Tis the Season to Celebrate Friendship & Giving Benefit Dec. 5 with Bachelorette’s Ed Swiderski III

Ed Swiderski III of TV’s Bachelorette

Stimulus Social Club and StreetWise Magazine are hosting a benefit with special guest Ed Swiderski III of TV’s Bachelorette fame tomorrow night (December 5) at City Winery Chicago.

The benefit begins 5:30 p.m. in the distinguished Concert Hall at 1200 W. Randolph. The cost is only $10 per person with proceeds benefit Streetwise.

Streetwise benefit hosts are Veronica Resa, Olivia Pantoja, Kayla Klobe, & Carly Leviton.
In 2012, Streetwise will have assisted more than 500 men and women in crisis. In executing its mission, Streetwise receives no government funding. The agency’s workforce development and social services are funded by private foundations and the generosity of individuals. The mission of Streetwise is to assist Chicago area men and women, who are facing homelessness, achieve personal stability by providing them with a combination of supportive social services and immediate access to gainful employment.  StreetWise Magazine is the oldest operating street newspaper in North America.
For more information, the public can visit the web: StreetWise.org or call 773-334-6600,

Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner Hosted by Chicagoland’s Finest Restaurants

Benny’s Chop House (444 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago) is harnessing the holiday spirit with its Thanksgiving Day dinner, November 22. Guests will be treated to a traditional turkey dinner ($34.99) with all the trimmings created by Chef Jonathan Lane; available noon to 9 p.m. This special holiday dinner begins with starter options of warm Butternut Squash Soup, or Benny’s House Salad. Next Organic Turkey Breast, Braised Turkey Leg, and Chestnut Stuffing fill your plate. All surrounded by the traditional sides of Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce and Apple-Sage Gravy. A children’s menu for children 12 years and under also will be available for $17.99. This classic meal finishes with a slice of Pumpkin Pie, baked fresh by Pastry Chef Aaron Lindgren. Reservations can be placed online at bennyschophouse.com or by calling (312) 626-2444.

Benny's Traditional Thanksgiving DinnerET

Benny’s Traditional Turkey Dinner $34.99

Maxwell’s at the Club East Bank Club is hosting Thanksgiving dinner at its place this year and you’re invited. The East Bank Club’s signature restaurant, Maxwell’s at the Club (500 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago), is offering a traditional turkey dinner buffet with all the trimmings, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., November 22.  Executive chef Mike Lodes is featuring a variety of appetizer and salad choices including a mix of Chilled Shrimp, Roasted Fingerling Potato Salad, Pancetta and Gorgonzola Green Bean Salad, Cranberry Relish and more. A carving station in the room will feature Roast Turkey served with gravy and natural jus, Roast Prime Rib of Beef with horseradish sauce, and Roast Leg of Lamb with mint jelly. This dinner has an abundance of side options from Roasted Butternut Squash, Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Cornbread Stuffing, to Roasted Fresh Seafood, Sautéed Brussels Sprouts, and Chicken Piccata. To finish off, guests will be treated to an impressive spread of seasonal fruits, assorted cakes, tortes, cookies, and cupcakes, as well as Pumpkin Pie and Southern Pecan Bars. The price is $45, and $12 for children 10 and under. Reservations can be placed online at maxwellsattheclub.com or by calling (312)527-5800 ext. 301.

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Food Shop’s Thanksgiving To-go If you plan to entertain at home this Thanksgiving, East Bank’s Food Shop will be delighted to do the cooking.  The Chefs at the Food Shop have put together a complete Thanksgiving menu to suit a variety of tastes. You have the choice of ordering a la carte from their entire menu or selecting the Thanksgiving Package. With the latter option the Food Shop chefs have curated their version of an ideal holiday meal. For $150 (serving 10), guests can enjoy a Whole Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Cornbread Stuffing. There is also a choice of two from their list of side dishes: Sautéed Butternut Squash with Apples and Dried Cranberries, Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Sautéed Green Beans with Wild Mushrooms. Dessert is also included with assorted mini muffins, pumpkin and apple pie. For the complete Thanksgiving menu visit eastbankclub.com, and to place your order call (312) 527-5800 ext. 318, no later than Friday November 16. Your order can be picked up by Wednesday November 21 to November 22.

Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062) continues its annual traditional turkey dinner ($47), 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. November 22. Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris’ master touch creates a deliciously homespun dinner with all the trimmings. For starter courses guests can choose from a comforting bowl of Butternut Squash Soup or an Organic Mixed Green Salad with pumpkin seeds, parmesan, pomegranate and balsamic dressing. For the main event, Oven Roasted Turkey complete with mashed potatoes and homemade gravy will be served. This holiday dinner features the traditional sides of Apple Chestnut Stuffing, Sweet Potato Puree topped with homemade marshmallow. Fresh vegetables and cranberry sauce will also be available. An appropriately sweet ending to this Thanksgiving Day meal is a choice between Mom’s Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, or Double Chocolate Cake.  To place your reservation call (847) 205-4433.

PGC Pumpkin PieET

Prairie Grass Cafe Mom’s Pumpkin Pie

Prairie Grass Cafe’s Thanksgiving To-go This Thanksgiving season, Prairie Grass Cafe wants to give you a night off and make dinner for you. With its Thanksgiving to-go menu, guests can enjoy the benefits of a delicious homemade meal, made by Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris. This traditional turkey dinner has the benefit of being made with the fine dining cooking techniques and locally sourced ingredients Prairie Grass is known for. This catered dinner comes with multiple size options, and a variety of choices. All your favorites are available from Roasted Turkey with Gravy, with a choice between Apple Sage Stuffing or Homemade Sausage and Giblet Stuffing. The appetizers are a mix between Butternut Squash Soup, Jumbo Cocktail Shrimp with Homemade Horseradish Sauce and more. For side dish options, patrons can choose from Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Puree, Sautéed Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce and others. For dessert, Mom’s Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie and a Double Chocolate Cake are available. This ready-made dinner will be available for pickup, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. November 22; orders must be received by November 18. To place your order call (847) 205-4433.

Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day in Chicago September 18

National Cheeseburger Day is upon us yet again and several Chicagoland restaurants are honoring it by featuring juicy and delicious cheeseburger options for everyone’s taste.

Frietkoten Cheese Burger, Photo by Cindy Kurman

CHICAGO FRENCH MARKET Frietkoten 131 N. Clinton St. Chicago, IL  (312)575-0306  ; www.chicagofrenchmarket.com   Chicago French Market’s, Frietkoten, is primarily known for its authentic Belgian fries and hearty selection of Belgian beers, both on tap and bottled.  However the recently added menu of gourmet Belgian cheeseburgers, made from beef that is freshly ground daily, is proving that the Belgians know what makes up a great burger.  It’s offering of cheeseburgers include a combination of choice toppings like smoked Gouda and blue cheeses, maple bacon, cheddar cheese, sweet grilled onions, apples, and fried egg. All cheeseburgers come with Frietkoten’s signature crispy Belgian fries and a dipping sauce for $8.75, plus tax.  Add a seasonal beer to make it a meal from one of its selections on tap including Avril Biere de Table and Debuisson Cuvee des Trolls, Blond Ale for only $11.

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE AND WINE BAR 25 E. Ohio, Chicago, IL  (312) 329-9463  ; www.flemingssteakhouse.com

960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL  (847) 793-0333  ; www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Fleming’s Prime Burger

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar not only serves prime steaks cooked to perfection, but its extensive new Bar la Carte  menu offers Fleming’s guests six all-new satisfying dishes available any time, any evening. More substantial than appetizers or the typical “bar bites” found at many restaurants, the addition of this Bar la Carte menu makes Fleming’s bar as much a destination for food as it is for wine and cocktails. Included in the new Bar la Carte menu is the Fleming’s Prime Burger, served with Wisconsin cheddar cheese, peppered bacon, and Fleming’s Signature Onion Rings.  Stop in to enjoy the prime burger on National Cheeseburger Day for $14, or enjoy it for only $6 between 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. during Fleming’s daily 5-6-7 promotion – in which you get a choice of 5 premium cocktails, 5 distinctive wines by the glass and 5 generous appetizers or the Prime Burger, each for only $6. Beverage specials are good all evening in Illinois.

Maxwell’s at the Club Steakburger

MAXWELL’S AT THE CLUB East Bank Club 500 North Kingsbury, Chicago, IL  (312) 527-5800  ; www.eastbankclub.com/dining/maxwells-at-the-club   River North and Fulton River District’s Maxwell’s at the Club, is open to the public despite its location in the private confines of East Bank Club. The restaurant serves some of the best food in the neighborhood, with many menu items customizable to please anyone’s particular tastes and desires.

One of the most popular selections at Maxwell’s is Max’s Minis, a trio of sliders that includes a mini prime steakburger, a mini Santé Fe chicken burger and a mini Yellowfin Tuna Steak burger, all topped with crispy onion strings for $10. For customized minis, ask for any combination of the three. Steak lovers will enjoy the very popular Mini Tenderloin Sliders for $14, a trio of seared mini filet mignon sliders finished with lemon and basil.   For a larger appetite, Maxwell’s Prime Steakburger is available for $11, made from ten ounces of prime beef, topped with lettuce tomato, onion and pickle and your choice of cheese, served with sweet potato fries, fresh-cut fries or seasonal fresh fruit.

TRADEMARK TAVERN 777 E. Butterfield Rd. Lombard IL    (630) 472-0777  ; www.trademarketavern.com   Trademark Tavern offers customers a way to truly indulge in the burger holiday; with its “Add a Patty” promotion. Running through September 22, customers can order 1/3 pound cheeseburgers for $3 and stack on as many extra patties as they wish for an additional $1 each. The burgers come with American cheese, lettuce, and pickle. Trademark also has a range of tempting cheeseburgers including its signature Trademark Burger for $10, made with a Pat LaFrieda™ ground chuck and ground short rib combination; topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. They also provide an enticing selection of cheese options including aged cheddar, Gruyére, provolone, Gouda, habanero jack, and blue cheese for an extra $1.

Z Burger at Zealous

ZEALOUS 419 West Superior Street Chicago, IL 60654  (312) 475-9112  ; www.zealousrestaurant.com   Zealous is celebrating 19 years in business this month, and as Michael Taus, chef/owner, continues to offer an award winning fine-dining experience to his patrons, he has proven he still knows how to produce a great cheeseburger.  Voted Chicago Magazine’s “Best Burger Ever” and Travel & Leisure’s “Top 10 Burgers in America” Zealous’ Z’ Burger is the pinnacle of a fine dining take on the all-around classic.  Served with Havarti cheese and tomato Remoulade on a house-made dill roll and served with fries, the highly coveted burger is available a la carte for $15.

 

Celebrate Mother’s Day in Chicago and its Suburbs

Celebrate mom this year by taking your pick of amazing Chicago Mother’s Day specials and events from brunch and dinner as well as some good old fashioned family time fun.  See what is available to help you lavish mom and make her feel special this Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Elate: The new brunch hotspot!

Elate (111 W. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60654; 312-202-9900)

Elate's breakfast pizza

will be serving up its notable brunch service this Mother’s Day.  Bring mom and watch her delight in Elate’s delicious brunch menu 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Sunday, May 13.  In addition  to its classic menu items, Elate will be adding a buffet option for an additional $12.  The buffet spread will include seasonal fruits, cheese and desserts.  Elate’s a la carte brunch menu includes classics like its famous Breakfast Pizza, with ham, potatoes, truffle oil and a sunny side up egg for $13.00,  Banana Custard French Toast  for $12.00  and the Elate Burger, cooked to perfection with creamed leeks, apple wood smoked bacon and house-made bread and butter pickles for $14.00. Elate also features an extensive Juice Bar during brunch with familiar favorites like fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juice and lemonade for $4.00,   and delicious juice blends like the Asian Rabbit, a mix of carrot juice and ginger for $7.00 and the Sunrise, a combination of pineapple, strawberry and lime juice for $9.00.

Want to celebrate mom with a champagne toast? For an additional $20.00, Elate also will provide bottomless mimosas with the purchase of any brunch entrée.

Dine at Fleming’s for Mother’s Day and receive a $25 Dining Card as a free gift to mom

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar(25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-

329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL 60069; 847-793-0333) will be celebrating Mother’s Day with special brunch and dinner hours and specials, Sunday, May 13.  Brunch hours begin from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and feature three courses for $34.95 excluding tax and gratuity. Moms will have their choice of appetizers, entrees and desserts from a comprehensive menu including Fleming’s favorites like The Wedge, with iceberg lettuce, grape tomatoes, red onions and crumbled blue cheese, Filet Mignon Benedict with sliced filet mignon and egg on an

Fleming's French Toast

English muffin with herd béarnaise sauce and tomato concassé, New Orleans-style French Toast and White Chocolate Bread Pudding with bourbon crème anglaise.  A children’s brunch menu will also be available for $16.95, excluding tax and gratuity, for children 12 and under.  Fleming’s also will be offering its  Blood Orange Fizz Cocktail, a mix of Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Stoli Vodka, fresh lemon juice and a splash of club soda for $6.95.

As a special gift to mom, spend Mother’s Day with Fleming’s and receive a $25 Dining Card; perfect for treating mom to your next dining experience at Fleming’s.

To make reservations, call your preferred Fleming’s location or make reservations online at www.flemingssteakhouse.com.

Bring mom to Francesca’s Restaurants for Mother’s Day

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother” – Abraham Lincoln

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13th … Treat the amazing women in your life to a special Mother’s Day celebration at Francesca’s.  Reservations are available online or by calling your local Francesca’s locations.  Extended hours at all locations.  For more information visit www.miafrancesca.com.

Francesca’s at the Promenade (641 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300) will have number of items, such as Vanilla bean French toast; Crispy chicken confit and bacon hash, as well as Frittata with sautéed asparagus, sausage, fresh mozzarella, spinach and house potatoes.

Francesca’s on Chestnut (200 E. Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-482-8800) will feature Smoked salmon omelet with chopped tomatoes, rapini and roasted potatoes; Eggs Benedict with prosciutto and Hollandaise sauce; Fried eggs with spicy avocado pesto and oven dried tomatoes.

Additionally, the following locations will feature special brunch items. Call each location for more information. Francesca’s al Lago (111 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI 53703; 608-255-6000); Francesca’s Famiglia (100 East Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027); Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas Street, Frankfort, IL 60423; 815-464-1890); Francesca’s on Taylor (1400 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607; 312-829-2828). 

Special Mother’s Day brunch service at Maxwell’s at the Club

Maxwell’s at the Club (200 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, IL 60610; 312-527-5800) will have a special Mother’s Day brunch service 10 am – 3 pm, Sunday, May 13.

Brunch options will feature prime rib, roast turkey breast and leg of lamb carving stations, an omelet and waffle bar, assorted pastries and seasonal fresh fruit.  Additionally a variety of appetizers, salads and entrée choices will be available.

Come enjoy brunch and celebrate the special lady in your life at Maxwell’s for $45.  Children’s brunch also is available for $15 for children 10 and under.   For reservations, call (312) 527-5800, extension 301, or schedule at Maxwell’s website, using the Book a Table feature.

Prairie Grass Café serves up a delicious brunch feast for Mother’s Day

Celebrate Mother’s Day suburban style with Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062; 847-205-4433).

Prairie Grass Café’s will be offering a delightful Mother’s Day brunch buffet for $45, excluding tax, gratuity and beverages, 9:30 am – 2 pm Sunday, May 13.   Every guest starts their meal with the signature “PGC Benedict” a poached egg with spinach and roasted tomato hollandaise. They are then able to take advantage of Prairie Grass’ amazing brunch buffet, which includes a made to order omelet station, hot waffles, its signature grass-fed beef Shepard’s Pie, Braised Lamb with yogurt sauce, raw onion and cilantro relish, Parmesan crusted Tilapia over creamed spinach, to name a few.  A variety of salads and fresh baked goods from Chopped veggie salad with crumbled Amish Blue Cheese, and red wine vinaigrette, Caesar salad with homemade dressing, croutons and shaved parmesan  to crusty multi grain artisan breads, mini chocolate croissants and Danishes, among other choices. To end the meal, diners also will have the opportunity to indulge in the dessert buffet, which includes Mom’s Homemade Crème Brulee Minis, Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble, Double Chocolate Cupcakes, a crepe station and a variety of seasonal fresh fruit.  Children’s brunch options also are available for $15 for children 10 and under.

Prairie Grass’ regular dinner menu will be available 5 pm -9 pm.  To see its dinner menu and to check out Mother’s Day dinner specials visit.  www.prairiegrasscafe.com.

Volare offers special Mother’s Day brunch service

After a highly successful grand re-opening this April, classic Italian eatery Volare (201 E. Grand Ave., 312-410-9900) is open Sunday, May 13 for a special Mother’s Day brunch service.   The four course spread will offer an array of new menu items conceived by Executive Chef Massimiliano Campagnini, and allow guests to choose from a menu of appetizers, soups and salads, entrees and desserts for the cost of $28.95. Tax and gratuity is not included. The brunch menu will be available 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Reservations are required.

For the first course, diners will choose their favorite option from a selection of appetizers including Ostriche Rockefeller, Fresh Oyster baked to perfection with Baby Spinach in a cream Pernot sauce, Fried Calamari Fritti, Calamari served with Cocktail and tomato sauce, Mozzarella in Carrozza, Fried egg battered layered Italian bread with Eggplant, prosciutto and mozzarella served in a salsa di Pomodoro sauce or the Pizza Magherita.

Next a soup or salad course will be offered where guest will choose from a menu of Minestrone Soup, Crawfish Bisque, Insalata di Rape Rosse, Spinach, roasted Beets, Apples, Gorgonzola Dolce, oven baked Parmesan Egg and roasted onion vinaigrette or Radicchio di Treviso, More e Salmone Affumicato, Treviso Radicchio, Blackberries, Blood Orange segment and smoked Salmon, served with a Cilantro/ Lime vinaigrette.

The third course offers  an entrée menu featuring  Pappardelle alla salsa di Pomodoro e Ricotta, Handcrafted Egg noodle sauteed with Tomato sauce and fresh Ricotta, Agnolotti ai Funghi, Half Moon shaped Pasta stuffed with Mushrooms and Mascarpone cheese, served with chive and Black Truffle butter sauce Crespelle ai Sapori di Mare, Homemade crepes stuffed with Crab and Lobster meat, served with a Crustaceans béchamel sauce, FregolataFregola pasta in a Jambalaya style, sauteed with Olive oil, Shallots, Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, Crawfish, Chicken, Sausage and a hint of creaole seasoning in a Brandy-cream sauce,  or Agnello al Forno Sliced slow cooked baby Lamb leg marinated in Garlic and Rosemary, served in an herbs demi-glaze sauce with Swiss chard and Potatoes Parisienne.

Finally the dessert menu features options including Crostatina di Fragole , Shortbread, Pastry cream, fresh Strawberries,  Pizzetta  alla Nutella, Baked mini pizza topped with Nutella chocolate and Mascarpone cheese,  Fruit & Cookies or Vanilla, Chocolate, or Lemon ice Ice cream.  In addition, a complimentary glass of champagne will be offered to adult diners.

Westfield’s WFamily series returns this May with a Mother’s Day celebration at Tiffany & Co.

Westfield Old Orchard (Skokie Blvd & Old Orchard Center, 847-673-6800) is doing Mother’s Day right with a family-friendly celebration at Tiffany & Co.  From 11:30 am – 3 pm Saturday, May 5 in front of Tiffany & Co., participating families can come and enjoy a crafting session creating handmade cards and gifts provided by the Westfield retailer.  Along with cards, children will take home a hand painted clay pot with seeds included as a gift to mom on her special day.  Completed greeting cards will be photographed and for the week leading up to Mother’s Day, cards will be displayed on Westfield’s LED billboard to commemorate the little ones’ efforts in showing love for mom.  Volunteers from Wilmette District 39 schools will be on hand to help with craft time and work to raise funds for their school district. No registration is required, so bring the entire family to celebrate mom at Westfield Old Orchard.

Giuseppe Tentori, Next among winners of 2012 Jean Banchet Awards

The Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence, the local James Beard-like awards of the restaurant world, announced winners at a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Friday Night. The ceremony was hosted by WLS-TV personality Steve Dolinsky and master sommelier and host of Check Please Alpana Singh at the Fairmont Hotel.

Forty-four exceptional chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, restaurants and catering companies provided the food for the annual Chicago awards and, for the first time, the nominating process was open to the public.

The event brought together the who’s who of Chicago’s restaurant scene and some 700 guests who enjoyed cocktails, appetizers and a seated dinner by guest chefs, restaurants and The Fairmont Hotel. The awards were part of the 15th annual Grand Chefs Gala hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and raised close to $200,000 to help fund research to find a cure this deadly disease.

Chef Jimmy Bannos and chef/restaurateur Scott Harris were honored with the Founders’ Award, awarded to those who “significantly affected lives in a charitable or humanitarian way.”

2012 Jean Banchet Award winners were:

Chef of the Year
Ryan LaRoche, NoMI
Dan Pancake, Autre Monde
Giuseppe Tentori, GT Fish & Oyster — WINNER
Andrew Zimmerman, Sepia

Pastry Chef of the Year 
Bryce Caron, Blackbird
Meg Galus, NoMI
Amanda Rockman, The Bristol — WINNER
Cindy Schuman, Sepia

Chef-de-Cuisine 
Dave Beran, Next — WINNER
Sean Pharr, NoMI
David Posey, Blackbird
Brian Runge, Graham Elliot

Rising Chef 
Chris Curren, Blue 13
Danny Grant, RIA
Chris Macchia, Coco Pazzo — WINNER
Paul Dobroski, NoMI


Rising Pastry Chef 
Aya Fukai, RIA
Sarah Jordan, BOKA — WINNER
Stephanie Mazzone, Coco Pazzo
Kady Yon, Pump Room at Public Chicago

 Best Sommelier 
Scott Harney, Eno at the Intercontinental
Michael Muser, The Peninsula Chicago — WINNER
Dan Pilkey, RIA
Aaron Sherman, NoMI

Best Mixologist 
Stephen Cole, Barrelhouse Flat
Lynn HouseBlackbird
Debbi Peek, The Bristol
Josh Pearson, Sepia — WINNER

Best Neighborhood Restaurant
Autre Monde 
The Bristol — WINNER
Maude’s Liquor
Bar 
Vera

Best Fine Dining
Blue 13
Coco Pazzo
Next — WINNER
Sepia

Best New Restaurant 
Autre Monde
GT Fish & Oyster
Next — WINNER
Vera

Best Catering Company 
BOKA Catering
Catering by Michaels
Entertaining Company
Limelight — WINNER

People’s Choice Award (Best dish served at cocktail event voted by attendees)The Purple Pig for its milk-braised pork shoulder

 


Everest Burger 2.0, new and improved for 2012

Everest Burger, Glencoe IL

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most restaurateurs would agree that any new concept should be fine-tuned during its first year as it climbs up the learning curve and gets to know its customers. This wisdom has not bypassed Mark and Margarita Challenger, owners of Everest Burger, located at 91 Green Bay Rd. in Glencoe, Ill. (847-242-0909).

This “better burger” joint, which opened in February 2011, is located on the Winnetka/Glencoe border in the North Shore area of Chicago. The owners are an engaging couple who also own the very popular Guanajuato Contemporary Mexican and Tequila Bar a few doors down from Everest Burger. They have made several key changes during 2011 and the customers couldn’t be more pleased.
JIM_1873_adj-1 Mark & Margarita Challenger“We’ve learned a lot during our first year at Everest Burger,” said Mark, “and we’ve made some significant changes that will better serve our customers. We’ve moved to a different supplier of beef, changed some of our ingredients, added new recipes, changed our menu presentation, and moved to full table service because that’s what our customers want. We’ve also started daily breakfast service.” The core mission of Everest Burger has not changed, however. “Our goal still remains to serve fresh, healthy food that our guests will find to be a delicious, intelligent alternative to typical burger joint fare,” he says.
The beef is juicier and richer tasting The first thing the Challengers did was to review their choice of all-natural beef. “We originally chose a Piedmontese beef that is a very lean, healthy, all-natural product that contains no hormones, additives or antibiotics,” said Mark. “It’s a great product, but we found that it was simply too lean to please our customers tastes—they are used to richer beef.  What was missing was the robust flavor that can be found in beef that has a higher fat content.” So the Challengers spent several months researching other beef suppliers and eventually chose Missouri-based Rain Crow Ranch.
“This company brings to Everest Burger all of the qualities we look for,” said Mark. “The beef is still all-natural, grass-fed and free of any hormones, additives and antibiotics. It’s also raised in the most cattle-friendly way possible. The difference is that the beef is from Angus cattle and delivers a heartier flavor experience. Our burgers are now juicer, moister and more flavorful than before and our customers love them. So do our kids.” Everest Burger still grinds its beef in-house and the process has been improved for better texture. By grinding them in-house we can be assured that we are using the exact cuts of beef that we want. When you buy a pre-ground product as most burger restaurants do, you cannot be assured you are getting the quality you want.

The burgers are now larger and the pricing is also simpler. The regular sized Everest Burger served with fries ($9.95) has been increased from 4 ounces to 5 ounces. The “big and juicy” burger (8 ounces) is also available at $12.95. Each burger recipe is priced the same no matter if the guest chooses grass-fed beef, free-range chicken or turkey, or organic vegetarian (black bean, Portobello or walnut). However, there is a $3 up-charge for choosing Wild Alaskan Salmon, which is flown in from Alaska. All burgers now come with choice of homemade French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Carrot Sticks or Coleslaw included in the price.
There are some other nice changes to the menu. The all grass-fed beef hot dogs are now served Chicago-style, with mustard, onion, tomato, celery salt, sweet pickle Glencoe Burger resizerelish, sport peppers and a pickle spear. Sweet potato fries and homemade coleslaw are new options and there are also weekly specials like the Glencoe Burger (arugula, olive oil mayonnaise, tomato, and onion, ketchup and served on a house-made sesame bun) and the Great Gringo Burger (Corona beer marinated beef Gringo Burger resizeserved with chipotle mayonnaise, tomato, ketchup, lettuce and grilled jalapenos).  All condiments and produce are organic. On the dessert side, Everest Burger’s frozen yogurt is creamier than ever and they use real organic yogurt from Wisconsin in the recipe, unlike most other frozen yogurt that is made from powder.
The kids menu continues to be popular and there are several improvements. Pasta and meatballs are now available as well as meatball sliders. The kids’ meals are served in delightful, artistic cardboard cars and trucks. Another big change has involved the menu presentation. “When our guests walk in, they view our large menu board on the wall behind the front counter,” said Mark. “It lists all of our food choices, including our special recipes. The problem we had is that, originally, the menu board contained all text and no photos. We found that our customers had a hard time visualizing our burger creations and so ordering was too difficult. We’ve now designed and installed a brand new menu board, complete with color photos of the signature items. It’s bright and very appealing and ordering is much easier.” Interior resizeTo make ordering and overall service even better, Everest Burger has added full table service and free WiFi. Guests can now be seated in the dining room and a server will give them all of the service they need, including explanations of the menu items. “It’s a better experience for the customers and it gives us more opportunity to chat with them and get to know them so we can continue to make them happy. That’s what a neighborhood restaurant should be,” said Mark. “People on the go can still order at the counter and then sit down; the food will be brought to them, ready to eat in the dining room or packaged for takeout.”
Everest Burger’s bakery becomes a central focus The restaurant has always prided itself on its homemade baked goods. From the beginning, we’ve baked our burger buns from scratch, in-house,” said Margarita. “We started out offering healthy, whole wheat buns that were delicious. But our customers told us they didn’t absorb the burger’s juices as readily as lighter white buns and the burgers were a bit too messy for some. After months of testing, we’ve designed a new, bigger burger bun, made from organic whole wheat white and unbleached flour. We didn’t sacrifice any flavor, though—they’re tastier than before. It’s a very good improvement.” For those who prefer, Everest Burger still offers its sesame, whole wheat, vegan and gluten-free buns. The gluten-free buns are made from rice flour, buckwheat and flaxseed. Margarita tested several recipes before choosing this one.
New Breakfast Service The bakery is also now the impetus for Everest Burger’s new breakfast service. Coffee resize “Everest Burger, with its free parking, is a convenient stop for breakfast and we’re now offering some hearty breakfast entrées as well as a variety of wonderful pastries that are baked on premises,” said Margarita. All egg dishes are prepared with free-range, organic eggs. The turkey bacon and sausage are hormone-free. Organic flour is used in the pancakes and waffles. “Together with our fresh juices and our new espresso and cappuccino service—using excellent coffee, I might add—we have become an attractive spot for people who want to get off to a great morning start.” Everest Burger’s breakfast service begins at 8 a.m.
The breakfast menu feature such items as  the Breakfast Burrito, warm, flour tortilla filled with beef chorizo, black beans, scrambled eggs and cotija cheese ($7.95); the Everest Waffle, a home-made Belgian waffle with choice of strawberries, bananas or blueberries ($8.95); Blueberry Pancakes, three fluffy buttermilk or gluten-free buckwheat pancakes cooked with fresh blueberries ($9.95); Everest Pancakes, three fluffy buttermilk or gluten-free buckwheat pancakes cooked with shredded carrots, Granny Smith apples and raisins, and served with a side of plain yogurt ($10.95).
Omelette resizeOmelette choices include the Nova Lox Omelette, three eggs, lox, onion, tomatoes and cream cheese; Steak Omelette, three eggs, steak, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion and sharp cheddar cheese; Everest Omelette, three eggs with a wonderful mix of spinach, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and avocado, and the Mediterranean Omelette, three eggs, roasted sweet bell pepper, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, parsley, fresh garlic, scallions and feta cheese. All omelettes start at $10.95. The bakery and coffee service are open all day and there are plenty of freshly baked cookies, cupcakes, muffins and brownies to choose from.
The new and improved Everest Burger is just another step for the Challengers as they continue to refine their business and become increasingly involved in their community. “We love this area and we’ve been fortunate to have sponsored some local sports teams and other programs, said Mark. “We hope the community will continue to support us as well and, if they weren’t convinced their first time at Everest Burger, they should come back and give Everest Burger another try. We think they will be very pleased with version 2.0. We want to hear from our guests about what we’re doing right and how we can make our restaurant the place to go for delicious, healthy burgers, great breakfast and much more.”
About Everest Burger Everest Burger is a better burger restaurant and bakery located at 91 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe, Ill. The restaurant and bakery is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, contact Everest Burger at (847) 242-0909 or online at www.everestburger.com.

FirstBites Bash Feb. 2 gives preview taste of Chicago Restaurant Week

United Airlines presents First Bites Bash, the official kick-off event for Chicago Restaurant Week, produced by the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. Inside the magnificent Great Hall of Chicago Union Station, enjoy savory and sweet tastings from over 50 of Chicago’s best chefs and restaurants.Chicago restaurateur and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard will host this event, from which 100% of net proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.Create your own food pairings with Moet Hennessy wines, Belvedere cocktails and Blue Moon craft beers. And the Groupon Dessert Lounge is sure to satisfy that sweet tooth!

Tickets for FirstBites on February 2 are $125 per person or $1250 for a table of 10.

Chicago Restaurant Week runs for ten glorious days in February when restaurants you’ve been dying to try offer delicious deals. This year’s 5th annual event will take place from February 17-26. To purchase tickets go to FirstBitesBash2012.com.
FirstBites confirmed participating restaurants include:
 

 

Slow Food Chicago Celebrates Tomatoes with Chicago TomatoFest Potluck

Do you love heirloom tomatoes as much as we do? Show off your heirloom harvest at the Slow Food Chicago TomatoFest Potluck. Saturday, September 24, at the Chicago Honey Co-op!

Chicago TomatoFest benefits the preSERVE garden, a partnership between Slow Food Chicago, the North Lawndale Greening Committee, Chicago Honey Co-op, and NeighborSpace.

Arrive at the potluck early and help the group harvest black eyed peas and crowder peas from the preSERVE garden! Don’t worry if you can’t come early, tours will be given of the preSERVE garden and the Chicago Honey Co-op, an urban apiary dedicated to beekeeping training and sustainable agricultural practices.

  • 4:00-5:00pm – Come early and help us harvest beans at the preSERVE garden! Located at 12th Place and Central Park Avenue (just a few blocks from the Honey Co-op)
  • 5:00-8:00pm – Chicago TomatoFest Potluck at the Chicago Honey Co-op

Bring your tomatoes, a potluck dish for sharing, and your chairs/picnic blankets.

Bee Etiquette: Please wear light colored clothing and a hat. Don’t wear perfumes, colognes, or scents.

Directions: 3740 W. Fillmore is 2 blocks North of Roosevelt Road between Independence Boulevard and Central Park. The apiary takes up the whole block on the north side of Fillmore and is easily visible from the street. There is plenty of street parking available.

Driving: Take I-290 West to Independence Boulevard. Exit and go South about 3 blocks just past the old railroad viaduct. Turn left on Fillmore Street. We are located in the middle of the block.

By Bike: http://www.ridethecity.com/chicago

By train: There is a Blue Line stop at Homan/Kedzie. Walk the ramp toward Homan Avenue, walk South on Homan approximately 5 blocks just past the 12-story 1905 original Sears Tower. Fillmore is the first street beyond the tower. Walk 2 blocks West to the apiary.

By Bus: Homan/Kimball bus to Fillmore Street and walk west 2 blocks.

$10 Slow Food Chicago and Chicago Honey Co-op members, $15 non-members. Kids are free!

NOTE: Rain date is Sunday, September 25th (Check Slow Food Chicago website www.slowfoodchicago.org day of event. Rain date will be called by noon on Saturday, September 24th)
Start Time:
4 p.m.
Date:
2011-09-24
End Time:
8 p.m.


Green City Market Chef’s BBQ Benefit July 21 in Lincoln Park

by Lee Barrie and Cindy Kurman
reprinted with permission by Got Buzz

Join nearly 100 of Chicago’s premiere chefs from 5:30-8 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Green City Market (1750 N. Clark St., Chicago, Ill.) for the “True Taste of Chicago,” the Green City Market Chef’s BBQ Benefit. The Chefs partner with the Green City Market farmers and producers to develop recipes that promote the bounty of fruits and vegetables currently available. In addition to food, locally made beer, wine, hand-crafted cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

Online purchase of tickets is available on brownpapertickets.com through July 11 and at the Market information booth every Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the BBQ. All sales are final, no refunds or exchanges and no dogs are allowed at the event.
Ticket Prices:
Ages 12+: $100.00 (includes entry and all food/beverages)

Ages 12 and under: $25.00

VIP Tickets: $250.00 (Includes pre-event access at 4:30 p.m. and exclusive cocktails from 4:30-5:30 p.m.)

VIP Tables: $2,500.00 (The VIP Heirloom table is $2,500 and seats ten. VIP tables are not available online but can be purchased by calling the Green City Market office at 773.880.1266).

Don’t miss out on one of Chicago’s most unique and tastiest events of the year. It doesn’t get better than great food, drinks, music and the beauty of Lincoln Park on a summer evening in Chicago. The proceeds from the event support Green City Market’s educational programs and outreach initiatives.

Restaurants & Chefs Participating:
676: Chefs Daren Wardynski, Kevin Atkinson & Karla Zarate
Atwood Café: Chef Derek Simcik
Avec/Blackbird: Chefs Koren Grievson and Paul Kahan
Belly Shack/Urban Belly: Chef Bill Kim
Benny’s Chop House: Chef Jonathan Lane
Big Bowl: Chef Marc Bernard
Big Jones: Chefs Paul Fehribach, Mark Armantrout & Drew Swanson
Bin 36: Chef John Caputo
Bistronomic: Chef Martial Nougier
Blue 13/Elate: Chefs Chris Curren, Chris Davies & Mike Noll
BOKA: Chef Giuseppe Tentori
Branch 27: Chefs Katherine August & Cary Michael
Bristol: Chef Chris Pandel
Butcher and Larder: Chefs Rob & Allie Levitt
Café BaBa Reeba: Chef Tim Cottini
Capriole: Chefs Judith Schad & Sofia Solomon
Carnivale: Chef David Dworshak
Chilam Balam: Chef Chuy Valencia
City Provisions: Chef Cleetus Friedman
Coco Pazzo: Chefs Chris Macchia & Stephanie Mazzone
Convito Café and Market: Chefs Noe Sanchez, Nancy Brussat Barocci & Candace Barocci Warner
Custom House Tavern: Chef Bryce Caron
David Burke’s Primehouse: Chef Rick Gresh
Café des Architectes: Chef Greg Biggers
Dirk’s Fish: Chefs Dirk Fucik, Terry Fucik, Ayla Fucik, Dee Fucik & Amir Rafizadeh
Eli’s Cheescake: Chefs Jolene Worthington & Diana Moles
Elysian Hotel: Chefs Danny Grant & Jason McLeod
Foodlife: Chef John Chiakulas
Four Seasons: Chefs Kevin Hickey & Scott Gerken
Fox & Obel: Chef Pamela Fitzpatrick
Franks ‘N’ Dawgs: Chefs Alexander Brunacci & Joe Doren
Frontera Grill: Chef Rick Bayless
Girl and the Goat: Chef Stephanie Izard
Goose Island: Chef Andrew Hroza
Green Zebra: Chefs Shawn McClain, Jon DuBois & Mary Christie
Hot Chocolate: Chefs Mindy Segal & Aric Miech
Inovasi: Chef John des Rosiers
Kendall College: Chef Mitch Cavanah
Leopold: Chef Jeffrey Hedin
Limelight: Chef Rita Gutekanst
Lockwood: Chef Gregory Elliott
Lulu Café/ Nightwood: Chef Jason Hammel
Marion Street Cheese Market: Chef Leonard Hollander
Mighty Nice Grill
MK: Chef Michael Kornick
Mon Ami Gabbi: Chef Justin Dumcum
Naha: Chef Carrie Nahabedian
Nomi at the Park Hyatt
North Pond: Chef Bruce Sherman
Old Town Social: Chef Jared Van Camp
One Sixty Blue: Chefs Michael McDonald & Hillary Blanchard
Osteria Via Stato: Chefs David DiGregorio & Allison Gallese
Park Grill
Peninsula
Perennial Virant: Chefs Paul Virant, Scott Manley & Kenord Clarke
Prairie Grass Café/ Prairie Fire: Chefs Sarah Stegner & George Bumbaris
Prasino: Chef Todd C. Feitl
Province: Chef Randy Zweiban
Publican/Big Star: Chefs Paul Kahn, Brian Huston & Justin Large
Quince
Rhapsody: Chefs Dean Zanella & Danial Romero
Ritz Carlton: Chefs Mark Payne, Chuck Kazmer & Eric Estrella
Sable Kitchen & Bar: Chef Heather Terhune
Seedling: Chef Peter Klein
Sepia: Chefs Andrew Zimmerman, Emmanuel Nony, Carlos Velasquez, Kyle McElhinney, Charles Welch & Cindy Schuman
Signature Room: Chef Patrick Sheerin
Smoque BBQ/Ina’s: Chefs Barry Sorkin & Ina Pinkney
Snookelfritz: Chef Nancy Silver
Socca: Chef Roger Herring
Sola: Chefs Carol Wallack & Bob Bagley
Southern: Chef Cary Taylor
South Water Kitchen: Chef Roger Waysok
Café Spiaggia: Chefs Sarah Gruenberg, Erik Freeberg & Tony Mantuano
Sprout: Chef Dale Levitski
Sunday Dinner: Chefs Christine Cikowski & Josh Kulp
Tavernita: Chef Ryan Poli
Terzo Piano at the Art Institute: Chefs Tony Mantuano & Meg Colleran Sahs
The Bedford: Chef Mark Steuer
The Chopping Block: Chefs Shelley Young, Janet Kirker, John Peters & Nate Diss
The Gage & Henri: Chefs Dirk Flanigan & Michael Dean Reynolds
The Goddess and Grocer/Feast: Chef Debbie Sharpe
Three Floyds: Chef Mike Sheerin
Uncommonground-Clark St.: Chef Justin Martin
Uncommonground-Devon St.: Chef Chris Spear
Vie: Chefs Paul Virant & Nathan Sears
Wave: Chef Kristine Subido
West Town Tavern: Chefs Susan Goss & Drew Goss
Zealous/Du Champ: Chef Michael Taus

Green City Market Chef’s BBQ

Create Your Own Chicago Craft Beer Pub Crawl

by Lee Barrie and Cindy Kurman

Did you miss the Chicago Craft Beer Week?  This annual exhibition of the City’s craft beer community is a must for beer aficionados. If you missed it, don’t fret. We’ve compiled a do-it-yourself tour to enjoy at your leisure.

But first…what are craft brewers?

An American craft brewer is small, independent and traditional. Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less. Independent: Less than 25% of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member who is not themselves a craft brewer. Traditional: A brewer who has either an all malt flagship (the beer which represents the greatest volume among that brewers brands) or has at least 50% of its volume in either all malt beers or in beers which use adjuncts to enhance rather than lighten flavor.

Chicago is a hub of pubs and restaurants offering the ever-so tasty craft beers. If you want to re-track this year’s Craft Beer event, check out these spots for great brew.

South Loop locations: Kroll’s (1736 S. Michigan Ave, 312- 235-1400), Reggie’s Bar (2105 S. State Street, 312-949-0120), Weathermark Tavern (1503 S. Michigan Avenue, 312-588-0230), Jimmy Green’s (825 S. State Street, 312-386-9000), Wabash Tap (1233 S. Wabash Street, 312-360-9488), and Flo and Santo’s (1310 S. Wabash Street, 312-566-9817) — all offering a great selection of craft beers.

The Beer Bistro (1061 W Madison Ave. at Aberdeen, 312-433 0013) carries 22 beers on draft and more than 140 bottles and cans, a wide spectrum from around the country including The Brooklyn Brewery. They also have “real ale” a cask conditioned ail weekly.

Check out the free Saturday tours at Revolution Brewing (Logan Square. 2323 N Milwaukee Ave. between California and Fullerton.  773-227 2739, noon to 1:00p.m. Tours hold up to 25.

Other venues to sample great craft beers include: Twisted Spoke (501 N Ogden St. between Grand and Race. 312-666-1500);  Rock Bottom Brewery (1 West Grand, 312-755-9339) and Faith & Whiskey (1366 W. Fullerton, 773-248-9119)

Going upscale. There are a number of casual and fine dining restaurants offering impressive craft and small batch beer selections. Benny’s Chop House (444 N. Wabash Ave., 312-626-2444) boasts an impress list of 34 brews including some hard to find selections like Founders Centennial IPA, Daisy Cutter Pale Ale from Chicago’s Half Acre Brewery, and Arcadia “Ship Wreck” Porter.

Drink at home. There’s nothing better than celebrating with friends and the summer is the perfect celebration drink is an ice cold craft brew. Whole Foods – Lincoln Park (1550 N Kingsbury St at Weed, 312-587 0648) has an admirable selection or pick up at great selection at Goose Island Beer Company (1800 N. Clybourn, 312-915-0071) Chicago’s own. Voted best for its craft beers in 2010,  try the Green Line, an American Style pale ale.

Save the Date: You may have to travel, but if you love beer, you will want to mark your calendars for these future beer events.

About DineWise

DineWise Chicago is written by Cindy Kurman Barrie and Lee Barrie, the principals of Kurman Communications, Inc., a Chicago-based marketing and public relations agency. The DineWise column appears weekly in Streetwise magazine. Please visit their blog atwww.gotbuzzatkurman.com and check out all DineWise articles atwww.dinewisechicago.com.