Moveable Feasts at Francesca's Restaurants Starting Tonight

Francesca’s Restaurants are hosting Moveable Feasts throughout February. The term Moveable Feast is used to describe an elaborate meal capable of being moved, often accompanied by a ceremony or entertainment. Francesca’s Moveable Feast is an interactive dining experience and wine tasting.  Guests will receive three food and wine pairings. The Moveable Feast is $30 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

Times and dates for Moveable Feasts in February are:

February 3, 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. - Francesca’s Forno (1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622; 773-770-0184

February 9, 7 p.m.  – Francesca’s Bryn Mawr (1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660; 773-506-9261)

February 21, 7 p.m.  – Francesca’s by the River (200 S. Second St., St. Charles, IL 60174; 630-587-8221)

February 24, 7 p.m.  – Francesca’s at the Promenade (641 E. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300)

The Feast starts out with Gamberi con Salsa Romesco, grilled prawns with romesco and citrus paired with Caymus Conundrum. Following this is Fileto di Maiale con Fagioli, grilled pork tenderloin with gigantic beans and sweet roasted tomato. This is paired with Belle Glos Meomi Pinot Noir. The celebration ends with Pesce con Cipolline e Finocchio, caramelized cipollini onion, roasted fennel, forest mushrooms and halibut with Belle Glos Clarke & Telephone. The Moveable Feast at Francesca's Forno will also feature the artwork of local artist Gregory A. Page.

Kurman Clients November Wine & Beer Dinners Round-Up

Kurman clients are presenting a variety of exciting Wine and Beer Dinners this November! Whether you prefer a delicious Cabernet, local craft beers, or the opportunity to taste wines from some the best American vineyards, there is an event available for every palate in November.

“Cabernet is King” Wine Dinners

November 9, 6:30 p.m. - La Sorella di Francesca (18 W. Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540; 630-961-2706)

November 11, 7:30 p.m. - Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. Lagrange Rd., Palos Park, IL, 60464; 708-671-1600) 

November 15, 7 p.m. - Francesca’s Famiglia (100 E. Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027)

November 16, 7 p.m. - Francesca’s By the River (200 South 2nd Street, St. Charles, IL, 60174; 630-587-8221)

The five-course meal will be expertly prepared by Francesca’s chefs and is paired exquisitely with six select wines. The dinner is $65 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The “Cabernet is King” Dinner begins with Crostini with Smoked Salmon, crème fresh, Arugula and Apricots, paired with a refreshing 2010 Hall Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley. This is followed by Braised Pork Cheeks Ragout over creamy white Polenta, which complements 2008 Stags Leap Hands of Time, Stags Leap AVA. The third course is Handmade Veal Ravioli with roasted shiitake mushrooms, veal au jus and parmigiano reggiano. This is paired with 2008 Antinori Antica, Atlas Peak AVA. The fourth course features Cast Iron Black Angus Rib Eye with Porcini flavor and roasted fall vegetables in a Cabernet reduction, which is a delicious pair for both 2007 Minor, Stagecoach Vineyard and 2008 Chappelett Signature, Oakville, Pritchard Hill. Dessert will be an Assortment of Chocolate Truffles, pairing perfectly with a 2008 Viader “Dare,” Napa Valley.

Lisa Mango, Francesca’s Sommelier, will be in attendance at Francesca’s Vicinato November 11 to speak about the wine selection and how they pair with Francesca’s menu.

MacMurray Ranch Wine Dinner

November 11, 6:30 p.m. – Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, Ill.; 312/329-9463)

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Chicago is hosting a wine dinner featuring wines from MacMurray Ranch with Kate MacMurray, vineyard owner, 6:30 p.m., Friday, November 11. MacMurray will share her passion for winemaking and the tradition of excellence her family’s vineyard is known for among Fleming’s diners.

Fleming’s Chicago chef partner Jerl Griffin has worked with MacMurray to create the perfect food and wine pairings for this meal. The first course features Shrimp Skewers and Fennel with an Orange & Avocado Salad, accompanied by MacMurray Ranch’s Silverado “Miller Ranch” Sauvignon Blanc, Yountville, Napa, 2009. This is followed by a chilled Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup finished with White Truffle Oil and the Silverado Estate Chardonnay, Napa County, 2009. The main course is Roasted Châteaubriand with Black Truffle Butter, Mashed Green Market Potatoes and Madeira Sauce,that is exquisitely paired with Silverado Estate Merlot, Napa Valley, 2006, from MacMurray Ranch. Dessert is a delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake with Candied Walnuts and Chantilly Cream, served with Silverado Estate Cabernet, Napa Valley, 2007.

The dinner is $99, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations for the MacMurray Ranch Wine Dinner at Fleming’s are required and may be made by calling (312) 329-9463.

Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner

November 11, 7 p.m. – Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL; (847) 793-0333)

Fleming’s PrimeSteakhouse & Wine Bar in Lincolnshire is hosting a Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner with A.J. Freeman from Duckhorn Vineyards, 7 p.m., Friday, November 11. The fine selection of Napa Valley wines pair elegantly with Fleming’s food selections.

Fleming’s chef partner Roger Abuan and Freeman have worked together to showcase the best of food and wine for the dinner. The adventure starts with Seared Scallops with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette over micro greens paired with Migration by Duckhorn’s Chardonnay Russian River Valley, 2009. This is followed by a Tuna Carpaccio with crispy capers, red onions and baby greens drizzled with Dijon vinaigrette with Migration by Duckhorn’s Pinot Noir Anderson Valley, 2008. The third course is Ginger Glazed Duck Breast with sweet potato stuffed herb crepe served with Duckhorn’s Merlot Napa Valley, 2008. The final course is a six ounce New York Strip with a shallot, red wine and port reduction, topped with truffle butter and accompanied by roasted seasonal vegetables with a Cabernet Napa Valley, 2009, followed by a dessert of assorted truffles and coffee. 

The all-inclusive dinner is $100 and includes paired wines with four delicious courses and dessert. Reservations for the Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner at Fleming’s are required and may be made by calling (847) 793-0333.

Gauthier and Bouchaine Vineyards Wine Dinner 

November 17, 6:30 p.m. - Francesca’s Bryn Mawr (1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL, 60660; 773-506-9261)

Francesca’s Bryn Mawr is hosting a Wine Dinner featuring Greg Gauthier of Gauthier Cellars and Bouchaine Vineyards. The five-course meal features some of Gauthier’s favorite wines paired with classics from the Francesca’s menu. The dinner is $55 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Gauthier will be on-site discussing the wines paired with the menu and speaking about his wineries. Reservations are required.

The meal will begin with Crostini with Smoked Salmon, crème fresh, Arugula and Apricots, paired with Sauvignon Blanc. This will be followed by Braised Pork Cheeks Ragout over white creamy Polenta with an exquisite Chardonnay. The third course will feature Handmade Veal-Filled Ravioli with roasted shiitake mushrooms, veal jus and parmesan. This makes an excellent pair for one of Gauthier’s favorite Pinot Noir blends. The fourth course will feature Cast Iron Black Angus Rib Eye with Porcini flavor and roasted fall vegetables in a Cabernet reduction with a different Pinot Noir blend. Dessert will feature an Assortment of Chocolate Truffles with Bouchon D'or.

Goose Island Beer Dinner

November 17, 6:30 p.m. - Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. Lagrange Rd., Palos Park, IL, 60464; 708-671-1600)

Francesca’s Vicinato will also host the Goose Island Beer Dinner, featuring some of Goose Island’s best beers. The five-course dinner is $45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The Vicinato Goose Island Beer Dinner begins with Assorted Crostini’s, paired with Goose Island’s 312, followed by a salad of Boston Bib Lettuce with Raspberry Vinaigrette, crumbled gorgonzola and caramelized walnuts. The salad is paired with Fleur, a rose-colored Belgian style pale ale. The third course is Francesca’s Homemade Butternut Squash Cappellacci with fresh sage and brown butter veal au jus, topped with shaved parmesan, which is superbly paired with Goose Island’s Christmas Ale, a special-edition brown ale that differs slightly each year. The fourth course will feature Goose Island’s Harvest Ale with Braised Veal Shank with natural au jus over saffron risotto and fall vegetables. Dessert is Triple Chocolate Cake, which makes the perfect partner for Bourbon Country Coffee Cake Ale, made with local Intelligentsia coffee.

 

Francesca’s on 95^th Wine Dinner

November 17, 7 p.m. - Francesca’s on 95^th (6248 W. 95th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453; 708-598-7007)

Francesca’s on 95^th will present a wine dinner with an assortment of delicious wines and selections from Francesca’s menu. Tickets are $40 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required for this five-course meal. The meal will start with Crostini with Smoked Salmon, crème fresh, arugula and apricots paired with NV La Marca Prosecco. This is followed by Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with roasted asparagus and citrus buerre blanc and a 2010 Michele Chiarlo Gavi. The third course will be Handmade Veal-Filled Ravioli with roasted shiitake mushrooms, veal au jus and parmigiano, which is a great partner for a 2009 Vicchiomaggio “San Jacopo” Chianti Classico. Veal Stew with mushrooms and cipollini onions, served on a creamy polenta is the fourth course. It will be served with 2008 Tor Calvano Vino Nobile. This is followed by a dessert of an Assortment of Chocolate Truffles with a 2009 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon.

Palm Bay Wine Dinner

November 17, 7 p.m. - Francesca’s Amici (174 N. York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126; 630-279-7970)

Francesca’s Amici will present a wine dinner featuring Palm Bay Wines. Tickets are $58 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The meal begins with Baby Spinach tossed in orange vinaigrette with teardrop tomatoes, fennel, grapefruit and lobster paired with Palm Bay’s 2010 Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio, Trentino. This is followed by an Assortment of Meats, Cheeses and Fresh Seasonal Fruit, which is the perfect pairing for 2010 Planet La Segreta Bianco, Sicily. The third course will be Homemade Pumpkin and Ricotta-Filled Pasta with crispy pancetta, savoy cabbage and fresh tomatoes in a brown butter-sage sauce topped with shaved parmesan cheese. The 2008 Fonterutoli Chianti Classico, Tuscany is an excellent complement to the pasta. The fourth course will be Veal Shank braised with carrots, celery and onion served with saffron risotto paired with 2007 Col D’Orcia Rosso di Montelcino, Tuscany. Dessert will feature Chocolate-Espresso Semi-Frozen Mousse with Ferrari Brut Rose, Trentino.

Dalmatian Coast Wine Dinner 

November 22, 7 p.m., Francesca’s Fiore (7407 W. Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130; 708-771-3063)

Francesca’s Fiore will host a Dalmatian Coast Wine Dinner celebrating the wines of Croatia. This dinner will be $65 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The Dalmatian Coast Wine Dinner will start with Poached Wild Salmon finished in a Dill Cream Sauce paired with Matosevic “Alba” Malvazia, Croatia 2009. The second course will be Polenta Crusted Sea Scallops in lemon balsamic buerre blanc, which is a great pair for St. Hills “Nevina” Chardonnay/Malvazia, Croatia 2009. This is followed by Pork Ragout served over homemade pappardelle with Shaved parmigiano paired with Bibich “R6” Riserva, Croatia 2008. The fourth course will be Braised Petite Lamb Shank in Plavac reduction sauce, which is a delightful companion for Korta Katarina, Plavac (Zinfandel), Croatia 2006. Dessert will be Molten Lava Cake with fresh berries and raspberry sauce with Milat, Porto-Zin, Napa 2007.

Wine Dinner at Prairie Grass Cafe with Fritz Underground Winery Oct. 13

Clay Fritz is the mild-mannered son of the founder of Fritz Underground Winery, but his passion for all things Sonoma shows every time we meet up.

"Fritz is unlike any place you've ever visited. A visionary wonder built ahead of its time by namesake Jay Arthur Fritz [Clay's father] in the late 1970's, this monumental Gaudi style masterpiece represents a viticultural passion for sustainability, quality, and tradition."

- Sonoma County Vintners.

"[Prairie Grass chefs] Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris - formerly from The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago - bring a whole lot of restaurant experience to the table, and it shows. The contemporaryAmerican menu skews toward comfort food, blended with a sense of adventure." - Gayot 

"Two-time James Beard award-winning chef and co-owner, Sarah Stegner, turns out inventive, high-quality food. Chef Stegner supports Green City Market and local sustainable farms. She selects the freshest seasonal ingredients to create homemade products. At Prairie Grass Café, the concept is to use fine dining cooking techniques to produce approachable, casual food. Quality ingredients are front-and-center for Chef Stegner." - Online review.

Don't miss this fabulous dinner, Thursday, October 13, 6:30 p.m.  at Prairie Grass Cafe. 

Appetizers:

Family-style appetizers: Crab cakes, baked feta, Vegetables served with Fritz Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Salad:

Mixed Greens – Seasonal Vegetables served with Fritz Chardonnay 2009                           

Main Course:

Crispy Half Boneless Chicken or Ancho-Marinated Skit Steak or Parmesan-encrusted Tilapia served with your choice of Fritz Pinot Noir 2009, Fritz Zinfandel 2007 or Fritz Cabernet 2007

Dessert:

Double Chocolate Cake served with Fritz Late Harvest Zinfandel 2009

$80 per person, tax and tip included, with a special menu. Six wines, four courses. Call Schaefer's at 847-677-9463 to reserve seating. The restaurant's address is 601 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook. Visit http://www.prairiegrasscafe.com/ for more information.

Fleming's Lincolnshire Presents Wine Tasting Under the Stars

Join Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, Ill., 847-793-0333) for Wine Tasting Under the Stars featuring Stags’ Leap Winery 6:30 p.m. Saturday, August 27. The event will pair hor d’oeuvres with four extraordinary Stags’ Leap wines. Tickets are $59 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).

The evening’s grazing menu starts off with Crispy Prosciutto Cups topped with tomato, basil and fresh mozzarella; Shrimp Scampi Skewer served with avocado, orange, red onion and fennel with a chimichurri dipping sauce and Crab Salad with a citrus aioli served in an endive leaf with Stags’ Leap Viognier, Napa Valley 2010.

Next, Ahi Tuna Skewers poppy seed and peppercorn crusted paired with tomato vinaigrette and wasabi aioli; Champagne Poached Lobster Rangoon served with a lobster butter sauce paired with Stags’ Leap Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2009. Followed by Lamb Chops, marinated in balsamic and herb oil served with crispy polenta fries and pistachio mint pesto with housemade F17 sauce and Smoked Duck Crostini with tomato jam layered with thin sliced smoked duck topped with crispy pancetta and bitter greens with a plum honey vinaigrette paired with Stag’s Leap Petite Syrah, Napa Valley 2007.

Followed by Grilled Wild Mushrooms served on crispy polenta topped with a balsamic glaze; Sliced Filet Skewers served over shiitake and parmesan risotto quenelles drizzled with porcini mushrooms sauce and Sriracha chili oil paired with Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2007. The evening will end with the dessert course featuring Mini Lava Cakes and Mini Crème Brûlée.

Founded in 1893, Stags’ Leap Winery has a long tradition of growing superior grapes in the Napa Valley. Located in the Stags’ Leap District, founding Chase family named their country estate after the Stags Leap Palisades which is the background of the winery and also contributes to the winery’s fertile soil. Wine maker, Christophe Paubert relies on the fruit itself and the conditions of each and every harvest in creating delicious and full-bodied wines.

For more information, visit www.flemingssteakhouse.com.

Release of 2007 Silver Oak Alexander Available Only at Fleming’s Beginning August 6

From time to time, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago; 312-329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, Ill.; 847-793-0333) likes to offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a bottle of special wine at a great price through the Fleming’s Icon Wine program. Starting August 6, Fleming's will have the exclusive release for the 2007 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, coinciding with the winery release. Fleming’s will be the only restaurant to offer this wine and will have exclusivity on it for approximately one week.

The 2007 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a profound, fruit-driven wine from a great California vintage. It has a dark ruby color with a purple edge and an inviting nose of ripe black plum, blackberry, baking spices and soy sauce. On the palate, the wine is rich and full, reminiscent of the flavors of a berry cobbler. It has a long, fruity finish with fine grained tannins, and is a testament to exquisite ripeness at moderate alcohol. With proper cellaring, this wine should give drinking pleasure through 2031.

Fleming’s will offer guests the 2007 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for $100 per bottle from August 6 until September 30—or until inventory runs out (normally retails for $150 - $175).

The 2007 Silver Oak Alexander image
is also available in high-resolution.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Presents Silverado Wine Dinner

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago; (312) 329-9463) is hosting Silverado Vineyards at a wine dinner 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 29—showcasing five exceptional wines with winemaker and spokesperson Jon Emmerich.

The dinner starts with a reception course consisting of Chicken Saltimbocca, Ahi Tuna on wontons and Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Spears paired with Silverado “Miller Ranch” Sauvignon Blanc, Yountville, Napa, 2009. The first course is Scallops with Meyer lemon honey glaze paired with Silverado Estate Chardonnay, Napa County, 2009. The second course is Heirloom Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella with basil, EVOO and aged balsamic vinegar paired with Silverado Estate Merlot, Napa Valley, 2006. The main course is a Petit Filet Mignon, chimichuri and F17 sauces with roasted Yukon potatoes and Green City Market vegetables paired with Silverado “Solo” Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, 2007. The dinner concludes with Chocolate Crème Brulee with Green City Market fresh berries paired with Silverado Estate Cabernet, Napa Valley, 2007.
The dinner is $99 per guest (excluding tax and gratuity) and includes Silverado wine selections paired with the special five-course meal created by Fleming’s Chef Jerl Griffin. Reservations for the Silverado Wine Dinner with Jon Emmerich at Fleming’s are required and may be made by calling (312) 329-9463. Please note that space is limited.
About Jon Emmerich
Jon Emmerich, raised in Redwood City—a suburb south of San Francisco, has grown Silverado Vineyard’s reputation for quality and consistency. He attend college at UC Davis, where he enrolled in the Fermentation Science program—introducing him to the world of California wine. Emmerich’s passion led him and his roommate to use their dorm room as a place to make wine. He later took an internship in France where he learned more about traditional wine making craft.
Emmerich received a BS in Fermentation Science from UC Davis and started working a harvest at Stags Leap Wine Cellars. He went on to work at Conn Creek Winery and Sebastiani and in 1990 joined Silverado Vineyards.

Emmerich wears many hats at Silverado Vineyards, from managing winemaking to meeting consumers on the road. He is also currently on the Board of The Trellis Alliance, an advisory committee to the UC Davis Viticulture and Enology Department. In the past, Emmerich has held presidential positions of the Napa Valley Wine Tech Group and the Winemaking Techniques Committee of the California Enological Research Association.

About Silverado Vineyards
Silverado Vineyards was established in 1981 by the Miller family. Diane and Ron Miller purchased the estate in the 1970s, selling their grapes to Napa’s best vintners who made award-winning wine. They eventually started making their own wines, offering the best they could produce for a fair price—this idea has remained their guiding philosophy since.

About Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
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, Calif. 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 Spectator’s annual Awards of Excellence, and Wine Enthusiast’s annual Awards of Distinction.

For more information about Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, please visit http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/.