Monday, January 26, 2009

Birch River Grill's Award-Winning Chili on WGN


Just in time for the Super Bowl, Chef John Ayaleanos from Birch River Grill demonstrated how to make his award-winning Wild Game Chili. With the help of WGN anchor Dina Bair, Chef John showed just how easy it is to make this cold-weather comfort food at home. Birch River Grill's award-winning chili is the perfect dish for Super Bowl parties and to share with friends.

In case you missed the segment, click the photo above, or the following link: http://www.wgntv.com/pages/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3378229.

Birch River Grill offers great deals for the Super Bowl, in addition to the chili. The restaurant’s Super Bowl specials are offered 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. Sunday, February 1. Fans will kick off Super Bowl Sunday with game-day favorites at $3 per item, including Draft Beer, Chicken Fingers, Cheese Sticks, Hot Dog and Fries and their special award-winning Wild Game Chili. Complimentary chips and salsa are offered at every table.

For more information on Birch River Grill, call (847) 427-4242 or visit www.birchrivergrill.com.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Hallmark Guitars introduces new Barris model guitars at Carquest World of Wheels

Hallmark Guitars, known for modern designs, high quality and things that you can't find in your average guitars, is releasing official licensed Barris Model Guitars at the Carquest World of Wheels. Pre-orders will be available in a few weeks at the Hallmark website http://www.hallmarkguitars.com/. You can get a sneak peek in Chicago starting today and through Sunday at McCormick Place. You can check out this Wing-Bat Guitar as well as the Drag-u-la model and the Barris Crest. The Fireball 500 will be introduced later this year. Hallmark president Bob Shade will be at the show to answer questions. To learn more, visit their website at Hallmark Guitars and be sure to pick up next month's issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine as they'll be featured. Bob is available to interview.







Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Kurman Clients on WGN TV's Midday News




The 47th Annual CARQUEST World of Wheels, presented by South Oak Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep is rolling into town this weekend at Chicago's McCormick Place-Lakeside and WGN TV anchor Steve Sanders had the scoop on the Midday news today. Bob Millard from The Car Show Association brought the eye-catching "Atomic Punk" hot rod to the WGN studios and talked to Sanders about the show running Jan. 23-25, along with more than 400 custom cars and motorcycles like the Atomic Punk.




Later on in WGN's Midday News segment, Executive Chef Robert Packer of pan-Asian restaurant Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900) helped WGN anchor Dina Bair prepare Crispy Golden Pork Won Ton, a special dish off Karma's Chinese New Year menu to celebrate the Year of the Ox. Chef Packer showed how easy this Asian dish is to make at home. Ring in the Chinese New Year January 26 through January 31 at Karma. Call (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com to make a reservation.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Watch WGN TV Midday News Wednesday!


Be sure to check out WGN-TV's Midday News tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 21. In studio will be the wild "Atomic Punk," a custom car featuring a unique bubble top that's part of the 47th Annual CARQUEST World of Wheels happening this weekend, Jan. 23-25 at Chicago's McCormick Place.

PLUS, Karma Asian Food & Wine's executive chef, Robert Packer, will be on-hand during the Lunckbreak segment to showcase his Crispy Fried Golden Pork Won Ton recipe from his special Chinese New Year.

You can watch the segment live on TV, or on the web here.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Glen Prairie Hosts Wine Pairing Dinner January 29

To kick off 2009, Glen Prairie Local Flavor Fine Food & Drink (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250) will host a wine dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday, January 29 featuring the green-farmed wines of J. Lohr Vineyards, and highlighting Midwestern cuisine. J. Lohr Vineyards representative, Steve Kosirog, joins Glen Prairie Executive Chef Daniel Ovanin for this four-course wine and food-pairing event. The dinner is $52 per person and reservations are required.

Not only will guests savor the four-course meal, paired with selections from J. Lohr Vineyards, but will also have the opportunity to learn about winemaking. Kosirog will teach guests about winemaking activities such as the use of a Stelvin cap and what it means to the wine industry, and the differences between Shiraz and Syrah, among others.

The four-course meal features local farm-sourced, sustainable treats. The first course includes Poached Pear Salad, Mindoro Blue Cheese, spiced walnuts, red onions and citrus vinaigrette, paired with J. Lohr Late Harvest Riesling (2006). The second course, enjoy Sage Marinated Seared Amish Chicken, gnocchi with applewood bacon confit and porcini mushroom broth, paired with J. Lohr October Night Chardonnay (2006).

Cleanse the palate with an Intermezzo, then savor course three: Seared Colorado Baby Lamb Chops, caramelized onion, potato latke and port glaze, paired with J. Lohr South Ridge Syrah (2006). For the final course, indulge in Flourless Dark Chocolate Mini Cake, with cinnamon cream, paired with J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet (2005).

Reservations are required for this event. To reserve a spot, call Glen Prairie at (630) 613-1250 or visit http://www.glenprairie.com/.

Friday, January 16, 2009

It's not too late to make a date for Valentine's Day - Check out these Chicago area restaurants

BIRCH RIVER GRILL – AN AMERICAN KITCHEN
75 W. Algonquin Rd.
Arlington Heights, Ill.
(847) 427-4242
http://www.birchrivergrill.com/


Couples can snuggle by the rustic fireplace for Valentine’s Day at Birch River Grill – An American Kitchen. On February 14, the restaurant offers a pre-fixe menu at $44.95 per person. Begin the romantic evening with Purple Endive and Delicate Greens Salad, with citrus supremes, toasted almond slices and ruby red grapefruit vinaigrette. Customers will enjoy an appetizer of Herb Crusted Tuna Loin with winter squash, caper relish and tarragon vinaigrette. Entrée selections include: the Duet of Petite Filet Mignon, with Boursin cheese butter and horseradish crust, purple potato crush, peppercorn bacon Brussels sprouts, or Wild Striped Bass with black beluga lentils, blood orange cream and wilted escarole. For dessert, indulge in the Manage et Trois Chocolate, a trio of chocolates, mousse of white, milk and dark chocolates and Grand Marnier genoise.

Birch River Grill’s Valentine’s Day dinner is available noon to 11 p.m. for $44.95 per person. Additionally, the regular menu is available. Birch River Grill – An American Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, from 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 daily. All major credit cards are accepted. Complimentary parking is available. For reservations or more information, please contact Birch River Grill – An American Kitchen at (847) 427-4242 or visit them on the web at http://www.birchrivergrill.com/.


DINE
733 W. Madison St.
Chicago, Ill
(312) 602- 2100
http://www.dinerestaurant.com/

Valentine’s Day Spend a music-filled Valentine’s Day at Dine, featuring jazz guitarist Lee Barrie from 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. February 14. Barrie’s smooth jazz will serenade guests, while Dine offers a special Valentine’s Day menu Friday February 13, and Saturday February 14 in addition to its regular menu.

For starters, choose from Spice Rubbed Prime Tenderloin, Champagne vinaigrette, Brussels sprouts-horseradish salad ($11), or West Coast Evening Cove Oysters with a trio of caviars ($12). Enjoy Dine’s special Valentine’s Day soup, Oregon Pink Shrimp Bisque, with orange fennel relish and tempura shrimp ($7). Entrée selections include Grass Fed Strip Steak rubbed with Valrhona cocoa and New Mexico Chili Yukon potatoes ($28), or Pole Caught Virginia Striped Bass with grilled ramp, red Russian fingerling potato and a sweet pea emulsion ($27). Complement the dinner with featured wine pairings; either three wine selections for $9, or let Dine’s wine steward select the perfect bottle.

For the finale, choose between Dine’s signature heart-shaped Red Velvet Cake for Two with cream cheese frosting and pecan praline ($11), hand-dipped Chocolate Covered Strawberries for two ($9) or a sparkling glass of Champagne ($5).

Dine’s Valentine’s Day drink menu includes Bleeding Love, Stoli raspberry and vanilla topped with apple juice and chocolate covered raspberries, served in a chilled martini glass glazed with deep red raspberry flavored coloring ($12), Shoot the Cupid, a chilled shaken and stirred brew of Grey Goose L’Orange and Effen raspberry, finished with a bubbly mixture of sparkling grape juice and Champagne ($12) and Happily Ever After, a strong burning collage of Grey Goose pear and White Crème De Cacao, topped with a rich frothing of cream and coated with chocolate sprinkles ($12).


GLEN PRAIRIE
LOCAL FLAVOR FINE FOOD & DRINK

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

Valentine’s Day Menu A Valentine’s Day dinner of passion awaits at Glen Prairie Local Flavor Food & Drink. Glen Prairie’s pre-fixe menu is available February 13 and February 14 for $40 per person. For starters, couples will enjoy Cupid’s Salad of Love with baby greens, Mission figs, toasted pistachios, shaved red onion and balsamic vinaigrette; followed by the Cuddle with Me Soup with wild mushroom and fennel.

For the main course, choose from Will You Be My Valentine, lump crab stuffed Amish chicken Oscar, saffron hollandaise, gaufrette potatoes and grilled asparagus, or Love Me Tender, Iowa farmed bone-in filet mignon, truffle mashed potatoes, cognac cream sauce and braised carrots. End the night with It’s Orgasmic, flourless chocolate cake, vanilla bean gelato, or You Sweet Thing, strawberry, peaches and cream trifle.


KARMA – ASIAN FOOD & WINE
510 E. Route 83
Mundelein, Ill.
(847) 970-6900
http://www.karmachicago.com/

Valentine’s Day SpecialsSweethearts are in for a treat with Karma’s special Valentine’s Day menu. The romantic dining experience commences with Oysters on the half shell served with tempura asparagus and ponzu sauce ($10). Choose from three alluring entrées like the Fire Roasted Game Hen stuffed with shiitake mushrooms and forbidden rice with a pineapple tamari glaze ($28); Grilled Veal Chop atop a bed of baby bok choy and Napa cabbage plus an Asian pear demi glace ($38); Lobster Tail, Prawns and Scallops poached in a star anise and yuzu broth, with a scallion rice cake and baby vegetables ($45). Karma offers intimate endings for dessert including Desserts to Share, warm heart-shaped chocolate brownies with Tahitian vanilla ice cream and fresh berries, ganache and crème anglaise for dipping ($10), or the Dessert Sampler, Ginger Crème Brulee, Chocolate moelleux cake and coconut rice pudding ($12).

Karma offers two special Valentine’s Day cocktails, the Crimson Mimosa with blood orange puree and sparkling wine ($8), and the Strawberry Kiss with rum, strawberry liqueur and Godiva chocolate liqueur ($8).



Kinzie Chophouse
400 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312.822.0191
http://www.kinziechophouse.com/


Come out of the cold to spend a cozy Valentine’s night
at Kinzie Chophouse and we’ll do the work for you!

Each couple dining with us Valentines weekend will receive a personal champagne toast and complimentary box of chocolates. Plus, opt in for our custom-tailored Valentine’s Day Menu available with wine pairings ($119.95 per couple) or without ($99.95 per couple). Champagne & chocolate valid only with an advanced reservation. Please mention the promotion when making your reservation. Available Friday, February 13th-Sunday, February 15th.

An authentic Chicago neighborhood restaurant, Kinzie Chophouse's warm classic interior is the perfect backdrop for any occasion — from a business lunch, a romantic dinner, friendly neighborhood gathering or an important celebration. An extensive menu, stellar wine list, and great service are woven together for an exceptional dining experience. From the first bite to the last sip, The Kinzie Chophouse sets the standard in great Chicago dining.

Visit http://www.kinziechophouse.com/ to make reservations, for more information, directions and to see our other promotions, including our special $20 Winter Delights 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner Menu and "Under the Spring Tuscan Sun" Wine Dinner.

Zagat Excellence Award: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Wine spectator Award: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Wine Enthusiasts Award of Excellence:
2006 Chicago Magazine Bronze Award Winner
Chicago Preferred Business Award Winner by the Chicago Concierge Advisory Counsel

Monday – Thursdays: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Fridays: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Saturdays: 4:00pm – 11:00pm
Sundays: 4:00pm – 9:00pm



MAMBO GRILL
412 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312.467.9797

Shake things up with your Valentine at Mambo Grill!

Enjoy the tunes of a live musician as you dine with us Valentine’s weekend, plus each couple will receive a personal champagne toast and complimentary box of chocolates. Champagne & chocolate valid only with an advanced reservation. Please mention the promotion when making your reservation. Available Friday, February 13th & Saturday, February 14th.

Walk through the doors of the charming Mambo Grill and experience a celebration of color, atmosphere and mouth watering pan-Latin cuisine. It is the spot where Latin America meets Chicago neighborhood, with authentic Latin flavors and the largest rum and tequila selection in the country. Like a work of art, the charming and cozy interior blends with dynamic flavor fusions for an unforgettable dining experience. Live life to the fullest and indulge yourself in this remarkable and unique Chicago culinary treasure.

Visit http://www.mambogrill.com/ to make reservations, for more information, directions and to see our other promotions, including our special $20 Winter Delights 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner Menu available throughout January and February.

Plus! Mambo Grill is great for groups! Host your next business dinner, friends night out, bachelorette dinner or family gathering with us. Call Fannie at 312.329.9826.

Zagat Excellence Award: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Best Mojito Spot: Metromix.com
"A sensational dance of flavors with Latin flair": CBS Channel 2 Chicago

Monday – Thursdays: 11:00am-10:00pm
Fridays: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Saturdays: 5:00pm-11:00pm
Sundays: Closed

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Celebrities to attend CARQUEST World of Wheels in Chicago, Jan. 23-25

The 47th Annual CARQUEST World of Wheels, presented by South Oak Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep is quickly approaching. Aside from the hundreds of custom hot rods and motorcycles that will be at the event Jan. 23-25, the lineup includes a number of guest appearances from celebrities, including:

George Barris, "King of Kustomizers" and creator of the original Batmobile in TV's "Batman" starring Adam West; the Monkee Mobile from TV's "The Monkees"; the 1980s KITT Firebird from TV's "Knight Rider" and Drag-U-La from "The Munsters." These cars will all be at the show as part of a special tribute to America's Coolest TV Cars. Barris is lucky enough to be receiving a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Legends of Motorsports Guild during a special brunch Saturday morning. You can meet Barris yourself Friday, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. or Sunday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Also at the event will be original member of "The Monkees," Micky Dolenz. Catch him at CARQUEST World of Wheels Saturday, 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. A portion of Dolenz' proceeds from attending the event will be donated to the Make A Wish Foundation, a charity that he is very fond of.

Two-time Indy 500 Winner and Season Five "Dancing with the Stars" champ, Helio Castroneves will be on hand Sunday 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Other celebrity appearances include Moises Arias, known as "Rico" on Disney's Hannah Montana (Sunday, Noon-4 p.m.) plus Wolf and Venom from "American Gladiators" on Saturday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

The CARQUEST World of Wheels event runs Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25 at McCormick Place-Lakeside in Chicago. Tickets are $16 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for kids five and under. Visit http://www.worldofwheels.com/ for more information.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Obama-Nation Inauguration

What better place to celebrate Barack Obama's Inauguration than in the heart of his home city? Dine (733 W. Madison St., Chicago; 312-602-2100) welcomes our new hometown president with the Obama Buffet, an inauguration luncheon party from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. January 20. The bargain buffet is $12.95 per person, and includes one beverage. Choose from an array of our President-Elect's favorite foods, like the ultimate cold-weather comfort food, chili.

Can't make it to Washington, DC for the ceremony? Dine will show the inauguration on big-screen projectors throughout the restaurant. Stay out of the harsh Chicago winter, and toast our hometown hero with the Obama Buffet.
For more information on Dine, please visit http://www.dinerestaurant.com/ or call (312) 602-2100.

Monday, January 5, 2009

January Deals & Steals from Chicago-area Restaurants

Venus Greek-Cypriot Cuisine
820 W. Jackson Blvd.Chicago, Ill. 60607
(312) 714-1001www.venuschicago.com
Media Contact: Gina Karatasios

50% Off Signature Entrees at Venus Greek-Cypriot Cuisine during the month of January

Venus signature dishes include over a dozen delicious varieties of Greek and Cypriot-inspired dishes. Entrée prices range from regularly priced $10.95 to $18.95, (1/2 off price range of $5.48 to $9.48). Venus’s eclectic Signature entrees include Cypriot specialties like Kleftiko – lamb wrapped in foil and slow baked to perfections, and Afelia – pork marinated in red wine and served with pourgouri (cracked wheat pilaf). Or how about traditional Greek dishes like Pastitsio – individually baked layers of pasta and ground beef topped with béchamel sauce, also selected by Chicago Magazine as one of the best dishes in Chicago, and Mousakas Tsoukas, individually baked layers of eggplant, zucchini, potatoes and ground beef, topped with homemade béchamel sauce. Venus Signature dishes include Gluten-Free and Vegetarian options. That’s just the start. It’s the start of the Venus Signature menu, and the beginning of your next grand adventure. Venus is located in Chicago’s very own Greek Town at 820 West Jackson Blvd. Visit http://www.venuschicago.com/ for more information or call (312) 714-1001.


Birch River Grill - An American Kitchen
75 W. Algonquin Rd.Arlington Heights, Ill. 60005
(847) 427-4242
http://www.birchrivergrill.com/
Media Contact: Kurman Communications
(312) 651-9000

Warm Up to Weekly Specials at Birch River Grill

Relax and unwind by the fireplace at Birch River Grill - An American Kitchen during the month of January with these weekly specials. Monday, enjoy Bud Bottles, Bud Light Bottles and Bud Light Draft for only $2.50; Tuesday, Cuervo Margaritas for $5; Wednesday, You Call It Martinis for $7.50; Thursday, Imported Drafts are $3.50; Friday, Coffee Drinks are $6; Saturday, enjoy Half Price Bottles of Wine with the purchase of an entrée; and Sunday, You Call It Bloody Marys are $6.95.

Birch River Grill – An American Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, from 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 daily. All major credit cards are accepted. Complimentary parking is available. For reservations or more information, please contact Birch River Grill – An American Kitchen at (847) 427-4242 or visit them on the web at http://www.birchrivergrill.com/.


Dine
733 W. Madison St., Chicago, Ill. 60661
(312) 602-2100

Enjoy Dine's Daily Drink Specials

Head to Dine, the chic, retro eatery in Chicago’s West Loop for their weekly specials. Enjoy Half off a Bottle of Wine with the purchase of an entrée on Monday; Tuesday, Dine offers Half off all Draft Beer; Wednesday, enjoy $4 Mixed Well Drinks; Thursday, Half off Glasses of Wine with purchase of one appetizer; Friday, indulge in $6 House Martinis; Saturday, Burger and a Beer for $9 in the lounge only; and Sunday, Bloody Marys are $2 and Mimosas are $5.

Dine is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Breakfast is served from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Lunch and dinner are served from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Martini Bar and Lounge is open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight Friday and Saturday. Dining is available at the bar. Valet parking is complimentary. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Dine at (312) 602-2100 or visit http://www.dinerestaurant.com/.

Karma - Asian Food & Wine
510 E. Route 83Mundelein, Ill. 60060
(847) 970-6900
http://www.karmachicago.com/
Media Contact: Kurman Communications
(312) 651-9000


Karma Offers Themed Daily Drinks Specials

Pan-Asian restaurant Karma – Asian Food & Wine has daily themed specials. On Good Karma Monday, enjoy Grey Goose la Poire Cosmo Martini for $7; Funky Buddha Tuesday offers Draft Beer for $4; on Warrior Rum Wednesday, try Bacardi Rum Cocktails for $5; Zen Thursday offers Domestic Bottles for $3; and start the weekend off on Feng Shui Friday with Absolut Martinis for $6.

Karma is open seven days a week 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m. for breakfast; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday for dinner, and 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday for dinner. The lounge is open 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 5 p.m. - midnight Friday and Saturday. Karma is located adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Chicago North Shore at 510 East Route 83, Mundelein, IL 60060. For reservations or more information, call Karma at (847) 970-6900 or visit http://www.karmachicago.com/.

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Karma Asian Food & Wine

Chinese New Year begins on January 26, 2009, and Karma Asian Food and Wine is offering their special Chinese New Year menu in addition to their standard menus from January 26 through January 31, during both lunch and dinner service. Enjoy "Prosperity" Crispy Fried Golden Pork Won Ton, a flavorful combination of ground pork, Napa cabbage and ginger served with a Spicy Yuzu dip ($9); "Long Life" Szechwan Shrimp with Chili Sauce, wok tossed shrimp and asparagus flavored with Thai chilies and roasted peanuts in a rich glaze ($11); "Having Many Children" Chinese Greens and Noodles, stir fried mustard greens atop Chinese noodles seasoned with soy, sesame and black sesame seeds. "Happiness" Lobster in a Sweet and Spicy Sauce, wok fried and served with garlic chive jasmine rice, ($40); and "Long Life" Firecracker Beef, thinly sliced beef tenderloin, lightly dredged in seasonings then quickly sautéed with baby vegetables and sugar snap peas, served with black forbidden rice, ($27). Finish off the Chinese New Year meal with the tangy and tart "Luck" Tangerine Crème Brule ($8).

Karma is located at 510 East Route 83, Mundelein, IL 60060. For reservations or more information, call Karma at (847) 970-6900 or visit http://www.karmachicago.com/.