Visit Glen Prairie for seasonal specials Memorial Day weekend

Still looking for something to do this holiday weekend? Satisfy that hungry stomach with weekend specials made by Chef Daniel Ovanin after 5 p.m. Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29 at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250).

For starters, enjoy Seared Sea Scallops with toasted quinoa, citrus aioli and bell pepper garnish ($9). The dinner entrée is Becker Lane Organic Seared Pork Chop with toasted almond-tomato jam and Yukon Gold whipped potatoes ($21). All dishes feature ingredients sourced from area farmers and ranchers. Glen Prairie offers these specials in addition to the regular menu.

Glen Prairie serves contemporary American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. – 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch is offered 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday. The lounge stays open one hour later than the restaurant daily.

For more information, visit www.glenprairie.com or call (630) 613-1250. Follow Glen Prairie on Twitter at @glenprairie.

Photo: Getty Images

Sweet Baby Ray's and Birch River Grill on TV Memorial Day

It was an exciting weekend for two Kurman clients, which both had television appearances on Memorial Day (May 25). First up was Birch River Grill's (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights) executive chef John Ayaleanos on CBS's morning news, grilling fish tacos with anchor Don Schwenneker. Chef John's grilled wahoo and accompanying cilantro mayonnaise, roasted peppers and warm corn tortillas created wonderful aromas in the CBS studio.

In case you missed it, view it here. For more information on Birch River Grill, visit http://www.birchrivergrill.com/ or call (847) 427-4242.

Later in the day, Sweet Baby Ray's (800 E. Higgins Rd., Elk Grove Village) chef Paul Papadopoulos appeared on WGN's midday news with anchor Dina Bair, to grill outside with Sweet Baby Ray's signature sauce. Chef Paul also showed Dina how to make traditional Carolina-style barbecue, which features no tomatoes and a whole roasted pig. The restaurant features this Carolina barbecue on special throughout the month of June.

View the segment here. For more information on Sweet Baby Ray's, visit http://www.sbrbbq.com/ or call (847) 437-9555.

Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar Now Serving Brunch

Not enjoying your friends lake house this Memorial Day weekend? If you’re sticking around the city hoping to enjoy some warm weather, then grab a seat outside at Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar (3358 N. Paulina; (773) 248-5222) and check out their new brunch menu, which will be served on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. beginning May 24. I can’t wait to try the breakfast pizza which has three eggs over easy, sausage and cheese served on their homemade pizza crust and French toast made with a fresh baguette, YUM! For the health nuts out there Frasca will serve housemade granola with yogurt and fresh fruit. The best part of the new brunch menu is the bottomless mimosa made with Italian prosecco. This is sure to be my new favorite brunch spot after a big night out!