December 27 is National Fruit Cake Day - Delightful Pastries Offers Modern Selections with Creative Twists

Fruit Cake fans (you know who you are), this month's for you. December is National  Fruit Cake Month. Delightful Pastries offers delicious variations including its holiday breads. Throw away any of your pre-conceived notions. Most ethnic groups have their favorite recipe for fruit and nut bread and Delightful Pastries' modern take is as refreshing as it is delicious. Try something new this year, like: Stollen ($20). A traditional German stollen includes candied orange peel, raisins, almonds and is ¬filled with marzipan. The English prefer a traditional fruit cake and Delightful Pastries gives it a modern twist, Cognac Fruit Cake ($20), which is soaked in Cognac and Grand Marnier, which makes the taste of all the fruit and nuts come alive. Another modern twist on a traditional,Royal Gingerbread ($14) is filled with hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, raisins and candied orange peel; the entire bread is dipped in chocolate. Holiday breads also make awesome French toast for Christmas or New Year's breakfast.

Fruit cakes and fruit breads are available at all three Delightful Pastries location: 5927 W. Lawrence Avenue , Chicago, in the Jefferson Park neighborhood (phone: 773-545-7215). Store hours are Tuesday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed on Monday. The Old Town Chicago location, which includes the Café, is at 1710 N. Wells St ., just north of North Avenue (phone: 312-255-0724). Store hours are Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Chicago French Market location is at 131 N. Clinton Ave., Chicago (phone: 312-234-9644). Store hours are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Sundays.

Kurman Communications Opens Southeast Regional Office in Miami Area

Chicago-based Kurman Communications Inc. announced today the opening of Kurman Communications Southeast to provide the Southeastern region, including the greater Fort Lauderdale area south to Miami and out to the Keys, with integrated public relations, brand marketing, strategic communications planning, and social media networking, plus a wide variety of related services for the restaurant, hospitality, and entertainment industries.    

"South Florida's vibrant dining and entertainment venues are in the forefront of the culinary arts and Kurman Communications Southeast is uniquely positioned to assist those well-known establishments, as well as new entries to the scene," President Cindy Kurman Barrie said. "With 30 years of outstanding service to the restaurant industry, as well as our work in the hospitality, entertainment, technology, automotive and business fields, this is a perfect and exciting time for expansion into the Southeastern region."    

"We've created Kurman Communications Southeast to offer clients in the region our full complement of services, including maximum capabilities in social networking, social media and internet-based word of mouth marketing to create buzz, solidify the public's perception, and build excitement and loyalty for the brand," Kurman Vice President Lee Barrie remarked. "Our agency blog, www.gotbuzzatkurman.com keeps the media and consumers up to date and blissfully aware of our client highlights."   

Kurman Communications Southeast is managed by seasoned veteran and Fort Lauderdale resident Rick Karlin. "Rick has been a fixture on the Chicago dining and entertainment scene for more than 30 years," said Kurman Barrie. "He brings a breadth and depth of experience and passion for this business that will help make our clients succeed. He's a delight to work with. I know that under his direction, clients will be in skillful hands."    

Kurman Barrie's agency has represented a wide array of restaurant, hospitality, entertainment, philanthropic and business clients, many of which have been nationally recognized under Kurman's artful direction. They have represented many well-known brands from automotive giant Chrysler and General Motors to business start-ups, independent and franchise businesses and entrepreneurs. 

Known for its successful marketing of restaurants and hospitality venues, Kurman has represented national brands such as Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Quiznos, Houlihan's, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Devon Seafood Grill, and Gordon Biersch. They are equally accomplished in marketing independent ventures such as Coco Pazzo, Nick's Fishmarket, and Tru, offering the Southeastern region a proven track in establishing and building brands.    

Kurman is equally respected in the hospitality industry arena. The company has opened and marketed many national brands including Crowne Plaza Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Le Meridien Chicago, Omni Chicago Hotel, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, South Floridian Hotels, Whitehall Hotel, and Wyndham International.    

The company has a long history in automotive marketing and public relations stemming from Kurman Barrie's background with Crain Communications' Automotive News. The company has represented such highly respected projects as the Chicago Auto Show, World of Wheels, and served as the Midwest public relations director of Chrysler Corp. for 10 years under Lee A. Iacocca.  

 

About Kurman Communications Southeast Regional Director, Rick Karlin  

Heading up the operations at Kurman Communications Southeast is Rick Karlin, a writer and communications specialist with more than 30 years of experience in the dining and entertainment industry.   

"It's an incredible opportunity for the local restaurant, hospitality, entertainment and business community as we launch Kurman Communications Southeast," Karlin offered. "Cindy Kurman Barrie's leadership, expertise and absolute dedication to her clients speak for themselves. What we're doing is bringing all that talent and skill to the Southeast region to deliver a face-to-face presence for our clients."  

Karlin has been a "snowbird" for a number of years, while continuing to write and edit for a number of Chicago publications and web sites. He has relocated to Fort Lauderdale permanently to head up the Kurman Communications Southeast office as Southeast Regional Director. In addition to reporting on and reviewing restaurants, hotels, entertainment and travel, he has both back and front of the house experience in the restaurant industry. He is also a published author and produced playwright.  

His reportorial work has appeared in print nationally in Genre Magazine and on such internet sites as Metromix, Huffington Post and GoPride.com. In Chicago, he has written or edited for Outlines/Nitelines, Windy City Times, Chicago Free Press and boiMAGazine. He has also written for The Wisconsin Gazette and Florida Agenda.

"Rick and I have known and worked with each other for years," Kurman Barrie said. "He always delivers full value with an absolute dedication to his craft. This is truly an exciting time for Kurman Communications Southeast."  

For more information about Kurman Communications Southeast, please contact Rick Karlin at kurmanSE@kurman.com or (786) 571-7428. Visit the Kurman website at www.kurman.com and the Kurman blog, www.gotbuzzatkurman.com.

Delightful Pastries Gift and Entertaining Suggestions

In a quandary over what to buy? You can't go wrong with a delightful gift. Don't go empty handed and don't be caught off guard. Keep a supply of homemade cookies, jams, and assorted platters to create gift baskets, use as stocking stuffers, and for entertaining. 
The Butter Cookie Christmas Tree ($35) makes for a perfect centerpiece. Butter cookies are filled with apricot preserves, decorated with royal icing and holiday ornaments made out of sugar. Keep several International Cookie Trays ($35) on hand. Perfect for office parties and family entertaining, this fabulous tray is filled with kolaczki, Sicilian fig cucidatis, Viennese almond crescents, rugelach, peppermint meringues, linzers, Christmas mice, French macarons, Mexican wedding cookies and sugar cookies. The Petit Pastry Tray (Small,$40; Large, $80) is an assortment of petit pastries such as éclairs, fruit tarts, tiramisu, panna cotta, chocolate mousse and berry cup, cannoli, financier and more.

Special Delightful Pastries Catering Packages:
When catering a holiday event, you need look no further than Delightful Pastries. Both savory and sweet items are on the menu. Advance orders are being accepted.

ORDER NOW at the Chicago French Market - Store , 131 N. Clinton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60661, Phone:  (312) 234-9644;  Old Town Chicago - Café & Store, 1710 N. Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60614, Phone:  (312) 255-0724; Jefferson Park Chicago - Store, 5927 W. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630, Phone: (773) 545-7215.

     

Kids Will Not Be Left Out at Dine Restaurant this New Years Eve

 

Dine Restaurant lets the Kids celebrate this New Years Eve by offering a "Family Friendly" celebration that features a 3 course "Big Kids" menu along with a very tempting 3 course menu for Adults as well.

The "Big Kids" menu will be unique in that Chef Will Johnson has put just as much time and attention to detail in their menu as he has the Adults menu.  The unique and creative presentations will make the little ones feel like they are just as much a part of the celebration as their parents. 

"Big Kid" Appetizers will include "Ants on a Log", with raisins for "Ants" on a Celery log filled with Peanut Butter and Almond Butter; Ham & Cheese "Sushi" with Honey Ham and Local aged Cheddar rolled up in white bread to look like a Sushi
Roll. Entrees will include "Birds in a Nest" with "Little Chick" meatballs in a Spaghetti nest along with "Oceans of Cheese" with a Hot Dog "Octopus" in a sea setting of Cheddar Cheese Sauce.

Four choices will be available for each course so that each "Big Kid" can find something they will enjoy.  Additionally, for littler ones who may not be able to consume all three courses, an ala Carte option will be available.  A glass of Sparkling Grape Juice is included for the "Big Kids" so that they can toast the New Year with their parents.

Ham & Cheese "Sushi" 

In addition to the menu for Kids, there will be a "Countdown" and Balloon Drop at 7pm and 9pm so that all kids can enjoy the annual celebration of saying "Happy New Year" with their parents, regardless of their bed time.  Hats & Noise Makers will be available along with Face Painting and a Coloring contest to keep everyone entertained throughout the evening.

Adults will enjoy a fabulous three course meal with such selections as Tuna Carpaccio and Hand Made Mozzarella for Appetizers along with Entrees consisting of Roast Venison with Juniper berries, braised cabbage and honey braised apples; Red Drum with a scallion potato cake, braised leeks and a truffle vinaigrette and a traditional New Year’s Eve staple, Surf and Turf with Grilled Beef Tenderloin and Maine Lobster.  A glass of Sparkling wine will be included for the Adults.

Birds in a Nest

The "Big Kids" menu will be $20 (with ala Carte options for littler ones) and Adults will be $65.  Both prices do not include tax, gratuity or additional beverages.  Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant directly at 312-602-2100.

Dine Restaurant & Bar is located adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro at 733 W. Madison.  Complimentary Valet parking is available at the Hotel with validation in the restaurant.

 Hot Dog "Octopus" in a sea setting of Cheddar Cheese Sauce

   

Celebrate New Year's Gluten Free at Bountiful Eatery

Bountiful Eatery New Year's Eve Dinner

Seatings at 7 p.m., 9 p.m., and 11 p.m.

$30 per person plus tax and tip

BYOB

For people with gluten intolerance, celebrating New Year's Eve can be challenging. Bountiful Eatery (3313 N. Broadway, Chicago; 773-687-9811) is making it easy for everyone to enjoy a romantic yet affordable and intimate candlelit celebration. The restaurant, which usually doesn't accept reservations, is opening its doors for three seatings, 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Guests will enjoy a delicious healthy menu with a number of options.

The four course menu, priced at $30 per person (excluding tax and tip), is a steal. It's also BYOB. Make your reservations early. Bountiful Eatery has only eight tables!

The evening begins with an appetizer sampler of gluten-free crostini topped with sundried tomatoes and parmesan cheese; lettuce wrap of its famous marinated chicken with bbq sauce, tomatoes and onions; and black bean & avocado gluten free burrito.

The second course offers a choice of one of Bountiful Eatery's freshly made soups or its kale and mixed greens salad with homemade dressing.

The entrée selection includes a choice of Dijon Marinated Salmon, Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast; Marinated and Grilled Tofu Kabob; Marinated and Grilled Chicken Kabob; Ground Bison Plate; Jalapeno and Ground Turkey Plate and Latin Bowl.

Dinner concludes with dessert.

Entertaining at home? Bountiful Eatery offers a complete catering menu of healthy, fresh and gluten free options. Visit BountifulEatery.com for details.

Holiday Gift Ideas

You don't have to be gluten intolerant to enjoy gifts from Bountiful Eatery. This holiday season, Bountiful Eatery is offering gift cards starting in denominations of $5 with a special offer: buy a $50 gift card and receive an additional $10 free.

It also will customize a gift basket for you, starting at $25 and including a variety of popular gluten free and healthy treats.
 

About Bountiful Eatery

Bountiful Eatery (3313 N. Broadway, Chicago; 773-687-9811) is a cornerstone of the Lakeview community where customers feel comfortable and regulars dine in or order out daily. Bountiful is sensitive to the allergy sufferers, dieters, health conscious and workout enthusiasts seeking gluten free food. Bountiful Eatery is dedicated to the need for healthy and delicious gluten free foods while maintaining delectable tastes. It believes in serving delicious food at reasonable prices.

Bountiful Eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Brunch is served on weekends until 2 p.m. Delivery is available from Congress on the Southside, north to Devon, west to Damen in the West Loop and west to Kedzie to Devon and Kedzie on the Northside.

Bountiful Eatery opened on July 11, 2012, and is Chicagoland's first completely gluten free restaurant. It is dedicated to the need for healthy, delicious and gluten free food while making sure all of its food tastes scrumptious. Bountiful Eatery believes in serving this food at reasonable prices. Ed O'Brien is the founder and owner.

Superior Nut and Candy is offering Holiday Gift Packs

Whatever the occasion – holiday party, home entertaining, family, friend and employee gifts – there's something for everyone at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661; 312-575-0306) this December.

 

Superior Nut and Candy is offering Holiday Gift Packs from $4.95 to $20.95 or you can design your own.   Choose from freshly roasted nuts or add in chocolate covered nuts, raisins or your favorite treat.  Perfect for corporate, hostess gifts or just a small thank you to recognize the people in your life.  Don't' forget your teachers or postman.

Shop Oh Olive! for all of your unique gift baskets, corporate gifts and more

Shop Oh Olive! for all of your unique gift baskets, hostess gifts, wedding favors, corporate gifts and more. Oh Olive! offers beautiful baskets and complimentary gift wrapping.

 

Sugar, spice and everything nice for your holidays.  Treat yourself and your friends to Galena Garlic Spice Blends, special 5 for $30, a $5 savings.

 

Also on special during December, buy your favorite ultra-premium olive oil and a dipping spice blend and save $2 on your purchase.

 

Holiday Mulled wine with Bisschopswijn Mulled Wine & Cider Spices. Everyone can enjoy the recipe by using this amazing spice blend to flavor apple juice, cider, or cranberry juice and serve hot.  Recipes included with purchase, $12.95. Bisschopswijn spices steeped with fruit juices, wine and brandy make a delicious, fragrant hot drink for the holidays.