Francesca's Tavola Hosts Winter Two Brothers Brewing Beer Dinner January 26

Francesca’s Tavola (208 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 847-394-3950) hosts a Two Brothers Brewing Company beer dinner 7 p.m., January 26.

One of the brothers will be on-site to discuss their beer-making process and how their beers pair with Francesca’s food selections. This four-course meal is $35 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.

The meal starts with Polpo Grigliato, grilled octopus with fagioli gigantic, marinated sundried tomatoes and lemon vinaigrette, which is paired with Two Brother’s Ebel’s Weiss, a German Hefeweizen. This is followed by Polpetti Agnello, lamb meatballs with spicy San Marzano tomato sauce, arugula and lemon. This makes an excellent partner for the Cane & Ebel red rye ale. The third course features Gnocchi con Pancetta, sweet potato gnocchi with cipollini onions, pancetta and brown-butter sage. This is paired with Resistance, an India Pale Ale. The final course features Brasato di Bue, beer-braised beef ribs with parsnip puree paired with Two Brother’s Northwind beer.

WGN - Get With It, John Williams deserves a marketing budget

How many of you listen to the radio during lunch? If you’ve been following the banter on WGN radio, you know that John Williams is being treated as a second class radio personality to the big buck Garry Meier and Jonathan Brandmeier. We love both of them, but really guys, John Williams deserves a break. No marketing budget for John Williams billboards – resort to PR. Our clients at Francesca’s Bellezza in LaGrange LOVE you and John, they’re in your backyard (at home--you do live in LaGrange, right?). They’ve enlisted us (Kurman Communications), their pr team, to get on the bandwagon. So here’s to you John. Everyone, email your “Sign of Faith – I Listen to John Williams Weekdays 12-3 pm WGN Radio” and show WGN and John your love.

And John, call your #1 fan, Francesca Bellezza manager Michael Bassarab and he'll kick in a dinner for four to the lucky "best sign" winner. Francesca's telephone is (708) 579-3500.

Jennifer Husdon to appear at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center

Superstar songstress and academy award winning actress, Jennifer Hudson is making her way back to her home city!  With her new book fresh off the press, the Chicago-native will be making a stop at Barnes & Noble at the Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center (55 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, IL 60077, 847-676-2230) for a book signing 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 17.

Her book, entitled, “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down," highlights her struggles with weight loss; and how she in the process of learning to live a healthy lifestyle.  We first fell in love with Jennifer during her stint as a contestant on American Idol back in 2004 and watched as she catapulted to superstardom in both music and acting.  In addition to her lucrative career, she is now a spokes model for Weight Watchers and has reportedly lost 80 pounds!

Come be the first to get your own copy of her new book signed at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center.  Free numbered tickets will be given out beginning at 4pm to customers with a copy of Hudson’s new book and proof of purchase from B&N or bn.com.

Customers also will be allowed to have up to 2 CDs signed; these items must be purchased at B&N Old Orchard on the day of the event. No other memorabilia will be signed.

Only the first 300 people will be guaranteed a signed book. Ms. Hudson will sign more than 300 only if time allows.

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.