Do It Yourself Artisan Valentine’s Day Dinner Courtesy of Madison & Rayne

Madison & Rayne has a beautiful 3-course artisan dinner planned for your Valentine's Day. Order by Saturday, February 8 and get ready for a special home-made meal, perfect for foodies, that’s prepped by Chef Josh Jones and cooked at home by you. The cost is $28 per person inclusive. The Valentine’s menu will be delivered on Tuesday, February 11. Delivery is complimentary. Visit MadisonandRayne.com for details.

The menu includes:
- 1st course:  roasted chestnut soup, pickled shallots, black truffle oil
- 2nd course: ricotta gnudi, braised Amish chicken, Shishito peppers, preserved lemon
- 3rd course:  flourless chocolate cake, fig jam

For those of you not familiar with Madison & Rayne, it’s a new concept in “delivery” where Chef Josh Jones, formerly of Spring restaurant in Chicago, prepares the food and delivers all of the ingredients, complete with a detailed explanation on how to cook the meal. You finish the meal at home. Most meals take between 10-30 minutes from start to finish. All are delicious and costs between $12 to $18 per person.

Madison & Rayne has redefined the cooking experience. It’s like having a personal chef but the chef is you. They make the cooking experience easy. The food is pre-measured, pre-marinated, washed, chopped, sliced, and ingredients are ready for assembly. All you need to do is create a wonderful meal in the comfortable privacy of your own home.

“Think about having a personal shopper, personal assistant, and personal delivery all rolled into one,” says Melanie Mityas, founder and partner. There’s minimal prep and minimal clean-up time, meaning your valuable time is better spent cooking and enjoying dinner. All ingredients and a detailed recipe card are provided - you just need to have basic kitchen tools, and olive oil and seasoning on hand. Josh sources high-quality meats, vegetables and grains from local farms. Madison and Rayne maintains a strong focus on organic and sustainable products and meals are inspired by seasonal produce.

Valentine’s weekend is the perfect time to try Madison & Rayne, especially if you want to avoid packed, expensive and noisy restaurants. Create your own romantic meal at home and spend a leisurely evening with your loved one.

Fleming's Introduces Small Plate, Big Pour special

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar once again delivers by introducing the new dining experience, Small Plates, Big Pours. This new special features a pairing of seven original Flemings’ Small Plates with seven oversized, Big Pour selections from the Fleming’s 100 ® wine menu for only $24.95. Diners can choose from an option of upscale bites including Sliced Filet Mignon, Shrimp Scampi Skewers, Petite Lamb Chops, Seared Ahi Tuna, New Bedford Scallops, Fillet Mignon Skewers or Lobster Tempura. Accompanying wine options include a Penley Gryhpon Merlot (Australia), a Paco& Lola Albariño (Spain), a Cline Cashmere Red Blend (California), a A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir Oregon), a Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley), a B.R. Cohn Silver Cabernet (Napa Valley) and a Silverado Chardonnay (Napa Valley).

The Small Plates, Big Pours special only runs for a limited time in the Fleming's bar area at both the Chicago (25 E Ohio, 312-329-9463) and Lincolnshire (960 Milwaukee Ave, 847-793-0333) locations. This is a can't miss opportunity to experience the delicious and upscale offerings of Fleming's at an amazing price. We hope to see you there!

City Fresh Market - Better Choice for Hyper-Local Food Shopping in Chicago's West Loop - safer-healthier-organic

Do you know the condition of the products you are buying at the supermarket? From whence they came? Are they fresh?

 “You should be asking or at least thinking about these issues,” says Danny Kovacevic, co-owner of City Fresh Market.

According to Dr. Oz’s website, improper practices that lead to food contamination, such as failing health inspections and storing or packaging food indecently are on the rise. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate 1 out of 6 Americans, approximately 48 million people, get sick every year, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases. Although you feel safe at your Goliath supermarket, they may have behind-the-scene secrets. Problems with freshness and contamination at large supermarket chains give good cause for returning to shopping hyper-local.

Together, brothers Danny and Ray Kovacevic opened their second City Fresh Market, a European-styled grocery destination in the Chicago French Market, to offer west-loop commuters and shoppers healthy, quality grocery items within steps of their homes. The original City Fresh Market, opened in 2004, is located on Chicago's northside.

The days of knowing and trusting the neighborhood butcher may be long gone but not forgotten. Stores like City Fresh Market are popping up in cities across the country, developing special customer-store relationships.

Did you know that meat may have been sitting on supermarket shelves for longer than you realize? According to Dr. Oz’s website, it doesn’t appear that way because some supermarkets pump carbon monoxide into packaging, giving meat a fresh appearance.

City Fresh Market wants their customers to be healthy, taking necessary measures to provide fresh, healthy and quality products.

“We take all customer requests seriously,” says Danny. “We keep our products fresh by purchasing what we need on a daily basis; we never use carbon monoxide.”

City Fresh Market believes in doing things the all-natural way, offering products that do not contain steroids, antibiotics or hormones such as Tallgrass Beef by Bill Kurtis. Tallgrass Beef cattle are one hundred percent grass-fed for their entire lives. The result is healthier cattle and safer beef, assuring City Fresh Market customers that their well-being has been accounted for.

According to Bill Kurtis, grass is the natural diet of cattle—rather than grain. Cattle raised on grain must often be given antibiotics in order to digest their feed. Cattle kept in small pens or feedlots on corn diet have created an increase in the instance of E. coli contaminated beef. Cattle are meant to graze the prairie in collective groups, as they naturally do.

With fresh, ripe produce delivered daily and unique packaged goods imported from all over the world, City Fresh Market’s array of quality products meet all specialty-item shopping needs. Local Chicagoans who have discovered City Fresh Market have become regulars, considering it the west-loop’s best kept secret.

City Fresh Market’s expanded product assortment provides all the essentials for home-cooking in a unique environment.

“Customers often comment how pleased they are with our pricing; we are actually quite reasonable compared to the quality and selection of what we offer,” says Danny.

Stop into City Fresh Market and discover what others are considering to be ‘the definitive west-loop neighborhood market’. Expanded product offerings— homemade prepared foods, a variety of meats, fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, cheese and meat pies, fresh-squeezed orange juice, olive oil, vinegar and salad dressings.

In need of a grab-and-go lunch or dinner? Pick up a pre-made, never frozen, and easy to pop in the oven meal; or fresh salad, offered daily along with a distinct array of dressings and oils.

It’s not unusual for customers to say, “How come I didn’t know about you?”; “I’d much rather shop here.”; “Great fish, beef and produce!” or “I can’t believe how reasonable you are.”

For more information about City Fresh Market, visit http://www.cityfreshmarket.com/ or http://www.chicagofrenchmarket.com/, call City Fresh Market at (312) 575-0230 or Kurman Communications at (312) 651-9000, or e-mail kurmanstaff@kurman.com.

Photo credits go to Cindy Kurman

Hi-res photos available upon request;

please contact Carmen Kramer, Kurman Communications, Inc.

at carmen@kurman.com or via phone at (312) 651-9000

Turn Up the Passion on Valentine's Weekend

Good things come to those who wait…but not when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Tables are already going quickly for this highly anticipated weekend, and you won’t want to miss the romantic sharing menu Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has created for you two, available February 11-14. Reserve your spot now at two Chicago area locations: 25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL, 312-329-9463, or 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL, 847-793-0333.

To sweeten the deal, you will also receive a Valentine’s Day Card worth $25 toward a future rendezvous at your favorite Fleming’s.

Begin the evening with Fleming’s special 99-calorie cocktail, Tickled Pink. The new, bright-colored libation is made with Belvedere vodka, orange juice, raspberry and Mionetto Prosseco for $9.95. The Tickled Pink cocktail is available throughout February and March, and is a part of Fleming’s “5 for $6 ‘til 7” menu.

After toasting your Valentine, choose from two entrée selections made for sharing: Filet Mignon & Crab-Stuffed Shrimp, filet mignon with Madeira sauce, giant black tiger shrimp stuffed with crab and toped with bacon and lemon garlic butter sauce, served with butter poached Portobello mushrooms and Parmesan cheese mashed potatoes (for two, $98.95); or New York Strip & Shrimp Scampi, Prime New York steak, with peppercorn sauce, shrimp scampi with chimichurri herb pesto, served with lemon-scented orzo pasta and French green beans with porcini essence, plus a choice of Fleming’s, Caesar or Wedge Salads (for two, $89.95).

Save room for a decadent dessert with your sweetheart: Red Velvet Cake & Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, three-layer red velvet cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting, garnished with two double-dipped chocolate strawberries (for two, $9.95).

The nationally acclaimed Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers the best steakhouse dining – prime meats and chops, fresh fish and poultry, generous salads and side orders – with a unique wine list known as the “Fleming’s 100” that features 100 wines served by the glass. Fleming’s is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Wine Enthusiast’s annual Awards of Distinction and Wine Spectator’s annual Awards of Excellence. Visit http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/ to learn more.

Tickled Pink (99-calorie cocktail)
1 oz. Belvedere vodka
1 oz. Sugar-free raspberry preserve
1 orange wedge squeezed and dropped into shaker
Shake on ice
Pour 1-1/2 oz. of Mionetto Prosecco in martini glass
Pour shaker into martini glass with Prosecco
Garnish with 2 fresh raspberries on a bar pick

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.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar presents Grgich Hills Wine Dinner

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will feature Grgich Hills Estate Wines at a special five course wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. on July 30. The Grgich Hills Wine Dinner is $90 per person and includes paired wines with each course (cost excludes tax and gratuity). Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse is located at 25 East Ohio Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Grgich Hills Estate is a family-owned winery dedicated to the art of winemaking. Their wines are made completely from grapes that are certified organic and Biodynamic®, and grown at their estate vineyards in Napa Valley, California.

"We are very pleased to be hosting this dinner," says Curtis Nordeen, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse Chicago operating partner. "Grgich Hills is one of the legacy wineries in the U.S. and is largely responsible for establishing California wines internationally. The growth of America's wine culture is, in part, because of the Grgich family. Not to mention that the wines are magnificent, pure and simple, and we enjoy working with their people."

The evening will begin with a champagne reception followed by the first course, Seafood Ceviche in a Cucumber Cup paired with Grgich Hills, Fume Blanc 2008. The second course will be a Spinach and Roasted Portobello Salad, Breaded Brie, with a Red Wine Vinaigrette paired with Grgich Hills, Chardonnay 2007, followed by the third course, Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Mignon paired with Grgich Hills, Merlot 2005.

The fourth course features Fleming's Prime Steakhouse’s popular Prime Ribeye served with Sautéed Summer Sweet Corn, Fire Roasted High Country Asparagus with Fleming's F17 Sauce served with Grgich Hills, Cabernet 2006. The dinner concludes with Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Grgich Hills, Violetta Late Harvest Dessert Wine 2006.MOREFleming’s Prime Steakhouse Grgich Hills Wine DinnerAdd one

Reservations for the Grgich Hills Estate wine dinner are required and may be made by calling (312) 329-9463. Please note that space is limited.

About Grgich Hills Estate

Grgich Hills began in 1977 and has been served to world leaders and presidents at various state dinners. Today there are five vineyards from which Grgich Hills produces wine from without using harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Grgich Hills wine has received numerous awards for its high quality, including recognition by Bon Appétit, Wine & Spirits Magazine and The California Grapevine.

Beginning with the 2003 vintage, all Grgich Hills wines were labeled “Estate Grown.” This guarantees a consistently superior level of quality, and it guarantees that Grgich Hills will remain a shining symbol of prestige and good taste. In recognition of that important milestone, the winery changed its name in 2007 to Grgich Hills Estate.For more information on Grgich Hills Winery please visit www.grgich.com or e-mail at info@grgich.com

About Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Nationally acclaimed Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers the best in steakhouse dining – Prime meats and chops, fresh fish and poultry, generous salads and side orders—with a unique wine list known as the “Fleming’s 100™” that features 100 wines served by the glass. Fleming’s was launched in Newport Beach, Calif. in 1998 by successful restaurant industry veterans Paul Fleming and Bill Allen. Today there are 64 restaurants nationwide. Fleming’s is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Wine Spectator’s annual Awards of Excellence, and Wine Enthusiast’s annual Awards of Distinction.

For more information about Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and the Fleming’s 100, please visit www.flemingssteakhouse.com, www.vinevoyage.com or www.m.flemings100.com on a mobile device.

Restaurant Michael named in Top 100 Best Restaurants in Chicago

Restaurant Michael has been named to the Top 100 Best Restaurants in Chicago by Where the Locals Eat, a nationally distributed restaurant guide. Where the Locals Eat selects its restaurants based on surveys from local foodies and restaurant connoisseurs uncovering both well-known favorites and hidden gems, striving to stay away from chains and focus on the local, independent successes.

Where the Locals Eat has a restaurant guide for the top 50 cities in the United States. Visit Where the Locals Eat to learn more about Restaurant Michael and what other restaurants it has deemed ‘top notch’ in the Windy City.

“And when you get there, tell them a local sent you.”

Farm-Fresh Weekend Specials from Glen Prairie

Head to Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250) this weekend for farm-fresh specials crafted by executive chef Daniel Ovanin, featuring ingredients sourced from area farmers and ranchers. Offered in addition to Glen Prairie's seasonal-focused regular menu after 5 p.m. August 14 and 15, this menu highlights produce from KAP Farms in Troy, Ill., and Twin Garden Farms in Harvard, Ill.

Start with the salad, KAP Farms Fresh Cucumber Salad, with grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, KAP Farms green onions and fresh herb vinaigrette ($7). For the entree, indulge in Grilled Herb Marinated Miller Farms Chicken, pan roasted Twin Garden Farms potatoes and Harvard sweet corn ($18), with the suggested wine pairing of Chateau St. Michelle Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

For dessert, try the Grilled Marinated Southern Illinois Peaches, vanilla bean gelato and brown sugar crumb ($6).

Also try Glen Prairie's new gluten-free menu! Make a reservation at Glen Prairie this weekend by calling (630) 613-1250, or visit http://www.glenprairie.com/ for more information.

Dine Participating in 2nd Annual Chicago Restaurant Week

Attention Chicago foodies, the 2nd Annual Chicago Restaurant Week starts tomorrow. From Feb. 20-27, more than 130 eateries around the city will offer special deals for lunch or dinner, or both! Kurman's very own Dine (733 W. Madison St.; 312-602-2100) is offering a special prix fixe dinner for just $32 per person. From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., customers can indulge on the three-course menu including Not So Much of a Wedge salad with baby iceberg lettuce, green onions, grape tomato, peppered bacon and St. Pete bleu cheese dressing, or the Spice Rubbed Prime Tenderloin with golden beet vinaigrette and a Brussels sprouts-horseradish salad.

For the main course, choose from the Garlic Rubbed 16 oz. Bone-In Ribeye with creamed spinach, jumbo asparagus and natural jus, or the Slow Dried Rummo Pasta with chili flakes, pan-roasted grape tomatoes, shallots and baby arugula. For the final course, enjoy desserts like the Ricotta Cheesecake with Bing cherry-Zinfandel gelato and sauce, the Seasonal Creme Brulee with a crisp sugar crust or the daily selection of Ice Cream or Sorbet.

Dine is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Breakfast is served from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Lunch and dinner are served from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Martini Bar and Lounge is open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight Friday and Saturday. Dining is available at the bar. Valet parking is complimentary. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Dine at (312) 602-2100 or visit www.dinerestaurant.com/.

For a complete list of restaurants participating in the 2nd Annual Chicago Restaurant Week, please press here.

It's not too late to make a date for Valentine's Day - Check out these Chicago area restaurants

BIRCH RIVER GRILL – AN AMERICAN KITCHEN

75 W. Algonquin Rd.
Arlington Heights, Ill.

(847) 427-4242
http://www.birchrivergrill.com/


Couples can snuggle by the rustic fireplace for Valentine’s Day at Birch River Grill – An American Kitchen. On February 14, the restaurant offers a pre-fixe menu at $44.95 per person. Begin the romantic evening with Purple Endive and Delicate Greens Salad, with citrus supremes, toasted almond slices and ruby red grapefruit vinaigrette. Customers will enjoy an appetizer of Herb Crusted Tuna Loin with winter squash, caper relish and tarragon vinaigrette. Entrée selections include: the Duet of Petite Filet Mignon, with Boursin cheese butter and horseradish crust, purple potato crush, peppercorn bacon Brussels sprouts, or Wild Striped Bass with black beluga lentils, blood orange cream and wilted escarole. For dessert, indulge in the Manage et Trois Chocolate, a trio of chocolates, mousse of white, milk and dark chocolates and Grand Marnier genoise.

Birch River Grill’s Valentine’s Day dinner is available noon to 11 p.m. for $44.95 per person. Additionally, the regular menu is available. Birch River Grill – An American Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. The lounge stays open one hour later daily. All major credit cards are accepted. Complimentary parking is available. For reservations or more information, please contact Birch River Grill – An American Kitchen at (847) 427-4242 or visit them on the web at http://www.birchrivergrill.com/.


DINE
733 W. Madison St.
Chicago, Ill
(312) 602- 2100
http://www.dinerestaurant.com/

Valentine’s Day Spend a music-filled Valentine’s Day at Dine, featuring jazz guitarist Lee Barrie from 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. February 14. Barrie’s smooth jazz will serenade guests, while Dine offers a special Valentine’s Day menu Friday February 13, and Saturday February 14 in addition to its regular menu.

For starters, choose from Spice Rubbed Prime Tenderloin, Champagne vinaigrette, Brussels sprouts-horseradish salad ($11), or West Coast Evening Cove Oysters with a trio of caviars ($12). Enjoy Dine’s special Valentine’s Day soup, Oregon Pink Shrimp Bisque, with orange fennel relish and tempura shrimp ($7). Entrée selections include Grass Fed Strip Steak rubbed with Valrhona cocoa and New Mexico Chili Yukon potatoes ($28), or Pole Caught Virginia Striped Bass with grilled ramp, red Russian fingerling potato and a sweet pea emulsion ($27). Complement the dinner with featured wine pairings; either three wine selections for $9, or let Dine’s wine steward select the perfect bottle.

For the finale, choose between Dine’s signature heart-shaped Red Velvet Cake for Two with cream cheese frosting and pecan praline ($11), hand-dipped Chocolate Covered Strawberries for two ($9) or a sparkling glass of Champagne ($5).

Dine’s Valentine’s Day drink menu includes Bleeding Love, Stoli raspberry and vanilla topped with apple juice and chocolate covered raspberries, served in a chilled martini glass glazed with deep red raspberry flavored coloring ($12), Shoot the Cupid, a chilled shaken and stirred brew of Grey Goose L’Orange and Effen raspberry, finished with a bubbly mixture of sparkling grape juice and Champagne ($12) and Happily Ever After, a strong burning collage of Grey Goose pear and White Crème De Cacao, topped with a rich frothing of cream and coated with chocolate sprinkles ($12).


GLEN PRAIRIE
LOCAL FLAVOR FINE FOOD & DRINK
1250 Roosevelt Rd.
Glen Ellyn, Ill.
(630) 613-1250
http://www.glenprairie.com/

Valentine’s Day Menu A Valentine’s Day dinner of passion awaits at Glen Prairie Local Flavor Food & Drink. Glen Prairie’s pre-fixe menu is available February 13 and February 14 for $40 per person. For starters, couples will enjoy Cupid’s Salad of Love with baby greens, Mission figs, toasted pistachios, shaved red onion and balsamic vinaigrette; followed by the Cuddle with Me Soup with wild mushroom and fennel.

For the main course, choose from Will You Be My Valentine, lump crab stuffed Amish chicken Oscar, saffron hollandaise, gaufrette potatoes and grilled asparagus, or Love Me Tender, Iowa farmed bone-in filet mignon, truffle mashed potatoes, cognac cream sauce and braised carrots. End the night with It’s Orgasmic, flourless chocolate cake, vanilla bean gelato, or You Sweet Thing, strawberry, peaches and cream trifle.


KARMA – ASIAN FOOD & WINE
510 E. Route 83
Mundelein, Ill.
(847) 970-6900
http://www.karmachicago.com/

Valentine’s Day SpecialsSweethearts are in for a treat with Karma’s special Valentine’s Day menu. The romantic dining experience commences with Oysters on the half shell served with tempura asparagus and ponzu sauce ($10). Choose from three alluring entrées like the Fire Roasted Game Hen stuffed with shiitake mushrooms and forbidden rice with a pineapple tamari glaze ($28); Grilled Veal Chop atop a bed of baby bok choy and Napa cabbage plus an Asian pear demi glace ($38); Lobster Tail, Prawns and Scallops poached in a star anise and yuzu broth, with a scallion rice cake and baby vegetables ($45). Karma offers intimate endings for dessert including Desserts to Share, warm heart-shaped chocolate brownies with Tahitian vanilla ice cream and fresh berries, ganache and crème anglaise for dipping ($10), or the Dessert Sampler, Ginger Crème Brulee, Chocolate moelleux cake and coconut rice pudding ($12).

Karma offers two special Valentine’s Day cocktails, the Crimson Mimosa with blood orange puree and sparkling wine ($8), and the Strawberry Kiss with rum, strawberry liqueur and Godiva chocolate liqueur ($8).

Kinzie Chophouse
400 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312.822.0191
http://www.kinziechophouse.com/


Come out of the cold to spend a cozy Valentine’s night
at Kinzie Chophouse and we’ll do the work for you!

Each couple dining with us Valentines weekend will receive a personal champagne toast and complimentary box of chocolates. Plus, opt in for our custom-tailored Valentine’s Day Menu available with wine pairings ($119.95 per couple) or without ($99.95 per couple). Champagne & chocolate valid only with an advanced reservation. Please mention the promotion when making your reservation. Available Friday, February 13th-Sunday, February 15th.

An authentic Chicago neighborhood restaurant, Kinzie Chophouse's warm classic interior is the perfect backdrop for any occasion — from a business lunch, a romantic dinner, friendly neighborhood gathering or an important celebration. An extensive menu, stellar wine list, and great service are woven together for an exceptional dining experience. From the first bite to the last sip, The Kinzie Chophouse sets the standard in great Chicago dining.

Visit http://www.kinziechophouse.com/ to make reservations, for more information, directions and to see our other promotions, including our special $20 Winter Delights 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner Menu and "Under the Spring Tuscan Sun" Wine Dinner.

Zagat Excellence Award: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Wine spectator Award: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Wine Enthusiasts Award of Excellence:
2006 Chicago Magazine Bronze Award Winner
Chicago Preferred Business Award Winner by the Chicago Concierge Advisory Counsel

Monday – Thursdays: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Fridays: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Saturdays: 4:00pm – 11:00pm
Sundays: 4:00pm – 9:00pm

MAMBO GRILL

412 North Clark Street

Chicago, IL 60654

312.467.9797

http://www.mambogrill.com/

Shake things up with your Valentine at Mambo Grill!

Enjoy the tunes of a live musician as you dine with us Valentine’s weekend, plus each couple will receive a personal champagne toast and complimentary box of chocolates. Champagne & chocolate valid only with an advanced reservation. Please mention the promotion when making your reservation. Available Friday, February 13th & Saturday, February 14th.

Walk through the doors of the charming Mambo Grill and experience a celebration of color, atmosphere and mouth watering pan-Latin cuisine. It is the spot where Latin America meets Chicago neighborhood, with authentic Latin flavors and the largest rum and tequila selection in the country. Like a work of art, the charming and cozy interior blends with dynamic flavor fusions for an unforgettable dining experience. Live life to the fullest and indulge yourself in this remarkable and unique Chicago culinary treasure.

Visit http://www.mambogrill.com/ to make reservations, for more information, directions and to see our other promotions, including our special $20 Winter Delights 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner Menu available throughout January and February.

Plus! Mambo Grill is great for groups! Host your next business dinner, friends night out, bachelorette dinner or family gathering with us. Call Fannie at 312.329.9826.

Zagat Excellence Award: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Best Mojito Spot: Metromix.com
"A sensational dance of flavors with Latin flair": CBS Channel 2 Chicago

Monday – Thursdays: 11:00am-10:00pm

Fridays: 11:00am – 11:00pm

Saturdays: 5:00pm-11:00pm

Sundays: Closed