In case you missed Kurman’s news from last week…

Congratulations to Kurman clients including Restaurant Michael, Act One Café, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Guanajuato, Doctors for Visual Freedom, Karma and Chicago French Market for features in Chicago media outlets.

Pioneer Press features Restaurant Michael of Winnetka
Pioneer Press columnist Lee Litas, visited Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka; 847-441-3100) to taste Chef/Owner Michael Lachowicz’s French cuisine. Litas’ piece focuses on her experience at the restaurant. Litas says, “The tone is streamlined and focused on the modern palate with an eye toward food allergies and waistlines.” Litas raves about the different choices Restaurant Michael has for its customers.

Read what else was said about Restaurant Michael. Follow Restaurant Michael on Twitter at @RestoMichael or find them on Facebook.

Chicago Reader Reviews Act One Café
Kate Schmidt of the Chicago Reader received a pleasant surprise when she visited Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550). “I was wowed by the fresh and flavorful food.” Schmidt writes, “Another surprise winner was the seafood boo-yah, bouillabaisse with shrimp, octopus, and the best bay scallops I've had since a trip to the east coast several years ago.”

Read what Kate Schmidt likes about Act One Café. For more information about Act One Café, visit www.actonecafe.com. Follow Kate Schmidt or Act One Café on Twitter.

Chicago Cheap Eats Examiner talks about the “5 for 6 ‘til 7” deal at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Jacky Runice, Chicago Cheap Eats Examiner, states that Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago; 312-329-9463 or 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire; 847-793-0333) offers reasonable deals with its 5 for 6 ‘til 7. “Each item is $6 - cocktails, wines, appetizers and the Prime burger - at either location, Chicago or Lincolnshire.”

Read other deals included in the 5 for 6 ‘til 7. Find Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar Chicago on Facebook. Read more of Jacky Runice’s Chicago cheap eats. Follow Jacky on Twitter.

Make It Better reviews Karma and Guanajuato
Make It Better magazine restaurant reviewer Julie Chernoff had the opportunity to visit North Shore restaurants, Karma and Guanajuato.

Chernoff found nirvana at Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900). “The Tempura Green Beans ($5) were light and crispy and served with a chili-garlic dipping sauce. They quickly disappeared. We also vacuumed down an order of Black Salt & Szechwan Pepper Calamari with Sweet Garlic Lime Aioli ($8).”

Chernoff raves about Karma’s staff: “Service was attentive throughout, and the coffee was delicious, so we left refreshed and ready to face the world. We had found our inner zen.”

Chernoff also reviews contemporary Mexican restaurant, Guanajuato (73 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe; 847-242-0909). “We delved into the ‘Aperitivos’ with gusto, starting with creamy, fresh guacamole ($6.50, $8.50 with crudités). Coctel de Camarones ($10.95), a Mexican-style shrimp cocktail with lots of chopped shrimp tossed with avocado, onion, cilantro and jalapeño in a tangy tomato sauce, hit the spot.”

Read Julie Chernoff’s Karma and Guanajuato reviews. Follow Make It Better on Twitter. Follow Karma on Twitter.

Chicago French Market events grab media’s attention
Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-575-0306) frequently hosts events for its customers. Recent events include a Frietkoten’s Belgian Beer and Fry Tasting and a cooking demonstration by Chef Rocky Barnette of the non-profit organization Food & Water Watch. Chicago French Market also moved vendors such as Produce Express, Les Fleurs and Pop This! outside to have an outdoor market for the day.

Check out the pieces on Frietkoten:
• Chicago 3 Media
• Chicago Now
• Chicago Sun-Times
• Daily Candy
• Fulton River Business Association

Read what Chef Rocky Barnette of Food & Water Watch said about his cooking demonstration at Chicago French Market:

• Food and Water Watch

Take a look at what the media said about the day Chicago French Market brought select vendors outside for an outdoor market.

• Grubstreet

For more event information about Chicago French Market, visit www.frenchmarketchicago.com. Follow Chicago French Market on Twitter at @ChiFrenchMarket or find them on Facebook.

It wasn’t only restaurant clients that made a splash with the media: the University of Chicago Magazine blog features Lasik Dr. Mark Golden

University of Chicago writer, Brooke E. O'Neill, blogs about alum Dr. Mark Golden’s Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center (2010 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights; 847-621-0633) and Golden Eye Consultants (5201 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago; 773-774-2102). The program offers a $1,000 discount for each eye on their best Lasik procedure to the “American Heroes” who make our lives better and safer.

“Dr. Mark Golden has found a new way to honor everyday heroes like police, firefighters, paramedics, military personnel, and teachers: discounted Lasik. To make the service affordable Golden's Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center is currently offering $1,000 off per eye,” says O’Neill of the University of Chicago Magazine blog.

Read more details about Doctors for Visual Freedom in the University of Chicago Magazine blog post. For more information, visit www.doctorsforvisualfreedom.com. Find Doctors for Visual Freedom on Facebook or follow Dr. Mark Golden on Twitter.

This week at Mayne Stage and Act One Cafe

New Rogers Park entertainment venue, Mayne Stage (1328 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4554) showcases a variety of musical, comedy and family entertainment.

Listen to The Stephanie Rogers Band with The Nicholas Barron Band this Friday, August 6 at 8 p.m. Stephanie Rogers is truly one of Chicago's most individual performers. Requested for her uniquely soulful singing style, Stephanie has been working with large orchestras and club bands for years. Influenced by rock, pop and folk as well as Motown and R&B, Stephanie utilizes emotional depth and vocal range to hone her style. Tickets are $15-20 at www.maynestage.com or 773-381-4554.

JUST ADDED: "Lakeshore Presents Stone Cold Comedy at Mayne Stage" a local comedy showcase event Saturday, August 7 at 8 p.m. The bill features some of the strongest alternative comedy talent in Chicago including Drew Michael, Mike Stanley, Beth Stelling, and Junior Stopka. Stelling and Stopka tied for 2010 Chicago Reader Best Stand-Up Comedian. Tickets are just $5 at www.maynestage.com or 773-381-4554.

Adjacent to Mayne Stage, the New American restaurant Act One Cafe (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550), has new weekly specials:

Tuesday: Drink up with $4 draft craft beers
Wednesday: Cheers to half-priced bottles of wine
Thursday: Sip on Mayne-Hattens and Elder Statesman for $5
Sunday: Enjoy a Bloody Mary or Mimosa for $5

Act One Cafe is the perfect place for a pre- or post-show dinner or cocktail. Plus, Act One Cafe offers a brunch buffet every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation visit www.actonecafe.com or call 773-381-4550.

Congratulations to Kurman clients featured in Zagat’s 2010/11 Chicago Restaurant Guide

The people have spoken. Kurman clients including Restaurant Michael, Glen Prairie, May Street Market and Act One Café have made the cut for the 2010/11 Zagat Chicago Restaurant Guide.

An extra special congratulations goes to Restaurant Michael, (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka; 847-441-3100) for earning several TOP honors from Zagat:

• Listed HIGHEST of ALL for “Worth the trip” with a score of 28.
• Receiving honors for "Business Dining" alongside Topolobampo with another 28. Other top nods for business dining include Les Nomades and Alinea.
• Rated a 28 for “Winning Wine Lists” alongside Arun’s and Topolobampo. Les Nomades and Alinea topped out the list with 29s.
• With a 28 for “Top Food,” Restaurant Michael joins other top restaurants like Arun’s, Topolobampo, Tallgrass and Tru. The highest score of 29 was received only by Les Nomades, Alinea and Schwa.
• Also notable is the “Top Service” rating of 27, the second highest ranking Zagat reviewers dished out. Alinea, Les Nomades, Tru and Vie all received top nods with 28.

“Namesake chef and ‘personality’ Michael Lachowicz is ‘always there, interacting with his guests’ at this Winnetka ‘winner’ where his ‘exceptional,’ ‘delicate and flavorful’ New French fare with ‘spot-on pairings’ is served in an ‘elegant but casual’, ‘conversation-friendly’ room by a staff that ‘works well together’; it’s admittedly ‘pricey’, but ‘worthwhile for celebrating, relaxing or rewarding a good client.’”

The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.; and Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Complimentary parking is available. Valet is available on Friday and Saturday. Major cards accepted. For more information contact Restaurant Michael at (847) 441-3100 or www.restaurantmichael.com. “Like” Restaurant Michael on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RestoMichael.

Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250), known for its contemporary American cuisine by executive chef Daniel Ovanin, and strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products, is also featured in the new Zagat Chicago Restaurant Guide:

"’Surprising for a suburban hotel restaurant’, this ‘green’-minded ‘find’ in the Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn incorporates ‘fresh selections from local purveyors’ in its ‘reasonably priced’ New American cuisine and offers a ‘modest’, ‘interesting wine list with organic selections’; a ‘knowledgeable staff’ and ‘beautiful’ ‘prairie-style décor’ featured recycled wood and earth tones underscore the ‘sustainable’ scene, even if ‘they’re not reinventing the wheel.’”

At Glen Prairie, breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge remains open one hour later than the restaurant each day. For more details, contact the restaurant at (630) 613-1250 or visit www.glenprairie.com. Tweet them at @glenprairie.

Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900) features a Zen-laced atmosphere that serves Pan-Asian cuisine under the direction of executive chef Robert Packer. Zagat gave Karma high ratings for Décor with a score of 27 in the company of other top restaurants including Avenues, Alinea, Sixteen, Les Nomades, Tru, Everest and Spiaggia.

“’Surprised’ surveyors swear ‘you’d never guess that this gorgeous’ Asian ‘fine’ dining and ‘awesome cocktails’ amid ‘darkly minimalist’, ‘romantic’ surroundings; it’s a little pricey but ‘has that edge you’re looking for when it’s a special occasion.’”

Karma serves breakfast 6 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. daily. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge stays open one extra hour each night. Karma is located adjacent to the Doubletree Libertyville Mundelein. For reservations, call Karma at (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com. Tweet them at @karmamundelein.

May Street Market (1132 W. Grand Ave., Chicago; 312-421-5547) offers contemporary American created by chef/owner Alex Cheswick.

“’Excellent’, ‘creative’ New American fare comes with a ‘beautiful’, ‘arty presentation’ at this West Loop ‘find’ with ‘fair prices’ and ‘friendly service’; while the ‘understated’ modern chic setting is at times ‘a little loud’, patrons appreciate that ‘you can talk’; P.S. there’s also patio seating and a ‘reasonably priced, interesting wine list.’"

May Street Market is open for dinner 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and closed Sunday. May Street Market welcomes parties and banquets, and also offers its complete menu for carry out. May Street Market offers BYOB every day. For more information or to make a reservation, contact general manager Hamid Benna at (312) 421-5547 or visit www.maystreetmarket.com.

Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550) recently opened in Rogers Park. Zagat gave a shout to the new digs in the guide’s introduction:

• “Rogers Park will welcome American cuisine from Act One Café”

Act One Café is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The bar is open until 10 p.m. weekdays and until Midnight Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (773) 381-4550 or visit www.actonecafe.com.

Congratulations to all Kurman Clients for their placements in Zagat’s Chicago Restaurant Guide for 2010/11. Pick up the new Zagat at local retailers or visit www.zagat.com.

The Grand Opening Celebrations for Mayne Stage and Act One Café continue with more special events

Tony Award nominated, Ann Hampton Callaway performs at Mayne Stage

Mayne Stage welcomes Tony Award nominated singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and producer, Ann Hampton Callaway at Mayne Stage on Friday, July 2 and Saturday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) and 10 p.m. (doors open at 9 p.m.). Tickets are $35.

Ann Hampton Callaway, daughter of Peabody and Chicago Emmy Award winning television and radio journalist John Callaway, is back in Chicago for four shows only. She is best known for Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical Swing! and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series The Nanny. Callaway is a Platinum Award winning writer whose songs are featured on five of Barbra Streisand's recent CD's. The only composer to have collaborated with Cole Porter, she has also written songs with Carole King, Rolf Lovland and Barbara Carroll to name a few.

For more information about Ann Hampton Callaway, visit www.annhamptoncallaway.com. For tickets, visit www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

Listen to Chicago Favorite, Ron Hawking

Fall in love again with the timeless classics and interpreted by Chicago's entertainer Ron Hawking. Enjoy standards made famous by such artists as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and more with shows at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) Thursday, July 8, Friday, July 9 and Saturday, July 10. Hawking interprets the songs "his way" but with the same vocal charm and charisma that made the original artists so beloved. Tickets are $30 for main floor, $35 for mezzanine and $45 for VIP seating.

For more information on Ron Hawking, visit www.ronhawking.com. To purchase tickets, visit www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

Enjoy a night of improvisional sketch comedy with TJ and Dave

Laugh the night away with an improv show created on the spot by T. J. Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi, Second City-seasoned masters of long-form improv. At 8 p.m. Friday, July 16, TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi perform a 45-minute showcase of characters whose relationships reveal the quirks of human nature. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15.

For more information about TJ & Dave, visit www.tjanddave.com. For ticket information visit, www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

Cabaret duo Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael rewind time to the 60’s

After Dark's 2007 Outstanding Cabaret Artists of the Year, Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael sing their way through the music that defined a generation - in "That 60's Show". At 8 p.m. Friday, July 23, relive the decade that changed the world as one of Cabaret Scenes Magazine “Top Ten Cabaret Acts,” Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael perform “That 60’s Show” at Mayne Stage. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.

For more information on Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael, visit www.beckiemenzie.com. For ticket information visit, www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

Journey back to the 60’s and 70’s with comedian Mike Toomey

Take a trip back in time as Mike Toomey presents his “TV & Me,” a look back at growing up with now-classic television shows and cartoons. Joining Mike is special guest, Ana Belaval from WGN Morning News. The show is at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) Saturday, July 24 at Mayne Stage. Tickets are $20.

For ticket information visit, http://www.maynestage.com/ or call (773) 381-4554.

Enjoy party tunes with The Stephanie Rogers Band and Blues and more with Nicholas Barron Band

Enjoy a night of live entertainment. Friday, August 6 at 8 p.m., listen to The Stephanie Rogers Band with Nicholas Barron Band performing at Mayne Stage. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets range $15-$20.

The Stephanie Rogers Band is a high-energy group who make party music fun again. They play a variety of music for people of all ages.

Nicholas Barron is an American artist. He's a songwriter, guitarist, singer and painter. The band plays blues with a combination acoustic guitar playing with bass and solo performances. For more information on The Stephanie Rogers Band, visit www.hipchick.com.

For more information on Nicholas Barron visit www.myspace.com/nicholasbarron. To purchase tickets, visit www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

About Mayne Stage

Mayne Stage is located at 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. The new Mayne Stage showcases the hottest local and national musical acts, theatrical performances, comedy troupes and more. It is the ideal location for a variety of private events. It shares the space with Act One Café, the perfect place for pre-show dining or an after-show cocktail or dessert. Valet parking is available for $5. The venue is conveniently located ½ block east of the Morse stop on the CTA Red Line. For more information, to see a list of upcoming shows or for tickets, please call (773) 381-4554 or visit www.maynestage.com.

Cheers to drink specials at Act One Café

Enjoy discounted drinks with friends at Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550). The following drinks are offered daily:

Sunday: Enjoy a Bloody Mary or Mimosa for $5

Tuesday: Drink up with $4 draft pints

Wednesday: Cheers to half-priced bottles of wine

Thursday: Sip on Mayne-Hattens and Elder Statesman for $5

Don’t forget about Act One Café’s all-you-can-eat buffet

Satisfy hunger with an all-you-can-eat buffet at Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550). From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, enjoy all that Act One Café has to offer. Adults are $12.99 and children are $6.99.

Remember, Act One Café's patio is now open. For more information, call (773) 381-4550 or visit www.actonecafe.com.

About Act One Café

Act One Café is located at 1330 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. It is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The bar is open until 10 p.m. weekdays and until Midnight Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (773) 381-4550 or visit www.actonecafe.com.

Weekend Brunch Buffet at Newly-Opened Act One Café in Rogers Park

Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550) now serves an elaborate brunch buffet each Saturday and Sunday. The Rogers Park dining establishment, which opened May 21, adds brunch to its menu of dining options.

The brunch buffet reflects Executive Chef Jimmy Madla’s commitment to seasonal and regionally sourced items in their weekly selection of comfort foods and innovative dishes at the 110-seat Act One Café. Weekly items include Thick Cut Bacon, Pork-Maple Sausage and House Made Turkey Sausage, “Triple-threat” Country Gravy and Buttermilk Biscuits and Scrambled Eggs. In addition to these staples, Madla plans to mix it up each week with a variety of other dishes including French Toast, Buttermilk Pancakes, Belgian Waffles, Chili Lime Pork Loin with Corn Salsa, Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder, Seasonal Vegetables, Salads, Smoked Salmon Lox with mini bagels and a variety of pastries, baked goods and fresh fruit.

Madla has been a prominent figure on Chicago’s culinary scene for nearly two decades, working in various kitchens before opening his own highly successful restaurant, Coobah, in 2002. Act One Café provides a second outlet for his creative cooking skills.

The hearty buffet is the perfect complement to the casual, welcoming atmosphere created by the management and service team at Act One Café.

Brunch is served from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The cost for adults is $12.99 and for children $6.99.

Guests can make it a more festive occasion with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa for $5 during brunch.

“Act One Café is the perfect place to meet friends for a relaxing weekend brunch before launching into weekend errands or just enjoying a leisurely day,” says Madla. “We look forward to being the place our neighbors and friends think of when they’re in the mood for a great weekend brunch.

Act One Café is located at 1330 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. It is open for dinner from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The bar is open until 10 p.m. weekdays and until Midnight Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (773) 381-4550 or visit http://www.actonecafe.com/.

Mayne Stage announces Preview Series, June 3-12

Mayne Stage (1328 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4554) opens its doors to the public with a Preview Series beginning Thursday, June 3, running through Saturday, June 12. The line-up of talent for the series reflects the diverse entertainment planned for the room which includes jazz, blues, pop, classical and cabaret as well as comedy, theatrical and family programs.

The first artists to appear at Mayne Stage are Chicago cabaret performers Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael, Joan Curto, Paul Marinaro and Sue Conway with their musical evening, appropriately titled, The Best is Yet to Come. Showtime is 8 p.m. and the tickets are specially priced for this preview event at $10 for all seats.

The Preview Series includes Blues artist and singer-songwriter Jan James band in advance of the release of her newest CD, Ring Around the Moon. This high-energy evening of music is Friday, June 4 at 8 p.m. All tickets are specially priced at $10.

On Saturday, June 5 psychic entertainer Ross Johnson comes to Mayne Stage and, “… he knows what you’re thinking.” Joining Johnson for this unique evening of entertainment is Chicago vocalist Greta Pope. Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets are $15.

The Jeannie Tanner Quartet brings jazz to Mayne Stage with special guest The Sandra Antongiorgi Trio on Friday, June 11. The music begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10.

Closing out the Preview Series on Saturday, June 12 is Liz Mandeville - Singer, Songwriter, Speaker, Shimmy Shaker & Red Hot Mama! With her "cut to the bone", original, Roots-inspired songs and sassy onstage patter, Liz injects any audience with an instant shot of fun. Joining Liz Mandeville & the Blue Points featuring Will Crosby are special guests Tail Dragger, Peter Struijk and Lance Cameron. The show begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10.

Following this preview series, Mayne Stage welcomes the TBS Presents a “Very Funny” Festival: Just for Laughs June 17 – 20. Official show times can be found at www.justforlaughschicago.com.

A complete list of scheduled shows, additional information and tickets are available at www.maynestage.com. Please note that all shows are subject to change.

July’s scheduled performers include vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway July 2 and 3, Ron Hawking July 8-10, TJ & Dave on Friday, July 16, Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael’s That 60’s Show, on July 23, Mike Toomey’s TV& Me with special guest Ana Belaval from WGN-TV on Saturday, July 24. Additional shows are being announced weekly.

The beautiful 299-seat venue is unique in its flexibility and versatility. Mayne Stage offers attractive cabaret and theater style seating, comfortable booths on the mezzanine level as well as balcony seating – all with excellent sightlines. With its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, nine-foot Steinway piano and intimate feel, Mayne Stage is an exceptional venue for a wide range of performance styles. Comfortable, beautifully lit, full-service bars on the main level and the mezzanine level complete the experience.

Mayne Stage has been designed as a unique, memorable space for both public performances and private events. The bar areas on both levels outside the main theater room are perfect for private receptions before and after performances. The flexibility of the seating area in the main room allows clients to customize the space for a myriad of events, from meetings to award celebrations, to themed social events, fundraisers and large personal celebrations and parties.

About Mayne Stage
Mayne Stage is located at 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. The new Mayne Stage showcases the hottest local and national musical acts, theatrical performances, comedy troupes and more. It is the ideal location for a variety of private events. For more information, or to see a list of upcoming shows, please call (773) 381-4554 or visit www.maynestage.com.

Kurman Communications Clients In The News

If you've ever tried to secure media placements, you know it isn't as easy as one may think. You need to think like a journalist, write like a journalist and provide timely, accurate information. You need to be tenacious. Behind what may appear to be luck is a lot of hard work. Over the past couple of weeks, we at Kurman Communications have secured a number of terrific stories for our clients. If you miss any of these articles, we're making it easy to catch-up on your reading.

Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-575-0306) is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese and wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, flowers and a seating area for customers. The Market has become a huge hit. Check out featured articles below:

• Watch and learn when NBC Chicago covers Chicago French Market.
• Farmer’s Markets are finally in season and Medill reports Chicago has nothing but good things to say about Chicago French Market.
• Sebastien Bensidoun gives background information about Chicago French Market in Today’s Chicago Woman.

This summer, U.S. Equities Asset Management works with three local farmers and Illinois Tollway to create a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) which brings seasonal, local produce to its customers. CSA programs traditionally drop off produce for residents in dense urban neighborhoods but are expanding to serve suburban communities. People who sign up for the CSA program can pick up their produce from Illinois Tollway Oases.

The deadline to sign up for fresh produce is today.

• Local First Chicago interviews Sundee Wislow about making produce sustainable.
• Northwest Indiana Times talks details about Community Supported Agriculture at the Oases.
• Rockford Register Star explains how to pick up your produce on the way home.
• Shore Magazine tells readers how they can support local farmers.
• Get Healthy Magazine informs readers why eating healthy has never been so convenient.
• The Examiner lets people know where to get produce.
• Chicago Now tells readers when the Community Supported Agriculture will arrive at Oases.

For a complete list of participating oases or more information press here.

With Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550) now open and Mayne Stage (1328 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4551) opening soon, the Rogers Park neighborhood is excited to tour its newest entertainment venue and restaurant.

To get a closer look, press on one of the following articles:

• Thrillist thrills its readers with what to expect with the opening of Mayne Stage and Act One Café.
• Find out what chef will be performing- in the kitchen that is- at Act One Café with TimeOut Chicago.
• Metromix makes your mouth water when it talks about some of Act One Café’s contemporary American entrées.
• Chicago Magazine Dish says what new venues to visit, including Act One Café.
• Daily Candy lists Act One Café as one of the must see diversions in Chicago.
• Tasting Table announces Act One Café’s opening.
• Grub Street serves up background information about Act One Café.

Guanajuato (73 Green Bay Rd., in Glencoe; 847-242-0909) is a contemporary Mexican restaurant opening next week. Read the preview article featured in Chicago Magazine's DISH: Check out what chef/co-owner Margarita Challenger has in store at Guanajuato.

If you're interested in reading more stories that have been reported on recently, go to the Kurman Clients In The News tab above or press here.

Act One Café brings New American cuisine to Chicago’s North Side

Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago, 773.381.4550) opens its doors on May 21, 2010 and looks forward to becoming a favorite place for casual dining in the neighborhood. The highly anticipated opening of the restaurant and adjoining Mayne Stage is an energizing addition to this north side community.

Executive Chef Jimmy Madla plans a unique menu of comfort foods and innovative items at the 100-seat Act One Café. Madla has been a prominent figure on Chicago’s culinary scene for nearly two decades working in various kitchens before opening his own highly successful restaurant, Coobah, in 2002.

Act One Café provides him a second outlet to create an entirely different menu with the assistance of his culinary team.

“The New American cuisine at Act One Café honors the melting pot of flavors that make eating and cooking so much fun,” says Madla, who has combined traditional techniques with creative twists in developing the menu.

Madla's dishes, which include regional specialties featuring sustainable ingredients wherever possible, are the perfect complement to the intimate, casual, welcoming atmosphere created by the management and service team at Act One Café.

The restaurant is open for dinner nightly except Monday and features an elaborate brunch buffet on weekends. Entrees range from $7- $20.

Appetizer selections include Seared Scallops, with garlic-brown butter sauce and herbed brioche crumble; Veggie Tater Tots, made with zucchini, red pepper and olive with whipped goat cheese; and Crispy Spring Rolls, filled with spicy jerked chicken, caramelized plantain and cabbage.

Entrée options include Berkshire Pork French Dip, slow roasted for seven hours, sliced thin and served on a Highland Bakery French roll with natural jus and very hot house-made mustard; Bistro Steak, Dietzler Farm 10 oz. hangar steak with Act One steak sauce and classic mashed potatoes; and Seafood “Booyah,” with shrimp, scallops, calamari, Fresno chili and black beans in a saffron-tomato broth.

Desserts are a welcome finale, with selections like Malted Chocolate Pot au Crème, Turbinado sugar brulée, brandied Chantilly and vanilla tuile; and Bread Pudding, white chocolate and pistachios with “Manhattan” hard sauce.

“Act One Café is the perfect place to join friends for a relaxing evening with great food and drinks any night of the week and for brunch on weekends,” says Madla. “It’s also ideal for cocktails and dining before or after performances at Mayne Stage.”

Act One Café is located at 1330 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Act One Café is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. The bar is open weekdays until 10 p.m. and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (773) 381-4550 or visit www.actonecafe.com.