An Evening with Patricia Green at La Sorella di Francesca

May 8, 7:00 p.m. – La Sorella di Francesca (18 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540, 630-961-2706)

Francesca’s Wine Director, Lisa Mango, has hand selected four wines from the cellars of our guest of honor and St. Charles native, Patricia Green, to be paired with a four- course menu that is sure to leave your taste buds screaming for more!

Tickets are $75 per person all inclusive. Please call 630-717-7800 and RSVP to Mike Matonte at Wine Discount Center by Tuesday May 6.  Space is limited so be sure to sign up before it’s too late to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Patricia Green herself.

April at Francesca’s Restaurants: Bunnies, bacon, beer & wine are only part of the fun at Francesca’s this month!

With signs of Spring blooming all around Chicago, Francesca’s Restaurants is planning for a colorful month.  Celebrate Easter with family & friends and meet the bunny himself, indulge in the decadence of Baconfest at Francesca’s Forno or partake in Beer & Wine Dinners at select locations. Everything’s coming up roses at Francesca’s this April!

Oregon Wine dinner at Francesca’s Famiglia

April 11, 7 p.m. – Francesca’s Famiglia (100 East Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027)

Spring is in the air and Francesca’s Famiglia in Barrington is hosting a fresh & inspired wine dinner event!  Featuring wine selections from the vineyards of Bethel Heights in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, this 4-course menu is only $52 per person, all inclusive! Reservations are required.  

 

The meal starts with Whipped Burrata, tomato and rhubarb conserva paired with a 2011 Pinot Gris. This is followed by Roasted scallops, morels, ramps, English peas and bacon. This pairs excellently with a 2009 Chardonnay. The third course features Handmade toasted fennel seed and goat cheese gnocchi, crispy duck, fava beans, caramelized spring onions. A 2009 Pinot Noir makes a great pair for this course. The evening ends with Rosemary crusted rack of spring lamb, baby carrots and roasted root vegetables. This is the perfect companion for a 2008 Pinot Noir “Casteel Reserve”.

Goose Island Beer dinner at Francesca’s Vicinato

April 12, 6:30 p.m. – Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. LaGrange Road, Palos Park, IL 60465; 708-671-1600)

Chef Mario Lopez of Francesca’s Vicinato serves a savory Italian meal with courses paired perfectly with famed Goose Island beers.  Jim De Bolt of Goose Island leads the meal, educating diners on food & beer pairings at this fun, festive dining event.  Reservations are required, $45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.

The evening starts with Crostini misti, an assortment of crostini’s paired with 312 Urban Wheat Ale. This is followed by Insalata Mista con Gamberi e Granchio, frisee, arugula, lemon & olive oil, jumbo shrimp wrapped in prosciutto stuffed with crab meat, pepper aioli and aged balsamic. It is a perfect pair for Summertime, German Style Kölsch. The third course features Papardelle con Anatra, homemade wide pasta, duck confit, asparagus, roasted artichokes, brown butter sage and parmigiano reggiano. A Nut Brown Ale makes the perfect companion. Next is Lombo di Maiale al Vicinato, grilled pork tenderloin, caramelized onion mashed potatoes, grilled peach and balsamic rosemary demi-glaze, paired with Matilda, Belgian Style Pale Ale. The meal finishes with Brownie alla Moda, chocolate caramel pecan brownie served warm with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce and vanilla gelato paired with Bourbon County Bramble.

Raise a glass to the end of tax season with a Wine dinner event at Francesca’s Bryn Mawr

April 17, 7 p.m. – Francesca’s Bryn Mawr (1039 W Bryn Mawr, Chicago, IL 60660; 773-506-9261)

Uncle Sam’s annual day of reckoning is upon us…. (drum roll please) TAX DAY.  If April 15^th is a day to celebrate in your household, chances are you are receiving a tax refund; but if you owe, the tone is surely not so upbeat.  Whether you are drowning your sorrows or toasting to your own financial windfall, we have an event for you.  “Uncle Sam meet Auntie Vino” is a 4-course wine dinner hosted by Francesca’s Bryn Mawr.  Guest speaker, Danny Kleiman, of Heritage Wines takes you through a guided tour of Italian wine varietals paired with an innovative Francesca’s menu.  $48 plus tax & gratuity, reservations required.

The evening begins with Citrus House cured Salmon with shaved fennel and extra virgin olive oil. This is paired with Voveti Prosecco DOC. Following this is English pea filled ravioli, soft poached hen egg, in a parmesan broth with browned butter asparagus, paired with Inama Soave Classico 2010. The next course features Prosciutto wrapped seared ahi tuna with braised pork cheeks, morels, and spring onions. The Endrizzi Teroldego 2009 wine pairs perfectly with this course. The dinner ends with Grilled lamb chop with sweet garlic puree, petit spring vegetables, anise scented lamb au jus. Tenuta Sant’ Antonio Valpolicella Ripasso Monti Garbi 2008 is paired with this course.

Lagunitas Brewery Beer Dinner at Francesca’s Passagio and Francesca’s al Lago – It’s “Doggone Good Beer”

April 12, 7:00 p.m. – Francesca’s Passaggio (3124 South Route 59, Naperville, IL 60564; 630-946-0600)

Whether your beer of choice is a pilsner or pale ale, Lagunitas Brewery is sure to make you a believer in their brews. Enjoy 5 beer selections expertly paired with Francesca’s food. Tickets are $45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

 The beer dinner begins with Carpaccio di Cernia con Finnocchietto Selvatico e Pompelmo, grouper “Crudo” with shaved fennel, grapefruit sea salt, extra virgin olive oil. Lagunitas crispy wheat and pale malt A Little Sumpin’, makes the perfect companion. This is followed by Gambetta di Pollo al Rosmarino, citrus marinated chicken thighs pan seared in rosemary and chiles oil, paired with IPA, India Pale Ale. The third course features Agnolotti con Funghetti, homemade pasta filled with Prosciutto, caramelized onion in a mushroom sauce and Parmigiano. It is a perfect pair for Wilco Imperial, brown Ale. Next is Pesce Bianco Delicato con Faglioni, roasted Lake Superior Whitefish, French Beans, lemon-butter sauce, paired with New Dogtown, Super premium Pale Ale. The meal finishes Mousse di Cioccolato, chocolate Pot au Cream, and is paired with The Censored, rich Copper Ale.

 April 18, 6:30 p.m. - Francesca’s al Lago (111 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Madison, WI 53703; 608-255-6000)

Whether your beer of choice is a pilsner or pale ale, Lagunitas Brewery is sure to make you a believer in their brews.  Come out on Wednesday, April 18^th and enjoy 5 beer selections paired with a menu handcrafted by Chef Sergio Lopez of Francesca’s al Lago. Tickets are $50 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and sure to sell out quickly.

The evening begins with Insalata di Spinaci e Pistacchio, spinach, radicchio, watercress, and pistachio in honey champagne vinaigrette, paired with PILS, Czech Style Pilsner. This is followed by Carpaccio di Mele, apple Carpaccio with brie cheese and cracked black pepper drizzled with a balsamic glaze. It is a perfect pair for IPA, India Pale Ale. The third course features Tagliatelle con Cozze, homemade pasta sautéed with mussels, slow roasted tomatoes, sliced shallots, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. An American Brown Ale, Wilco Tango Foxtrot, makes the perfect companion. Next is Branzino e salsa d’ Aragosta, roasted sea bass with grilled asparagus in tarragon lobster cream sauce, paired with Hop Stoopid Ale, Pale Ale. The meal finishes with Savoiardi con Cioccolata Fondente, lady fingers soaked in Cappuccino Stout with dark chocolate, topped with strawberry compote, and is paired with Cappuccino Stout, Big and dark Stout.

Make your Easter Egg-cellent with a family meal at Francesca’s on Easter Sunday

While all Francesca’s restaurant locations are open for service on Easter Sunday, some are hopping up the excitement with these celebratory Easter events.

 Francesca’s Tavola (208 S. Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, 847-394-3950)

The Easter bunny will be visiting Francesca's Tavola from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on the two Saturday’s leading up to Easter (March 31st and April 7^th).  Activities for the kids include coloring contests and Easter egg hunts.  Parents bring your camera and snap a shot of your little ones visiting with the bunny himself.  Italian breakfast menu available throughout; reservations required for this sell-out event.

On Easter Sunday, a lavish brunch buffet at Francesca’s Tavola features a prime rib carving station, made to order omelets, whole roasted salmon, eggs, bacon, sausage, homemade pastries, salads, pastas, chicken and much more from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  ($24.95 for adults, $12.95 for ages 2-12 and no-charge for children under 2).  Standard Francesca’s ala carte menu from 2:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for dinner service.

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

Bring the family out to Francesca’s Fortunato in Frankfort for a traditional Italian brunch featuring frittatas, omelets and French toast in addition to many of your Francesca’s favorites. The restaurant will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a visit from the Easter Bunny from noon to 3:00 p.m. Brunch specialties available through 3:00 p.m.  

Francesca’s Bellezza (75 S. La Grange Rd, La Grange, IL 60525, 708-579-3500)

Lunch with the Easter Bunny at Francesca’s Bellezza on Saturday, April 7^th noon to 3pm!  Make a reservation for you & the kids to dine with Peter Rabbit himself.  Kids will enjoy a pint-sized buffet complete with pasta, pizza and chicken fingers while their parents can order ala carte from the traditional Francesca’s menu.  The price of $8.99 per child includes lunch, beverage, Easter egg hunt, goody bag and a picture with the hoppin’ hare. Space is limited - reserve your table today.

The Easter bunny will also make appearances on Easter Sunday at Francesca’s Amici (174 N York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126; 630-279-7970)  11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Francesca’s Famiglia (100 East Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027) 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Francesca’s al Lago (111 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI 53703; 608-255-6000) 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

TGIF at Francesca’s… Start your weekend out right with Friday night music events at Francesca’s

Francesca’s Bellezza (75 S. La Grange Rd, La Grange, IL 60525, 708-579-3500)

Sit back, relax & unwind with friends at Francesca’s Bellezza every Thursday 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. & Friday night from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Live jazz, a glass of wine & a bite to eat will make the hustle-bustle of your work week seem like a distant memory.  Seats are first come, first serve and there is never a cover charge, so arrive early!

Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. La Grange Rd, Palos Park, IL 60465, 708-671-1600)

Fasten your seatbelts for a guided musical tour through rock 'n roll history with The Neverly Brothers at Francesca’s Vicinato. Live for one night only at Francesca’s Vicinato in Palos Park, mark your calendar for this can’t-miss, toe-tapping, sing-out-loud event on Friday, April 27th.  The restaurant recommends that diners make dinner reservations between 7 and 7:30 p.m. After enjoying a delicious meal, diners may keep their tables for the show. After 8 p.m. the restaurant will offer general seating. For more information on The Neverly Brothers, visit their website at www.theneverlybrothers.com.

Francesca’s Restaurants celebrates the Day of the Mushroom, April 16^th at all Chicagoland locations

Button, shiitake, oyster, wild, portobello, cremini, enoki, beech… with so many mushroom varieties to choose from how will you select just one to top your list for National Mushroom Day on Monday, April 16^th?  Celebrate the day of the mushroom with Francesca’s Restaurants and we’ll point you in the right direction with the Pasta Funghetto. Featuring the porcini and wild mushrooms, tossed with perfectly al dente pasta, mascarpone cheese, white truffle oil, fresh oregano and brandy-veal sauce to create a rich, decadent pasta dish that will make you a believer.  Available for $10.99 at all Francesca’s restaurant locations for lunch & dinner on  Monday, April 16^th. 

 Support your community – Come out & get involved!

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.

Thursday, April 5, Francesca’s Tavola (208 S Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 847-394-3950) is hosting an Eat and Earn program to benefit Hersey Jazz Band. For more information on the Hersey Jazz Band, visit www.herseyband.com. They are also hosting an Eat and Earn program April 17 supporting Wright-Way Rescue Pet adoption Center. For more information on the Rescue Center, visit www.wrightwayrescue.net.

Francesca’s on Bryn Mawr (1039 W Bryn Mawr, Chicago, IL 60660; 773-506-9261) is supporting Edgewater Historical Society by hosting an Eat & Earn on Wednesday, April 11. For more information, visit www.edgewaterhistory.org. Emmaus Ministries on Thursday, April 12. For more information about the organization, visit www.streets.org  and Care for Real – local food pantry, on Wednesday, April 25. More information about Care for Real can be found at www.careforreal.org.

Monday, April 16, Francesca’s on 95th (6248 W. 95^th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453; 708-598-7007) is teaming up with Sons of Italy organization to raise money for children with autism. For more information, visit www.osia.org.  

Francesca’s Passaggio (3124 South Route 59, Naperville, IL 60564; 630-946-0600) & La Sorella di Francesca (18 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540; 630-961-2706) are supporting Dine-Away Hunger Foundation on Wednesday, April 18. La Sorella also is hosting an Eat and Earn for Naperville Responds for our Veterans on Wednesday, April 11. The organization assists veterans in need by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and coordinates the process of repairing, building and donating homes. For more information about the organization, visit www.nrfov.org.

Wednesday, April 18, all Francesca’s locations are participating in an Eat and Earn promotion to benefit Variety Children’s Charity, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children around the world. Variety of Illinois supports children with disabilities, as well as those who are underprivileged, or otherwise at-risk.  To learn more about this organization, please visit www.varietyofillinois.org.

Thursday, April 26, Mia Francesca, Francesca’s Forno, Francesca’s on Chestnut, Francesca’s Taylor & Francesca’s Bryn Mawr join together with nearly 75 other Chicago institutions in support of the city’s Dine Out for Life campaign.  In its 19^th year, Dine Out for Life’s mission is to provide housing and life services to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS.  Help us make a difference in these people’s lives by dining out on April 26^th; a portion of all lunch, dinner & carry-out sales will be donated to this great cause. 

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

Thursday, April 26, Francesca’s Famiglia (100 East Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027) is one of the local businesses in Barrington participating in a Relay for Life kickoff party for Purple Heels Sip and Shop event. Francesca’s will be offering complimentary Limoncello to diners that mention the charity.

Bacon Makes Everything Better… Baconfest & Francesca’s Forno!

Chicago’s hottest ticket in town is Baconfest on April 14^th.  If you weren’t lucky enough to snag a ticket (they’ve been sold out for weeks), get in on the fun at Francesca’s Forno.  In conjunction with the event, they’ll be featuring their Baconfest creation in-house for restaurant guests on Saturday, April 14^th… Yes, the same creation to which only Baconfest ticket holders are privy.  Get your bacon-fix at Francesca’s Forno!

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.

Earth Day at Francesca’s Tavola

Earth April 22! April 16th- April 22nd, Francesca’s Tavola (208 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 847-394-3950) will be featuring an Earth Day Cocktail.  This cocktail will consist of Muddled Organic Cucumber and Organic Lemons, Organic Vodka, St. Germain, Simple Syrup and club Soda. $1 from each cocktail purchased will be donated to The Nature Conservancy of Chicago.   http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/illinois/placesweprotect/chicago-wilderness.xml

Administrative Assistants Day at Francesca’s Restaurants

Call it a Hallmark holiday if you will, but Administrative Assistants 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 25^th 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 95^th ( 6248 W. 95^th 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 95^th and you will receive 15% off your bill.

Davanti Enoteca spices up your weekend mornings with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar

Have you been bit by the Davanti bug? The hottest destination in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood just got hotter (or spicier) with the addition of a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar for Saturday & Sunday brunch.  You can choose from 10-15 different hot sauces, various pickled veggies such as cucumbers, carrots, white asparagus, green beans, cauliflower and of course the classic garnishes like limes, olives or celery. Sundays are “Sinful Sundays” you can enjoy this classic brunch beverage, made just as you like it for only $5. Brunch is served every weekend from 11a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Wines from Hall" Dinner at Francesca's Vicinato

March 15, 7 p.m. – Francesca’sVicinato (12960 S. La Grange Rd., Palos Park, IL 60464; 708-671-1600)

Francesca’s Vicinato presents the “Wines from Hall” Wine Dinner, featuring wine selections from Napa Valley’s Hall Winery. Guest speaker, Jason Horek, a representative of the winery, will be on-site to discuss the wines and their pairings with the meal. Tickets are $52 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The evening begins with Capesante con Purea di Finoccheitto, seared scallop with caramelized fennel and goat cheese puree, shaved fennel, shaved raw asparagus and ruby grapefruit. This is paired with Hall Sauvignon Blanc. The next course is Tonno al Pepe Nero, peppered Ahi tuna with tomato compote and rosemary, which pairs superbly with Hall “Darwin” Proprietary Red. Following this course is Anatra Arrosto con Gnocchetti, roasted duck breast with black pepper gnocchi, braised duck leg, forest mushrooms and ramps. This is paired with Hall Merlot. The fourth course is Filetto Grigliato con Fonduta di Patate, grilled filet with fonduta potato, caramelized Brussels sprouts, garlic and sage paired with Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. The evening ends with Assortimento di Biscotti, an assortment of artisanal and homemade cookies, served with coffee.

Fork and Bottle Dinner at Francesca's Tavola

March 13, 7 p.m. – Francesca’sTavola (208 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 847-394-3950)

Francesca’s Tavola presents a Fork and Bottle Dinner Tuesday, March 13. This interactive dining experience and wine tasting is a more casual alternative to a wine dinner but still features delicious wines and food pairings. The event is $30 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The evening starts with a cooking demonstration from Chef de Cuisine Gabriel Arista. He will be making Gameri con Salsa Romesco, grilled prawns with romesco and citrus. This will be paired with Caymus Conundrum. The menu will also include Filetto di Maiale con Fagioli, grilled pork tenderloin with white beans and sweet roasted tomatoes, paired with Belle Glos Meomi Pinot Noir. Pesce con Cipolline e Finocchio, halibut with caramelized cipollini onion, roasted fennel and forest mushrooms, will also be featured at the dinner. This will be paired with Belle Glos Clarke & Telephone.

Kurman Clients November Wine & Beer Dinners Round-Up

Kurman clients are presenting a variety of exciting Wine and Beer Dinners this November! Whether you prefer a delicious Cabernet, local craft beers, or the opportunity to taste wines from some the best American vineyards, there is an event available for every palate in November.

“Cabernet is King” Wine Dinners

November 9, 6:30 p.m. - La Sorella di Francesca (18 W. Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540; 630-961-2706)

November 11, 7:30 p.m. - Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. Lagrange Rd., Palos Park, IL, 60464; 708-671-1600) 

November 15, 7 p.m. - Francesca’s Famiglia (100 E. Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027)

November 16, 7 p.m. - Francesca’s By the River (200 South 2nd Street, St. Charles, IL, 60174; 630-587-8221)

The five-course meal will be expertly prepared by Francesca’s chefs and is paired exquisitely with six select wines. The dinner is $65 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The “Cabernet is King” Dinner begins with Crostini with Smoked Salmon, crème fresh, Arugula and Apricots, paired with a refreshing 2010 Hall Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley. This is followed by Braised Pork Cheeks Ragout over creamy white Polenta, which complements 2008 Stags Leap Hands of Time, Stags Leap AVA. The third course is Handmade Veal Ravioli with roasted shiitake mushrooms, veal au jus and parmigiano reggiano. This is paired with 2008 Antinori Antica, Atlas Peak AVA. The fourth course features Cast Iron Black Angus Rib Eye with Porcini flavor and roasted fall vegetables in a Cabernet reduction, which is a delicious pair for both 2007 Minor, Stagecoach Vineyard and 2008 Chappelett Signature, Oakville, Pritchard Hill. Dessert will be an Assortment of Chocolate Truffles, pairing perfectly with a 2008 Viader “Dare,” Napa Valley.

Lisa Mango, Francesca’s Sommelier, will be in attendance at Francesca’s Vicinato November 11 to speak about the wine selection and how they pair with Francesca’s menu.

MacMurray Ranch Wine Dinner

November 11, 6:30 p.m. – Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, Ill.; 312/329-9463)

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Chicago is hosting a wine dinner featuring wines from MacMurray Ranch with Kate MacMurray, vineyard owner, 6:30 p.m., Friday, November 11. MacMurray will share her passion for winemaking and the tradition of excellence her family’s vineyard is known for among Fleming’s diners.

Fleming’s Chicago chef partner Jerl Griffin has worked with MacMurray to create the perfect food and wine pairings for this meal. The first course features Shrimp Skewers and Fennel with an Orange & Avocado Salad, accompanied by MacMurray Ranch’s Silverado “Miller Ranch” Sauvignon Blanc, Yountville, Napa, 2009. This is followed by a chilled Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup finished with White Truffle Oil and the Silverado Estate Chardonnay, Napa County, 2009. The main course is Roasted Châteaubriand with Black Truffle Butter, Mashed Green Market Potatoes and Madeira Sauce,that is exquisitely paired with Silverado Estate Merlot, Napa Valley, 2006, from MacMurray Ranch. Dessert is a delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake with Candied Walnuts and Chantilly Cream, served with Silverado Estate Cabernet, Napa Valley, 2007.

The dinner is $99, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations for the MacMurray Ranch Wine Dinner at Fleming’s are required and may be made by calling (312) 329-9463.

Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner

November 11, 7 p.m. – Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL; (847) 793-0333)

Fleming’s PrimeSteakhouse & Wine Bar in Lincolnshire is hosting a Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner with A.J. Freeman from Duckhorn Vineyards, 7 p.m., Friday, November 11. The fine selection of Napa Valley wines pair elegantly with Fleming’s food selections.

Fleming’s chef partner Roger Abuan and Freeman have worked together to showcase the best of food and wine for the dinner. The adventure starts with Seared Scallops with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette over micro greens paired with Migration by Duckhorn’s Chardonnay Russian River Valley, 2009. This is followed by a Tuna Carpaccio with crispy capers, red onions and baby greens drizzled with Dijon vinaigrette with Migration by Duckhorn’s Pinot Noir Anderson Valley, 2008. The third course is Ginger Glazed Duck Breast with sweet potato stuffed herb crepe served with Duckhorn’s Merlot Napa Valley, 2008. The final course is a six ounce New York Strip with a shallot, red wine and port reduction, topped with truffle butter and accompanied by roasted seasonal vegetables with a Cabernet Napa Valley, 2009, followed by a dessert of assorted truffles and coffee. 

The all-inclusive dinner is $100 and includes paired wines with four delicious courses and dessert. Reservations for the Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner at Fleming’s are required and may be made by calling (847) 793-0333.

Gauthier and Bouchaine Vineyards Wine Dinner 

November 17, 6:30 p.m. - Francesca’s Bryn Mawr (1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL, 60660; 773-506-9261)

Francesca’s Bryn Mawr is hosting a Wine Dinner featuring Greg Gauthier of Gauthier Cellars and Bouchaine Vineyards. The five-course meal features some of Gauthier’s favorite wines paired with classics from the Francesca’s menu. The dinner is $55 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Gauthier will be on-site discussing the wines paired with the menu and speaking about his wineries. Reservations are required.

The meal will begin with Crostini with Smoked Salmon, crème fresh, Arugula and Apricots, paired with Sauvignon Blanc. This will be followed by Braised Pork Cheeks Ragout over white creamy Polenta with an exquisite Chardonnay. The third course will feature Handmade Veal-Filled Ravioli with roasted shiitake mushrooms, veal jus and parmesan. This makes an excellent pair for one of Gauthier’s favorite Pinot Noir blends. The fourth course will feature Cast Iron Black Angus Rib Eye with Porcini flavor and roasted fall vegetables in a Cabernet reduction with a different Pinot Noir blend. Dessert will feature an Assortment of Chocolate Truffles with Bouchon D'or.

Goose Island Beer Dinner

November 17, 6:30 p.m. - Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. Lagrange Rd., Palos Park, IL, 60464; 708-671-1600)

Francesca’s Vicinato will also host the Goose Island Beer Dinner, featuring some of Goose Island’s best beers. The five-course dinner is $45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The Vicinato Goose Island Beer Dinner begins with Assorted Crostini’s, paired with Goose Island’s 312, followed by a salad of Boston Bib Lettuce with Raspberry Vinaigrette, crumbled gorgonzola and caramelized walnuts. The salad is paired with Fleur, a rose-colored Belgian style pale ale. The third course is Francesca’s Homemade Butternut Squash Cappellacci with fresh sage and brown butter veal au jus, topped with shaved parmesan, which is superbly paired with Goose Island’s Christmas Ale, a special-edition brown ale that differs slightly each year. The fourth course will feature Goose Island’s Harvest Ale with Braised Veal Shank with natural au jus over saffron risotto and fall vegetables. Dessert is Triple Chocolate Cake, which makes the perfect partner for Bourbon Country Coffee Cake Ale, made with local Intelligentsia coffee.

 

Francesca’s on 95^th Wine Dinner

November 17, 7 p.m. - Francesca’s on 95^th (6248 W. 95th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453; 708-598-7007)

Francesca’s on 95^th will present a wine dinner with an assortment of delicious wines and selections from Francesca’s menu. Tickets are $40 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required for this five-course meal. The meal will start with Crostini with Smoked Salmon, crème fresh, arugula and apricots paired with NV La Marca Prosecco. This is followed by Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with roasted asparagus and citrus buerre blanc and a 2010 Michele Chiarlo Gavi. The third course will be Handmade Veal-Filled Ravioli with roasted shiitake mushrooms, veal au jus and parmigiano, which is a great partner for a 2009 Vicchiomaggio “San Jacopo” Chianti Classico. Veal Stew with mushrooms and cipollini onions, served on a creamy polenta is the fourth course. It will be served with 2008 Tor Calvano Vino Nobile. This is followed by a dessert of an Assortment of Chocolate Truffles with a 2009 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon.

Palm Bay Wine Dinner

November 17, 7 p.m. - Francesca’s Amici (174 N. York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126; 630-279-7970)

Francesca’s Amici will present a wine dinner featuring Palm Bay Wines. Tickets are $58 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The meal begins with Baby Spinach tossed in orange vinaigrette with teardrop tomatoes, fennel, grapefruit and lobster paired with Palm Bay’s 2010 Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio, Trentino. This is followed by an Assortment of Meats, Cheeses and Fresh Seasonal Fruit, which is the perfect pairing for 2010 Planet La Segreta Bianco, Sicily. The third course will be Homemade Pumpkin and Ricotta-Filled Pasta with crispy pancetta, savoy cabbage and fresh tomatoes in a brown butter-sage sauce topped with shaved parmesan cheese. The 2008 Fonterutoli Chianti Classico, Tuscany is an excellent complement to the pasta. The fourth course will be Veal Shank braised with carrots, celery and onion served with saffron risotto paired with 2007 Col D’Orcia Rosso di Montelcino, Tuscany. Dessert will feature Chocolate-Espresso Semi-Frozen Mousse with Ferrari Brut Rose, Trentino.

Dalmatian Coast Wine Dinner 

November 22, 7 p.m., Francesca’s Fiore (7407 W. Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130; 708-771-3063)

Francesca’s Fiore will host a Dalmatian Coast Wine Dinner celebrating the wines of Croatia. This dinner will be $65 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The Dalmatian Coast Wine Dinner will start with Poached Wild Salmon finished in a Dill Cream Sauce paired with Matosevic “Alba” Malvazia, Croatia 2009. The second course will be Polenta Crusted Sea Scallops in lemon balsamic buerre blanc, which is a great pair for St. Hills “Nevina” Chardonnay/Malvazia, Croatia 2009. This is followed by Pork Ragout served over homemade pappardelle with Shaved parmigiano paired with Bibich “R6” Riserva, Croatia 2008. The fourth course will be Braised Petite Lamb Shank in Plavac reduction sauce, which is a delightful companion for Korta Katarina, Plavac (Zinfandel), Croatia 2006. Dessert will be Molten Lava Cake with fresh berries and raspberry sauce with Milat, Porto-Zin, Napa 2007.