Catch a deal with Dine’s weekend specials

Make plans for the weekend! Enjoy great food at an affordable price from 5 p.m. through 10 p.m. on Friday, May 14 through Sunday, May 16 at Dine (733 W. Madison St., Chicago; 312-602-2100).

Sink those teeth into P.E.I. Mussels served in saffron broth with a grilled French baguette ($8), Chicken Enchiladas with pulled chicken, queso fresco, served with sautéed potatoes and carrots ($16), or Pan-Seared Walleye encrusted with panko bread crumbs and fresh parsley served with macaroni and cheese and vegetable of the day ($20). This menu is offered in addition to Dine’s regular menu.

Located in the heart of Chicago, Dine restaurant offers an eclectic cuisine to fit every palate; served in a charming retro diner atmosphere with an upbeat, contemporary style. Dine is open seven days a week. Dine serves American classics revived with a contemporary flair. Dine is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The martini lounge hours are noon to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and noon to midnight Friday and Saturday.

To make reservations please call (312) 602-2100 or visit www.dinerestaurant.com.

Karma introduces innovative new dishes

Out with the old and in with the new! Taste the latest additions on the menu at Karma (510 E. Mundelein, Ill; 847-970-6900) starting today, Thursday, May 13.

Try the new Kamakazi Shrimp with a choice of pappadew or pickled habaneros peppers with a sriracha aioli ($10), Pacific Rim Mahi-Mahi with seared mahi encrusted with chili spiced shrimp and scallops, wok tossed vegetables, black rice and a tobiko sauce ($22), Honey Tamari Chicken with a sautéed spinach and wok tossed julienne vegetables on a glass noodle nest ($19) or Beef Jap Chae with Dangymen noodles combined with strips of beef, vegetables and a soy ginger glaze ($17).

Check out Karma’s new wine and drink menu. The menu includes Wine and Martini Flights.

About Karma
Karma is a sophisticated restaurant with a zen-laced atmosphere that serves Pan-Asian cuisine. Breakfast is served 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.

For reservations please call (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com. Follow them on Twitter at @karmamundelein.

Curtain ready to rise on Mayne Stage

Opening in mid-June, Mayne Stage (1328 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4554), is poised to present a diverse entertainment calendar of established and emerging performers in its intimate, sophisticated atmosphere with state of the art sound, lighting and recording amenities. Reflecting its location in the diverse Rogers Park neighborhood, Mayne Stage will showcase an eclectic mix of musical styles including jazz, cabaret, classical and more. In addition to music, a variety of comedy, theatrical and family programs are promised to appeal to a wide audience.

Mayne Stage officially opens in mid-June as one of the locations for the TBS Presents a “Very Funny” Festival: Just for Laughs and will feature The Not Inappropriate Show, featuring Bob Odenkirk and Kate Micucci. For show times and to purchase tickets, visit www.justforlaughschicago.com.

Other artists currently scheduled to appear include nationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway on July 2 and 3, Chicago favorite Ron Hawking July 8, 9 and 10, Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael in That 60’s Show on July 23 and Mike Toomey’s TV & Me on July 24. Show times and ticket information for these shows and other upcoming performances is available at www.maynestage.com. All shows are subject to change.

Booking and creative development for the venue is handled by industry veteran Denise McGowan Tracy and her DMT Entertainment, Inc.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to book this new, yet historic, venue. Live entertainment is crucial to the fabric of Rogers Park and Chicago. Mayne Stage provides the perfect setting for both the artist and the audience to enjoy the live performance experience,” said McGowan Tracy.

The 299-seat venue is unique in its flexibility and versatility. Mayne Stage offers attractive cabaret and theater style seating, comfortable booths on the mezzanine level as well as balcony seating – all with excellent sightlines. With its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, nine-foot Steinway piano and intimate feel, Mayne Stage is an exceptional venue for a wide range of performance styles. Comfortable and beautifully lit, full-service bars on the main level and the mezzanine level complete the experience.

Mayne Stage has been designed as a unique, memorable space for both public performances and private events. The bar areas on both levels outside the main theater room are perfect for private receptions before and after performances. The flexibility of the seating area in the main room allows clients to customize the room for a myriad of events, from meetings and award celebrations, to themed social events, fundraisers and large personal celebrations and parties.

Recognizing its exceptional performance capabilities, McGowan Tracy has big plans.

“Mayne Stage has so much potential as a performance space allowing us to present an eclectic mix of entertainment styles. We hope to make new fans - not just of the entertainers who play the room - but of the room itself. The focus is on showcasing outstanding performers - some familiar to audiences and some who are making a name for themselves,“ continues McGowan Tracy who has worked with celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kevin Nealon, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Maureen McGovern, The Beach Boys, Pat Benatar and dozens more in her nearly 30 year career. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the team of professionals bringing Mayne Stage to life.”

Mayne Stage can also serve as a rehearsal, recording and performing arts facility. In addition to its state-of-the-art sound and lighting, Mayne Stage offers a digital mixing console and electronic recording equipment. Musical artists, theatrical groups and film producers will find Mayne Stage the perfect venue for producing live recordings, conducting auditions or holding rehearsals. Its 298-inch projection screen and high-definition digital projector add cinema capabilities for multimedia performances providing the perfect backdrop for film screenings, seminars, workshops and corporate presentations.

About Mayne Stage
Mayne Stage is located at 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Mayne Stage showcases emerging and established local and national musical acts, theatrical performances, comedy and more. It is the ideal location for a variety of private events. For more information, or to see a list of upcoming shows, call (773) 381-4554 or visit www.maynestage.com.

Olives 4 You Joins Chicago French Market

Craving Mediterranean flavors? Western Mediterranean-influenced food arrives at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St.; 312-575-0306) at MetraMarket in Chicago’s West Loop from its newest vendor, Olives 4 You. This proud newcomer to the Chicago French Market offers more than two dozen varieties of marinated and stuffed olives, hummus, tapenades and other fresh made spreads.

Olives 4 You is a small family business that uses its distinctive southern French influences to enhance the shopping experience with their unique recipes. Owners Paula and Jean-Pierre Brocardi, along with their children Jean-Louis and Stephanie, work diligently at maintaining a traditional flair to create the purveyor’s assorted spreads, pita breads, olives, dressings, olive oils, and other ready-to-eat specialties.

Olives 4 You also sells their specialties at seasonal markets throughout the Chicago suburbs and opened its first permanent location last year in Wheaton, Ill.

“We’re excited about opening an Olives 4 You in the heart of Chicago at Chicago French Market,” said Jean-Pierre Brocardi. “We look forward to sharing our heritage and family recipes using our fine, fresh products with Mediterranean influences.”

Olives 4 You joins an already impressive lineup of 30 vendors in Chicago French Market, a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese and wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, flowers and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market’s 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). For more information, visit http://www.chicagofrenchmarket.com/.