Have you visited a new restaurant lately? Tell us what you think. Looking for somewhere to wash it all down? Check out our list of brand-new bars.

Ready to Digest

Make it mojito time at Havana
Pan-Latin dining and mojitos come to River North at this Cuban-heavy cafe with a lunch menu under $10.

BenjYehuda: Middle Eastern done fast
Mediterranean gets Chipotle-ized (in a good way) with dishes like falafel, hummus and shawerma done quick and easy at this Loop cafe. The menu is full of other "urban street food" like cheese fries and churros.

Take barbecue up a notch at Brand BBQ Market
The buzz surrounding Brand is that a trained chef is whipping up barbecue for gourmands. It's an intriguing idea, but the food here isn't actually all that fancy. Instead, it's quality BBQ fare nestled in a comfy Logan Square location.

Let the Hearty Boys take care of you
Hoping to fill what he calls a "dearth" of restaurants in the area, Steve McDonagh and partner Dan Smith turned their TV studio (used for their Food Network show) into a satisfying dining destination that more than lives up to its name. They define the food as "comfort revisited."

Edzo's Burger Shop
Eddie Lakin, a former cook at TRU and Nacional 27, presents his take on a straight-up fast-food joint in downtown Evanston. Located in an area with plenty of options for lunch, Edzo's stands out with simple food and a few lovable twists.

Crepe craziness: Crepe Crave and Crepe Town
Get your crepe fix in either Wicker Park (Crepe Crave) or Lakeview (Crepe Town). Both offer numerous options of the savory/sweet French treat. Come for the coffee, stay for more at Ch'ava
This casual cafe in Uptown serves up savory sandwiches, but most stop in for a fresh cup of Intelligentsia coffee.

Savor the flavor at Sabor Saveur
Imaginative dishes like lobster enchiladas and apple foie gras make up the interesting menu at this French-Mexican mashup in Wicker Park.

Make yourself happy at Elate
Contemporary American cuisine rules at this new restaurant, located in River North's Hotel Felix.

Swim on over to Blue Ocean
Grab innovative sushi rolls and other Japanese favorites at this Uptown restaurant. Get it fast and fried at George Boys Grill
Located in Rockstar Dogss' old West Town outpost, this diner mixes a wide array of deep fried options with a surprising number of Italian dishes, all at bargain prices.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Cupcake Counter
A local mother-daughter team is behind this bakery and cupcake shop in the Loop, with a tiny cube of store that's so adorable, you'll want to eat it.

Folklore Argentine Grill: Like Tango Sur, only more so
When the owners of the popular Argentine steakhouse Tango Sur opened a new restaurant, they wisely chose to stick with their already successful model, only tweaking the details to fit the new era and neighborhood. The Wicker Park offshoot of the Lakeview favorite has an almost identical menu, with affordable, top-notch steaks ruling with savory, garlicky chimichurri on the side.

Stay the night at Pelago Ristorante
Fine Italian dining in the Gold Coast's Raffaello Hotel.

Infusion Cafe adds a Euro touch
Coffee and sandwiches at this European cafe on the north end of Lincoln Square.

Mercadito ain't your average taco joint
The famous New York City taqueria forays into Chicago in River North's former La Pomme Rouge space.

Hot Off the Grill

DMK Burger Bar
MK chef Michael Kornick branches out into the burger business with this Lakeview restaurant, serving upscale burgers and sides, as well as a beer list.

Sushi Taiyo
Find traditional sushi rolls and other Asian treats from the owners of Shine and Rise in this new Streeterville restaurant.

Melanthios Greek Char House
Greek favorites with an authentic touch in Lakeview.

Belly Shack
Urban Belly mastermind Bill Kim opens this Asian-Latin themed spinoff in Logan Square.

The Fifth
Jon Young opens his fifth restaurant (hence the name) with contemporary American cuisine in River North.

Sprout
The DePaul area will see its dining scene classed up a bit with this organic French-Italian restaurant in Lincoln Park.

Xoco
Famed chef Rick Bayless opens his latest project, a more casual Mexican cafe next door to Frontera Grill.

Knew
Omar Rodriguez, chef of the now-closed Think Cafe, opens this Logan Square restaurant.

Jacky's on Prairie
Find contemporary French cuisine in the old Jacky's Bistro spot in Evanston.

Orvieto
New Italian cafe inside the Green Dolphin Street complex in Lincoln Park.

Gemini Bistro
American dishes will get a French and Italian twist at this Lincoln Park bistro.

LM Restaurant
French contemporary fare in the old Tallulah spot in Lincoln Square.

The Original Alps Restaurant & Pancake House
This Albany Park breakfast and lunch spot originally opened in the 1970s, but closed a few years ago. It's now re-opened and remodeled, but with the same breakfast (pancakes, waffles, omelets) and lunch options (burgers, sandwiches, soups) that made it popular a generation before. Big Star
Grab some tacos and beer while you listen to country music in the old Pontiac Cafe spot in Wicker Park.

La Farine
Find pastries, baguettes and other sweet sensations at this West Town bakery.

Bakin' & Eggs
This upscale comfort food cafe (specializing in bacon, we hear) opens in Lakeview.

Nella Pizzeria Napoletana
Former chefs from Spacca Napoli and Mia Francesca team up to open this Lincoln Park brick-oven pizza place.

Still Cooking

Bake
This cozy cafe and bakery in Wicker Park is set to open in mid-November.

Balsan
Casual American cafe in the Gold Coast's Elysian Hotel, set to open sometime in November.

The Purple Pig
Wine and cheese (and pork) for the Michigan Avenue tourist crowd.

Leo's Coney Island
Detroiters will feel right at home in this classic hot dog cafe in Lakeview, opening in early winter.

Cumin
Nepali and Indian cuisine in the heart of Wicker Park, opening sometime this winter.

Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles (West Loop)
The unique restaurant's second location is set to open by the end of the year.

The Drunken Goat
Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard opens this Italian-Mexican small plates restaurant in the West Loop in January or February. Gilt Bar
Brendan Sodikoff's simple, fun restaurant in the old Aigre Doux space in River North will open sometime in early 2010.

Masada
The owners of Sultan's Market open this Logan Square Middle Eastern sit-down eatery sometime in 2010.

676 Restaurant and Bar
$54
The Modern American restaurant on the 4th floor of the Omni hotel offers a four-course prix-fixe feast with all your favorites. Got a fussy kid? A children's entree plate is only $14.

Aja
11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; $55
The recently revamped restaurant at the Dana Hotel and Spa offers a special prix-fixe menu (designed for sharing) to groups of four or more on Thursday. Chef Josh Linton will prepare jumbo lump crab rangoon, 18 Vegetable Salad with sweet soy rice wine vinaigrette, "Red Cooked" smoked duroc pork with ginger and garlic, Chinese roast duck, wild mushroom fried rice with black truffle, wok-tossed ginger greens and chocolate hot pot with autumn cakes and cookies.

Ann Sather (Belmont)/Ann Sather (Andersonville)
11 a.m.-7 p.m./11 a.m.-5 p.m., $18.95/$10.95
In place of its regular menu of Swedish and American specialties, Ann Sather will serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, though some breakfast items will still be available. The menu includes roasted turkey with celery-sage stuffing, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes, vegetable soup, seasonal vegetable and homemade pumpkin or apple pie for dessert. Entree options include broiled salmon with mustard dill sauce, roasted tenderloin of beef and spinach lasagna.

Bin 36
3-9 p.m., $45
On the restaurant?s tenth Thanksgiving, Executive Chef John Caputo will present an all-American feast inspired by the flavors of fall and the bounty of the season?s harvest, preparing a three-course meal that includes the bird and all the trimmings. Delicious favorites will be complemented by family-style sides, decadent seasonal desserts and over 50 wines available by the glass.

Birch River Grill
noon-5 p.m., $24.95,$13.95
Indulge in traditional Thanksgiving fare, including acorn squash and Kentucky bourbon bisque, autumn salad with mulled wine poached pear, crumbled bleu cheese, toasted pecans and kiln dried cherry dressing; maple glazed free range turkey breast, stuffing, potatoes, beans and spiced pumpkin pie with cinnamon whipped cream.

Bistro 110
noon-8 p.m., $32.95/$12.95
Put a French twist on you holiday. The three course prix fixe meal at Bistro 110 includes options like butternut squash soup, oven roasted turkey breast, green beans, sweet potato dauphinoise and spiced pumpkin cake with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce.

C-House
4-10 p.m., $39
This Thanksgiving at C-House Fish and Chops indulge in a traditional three-course dinner with a creative twist. The first course offers options such as sweet potato soup and heirloom apple salad. Entrée selections include choice of oven roasted turkey, grilled pork chop and whole roasted trout. Delicious dessert choices include chocolate pecan cake with ?cocoa loco stout? ice cream and fudge sauce or caramel roasted apples with fromage blanc ice cream with molasses cookies.

Cafe des Architectes
3-9 p.m., $65
Use your day of thanks to branch out and expand your culinary tastes. Cafe de Architectes has such unique offerings as brown butter cauliflower soup, arctic char and coconut panna cotta.

Cape Cod Room
11:45 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
It doesn't get much more classic than the elaborate buffets available at the Drake Hotel's nautically themed seafood restaurant. Expect live jazz and a children's area.

Chef's Station
2-6:30 p.m.; $38
The upscale Evanston eatery will offer a prix-fixe meal including your choice of appetizer, entree and dessert. You'll start with roasted butternut squash soup or a goat cheese and caramelized onion tart, then move on to herb marinated roasted turkey breast served with your choice of side dishes.

Chicago Firehouse
11 a.m.-7:30 pm; $45.99, $19.99 for kids 5-12
The buffet at this classic Chicago restaurant is suitably...well, classic, with turkey, prime rib and all the fixins, as well as tons of breakfast foods.

China Grill
$44
A true cornucopia is available at this upscale spot in the Hard Rock Hotel, with everything from traditional Turkey to the regular Chinese menu to $7 mojitos.

Cite
11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $68, $34 for kids under 13
If you're hungry for both an early meal and a great view, head to this 70th floor eatery for a brunch buffet including crab claws, honey roasted turkey, prime rib, omelets, French toast and more.

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
$27.99/$9.99
While the entire menu is available, a special three-course family-style dinner will be prepared to celebrate the season of sharing. Salad, squash soup, ham, turkey and potatoes are all featured. Finish it off with the delightful pumpkin cheesecake. Available at the Orland Park and South Barrington locations.

Coco Pazzo
11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., $40
Coco Pazzo is serving a four-course dinner with a Tuscan twist. Each course allows diners a selection to choose from. Choices include a field green salad, dried cherries, pine nuts, Gorgonzola and balsamic vinaigrette or mushroom and potato soup garnished with toasted chestnuts and white truffle oil; butternut squash and leek risotto with pecorino DOP or fettuccini with wild mushrooms and shaved parmesian; roasted turkey breast with foccacia-sausage stuffing, brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, cranberry-orange relish and sage gravy or a roasted local whitefish, green beans, pomodorini and toasted almonds.

Custom House
3-8 p.m.; $65 adults, $25 children
The restaurant's three-course holiday menu includes your choice of appetizer (cauliflower bisque w/ house curry vinaigrette, field greens w/ baby radish, house bacon and mustard, baby beets w/ goat cheese, pistachios and arugula, potato agnolotti w/ house bacon, parmesan and brussels sprouts), entree (wild striped bass, autumn vegetable pot pie, rack of pork, beef shortrib, turkey), sides (brussels sprouts w/ bourbon maple syrup, potato puree, baby carrots w/ fresh herbs and honey, sweet potato gratin w/ green apple and onion) and dessert (apple streudel, cheesecake, pumpkin bread pudding). A children's menu is also available for kids aged 2-12.

David Burke's Primehouse
11 a.m.-9 p.m., $39
It's four courses of fall at David Burke's Primehouse. Choose from appetizer choices include squash & ricotta cheese raviolis, salads like double dried Kobe beef bresola, entrées like spiced brown sugar and honey ham and walnut praline cheesecake for dessert. To top it off you'll take home a ?leftover sandwich? of roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes asnd cranberry sauce on country bread with a pumpkin pie cookie.

Dine
noon-9 p.m., $28.95,$16.95
Dine offers up traditional fare in a prix fixe menu. Choose from roasted butternut squash bisque or fall greens with roasted beets and pears with maple cider dressing to start. For the entrée, enjoy herb roasted turkey with sage and sausage dressing and rich brown pan sauce, green beans, crimini mushrooms and sherry cream sauce with crispy onions, and roasted sweet potatoes with orange ginger glaze. For dessert, try pumpkin ppice cake, with maple caramel sauce and vanilla whip cream.

Entourage on American Lane
11 a.m.-6 p.m.; $32.95, $15.95 kids 6-12
The Schaumburg restaurant pulls out all the stops with a buffet spread including smoked salmon, oysters, prime rib, roasted turkey, roasted turducken, seared tilapia, blackened chicken rigatoni and a whole lotta traditional sides and desserts. If your kid doesn't like the turkey, he or she is sure to enjoy the mac 'n' cheese, chicken fingers and tater tots.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
11 a.m.-6 p.m., $25-$105
Thanksgiving Day brunch and dinner at the Four Seasons offers made-to-order omelets and malted waffles at the breakfast station, fresh seafood, salads, a carving station, seasonal entrees and Thanksgiving favorites. Breakfast selections are replaced by entrees for the later seatings. Enjoy traditional dishes such as roast Amish turkey with giblet gravy and cranberry relish, sage and marjoram holiday stuffing and maple and spice glazed sweet potatoes with homemade marshmallow crust.

Fulton's on the River
$49.95/$15.95
If you're the kind of person who wears your pants a little baggy on T-day, then Fulton's is for you. Sides and appetizers include salads, roasted fall veggies, cheddar mac-n-cheese, apple cider brined turkey breasts, seared Canadian lake trout, a variety of stuffings and banana cream pie. A children's menu is also available.

Glen Prairie
noon-9 p.m., $25
This three-course prix fixe includes options like butternut squash and Michigan apple bisque, free range turkey tenderloin, cornbread stuffing, green beans, garlic mashed potatoes and cranberry-orange relish. Follow with a helping of pumpkin cheesecake with caramel sauce for dessert.

Harry Caray's
1?8 p.m.
If you're looking for options, Harry Caray's is your place. Guests can choose from a selection of favorites from the Italian Steakhouse menu or enjoy traditional Thanksgiving specials like autumn squash bisque, prime rib dinner and apple crisp.

Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., $22.95
Guests can dine on an all-you-can-eat feast of Turkey Day favorites and Brew-inspired specialties like traditional roasted turkey with Oktoberfest gravy or harvest fest, Wild Turkey bourbon glazed ham and slow smoked BBQ beef brisket. Thanksgiving Day football will also be on all 17 flat screen TVs.

Harry Caray's (Lombard and Rosemont)
$16.95-$39.95
Both restaurants will feature traditional Thanksgiving favorites such as hand-carved, oven-roasted turkey and roasted prime rib along with unlimited visits the all-you-can-eat sides buffet. Buffet sides include sausage and sage stuffing, cornbread stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, smoked bacon and cheddar gratin and more.

Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort
11 a.m.-3 p.m., $33.95
Hilton Chicago/ Indian Lakes Resort wants to take the stress out of your holiday. The menu includes starters like arugula salad with beets and goat cheese, slow-roasted turkey with caramelized shallot and sage gravy, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin filled pasta with sage-brown butter and desserts like eclairs, cream puffs and assorted petit four.

Horizon Cafe
7 a.m.-7 p.m., $16.99/$18.99
Want your Thanksgiving dinner just like mom made? Try Horizon Cafe, where you'll start with pumpkin soup or creamy chicken rice. It's followed by salad and then hand-carved turkey breast with cream or brown gravy, homemade mashed potatoes, seasoned dressing, vegetable and cranberry sauce. The dessert course will feature a choice of either pumpkin pie or apple pie.

Italiasia
11 a.m.-8 p.m., $15.95/$9.95
Italiasia will be offering a unique Italian-Asian inspired Thanksgiving buffet featuring everything from grilled peanut shrimp to traditional turkey. An array of salads, soups, desserts and appetizers fill the cornucopia of Italiasia's buffet.

Jacky's on Prairie
Looking for a rustic Thanksgiving spread? Try this Evanston hot spot. The menu features heirloom squash soup with Applewood smoked turkey ravioli; roasted and braised turkey with wild rice and corn bread stuffing and cranberry sauce or walnut loaf with vegetable gravy, root vegetable and maple puree and a pine nut and cranberry tart with maple granite.

Karma
noon-8 p.m., $23.95, $11.95
Karma features a buffet with options like salad, gingered butternut squash soup, turkey, potatoes, asparagus, green bean casserole and pie options. Free for kids 3 and younger.

Lawry's The Prime Rib
11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
A Thanksgiving at Lawry's wouldn't be complete without prime rib. The menu includes roasted prime ribs of beef and fresh roasted turkey. For those opposed to a traditional feast, Lawry's regular menu will also be available.

Lockwood
11 a.m.-5 p.m., $55, $45, $25
With unlimited champagne for adults and sparkling cider for children, Lockwood treats guests to an all-American Thanksgiving buffet featuring upscale, contemporary American cuisine. Start your meal with spaghetti squash and red pepper, follow with autumn greens with gingerbread dressing and finish with a choice of entrees. Reservations are required.

Markethouse
$12-$24
This new Streeterville restaurant serving farm-fresh cuisine offers a prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner fresh from the heartland. Executive Chef Scott Walton will prepare buttermilk biscuits with gooseberry jam, maple thyme-seasoned Slagel Farms turkey and pumpkin pie with pecan praline ice cream.

Meson Sabika (Naperville) and Tapas Valencia
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., free
Talk about being thankful -- restaurants Meson Sabika and Tapas Valencia will host charity Thanksgiving dinner for those facing economic problems and/or limited physically by disabilities. Any patron-in-need is welcome to enjoy a complimentary traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner that will include salad, turkey, dessert and a beverage of choice including either beer or wine. Reservations are required.

NoMI
11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., $125
NoMI gives a whole new meaning to the word feast. Selections range from Applewood smoked trout to beet panzanella salad to autumn squash ravioli. Desserts include pumpkin cheesecake, apple streusel tarts and maple panna cotta.

Palette Bistro
1-8 p.m.; $32
Frenchify something other than green beans with a three-course meal including your choice of roasted pumpkin soup or caesar salad, turkey or filet mignon, and pumpkin pie.

Palm
$45 ($22.50 per child)
Enjoy a three-course menu including hand-carved roasted turkey, traditional sides, salad & dessert at this classic steakhouse.

Park Grill
11 a.m.-9:15 p.m.
It'll be easy to walk off your meal of updated classics like turkey with spiced-sausage stuffing and ginger-cranberry compote, as the Grill is located just in front of picturesque Millennium Park.

The Pony
Want something simple yet satisfying for the holiday? This Lakeview bar will offer up its signature dish, the Thanksgiving Stack, on Thanksgiving Day - layers of homemade biscuits, turkey, veggies, mashed potatoes all smothered with gravy. You can get it and a pint of Guinness for $12.

Prairie Grass Cafe
2:30-7:30 p.m.; $45 ($15 for kids under 10)
The Northbrook staple offers the "Thanksgiving Works" on Thursday, complete with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, apple and sage stuffing, sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping, cranberry sauce and pumpkin and pecan pies.

Restaurant Michael
1-4 p.m., $45
This Thanksgiving, leave the turkey to Michael Lachowicz, the chef and owner of Restaurant Michael. Dinner will showcase roast organic turkey, roast tenderloin and all of the Thanksgiving fixings.

Reza's (Andersonville)
11 a.m.-11 p.m.
The Middle Eastern favorite adds to its already robust buffet with a bunch of Thanksgiving classics on Thursday.

Ritz-Carlton Chicago
10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., $40-$105
Thanksgiving Day brunch and dinner at The Greenhouse and The Cafe features traditional favorites such as brined and roasted Tom Turkey with giblet gravy and cranberry and pomegranate chutney, stuffing and candied sweet potatoes with marshmallow crust. Earlier seatings include omelet, waffle and breakfast stations.

Shaw's Crab House (Schaumburg)
Noon-7 p.m., $39.99/$16.99
Celebrate Thanksgiving family-style in Schaumburg. As an added bonus, dinner isn't over just because you leave. Each family will go home with "leftovers" of turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, stuffing and pecan pie to enjoy at home the next day.

Sixteen
Brunch: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ($115, $25 for kids eight and under); Dinner: 6-8:30 p.m. ($95-$120)
The Trump Tower's restaurant offers a lot more than great views on Thanksgiving. There will be a lavish brunch spread featuring a raw bar, carving station, dessert stations and more, plus a seasonally inspired tasting menu for dinner (three or five courses), including such dishes as savoy cabbage-wrapped pheasant with foie gras, sweet potato puree and black trompettes.

Stretch Run
You can have Thanksgiving Dinner all weekend long at this River North OTB. A meal of turkey, stuffing, sweet potato mash, gravy and cranberry sauce will be available Thursday through Sunday for $10.95. Also available are several holiday-themed cocktails, including the Pumpkin Pie (vanilla ice cream, Bailey's Caramel, Bailey's and Butterscotch Schnapps, $6.50).

SushiSamba Rio
1:30 p.m. -1 a.m.
The menu includes a braised short rib gyoza appetizer with kabocha pumpkin puree, red shiso leaf and smoked ginger soy ($14). Dinner is a Plainville Farms turkey t-bone with sweet potato-brown sugar fries, bacon escarole and cranberry teriyaki glaze ($24) and dessert is pumpkin cinnamon bread pudding with maple syrup ice cream, roast pecans and candied shiso leaf ($10).

Trader Vic's
noon-8 p.m.; $39.95 ($19.95 for kids)
Get both a tropical escape and a traditional Thanksgiving at the revamped institution, which features a menu including everything from roasted turkey to kung pao pork. Should go well with Mai Tais.

Va Pensiero
2-8 p.m., $48
Chef Jeff will offer a traditional Thanksgiving meal as well as several of his own creations delivered over four courses. The menu includes grilled vegetables, baked Ricotta, pumpkin soup, mushroom risotto, a selection of pastas, turkey and beef.

Vermilion
noon-10 p.m.; $45
This Indian fusion restaurant skews more toward Native American on Thanksgiving with a six-course meal including roasted corn soup, cardamom-smoked turkey breast and pumpkin pie.

Viand
noon-10 p.m.; $24.95
Meat eaters will be happy with choices of roasted turkey and stuffed pork loin at this three-course meal, which also includes salad and dessert buffet tables.

Victory's Banner
Seatings at 2, 4 and 6 p.m.; $31.95
Why suffer through another tofurkey when you can enjoy tasty vegetarian fare at this Roscoe Village staple, including the popular Neatloaf and all the sides and desserts you can handle. Trust us: You won't miss the meat.

Zed 451
You'll always find a feast at this expansive prix-fixe spot, but they're upping the ante on Thanksgiving with options like turkey breast, hickory ham, curried pumpkin soup and pumpkin profiteroles.

Zest at the InterContinental Chicago
noon-3 p.m./5-10 p.m., $55/$67
Zest will offer Thanksgiving brunch featuring items like poached shrimp, Wisconsin cheese selections and a carving station, as well as a mashed potato bar with traditional condiments, stuffing, toasted marshmallow yams and desserts. Dinner features a selection of seafood as well as traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

Rather take it and fake it? Grab a dinner to-go and let someone else do all the cooking and cleaning.

The Market at Old Town Brasserie
1-7 p.m., $29 per person
Old Town Brasserie's complete Thanksgiving family-style takeout meal features a slow roasted traditional turkey with all the fixins. Pick up a bottle of wine from the market to complement your feast. Orders need to be placed by November 23, and must be picked up at the restaurant on November 25.

Osteria Via Stato
$62, $98, $110
Osteria Via Stato helps you bring the best of the harvest to your table from Caveny Farm in Monticello, Illinois. These local Bourbon Red turkeys are naturally juicy and rich in flavor and are rare Heritage turkeys, with only one crop raised per year. Each order will include step-by-step instructions for roasting a turkey and a $25 Osteria Via Stato gift certificate for a post-holiday, Italian dinner. Orders must be placed with Allison Gallese by November 19.

Restaurant Michael
1-4 p.m., $49
For those wanting to stay at home, Restaurant Michael features a hot and ready to serve carry-out menu for $49 per person. The menu features two main entrees, six side dishes, two desserts, soup, salad and bread.

Sheffield's
For $100, the kitchen at this popular Lakeview bar will prepare, cook and pack up a six-person meal including turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. For an extra $49.95, Sheffield's Beer School will add on beer pairings.

Smoke Daddy
Get your turkey smoked for take-out. Order your turkey by November 23 and pick it up either November 24 or 25. Smoke Daddy Rhythm and Barbeque is offering smoked turkeys to go, priced at $4.95 per pound (12 to 14 pound birds).

Trump International Hotel & Tower
Executive chef Frank Brunacci and his staff will cook up a full dinner for six to eight people featuring roast turkey ($325) or salt-crusted prime rib ($405) will all the trimmings and dessert. Items are also available a la carte, should you just need a little something extra to make your table pop. Orders must be placed by Sunday, November 22, and can be picked up between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Victory's Banner
Take home a vegetarian feast including veggie turkey Neatloaf plus meatless sides and vegan desserts.

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Be thankful for Centerstage Chicago's Thanksgiving Guide
Get Cookin' ~ Drink on the Eve
Buy a Pie ~ Volunteer and Give Back
Eat at O'Hare ~ Munch Near Midway

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Dining Guides Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/restaurants/articles/holiday-cooking.html You'll know the products at Old Town Oil are fresh - because you'll watch it being bottled. So, it's your turn to host the big holiday meal. You think you're prepared: you've taken the cooking classes, even gotten your karma in order by volunteering in a soup kitchen. But there's one more thing you need to do to ensure a successful celebration: shop!

"Any chef will tell you that to make the best food, you must start with the freshest, highest quality ingredients," says Tracy Kellner, of Provenance Food & Wine. "I'm a firm believer that you can taste the difference, and although you can sometimes make substitutions for ingredients, the end result is better when you go for quality."

But what are these magic ingredients and where can you get them? We asked the folks at some of Chicago's most respected specialty shops for their guidance.

Tracy Kellner, Provenance Food & Wine
Kellner's store is full of delicious, hard to find, fine ingredients. Her pick for the must-have ingredient to create that perfect holiday spread? BLiS Bourbon-Barrel Aged Syrup and BLiS 9-year Double Solera Maple Sherry Vinegar for sides like brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and gravy.

"BLiS is a handcrafted line of syrups, vinegars and salts using the best ingredients available; only 'real' ingredients go into these items. They are produced in small batches and unlike any other maple syrup or sherry vinegar you'll ever try," she says. "The syrup is aged for one year in used bourbon barrels, which imparts a lot of brown spice and a wonderful fragrance; the sherry vinegar is aged in maple-cured bourbon barrels utilizing the time-consuming and labor-intensive solera method."

John Dine, Old Town Oil
"The single most important aspect to successful cooking and baking is the ingredients," Dine says. "If you cheat on ingredients, the food will always suffer."

For your baking, try using extra virgin olive oil as a substitute for other oils or even butter. Its health benefits outweigh most competitors and it provides moistness. Other suggestions include 18-year-old aged balsamic vinegar, Tuscan herb oil for bread dipping, red apple balsamic and walnut oil. While you'd likely get tossed out of a traditional grocery store for "tasting" an olive oil, at Old Town Oil you are encouraged to give your palate a delightful tour.

"When you are cooking your holiday meals for the people you love most in the whole world, don't you want to make only the best tasting dishes?" Erd asks. "The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the quality of the finished meal." Erd's top recommendations include the Madagascar Double Strength Bourbon Islands Vanilla, mulled wine spice, poultry stuffing seasoning, nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice. Didem Tapban, Ta-Ze
Tapban recommends approaching your shopping with an open mind and letting the ingredients speak to you.

"In fact the finest and highest quality ingredients should be the inspiration behind your cooking," she says. "I suggest simply going to the market and find the best that it offers, be guided by your senses - most importantly, try to taste before you purchase, and ask questions - and let the ingredients become the base for your cooking adventures."

Her recommendations include a good sea salt, distinct spices like cumin, ginger and coriander and a great olive oil.

Pamela Fitzpatrick, executive baker, Fox & Obel
While Fox & Obel doesn't specialize in one type of ingredient, it's an excellent place to shop for a little of everything. And, if you get overwhelmed by all the choices and have a culinary breakdown, you can just pick up anything pre-made here and pass it off as your own.

"Ingredients make the difference in baking; not just by using fresh market fruits, but by using quality chocolates, vanilla and high-fat butter," Fitzpatrick says. "It's important to realize, though, that quality ingredients must be handled with respect; they will absolutely make any bread or pastry better, but fundamental baking skills are also required to allow their exceptional qualities to sing."

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Be thankful for Centerstage Chicago's Thanksgiving Guide
Dine Out ~ Drink on the Eve
Buy a Pie ~ Volunteer and Give Back
Eat at O'Hare ~ Munch Near Midway

Naughty or nice, you'll want to check our list twice.
We have the goods on holiday giving and festive fun. »

Naughty or nice, you'll want to check our list twice.
We have the goods on holiday giving and festive fun. »

photo: Clifton Henri

Have a Middle Eastern Christmas at Reza's (Andersonville and River North) or Andies (Andersonville and Lincoln Square)
Ask a group of Andersonville residents where to eat Middle Eastern food in their neighborhood, and you'll likely spark a spirited debate regarding these two competing spots. The choice doesn't get any easier on Christmas day, as they'll both be open for business. Many go for the family-style menu at Reza's, which includes your choice of three appetizers and three entrees (e.g. broiled salmon, sea scallops, boneless chicken breast kabobs) for under $30 a person; a typical entree will set you back $15-$18. Andie's prices are slightly lower; chicken and kefta kabobs ring in at only $10.50. You decide which is merrier.

Dine with the Chanukah reindeer at Bagel (Lakeview and Old Orchard)
Do you own multiple menorahs, a Chanukah bush or a reindeer that wears a yarmulke? Then you've probably been to Chicago's quintessentially yenta restaurant. Gaze at old movie posters as you wait for homemade matzo ball soup ($4/pint or $8/quart) or sweet and sour cabbage borscht (a steal at $3.50/pint or $7/quart). And who could forget the lox-and-bagel and the corned beef sandwiches? Kids who want other snacks can get a hot dog or a grilled cheese sandwich. Just don't forget to finish the meal with raspberry, apricot or cinnamon rugelach. Take that, Santa!

Go meatless at Soul Vegetarian East
Spread cheer to your vegan and soul food-lovin' friends at this South Side standby. If you live up north, it's worth the hike. And because it's run by African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem, they're open Christmas day. Break away from your meaty traditions with appetizers like battered cauliflower or hearty brown lentil soup. Try the wheat gluten Garvey Burger, named after Marcus Garvey, the founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL). If it's available, don't miss the vegan sweet potato pie for dessert.

Choose this Chinese restaurant: Phoenix Restaurant
Overwhelmed by the amount of Chinese restaurants open on Christmas? Here's a solution: Go wild with dim sum, which actually comes to tables on the traditional silver carts, at this popular Chinatown standby. Each of the two red-carpeted dining rooms offer a southern view of the majestic Chicago Loop. Dim sum options include barbecue pork-filled buns, steamed shrimp dumplings, fried sesame-seed balls, seaweed shrimp rolls, steamed pork dumplings and even chicken feet. Take your pick.

It's just another business day at Indian Garden (Streeterville and Devon)
When asked if Indian Garden was open on Christmas, the hostess replied, "we're open 365 days a year." The North India-influenced cuisine includes meaty options like chicken tikka masala (chicken blended with yogurt and spices that's served with a creamy tomato sauce). Satisfy vegetarians with pea-and-potato-filled samosas, chana masala (chickpeas cooked with a blend of Indian spices). Go for the vegetarian-friendly lunch buffet, which is a true steal for under $12.

Naughty or nice, you'll want to check our list twice.
We have the goods on holiday giving and festive fun. »

Chopping Block
This cooking school has multiple Thanksgiving-themed classes at two locations. The popular Thanksgiving Crash Course trains you in tempting dishes like sage stuffing, brussels sprouts with maple mustard glaze and glazed root vegetables for just $75. "Vegetarians Eat Thanksgiving, Too!" provides a full menu of cruelty-free comfort food like quinoa stuffing, caramelized onion gratin and sweet potato pie for $65. If you feel like you need a full dress rehearsal for the big night, there's a hands-on workshop for $100 that gives you the chance prepare the whole shebang in "real time." If you're strictly looking for a primer in pies, the $40 "Harvest Pies" covers apple cranberry, pumpkin and a chocolate bourbon pecan that will have you truly thankful for this culinary institution. There's also a free turkey-carving class for those looking for the basics.

• Merchandise Mart
  Crash Course: November 16 and 21 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
  Vegetarian: November 15 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and November 18 from 7-9:30 p.m.
  Harvest Pies: November 14 and 22 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  Hands-On Workshop: November 14, 20 and 22 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
  Carving: November 20, 3-4 p.m.

• Lincoln Square
  Crash Course: November 11 and 15 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
  Vegetarian: November 15 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and November 18 from 6-8:30 p.m.
  Harvest Pies: November 8 and 21 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  Hands-On Workshop: November 18 and 21 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
  Carving: November 21 from 2-3 p.m.

Cooking Fools
Wicker Park's catering and cooking school offers a two-and-a-half-hour Thanksgiving 101 class focusing on the basics plus shopping, planning and presentation. Cooking Fools also offers wine for purchase by the glass during their classes, to better replicate your actual cooking conditions. November 10 from 6:30-9 p.m.; $75.

Flavour Cooking School
West suburbanites can head over to Flavour in Forest Park where Chef Denise Norton demonstrates traditional Thanksgiving feast preparation from top to bottom in four hours, covering the meat and potatoes plus a pumpkin mocha tart. November 8 and 21 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $90. For those who want to keep it more intimate (and simple), there's also a "Cozy Thanksgiving" class on November 10 from 7-9:30 p.m. ($50).

Gallery 37 World Kitchen
At only $30, the four-hour "Thanksgiving Memories" at Gallery 37 is the most affordable game in town. This basics class walks you through shopping and timing and provides recipes to the traditional favorites. November 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sur La Table
At first blush, "Bon Appetit: All-American Thanksgiving" at Sur la Table appears to be a hands-on basics class...until you glance at the menu. Dungeness crab and heirloom bean brandade and bacon, apple and fennel stuffing are sure to earn you an ovation from even the most effete epicurean. You'll learn the ropes and then some in this hands-on class. November 20, 6:30 p.m.; $69.

Wooden Spoon
The Wooden Spoon is holding three specialty hands-on classes right before the big day, letting you get a jump on time-gobbling (pun fully intended) sides and pies. "Thanksgiving Cliffs Notes" on November 17 at 6:30 p.m. will arm you with enough homemade cranberry sauce, wild mushroom stuffing, herbed turkey gravy and pumpkin pie to feed your family even if the turkey doesn't turn out so well. "Thanksgiving Pies to Take Home" on November 25 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. will send you home with pumpkin, apple and chocolate bourbon pecan ($80). And if you're looking for a hands-on run of the whole feast, take the Thanksgiving Workshop November 21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ($80). _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Be thankful for Centerstage Chicago's Thanksgiving Guide
Eat Out ~ Drink on the Eve
Buy a Pie ~ Volunteer and Give Back
Eat at O'Hare ~ Munch Near Midway

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Foodie Happenings Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/restaurants/articles/Pumpkinpiebakeries.html Nothing says autumn like a slice of homemade pumpkin pie. But why waste these colorful, crisp fall days with rolling your own dough and creating that pumpkin-pie filling? These places will satisfy your seasonal cravings by giving you that same homemade taste of autumn's quintessential dessert. Don't forget the whipped cream!

Hoosier Mama Pie Company
Everyone's favorite pie shop (seriously, we haven't heard one bad thing about this place) has your pumpkin pie needs covered with a $20 version that includes real cream, vanilla and spices. But you can also order up a number of other crusty autumn-centric treats, from a maple pecan pie ($22) to pear apple cranberry with walnut crumble ($20) to a pork apple sausage supper pie ($27). Order at least 48 hours in advance (more for Thanksgiving). Unfortunately, the shop is no longer accepting orders for Thanksgiving - you may be able to grab a pie at Green City Market on Wednesday, November 25.

Potash Brothers Supermarket (Gold Coast)
This Gold Coast market and deli offers pumpkin pies for $6.99 each, not to mention apple, pecan ($7.99), peach ($8.49) and Very Berry ($10.19).

Dinkel's
Thinking of making an impression this holiday by bringing an enormous 3-D butter cream cake shaped and "dressed" like a Thanksgiving turkey? Dinkel's can make that happen. Or maybe play it safe with nearly a dozen pie choices, including crowd-pleasers like Dutch apple, pecan or pumpkin. Just give them a day's notice for that unforgettable turkey cake.

Ann Sather (Belmont)
Although this spot is known for its ridiculously addictive cinnamon rolls, the pies here (available beginning November 23) are also smashing. Traditional pumpkin is available, but gets trumped by options like a walnut-chocolate chip pie and a tasty apple version. A nine-inch pie costs $12, and advance orders are recommended.

Whole Foods
Whistle while you shop. Because you can slide a pie into your cart along with fresh cranberries and the turkey you had to order so far in advance. The Whole Foods Bakehouse is well-stocked with the spiced custard classic that is pumpkin pie. Take note: This is one reasonable item at the store that won't put you in debt this year. And then stop by the South Loop location's grandiose wine and cheese shop and say goodbye to the money you saved.

Jewel
Never underestimate the power of Jewel's bakery. Beyond its knock-out chocolate chip cookies and surprisingly authentic baguettes, the store's cakes and pies make a great centerpiece for the holidays. And bonus, a pumpkin pie is only $2.99, no advance ordering, no hassle. Need we say more?

Roeser's Bakery
For nearly 100 years this family has been fattening up Chicagoans with its confectionery delicacies. Let the tradition roll this holiday with a pie from the Roeser's kitchen. Bring on the mince meat, the pecan, the sweet potato, the pumpkin and the apple pies. You can pick up a few this holiday. And there are oodles ready for pick-up.

Rolf's Patisserie
Last-minute errand runners take comfort: Rolf's is open from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving. But there's no guarantee there will be much of a selection that day of those tasty Dutch cherry, peach, apple or pumpkin pies. So either try your luck or order up to three days in advance to be safe. The free coffee with every $1 purchase will offset the cost of the $18 deep-dish pies. Regular tin pies are just under $10.

Red Hen Bread
Why not go where the local chefs go to supply fresh bread to their dinner guests this holiday season? Stock up on rolls or hearty bread as well as an apple pie that will be the hit of the party. Instructions: Take your pie out of box and place it on a plate for effect. For a last-minute order of your pumpkin, pecan or fruit pie, Red Hen is open on Thanksgiving until noon.

Bleeding Heart Bakery
Tired of the old same old-same old? Order a pumpkin pie in a chocolate crust this year from the folks that bring you amazing pastries from an all-organic kitchen. Be green on the holidays, and it'll set you back less of the green stuff in your wallet than you'd expect from an organic bakery. Make sure to order at least 48 hours in advance, though.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Be thankful for Centerstage Chicago's Thanksgiving Guide
Eat Out ~ Drink on the Eve
Get Cookin' ~ Volunteer and Give Back
Eat at O'Hare ~ Munch Near Midway

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Dining Guides Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/restaurants/articles/dining-guide-private.html

Dine on sushi for six at Kamehachi (Old Town), Kamehachi (Streeterville) or Kamehachi (Northbrook)
Two locations of this Chicago chain, which bills itself as the first spot to score sushi in the city, offer private rooms for your maki mayhem. Expect a traditional tatami setting (though it looks like you're sitting on the floor, a cutout below the table gives your legs plenty of dangling room) that can hold up to eight in Old Town, where diners have access to a private music system and TV ($30 for three hours). Throw on some Bjork or the Bears to set the mood for your meal, ordered from the regular menu with items like AAC Maki (asparagus, avocado and cucumber). Streeterville's three rooms can accommodate two to four, six to 16 and up to 35, respectively. Room charges run $10-$50. In Northbrook, you can take advantage of shoji screens to accomodate as many as 45 people. Book at least 36 hours in advance in all cases.

Celebrate over farm-fresh fine dining at aria
Chef Brad Parsons's globally inspired cuisine, much of it made from ingredients culled from the Green City Market, is perfect for any celebration, especially those involving your closest friends. Glass doors create a private space that seats up to 10; it's recommended that the host works with a manager to create a set menu and a pre-selected wine option for large groups. With dishes like golden and red baby beet salad, orange salmon and Thai lemongrass creme brulee, you won't hesitate to make your dinner a six-course one. A semi-private chef's table option, where you tour the kitchen and dine with Chef Leon Gunn, is available for groups of six to eight.

Do it dining room-style at Devon Seafood Grill
They may not be entirely closed off, but the semi-private alcoves here rock, feeling more like a hip dining room out of a Pottery Barn catalog than a sterile extra space. Two rooms seat four each for a lovely small-group setting; the other two seat up to 10 for a dinner of grilled Bay of Fundy salmon and potato-wrapped grouper. The only trick is that you can request the rooms but they aren't guaranteed, so it's a bit of a gamble. If you're not into spontaneous group dining, reserve the wine room, which can seat 22, or the Bernadine Room, which seats up to 66 with the optional A/V equipment and up to 80 without it. You can choose from one of the pre-designed banquet menus or work with the executive chef to design a custom menu.

Host your own salon at Brasserie Jo
This French restaurant's wine rooms seat up to 20 guests in spaces flanked by Brasserie Jo's wine storage. If that doesn't entice you to pop open a few bottles of Bordeaux, nothing will (though the beer list is a tempting one). Order straight from the menu's plats principaux, with items like classic steak frites and an awesome sauteed skate wing, or you can customize a menu for your group. For bigger parties, try the Salon Prive, which accommodates up to 135 people. Or heck, rent out the whole restaurant, which holds as many as 300 people.

More private dining:

Opera
Parties of eight to 14 can dine on a "Chinese with modern presentations" menu (and enjoy audiovisual presentations, if that's your thing) in the fully enclosed Banquet Room.

Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
The Nautical Room accommodates smaller parties of about 10 for a classed-up meal of Irish bistro fare. A room fee may apply.

Eno
Want a wine-, cheese- and chocolate-filled girls night out? This semi-private space, a long wooden table off the main area, can seat up to 10. A minimum charge will apply.

Fulton's on the River
This riverside restaurant caters to plenty of large groups (anywhere from 60-330 people), but you and your nine closest friends can dine on seafood among vintage selections in the Wine Room.

Looking to party? Check out these fine holiday party spots.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Dining Guides Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/restaurants/articles/kid-brunches.html Share brunch with your toddler at these kid-friendly restaurants. When you choose to have a baby you know you're giving up many of the wonderful things Chicago has to offer ? like drinking on a patio at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday or fully utilizing the 2:45 a.m. Saturday last call. But for many of us (much to many people's chagrin), one of the things we're not ready to give up on is brunch.

Chicago's brunching munificence is simply too great to turn your back on. But, how do you manage to keep a toddler calm for an hour without annoying the 20-something singles still enjoying their solitude? Well, for starters, you pick the right places.

There aren't many, but there are a few that really go out of their way to make families feel at home. Of special note is Curio Cafe, where a children's play area has been set up in the dining room. Ricardo Way (son of owner Lucy Alvarez) says that the restaurant wants everyone to feel at home.

"We make sure everyone feels like family. It's more like a daycare-slash-family restaurant," Way says. "The whole idea was to have a place that understands it's hard for families to go out and have a dinner without worrying about making a mess."

Here are some other tot-friendly brunch spots:

Victory's Banner
This Roscoe Village cafe is known for its delicious vegetarian cuisine. For health-conscious parents it's a great place to feed kids tasty food without worrying about how much sugar or fat is involved. Also, even though it's rather small, Victory's Banner is super family friendly and even has a small wall of toys in the back to keep kids entertained.

Tweet
Tweet really has the toddler brunch down pat. First, when they see your youngster walk in the door, they immediately lay down a sheet of butcher's paper under a highchair ? no longer do you have to fuss over what your two-year-old is throwing on the floor. When you're seated, the staff immediately sets down a small basket of books, toys and crayons. Within seconds a bowl of bananas is in front of your tot. Tweet also serves a great deal of organic and healthy food options.

Crema Pastry
The real beauty of this north Lincoln Square spot is that no one knows about it, but nobody is sure why. Especially once you find out their breakfast scrambles are only $4.50 ? that includes toast and potatoes. But, because of this cute little corner joint's quietness, you and your child are treated with the utmost respect. Crema is also a bakery, so there are plenty of things that little ones enjoy noshing on.

photo: Christy Bonstell Kids rule at the Curio Cafe.

Wishbone (Lakeview)
So popular is this sprawling diner with Lakeview families that there is now a separate area in the back of the restaurant reserved for adults only. Colorful and creative, this place serves up food kids love, like macaroni & cheese with black eyed peas. A nice bonus is that the place is so swamped with children that you'll never feel guilty for all the racket yours is making ? plus the kids like making faces at each other from across the room.

Fraiche
This newish little bakery in Evanston is a great place for a toddler brunch. The food and baked treats are a hit with kids of all ages and the overall vibe is a little looser than some of the stuffier Evanston breakfast choices. The owner has a kids activity basket all set up and ready to go, which is always a good sign of a business that's open to kids.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Dining Guides Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/restaurants/articles/fallfood.html

photo: courtesy of Ian's Pizza

Pumpkin Pie Pancakes at John's Place
For a pumpkin treat in the morning, head to John's Place ? in Lincoln Park or Roscoe Village ? for some pumpkin "pie" pancakes. The plate-sized cakes are spiced, sweetened with brown sugar and served with a delectable maple pecan butter and maple syrup. Surprisingly, the result is not overly sweet, tasting more like pumpkin bread than a sugary dessert. Order the full stack ($6.25 for three cakes) if you have a large appetite, otherwise opt for the short stack ($4.50 for two cakes) and pair it with a side of organic chicken apple sausage ($3.50).

Squash Risotto at Perennial
When cooking with pumpkin, the slimy orange guts are not the only useable part. Perennial's executive chef Ryan Poli knows this, and has incorporated pumpkin seeds into his new risotto dish. On the menu at least through the fall, the risotto is combined with Laughing Bird shrimp (a white, sustainably raised variety); red kuri squash (which resembles a miniature pumpkin) from Green Acres Farm in North Judson, Indiana; and the pumpkin seeds, which are toasted and curried for an extra kick. At $12, the hearty dish is listed as a starter but can serve as an entree.

photo: courtesy of Nacional 27

Pumpkin Facial Peel at Salon Echo
At this eco-friendly day spa in Edgewater, treatments that use fruits and vegetables aren't out of the ordinary. For the month of October, the salon is embracing the season with a triad of pumpkin treatments. The first, a 100-percent organic, anti-aging pumpkin facial peel ($100, offered Wednesdays-Sundays), rejuvenates the skin with the pumpkin's natural antioxidants and is accompanied by a pumpkin hand scrub. The scent also has a calming effect, and although the organic compound can be eaten, manager Tamara Talsma doesn't recommend it. Pumpkin manicures ($20) and pedicures ($40) are also available Fridays-Sundays throughout the month.

Even more pumpkin treats::

• Roof gets into the spirit of the season with the Great Pumpkin Cocktail, featuring Maker's Mark bourbon, citrus and pumpkin simple syrup.
• La Madia keeps it cool in River North with pumpkin gelato.
• Scooter's sets high expectations for its annual pumpkin frozen custard.

Haunted Bars
Costume Shops
House Party Essentials
Candy Stores
Creepy Chicago Tours
Pumpkin Patches

Just looking for any pasta place near your home or hotel? Check out our huge directory of Italian restaurants.

David Burke's Primehouse
You can get a whole lot more than pasta at this popular steakhouse in the James Hotel, whose Marathon Weekend menu (available for dinner October 9-11) includes carb-heavy entrees like rock shrimp ravioli with peas, chanterelles and truffle puree; spaghetti with tri-meat old-school gravy with dry-aged beef, pork and veal, stewed tomatoes and ricotta salata; and desserts like banana protein smoothies and oatmeal and dried cherry cookies. Still hungry? The James will also host a pre-race marathon breakfast in the lobby bar beginning at 5 a.m. on Sunday; runners can enjoy free food including granola, energy bars, oatmeal, juices, Vitamin water and more.

Ritz-Carlton Cafe
If you like to do your carbo-loading in style, you'll want to stop in for some of executive chef Mark Payne's pasta creations on Saturday, including pappardelle with braised chicken and wild mushroom ragout ($17, fettuccine with Little Neck clams and rock shrimp with spicy broth, butternut squash, arugula and extra virgin olive oil (417) and garganelli pasta pomodoro with fresh tomatoes, basil and house-made lemon ricotta ($16).

Angelina Ristorante Remember that scene in Disney's "Lady and the Tramp" where the canine couple dines on spaghetti and meatballs in the alley outside an Italian restaurant, serenaded by "Bella Noche"? The same feeling of romance surrounds Angelina, the date destination for any well-informed Chicagoan. But, instead of a measly plate of vermicelli, red sauce and ground beef, the entrees excite and reward the appetite, especially those on the new fall menu. Pasta choices include a vegetable lasagna ($15) with roasted tomato, mushrooms, spinach and squash, and the classic pasta pomodoro ($12).

Anna Maria Pasteria
You know a restaurant is fluent in Italian when it offers puttanesca on its regular menu. This popular Lakeview spot takes great care with the classic dish, combining tube pasta, fresh tomatoes, onions, capers and black olives. It all gets thrown together in a light marinara sauce to create a delightfully salty mess ($12.50). If you're not racing, the creamy rotolo aurora is a favorite on the menu. Bruna's Ristorante
Any of the restaurants in the Heart of Italy area will do you well, but we'll go with Dennis Farina's favorite. With lively patrons, an intimate setting and a friendly wait staff, this place definitely exudes fun. There are many wonderful pasta dishes to choose from here, but the wise won't pass on the spaghetti carbonara, where the spaghetti comes in a cream sauce with Italian bacon. Other popular specials include veal chops, eggplant parmigiana and spinach-cheese ravioli.

Club Lucky
If you're really looking to pack in the pasta, you can't go wrong at this Bucktown spot known for its heaping plates. Though you'll have to gather a large group to take advantage of the family-style option, the regular menu's portions can be larger than you would expect. Enjoy the old-school atmosphere while you scarf down a hearty portion of penne arrabiata or a square of spinach lasagna.

Rosal's Italian Cucina
No pasta guide would be complete without a Little Italy entrant, and we're going to go with this classic spot, mainly because of its flexibility. Most patrons use the menu of pasta and meat options as a template, and then ask for customized variations for their meal. The kitchen staff is not only used to it, they expect it. So whether you want something extra hearty or light and fresh, you can get a bowl of it here.

Looking for other ways to celebrate the weekend? These Marathon specials will have you cheering.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Dining Guides Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/restaurants/articles/sunwah.html Often, moves for restaurants can either be lethal or help infuse further new life into an establishment - so what is planned for the new Sun Wah? Owner Kelly Cheng ? who, along with her siblings, took over the restaurant's operations from her parents just months ago - talked with Centerstage about ducks full of air, saving cash where you can, and why anyone would close on a Thursday.

It seems that in just the recent history of you and your siblings having taken over, there's been something of a revitalization of the restaurant. Do you agree with that?
Yeah, because my brother and my sister and I, we're more or less enthusiastic to say the least! [laughs] Coming in, we wanted things different and because we were trying different things, a lot of customers were willing to try with us and they thought, "that's kinda cool." And new people became returning customers and the old ones say, "hey, they're doing some pretty cool stuff, let's go have food their more often." That's why it's been a little more...rowdy! To say the least.

With Sun Wah being in your family for so long, is there a lot of pressure to perform now that you're in charge?
I think for a lot of people it would be a lot of pressure, but for us, like we said, we've grown up with it. This is something that's kinda second nature. There are some things that we're learning because of inexperience, and then there are things that we didn't know previously because we weren't the ones in charge. But for the most part, I think the pressure is more [what] we give ourselves because we don't want to disappoint our parents. But for the most part, no. Because we've been in this thing long enough and we know the place so well and we know our customers well enough that we don't think that it's a very difficult job. And we love it! And that's the most important part - we really really do love our job. And it really shows through.

Right now, restaurants are closing - not expanding and moving. What prompted the decision to change spaces?
We felt that to move really was the best option. Our space is just not big enough. With us kids taking over, we wanted things a little different, and in the space we're in, to remodel would have taken too much time to close down and then remodel it...and then open up again, we would lose much more business and customers and employee loyalty. We had to think through all that, and we didn't like that idea.

What can your customers look forward to seeing at the new space?
We can put in parties, small-sized parties of 100-150 people. At the new place, because it'll be bigger we can add in even more traditional types or street-type food that we've been wanting to try for a while. With the amount of space we've been able to expand - even though our menus are already huge we can put even more things on there.

I think the most recognizable feature of Sun Wah for passersby would be the BBQ duck in the windows, but I don't think a lot of people understand the difference between Chinese barbecue and, say, American Southern barbecue? Can you explain it?
Because of the way our foods are prepared. That's one of the differences in, for example, let's call it American or Southern barbecue. Whereas American Southern barbecue relies heavily on the sauce during and after cooking, we rely more on the finished product. Because of our culture, really - our culture dictates that when the finished product sits on the table, the food is ready to be eaten and it doesn't need anything else added to it. You sit down, you pick up the chopsticks, you eat and that's it. If we're eating at home, for example - there isn't any leeway for us to get up and say "Mom, I need ketchup. Mom, I need soy sauce." Mom's already seasoned everything and that's how Chinese cooking truly should be. When it's on your table, it's ready to eat. You really don't need to season it with anything else. Well, whereas American barbecue..."oh, it's a little bland, let's put on some more sauce..." The sauce is what makes the meat taste great, versus the meat already tastes great by itself for us.

Sun Wah has become pretty renowned around the city for Beijing duck, which includes multiple courses of bird in bun, entree and soup form. How much duck do you go through in the course of a week?
[laughs] The estimates have come in between 800 and a thousand ducks a week, 6 days a week. It's not always the case, of course. There are weeks and days where it's extremely slow, but for a holiday? That would be easily managed.

I understand that part of the process of preparing Beijing duck is filling the animal with compressed air and inflating it - what does that do for the cooking process?
If you don't do it, it's impossible to cook the duck. I mean, not impossible - but the duck looks extremely ugly. [laughs] When you're done, there probably would be no juice inside, the duck would be completely flat, the entire sternum would be collapsed upon itself, and the skin would probably be pretty much mashed to the meat. [laughs] That's really the main reason why air needs to be there - it's not just part to separate the skin, it's also part of the cooking process. It helps it along.

One of the more interesting things about your business is that you've chosen to be closed on Thursday, instead of the usual Monday or Tuesday that restaurants close. Why did you choose that day, and will that carry over to the new location?
We will carry that over - we all need a day off. The reason it's on Thursday is a lot of other restaurants and chefs are off on Mondays, and they come to eat on Monday. They actually come to Argyle to eat on Mondays. Especially the Chinese ones. On Tuesday, Hon Kee, our friends down the street, are closed. They've been like that for many, many years.

So when we decided in looking at our business that we needed a day off, we actually picked Thursday because that's one of our slower days, and it wasn't a day where our competitor was off. We actually do good business when they're closed, so...we figured we'd return the favor on the day that we're closed, that they usually end up with all of our business when we're not around.

I'm continuously amazed at your ability to feed people so much and charge them so little. How do you manage to keep your prices so low, and can you continue that after an expensive move to a new place?
At the new place we hope to be able to keep the same ideas. The same set of ideals that we can be inexpensive for people. Mostly it's that we want to stay at a well-priced range, but if we add more quality ingredients then obviously the price will go up a little bit more. But we manage because we go out and buy the ingredients ourselves. We pick everything ourselves. We don't depend on a food source or a distributor. Obviously there are certain things that you have to have a distributor for, but we're the kind of people you can tell, "Hey! Vegetables are cheap at such-and-such a place!" And we're not the first ones there but we're probably the third or fourth ones there.

And it's kind of a general rule in our family that we tend to be spendthrift. You know, don't leave the gas running if you're not cooking anything. Don't leave the water running, "save the environment? kind of mentality. That's how we manage to keep prices lower. And the customer is very willing to work with us on that. And we don't spend thousands of dollars on furniture and decorations - people walk in knowing they don't want that.

During those Thursdays off, what or where do you like to eat when you're not in your own restaurant?
It is only one day off - and if given the choice to eat anywhere or eat anything, I actually prefer to cook at home. Not that I don't like eating out - I would try just about everything. We'll try other cuisines - but given the choice and the time and who's going to be around, we like eating at home because we can control how fresh our food is and we can decide exactly what we want to eat and how we're going to cook it. And plus, it's also experimentation - if we're sitting there going "hey, this'll work! Let's try that at the restaurant!" That's really why we like that the best.

Sun Wah Bar-B-Q reopens at 5041 N. Broadway at the end of September or early October.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Foodie Happenings Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/restaurants/articles/cooking-classes.html Cutting the cheese is encouraged at the Chopping Block. Like many Americans, you've probably figured out that one of the easiest ways to save some dough is to cook at home. But for those of us who've gotten used to eating out several times a week, this is easier said than done.

A lot of Chicagoans are turning to cooking classes to beef up their kitchen abilities, and there is no shortage of places to turn in this city of food. Whether you want to learn to recreate your favorite Pad Thai or bake the perfect butter cookies, there's someone out there to help you.

Chopping Block
Looking for a long-term cooking plan? Really need a total cooking overhaul? Drop into a class at the Chopping Block. With two locations (one in Lincoln Square and another in Merchandise Mart) the Chopping Block is all about learning the art of cooking one step at a time. Classes include basics like knife skills as well as recipe-based themes like Italy In Autumn. Ingredient-based classes, like You Don't Know Squash and Chicken 101 are also available (depending on the season). The Chopping Block also has special classes for date nights and even a girls' night. Want to get your kid in the mix? Try a class geared towards them (think grilled cheese) or take a family-themed class. Demonstration classes are $40, hands-on classes are $75 and wine classes are $60.

Ranjana's Indian Cooking Class
Want to nail down your Masala technique? Head to the home of Ranjana Bhargava. Bhargava shares her 30-plus years of culinary talent in these Indian cooking classes for all skill levels. Guests learn to cook together and are rewarded by sharing a nine-course meal afterward. This class is great for families, friends or even first dates. Classes cost $75 per class or $275 for a four part series. Get a $10 discount by bringing a friend.

Cooking Fools
No matter what you're looking to learn Cooking Fools has you covered. The company's 5,000 square-foot facility in the heart of Wicker Park/Bucktown offers classes on sushi, searing and roasting, handmade pasta and even a class called Kitchen 101-Your Oven Isn?t Just for Storage. Classes are offered on the rooftop in warm weather. Cooking Fools isn't about learning to follow a recipe. It's about learning the skills you need to be confident in the kitchen no matter the ingredients. Classes start at $50 and go up to $275 for multiple class offerings.

Wooden Spoon
For some people, the kitchen is the enemy. Utensils seem like foreign objects, spices beyond salt and pepper are unrecognizable and pots and pans are interchangeable. Classes at Wooden Spoon aim to change all of that. Classes cover basics like knife skills, intermediate knowledge like ingredient order and by the end of class you'll know a few new recipes. Classes at Wooden Spoon are also a great way to meet new people for singles or to bond with a loved one. The average cost is $65.

Cook Au Vin
Perhaps it's the fine art of French cooking you'd like to master. Well, there's no better place to start than Cook Au Vin. Classes are tailored to those who book them. It can be a large group or a private class for a couple. Learn to cook recognizable dishes like French onion soup or coq au vin, or more challenging choices like beef burgundy, crepes/galettes or potatoes sarladaise. The cost is $185 for a couple or $85 per person for groups of three or more for three- to four-hour classes. Included in the cost is an aperitif, instruction and supplies and dinner in the bistro after class. Students may (and should) bring their own wine.

Rasoi
If you're looking to order out your favorite curry a little less often, this Indian and Thai class is for you. The class demystifies Asian cooking by allowing students hands-on experience with Asian techniques and ingredients. Classes are kept small (only eight to 10 people) so that each student gets the guidance he or she requires. Naveen Sachar's classes are about food, sure, but they are also about enjoying the company of your fellow chefs. Each class is $50.

Give Me Some Sugar
Your kitchen is not so scary, and Alekka Sweeney will prove it to you. Sweeney is the executive chef of Give Me Some Sugar, an "in-home" cooking class business. Sweeney and her staff will bring the cooking class to you, showing you how to work with your kitchen to create dishes either savory or sweet so that, when she leaves, you'll know exactly what to do. And, because the class is at your house, you can decide the curriculum based on your needs. Prices include the cost of food, recipes, aprons to wear during class and instruction. Prices are based per person and may include a destination fee depending on where you live.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Dining Guides Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/restaurants/articles/spooky-sweets.html

photo: Michael Nagrant; pictured: Ferrara

Find truly frightful sweets at Chinatown's Aji Ichiban
Sandwiched between restaurants with hanging carcasses of barbecue duck and grocery stores selling live bullfrogs, this Asian "sweets" shop, located in the bowels of the Chinatown mall, carries the most frightful assortment. In addition to ubiquitous shiny-wrapped fruit-flavor gummies, you'll find lobster chips, shredded squid, crab candy and salted plums. More mainstream fare includes the "pudding marshmallow," packed with creamy dulce de leche filling, stinky durian custard and coconut milk candies. You can purchase the mix-and-match selection by the pound, so you can sample the fishy treats without committing to a whole bag of seafood-inspired sweets.

Go directly to the factory at Ferrara Pan Candy Co.
The air wafting over the Eisenhower freeway near this Forest Park factory always smells of Atomic Fireball cinnamon or Lemonhead citrus. Ferrara Pan is Chicagoland's very own Wonka factory, and around back there's a small factory store, where you can score all of your childhood favorites, like Boston Baked Beans, Black Forest Gummy Bears and Jawbuster jawbreakers. Discerning candy collectors can scoop up the slightly more-rare Appleheads, Grapeheads, Orange Heads and Cherryheads, and folks looking for a deal can score most of the standard candies in bulk for about $1.20 a pound (almost three times less than what you'd pay for the packaged version).

If you like it hot, check out Dulcelandia
Featuring a wall-to-wall barrage of fringed, rainbow-color piñatas wrapped in crepe paper, this Mexican-inspired candy store has plenty of options to fill the bellies of the hollow paper beasts. Seasonal options include ornate sugar skulls for El Dia de Los Muertos or "Day of the Dead" celebrations, ghost- and mummy-shaped lollipops, and vampire and witch piñatas. Traditional Mexican treats, like sugar-coated peanuts, hard candies flavored with tamarind pulp, chili lollipops and hot fruit chews, will set your tongue on fire and spice up that dull assortment of tootsie rolls.

Indulge in a bit of nostalgia at Suckers Candy
A trip through the door of this Roscoe Village store with a cotton candy-color vinyl awning is guaranteed to set you back at least 20 years in terms of mental maturity. Standing amidst iconic windup toys, pop guns, Speed Racer merchandise, whoopee cushions and foil-covered packs of astronaut ice cream will raise even the most stubborn of inner children. From bulk cases filled with neon tendrils of gummi worms and sugar-studded Sour Patch Kids to maple shelves stuffed with Canadian Aero bars, you'll find literally everything your sweet tooth desires. Budding molecular gastronomists can stock up on Pop Rocks and Pez, while old-timey sorts will find a selection of flying saucer wafers, root beer barrel candies and wax-wrapped rolls of dusty Necco wafers.

Kick it old school at Windy City Sweets
With its utilitarian tile floor, laminate tables and commercial display cases, this ain't some modern trendoid candy boutique. Rather, it's a shop with a 24-year-old tradition of churning out homemade fare, like creamy peanut butter cups that would put Reese's out of business if the recipe went commercial, indulgent rich fudge and a selection of bejeweled and cocoa-dusted truffles. While you peruse the dry goods section for Jelly Belly jelly beans, candy striped mints and yellow cellophane-wrapped butterscotches, there's no better way to fill your gullet than with a scoop or two of its chocolate-chip ice cream.

___________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for more ways to celebrate the season? We've got you covered with scarily accurate info on:

Haunted Bars
House Party Essentials
Costume Shops
Creepy Chicago Tours
Pumpkin Patches