Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Tammy McCann and The Four Tenors at Jazz Showcase

Her upcoming performance, “Tammy McCann And The Four Tenors”, pays homage to her mentor Von Freeman and the hard work and dedication that it took her to be the inspiring Chicago jazz vocalist that she is today.  “It’s my love letter of appreciation to him for the gift of jazz he has given me” declares Tammy.  During her early years on the jazz scene, Freeman and his band took her under their wings and exposed her to the rhythm and style of the music genre. Being classically trained, she struggled with the improvisational nature of jazz during her training. “He lectured me to never try to sound like someone else, always be myself…” But after two years with Freemans and his musicians, little by little she stepped out on her own in the world of jazz only to become an internationally recognized jazz entertainer. Learn more about Tammy on her website http://www.tammymccann.com/

See one of Tammy's performances here.

Tammy McCann And The Four Tenors March 1 thru 4, 2012 (Thu–Sat at 8:00 & 10:00PM, Sun at 4:00, 8:00, & 10:00PM)
Jazz Showcase - $20 cover
806 S Plymouth Court,
Chicago, IL 60605

Rhythm Section Piano: Jeremy Kahn (Thu, Fri, & Sat), Tom Vaitsas (Sun)
Bass: Dennis Carroll
Drums: Yusef Ernie Adams

The Four Tenors
Thursday, March 1 - Ari Brown

Friday, March 2  - Eric Schneider
Saturday, March 3  - Joel Frahm
Sunday, March 4  - Kevin Nabors

Monday, February 27, 2012

Opolo Winemaker's Dinner at Francesca's Bellezza



March 7, 7 p.m. – Francesca’s Bellezza (75 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange, IL 60525; 708-579-3500)

The Opolo Winemaker’s Dinner at Francesca’s Bellezza features wines from California’s Opolo Vineyards. Tickets are $52 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The evening starts with Cicchetti, an assortment of small bites paired with Opolo Sparkling Wine. This is followed by Capesante e Arancia, pearl pasta with jumbo sea scallops and baby spinach in blood orange sauce paired with 2010 Roussanne. The next course is Papardelle con Anatra, papardelle pasta with a duck confit, vegetables, stewed tomatoes, oregano and parmesan cheese. Opolo’s 2007 Grande Rouge is the perfect pairing for this course. The final course is Filetto con Polenta, pan-roasted beef tenderloin topped with mascarpone polenta and black cherry pepper reduction paired with 2010 Mountain Zinfandel.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

National Chocolate Cake Day

Monday, February 27, is National Chocolate Cake Day!  Let’s celebrate by partaking in the lavish and decadent dessert offered at several great bakeries and restaurant in Chicago. 

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Fleming’s is serving up their Chocolate Lava Cake every night on their dessert menu.  It’s a rich chocolate cake with a molten chocolate center of Belgian chocolate, served with vanilla ice cream and chopped pistachios.  You can’t get much better than that….







Vanille Patisserie
The chocolate lover in all of us is sure to be satisfied with upscale offerings of chocolate cakes that Vanille has to offer.  Choose from the Sofia , a chocolate mousse with vanilla cremeaux and hazelnut crisp, the Manjari , a flourless chocolate cake with a dark chocolate mousse, dark chocolate cremeaux, and dark chocolate glaze, or The Earl, a chocolate tart shell, banana caramel and earl grey tea infused milk chocolate mousse.  Each piece is only $6.65 and serves two. 

Delightful Pastries
Delightful Pastries is going the more traditional route by offering their Death by Chocolate Cake by the slice.  Layer upon layer of chocolate cake will please even the biggest chocolate fiend.  Or, for a bit more excitement, special order their German Chocolate Cake to take home and share!

Sweet Miss Giving’s

Sometimes a good ‘ole cupcake will do the trick.  Take home a dozen gooey and moist chocolate cupcakes from Sweet Miss Giving’s in original sized or mini!  100% off all their profits go to charity.  How sweet it is!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Big prom plans for Westfield and The Glass Slipper Project

The first thing that comes to a girl’s mind when she thinks of her prom is the age old question: “What am I going to wear?”   So with prom season fast approaching, Westfield and The Glass Slipper Project will make the answer to that question much easier for local teens in need.   Starting March 19-24, Westfield Old Orchard (Skokie Blvd & Old Orchard Rd. Skokie, IL 60077) and Westfield Hawthorn (122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, IL)   will be working with The Glass Slipper Project to collect new and lightly used prom attire and accessories. 

They are putting out a call to action to the community to collectively donate over 1700 dresses to provide area teens with a full prom ensemble for the special night.  This is the first year both Westfield locations will be participating in the Donation Days, which leads up to the annual Boutique Days events held Saturday April 14, 21, and 28.   There, participated girls will enjoy shopping for their dresses, accessories, and beauty products from the assortment of donated merchandise. 

If you have merchandise that you’d like to donate, Westfield Old Orchard shoppers can drop off donations at the Concierge Center located in the service collection next to Helzberg Diamonds. Westfield Hawthorn shoppers can drop off donations at the Concierge Center, located on the upper level near Carson Pirie Scott.  Each shopper who donates merchandise will receive one $10 Westfield Gift Card and a variety of special retailer offers.

Additionally, Westfield is getting into the prom spirit by hosting several free prom-themed events at the Old Orchard and Hawthorn locations.  March 24 marks the Pre-Prom Party Celebration where shoppers can enjoy music provided by a local DJ, prizes, and the crowning of a local area “prom king and queen”.  Those that attend will also have the chance to win a spa “prom package” from Mario Tricoci salon and a $300 Westfield Gift Card.  Shoppers can also stop in to Westfield Old Orchard Lord & Taylor March 24 to enjoy a free fashion show highlighting current trends in prom fashion, and Bloomingdale’s April 14 for a prom shopping event offering music, make-up touch ups, and special gifts with purchase courtesy of BCBG!

Buglioni Wine Dinner at Francesca's Restaurants


This month, several Francesca’s restaurants present wine dinners featuring the Italian wines of Buglioni Vineyards. Tickets are $65 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

March 1, 7 p.m. – Francesca’s at the Promenade (641 E. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300)

March 7, 7 p.m. – Francesca’s by the River (200 S. Second St., St. Charles, IL 60174; 630-587-8221)

March 8, 7 p.m. – Francesca’s Bryn Mawr (1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660; 773-506-9261)


The evening begins with a cocktail hour featuring Crostini con Fegatini di Pollo  con Ricotta e Pomodorini, crostini with chicken liver pate or with ricotta and sweet tomatoes. This is paired with “Il Vigliacco” Brut Rose. Following this is the first course, Gamberoni con Cannellini al Rosmarino, jumbo shrimp with cannellini beans and rosemary topped with arugula, paired with “Il Intruso” Bianco Veronese. The next course features Pappardelle con Funghi Selvatici e Polletto, handmade pappardelle with wild mushrooms ragu and charred chicken breast with Parmigiano. The Valpolicella Classico wine pairs perfectly with this course. Next is Costine di Bue Agli Aromi con Polenta Bianca, braised short ribs with herbs, au jus and creamy white corn polenta paired with “Il Bugiardo” Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC. The dinner ends with Degustazione di Formaggi con Frutta, a cheese tasting with fruit, nuts, sweet gorgonzola and pecorino grand cru. “L’Amarone” Amarone della Valpolicella is paired with this course.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Celebrate National Margarita Day at Guanajuato!


The middle of February is just about the time the winter blues can take over. Fortunately, there’s a holiday ready to clear those blues right up!
National Margarita Day is February 22, 2012, and Guanajuato Contemporary Mexican and Tequila Bar (73 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe, IL 60022; 847-242-0501) is just the place to celebrate. The north shore Mexican restaurant has everything anyone would need for the perfect Margarita Day celebration.

Chef/owner Margarita Challenger is known for making a perfect namesake margarita. Having just introduced their Valentine’s specialty, the Raspberry Margarita with Pink Tequila, the restaurant boasts the ability to offer customers custom-made concoctions to suit their tastes, using any of their more than 50 tequilas from which to choose. Guanajuato often offers margaritas in Mango, Super Fruit Acacia and Spicy Orange in addition to more classic margarita flavors.

From brand favorites like Patron, to celebrity favorites like Justin Timberlake’s Silver 901, to high-end choices like Asombroso Extra Anejo, Guanajuato knows tequila. Mixed with your favorite fruit on the rocks or blended, the ideal margarita is in your reach. You won’t be able to tell whether you’re in chilly Illinois or sunny Mexico.

Guanajuato is the perfect place to shake the winter blues and relax on a beach with a drink – even if it is imaginary. Happy Margarita Day!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive and Dodge...for CHARITY?

The Dental Salon Team has come together this winter with Live to Support Chicago to play Dodge ball in support of the Chicago Dental Society Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Chicago Dental Society. 

In the last five years, the Chicago Dental Society and its foundation have donated more than 400,000 toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste to families in need. And now The Dental Salon Team is helping them to reach even more!

Every Tuesday Dental Salon battle it out on the dodge ball court against other teams supporting great causes, spreading awareness and competing to win $500 for the charity of the team's choice they play for! 

Did you know donating $250 will provide dental supplies to an entire grade? Dental "giving" fact!


Check out Dental Salon's Facebook page to keep up with the Tooth Buster's stats and photos!

Free Release Tuesdays at Kurman
This is part of Kurman Communications' Free Release Tuesdays series. Are you a non-profit or charity with an upcoming event? Let us help promote it with our new service, FRT- Free Release Tuesdays.What is it? All you have to do is send us news on your upcoming event, including the details-- date/time, location, images, a link to a website, etc. We'll pick our top selections and post them on our highly-read blog! Got Buzz receives thousands of page views monthly by consumers and journalists who are looking for things to do and content to feature.

KCI is pleased to help you spread the news! Send all materials to kurmanstaff@kurman.com, and remember to follow us on Twitter @kurmanstaff.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Hosts Hadassah For Spring Fashion Show

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, Ill.; (847) 793-0333) is hosting the Nehara Group from Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, for their 2nd Annual Spring Fashion Show at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 13.

The young women of Nehara Hadassah will model trendy casual and active wear fashions accessorized by jewelry from Sweet Magnolia.

Be sure to partake in a raffle for exquisite items—proceeds benefit stem cell research at Hadassah Hospital.

Tickets are $40. For more information, contact the Hadassah North Shore office at (847) 205-1900 or e-mail northshore@hadassah.org.

About Hadassah
Hadassah is a volunteer women's organization whose members are motivated and inspired to strengthen their partnership with Israel, ensure Jewish continuity, and realize their potential as a dynamic force in American society.

Hadassah enhances the quality of American and Jewish life through its education and Zionist youth programs, promotes health awareness, and provides personal enrichment and growth for its members. Hadassah North Shore is one of the largest Hadassah chapters in the nation, with 14 different groups all over the north shore and beyond. For more information, visit www.northshore.hadassah.org.




About Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Nationally acclaimed Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers the best in steakhouse dining - Prime meats and chops, fresh fish and poultry, generous salads and side orders-with a unique wine list known as the "Fleming's 100™" that features 100 wines served by the glass.  Fleming's was launched in Newport Beach, Calif. in 1998 by successful restaurant industry veterans Paul Fleming and Bill Allen. Today there are 64 restaurants nationwide. Fleming's is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Wine Spectator's annual Awards of Excellence, and Wine Enthusiast's annual Awards of Distinction.
For more information about Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, please visit www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Celebrate Chicago Restaurant Week!

To many people, the middle of February simply means winter, but for Chicago restaurants, this time of year is a cause for celebration. February 17 through 25 food enthusiasts’ favorite event: Chicago Restaurant Week. During this week, many restaurants in Chicago offer special prix-fixe menus for diners to experience some of their favorite restaurants or discover new favorites for a great value. With the amount of great restaurants in Chicago, choosing from the long list of participating restaurants can be daunting. Here are some of our favorite suggestions.

Francesca’s restaurants have three Chicago locations participating in Restaurant Week. Francesca’s Bryn Mawr (1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660; 773-506-9261), Francesca’s on Taylor (1400 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607; 312-829-2828) and Francesca’s on Chestnut (200 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-482-8800) will all feature special Restaurant Week menus for lunch and dinner. The four-course lunch menu is $22 per person. The lunch menu includes Bruschetta alla Romana served with a cup of their soup of the day, a choice of Francesca Salad or Asparagus Salad, an entrée choice of Ravioli ai Spinaci or Pollo alla Romana, and a dessert choice of Tiramisu or Profiteroles. Francesca’s five-course dinner menu starts with a choice of Bruschetta alla Romana or Calamari fritti. The menu continues with a choice of Francesca Salad or Asparagus Salad, a pasta choice of Ravioli ai Spinaci or Rigatoni alla Bolognese, and an entrée choice of Pollo al Limone or Tilapia con Funghi. The menu concludes with a choice of Tiramisu or Profiteroles. The dinner menu is $33 per person.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-329-9463) features a Restaurant Week menu for dinner. Their three-course menu is $44 per person. The first course is a choice of Newport Beach Clam Chowder or Fleming’s Salad with cranberries and candied walnuts, tossed in a lemon balsamic vinaigrette. This is followed by entrée choices which include a Petite Filet of their most tender filet beef, Double Breast of Chicken baked in a white wine, mushroom, shallot and thyme sauce, or Scottish Salmon served with a barbeque glaze and three mushroom salad. Diners have a choice of Mashed Potatoes with blue cheese, parmesan peppercorn or roasted garlic or Creamed Spinach as their side. The menu ends with a choice of two of Fleming’s amazing desserts, Crème Brule, creamy Tahitian vanilla bean custard with fresh seasonal berries or Cheesecake with white chocolate and blueberries.

Chicago Restaurant Week is not the only week to celebrate great dining in Chicago, but it can certainly make the experience more fun and a little easier on your wallet. For a full list of participating restaurants and menus, visit the Restaurant Week website.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Buglioni Wine Dinner at Francesca's Amici


7 p.m. February 23, Francesca’s Amici (174 N. York Rd., Elmhurst, IL 60126; 630-279-7970)
presents a wine dinner featuring the Italian wines of Buglioni Vineyards.Tickets are $58 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The evening begins with Crostini con Fegatini di Pollo  con Ricotta e Pomodorini, crostini with chicken liver pate or with ricotta and sweet tomatoes. This is paired with “Il Vigliacco” Brut Rose. Following this is Gamberoni con Cannellini al Rosmarino, jumbo shrimp with cannellini beans and rosemary topped with arugula, paired with “Il Intruso” Bianco Veronese. The next course features Pappardelle con Funghi Selvatici e Polletto, handmade pappardelle with wild mushrooms ragu and charred chicken breast with Parmigiano. The Valpolicella Classico wine pairs perfectly with this course. Next is Costine di Bue Agli Aromi con Polenta Bianca, braised short ribs with herbs, au jus and creamy white polenta paired with “Il Bugiardo” Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC. The dinner ends with Degustazione di Formaggi con Frutta, a cheese tasting with fruit, nuts, sweet gorgonzola and pecorino grand cru. “L’Amarone” Amarone della Valpolicella is paired with this course.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Celebrate Drink Wine Day at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

One of everyone’s favorite indulgences is a great glass of wine. Whether your preference is white or red, good wine is the perfect addition to a great meal, an evening with friends or just a relaxing night at home. However you enjoy your wine, today is the perfect day to celebrate - February 18 is National Drink Wine Day!

Fleming's Icon Wine: Swanson Family
Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007
If you’re looking for an extensive collection of wines by the glass to celebrate wine today, look no further than Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL 60069; 847-793-0333). With over 100 wines by the glass, Fleming’s has a wine option for every palate and price point.

Fleming’s has also recently introduced their Icon Wine for 2012, the Swanson Family Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon 2007. This wine is available for $95 a bottle through March 31, or while supplies last. This wine is “a wine lover’s wonderland,” says Fleming’s National Director of Wine, Maeve Pesquera. For more information on Fleming’s Icon Wine, visit their website.

If Fleming’s selection makes it impossible for you to choose just one, the restaurant also offers their Wine Flight. This gives you two ounces of three wine choices from the Fleming’s 100 Wine menu. It’s a great way to expand your palate and experiment to discover which wines and pairings you like best.

There’s never a bad day to drink wine, but today is an especially great day to indulge! Pay your local Fleming’s a visit and don’t forget the wine.

Cool Nights, Warm Jazz at Guanajuato Tonight & Feb. 25


Are your evenings feeling a little too chilly this winter? Guanajuato Contemporary Mexican and Tequila Bar (73 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe, IL 60022; 847-242-0501) has the perfect solution to warm you up on Saturday nights. This February, they are not only the place to go for delicious Mexican food on the North Shore, but they are also presenting a Cool Nights, Warm Jazz series on Saturday nights in February to keep away the chill.

February 18, Dan Ferris and Martinis & Sinatras will perform from 8 to 11 p.m. The jazz quartet expertly performs the jazz standards of the “Sinatra era,” including standards from the American Songbook. Let them transport you back in time as you enjoy their music.

February 25, the Abigail Riccards Trio will perform from 8 to 11 p.m. Abigail Riccards is a celebrated jazz vocalist who regularly performs in jazz venues in New York and Chicago. Her three albums have garnered a lot of praise, and she teaches regularly throughout the country. For more information on Abigail Riccards, visit www.abigailriccards.com.

Winter doesn’t have to give you the blues. With their delicious food and hot jazz, Guanajuato will give you the warm jolt you need to get through until spring.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Chowdah Fest Chicago is back at Columbia Yacht Club March 5



Columbia Yacht Club
Come and get it! Chowdah Fest has returned! The second annual Chowdah Fest: Chicago is set to take place 6:30-9 p.m. March 5 at the Columbia Yacht Club (111 North Lake Shore Drive) and is shaping up to be the better than ever before. Twelve chefs have signed on to participate in this year’s event with the hopes of received the coveted title of “Best Chowdah in Town”. Its audience choice for the win, and with recipes from acclaimed Chicago restaurants and chefs Giuseppe Tentori of GT Fish & Oyster, Mark Stauer of the Bedford, Susan Goss of West Town Tavern, Nicole Pederson of C-House, Jeffrey Hedin of Leopold, Julius Russell of Tale of Two Chefs , Chris Turano of Estate Ultra Bar, Dan Marquis of Quay, Guy Meikle of Nana Organic, Jonathan Lane of Benny's Chop House, The New England Seafood Company, and Brandon Baltzley; you’ll vote on your favorite. It’s sure to be a difficult decision.
Setting the perfect stage for Chowdah Fest is the 1940’s era Icebreaker on the harbor of the Columbia Yacht Club. Goose Island will be providing beer selections including vintage ales to pair with the savory seafood recipes, and wine will also be available. Ticket prices are $35 - $50 (depending on when you order) to attend and proceeds will go to the Sea Scouts youth sailing program. Tickets can be purchased here. Space is limited so snag your tickets today to take part and cast your vote!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Luxury Specialty Store Henri Bendel, and many others, opening at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center

Who says the Magnificent Mile gets to have all the fun? With a highly successful Henri Bendel re-opening in downtown Chicago after a 13 year absence in the Windy City, this famed luxury retailer will be opening a second location at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie this May. The new store will occupy 2,352 square feet near Lord & Taylor.
Known for its lavish and trendy fashion accessories, handbags and cosmetics, Bendel’s is a highly anticipated treat for all of Chicagoland’s fashion savvy!
The iconic brown and white stripes of the self-proclaimed “girls’ playground” will be seen just in time for spring.  The opening of the Henri Bendel store is just one of many steps the shopping center has taken to create a more upscale and interactive shopping experience for customers.  “Henri Bendel is a perfect match for our center,” Westfield Old Orchard General Manager, Tim Geiges exclaimed. “We draw from a very diverse crowd and Bendel’s is well suited to our sophisticated North Shore and Chicago shoppers.” Henri Bendel is in good company at Westfield Old Orchard, joining other key retailers like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Tiffany & Co.
This opening is a key component of the resurgence of the Henri Bendel brand, as it expands into shopping centers throughout the country. In addition to its flagship Fifth Avenue location in New York, it currently operates 19 stores in the U.S. and plans to have 9 more operating by the end of 2012.
New Store Openings

Henri Bendel won’t be the only business triggering change at the shopping center— new store openings are also causing a buzz. The first and only location in the Chicago area, Madewell opened its 3,300 square foot boutique located near Macy's, between Swarovski and Godiva in Fall 2011. Madewell has a tradition of old-school quality that goes into everything they do. Specializing in timeless jeans and accessories, this women’s jean emporium has an edgy take on casual with a few vintage details and a modern twist.  

Also making a recent debut, Timberland opened for the first time at Westfield Old Orchard in Fall 2011. The Timberland lineup features tough, rugged footwear and apparel made with the environment in mind. All traditional styles as well as the new Earthkeepers boot collection are available.  The Earthkeepers collection uses bionic canvas yarn made up of 50% organic cotton and recycled materials including 38% plastic from recycled bottles.  The 2,299 square foot space located near Lord & Taylor has been a mecca to those adventurous shoppers who feel at home in the great outdoors.

Epic Burger has opened its first location outside of Chicago city limits at Westfield Old Orchard. Opening in Fall 2011, the 1,498 square foot restaurant, is located next to Crate & Barrel, across from L. L. Bean and provides Westfield shoppers with delicious cooked-to-order burgers made of 100 percent fresh chuck, all natural beef  – no hormones, no antibiotics, and fed a strict vegetarian diet.  Additional offerings include tasty turkey burgers, all natural chicken breast sandwiches, BLTs and a very veggie portabella sandwich.  Complete your sandwich with high-quality toppings such as all natural Wisconsin cheese, cage-free organic fried eggs and nitrate-free bacon. Fresh cut fries, hand crafted malts and shakes round out this tasty new option at Westfield Old Orchard. 
New Locations
Since 2004, Soma Intimates has created pieces to make women feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin.  Westfield Old Orchard’s location has moved from its current space near Lord & Taylor, to its new 1,642 square foot space near Crate & Barrel. 
Known across the board or their smart and sophisticated men’s suiting, Brooks Brothers will be moving from its current location near Nordstrom, and re-opening a 7,704 square foot flagship store next to Barnes & Noble this April. 
Specialty women’s retailer Coldwater Creek will be re-opening in April 2012, after moving to its new 5,075 square foot space easily located right next door to its existing location.  No need to roam far to stay fashionable!
About Westfield Old Orchard
Westfield Old Orchard is conveniently located in Skokie, Illinois at the intersection of Skokie Boulevard and Old Orchard Road.  The center is home to Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom Lord & Taylor and Macy’s, along with 140 specialty shops, restaurants and cinemas.  The center abounds with fantastic choices including Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, L.L. Bean, Tiffany & Co., William Sonoma and Zara to name a few.  Dining options include California Pizza Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s Little Italy, McCormick & Schmick’s, Wilde & Greene, as well as fast casual options including Johnny Rocket’s, The Corner Bakery, Potbelly Sandwich Works and more.   For more information call 847.673.6800 or visit
http://www.westfield.com/oldorchard

About Henri Bendel
Henri Bendel was purchased by Limited Brands in 1985, and chose to sell fashion accessories, cosmetics and gift items exclusively after the 2009 decision to stop carrying apparel.  Its flagship
New York store was established in 1895 and is currently located at 712 Fifth Avenue. It was the first retailer to bring the designs of Coco Chanel over to the United States from Paris and still continues to maintain this tradition of introducing influential socialites to what's new and next in fashion.

Friday, February 10, 2012

February is National Snack Month!


February is a month celebrating one of our favorite things: snack foods! For that little nibble between meals or something to munch on while watching TV or getting work done, snack foods are a part of our everyday lives.

One of the best places to find unique foods to snack on is the Chicago French Market. With a wide variety of vendors, you can find a great snack regardless of your taste buds’ preferences.

RAW.
For your inner health nut, check out Raw. at the Chicago French Market.   With a variety of muffins and granola to act as mid-day munchies, they also offer a selection of super food smoothies, sunflower sprouts, vitamins, wheat grass shots, coconut water and rejuvelac. RAW could put you on track to regaining a healthier lifestyle through the act of snacking!

LOOP JUICE
Who said snacks are meant to be crunchy? A take a refreshing break in your day and get and energy boost with a fresh, squeezed-to-order juice from Loop Juice!  Create your own juice blend from fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables and homemade smoothies.  Perfect for the health-conscious snacker on-the-go!

DELIGHTFUL PASTRIES
For those of you whole love an injection of sugar to keep you going or just like to indulge your sweet tooth for fun, Delightful Pastries has you covered!  For the serious snacker, these authentic hand-made European treats are made using local, natural and sustainable grown ingredients.  And don’t fret about your figure, many of the items have low-sugar counterparts.  Their tasty snacks include seasonal breads, yummy cookies, bars, cakes, pierogis and quiches; and for the early-morning snacker: morning pastries!

SWEET MISS GIVING'S
Snacking for a good cause makes getting your midday pick me up from Sweet Miss Giving's even sweeter!  100% of all profits from the bakery and Chicago French Market's retail location go directly to Chicago House. An organization that provides housing and supportive services to HIV-affected and HIV-at risk families and individuals, who may also be impacted by poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, and mental illness.  All of the sweet treats are made from scratch and preservative-free and feature delectable selections such as red velvet cupcakes, Biscotti and cookies.



CITY FRESH MARKET
City Fresh Market offers an array of both savory and sweet snacks to satisfy a hunger of any size. Cheese and meat pies, cakes, cookies, breads and pastries act as some serious snacks for the seasoned snacker.  Throw in a variety of seasonal vegetables, fruits and fresh-squeezed juices and the possibilities are endless!


Thursday, February 9, 2012

An evening of romance and fun at Maxwell's at the Club


Looking for a romantic and fun evening with your Valentine? Maxwell’s at the Club (500 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, IL 60610; 312-527-5800) has the perfect evening already planned for you!

This Valentine’s Day, Maxwell’s is offering a traditional prix fixe menu with a Valentine’s Day Party. The prix fixe menu is $40 per person, not including alcohol, and includes an appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert. Entrée selections include steak and lobster tail, seafood, and Chateaubriand for two. After dinner, guests can head to the Valentine’s Day Party Riverview from 6 to 10 p.m. at no extra cost. The party will include a hors d’oeuvres buffet, cash bar and performance by cover band Midnight Sun. If you already have dinner reservations elsewhere, you can still join in the party! The price of the event for those not taking part in the prix fixe meal is $30 per person.


To make reservations for your perfect Valentine’s Day at Maxwell’s, call 312-527-5800, extension 301. They’re excited to have you!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Five Days of Valentine


Valentine's Day doesn't have to be a one-day celebration. With Francesca's Restaurants, you can extend the celebration for five days!

Ravioli Tartufati

Five Days of Valentine at Francesca's restaurants runs Friday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 14. During these five days, Francesca’s will feature a heart-shaped Pizza con Prosciutto e Rucola, arugula, lemon, olive oil, roasted plum tomatoes, mozzarella and Prosciutto di Parma, for $11.99. They also will feature the festive Ravioli Tartufati, heart-shaped pasta with a garlic Parmesan cream sauce, fresh tomatoes and a drizzle of white truffle oil for $16.99. (This pasta will be available at all locations except Francesca’s Forno). Francesca’s special edition “Hearts on Fire” Martini will also be available for $9. This tasty drink is made with vodka, Cointreau, Aperol, Disaronno and fresh lemon juice. For dessert, Francesca’s offers beautiful Torta di Frutta Della Passione, with white chocolate cream and fresh berries. Valentine's day at Francesca's is a unique and delicious treat sure to show the one you love just how much you care. 

Hearts on Fire Martini

Torta di Frutta Della Passione