Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Sip into Summer with Fleming's New 5-6-7 Bar Menu and "Skinnier Cocktails"


Early summer evenings are perfect for sharing a drink with friends. It’s not too cool and not too hot... and thanks to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, it’s not too expensive.  The nightly bar menu, “5 for $6 ’til 7,” offers a terrific selection of appetizers, premium cocktails and distinctive wines by the glass for just $6 each. They’re available at the bar every night from open to close*.

To sweeten the deal, Fleming’s has updated the 5-6-7 menu for summer with a new 99-calorie cocktail and a pair of flavorful new wines. For beer enthusiasts, Amstel Light is now available at a very special price — two bottles for $6*. (And just 99 calories per bottle!) So why work late when you can celebrate early at Fleming’s?

* Prices in effect from open to close in Illinois. Selling two or more drinks for the price of one is prohibited in Illinois, so the beer selection will be offered at $3 each.

5 COCKTAILS
VINTAGE VODKA MARTINI, Smirnoff Vodka
POMTINI, Grey Goose Vodka
CLEAR COSMO, Smirnoff Vodka
TROPICAL MARTINI, Malibu Coconut Rum
NEW MOJITA BONITA, Stoli Vanil Vodka, Pineapple - 99 Calories

5 WINES BY THE GLASS
NEW RIESLING, Dr. L, Germany
CHARDONNAY, Canyon Road, California
PINOT NOIR, Mark West, California
SHIRAZ, Morse Code, Australia
NEW CABERNET, 14 Hands, Washington

5 APPETIZERS
TENDERLOIN CARPACCIO
SWEET CHILE CALAMARI
ROASTED MUSHROOM RAVIOLI
SEARED AHI TUNA
WICKED CAJUN BARBECUE SHRIMP
FLEMING’S PRIME BURGER
, Cheese & Bacon

Each selection $6.
Served nightly until close

NEW AMSTEL LIGHT, 2 for $6* - 99 calories

*Selling two or more drinks for the price of one is prohibited in Illinois, so the beer selection will be offered at $3 each.

Fleming's Prime Burger (high-resolution)

Mojita Bonita (high-resolution)

Mojita Bonita
Prepared By Maeve Pesquera, Director of Wine
Serves 1
Ingredients1 oz.  Stoli Vanil vodka
1 oz.  Pineapple juice
1 oz.  Monin sugar‐free vanilla syrup
1 oz.  Fresh lime juice
10  Fresh mint leaves
2 oz.  Club soda
Ice cubes

DirectionsPlace mint leaves and lime juice in glass. Use a muddler to bruise the mint leaves and release the mint oils. (Don’t over crush.) Place Stoli Vanil, pineapple juice, sugar‐free vanilla syrup and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake thoroughly. Pour into the glass with mint leaves and top with club soda. Garnish with mint sprig.

New Sexy Sailor 99-calorie "Skinnier Cocktail"

Starting July 1, Fleming’s is offering the second guilt-free cocktail in a series of three 99-calorie “Skinnier Cocktails”.

Fleming’s new Sexy Sailor is a refreshing 99-calorie cocktail that has all the best elements of an Arnold Palmer—the refreshing quality of iced tea with a hint of sweetness and that great citrus taste of fresh lemon.

Sexy Sailor (high-resolution)

Maeve Pesquera, Fleming’s new Director of Wine, started her creation with a recent discovery, Sailor Jerry Rum. With this delicious rum as her base, she added a classic black pekoe iced tea, a bit of Monin sugar-free syrup, fresh lemon juice and a touch of soda. The Sexy Sailor is skinny cocktail heaven on a hot summer night—and it’s under 100 calories!

Sexy Sailor
Prepared By Maeve Pesquera, Director of Wine
Serves 1

Ingredients
1 oz Sailor Jerry Rum
2 oz black iced tea, unsweetened
1 oz Monin sugar-free syrup
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz soda water

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh lemon wheel.

Fleming’s is giving away an exceptional array of prizes for the Skinny Sippin’ Summer Sweepstakes. Each month brings a new chance to win, and the summer will conclude with a drawing for a memorable Caribbean vacation with Sandals Resorts!

Click here for Official Sweepstakes Rules.

June Prize: A $500 Nordstrom Gift Card to spend on a summer wardrobe

July Prize: A $500 Williams-Sonoma Gift Certificate to make you master of the grill

August Prize: A $500 Spa Finders Gift Certificate to pamper you from head to toe

Each monthly prize winner will also receive a $500 Fleming’s Gift Certificate

Grand Prize: A $5,000 Gift Voucher valid at Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean and roundtrip coach airfare for two from the U.S. to your Caribbean destination

Fleming’s is located at 25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, Ill.; (312) 329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, Ill.; (847) 793-0333. Visit www.flemingsteakhouse.com for more information.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Chicago French Market July and Bastille Day Plans and Promotions

On Friday, July 1 Vanille Patisserie will introduce a new entremet, the Mont Blanc; fresh yogurt lime mousse, with a peach thyme compote center on a lemon madeleine. For more information call (312) 575-9963

Join Raw 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 5 for their Vegan Food Prep Class Series. Raw offers continuing classes that teaches you how to prepare amazing foods from well-known Chef Carole Jones. Learn how to create Raw’s amazing recipes: Chili Croquettes Couscous, Apple Pie and their signature Spirulina Smoothie. Join this class for $50 or buy a package of three classes for $135. Call to reserve your spot in this class at (312) 831-2729.

Grab your co-worker and enjoy a special lunch at Chicago French Market’s Lunch Hour Music. Peruse the market while listening to performer Annalee 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 6.

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine hosts their Free Monthly Wine Tasting, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 7 featuring “Wines of the World” from H2Vino. Fresh off the holiday weekend, Pastoral celebrates the American spirit by bringing together the international muses that have delighted American palates for decades. Old and new world wines will be featured as Pastoral contemplates the past and looks into wine’s future in our great nation.

The U.S. Green Building Council’s Illinois Chapter is hosting a meeting and networking event designed to get all involved, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 12. An opportunity to learn about which USGBC-Illinois Branches or Committees you may be interested in joining, hear about the current Chapter activities, and see what has been happening with the Chapter so far this year and what is coming up later in 2011. The USGBC-Illinois Chapter leads the regional transformation of the built environment to become ecologically sustainable, profitable and healthy. We achieve this through education, advocacy and collaboration. All members and non-members are invited to attend!

Join Mr. Graham Paul, Consul General of France in Chicago and the Chicago French Market in celebrating a “magnifique” free two-day Bastille Festival Wednesday, July 13 and Thursday, July 14.

Bastille Day specials and promotions include:

• Lavazza Espression offers their Blendissimo® line. A Unique coffee-based frappe that will seduce the palate: a cool blend of espresso, vanilla gelato and caramel, topped off with whipped cream and available in a number of flavors. Prices range from $3.55 to $4.55.

Also available is Raspberry Choco Èspessone™, a double pleasure: the delicacy of Èspessone™ combined with the intensity of hot chocolate. Available in four perfect combinations: vanilla, hazelnut, raspberry, and coconut. Prices range from $2.95 to $3.75. For more information call (312) 207-0500 or visit http://www.frenchmarketchicago.com/vendor/lavazza_espression.

• Vanille Patisserie will offer a new item crème brulee ($2.75) Thursday, July 14 through Saturday July 16. Call (312) 575-9963 for more information.

• Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine will offer H2Vino as well as Fine Vines pouring a selection of French reds, whites and sparklings. Celebrate Bastille Day and all summer outings with a Pastoral Picnic for Two! Baskets include cheese, bread, accompaniments
and cookies.

Don’t forget the wine or a cool craft beer, let Pastoral assist in picking the perfect boutique wines or beers to complement your picnic. All baskets must be ordered 6 hours ahead of time, prices begin at $39.99. For more information visit http://pastoralartisan.com/events or call (312) 454-2200.

• Sweet Miss Giving’s will offer Red (velvet), White & Blue Cupcakes in honor of the Fourth of July on July 1 and July 2. On July 13 and 14, they will honor Bastille Day with Bleu, Blanc and Rouge (velvet) cupcakes! Cupcakes are $3 and also are available in half dozens and full dozens. As always, 100% of Sweet Miss Giving’s profits go to help the formerly homeless and disabled in the greater Chicago area. For more information call (312) 575-0212.

In addition to great specials and promotions, Chicago French Market will honor France with a number of musical performances throughout the two day festivities! Join Jacqueline Sylvie 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., July 13, as she showcases a few of her original tunes. She and her guitarist will also perform a number of cover tunes as well as French music in honor of the celebration.

Later in the evening enjoy International singer/entertainer Greta Pope as she entertains guests from 4 – 7 p.m. She has delighted audiences throughout Europe, the Far East, South America and the Caribbean, as well as the United States and Canada. Ms. Pope has been touted as one of the great voices of our time, as she performs with ease all styles. In honor of Bastille Day, Ms. Pope will be performing French Cabaret. Enjoy a complimentary wine and appetizer buffet during Greta’s performance.

On day two of the celebration, enjoy the musical styling’s of Trio CopaCabana 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursday, July 14. Join Luciano Antonio, Neusa Sauer and Geraldo De Oliveira as they explore the Bossa Nova and Brazilian Jazz repertoire.

Prince Saleem and Company will perform 4 – 7 p.m., July 14. Their second visit to Chicago French Market, this trio consisting of a singer, jazz saxophonist and keyboardist will conclude the Bastille Day celebrations.

Join Chicago French Market for a cooking demonstration and tasting with executive chef Patrick Sheerin with The Signature Room at the 95th®, for Dine Around the Market 12 -1 p.m., July 19. Chef Patrick joined The Signature Room at the 95th® in 2002, he was promoted to executive chef in 2006 and has been creating innovative dishes ever since.

A native of Chicago, Sheerin was graduated from the French Culinary Institute of New York in 1998. Patrick combines his Illinois upbringing, utilizing fresh local farm ingredients, with his traditional culinary training to create dishes that are both savory to the trained palate and still approachable to the everyday diner. Several dishes will be demonstrated followed by sampling some of Chef Patrick’s creations.

Unwind your week or make your lunch hour a special one with Chicago French Market’s Lunch and Rush Hour Music! Guitarist and vocalist Robin Biennemann will perform 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 20. Prince Saleem and Company returns 4 -7 p.m., Thursday, July 28 for Chicago French Market’s Rush Hour Music.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Fleming’s Skinny Sippin’ Summer

Summer is here and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar plans on celebrating it in style, from the first splash of sunscreen to the last dollop of barbecue sauce. To keep things flowing all summer long, Fleming’s is offering guilt-free cocktails in honor of (gulp!) swimsuit season.

The new Mojita Bonita—created by Maeve Pesquera, Fleming’s new Director of Wine and master cocktail-maker—is the first of three 99-calorie “Skinnier Cocktails” introduced on the first day of each month, all summer long.

 “Since we’re heading into bikini season, it had to be under 100 calories. So to begin, I replaced the rum with Stoli Vanil vodka. It has such a great silky essence. To kick up the fruit flavor, I added a little pineapple juice along with fresh lime juice. Of course, the fresh mint gives it such a refreshing quality,” says Pesquera.

The Mojito is a cocktail that evokes hot days and warm balmy evenings. Inspired by Pesquera’s memories of hot summer nights in her native Texas, she’s created a magnificent Mojito with only 99 calories. The idea was to take a classic cocktail and put a low-cal, contemporary spin on it. The Mojita Bonita is smooth and fruity, but also elegant and refined.

“For a couple of weeks, my kitchen looked like a cocktail laboratory with nightly Mojito tastings. It was perfect. A delightful, new taste twist on the classic mojito. I call it my Mojita Bonita because at 99 calories, it’s a beautiful thing.”

Fleming’s is located at 25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, Ill.; (312) 329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, Ill.; (847) 793-0333. Visit www.flemingsteakhouse.com for more information.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Father’s Day 2011 Specials in the Chicagoland Area

Father’s Day Brunch at Prairie Fire in Chicago

Join Prairie Fire (215 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-382-8300) for brunch on Father’s Day 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 19.

Prairie Fire is offering their a la carte Prairie Fire Sunday Brunch Menu beginning with warm Blueberry Lemon Coffee Cake and featuring a special Father’s Day Omelet Station, Dad’s Supreme Bloody Mary topped with a jumbo shrimp and blue cheese olives and Peekytoe Crab Benedict—two poached eggs over crab cakes, asparagus and citrus hollandaise.

Prairie Fire is also offering the regular menu at 5 p.m. along with some great Father’s Day specials including BBQ Ribs, Signature Twice-baked Potatoes and Crunch Slaw.

To make a reservation, please call Prairie Fire at (312) 382-8300.



Father’s Day Buffet at Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook, Ill.

Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, Ill.; (847) 205-4433) also is offering something special for Father’s Day including a buffet menu from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $39 per adult and $15 per child (ages four-10). Reservations are required and can be made by calling Prairie Grass Cafe.

The special buffet menu features Roasted New York Strip Loin with mushroom sauce, Chef Sarah’s Fried Chicken, Creamy Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Chorizo Sausage with vegetables and bean ragout, Grilled Salmon with warm vegetable salad, Signature PGC Eggs Benedict, an Omelet Station, Waffles with maple syrup, Apple-wood Smoked Bacon, Chopped Greek Salad with warm feta, Creamy Vegetable Slaw and Grilled Vegetables with basil remoulade.

For dessert, the buffet offers a Dessert Crepe Station, Warm Berry Crumble, Sliced Fresh Fruit, Mini Crème Brule, Chocolate Cup Cakes and Fruit Cream Pie.

Prairie Grass Cafe also is offering a la carte dinner from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring their full menu.



Father’s Day Brunch at Fleming's With a $25 Gift for Dad, Compliments of Fleming’s



Make Father's Day especially memorable for Dad this year. Treat him to brunch or dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago; (312) 329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, Ill.; (847) 793-0333), and Fleming’s will treat him to a $25 Dining Card to enjoy on a future occasion.*

On Sunday, June 19th, Fleming’s will be open early at 11:30 a.m. to welcome guests with an exceptional three-course brunch menu, served until 3:00 p.m. for $32.95 per guest. The regular dining menu will also be available throughout the day and evening. Reservations are strongly recommended for Father's Day.



Brunch starts with choice of appetizer including Fresh Fruit Salad with berries, melon, pineapple, sour cream and honey sauce or The Wedge with crisp iceberg lettuce, grape tomatoes, red onions and crumbled blue cheese. Next, indulge in a delicious entrée, choice of Mushroom, Cheddar and Filet Mignon Frittata with rösti potatoes and turkey sage sausage, Berry Stuffed French Toast with turkey sage sausage, Smoked Salmon and Toasted Bagel with sliced red onion, cream cheese, sliced tomato and fried capers, Asparagus, Swiss Cheese and Lump Crab Frittata with rösti potatoes and turkey sage sausage and Filet Benedict including sliced filet mignon on buttermilk biscuits with rösti potatoes and turkey sage sausage.

Top-off Father’s Day Brunch with choice of dessert to include Walnut Turtle Pie including homemade caramel, walnuts and chocolate baked in a chocolate pie crust, Crème Brulee with creamy Tahitian vanilla bean custard served with fresh seasonal berries and New York Style Cheesecake with graham cracker crust, blueberry sauce and white chocolate shavings.
Don’t forget to toast Dad with a special Fleming’s Father’s Day cocktail, Button Down—Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup and a dash of bitters, garnished with a lemon twist.



A children’s menu is also available
$25 Dining Card valid 06/20/11 - 07/17/11
** Excluding cocktail, tax and gratuity



Enjoy the Bistro One West Outdoor Experience this Father’s Day



The Bistro One West (1 W. Illinois St., St. Charles, Ill.; 630-444-0600) deck features a grill at which patrons can watch the proceedings and interact with the Chef Doug D‘Avico! With seating for 70-75 guests, the deck is located directly on the scenic Fox River and will be open this Father’s Day between 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

In addition to the dining room menu, the Bistro One West deck menu is available on the deck or in the bar until 7 p.m. to include a Wagyu Beef Hotdog with onions, jalapeno and yellow mustard; Smoked bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and maple-orange aioli; Meyer’s Farm Burger—choose burger sides: bacon, mushrooms, onions and cheese—cheddar, blue or Swiss; Skirt Steak with cucumber and mixed greens salad; Shrimp with Avocado Butter; and Lemon and Rosemary Chicken.

Treat Dad to something special and make your Bistro One West reservation by calling (630) 444-0600.


Treat Dad to Something Sweet at Everest Burger


Everest Burger and Bakery (91 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe, Ill; 847-242-0909) is offering Dads a sweet treat this Father’s Day! Enjoy a tasty Chocolate Papa Cupcake ($2.25) after enjoying one of Everest Burger’s delicious organic burgers such as the Chimichurri Burger, onion, cloves, cilantro, oregano and some special sauces for a spicy South American taste or the Odysseus’ Feast, lettuce, tomato, onion, kalamata olives and feta cheese grilled with olive oil for added flavor. Enjoy your meal on the outdoor patio or call in an order and take it home for the whole family!



Call Everest Burger at (847) 242-0909 to order.



Celebrate Father’s Day with Classical Spanish Music at Guanajuato
Contemporary Mexican & Tequila Bar



This Father’s Day, enjoy special dishes at Guanajuato Contemporary Mexican & Tequila Bar (73 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe, Ill; 847-242-0501! Dad will love Pollo Azteca, a grilled half-chicken hand-rubbed with a combination of Aztecan spices and charbroiled to perfection. Served with jalapeno mashed potatoes and soupora house salad! Or enjoy the best of everything with Guanajuato’s Combo Platter!

This tasty platter includes a Chile Pelleno (a classic soufflé-battered Poblano pepper) stuffed with cheese, a taco (with choice of meat) and a cheese enchilada! Enjoy delicious authentic Mexican cuisine while enjoying live music from a Classical Spanish guitarist!

Make it a Father’s Day Dad will never forget,
call (847) 242-0501.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Bistro One West to Host Beer Dinner with Two Brothers Brewing Co.

Featuring a five-course menu
with beer pairings June 28

Bistro One West is hosting their first-ever beer dinner, featuring Warrenville, Ill.’s own Two Brothers Brewery Co. 6:30 p.m. June 28. Chef Doug D’Avico is preparing a delicious five-course meal to accompany the beers of Two Brothers for $45 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).

The dinner starts with Loaded Mini Sweet Potatoes with Hasselman Farm’s country bacon and house-made crème fraiche, served with Domaine DuPage. The first-course is Grilled Pork Belly topped with mole and Spence Farm’s radish salad, served with Long Haul Session Ale. The main-course is the signature Bistro One West burger, Grilled Strube Ranch Slider topped with lobster salad, served with Resistance IPA. The salad-course consists of a Papaya and Avocado Salad with chiles and green onions, served with Dog Days Seasonal Ale. The final dessert-course is Cherry Tart with “Cane & Ebel” gelato, served with Hop Juice.

For a high-resolution image of the signature
Bistro One West burger, please press here.

Bistro One West also serves the finest on-tap beers including Miller Lite, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Guinness, Sam Adams, Fat Tire, Blue Moon, Sam Adams – Winterfest, Two Bro/French Country Ale, Lagunitas IPA, Stone Pale Ale, Magic Hat #9, Lagunitas Brown Sugga, Two Brothers Heavy Handed - India Pale Ale, Iniquity Black Ale, MGD, Peroni, Seirra Nevada Pale, Fat Tire 2 Below, Left Hand Pole Star – Pilsner, Dos Eques, Goose Island 312, Coors Light and Leinenkugal Sun.

To make a reservation, please call Bistro One West at (630) 444-0600.

About Two Brothers Brewing Co.
Two Brothers Brewing Co. is a family-owned and operated microbrewery and brewpub located in the western suburbs of Chicago—founded by Jim and Jason Ebel in 1996. The brothers learned the diversity and culture of European beers through their time spent in Europe. After returning home and discovering that options in flavor-oriented craft beers were virtually non-existent, they decided to open a home beer and wine making store—The Brewer’s Coop in Naperville, Ill. and the basis of their envision to start their own brewery, Two Brothers Brewing Co.

Two Brothers Brewing Co. is still 100 percent family-owned. Their beers are currently found in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.