Weekly Specials at Guanajuato

Guanajuato, Glencoe’s popular contemporary Mexican restaurant has new weekly specials!

This week’s lunch special are the Ham Torta, a Mexican sandwich consisting of cold cut ham on warm bread with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, onions and avocado for $5.50; and the Avocado Salad, romaine lettuce, roasted peppers, sliced cheese queso fresco, onions and tortilla chips with an avocado dressing for $8.95.

The soup specials this week are the Caldo de Res, a beef soup served with onions, cilantro, avocado, and garnished with tortilla strips and lime, $8.50 for a bowl; the Posole Soup, a pork based traditional Mexican soup for $8.95 a bowl; and the Shrimp Soup $6.95 for a medium and $12.95 for a large.

The dinner special this week is the Mayan Chicken, a charbroiled small chicken, seasoned with Mayan spices, served with Mexican rice, cactus and salsa, garnished with avocado, cilantro, and grilled red onions all served in a small moljate for $23.95.

Guanajuato will be closed Thursday, November 25, 2010 but will open again with regular hours on Friday, November 26, 2010.

Guanajuato is located at 73 Green Bay Rd. in Glencoe, IL. For more information, including a complete menu call (847) 242-0501 or visit www.myguanajuato.com.

Weekly Specials at Restaurant Michael, August 13-14

This weekend, Restaurant Michael is offering a dinner special on Friday, and Saturday. Friday, August 13, Michael will take the edge off the bad luck date with a beautiful Grilled Prime Filet of Beef Tenderloin and Half Maine Lobster, butter poached. This is paired with a savory Saffron Rice Pilaf scented with minced chive. The vegetable for the dish is an incredible Carrot Mousse with Tiny Summer Squash. The combination of the sweet lobster and carrot mousse with saffron rice is beautiful and "over the top" with the addition of the tenderloin. According the chef/owner Michael Lachowicz, "it's how it should be done!" This dish is an incredible value at $29.

Saturday, August 14, Restaurant Michael features its now famous Whole Roasted Dover Sole with toasted almonds or capers in brown butter with lemon. The sole is $29, but is limited to just 30 orders. Be sure to request a sole dish when making a reservation.

Restaurant Michael is located at 64 Green Bay Rd. in Winnetka, Ill. serving classic French cuisine with a contemporary twist. Reservations may be made at (847) 441-3100 or opentable.com. Visit www.restaurantmichael.com for more information. Follow Restaurant Michael on Twitter and Facebook.

Transport to Mexico with weekly specials and live music at Guanajuato in Glencoe

Enjoy the upbeat sounds of a live trio band while dining on authentic Mexican cuisine and escape to Mexico at Guanajuato, a new contemporary Mexican restaurant in Chicago’s North Shore. Guanajuato offers weekly dinner specials, plus live music 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday.

Guanajuato, named for the beautiful state in the central highlands of Mexico where executive chef/owner Margarita Challenger was born, offers rotating lunch and dinner specials every week. All August long enjoy Queso Fundido con Mariscos, melted mozzarella cheese with grilled shrimp, scallops and tilapia seasoned with a pinch of jalapeño peppers, and served with Guanajuato’s salsa and flour tortillas ($14.95). For an entrée, try the Enchiladas Pacifico, three mixed seafood enchiladas (grilled shrimp tilapia and scallops) lightly sautéed in red guajillo San Miguel salsa, served with lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, Cotija cheese and sour cream ($18.95). Specials are offered for lunch and dinner daily in addition to Guanajuato’s regular menu.

Transport to Mexico with authentic Mexican cuisine from executive chef Margarita Challenger and the upbeat, romantic sounds of the Trio of Two from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday at Guanajuato in Glencoe. Celebrate the weekend with a housemade margarita with one of Guanajuato’s 40 different varieties of tequila.

About Guanajuato

Guanajuato is a contemporary Mexican restaurant located at 73 Green Bay Rd. in Glencoe, Ill. The restaurant and bar is open for lunch and dinner 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days per week. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Guanajuato at (847) 242-0909 or online at http://www.myguanajuato.com/.

Half Maine Lobster and Dover Sole Duo at Restaurant Michael

This SATURDAY, August 7, Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka) features "the slam dunk special of all time." The Duo of Butter-poached Half Maine Lobster and Roasted Dover Sole, served with grilled asparagus and your choice of creamy mashed potatoes or polenta and drawn lobster butter ($29).

There are just 60 orders available and space is very limited. Please call Restaurant Michael directly to make a reservation. Be sure to indicate you'd like to special to be sure yours is reserved! Call (847) 441-3100 or visit www.restaurantmichael.com.

Note that Restaurant Michael will be closed FRDIAY, August 6 for a private event.

Don't forget to "Like" Restaurant Michael on Facebook and follow Chef Michael Lachowicz on Twitter.

Congratulations to Kurman clients featured in Zagat’s 2010/11 Chicago Restaurant Guide

The people have spoken. Kurman clients including Restaurant Michael, Glen Prairie, May Street Market and Act One Café have made the cut for the 2010/11 Zagat Chicago Restaurant Guide.

An extra special congratulations goes to Restaurant Michael, (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka; 847-441-3100) for earning several TOP honors from Zagat:

• Listed HIGHEST of ALL for “Worth the trip” with a score of 28.
• Receiving honors for "Business Dining" alongside Topolobampo with another 28. Other top nods for business dining include Les Nomades and Alinea.
• Rated a 28 for “Winning Wine Lists” alongside Arun’s and Topolobampo. Les Nomades and Alinea topped out the list with 29s.
• With a 28 for “Top Food,” Restaurant Michael joins other top restaurants like Arun’s, Topolobampo, Tallgrass and Tru. The highest score of 29 was received only by Les Nomades, Alinea and Schwa.
• Also notable is the “Top Service” rating of 27, the second highest ranking Zagat reviewers dished out. Alinea, Les Nomades, Tru and Vie all received top nods with 28.

“Namesake chef and ‘personality’ Michael Lachowicz is ‘always there, interacting with his guests’ at this Winnetka ‘winner’ where his ‘exceptional,’ ‘delicate and flavorful’ New French fare with ‘spot-on pairings’ is served in an ‘elegant but casual’, ‘conversation-friendly’ room by a staff that ‘works well together’; it’s admittedly ‘pricey’, but ‘worthwhile for celebrating, relaxing or rewarding a good client.’”

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. Complimentary parking is available. Valet is available on Friday and Saturday. Major cards accepted. For more information contact Restaurant Michael at (847) 441-3100 or www.restaurantmichael.com. “Like” Restaurant Michael on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RestoMichael.

Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250), known for its contemporary American cuisine by executive chef Daniel Ovanin, and strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products, is also featured in the new Zagat Chicago Restaurant Guide:

"’Surprising for a suburban hotel restaurant’, this ‘green’-minded ‘find’ in the Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn incorporates ‘fresh selections from local purveyors’ in its ‘reasonably priced’ New American cuisine and offers a ‘modest’, ‘interesting wine list with organic selections’; a ‘knowledgeable staff’ and ‘beautiful’ ‘prairie-style décor’ featured recycled wood and earth tones underscore the ‘sustainable’ scene, even if ‘they’re not reinventing the wheel.’”

At Glen Prairie, breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge remains open one hour later than the restaurant each day. For more details, contact the restaurant at (630) 613-1250 or visit www.glenprairie.com. Tweet them at @glenprairie.

Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900) features a Zen-laced atmosphere that serves Pan-Asian cuisine under the direction of executive chef Robert Packer. Zagat gave Karma high ratings for Décor with a score of 27 in the company of other top restaurants including Avenues, Alinea, Sixteen, Les Nomades, Tru, Everest and Spiaggia.

“’Surprised’ surveyors swear ‘you’d never guess that this gorgeous’ Asian ‘fine’ dining and ‘awesome cocktails’ amid ‘darkly minimalist’, ‘romantic’ surroundings; it’s a little pricey but ‘has that edge you’re looking for when it’s a special occasion.’”

Karma serves breakfast 6 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. daily. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge stays open one extra hour each night. Karma is located adjacent to the Doubletree Libertyville Mundelein. For reservations, call Karma at (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com. Tweet them at @karmamundelein.

May Street Market (1132 W. Grand Ave., Chicago; 312-421-5547) offers contemporary American created by chef/owner Alex Cheswick.

“’Excellent’, ‘creative’ New American fare comes with a ‘beautiful’, ‘arty presentation’ at this West Loop ‘find’ with ‘fair prices’ and ‘friendly service’; while the ‘understated’ modern chic setting is at times ‘a little loud’, patrons appreciate that ‘you can talk’; P.S. there’s also patio seating and a ‘reasonably priced, interesting wine list.’"

May Street Market is open for dinner 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and closed Sunday. May Street Market welcomes parties and banquets, and also offers its complete menu for carry out. May Street Market offers BYOB every day. For more information or to make a reservation, contact general manager Hamid Benna at (312) 421-5547 or visit www.maystreetmarket.com.

Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550) recently opened in Rogers Park. Zagat gave a shout to the new digs in the guide’s introduction:

• “Rogers Park will welcome American cuisine from Act One Café”

Act One Café is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The bar is open until 10 p.m. weekdays and until Midnight Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (773) 381-4550 or visit www.actonecafe.com.

Congratulations to all Kurman Clients for their placements in Zagat’s Chicago Restaurant Guide for 2010/11. Pick up the new Zagat at local retailers or visit www.zagat.com.

Restaurant Michael launches Premier Guest Dining Program

Michael Lachowicz, chef/owner of Restaurant Michael—an upscale haute French restaurant in Chicago’s North Shore—has created his own frequent diner program to reward its most valuable customers in a still struggling economy. Dubbed “Restaurant Michael’s Premier Guest Dining” program, Lachowicz’s dining plan offers pre-purchased house accounts, discounted 25 percent and usable without any restrictions.

“The Premier Guest Dining Plan has rewarded my valued customers for their years of appreciated patronage and loyalty,” says Lachowicz who opened Restaurant Michael in 2005. “This discounted dining option has served to lighten the burden of the economic turmoil and ensure customers a high quality dinner.”

Guests who purchase the plan receive $1.25 for every $1 purchased. Accounts are purchased in blocks of $500 each. Therefore, patrons purchasing $500 receive a house account of $625; $1000 buys $1250 in dining; and so forth. Guests purchasing $5,000 plans earn a bonus $250 for a total of $6,500 in Restaurant Michael cuisine.

There are no restrictions for when the dining credits are used. Lachowicz has said the program, which quietly launched several months ago, has been very successful for in-home catering and office parties. Guests may use the credit for regular dining, business dining, private parties, gift certificate purchases and holiday dining. Patrons may even use the dining plan for employee bonsus with written consent from the account holder.

To become a member of Restaurant Michael’s Premier Guest Dining program, customers contact Michael Lachowicz directly at (847) 404-6916 or via e-mail at chefdeuxgros@gmail.com.

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 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. Complimentary parking is available. Valet is available on Friday and Saturday. Major cards accepted. For more information contact Restaurant Michael at (847) 441-3100 or www.restaurantmichael.com. “Like” Restaurant Michael on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RestaurantMichael or follow on Twitter at @RestoMichael.

Friday Special at Restaurant Michael, July 16

Every Friday at Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Ill.; 847-441-3100), chef/owner Michael Lachowicz offers an affordable entree special. This Friday, July 16, enjoy Slow Roasted, Dry Aged Prime Rib of Beef.

The roast is prepared traditionally with fresh herbs tucked under the cap in order to infuse a lovely Provencal aroma. These beautiful roasts are served with a very traditional Beef Jus and a creamy horseradish sauce made from creme fraiche and fresh-ground horseradish roots from the market. Restaurant Michael maintains the old school vibe with decadent Gratin Potatoes and a bouquet of baby French green beans. The best part of the entire dish of course is its extreme value: $28 for a 14 oz. cut.

The meat is finished to customers' temperature preference, but will come hot from Restaurant Michael's ovens at a perfect medium rare with the two center cuts as rare. As always, end cuts are a bit of a premium, so please specify if this is your preference.

Reservations may be made at OpenTable.com or by calling Restaurant Michael directly at (847) 441-3100. Please be sure to note if you want this special when making your reservation as quantities are limited.

Restaurant Michael is located at 64 Green Bay Rd. in Winnetka, Ill. 60093. Be sure to "Like" Restaurant Michael on Facebook, and follow chef Michael Lachowicz on Twitter.