Bella Bacinos in La Grange Celebrates Father’s Day June 20

Spend Father’s Day with authentic Napoletana wood-fired pizza and homemade ravioli at Bella Bacinos (36 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange, Ill.; 708-352-8882), which offers a special Father’s Day menu 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday, June 20.

The special menu features Zuppe, Tuscan Vegetarian Minestrone ($3.95/$5.50) or Passate di Ceci, puree of chickpeas, cauliflower, onions, faro and a touch of San Marzano tomatoes ($4.25/$5.75). For Insalata, try Poached Chicken with dried apricots, cherries, toasted almonds, extra virgin olive oil and port vinaigrette ($9.50), or Warm Nut Crusted Goat Cheese with organic field greens and lingonberry vinaigrette ($8.95). Antipasti options include Semiperlato Farro with shrimp, kalamata olives, green onions, white wine vinaigrette and toast points ($8.95), or A Garden’s Delight, local, sustainable grilled vegetables ($8.95).

Try Wood-Fired Pizza, thinly-sliced Bresaola with San Marzano tomatoes and housemade fresh mozzarella topped with frisee ($13.95). Other options include Primi Piatti, Handmade Ricotta Ravioli with San Marzano tomatoes and local fresh vegetables ($15.25) or Rigatoni with Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, San Marzano tomatoes and a touch of roasted garlic ($16.50). Seafood lovers can try Pesce, Pan-Seared Red Snapper with savory mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, zucchini and cipollini onions ($23.50). Meat lovers can enjoy Carne, 8 oz. Veal Chop with saffron risotto, organic spinach and roasted beets ($25.95). For dessert, indulge in Chocolate Cake Extravaganza with vanilla gelato and fresh berries ($7).

Bella Bacinos serves authentic Napolitana wood-fired pizza, homemade ravioli and other Italian specialties, and is located in the heart of downtown La Grange at 36 S. La Grange Rd. Bella Bacinos is open 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday, and is closed Monday for private events. For information on hosting a private event at Bella Bacinos or to make a reservation, call (708) 352-8882 or visit http://www.bacinos.com/.

Indulge in Seasonal Sweetest Day Fare at Glen Prairie

Spend a seasonal-fare focused Sweetest Day at Glen Prairie, with a $35 three-course prix fixe meal available after 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Start the first course with a choice of either Baby Greens, poached pear, toasted pistachios, shaved red onion and balsamic truffle vinaigrette, or Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. For the second course, choose either Seared Sea Scallops, creamy polenta with aged white cheddar and green beans with tomatoes and almonds, or Iowa Farmed Bone-In Beef Ribeye, truffled Duchess potatoes, braised carrots and parsnips and natural jus. Dessert choices include either Flourless Chocolate Cake with vanilla bean gelato, or Sweet Potato Soufflé.

Glen Prairie serves contemporary American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products. For more details, contact the restaurant at (630) 613-1250 or www.glenprairie.com.

Birch River Grill's Sweetest Day Celebration

Birch River Grill celebrates Sweetest Day on Saturday, Oct. 17, with two special dishes offered along with the restaurant’s regular contemporary American fare: Grilled Certified Angus Beef Rib Eye Filet, crispy Yukon Gold potato rounds, wild mushrooms and red wine demi glace ($28) and Seared Atlantic Cod, cumin scented Moroccan cous cous, steamed vegetable ragout and balsamic reduction ($19). Included with the purchase of any entrée any sweet treat off the Sweet Table, a Chef’s selection of desserts with coffee and tea, including Aunt Aggie’s Carrot Cake, Birch River Grill’s Famous Triple Chocolate Column and more.

Birch River Grill serves rustic American gourmet comfort food. Hours for the restaurant are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. The lounge stays open one hour later. All major credit cards are accepted. Complimentary parking is available. For reservations or more information, please contact Birch River Grill at (847) 427-4242 or visit www.birchrivergrill.com.

Three Courses for Just $20 and New Menus at Glen Prairie

October Prix Fixe Menu
Glen Prairie’s October prix fixe menu celebrates locally sourced food with a three-course meal offered after 5 p.m. daily for the entire month for just $20.

The meal begins with the appetizer, Farmers Salad, baby greens, green onions, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, shaved winter vegetables and Champagne-cider vinaigrette. Enjoy one of two entrée options, either the Grilled Center Cut Pork Chop, roasted beet risotto, baby carrots and natural jus, or Miller Farms Herb Marinated Roasted Half Chicken, caramelized Brussels sprouts and Minnesota wild rice. For dessert, refresh with a Choice of Daily Sorbets.

New Fall Menu
Glen Prairie unveils a fall menu highlighting natural and locally grown seasonal fare. New items on the menu include appetizers, entrées and desserts, many also offered Glen Prairie’s extensive gluten free menu. The menu now includes a Soup of the Day ($5); Organic Spinach and Artichoke Dip served with pita chips and peppato cheese ($8); and Trio of Dietzler Farms Sliders, including a bacon and cheddar slider, a caramelized onion and blue cheese slider and a roasted pepper and goat cheese slider ($9) for appetizers. New salads include the Glen Prairie Panzanella Salad, bacon fried sourdough, today’s tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, crispy prosciutto, baby greens and balsamic glaze ($8) and an Heirloom Beet Salad with baby greens, goat cheese, balsamic truffle vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts ($7).

New entrées feature Pan Seared Sea Scallops, Graue Mill Polenta Cake, melted leeks and sautéed green beans and roasted red pepper coulis ($24); Iowa Farmed Espresso Braised Beef Short Rib, whipped sweet potatoes, caramelized Brussels sprouts and natural jus ($21); Baked Ziti, spaghetti squash, roasted tomatoes, peppato cheese, toasted pine nuts and garlic prosciutto toast ($16); Miller Farms Chicken Pot Pie, winter vegetables, natural chicken gravy and Parmesan sablé crust ($19); Grilled Pork Tenderloin, caramelized fig and port sauce, Minnesota Wild Rice and baby carrots ($21); Graue Mill Seared Polenta Cake, wild mushrooms, melted leeks, winter vegetables, and roasted red pepper coulis ($15); or Maple Leaf Farms Duck Leg Confit with white bean cassoulet, Nueske’s Smoked Sausage and maple gastrique ($22).

Glen Prairie also has new dessert options which are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. New desserts include Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee, crisp sugar crust and berries (regular $6/mini $2); and Heavenly Brownie Sundae, house made chocolate brownie, vanilla bean gelato, chocolate sauce and Cocoa Nibs (regular $6/mini $2).

Gluten Free Menu
Glen Prairie also serves a wide variety of gluten free options for those with dietary restrictions. Dishes on the gluten free menu are all very similar to what is offered on the regular menu offering starters like the Miller Farms Sage Grilled Chicken Wings, garlic and sweet Chile aioli with organic celery has been added to the gluten free menu ($7). Entrées on the gluten free menu include Miller Farms Herb Marinated Roasted Half Chicken, caramelized Brussels sprouts and whipped potatoes ($20); and Iowa Farmed Filet Mignon, herb whipped potatoes, green beans and natural jus ($32). These are a small sample of the gluten free menu, which is available upon request.

Glen Prairie serves contemporary American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products. For more details, contact the restaurant at (630) 613-1250 or http://www.glenprairie.com/.

Pappadeaux Launches Lotsa Lobster and All-U-Can-Eat Lobster Oct. 7

Love your Lobster? To celebrate National Seafood month, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen offers Lotsa Lobster, featuring six different delicious 1lb. live Maine lobster entrées beginning at 5 p.m. Oct 7. The entrées include: Laughing Lobster, steamed and finished with fresh ginger butter, served with stir fry canton noodles tossed with fresh mushrooms, peppers and Napa cabbage ($19.95); Stuffed Lobster, oven baked with crawfish stuffing served with fresh green beans and red potatoes ($19.95); Angry Lobster, steamed with a spicy chili sauce and served with zucchini ribbons ($19.95); Cheesy Lobster, oven-baked and topped with melted Parmesan cheese and served with fresh green beans and red potatoes ($19.95); N’Awlins Lobster, grilled and finished with creole spice and Orleans BBQ butter, served with fresh green beans and red potatoes ($19.95); and Lobster in a Pot, lobster steamed in a personal pot with jumbo shrimp, corn, red potatoes, onions and Andouille sausage in a lobster broth ($22.95). All Lotsa Lobster entrées are served with tasty garlic bread and a dinner salad or Caesar salad can be added for an additional $2.95. If a Guest purchases one of the six lobster dishes, add an additional split lobster of the same type for $6.95.

Pappadeaux also offers All-U-Can-Eat live Maine lobster every Wednesday after 5 p.m. while supplies last ($44.95). All-U-Can-Eat lobster is limited availability, price subject to change, and is for dine-in only. Get it while it lasts!

Lotsa Lobster and All-U-Can-Eat Lobster are offered at both Chicago-area Pappadeaux locations (921 Pasquinelli Dr., Westmont; 798 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights). For more information on Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, to make reservations or to join the e-mail list, visit www.pappadeaux.com or call Westmont at (630) 455-9846 or Arlington Heights at (847) 228-9551.

Dining Deals: Birch River Grill, Karma and Glen Prairie

Looking for dining deals? Check out these suburban hotspots and discover which one fits your style best.

Birch River Grill
75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill.
(847) 427-4242
http://www.birchrivergrill.com/

On May 15 through May 17 Birch River Grill offers a $20 prix fixe three-course meal in addition to their regular menu after 5 p.m.

Begin your meal with your choice of an appetizer such as the BRG Salad, baby greens, shredded Michigan carrots, beefsteak tomato wedges, seedless cucumber slices with your choice of dressing; Granny Apple Onion Soup, with paprika parmesan croutons, Wisconsin Swiss and provolone cheese; or the Soup of the Day.

Next, choose an entrée that intrigues your taste buds. Try the BBQ Glazed Bacon Wrapped Boneless Pork Chop, served with potato pancakes with roasted poblano pepper and corn hash; Basil Pesto Crusted North Atlantic Salmon, with teardrop tomato caper relish, lentil ragout and basil pesto drizzle; or the Grilled and Blackened Sirloin; served with roasted Michigan Yukon gold potatoes, steamed Broccolini and Kentucky bourbon reduction.

Finish off with a choice of the Daily Sorbets, served with fresh berries.




Glen Prairie
1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn, Ill.
(630)-613-1250
http://www.glenpairie.com/

Glen Prairie also offers a three-course meal featuring a choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert in addition to their regular menu after 5 p.m.

From the appetizers choose from a Farmers Garden Salad, baby greens, grilled sweet corn, green onions, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers with champagne-cider vinaigrette dressing; Caramelized Bermuda Onion Soup, with herbed croutons and Laack Brothers Swiss & Gruyere cheese; or Organic Tomato Gazpacho Soup, with cucumber, crème Fraiche and croutons.

For the entrée choose either Grilled Duroc Pork Tenderloin, with caramelized fig and port sauce, Minnesota wild rice and baby vegetables; House Made Spaghetti, with summer squash, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and Peppato cheese; and Spiced Grilled Missouri Catfish, with sweet peas, roasted fingerling potatoes with a rémoulade sauce.

Top it all off with your choice of the Daily Sorbets, served with fresh berries.




Karma
510 E. Route 83, Mundelein, Ill.;
(847)-970-6900
http://www.karmachicago.com/

For only $20 indulge in a prix fixe three-course meal from Karma May 15 through May 17.

Start off your meal with Miso Soup, tofu, sautéed shiitake mushroom, scallions and roasted nori; or have the House Salad, crisp lettuce, napa cabbage, cucumber with daikon and carrot ginger dressing.

From there, choose from a list of entrées including Orange Peel Tempura Chicken, with sesame jasmine rice, ginger chili cucumber salad, and yuzu orange glaze; Asian BBQ Salmon, forbidden rice, sweet potato crisps, wok tossed spinach, napa cabbage and shiitake mushroom; and Yellow Mango Vegetable Curry, spring vegetables tossed with coconut yellow curry, jasmine rice and kimchi.

Conclude your meal with Ice Cream or Sorbet with fresh berries.

Try out these delicious suburban restaurants and enjoy!

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Ole! Cinco de Mayo is here, and it's time to celebrate. Head to suburban hot spot Birch River Grill (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights) for margarita madness and crisp Coronas.

Birch River Grill offers $2 Coronas, $5 margaritas, and their specialty Tequila Mockingbird, a cocktail made with tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, cranberry juice, and Chambord ($5).

Stick around for Birch River Grill's contemporary American menu. For reservations or more information, call (847) 427-4242 or visit http://www.birchrivergrill.com/. Andale!

Dining Deals

If the economy has taken a bite out of your wallet, stop by rustic, gourmet American eatery Birch River Grill (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights; 847-427-4242) and chic pan-Asian restaurant and lounge Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900) for dining deals that will be tough to beat.

Birch River Grill

Monday, November 17 through Friday, November 21, Birch River Grill offers a three-course pre-fixe meal during both lunch and dinner. At lunch, start off with either Chef's Soup of the Day or Birch River Grill House Salad; for an entree, choose either Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, Portobello Mushroom Ravioli, or the Meatloaf Tower; for dessert, indulge in the Homemade Pumpkin Cheesecake or Chocolate Temptation Cake. Birch River Grill's pre-fixe lunch menu is $24 per person.

Dinner's starter options include: Warm Hummus Platter, Crispy Salt & Pepper Calamari, or Boursin-Stuffed Mushrooms; for entrees, choose between Indiana Maple Leaf Farm Duck, Cedar Planked Maple Salmon, or Bourbon Glazed Organic Pork Tenderloin; finally, choose between Homemade Pumpkin Cheesecake or Chocolate Temptation Cake for dessert. Birch River Grill's pre-fixe dinner menu also includes a glass of wine and costs $35 per person.

Don't forget about the kids! From now until December 31, kids meals are $.99 with the purchase of an entree. The offer is valid for kids ages 12 and under.

Karma

Monday, November 17 through Friday, November 21, Karma's three-course pre-fixe meals are available for both lunch and dinner. At lunch, start off with either Vietnamese Coconut Rock Shrimp Soup or Karma's House Salad; for an entree, choose either Orange Peel Tempura Chicken or Oden - Winter Stew; for dessert, indulge in Ube, sweet purple yam ice cream, or Trio of Sorbet. Karma's pre-fixe lunch menu is $24 per person.

Dinner's starter options include: Black Salt & Szechwan Pepper Calamari or Shiitake Mushroom Potstickers; for entrees, choose between Thai Ginger Chili BBQ Salmon or Thai Chili Beef; finally, choose between Ube, sweet purple yam ice cream, or Coconut Rice Pudding. Karma's pre-fixe dinner menu also includes wine pairings with the starters and entrees, and costs $35 per person.

Reservations are recommended. For more information on Birch River Grill, visit http://www.birchrivergrill.com/ or call (847) 427-4242. For more information on Karma, visit http://www.karmachicago.com/ or call (847) 970-6900.