There's No Need to go to France with Bistrot Zinc Just Around the Corner

share   Dreaming of a trip to France? Look no further than Bistrot Zinc, 1131 N. State St. in Chicago (telephone: 312-337-1131). Bistrot Zinc is the perfect spot for a French summer escape. Step inside and immediately be transported to your favorite Parisian bistrot. Located in the heart of Chicago's bustling Gold Coast neighborhood, Bistrot Zinc's open French doors and colorful Parisian décor will be sure to help you unwind while you delight in the classic and contemporary French dishes faithfully prepared by Chef Tim Kirker.   Celebrating its 16th anniversary this year, Bistrot Zinc endures as one of Chicago's most popular neighborhood restaurants because it remains fresh and contemporary while staying authentically true to French tradition. Bistrot Zinc gets its name from typical French bistrots where the "zinc" bar is a popular meeting place for good food, conversation and camaraderie. Gracious hospitality and unpretentious, exceptional service are the hallmark of this friendly bistrot that boasts a large community of regular customers. The traditional bistrot ambiance of tile floors, tin ceilings, and the beautifully handcrafted zinc bar offers French authenticity as guests step into its lively Parisian atmosphere. While Bistrot Zinc's success can be attributed to many things, one of the most important is that each month Chef Kirker offers a new special seasonal menu featuring contemporary French preparations. July's seasonal specials include appetizers such as Grilled radicchio with fig and walnut vinaigrette ($8.95); Watermelon with French feta and basil ($8.95); Brochette of lamb tenderloin with spring onions and pistou ($13.95); Sautéed soft-shelled crab with roasted corn salad and red pepper coulis ($14.95); Traditional steak tartare ($12.95) and Baby beets with Banyuls vinaigrette and shaved fennel ($8.95). Special entrées include Grilled salmon with gingered red lentils and spinach ($23.95); Bouillabaisse with rouille croutons ($26.95); Pork Milanese with heirloom tomato salad ($22.95), and Pan-seared duck breast with tarragon-roasted peaches and basmati rice ($25.95).   In addition to the special seasonal menu, guests will always find a wide selection of classic dishes that are virtually synonymous with the term "French bistrot." Popular items include starters such as Escargots BZ or the classic Soupe à l'Oignon, French Onion Soup, and classic entrées such as Steak Frites and Vol-au-Vent, the stew du jour in puff pastry with crème fraîche mashed potatoes.   Bistrot Zinc serves lunch (brunch on weekends) and dinner seven days a week. Lunch is served Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday - Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner is served Monday - Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday - Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.   For more information, please visit the website at www.bistrotzinc.com or call 312-337-1131 for reservations.     Appetizers Grilled radicchio with fig and walnut vinaigrette 8.95 Watermelon with French feta and basil 8.95 Brochette of lamb tenderloin with spring onions and pistou 13.95 Sautéed soft-shelled crab with roasted corn salad and red pepper coulis 14.95 Traditional steak tartare 12.95 Baby beets with Banyuls vinaigrette and shaved fennel 8.95  Entrees Grilled salmon with gingered red lentils and spinach 23.95 Bouillabaisse with rouille croutons 26.95 Pork Milanese with heirloom tomato salad 22.95 Pan-seared duck breast with tarragon-roasted peaches and basmati rice 25.95  À Côté Side Dishes Grilled asparagus, balsamic syrup 5.50 Baby squash, grape tomato sauté 5.95 Sautéed spinach 4.95 Ratatouille 5.50 Pommes frites 4.95 Haricots verts 5.50

Waterleaf restaurant in Glen Ellyn to host Besserat de Bellefon Champagne Dinner, Dec. 12

Waterleaf restaurant, on the campus of College of DuPage (425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn;  630-942-6881), will host a special Besserat de Bellefon Champagne Dinner on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. The evening begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by a seasonal 4-course dinner at 7 p.m. The price is $85 per person plus tax and gratuity. Each course, with the exception of dessert, will feature one of the outstanding Champagnes from Besserat and Bellefon. "We are proud and pleased to present the wonderful Champagnes from Besserat de Bellefon, which is celebrating its 170th anniversary this year," said Jean-Pierre Leroux, General Manager of Waterleaf. "The vineyard, located in the Marne Valley of the Champagne region, is situated in an area known for its excellent Pinot Meunier grapes. The wines are noteworthy, combining years of experience with modern winemaking technique. The result is a collection of wines with a creamy froth and bubbles that are 30% finer than other Champagnes. They pair remarkably well with food; and are perfectly in tune with today's Champagne connoisseurs." The first course features Granny Smith Apple Soup, with Roasted Scallop and Meyer Lemon Cream, paired with Besserat  de Bellefon Blanc de Blancs Brut. The second course showcases Waterleaf's Warm Salad of Asparagus and Duck-Filo Roulade, with Hazelnuts and Caramelized Shallots, Cherry Vinaigrette, paired with Besserat de Bellefon Rose N.V. The entrée course presents Roasted Guinea Hen with Glazed Baby Vegetable and Ginger Sauce, paired with Besserat de Bellefon Brut N.V. and 2002 Besserat de Bellefon Brut Vintage. The finale is a dessert course featuring Pear Tart with Mint Ice Cream.   For more information or to make reservations for Waterleaf's Besserat and Bellefon Champagne Dinner on Thursday, December 12, please call Waterleaf at  630-942-6881 or visit the website at www.waterleafrestaurant.com. About Waterleaf Waterleaf restaurant is located at 425 Fawell Boulevard in Glen Ellyn, IL. The 150-seat restaurant led by General Manager Jean-Pierre Leroux and Executive Chef Nadia Tilkian is a hidden gem, nestled on the campus of the College of DuPage. Featuring moderately priced brunch, lunch and dinner options, expect to find locally-sourced ingredients on its approachable menu. In addition to a seasonal a la carte menu, Waterleaf features specials events like wine dinners, a prix-fixe 3-course dinner for $35 and an annual food & wine festival every fall. The contemporary light filled dining room is the understated counterpart to exciting eclectic cuisine. The main dining room has a modern decor and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows. Its walls display a collection of black-and-white lithographs by renowned American artist Richard Serra. There's a cozy bar area to enjoy libations and light snacks. Waterleaf restaurant has earned Diner's Choice Awards for Best Ambience, Best Overall, Best Service, Fit for Foodies and Special Occasion on OpenTable.com, where it maintains a 4.8/5.0 rating. Most recently, Waterleaf received its second consecutive 2013 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. This award, given annually to restaurants in the U.S. and 65 countries worldwide, acknowledges that Waterleaf's beverage program is consistent with its dining concept, style and price point. The restaurant is widely recognized as the dining destination of choice for foodies living and visiting Chicago's western suburbs.   Waterleaf serves lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday; dinner hours are 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Brunch is served 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call  630-942-6881 for information or reservations or visit www.waterleafrestaurant.com.   # # #

February: National Hot Breakfast Month

Did you know February is National Hot Breakfast Month? What a better way to celebrate than by indulging in the new hot breakfast at Everest Burger?

Everest Burger, a better burger restaurant in Glencoe, recently started offering a hot breakfast as part of its efforts to make positive changes in 2012. Like everything else at the restaurant, Everest Burger’s breakfast has all organic ingredients and is made on-site. The breakfast menu offers something for unique dietary needs from vegetarian to vegan to gluten-free.

The hot breakfast offerings at Everest Burger include the Breakfast Burrito ($7.95): warm, flour tortilla filled with beef chorizo, black beans, scrambled eggs and cotija cheese; the Everest Waffle ($8.95): a home-made Belgian waffle with choice of strawberries, bananas or blueberries; Blueberry Pancakes ($9.9): three fluffy buttermilk or gluten-free buckwheat pancakes cooked with fresh blueberries; Everest Pancakes ($10.95): three fluffy buttermilk or gluten-free buckwheat pancakes cooked with shredded carrots, Granny Smith apples and raisins, and served with a side of plain yogurt; and a variety of omelets, all starting at $10.95.

Everest Burger also serves delicious gourmet coffee and has WiFi available, making it a great place to work away from home or the office.  Take the time to get up a little earlier this month and try out some of the great hot breakfast offerings from Everest Burger.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Grand Chefs Gala January 27 Oscar-like Benefit for Foodies

GRAND CHEFS GALA

¡VIVA LA REVOLUCIÓN! Come celebrate the 15th annual Grand Chefs Gala/Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence 6 p.m. Friday, January 27. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is again bringing Chicago’s finest chefs to the stunning Fairmont Chicago, Millennium (200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago).  The diverse collection of award-winning culinary artists will each prepare and present their signature dishes for more than 750 guests. Your senses will be liberated when ¡Havana! showcases mouth-watering food, festive decór, and premium silent and live auction items. The Oscar-like atmosphere will be abuzz when the Jean Banchet Awards are bestowed upon Chicago’s outstanding chefs, restaurants, catering companies, mixologists, and sommeliers in their respective categories. The only weapons you'll need for this insurgence are hope, joy, generosity, kinship and, above all, celebration. !VIVA PARA UNA CURA!


This year's chef chair is Curtis Duffy of Grace. More than 40 chefs and mixologists will be featured including Davanti Enoteca’s Jonathan Beatty. Other chefs and their respective restaurants include: Blackbird, David Posey; The Bristol, Chris Pandel; Gaetano's, Gaetano DiBenedetto; Heaven on Seven, Jimmy Bannos; Inovasi, John des Rosiers; Lockwood, Greg Elliott; Mercadito, Patricio Sandoval; Piccolo Sogno, Tony Priolo; The Purple Pig, Jimmy Bannos, Jr.; Rockit Bar & Grill, James Gottwald & Amanda Downing;Vie, Nathan Sears;

The Fairmont Chicago, Brad Parsons; BOKA, , James Gottwald & Amanda Downing; The Bristol and Balena, Amanda Rockman; Pump Room at Public Chicago, Kady Yon; and Sarah's Pastries and Candies, Sarah Levy.


Visit here for a complete list of chefs and mixologists. Purchase tickets here.


EVENING PROGRAM

5:30pm – 6:30pm
VIP Reception – Ambassador Room
for silver sponsors and above and their guests

6:00pm
Cocktail Reception and Hors d’oeuvres – International Ballroom
featuring Chicago ’s Finest Chefs

8:00pm
Dinner and Program – Imperial Ballroom
featuring dinner prepared by The Fairmont Chicago Chef, Brad Parsons
Master of Ceremonies - Steve Dolinsky
Presentation of the Founders' Award
Presentation of the Jean Banchet Awards presented by Chef Jean Banchet
Presentation of Eurest People's Choice Award
Live Auction, Bid for a Cure and Silent Auction

9:30pm – 12:00am
Nightcap - Imperial Ballroom
featuring Chicago ’s Finest Pastry Chefs and Chicago ’s Hottest Mixologists
Dancing to live music by Matt Lewis and The Union

Black Tie Preferred



TICKET INFORMATION

All proceeds help benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's research for a cure.

Please see our Sponsorship page for information on table purchases and sponsorship info.

Individual Ticket $400 (includes Nightcap)
$235 of each ticket is tax deductible.

"Nightcap" Ticket $75
$55 of each ticket is tax deductible.
9:30p-12:00a
Desserts, Mixologists and Dancing

[Side note] Attention all charities and non-profits: Do you have an event or news that you'd like to publicize? Here at Kurman Communications, we are proud to feature FRT- Free Release Tuesdays. Send us news on your upcoming event, including links, photos, etc. We'll pick our top selections and post them right here on the Got Buzz blog! Got Buzz receives thousands of page views monthly by consumers and journalists who are looking for things to do and content to feature. KCI is pleased to help you spread the news!

El Mayor Tequila Dinner Tonight at Fat Rosie's

Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar (1890 W. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174; 630-762-0235) is hosting the El Mayor Tequila dinner 7 p.m. tonight (Wednesday, January 4). This five-course meal features a delicious Pear Margarita with a selection of El Mayor Tequilas. Tickets are $50 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The meal starts with Shredded Venison Tostaditas with a pineapple salsa and habanero chile. This is followed by Ahi Tuna Tartar with roasted yellow peppers, grilled pear and mango and a Jicama salad. The third course features Grilled Jumbo Shrimp in a vanilla sauce with white rice and roasted red peppers and is followed by Grilled Pork Loin in manchamanteles mole with sweet mashed potatoes, grilled pineapple and chorizo. The meal ends with a Chocolate Cajeta Tres Leches Cake with mocha frosting and Cajeta sauce.

“Dine Around the French Market” launches Feb. 22

Chicago French Market announces a new six-month chef series, “Dine Around the French Market,” every third Tuesday of the month. On Feb. 22 Noon to 1 p.m., join Michael Fiorello, executive chef of Mercat a la Planxa and The Blackstone Hotel as he does a live cooking demonstration with ingredients hand-picked from the nearly 30 artisan vendors at the Chicago French Market. The local chefs, who vary each month, are given a budget of $100 to create easy-to-prepare dishes. There is no cost to attend the chef demo series, and attendees will receive complimentary recipe cards to re-create the dishes. Jerl Griffin of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar closes out the series Tuesday, July 19. Visit http://www.chicagofrenchmarket.com/ for details.

About Chicago French Market
Chicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese, wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, specialty drinks, flowers, prepared meals and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market’s diverse group of local vendors stay open year-round, six days per week, and is located within the new MetraMarket development at 131 N. Clinton St. (between Washington and Randolph Streets). Chicago French Market offers complimentary garage parking with entrances at 164 N. Canal St. and 165 N. Clinton St. for one hour or less with a minimum purchase of $20 or more (receipt required).

Please note that from January 2011 through May 2011, if traveling westbound on Randolph Street, the Randolph Street bridge is closed due to the Wacker Drive Reconstruction Project. The minor detour will reroute drivers to head north on Franklin Avenue, then west on Lake Street, to turn south on Clinton Street to access the garage. For more information, visit http://www.chicagofrenchmarket.com/. “Like” Chicago French Market on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChicagoFrenchMarket and follow the market on Twitter at @ChiFrenchMarket.

Weekly Special and 8-course Truffle Menu at Restaurant Michael

Join Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Ill.; 847-441-3100) for this week’s Friday special: Butter-Poached Maine Lobster finished with preserved lemon and brown butter capers, or cognac and toasted hazelnut-lobster bisque. The lobster is served over creamy polenta for an unbeatable price of just $29. As usual, Restaurant Michael has a very limited supply of lobsters, so call ahead to reserve yours.

Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 2, Restaurant Michael is launching a new Winter Truffle Menu. Chef/owner Michael Lachowicz refers to truffles as “black gold” and says, “this is the finest truffle season I’ve seen in 15 years!”

In honor of this momentous occasion, Restaurant Michael’s eight-course truffle menu is available through Feb. 28. The $89 menu includes Potato-Truffle Soup with Truffle Potato Croquette; Galantine of Foie Gras, Truffles, Pork and Chanterelles with Truffle Madeira Sauce; Chilled Maine Lobster, King Crab and Leek Terrine in Truffled Cognac Lobster Gelée with Shaved Fennel and Truffle Salad, Carrot and Beet Butter; Filet of Wild Sea Bass Poached in Truffle Cream, Yellow and Green Squash “Cappellini” Tossed with Toasted Hazelnut Vinaigrette; Duo of Roasted Tenderloin of Beef and Rack of Lamb, Creamy Truffle-Scented Potato and Celery Root Purée, Truffle and Celery Root “Tian,” and Lamb Jus with Black Truffle; Warm Truffle-Scented Stuffed Brie de Mieux in Crispy Phyllo; concluding with Truffle and Tahitian Vanilla Gelato, Brandy Lace Cookies; and Grand Marnier Chocolate Truffles with Coffee and Hot Tea. Guests may add a three-wine flight option to the truffle menu for an additional $29.

As a reminder Restaurant Michael’s special Valentine’s Day pre-fixe menu is available Friday, Feb. 11 through Monday, Feb. 14. Check out the menu here.

Don’t forget Restaurant Michael’s Friday night live performances 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., featuring the cabaret song stylings of Petra Van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown.

About Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael serves classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French country flair. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.; and Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Call for seasonal hours. Complimentary parking is available. Major cards accepted. Be sure to “Like” Restaurant Michael on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RestaurantMichael and follow Michael on Twitter at @RestoMichael. Visit http://www.restaurantmichael.com/ for more information.

Spice up your Valentine's Day at Guanajuato

Add some spice to Valentine’s Day this year at Guanajuato (73 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe, Ill.; 847-242-0501. Choose from the every day menu or try a romantic Valentine’s Day special like Butterfly-cut Grilled Chicken Breast on a bed of green pipian (mole). Served with Mexican rice, arugula and cherry tomatoes and garnished with rose petals ($21.95). Pair any dish with a Valentine’s Day margarita, including specialties like the Mango and Blood Orange Margarita with a little paprika for spiciness ($10) or the Acai Pomegranate Margarita ($9).

About Guanajuato
Guanajuato is a contemporary Mexican restaurant located at 73 Green Bay Rd. in Glencoe, Ill. The restaurant and bar is open for lunch and dinner 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days per week. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Guanajuato at (847) 242-0501 or online at http://www.myguanajuato.com/. Follow Guanajuato on Facebook at www.facebook.com/myguanajuato or on Twitter at @MyGuanajuato.

Spend a romantic Valentine's Day at Restaurant Michael

Relax and unwind this Valentine’s Day at romantic Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Ill.; 847-441-3100). Offering a $75 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) prix fixe menu featuring Perrier-Jouet Champagne, appetizers options include Pan Roasted Diver Scallop, Warm Corn and Tarragon Blini, over Ragoût of Braised Beef Short Rib and Tarragon Scented Spatzle; Warm Terrine of Exotic Mushrooms, Veal Mousse and Black Truffle, served with a Truffle Vinaigrette; or Potato, Foie Gras and Poached Quail Egg Ravioli, served with Port Wine Veal Jus.

Delectable entrées include: Filet of Dover Sole and Lobster “En Croute,” served with a Hazelnut Lobster Bisque Sauce; Roast Rack of New Zealand Lamb, with Truffled Potato Croquettes, Brown Butter Brussels Sprout Leaves and Natural Jus; or Roasted Filet of Beef Tenderloin, served with Preserved Tomato, Provençal Tian of Vegetables and Roasted Fingerling Potatoes served with a Sauce Béarnaise NOUVEAU.

Finish the meal with something savory and sweet: “Not your Italian Mama’s Tiramisu” Bombe with Espresso Gelato; Hot Chocolate Soufflé, served with Pistachio Covered Butterscotch Gelato Truffle; or Grand Marnier Chocolate Truffles and Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut, NV Champagne.

Restaurant Michael's Valentine's pre-fixe menu is available Friday, Feb. 11 through Monday, Feb. 14. Reservations are required. Contact Restaurant Michael at (847) 441-3100.

About Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael serves classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French country flair. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.; and Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Call for seasonal hours. Complimentary parking is available. Major cards accepted. Be sure to “Like” Restaurant Michael on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RestaurantMichael and follow Michael on Twitter at @RestoMichael. Visit http://www.restaurantmichael.com/ for more information.

River North OctoberFeast Strolls October 5

Eat. Drink. Stroll. Repeat.

River North will showcase some of the best restaurants and bars in the area. 5:30 pm to 10 pm, Oct. 5 at the second annual OctoberFeast presented by the River North Business Association.

Participating venues will provide their specialty food items, along with a specialty drink, with the evening topped off with an After Party at Hard Rock Cafe - all included in the $65 ticket price.

Participating venues include Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge, Blue Frog 22, Buca di Beppo, Bull and Bear, District Bar, Elate, English Bar and Restaurant, Hub 51, Italiasia, Kinzie Chop House, LaMadia, Maxwell's at the Club, Mercadito, NAHA, Prosecco, The Redhead Piano Bar, Rockit Bar & Grill, Scoozi!, Sullivan's, Sunda, Sushisamba Rio, Theory, and Watershed.

For information and tickets, visit www.RiverNorthAssociation.com/octoberfest.

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Kurman Communications is now representing JunoWallet. Download their app on your iPhone or Android mobile phone and received promotional mobile gift cards and gift certificates from restaurants, bars, and so much more! Earn points by checking in to FourSquare at your favorite haunts - nationwide! It's simple to register. Download JunoWallet and start saving.

Restaurants, bars, businesses...if you're interested offering gift cards and certificates through JunoWallet, call Cindy Kurman at 312-651-9000 or send an email to cindy@junowallet.com. Follow on Twitter @JunoWallet

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