Friday, August 31, 2012

Trademark Tavern Celebrates National Bourbon Heritage Month, this September

Trademark Tavern Bourbon
Photo By: Cindy Kurman
National Bourbon Heritage Month is celebrated the entire month of September, and to help mark the holiday, Trademark Tavern (777 E. Butterfield Rd. Lombard, IL; 630-472-0777) introduces their signature private label, Trademark Bourbon, made especially for them by the fine whiskey maker Evan Williams. The whiskey is aged in oak barrels at the Evan Williams distillery. This remarkable spirit has inspired Trademark to create two specialty cocktails. The Trademarkini ($8) is made with Trademark Bourbon, Chambord, cranberry and a lemon twist. The Don Draper Old Fashioned ($8) harnesses the essence of the iconic Mad Men character and is made with Trademark Bourbon, unrefined sugar, an orange slice, and bitters served classically on the rocks.

For a deeper look into this unique holiday, Trademark Tavern also shares the rich history of the spirit. More than 200 years ago in Kentucky, immigrant farmers planted what turned out to be a highly successful corn crop. Soon after, many corn whiskey distilleries were built in the area. Historians aren’t certain who had the first idea to age whiskey into bourbon. It may have been a gentleman named Elijah Craig in 1789. Or bourbon may have a more organic beginning, by evolving with those who had a hand in making it. Whichever may be true, it is not disputed that the time honored liquor is now referred to as the True American Spirit.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse offering 5-6-7 menu all day on Labor Day

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar Chicago (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611 312-329-9463) and Fleming’s Lincolnshire (960 Milwaukee Ave. Lincolnshire, IL 60069 847-793-0333) invites you to take a breather on Labor Day to enjoy its 5-6-7 menu all day long!  The unofficial end of summer is upon us, so get your last taste of the season with a selection of appetizers, premium cocktails (including a 99-calorie option!) and distinctive wines by the glass for only $6 each.

Mix and match items from the exclusive menu to create your perfect pairing of drinks and bites. Fleming’s 5-6-7 Labor Day menu includes…..



5 COCKTAILS
TROPICAL MARTINI, Malibu Coconut Rum
PURELY FRESH MARGARITA, Sauza Gold Tequila
VINTAGE VODKA MARTINI, Smirnoff Vodka
BLOOD ORANGE FIZZ, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
*BIKINITINI, Svedka Clementine Vodka
5 WINES BY THE GLASS
SPARKLING, Mas Fi Cava, Spain
RIESLING, Dr. L, Germany
PINOT GRIGIO BLEND, Borealis, Oregon
PINOT NOIR, Mark West, California
CABERNET, 14 Hands, Washington
5 APPETIZERS
BAKED BRIE IN PUFF PASTRY
SWEET CHILE CALAMARI
ROASTED MUSHROOM RAVIOLI
TENDERLOIN CARPACCIO
JUMBO SHRIMP COCKTAIL
THE PRIME BURGER, Cheese and Bacon
Each Selection $6. Served Nightly Until 7PM.
CORONA EXTRA , 2 for $6
Available 7 nights a week at all Fleming’s except where prohibited by law.**
*99 Calories

 

LAVAZZA Espression coffee promotion at Chicago French Market


Chicago French Market's LAVAZZA Espression will be hosting its “Falling in Love with Coffee” promotion through September 6.

Purchase a Kilo of whole bean coffee with a MasterCard and receive a complimentary limited edition coffee tin.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Westfield Mobile App gets an upgrade and Free WiFi now available

Significant upgrades have been made to the Westfield App v2.0.  Shopping at Westfield has never been easier with new enhancements including expanded product search, enhanced retail offers, social media updates, voice command and online purchasing capabilities for movie ticket and dinner reservations. The more user-friendly App is both a time and money saver for the tech-savvy shoppers that are expected to flood the mall during the back to school shopping season. 
Westfield App v2.0 represents the convergence of mobile, offline, online and social experiences for shoppers, providing a one-stop shopping tool for anyone looking to more easily navigate their local Westfield shopping center.  Westfield Old Orchard, Westfield Fox Valley, Westfield Hawthorn and Westfield Southlake can now be accessed. The app is currently available for iPhone with an Andriod version to follow this September.

Westfield Old Orchard now has free WiFi available to all patrons. No cords, connector cables or hot spot devices needed!  Take a breather during your shopping excursion to get connected.  For more information contact the Westfield Concierge at 847-673-6800.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Celebrates “Month of Discovery” in September

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-329-9463; 960 Milwaukee Ave. Lincolnshire, IL 60069, 847-793-0333) is synonymous with its award-winning list of 100 wines by the glass, the Fleming’s 100.® Each September, as the restaurant's newest wine collection is unveiled, Fleming's celebrates a “Month of Discovery”, featuring a series of unique wine events and food offerings that will appeal to both wine novice and true connoisseur.

The New Fleming’s 100 – An Unrivaled Program of 100 Wines by the Glass Fleming's
Fleming's proprietary collection of 100 wines by the glass is a unique approach to discovering and celebrating wine without having to order an entire bottle. "Wine is an intensely personal choice, and wine by the glass is the perfect way to celebrate it," says Maeve Pesquera, Fleming's Director of Wine. The new collection for 2012/2013 features many iconic wineries from California as well as top-rated European wineries. The international roster also includes a number of remarkable wines from Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

“Bottle Wars” Wine Tastings – Featuring Rival Wines from the New Fleming's 100
"Bottle Wars" is a series of four unique wine tastings to be held on successive Friday evenings in September (7th, 14th, 21st and 28th). Guests will taste premium wines from rival regions and wineries around the world in a spirit of friendly competition. Each event will offer 8 to 10 well-matched wines for just $25* and Fleming's professionally trained wine managers will guide guests through the experience:


"Pinot Smackdown" (September 7th) -- Pinot Noirs from California’s Central Coast compete against Pinot Noirs from Sonoma, Oregon and the Anderson Valley.
"Battle of the Hemispheres" (September 14th) -- California takes on South America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
"Old World vs. New World" (September 21st) -- European masters from France, Italy, Germany and Spain go against the best and brightest winemakers from California.
"Glass Warfare" (September 28th) -- Premium wines and value-priced wines made from similar grapes are put to the taste test.

"Last Call" Event – Two Weeks to Enjoy 25% on Selected Wines by the Bottle  
Guests will have an opportunity to save 25%** on select bottles in Fleming's main dining room. "Last Call" will debut on September 1st and quantities will be limited to stock on hand. Restrictions apply at selected locations due to local and state liquor laws. Complete details about this opportunity can be found at www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com.

Fleming's New Memorable Meal for Two -- $99 for 3 Courses
Fleming's celebrates its new wine collection with a prix-fixe menu for two, available from September 1st through September 30th. Each guest will enjoy a triple entrée of broiled filet mignon, herb baked shrimp and braised short rib, with shrimp bisque and a dessert of frozen almond soufflé. The 3-course menu is priced at $99 for two, and $49.50 for one. For an additional $25, each guest may order a specially priced flight of three wines -- The Prisoner, Primus Cabernet and Quintessa 2006 -- all from the Huneeus Vintners Portfolio.

Westfield French Market comes to a close September 27

The Westfield French Market comes to a close Thursday, September 27.  However, as summer winds down, a slew of garden-fresh produce are coming into season. Radicchio, plums, winter squash and turnips are some vegetables that are harvested fresh in September and are available now towards the close of Westfield’s French Market. Other end of summer crops includes apples, Asian pears, and peaches.

Westfield Old Orchard’s French Market provides consumers a convenient choice to buy the season’s ripest produce in their Thursday market. You’re invited to enjoy the last days of the market from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday in September. The European-style market will offer artisan food, jewelry and gift items for the home from local and national vendors including B True Bakery, Hahn Bakery, KAP Farm, Organo Gold Coffee, The Blue Olive, Fraternite, Notre Dame, Provence Imports,Twin Garden Farms, and The Bakeman.

Up and coming country/folk singer and songwriter, Erich McMann will be holding a special performance at the Westfield French Market September 20.  Come and enjoy a free concert showcasing songs from his debut album "The Last American Songbook." Get the chance to meet the Chicago-native and get a free copy of his recently release album.

For those end of summer shoppers still looking to enjoy the market, Westfield has added ‘dots’ to all the maps and directories around the shopping center to guide guests to the French Market area.  A-frame signs also have been placed at five of the major entrances to help navigate eager market shoppers through the center.

The Westfield French Market is located near Macy’s by the Koi Pond. For more information, call 847-673-6800.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Win a back-to-school shopping spree from Westfield

Send the kids back to school in a big way with a chance to win a $500 shopping spree at Westfield Old Orchard.  A new school wardrobe filled with the best names in designer goods is at your fingertips. To enter, just visit Westfield’s Facebook page and let them know what is on the top of your back to school shopping list.  No purchase is necessary.

Westfield Wfamily Sing-a-long September 1

Warm up your vocal chords and bring the family to Westfield Old Orchard (Skokie Blvd. & Old Orchard Rd.; 847-673-6800) for the latest event in its WFamily series.  From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Saturday September 1, Westfield invites you to delight in a sing-a-long of some of you and your little one’s favorite childhood songs.  Afterward, enjoy a music-themed crafting session so kids can take home a souvenir from the day of singing and fun.  Westfield’s WFamily event series is free and is designed for Northshore and Chicagoland preschool aged children.  Partnering with the Skokie Public Library, WFamily celebrates learning through literacy and creativity.  This event will take place at the shopping center’s Barnes & Noble and is open to the public, no registration is required.

Last days for Monday Night Car Shows at Westfield Old Orchard

There are only two more chances to enjoy the classic and vintage cars on display at Westfield Old Orchard!  From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. September 3 and 10, come take part in Westfield’s Monday Night Car Shows, where as many as 200 cars will be featured in the West parking lot.  Music, food, prizes, hourly raffles, and fun will make the evening one to remember.  

Schedule of the final shows:

September 3 (5 – 9 p.m.)        
Truck Night with music by Tiny Miles and the Big Kids

September 10                         
 Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Night

Monday Night Car Shows, Inc. is a non-for-profit organization comprised of local businessmen and citizens dedicated to the Classic Car Hobby and the Community at large. The mission is to advance the Classic Car Hobby through community awareness, camaraderie, contributions to programs that teach automotive skills to the next generation through scholarships. To learn more about Monday Night Car Show, Inc., or if you want to register your vehicle, visit www.mondaynightcarshows.com.  You also can ‘like’ the show on Facebook.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Booksigning tonight at Karyn's on Green to benefit Safe Humane Chicago

Chicago animal lovers, come to the Pit Stops2 signing at Karyn's on Green tonight, 6-8 p.m., for a benefit with Safe Humane Chicago. $5 of every $20 bookmark package will benefit SHC and those with a signed copy of Pit Stops 2 will get 15% off dinner (and I heard the food here is awesome!).

Monday, August 13, 2012

Fleming's Summer Lovin' Steak and Sangria final menu, August 13 through 26

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar’s (25 E. Ohio St., 312-329-9463; 960 Milwaukee Ave., 847-793-0333) Summer Lovin’ Steak and Sangria special is coming to a close, but it’s not too late to enjoy the last menu of the series beginning August 13 through August 26.  The fourth and final menu features items inspired by the rich flavors and textures of Milanese cafĂ© fare.  Guests will enjoy a 3-course menu for $39.95 plus and optional sangria pairing for an additional $7.95.

The final Steak and Sangria menu will offer a Tomato & Mozzarella Salad with sliced beefsteak tomato, fresh mozzarella and arugula with red onion vinaigrette for the first course.  The next course will be an entrĂ©e trio of Prime New York Strip topped with crispy gorgonzola, grilled asparagus, and pickled fennel with baby gold beets.  The dessert course will offer Lemon-Poppy Seed Butter Cookies topped with vanilla ice cream and warm apple-ginger sauce.  Finally, add the Sailors Sunset Sangria which is mixed to perfection with Sailor Jerry Spiced Run, Red Diamond Merlot and Peach Schnapps with fresh peaches, oranges and lemons.

Come enjoy this last taste of summer at Fleming’s with their final Summer Lovin’ menu.  For reservations, please contact your local Fleming’s location.

Westfield's Sip & Shop Wine Series closes with Sip & Shop Style, August 30

Get excited about fall fashion 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, August 30 with Sip & Shop STYLE. The third and final event of the series gets you ready for the upcoming fall fashion season with expert advice from notable Chicago stylist Julie Watson.  Julie will show you insider tips and tricks on how to update a wardrobe on any budget; how to maximize the clothes in your closet, and how to spend wisely without the threat of buyer’s remorse.   Don’t miss out on your last chance to Sip and Shop at Westfield Old Orchard!  Space is limited; guests must be 21 years or older. To RSVP, visit www.westfield.com/oldorchard.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Zealous commemorates 19th anniversary with special two-month “Best of the Best” celebration beginning tonight

ZEALOUS Restaurant (419 W. Superior, Chicago; 312-475-9112), one of Chicago’s most highly praised and beautifully chic fine dining establishments, is celebrating its 19th anniversary during August and September with a two month long showcase of its most popular and acclaimed dishes spanning its 19-year history. A special 5-course dinner for $85 will be the main attraction, while other greatest hits items will be available on the a la carte menu. The celebration begins Wednesday, August 8 and runs through Saturday, September 29.

Over the years, chef/owner Michael Taus, one of Charlie Trotter’s most successful protĂ©gĂ©s and a well-respected restaurateur in his own right, has built a large and loyal following of fans. Taus is very proud of the opportunity to celebrate a 19th anniversary. “When I look back at the list of restaurants that were named best new restaurants of 1994 by Chicago Magazine, I can see that only three are still in existence and, of the fine dining restaurants included, only ZEALOUS is still open,” he said. “It’s a testament to our guests and to the many staff people who have contributed to our success over the years. We’ve worked very hard to maintain the quality and of our food and our dining experience. We have tried to stay cutting edge and creative with our menu yet still be accessible to a wide range of food lovers. We’re proud that we’re still getting rave reviews.”

The 19th anniversary celebration will include three features. First, there will be a special five-course menu for $85 (plus tax and gratuity), comprised of the “best of the best” dishes during the past 19 years. This menu will change weekly throughout the months of August and September. Wine pairings for an additional $50 per person also will be available.


For the week beginning April 8, the first course will be Big-Eye Sashimi Tuna Wrapped with Prosciutto and Basilin Rice Paper with Housemade Kim Chee (this dish was featured in 1993). The second course will feature Grilled Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Spicy Lobster Toast and Roasted Pineapple Vinaigrette (featured in 2000). The third course will present New Zealand Lamb Chops, Caramelized Onion Barbecue Sauce and Black-Bean Corn Salsa (1995). The fourth course will be Chilled Lychee and Melon Soup with Tropical Granita (1997). The dessert course will be Steamed Valrhona Chocolate Ginger Pudding Cake with Opal Basil Ice Cream (1999). The feast will finish with a selection of Mignardises.

A second element of the celebration will be a “blast from the past” selection. The a la carte menu will incorporate several dishes that have been favorites throughout the 19 years. “We have had so many requests for items that go all the way back to our days in Elmhurst (ZEALOUS was in Elmhurst, Ill. from 1993 to 1999 before the restaurant moved to its present Chicago River North location in 2000) that we felt it would be great to offer these favorites to our guests who may not want to indulge in a full five-course dinner,” said Taus.

Thirdly, ZEALOUS is going to celebrate the year 1993 with a special treat for wine lovers: Guests who bring in their own bottle of 1993 vintage wine can enjoy it without a corkage fee.

Looking back over the years, one of Taus’ proudest achievements is that ZEALOUS was ahead of its time in going farm-to-table, which is now a trend among many upscale restaurants. “We were buying from Nichols’ Farm, for example, from the beginning,” said Taus. “My great grandfather was a farmer and also had an amazing garden. I’ve always appreciated using farm fresh ingredients. Using the freshest ingredients from local farmers has always been a priority for us.”

Taus is also proud of ZEALOUS’ culinary tradition. “We’ve always used classic French technique to produce delicious food with a lot of global influences, and we’ve always had a strong selection of vegetarian dishes. Both were cutting edge at the time we opened and they remain as contemporary as ever today.”

 “We’re looking forward to welcoming our fans as well as newcomers to the ZEALOUS experience,” said Taus. “We always really, really care—every day we give a hundred and ten percent to make sure everyone has an amazing time with us.”

ZEALOUS is located at 419 W. Superior, Chicago, IL 60654. For more information on ZEALOUS or to make reservations, please contact the restaurant at (312) 475-9112 or visit the website at www.zealousrestaurant.com.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

New Lenox French Market by Bensidoun USA Boasts Array of Vendors and Family Activities

The French market in New Lenox creates a unique gathering place for buyers and sellers, aiming at promoting more sustainable shopping habits. This south-suburban market provides the necessary environment to shop local – by hosting a variety of vendors from wine and cheese makers to jewelry and dog treats sellers.

The vendor Nature’s Pasture sells grass-fed beef and pork raised from their farm in nearby Auburndale, Wisconsin. Striving to promote responsible food practices – they are, “dedicated to growing natural food in a natural environment.”

Public markets are known for their fresh assortment of fruits and vegetables. The New Lenox French market presents KAP Farms and Zeldenrust Farms to meet the need. Zeldenrust Farms is a veteran of farmers markets, and has been providing the Chicagoland area with local produce since 1969. Another vendor Hahn’s Bakery sells a fun selection of mustard jams and jellies, and Stamper Cheese delivers on domestic and imported cheese.

There is more than food available at the New Lenox French Market. The Art Box sells jewelry and colorful ceramic tiles. For the four-legged visitors, Tucker’s Doggie Delights has natural treats and other pet supplies available.

Organizers of the market have also planned activities on select Saturdays. Momma Cuisine will be at the market on August 11, helping parents create “great everyday meals” by sharing her knowledge and recipes. There will also be children’s activities, hands-on workshops and the New Lenox Food Pantry Collection.

The New Lenox French Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through October 6; and is located in the south parking lot of Village Hall. The market is run by Bensidoun USA, a company with 50 years of experience in management and development. 

Friday, August 3, 2012

Try this new recipe from Chicago French Market vendor, Oh, Olive!

This Oh,Olive! recipe will inspire you to invite your friends and family over for a summer barbeque.  This month the team created a Mango-Chipotle Wings recipe.  



Mango-Chipotle Wings


1 lb. chicken wings (cut off wing tips)  
1 Tbsp. Chipotle Olive Oil
1/2 c. Mango Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 c. diced onions
2 tsp. minced garlic
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt


Heat oil in medium saucepan, over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly.  Add garlic and sautĂ© for 1 minute. Add Mango Balsamic and stir to deglaze the pan.  Incorporate sugar and salt and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes until thickened.  Set aside.


Bake chicken wings at 375 (or grill over medium-high heat) for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and generously brush with sauce, reserving some sauce for dipping.  Reduce heat to 300 degrees and bake an additional 30-35 minutes, basting after 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and serve with reserved sauce.

* May substitute Raspberry, Black Cherry Balsamic, or your favorite fruit flavor balsamic!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Chicago French Market August concerts and events

Thursday August 2, 2012 - Rush Hour Music with Maverick & T
4-7PM FREE
Maverick & T are a well-known Chicago-native duo whose vocal talent with accompanying guitar spans every genre from classic rock to soul.  Come enjoy their rush hour concert.  It’s the perfect way to end a hectic day!   

  

August 6, 2012 - Taste of City Fresh Market
4-6:30PM FREE

Chicago French Market’s City Fresh Market is hosting the Taste of City Fresh Market where you’re invited to taste and enjoy a wide variety of fresh and local offerings from several national vendors - some right in your backyard! 

 More than ten vendors will be on hand to offer samples and discuss their products. Vendors will include i heart keenwah, offering naturally nutritious snacks and granola, Dietz Watson Meats, one of the largest preparers of Premium Deli Meats and Artisan Cheeses, and Made Drinks, offering MADE® , a line of all-natural and organic green teas, flavored with real fruit juice.



August 8, 2012 - Lunch Hour Music with Steve Justman
11-2PM  FREE
Make your lunch more enjoyable with Chicago French Market’s free lunch hour concert by folk musician Steve Justman.  Justman hails from the Chicago area and has performed in many of the best acoustic venues in Chicagoland.  He is excited to return to the market to perform a lunch hour concert from 11- 2 pm.



 August 9, 2012 - Pastoral Monthly Wine Tasting
4:30-6:30PM FREE
Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine will be hosting its monthly wine tasting featuring several varieties of French wines.   Come taste some new French labels and they may become your new favorites.



 Thursday August 16, 2012 - Frietkoten Summer Beer Tasting
4-6PM $10
Nothing tastes better in the summer than a cold beer.  You’re invited to the Frietkoten Summer Beer Tasting 4-6 pm, Thursday, August 16.  Enjoy six 2 oz. beer samplings plus a cone of their famous Belgian fries with a dipping sauce for only $10.  Tasting options include Ace “Joker” cider, Avery “White Rascal” with beer, Krombacher “Pils”, Sixpoint “Bengali Tiger” IPA, Smuttynose “Star Island” Belgian style single and one beer on tap.




August 16, 2012 - Rush Hour Music with Coventry Jones
4-7PM FREE
Inspired by iconic musician, Bob Dylan, Coventry Jones is a singer/songwriter from Milwaukee, WI who combines critically acclaimed vocals with styles ranging from folk, Celtic and blues.  His song roster expands across a large variety genres and you are sure to know many of them. Come enjoy his free rush hour concert 4-7pm, Thursday, August 16.


Wednesday August 22, 2012 - Lunch Hour Music with Dean Milano
11-2PM FREE
Dean Milano is a songwriter, musician and the author of The Chicago Music Scene: 1960’s and 1970’s.  Make your lunch memorable by enjoying a free concert performed by this Chicago music legend.


August 25, 2012 - Momma Cuisine Buick Tour and Cooking Demo
11-12PM FREE
Come join us 11 am Saturday August 25 for the last stop in the Buick & Momma Cuisine French Market Tour!

 Check out the latest Buick model on display and See Momma Cuisine herself, Johanna Cook, create some of her “Great Everyday Meal” recipes using ingredients from The Chicago French Market.

 Johanna Cook is a mother of three from the western suburbs of Chicago.  She spent 10 years of her career in the restaurant industry as a corporate trainer and manager before starting her blog, www.MommaCuisine.com , a venture she created simply to express her love of food writing. Today, it has grown into a weekly cooking show with thousands of followers who find inspiration in her “Great Everyday Meals”.   Johanna has been featured on WGN America,  and in Kaia Magazine, Chicago Parent, and Suburban Woman Magazine, just to name a few.      


August 30, 2012 - Rush Hour Music with Dean Milano
4-7PM FREE
You have enjoyed his amazing performances before…. so come back, pick up dinner and enjoy a free rush hour performance by Dean Milano at Chicago French Market.

Chicago French Market August Specials and Features

Abbey Brown Soap Artisan

 Abbey Brown Soap Artisan, the Chicago French Market vendor that creates handmade natural Olive Oil soaps, soothing body oils and relaxing bath essentials, is now launching a men’s line called Terra Firma.  Terra Firma will debut featuring 5 soaps with matching soaks (bath salts). 

The new soaps will feature masculine scents including Coastal, Territory, Zone, Ground and Terrain.  All products are created and packaged with men in mind and will offer larger bars made with natural oils and great packaging designs.

For the month of August, Abbey Brown Soap Artisan will be offering a 10% discount when you purchase one soap bar and matching soak from the new men’s line.   

Lavazza Espression

Lavazza Premium Espresso will be offering the Blendissimo® as its feature drink for the month of August.

This unique coffee-based frappe features a cool blend of espresso, vanilla gelato and caramel and is topped off with whipped cream.  The Blendissimo® also is available in the following combinations:  Mocha, Orange Mocha, and Hazelnut Mocha.

 In conjunction with the Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival, Lavazza Premium Espresso will be hosting the “Falling in Love with Coffee” promotion, August 24 - September 6.  Use your MasterCard to purchase a Kilo of Whole Bean Coffee and receive a limited edition Lavazza Coffee Tin.


Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

If you plan on doing some summer entertaining, remember a few of the delicacies from the 2nd Annual Pastoral Artisan Producer Fest to include in your spread.  New products from the fest are now available for sale at Pastoral.  Take home a few servings of locally produced fresh goat cheese from Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery in Urbana-Champaign.  Cheese maker Leslie Cooperband creates a super creamy goat cheese with notes of lemon and wildflowers called Fresh Chevre.  It’s sure to please your guests. 

Add artisan charcuterie from Creminelli Fine Meats in Salt Lake City to your menu.  Cristiano Creminelli learned his craft from his father and grandfather in Piedmont, Italy. Now you can enjoy their specialty meats like Calabrese, a mildly spicy Calabrian-inspired salami with a nice garlic undertone or Milano, an everyday salami with a mild but slightly peppery flavor profile.

Lastly, pull all these artisan treats together with some remarkable spreads and Tapenades.  The Gracious Gourmet in Bridgewater, CT will help you do just that with Fennel Blood Orange Tapenade. Slowly caramelized fennel and red onions mixed with Kalamata olives and blood oranges create this Sicilian inspired tapenade. Also available is the Spiced Sour Cherry Spread, a mix of whole and pureed sour Morello cherries, tart dried cherries and spices simmered in red Burgundy wine.


COOPER’S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT TO OPEN AUGUST 13 AT WESTFIELD SOUTHLAKE IN MERRILLVILLE

Westfield Southlake Shopping Center located at 2109 Southlake Mall in Merrillvill, IN will celebrate the grand opening of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant on August 13, 2012.


Significant in-center improvements also have taken place, culminating with the Cooper’s Hawk Grand Opening, in an effort to better serve the growing needs and desires of the area.


As the community has continued to grow and flourish with shoppers from the Northwest Indiana area, Westfield Southlake has responded to its demands and in addition to Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant has opened 17 new stores and added new amenities. Shoppers will now enjoy upgraded seating, modern dining court areas and improved landscaping. The impressive list of new stores added to the roster include national brands such as Coach, Tevana, The Limited, and Skechers, Charming Charlie and locally known offerings including Albert’s Jewelers and AKIRA.

Cooper’s Hawk is the first and only combined restaurant and winery in the Midwest and was named “Hot Concept 2010” Winner by Nation’s Restaurant News.
Its attractive winery atmosphere, complete with a tasting room, wine club and
retail shop, is also a full-service restaurant serving a menu of delicious contemporary American cuisine. All of the dishes are paired with a wine, labeled on the menu by bin number, as suggested by the winemaker. Wines range from $13 to $39 a bottle and are also served by the glass.  EntrĂ©es include chicken, seafood, pasta, pork and beef specialties,  lighter options include a wide range of appetizers, salads and soups, specialty entrees and sandwiches.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant also has a Wine of the Month Club. Members receive a bottle of a Cooper’s Hawk new release wine each month, exclusive to Wine Club Members. The Cooper’s Hawk gift shop offers an assortment of gift baskets and wine-related accessories, many of which are also available for purchase online at www.chwinery.com.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Prairie Grass Cafe supports Savor Bristol Bay with dinner special

Prairie Grass CafĂ© will be hosting a Bristol Bay Salmon dinner special tonight and tomorrow (Thursday, August 2) featuring the coveted Sockeye Salmon.  For $32, not including tax and gratuity, diners will enjoy the grilled salmon served with Three Sister’s Garden Grilled Corn salad and Chanterelle Mushrooms topped with summer tomato vinaigrette. Prairie Grass Cafe will be among over 50 restaurants nationwide that will take part in Savor Bristol Bay, a movement to support the protection of Alaska’s richest commercial fishery. 

By showing your support for Bristol Bay and dining at Prairie Grass Cafe, you are helping sustain its fishing and tourism industry and more than 12,000 jobs.  This nationwide effort comes in response to a proposed Pebble Mine in the area that can potentially release toxic waste in the bay, posing as a lethal threat to the local salmon. 

Prairie Grass CafĂ© is located at 601 Skokie Blvd in Northbrook, IL.  Dinner hours are 5 to 9:30 p.m.  To make a reservation, call (847) 205-4433.