Tuesday, November 30, 2010

ASLF's 3rd Annual Naughty or Nice Party this Friday!

Get your ticket and help raise money to fund mammograms for those in need

Join the Auxiliary Board of A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF) for its 3rd Annual Naughty or Nice Party, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. this Friday (Dec. 3) at District Bar (170 W. Ontario, Chicago). Proceeds will help support ASLF’s Buy A Mom A Mammogram program which funds no cost screening mammograms and diagnostic evaluation to uninsured and underinsured women at six partner hospitals. Tickets can be purchased online for $50 at http://www.asilverliningfoundation.org/tickets or at the door. Ticket includes four hours of premium bar, appetizers and live entertainment.

For more information on A Silver Lining Foundation, please call (312) 345-1322 or visit http://www.asilverliningfoundation.org/. Subscribe to the ASLF blog at http://asilverliningfoundation.blogspot.com/.

Saigon Sisters Now Offering Weekly Specials

Saigon Sisters Restaurant is now offering weekly specials!

This week’s four-course tasting includes the Tuna Tartar, Ahi tuna, grapefruit confit, pickled ginger, scallion oil, and lotus chips; Banh Bao, Pork Belly with hoisin glaze, Caramel chicken or Wagyu beef in coconut milk and kaffir; the Lamb Luc Lac, lamb tenderloin seared in XO sauce, watercress, red onions, and broken rice; and Che, Butternut squash, coconut milk custard, sticky rice with vanilla beans, and a taro chip for $40.

The beer pairings for the week are the tender Chinese Five Spice Pork Spare Ribs with 3 Floyds Alpha King for $12; House Made Charcuterie, the Chef’s choice of three items with 3 Floyds Pride & Joy for $18; and Mussels, Sake steamed mussels, garlic, cilantro, lemongrass butter, Thai basil, and Chili with North Coast Brewing Pranqster for $18.

The specials will change on a weekly basis. Be sure to check out the new craft beer list featuring Straffe Hendrik Bruges Triple Ale and La Fin du Monde Triple Ale among others!

Saigon Sisters is a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant located at 567 W. Lake St. in Chicago, IL.. For more information including a complete menu call (312) 496-0090 or visit http://www.saigonsisters.com/.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Save these dates: Chicago French Market celebrating the holidays beginning next week

Get into the holiday spirit, enjoy live entertainment and demonstrations at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton, Chicago; 312-575-0306) beginning next week.

Wednesday 12/1 4pm - 7pm Meet the Etsy Artist: Jeffery Reader Get a head start on holiday shopping with Jeffery’s assortment beautiful of artisan beeswax candles Location: Abbey Brown Soap Artisan

Friday 12/3 4pm - 7pm Meet the Etsy Artist: Lee Tracy Lee’s collection of hand-decorated aprons, tee-shirts, and pillows will make the perfect holiday or hostess gift! Location: Abbey Brown Soap Artisan

Friday 12/3 4pm - 7pm Weekly Rush Hour Concert Series Relax after a hard days work with live music at the Market! Location: Market Common Area

Saturday 12/4 5pm - 6:30pm Children’s Holiday Cookie Decorating Bring your kids and get in the holiday spirit with FREE cookie decorating! Location: Market Common Area

CHICAGO FRENCH MARKET131 N. Clinton St., Chicago, Ill.
(312) 575-0306

For more information and event schedule, visit: www.chicagofrenchmarket.com 

About Chicago French MarketChicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese, wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, specialty drinks, flowers, prepared meals and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market’s diverse group of local 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 www.chicagofrenchmarket.com.

Continue celebrating Thanksgiving at Restaurant Michael tonight and enjoy lobster for $29

Enjoying a long holiday weekend? Bring all of your visiting relatives to Restaurant Michael (64 Greenbay Rd., Winnetka) tonight for a fabulous lobster dinner. Chef Michael Lachowicz will be preparing 1.25 pound lobsters in a delicate fashion, poached in butter with a lovely Cognac Lobster Butter Sauce, and served over White Truffle Mashed Potato, a bargain at $29 per serving.

Restaurant Michael asks that you call for your reservation immediately as only 30 lobsters are available. The telephone number is (847)441-3100 or go here to make a reservation on-line.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Weekly Specials at Guanajuato


Guanajuato, Glencoe’s popular contemporary Mexican restaurant has new weekly specials!

This week’s lunch special are the Ham Torta, a Mexican sandwich consisting of cold cut ham on warm bread with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, onions and avocado for $5.50; and the Avocado Salad, romaine lettuce, roasted peppers, sliced cheese queso fresco, onions and tortilla chips with an avocado dressing for $8.95.

The soup specials this week are the Caldo de Res, a beef soup served with onions, cilantro, avocado, and garnished with tortilla strips and lime, $8.50 for a bowl; the Posole Soup, a pork based traditional Mexican soup for $8.95 a bowl; and the Shrimp Soup $6.95 for a medium and $12.95 for a large.

The dinner special this week is the Mayan Chicken, a charbroiled small chicken, seasoned with Mayan spices, served with Mexican rice, cactus and salsa, garnished with avocado, cilantro, and grilled red onions all served in a small moljate for $23.95.

Guanajuato will be closed Thursday, November 25, 2010 but will open again with regular hours on Friday, November 26, 2010.

Guanajuato is located at 73 Green Bay Rd. in Glencoe, IL. For more information, including a complete menu call (847) 242-0501 or visit www.myguanajuato.com.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Women Affected by Domestic Violence Receive Support at The Weitzman Center

In 1992, psychotherapist Dr. Susan Weitzman began working with and studying women trapped in unfortunate and violent marriages that, from the outside, seemed enviable. The domestic violence she learned about from these upscale women propelled her to open The Weitzman Center in 2001 with a mission to overcome the belief that these circumstances only affect certain populations. The 2005 CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey found that one in four women in the United States were victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives regardless of race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. The Weitzman Center is the first organization of its kind and not only does it help those in the Chicago area, but it also has enacted national outreach programs.

As if upscale domestic abuse isn’t bad enough, many times the women affected by it lose everything they have when they try to get out. Financially they lose the support of a husband, which in turn may legally force the children away from them as well. After the marriage is over, there isn’t even a guarantee that abuse will stop. The Bureau of Justice Statistics states that separated and divorced males and females are at a greater risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence than those that are in unfortunate marriages.

Each time another victim loses her children and financial support, you have an opportunity to challenge the stereotype that upscale women are not victims of domestic violence. Thousands of women from “enviable lifestyles” are losing custody of their children and facing financial insecurity due to events and decisions that favor their partners. You can help these women by supporting the education program at The Weitzman Center through a donation. Even a small contribution of $25 makes a difference to those in need.

If you wish to contribute in honor of a friend or family member, The Weitzman Center will notify your honoree of your generous gift by card or email, whichever you desire. You can donate directly by pressing here and using PayPal to pay by credit card. You can also mail your contribution to The Weitzman Center 203 N. Wabash Ave., Ste. #2000, Chicago, Ill. 60601. The Weitzman Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit and all contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.

About The Weitzman Center
The Weitzman Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support and information to women and families struggling against the effects of upscale abuse. Resources and education are also available to those working to help.

To learn more, visit http://www.theweitzmancenter.org/ or call (312) 444-1777.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Let Bella Bacinos Cook Thanksgiving This Year

Bella Bacinos (36 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange, Ill.) is catering a homemade Thanksgiving this year! Place orders by Tuesday, Nov. 23 for an Organic Holiday Bird cleaned and stuffed, and have it by Wednesday Nov. 24. Bella Bacinos can par-cook, fully-cook or have the turkey ready to pop in the oven. Turkeys are available at every two pounds from 10-22 for $4.98 per pound.

Stuffing can be served as a side dish or stuffed in the turkey, available in three delicious styles including traditional stuffing, Emeril Lagasse style stuffing with Italian sausage, sage, rosemary, thyme, apples and mozzarella cheese, or ciabatta stuffing with chestnuts, mushrooms and pancetta, which owner Linda Bacin will be having in her own home this Thanksgiving. Bacin says, “We want to offer to customers what we offer in our own home.” When placing an order, don’t forget to indicate what size turkey, kind of stuffing and whether the turkey should be stuffed or if stuffing should be prepared as a side dish.

Bella Bacinos also offers several side dishes including green bean casserole made accordingly at $2 per person, butternut squash soup for $6.99 a quart in addition to standard side dishes available in various sizes at $3 per person. For those with a big sweet tooth, Bella Bacinos offers delicious house-made desserts with no preservatives just for Thanksgiving! Choose from:

Delicate pumpkin custard with fresh, tart cranberries in a ginger snapped crust, feeding eight people for $20.

Custard-kissed croissants laced with rich, sweet bourbon and yummy bites of apples and raisins, feeding 14 people for $28.

Mounds and Mounds of tart, fresh, crisp apples, saucy with cinnamon apple cider and loaded with crunchy granola’d crumbs, feeding 14 people for $28.

All orders must be made to Bacin directly at (708) 352-8882 (La Grange) or (312) 263-2350 (Chicago) at least 48 hours in advance and picked up by 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24. Don’t miss an opportunity to sit back on Thanksgiving and let Bella Bacinos do the cooking. Although Bella Bacinos La Grange will not be open on Thanksgiving, the Chicago location (75 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago) will be open. For more information or to view a menu, visit http://www.bacinos.com/.

A Silver Lining Foundation’s 3rd Annual Naughty or Nice Party

A benefit event raising money to provide mammograms for those in need on Dec. 3

Join the Auxiliary Board of A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF) for its 3rd Annual Naughty or Nice Party, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 at District Bar (170 W. Ontario, Chicago). Proceeds will fund no cost mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women. Tickets can be purchased online for $50 at http://www.asilverliningfoundation.org/tickets or at the door.

Guests who attend ASLF’s 3rd Annual Naughty or Nice Party will have the chance to enjoy four hours of premium bar, appetizers and live entertainment provided by the band ‘Sorry For Partying’, while supporting ASLF’s Buy A Mom A Mammogram program which funds no cost screening mammograms and diagnostic evaluation to uninsured and underinsured women at six partner hospitals.

Both the “naughty” and “nice” will have the chance to participate in a raffle and a great silent auction that will include items such as spa packages, entertainment items, and tickets to sporting events. Don’t miss a chance to enjoy this fun evening while providing silver linings to those in need of a potential life-saving mammogram.

About A Silver Lining Foundation
Since the Buy A Mom A Mammogram program's inception in 2006, ASLF has provided more than 2,500 women with information about and access to no cost screening mammograms. In response to the growing number of women needing follow up due to a possible abnormality, the foundation began funding diagnostic testing in 2007. Since its launch in 2002 by Dr. Sandy Goldberg, ASLF has provided more than 450,000 people with information about cancer resources, treatment options and support services.

The philosophy of the foundation is based on two phrases Dr. Goldberg's late mother used to live by: “No matter what your situation, you have to see the silver lining,” and “We are all family, and we have to help each other through the tough times.” With 59 million Americans currently living without health insurance, the Buy A Mom A Mammogram program provides a silver lining to those in need.

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 http://www.asilverliningfoundation.org/. Subscribe to the ASLF blog at http://asilverliningfoundation.blogspot.com/.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

This Week's Special Cooked Tableside by Chef Michael Lachowicz at Restaurant Michael Tomorrow

Get ready for something new in regards to this week’s special at Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Ill.). Instead of offering seafood from the kitchen, Restaurant Michael will offer 'Filet of Beef Tenderloin “Stroganov” Cooked Tableside by Chef Michael Lachowicz' tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 19).

This tasty dish will be served in a perfect, rich and savory sauce, and finished with a pinch of Paprika and a smidge of Crème Fraiche for just $28. Make sure to bring your appetite as this seven ounce tenderloin will be served over wild rice pilaf with baby autumn squash.

Don’t forget to indicate your preference when making a reservation. Reservations can be made over the phone at (847) 441-3100 or OpenTable.com.

Thanksgiving at Restaurant Michael
Interested in kicking back and letting someone else do the cooking this Thanksgiving? Keep in mind Thanksgiving dinner will be hosted from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Restaurant Michael Thursday, Nov. 25, offering both dine-in and “Thanksgiving To Go” for $49 per person (plus tax and gratuity).

All orders for “Thanksgiving To Go” must be placed in advance by Sunday, Nov. 21 directly with Chef Michael Lachowicz at (847) 404-6916. Dine-in reservations are accepted in 15-minute intervals and may be made through OpenTable.com or calling Restaurant Michael at (847) 441-3100.

Restaurant Michael is located at 64 Green Bay R. in Winnetka, Ill. (847) 441-3100. Complimentary parking is available. Learn more at http://www.restaurantmichael.com/. Be sure to “Like” Restaurant Michael on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RestaurantMichael and follow Michael on Twitter at @RestoMichael.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Free Release Tuesday: Support the Greater Chicago Food Depository at ‘Sharing It Day’ November 23

Support the Greater Chicago Food Depository and help feed the hungry this holiday season by contributing to ‘Sharing It Day’ from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23 at the Merchandise Mart, South Lobby (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, Ill.). The Merchandise Mart, the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and Jewel-Osco have teamed up to make this one-day, indoor food drive possible.

Bring a non-perishable food or cash donation to ‘Sharing It Day’ and enjoy live music, warm drinks, holiday treats, a complimentary slice of Eli’s Cheesecake and a sample from Argo Tea while supplies last. Santa will be making a special appearance so don’t forget to bring a wish list!

All canned goods and cash donations collected at ‘Sharing It Day’ will help the Greater Chicago Food Depository to feed thousands of hungry people in the Chicagoland area. Most needed items include: whole-grain cereal, rice, pasta, pasta sauce, mac and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, beans, canned meat, stew, soup, canned vegetables, canned fruit, and shelf-stable milk.

For more information or to make a donation, click here or call (312) 527-7600.

About the Greater Chicago Food Depository
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a non-profit Chicago food bank that offers a food distribution and training center, providing food for the hungry people of Cook County. Not only does the Food Depository distribute donated and purchased food, they have also developed training programs to help provide the necessary tools needed for people to break their cycle of poverty.

For more information or to volunteer, visit chicagosfoodbank.org, call (773) 247-FOOD or e-mail chicagosfoodbank@gcfd.org.

Free Release Tuesdays at Kurman
This is part of Kurman Communications’ Free Release Tuesday 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 out 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, November 15, 2010

Fleming's Uncorks its Newest Handcrafted Boutique Wine

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has introduced its newest private label wine – Forty-Six  Diamonds, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley, 2008 – which is available in each of its 64 restaurants across the country, including two Chicago area locations: 25 E. Ohio St., Chicago; 312-329-9463, and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire; 847-793-0333.
Marian Jansen op de Haar, Fleming’s National Director of Wine, partnered with famed California winemaker Walter Schug and his son Axel of Schug Winery to bottle this 2008 blend. Walter Schug was the winemaker for Joseph Phelps in 1974 when they introduced Napa’s first officially recognized Bordeaux style blend, the iconic Phelps Insignia.
The grapes for this year’s Forty-Six Diamonds were sourced from four outstanding Sonoma Valley vineyards: Rancho Salina, located in the hills next to the famous Monte Rosso vineyard; Atwood, located in a cool, foggy patch on the valley floor near Kenwood; and Horne and Ricci, both in Carneros.  The wine is a big, polished Cabernet-blend with dark cassis, plum, blueberry and black currant fruit flavors, with fine-grained integrated tannins and a long finish.
            Fleming’s produced its first private label Forty-Six Diamonds in 2007 and since that time has collaborated annually with premium wineries and winemakers to create a wine that is truly one of a kind.
““Forty-Six Diamonds was a natural progression for Fleming’s ongoing commitment to provide the very best wine experience for our guests,” says Jansen op de Haar. “We enjoy creating memorable times on many different levels, and we’re proud to share this limited-edition private label wine with our guests. Our goal every year is make food friendly, harmonious wines that reveal their origins.”
Other winemakers who have collaborated in the creation of Forty-Six Diamonds in past years include Michael and Rob Mondavi, Jr. of the famed Napa family, Ken Deis of Flora Springs, and George and Frank DuBoeuf of Beaujolais. According to Jansen op de Haar, in 2011 Fleming’s will partner next with Salvatore Ferragamo of Il Borro Winery in Tuscany, Italy.
 Thomas Arvid, internationally renowned artist and wine aficionado who was commissioned to create the label for this handcrafted boutique wine, also assisted in the blending of Forty-Six Diamonds.  Each year, his label design features a diamond shape in homage to the wine’s name.  Arvid’s oversized still life paintings of wine and the rituals around it adorn the walls of every Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar across the country.

About Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
The nationally acclaimed Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers the best in steakhouse dining – Prime meats and chops, fresh fish and poultry, generous salads and side orders—with a unique wine list known as the “Fleming’s 100” that features 100 wines served by the glass.  Fleming’s was launched in Newport Beach, California in 1998 by successful restaurant industry veterans Paul Fleming and Bill Allen.  Today there are 64 restaurants nationwide.  Fleming’s is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Wine Enthusiast’s annual Awards of Distinction and Wine Spectator’s annual Awards of Excellence.  For more information, please visit www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Dover Sole Special Making Final Appearance of the Year at Restaurant Michael Tomorrow

The Dover Sole special will make its final appearance of the year at Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Ill.) tomorrow Friday, Nov. 12. Don’t miss your last chance to enjoy Dover Sole finished tableside with a choice of Capers, Parsley and Lemon Butter, or Classic Toasted with Almond Butter for $29!

Be sure to indicate your preference when making a reservation as there are only 24 orders of Dover Sole available. For reservations, go to OpenTable.com or call (847) 441-3100.

Thanksgiving at Restaurant Michael
Interested in kicking back and letting someone else do the cooking this Thanksgiving? Keep in mind Thanksgiving dinner will be hosted from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Restaurant Michael Thursday, Nov. 25, offering both dine-in and “Thanksgiving To Go” for $49 per person (plus tax and gratuity).

All orders for “Thanksgiving To Go” must be placed in advance by Sunday, Nov. 21 directly with Chef Michael Lachowicz at (847) 404-6916. Dine-in reservations are accepted in 15-minute intervals and may be made through OpenTable.com or calling Restaurant Michael at (847) 441-3100.

Restaurant Michael is located at 64 Green Bay R. in Winnetka, Ill. (847) 441-3100. Complimentary parking is available. Learn more at http://www.restaurantmichael.com/. Be sure to “Like” Restaurant Michael on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RestaurantMichael and follow Michael on Twitter at @RestoMichael.

Guanajuato's new $5 Menu, weekly specials and more!

Guanajuato, Glencoe’s popular contemporary Mexican restaurant has new weekly specials including a new $5 menu. Don’t forget, this Sunday, Nov. 14 is National Guacamole Day. Ole!

$5 Specials at Guanajuato
Every Sunday, Guanajuato features a special “flavor of the day” of its unique sweet and savory homemade ice cream. Flavors include Corn, Mole, Rum, Avocado, Chocolate and more.

On Mondays, get a $5 three-taco dinner with Chicken and Ground Beef. On Tuesdays, a house margarita is just $5. Each Wednesday, a different glass of wine is featured for $5 (restaurant’s choice). On Thursdays, Guanajuato’s “Drink of Month” is $5. November’s cocktail of the month is a special Pumpkin Spice Martini.

Weekly Dinner Specials
Guanajuato’s dinner specials have become so popular that some have become regular menu items like the Carne Campesina, a traditional carne asada steak covered with roasted poblano peppers, mushrooms, grilled onions and topped with melted cheese. This dish is also served with rice and beans for $18.95.

This week’s specials include the Margarita Mango Salad (pictured right), fresh Romaine lettuce and arugula, dried mangos, cherry tomatoes, cabbage, roasted corn and cotija cheese tossed with Balsamic vinegar ($8.95); Grilled Lambchops, marinated with rosemary, red wine and garlic Guajillo sauce, served on mashed potatoes with broccoli and steamed carrots, and Mexican rice garnished with sour cream ($26.50); and Huachinango Vallarta, whole red snapper lightly fried with a garlic citrus sauce, garnished with an orange and served with salad and rice ($24.95).

National Guacamole Day
Celebrate National Guacamole Day this Sunday, November 14 with fresh, homemade guacamole from Guanajuato! Guanajuato’s Guacamole is prepared with fresh avocados, cilantro, tomatoes and peppers ($6.50), plus add jicama and cucumber for $2. Served with homemade tortilla chips.

Guanajuato is located at 73 Green Bay Rd. in Glencoe, IL. The restaurant serves contemporary Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner. For more information, including a complete menu, visit http://www.myguanajuato.com/.  

November and Holiday Tastings and Specials at Chicago French Market

Beaujolais Nouveau Party at the Market, November 18

Chicago French Market upholds the tradition of Beaujolais Nouveau in which, at midnight on the third Thursday of November, France erupts in a massive celebration honoring the unveiling of the Beaujolais Nouveau wine. The Beaujolais Nouveau party at Chicago French Market takes place 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 18.

Enjoy the 2010 release of Beaujolais Nouveau, a six week old red wine produced in the Beaujolais region of France, amidst a backdrop of live accordion music by Pat Spaeth. Along with the wine, samplings of international charcuterie, cheese and desserts are served. The party is complimentary for all those who attend and the first 200 participants receive a reusable Chicago French Market tote bag.

Those who are 21 years old and up (with a valid ID) may enjoy a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau, but all are welcome to an evening of music, food tasting and fun. Stop by the 27 Chicago French Market vendors and check out the variety of foods and items offered.


November Tastings at Delightful Pastries
Stop by Delightful Pastries every Friday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to get a jump on holiday treats. On Friday, Nov. 12 and Nov. 19, Delightful Pastries offers free samples of its delicious sourdough breads, brownies, bars, macaroons and kolaczki, and homemade triple berry preserves.

Delightful Pastries offers a number of seasonal pies and pastries, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. Pie selections include Apple Caramel Pie, Honey Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie and Key Lime Pie, all made with an all butter crust ($20-$24). Delightful Pastries also features a Mini pastries Tray with an assortment of éclairs, fruit tarts, cream puffs, financiers, mini tortes, tiramisu and more ($40). Other Thanksgiving selections include Cranberry Angel Food Cake, Cranberry Bread Pudding, Cranberry Orange Relish and Potato Pie ($7.99-$30). Orders may be placed by contacting the Chicago French Market location at (312) 234-9644.

Weekly Specials at City Fresh Market
City Fresh Market, known for its fresh poultry, fish and grass-fed beef offers specials now through Saturday, November 13. Specials include Fresh Chicken Cordon Bleu, all natural chicken breast filled with black forest ham and Swiss cheese ($4.49 ea); Stuffed Pork Loin, fresh pork loin filled with spinach and feta cheese ($5.49/pound); Scottish Salmon Fillet ($11.99/pound); Live or Freshly Steamed Whole Lobster ($19.99 ea.); and Fresh Deep Fried Breaded Shrimp ($8.99/pound). Note, that requests for steamed lobster must be placed in advance.

Contact the Chicago French Market location of City Fresh Market to place orders, or call (312) 575-0230.


Demos at Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine
On Thursday, November 11, attend a demonstration 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. by Quince and Apple, a husband and wife team based out of Madison, WI who make small batch preserves.


On Wednesday, November 17, enjoy a demo by Willie Lehner of Bleu Mont Dairy in Wisconsin. Attendees will taste a cheese called Alpine Renegade, as well as three-year cheddar. The demo is 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.


Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine is also accepting pre-orders for Thanksgiving, including its Cranberry Pecan bread which is only seasonally available. The loaves can be baked for pick up Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 22 through Nov. 24. Beautiful and delicious artisan cheese trays and food-friendly wines are also available, and perfect for holiday parties.


All catering orders need to be placed 48 hours in advance. Contact Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine at its Chicago French Market location at (312) 454-2200 for more information.


Thanksgiving Pies at Vanille Patisserie
Award-winning Vanille Patisserie offers pumpkin pie topped with cinnamon whipped cream for those with a sweet-tooth. Pre-pay from now until November 15 and get a discounted price of $18 per pie. After November 15, pies return to the regular price of $24. Place an order by calling (312) 575-9963 or visit Vanille Patisserie at Chicago French Market.


Sweet Miss Giving’s Fall and Holiday Gifting
Sweeten up a holiday party with catering from Sweet Miss Giving’s or a special gift box. Seasonal gift ideas include Recipe in a Jar, all that’s needed for a perfect batch of Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Cookies ($15); Cupcake Sampler of one dozen cupcakes ($36); Handmade Chocolates, one dozen rich and delicious handmade chocolate truffles ($18); Perfect Cookies and Perfect Brownies ($25-$30); and SMG Samplers featuring a variety of Sweet Miss Giving’s indulgent brownies, biscotti, Mountain Mix nuts, homemade Hot Cocoa mix, and more ($60-$70).

Holiday gift ideas may be ordered at Sweet Miss Giving’s Chicago French Market location. Call (312) 575-0212 for more information, and learn how to ship most holiday gift orders.

Holiday Centerpieces from Les Fleurs
Right now Les Fleurs is featuring autumn bouquets with colorful arrangements of mums, sunflowers and more ($8-18).


Les Fleurs is now accepting pre-orders for holiday arrangements and centerpieces. Items may be ordered by phone or in-person at the Chicago French Market location. Holiday centerpieces range $30 an up. Call Les Fleurs at (312) 463-1111.

Pumpkin Butter Latte at Lavazza Espression
Save the season with Lavazza Espression’s Pumpkin Butter Latte, a comforting blend of artisan crafted pumpkin butter, steamed milk and smooth espresso. Warm your hands with this seasonal specialty for just $3.45. Contact Lavazza Espression at (312) 207-0500.

Rush Hour Concerts in the Market
Every Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy complimentary music from a local artist. This Friday, November 12, hear authentic French bistro accordion artist Pat Spaeth. On Friday, November 19, listen to the eclectic acoustic stylings of Jenny Bienemann. There will not be a rush hour concert on Friday, November 26 due to the holiday weekend.

Announcing Free Wi-Fi at the Market
Chicago French Market is pleased to announce that it now has complimentary Wi-Fi for market patrons to use while they enjoy offerings from their favorite vendors.

About Chicago French Market
Chicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese, wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, specialty drinks, flowers, prepared meals and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market’s diverse group of local 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 www.chicagofrenchmarket.com.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Free Release Tuesday: Support ChildServ and enjoy live jazz/blues music at ‘A Big Easy Benefit’ November 18

Spend an evening with ChildServ (8765 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 450, Chicago) by attending ‘A Big Easy Benefit’ and enjoy cocktails, Louisiana-themed dinner and live entertainment from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18 at the Davis Street Fish Market (501 Davis St., Evanston) to help support underserved children and their families. Dinner tickets are $150. If you wish to only attend the cocktail reception and post-dinner entertainment, the cost is $50 per ticket.

Are you a fan of jazz and blues music? If so, then you are in for a real treat! Live entertainment will be provided by jazz/blues band Skinny Williams & Friends. To make the evening even more exciting, guests will have the opportunity to win two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines!

For more information, call Susan Abbott at (773) 693-0300. Don’t miss out on your chance to help support ChildServ and an opportunity to fly high in the sky! Register for ‘A Big Easy Benefit’ here.

About ChildServ
ChildServ is a child and family services organization, providing community-based programs to the Illinois counties of Cook, Lake and DuPage. Underserved children and their families are able to utilize these programs that include counseling, group therapy, life skills education, citizenship classes, social activities and recreation. ChildServ also provides children’s group homes in Lisle, Naperville and Downers Grove.

ChildServ represents more than just a warm bed, but also a commitment to the community. For more information, to make a donation or to volunteer, visit www.childserv.org, call (773) 693-0300 or e-mail info@childserv.org.

Free Release Tuesdays at Kurman
This is part of Kurman Communications’ Free Release Tuesday 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 out 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.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Winemaker of C.G. DiArie Vineyard & Winery visits Bella Bacinos La Grange Nov. 9


Join Bella Bacinos for a wine event with Chaim Gur-Arieh, fascinating winemaker and proprietor of C.G. DiArie Vineyard & Winery, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 9, at Bella Bacinos in Downtown La Grange, Ill. (36 S. La Grange Rd.) The cost includes wine, light fare and artisanal cheeses. The event continues Bella Bacinos’ “up close and personal” Seminar Series that in the past has included wine luminaries Paul Hobbs, John Duval of Penfolds Grange fame and Pinot Noir Maestro Ken Wright, among others. Cost to attend is $39 pp (excludes tax and gratuity); seating is limited and reservations are required. Make reservations for this event by e-mailing bacinos@comcast.net or calling wine director Dan Bacin at (708) 420-9600.

Turkish-born Gur-Arieh followed his lifelong dream and founded C.G. DiArie Vineyard & Winery in 1998 with his wife, Elisheva, in the Shenandoah Valley Appellation in the Sierra Foothills. This area is home to the oldest grape vines in America. The winery produces an array of red wines, including varieties of Zinfandel and Syrah, along with Barbera and Petite Sirah. The winery also creates whites and rosé, including Rosé DiArie, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho and Roussanne.

“I like to make wines that are elegant and have good balance,” Gur-Arieh says. “My style of wine has forward fruit that carries to the mid-palate and a long, sustained finish. I use the oak to enhance the varietal identity of the wine, rather than mask it.”

Also an inventor with a background in food product development, Gur-Arieh developed his innovative “Dual Compartment Submerged Cap Fermentation Tank,” a process of submerging the cap during the entire fermentation process, creating highly extracted concentrated wines with robust fruits, soft tannins, elegance, balance and complexity. The wines serve as a perfect match to Bella Bacinos’ homemade Italian cuisine.

Bella Bacinos serves authentic Napoletana wood fired pizza, homemade ravioli and other Italian specialties in the restaurant’s dining room and outdoor patio. Bella Bacinos uses only 100% real Wisconsin cheese in its pizza. Bella Bacinos’ award-winning wine list includes more than 600 wines from around the world, including more than 20 served by the glass. The restaurant is located at 36 S. La Grange Rd., Downtown La Grange, Ill. and is open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, and is closed Monday for private events. For private events, please call restaurant manager Hande Dokur at (708) 352-8882. For more information, visit www.bacinos.com. Follow them on Twitter and find them on Facebook.

Lobsters return to Restaurant Michael Tonight! (Friday, November 5)

Live lobsters returns to Restaurant Michael ( 64 Green Bay Rd. in Winnetka, Ill., 847-441-3100) tonight (Friday, Nov. 5). Beautiful 1.25 pound lobsters butter poached to perfection and lightly bathed in a Cognac-scented lobster bisque and served over creamy polenta  -- a lovely dish to enjoy for $29.

Remember to indicate your preference when making a reservation as there are only 30 lobsters available! For reservations, go to OpenTable.com

Don’t forget, we have the very talented duo of jazz vocalist Petra van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown playing jazz standards from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. tonight (and every Friday night). (www.petrasings.com)

Restaurant Michael is located at 64 Green Bay Rd. in Winnetka, Ill. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 4:30 p.m. -9 p.m. Learn more about Restaurant Michael and chef Michael Lachowicz at http://www.restaurantmichael.com/. Tweet Michael at @RestoMichael , and "like" the restaurant on Facebook.

Monday, November 1, 2010

A Silver Lining Foundation's Dr. Sandy Goldberg moderates Many Faces of Breast Cancer event


A Silver Lining Foundation founder and breast cancer survivor Dr. Sandy Goldberg, Ph.D. moderates the upcoming Many Faces of Breast Cancer event, "Living with Advanced Breast Cancer" 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16 at the Wyndham Chicago (633 N. St. Clair St., Chicago).

"Living with Advanced Breast Cancer," is an educational event focused on the unique needs and issues faced by women living with advanced breast cancer. Hear from leading medical professionals and inspirational women living with advanced disease, and learn about local resources and support. Leading medical professionals provide insight into the clinical and emotional impact of advanced breast cancer, information about the latest research, and more.

Joining Dr. Sandy, who also serves as NBC Chicago's Health and Nutrition Contributer, are Virginia Kaklamani, M.D., D.Sc., Director of Translational Breast Cancer Research and Co-Director of the Cancer Genetics Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University; and Ruta Rao, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Rush University Medical Center.

The event is sponsored by Gilda's Club Chicago, in association with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force, Breast Cancer Network of Strength, Sisters Network, Inc., and Succeed.

Registration for the event begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission, parking and refreshments are complimentary.

To RSVP, call (877) 267-2316 or e-mail ManyFacesChicago@zenogroupevents.com.

For more information on A Silver Lining Foundation, visit http://www.asilverliningfoundation.org/.