Fleming's "Bottle Wars" Old World vs. New World wine tasting, September 21

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar is taking reservations for its next “Bottle Wars” wine tasting series.  Friday, September 21, customers can take part in the friendly battle of “Old Word vs. New World”. Maybe Old World and New World aren't so different in a global world. Come and find out by tasting great wines from both.  Does experience count for everything?  It’s up to you to decide.

 

"Bottle Wars" is a series of four unique wine tastings held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Friday during Fleming's September “Month of Discover”. Each event will offer 8 to 10 well-matched wines, including appetizers for $25.  Fleming's professionally trained wine managers will guide guests through the tasting experience.

 

 

 

 

Old World vs. New World" — Friday, Sept. 21st
French and Italian estate wineries dating back hundreds of years and newer U.S. wineries will compete.

 Competing wines:

 

Nicolas Feuilatte Champagne (France)

vs.

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs (North Coast California)

 

II Borro Tuscany Lamelle Chardonnay (Italy)

vs.

Merryvale Starmont Chardonnay (Napa Valley)

 

Château Lasseugue Les Cadrans St. –Emilion (France)

vs.

Burgess Merlo (Napa Valley)

 

Château de Parenchère Bordeaux (France)

vs.

Greg Norman Limestone Coast Cabernet-Merlot Blend (Australia)

 

Reservations are required for “Bottle Wars” so please contact Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar at 25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-329-9463 or 960 Milwaukee Ave. Lincolnshire, IL 60069, 847-793-0333

Fleming’s New Bar la Carte Menu Items offer delicious wine and cocktail pairings

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, 312-329-9463 and Lincolnshire, 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, 847-793-0333) introduces its new Bar la Carte Menu featuring five generously portioned meals served exclusively at Fleming’s bar.  With the introduction of new the menu items, Fleming’s Director of Wine, Maeve Pesquera, has offered her recommendations for the perfect pairings with Fleming’s 100™ and other available cocktails.
The new Salt and Pepper Shrimp is served with crispy fried green beans, thin slices of lemon, and a caper-mustard dipping sauce. Pesquera recommends pairing it with a glass of Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs.  "Another great option would be pairing with a cold bottle of Stella or a Mad Margarita from Fleming’s Couture Cocktails menu."  A more hearty option from the menu would be the Prime Steakhouse Meatballs in a spicy peppercorn sauce with shitake mushrooms.  “For this wine pairing, I’m going a little unconventional,” says Pesquera. “Parducci True Grit Petite Sirah is a terrific red that is bold enough to complement and contrast with the mushroom and peppercorn spice perfectly.” Also great for pairing with this menu option would be a Sam Adams or Fleming’s classic Vintage Vodka Martini.

Fleming’s Original Prime Rib Melt is slow roasted prime rib stacked on a toasted parmesan baguette with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, whole-grain mustard, horseradish slaw, and au jus for dipping.  “It takes a big wine, a big beer or a strong cocktail to stand up to the depth and richness of this sandwich,” says Pesquera. She suggests pairing it with Pascual Toso Malbec.  “With solid fruit up front, rustic edges and stout structure, this wine cuts through and balances the rich marbling of the beef.”  Other options would be Guinness Stout or an Old-Fashioned from Fleming’s Retro Chic Cocktail menu.  Pesquera recommends a few wine pairings with the Filet Mignon Flatbread, which is topped with Danish Blue and Monterey jack cheeses, and red onion confit: the Langmeil Three Gardens from Australia and the Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel. “Both can handle the texture of the filet and balance the flavors of the red onion and blue cheese.” For a mixed drink option, she recommends pairing the classic Manhattan from the Fleming’s Retro Cocktail menu. 

“When in doubt, bring on the Riesling,” Pesquera says about her pairing choice for the Cedar-Roasted Mushroom & Artichoke Flatbread with Monterey jack cheese, roasted Christopher Ranch garlic, and roasted red peppers.  “I’ll recommend the Zillliken.  It’s fruity with the perfect acidity to balance these strong and bitter flavors.”  For beer pairings, she suggests trying Widmer Brother.  “It’s unfiltered, malted heartiness is a brilliant melding of flavors and textures.”  The new Housemade Burrata is served with charred cherry tomatoes, fresh wild arugula, and toasted garlic crostini.  For the final pairing, Pesquera offers up this option: “Try a glass of the Riff Pinot Grigio from Italy and for a cocktail pairing, we’ll stay with the Italian theme and go retro chic with the Venetian Fizz Aperiif.”

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Hosts Hadassah For Spring Fashion Show

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, Ill.; (847) 793-0333) is hosting the Nehara Group from Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, for their 2^nd Annual Spring Fashion Show at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 13.

The young women of Nehara Hadassah will model trendy casual and active wear fashions accessorized by jewelry from Sweet Magnolia.

Be sure to partake in a raffle for exquisite items—proceeds benefit stem cell research at Hadassah Hospital.

Tickets are $40. For more information, contact the Hadassah North Shore office at (847) 205-1900 or e-mail northshore@hadassah.org.

About Hadassah
Hadassah is a volunteer women's organization whose members are motivated and inspired to strengthen their partnership with Israel, ensure Jewish continuity, and realize their potential as a dynamic force in American society.

Hadassah enhances the quality of American and Jewish life through its education and Zionist youth programs, promotes health awareness, and provides personal enrichment and growth for its members. Hadassah North Shore is one of the largest Hadassah chapters in the nation, with 14 different groups all over the north shore and beyond. For more information, visit www.northshore.hadassah.org.




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 www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Presents Silver Oak Wine Dinner with Thomas Arvid

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 06011; 312-329-9463) will host a Silver Oak Wine Dinner with special guest, artist Thomas Arvid 6:30 p.m. February 10. Arvid will unveil three new paintings at the dinner, which features wines from Silver Oak Vineyards. Tom Johnson, from Silver Oak also will be at the event to speak about the wines.

All images ©2012 Thomas Arvid. All rights reserved.

The meal will begin with Fleming’s Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Caramelized Lemon and Cocktail Sauce paired with Twomey Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2010. This is followed by Poppyseed and Black Pepper Encrusted Ahi Tuna Skewers with Tomato Vinaigrette accompanied by Twomey Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2008. The third course will be a delicious Fleming’s Salad with Candied Walnuts, Dried Cranberries, Tomatoes, Onions, Croutons and a Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette. A Petite Filet au Poivre with Broccolini and Lemon Essence and Lobster Mashed Potatoes will follow. This is perfectly paired with Silver Oak Cabernet, Napa Valley, 2006. Dessert is a decadent Belgium Cheesecake with Raspberry Port Reduction and Chantilly Crème paired with Silver Oak Cabernet, Alexander Valley, 2007.

The Silver Oak Wine Dinner with Thomas Arvid is $150 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, for five courses and four wine pairings. Reservations for the Silver Oak Wine Dinner with Thomas Arvid at Fleming’s are required and may be made by calling 312-329-9463.

About Thomas Arvid

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar exclusively features Thomas Arvid’s work in all Fleming’s throughout the country. Fleming’s annual 46 Diamonds release label also features artwork by Thomas. He is releasing three new pieces at the Chicago event. All artwork will be available for sale at the event.

A self-taught artist, Thomas Arvid is famous for his wine paintings, which tell the story of enjoying the good life. Arvid was inspired to paint wine because of his connection to the color red. When people started buying his paintings before they were completed, he knew he had tapped into something unique. He is known for saying, “Life without art is like dinner without wine. Why bother?” His paintings are featured in over 50 galleries and collected internationally because of the way they translate the craftsmanship of wine. 

All images ©2012 Thomas Arvid. All rights reserved

About Silver Oak

Silver Oak has been producing high quality Cabernets for 40 years from their Napa Valley and Alexander Valley vineyards. Run by the Duncan family, Silver Oak strives to age their food-friendly Cabernets so they are drinkable upon release. The family is also involved with Twomey Cellars, founded in 1999, which specializes in Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Twomey follows the same philosophy as Silver Oak and strives to have their wines drinkable upon release. For more information about Silver Oak, visit http://www.silveroak.com.

Celebrate National Hamburger Day Today (and everyday)

The burger, America’s quintessential comfort food, can be enjoyed in an impossibly endless number of ways. So, we don’t find it unusual that some say December 21 is National Hamburger Day. Others say National Hamburger Day is July 28 and the burger also gets a whole month of celebration in May.

Regardless, hamburgers are a national past time enjoyed by everyone in the US and we’re lucky to have so many great venues to savor these juicy treats in Chicagoland.

Here are our picks for some of the area’s finest:



Prairie Grass Cafe's incredible sirloin burger

Chicago Magazine’s #1 Sirloin Burger ($15) at Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062; 847205-4433) is one of our favorites. This thick, juicy burger is made with delicious Tallgrass sirloin beef charbroiled with Amish blue cheese topping. This burger is served without a bun so you can focus all your attention on the incredible burger (though you can ask for one if you desire). There’s a reason it was named Chicago Magazine’s favorite burger in 2009. It’s simply incredible!

The delicious Chorizo Burger at Everest Burger

If you’re looking for variety and healthfulness with your burgers or you’re dining with someone with specific food needs, Everest Burger (91 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe, IL 60022; 847-242-0909) is the place for you. While they serve traditional hamburgers—made from all-natural prairie grass beef—they also offer a little something for everyone with burgers made of chicken, Portobello mushrooms, salmon, turkey, black beans or walnut. Everything at Everest Burger is hormone free, chemical free and steroid free. Everest Burger features homemade buns in several varieties including gluten-free buns for those with food allergies as well as traditional white and wheat. From the spicy delights of the Chorizo Burger (chorizo, tomato, ketchup and cilantro - $12.95) to the simplicity of their Base Camp Burger (lettuce, tomato, onions, blue cheese, avocado and kalamata olives - $9.25), there is an opportunity for everyone to find something they love at Everest Burger.

Fleming's amazing Prime Burger

Fleming’s PrimeSteakhouse and Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago IL 60611; 312-329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL 60069) offers a Prime Burger Bar, featuring 5 variations of excellence in burgers made with the highest quality ingredients. Their flavor combinations are unique and offer you the chance to try something new and delicious on a bun. Fleming’s Burger is $6 before 7 p.m. as part of their 5 for $6 till 7 menu and $12 after 7 p.m. These incredible burgers pair perfectly with wine from Fleming’s extensive wine offerings or one of their specialty cocktails.

If you’re looking for something smaller in the realm of burgers, we suggest the Mini Burgers ($9.25) from the Maxwell’s at the Club at the East Bank Club (500 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, IL 60610). These delicious burgers are made with the same prime beef and served with the same toppings as the normally sized burgers, but they offer you the option of sharing or eating something a little smaller. These small burgers are served three at a time with regular French fries or sweet potato fries.

Take time to celebrate National Hamburger Day today! Whichever option you choose, we think you’ll be glad you did.

Celebrate the Holidays with Kurman clients!

Feeling uninspired with your holiday plans this year? Let Kurman clients step in to deliver some holiday cheer! From visits with Santa to delectable and exciting New Year's Eve menus, everyone can find something to enjoy.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Fleming's Prime Ribeye Steak & King Crab,
one of their New Year's Eve Nights entrées

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago,IL 60611; 312-329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL 60069;847-793-0333) is hosting New Year’s Nights December 29, 30 and 31. In conjunction with their regular menu, Fleming’s is offering a special New Year’s Nights menu. Their New Year’s Nights Entrees are $69.95 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). This menu includes Filet Mignon & Prawns, Filet mignon on a bed of sautéed portobello mushrooms and smoky bacon, paired with crab-stuffed prawns and a lemon garlic butter sauce; Prime Ribeye Steak & King Crab, Broiled ribeye Oscar-style, topped with butter-poached king crab, grilled asparagus and champagne béarnaise sauce, served with a sweet potato quenelle; and Lobster & Lobster, Colossal North Atlantic lobster tail with drawn butter, served with lobster mac & cheese

Fleming's Sparkling Star cocktail

Fleming’s is also offering Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne (rated 91 pts. in Wine Spectator) by the glass ($20) and by the magnum ($200). Fleming’s champagne cocktail for the evening is the Sparkling Star, developed by wine director Maeve Pesquera. Maeve developed a sparkling wine cocktail that will tickle your nose and put a twinkle in your eye. Since she’s pouring a California sparkler, Chandon étoile Brut, and the word "étoile" is French for "star," she calls the cocktail, Sparkling Star. This cocktail is available for $10.95 a glass.

Francesca’s Restaurants

Santa Visits Francesca’s

Santa Claus is coming to Francesca’s. Francesca’s Tavola (208 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 847-394-3950) hosts a Santa Breakfast Saturday, December 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. There will be arts and crafts projects at the restaurant that morning and a coloring contest while Santa walks through and visits tables. Sunday, December 11th from 4-6 p.m., Santa will visit Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas St., Frankfort, IL 60423; 815-464-1890). Santa will sit on a big chair next to the tree and listen to your kids’ wish list. Then, enjoy a great holiday family meal at Francesca’s.  La Sorella di Francesca (18 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540; 630-961-2706) hosts Santa Sunday, December 18 from 5-7 p.m. Kids will have the opportunity to visit Santa during their dinner.

Francesca’s Fiore (7407 W. Madison St., Forest Park, IL 60130; 708-771-3063) features live Christmas carols by Jim Guter's Duo on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. through December 21. Their delightful holiday serenading is a great addition to your dinner!

Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas St., Frankfort, IL 60423; 815-464-1890) is participating in Frankfort’s Midnight Madness Friday, December, 16. Local downtown shops will be open late for holiday shopping. After you get something for everyone on your list, come into Francesca’s and enjoy a bottle of wine for 20% off. 

Toys for Tots

You can help children in your community have a great Christmas and on your next visit to Francesca’s this holiday season. Francesca’s Campagna (127 W. Main St. West Dundee, IL 60118; 847-844-7099) is spreading good will this holiday season by participating in Toys for Tots. Donate a new toy December 5 through 24 and get a $10 gift certificate redeemable during the month of January 2012. Francesca’s at the Promenade (641 E. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300) is also participating in Toys for Tots this season. When you bring a new, unwrapped toy to the restaurant, the restaurant will give you a free appetizer.

All Francesca’s restaurants locations and Davanti Enoteca (1359 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607; 312-226-5550) will be open on New Year’s Eve.

Guanajuato

Guanajuato (73 Green Bay Road, Glencoe, IL 60022; 847-205-4433) is offering a family-friendly a la carte menu on New Year’s Eve and is open until midnight. They are also featuring a prickly pear margarita for the holiday.

Prairie Fire/Prairie Grass Cafe

Both Prairie Fire Restaurant (215 N. Clinton, Chicago, IL 60661; 312-382-8300) and Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062) will both be open on New Year’s Eve with their a la carte menu. Kids are welcome.. New Year's Eve hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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.

Sip into Summer with Fleming's New 5-6-7 Bar Menu and "Skinnier Cocktails"

Early summer evenings are perfect for sharing a drink with friends. It’s not too cool and not too hot... and thanks to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, it’s not too expensive.  The nightly bar menu, “5 for $6 ’til 7,” offers a terrific selection of appetizers, premium cocktails and distinctive wines by the glass for just $6 each. They’re available at the bar every night from open to close*.

To sweeten the deal, Fleming’s has updated the 5-6-7 menu for summer with a new 99-calorie cocktail and a pair of flavorful new wines. For beer enthusiasts, Amstel Light is now available at a very special price — two bottles for $6*. (And just 99 calories per bottle!) So why work late when you can celebrate early at Fleming’s?

* Prices in effect from open to close in Illinois. Selling two or more drinks for the price of one is prohibited in Illinois, so the beer selection will be offered at $3 each.

5 COCKTAILS
VINTAGE VODKA MARTINI, Smirnoff Vodka
POMTINI, Grey Goose Vodka
CLEAR COSMO, Smirnoff Vodka
TROPICAL MARTINI, Malibu Coconut Rum
NEW MOJITA BONITA, Stoli Vanil Vodka, Pineapple - 99 Calories

5 WINES BY THE GLASS
NEW RIESLING, Dr. L, Germany
CHARDONNAY, Canyon Road, California
PINOT NOIR, Mark West, California
SHIRAZ, Morse Code, Australia
NEW CABERNET, 14 Hands, Washington

5 APPETIZERS
TENDERLOIN CARPACCIO
SWEET CHILE CALAMARI
ROASTED MUSHROOM RAVIOLI
SEARED AHI TUNA
WICKED CAJUN BARBECUE SHRIMP
FLEMING’S PRIME BURGER, Cheese & Bacon

Each selection $6.
Served nightly until close

NEW AMSTEL LIGHT, 2 for $6* - 99 calories

*Selling two or more drinks for the price of one is prohibited in Illinois, so the beer selection will be offered at $3 each.

Fleming's Prime Burger (high-resolution)

Mojita Bonita (high-resolution)

Mojita Bonita

Prepared By Maeve Pesquera, Director of Wine
Serves 1

Ingredients1 oz.  Stoli Vanil vodka
1 oz.  Pineapple juice
1 oz.  Monin sugar‐free vanilla syrup
1 oz.  Fresh lime juice
10  Fresh mint leaves
2 oz.  Club soda
Ice cubes

DirectionsPlace mint leaves and lime juice in glass. Use a muddler to bruise the mint leaves and release the mint oils. (Don’t over crush.) Place Stoli Vanil, pineapple juice, sugar‐free vanilla syrup and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake thoroughly. Pour into the glass with mint leaves and top with club soda. Garnish with mint sprig.

New Sexy Sailor 99-calorie "Skinnier Cocktail"

Starting July 1, Fleming’s is offering the second guilt-free cocktail in a series of three 99-calorie “Skinnier Cocktails”.

Fleming’s new Sexy Sailor is a refreshing 99-calorie cocktail that has all the best elements of an Arnold Palmer—the refreshing quality of iced tea with a hint of sweetness and that great citrus taste of fresh lemon.

Sexy Sailor (high-resolution)

Maeve Pesquera, Fleming’s new Director of Wine, started her creation with a recent discovery, Sailor Jerry Rum. With this delicious rum as her base, she added a classic black pekoe iced tea, a bit of Monin sugar-free syrup, fresh lemon juice and a touch of soda. The Sexy Sailor is skinny cocktail heaven on a hot summer night—and it’s under 100 calories!

Sexy Sailor

Prepared By Maeve Pesquera, Director of Wine
Serves 1

Ingredients
1 oz Sailor Jerry Rum
2 oz black iced tea, unsweetened
1 oz Monin sugar-free syrup
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz soda water

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh lemon wheel.

Fleming’s is giving away an exceptional array of prizes for the Skinny Sippin’ Summer Sweepstakes. Each month brings a new chance to win, and the summer will conclude with a drawing for a memorable Caribbean vacation with Sandals Resorts!

Click here for Official Sweepstakes Rules.

June Prize: A $500 Nordstrom Gift Card to spend on a summer wardrobe

July Prize: A $500 Williams-Sonoma Gift Certificate to make you master of the grill

August Prize: A $500 Spa Finders Gift Certificate to pamper you from head to toe

Each monthly prize winner will also receive a $500 Fleming’s Gift Certificate

Grand Prize: A $5,000 Gift Voucher valid at Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean and roundtrip coach airfare for two from the U.S. to your Caribbean destination

Fleming’s is located at 25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, Ill.; (312) 329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, Ill.; (847) 793-0333. Visit www.flemingsteakhouse.com for more information.

Fleming’s Skinny Sippin’ Summer

Summer is here and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar plans on celebrating it in style, from the first splash of sunscreen to the last dollop of barbecue sauce. To keep things flowing all summer long, Fleming’s is offering guilt-free cocktails in honor of (gulp!) swimsuit season.

The new Mojita Bonita—created by Maeve Pesquera, Fleming’s new Director of Wine and master cocktail-maker—is the first of three 99-calorie “Skinnier Cocktails” introduced on the first day of each month, all summer long.

 “Since we’re heading into bikini season, it had to be under 100 calories. So to begin, I replaced the rum with Stoli Vanil vodka. It has such a great silky essence. To kick up the fruit flavor, I added a little pineapple juice along with fresh lime juice. Of course, the fresh mint gives it such a refreshing quality,” says Pesquera.

The Mojito is a cocktail that evokes hot days and warm balmy evenings. Inspired by Pesquera’s memories of hot summer nights in her native Texas, she’s created a magnificent Mojito with only 99 calories. The idea was to take a classic cocktail and put a low-cal, contemporary spin on it. The Mojita Bonita is smooth and fruity, but also elegant and refined.

“For a couple of weeks, my kitchen looked like a cocktail laboratory with nightly Mojito tastings. It was perfect. A delightful, new taste twist on the classic mojito. I call it my Mojita Bonita because at 99 calories, it’s a beautiful thing.”

Fleming’s is located at 25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, Ill.; (312) 329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, Ill.; (847) 793-0333. Visit www.flemingsteakhouse.com for more information.

♣ The Luck of O’Kurman—St. Patrick’s Day Delights Worth More Than a Pot of Gold

Everyone will be Irish come March 17. Here at Kurman Communications, we are honored to share our clients’ St. Patrick’s Day plans. Celebrate this year at one of these fabulous restaurants, a reason to feel lucky!

BISTRO ONE WEST
1 W. Illinois St., St. Charles, Ill.; (630) 444-0600

Consider Bistro One West (1 W. Illinois St., St. Charles, Ill; (630) 444-0600) the ideal location to enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day meal while enjoying a breath-taking view of the beautiful Fox River.

Bistro One West is specially preparing Wagyu Corned Beef in-house for the occasion— available March 12-19 both as a sandwich for $6 and an entrée for $16.

The Wagyu Corned Beef Sandwich is served with their signature parsnip chips, making for a superb St. Paddy’s Day meal.

Enjoy the Wagyu Corned Beef Entrée—served with cabbage and sautéed carrots, a delicious Irish meal sure to make its indulgers feel lucky.

About Bistro One West
Bistro One West is a contemporary fresh American Restaurant located at 1 W. Illinois St. in St. Charles, Ill. The restaurant is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The dining room bar is open from 11 a.m. to close. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, contact Bistro One West at (630) 444-0600 or visit http://www.bistro1west.com/. Follow Bistro One West on Twitter at @Bistro1West, and “Like” them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BistroOneWest.

CHICAGO FRENCH MARKET
131 N. Clinton St., Chicago, Ill.; (312) 575-0306

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (Thursday, March 17) this year at the Chicago French Market, offering an array of festive items provided by select vendors.

City Fresh Market, a European-styled grocery destination offering west-loop commuters and shoppers healthy, quality items, is taking pre-orders for locally-made Bea’s Best corned beef brisket. Get your corned beef brisket this year, 13-15 pounds for $5.49-$5.99 per pound, from ‘the definitive west-loop neighborhood market’.

Stop by Delightful Pastries for traditional, tasty handmade Irish scones, $2.50 each, and savory potato pie, $4 per slice. The bakery specializes in authentic European pastries, using local, natural and sustainably grown ingredients.

Warm up at Lavazza Espression, offering Mint Èspessone TM.  This delicious drink is made with Italian chocolate heated to a rich, thick delicious flavor, and topped with a fresh mint-flavored light mousse. Available from March 1- March 31, a small is $2.95 and large $3.75 (plus tax and gratuity).

Did you know that Ireland is famous for its cheese? Choose from three distinct cheeses at Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, a European-inspired, authentic neighborhood cheese shop.

Coolea, $29.99 per pound— an Irish aged Gouda-style cheese made in County Cork. The complex flavors of this cheese hint at butterscotch and honey with a slightly nutty and savory note.

Ardrahan, $26.99 per pound—a washed rind cheese from County Cork. The aroma of this cheese belies subtle flavors; savory and smokey with a slight cocoa note.

Cashel Blue, $24.99 per pound—made in County Tipperary, this cheese is rich and creamy with slightly peppery pockets from the blue, a great blue for those who are intimidated by blue cheese.
Stop by Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine Thursday, March 17 between 4:30 p.m. and 6p.m. to enjoy a no-cost beer tasting.

Produce Express will be offering a bundle package including one pound of creamy white potatoes, one bag of carrots (approximately one pound), one head of green cabbage (approximately two pounds) and one large Spanish onion—all for $5 (tax included). 

Make your way to Provo’s Bakery, offering something sweet to satisfy the sweet-tooth. Featured sugar shamrock cookies are $1 each. Festive green and white butter cookies are available for $5 per half-pound, $10 per pound and $16 per 1.5 pound.

During the month of March, Sweet Miss Giving’s is offering two limited edition, Irish-infused items—the Emerald Isle Cupcake and Shamrock Shortbread Cookie.

Made fresh daily, baked goods at Sweet Miss Giving’s are all-natural and preservative free. Stop by to pick up one dozen Emerald Isle Cupcakes for $36 or a half-dozen for $18. Also available are Mini Emerald Isle Cupcakes—one dozen for $12.

Don’t forget to indulge your Irish side (even if just for the day) with Shamrock cookies—$2 each. 

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). Chicago French Market offers complimentary garage parking with entrances at 164 N. Canal St. and 165 N. Clinton St. for one hour or less with a minimum purchase of $20 or more (receipt required).

Please note that from January 2011 through May 2011, if traveling westbound on Randolph Street, the Randolph Street bridge is closed due to the Wacker Drive Reconstruction Project. The minor detour will reroute drivers to head north on Franklin Avenue, then west on Lake Street, to turn south on Clinton Street to access the garage. For more information, visit http://www.chicagofrenchmarket.com/. Follow Chicago French Market on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChicagoFrenchMarket and on Twitter at @ChiFrenchMarket.

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR
25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, Ill.; (312) 329-9463
960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, Ill.; (847) 793-0333

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago; (312) 329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, Ill.; (847) 793-0333) is offering Draught Guinness on the “5 for $6 ’til 7” bar menu for the special price of $6 for two bottles. It‘s the perfect way to raise an Irish toast with a friend.

Draught Guinness is produced in Dublin using the same ingredients as the keg version and it‘s best enjoyed straight from the bottle. Every time you tilt it to drink, a special mixture of nitrogen is released into the stout, delivering the authentic Guinness experience with every sip.

Did you know that lamb adds to a variety of traditional Irish cuisine? Try your Draught Guinness with New Zealand Lamb Chops—three double thick chops broiled and served with madeira sauce.

You can also enjoy Irish Coffee any evening at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Made with Irish Whisky, the delightful toddy with floating cream on top can be made at home— preheat a coffee cup or glass goblet with very hot water; pour out. Place two sugar cubes in the bottom of the goblet. Pour about 4 ounces of hot coffee over the sugar cubes; stir. Add 2 ounces of Jameson or Bushmills Irish Whisky; stir. Float a half-inch layer of whipped cream on top. Please call Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar for pricing (Lincolnshire, Ill.—(847) 793-0333 and Chicago—(312) 329-9463).

About Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
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 that features 100 wines served by the glass. Fleming’s is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Wine Spectator magazine’s annual Awards of Excellence, and Wine Enthusiast’s annual Awards of Distinction.

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.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar Named Winner of 2010 Breakthrough Award

Innovative Interactive Wine Dinner Takes Signature Wine Program To a New Level

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar was recently recognized by Hospitality Technology magazine and presented with its 2010 Breakthrough Award. The restaurant was recognized for its innovation in workforce management with its use of TANDBERG videoconference technology to create the Fleming’s Video Network. Jennifer Capler, Vice President of Training & Development, and Craig Sheppard, National IT Training Coordinator, were on hand to accept the award in San Diego, California.

Craig Sheppard (Left) and Jennifer Capler (Middle) of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar were recently presented with Hospitality Technology magazine's 2010 Breakthrough Award in San Diego, Calif.

Through the use of this technology Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse has been successful in reducing the cost of traveling for its restaurant operators and executives. Additionally, TANDBERG is available to restaurant guests seeking an effective communications tool that allows them to interact with people in other parts of the country, whether it’s for business purposes or a special social occasion. All restaurants have a private dining room that is equipped with TANDBERG’s capability to communicate with all 64 Fleming’s locations and also any other video conferencing system in the world.  The network has been designed to utilize the industry standard protocols which allow calls from non-Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse locations as well.  Known for its ease of use and reliability, TANDBERG also has the capability to play PowerPoint presentations, DVDs and slide shows on a large LCD screen. 

According to Capler, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse recently hosted an Interactive Wine Dinner for wine enthusiasts across the country using the video network at each of its 64 locations.  This unique event provided guests with the opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner and signature wines from the award-winning Caymus Vineyards while listening to the owner and winemaker, Chuck Wagner, converse with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Director of Wine Marian Jansen op de Haar and Executive Chef Russell Skall.  Through the live video feed from Northern California they collectively responded to guests’ questions from across the country.

“We were thrilled to provide to our guests cutting-edge technology to enhance the overall Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar experience,” said Capler.  “These technological advances have opened new doors, allowing our wine lovers to directly connect with key winemakers and enthusiasts.”

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.

About TANDBERG/Cisco

Recognized as a leading global provider of telepresence and high-definition videoconferencing solutions for unified communications, the TANDBERG video conferencing system is the preferred system by Fortune 100 companies for its state-of-the-art features, functionality and reliability.