Go to the corner of Monroe & Clark at 11 a.m. today. Close your eyes and chant: lobster rolls, lobster rolls, lobster rolls. #FindDaLobsta

What: 

DaLobsta's Long Awaited Food Truck is on the roll for the first time this morning.
Ancient mystics believed that to conjure a thing into existence, all you needed to do was to say its name. Hundreds of people are expected to show up at the corners of Monroe and Clark streets today, close their eyes and chant: Lobster Rolls, Lobster Rolls, Lobster Rolls.(according to UrbanDaddy.)

Their wish is our command. J Wolf, owner of Da Lobsta, will deliver. Fans old and new will enjoy Chicago's newest food truck serving authentic New England-style Lobster Rolls. The DaLobsta Truck is the only truck selling lobster in various incarnations including its popular Traditional Lobster Roll and other creative rolls like the Mexican with avocado, Chihuahua cheese and of course lobster. A Lobster and Kale salad is also available.

When: 11 a.m. at the corner of Monroe and Clark Street

Who:    Owner entrepreneur J Wolf
Video:       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSxbPq_MiZc
Join the conversation:  #FindDaLobsta @FindDaLobsta http://www.facebook.com/finddalobsta

* Traditional Da Lobsta Roll - Lobster, Tarragon Mayo, Garlic Butter on toasted New England style bun.Shrimp or Blue Crab can be substituted for those who don't want lobster.

photo credit: Cindy Kurman

 

Da Lobsta's Food Truck Rolls Today - #FindDaLobsta @FindDaLobsta 

http://www.facebook.com/finddalobsta

Da Lobsta Traditional Lobster Roll

Da Lobsta Lobster and Kale Salad

Things are Getting Especially Cheesy at Delightful Pastries on July 30 National Cheesecake Day

Share 

Delightful Pastries is ready to set the record straight that Chicago does everything better than New York with their New York Style Cheesecake. Take a slice out of the Windy City and see Delightful Pastries' masterful New York Strawberry Cheesecake on July 30. This rich cheesecake is made with cream cheese, sour cream and Nielsen Massey bourbon vanilla, topped with fresh and homemade strawberry toppings. This summery dish is available by the slice ($3-5.25).

Find this cheesecake treat in addition to numerous other desserts at any of Delightful Pastries locations: Old Town at 1710 N. Wells St., (312) 255-0724; Jefferson Park at 5927 W. Lawrence, (773) 545-7215, and Chicago French Market at 131 N. Clinton, (312) 234-9644. Visit www.delightfulpastries.com for more information.

There's No Need to go to France with Bistrot Zinc Just Around the Corner

share   Dreaming of a trip to France? Look no further than Bistrot Zinc, 1131 N. State St. in Chicago (telephone: 312-337-1131). Bistrot Zinc is the perfect spot for a French summer escape. Step inside and immediately be transported to your favorite Parisian bistrot. Located in the heart of Chicago's bustling Gold Coast neighborhood, Bistrot Zinc's open French doors and colorful Parisian décor will be sure to help you unwind while you delight in the classic and contemporary French dishes faithfully prepared by Chef Tim Kirker.   Celebrating its 16th anniversary this year, Bistrot Zinc endures as one of Chicago's most popular neighborhood restaurants because it remains fresh and contemporary while staying authentically true to French tradition. Bistrot Zinc gets its name from typical French bistrots where the "zinc" bar is a popular meeting place for good food, conversation and camaraderie. Gracious hospitality and unpretentious, exceptional service are the hallmark of this friendly bistrot that boasts a large community of regular customers. The traditional bistrot ambiance of tile floors, tin ceilings, and the beautifully handcrafted zinc bar offers French authenticity as guests step into its lively Parisian atmosphere. While Bistrot Zinc's success can be attributed to many things, one of the most important is that each month Chef Kirker offers a new special seasonal menu featuring contemporary French preparations. July's seasonal specials include appetizers such as Grilled radicchio with fig and walnut vinaigrette ($8.95); Watermelon with French feta and basil ($8.95); Brochette of lamb tenderloin with spring onions and pistou ($13.95); Sautéed soft-shelled crab with roasted corn salad and red pepper coulis ($14.95); Traditional steak tartare ($12.95) and Baby beets with Banyuls vinaigrette and shaved fennel ($8.95). Special entrées include Grilled salmon with gingered red lentils and spinach ($23.95); Bouillabaisse with rouille croutons ($26.95); Pork Milanese with heirloom tomato salad ($22.95), and Pan-seared duck breast with tarragon-roasted peaches and basmati rice ($25.95).   In addition to the special seasonal menu, guests will always find a wide selection of classic dishes that are virtually synonymous with the term "French bistrot." Popular items include starters such as Escargots BZ or the classic Soupe à l'Oignon, French Onion Soup, and classic entrées such as Steak Frites and Vol-au-Vent, the stew du jour in puff pastry with crème fraîche mashed potatoes.   Bistrot Zinc serves lunch (brunch on weekends) and dinner seven days a week. Lunch is served Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday - Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner is served Monday - Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday - Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.   For more information, please visit the website at www.bistrotzinc.com or call 312-337-1131 for reservations.     Appetizers Grilled radicchio with fig and walnut vinaigrette 8.95 Watermelon with French feta and basil 8.95 Brochette of lamb tenderloin with spring onions and pistou 13.95 Sautéed soft-shelled crab with roasted corn salad and red pepper coulis 14.95 Traditional steak tartare 12.95 Baby beets with Banyuls vinaigrette and shaved fennel 8.95  Entrees Grilled salmon with gingered red lentils and spinach 23.95 Bouillabaisse with rouille croutons 26.95 Pork Milanese with heirloom tomato salad 22.95 Pan-seared duck breast with tarragon-roasted peaches and basmati rice 25.95  À Côté Side Dishes Grilled asparagus, balsamic syrup 5.50 Baby squash, grape tomato sauté 5.95 Sautéed spinach 4.95 Ratatouille 5.50 Pommes frites 4.95 Haricots verts 5.50

Saucy Junk Food at Delightful Pastries for National Junk Food Day, July 21

Share 

It seems odd to call the delicious and fresh food at Delightful Pastries junk, but if there's ever a day to  do so, it's National Junk Food Day.  To commemorate everyone's favorite food group, junk food, Delightful Pastries will be serving up a special of pork nuggets, usually featured in the Three Piggly Wigglys Sandwich ($10). 

This special pork nugget will be served alongside three freshly made sauces ($6). The original sauce options include a Japanese inspired sauce, made with teriyaki and mayo, Thai Cowboy sauce, made with buttermilk ranch and homemade sriracha and What the Puck sauce, a homemade barbecue sauce with ghost chili pepper and bourbon. 

When it comes to junk food, no matter what your weapon of choice, Delightful Pastries has got you covered, with sweet and savory treats.

Indulge your cravings at any of Delightful Pastries locations: Old Town at 1710 N. Wells St., (312) 255-0724 and Chicago French Market at 131 N. Clinton, (312) 234-9644. Visit www.delightfulpastries.com for more information.

Back to Basics with Delightful Pastries Breakfast Breads

Share 

 

Combat the gluten-free craze with these gluten-full and fantastic breakfast breads, made fresh at Delightful Pastries. Grab a slice of the apple cinnamon bread ($8-$8.50 per loaf), a perfect match of a spongy and sweet. Why not double your caffeine fix with a coffee and a loaf of coffee cake ($8.50-$9 per). The marble pound cake ($8-8.50), among endless other options, are sure to please. 

Check out all Delightful Pastries' breads and other morning pastries at any of the three Delightful Pastries locations: Old Town at 1710 N. Wells St., (312) 255-0724; Jefferson Park at 5927 W. Lawrence, (773) 545-7215, and Chicago French Market at 131 N. Clinton, (312) 234-9644. Visit www.delightfulpastries.com for more information.

Last Chance to Purchase Tickets for Tomorrow’s Green City Market Annual Chef BBQ Benefit

With perfect July weather in the forecast for tomorrow and a fantastic chef line up, the 14^th Annual Green City Market Chef BBQ Benefit is sure to be a spectacular evening you will not want to miss, so purchase your tickets now. The Green City Market Chef  BBQ Benefit begins 5:30 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday) in Lincoln Park; Tickets may be purchased online until 4 p.m at http://www.greencitymarket.org. Tickets are not available for sale at the door. The benefit showcases Chicago’s best culinary talent cooking food with fresh and local ingredients from the Green City Market. To complement the irresistible food served, locally made craft beer, wine, hand-crafted cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. Tickets are still available for purchase on the Green City Market website.  General admission tickets are $125 and can be purchased until 4 p.m. day of the event.

“The Chef BBQ is one of the most anticipated events of the summer and a great time to celebrate all of the amazing food and talent this city has to offer,” said Sarah Stegner, co-president of the Green  City Market board and chef/partner of Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook. “The Chef BBQ is very important to the operations of the market. It raises much needed money to support our operations. The market is funded by such donations and grants. We are thankful that it has grown to be one of Chicago’s most popular summer events. Our guests get to experience what truly ‘local farm to table’ is while helping to make it all possible.”

Some of the most anticipated additions to this year’s lineup include:

• Ina Pinkney; Barry Sorkin, Smoque; and Rob Levitt, Butcher and Larder are teaming up for the first time.
• New additions to the chef lineup this year include: Tremaine Atkinson Co-founder/Distille and JP Doiron, CH Distillery; Giuseppe Scurato, Ceres’ Table; Michael Sheerin, Cicchetti; Ken Carter, Gather; Nathan Sears, The Radler.

“The Green City Market BBQ is the not to be missed event of the year for almost every single person I know,” said Jason Hammel, chef and co-owner of Lula Café and Nightwood. “Sous chefs, pastry chefs, executive chefs, cooks, managers, artisans, farmers—so many who contribute to our great Chicago restaurant scene will be there. Look around that night and you'll see a community paying homage to the mission and vision of Abby Mandel, who saw so much potential in our city and the bounty of our local farms.”

See Below for a full list of some of Chicago’s top restaurants and breweries that will have a presence at the BBQ:

676 restaurant Atwood Cafe August Hill Winery/Illinois Sparkling Co. Bar Toma Bar&Kitchen	Gather Goose Island Beer Company GT Fish & Oyster Half Acre Beer Company Haymarket Pub & Brewery Henri	Quince at the homestead Red door Sable Kitchen & Bar Seasons Soda Seedling Sepia
Bell's Brewery	Hickory Creek Winery	Shaw's Chicago
Benny's Chop House	Honey Butter Fried Chicken &	SmallBar Division
Big Jones	Sunday Dinner Club	Smoque and Ina's
Big Star	Intelligentsia Coffee & Kilogram	sola
Bistronomic/LM  Restaurant	Tea	Sparrow Coffee Roastery
Group	KOVAL	Spiaggia/Cafe  Spiaggia
Butcher & Larder Cafe des Architectes	Lakeshore Beverage Laughing Bird	Table, Donkey and Stick Tekla, Inc
Capriole, Inc. & Tekla, Inc.	Limelight Catering	Terzo Piano
Ceres’ Table	Lula Cafe	The Bristol
CH Distillery	Metropolitan  Brewing	The Chopping Block
Chilam Balam, Shaman by	Midwest Wine Selections	The Dawson
Cicchetti	mk The Restaurant	The Gage
Convito Cafe & Market	New Holland Brewing Co.	The Goddess & Grocer
Cookies and Carnitas Crop To Cup / Asi Tea	Nico Osteria Nightwood	The Publican The Publican
Roastery	NoMI Kitchen	The Radler
deca restaurant	North Pond Restaurant	The Signature Room at the 95th
Eli's Cheesecake	North Shore Distillery	Three Floyds Brewpub
Farmhouse Tavern	One Off Hospitality Group	Trenchermen
Forbidden Root Brewery	Park Grill at Millennium Park	Two Brothers Brewing Company
Fox Valley Winery, Inc Fresh Coast Distributors,	Pecking Order Perennial Virant	Uncommon Ground Vera
Lehman's cider, Quincy St.	Piece Brewery	Virtue Cider
Distillery	Prairie Grass Cafe	Wood
Frontera Grill	prasino

About Green City Market

Green City Market is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization celebrating its 16th anniversary. The mission of Green City Market is to provide a marketplace for purchasing sustainably grown food and to educate, promote and connect farmers and local producers directly to chefs, restaurateurs and the greater Chicago community. Green City Market values education about quality food and its source. Green City Market is funded by individual donations, corporation sponsorships, grants and fundraising events

Windy City Adman is a perfect read for the "Mad Men" Enthusiast

Share:  Like "Mad Men?" How About the Chicago Version? A True Story about a Chicago Adman: Bill Maloney was the Don Draper of the Windy City Want to know how the Chicago version of "Mad Men" goes?  Here it is...and it’s a true story. Life in the fast lane of the ad game defines  Windy City ad man, Bill Maloney who worked for the top ad shops in the 1950’s and 60’s.  Former Chicago ad man, now a Honolulu TV and radio producer, Bill Maloney tells it like it was in the fast-paced exciting Chicago ad world.  In his book, "Windy City Adman: Celebrities, Studios, Speedways and Scoundrels," Bill lightheartedly recalls his 60 years of famous ad campaigns, encounters with the rich and famous, his own auto racing career and years as an executive TV and radio producer. Roaming the boardrooms and bar rooms in the Windy City, Bill made a name for himself at BBDO;  Foote, Cone & Belding; Clinton E. Frank as an advertising executive  handling prestigious accounts like Reynolds Aluminum, Curtiss Candy, Ft. Howard Paper, Dodge and Pontiac. ..And he tells some interesting and funny stories. The early days of live TV add to the merriment of the book as he dealt with a few near-disasters including a show down with prima donna figure skater Sonja Henie among others. After Chicago, his ad career later took him to New York, Detroit (where he handled major auto manufacturers’ accounts), Los Angeles and now Honolulu. All along the way, Bill recalls (with humor) his many amusing career experiences and the famous characters he met along the way. From the Windy City to the Great White Way to Sunset Boulevard to Paradise, Bill’s life has never known a dull moment in the ad, auto racing and TV world. A World War II vet, Bill was born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois. After journalism school at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, he toiled in the Chicago ad game for major agencies while embarked on a career through the auto and show business industries that had him breaking bread (and vino) with Jonathan Winters, Pat McCormick, Art Linkletter, Jay Leno, Mario Andretti, Dick Clark, Arte Johnson, and Jackie Cooper, auto industry movers and shakers and famous race car drivers. A career of firsts includes his creation of the first ever automotive TV show in the U.S., "Motorsports International" on WCIU, Chicago which was nominated for an Emmy in its first year.  In an advertising career that has spanned six decades, he keeps on like there’s no tomorrow. Bill’s latest adventure is the creation of a weekly automotive radio show, "Ohana Road, Radio" which began in 2013 on NBC radio in Honolulu. He is executive producer, co-host and chief promoter. *Bill handled publicity for the captured WWII German submarine U505 when it was brought to Chicago in June 1954. He was on the deck as it sailed down the Chicago River before it was moved to the Museum of Science and Industry. * Bill "invented" tailgating at Northwestern (yes, "invented") *Jonathan Winters created such a stir when Bill brought him to a Northwestern football game that most of the fans were paying more attention to him than the game *50’s and 60’s watering holes for the mad men were Chez Paul and Henrici’s (in the Merchandise Mart) among others *At U of I, several of his side businesses were "encouraged" to shut down by the Mob  "Windy City Adman: Celebrities, Studios, Speedways and Scoundrels" is available in soft cover or eBook on Amazon. Go here. Visit the Windy City Adman website for more information.

Delightful Pastries is Coming to You at Many of Chicago's Farmers Markets

Share 

     

Pastry lovers will be right at home visiting Delightful Pastries at the many farmers markets in which they participate. Having lived throughout Europe, co-owner and chef Dobra Bielenski is familiar with and inspired by the outdoor market scene. Despite growing success with three Delightful Pastries locations, Bielenski remains loyal to Chicago farmers markets. For 15 years, Delightful Pastries has appeared at countless outdoors markets, bringing the magic of Delightful Pastries to the streets of Chicago.     

Come see for yourself the magic in Delightful Pastries outdoor markets at the Argyle Night Market, Lincoln Square Market, Daley Plaza Market, Division Street Market and Independence Park Market. 

Bastille Day means Bon Appetit at Bistrot Zinc July 14

Share  Marie Antoinette, in full costume, will pass out complimentary cake to guests Bistrot Zinc (1131 N. State St., Chicago; 312-337-1131) will express its French pride on Monday, July 14, as this popular French bistrot celebrates Bastille Day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 which is considered the start of the French Revolution. Bastille Day is always an important day at Bistrot Zinc, and the restaurant will be serving a special Bastille Day prix fixe menu in addition to the regular menu. The menu will be available from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is priced at $32.95 per person. On Bastille Day we recall the legend of French Queen Marie Antoinette: When she was told that the French people were angry because they had no bread to eat, she said haughtily, "Then let them eat cake." Whether the story is true or not, it is a fact that Marie Antoinette didn’t care to deal with serious matters and was more or less oblivious to France’s financial crisis. The French people became disenchanted with her, leading to the storming of the Bastille and ending the French monarchy. Bistrot Zinc can’t pass up a good opportunity to express its authenticity, so the restaurant has arranged for Marie Antoinette to be on hand on Bastille Day to pass out cake to all the guests. Bistrot Zinc’s Bastille Day menu begins with a selection of tantalizing appetizers, including Pâté Traditionnel, duck liver pâté served with red wine mustard and crouton; Baby Beets, served with Banylus vinaigrette and shaved fennel; and Sautéed Calamari with shaved radish and citrus vinaigrette. The dinner continues with excellent entrée choices including Grilled Salmon with gingered red lentils;Coq Au Vin on buttered egg noodles; Pork Milanese with heirloom tomato salad; and Vegetable Chickpea Tagine, a Moroccan-inspired dish served with toasted almonds and couscous. The meal will conclude on a sweet note with a choice of Stone Fruit Parfait, Chocolate Mousse and Almond-Butter Cake served with macerated berries. Bistrot Zinc’s authentic and delicious regular menu features popular items such as Escargots BZ to start or the classic Soupe à l’Oignon, French Onion Soup. Tried and true entrées include Steak Frites, a bistrot steak served with butter and pommes frites and Vol-au-Vent, the stew du jour in puff pastry with crème fraîche mashed potatoes. Bistrot Zinc is the perfect spot for a French summer escape for lunch or dinner, located in the heart of Chicago’s bustling Gold Coast neighborhood.  Bistrot Zinc’s open French doors and colorful country French décor will be sure to help you unwind while you delight in the classic and contemporary French dishes faithfully prepared by Chef Tim Kirker. About Bistrot Zinc Bistrot Zinc, celebrating its 16th anniversary this fall, is an authentic French Bistrot (1131 N. State St, Chicago, IL, 60610; 312-337-1131), serving classic and contemporary French food. The name is derived from typical French bistrots where the "zinc" bar is a popular meeting place for good food, conversation and camaraderie. In this lovely French bistrot, moderately-priced classic and contemporary French food is served amid the traditional bistrot ambiance of tile floors, tin ceilings, and the beautifully handcrafted zinc bar. An atmosphere of French authenticity prevails throughout as you step into this lively Parisian atmosphere. Lunch is served Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner is served Monday – Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, please visit the website at www.bistrotzinc.com.