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, indulge in a premium bar package and mingle with other black-tie partygoers. Studio Paris’ New Year’s Eve party.

Three Dots and a Dash, 435 N. Clark St. (but enter through the back alley) to get to this tiki hideaway. Ring in 2019 with a tropical luau featuring signature cocktails and music by DJ Lani Love. Opt for a GA ticket, which includes guaranteed entry plus five tiki cocktails, or reserve a table or booth that adds on appetizers for your party. 9pm – 1am. Three Dots New Year’s Eve party

New Year’s Day

Beatrix River North, Streeterville & Fulton Market. Both locations feature the Beatrix brunch from 8am – 3pm. Order up a Spicy Bloody Mary or Boozy Banana Joe and enjoy brunch favorites like Green Chili Enchiladas, House-Made Belgian Style Waffles, the Mushroom & Quinoa Burger and a side of Brown Sugar Bacon. Beatrix menu.

Bub City – River North. Kick off 2019 than with Bub City’s daytime brunch and late-night karaoke! First, enjoy the classic Southern brunch menu, build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar and live music from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, plus wing specials and $15 pitchers of Modelo and Bud Light all day. Keep the New Year party going into the late-night hours with Industry Karaoke starting at 10pm – 2am. Bub City menu.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, 2024 N. Halsted. NYD from 9am – 10pm you can start 2019 with their Build-Your-Own-Bloody Mary Bar! From 9am -3pm, dine in your pajamas and receive a Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! gift card equal to the price of your meal plus tax (gratuity not included), to use on a future visit. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! menu.

Hub 51, 51 W. Hubbard. From 10am to 3pm recover from the New Year’s festivities with an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet featuring brunch classics (think Brioche French Toast), more modern takes like chilaquiles and a sushi station, plus a Craft Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar for $8 per trip. Price: $36 per person ($15 for children 12 and under), plus tax (gratuity not included). Hub 51 menu.

Mon Ami Gabi – Chicago, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West. NYD dinner from 4pm – 8:30pm come enjoy your first meal of 2019 from their tantalizing French dinner with menu items like the Prime Steak Frites and fresh seafood favorites like Mussels Mariniér and Trout Almondine drenched in brown butter. Toast the new year from their signature rolling wine cart that features over 80 boutique French wines served by the glass or bottle. Mon Ami Gabi – Chicago menu.

Ramen-san – River North & Fulton Market. Both locations offer steaming bowls of ramen on NYD from 11am to 12am to nurse yourself back to health after New Year’s Eve . Enjoy Japanese-inspired cocktails and a selection of ramen while listening to ‘90s throwback jams. For those not ready to leave your couch, let Ramen-san bring the meal to you! Ramen-san menu.

Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago, 21 E. Hubbard St. From 10am – 3pm
nurse your New Year’s Eve hangover with $6 Bloody Mary’s (normally priced at $15). All brunch diners will receive a gift card for $20.19 to be used towards a future visit. Price: $75 for adults, $15 for kids ages 7 – 12 plus tax (gratuity not included) and free for kids under 6.

Stella Barra Pizzeria, 1954 N. Halsted, from 9am – 2pm, dine in your pajamas and receive a gift card equal to the price of your meal (minus tax and gratuity) to use on a future visit. It’s the best way to start 2019: Endless Egg Enchiladas, Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, Smokey Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Short Rib Hash and more along with $5 Bloody Marys, Mimosas and Bellinis. Stella Barra menu.

Tokio Pub, 1900 E. Higgins Rd., Schaumburg, is serving New Year’s Day lunch and dinner. Nosh on Pork Belly Steamed Buns with hoisin glaze, Bahn mi slaw, and Fresno pepper or the Steak Tacos made with soy garlic-marinated sirloin, roasted tomato salsa, and pickled ginger. In addition, New Year’s Day is our monthly Check Match Promotion! Receive a gift card in the amount of your food and beverage portion of your meal to be used on a future visit. View Tokio Pub NYE Lobster Bash menu.

New Year’s Eve – Monday, Dec. 31

Ada St., 1664 N. Ada St.–, offers “Guilty Pleasures” from 9pm to 1am. Celebrate 2019 with a night of “luxury, gluttony and guilty pleasures.” $85 each ticket includes general admission with passed hors d’oeuvres and a welcome cocktail. Prepared by Executive Chef Ryan Bair, passed offerings will include crispy potato blinis with creme fraiche and Hackleback caviar; fried pacific oyster banh mi with daikon, carrot and kimchee; North Atlantic salmon gravlax with mustard dill sauce and brioche; foie gras torchon with apricot, fleur de sel and country bread; duck confit macaroni and cheese; and roasted beef tenderloin with horseradish cream and truffle mashed potatoes, among other offerings. Brie, bacon and apricot grilled cheese sandwiches will be served as an after-midnight snack. For tickets, visit the event page here. (773-697-7069)

DMK Burger Bar Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave, rings in the New Year with Navy Pier’s extravagant firework displays for all guests who can celebrate from 7pm to 1am. $45 per adult and $25 per child includes general admission and access to the restaurant’s “Best of Chicago” buffet featuring Chicago-style mini hot dogs; Italian beef sandwiches; Polish sausage and hot link bites; Chicago-style fried shrimp served with horseradish cocktail sauce; DMK cheeseburger sliders; salt & pepper French fries; pretzels with Merkts cheddar and brown mustard; and County BBQ’s smoked chicken wings. Call for tickets 312-624-8017. The web page link to buy has disappeared.

Fish Bar, 2956 N. Sheffield Ave. in Lakeview will welcome the New Year with a prix-fixe dinner and a champagne toast, priced at $55 per person. Appetizer selections will include five oysters served on half shell or shrimp scampi served with garlic bruschetta. The second course is an option between New England clam chowder or winter salad, served with hearty greens, sundried tomato vinaigrette, goat cheese and almonds. For the entrée, guests may choose between fish & chips, served with Icelandic beer battered cod, French fries, tartar sauce and coleslaw; a lobster roll, served with tater tots and coleslaw, for an additional $10; or the Alaskan King Crab, served with potatoes and Brussels sprouts, for an additional $15. Dessert options include key lime pie or pecan pie. Attendees may choose to dine at 6 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. and tickets are available by visiting the event page. (773-687-8177)

Henry’s and The Rec Room, located in River North, will host a New Year’s Eve celebration from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Starting at $65, general admission tickets include a “bottomless cup,” as well as dancing, party favors and a midnight buffet. The Bottomless Blue package includes unlimited draft beer, red wine and white wine, priced at $65 a ticket; the Bottomless Red package includes unlimited draft cocktails, draft beer, red wine and white wine, priced at $80 a ticket; and the Bottomless Yellow package includes unlimited mixed and house spirits, draft cocktails, draft beer, red wine and white wine, priced at $100. Table reservations, starting at $400, include guaranteed seating and bottle service with Tito’s vodka and prosecco. Table packages sold separately. General admission tickets required for all guests . To reserve a table, email events@dmkrestaurants.com, and to purchase general admission tickets, visit the event page. (312-955-8018)

Marshall’s Landing, 18 W. Hubbard St., located inside the MART, will kick off 2019 with a New Year’s Eve celebration starting at 9 p.m. In collaboration with Green Curtain Events, the party will offer premium drink packages, food prepared by Chef Michal Kornick, party favors, a celebratory champagne toast with a midnight countdown to be enjoyed with views of Chicago’s river and skyline, dancing, music by Kysia Live, a DJ and more. General admission tickets start at $80 per person, with table packages starting at $250. Food selections will include an array of passed hors d’oeuvres, in addition to a pasta bar featuring cheese tortellini with alfredo sauce and mint pesto; baked penne arrabbiata with mushrooms, parmesan and basil; and “make your own” bruschetta with tomato and basil, marinated mushrooms and mozzarella with Calabrian chiles and parsley. Guests may also opt for the gourmet taco bar featuring chicken with cilantro and steak with onion, served with poblano chilis, mushrooms, bell peppers, chipotle pepper salsa and tomatillo salsa verde. For dessert, fresh Rice Krispie Treats and blondies will be served. To purchase a general admission ticket, visit MarshallsLanding.com, and for table reservations and packages, call 312.579.3637 or reach out to Matt@greencurtainevents.com. (222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza/312-610-8050)

County BBQ, 1352 W. Taylor St. offers dinner in a more casual setting, serving its popular smoked barbeque selections and cocktails. (312-929-2528)

New Year’s Day – Tuesday, Jan. 1

DMK Burger Bar Lakeview, 2954 N. Sheffield Ave. – New Year’s Day beginning at 10am, kick off 2019 with a pajama brunch. In addition to DMK’s regular menu, a special brunch menu will include the Waffle Burger, made with a sausage patty, fried egg and maple syrup; poutine with fries, cheddar cheese curds and pork carnitas gravy; and a fried egg sandwich with cheese, bacon and sausage, among other offerings. Bottomless mimosas, sparkling wine cocktails, raspberry bellinis and Cape Cod-style Bloody Marys will also be available. (773-360-8686)

appetizers, bars in Chicago, brunch, burgers, carryout in Chicago, Chicago chefs, Chicago restaurants, dinner, food and wine, holidays, live music and food, lunch, sandwiches, spirits and cocktails

4 fun food and drink ideas for summer in Chicago

June 25, 2018 Barbara Payne, Editor

Macys Cocktail and Bar Cart Event – Fun!

Macy’s, 111 n. State St., is hosting an interactive cocktail making and bar cart styling event with Lifestyle Blogger Helen Berkun and James Beard Award-winning craft cocktail bar, The Violet Hour, on Thursday, June 28 at 6pm. Your $25 ticket gets you in to see Helen share some of her favorite tips and tricks for entertaining. Then enjoy a Violet Hour mixologist teaching you how to prepare both a classic Old Fashioned and the perfect summer punch in this hands-on cocktail-making experience inside one of Chicago’s finest retail stores.

Maillard Tavern, 494 N. Milwaukee in River West, celebrates National Fry Day on Friday, July 13. Nothing completes a burger like a side of duck fat Norwis potato fries that Eater Chicago calls truly out of this world. And on National Fry Day celebrate with shaved black truffle fries for $5. Chef Tony Priolo serves up American comfort food classics like custom griddled double patty hamburgers with those great fries, specialty sandwiches, soups, ice cream-centric desserts and a full service bar. Open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and late night snacking. First come, first serve. Follow Maillard Tavern on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Moody Tongue Brewing Company, 2136 S. Peoria St., announces its newest beer: Frozen Banana Hefeweizen, a medium-body, German-style wheat beer that showcases the flavors of a frozen banana with aromatics of both bubblegum and banana. The light honey-colored beer pairs well with grilled sausages, beer-battered fish and other summertime fare. Frozen Banana Hefeweizen will be on draft in the Tasting Room beginning Wednesday, June 27, and at Chicago-area restaurants and bars the first week in July. The Hefeweizen, part of the Seasonal Series, celebrates the arrival of summer; the Brûléed Banana Dunkelweizen, the first release in this series, was a dark German wheat beer meant to complement cold-weather dishes. Keep your ears tuned to this Pilsen brewery for continuing innovations in brewing.

The Optima – music and food to satisfy your soul

The Optima, 1252 N. Wells, opened in April and is now offering brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 10am – 3pm. Check out such elevated classics as Chicken and Waffles Benedict (spicy Hollandaise sauce on sourdough, Parmesan-herb French Toast, prosciutto jam, caramelized onions and a sunny side up egg). Americana Breakfast features scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes and toast. How about Avocado Toast on garlic toasted ciabatta, or Funnel Cake with fudge and seasonal jam, or in-house-made Cinnamon Rolls with orange cream cheese frosting? Num! High-energy atmosphere and lively live music weekends and sometimes more. All brunch dishes are listed at the bottom of the full menu here.

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5 Chicago restaurants – Spring is here 2018

May 8, 2018 Barbara Payne, Editor

We’ve been saying “It’s spring” for too long. This time, it seems to have actually arrived. Not only is our fair city simply glowing with beautiful flowers and leaf buds, but outdoor spaces are opening everywhere – including a favorite of ours in Lincoln Park Zoo, The Patio at Cafe Brauer. It’s time to dig out your spring duds, bring a light jacket and get out there to enjoy some of the city’s great restaurant options. Here are a few more:

Dos Toros announces the opening of its newest location at 300 S Wacker Drive, the 16th location overall, and second in Chicago for this SF Bay Area-inspired taqueria. Close to the Willis Tower and sitting on the Chicago river waterfront, this location provides an elevated (and scenic) fast-casual experience for taco and burrito lovers. Relax in the updated Dos Toros aesthetic of Heath tile, lighter wood finishes, abundant potted succulents, and rustic black & white photography inspired by the original California Dos Toros taquerias. Guests also enjoy cashless check-out and the brand-new “market vegetables” option that features a fresh mix of Butternut Squash, Tuscan Kale, Cremini mushrooms, and Shishito peppers sauteed in coconut oil.

Epic Burger, with locations around Chicago, announces its 10th birthday celebration on Tuesday, May 22. Come enjoy 10 CENT BURGERS*** (single-patty beef burgers, while supplies last) and a special Epic Birthday Cake Shake featuring a Sweet Mandy B’s mini-burger cupcake shake-topper. Home of “A More Mindful Burger,” Epic Burger provides Chicagoans with sustainably sourced meats and produce, Halal certified beef and chicken, a revolutionary plant-based Beyond Burger, and more.

***Available in-store only, 11am-9pm while supplies last, one per person, The $.10 Epic Birthday Burger includes the basic build-your-own toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, Epic Sauce) — additional toppings like premium Wisconsin cheeses, fresh avocado, nitrate-free bacon, or an organic fried egg, available at extra cost.***

Lincoln Park bakery, Sweet Mandy B’s teams up for the special Epic Birthday Cake Shake. Comprised of birthday cake ice cream, strawberries and organic milk, topped with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles and a so-cute-you-die mini burger cupcake, it’s priced at $10 (in honor of turning 10!).

While you’re there on this one day only (5/22), Epic Burger will accept cash donations benefitting Growing Home, Chicago’s leading expert in farm-based training for people with employment barriers.

Bistronomic, 840 N. Wabash, the contemporary bistro rooted in French culture in Chicago’s Gold Coast, will offer a special three-course, prix fixe brunch menu on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 13, for $42 per person or $56 per person with bottomless mimosas (for 1.5 hours) plus tax and gratuity. A $20 two-course menu will be available for children under the age of 10.

Look for Paris-inspired dishes like Eggs Benedict with artisanal smoked salmon, poached eggs and lemon hollandaise; Asparagus & Seasonal Mushroom Omelette with farm eggs, capriole goat cheese and port wine reduction; Flat Iron Steak & Two Eggs with duck fat new potatoes, roasted garlic purée and a red wine reduction; andHomemade Pancakes with buttermilk and strawberry-rhubarb marmalade. For the full menu and reservations, visit Bistronomic’s website or call 312-944-8400.

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, 505 N. Michigan, honors Chicago and its landmark property by hosting “Uncork the Archives,” a monthly series of tours combining history, wine, and live music. The next installment is Wednesday, May 30, 6-8pm, and offers a sommelier-hosted tasting featuring wine, cheese and chocolate from ENO Wine Bar. Hillary Marzec, an expert guide and founder of Inside Chicago Walking Tours, leads guests on a tour highlighting the hidden secrets, famous guests, and historical and architectural features. Afterwars, continue the party back at ENO, with live jazz and swing music entertainment and a complimentary glass of wine. www.icchicagohotel.com $48/ticket here.

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Shaw’s Oyster Fest fun 2017 for TEN days!

October 5, 2017 Barbara Payne, Editor

Shaw’s Crab House Oyster Fest, in its 29th annual celebration, is going all out. Shaw’s much-beloved downtown Oyster Bar is hosting a 10-day party from October 5th through the 15th. Enjoy all-day happy hours, dinners with award-winning oyster purveyors from around the country, special oyster dishes, and more.

EVERYDAY HAPPENINGS:

HAPPY HOUR DAILY. Happy hour (usually 4 – 6pm) is now … ALL DAY! Enjoy half off one east coast and one west coast oyster from open to close in the Oyster Bar!

POP-UP HAPPY HOURS: 50 CENT OYSTERS. In addition to the Oyster Fest Happy Hour specials, we will be offering surprise 50-cent oyster hours throughout the week that will be announced exclusively on social media (@shellyfromshaws) and the Shaw’s mobile club.

SLURP-OFF CONTESTS. Our famous slurp-off competitions will be taking place throughout the week. First round will take place at 6 p.m. on kickoff night, October 5. Or take your shot at the slurp-offs on Monday, October 9th, Tuesday, October 10, and Wednesday, October 11 at 6 p.m. The final will take place during the Grand Finale Event on October 15 with the winner taking away the title of Slurp-Off Winner and $1,000 in Shaw’s gift certificates.

LIVE MUSIC. Blues music will be happening every night of Oyster Fest from 7 to 10pm. in the Oyster Bar. View the band line-up here.

SPECIAL OYSTER-CENTRIC MENU. Come in for special dishes for Oyster Fest including Po’boys, Baked & Grilled Oysters, Pan Roast Oysters, and our house specialty Buffalo Oysters to celebrate the oyster throughout the Shaw’s 10-day party run!

OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE:

Thursday, October 5: Tap Party with Haymarket Brewery. We’re kicking off Oyster Fest with a tap party in collaboration with Haymarket Brewery. We’re celebrating their first ever tap release outside of their Chicago-based brewery with a brand new Shaw’s beer, Lemon Rye-sing Saison, that was made to pair perfectly with fresh oysters.

Saturday, October 7, Sunday, October 8, Saturday, October 14, and Sunday, October 15: Shaw’s Oyster Fest Brunch. As the weekend draws near, consider indulging yourself with one of the restaurant’s fabulous Saturday or Sunday brunches. Many additional oyster offerings will be on the display at the Grand Shaw’s Buffet that has redefined brunch in Chicago.

Thursday, October 12: From Coast-to-Coast Dinner. Shaw’s and guest chef Leo Waldmeier, of the iconic Drake Hotel and Cape Cod Room, are welcoming oyster growers from each of the coasts to come together for the first ever Coast-to-Coast Dinner. This interactive, four-course dinner with wine pairings will feature Hama Hama, from Washington State- repping the west coast- and Island Creek, from Massachusetts- repping the east coast- along with Chef Waldmeier’s signature Bookbinder soup. The dinner is priced at $89 per guest (exclusive of tax & gratuity) and starts at 6:30 p.m. Buy your tickets here.

Sunday, October 15: Grand Finale. And you definitely don’t miss the Grand Finale Party on Sunday, October 15 from 4 to 10pm. This special ticketed event ($70 exclusive of tax & gratuity) features an over-the-top offering of classic Oyster Festival dishes, wine and beer favorites, specialty cocktails, an Oyster Roast in the Oyster Hall of Fame Room, live music from 4 to 10pm, and of course the oyster slurp-off finale! Tickets for the finale can be purchased here.

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Fall fun at 5 Chicago restaurants

September 22, 2017 Barbara Payne, Editor

Music and good food at Petterino’s Monday Night Live

Petterino’s Monday Night Live (MNL), the impromptu musical showcase hosted by Denise McGowan Tracy and Beckie Menzie, starts celebrating its 10th anniversary Monday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy anniversary specials every Monday including $10/bottle wine specials plus a complimentary slice of birthday cake and champagne toast. Try the $19.95 prix fixe dinner menu and the special anniversary cocktail, or order from the regular menu.

September 25 – The SOLD OUT kick-off event promises appearances by old friends and new from the cabaret community in the impromptu format that has delighted crowds over the years

October 2 – Special guests from the cast of Billy Elliott at Porchlight Music Theatre
October 9 – Special performance to be announced
October 16 – Special guests from the cast of the regional theatre premiere of Fun Home at Victory Gardens Theater

Jake’s fries – or get ’em in the Street version!

Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap, 41 East Superior St.

The Return of Monday Night Football – Boulevard American Kolsch Pitchers are now $20. Share a pitcher or two with your favorite Jake’s wings. Read the whole deal HERE.
National Drink Beer Day September 28 – specials on 3 Sheeps Water Slides (Sheboygan, WI) and Goose Island OMG “Old Man Grumpy” (Chicago). Stay tuned for details on a special event!
Limited-time September dishes to try: 4 Cheese Cheeseburger with fries: Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Provolone and Spicy Parmesan Butter on a grilled ciabatta bun. Smoked Apple BBQ Wings: crispy jumbo wings tossed in Jake’s house made smoked apple bbq sauce. Chimichanga Time!: house-made creamy mac and cheese with smoked chicken in a flour tortilla , deep fried until crispy. Top with roasted serrano aioli and more.

Chiya Chai, 2770 N. Milwaukee in Logan Square – Chicago Reader’s Best Indian Restaurant – adds fall flavors to its house-brewed chai program:

Pecan Maple – Distinct flavors of nutty autumn pies with a toasty Chiya Chai sweetness.
Apple Pie – Reinterprets a seasonal dessert staple into a sippable fall classic.
Pumpkin Spice – Combines two classic fall flavors.
Pear and Ginger – A refreshing tea sweetened with pear notes with a ginger-driven edge.

Psst! Chiya Chai also has a secret full-service dining room that features world-class Indian and Nepalese cuisine. From-scratch fiery curries and and more in this vibrant dining room.

Shaw’s Chicago Oyster Fest 2017 is 10 whole days long this year! Shaw’s annual fall time festival is kicking things off on Thursday, October 5th with a Tap Party with special guest, Haymarket Brewery. In honor of Oyster Fest, Haymarket has teamed up with Shaw’s for a beer collaboration, the very first time they’ve released a beer outside of their Chicago-based brewery. Named Lemon Rye-sing Saison, this brew pairs perfectly with fresh oysters and will officially debut the night of the Tap Party that starts at 4pm.

The Patio at Cafe Brauer, 2021 N. Stockton Dr., celebrates fall with a special Harvest Dinner on Friday, October 13, 6 to 9pm. Locally sourced ingredients, seasonal fruits, vegetables, whole roasts and wine under the harvest moon priced at $65 for adults and $30 for children. Think: Roasted Assorted Fall Squash and Pear Salad, Roasted Amish Chickens with Natural Au Jus and Charred Peach Trifle. Tickets here.

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Pre-summer food, music and wine

May 26, 2017 Barbara Payne, Editor

Summer is at hand, people. No reason not to start right now enjoying the music, food and fun that are always on offer throughout our great city from spring through late fall. Here are a few opportunities to get you rolling…

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival, on Sheffield from Belmont to Roscoe St. Sun. May 27 – Mon. May 28, 2017 – noon to 10pm. And don’t fail to check out Trader Todd’s karaoke stage and contest – try out for best singer and look forward to the award ceremonies in June at Trader Todd’s tiki bar, 3216 N. Sheffield. Check out our review on Trader Todd’s brunch here.

Happy 40^thbirthday, Potbelly! Thursday, June 1, they’re giving a $40,000 donation to One Summer Chicago. Check out the limited-time Potbelly birthday menu items, and enjoy 40% off Originals sandwiches in-shop at Potbelly nationwide between 11am-3pm. Find your nearest Chicago Potbelly location and go enjoy.

Dog-friendly, burger/beer specials. Burger + Beer promotion at The Patio at Café Brauer. From May 26 – May 29, get a juicy, succulent burger and a domestic beer for $15.95 all Memorial Day weekend. Read our rave review of Cafe Brauer here.

Music at Pritzker Pavillion. Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer – two weeks before the Grant Park Music Festival season begins. To celebrate, order a One Night Pass and get a reserved seat close to the stage for any Festival concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. And when you order online this weekend, you’ll save 25% on select seats for any concert in June! Use promo code MEMORIAL when you order online at gpmf.org. Offer expires Monday, May 29 at 11:59 PM. Or, explore our entire 2017 season. Choose any four concerts (excluding Beethoven Symphony No. 9 on August 18 and 19) with a Choose Your Own membership and we’ll add the Festival’s Independence Day Salute as our way of saying thank you.

Rich and rewarding Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

For home barbeques or hostess gifts, consider one of these excellent wines from Black Stallion Estate Vineyards. Black Stallion Chardonnay 2015, Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, and Black Stallion Sauvignon Blanc 2015 are deliciously complex and rich tasting. Perfect companions to grilled shrimp or lobster, super-marbled steak cooked a pointe on the grill, and any favorite traditional accompaniments like mustard potato salad, veggie pasta, sauteed fresh garlic asparagu s or superb sauteed mushrooms. Get your Black Stallion wines from these Chicago area retailers: SavWay Wine & Spirits, Garfield’s Beverage Warehouse, Sunset Foods, Woodman’s, Heinen’s, or talk to your friendly Binny’s folks.

And if you’re into higher-end wines, here’s a list of special Black Stallion wines that have garnered serious recognition lately:

Wine & Spirits magazine “100 Best Buys of the Year” – 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: 92 Points
James Suckling’s list of “Top 100 Reds of Napa Valley 2016” – 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: 93 Points
Decanter: 2013 Barrel Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Highly recommended, 91 pts; 2013 Transcendent Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; Highly recommended, 91 pts; 2013 Gaspare Estate Vineyard, Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Highly recommended, 90 pts; 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Highly recommended, 90 pts;
Wine Enthusiast: 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: 90 pts; 2014 Los Carneros Pinot Noir: 90 pts
Robert M. Parker, Jr. / Wine Advocate (Barrel samples): 2014 Bucephalus Red Blend: (91-93); 2014 Barrel Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: (90-92); 2014 Transcendent Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: (90-92)

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Tortoise Supper Club – drink up and give to worthy causes

March 12, 2017 Barbara Payne, Editor

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 is this 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.

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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!

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3 city & 1 ‘burbs – Spots for live music with good food

October 21, 2016 Barbara Payne, Editor

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 Chef Jeff Tomchek KCI_0733lo res 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 Baby Back Ribs Dry Rub and Pit Smoked 210 a KCI_0626 lo res.jpg 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).

Roast Cauliflower with Thai Three Flavor Sauce 210 KCI_0718lo res 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.

Chicago Restaurant Examiner