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Links for 2010-03-04 [del.icio.us]

2010-03-05T00:00:00-08:00

Dine Announces its Menu for the 3rd Annual Chicago Restaurant Week

2010-01-28T14:44:00.005-06:00

More than 130 eateries throughout Chicago have prepared special menus for the 3rd Annual Chicago Restaurant Week, a food lover extravaganza Feb. 19-28. Indulge in gourmet three-course, prix fixe meals, just $22 for lunch and $32 for dinner.

West Loop favorite Dine (733 W. Madison St., Chicago; 312-602-2100) showcases a special menu, beginning with Baby Arugula with Blue Cheese Salad, with roasted pears, candied walnuts and sherry vinaigrette. Entree choices include Baked Tortellini and Cajun Shrimp, with spinach, Kalamata olives and bechamel sauce, or Farmhouse Chicken in Vinegar Sauce, with crispy pancetta and roasted fingerling potatoes. Enjoy Warm Chocolate Pudding with fresh ginger ice cream for dessert.

The menu is offered for lunch ($22) and dinner ($32). Prices are per person and do not include beverage, tax or gratuity.

To make a reservation, call (312) 602-2100 or visit http://www.dinerestaurant.com/. Follow Dine on Twitter for updates: @Dinerestaurant.

Kurman Communications Announces Free Release Tuesdays for Charities and Non-Profits

2010-01-28T12:36:00.004-06:00

Attention charities and non-profits! Do you have an event or news that you'd like to publicize? Let us help promote it with our new service, FRT- Free Release Tuesdays.

What is it? All you have to do is send us news on your upcoming event, including the details-- date/time, location, images, a link to a Web site, etc. We'll pick our top selections and post them on our highly-read blog! Got Buzz receives thousands of page views monthly by consumers and journalists who are looking for things to do and content to feature. KCI is pleased to help you spread the news!

Send all materials to kurmanstaff@kurman.com, and remember to follow us on Twitter: @kurmanstaff.

Photo: Getty Images

Who Will Represent the U.S. at the Bocuse d’Or?

2010-01-27T22:10:00.000-06:00

Don’t miss appearances from Chicago chefs Grant Achatz, Jennifer Petrusky and Charlie Trotter at the Bocuse d’Or USA final competition Feb. 5 – 6, 2010 hosted by the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.

The Bocuse d’Or is an international culinary competition held every two years is Lyon, France. Twenty-four countries are selected to complete and each team must create two elaborate platter presentations focusing on meat and seafood. The winner of the competition will represent the United States at the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary competition in January 2011.

The weekend event consists of the final competition to determine the USA’s representative, an awards dinner announcing the winner, many chef demonstrations as well as book signings.

The Chicago chefs have a busy weekend ahead: Achatz joins the panel of judges for the final competition and is scheduled for a book signing. Petrusky is the only competitor from Chicago; she represents Charlie Trotter’s Chicago. Trotter himself is there for a culinary demonstration as well as a book signing.

All events, excluding the awards dinner, are free and open to the public. For more information about the weekend event and for times, visit www.bocusedorusa.org.

“1 Million in 1 Month for Haiti” -- Chefs for Humanity

2010-01-27T16:08:00.004-06:00

As we all know, Haiti has been devastated by an earthquake and estimates are that more than three million people’s lives are in jeopardy. Haitian authorities fear that 140,000 could already be dead. These numbers are increasing on a daily basis as access to fresh water, food, medical aid, shelter, & supplies are incredibly limited.

Celebrity chef Cat Cora is reaching out through Chefs For Humanity.
Chefs For Humanity has launch an online fundraising campaign for Haiti called “1 MILLION in 1 MONTH”. As president and founder of Chefs For Humanity, Cat has personally taken $10,000 dollars out of her family’s savings. She's reaching out and asking other chefs to match her. The program hopes to get 99 other people or groups to bring in $10,000 each in 1 month.

She's urging everyone to utilize their social and corporate Web sites to ask friends, family members, sponsors, companies that you endorse, TV associates and anyone else to get involved.

"If 99 people reading this post approached 10 of your friends or colleagues and asked them to donate $1,000 each... think if it, we will raise $1 million for Haiti right off the bat," Cora says.

Chefs for Humanity has partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme (http://www.wfp.org/), which is the United Nations frontline agency in the fight against hunger. Not one cent will be taken from your donation to pay for the cost of this fundraiser, Chefs For Humanity and Cat will personally cover all costs.
“Millions of people have lost everything in Haiti. They need your help. Together, Chefs For Humanity and WFP can save lives and provide relief in this tragic situation”.

100% of your dollars will go directly to the WPF to facilitate fundraising for hunger relief in Haiti. CFH has worked with directly with WFP in Nicaragua and Honduras, and has found them to be an extremely effective organization in addressing food and hunger issues worldwide.

This is going to be an ongoing challenge, and it will take months of hard work to rebuild and empower Haiti again. We know it will be long process, but at this critical time, every moment counts for the hundreds of thousands of victims suffering without food and water.

Please join Cat Cora and Chefs for Humanity in their efforts to save lives, provide aid, and make an impact.
To make a tax-deductible donation, please go to: http://www.chefsforhumanity.org/donate.php

Chefs for Humanity (http://www.chefsforhumanity.org/) is a grassroots not-for-profit (501c-3) organization of culinary professionals and educators working in partnership with U.S. and global initiatives, providing emergency feeding relief and hunger aid in times of natural catastrophe. Our Chefs Corps volunteer their time, expertise, culinary, & nutritional knowledge work to support national and world-wide relief programs working to reduce hunger.

Upcoming Chicago Human Rhythm Project Events

2010-01-27T16:04:00.004-06:00

If you're up for some unusual entertainment, check out the Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP). CHRP is our country's premier organization specializing in concert tap and contemporary percussive dance, and it's based in Chicago. Kurman's president has long been a fan and supporter. A former tap dancer (and tap teacher!), Cindy thinks that everyone in Chicago (and beyond) should experience CHRP often. Here's their lineup.

Winter Tap JAMboree!
Come take classes with CHRP’s world class faculty from Feb. 5 – 7, 2010 at the Fine Arts Building (410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago). The weekend event offers three days of masterclasses as well as classes designed just for teachers.

All tappers 18 years and younger should consider auditioning for the Leo Harris Tap Scholarship Program. $20,000 in scholarships to CHRP’s summer festival will be rewarded.

Events for the weekend include a Tap Jam Friday night, a tap video talk and student showcase on Saturday and a faculty panel discussion on Sunday.

You Be The Judge
Closing out the weekend JAMboree on Sunday Feb. 7, you can help judge in the Leo Harris Tap Scholarship Audition. Come and vote for one winner to receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend CHRP’s summer festival, RHYTHM WORLD, from July 26 – August 8, 2010.

Billy Elliot in Chicago
BILLY ELLIOT the Musical is back in Chicago. The musical begins performances at the Ford Center/Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312-902-1400) on March 18. Billy Elliot has been named “Best Musical of the Decade” by Time Magazine.

CHRP is honored to have the dance captain from the Chicago production of Billy Elliot be a guest judge for the Leo Harris Tap Scholarship Audition.

For more information about these events, please visit http://www.chicagotap.org/ or call (773) 281-1825.

[Side note] Attention all charities and non-profits: Do you have an event or news that you'd like to publicize? Here at Kurman Communications, we are proud to announce FRT- Free Release Tuesdays. Send us news on your upcoming event, including links, photos, etc. We'll pick our top selections and post them right here on the Got Buzz blog! Got Buzz receives thousands of page views monthly by consumers and journalists who are looking for things to do and content to feature. KCI is pleased to help you spread the news!

D’Vine Affair Catholic Charities Wine Tasting

2010-01-27T15:58:00.007-06:00

Come to Chicago's premier charitable wine tasting event, the annual d’Vine Affair Catholic Charities Wine Tasting event 2 – 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31 at the Union League Club of Chicago (65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago). More than 250 wines from 50 vintners all around the world are available for you to taste.

All proceeds from this event benefit the Catholic Charities Self-Sufficiency Programs, which help low-income and disadvantages individuals get back on their feet. Tickets are available at www.catholiccharities.net/dvine.

Kurman clients top restaurant critic's list

2010-01-27T10:49:00.005-06:00

We're always happy to work with such great journalists and reporters in this industry. One such media is Ralph Pancetta, successful West Coast chef and restaurant manager turned Chicago area restaurant critic for www.ralphpancetta.com and www.OntheFox.com. Pancetta recently posted a round up of the Top 10 Restaurants he visited in 2009 and we're happy to say that FIVE Kurman clients made the cut, two of which tied for the No. 1 spot.

All of Pancetta's reviews are based on the following criteria: food quality, plating and presentation, service and distractions (excessive noise or non-attentive staff). Similar to other critic's star or fork ratings, Pancetta creatively rates restaurants on glasses of Zinfandel. The top restaurant choices for example, both received a rating of 5 Zins. Highlights from Pancetta's "2009: The Year in Review" include the following Kurman clients:

9: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen - Westmont
(original review 9-18-09)

I could eat fish and seafood five days out of seven (at one time I did) as long as it was fresh... and that is one very important caveat. The seafood was definitely fresh -- especially the oysters -- and the relaxed atmosphere, very reasonable pricing and good food combine to make Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen a winner. "The atmosphere is lively, fun, comfortable -- even somewhat upscale -- and relaxing. But the key is to be found in the variety of high-quality, fresh seafood that is flown in daily and used to create the many fish and seafood creations on the menu." (3.5 Zins)

4: Sweet Baby Ray's - Wood Dale
(original review 4-21-09)

For those would not want to bother to take a drive to Wood Dale, you are missing out on some incredible food... period. And, entering the place, you would never have the slightest idea of the quality of food that is generated from the kitchen. "In the world of barbecue -- at least in the one I know -- Sweet Baby Ray's is that once-in-a-great-while restaurant. The Magic is just as undeniable; one can almost feel it as one walks through the front door." You can thank Chef Duce Raymond for that - He loves what he does and is a master at doing it. (4.0 Zins)

3: Trattoria Isabella - Chicago
(original review 10-17-09)

"Lauren and I have been on the lookout for dining venues...where we might be able to at least pretend we were in a foreign land because of the food and atmosphere." "With a gracious host, a smiling and professional waiter, quiet and inviting ambience and excellent cuisine, one couldn't ask for much more in the way of memorable dining." An extensive menu, excellent service, exquisite cuisine and to-die-for desserts made for some excellent Italian dining and a wonderful evening! (4.0 Zins)

1: Maxwell's at the Club - Chicago
(original review 4-30-09)

Most people who know me, know that I am a stickler for attention to detail and that I am duly impressed when I see it in a restaurant. Let's start with service: "As a simple example, Lauren left the table briefly to powder her nose. No sooner had she departed than our waiter appeared and, without notice or fanfare of any sort, quickly and quietly re-folded her napkin and placed it back on the table." It would certainly be no surprise then, that Maxwell's should appear on this list. But it wasn't just the service - it was every aspect of the evening that was impressive: from start to finish. Exquisite, professional, perfect. Hats off to GM Charles Reid, Executive Chef, Mike Lodes and all the staff at Maxwell's at the Club! (5.0 Zins)

1: Tramonto's - Wheeling
(original review 5-09-09)

Most of the time, you get what you pay for; sometimes, you get more... at Tramonto's, that is exactly the case. As I stated in my review: "the quality of food and service at this popular steak and seafood house is way beyond what you will find at most dining destinations, save for those few that are beyond the means of most diners." Having said that, I will tell you that Tramonto's is not, by any means, an inexpensive place to dine. However, the exemplary food, marvelous plating, and outstanding service will definitely make the experience worth your while. Looking back, I find it next to impossible to determine which restaurant stands alone as the best -- and so, for the first time, two outstanding venues will share the top spot. (5.0 Zins)

Thanks Ralph!

Read about the rest of Ralph Pancetta's favorite restaurants and other reviews for 2009 here.

Kurman Communications nominated for "River North's Best" Awards

2010-01-25T17:01:00.000-06:00

The River North Business Association has announced its nominees for its annual "River North's Best" Awards. We are happy to announce that Kurman Communications, Inc., a long-time member of RNBA has been nominated in the "Best Business or Service" category.

We encourage you to vote early and vote often until February 10 at 10:45 p.m. Winners will be announced shortly after at the RNBA annual meeting.

Nominees include:

River North's Best New Restaurant: Prosseco, Sunda, Mercadito and Italiasia

River North's Best Restaurant: HUB 51, Maxwell's at the Club, NAHA and David Burke's Primehouse

River North's Best Green Business: The Merchandise Mart and Friedman Properties (Greenway Garage)

River North's Best Entertainment or Hospitality Business: The Redhead Piano Bar, Hard Rock Cafe, Cityscape Bar/Holiday Inn Mart Plaza and Martini Park

River North's Best Retailer, Showroom or Gallery: Ricci and Company and KaBloom of Merchandise Mart

River North's Best Business or Service: Kurman Communications, digitallife LLC and Regus Office Center

Kurman Communications, Inc.'s president Cindy Kurman has been on the Executive Board of Directors of the River North Business Association for eight years. She also contributes a lot of her time and our company's creative to helping the RNBA in its marketing and event efforts. As a member of the Marketing Committee this past year, Kurman was instrumental in working with the rebranding efforts of the association. Along with her team at Kurman, Cindy was also instrumental in organizing and marketing the highly successful OctoberFeast event last fall and the annual holiday party Jingle & Mingle. Since Kurman's time on the RNBA Board, she has volunteered her time and utilized her resources to promote and publicize all of RNBA's fundraising events and announcements. She also was co-chaired the last River North Rendezvous. Behind the scenes, she introduced the group to Twitter, setting up @RiverNorthChi as a way to grow its exposure as well as creating its Facebook fan page. We urge you to follow them and to become a friend if you haven't already done so!

Vote here for the River North's Best Awards. Voting is unlimited!

Voting Continues on Zagat for Chicago's Favorite Restaurants

2010-01-25T16:17:00.003-06:00

Time is running out to vote for your favorite Chicago restaurants on Zagat. Zagat's trademark Ratings & Reviews are based entirely on the honest opinions of thousands of people who enjoy dining out in Chicago's vibrant dining scene.

Share your experience with Zagat by voting anytime now through Jan. 31. Vote for your favorite Chicago restaurants and bars by visiting Zagat's voting page. The best part? After voting, you can choose a free gift, including a chance to win Zagat's "Night On The Town" Sweepstakes worth $500.

Vote for all your favorites, including Kurman clients and friends Birch River Grill, Dine, Glen Prairie, Karma, Restaurant Michael, Deleece, Chicago Diner and Maxwell's at the Club.

Any questions? Contact Zagat: chicagoeats@zagat.com. Cast your votes!

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Online Auction presented by The Brandman Agency Now OPEN

2010-01-25T14:46:00.003-06:00

Ever imagined a dream vacation sailing the Caribbean or attending the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen? Now you have the opportunity! The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Online Auction presented by The Brandman Agency opens today and remains open until March 8. All proceeds benefit Florida International University’s School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Teaching Restaurant and its Southern Wine and Spirits Beverage Management Center.

The auction catalogue is featured online with every item listed, plus new items added daily. Prominent items include:

• A four day stay in southern Provence at the Chateau d’Esclans valued at $4,000.
• Champagne by Louis Roederer: Cristal Rose 2002 valued at $12,000.
• Private cooking class and gourmet lunch in the Food Network Kitchens.

Visit this link for more information.

Glen Prairie's Weekend Dining Deals

2010-01-22T14:07:00.003-06:00

Join Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250) for farm-fresh dining deals crafted by executive chef Daniel Ovanin, featuring ingredients sourced from area farmers and ranchers. These deals are offered in addition to the regular menu Jan. 22 and 23, so don't miss out.

Try Pan Seared Pork Chops, sweet potato latkes, glazed baby carrots and maple gastrique ($20) or Miller Farms Amish Chicken "Coq Au Vin", pan browned potatoes, pearl onions, carrots, celery and mushrooms ($21).

These specials won't last long, so make your reservation today by calling (630) 613-1250 or visiting http://www.glenprairie.com/. Follow Glen Prairie on Twitter: @glenprairie.

Three Courses for $20 at Birch River Grill

2010-01-22T13:54:00.002-06:00

Have you made your weekend plans yet? Head to Birch River Grill (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights; 847-427-4242) for executive chef John Ayaleanos's special prix fixe menu, offered now through Thursday, Jan. 28 for just $20.

Start with Julienne Vegetable Slaw, julienne iceberg and Romaine lettuces, red and green bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers and red onions tossed with honey mustard dressing, or Granny Apple & Onion Soup, melted Wisconsin provolone and Swiss cheese crust with baked apple crisps.

Horseradish Crusted Tilapia is the entree, served with Southwest white bean stew, sauteed spinach and crispy potato strings. Indulge the sweet tooth with Berry Sorbet for dessert.

This is a dining deal that won't break your budget, so make your reservation today! Call (847) 427-4242 or visit http://www.birchrivergrill.com/. Follow Birch River Grill on Twitter: @birchrivergrill.

Find Romance and Tranquility at Karma

2010-01-20T14:46:00.004-06:00

Romance is alive during Valentine’s Day, Sunday, Feb. 14 at tranquil pan-Asian restaurant Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900). Start with Miso Soup with tofu and roasted nori, then enjoy Karma House Salad, crisp lettuce, napa cabbage, cucumber, daikon and carrot ginger dressing. Entrée selections include Five Spice Chicken, Jasmine rice, baby vegetables and crispy onions, Tamarind Glazed Mahi Mahi, parsnip mashed potatoes, baby vegetables and parsnip shoestrings, and Oden – Winter Stew, a rich broth of konbu, tofu, turnips, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, eggs and scallions.

Indulge in a Warm Heart-Shaped Chocolate Brownie with Tahitian vanilla ice cream, fresh berries and coconut crème for dessert. The menu is $29 per person.

Call Karma at (847) 970-6900 or visit http://www.karmachicago.com/ to make your reservation with your sweetheart.

Photo: Getty Images

Spend Valentine's Day Weekend in Glen Ellyn with Your Soul Mate

2010-01-20T14:09:00.004-06:00

Spend a romantic Valentine's Day at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250). The restaurant offers a three course prix fixe menu after 5 p.m. Feb. 12, 13 and 14. Appetizer choices include You Got Me All Wrapped Up, asparagus spears and shaved Prosciutto, wild mushrooms, Pepato cheese and truffle balsamic vinaigrette, or Cuddle With Me Soup, potato leek.

Second course choices are My “Sole” Mate, seared Dover sole, julienne vegetables, Hen of the Woods mushrooms, sun-dried tomato herb butter and whipped potatoes, or Not Just a Tease “Strip” Steak, Dietzler Farms New York strip steak, baked Yukon Gold potato, buttermilk fried onions and creamed organic spinach. Dessert includes It’s Orgasmic, flourless chocolate cake and vanilla bean gelato, or Apple of Your Eye, Granny Smith apple pie and cinnamon gelato.

The meal is $36 per person, and available after 5 p.m. in addition to Glen Prairie's regular menu.
Make it a weekend event with the adjacent Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn’s Valentine’s Day package, a one-night stay with deluxe accommodations and dinner for two at Glen Prairie, for just $150. Check-in must be Feb. 12, 13 or 14, guests must be 21 or older, and the price excludes taxes and gratuities. Book the package by calling Glen Prairie at (630) 613-1250.

Photo: Getty Images

Indulge in Sweet Treats at Dine this Valentine's Day

2010-01-20T13:24:00.004-06:00

Spend Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at Dine (733 W. Madison St., Chicago; 312-602-2100) for a romantic evening for two. Start with Shrimp Bisque with crème fraiche and Field Greens and Sherry Vinaigrette with goat cheese and candied pecans. For the main course, choose either Grilled Filet, bed of beet risotto and asparagus, or Poached Salmon, egg noodles, Asian vegetables and tomato broth.

On the sweet side, indulge in Dine’s Signature Red Velvet Cake, candied pecans and strawberry compote, or Chocolate Dipped Strawberries with white and dark chocolate tuxedos, for dessert. The special menu is $60 per couple.

Make your reservation today by calling (312) 602-2100 or visit http://www.dinerestaurant.com/.

Photo: Getty Images

Love is in the air at Restaurant Michael

2010-01-20T10:41:00.005-06:00

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, so brush up on the sweet talking, and let Restaurant Michael do the cooking. On Sunday, February 14, enjoy a Three-Course Prix Fixe Dinner for $59 per person including Charles de Frere NV Sparkling Rose from the Loire Valley in France.

The first seatings are at 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., the second seatings at 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and the third seating from 9 p.m. and on. The menu includes a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert.

Appetizers:
Cassoulette of Exotic Mushrooms, Grilled Asparagus and Sesame Scented Prawns “A La Nage” with Micro Tarragon

Potato, Foie Gras and Poached Quail Egg Ravioli in Port Wine Veal Jus

House Cured Salmon with Warm Corn Blini over Crème Fraîche with Pernod

Entrées:
Carved Roast Chateaubriand of Beef Tenderloin, Madeira Jus, Potato Puree Gratin and Vegetable Bouquetierre

Dover Sole and Lobster “En Croute” with Spinach and Artichoke Flan, Pineau de Charantes Sauce

Roast Rack of Lamb, Provencal Vegetable Tian and Natural Jus with Black Truffle

Desserts:
White and Dark Chocolate Mousse Bombe, Basil Scented Strawberry Coulis

Hot Raspberry Souffle, Chambord Cream

Please note that reservations are required and space is limited. In an effort not to overbook, only 100 reservations will be taken by calling Restaurant Michael at (847) 441-3100. Credit cards are required to confirm the reservation. Restaurant Michael offers its regular a la carte menu and service on Friday, February 11 and Saturday, February 13.

Restaurant Michael is located at 64 Green Bay Rd. in Winnetka, Ill. serving classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French Country flair. Complimentary parking is available. Major credit cards are accepted. For more information, please visit www.restaurantmichael.com.

Romance and Luxury in Arlington Heights this Valentine's Day

2010-01-19T14:40:00.003-06:00

Looking to have a romantic weekend for two this Valentine's Day? Celebrate at Birch River Grill (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights; 847-427-4242), which offers a special three course menu the entire weekend of the romantic holiday. Offered after 11 a.m. Feb. 12, 13 and 14, the menu is $28.95 per person. Start with Tomato Bisque, then choose an entrée: Grilled Sirloin Steak, sweet potato puree, wild mushrooms and blood orange syrup, or Pecan Crusted Walleyed Pike, white asparagus, baby carrots, kiln dried cranberry wild rice pilaf. Share Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla bean ice cream and chocolate ganache for dessert.

Make a weekend out of it with the Doubletree Hotel Chicago-Arlington Heights Valentine’s Day package. The package includes luxurious hotel accommodations, with a box of chocolates in-room upon arrival, with a special Valentine’s Dinner for 2 (excludes alcoholic beverages) at adjacent restaurant Birch River Grill. The next morning, wake up with breakfast at Birch River Grill. Packages start at $169.

To make reservations, call (847) 472-4242 or visit http://www.birchrivergrill.com/. Follow Birch River Grill on Twitter: @birchrivergrill.

Photo: Getty Images

Join Glen Prairie for Farm-Fresh Specials This Weekend

2010-01-15T16:08:00.004-06:00

Locavores and foodies alike will love Glen Prairie's (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn) weekend specials, crafted by chef Daniel Ovanin and featuring locally sourced ingredients. These specials are offered after 5 p.m. in addition to the regular menu Jan. 15 and 16.

Entrees include Lake Superior Whitefish, toasted barley salad, organic spinach, roasted tomatoes and lemon herb sauce ($20) and Balsamic Grilled Skirt Steak, garlic roasted fingerling potatoes and charred green onions ($22). For dessert, enjoy the American classic Red Velvet Cake ($6).

Make your reservation today. Call (630) 613-1250 or visit http://www.glenprairie.com/. On Twitter? Follow Glen Prairie for all the latest specials and deals: @GlenPrairie.

Photo: Cindy Kurman

Dine Offers Three Courses for $20 This Weekend

2010-01-15T15:23:00.006-06:00

What are your weekend plans? Enjoy a three course meal without breaking the bank at West Loop neighborhood restaurant Dine (733 W. Madison St., Chicago; 312-602-2100), where chef Alfredo Anaya has prepared a special $20 menu available 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Jan. 15-17.

Start with House Salad, organic baby greens, thyme roasted Bosc pear and cider vinaigrette, or Carrot Ginger Bisque. Then indulge in Cod Tempura, with egg noodles, Asian vegetables and lemon grass tomato broth. For dessert, enjoy Choice of Homemade Ice Cream or Sorbet (black walnut ice cream, Jasmine rice ice cream or fresh mango sorbet).

Check out the restaurant's classic American dishes on the regular menu, also offered this weekend. Call (312) 602-2100 or visit http://www.dinerestaurant.com/.

Restaurant Michael named in Top 100 Best Restaurants in Chicago

2010-01-15T10:36:00.001-06:00

Restaurant Michael has been named to the Top 100 Best Restaurants in Chicago by Where the Locals Eat, a nationally distributed restaurant guide. Where the Locals Eat selects its restaurants based on surveys from local foodies and restaurant connoisseurs uncovering both well-known favorites and hidden gems, striving to stay away from chains and focus on the local, independent successes.

Where the Locals Eat has a restaurant guide for the top 50 cities in the United States. Visit Where the Locals Eat to learn more about Restaurant Michael and what other restaurants it has deemed ‘top notch’ in the Windy City.

“And when you get there, tell them a local sent you.”

News: Cookwork, social network for professional chefs, ready to serve you!

2010-01-13T08:05:00.002-06:00

Introducing the first-ever holistic chef portal
Cookwork is a new social network focused entirely (and exclusively) on chefs and culinary students. The site, which is the first holistic web portal for chefs, offers culinary professionals a chance to excel at their job by providing support, information, career opportunities, peer networking, products and services.

A life in food service is not an easy one. It means long hours, missed holidays and weekends and tremendous pressure. It's more than a career, it's a lifestyle.

So, why does one choose this lifestyle?

"Because they love food. There's no greater happiness for a chef than someone who enjoys what they've prepared," says Mário Braz de Matos, Cookwork co-founder.

Cookwork was designed to fit the lifestyle needs of chefs on their terms. The site hosts a recipe database where members can store their recipes in an easily downloadable format--for free. In addition, the sign up process allows members to answer specific questions to further customize their experience.

Launched out of beta July 2009, the site was founded by Mário Braz de Matos, Francisco Loureiro and Michal Schlierer who saw a deficiency in online resources for chefs.

While the three founders have diverse areas of expertise: marketing, technology and, of course, culinary, they share a love of all things food.

"My passion for food is only rivaled by my passion for understanding cultures. The way chefs come up with new menu items and what makes those items successful fascinates me. I also think it's interesting to see how and what chefs discuss with each other," says Braz de Matos.

Cookwork is the place to share your knowledge and skill with others in the industry.

Join the Cookwork community by signing up at: http://bit.ly/cwklaunch.

Follow them on Twitter at @ChefCWK and @Cookwork.
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Three Courses for Just $20 at Karma

2010-01-12T15:07:00.003-06:00

Head to Karma (510 E. ROute 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900) for the January prix fixe menu, a three course meal offer all month for just $20. Start with Miso Soup, tofu and roasted nori, or Karma House Salad, crisp lettuce, napa cabbage, cucumber, daikon and carrot ginger dressing. Entrées include Orange Peel Tempura Chicken, sesame jasmine rice, ginger chili cucumber salad and Yuzu orange glaze, or Yellow Mango Vegetable Curry, spring vegetables tossed with coconut yellow curry, jasmine rice and kimchi. For dessert, enjoy Trio of Sorbet or Ice Cream with fresh berries.

Make your reservation at Karma today! These specials last through Jan. 31. Call (847) 970-6900 or visit http://www.karmachicago.com/. Follow Karma on Twitter: @karmamundelein.

Half Price Bottles During the Super Bowl at Glen Prairie

2010-01-12T14:00:00.003-06:00

Watch the Super Bowl with family friends at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250) Sunday, Feb. 7, and enjoy the restaurant’s special dining deals. During the game, all Miller and Budweiser bottles are Half Price. During halftime, enjoy complimentary appetizers in the lounge, including Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas and Mini Eggrolls.

Questions? Concerns? Want to reserve your spot for the Big Game at Glen Prairie? Call or visit online to make a reservation: (630) 613-1250 or http://www.glenprairie.com/. It's never too early to make plans for the Super Bowl!

Photo: Getty Images

Complimentary Appetizers at Dine on Super Bowl Sunday

2010-01-12T12:22:00.003-06:00

Join Dine (733 W. Madison St., Chicago; 312-602-2100) for the Big Game Sunday, Feb. 7, and watch on Dine’s HD-TV’s while sampling the complimentary appetizer buffet and sipping drink specials. Win prizes during the raffle drawing each quarter of the game.

The Complimentary Appetizer Buffet includes a Nacho Bar, Chili Bar, Chips and Dips, and Pretzels. Drink Specials include $3 Miller Lite Bottles and Coors Light Bottles; $4 Hail Mary’s, and $5 Pepper Bloody Mary’s, 312 Beer Mosas and Man Mosas.

For more information or to make a reservation, call (312) 602-2100 or visit http://www.dinerestaurant.com/. Follow Dine on Twitter: @dinerestaurant.

Watch the Big Game at Birch River Grill

2010-01-12T11:48:00.005-06:00

Bring friends and family to Birch River Grill (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights; 847-427-4242) to watch the Super Bowl, Sunday, Feb. 7. Enjoy $3 dining and drink deals all day long: Draft Beer, BRG Wild Game Chili, Hot Dog & Fries, ½ Dozen Chicken Wings, Chicken Fingers and Cheese Sticks, just $3 each. Complimentary chips and salsa are available for everyone.

For more information or to make a reservation, call (847) 427-4242 or visit http://www.birchrivergrill.com/. Follow Birch River Grill on Twitter: @Birchrivergrill.

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