Friday, May 28, 2010

Save money on food favorites this week at Karma


Trying to figure out an inexpensive way to feed the family? Try one of the three food specials offered Friday, May 28 through Thursday, June 3 at Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900). Karma offers these items in addition to its regular menu.

Start with a Salad featuring smoked salmon carpaccio, field greens and a Yuzu dressing ($7). For an entrée, enjoy Tempura Jumbo Prawns with a chipotle crème, Jasmine rice and baby bok choy ($22). Indulge in a dessert of Lychee Tapioca garnished with peaches and green tea white chocolate lattice ($7).

Karma is a sophisticated restaurant with a zen-laced atmosphere that serves Pan-Asian cuisine. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. daily, lunch is offered 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily and dinner runs from 5 p.m. -10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Karma’s lounge is open one hour later daily.

For more information, visit www.karmachicago.com or dial (847) 970-6900. Follow Karma on Twitter at @karmamundelein.

Visit Glen Prairie for seasonal specials Memorial Day weekend

Still looking for something to do this holiday weekend? Satisfy that hungry stomach with weekend specials made by Chef Daniel Ovanin after 5 p.m. Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29 at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250).

For starters, enjoy Seared Sea Scallops with toasted quinoa, citrus aioli and bell pepper garnish ($9). The dinner entrée is Becker Lane Organic Seared Pork Chop with toasted almond-tomato jam and Yukon Gold whipped potatoes ($21). All dishes feature ingredients sourced from area farmers and ranchers. Glen Prairie offers these specials in addition to the regular menu.

Glen Prairie serves contemporary American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. – 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch is offered 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday. The lounge stays open one hour later than the restaurant daily.

For more information, visit www.glenprairie.com or call (630) 613-1250. Follow Glen Prairie on Twitter at @glenprairie.

Photo: Getty Images

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Honor 2010 graduates with a memorable celebration at Birch River Grill

What better way to say congratulations than by treating that special 2010 graduate with a private party? Bring the entire family to Birch River Grill (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights; 847-427-4242) and celebrate that graduate’s hard work.

Birch River Grill welcomes all groups to dine for this special occasion. Parties under eight can order any of the items from Birch River Grill’s regular menu. Parties more than eight have two menus to choose from:

Tier one consists of an appetizer choice of BRG Salad with baby greens, shredded Michigan carrots, beefsteak tomato wedges and seedless cucumber slices; Granny Apple Onion Soup with paprika Parmesan croutons and Wisconsin Swiss and provolone cheese; or the Soup of the Day. Guests can choose two of the four entrées: Pan Roasted Chicken Breast with kiln dried cranberry vegetable medley; Meatloaf Tower, with ground beef, veal, pork, crispy haystack onions, Yukon gold mash and roasted tomato glaze; Linguine and Meatballs with marinara a la rustica, linguine pasta and Nonna Valenti’s meatballs; or Chervil Crusted Wisconsin Northern Pike with mac’ n locally farmed cheese and sautéed green beans. Dessert includes Berry Sorbet served with fresh berries. This meal is $21 per person.

Tier two features a choice of BRG Salad with baby greens, shredded Michigan carrots, beefsteak tomato wedges and seedless cucumber slices; Granny Apple Onion Soup with paprika Parmesan croutons and Wisconsin Swiss and provolone cheese; or the Soup of the Day. Guests can choose two of the four entrées: Bourbon Glazed Organic Pork Tenderloin with Wisconsin white cheddar cheese grits, grilled asparagus and bourbon demi; Cedar Planked Maple Salmon with maple rosemary garlic glaze, smoked pepper bacon wild rice pilaf, steamed broccoli and baby carrots; Yankee Pot Roast with braised carrots, celery, onions, Yukon gold potatoes and red wine sauce; or Grilled Top Sirloin with smashed sweet potatoes, yellow carrot vegetable medley and tomato Creole peppercorn sauce. Dessert features Berry Sorbet with fresh berries. This menu is $25 per person.

Birch River Grill is a contemporary restaurant that serves as a showcase for hearty American cuisine. It is open seven days a week and accepts all major credit cards. Complimentary parking is available. For Birch River Grill’s hours please visit www.birchrivergrill.com.

Birch River Grill offers a private dining room that accommodate up to 50 guests. To make a reservation for parties up to eight people visit www.birchrivergrill.com. For parties larger than eight, send an email to events@birchrivergrill.com or call (847) 427-4242. Visit Birch River Grill’s Twitter page at @birchrivergrill.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Twitter Promotion Offers 10% Discount on Your Summer CSA Membership


Summer is almost here, which means there will soon be plenty of fresh, local produce to go around. Skip the farmer's market and let the produce come to you with a convenient Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, like the CSA program offered at Chicago-area Illinois Tollway Oases this summer through a unique partnership between Illinois Tollway, three local farms and U.S. Equities Realty (manager of the Tollway Oases).
CSAs serve as a connection between the farmer and the community, with customers agreeing to pay a flat rate for fresh produce to be delivered weekly throughout the growing season.

It's not too late to sign up for this CSA! Twitter users get a chance to become one of 15 lucky winners, who could receive 10% off their Oasis CSA membership. Simply be one of the first 5 people to sign up at any of the three participating farms and receive 10% off the cost of your membership. Simply call the farm you are interested in obtaining a membership from and mention the Oases/CSA Twitter Promotion to see if you are one of the first 5 to call in and sign-up.

Sign up by May 28th directly with the farm. Participating farms/Oases include:

Harvest Moon Farms
-OR-
Scotch Hill Farm
(608) 897-4288
http://www.scotchhillfarm.com/

Harvest Moon Farms
(773) 472-7950

Triple A Farms
(815) 405-3305
http://www.tripleavegetables.com/

For more information on this new summer CSA program, visit here. For more information on U.S. Equities, visit http://www.usequities.com/.

Dine with a discount this weekend at Glen Prairie

Still making weekend plans? Taste Chef Daniel Ovanin's farm-fresh weekend specials after 5 p.m. Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22 at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250).
Enjoy Petite Iowa Farmed Strip Steak, slow roasted with wild mushrooms, potato fondant and lemon butter broccoli ($24) or Miller Farms Pan Roasted Chicken with white wine braised dates with spiced spring onions and toasted Israeli couscous. For dessert, dive into the Buttermilk Pie with Michigan strawberries, rhubarb, flaky crust and pistachios. These specials are offered in addition to the regular menu.

About Glen Prairie
Glen Prairie serves contemporary American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge remains open one hour later than the restaurant each day.

For more information, please visit www.glenprairie.com or follow them on Twitter at @glenprairie.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Free Release Tuesday: Help the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society fundraise at Bella Bacinos


Make a difference in someone’s life by supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18 at Bella Bacinos (36. S. La Grange Rd., La Grange; 708-352-8882). Throughout the event, Bella Bacinos will give the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 100 percent of the proceeds made.

The cost is $30 per person and includes beer, wine and food.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. Their mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. For more information please visit www.leukemia.org or call (800) 955-4572.

About Bella Bacinos
Located in the heart of Downtown La Grange Bella Bacinos offers authentic Italian Food. Bella Bacinos hours are 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m., Friday through Saturday; and 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information visit the Bella Bacinos website or call (708) 352-8882.

Free Release Tuesdays at Kurman
This is part of Kurman Communications' Free Release Tuesdays series. Are you a non-profit or charity with an upcoming event? 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 website, 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.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Enjoy tasty food from California Pizza Kitchen while donating to A Silver Lining Foundation



Generosity never tasted so good. Donate to A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF) which ensures access to cancer resource information, treatment options, and no cost mammograms to underserved people affected by cancer, during regular business hours on Monday, June 21 at one of four California Pizza Kitchen locations:

East Ohio Street (2 East Ohio St., Chicago; 312-787-6075; Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday).
Westfield Old Orchard (4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie; 847-673-1144; Hours: 11 a. m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday).
North Avenue Collection (939 W. North Ave., Chicago; 312-337-1281; Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday).
Warrenville (28258 Diehl Rd., Warrenville; 630-393-0852; Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday).

Print and present the flyer (stay tuned for flyer information) to California Pizza Kitchen and 20 percent of the check will be donated to ASLF.

About A Silver Lining Foundation
ASLF has provided more than 2,500 women with information about and access to no cost screening mammograms. The foundation strives to provide opportunities for medically underserved people affected by cancer. ASLF’s administrative offices are located at 134 N. LaSalle, Ste. 1218, Chicago, 60602. The organization runs three cancer related programs: Buy A Mom A Mammogram, the Chicagoland Cancer Information Coalition (CCIC) and The Evelyn Goldberg Center at the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago. For more information on A Silver Lining Foundation, please call (312) 345-1322 or visit www.asilverliningfoundation.org.

About California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen is a leader in authentic California-style cuisine with a recognized consumer brand and an established, loyal customer base. There are currently more than 250 California Pizza Kitchens in 32 states and nine foreign countries. For more information visit www.cpk.com.

Photo: Getty Images

Friday, May 14, 2010

Catch a deal with Dine’s weekend specials




Make plans for the weekend! Enjoy great food at an affordable price from 5 p.m. through 10 p.m. on Friday, May 14 through Sunday, May 16 at Dine (733 W. Madison St., Chicago; 312-602-2100).

Sink those teeth into P.E.I. Mussels served in saffron broth with a grilled French baguette ($8), Chicken Enchiladas with pulled chicken, queso fresco, served with sautéed potatoes and carrots ($16), or Pan-Seared Walleye encrusted with panko bread crumbs and fresh parsley served with macaroni and cheese and vegetable of the day ($20). This menu is offered in addition to Dine’s regular menu.

Located in the heart of Chicago, Dine restaurant offers an eclectic cuisine to fit every palate; served in a charming retro diner atmosphere with an upbeat, contemporary style. Dine is open seven days a week. Dine serves American classics revived with a contemporary flair. Dine is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The martini lounge hours are noon to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and noon to midnight Friday and Saturday.

To make reservations please call (312) 602-2100 or visit www.dinerestaurant.com.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Karma introduces innovative new dishes


Out with the old and in with the new! Taste the latest additions on the menu at Karma (510 E. Mundelein, Ill; 847-970-6900) starting today, Thursday, May 13.

Try the new Kamakazi Shrimp with a choice of pappadew or pickled habaneros peppers with a sriracha aioli ($10), Pacific Rim Mahi-Mahi with seared mahi encrusted with chili spiced shrimp and scallops, wok tossed vegetables, black rice and a tobiko sauce ($22), Honey Tamari Chicken with a sautéed spinach and wok tossed julienne vegetables on a glass noodle nest ($19) or Beef Jap Chae with Dangymen noodles combined with strips of beef, vegetables and a soy ginger glaze ($17).

Check out Karma’s new wine and drink menu. The menu includes Wine and Martini Flights.

About Karma
Karma
is a sophisticated restaurant with a zen-laced atmosphere that serves Pan-Asian cuisine. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. daily. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge stays open one extra hour each night.

For reservations please call (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com. Follow them on Twitter at @karmamundelein.

Curtain ready to rise on Mayne Stage

Opening in mid-June, Mayne Stage (1328 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4554), is poised to present a diverse entertainment calendar of established and emerging performers in its intimate, sophisticated atmosphere with state of the art sound, lighting and recording amenities. Reflecting its location in the diverse Rogers Park neighborhood, Mayne Stage will showcase an eclectic mix of musical styles including jazz, cabaret, classical and more. In addition to music, a variety of comedy, theatrical and family programs are promised to appeal to a wide audience.

Mayne Stage officially opens in mid-June as one of the locations for the TBS Presents a “Very Funny” Festival: Just for Laughs and will feature The Not Inappropriate Show, featuring Bob Odenkirk and Kate Micucci. For show times and to purchase tickets, visit www.justforlaughschicago.com.

Other artists currently scheduled to appear include nationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway on July 2 and 3, Chicago favorite Ron Hawking July 8, 9 and 10, Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael in That 60’s Show on July 23 and Mike Toomey’s TV & Me on July 24. Show times and ticket information for these shows and other upcoming performances is available at www.maynestage.com. All shows are subject to change.

Booking and creative development for the venue is handled by industry veteran Denise McGowan Tracy and her DMT Entertainment, Inc.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to book this new, yet historic, venue. Live entertainment is crucial to the fabric of Rogers Park and Chicago. Mayne Stage provides the perfect setting for both the artist and the audience to enjoy the live performance experience,” said McGowan Tracy.

The 299-seat venue is unique in its flexibility and versatility. Mayne Stage offers attractive cabaret and theater style seating, comfortable booths on the mezzanine level as well as balcony seating – all with excellent sightlines. With its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, nine-foot Steinway piano and intimate feel, Mayne Stage is an exceptional venue for a wide range of performance styles. Comfortable and beautifully lit, full-service bars on the main level and the mezzanine level complete the experience.

Mayne Stage has been designed as a unique, memorable space for both public performances and private events. The bar areas on both levels outside the main theater room are perfect for private receptions before and after performances. The flexibility of the seating area in the main room allows clients to customize the room for a myriad of events, from meetings and award celebrations, to themed social events, fundraisers and large personal celebrations and parties.

Recognizing its exceptional performance capabilities, McGowan Tracy has big plans.

“Mayne Stage has so much potential as a performance space allowing us to present an eclectic mix of entertainment styles. We hope to make new fans - not just of the entertainers who play the room - but of the room itself. The focus is on showcasing outstanding performers - some familiar to audiences and some who are making a name for themselves,“ continues McGowan Tracy who has worked with celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kevin Nealon, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Maureen McGovern, The Beach Boys, Pat Benatar and dozens more in her nearly 30 year career. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the team of professionals bringing Mayne Stage to life.”

Mayne Stage can also serve as a rehearsal, recording and performing arts facility. In addition to its state-of-the-art sound and lighting, Mayne Stage offers a digital mixing console and electronic recording equipment. Musical artists, theatrical groups and film producers will find Mayne Stage the perfect venue for producing live recordings, conducting auditions or holding rehearsals. Its 298-inch projection screen and high-definition digital projector add cinema capabilities for multimedia performances providing the perfect backdrop for film screenings, seminars, workshops and corporate presentations.

About Mayne Stage
Mayne Stage is located at 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Mayne Stage showcases emerging and established local and national musical acts, theatrical performances, comedy and more. It is the ideal location for a variety of private events. For more information, or to see a list of upcoming shows, call (773) 381-4554 or visit www.maynestage.com.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Olives 4 You Joins Chicago French Market

Craving Mediterranean flavors? Western Mediterranean-influenced food arrives at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St.; 312-575-0306) at MetraMarket in Chicago’s West Loop from its newest vendor, Olives 4 You. This proud newcomer to the Chicago French Market offers more than two dozen varieties of marinated and stuffed olives, hummus, tapenades and other fresh made spreads.

Olives 4 You is a small family business that uses its distinctive southern French influences to enhance the shopping experience with their unique recipes. Owners Paula and Jean-Pierre Brocardi, along with their children Jean-Louis and Stephanie, work diligently at maintaining a traditional flair to create the purveyor’s assorted spreads, pita breads, olives, dressings, olive oils, and other ready-to-eat specialties.

Olives 4 You also sells their specialties at seasonal markets throughout the Chicago suburbs and opened its first permanent location last year in Wheaton, Ill.

“We’re excited about opening an Olives 4 You in the heart of Chicago at Chicago French Market,” said Jean-Pierre Brocardi. “We look forward to sharing our heritage and family recipes using our fine, fresh products with Mediterranean influences.”

Olives 4 You joins an already impressive lineup of 30 vendors in Chicago French Market, a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese and wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, flowers and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market’s vendors stay open year-round, six days per week, and is located within the new MetraMarket development at 131 N. Clinton St. (between Washington and Randolph Streets). For more information, visit http://www.chicagofrenchmarket.com/.

Chicago French Market presented with Friends of Downtown’s “Welcome to Downtown” Award

Non-profit civic group Friends of Downtown presented Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-575-0306) with the “Welcome to Downtown” award at the organization’s annual awards presentation Wednesday, May 5 at ZED 451 in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.

Accepting the award on behalf of Chicago French Market, U.S. Equities Realty and the Bensidoun family were Jennifer Siragusa of U.S. Equities Realty and Chicago French Market manager Leslie Cahill.

“Chicago French Market, U.S. Equities Realty and the Bensidoun Family are honored for the recognition by Friends of Downtown,” said Sebastien Bensidoun of the Bensidoun family, owners and operators of Chicago French Market and other farmers’ and French markets throughout the Chicago suburbs and Paris metro area. “We truly feel we have been welcomed to downtown Chicago.”

Other award winners included “Coolest Things,” The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (also managed by U.S. Equities Realty); “Best Commemoration,” Burnham Plan Centennial; “Quality of Life,” CTA Bus Tracker; “Best New Open Space,” The Riverwalk Extension; “Life Boat,” Water Taxis; “Best Restoration,” Sullivan Center Ironwork; “Best New Office Building,” 300 N. LaSalle; “Best New Building,” Trump International Hotel & Tower; and “Best Ripple Effect,” Aqua.

Founded in 1981, Friends of Downtown is a not-for-profit civic group that promotes intelligent planning, superior design and awareness of important issues affecting Chicago’s downtown area. Friends of Downtown creates awareness of important issues affecting downtown, enabling citizens to develop their understanding and voice their opinions of Chicago’s physical and social environment. For more information on Friends of Downtown, call (312) 458-9454 or visit http://www.friendsofdowntown.org/.

Chicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese and wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, flowers and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market’s 30 vendors stay open year-round, six days per week, and is located within the new MetraMarket development at 131 N. Clinton St. (between Washington and Randolph Streets). For more information, visit http://www.chicagofrenchmarket.com/.

Green City Market's 12th Outdoor Season Opened Today

Opening Grand Celebration May 15
 
Chicago's Green City Market (GCM) opened for its 12th outdoor season today (May 12) and is set for a lively grand opening celebration this Saturday (May 15). In addition to the wealth of farmers and producers, there will be a number of special activities during the opening celebration.

n 7:30 a.m. – Guided tour
n 8:00 a.m. – “Container Gardening” workshop taught by Edible
Gardens manager and organic gardener Jeanne Pinsof-Nolan
n 8:30 a.m. – Guided tour of Edible Gardens in Farm-in-the-Zoo led by
Jeanne Pinsof-Nolan
n 9:30 a.m. – Savor the Seasons Lettuce Fest
§         Featuring chefs from Mon Ami Gabi, Big Bowl, Foodlife, Frankie’s and Café Ba Ba Reeba
n 10:30 a.m. – Chef demos with James Beard award winning chefs Carrie
Nahabedian of NAHA and Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Café and
Prairie Fire.
§         NAHA chefs Carrie Nahabedian and Craig Harzewski will collaborate with Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris (Prairie Grass Café and Prairie Fire) on demos featuring local goat cheese, rhubarb, duck eggs, bacon and bread from Bennison’s Bakery. Pastry chef Harzewski will demo making Goat Cheese Ice Cream topped with Rhubarb Compote made by Prairie Grass. The collaborative demos also will feature a grilled cheese, bacon and duck egg sandwich and a salad of spring greens, asparagus and herbs – all ingredients are available at GCM.

New this year:

Green City Market boasts an impressive list of 55 vendors for its 2010 outdoor season with two new vendors: Dietzler Farm and Becker Lane Organic Farm.

A family-run beef operation, Dietzler Farm is located in Elkhorn, WI. They raise a mixture of Angus and Hereford cows that are custom slaughtered and dry-aged for 28-days.  They are awaiting confirmation of their Food Alliance certification.

Becker Lane Organic Farms is Green City Market's first Iowa farm, located in Dyersville, just north of Dubuque. Jude Becker's farm has been in his family since 1850. He raises Heritage Breeds Cheshire White and Berkshire pigs. The animals graze on 100 percent Certified Organic pastures and are supplemented with acorns, corn, and hay in the winter. 

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Bite Into a Juicy Angus Burger for National Burger Month at Birch River Grill


Join Birch River Grill (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill.; 847-427-4242) in celebrating National Burger Month every Friday in May. Enjoy a half-priced All Natural Certified 8 oz. Angus Burger with a choice of Wisconsin Cheddar, Swiss, Provolone, American or Jack Cheese with lettuce, tomato or onion on a pretzel bun served with sweet potato fries or regular fries.



Birch River Grill is a contemporary restaurant that serves as a showcase for hearty American cuisine. It is open seven days a week and accepts all major credit cards. Complimentary parking is available. Birch River Grill is open for breakfast Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 11 a.m., Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.; Lunch hours are Monday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Dinner hours are Monday - Thursday and Sunday, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. The Birch River Grill Lounge menu is limited from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. The Birch River Grill Lounge is open one hour later than the restaurant daily.



For Reservations please call (847) 427-4242 or visit
www.birchrivergrill.com. Tweet them at @birchrivergrill

Photo: Getty Images

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

2010 James Beard Foundation Winners Announced

Reprint from DineWise column featured by StreetWise
By Lee Barrie and Cindy Kurman

Writing restaurant features for DineWise has its perks. We’ve met a lot of wonderful restaurateurs and have eaten some tremendous meals. Along the way, we’ve been fortunate to attend a lot of fabulous events, including this week’s 2010 James Beard Foundation Awards, the nation’s most prestigious recognition program honoring professionals in the food and beverage industries.

Chicago can be proud as it takes home a number of Beard awards including two Journalism Awards, one for Multimedia Food Feature, Kevin Pang, Chicagotribune.com for “The Cheeseburger Show;” another for Newspaper Feature Writing went to Cliff Doeksen, Chicago Reader, “The Real American Pie.”

The Outstanding Service Award went to Chicago’s Alinea, chef/owner Grant Achatz. Koren Grieveson, Avec chef, took home the award for Best Chef, Great Lakes.

Whether or not nominees took home an award, being recognized by the James Beard Foundation is an honor for chefs, restaurants and journalists who cover them.

Chicago’s nominees represented our best, Michael Carlson, Schwa; Arun Sampanthavivat, Arun’s; Mindy Segal, Hot Chocolate, and Bruce Sherman, North Pond.

Journalists nominated included WLS-TV’s Hungry Hound Steve Dolinsky; Mike Sula, Chicago Reader; Kevin Pang, Chicago Tribune, and Monica Eng, Chicago Tribune. Rick Bayless was nominated as a TV Food Personality for his PBS series, Mexico One Plate at a Time.

Restaurateurs are known for mentoring young professionals interested in the business. This year’s theme embraced the idea at all levels. In addition to the luminaries, the function showcased up-and-comers at the post-event reception including Priscilla Satkoff (Salpicon), serving Miniature Tostadas with Shredded Pork, Chorizo and Roasted Tomato-Chipotle Sauce, and Curtis Duffy (Avenues) who showcased Alaskan King Crab with Cucumber Consomme, Kalamansi, Floral Cream, and Lemon Balm.

During a ceremony hosted by Lidia Bastianich, Alton Brown and Wolfgang Puck at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, awards in the Restaurant, Chef, Design and Graphics categories were presented, as well as a number of special achievement awards including Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America, America's Classics, Lifetime Achievement, and Humanitarian of the Year. Winners of the Foundation's Book, Broadcast Media and Journalism awards categories were presented the evening before, on Sunday, May 2, 2010, at the annual Media and Book Awards dinner at Espace in New York City, hosted by Kelly Choi of Bravo's Top Chef Masters and Andrew Zimmern of the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods.

A complete list of all award-winners can be found on http://www.jbfawards.com/.

Highlights from this year's list of winners include:

Outstanding Chef: Tom Colicchio (Craft, NYC)

Outstanding Restaurant: Daniel (NYC, Chef/Owner: Daniel Boulud, Owner: Joel Smilow)

Rising Star Chef: Timothy Hollingsworth (The French Laundry, Yountville, CA)
Best New Restaurant: Marea (NYC, Chef/Partner: Michael White, Partner: Chris Cannon)

In addition, special achievement award honorees included:

Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America: Leah Chase (Chef/Owner, Dooky Chase Restaurant, New Orleans, LA); Jessica B. Harris (Author and Historian, CA); Paul C.P. McIlhenny (President/CEO, McIlhenny Company, Avery Island, LA); David Rockwell (Founder/CEO, Rockwell Group, New York, NY); L. Timothy Ryan (President, Culinary Institute of America, New York, NY); Susan Spicer (Chef/Owner, Bayona, New Orleans, LA)

America's Classics: Al's French Frys (owners: Bill Bissonette and Lee Bissonette, South Burlington, VT); The Bright Star (Owners: Jimmy Koikos and Nicky Koikos, Bessemer, AL); Calumet Fisheries (Owners: The Kotlick and Toll Families, Chicago, IL); Gustavus Inn (Owners: JoAnn and David Lesh, Gustavus, AK); Mary & Tito's Cafe (Owners: Mary Gonzales and Antoinette Knight, Albuquerque, NM)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Ariane and Michael Batterberry (Founders, Food and Wine and Food Arts)
Humanitarian of the Year: Wayne Kostroski (Founder, Taste of the NFL)

The Book, Broadcast Media and Journalism awards categories were presented on Sunday, May 2, 2010, at the annual Media and Book Awards dinner at Espace in New York City. Highlights included:

Cookbook of the Year: The Country Cooking of Ireland by Colman Andrews (Chronicle Books)
Cookbook Hall of Fame: A Book of Middle Eastern Food by Claudia Roden
M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award: Francine Prose, Saveur, "Faith and Bacon"

Television Show, In Studio or Fixed Location: French Food at Home with Laura Calder, Host: Laura Calder, Network: Food Network Canada, Producer: Johanna Eliot
Television Show, On Location: Chefs A' Field: King of Alaska, Host: Rick Moonen, Network: PBS, Producers: Heidi Hanson and Chris Warner
TV Food Personality: Andrew Zimmern, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, Network: The Travel Channel
Newspaper Food Section: The Washington Post, Joe Yonan
Craig Claiborne Distinguished Restaurant Reviews: Jonathan Gold, LA Weekly, "Sauced," "Hot Birria, Cold Cerveza," "Hare Today"
Website Focusing on Food, Beverage, Restaurant, or Nutrition: Chow.com, Jane Goldman
Food Blog: Serious Eats, Ed Levine, Seriouseats.com

Industry leaders from across the country attended the highly-anticipated festivities, which celebrated this year's Awards theme of "The Legacy Continues," a tribute to the enduring impact of the standards of culinary excellence set by James Beard himself and all the talented professionals who keep those traditions alive. In a nod to this year's theme, each of the Outstanding Chef winners honored over the years, including Mario Batali, Thomas Keller, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Daniel Boulud, Nancy Silverton, Rick Bayless, Grant Achatz, Alfred Portale, Dan Barber, Larry Forgione and David Bouley, served as award presenters throughout the evening at the Awards Ceremony on Monday, May 3, 2010. At the Gala Reception immediately following the Awards Ceremony, guests enjoyed a dine-around gala prepared by notable chefs from across the country, each of whom was personally selected by a past Outstanding Chef winner.

Established in 1990, the James Beard Foundation Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and continue to emphasize the Foundation's mission: to celebrate, preserve, and nurture America's culinary heritage and diversity. The annual James Beard Foundation Awards honor the best and the brightest talents in the food and beverage industries, celebrating outstanding achievement in each of the following categories: Restaurant and Chef, Restaurant Design and Graphics, Books, Broadcast Media, Journalism, and special achievement awards. Each category has an individual Awards Committee made up of industry professionals who volunteer their time to oversee the policies, procedures, and selection of judges for their respective Awards program. All award winners receive a certificate and a bronze medallion engraved with the James Beard Foundation Awards insignia. There are no cash prizes.

The 2010 James Beard Foundation Awards are presented with support by the following companies: In Association Sponsors: All-Clad Metalcrafters, Visa Signature®; Premier Sponsors: Green and Black's® Organic Chocolate, Lenox Tableware and Gifts, Mercedes-Benz; Supporting Sponsors: The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Food Network NYC Wine and Food Festival, illy caffe North America, Inc., Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Southern Wine and Spirits of New York, Stella Artois; Gala Reception Sponsors: Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water, Beijing Tourism Administration, Ecolab, Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Pernod Ricard USA, Rums of Puerto Rico, S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water; Media Sponsor: The Wall Street Journal and with additional support from Chefwear.


About the James Beard Foundation

Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation is dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and nurturing America's culinary heritage and diversity in order to elevate the appreciation of our culinary excellence. A cookbook author and teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge about food, James Beard, who died in 1985, was a champion of American cuisine. He helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts. Today, the Beard Foundation continues in the same spirit by administering a number of diverse programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships to culinary schools, and publications, and by maintaining the historic James Beard House in New York City's Greenwich Village as a "performance space" for visiting chefs. For more information, please visit http://www.jamesbeard.org/. Find insights on food at the James Beard Foundation's blog Delights & Prejudices. Join the James Beard Foundation on Facebook. Follow the James Beard Foundation on Twitter.

Photos of the May 2 Media & Cookbook Awards.
Photos of the May 3 Awards.

Photos:
Cindy Kurman, Kurman Communications and Lidia Bastianich, Felidia, Becco, Esca, and Del Posto
Grant Achatz, Alinea and Lee Barrie, Kurman Communications
Mindy Segal, Hot Chocolate and friend
Kevin Pang, Chicago Tribune and Andrew Zimmern, The Travel Channel
Koren Grieveson, Avec

Monday, May 3, 2010

Come to Glen Prairie and enjoy the May Prix Fixe Menu

Indulge in the May Prix Fixe Menu Monday through Friday after 5 p.m. from now until May 31 at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd. Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250). The Prix Fixe menu is offered in addition to the regular menu and will not be available on May 9. The Prix Fixe menu is $20 per person and includes the Soup of the Day for starters, followed by Spinach and Wild Mushroom Ravioli with roasted organic baby eggplant and tomato sauce and Pepato cheese. For dessert, enjoy a choice of the Daily Sorbet.

About Glen Prairie

Glen Prairie serves contemporary American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge remains open one hour later than the restaurant each day.

For reservations call (630) 613-1250 or visit www.glenprairie.com. Follow them on Twitter at @glenprairie.

Indulge at Karma this May for a Three-Course Prix Fixe Menu


Enjoy the May Prix Fixe menu Monday through Friday now until May 31 at Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900). The cost is $20 per person and the menu is offered in addition to the regular menu.

The Menu features Miso Soup, tofu and roasted nori, or Karma House Salad with crisp lettuce, napa cabbage, cucumber, daikon and carrot ginger dressing. Entrée includes either Jumbo Thai Vegetarian Spring Roll with carrots, napa cabbage, marinated tofu and sweet chili sauce; Honey Tamari Chicken with sautéed spinach and wok-tossed julienne vegetables on a glass noodle nest; or Thai Chili Beef with stir fried spiced beef tenderloin with Chinese noodles and baby bok choy, in mirin-miso beef broth (may be substituted for shrimp or chicken). For dessert enjoy a Trio Of Sorbet or Ice Cream with fresh berries.
The May Prix Fixe Menu is not valid with the Entertainment Book Promotion of buy one entrée, get one free.

About Karma

Karma is a sophisticated restaurant with a zen-laced atmosphere that serves Pan-Asian cuisine. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. daily. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge stays open one extra hour each night.


For reservations please call (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com. Follow them on Twitter at @karmamundelein.

Join the fiesta and visit Birch River Grill this May for National Salsa Month


This May, dig into Free Chips and Salsa to celebrate National Salsa Month Monday through Friday, now through May 31 at Birch River Grill’s Lounge (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights; 847-427-4242)

Enjoy one of the many weekly lounge drink specials at Birch River Grill:
Monday: $2.50 Bud Bottles, Bud Light Bottles, and Bud Light Draft
Tuesday: $5 Cuervo Margaritas
Wednesday: $5 You Call It Martinis
Thursday: $3.50 Imported Drafts
Friday: $6 You Call it
Saturday: Half Price bottles of Wine with Purchase of an entrée
Sunday: $6.95 You Call it Bloody Mary’s

Birch River Grill is a contemporary restaurant that serves as a showcase for hearty American cuisine. It is open seven days a week and accepts all major credit cards. Complimentary parking is available. Lounge hours are Lunch: Monday – Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dinner: Monday – Thursday and Sunday: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. Lounge Menu is limited from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

For Reservations please call (847) 427-4242 or visit www.birchrivergrill.com. Tweet them at @birchrivergrill.

Glen Prairie Launches New Spring Menu Today

Welcome the arrival of spring with new menus featuring seasonal ingredients from executive chef Daniel Ovanin, launching Monday, May 3 for lunch and dinner at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn, Ill; 630-613-1250).

Featured lunch appetizers include Daily Selection of Local Cheeses with crostini and cranberry relish ($9) and Buttermilk Fried, Herb Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms, horseradish sauce and garlic chile sauce ($7). Try a variety of salads including Radicchio and Butter Lettuce Salad, shaved red onion, Stickney Hill Farm goat cheese mousse and truffle balsamic vinaigrette ($7) and Prairie Cobb Salad, Amish chicken, Romaine, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon, fresh tomatoes, red onion, farm fresh eggs, avocado, Mindoro bleu cheese and champagne-cider vinaigrette ($12).

Entrees include Express Lunch, a choice of ½ sandwich of the day, soup of the day, field greens or Caesar salad (choice of two is $7; choice of three is $9), Farm Fresh BLT, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon, crisp market greens, fresh tomatoes and toasted challah bread ($8), Miller Farms BBQ Grilled Chicken, housemade bbq sauce, mac ‘n’ locally farmed cheese and market three bean salad ($20).

For dinner, enjoy starters including Pasture Fed Lamb Chops, buckwheat blini and apple and cherry root salad ($11); La Quercia Organic Prosciutto Plate, grilled sourdough, olive tapenade and olive oil ($9); and Becker Lane Organic Pork Sliders, horseradish root coleslaw and housemade bbq sauce ($8). Try new salads like the seasonal Local Farmed Asparagus, prosciutto, wild mushrooms, truffle baslsamic vinaigrette and Pepato cheese ($8).

Dinner entrees include Pan Seared Wild Caught Sea Scallops, sweet pea and Nueske’s Bacon Risotto and organic carrots ($24), Wild Caught Alaskan Halibut, caramelized cauliflower and sautéed organic spinach ($23) and Grilled Dakota Farmed Bison Ribeye, celery root whipped potatoes and grilled asparagus ($34).

For customers with dining restrictions, ask servers about gluten-free menu items. For reservations or more information, call (630) 613-1250 or visit www.glenprairie.com. Follow them on Twitter at @glenprairie.