Friday, September 26, 2014

Head to Karma in Mundelein for This Week’s Specials: Duo of Tuna & Oktoberfest Burger




Starting today through next Wednesday, you can enjoy two delicious specials at Karma and Karma Pub in Mundelein (510 E. Route 83, 857-970-6900). This week specials feature a Duo of Tuna ($26) and Oktoberfest Burger ($13).

Don’t forget that next Thursday (and every Thursday), Karma Pub features its popular Chicago Trivia Guys beginning at 7 p.m.

Svedka Martini’s are only $5 through October, and $5 Tighthead Brewing Oktoberfest Draft is $5, while supplies last.



DUO OF TUNA
Togarashi Seared Tuna, Wakame Salad, Spicy Tuna Tartar, Sesame Scallion Rice, Toasted Nori, Wasabi Vinaigrette, Soy Caramel
$26



OKTOBERFEST BURGER
Burger Patty with Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, and Topped with a Bratwurst and Apple Bacon Mostarda
$13


Follow Karma here: 




Follow Karma Pub here:




About Karma and Karma Pub

Karma, a stunning contemporary restaurant serving fine Modern Asian Fusion cuisine from Executive Chef Paul Choi, is open seven days a week 6 a.m.-10:30 a.m. for breakfast; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday for dinner; and 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday for dinner. Karma Pub, a casual American restaurant and pub, is open 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 5 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. Karma is located adjacent to the DoubleTree Libertyville-Mundelein Hotel at 510 East Route 83, Mundelein, IL 60060. For reservations or more information, call (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com and www.thekarmapub.com

Karma Asian Food and Karma Pub in Mundelein bring the best of two dining worlds to Chicago's northern suburbs


Karma is a showcase for modern Asian fusion 
while Karma Pub satisfies with inspired
American pub fare, but guests can order from either menu

Mundelein, IL (September 2014) - They aren't easy to spot from the street, but two superb restaurants in Karma interior 300dpi IMG_0461Mundelein-Karma and Karma Pub, both adjacent to the DoubleTree Libertyville-Mundelein Hotel (510 East Route 83, Mundelein, 847-970-6900)-have been offering two distinct styles of dining that have struck a delicious chord among the area's business people and residents.
What's intriguing is that each restaurant allows guests to order from the other restaurant's menu. The result is that guests can have the best of two worlds-a choice of food and a choice of atmosphere.
"We wanted to meet the dining needs of a wider audience, including the business lunch crowd," says General Manager Allan Zinkann. "On any given day or occasion, some people want a more casual setting, while others prefer a more sophisticated atmosphere. Also, some guests delight in Karma's modern Asian fusion cuisine, while others would rather stick to the more familiar and less expensive American fare that we serve at Karma Pub."
The restaurants' culinary program is led by Executive Chef Paul Choi, who oversees the kitchen of both restaurants. In the six short months he has been there, he has made a huge difference by stepping up both the creativity and the quality of the food program.

Karma Pub interior1 300 pixels w border"What brings both menus together is our focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and we carry over the Asian influence at Karma Pub, although the Pub is much more American," says Choi. "We purchase from local sources as much as possible, and every week we change our specials to reflect what's available at the market. The main goal is give people a wide range of choices so that everyone is happy. We prepare every dish with the same quality and care."
Both restaurants have seen a steady increase in business due to Choi's new food program. Businesspeople are frequenting both restaurants for lunch-the restaurants are stylish and conversation-friendly. The DoubleTree Hotel guests are happy to stay at the hotel for their meals rather than travel to other restaurants, and there have been more group reservations for business and social occasions.
"When guests book a lunch or dinner reservation, they are pleased that there is something on our menus for Chef Paul Choi 300dpi finaleveryone," says Zinkann. "It works for businesspeople hosting meetings, and for families whose children prefer burgers and fries to Asian fare. Comments have been very positive. Guests know that their companions will enjoy the experience of sitting in Karma's beautiful décor yet, if they choose, eat sandwiches or other great American dishes from the Pub menu. Similarly, many guests love Karma's sophisticated Asian food but want to sit in a comfortable, casual pub where they can watch a game on TV or simply chill out."
Karma Asian Food & Fine Wine
The décor is a highlight of the Karma experience. Upon entering the restaurant, one is immediately transported into a Shangri-La where the past, present and future are fused together in a tranquil, elegant paradise of ultra-chic Pan-Asian design. The sleek dining room, accented by Asian woods and glass bamboo, is bathed in soft, soothing neutral tones of grays, greens, blacks, and soft subdued whites-hues that blend together to create a serene and sophisticated environment.  The dramatic décor, centered around a quietly flowing pool of water that artistically interprets Asian salt harvests, is accented by a wall of water. An oversized translucent bamboo-like light fixture greets guests at the entrance.
Karma interior from rear photo credit Cindy Kurman_300dpiKarma has a reputation for being a beautiful, romantic restaurant, but it gets just as many compliments from guests who are having lunch or dinner for business reasons. Karma is an impressive, conversation-friendly restaurant that is quite appropriate for business discussions or special events. The restaurant hosts many corporate groups here as well as wedding dinners and other social events.
Another highlight of the Karma experience are the weekly specials. Chef Choi keeps the menu fresh and local by creating new items based around seasonal ingredients.
Sriracha Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry 300dpi Pan Roasted California Sea Bass entree 300dpi Fresh Alaskan Cod or Salmon prepared FIRECRACKER STYLE 300dpi
This September, Karma's menu has featured, for example, as an appetizer, Duo of Baby Heirloom Carrots, tempura carrots, ponzu aioli, micro purple shiso and warm carrots, tomato-carrot vinaigrette and baby arugula. As special entrées, Karma has featured Sriracha Shrimp Noodle Stir-Fry; Pan Roasted California Sea Bass with ginger-scallion gnocchi, edamame, Illinois sweet corn, roasted red peppers, spinach, and miso butter with essence of orange; and Fresh Alaskan Cod or Salmon prepared Firecracker Style. Karma posts its specials on its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/KarmaMundelein).
Drunken Mussels 300dpiThe regular menu at Karma starts with tempting appetizers such as theKarma Pork Gyoza 8 IMG_0092 jpg_300dpi_edited-1Seared Ahi Tuna with wild arugula, seasonal grape tomatoes and ginger-soy ($12); Drunken Mussels ($10) with tomato-Thai basil relish and sake; and Lettuce Wraps ($9) with ginger tamari chicken, shiitake mushrooms, bell peppers, toasted peanuts and sesame-peanut sauce and Karma Pork Goyza ($8). Karma's refreshing salad choices include the Seasonal 7 Vegetable Salad with herb flatbread chips and orange-miso vinaigrette ($9); or the Chicken Tonkatsu Salad that starts with a house lettuce blend that is combined with tomato, cucumber, peas, carrot noodles, scallions, wonton chips, and yuzu-ginger vinaigrette ($13).
Filet Mignon with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes and Tempura Onions 28_IMG_0081300dpiAmong Chef Choi's entrée specialties on the Karma menu are the signature Korean BBQ Glazed Rib Eye ($27), served with sticky steamed rice and wilted ginger spinach; Crispy Tuna ($26), served with seasonal greens, wasabi vinaigrette and sesame-soy; Surf & Turf  ($28), with seared sea scallops, whole prawn, braised short rib, spinach, kimchi croquette; Grilled Mahi-Mahi ($25) with quinoa, roasted red peppers, spinach, baby carrots and ginger-soy; and Filet Mignon ($28) with wasabi mashed potatoes, tempura onions, wild mushroom-tamari jus.

Karma Pub
On the Karma Pub menu, appetizers include Flatbread of the DayFlatbread of the Day 300dpi(market price);  Special Crispy Wings ($10), with choice of spicy chili-soy, Buffalo, or Parmesan-basil dressing; "Diet" Fries ($6), French fries served with three-cheese fondue, tomato, bacon, sour cream, and scallions ($6); and "Fruits of the Sea" ($12), prepared with crispy calamari, shrimp, lemon, parsley, garlic, Parmesan, and tomato-caper aioli.
Karma Pub's salads pay homage to American classics, with a slight Asian flare. Choices include the Blackened Salmon Salad ($18) with seasonal greens, tomato, cucumber, red onion, tortilla and honey-Dijon vinaigrette, and the Classic Caesar Salad ($7; with grilled chicken, $11; with grilled steak, $13), made with romaine hearts, Parmesan, roasted red peppers and garlic-pumpernickel croutons
Southwestern Burger_300 borderSandwiches are very popular at Karma Pub, and gourmet burgers take center stage. The Pub Burger ($11) features a half-pound of ground beef with lettuce, tomato, red onion, classic dill pickle and cheddar. Burger variations include the Breakfast Burger ($13), with a sunny side-up egg, Applewood smoked bacon and cheddar; and the Southwestern Burger ($13) with pepper-jack cheese, crunchy tortilla, Pico de Gallo, and chipotle aioli. Other sandwiches include the Crispy Fish Sandwich ($14), made with fresh Alaskan cod, bacon, cheddar, and sour pickle aioli.
Karma Pub's entrees include Grilled Salmon ($21), with peas, carrots, bacon, mushroom, potato, and Chardonnay-pea emulsion; Greek Style Spare Ribs ($20), with feta fries, red wine-oregano glaze and arugula; and Roasted Chicken ($19), with crispy cauliflower, raisins, cranberries, pine nuts and lemon aioli.

About Karma and Karma Pub
Karma, a stunning contemporary restaurant serving fine Modern Asian Fusion cuisine from Executive Chef Paul Choi, is open seven days a week 6 a.m.-10:30 a.m. for breakfast; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday for dinner; and 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday for dinner. Karma Pub, a casual American restaurant and pub, is open 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 5 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. Karma is located adjacent to the DoubleTree Libertyville-Mundelein Hotel at 510 East Route 83, Mundelein, IL 60060. For reservations or more information, call (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com and www.thekarmapub.com.

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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

River North Business Association Announces Sixth Annual OctoberFeast™ in River North, October 7

 
Sixteen new River North restaurants have signed on for the River North Business Association‘s sixth annual OctoberFeast™, presented by Motorola Mobility, LLC. OctoberFeast™, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday, October 7. The new restaurants include: Chen's, Citizen Bar, Farmhouse, Firecakes, Freestyle Food & Drink, Gino's East River North,  House of Blues, John Barleycorn, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks, P.F. Chang's, Piccolo Signo Due, Pranzi, Rev Burger, River Roast, Seasons52, and Troquet River North.

Octoberfeast showcases 25 of Chicago’s most popular restaurants and venues in River North, allowing participants to experience the excellence and variety of one of the country’s most vibrant restaurant districts.  Returning restaurants include: Blackfinn Ameripub, Fogo de Chao,  Hooters, Kinzie Chophouse, La Madia, Maxwell's at the Club, Moe's Cantina, The Redhead Piano Bar, and Sullivan's Steakhouse.

Link to video:


How it works. 

OctoberFeast™ is a progressive tasting tour, leading groups of 50 or less to visit five of the participating and fabulous restaurants in the River North neighborhood. OctoberFeast™ offers five different routes for participants to explore. Each restaurant provides specialty food and drinks. The evening will begin with registration at Maggiano’s Little Italy (111 W. Grand Ave.) where participants will receive a map and schedule to guide them throughout the evening. Each group will spend 20 minutes at each venue. The evening will close with an after party at SHAY (222 W. Ontario St.). 

 Sponsors for the event include BMO Harris, Comcast Business, East Bank Club, Friedman Properties, Mesirow Financial and Urban Innovations, amongst others.

 Purchase your tickets now to take part of this fun event.

OctoberFeast™ tickets are $75 per person and $100 per person for VIP tickets.  VIP ticket holders
are entitled to express registration, the ability to choose their own route, and access to an exclusive VIP lounge at the after party at SHAY.

Tickets are available for purchase at the OctoberFeast™ website: http://www.OctoberFeastchicago.com,  www.rivernorthassociation.com or by calling the River North Business Association at 312-645-1047.

River North Business Association represents more than 325 businesses in the area bounded by the Chicago River to the south and west, Division on the north and Wabash on the east. The area boasts the highest concentration of restaurants and entertainment venues and is Chicago’s most exciting neighborhood to live, work, shop, dine and play. For more information, visit www.rivernorthassociation.com.

Complete list of participating restaurants:
Blackfinn Ameripub, Chen's, Citizen Bar, Farmhouse, Firecakes, Fogo de Chao, Freestyle Food & Drink, Gino's East River North, Hooters, House of Blues, John Barleycorn, Kinzie Chophouse, La Madia, Maxwell's at the Club, Maggiano’s Little Italy, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks, Moe's Cantina, P.F. Chang's, Piccolo Signo Due, Pranzi, The Redhead Piano Bar, Rev Burger, River Roast, Seasons52, SHAY, Sullivan's Steakhouse and Troquet River Northhttp://www.octoberfeastchicago.com/

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Green City Market Launches Wellness Program with omstead Tomorrow

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  "Let food be thy medicine"
Hippocrates, the Father of Western Medicine

Green City Market will launch a new wellness program with omstead this September beginning tomorrow and running on subsequent Wednesdays through October 22 at the Lincoln Park Green City Market location.
 
According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (The CDC), chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.  The CDC states:  "Chronic diseases and conditions-such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis-are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems."
How do we teach people to prevent these health problems?
"By leading wellness programming specifically orchestrated to be in conjunction with a venue like the Green City Market, we can get hands on teaching people about basic, fulfilling and satisfying ways to utilize fresh, in season food to feel better.  One person, one plate, one family, one community at a time, says Amy Cox, certified health coach, owner of Western Springs-based omstead.

"It is no coincidence that sustainable farmers and food producers tend their land in a way that directly mirrors how a health coach teaches people to take care of their bodies.  The healthy, vibrant soil found on sustainable farmland holds natural properties that mimic healthy gut flora, the building block of a strong immunity system.  When we support local producers who focus on creating vibrant, healthy food, then we take an important step toward creating a less toxic environment for our bodies," says Cox.

If you have interest in learning more about this program, details and sign up can be found http://omstead.net/.  Programming is two tiered: there will no cost sessions offered, the first of which is on September 10 (Benefits of a Rainbow Diet); the second session will be held on October 15 (Sugar Busters).

Paid programming is available for those wanting to gain deeper, more specific knowledge. The cost is $225 for five sessions to be held at the Hotel Lincoln across from Green City Market. The package includes a one-on-one phone session with Cox and the remaining four are to be held in a group setting with up to 6 people. Group sessions are geared towards specific subjects including Flourishing Families where guests will learn strategies, group work and hands on training with simple lifestyle practices for feeding their families; the Sound Seniors sessions provides educational resources about the importance and benefits of implementing a low inflammatory diet to help alleviate health issues such as arthritis and heart disease. Both programs will incorporate useful information about how to use products from the market to make healthy lifestyle improvements.

Wellness Schedule
Wednesday, September 10: Benefits of a Rainbow Diet
Wednesdays, September 17-October 24th: Flourishing Families
Wednesdays, September 17-October 24: Sound Seniors  
Wednesday, October 15: Sugar Busters

To register, visit:
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=116375.

More about the program:

Flourishing Families
In today's fast paced world, keeping your family happy & healthy requires thought and planning. This five session group program is designed to provide busy moms with tools, resources and support to help keep their families thriving -- all with a specific focus on sourcing items from the Green City Market.

Session 1 -- a 45 minute one on one phone consultation with Amy Cox, CHC, AADP to define opportunities focused specifically to your family's needs. This will be scheduled for a mutually agreed upon time in September.
Sessions 2-5 -- are a 1.5 hour small group program that will meet on the dates specified below. The program will concur in conjunction with GCM hours. The exact class time will be determined based upon a poll sent out to interested participants:
September 17: Goal Setting & Basics of a Balanced Diet
September 24: Eating for Energy & Focus
October 8: Family Pleasing Breakfasts & Lunches
October 22: Simple Supper Solutions

Sound Seniors
You have worked hard to reach your golden years. Time devoted to focusing on your state of wellness can keep you feeling your best for many years to come. This five session group program is designed to provide seniors with tools, resources and support to help them thrive, with a specific emphasis on minimizing the body's inflammatory response and sourcing items from the Green City Market.

Session 1 -- a 45 minute one on one phone consultation with Amy Cox, CHC, AADP to identify your individual wellness needs for the program. This will be scheduled for a mutually agreed upon time in September.
Sessions 2-5 -- are conducted in a 1.5 hour small group program that will meet on the dates specified below. The program will concur in conjunction with GCM hours. The exact class time will be determined based upon a poll sent out to interested participants.
September 17: Goal Setting & Basics of a Balanced Senior Diet
September 24: Senior Benefits of Eating a Low Inflammation Diet
October 8: Low Inflammatory Breakfasts & Lunches
October 22: Low Inflammatory Suppers

A portion of the proceeds from the paid sessions will support Green City Market programming costs.
Amy Cox CHC, AADP -  omstead
Amy CoxA 15 year career in the cardiology medical device field made Amy keenly aware of the need for sustainable wellness solutions to address preventable disease. This awareness became heightened in 1999, after Amy was diagnosed with an autoimmune thyroid disease and was told there was no cure.  The irony of being at the height of a successful career in the medical field with no medical advice given other than to take a pill and bear it left Amy feeling unfulfilled.  She believed there had to be another way.

Steadfast in that belief, Amy took a leap of faith and quit her job.  She immersed herself in studying the basic aspects of wellness and was soon working collaboratively with renowned experts in the areas of sustainable farming, gardening, cooking, fitness, lifestyle and nutrition.

Amy's decision paid huge dividends.  Blood work performed at the University of Chicago Medical Center proves she no longer has autoimmune thyroid disease and no longer requires medication.

Wanting to empower others to feel their best, Amy sought professional training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where she has been trained in more than one hundred dietary theories and has studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods.  Passionate about using this knowledge to create an organization where wellness information can be shared, Amy created omstead.   Onsite and offsite, omstead offers a wide variety of programs.

Amy has served as the President of Slow Food Chicago and was honored as a United States Delegate for the 2010 International Terra Madre Conference. She regularly collaborates with many wellness based organizations, such as The Edible Schoolyard Project, Wellness House Hinsdale, and Chicago's Green City Market.  Her spare time is spent in her organic garden, cooking beautiful fresh food, traveling, enjoying deep relationships with family & friends, appreciating nature and practicing Pilates and yoga.  Amy has been blessed with two thriving teenage daughters and a life giving marriage of over twenty years.
About Green City Market
Green City Market is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization celebrating its 16th anniversary. The mission of Green City Market is to provide a marketplace for purchasing sustainably grown food and to educate, promote and connect farmers and local producers directly to chefs, restaurateurs and the greater Chicago community. Green City Market values education about quality food and its source. Green City Market is funded by individual donations, corporation sponsorships, grants and fund raising events. Learn more about Green City Market at http://www.greencitymarket.org and follow it on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/greencitymarket and Twitter at
http://www.twitter.com/greencitymarket. Post photos on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/GreenCityMarket.