Patio season is here… dine al-fresco at Francesca’s

Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas St., Frankfort, IL 60423, 815-464-1890)

Join Francesca’s Fortunato and the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, May 18^th for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiling of their new sidewalk café in the heart of downtown Frankfort.  Enjoy specials on Italian-style sangria throughout the event and visit all summer long for superb al-fresco dining and a front row seat to the hustle and bustle of all the happenings of downtown Frankfort.  The sidewalk café seats 25, additional patio seating for 50 available.

Francesca’s Passaggio (3124 S. Route 59, Naperville, IL 60564, 630-946-0600)

The patio at Francesca’s Passaggio in Naperville is quickly becoming a destination for live music enthusiasts in the Western suburbs.  Beautifully appointed with lush greenery, seating for 68 and a table-top fire feature like nothing you’ve ever seen, guests can kick-back and enjoy performances every Friday and Saturday evening over a great Italian meal.  If live music isn’t your thing, join us Sunday-Thursday for al-fresco dining and catch an evening ball game on one of their 2 flat-screen patio TV’s.  The word is spreading quickly about this hidden gem, so join us soon!

Francesca’s Forno (1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622; 773-770-0184)

A full wall of sliding windows opens up, bringing the fresh air and hubbub of Wicker Park into this urban mecca. The six-point corner location is one of Chicago’s best sites for people watching.

Check out other Francesca’s locations that will be offering al-fresco dining -  Francesca’s Fiore (7407 W Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130; 708-771-3063); La Sorella di Francesca (18 W Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540; 630-961-2706); Francesca’s at the Promenade (641 E Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300); Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. LaGrange Road, Palos Park, IL 60465; 708-671-1600); Davanti Enoteca (1359 W Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607; 312-226-5550)

Lagunitas Brewery Beer Dinner at Francesca’s Passagio – It’s “Doggone Good Beer”

April 12, 7:00 p.m. – Francesca’s Passaggio (3124 South Route 59, Naperville, IL 60564; 630-946-0600)

Whether your beer of choice is a pilsner or pale ale, Lagunitas Brewery is sure to make you a believer in their brews. Enjoy 5 beer selections expertly paired with Francesca’s food. Tickets are $45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The beer dinner begins with Carpaccio di Cernia con Finnocchietto Selvatico e Pompelmo, grouper “Crudo” with shaved fennel, grapefruit sea salt, extra virgin olive oil. Lagunitas crispy wheat and pale malt A Little Sumpin’, makes the perfect companion. This is followed by Gambetta di Pollo al Rosmarino, citrus marinated chicken thighs pan seared in rosemary and chiles oil, paired with IPA, India Pale Ale. The third course features Agnolotti con Funghetti, homemade pasta filled with Prosciutto, caramelized onion in a mushroom sauce and Parmigiano. It is a perfect pair for Wilco Imperial, brown Ale. Next is Pesce Bianco Delicato con Faglioni, roasted Lake Superior Whitefish, French Beans, lemon-butter sauce, paired with New Dogtown, Super premium Pale Ale. The meal finishes Mousse di Cioccolato, chocolate Pot au Cream, and is paired with The Censored, rich Copper Ale.

Francesca's Passaggio supports Windy City Warriors

You can support your community simply by eating at Francesca’s. When you dine at any Francesca’s restaurant during their Eat and Earn promotion, a portion of your bill is donated to a charitable organization in the community. 

Wednesday, March 14, Francesca’s Passaggio (3124 South Route 59, Naperville, IL 60564; 630-946-0600) is hosting an Eat and Earn program to benefit Windy City Warriors, the premier adapted sports group in DuPage County. The Warriors wheelchair basketball team and junior wheelchair softball teams are some of the best in the country. When diners mention Windy City Warriors while dining at Francesca’s Passaggio, 20% of their bill will be donated to the organization to offset travel and tournament costs. For more information on the Windy City Warriors, visit www.wdrsa.org.

Charities interested in learning more about Francesca’s Restaurants Eat and Earn restaurant should contact the manager of their local Francesca’s.

Naperville Francesca's restaurants announce new specials

Two Naperville Francesca's restaurants, La Sorella diFrancesca (18 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540; 630-961-2706) and Francesca’s Passaggio (3124 South Route 59, Naperville, IL 60564; 630-946-0600) are introducing new daily specials for March. 

At La Sorella di Francesca, every Monday is time for the Monday Night Supper Club, which offers a three-course prix fixe menu for $23.99 per person. Tuesdays, diners will receive 25% off any bottle of wine that is not featured by the glass, and Wednesdays, select beers are $4. House martinis are $5 on Thursdays, and on Fridays, appetizers are half price at the bar from 4 to 6 p.m.

At Francesca’s Passaggio, Monday meals are 25% off for diners in the restaurant industry. Every Tuesday features a $24.99 prix fixe dinner and $10 off bottles of wine. All bottles of wine are half off on Wednesday, and martinis are $5 on Thursdays.  The restaurant also offers half-off appetizers every Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the bar area only.  Their popular Kids Eat Free program runs every Sunday.

Jermann Wine Dinner slated at two Francesca's

Mia Francesca and Francesca's Passaggio are hosting Jermann Winery with a four-course dinner paired with Italian wines from Jermann.

January 24, 7 p.m.  – Mia Francesca (3311 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657; 773-281-3310)
January 25, 7 p.m.  – Francesca’s Passaggio (3124 S. Route 59, Naperville, IL 60564; 630-946-0600)

Damon Lawson of Epsom Imports will be in attendance to speak about the wines during the evening. Tickets are $65 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The evening begins with Rilletts di Salmone, salmon rillet crostini with celery, pink grapefruit and mint, paired with a delicious Canella Prosecco di Conegliano. The second course is Scallop Escabecio with honey crisp apple, celery and tarragon partnered with Jermann’s Pinot Grigio. This is followed by Prosciutto di Parma with pickled acorn squash, pear, arugula, hazelnuts and saba. Jermann’s Sauvignon Blanc makes a delightful companion for this course. The fourth course features Black Pepper Papardelle with Forrest mushrooms, cipollini onion and taleggio cream. This is with Jermann’s delightful Red Angel "by the moonlight." The meal finishes with Pancetta Wrapped Loin of Berkshire Pork with white beans, ham hocks, braised petite turnips and greens. This is paired with the Jermann "Blau Blau" as a perfect ending to the meal.

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.

Hall of Famer and former Chicago Cub Andre Dawson draws crowds at Bass Pro Shops Bolingbook

WFN: World Fishing Network, that nation’s only 24-hour fishing lifestyle TV channel, celebrated the launch of its Web site dedicated to finding Chicago’s Best Angler, www.wfnchicago.com, with the help of former Chicago Cub and avid fisherman—and soon to be Hall of Fame inductee—Andre Dawson last night with an autograph signing event at Bass Pro Shops (709 Janes Ave., Bolingbrook; 630-296-2700). More than 200 Chicago area fans and anglers attended the event, where Dawson autographed official WFN photos.

Dawson, an avid fisherman who played six years with the Cubs and won the NL MVP with the club in 1987, will pick the lucky angler for the contest, who will win the “fishing trip of a lifetime” with Dawson to a fishing hole to be determined. The winner and Dawson will have their fishing adventure covered by a WFN crew, and it will air on the network, giving the lucky winner a rare chance to appear on national television. The grand prize also includes $1,000 in cash and WFN merchandise.

Anglers and fans who visited the store during the event met their baseball hero, received a special autographed Dawson photo, and had the opportunity to sign up for the contest, which runs through April 15. Attendees also used laptops at the store to send e-mails to area cable providers Comcast and DirecTV to demand WFN.

Chicago and area fans are encouraged to go to www.wfnchicago.com to enter for their chance to win. To bolster their chances of winning, entrants are encouraged to make sure their friends and family “rate” their entry on the site. Entrants are also encouraged to promote their entry on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites, to help garner support. To enter, fans must tell the network and Dawson in 200 words or less what they love about fishing in the Chicago area and why they are Chicago’s best angler. Entrants are also encouraged to include a photo with entry. Dawson will select the winner, to be announced in late April.

The site also includes blogs from local anglers, photos and video content, all relevant to anglers in the area.

“We’d like to thank Bass Pro Shops and of course Andre Dawson for helping WFN celebrate our Chicago Web site launch and our search for Chicago’s Best Angler,” said WFN CEO Mark Rubinstein at the event. “This has been an incredible turnout, and we thank the anglers and fans in the Chicago area for demanding WFN from their providers.”

Fishing in Illinois is big business, and massive participation. More than 873,000 people fish in Illinois each year, spending more than 16 million days fishing total related expenditures at more than $774 million.*

WFN already has become a popular channel in other surrounding fishing markets, launching on Charter in Wisconsin, a popular fishing destination for many Chicagoans, Xfinity (Comcast) has added WFN to its lineup in Michigan markets such as Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Flint.

WFN’s high definition channel, WFN HD, is available in the Chicago area on DISH Network (channel 394) and AT&T U-verse (channel 1679).

WFN is also available nationally on satellite TV provider DISH Network, AT&T U-verse, Charter Communications, Verizon Fios among other distributors.

Photo: World Fishing Network CEO Mark Rubinstein, former Chicago Cub Andre Dawson, and Chris Doyle, vice president of WFN marketing. Photos taken at Bass Pro Shops Bolingbrook store March 19 during a promotion to support the launch of WFN in the Chicago market.
Photo credit: Ernest J. Schweit, Kurman Communications, Inc.
 












Denaer's children from Naperville with baseball great, former Chicago Cub, Hall of Famer and avid angler Andre Dawson at Bass Pro Shops in Bolingbrook for the World Fishing Network.


Photo by: Ernest J. Schweit, Kurman Communications, Inc.

Denaer children of Naperville proudly display their personally signed Andre Dawson photo.
Photo by: Ernest J. Schweit, Kurman Communications, Inc.

WFN: World Fishing Network team with Kurman Communications staff and baseball great Andre Dawson after a full day of media activities and autograph signing at Bass Pro Shops in Bolingbrook, IL yesterday.
Photo by: Ernest J. Schweit, Kurman Communications, Inc.