Spend The Holiday Season With Restaurant Michael

Four-Course Lobster Menu at Restaurant Michael, Dec. 10
A four-course Lobster menu for $59 per person (plus tax and gratuity) will be featured Friday, Dec. 10 at Restaurant Michael. The menu will consist of a lobster appetizer, lobster salad, lobster entrée and dessert. Restaurant Michael will be open during regular dining hours and will feature weekly jazz duo, vocalist Petra Van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown. Reservations are required (847-441-3100).

A Candlelight Dinner at Restaurant Michael, Dec. 17
Enjoy A Candlelight Dinner on Friday, Dec. 17 at Restaurant Michael. Guests will be overtaken by a soft glow as Chef Michael Lachowicz goes from table to table carving Whole-roasted Tenderloin of Beef paired with truffle potato croquettes and classic Béarnaise sauce. Restaurant Michael will be open during regular dining hours during A Candlelight Dinner and feature live jazz duo, vocalist Petra Van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown. Reservations are required (847-441-3100).

Christmas Eve at Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael hosts a Christmas Eve Three-Course Prix Fixe Menu Friday, Dec. 24 featuring the “greatest hits” of Restaurant Michael. Guests will choose from several options for each course for $49 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and half price for half portions for children under 10. This magical evening will feature live jazz duo, vocalist Petra Van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown. Reservations will be taken from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. every 15 minutes.

New Year’s Eve at Restaurant Michael
Celebrate the New Year with Restaurant Michael’s Prix Fixe Menu Friday, Dec. 31. Reservations can be made from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 15 minute intervals. Different options will be available for guests who wish to celebrate before or after 8 p.m. All guests prior to 8 p.m. will enjoy a Four-Course Prix Fixe Menu including a plated hors d’oeuvre, hot appetizer, entrée and dessert with a glass of Tattinger Prestige Blanc Brut Champagne for $72 per person (plus tax and gratuity). All guests after 8 pm. will enjoy from a Five-Course Prix Fixe Menu to include a lobster course between the appetizer and entrée course, and party favors at midnight for $88 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Live music will be featured by jazz duo, vocalist Petra Van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown beginning at 7 p.m. until midnight.

New Year’s Day at Restaurant Michael
Celebrate the first day of the year 2011 at Restaurant Michael! Restaurant Michael favorites will be on hand Saturday, Jan. 1 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy the Prix Fixe Menu including three courses for $49 per person (plus tax and gratuity).

About Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Ill.) serves classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French country flair. 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. Call for seasonal hours. Complimentary parking is available. Major cards accepted. Be sure to “Like” Restaurant Michael on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RestaurantMichael and follow Michael on Twitter at @RestoMichael. Visit www.restaurantmichael.com for more information.

Christmas at Karma

Head to Karma in Mundelein for your holiday gathering, and try the special Christmas dishes Dec. 24 and 25, offered during the restaurant’s regular hours. The appetizer special is Black Dragon Soup, shrimp shu mai with shiitake mushrooms, chives and roasted red peppers ($7). Enjoy the salad special, a Fresh Crab and Avocado Salad with curry vinaigrette ($11). Entrée features include Hoisin and Plum Glazed Rack of Lamb, crispy asparagus and an edamame cake ($28); Emperor’s Meal, wok seared scallops, shrimp, salmon and striped bass, presented with Forbidden rice and rainbow straw vegetables ($26); or Wok Seared Chili Crusted Tilapia over gingered purple potatoes and baby vegetables ($22). The regular menu is also available.

Celebrate the New Year with Karma’s special three-course menu, offered 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Dec; 31. For starters, enjoy Carrot Ginger Dressed Field Greens, followed by an intermezzo of Tangerine Sorbet. For the price of one of the following entrees, enjoy all three courses: Grilled Marinated Lamb Chops, purple plum chutney, anise sweet potatoes and wilted Swiss chard ($36); 24 oz. Porterhouse, Thai basil wasabi mashed potatoes, wok tossed Brussels sprouts and Shanghai sauce ($40); Fried Whole Fish with chilies and garlic, with sweet potato straws, over steamed baby bok choy, shiitake mushrooms and Napa cabbage ($32); or Five Spice Chicken, Jasmine rice, baby vegetables and crispy onions ($28). Karma’s regular menu is also available.

To make a reservation, call (847) 970-6900 or visit http://www.karmachicago.com/. Follow Karma on Twitter: @KarmaMundelein.

Photo: Getty Images

Celebrate the Holidays at Glen Prairie

Christmas at Glen Prairie
Celebrate Christmas at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250), which offers a special three-course prix fixe Christmas menu in addition to the restaurant’s regular menu, noon until 9 p.m. Dec. 24 and 25. The menu features Roasted Winter Squash and Chestnut Soup, Iowa Farmed Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus, baked potato and roasted carrots, and classic Red Velvet Cake. The Christmas meal is $30 for adults, and $14 for children 12 and under. Reservations are recommended.

New Year’s Eve
Ring in 2010 at Glen Prairie and enjoy the special New Year’s Eve menu 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Dec. 31. The three-course prix fixe meal is $36 and reservations are recommended.

Enjoy the appetizer, Baby Greens Salad, blood orange supremes, toasted hazelnuts, Mindoro bleu cheese and Champagne vinaigrette, Surf and Turf, seared sea scallops, braised Iowa farmed short ribs, confit fingerling potatoes, sautéed wild mushrooms and baby carrots, served with a glass of Champagne, and Chocolate and Hazelnut Cake, with chocolate ganache. The regular menu is also available.

Add an overnight stay at the adjacent Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn-Lombard for a New Years Eve getaway for $69.00 plus tax. Call (630) 629-6000 to make a reservation. Follow Glen Prairie on Twitter: @GlenPrairie.

Photo: Getty Images

Deck the Halls at Dine

Deck the halls this Christmas at the West Loop's neighborhood spot Dine (733 W. Madison; 312-602-2100). Dine's Christmas dinner is a special $46 three-course prix fixe menu offered 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Dec. 25. Start with a Roasted Butternut Bisque with brioche crostini. Then choose between Arugula and Roasted Beets with pecorino Romano, hearts of palm and lemon vinaigrette, or Wild Mushroom and Watercress, puff shell and Malbec reduction vinaigrette. Enjoy the main dish of Herb Roasted Turkey, corn bread stuffing, sage pan sauce and choice of whipped potatoes or ginger sweet potatoes, or Pan Seared New York Strip, Cherve sorrel potato croquettes and raspberry demi. Enjoy Bread Pudding and banana brulee for dessert.

Spend New Year’s Eve at Dine with a four-course prix fixe menu for $56 offered 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Dec. 31. Start with either Caprese Salad, fresh mozzarella, balsamic reduction and basil oil, or Mixed Greens and Roasted Pears, with orange supremes and mustard tarragon vinaigrette. The appetizer is Fennel and Lamb Lollipops, with julienne apples, celery root and Malbec vinaigrette. Entrees choices include Pan Seared Scallops and Short Ribs with roasted poblano noodles, chanterelle mushrooms and fingerling potatoes, or Filet Mignon with mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and veal demi. Dessert is Crème Caramel, served with fresh mixed berries.

To make a reservation, call (312) 602-2100 or visit http://www.dinerestaurant.com/. Follow Dine on Twitter: @dinerestaurant.

Photo: Getty Images

Birch River Grill for the Holidays

Home for the holidays? Try Birch River Grill (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights; 847-427-4242) for the holidays. Celebrate Christmas Day with a family-friendly feast at the American restaurant, noon until 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 25, and enjoy a three-course menu for just $29.95 per person. Start with Yukon Gold Potato and Charred Leek Chowder with peppered bacon garnish. For the main course, enjoy 12 oz. Roast Prime Rib of Beef, horseradish cream, golden potato rosti and lemon broccoli crown. Dessert is a sweet treat with Triple Chocolate Mousse, milk chocolate, white chocolate and dark chocolate, with mango and cherry drizzle.

Younger family members can enjoy the Kid’s Menu, a three-course meal of Tricolor Tortilla Chips with cheese sauce dip; Sliced Turkey Breast with mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans; and One Scoop Ice Cream Sundae. The kids menu is $12.95 for children ages 5-12, and complimentary for children under five.

Ring in 2010 at Birch River Grill, which features a special three-course menu for the celebration, offered from noon until 10 p.m. Dec. 31 and just $38.95. Begin with the appetizer, Lobster Bisque, crème fraiche and cilantro oil. Indulge in the Surf & Turf entrée, Filet Mignon, horseradish butter, sweet potato crush and roasted walnut butter Brussels sprouts; and Jumbo Shrimp, roasted fennel ragout, blood orange cream and micro greens with citrus. For dessert, enjoy Triple Chocolate Mousse, a sinfully sweet mix of milk chocolate, white chocolate and dark chocolate, topped with a mango and cherry drizzle. Raise your glass to toast the New Year with a complimentary glass of Champagne with the meal.

To make a reservation, call (847) 427-4242 or visit http://www.birchrivergrill.com/.

Photo: Getty Images

There's no place like Restaurant Michael for the holidays

Celebrate Christmas Eve at Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael features holiday favorites with a Christmas Eve Four-Course Prix Fixe Dinner featuring “greatest hits” selections from past years’ menus. Guests have a choice of four dishes for each course plus Michael’s signature Gougeres cheese puffs to start the meal and ending on a sweet note with Michael’s handmade Grand Marnier Chocolate Truffles. The prix fixe Christmas Eve menu is $49 per person and children 10 and under are half-price with half size portions. The special menu runs 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24. Complimentary valet service is also available on Christmas Eve.

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

New Year’s Eve at Restaurant Michael
Ring in the New Year at Restaurant Michael with four and five course menus. Early seatings are every 30 minutes between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 when guests enjoy a luxurious Four-Course Menu complete with an appetizer, fish, entrée and dessert course. Early seatings are $69 per guest and include a complimentary glass of Tattinger Champagne with dessert.

Later seatings are every 30 minutes after 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. and these guests enjoy a Five-Course Menu with an appetizer, fish, entrée and dessert course, plus a special truffle course. This five-course menu is $79 per guest and also includes a complimentary glass of Tattinger Champagne with dessert, plus party favors for the midnight celebration.

Dance 2009 away with Live Music at Restaurant Michael, featuring a two-piece band from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Complimentary valet service is also available.

Welcome 2010 New Year’s Day at Restaurant Michael
For the first time ever, celebrate New Year’s Day with Restaurant Michael, featuring a Three-Course Prix Fixe menu with a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert, plus a special course of Potato Truffle Soup to kick off the meal. Reservations are accepted beginning at 3 p.m. for an early dinner and continue every half hour until 7 p.m. The Jan. 1 menu is $49 per person. Children 10 and under are half-price with half size portions.

Having a Holiday at Home?
For guests choosing to celebrate the holidays at home, be sure to contact Restaurant Michael to prepare readymade items especially for those holiday gatherings without putting in the effort. Although guests may select any menu item, Chef Michael Lachowicz suggests the Whole, Brown Sugar Brined, Organic Ready-to-Roast Turkey ($3/lb.); Michael’s Fully Cooked, Prime Beef Short Ribs ($14/lb.); Ready-to-Roast Marinated Prime Chateaubriand of Beef Tenderloin with Sauce ($17/lb.); House Cured and Smoked Wild Alaskan King Salmon ($14/lb.); Country Style Pate or Duck Liver Mousse with garnishes ($9/lb.); Potato and Black Truffle Soup ($18/quart); Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash Soup ($12/quart); Creamy Mashed Potatoes ($3/serving); Restaurant Michael’s Siganture Gougeres, warm cheese puffs ($12/dozen); or Grand Marnier Valrhona Chocolate Truffles ($1.25/piece).

All orders can be made by contacting Michael Lachowicz directly at (847) 404-6916 or chefdeuxgros@gmail.com. All items are available the same day as ordered.

About Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael, located at 64 Green Bay Rd in Winnetka, Ill. 60093, serves classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French country flair. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday 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. The restaurant is open for lunch Fridays 11a.m. -2 p.m. Complimentary parking is available. All major cards are accepted. For more information or to make a reservation, call (847) 441-3100 or visit www.restaurantmichael.com.

Celebrate the Holidays at Winnetka's Restaurant Michael

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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