This week at Mayne Stage and Act One Cafe

New Rogers Park entertainment venue, Mayne Stage (1328 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4554) showcases a variety of musical, comedy and family entertainment.

Listen to The Stephanie Rogers Band with The Nicholas Barron Band this Friday, August 6 at 8 p.m. Stephanie Rogers is truly one of Chicago's most individual performers. Requested for her uniquely soulful singing style, Stephanie has been working with large orchestras and club bands for years. Influenced by rock, pop and folk as well as Motown and R&B, Stephanie utilizes emotional depth and vocal range to hone her style. Tickets are $15-20 at www.maynestage.com or 773-381-4554.

JUST ADDED: "Lakeshore Presents Stone Cold Comedy at Mayne Stage" a local comedy showcase event Saturday, August 7 at 8 p.m. The bill features some of the strongest alternative comedy talent in Chicago including Drew Michael, Mike Stanley, Beth Stelling, and Junior Stopka. Stelling and Stopka tied for 2010 Chicago Reader Best Stand-Up Comedian. Tickets are just $5 at www.maynestage.com or 773-381-4554.

Adjacent to Mayne Stage, the New American restaurant Act One Cafe (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550), has new weekly specials:

Tuesday: Drink up with $4 draft craft beers
Wednesday: Cheers to half-priced bottles of wine
Thursday: Sip on Mayne-Hattens and Elder Statesman for $5
Sunday: Enjoy a Bloody Mary or Mimosa for $5

Act One Cafe is the perfect place for a pre- or post-show dinner or cocktail. Plus, Act One Cafe offers a brunch buffet every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation visit www.actonecafe.com or call 773-381-4550.

Congratulations to Kurman clients featured in Zagat’s 2010/11 Chicago Restaurant Guide

The people have spoken. Kurman clients including Restaurant Michael, Glen Prairie, May Street Market and Act One Café have made the cut for the 2010/11 Zagat Chicago Restaurant Guide.

An extra special congratulations goes to Restaurant Michael, (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka; 847-441-3100) for earning several TOP honors from Zagat:

• Listed HIGHEST of ALL for “Worth the trip” with a score of 28.
• Receiving honors for "Business Dining" alongside Topolobampo with another 28. Other top nods for business dining include Les Nomades and Alinea.
• Rated a 28 for “Winning Wine Lists” alongside Arun’s and Topolobampo. Les Nomades and Alinea topped out the list with 29s.
• With a 28 for “Top Food,” Restaurant Michael joins other top restaurants like Arun’s, Topolobampo, Tallgrass and Tru. The highest score of 29 was received only by Les Nomades, Alinea and Schwa.
• Also notable is the “Top Service” rating of 27, the second highest ranking Zagat reviewers dished out. Alinea, Les Nomades, Tru and Vie all received top nods with 28.

“Namesake chef and ‘personality’ Michael Lachowicz is ‘always there, interacting with his guests’ at this Winnetka ‘winner’ where his ‘exceptional,’ ‘delicate and flavorful’ New French fare with ‘spot-on pairings’ is served in an ‘elegant but casual’, ‘conversation-friendly’ room by a staff that ‘works well together’; it’s admittedly ‘pricey’, but ‘worthwhile for celebrating, relaxing or rewarding a good client.’”

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. Complimentary parking is available. Valet is available on Friday and Saturday. Major cards accepted. For more information contact Restaurant Michael at (847) 441-3100 or www.restaurantmichael.com. “Like” Restaurant Michael on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RestoMichael.

Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250), known for its contemporary American cuisine by executive chef Daniel Ovanin, and strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products, is also featured in the new Zagat Chicago Restaurant Guide:

"’Surprising for a suburban hotel restaurant’, this ‘green’-minded ‘find’ in the Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn incorporates ‘fresh selections from local purveyors’ in its ‘reasonably priced’ New American cuisine and offers a ‘modest’, ‘interesting wine list with organic selections’; a ‘knowledgeable staff’ and ‘beautiful’ ‘prairie-style décor’ featured recycled wood and earth tones underscore the ‘sustainable’ scene, even if ‘they’re not reinventing the wheel.’”

At Glen Prairie, breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge remains open one hour later than the restaurant each day. For more details, contact the restaurant at (630) 613-1250 or visit www.glenprairie.com. Tweet them at @glenprairie.

Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900) features a Zen-laced atmosphere that serves Pan-Asian cuisine under the direction of executive chef Robert Packer. Zagat gave Karma high ratings for Décor with a score of 27 in the company of other top restaurants including Avenues, Alinea, Sixteen, Les Nomades, Tru, Everest and Spiaggia.

“’Surprised’ surveyors swear ‘you’d never guess that this gorgeous’ Asian ‘fine’ dining and ‘awesome cocktails’ amid ‘darkly minimalist’, ‘romantic’ surroundings; it’s a little pricey but ‘has that edge you’re looking for when it’s a special occasion.’”

Karma serves breakfast 6 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. daily. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge stays open one extra hour each night. Karma is located adjacent to the Doubletree Libertyville Mundelein. For reservations, call Karma at (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com. Tweet them at @karmamundelein.

May Street Market (1132 W. Grand Ave., Chicago; 312-421-5547) offers contemporary American created by chef/owner Alex Cheswick.

“’Excellent’, ‘creative’ New American fare comes with a ‘beautiful’, ‘arty presentation’ at this West Loop ‘find’ with ‘fair prices’ and ‘friendly service’; while the ‘understated’ modern chic setting is at times ‘a little loud’, patrons appreciate that ‘you can talk’; P.S. there’s also patio seating and a ‘reasonably priced, interesting wine list.’"

May Street Market is open for dinner 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and closed Sunday. May Street Market welcomes parties and banquets, and also offers its complete menu for carry out. May Street Market offers BYOB every day. For more information or to make a reservation, contact general manager Hamid Benna at (312) 421-5547 or visit www.maystreetmarket.com.

Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550) recently opened in Rogers Park. Zagat gave a shout to the new digs in the guide’s introduction:

• “Rogers Park will welcome American cuisine from Act One Café”

Act One Café is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The bar is open until 10 p.m. weekdays and until Midnight Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (773) 381-4550 or visit www.actonecafe.com.

Congratulations to all Kurman Clients for their placements in Zagat’s Chicago Restaurant Guide for 2010/11. Pick up the new Zagat at local retailers or visit www.zagat.com.

The Grand Opening Celebrations for Mayne Stage and Act One Café continue with more special events

Tony Award nominated, Ann Hampton Callaway performs at Mayne Stage

Mayne Stage welcomes Tony Award nominated singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and producer, Ann Hampton Callaway at Mayne Stage on Friday, July 2 and Saturday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) and 10 p.m. (doors open at 9 p.m.). Tickets are $35.

Ann Hampton Callaway, daughter of Peabody and Chicago Emmy Award winning television and radio journalist John Callaway, is back in Chicago for four shows only. She is best known for Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical Swing! and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series The Nanny. Callaway is a Platinum Award winning writer whose songs are featured on five of Barbra Streisand's recent CD's. The only composer to have collaborated with Cole Porter, she has also written songs with Carole King, Rolf Lovland and Barbara Carroll to name a few.

For more information about Ann Hampton Callaway, visit www.annhamptoncallaway.com. For tickets, visit www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

Listen to Chicago Favorite, Ron Hawking

Fall in love again with the timeless classics and interpreted by Chicago's entertainer Ron Hawking. Enjoy standards made famous by such artists as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and more with shows at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) Thursday, July 8, Friday, July 9 and Saturday, July 10. Hawking interprets the songs "his way" but with the same vocal charm and charisma that made the original artists so beloved. Tickets are $30 for main floor, $35 for mezzanine and $45 for VIP seating.

For more information on Ron Hawking, visit www.ronhawking.com. To purchase tickets, visit www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

Enjoy a night of improvisional sketch comedy with TJ and Dave

Laugh the night away with an improv show created on the spot by T. J. Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi, Second City-seasoned masters of long-form improv. At 8 p.m. Friday, July 16, TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi perform a 45-minute showcase of characters whose relationships reveal the quirks of human nature. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15.

For more information about TJ & Dave, visit www.tjanddave.com. For ticket information visit, www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

Cabaret duo Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael rewind time to the 60’s

After Dark's 2007 Outstanding Cabaret Artists of the Year, Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael sing their way through the music that defined a generation - in "That 60's Show". At 8 p.m. Friday, July 23, relive the decade that changed the world as one of Cabaret Scenes Magazine “Top Ten Cabaret Acts,” Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael perform “That 60’s Show” at Mayne Stage. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.

For more information on Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael, visit www.beckiemenzie.com. For ticket information visit, www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

Journey back to the 60’s and 70’s with comedian Mike Toomey

Take a trip back in time as Mike Toomey presents his “TV & Me,” a look back at growing up with now-classic television shows and cartoons. Joining Mike is special guest, Ana Belaval from WGN Morning News. The show is at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) Saturday, July 24 at Mayne Stage. Tickets are $20.

For ticket information visit, http://www.maynestage.com/ or call (773) 381-4554.

Enjoy party tunes with The Stephanie Rogers Band and Blues and more with Nicholas Barron Band

Enjoy a night of live entertainment. Friday, August 6 at 8 p.m., listen to The Stephanie Rogers Band with Nicholas Barron Band performing at Mayne Stage. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets range $15-$20.

The Stephanie Rogers Band is a high-energy group who make party music fun again. They play a variety of music for people of all ages.

Nicholas Barron is an American artist. He's a songwriter, guitarist, singer and painter. The band plays blues with a combination acoustic guitar playing with bass and solo performances. For more information on The Stephanie Rogers Band, visit www.hipchick.com.

For more information on Nicholas Barron visit www.myspace.com/nicholasbarron. To purchase tickets, visit www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

About Mayne Stage

Mayne Stage is located at 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. The new Mayne Stage showcases the hottest local and national musical acts, theatrical performances, comedy troupes and more. It is the ideal location for a variety of private events. It shares the space with Act One Café, the perfect place for pre-show dining or an after-show cocktail or dessert. Valet parking is available for $5. The venue is conveniently located ½ block east of the Morse stop on the CTA Red Line. For more information, to see a list of upcoming shows or for tickets, please call (773) 381-4554 or visit www.maynestage.com.

Cheers to drink specials at Act One Café

Enjoy discounted drinks with friends at Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550). The following drinks are offered daily:

Sunday: Enjoy a Bloody Mary or Mimosa for $5

Tuesday: Drink up with $4 draft pints

Wednesday: Cheers to half-priced bottles of wine

Thursday: Sip on Mayne-Hattens and Elder Statesman for $5

Don’t forget about Act One Café’s all-you-can-eat buffet

Satisfy hunger with an all-you-can-eat buffet at Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550). From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, enjoy all that Act One Café has to offer. Adults are $12.99 and children are $6.99.

Remember, Act One Café's patio is now open. For more information, call (773) 381-4550 or visit www.actonecafe.com.

About Act One Café

Act One Café is located at 1330 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. It is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The bar is open until 10 p.m. weekdays and until Midnight Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (773) 381-4550 or visit www.actonecafe.com.

Weekend Brunch Buffet at Newly-Opened Act One Café in Rogers Park

Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550) now serves an elaborate brunch buffet each Saturday and Sunday. The Rogers Park dining establishment, which opened May 21, adds brunch to its menu of dining options.

The brunch buffet reflects Executive Chef Jimmy Madla’s commitment to seasonal and regionally sourced items in their weekly selection of comfort foods and innovative dishes at the 110-seat Act One Café. Weekly items include Thick Cut Bacon, Pork-Maple Sausage and House Made Turkey Sausage, “Triple-threat” Country Gravy and Buttermilk Biscuits and Scrambled Eggs. In addition to these staples, Madla plans to mix it up each week with a variety of other dishes including French Toast, Buttermilk Pancakes, Belgian Waffles, Chili Lime Pork Loin with Corn Salsa, Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder, Seasonal Vegetables, Salads, Smoked Salmon Lox with mini bagels and a variety of pastries, baked goods and fresh fruit.

Madla has been a prominent figure on Chicago’s culinary scene for nearly two decades, working in various kitchens before opening his own highly successful restaurant, Coobah, in 2002. Act One Café provides a second outlet for his creative cooking skills.

The hearty buffet is the perfect complement to the casual, welcoming atmosphere created by the management and service team at Act One Café.

Brunch is served from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The cost for adults is $12.99 and for children $6.99.

Guests can make it a more festive occasion with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa for $5 during brunch.

“Act One Café is the perfect place to meet friends for a relaxing weekend brunch before launching into weekend errands or just enjoying a leisurely day,” says Madla. “We look forward to being the place our neighbors and friends think of when they’re in the mood for a great weekend brunch.

Act One Café is located at 1330 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. It is open for dinner from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The bar is open until 10 p.m. weekdays and until Midnight Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (773) 381-4550 or visit http://www.actonecafe.com/.

Historic Rogers Park Entertainment Venue and Restaurant Opening this Spring

The management team of Mayne Stage and Act One Café (1328-30 W. Morse Ave.) announces its plans for a much-anticipated Spring 2010 grand opening of the historic theater in the Rogers Park neighborhood.

With a nod to the historic past of this grand facility, plans call for a restaurant and performance space that reflects the unique and diverse neighborhood of Rogers Park.

Mayne Stage and Act One Café offers up a powerful combination. Act One Café provides a welcoming dining experience with the great taste of New American cuisine on a nightly basis while Mayne Stage presents a variety of terrific entertainment on a regular basis in its 299-seat multipurpose entertainment venue.

In addition to the neighborhood crowd, Mayne Stage and Act One Café is a great destination for fans of live entertainment and those seeking a unique and welcoming dining experience from around all of Chicago through the convenience of the nearby Red Line “EL” stop; the venue also provides valet parking for guests.

The theater, on Morse Avenue at Wayne Avenue in Rogers Park, opened as The Morse in 1912 - a vaudeville and movie house. In the 1930s, the facility was remodeled using an Art Deco theme and renamed the Co-Ed Theatre because of its proximity to Loyola University. The Co-Ed closed in 1954, and from 1956 until 2008 the building served in various capacities from synagogue to a shoe repair store.

Now, with a recent multi-million dollar restoration and renovation project, the entertainment and dining venue is poised to be a magnet for significant development in this north-side neighborhood.

Booking and creative development of Mayne Stage is handled by longtime Chicago entertainment professional Denise McGowan of McGowan Durpetti & Associates. With nearly 30 years on the Chicago entertainment scene, McGowan has discovered, developed, booked and showcased talent from nightclubs including Byfield’s to Navy Pier where she served as Director of Entertainment for nine years.

“The possibilities in this venue are endless. Mayne Stage offers an amazing opportunity to present emerging and established Chicago and national touring artists presenting a variety of musical styles including jazz, pop, rock and classical as well as theatrical, variety and comedy performances,” McGowan says.

In addition to live performance, and utilizing its state-of-the-art audio and video systems, the venue offers space for studio recordings, rehearsals, educational programs, corporate events and private parties.

Jimmy Madla of the popular Coobah Restaurant on Southport Avenue in Chicago is heading up Act One Café. Madla is developing a welcoming and vibrant environment, the perfect platform for his New American cuisine. The richly wooded restaurant provides a perfect setting to showcase flavors from America’s melting pot with traditional techniques and creative twists.

“Act One Café is an excellent place to hang out for great food and drinks any night of the week. It’s also perfect for meeting friends before or after performances on show nights,” says Madla.

Madla’s enthusiasm for this project goes beyond cooking. While chef Madla finds creativity through cooking these days, many fans remember him as the drummer of the popular band Veruca Salt. He looks forward to the musical environment the space has to offer.

For additional information regarding entertainment and private events at Mayne Stage, contact Denise McGowan at (312) 988-9900 or at denise@mcgowandurpetti.com.