Category Archives: Chicago restaurant public relations

Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day in Chicago September 18

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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.

 

Treat: A spot that lights up the neighborhood

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Treat
1616 N. Kedzie, Chicago
(773) 772-1201, www.treatrestaurant.com

Hours: 5-9 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.; 5-10 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat.; 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday.
Entrée prices: $12-$19.

Editors Note: Since writing and publishing this story in the print version of StreetWise, we’ve learned that Treat will close on April 3. Owners are looking for a new location, so hurry over and have a fabulous meal and if you know of any great spots for this gem of a restaurant, give them a call!

Anyone who has lived in Chicago for awhile becomes familiar with the restaurant hot spots—those neighborhoods that are teeming with good, interesting places to eat. River North, Bucktown and Lincoln Square come to mind, but there are many others. It’s great to have these destinations but often the out-of-the-way places get overlooked.

Lately we’ve come across a restaurant whose presence is a beacon of light in its neighborhood. You wouldn’t expect to find such a good spot in the vicinity, but when you do, you are thrilled there are still restaurateurs willing to go out on a limb to pioneer a neighborhood that is sorely in need of a worthwhile gathering spot.

Where North Kedzie meets North Avenue you’ll find Treat, a small but creatively designed contemporary American BYOB restaurant with a strong South Asian influence. The warm colors, local art display and casually warm atmosphere are perfect for enjoying quite tasty food, a bottle of your favorite wine or beer and good conversation. We went there recently with a group to celebrate a friend’s birthday and we had a wonderful time. Treat is an oasis of dinner and weekend brunch.

The menu is intriguing from top to bottom—well thought out and creative yet accessible, with a more than ample selection of vegetarian dishes if you’re so inclined. Because the food is creative, take time to enjoy at least one first course—if not a first and second course—before the entrée is served.

First courses include meat and fish creations such as an interesting Beef Kabob with smoked spices, baby spinach in a yogurt dressing and Daisy’s Fried Calamari served with a carrot, parsley salad and harissa aioli. Other seafood starters include Scallops served with a yogurt crème, potatoes and leeks and Goan Crab Cakes with a panko bread crumb crust and creamed peas. Among the vegetarian starters are tasty Samosas, flaky pastry dough filled with potatoes, peas and served with a cilantro, mint and tamarind chutney, and the delicious Mushroom Paneer Purse: leeks and goat cheese in phyllo dough served with mixed greens and balsamic reduction.

A second course will provide a soup or salad. There is a daily soup and there are three salads, all are nicely conceived and shareable. The Mixed Green Salad includes tomatoes, cilantro and mint in pomegranate vinaigrette. You can enhance the salad with chicken salad or marinated flank steak for an up charge. The yummy beet salad is accompanied by herb crusted baked goat cheese, pickled onions, greens and walnuts in a citrus vinaigrette. Another nice choice is the Paneer and Spinach Salad, with cucumbers, paneer (soft white cheese), spiced corn, Israeli cous cous and shredded carrots in a cumin vinaigrette.

The entrées showcase Treat’s penchant for creative interpretations of South Asian specialties. Non-vegetarian entrées include Chicken Tikka Masala in a yogurt tomato sauce with Indian spices, basmati rice and curried seasonal vegetables. Meat lovers can select the Marinated Flank Steak served with mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus and korma (yogurt, nuts, spices) sauce or the Mint Creek Farm Lamb Shank with saffron cholay (curried chick peas), potatoes and rice. If you’re in a fish or seafood mood, you can select a perfectly prepared Seared Salmon with Israeli cous cous, fennel, tear drop tomatoes, edamame and almond cream or Scallops in a yogurt crème sauce, potatoes and leeks.

Vegetarian selections include Daai Tadka with Indian spices, clarified vegetable butter, basmati rice, and curried vegetables as well as a very delicious, albeit somewhat spicy Curried Gnocchi in a garam (ground spices) masala crème, with spinach gingered raisons, roasted fennel and mint. If pasta is in your future, you can go for the Garlic Paneer Linguini with roasted garlic, mushrooms, fennel, edamame, paneer, asparagus and herbs.

A nice feature about Treat as a neighborhood spot is that if you’re more inclined to eat light, there are several interesting sandwiches to choose from. Among the creations are a Lamb Burger with roasted red pepper, red onions, herb aioli, cilantro chutney on a toasted bun. There are two panini selections: the Jake’s Farm Ham and Cheese Panini comes with smoked ham, swiss cheese, mustard relish aioli, caramelized onions, all served on a light rye bread. The Turkey Panini is served with an apple tarragon cole slaw and swiss cheese on a light rye. You might also want to try the Beer Battered Cod Sandwich with capers, herb aioli, pickled onions and mesculin greens. Each sandwich comes with choice of side dish: French fries, basmati rice with chutney, apple tarragon cole slaw, wilted spinach or curried seasonal vegetables.

Treat doesn’t skimp on the desserts; we were delighted with our Spiced Apple Tart topped with Black Pepper ice cream—not your typical, run of the mill tart by any means.

Treat is BYOB but if you’re not drinking alcohol, you might want to try their homemade Ginger Limeade or choose from a wide range of teas.

Don’t forget the weekend brunch; visit the website, www.treatrestaurant.com, for menu information.

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 at www.gotbuzzatkurman.com and check out all DineWise articles at www.dinewisechicago.com.

Davanti Enoteca takes honest Italian wholesomeness to a new level with a big touch of Chicago creativity

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Davanti Enoteca
1359 W. Taylor St., Chicago
(312) 226-5550
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.; 11:30 a.m.-midnight, Fri.-Sat.; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun.
Entrée prices: $10-$14
By Lee Barrie and Cindy Kurman
Story originally appeared in Streetwise magazine

This is a story about one of our personal best-kept dining secrets: Davanti Enoteca. We haven’t kept this secret very long—the restaurant has only been open for only four months. But we’ve dined here enough times to know that the place is always bustling and you usually have to wait for a table. Now, with our little secret revealed, the wait will be a bit longer. But don’t let that dissuade you: this place is worth the wait, because extraordinary flavors and textures are only a menu away. So enjoy a glass of wine while you people-watch and savor the anticipation.

This Italian restaurant and wine shop exudes soul and spirit. The atmosphere is very casual, homey and friendly, the kind of place you would absolutely want in your neighborhood. The room is woodsy and several walls are lined with cases of wine. Here you can buy a bottle of wine at retail, not restaurant, prices and after paying the modest $7 corkage fee (which is waived on Sundays), you can enjoy a quality selection from a predominantly Italian wine list.

Davanti Enoteca offers up unorthodox Italian comfort food that one could eat every day and not get tired of. Young rising star executive chef Jonathan Beatty (a chef to watch, we declare) pays homage to Italian tradition but raises the bar with modern ingredients and outstanding flavor and textural combinations. It’s sophisticated food, but it’s also honest, unpretentious and very reasonably priced. The dishes are perfect for sharing and  you can enjoy a tasting journey that is immensely satisfying. Once you’re full, you’ll wonder how such a delicious experience could have such a low price tag.

The extensive menu is intelligently divided into several sections. If you’d like to start by sharing some cheese and prepared meats, you’ll have a generous selection to choose from. Examples include the Burricotta, a creamy, burrata style ricotta cheese; the Grana Padano, an aged parmesan style cheese; Pantaleo, a Sardinian aged goat cheese. Mortadella di Bologna is a heat cured Italian salami; Capicolla Piccante is a cured spicy pork shoulder.

Along the same lines, you will enjoy the Vasi, mini-mason jars of delicious spreads served with Tuscan toast. The Olives Mediterranea are zesty; the Burrata Cheese with sea salt and olive oil is smooth and slightly tangy.
There are several appetizers handsomely served on wooden boards. You must, must, must order the Foccacia di Recco (Ligurian style baked foccacia filled with fresh soft cow cheese). One bite and you’ll know what heaven is like, trust us. Another delight is the Mascarpone Polenta, featuring the ragu of the day presented atop a cushion of polenta.

Antipasti selections continue the wow factor while being perfect for sharing. We love them all, so simply choose what you feel like; you won’t be disappointed. We think the Truffle Egg Toast with Fontina and asparagus is inspired, as are the Roasted Beets with walnut butter and crème candied walnuts.

There are five Salati (salad) selections. We absolutely adore the Roasted Squash with farro, whipped goat cheese, hazelnuts and watercress. Other tasty choices include Shaved Fresh Hearts of Palm with Lolla Rosa, lemon, chili oil and pink peppercorn and the Escarole and Gala Apple with celery and hazelnuts.

The menu offers an ample selection of crispy thin crusted pizzas. Among the interesting pizzas are Pizza Della Fattoria with farmed egg, pork belly, potato and scallions, and the Pizza con Salsiccia e Rapini with Italian mild sausage, broccoli rabe, garlic, chili oil, fresh mozzarella and tomato.

Pasta dishes are perfectly prepared: not overly sauced and perfectly al dente. We have become loyal to our to-die-for respective favorites: she loves the Cacio e Pepe, spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper, while he goes wild for the Riccio di Mare e Granchio, linguine with sea urchin and crab. Other tasty pasta choices include Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno, giant rigatoni with sausage, oven roasted tomato and parmigiano, and i Uovo in Raviolo ‘San Domenico’, giant raviolo with ricotta, egg and spinach.

The main course section offers a palette of well-conceived fish, meat and poultry dishes. One of our favorites is the Pollo ‘Sole Mio’, grilled half chicken with chili pepper paste, and we also love the Polpo con Rafano, seared octopus with warm fingerling potato salad, marcona almonds and fresh horseradish aioli. If you’re in a burger mood, you’ll enjoy the Davanti Burger, a custom blend of grilled ground beef served with bacon jam, roasted tomato, cheese curd, arugula, roasted garlic mayo, and served with seasoned shoestring fries.

Leaving enough room for dessert may be a challenge but, if you’ve paced yourself, you can enjoy such creative delights as the Cannoli Sundae with sweet ricotta, crushed cannoli, pistachios, candied oranges, chocolate sauce and whipped cream or the nicely textured Torta Bacio, chocolate‐hazelnut mousse with a crunchy bottom and cocoa nibs.

There is a daily selection of specials, a large number of wines by the glass and valet parking across the street. By the way, Davanti Enoteca is brought to you by Scott Harris and the folks at Francesca’s Restaurants. We thought we’d save this detail for last. They rock!
About the Authors
Cindy Kurman Barrie and Lee Barrie are the principals of Kurman Communications, Inc., a Chicago-based marketing and public relations agency. Please visit their blog at www.gotbuzzatkurman.com and check out all DineWise articles at www.dinewisechicago.com.

The new Bistro One West in St. Charles: "B.O.W. WOW!”

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Bistro One West
1 W. Illinois Street, St. Charles, IL
(630) 444-0600; www.bistro1west.com

Hours:
Lunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tues.-Sat.
Dinner: 5-9 p.m., Tues.-Thurs.; 5-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat.
Closed on Sun. and Mon.
Price average:
Lunch: $8-12; Dinner: $16-20

By Lee Barrie and Cindy Kurman
Photos by Cindy Kurman
Story originally appeared in Streetwise magazine

No, this isn’t about dogs, hot dogs or Asian steamed buns, for that matter. But if the new Bistro One West (B.O.W.) in beautiful downtown St. Charles was a Westminster contestant, it would have a good shot of winning Best in Show.
Bistro One West has the pedigree to be taken seriously by food lovers. The owner is George Guggeis, who made a name for himself as the owner of the beloved Chicago restaurant, Mango, among others. The executive chef is the versatile and consummate Doug D’Avico, who put Trattoria No. 10 on Chicago’s Italian go-to list for many years.
These two friendly, down-to-earth guys have joined forces to create a Modern American bistro which will do much to make the tri-cities area (St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia) an even more attractive place to enjoy a weekend getaway from Chicago. The restaurant sits on the west bank of the Fox River, and its spacious outdoor deck will no doubt be the place to go once the warm weather kicks in this spring.
But for now, while we are still in the midst of winter, suffice it to say that the interior immediately speaks “warm and comfortable gathering place.” Combining rustic exposed brick walls with colorful artwork, warm artistic lighting, earth-toned tile floors, dark woods and comfortable seating, the space has been created with the confident eye of designer Vicki Tesmer.
In the front of the restaurant there is a bustling bar area that’s perfect for the upscale locals who, in Bistro One West, have found a perfect hangout with a sophisticated wine and cocktail program.

The L-shaped dining room features leather booths with a window view of the river as well as tables that are nicely spaced. The atmosphere is good for both social and business dining and there is a semi-private dining room for special events.

The top draw is the food, however, and D’Avico delivers on his promise to offer fresh, locally sourced seasonal food that is predominately American but also takes advantage of his prodigious Italian skills. The presentations are handsome and the ingredients are first-rate. Note that there is a separate lunch menu that only slightly overlaps the dinner menu.
At dinnertime, the appetizers get everything off to a roaring good start. We loved the Burrata, a fresh mozzarella-type cheese with a creamy center, served with delicious roasted tomatoes.
We were joyfully surprised by the Deviled Eggs filled with Maine Lobster—it’s a classic brought to a whole new level. Other good choices include the White Polenta with Crispy Pork Belly, served with red mole and heirloom radishes and the Jumbo Prawns with garlic, chili threads, shallots and grilled Ciabatta. A nice vegetarian choice is the Ancient Sweet Pepper with Dunbarton bleu cheese and applewood smoked bacon.

Salad lovers can choose between the tasty Shaved Roasted Beets with Nopales Salad, served with pickled Jalapeno and feta cheese, and the Bibb Leaf Salad with roasted tomatoes, herb dressing and fried parsnips.

The main courses are particularly interesting, well chosen and comforting. There is something for everyone and the choices are diverse enough to keep it interesting for those who are inclined to frequent the restaurant often.

Meat lovers will enjoy the
Berkshire Pork Cutlets with spicy snap peas and roasted corn pudding—a quite original dish, and the tender Grilled Waygu Steak, served with avocado butter and fingerling home fries. The Braised Veal Short Ribs, with caramelized onion relish and natural reductions, are as tender as can be. The robust pasta specialty is a perfectly prepared Pappardelle with Berkshire Pork, tomatoes and Pecorino Romano cheese.

On the lighter side, fish fans can go for the delightful Organic Irish Salmon with roasted cauliflower, applewood smoked bacon and mint or the Lake Superior Walleye with radicchio cole slaw, Shitake, green onion butter sauce. The poultry dish is Herb Roasted Amish Chicken with roasted carrots, lemon, cinnamon and pearl onions and, for vegetarians, there is a flavorful Roasted Poblano Pepper, spicy lentils, red shallots, spinach, feta and tomato.

Dessert lovers can find plenty to choose from, but at some point you’ll simply have to try the Butter & Bread Pudding with poached berry compote. D’Avico has taken a small loaf of bread, sliced it thinly and then applied the appropriate magic to turn it into a to-die-for mini-French toast with a wonderfully sweet and tangy topping. Very unique and extremely good; bravo!
Other desserts include Caramelized Roasted Banana with baked cinnamon wonton and Nutella cream; Baked Pears with Marsala, cinnamon, lemon, sun-dried cherries, and a rich Chocolate Pot e Crème with roasted pumpkin seed brittle.

The final good news is that Bistro One West has kept the pricing reasonable so that regular visits can be enjoyed. The parking is free and the staff is very gracious and enthusiastic. It’s great news for this part of the Chicago area, and worth the drive for a unique, even if brief, escape from the city. Check out the website for a peek at the lunch and cocktail menus.

Cindy Kurman Barrie and Lee Barrie are the principals of Kurman Communications, Inc., a Chicago-based marketing and public relations agency. Please visit their blog at www.gotbuzzatkurman.com and check out all DineWise articles at www.dinewisechicago.blogspot.com. Photos by Cindy Kurman

Deleece: this restaurant was always good, but now it’s approaching amazing

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Deleece
4004 N. Southport, Chicago
(773) 325-1710; www.deleece.com
Hours: 5:30-10 p.m., Mon.; 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m., Tues., Wed., Thurs.; 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-11 p.m., Fri.; 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-11 p.m., Sat.; 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m., Sun.
Prices: most entrees are under than $20 and every Monday and Tuesday, Deleece features a three course special for $20!
It’s always a pleasure to write about a neighborhood spot that’s so good it’s worth a drive or L-ride, no matter where you live. So we’re happy to report that Deleece, a favorite among Lakeview residents since 1995, is better than ever and definitely worth the journey. A casual and beautifully artistic restaurant, owned by husband and wife team Lynne Wallack and John Handler, Deleece specializes in good contemporary American cuisine. With a foundation in American comforts, the restaurant brings a creative, global sensibility to its menu. The quality of the food has always set it apart from the bulk of even good neighborhood restaurants and these days, it has raised the bar even further. And topping off the good news, the menu continues to be very reasonably priced.
Four months ago, Deleece brought in a new chef, Brandon Canfield, who was recently at mk in Chicago but has also cooked in New York and San Francisco. His food is exceptional and we hope he has found a long term home at Deleece. We dined there very recently and we were very, very pleased, indeed. Canfield’s seasonal menu emphasizes fresh, local ingredients and he continues the tradition of presenting a wide assortment of flavors to please everyone.
Reading the menu, the dishes sound interesting, but not necessarily out of this world. In truth, the food is marvelous and brings the menu to life in a way we couldn’t have anticipated. We started our meal with an appetizer and salad. The Herbed Ricotta Gnocchi, with fava beans, maitake mushrooms, in white wine butter, was delicious. The gnocchi were perfectly done (not an easy feat) and the flavors were complex and fresh. The Arugula Salad was a culinary composition that was even better than the sum of its delicious parts. The honey-champagne dressing had a tantalizing sweet tartness, the honey glazed figs were a treat and, topped with a rich Stilton blue cheese, the salad was one of the best we’ve had in a long time.
We both ordered the Caramelized Salmon, a nicely-sized fillet, pan roasted with a somewhat sweet, teriyaki-like glaze, served with herbed black Chinese rice and a tasty sauté of fresh spinach and leeks in a pear ginger sauce. We were very, very happy. We asked for medium rare salmon and that’s what we got. We savored every bite, for this was one of the best salmon preparations we have ever had.
So, without dwelling on the many superlatives at Deleece, let’s run down other menu items, but keep in mind that the menu will change frequently and there are daily specials. Other current appetizer choices include Crab Risotto Cakes with truffle aioli; Chicken and Vegetable Potstickers with ginger, coriander, mustard seeds and honey; Rosemary Scented Polenta layered with sun-dried tomato and garlic pesto, wilted spinach and Ancho chili oil; Veggie spring rolls in butter lettuce salsa verde and nuoc cham.
Salad selections also include California Butter Lettuce with spiced walnuts, goat cheese, roasted peppers in a sherry vinaigrette; a Caesar salad with polenta croutons, and an entrée-sized Szechwan Salad with New York strip, napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red peppers, peanuts, fried rice noodles in a basil-cilantro-mint dressing.
Additional entrées include Boneless Half Amish Chicken with a salad of fingerling potato, caramelized onion, bacon and celery, in a fig mostarda sauce; Grilled Pork Tenderloin stuffed with spinach and bacon, garlic green beans, savory apple bread pudding and champagne-caramel demi glace; Grilled New York Strip with sautéed spinach, truffle mashed potatoes and port wine demi glace. Fish lovers should also try the Grilled Halibut Steak with peas, baby carrots, chickpea fries and arugula-mint pesto. Note also that many of the sides which come with the entrées are available ala carte as well.
Deleece also presents a special $20 three-course prix fixe dinner menu on Mondays and Tuesdays and bottles of wine are half-priced on Wednesdays. There is a kids menu and the restaurant is family-friendly, without a nice outdoor seating area.
Also keep in mind that there is a second Deleece restaurant: Deleece Grill Pub, at 3313 N. Clark in Wrigleyville, which focuses more on high-quality burgers, mac-and-cheese other comfort fare.
Cindy Kurman Barrie and Lee Barrie are the principals of Kurman Communications, Inc., a Chicago-based marketing and public relations agency. Please visit their blog at www.gotbuzzatkurman.com and check out all DineWise articles at www.dinewisechicago.blogspot.com. You can follow us on Twitter @DineWise.

Delizioso: Neapolitan pizza invades Logan Square via Ciao Napoli Pizzeria

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Ciao Napoli Pizzeria
2607 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
(773) 278-7300
Hours: 4 p.m.-midnight, Tues.-Fri.; 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat.-Sun.; closed Monday
The welcome invasion of authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan style pizza in Chicago continues in a big way. With the recent opening of Ciao Napoli Pizzeria, Logan Square is now the proud territory to this excellent pizza and more. This contemporary styled yet homey newcomer is a good neighborhood spot. The restaurant overlooks the Square with ceiling to floor glass windows. The décor is exposed brick and beautiful rustic wood tables. The staff is super friendly and enjoys schmoozing with the guests. It’s already bustling and, although it’s not a spacious restaurant, it doesn’t feel cramped. There is an ample bar area next to the main dining room.
The main draw is the pizza, which comes in two sizes (12” and 18”), is made from fresh, mostly imported ingredients. Whether you order a tomato-sauced version or a white version, the crust is king. Thin, chewy and slightly charred on the bottom, the way it should be. Among the choices, you can order Pizza D.O.C., a traditional Margherita, with tomato, fresh bufala mozzarella and basil. Pizza alla Diavola features tomato sauce, bufala mozzarella with spicy salamino; the vegetarian Pizza Primavera comes with tomato sauce, artichokes, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, artichokes, olives and zucchini. If you’re a cheese lover, don’t miss the Pizza 6 Formaggi, featuring (only!) six cheeses. Pizza Pestum is a white pizza with bufala mozzarella, shrimp and parmigiano. Pizza Bella features tomato sauce, bufala mozzarella, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, basil, crushed black pepper, extra virgin olive oil.
There are a variety of home style appetizers and salads to start. The calamari was somewhat bland although properly cooked; some dipping sauce helps out and don’t be shy about asking for your choice of sauce to spruce it up. There are several bruschetta choices as well. You’ll also enjoy the prosciutto and mozzarella rollups.
The menu also offers several pasta dishes. For many, you can simply choose the type of pasta—fettuccini, gnocchi or penne—and your choice of sauce. Other dishes, such as Lasagna, come only as prepared, which isn’t a bad thing.
For dessert, we liked the Nutella (hazelnut spread) Italian doughnuts. You can also order tiramisu and chocolate mousse, among others.
As with many new restaurants, the food and/or timing can be a bit inconsistent. By now, however, most of the kinks should be worked out and we think it’s worth a try. If you haven’t tried this type of pizza, you’ve been waiting too long. Go for it.
Cindy Kurman Barrie and Lee Barrie are the principals of Kurman Communications, Inc., a Chicago-based marketing and public relations agency. Please visit their blog at www.gotbuzzatkurman.com and check out all DineWise articles at www.dinewisechicago.blogspot.com. You can follow us on Twitter @DineWise.

Mexican seafood lovers, the road to happiness leads to Mariscos El Veneno

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Mariscos El Veneno
1024 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago; (773) 252-7200
6651 S. Pulaski, Chicago; (773) 582-5576
6835 S. Pulaksi, Chicago; (773) 735-7888
4465 S. Archer, Chicago; (773) 475-7044
1590 Busse Rd., Mt. Prospect, IL; (847) 364-9988
Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.; 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri.-Sun.
Ashland Avenue, just south of Division in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood, has become a haven for casual, family-style Mexican restaurants. Typically, they are modest, mom and pop venues that cater to a largely Hispanic neighborhood crowd. But the one that often has the line of eager diners out front is Mariscos El Veneno, an exceptional Mexican seafood restaurant that has been under the radar screen for many Chicagoans. There are three other locations in the city and one in Mt. Prospect.
This understated but festive and friendly casual eatery prepares a wide range of fish and seafood comfort dishes emanating from the Mexican west-central state of Nayarit, along the Pacific coast. These dishes are delicious and huge, huge, huge. The dining room is filled with the laughter and joy that comes from people loving their food, the staff and each others’ company.
Once you’re seated you’ll notice four bottles of hot chile sauce on the table, from mild to atomic—take your pick. Starting with the Shrimp Tostada, you’ll also notice that everything is freshly homemade and very tasty. When your server brings out the delicious taco chips and salsa, be forewarned—the salsa is HOT, HOT, VERY HOT. If you take more than a small dab, your mouth will burn for the next half hour. Trust us. So let us repeat: HOT, HOT, HOT! You’ve been forewarned.
There are many delicious starters from which to choose. The oysters on the shell are very fresh; you can order them with melted cheese if you like. You’ll also enjoy the fish or shrimp tacos. The shrimp and fish ceviches are colorful and excellent. We think that the shrimp and octopus cocktail is memorable (you can get just shrimp if you prefer). There are two sizes; the large size can actually work as a light entrée. Another wonderful cocktail specialty is the so-called Poison Cup with shrimp, octopus, oysters, clams and marlin ceviche.
Moving on to the entrées, there is also a wide selection. These huge dishes are perfect for sharing, family style. You need order 2-3 entrees for four people, depending on how hungry you are. Even then, you still may wind up taking some home. There are many favorites. One of our personal favorites is the Cucarachas, a plate full of steamed shrimp prepared al ajillo (in a rich garlic sauce). You can also order the shrimp rancheros style (butter sauce) or a la diabla (breaded in a chile sauce). These are simply perfect, as well as perfectly simple. If you would like a wider variety of seafood, go for the Chapuzón del Mar, which includes octopus, oysters and shrimp, If you’re a crab legs fan, you’ll be very pleased with the Crab Legs Nayarit Style, marinated and steamed, served with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and onions. Other seafood specialties include Stuffed Lobster, served either Nayrarit style or in a mushroom cream sauce.
If fish is your preference you have several ways to go. Filet of fish (catch of the day) can be prepared garlic-style, butter style or breaded. If you’d like whole fried fish you can order Fried Mojarra (tilapia) or Fried Huachinango (red snapper), served three ways.
Also note that you can order platter sized dishes if you’re with a larger group. For an added touch to your meal, enjoy some garlic bread and herbed rice as sides. The specialty dessert is homemade Pina Colada pie.
Cindy Kurman Barrie and Lee Barrie are the principals of Kurman Communications, Inc., a Chicago-based marketing and public relations agency. Please visit their blog at www.gotbuzzatkurman.com and check out all DineWise articles at www.dinewisechicago.blogspot.com.

Green City Market’s 12th Outdoor Season Opened Today

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Reprinted from Got Buzz

Opening Grand Celebration May 15

 
Chicago‘s Green City Market (GCM) opened for its 12th outdoor season today (May 12) and is set for a lively grand opening celebration this Saturday (May 15). In addition to the wealth of farmers and producers, there will be a number of special activities during the opening celebration.
n 7:30 a.m. – Guided tour
n 8:00 a.m. – “Container Gardening” workshop taught by Edible
Gardens manager and organic gardener Jeanne Pinsof-Nolan
n 8:30 a.m. – Guided tour of Edible Gardens in Farm-in-the-Zoo led by
Jeanne Pinsof-Nolan
n 9:30 a.m. – Savor the Seasons Lettuce Fest
§         Featuring chefs from Mon Ami Gabi, Big Bowl, Foodlife, Frankie’s and Café Ba Ba Reeba
n 10:30 a.m. – Chef demos with James Beard award winning chefs Carrie
Nahabedian of NAHA and Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Café and
Prairie Fire.
§         NAHA chefs Carrie Nahabedian and Craig Harzewski will collaborate with Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris (Prairie Grass Café and Prairie Fire) on demos featuring local goat cheese, rhubarb, duck eggs, bacon and bread from Bennison’s Bakery. Pastry chef Harzewski will demo making Goat Cheese Ice Cream topped with Rhubarb Compote made by Prairie Grass. The collaborative demos also will feature a grilled cheese, bacon and duck egg sandwich and a salad of spring greens, asparagus and herbs – all ingredients are available at GCM.
New this year:
Green City Market boasts an impressive list of 55 vendors for its 2010 outdoor season with two new vendors: Dietzler Farm and Becker Lane Organic Farm.
A family-run beef operation, Dietzler Farm is located in Elkhorn, WI. They raise a mixture of Angus and Hereford cows that are custom slaughtered and dry-aged for 28-days.  They are awaiting confirmation of their Food Alliance certification.
Becker Lane Organic Farms is Green City Market’s first Iowa farm, located in Dyersville, just north of Dubuque. Jude Becker’s farm has been in his family since 1850. He raises Heritage Breeds Cheshire White and Berkshire pigs. The animals graze on 100 percent Certified Organic pastures and are supplemented with acorns, corn, and hay in the winter. 

A Korean-Japanese couple has created two heavenly restaurants that are intimate and special

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Chiyo
3800 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago
(773) 267-1555
www.chiyorestaurant.com
Hours: 4-11 p.m., Tues.-Sat.; 4-10 p.m., Sun. Closed on Mondays.

Chicago Kalbi
3752 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago
(773) 604-8183
www.chicago-kalbi.com
Hours: 5 p.m.-midnight, Mon. and Wed.-Sun. Closed on Tuesdays.

By Lee Barrie and Cindy Kurman
Story originally appeared in StreetWise Magazine

Her name is Chiyo. She was born in Korea but raised in Japan. Her husband, Iso, is Japanese and a chef. With their two restaurants, a half a block from each other on West Lawrence, Chicagoans have discovered what is often difficult to find: an authentically Japanese food experience, and a spot for Asian BBQ that is lighter and more delicious than most. The food is prepared with a loving touch and the restaurants are handsome, intimate and offer superb service. Quality and service are the hallmarks here.

We first became acquainted with Chiyo (the person as well as her namesake restaurant) when our close friends invited us to try a “special” Japanese eatery. Since we love sushi, it was a no-brainer. What we didn’t expect was the warm décor and the cordial attention we received. When we opened the menu—which features far more than sushi, we were amazed at the unique items we had never eaten before.

Chiyo offers a more authentic Japanese food experience than most Chicago restaurants. People visiting Chicago from Japan seek out the restaurant, and food lovers marvel at the unique tastes and textures. From freshly prepared sushi and sashimi to the hot dishes cooked at the table, Chiyo offers a wide choice, making it a very festive dining experience.

The Ippin Ryori, Japanese style tapas, are starters featuring ingredients and tasty flavor combinations you may not have had before. Paired with a bottle of cold sake, they are an adventure unto themselves. Among our favorites are Kanisu (crab meat with cucumbers in vinegar), Ankimo (monkfish liver with ponzu sauce) and the amazing Spicy Seafood Salad.

The house specialties are the hot meals cooked at the table. Shabu Shabu features thin slices of beef cooked in boiling water and dipped in either a sesame or ponzu citrus dipping sauce. Sukiyaki is a beef and vegetable dish in which very thinly sliced beef is simmered with various vegetables and a sweetened, flavored soy sauce. Yose-Nabe is a somewhat lighter dish featuring seafood, chicken, and assorted vegetables cooked in broth together in a hot pot and served with ponzu sauce. All three dishes can be ordered with regular beef or Kobe beef and both choices are good. If you’re in a splurging mood, go for the Kobe.

If you’re in the mood for sushi, Chiyo serves a wide assortment, including most of the standards you’ve come to enjoy at other sushi restaurants. The sushi is fresh and nicely presented without being pretentious.

The hot entrees are also gloriously prepared. You can pick from a number of teriyaki, tempura and sautéed dishes. The servers will help you choose the type of sauces and spiciness that most please your palate.
Dessert is not typically a Japanese specialty but, joyfully, Chiyo is unique: the desserts are very creative and definitely worth saving room for.

Chicago Kalbi is an excellent choice for Yakiniku, the Japanese version of Korean BBQ, particularly if you would like to eat a lighter (but still delicious) version than is found in many authentically Korean restaurants. Chiyo (the owner) is delightfully straightforward about the Japanese influence of the restaurant. She told us that the food is less heavy and less greasy and diners can take advantage of the many Japanese side dishes that go perfectly with the barbecue.

We recommend that you start your meal with some shared appetizers, which are made to order. We love the Pajun, featuring an assortment of squid, beef and green onions battered with a crepe and grilled to form a pancake. If you’re an oyster lover, the delicious Guljun is a similar pancake creation with oysters. Another delight is the Yakimandu, twice cooked dumplings with beef and vegetables. If you’re a tartare fan, you’ll enjoy Yuk-Hwe, a Japanese style tartare made from raw seasoned beef tenderloin with a raw egg yolk.

Asian BBQ refers to the tender, thin slices of marinated meat that guests prepare on a wood grill right at the table. You can choose a variety of meats: Kalbi (short ribs), Bulgogi (beef ribeye), Oeji-Gui (sliced pork), Saewoo-Gui (shrimp) and Ojinguh-Gui (squid) and just some of the choices. You can order Kobe beef and prime ribeye if you prefer.

Chicago Kalbi also offers a wide range of Korean noodle dishes and sautéed entrées, which are worth a try if you’re not in the mood for the BBQ. The creamy green tea ice cream is a refreshing finish to your meal.
And here’s a tip: when you sit down at either Chiyo or Chicago Kalbi, ask what’s on the “special” menu. That’s what the insiders do. You’ll discover a new world of authentic dishes that your server will gladly walk you through. Enjoy the journey.

DineWise is a weekly column appearing in StreetWise magazine. Lee Barrie is on the StreetWise board of directors and he and his wife Cindy own Kurman Communications, a Chicago-based public relations agency specializing in lifestyle, restaurant and hospitality strategic branding, marketing promotions, media relations and social networking. If you’d like your restaurant to be featured on the DineWise blog and in StreetWise magazine, please contact dinewise@kurman.com. You can follow DineWise on Twitter @Dinewise and follow us @kurmanstaff