Glen Prairie Thanks Veterans with a Dining Discount

Happy Veteran's Day! Celebrate at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250), where men and women of our armed services, plus their guests, receive a 15% food discount today, Veteran's Day, upon presentment of a military or veteran's ID or DD214.

Hurry in for dinner and try one of Glen Prairie's signature seasonal dishes from chef Daniel Ovanin. For more information or to make a reservation, call (630) 613-1250 or visit http://www.glenprairie.com/.

The New Colony's "Calls to Blood" Extends Performance Schedule through Nov. 28

The New Colony's "Calls to Blood" extended performance schedule to run through Nov. 28 after moving the production to the much larger cabaret space of the Royal George Theatre, which they moved to on Oct. 29 to accommodate the over whelming demand for tickets. The show premiered Oct. 12 and runs at 8 p.m. Thursdays - Saturdays.

"We always hoped for this situation, but the outpouring of interest and word of mouth for this show has taken us completely by surprise," comments Artistic Director Andrew Hobgood at Sunday's company meeting.

After only a short number of performances, The New Colony finds themselves in the delightful position of maxing out the capacity of their venue. Over the course of a week, the production team began transitioning the production to the new venue while still performing in the Gallery of the Royal George Theatre.

"Over a four-week run, less than 1,000 people would be able to see this show in the Royal George's Gallery," explains Hobgood. "Moving the production to the Cabaret space will make the show available to more people.

"Calls to Blood" tells the darkly comic tragedy of the perfect American couple and their seemingly impenetrable happiness - even as they struggle to conceive the child they want so desperately. But in trying to find a solution to this continual failure, they unearth the one truth that can destroy everything upon which their perfect lives have been built.

Here's what the press has been saying:

Chicago Tribune Recommended and Critic's Pick
"Four young performers in sync with one another, wholly able to replicate the casual jokes and hidden terror that fill the yuppie life in Chicago as it is lived, and, in the case of an arresting young actress named Sarah Gitenstein, wholly willing to dig deep and howl out her wounded innards with sufficient force to jolt you out of your uncomfortable seat."

"On the face of it, such dramas seem easy to do and, indeed, many small companies attempt them. But "Calls to Blood" and New Colony know how to heed that call much clearer than most. Andrew Hobgood's savvy production is quite the riveting show."
-- Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

"... the New Colony's fierce production transcends the scenario's slick contours. As Alison, Gitenstein brings a breathtaking passion to the stage; torn apart by what she learns, Gitenstein manages to lift the play from its true-story origins to true art."
-- John Beer, TimeOut Chicago

Reader Recommended
"The play shouldn't work, but Asmus pack his seemingly incompatible scenes with accurate, telling observations of human behavior, and director Andrew Hobgood's pitch-perfect cast articulate them with graceful precision. Against all odds, nearly everything in this New Colony premiere rings poignantly true."
-- Justin Hayford, Chicago Reader

"Gut-wrenching! While establishing a couple's perfect relation only to rip it apart isn't new ground, this flawless execution is beyond rare."
"...it will floor you."
-- John Biederman, Centerstage Chicago

"Calls to Blood" premiered 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12 with an additional press opening Thursday, Oct. 15. "Calls to Blood" runs at 8 p.m. Thursdays - Saturdays at the Royal George Cabaret Theatre through Nov 28.

Show passes at $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors and $15 for students/industry. Visit www.thenewcolony.org/callstoblood to access the ePaybill for "Calls to Blood," Passes are on sale online through TickerMaster or by calling the Royal George Bow Office at (312) 988-9000. All passes to The New Colony productions allow the purchaser to see the show for which the pass was purchased for an unlimited number of times.

Erie-LaSalle Body Shop celebrates 75 years as Chicago's premier car collision repair shop

As owner Bob Gottfred leads a tour of the basement at Erie-LaSalle Body Shop, he reveals a wall that survived the Great Chicago Fire. You can still see some black charring on the basement ceiling beams. "You know, the basement used to be the first floor. When they rebuilt after the fire, the city was one level higher." It's just one more reminder that in Chicago, a business celebrating its 75th anniversary is as meaningful as it is rare.

Erie-LaSalle Body Shop (146 W. Erie, Chicago, IL; 312-337-3903) is a Chicago institution for many reasons. Originally a blacksmith shop, it was transformed into a car repair shop by Gottfred's stepfather, Ivan Goodmonson, in 1934. In 1976, when Goodmonson retired, he asked his stepson to take over the business. With a degree in finance from Arizona State University and a background in the restaurant industry, Gottfred took over and has run the body shop with an executive's eye. Over the past several years his two grown sons, Jim and Jay, have joined him in running the business and their responsibilities have increased as they've gained experience.

As it has done for 75 years, Erie-LaSalle continues to offer top-quality service to customers from all over the Chicago metro area. The shop boasts a team of 25 professional technicians, many of whom have been on board for decades-a testament to their skill and experience as much as to the profoundly decent way Gottfred treats them. They're a team that has succeeded for so long because they've mastered the fundamentals of good business: they're honest, prompt, courteous and deliver a high quality of service.

Gottfred describes their mission: "We take a negative event-a car collision-and give our customers a pleasant, straightforward experience that minimizes the disruption in their lives. We pick up the damaged car and arrange for a car rental. We repair the car, constantly keeping our customer updated as to the status. Finally, we deliver the car to the customer when it's ready. It can't get any easier than that."

A tour of the body shop also reveals how professional and intricate collision repair has become. Erie-LaSalle employees are clearly a team of professionals trained to use complex equipment and technology. They must know, in detail, how a wide range of cars are manufactured so they can repair them to factory specifications. "There are changes every day in this business," says Jay Gottfred. "Vehicles get more complicated; technology is added; new metals are substituted; different paints are used. Our profession is as much a science as it is an art."

It has also become a complex business involving many people-customers, insurance companies, parts suppliers. Insurance companies are a major source of referral business. "Since we want to be part of their network, we must adhere to their pricing guidelines. We also work very hard to maintain our excellent professional reputation. Great service, promptness and competitive pricing are important keys to our success."

Most car owners don't pay much attention to what goes on behind the scenes in collision repair, so they don't necessarily understand how much attention Erie-LaSalle pays to professionalism and efficiency. "Technical training is a must if we are to repair cars quickly and correctly," says Jim Gottfred. "Speed is crucial. We have customers who operate their business from their car and so we must get them up and running as soon as possible."

For Erie-LaSalle, training is a way of life. The shop regularly hosts evening classes offered by two of the pre-eminent automotive training organizations: I-CAR (the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) and ASA (the Automotive Service Association). The classes are led by certified instructors and are attended by both Erie-LaSalle technicians and professionals from other collision repair shops and insurance companies. "Hosting the classes reinforces our commitment to having a highly skilled team and an efficiently-run business," says Bob Gottfred. "It's not only a good way to network, but it's a convenient way for our professionals to stay current in their knowledge and skills." Our customers are really the beneficiaries of our training."

I-CAR was founded in 1979 and provides an ever-changing curriculum for collision repair professionals. Erie-LaSalle has earned the I-CAR Gold Class Professional designation, the highest accreditation for a collision repair shop. The entire Erie-LaSalle team of repair professionals has earned the Platinum Individual designation, the highest level for individuals.

With a company history spanning 75 years, there are just too many stories and memories to pick a single most memorable one. Gottfred likes to talk about a recent project to totally re-paint a Land Rover SUV. "It was quite an interesting test of our abilities. An owner of a new Land Rover contacted us to see if we would totally repaint the black SUV, transforming the color to a one-of a kind matte satin black. We agreed to take on the challenge and soon we were drop-shipped a crate of aftermarket parts from England."

Erie-LaSalle installed side rocker pieces, a wing in back and new bumpers. They ordered and applied a special paint, working closely with DuPont. "The project was fun and turned out amazing," says Gottfred. "When we were done, we parked the Land Rover in front of Martini Park (a lounge across the street). The people went wild."

Erie-LaSalle has seen more than a few cars of the rich and famous come through its doors. Probably the first true celeb was Ralph Capone, Al's brother. The roster of big names goes on and on: former Today Show host Dave Garroway, Cubs luminary Ernie Banks, news anchor Ron Majors, former Bears quarterback Vince Evans and NBA star Antwon Walker.

What are the most difficult cars to repair? Limousines, says Gottfred. "Parts are hard to come by and you have to use your imagination to construct stretch panels and door panels."

The 75th anniversary is an exciting yet humbling milestone for Erie LaSalle. "We all feel very lucky and very fortunate. Personally, I pinch myself everyday. To live in wonderful River North, working with my sons and my longtime team members is like a dream come true." Gottfred's enthusiasm for his business is matched by his friendly demeanor and gift of gab. He has been keenly involved in the well-being of his community, as demonstrated by his years of service on the executive board of the River North Business Association.

The future holds interesting possibilities. Erie-LaSalle is looking to expand if the right deal comes along. Jim and Jay are taking on greater responsibilities, and they recognize the opportunities and challenges in front of them. "It's a never ending process, looking for better ways to do things, becoming faster without diminishing the quality of our service," says Bob Gottfred. "It's a challenging, competitive business and we're glad to be among the survivors."

But the word "survivor" would be an understatement-Erie-LaSalle is one of Chicago's great small-business success stories. It easily serves as a role model, showing aspiring entrepreneurs the right way to build a business and keep it thriving for years and years.

To learn more about Erie-LaSalle Body Shop, please visit www.erielasalle.com.

Dr. Sandy Goldberg Named a 2009 Purpose Prize Fellow

Dr. Sandy Goldberg, founder of A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF), has been named a 2009 Purpose Prize fellow, an honor for social entrepreneurs over 60 who are using their experience and passion to take on society’s biggest challenges. Now in its fourth year, the six-year, $17 million program is the nation’s only large-scale investment in social innovators in the second half of life.

Dr. Sandy Goldberg, the founder of the Chicago-based A Silver Lining Foundation, was named a Fellow for providing cancer resource information, treatment options, quality of life services and no-cost mammograms to uninsured and underinsured individuals.

The fellows underscore a trend in entrepreneurialism later in life. According to studies by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the 55-64 age group is the most active in creating new ventures. Counter to stereotype, people ages 20-34, the study found, are the least entrepreneurial.

“More than ever, the problems facing our communities, country and world call out for creative solutions,” said Marc Freedman, co-founder of The Purpose Prize and author of Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life. “Fortunately, we don’t run out of ideas as we age.

“Like so many others in this new stage of life between the end of midlife careers and the beginning of true old age, The Purpose Prize fellows combine creativity, experience and passion with a desire to do something bigger than themselves,” Freedman continued.

“Now, more than ever before, is the time to address the needs of our fellow community members and provide cancer related resource information and related services they would not have access to otherwise. We strive to give everyone a silver lining in life,” said Goldberg. “It is an honor to be recognized for the efforts of A Silver Lining Foundation by the Purpose Prize.”

The Purpose Prize supports Fellows by helping develop their capacity, linking them with funders and venture philanthropists and connecting them to other social innovators over 60. It is part of the Encore Careers campaign run by Civic Ventures, a national think tank on boomers, work and social purpose. Funding for The Purpose Prize comes from The Atlantic Philanthropies and the John Templeton Foundation.

The Purpose Prize is a program of the Encore Careers campaign, which aims to engage millions of boomers in encore careers combining social impact, personal meaning and continued income in the second half of life.

For more information, visit http://www.encore.org/. For more information on ASLF, visit http://www.asilverliningfoundation.org/.

Spooky Halloween Drink Deals in Chicago

Finish October with a Halloween costume and drink deals to celebrate this Saturday, October 31 in Chicago. First, visit Birch River Grill in Arlington Heights, which celebrates Halloween with spooky drink specials offered only on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31. Specials include a Vampire’s Kiss, Grey Goose Vodka, Sapphire Gin, Patron Tequila, dry vermouth, tomato juice and a pinch of salt ($9); the Gremlin, Crown Royal and lime juice ($6); Devil’s Advocate, Bacardi Limon, Triple Sec, sour mix, cranberry juice and a splash of grenadine ($6); and Wicked Witch Cider, Captain Morgan and hot apple cider ($6).

Then, head to the West Loop for Dine's Halloween deals. Sip on $3 Domestic Beer Bottles (Bud, Bud Light, Miller Lite, MGD, Coors Light), $3.50 Warsteiner Bottles, $2 Hamm’s Cans, or try the special $5 dollar shots, the Pumpkin Pie Shot or the Vampire Shot.

For more information on Birch River Grill (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights; 847-427-4242), visit http://www.birchrivergrill.com/. Follow Birch River Grill on Twitter and become a Facebook Fan.

For more information on Dine (733 W. Madison St., Chicago; 312-602-2100), visit http://www.dinerestaurant.com/. Become a Fan on Dine on Facebook.

Photo: Getty Images

Celebrate the Holidays at Winnetka's Restaurant Michael

This Thanksgiving, leave the turkey to Michael Lachowicz, the talented chef/owner of Restaurant Michael. Enjoy a Family Style Traditional Dinner at Restaurant Michael with Roast Organic Turkey, Roast Tenderloin and all of the Thanksgiving fixings 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday, November 26. This family style meal is $45 per person, children 10 and under are half-price.

For those wanting to stay at home, Restaurant Michael also features “Thanskgiving To Go,” a hot and ready to serve carry-out version of the same menu for $49 per person. To go orders must be picked up between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Both Turkey Day menus feature two main entrees, six side dishes, two desserts, soup, salad and bread. Restaurant Michael is open regular hours for the entire holiday weekend.

Christmas Eve, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa
Restaurant Michael features a Christmas Eve four-course prix fixe dinner with a choice of four dishes for each course for $52 per person. Children 10 and under are half-price with half portions of the dinner which runs 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 24.

Just like Thanksgiving, Restaurant Michael features the “Christmas To Go” menu available for pick up on Christmas Eve between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The carry-out four-course dinner is $49 per person.

Restaurant Michael is closed on Christmas Day, but open regular business hours for the remainder of the Christmas week. Restaurant Michael is also open regular business hours during the weeks of both Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year with Restaurant Michael, featuring a four-course prix five menu. Early seatings are $79 per person and feature a glass of Tattinger Champagne with dessert 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Reservations are taken every 30 minutes all night. Later seatings feature a five-course menu as well as Tattinger Champagne with dessert for $89 per person, plus party favors for the midnight celebration.

Live music featuring a two-piece band plays 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. all night. Restaurant Michael is closed New Year’s Day, but will have regular hours the remainder of the weekend.

For more information or to make a reservation, call (847) 441-3100 or visit http://www.restaurantmichael.com/.

Celebrate Thanksgiving and Plan Your Holiday Party at Karma

Bring friends and family to Karma for a Thanksgiving feast, offered from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday, November 26. Enjoy a buffet, featuring House Salad, Gingered Butternut Squash Soup, Roast Turkey Breast, Red Skin Potato Mashed or Sweet Potato Mashed, Grilled Asparagus, Green Bean Casserole, Turkey Gravy, Handmade Cranberry Relish, and Apple Pie or Pumpkin Pie. The dinner is available for $23.95 for adults, $11.95 for children ages 4-12 and complimentary for children three and under.

Holiday Events
The holidays are approaching, and it’s time to schedule the company holiday party and other family events. Karma’s chic, tranquil setting is the perfect place for unique gatherings, so contact Deborah Gramm to coordinate an event at (847) 970-6904.

For more information on Karma, please visit http://www.karmachicago.com/. Become a Fan on Facebook and Follow Karma on Twitter.

Three Courses for $20 at Glen Prairie All Month Long

Throughout the entire month of November, enjoy a seasonal prix fixe menu for just $20 at Glen Prairie, available daily after 5 p.m. The three-course meal honors November’s distinction as National Roasting Month and National Pomegranate Month.

Begin with an appetizer, Farmers Salad, baby greens, green onions, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, shaved winter vegetables and Champagne-cider vinaigrette. For the entrée, choose either Grilled Pork Tenderloin, caramelized fig and port sauce, Minnesota wild rice and baby carrots, or for National Roasting Month, Maple Roasted Half Chicken, whipped sweet potatoes and green beans. Indulge in Champagne Pomegranate Sorbet for dessert to celebrate National Pomegranate Month.

Thanksgiving Dinner
Celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family at Glen Prairie, which offers a $25 three course prix fixe menu for the holiday. For the first course, choose between either Butternut Squash and Michigan Apple Bisque, or Shaved Fennel and Baby Greens Salad, Stickney Hill Farms goat cheese, Champagne-cider vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts. The entrée features Grilled Free Range Turkey Tenderloin, topped with roasted dark meat served with cornbread stuffing, green beans, garlic mashed potatoes and cranberry-orange relish. Indulge in Pumpkin Cheesecake with caramel sauce for dessert.

Private Events
Host a holiday party or private event in the warm ambience of Glen Prairie’s private event space, with seating for up to 40, for an intimate gathering. Glen Prairie’s private dining event menu highlights locally sourced, seasonal fare, served banquet style for event. Contact restaurant manager Mark Imburgia to set up an event at (630) 613-1250.

For more information on Glen Prairie, visit http://www.glenprairie.com/. Become a Fan of Glen Prairie on Facebook and Follow Glen Prairie on Twitter.

November Specials and Thanksgiving Dinner at the West Loop's Dine

Throughout the month of November, the West Loop's retro eatery Dine offers special seasonal dishes along with the restaurant’s regular contemporary American menu. Try Sheppard’s Pie, tender braised beef in stout with onions and mushrooms in a rich brown sauce ($21), or Pumpkin Sage Ravioli, spaghetti squash and wilted spinach in a brown butter sauce ($20). For dessert, indulge in Apple Cranberry Cobbler, served with vanilla whipped cream ($7).

Thanksgiving Dinner
Celebrate Thanksgiving with traditional fare on a prix fixe menu from Dine, available from noon until 9 p.m. Thursday, November 26. Dine’s Thanksgiving prix fixe menu is $28.95 for adults and $16.95 for children under 12.

Begin with a choice of a starter, either Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque or Fall Greens with Roasted Beets and Pears with maple cider dressing. 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 Spice Cake, with maple caramel sauce and vanilla whip cream.

Holiday Parties
Host the next holiday party or company event in Dine’s contemporary semi-private or private event space. Dine’s chef and manager will create a menu for your next event or gathering. For more information or to set up a private party, contact manager Khal Mohamed at (312) 602-2100.

For more information on Dine, visit http://www.dinerestaurant.com/. Become a Fan of Dine on Facebook.

Birch River Grill's November Dining Deals and Thanksgiving Feast

Birch River Grill offers dining deals for the whole month of November, starting with special features for National Vegan Month and National Pomegranate Month. Celebrate National Vegan Month (November) at Birch River Grill, featuring the Warm Hummus Platter, served with toasted pita triangles and fresh vegetables for dipping ($8) or the Vegetable Wrap, sun-dried tomato wrap, portabella mushroom, roasted red and green peppers, diced tomato, avocado and baby spinach ($9).

National Pomegranate Month
Head to Birch River Grill’s bar to indulge in special drinks to celebrate National Pomegranate Month. Try the Pomegranate Martini, Grey Goose and pure pomegranate juice served chilled or on the rocks ($9), or Pom Lemon Drop, Grey Goose Citron, pure pomegranate juice, sour mix and freshly squeeze lemon served chilled in a martini glass ($9).

Three-Course $20 Prix Fixe Menu
Throughout the entire month of November, visit Birch River Grill for a dining deal: a three course prix fixe menu for just $20. To begin, start with an appetizer, choosing from the BRG Salad, baby greens, shredded Michigan carrots, beefsteak tomato wedges and seedless cucumber slices; the Granny Apple Onion Soup, paprika Parmesan croutons, Wisconsin Swiss and provolone cheese; or the Soup of the Day.

Entrée selections include: Top Sirloin Steak, crispy Yukon Gold potato rounds, shiitake and oyster mushrooms, and red wine demi glace; Seared Orange Roughy, Moroccan cous cous, citrus cream and broccolini; and Pesto Linguine, green peas, baby spinach, roasted red bell peppers and shredded Parmesan. Finish off with Berry Sorbet, served with fresh berries, for dessert.

Thanksgiving Dinner
Bring family and friends to Birch River Grill to celebrate Thanksgiving with a buffet feast, available from noon until 5 p.m. Thursday, November 26. 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, Granny Apple Sausage Cornbread Stuffing, Buttermilk Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes, Brown Butter Green Beans, Rustic Cranberry-Orange Relish, and for dessert, Spiced Pumpkin Pie with cinnamon whipped cream.

To accompany the Thanksgiving feast, try 1/2 off bottles of Sycamore Lane Merlot, Cabernet and Chardonnay. Enjoy the meal for $24.95 per person, $13.95 for children 12 and under. Reservations are recommended.

Holiday Parties
The holidays are coming up, and it’s time to find a venue for your upcoming holiday party. Birch River Grill’s private seating, with space for 40-50 seat, serves as an intimate setting for any company gathering. Contact catering manager Barb Balas for more information at (847) 427-4220.

For more information on Birch River Grill, visit http://www.birchrivergrill.com/. Become a Fan on Facebook and Follow Birch River Grill on Twitter.