La Sorella di Francesca Eat & Earn July 11

La Sorella di Francesca (18 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540, 630-961-2706) is participating in an Eat & Earn program July 11.  Dine in or carry out at Francesca’s and 20% of the day's sales go towards building a house for a local war veteran.  For more information visit www.nrfov.org.

Francesca's on Chestnut now offering brunch

Francesca’s on Chestnut (200 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-482-8800) is now serving brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The new brunch menu will offer some of Francesca’s favorites like the Pollo a Uova, Chrispy chicken confit & bacon hash with two eggs any style ($11.99), Sweet Pancakes, Blueberry, ricotta pancakes with blueberry-lemon compote ($10) and Baked Uova Florentina, Soft Baked Egg, fontina cheese, creamed spinach, white truffle oil and ciabatta toast ($10.99).  Also available are delicious brunch cocktails including the Bloody Mary, Peach Belini and Mimosa.

Glazed and Infused: New Artisan Doughnut Shop from Scott Harris opens

Restaurateur Scott Harris will soon make Chicago's doughnut lovers very happy with the launch of his new artisan doughnut shop, Glazed and Infused. It will be an amazing ride: locations will offer handcrafted doughnuts in 12 flavors plus a weekly feature and many more rotating flavors.

Openings will be handled in stages, with the first Glazed and Infused opening on Monday, May 21 inside Francesca's Forno at 1553 North Damen Ave., Chicago 773-770-0184. The entrance to this Glazed and Infused, a walkup window, is on North Damen, steps from the Wicker Park Damen Blue Line stop. Planned hours are: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Monday through Friday; 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The second Glazed and Infused also will open Monday, May 21 at 813 W. Fulton Market in the heart of the Fulton River District just step off he Morgan Green Line stop, 312-226-5556. Planned hours are: 6:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. This location offers 36 seats inside and 8-10 seats outside.

The third location, in the Lincoln Park/DePaul area, is planned for July at 929 West Armitage St. in a historic building within steps of the Armitage Brown Line stop.

Harris has assembled a heavy‐hitter team that promises to make Glazed and Infused a major league doughnut contender from the very first pitch. Leading the charge are two highly respected pastry chefs, Christine McCabe and Tom Culleeney. Christine McCabe, Executive Pastry Chef, was named "Pastry Chef of the Year" by Bon Appetit in 2005. 

Tom Culleeney, Executive Chef, has spent the past ten years as Corporate Chef, Research and Development, for Lettuce Entertain You and then as head of operations and new product development for Lettuce's major Krispy Kreme doughnut franchise on the West Coast.

 "This is the first time a doughnut shop has been launched with not one, but two, top‐tier pastry chefs who are amazingly committed to creating the best products possible," said Harris. "That should tell Chicagoans how serious we are about making Glazed and Infused the best artisan doughnut shop in Chicago-perhaps in the country." The two chefs have been immersed in recipe development for many months; every doughnut flavor to be offered is the result of many rounds of testing and perfecting.

All Glazed and Infused doughnuts will be made the old‐fashioned way: hand‐crafted, made fresh each hour from whole and natural locally grown ingredients. They will be infused with natural and seasonal flavors and every doughnut will be made using trans‐fat free shortening, making them the healthiest doughnuts in the city and among the healthiest in the nation. The menu will consist of both cake and yeast doughnuts, some with traditional flavors and some with unique artisan flavors. Glazed and Infused also will serve a special coffee blend created by Intelligentsia.

Harris has tapped Megan Brown, a high‐energy, experienced business growth strategist, to lead the business and build the brand. "We all felt it was time to bring back this iconic specialty with an artisan twist," said Brown, "focusing on quality, great flavors and a healthier approach. Each doughnut is handmade, not processed, and each doughnut has a unique twist. For example, the Vanilla Bean Glazed uses all natural real vanilla beans and the chocolate is shipped directly from South American farmers. In addition, each week Glazed and Infused will have a weekly special that is planned weeks in advance, utilizing a special or seasonal ingredient. This means there will be 52 new doughnuts each year, providing a new experience each week."

Glazed and Infused's wide variety of flavors is designed to please a wide range of doughnut lovers, and the tag team of McCabe and Culleeney can cover these bases easily. "For doughnut purists, those who desire the best ever renditions of traditional flavors, we will offer amazing versions," said Culleeney. These flavors have withstood the test of time and are always in demand. "Secondly, we will seduce food enthusiasts who want to experience creative, culinary influenced doughnuts," said McCabe, who has designed a palette of freshly made artisan fillings that will be surprisingly delicious and unlike anything people have had in a doughnut before.

Two distinct doughnut batters will provide the basis for Glazed and Infused's creations. Light and fluffy yeast doughnuts will come in flavors including vanilla bean glazed, a raised ring with Madagascar vanilla bean glaze; maple bacon long john, a bar of golden goodness layered with real maple glaze and maple bacon; PB&J, a homemade raspberry jam filled bismarck with crunch pb glaze; crème brûlée, a vanilla crème brûlée filled Bismarck with brûléed sugar crust, and apple fritter, crispy nuggets of yeast dough laced with cinnamon and fresh apple, blanketed with vanilla bean glaze.

Glazed and Infused's cake doughnuts will initially come in five varieties:  cake chocolate frosted, vanilla cake with cacao berry ganache and dark chocolate vermicelli (sprinkles); red velvet, cocoa buttermilk cake with cream cheese frosting; bacon "sticky bun" cruller, a cake bar topped with bacon brown sugar caramel and pecans; luscious lemon, lemon cake filled with yuzo curd topped with lemon glaze and candied zest, and old fashioned, the classic spiced buttermilk cake with vanilla bean glaze filled crevasses.

As inspiration for the décor, Glazed and Infused has gone retro‐Americana. "We're harking back to the days when doughnuts were clearly the all‐American treat," said Brown. "We're going to evoke the era of World War II and post‐war America. Back then, all doughnuts were fresh and handcrafted. We were an optimistic, community‐ spirited country and we couldn't wait to go to the local doughnut shop to smell the aroma, chat with our neighbors, and savor amazing doughnuts with a great cup of coffee."

The shops are designed to offer a fun, personalized customer experience. The décor of Glazed and Infused is 1940's industrial Americana inspired where reclaimed barn wood and vintage chairs meets industrial lighting, chem metal, counters with marble top and specialty stained concrete floors.  The artwork is a nod to the posters of the era, with our own unique twist, mirroring the overall concept. The space is a celebration of an American icon, the doughnut.

"We are looking to build a loyal and personal following of our clients," Brown emphasizes. "We are not interested in long lines. For commuters on the go, we want to provide a convenient, quick experience. We want to get to know their likes and dislikes, be ready for their pickup and get them in and out quickly so they can have a productive and positive day. For doughnut lovers who have the time to stick around and savor the doughnuts in the shop, we want them to have a relaxed, friendly and surprisingly delicious experience. Our curb service, delivery service and special event services will cater to our corporate, weddings and party clients," she said. "Glazed and Infused doughnuts are infused with goodness. We want to pass that goodness on to our customers, positioning them to have a good, no, a great day!"

Patio season is here… dine al-fresco at Francesca’s

Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas St., Frankfort, IL 60423, 815-464-1890)

Join Francesca’s Fortunato and the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, May 18^th for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiling of their new sidewalk café in the heart of downtown Frankfort.  Enjoy specials on Italian-style sangria throughout the event and visit all summer long for superb al-fresco dining and a front row seat to the hustle and bustle of all the happenings of downtown Frankfort.  The sidewalk café seats 25, additional patio seating for 50 available.

Francesca’s Passaggio (3124 S. Route 59, Naperville, IL 60564, 630-946-0600)

The patio at Francesca’s Passaggio in Naperville is quickly becoming a destination for live music enthusiasts in the Western suburbs.  Beautifully appointed with lush greenery, seating for 68 and a table-top fire feature like nothing you’ve ever seen, guests can kick-back and enjoy performances every Friday and Saturday evening over a great Italian meal.  If live music isn’t your thing, join us Sunday-Thursday for al-fresco dining and catch an evening ball game on one of their 2 flat-screen patio TV’s.  The word is spreading quickly about this hidden gem, so join us soon!

Francesca’s Forno (1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622; 773-770-0184)

A full wall of sliding windows opens up, bringing the fresh air and hubbub of Wicker Park into this urban mecca. The six-point corner location is one of Chicago’s best sites for people watching.

Check out other Francesca’s locations that will be offering al-fresco dining -  Francesca’s Fiore (7407 W Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130; 708-771-3063); La Sorella di Francesca (18 W Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540; 630-961-2706); Francesca’s at the Promenade (641 E Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300); Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. LaGrange Road, Palos Park, IL 60465; 708-671-1600); Davanti Enoteca (1359 W Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607; 312-226-5550)

Chicago Craft Beer Week: 4 restaurants, 4 beers, 4 opportunities to support your local community for $4

 Chicago Craft Beer Week is back & better than ever, expecting more than 200 venues to participate this year. With a glass of the good stuff priced at just $4, you may already have your bar-hopping plans mapped out, anxiously anticipating the week of May 17. Francesca’s participating locations are sweetening the pot by committing to donate $1 for each beer sold to a local organization in their community.  Come have a cold brew for a good cause at any of the participating Francesca’s locations during Craft Beer Week from May 17 – 27 and show your support.

Francesca’s Fiore, 7407 W. Madison St., Forest Park, IL 60130, (708)771-3063

Featuring Left Hand “Milk Stout”

Supporting the House of Hixson Theatre

Their mission is to assist an undeserved community by providing a solution to the lack of social creativity by exposing it to a more modern and progressive live entertainment experience with the most unique quality of talent and events our generation has to offer. For more information please visit www.houseofhixson.com

Francesca’s Bryn Mawr, 1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660, (773)506-9261

Featuring Goose Island’s “Matilda”

Supporting PAWS Chicago

The city’s largest no-kill humane organization is focused on implementing solutions to end the killing of homeless pets. For more information please visit www.pawschicago.org

Francesca’s on Taylor, 1400 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607, (312)829-2828

Featuring Goose Island's "En Passant"

Supporting the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame

The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame chose sports - a universal pursuit and interest in any culture - to communicate the experiences of their inductees and their impact and relevance in the present day. Like many athletes and leaders of today, their inductees represent the never-ending pursuit of the American Dream. Their stories of hard work, sacrifice, perseverance, teamwork and "championship" accomplishments educate and inspire the future Olympians, Heisman trophy winners, CEOs and public servants of our country through a state- of-the-art, multi-media Hall of Fame experience. For more information please visit www.niashf.org

Francesca’s Forno, 1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622, (773)770-0184

Featuring Revolution “Bottom up Wit”

Supporting the The Miracle Center

The Miracle Center is an agency thats purpose is to help children, youth, and families particularly through the performing arts to grow spiritually, mentally, emotionally, socially and physically during after-school and out-of- school programs. For more information please visit www.themiraclecenter.com

Raise a glass during the month of May and toast the Women of Wine at Francesca's

Wine was once a man’s profession; owning vineyards, raising sons and handing their winemaking traditions down through the generations.  It was not until the last half of the 20^th century that women emerged as leaders in the industry.  Today’s greats include Luciana Vietti, Kathryn Hall & the Antinori sisters; Alessia, Albiera and Allegra, all of whom are featured at Francesca’s during May’s Women in Wine celebration.  All Chicagoland locations and Madison, WI will feature the following wines May 1-31:

Luciana Vietti  (Piedmont )

Proprietress & wife of the late, great Alfredo Curado; Father of Arneis

Vietti Arneis   $12.00 gl

Alessia, Albiera & Allegra Antinori  (Tuscany)

26^th generation wine makers  & innovators in marketing and public relations for the wine industry

Santa Cristina Bianco $7.50 gl

Kathryn Hall  (Napa Valley)

Proprietress, businesswoman and community activist

Hall Merlot   $14.00 gl

Administrative Assistant's Day at Francesca’s Restaurants

Call it a Hallmark holiday if you will, but Administrative Assistant's Day honors a talented group of people that keep the wheels turning in any company.  Show the Admin in your department how grateful you are for their support with a special meal at Francesca’s Restaurants.  On Wednesday, April 25th all Francesca’s locations are open for lunch service (with the exception of Mia Francesca, Chicago) and taking reservations. Can’t get out – show your thanks with the gift from Francesca’s – gift cards available to purchase in-store or online at www.miafrancesca.com.

Francesca’s Tavola (208 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 847-394-3950) will be offering a lunch special. Guests can choose a two - course meal (appetizer, soup or salad and pasta, sandwich or entree) with a soft drink or iced tea for $10.00 or a three - course meal (appetizer, soup or salad and pasta, sandwich or entree, and a dessert), with a soft drink or iced tea for $15.00.

Francesca’s on 95th ( 6248 W. 95th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453; 708-598-7007) Are you a boss treating your admin to lunch or dinner? Bring them to Francesca’s on 95th and you will receive 15% off your bill.

Celebrate Mother’s Day all over Chicagoland!

Celebrate mom this year by taking your pick of amazing Chicago Mother’s Day specials and events from brunch and dinner as well as some good old fashioned family time fun.  See what is available to help you lavish mom and make her feel special this Mother’s Day.

                                                                 

Mother’s Day Brunch at Elate: The new brunch hotspot!

Elate (111 W. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60654; 312-202-9900) will be serving up its notable brunch service this Mother’s Day.  Bring mom and watch her delight in Elate’s delicious brunch menu 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Sunday, May 13.  In addition to its classic menu items, Elate will be adding a buffet option for an additional $12.  The buffet spread will include seasonal fruits, cheese and desserts.  Elate’s a la carte brunch menu includes classics like its famous Breakfast Pizza, with ham, potatoes, truffle oil and a sunny side up egg for $13.00,  Banana Custard French Toast  for $12.00  and the Elate Burger, cooked to perfection with creamed leeks, apple wood smoked bacon and house-made bread and butter pickles for $14.00. Elate also features an extensive Juice Bar during brunch with familiar favorites like fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juice and lemonade for $4.00,   and delicious juice blends like the Asian Rabbit, a mix of carrot juice and ginger for $7.00 and the Sunrise, a combination of pineapple, strawberry and lime juice for $9.00.

Want to celebrate mom with a champagne toast? For an additional $20.00, Elate also will provide bottomless mimosas with the purchase of any brunch entrée.

Dine at Fleming’s for Mother’s Day and receive a $25 Dining Card as a free gift to mom

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL 60069; 847-793-0333) will be celebrating Mother’s Day with special brunch and dinner hours and specials, Sunday, May 13.  Brunch hours begin from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and feature three courses for $34.95 excluding tax and gratuity. Moms will have their choice of appetizers, entrees and desserts from a comprehensive menu including Fleming’s favorites like The Wedge, with iceberg lettuce, grape tomatoes, red onions and crumbled blue cheese, Filet Mignon Benedict with sliced filet mignon and egg on an English muffin with herd béarnaise sauce and tomato concassé, New Orleans-style French Toast and White Chocolate Bread Pudding with bourbon crème anglaise.  A children’s brunch menu will also be available for $16.95, excluding tax and gratuity, for children 12 and under.  Fleming’s also will be offering its  Blood Orange Fizz Cocktail, a mix of Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Stoli Vodka, fresh lemon juice and a splash of club soda for $6.95.

As a special gift to mom, spend Mother’s Day with Fleming’s and receive a $25 Dining Card; perfect for treating mom to your next dining experience at Fleming’s.

To make reservations, call your preferred Fleming’s location or make reservations online at www.flemingssteakhouse.com.

Bring mom to Francesca’s Restaurants for Mother’s Day

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother” – Abraham Lincoln

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13^th … Treat the amazing women in your life to a special Mother’s Day celebration at Francesca’s.  Reservations are available online or by calling your local Francesca’s locations.  Extended hours at all locations.  For more information visit www.miafrancesca.com.

Francesca’s at the Promenade (641 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300) will have number of items, such as Vanilla bean French toast; Crispy chicken confit and bacon hash, as well as Frittata with sautéed asparagus, sausage, fresh mozzarella, spinach and house potatoes.

Francesca’s on Chestnut (200 E. Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-482-8800) will feature Smoked salmon omelet with chopped tomatoes, rapini and roasted potatoes; Eggs Benedict with prosciutto and Hollandaise sauce; Fried eggs with spicy avocado pesto and oven dried tomatoes.

Additionally, the following locations will feature special brunch items. Call each location for more information. Francesca’s al Lago (111 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI 53703; 608-255-6000); Francesca’s Famiglia (100 East Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027); Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas Street, Frankfort, IL 60423; 815-464-1890); Francesca’s on Taylor (1400 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607; 312-829-2828)

Special Mother’s Day brunch service at Maxwell’s at the Club

Maxwell’s at the Club (200 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, IL 60610; 312-527-5800) will have a special Mother’s Day brunch service 10 am – 3 pm, Sunday, May 13. 

Brunch options will feature prime rib, roast turkey breast and leg of lamb carving stations, an omelet and waffle bar, assorted pastries and seasonal fresh fruit.  Additionally a variety of appetizers, salads and entrée choices will be available. 

Come enjoy brunch and celebrate the special lady in your life at Maxwell’s for $45.  Children’s brunch also is available for $15 for children 10 and under.   For reservations, call (312) 527-5800, extension 301, or schedule at Maxwell’s website, using the Book a Table feature.

Prairie Grass Café serves up a delicious brunch feast for Mother’s Day

Celebrate Mother’s Day suburban style with Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062; 847-205-4433).

Prairie Grass Café’s will be offering a delightful Mother’s Day brunch buffet for $45, excluding tax, gratuity and beverages, 9:30 am – 2 pm Sunday, May 13.   Every guest starts their meal with the signature “PGC Benedict” a poached egg with spinach and roasted tomato hollandaise. They are then able to take advantage of Prairie Grass’ amazing brunch buffet, which includes a made to order omelet station, hot waffles, its signature grass-fed beef Shepard’s Pie, Braised Lamb with yogurt sauce, raw onion and cilantro relish, Parmesan crusted Tilapia over creamed spinach, to name a few.  A variety of salads and fresh baked goods from Chopped veggie salad with crumbled Amish Blue Cheese, and red wine vinaigrette, Caesar salad with homemade dressing, croutons and shaved parmesan  to crusty multi grain artisan breads, mini chocolate croissants and Danishes, among other choices. To end the meal, diners also will have the opportunity to indulge in the dessert buffet, which includes Mom’s Homemade Crème Brulee Minis, Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble, Double Chocolate Cupcakes, a crepe station and a variety of seasonal fresh fruit.  Children’s brunch options also are available for $15 for children 10 and under.

Prairie Grass’ regular dinner menu will be available 5 pm -9 pm.  To see its dinner menu and to check out Mother’s Day dinner specials visit.  www.prairiegrasscafe.com.

Westfield’s WFamily series returns this May with a Mother’s Day celebration at Tiffany & Co.

Westfield Old Orchard (Skokie Blvd & Old Orchard Center, 847-673-6800) is doing Mother’s Day right with a family-friendly celebration at Tiffany & Co.  From 11:30 am – 3 pm Saturday, May 5 in front of Tiffany & Co., participating families can come and enjoy a crafting session creating handmade cards and gifts provided by the Westfield retailer.  Along with cards, children will take home a hand painted clay pot with seeds included as a gift to mom on her special day.  Completed greeting cards will be photographed and for the week leading up to Mother’s Day, cards will be displayed on Westfield’s LED billboard to commemorate the little ones’ efforts in showing love for mom.  Volunteers from Wilmette District 39 schools will be on hand to help with craft time and work to raise funds for their school district. No registration is required, so bring the entire family to celebrate mom at Westfield Old Orchard.

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The Menu at Di Sotto Enoteca expands to include Desserts

Reeling from a nomination by Time Out Chicago for “Best New Bar in 2012”, Di Sotto Enoteca steps up their game and adds gourmet Italian desserts and premium Intelligentsia coffee to their already well-respected small plates menu.  Dessert selections include handmade truffles, lemon-ricotta fritters and zeppoles. These light and doughy Italian doughnuts are filled with decadent cheesecake or dark chocolate. Served alongside French press Intelligentsia coffee and “black cat” espresso, the desserts at Di Sotto Enoteca make the perfect after dinner treat.  Check out the full menu at www.disottoenoteca.com & indulge your sweet side with a visit.

Celebrate National Ravioli Day with Francesca's Restaurants

March 20 is one of Francesca’s Restaurants’ favorite holidays: National Ravioli Day. To celebrate, all Francesca’s locations* are offering Ravioli con Spinaci for $8.99. This delicious stuffed pasta is one of the world's favorites. What better place to celebrate than Francesca’s?

*except Francesca’s Forno

Francesca's Restaurants support Lambs Farm

Did you know you can support your community simply by eating at Francesca’s? When you dine at any Francesca’s restaurant during their Eat and Earn promotion, a portion of your bill is donated to a charitable organization in the community.

This Tuesday, March 20, all Francesca’s locations are participating in an Eat and Earn promotion to benefit Lambs Farm, a non-profit organization that helps people with developmental disabilities lead productive and happy lives. When people dine at Francesca’s and either bring in the Eat and Earn flyer about the event or mention Lambs Farm, 15% of the bill will be donated to the organization. For more information on Lambs Farm, visit www.lambsfarm.org. Enjoy a great meal and support a worthy cause by eating at Francesca's today!

For a full list of Francesca's locations, visit www.miafrancesca.com.

Charities interested in learning more about Francesca’s Restaurants Eat and Earn restaurant should contact the manager of their local Francesca’s.

Zeppoles now available at DiSotto Enoteca

DiSotto Enoteca (200 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-482-8727) is now offering zeppoles. These light and doughy Italian doughnuts are similar to beignets, but they are also filled with chocolate. Zeppoles come six to a basket, which customers can purchase for $8.00. Zeppoles are a traditional part of the Sicilian St. Joseph's Day celebration on March 19 and are sometimes called St. Joseph's Day cakes. Whether or not you're celebrating St. Joseph's Day today, stop by DiSotto Enoteca for their delicious zeppoles!