Enjoy a Delicious Thanksgiving at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Oak Brook

Perry’s opens for Thanksgiving with special menu for $45 along with its full dinner menu

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille Thanksgiving

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Oak Brook (5 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523; 630-571-1808) invites you to start a new Thanksgiving tradition: let their cordial and attentive staff pamper you, your family and your friends while you relax and enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving in Perry’s stylish, casually elegant dining room.
 
To celebrate the Thanksgiving tradition, Perry’s will feature a special menu featuring Perry’s expert take on traditional Thanksgiving favorites, for $45 per person. Your children, age 12 and under, will enjoy a special Thanksgiving feast, too, with a Thanksgiving entrée including sides for only $15. The regular Perry’s dinner menu is also available.

Start your Thanksgiving feast with a choice of Butternut Squash Soup or Honey Crisp Apple Salad with dried cherries and maple syrup vinaigrette, followed by Roasted Turkey Breast with pan gravy and traditional sides including Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Almondine, Sausage and Sage Cornbread Stuffing and Cranberry Relish.

Save room for dessert. Perry’s Pumpkin Cheesecake, a creamy pumpkin-spiced cheesecake with pecan ginger snap crust, vanilla cream and salted caramel drizzle, for $8 is a crowd pleaser.

The Thanksgiving menu is available only on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, and will be served from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are encouraged.

Customize your Thanksgiving with the many delicious items on Perry’s Dinner Menu

For your tablemates who prefer alternatives to traditional Thanksgiving fare, you’ll be pleased to know that Perry’s full dinner menu also will be available. Choose from starters, soups and salads, USDA-aged prime steaks and chops, signature entrées, plus fish, seafood, poultry and vegetarian options and creative sides. Finish with a luscious, mouthwatering dessert that’s certain to please your sweet tooth in grand Thanksgiving style.
 
Your Thanksgiving Dinner, when paired with a selection from Perry’s award-winning wine collection and creative specialty cocktail list, will be special, memorable and easy—something for which you and yours will be truly thankful.

Perry’s Honey Crisp Apple Salad
Perry’s Pumpkin Cheesecake

Plan for the Holidays. Make Your Reservations and Buy Gifts Early at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Oak Brook

Holiday Parties at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Oak Brook

Make holiday party planning smooth and easy by letting Perry’s host your upcoming holiday events. With multiple private dining rooms that can seat up to approximately 80 guests, the restaurant is ideal for extended family get-togethers, office holiday luncheons, dinner parties and any other kind of event. Rooms are available Monday through Sunday.

Additionally, although Perry’s is not open for lunch Monday through Thursday, the restaurant is available for private dining holiday luncheon events with certain restrictions. Call 630-571-1808 to reserve your room.

Give a Rare and Well Done® Gift
Don’t know what to get boss, colleagues, teachers and friends? Perry’s gift cards make a delicious and much appreciated gift for everyone on the hard-to-shop-for list. During November and December, receive a complimentary $25 Perry’s reward card for every $125 in Perry’s gift cards purchased. Reward cards are valid January 2 through June 30, 2020. They are not valid on holidays including Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s and Father’s Day, and private dining events. The offer is good for up to $500 in reward cards.

Family Thanksgiving Dinner Feast at Prairie Grass Cafe, November 28 in Northbrook

Dine In or Take Out, Prairie Grass Cafe Has You Covered

Sarah Stegner with Thanksgiving dinner

Prairie Grass Cafe’s (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, 847-205-4433) popular Thanksgiving Dinner will once again be a delicious way to celebrate with family and friends on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28. Served from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the annual feast from co-chef/owners Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris will feature favorite holiday dishes elevated with the chefs’ unique touch. The menu is sure to please everyone from tradition-loving families to friends and hungry children. The price for this delicious feast is $63 per person for adults and $28 for children ages 3-10 years (not including beverages, tax or gratuity). Children 2 and under are free. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling Prairie Grass Cafe at (847) 205-4433 or visiting the website.

Begin the Thanksgiving celebration with a choice of appetizer: warm Butternut Squash Soup or Organic Mixed Green Salad with Pumpkin Seeds, Parmesan, and Pomegranate and Balsamic Dressing. Highlighting seasonal produce, the salad offers a fresh taste of fall’s bounty.

Organic Mixed Green Salad with Pumpkin Seeds, Parmesan, and Pomegranate and Balsamic Dressing

Then, enjoy Prairie Grass Cafe’s classic Oven Roasted Turkey served with Mashed Potatoes and Homemade Gravy. Simple and straightforward, this traditional dish is great on its own and absolutely heavenly when paired with the four available sides. The Apple Chestnut Stuffing is a flavorful blend of savory and sweet tastes, while the creamy Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash topped with homemade marshmallow is the ultimate indulgence for those with a sweet tooth. Other sides include Fresh Vegetables and Cranberry Sauce.

Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash topped with homemade marshmallow

End Thanksgiving festivities on a sweet note with a choice of dessert: Mom’s Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie or the decadent Double Chocolate Cake. Made in-house and inspired by a family recipe from Chef Sarah Stegner’s mother, Elizabeth, the transcendent pies make the dessert course truly special.

Thanksgiving To Go

Want the taste of a comforting homemade meal without the mess? Prairie Grass Cafe’s Thanksgiving To Go is the annual take-home feast for North Shore residents who want to host their dinner at home. Offering a complete ala carte feast, the menu includes all the dishes served at the restaurant’s Thanksgiving Dinner plus many other mouthwatering options like Apple Sage Stuffing, Homemade Sausage and Giblet Stuffing, Butternut Squash Soup, and Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnuts.

Turkeys To Go can be purchased as whole turkeys (serves 10-14 people) or as half turkeys (serves 5-7 people). Side dishes are sold in quarts; some also are offered in pint sizes. Pies and cake are only sold whole (6 slices per pie; 10-12 slices per cake).

Advance orders are now being accepted by phone, 847-205-4433, and must be made by Friday, November 22 or until items are sold out – please order as far in advance of the deadline as you can to be sure everything is available. All orders will be available for pickup on Thursday, November 28 from noon to 2 p.m. View the full order form here. For more information about Thanksgiving To Go, please call Prairie Grass Cafe at (847) 205-4433.

About Prairie Grass Cafe

Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; Northbrook, IL; 847-205-4433), co-owned by chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris, supports Chicago’s Green City Market and local sustainable farms, selecting the freshest ingredients to reflect the season. To make a reservation, please call (847) 205-4433 or visit prairiegrasscafe.com. Follow Prairie Grass Cafe news at newsline360.com/prairiegrasscafe, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/SarahStegner, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/prairiegrasscafe, on Facebook at Facebook.com/PrairieGrassCafe

photo credit: Cindy Kurman, Kurman Photography

Thanksgiving To Go Order Form, Prairie Grass Cafe

ABC’s “The Taste” Kicks-Off Nationwide Casting Call for Professional Chefs and Home Cooks – Coming to Chicago July 12


The Taste Casting

The Taste Casting


Here’s your chance to be a Reality TV Star. ABC’s popular show, “The Taste,” will be casting for season three and they are looking for talent! If you think you can stand the heat, sign-up to get in the kitchen! Open casting calls for chefs interested in competing in this culinary competition series will be held in cities across the country starting Saturday, June 21 in Los Angeles. They will be in Chicago 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 12 at Centered Chef Food Studios, 177 N. Ada St. #101, Chicago, IL 60607.

For additional updated casting information and to apply visit: http://www.thetastecasting.com/

“The Taste” is an American cooking-themed reality competition series on ABC. It premiered on January 22, 2013. On May 14, 2013, ABC renewed “The Taste” for a second season. “The Taste” began its second season on January 2, 2014.”The Taste” was listed as a returning series during ABC’s upfront presentations on May 13, 2014, thus confirming a Season 3. For a sneak peek of last season’s finale, http://abc.go.com/shows/the-taste/video/VDKA0_vxzwkzu8

“The Taste” is produced by Kinetic Content who create and produce cross-platform for the multi-genre content for the global television marketplace. Chris Coelen, Sam Dean, Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson and Brian Smith serve as Executive Producers for the show.

ABC is an American commercial broadcast television network viewed in the United States and Canada. Throughout its history, ABC has supported its financial operations by diversifying into the press, the publishing industry, the operation of theaters, and filmmaking.

As one of the “Big Three television networks”, ABC has broadcast many programs that have contributed significantly to American popular culture. These include classic series such as Zorro, The Untouchables, The Brady Bunch, Happy Days, Roseanne, and The Fugitive; more recent titles such as Castle, Lost, Revenge, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, and Modern Family; live broadcasts such as Monday Night Football; the reality shows America’s Funniest Home Videos, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and Dancing with the Stars; and the morning news program Good Morning America. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ABCNetwork.

In addition to Chicago, open casting will be in these following cities:

Los Angeles – Saturday, June 21st
Le Cordon Bleu
6370 W. Sunset Blvd,
Hollywood, CA 90028
10am-3pm

Austin – Saturday, June 28th
The Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex
1156 Hargrave St.
Austin, Texas 78702
10am-3pm

Seattle – Saturday, June 28th
Swedish Cultural Center
1920 Dexter Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
10am-3pm

Boston – Saturday, July 12th
Workbar
45 Prospect Street,
Central Square
Cambridge, MA, 02139
10am-3pm

Lafayette Opens November 4 at Chicago French Market; Celebrate Marche de Noel; Shop for Thanksgiving

The Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661; 312-575-0306) announces the opening of Lafayette featuring Creole-Cajun cuisine this November and offers a full schedule of fall activities including the return of Chicago French Market’s popular Marché de Noel, November 4 to December 20 and its special Beaujolais Nouveau celebration November 23. Specials, wine tastings, new menu items, food holiday celebrations and live noon-time and after work entertainment abound this November.

About Lafayette. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Chef Sahil’s tastes and smells haveLafayette logo ET always given him fond memories of the south.   Many years later after meeting Chef Hiran, at the footsteps of Veerasway, the two have shared a similar path in the culinary world.  Since then, they’ve shared each other’s vision and approach to global cuisine.  For them it means traveling and immersing themselves in regional cuisines and cultures, then to refine it in their own style.  On their most recent journey they traveled back to retrace the origins of Sahil’s culinary career.   The two spent time learning, exploring, and working in the kitchens of the South to bring back authentic flavors of Creole/Cajun cuisine. 

“Our travels gave us so much more than just a taste of Creole cuisine,” says Patel. “It gave us a look at the fresh regional products that we want to emulate here in Chicago as well a connection with the traditions of the South. With learning timeless recipes and our undying passion for Creole-Cajun cuisine, these traditional dishes will now live on at Lafayette.”

 

Chicago French Market November 2013 Specials and Deals

Abbey Brown Pumpkin SoapAbbey Brown Artisan Soaps Beloved Pumpkin Soap Now in Stock
Abby Brown Artisan Soaps will be featuring its Pumpkin Bars this month. A perfect hostess gift for Thanksgiving and the holidays at only $8.50 per bar, Abbey Brown Soap Artisan creates handmade natural Olive Oil soaps, soothing body oils and relaxing bathing essentials. They make all of their fine products in house, infusing homegrown herbs and botanicals with pure essential oils.

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Bello Tea Introduces Ginger Bread Tea Latte This November; Invites You to AttendBelloTea Ginger tea_w borderDiscovery Channel Filming November 6
Bello Tea celebrates its first anniversary by offering 10 percent off on all Loose Leaf Tea and Accessories from November 11 to 16. Bello Tea also will be celebrating the season with their featured November Tea: Ginger Bread Tea Latte is a delicious blend of Tea, Ginger Bread, sweetener and milk. Having a hot cup of Bello Tea is the perfect warmer-upper on chilly fall days. Customize your Latte with Black Tea, Masala Chai or Matcha and choose from Bello Tea’s milk options:  whole, 2%, skim, almond, soy and coconut milk are available as well as standard cream. The Latte can be served iced or hot.

Chicago French Market guests are invited to the filming of The Discovery Channel, how do they do it“How Do They Do It”  2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 6.  The Discovery Channel will be featuring the story of ‘Bubble Tea’.  To show its appreciation, Bello Tea will be giving customers complimentary Tapioca with any drink purchase, the entire day.

Bello Tea offers more than 90 varieties of organic, traditional, and fair trade loose leaf teas and herbals. In addition to these delicious and healthy choices, it carries beautiful and stylish tea pots, mugs, cups, and infusers, perfect for holiday gifts.

 

Delightful logo


Delightful Pastries Introduces Expanded Pie Menu for Thanksgiving
Delightful nov pieBring home delicious, homemade pies from Delightful Pastries for all to enjoy this Thanksgiving.  Whatever is your fancy, Delightful Pastries’ new expanded pie menu will have something to suit your taste. Included are traditional selections like Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie and the not so traditional Apple Caramel, Cranberry Fudge, Coconut Chocolate, and Bourbon Chocolate Pecan. All pies ($25) serve 8-10 people; are made from scratch and use no artificial flavors or preservatives. 

For those entertaining for the weekend, pick up a breakfast/brunch savory pie such as the Spinach Lamb ($58), Veggie Quiche ($42), or Ham Quiche ($42). Other items on Delightful Pastries’ to go catering menu include: winter and grain salads, mini-pastry trays, international cookie trays and brownie trays. Pre-orders are recommended and package pricing is available. Orders may be placed at the Chicago French Market location at 131 N. Clinton Ave. (phone: 312-234-9644).

Celebrate Georgia Pecan Month this November with Delightful Pastries
burbon pecan pieWhether you pronounce it “pee-can” or “pah-cahn,” this nutritious nut can be used as a healthy snack, a delicious ingredient to a meal, or even as a dessert.  Pecans are a high-quality source of protein with nineteen vitamins and minerals, and more antioxidants than any other nut variety. Did you know that pecans are the only tree nut truly native to the United States and that pecan trees are one of the largest fruit-bearing trees?

Looking for a pecan holiday fix? Check out how Delightful Pastries is celebrating Georgia Pecan Month with a variety of offerings including Cranberry Pecan Bread ($5), Paradise Brownies ($3.50), Pecan Squares ($3.50), Pecan Praline Brownies ($3.50), Pecan Sables ($3.50), German Chocolate Cake ($42/8-inch; $5.25/slice), Chocolate Nut Pebbles ($6.50/bag), Chocolate Pecan Pie ($45/8-inch; $5.25/slice) and Pecan Caramel Turtles ($27/pound).

Pecan treats are available at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton Ave.; phone: 312-234-9644).

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EJ Sushi Bento Box etEJ Sushi Introduces Bento Boxes

EJ Sushi is now selling Bento Boxes, a single-portion home-packed meal that is common in Japanese cuisine. A traditional bento holds rice, fish or meat, with pickles, cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped container. These containers are made of hand crafted lacquer ware.  EJ Sushi Bento Box contains Ginger Salad or Cucumber Salad and Miso Soup with Teriyaki Beef $10.95 or Teriyaki Chicken $9.95.

 Lavazza LOGO ET

Lavazza Espression Features Pumpkin Specials This November

Pumpkin Cheese Cake $4.50

Pumpkin, Butter Pecan, and Sea Salt Caramel Gelato
Single Scoop: $2.60
Double Scoop: $3.95Lavazza pumpking butter latte ET
Gelato Pint:  $8.95

Pumpkin Butter Latte $3.65
A nostalgic blend of artisan crafted pumpkin butter, steamed milk, and smooth espresso. Wrap your scarves around your neck and your hands around this seasonal specialty.

Pumpkin Butter $5.95

Caramel Apple Cider $3.10-$3.90
Fresh apple cider infused with caramel and steamed to perfection.

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Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine Showcasing Thanksgiving WinesThanksgiving WinesPastoral WineTastingMagento ET
They would be lying if they said they weren’t thinking about wine all the time. So it’s no surprise that they’ve been thinking about their favorite Thanksgiving wine pairings since last year! Stop by Pastoral throughout the month of November to get a wine recommendation or sample some of Pastoral’s Benchmark Wine selections during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. They’ll help you find the right bottle for dinner, desert, or for gifts.

 

Pastoral’s 2013-14 Gift Catalog is now available!

Whether you’re thanking a client for their business, sending a gift to a far-away loved one, or bringing a hostess gift to dinner, Pastoral has your gifting needs covered. Stop by the store for a copy of our new catalog today! Orders can be placed in-store, online or by phone. Local delivery and nationwide shipping is available!

Oh Olive Logo

 

Oh Olive! features Wild Mushroom and Sage Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Special 10 Percent Shopping Discount on Wednesdays This MonthGetting in the mood for Thanksgiving and all the holidays?  Stop at Oh Olive! French Market and sample its delicious Wild Mushroom and Sage extra virgin olive oil. Oh Olive! suggests drizzling the Wild Mushroom and Sage extra virgin olive oil over turkey before roasting and using it to make delicious and unique rye bread turkey dressing.  Oh Olive! chefs also suggest serving a side of Cinnamon Pear Sweet Potatoes. Recipes are available at Oh Olive! at the French Market. Enjoy a special 10 percent discount on shopping any Wednesday in November.  Just say, “I love Oh Olive!” to get the discount.

 

Sam's Gourmet Lasagna CORRECT LOGO

Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna Introduces New Steak & Potato Lasagna; Holiday Catering Orders

Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna introduces its new lasagna, Steak & Potato Lasagna.  The Steak & Potato Lasagna will be featured on November 13 with sample tastings and packaged “to go” for breakfast, lunch or dinner.Sams Steak and Potato Lasagna ET

November is a great time to place orders for lasagna and pasta for corporate events, family gatherings and more with Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna & Pasta for the holiday season.  This month’s featured gourmet lasagnas and pastas include: Mande’s Mac N Cheese; Lasagna selections – Ground Turkey, Vegetable, Chicken, and Sausage. Deadline for placing holiday orders is Friday, November 22.

Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna offers daily Hot Grab n Go Specials. Purchase hot, out the oven (Ground Turkey, Sausage, Vegetable, or Chicken) lasagna for original price and a second lasagna costs just $5. 

Sam’s offers complimentary samples daily at the Chicago French Market from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. 


Chicago French Market November 2013 Events

Saturday, November 2Dean Milano ET
Lunch Hour Music
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Complimentary
Dean Milano

Link to sample music

Singer and songwriter Dean Milano engages in storytelling through his preferred medium, music. Having mastered many styles of music, Milano effortlessly moves between the musical genres of folk, country, rock, ballads, bluegrass and pop.  He spent four years touring with The New Seekers and has been the opening act for the Spencer Davis Group, Bo Diddley, The Kingston Trio in addition to many others. Come listen from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 2 at the Chicago French Market.

 

Monday, November 4 – December 20marche de noel
8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Complimentary
Marché de Noel

The Marché de Noel is a holiday feature of the Chicago French Market. Nineteen rotating visiting artisans selling unique gift items will display and sell their wares daily from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through December 20.

Modeled after French Christmas markets, Marché de Noel provides a fantastic atmosphere and unique shopping options, not to mention the opportunity to find those gifts for everyone on your list.

The Marché de Noel at the Chicago French Market also offers shoppers the opportunity to do all their holiday shopping in one location.  Artists will sell jewelry, kids’ items, wall decor, photographs, toys and many more gift options.  A variety of new items will be featured at the Chicago French Market during this time as well.

The Marché de Noel is believed to have begun in Dresden, Germany in 1434 under the reign of Fredrick II of Saxony.  The Marché de Noel first began in France in the city of Strasbourg where it is still held today.  It has continued ever since in France and in many other cities throughout Europe.

Wednesday, November 6CARY KANNO
Lunch Hour Music
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Complimentary
Cary Kanno

Link to sample Music “Hey Ya”

Cary “CKP” Kanno is constantly in search of new musical frontiers. He has been playing guitar and singing for more than 15 years. Cary wrote his first song at age 12 and has been a prolific songwriter and performer ever since. In 2001, he formed the seminal organic hip hop group know as Abstract Giants. The band is still actively recording and playing shows throughout the Midwest.

In 2004, Cary decided he needed another creative outlet to express his rock and funk interests and formed the group Doko Benjo. This 8-piece band features Cary on lead vocals along with a female singer and horn section.

In January of 2009, Cary simultaneously released his two solo CD’s, simply called “Cary Kanno One” and “Cary Kanno Two”. Both were recorded and produced primarily at CKP studios, Cary’s home studio. 

Recently a song Cary wrote and performed was picked up and licensed by the Showtime Network and featured in a commercial for the TV show “Weeds.” Cary has also spearheaded the organization known as “The Chicago Drop,” which is a collaboration of eight hip hop bands in Chicago.

Enjoy his music during lunch hour entertainment at Chicago French Market, Wednesday, November 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Thursday, November 14Pastoral ET
10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Coast to Coast Toast
Pastoral Artisan Wine & Cheese
Beer Tasting

Pastoral celebrates the 32nd birthday of Vanburg & Dewulf, the innovative import company bringing Belgium’s most unique and exceptional brews to the United States and will be featuring Brouwerij Slagmuylder’s uber tradtional Wiktap Pater Tripel Abbey Ale.

 

Saturday, November 16Lee Barrie
Lunch Hour Music
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Complimentary
Lee Barrie

Link to sample music

Lee Alec Barrie is a contemporary jazz guitarist whose style has been compared to Larry Carlton, Chuck Loeb and other popular contemporary jazz guitarists.  Barrie was professional by age 14, starting out with a teenage rock band, playing Beatles, Beach Boys and Chuck Berry tunes plus some classic R&B.

These early musical relationships lasted well into his twenties and he had the privilege of recording with Lipps Inc., a Minneapolis-based band best known most for its number one hit “Funkytown” in the late 70’s. Barrie’s evolution as a guitarist was accelerated when he began to experiment with a Roland guitar synthesizer, which allows his electric guitar to take on the sound of a wide range of instruments. He now has the opportunity to solo as a saxophonist, flutist, organist, violinist and many others, all while playing on the guitar. He chooses the instrument based on the style and mood of the song.

Barrie’s idea for a “virtual band project, in which he plays solo over his pre-recorded jazz backing tracks, evolved naturally. Having taken a break from professional performances for a number of years, he became a self-taught jazz pianist, which gave him the technical and musical skills to arrange and record his own instrumental backing tracks at his home recording studio.

A lunch hour featuring the live music of Lee Alec Barrie, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 16 is sure to be an energizing and memorable experience.


Wednesday, November 20steve j ET2
Lunch Hour Music
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Complimentary
Steve Justman

Link to sample music

Folk musician Steve Justman joins the lunchtime crowds from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 20. Justman has been performing Americana, folk, and popular music in the Chicago area and the neighboring Midwest region for many years. He is a collector of songs as well as other artifacts of Americana. Influenced by entertainers of all types, Steve showcases his collection of songs in his performances, singing and interpreting a mix of traditional and popular folk, pop standards, and classic country that people might know while focusing on connecting with his audience and pure entertainment.

He has performed and appeared live on WGN radio on Rick Kogan’s Sunday Papers show as well as WDCB Public Radio’s Folk Fest with Lilli Kuzma. He also has appeared on Internet and college radio stations as well as local cable television. Chicago French Market is excited for his return.
Thursday, November 21
Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine
Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Tasting
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Complimentary

The annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau is truly an international event. Celebrate this year’s arrival with Pastoral during a complimentary tasting from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 21.  Be sure to ask your Pastoral cheese monger to recommend some cheese and salami to accompany this year’s unique batch!

 

Saturday, November 23cfm_beaujolais_flr_1013_ET
Beaujolais Nouveau
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Complimentary

It’s time to celebrate the Beaujolais Nouveau at The Chicago French Market!  This French tradition begins at midnight on the third Thursday in November. You are invited to taste this young wine from the fields in France:  Beaujolais Nouveau.  The grapes used for this wine were on the vine in August, picked in September, in the barrel in October and in the bottle in November. While you taste this young wine, stroll through the market and experience 32 unique vendors specialties.



Thursday, November 28
Thanksgiving
The Chicago French Market will be closed

Saturday, November 30Lee Barrie
Lunch Hour Music
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Complimentary
Lee Barrie

Link to sample music

Lee Alec Barrie is a contemporary jazz guitarist whose style has been compared to Larry Carlton, Chuck Loeb and other popular contemporary jazz guitarists.  Barrie was professional by age 14, starting out with a teenage rock band, playing Beatles, Beach Boys and Chuck Berry tunes plus some classic R&B.

These early musical relationships lasted well into his twenties and he had the privilege of recording with Lipps Inc., a Minneapolis-based band best known most for its number one hit “Funkytown” in the late 70’s. Barrie’s evolution as a guitarist was accelerated when he began to experiment with a Roland guitar synthesizer, which allows his electric guitar to take on the sound of a wide range of instruments. He now has the opportunity to solo as a saxophonist, flutist, organist, violinist and many others, all while playing on the guitar. He chooses the instrument based on the style and mood of the song.

Barrie’s idea for a “virtual band project,” in which he plays solo over his pre-recorded jazz backing tracks, evolved naturally. Having taken a break from professional performances for a number of years, he became a self-taught jazz pianist, which gave him the technical and musical skills to arrange and record his own instrumental backing tracks at his home recording studio.

A lunch hour featuring the live music of Lee Alec Barrie, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 30 is sure to be an energizing and memorable experience.

 # # #

Celebrating Thanksgiving Throughout Chicagoland

There are countless ways to enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving in Chicago.  Whether dining in or out, these restaurants and businesses are offering specials that will make it easy to entertain.

Delightful Pastries. Bring home delicious, homemade pies from Delightful Pastries for all to

Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie from Delightful Pastries

Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie
from Delightful Pastries

enjoy this Thanksgiving.   Whatever is your fancy, Delightful Pastries’ new expanded pie menu will have something to suit your taste. Included are traditional selections like Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie and the not so traditional Apple Caramel, Cranberry Fudge, Coconut Chocolate, and Bourbon Chocolate Pecan. All pies ($25) serve 8-10 people; are made from scratch and use no artificial flavors or preservatives.

For those entertaining for the weekend, pick up a breakfast/brunch savory pie such as the Spinach Lamb ($58), Veggie Quiche ($42), or Ham Quiche ($42). Other items on Delightful Pastries’ to go catering menu include: winter and grain salads, mini-pastry trays, international cookie trays and brownie trays. Pre-orders are recommended and package pricing is available. Orders may be placed at all three Delightful Pastries locations:  5927 W. Lawrence Avenue, in the Jefferson Park neighborhood (phone: 773-545-7215); the Old Town Chicago location at 1710 N. Wells St., just north of North Avenue (phone: 312-255-0724) and the Chicago French Market location at 131 N. Clinton Ave. (phone: 312-234-9644).

Delightful Pastries’ International Cookies Are Perfect for Holiday Entertaining

macaron stack

Macaron’s from Delightful Pastries

November starts the holiday season and entertaining is on everyone’s mind. Delightful Pastries makes it easy, with an array of international cookies, all holiday favorites from around the globe. Available are Cucidati (Sicilian Fig Cookies), Viennese Almond Crescents, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Polish Kolaczki (Raspberry, Apricot, Cheese), Christmas Mice,  Rugula, Linzer and Italian Rainbow Cookies ($19/lb. or by platter, $20-$30). French Macarons ($30 lb.) and Chanukah Macaroons ($1.75 each) also are available.

 

maxwells thankgiving 2013

Maxwell’s at the Club Thanksgiving

The 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 28.

Executive chef Mike Lodes is featuring a variety of appetizer and salad , a carving station with Roast Turkey served with gravy and natural jus, Roast Prime Rib of Beef with horseradish sauce, and Roast Leg of Lamb with mint jelly, and an abundance of side options. To finish off, guests will be treated to an impressive spread of seasonal fruits, assorted cakes, tortes, cookies, and cupcakes, and pies. The price is $45 for adults, $15 for children 10 and under. Reservations can be placed online at maxwellsattheclub.com or by calling (312)527-5800 ext. 301.

East Bank Club’s 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 the complete Thanksgiving menu visit eastbankclub.com, and to place your order call (312) 527 5800 ext. 318.

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Prairie Grass Cafe

Northbrook’s Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; 847-205-4433) chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris want to make your Thanksgiving dinner perfect and easy. The two award winning chefs have announced their “Thanksgiving To Go 2013” menu available for pre-order now. All orders must be received no later than Sunday, November 24 for pickup at the restaurant on Thursday, November 28 between noon and 3 p.m.

The à la carte menu includes everything you would want for the perfect Thanksgiving celebration. Start with a whole Roasted Turkey and Gravy, serving between 10 and 14 people for $110 or half a turkey to serve between 5 and 7 people for $60.

Homemade Apple Sage Stuffing ($14/quart) and Homemade Sausage and Giblet Stuffing ($24/quart) are available by the quart, serving between 4 and 6 people.

A variety of homemade appetizers include Butternut Squash Soup (Serves 4/$20/quart), Organic Mixed Green Salad with Shaved Parmesan, Pumpkin Seeds and Pomegranate (Serves 6-8/$45); Jumbo Cocktail Shrimp with Homemade Horseradish Sauce ($42/dozen); cut vegetable assortment with Amish blue cheese dip (Serves 6-8/$35); or Smoked Salmon Platter with Cream Cheese, Cucumbers, Capers and Red Onions with Pumpernickel and Whole Grain Baguettes (serves 6-8/$65).

Prairie Grass Cafe Pumpkin Pie with Heirloom Pumpkin Pie low res et

Prairie Grass Cafe Pumpkin Pie

Side dishes include Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes (pint/2-3 servings/$7; quart/4-6 servings/$14); Sweet Potato Puree (pint/2-3 servings/$8; quart/4-6 servings/$16); Sautéed Green Beans (pint/2-3 servings/$8; quart/4-6 servings/$16); Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnuts (pint/2-3 servings/$12; quart/4-6 servings/$24); and Local Cranberry Sauce (pint/2-5 servings/$8; quart/6-10 servings/$16).

A Prairie Grass Cafe Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without Mom’s Homemade Heirloom Pumpkin Pie ($24/pie/6 slices); Mom’s Pecan Pie ($24/pie/6 slices) or Double Chocolate Cake ($50/cake/10-12 servings).

Not in the mood to entertain at home? Bring your family and friends to Prairie Grass Cafe this Thanksgiving

Prairie Grass Cafe will be serving a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, November 28. The cost of $49 per person includes a choice of Butternut Squash Soup or Organic Mixed Green Salad with Pumpkin Seeds, Parmesan, Pomegranate and Balsamic Dressing; Oven Roasted Turkey with Mashed Potatoes and Homemade Gravy; Apple Chestnut Stuffing; Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash with Homemade Marshmallow Topping; fresh vegetable; local cranberry sauce, and choice of Mom’s Heirloom Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie or Double Chocolate Cake. Reservations are required.

Chicago French Market provides one-stop shopping for the Thanksgiving Holidays

Whether it’s a hostess gift, cooking supplies or a meal to go, the Chicago French Market provides opportunities for Thanksgiving shopping under one roof.

Abby Brown Artisan Soaps is featuring its ever popular Pumpkin Bars this month. A

Abbey Brown Pumpkin Soap

Abbey Brown Pumpkin Soap

perfect hostess gift for Thanksgiving and the holidays at only $8.50 per bar, Abbey Brown Soap Artisan creates handmade natural Olive Oil soaps, soothing body oils and relaxing bathing essentials. They make all of their fine products in house, infusing homegrown herbs and botanicals with pure essential oils.

Picking out the perfect wine to pair with Thanksgiving dinner or to bring as a gift is difficult if you’re not wine knowledgeable. When seeking expert advice, look no further than Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine at Chicago French Market. Pastoral is the perfect shop to learn more and receive expert help in choosing the perfect wine. Staff is trained to know wine and how to pair to complement foods. Stop by Pastoral for advice throughout November.

Stop at Oh Olive! at the French Market and sample its delicious Wild Mushroom and Sage extra virgin olive oil. It’s a perfect enhancement for drizzling over turkey before roasting or for using it to make delicious and unique rye bread turkey dressing.

Not everyone serves a traditional turkey for Thanksgiving, according to the folks at Sam’s

Sam's Gourmet Lasagna

Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna

Gourmet Lasagna. Sam’s offers a delicious ground turkey lasagna and has introduced a Steak & Potato Lasagna just in time for the holidays. They have upped their to go pre-packaged offerings for holiday gift, entertaining and corporate events.

 

 

 

Go Nuts. Two Days Slated to Honor the Pecan – August 20 and 21 Celebrate with a Delicious Delightful Pastries’ Chocolate Pecan Burbon Pie

If you’re a fan of pecans, you’ll go nuts about two upcoming holidays. Tuesday, August 20 is National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day. And, if that isn’t good enough, Wednesday, August 21 is National Pecan Torte Day.

Delightful Pastries is celebrating at all three of its locations (Chicago French Market, N. Wells St., and Jefferson Park) by offering their delicious Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie ($5.25/mini pie; $25/8-inch pie) by executive pastry chef and owner Dobra Bielinski (recipe below). Delightful Pastry also has the Chocolate Pecan Pie available without Bourbon.

Here’s a tidbit that will pique your interest. Did you know that pecans contain zinc, which boosts testosterone? Zinc is the reason people think oysters are aphrodisiacs. We bet you’re in the mood for a slice now!

Not just for Thanksgiving, pecan pie is a Southern staple and for good reason. There’s nothing quite like the smell of its warm, buttery crust and gooey, nutty center coming out of the oven.

The origin of the pecan pie is a little flaky.  Claims have been made of the dish existing in the early 1800s in Louisiana, but this does not appear to be backed up by recipes or literature. Attempts to trace the dish’s origin have not found any recipes dated earlier than 1897, and well-known cookbooks such as Fannie Farmer and The Joy of Cooking did not include this dessert before 1940.

Some have stated that the French invented pecan pie soon after settling in New Orleans, after being introduced to the pecan nut by Native Americans. Pecan pie may be a variant of chess pie, which is made with a similar butter-sugar-egg custard.

Whatever the history, it holds a well-deserved spot on your dinner or lunch menu.

Most pecan pie recipes call for a mix of eggs, butter, sugar, vanilla, salt and syrup or molasses poured into a pastry shell. Adding melting chocolate or bourbon are popular variations of the classic. Regardless, a scoop of fresh vanilla ice cream is always a welcome addition.

Delightful Pastries’ gives it a welcoming twist, adding bittersweet chocolate and bourbon to make a perfect pie for any occasion.

# # #

Delightful Pastries’ Chocolate Pecan Bourbon PieChocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie

By: Executive Pastry Chef & Owner, Dobra Bielinski

 6 ounces butter, at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup molasses
5 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 ounces pecan halves
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons bourbon
1 9-inch pie shell

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

In an electric mixer, beat the butter with the sugar till smooth. Add the corn syrup and molasses, then the flour and mix well.

Beat in the eggs one by one, scraping down after each egg; add the vanilla extract and salt. Fold the pecans and chocolate by hand, add the bourbon.

Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, till the top is dry and the filling is barely jiggling. Let cool. 8 servings.

 

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,

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: