Visit Wisma for Special Savings this Valentine’s Day

For an affordable, organic and local dining option for Valentine’s Day, Wisma at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-382-1805) will be offering holiday savings consisting of 25% off any two dinners when purchased February 13-14. Try Wisma’s featured Vegetable Lasagna ($11) or Shells Carbonara ($9).

Three Kings Epiphany Cake Tasting at the Chicago French Market

Epiphany or Three Kings Day is being celebrated at the Chicago French Market. The Epiphany tradition is taken part in by many families across the world in a variety of ways. Some by moving their wise men closer to the crib each day that Epiphany nears. Other families exchange small presents to symbolize gifts that were bestowed by the three wise men. But most bake a special cake (Galette) with a hidden Feve or trinket. Come enjoy this French tradition, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. January 5 and receive a complimentary piece of Epiphany cake to see if you become the king or queen for the day.

Upcoming Events at Chicago French Market

June 7, 2012 - Rush Hour Music with Pat Spaeth

4-7 p.m. Complimentary

Notable accordion musician Pat Spaeth will share her musical expertise at The Chicago French Market.  Cast your troubles aside and enjoy traditional French music before your evening commute

June 7, 2012 – Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine Monthly Wine Tasting

5-7 p.m. Complimentary

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine will be hosting its monthly wine tasting held the first Thursday of the month.  Come and enjoy a tasting of several varieties of artisan wines.

June 13, 2012 - Lunch Hour Music with Matt Cantlon

11-2 p.m. Complimentary

Chicago musician Matt Cantlon has been playing guitar and singing for over 20 years. The Chicago French Market is pleased to have him perform a lunch hour concert featuring a selection of classics, rock, country and pop songs for your enjoyment.

June 21, 2012 - Make Music Chicago

Throughout the Afternoon, Complimentary

Come and enjoy the musical talents throughout the day at Make Music Chicago. The festival is complimentary for both musicians and audiences.

June 21, 2012 - Rush Hour Music with Coventry Jones

4-7 p.m. Complimentary

Coventry Jones is a Bob Dylan-inspired singer/songwriter from Milwaukee, WI.  Coventry combines critically acclaimed vocals with style ranging from Folk, Celtic and Blues. Come and enjoy his complimentary concert before your commute home.

June 27, 2012 - Lunch Hour Music with Gabrielle Browdy

11-2 p.m. Complimentary

Thirteen year old Gabrielle Browdy will be performing a complimentary concert at The Chicago French Market.  While she may be young, Gabrielle is an accomplished and talented musician who has accomplished the art of singing a variety of styles.  This is a great way to spend your lunch hour with friends and co-workers. 

 

Saturday July 14, 2012 – Bastille Day Celebration

1-3 p.m. Complimentary

Come and enjoy the great Greta Pope for a Bastille Day celebration at Chicago French Market.  Cabaret and champagne will be the perfect way to spend your Saturday afternoon.

Francesca’s at the Promenade appreciates teachers

Calling all teachers and educators!  Visit Francesca’s at the Promenade (641 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300) during the month of May receive 20% off (up to $20) off your bill. Just bring proof of your educator status to come and enjoy!

Chicago French Market Free Events and Concerts

May 10, 2012-Rush Hour Music with Maverick & T
4-7pm ComplimentaryMaverick & T are a well-known Chicago-native duo that sings and plays guitar while covering everything from classic rock, soul and originals. Come enjoy their live rush hour concert. It’s the perfect way to end a hectic day.

May 12, 2012-Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine-Wine Tasting
12-2pm Complimentary
Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine will be hosting its monthly wine tasting held the second Saturday of the month. Several varieties of artisan wines will be featured.


May 16, 2012-Lunch Hour Music with Maverick & T
11-2pm Complimentary
Maverick & T are well- known Chicago native duo that sings and plays guitar while covering everything from classic rock, soul and originals. So grab your co-worker and head to the Chicago French Market for lunch,

May 24, 2012-Rush Hour Music with Matt Cantlon
4-7pm Complimentary
Matt Cantlon’s lucrative music career includes both solo success and with The Acoustic Generation. Matt will be performing a rush hour concert from his extensive song list of classics, rock, country and pop.

May 30, 2012-Lunch Hour Music with Steve Justman
11-2pm Complimentary
Folk musician Steve Justman joins the lunchtime crowds from 11-2pm. Justman is a Chicago area musician who specializes in performing Americana music. He has performed in many venues in the Chicago area and is excited to return to The Chicago French Market.

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

Have you been bitten 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.

Easter Brunch, Dinner and Spring Events in Chicago and surrounding areas

Spring is just around the corner, and with it are great holidays that give us an excuse to go to brunch. Whether it’s Easter, Mother’s Day, or just a weekend morning you’re celebrating, brunch is a great meal for celebration. We see a lot of brunches here at Kurman, so here are some of our favorite choices.

Celebrate early and take a trip around the Chicago French Market (131 N Clinton, 312-575-0306) March 31!  Bring the family and Hop the Bunny Train to take in the sights of the market.  After the trip, watch the kids scurry around during the annual Easter Egg Hunt at 1:30 pm.  Throughout the day of fun, participants will get the chance to meet a very special guest: The Easter Bunny!  The Chicago French Market also will be offering market-wide tastings during the day. The train departs at 11 am.  So come out for a family day of Easter fun!

Chicago French Market vendor Delightful Pastries is offering a special Easter menu for your holiday gatherings.  Choose from a selection of sweet and savory dishes including Lamb Cakes with buttercream or dusted with powder sugar, Bunny Rabbits, Cupcake baskets, Mocha Chocolate Bundt Cake, Rum and Raisin Yeast Babka, Italian Ricotta Cheesecake, Rhubarb Strawberry pie, Lamb & Spinach Pie, Mushroom, Onion, Leek and Swiss cheese Quiche, Asparagus, Ham & Swiss Cheese Quiche and Salmon en Croute. Call ahead for all orders! All orders must be placed by April 2, 2012.

Elate (111 W. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60654; 312-202-9900) serves a delicious brunch menu Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for Easter. They also will be adding an extra optional cheese and dessert buffet for an extra $12 per person. Elate’s a la carte brunch menu includes classics like Build Your Own Omelette ($13.00) and a Breakfast Burrito ($13.00) with twists on the classics, like their Banana Custard French Toast ($12.00), Breakfast Pizza ($13.00) and Vegetarian Black Bean Burger ($11.00). Elate also features an extensive Juice Bar during brunch with familiar favorites like orange juice, grapefruit juice and lemonade ($4.00) and some more unique options, like the Asian Rabbit, a mix of carrot juice and ginger ($7.00), the Sunrise, a combination of pineapple, strawberry and lime juice ($9.00), and the Chicago Cleaner with apple, beet and lemon ($7.00). 

For brunch, Elate also offers unique drinks from the bar like the Cranberry-Pear Bellini ($9.00) or a variety of signature coffee drinks in a footed mug. For an additional $20.00, Elate also will provide bottomless mimosas with the purchase of an entrée.

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) has special brunch hours and specials for Easter, April 8, Mother’s Day, May 13, and Father’s Day, June 17. Fleming’s will serve brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and feature three delicious courses for only $34.95 and $12.95 for children’s brunch excluding tax and gratuity. For Easter, Fleming’s also offers their Blood Orange Fizz Cocktail, a delightful mix of Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Stoli Vodka, fresh lemon juice and a splash of club soda for $6.95. To make reservations for your favorite spring brunch holiday, call your preferred Fleming’s location or make reservations online at www.flemingssteakhouse.com.

Several Francesca’s restaurants also have recently introduced brunch menus.  Brunch menu is served 10 am - 3pm.

Mia Francesca (3311 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657; 773-281-3310), the flagship restaurant of the Francesca’s restaurant group, features a brunch menu including Italian breakfast favorites like Baked Uovo Florentina, soft baked egg, fontina cheese and creamed spinach on ciabatta toast and white truffle oil ($9.99) or Frittata al Salsiccie, a fresh sage omelette with parmigiano regiano ($9.99). For those with a sweet tooth, Mia Francesca also offers delicious Pancakes al Ricotta, mocha ricotta pancakes with cinnamon whipped cream drizzled with honey ($8.99) or French Toast and Jam, French toast with vanilla bean butter, Texas toast, red wine grape jam, mascarpone and almonds ($8.99). Diners also have the option to build their own omelette for $12.99. Mia Francesca also has superb brunch cocktails like the Good Morning Sunrise with apricot nectar, the Sea Breeze Mimosa with cranberry and pink grapefruit or the Zing Zang Bloody Mary, each for $5.00.

Francesca’s Bryn Mawr (1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660; 773-506-9261) is now serving brunch this month. Their brunch menu also features many of the same Italian classics, like the $5.00 Mimosa, with a few items unique to Francesca’s Bryn Mawr. Most notably Sweet Pancakes (blueberry and ricotta pancakes with blueberry-lemon compote) and Savory Pancakes (polenta and bacon on sweet corn pancakes with maple butter), each for $9.00.

Francesca’s Forno (1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622; 773-770-0184) is offering their unique take on brunch as well. Francesca’s Forno offers impressive brunch cocktails like the Forno Bloody Mary (vodka, spicy tomato juice and a shot of beer), the St. Germaine Cocktail (St. Germain and Prosecco) and the Salty Dog, made with vodka, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and served in a glass with a salted rim, each for $6.00. The food options at Francesca’s Forno during brunch hours are just as delicious and impressive. From simple Frutta e Granola, Milk & Honey Café granola with vanilla yogurt and fresh berries ($7.00), to decadent Bourbon-Soaked French Toast, challah with bourbon vanilla bean batter, maple crème fraiche and candied pecans ($9.00), or a classic Breakfast Monte Cristo, made with an English muffin, fontina, crispy pancetta and a fried egg with spicy tomato jam and hash browns ($10.00), there is an option for every palate at Francesca’s Forno for brunch.

Francesca’s Tavola (208 S. Arlington Heights Road, Chicago, IL 847-394-3950) is offering a special Easter Bunny Brunch Menu for families to come and enjoy along with a visit from the Easter Bunny!  Kids will enjoy their choice of Buttermilk or Chocolate Pancakes or French Toast, served with a piece of sausage or bacon, or the Egg Breakfast, served with a piece of toast and a piece of sausage or bacon.  All kid’s meals come with regular milk, chocolate milk or orange juice.  All kid’s meals are $6.95.  Adult brunch options include Bistecca con Vovo, 10 oz. Ribeye, served with two eggs, any style with roasted potatoes and toast ($16.99),  and Panettone, Italian French toast with mixed berries, sweet mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of maple syrup, served with a choice of bacon or sausage ($10.99).

For more Francesca's brunch locations go to www.miafrancesca's.com.

Maxwell’s at the Club (200 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, IL 60610; 312-527-5800) has an Easter brunch perfect for entertaining family, friends and guests available 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 8. Brunch at Maxwell’s is $45.00 for adults and $15.00 for children 10 and under. As a special treat for the family, Easter Bunny will make a special appearance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Maxwell’s Easter brunch has something for everyone. For those who prefer a sweet Sunday brunch, the Bananas Foster French Toast, fluffy Waffles from the waffle bar or Sour Cream Pancakes are delicious sweet brunch treats. For those who say brunch is not complete without eggs, Maxwell’s also offer an Omelette Bar, Eggs Benedict or Eggs Florentine. The health-conscious in your brunch group will appreciate Maxwell’s wide variety of Seasonal Fresh Fruit and Granola and Yogurt. Maxwell’s also features an impressive Roast Beef Prime Rib Carving Station for brunch, as well as Shrimp Cocktail and Chilled Roasted and Poached Salmon. Go here for a complete Easter brunch menu.

No matter what taste buds enjoy, they are sure to find something to enjoy at Maxwell’s. For reservations, call (312) 527-5800, extension 301, or schedule at Maxwell’s website, using the Book a Table feature on the left.

In the suburbs, your best bet for brunch is Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062; 847-205-4433), with Chef Sarah Stegner and Chef George Bumbaris cooking for you!

Prairie Grass Café’s Easter brunch menu is a lovely combination of everything we have come to love about brunch. Every guest starts their meal with their signature “PGC Benedict” a poached egg with spinach and roasted tomato hollandaise. They are then able to take advantage of Prairie Grass’s amazing brunch buffet, which includes a made to order omelet station, hot waffles, Prairie Grass’s signature Moussaka (layers of eggplant, potato and braised lamb topped with Bechamel sauce), a variety of salads and fresh baked goods from French baguettes to croissants and Danishes, among other choices. To end their meal, diners will also have the opportunity to partake in a dessert buffet, including Prairie Grass’s famous Mom’s Homemade Banana Cream Pie, Cherry Crumble, Double Chocolate Cupcakes, a crepe station and a variety of fresh fruit. The variety of brunch options at Prairie Grass Cafe is sure to please every guest.

Prairie Grass’s Easter brunch hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 8. Brunch is $42 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under.

Chef Massimiliano Campagnini has created specialty menu for Easter Dinner for classic Italian eatery Volare (201 East Grand Avenue, 312-410-9900).  Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood Volare will serve Easter dinner 12 pm -10 pm Sunday April 8.  The menu will include Crema d’Asparagi con crema fresca, an asparagus soup served with crème fraich ($4.00).  Pappardelle al Ragu d’agnello con ricotta affumicata, a house made Pappardelle pasta sauteed with Lamb Ragu and vegetables served with Lamb jus and smoked Ricotta ($21.00).  Trancio di Branzino su Fagiolini saltati in salsa Limone e Mandorle, a pan seared Sea bass filet served over sautéed green beans in a Lemon sauce with toasted Almonds ($30.00).  Costolette d’Agnello impanate al Parmiggiano su insalatina con olio d’oliva tiepido al Rosmarino, a pan seared Parmesan crusted Lamb chop served over a micro green salad with a warm Rosemary flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil for ($30.00) and for dessert Semifreddo all’Amaretto con Zabaglione, a semi-frozen Amaretto flavor parfait served with Sabayon ($6. 00). Classic Italian cuisine at its best!

Westfield Old Orchard (Skokie Blvd & Old Orchard Center, 847-673-6800) is providing Easter fun for North Shore and surrounding area families. April 7 marks Westfield Old Orchard’s annual Easter Egg Hunt!  You won’t want to miss this opportunity.  Kids will hunt for the Golden Eggs filled with prizes from Westfield retailers.  Participating kids can also enjoy a day of face painting and take home a piece of balloon art.  New York Life will be partnering with Westfield by providing free Child ID’s (name, picture and finger print) for parents to take home.  Registration for this free Easter event starts 10:30 am April 7 and is open to the first 150 families who arrive. Kids must be between the ages of 2-5 years old to participate. The festivities will commence 11:30 am in the Serpent Play area.  For more information, contact the Westfield Old Orchard Concierge at 847-673-6800.

Fleming's to host Justin Winery dinner March 23 in LIncolnshire with Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL; 847-793-0333) is hosting a Justin Wine Dinner 7 p.m., Friday, March 23. Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman of Justin Vineyards & Winery will be on-site to speak about the wines during the meal.

Fleming’s Lincolnshire Chef Partner Roger Abuan and Spellman have worked together to showcase  the best of food and wine for the dinner. The evening starts with a passed appetizer reception featuring Shrimp Crostini and Tapenade Crostini paired with Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles, 2010. This is followed by a salad course, Seared Scallops, Lentil, Arugula and Belgian Endive Salad with a white wine vinaigrette. The second course is Braised Short Ribs and horseradish mashed potatoes with a balsamic reduction, which is paired with Justification Paso Robles, 2008. The third course features Grilled Lamb Chops with Ratatouille. This is paired with Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, 2009 and Isosceles Cabernet Sauvignon Blend Paso Robles, 2009. Dessert is Chocolate Mousse Cake with Chantilly cream elegantly paired with Obtuse Port Paso Robles, 2009.

This all-inclusive dinner is $120 per person and includes five wine pairings with four delicious courses and dessert. Reservations for the Justin Wine Dinner at Fleming’s are required and may be made by calling (847) 793-0333.

About Justin Vineyards &  Winery
A world leader in Bordeaux style wines, the 160 acre Justin Winery was founded in 1981 by Justin Baldwin in the Paso Roble’s appellation of California’s central coast. Their desire is to make world class wines that reflect the unique soils and climate of their California Central Coast property. Emphasis is placed on making Bordeaux-style blends and single varietals, combining Old World tradition with New World techniques. Justin Winery is family owned and operated. For more information, visit http://www.justinwine.com/

About Joseph SpellmanJoseph Spellman, MS is Winery Sommelier for JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery. He has worked with wine since 1979, principally as a sommelier, in Chicago’s top restaurant cellars, including Tango, Maxim’s, The Pump Room, The Park Hyatt Hotel, and Charlie Trotter’s. He has also had stints in wine retail, wholesale, and importing companies, as well as the Napa Valley producer Joseph Phelps. He has been a leading wine educator, writer, and consultant, and has led wine seminars in the US, UK, Japan, and Australia.

Joseph earned the prestigious Master Sommelier Diploma, the 29th American to do so, in 1996. He is a frequent instructor and examiner in the Court of Master Sommeliers, and in 2005 was elected Chairman of the American Chapter of the Court. He has also passed the difficult Certified Wine Educator Examination, in 2003, and has studied for the Master of Wine Diploma with its top instructors. Among his professional written works, he is most proud of his critically praised wine notes featured in the landmark series of recipe and photography books by Chef Charlie Trotter.

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, please visit http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/.