Fleming's hosts the "Under the Stars" Summer Wine Dinner, August 3

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (960 Milwaukee Avenue, Lincolnshire, IL 60069; 847-793-0333) will host the “Under the Stars” Summer Wine Dinner 7 p.m. August 3.  Guests will enjoy a special summer dinner featuring 90-point wines from Napa Valley and Washington State, paired with a five-course menu developed by Chef Partner, Roger Abuan.  The meal will be served on the beautiful outdoor patio and guests will enjoy commentary by special guest speaker Kelley Joerns from Chateau Ste. Michelle.  The cost is $100 per person, all inclusive.  Please call 847-793-0333 for reservations.

The meal will begin with an appetizer of Ceviche on Belgian Endive paired with DOMAINE STE. MICHELLE, Brut Columbia Valley NV.  The following course will offer Tomato, Watermelon, Cucumber and Feta Salad which will be paired with CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE, Pinot Gris Columbia Valley, 2010 – 89 pts. Wine Spectator.  The second course features Grilled Pork Tenderloin with balsamic and blackberry glaze and corn relish paired with NORTHSTAR, Merlot Columbia Valley, 2008 - 91 pts; Wine Enthusiast – 90 pts. Robert Parker.  The next course served will be New York Strip with a grilled Portobello mushroom and will be served with STAG'S LEAP, Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2009 – 90 pts. Robert Parker.  Finally the dessert course will feature Cherry Raspberry Buckle paired with CONN CREEK, Anthology Napa Valley, 2007 - 90 pts. Wine Enthusiast.

Francesca's celebrates Cabernet with 6-course Chateau St. Michelle Estates dinner

Francesca’s Cabernet Wine Dinner celebrates "our favorite red grape." Kelley Joerns of Chateau St. Michelle Estates will be on-site to speak about the wines during the evening. 

January 26, 7 p.m.  – Francesca’s on 95th (6248 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, IL 60453; 708-598-7007)
January 27, 7 p.m.  –Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas St., Frankfort, IL 60423; 815-464-1890)

This six-course meal is $52 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The evening begins with a cocktail hour where Francesca’s will be serving their delicious Crostini assortiti. The first course of the evening will be Filetto di Pesce all’aroma di Nocciolee Insalatina di Camp, hazelnut crusted grouper with baby greens in a beurre blanc Sauce, which is served with Antica Chardonnay 2009. This is followed by Arancini alla Valdostana, a rice ball filled with prosciutto, fontina and sage with smoked roasted tomato sauce and bitter greens. Conn Creek Cabernet 2008 makes a great pair for this course. The third course features Stracci della Nonna, hand-made pasta sautéed with braised pork, herbs and parmigiano, and it is paired with Hands of Time 2009, a Bordeaux blend. Bistecca con Cipolline e polenta, charred London broil with gorgonzola polenta, cipollini onion and asparagus spears is the next course. It is paired with Col Solare 2006, another Bordeaux blend. The evening ends with Biscotti e Caffe, assorted cookies and coffee.