Top New Restaurant in the World!

The Kurman team is at it again! We recently placed Wrigleyville's new restaurant, Shochu, in the Fall 2008 restaurant issue of Black Ink magazine. The issue, appropriately titled "Global Guide to What's New" showcases the newest and hottest restaurants around the world!

Shochu is listed in the Chicago favorites among upscale dining spots like C-House, Graham Elliot, L20 and Sixteen! Plus global faves like Jean-Georges Vongerichten's "Lagoon" in Bora Bora, John Burton-Race's "New Angel" in the U.K. and Gordon Ramsay's "London West Hollywood" in Los Angeles all made the mag's list.

According to the publisher, Ed Ventimiglia, "there are a myriad of new restaurant openings around the globe each year, only a select few delight the palate in such imaginative ways that they are destined to be classics." Huge props for Shochu after only being open for a few months.

Did we mention that Black Ink is a lifestyle magazine sent to American Express Centurion cardholders. To have this exclusive card, members must pay a one-time $5,000 invitation fee, plus an annual fee of $2,500 and annual spending of $250,000.

Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer almost at Shochu!

...from Laura Hansen's blog "Best of the Best Dining Chicago" ...

You can barely see Jennifer A., but there is a good shot of Shochu!Why am I posting this? Because you would not beleive how many people in Chicago search on Jennifer (and Vince Vaughn). They also want to know every other single place in Chicago that ”the stars” go to eat. Call it a shameless way to gain visibility (and you would be right!). They would certainly want to know where these celebs dine more that the places I haunt! LH Rocker John Mayer had a concert just outside of Chicago on Friday night at the First Midwest Bank Ampitheatre in Tinley Park, Illinois. Although girlfriend Jennifer Aniston wasn’t spotted at the show, that didn’t mean she wasn’t there!After the show the two lovebirds cooped up in a posh Chicago hotel and weren’t spotted again until Saturday. Trying their best to be elusive, the couple secretly headed to one of Jen’s favorite Windy City restaurants for dinner, Mia Francesca’s in Lincoln Park.The couple dined on a two hour long dinner, that went well past the restaurant’s usual closing time, in a private room upstairs. Check out the picture above that a Boots reader sent us of John and Jen swiftly exiting the restaurant into their chauffeured SUV!“They seemed really happy to be together,” a source told us. “But they weren’t very friendly or receptive to a few fans waiting to say hi!”Mayer and Aniston checked out on Sunday and headed to Colorado where John had a concert that night.Post courtesy of: http://thesebootsaremadeforstalking.com/?p=7848

Celebrate the 4th with an explosion of delicious food

Looking for something other than fireworks to brighten your Independence Day? Check out the hot holiday and summer specials being offered at your favorite Chicago restaurants. After you work up an appetite outside, make sure to fill up on great food and drink specials!

BIRCH RIVER GRILL
75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, IL
(847) 427-4242

Enjoy an elegant, yet cozy environment while experiencing delicious American-style cuisine at Birch River Grill. Take pleasure in hot summer specials including free appetizers 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily! Experience a twist on a classic, home-style meal with executive chef John Ayaleanos’ delicious entrées, including Birch River Mac N’ Cheese, featuring mild and sharp cheddar cheeses and toasted brioche crumbs upon cavatappi noodles ($10) and Cedar Planked Maple Salmon, served in a maple rosemary garlic glaze with smoked bacon wild rice pilaf ($19). In the mood for something light but filling? Try the Grilled “Baja Style” Fish Tacos –perfect for summer -- served in corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, spicy salsa and cool cilantro lime mayo ($10). Guests looking to enjoy their meal in the lounge should check out its menu, featuring classic choices such as Corned Beef Reuben ($9) and Pulled Pork Sliders ($9).

Birch River Grill’s Express Lunch:
Lunch breaks often don’t give ample time to enjoy a satisfying meal. With Birch River Grill’s Express Lunch, guests can enjoy their choice of two ($7) or three ($9) of the following within a busy workday: Cup of Soup of the Day, Small House Salad or Caesar Salad, and/or Half of the Daily Sandwich. Being busy should not mean eating badly. Swing by today for the perfect mid-day meal!

Birch River Grill Summer Daily Drink Specials:
Monday: $2.30 Bud and Bud Light bottles
Tuesday: $5 Bacardi and Captain Morgan cocktails
Wednesday: $5 Absolut and Stoli cocktails
Thursday: $5 Jack Daniels and Jim Beam cocktails
Friday: $5 Jose Cuervo margaritas; $3 Corona bottles
Saturday: 1 cent bottles of Sycamore Lane Wine (with the purchase of an entrée)
Sunday: $2.50 Miller Lite and MGD bottles

Birch River Grill Summer Dining Information:
Hours: Monday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Lounge stays open one hour later)
Meals served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and lounge menu

For reservations or more information, please call Birch River Grill at (847) 427-4242.

DEERFIELDS BAKERY
25 S. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg, IL
(847) 520-0068

This year Deerfields Bakery will be handing out gluten-free cookies and mini cupcakes at the annual fourth of July parade in Deerfield. Last year, the lauded Northshore bakery handed out more than 15,000 cupcakes. This year, the bakery elected to go gluten-free in honor of its new offering of gluten-free baked goods."We plan to hand out Lemon Buttons and mini chocolate cupcakes," explained Kurt Schmitt, president of Deerfields Bakery, who has made gluten-free his pet project. "No one will even guess these baked goods are gluten-free," he added."In addition to our organic whole grain products that we bake for a large grocery chain," Schmitt explained, "adding a gluten-free line is another avenue for Deerfields to offer a healthier alternative to everyone."

For more information on gluten-free or any of Deerfields Bakery items, call (748) 520-0068.

DELEECE
4004 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL
(773) 325-1710

Check out innovative food while enjoying the summer weather at Deleece. Guests are welcome to relax on the outdoor patio and dine on chef de cuisine, Chris Kuziemko’s impressive masterpieces, including Grilled Shrimp Penne Pasta served with grape tomatoes and pesto ($17) and Basil Ginger-Cured Amish Half Chicken in a tangy blueberry sauce accompanied with camembert and frisee panzanella ($15).

Deleece’s Summer Specials:
Mondays and Tuesdays check out Deleece’s special $20 three-course meal. The menu changes weekly, allowing for multiple return trips to try new creations.
Wine lovers beware: don’t miss half-priced bottles every Wednesday.

Deleece Summer Dining Information:
Hours: Lunch: Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dinner: Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Outdoor Seating: Yes

Deleece offers carry-out in addition to dining-in. For more information or to make a reservation, call Deleece at (773) 325-1710.

DINE
733 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL
(312) 602-2100

Get outside and enjoy the city this summer while feasting on delicious creations at Dine. With outdoor seating, try something from the new lounge menu, like the Seared Maryland Blue Crab Cakes($11), Grilled Norwegian Salmon ($25) and Slow-Dried Rummo Pasta ($18). Don’t forget to save room for dessert. Curb chocolate cravings with the Espresso-Dark Chocolate Moussecake ($8).

Dine’s July 4 Specials:
Spend the day with Dine and holiday specials, featuring $4 Draft Beers, $5 Burgers, and $6 Specialty Red, White and Blue Martinis. Enjoy the summer weather on the 28-seat patio.

Goose Island Beer Dinner, July 26th 2008
Executive chef Christopher Turano treats his guests to a special menu July 26, when he dishes out a special Goose Island beer dinner. The meal begins with Lightly Smoked Sable, served with toasted caraway bilini and pickled ramp, accompanied with Seasonal Goose Island Summertime, followed by a Five Spice Roasted Duck Breast, accompanied with a saffron braised salsify and green apple slaw, served alongside a Classic Goose Island India Pale Ale. The third course features a Moroccan Spiced Lamb Shank with cauliflower “risotto” along with a white asparagus salad, featuring a Goose Island Reserve Matilda, followed by dessert; a Brown Butter Shortcake with palm sugar roasted finger bananas, accented with valencia burnt-orange caramel ice cream paired with Goose Island’s Reserve Pere Jacques.

Dine’s mouth-watering Goose Island Beer Dinner is $40 per person. To make a reservation or more information, please contact Dine at (312) 602-2100.

Dine Summer Dining Information:
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (lounge is open one hour later)
Meals served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Lounge menu
Nightly Bar Specials featuring $6 House Martinis on Fridays.

DUNLAYS ON CLARK

2600 Clark St., Chicago, IL

(773) 883-6000

Join the party at Dunlays on Clark this July 4 weekend. The restaurant’s popular brunch is going to be open on Friday, July 4, to ring in Independence Day. Guests can dine on favorite brunch items such as neighborhood namesake Lincoln Park, featuring goat cheese, asparagus, roasted red peppers, and artichokes ($8) or classic Eggs Florentine, which includes toasted brioche accompanied with smoked turkey, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce ($9).

The fun doesn’t stop after the July 4 holiday at Dunlays on Clark. Enjoy one of their summer cocktails, including their featured mojitos. Guests can also choose from many specialty and summer cocktails, including a Clark Street Cosmo, with Stoli Razberi or Stoli Cranberi, Cointreau, cranberry juice and a hint of lime, and the Perfect Manhattan, with Maker’s Mark, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, bitters and brandied cherries. Work up an appetite with all those tasty drinks? Try one of Dunlays on Clark’s delicious entrée’s including their Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi, which is roasted and topped with lemon butter sauce, served with grilled asparagus ($21) or a Margherita Pizza –perfect for a filling snack—with fresh tomatoes, basil pesto, baby arugula, and mozzarella ($10).

For reservations or for more information call Dunlays on Clark at (773) 883-6000.

DUNLAYS ON THE SQUARE

3137 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago, IL

(773) 227-2400

Celebrate the July 4 weekend right with Dunlays on the Square. Enjoy the restaurant’s signature brunch, featuring favorites like the Fresh Fruit Pancakes loaded with strawberries, bananas and blueberries served with potatoes ($8). Dunlays on the Square has extended their weekend brunch to include the holiday and are therefore open for brunch at 10 a.m. on Friday through Sunday.

For reservations or more information, please call Dunlays con the Square at (773) 227-2400.

FRASCA PIZZERIA & WINE BAR
3358 N. Paulina St., Chicago, IL
(773) 248-5222

Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar is celebrating the July 4 holiday with the regular dinner menu featuring favorites such as Fonduta, fontina and pecorino fondue with apples, toasted bread and sopressata ($9) and rich dishes like the Gnocchi Alla Pizzaiolo, homemade potato dumplings sautéed in tomato sauce with fresh herbs, smoked provolone and extra virgin olive oil ($14).

Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar is now open for brunch. Open for the July 4 weekend holiday, the restaurant will begin serving brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday. The new menu offers traditional brunch favorites such as House-made Granola and Yogurt served with fresh fruit ($8) to more exotic items like Breakfast Pizza ($10). Don’t forget their featured bottomless mimosa’s ($10).

For reservations or more information, call Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar at (773) 248-5222.

HAUSSMANN BRASSERIE
305 Happ Rd., Northfield, IL
(847) 446-1133

Restaurant-goers searching for casual, yet sophisticated dining need to check out Jacky Pluton’s newest restaurant, Haussmann Brasserie. This new culinary hotspot features Parisian-inspired American cuisine. Enjoy entrées including Striped Bass served with roasted red pepper “aigre-doux” ($25), and Beef Shortribs accented with a seven spice mixture, served with a carrot-horseradish puree ($26). During dinner, try a signature Haussmann Martini ($12) made with Grey Goose pear vodka, Belle de Brillat Liqueur and pear puree. Indulge in one the restaurant’s decadent desserts, including Jacky’s “Childhood” Tiramisu, or Meringues Profiterolles ($8 each).
Haussmann Brasserie’s Current Daily Entrée Specials:
Monday: Trout Almondine ($23)
Tuesday: Duck Confit ($18)
Wednesday: Soft Shell Crab ($26)
Thursday: Beef Bourguignon ($25)
Friday: Meat Loaf ($21)
Saturday: Veil Paillard ($24)
Sunday: Croque Madame ($18)

Haussmann Brasserie Summer Dining Information:
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Meals served: Lunch and Dinner

For a reservation or more information, call Haussmann Brasserie at (847) 446-1133.

KARMA
510 E. Route 83, Mundelein, IL
(847) 970-6900

Stay cool and refreshed this summer with one of Karma’s summer drink specials. Choose from eight delicious drinks including an Asian Pear Mojito ($9), Pom Margarita ($9), Mai Tai ($8), Lychee Sake Mojito ($9), Harvest Peach Sangria ($9), Karma Bloody Mary ($8), Karma Kolada ($8) and an 1800 Margarita ($9). Enjoy these tantalizing drinks with a delicious menu favorite, including Grilled Stuffed Rainbow Trout ($20), Orange Peel Tempura Chicken ($15) or Vegetarian Okonomiyaki ($15).

Karma’s July 4 Dinner Specials:
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Karma with one of two entrée specials. Executive chef Robert Packer invites guests to feast on a choice of Char Grilled 24oz. Porterhouse served with a lime ginger glaze, and wasabi aioli alongside shoestring potatoes and baby vegetables ($39), or the Pacific Rim Tilapia stuffed with Thai chili spiced shrimp and scallops served with wok-fried vegetables, forbidden rice and a lobster tobikko sauce ($24).

Karmas Lounge Drink Specials:
Grab a cocktail after dinner in Karma’s sleek lounge. Drink specials include a Papaya Margarita ($7), Karma’s Green Envy ($8), and a Fruitini ($8).

Karma’s Summer Daily Drink Specials:
Monday: $7 Grey Goose la Poire cosmo martini
Tuesday: $4 draft beer
Wednesday: $5 Bacardi Rum cocktails
Thursday: $3 domestic bottles
Friday: $6 Absolut martinis

Karma Summer Dining Information:
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Lounge remains open one hour later).
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and lounge menus.

To make a reservation or for more information, please call Karma at (847) 970-6900.

THE REDHEAD PIANO BAR

16 W. Ontario St., Chicago, IL

(312) 640-1000

Gym shoes or ripped jeans ever kept you out of The Redhead? Well…in honor of July 4th and our 15 year anniversary, we are proud to announce the first ever independence from The Redhead Piano Bar dress code. For the July 3-5 holiday weekend only, liberate yourself from dress clothes and relax in … well let me put it this way; if you have something on your feet, something on your top and something in between, then you’re probably ok. Other than bathing suits, just about anything goes! No cover charge, live entertainment, robust selection of libations and great value year-round. For the July 3-5 celebration only there will be nightly prizes, so bring your business card for the drawing. The Redhead Piano Bar is open Thursday 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

For reservations or more information, call the The Redhead Piano Bar at (312) 640-1000.

SHOCHU

3313 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL

(773) 348-3313

Spice up the culinary experience with Shochu’s new brunch menu. Executive chef Josh Hansen brings a twist to classic brunch with Asian-inspired menu items, including Lobster Mizuna Benedict accented with truffle hollandaise ($13), a Shitake Goat Cheese and Scallion Omlette ($8) and Pear Ginger French Toast with sesame whipped cream ($7). Don’t forget to order a Bottomless Mimosa ($15), which is currently being offered during Saturday and Sunday brunch!
In the neighborhood for dinner? Have dinner on Shochu’s beautiful 60-seat outdoor patio and enjoy menu favorites such as Blueberry Teriyaki Quail with quinoa spaetzle, served with miso lychee aioli and black sesame seeds ($10), and the Red Curry Shrimp with fuji apple served alongside a peanut scallion and pea shoot salad ($11). Don’t forget a namesake shochu cocktail. Shochu, Japan’s highest-selling alcoholic beverage, is similar to vodka and thanks to its distilling process, easy on hangovers. Try a Bloody Dragon made with rice shochu, blood orange, malibu, and soda ($9).

Shochu’s Current Specials:

Monday: ½ price martinis (with food purchase)
Tuesday: ½ price sushi

Shochu Summer Dining Information:
Hours: Dinner: Sunday through Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Outdoor Seating: Yes

For a reservation or more information, call Shochu at (773) 348-3313.

THE SMOKE DADDY
1804 W. Division St., Chicago, IL
(773) 772-6656

Celebrate the July 4 with one of Chicago’s most renowned neighborhood barbeque joints, The Smoke Daddy. On July 4, join the Smoke Daddy for the Red, White, and Q Celebration, when the restaurant offers $3 Pabst Blue Ribbon Beers and their full menu all day long.

The Smoke Daddy is located at 1804 West Division Street in Chicago’s eclectic Wicker Park neighborhood. To celebrate Independence Day, The Smoke Daddy is open 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. for dine-in and carry-out orders. Guests enjoy free, live music every evening at no extra charge.

For reservations or for more information, please call The Smoke Daddy at (773) 772-6656.

SWEET BABY RAY’S
800 E. Higgins Rd.,

Elk Grove Village, IL

(847) 437-9555

In the mood for good old fashioned barbecue, but don’t feel like dusting off the grill? Head to Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Restaurant in Elk Grove Village, and grab a seat on the outdoor patio Guests will experience executive chef Paul Papadopoulos’ skills on the grill in creating classic dishes. Enjoy nightly drink specials along with favorites such as Baby Back Ribs smothered with Sweet Baby Ray’s famous barbecue sauce, half slab or full slab ($12.99/$19.99), Jamaican Jerk Chicken Platter ($12.99) and Smoked Shaved Prime Rib Sandwich ($10.99).

Sweet Baby Ray’s at Naperville Ribfest:
Rib lovers prepare, The Naperville Ribfest is right around the corner. The second biggest rib contest in the U.S. kicks off July 3 and continues through July 6. The good people at Sweet Baby Ray’s will be there, serving delicious barbecue to hungry attendees. Guests can feast on St. Louis Style Spare Ribs, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, BBQ Chicken Breast Sandwiches, Boneless Rib Sandwiches, and House-made Barbecue Baked Beans and Cole Slaw. In addition, Sweet Baby Ray’s is one of only two vendors to be selling Baby Back Ribs at the event. Enjoy the summer weather and join Sweet Baby Ray’s at the Naperville Ribfest!

Sweet Baby Ray’s July 4 Weekend Specials:
Nothing goes better with fireworks than Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue. In-house, guests will be treated to a menu of Baby Back Ribs, Smoked Chicken, Fresh Corn on the Cob, and Sliced Watermelon for $19.99. Holiday-exclusive drink specials include a Lemon Crush Martini ($7) and Rum Antique ($6), available only for the weekend. Guests looking to grab barbecue to-go can look forward to the restaurant’s exclusive carry-out specials. Pick up classic Baby Back Ribs ($15.99), St. Louis-Style Baby Back Ribs ($14.99), or a Whole Smoked Chicken ($8.99) at special prices. Feeding a big group? Get multiple orders of favorites or pick up ten pounds of Pulled Pork for $79.95. Both the in-house and carry-out specials are only available July 4 through 6. Make the holiday complete with barbecue from Sweet Baby Ray’s.
Guests checking out the local festivals on the Fourth of July can catch Sweet Baby Ray’s out and about in Chicago. Head to Frontier Days in Arlington Heights and catch some fireworks at Itasca Fireworks. Just make sure to keep an eye –or a more appropriate nose-out for their famous barbeque.

Sweet Baby Ray’s Summer Dinner Specials:
Sweet Baby Ray’s is treating its bar patrons to a Free Appetizer Buffet from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, so grab a drink and chow down! Entrée specials include All-You-Can-Eat Baby Back Ribs every Wednesday ($16.99), and a Smoked Prime Rib Dinner every Friday and Saturday ($18.95). Don’t forget to bring the whole family because kids eat free every Tuesday.

Sweet Baby Ray’s July Daily Drink Specials:
Monday: $2.25 Light drafts; $2.50 Miller bottles
Tuesday: $3 Blue Moon drafts; $5 Sea Breeze and Bay Breeze cocktails
Wednesday: $2.50 Coors Light bottles; $5 Sangria
Thursday: $2.50 Bud & Bud Light bottles; $5 Margaritas
Featured cocktails every weekend.

Sweet Baby Ray’s Summer Dining Information:
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.;Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Meals Served: Breakfast (weekends only), Lunch, and Dinner

For more information on specials or to make a reservation, call Sweet Baby Ray’s Elk Grove at (847) 437-9555.

Showing Off Shochu on Wayne's Weekend

NBC-5’s Wayne Johnson was kind enough to invite Shochu Executive Chef/Partner Josh Hansen to NBC this morning to demonstrate how to make grilled small plate dishes featured at Shochu. Wayne’s recent visits to Shochu inspired him to host a dinner party featuring grilled small plates, and he enlisted Josh to share his knowledge on Wayne's Weekend. Chef Josh demonstrated two yakitori, or grilled, skewers: bacon wrapped quail and shrimp with Asian pear. A thunderstorm may have ravaged Chicago last night, but this morning it was nice enough to have the segment outside on the Plaza!

In case you missed the segment, you can read more about it here.

This was Chef Josh’s second TV segment of the week! Shochu’s television star also appeared on WGN-TV’s noon news Lunchbreak segment on Monday, June 2, to demonstrate grilled skirt steak lettuce wraps and the shrimp with Asian pear yakitori.

Shochu is located at 3313 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60657. Reservations can be made by calling (773) 348-3313. Please visit the Shochu Web site at http://www.shochuchicago.com/.

Calling all night owls

Check out Shochu.

If you're like me and always looking for a place go get great food and drink after the typical restaurant closes, you'll be happy to know that Shochu (3313 N. Clark, 773-348-3313) is open everynight, seven days a week until 2 a.m. in the morning with food being served until 1 a.m.! Saturday night, it's open until 3 a.m. and you can get their tasty small plate menu until 2 a.m. So all of you night owls, head on over and tell them Cindy sent you!

"Oh Baby I Like it Raw"

While doing my routine reading of the Red Eye on the el this morning, I was super excited to come across Heidi Moore's Metromix article about the new "Sex and the City" movie and hot spots around the city where you and you girlfriends can go to feel just like Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda. (I'm sure I'm not the only one who fantasizes about being the 5th SATC character).

Even more exciting is that the newly opened Shochu restaurant and lounge (3313 N. Clark Street) was selected as a location for a SATC-themed girls' night:

"Make dinner plans at Asian-inspired small plates spot Shochu. Channel Sam on the night she met hunk "Smith" Jerrod and hone in on the menu's 'Oh Baby I like it raw' section. Wash it down with the restaurant's namesake, a popular (and low cal!) Japanese spirit distilled from rice, sweet potato or barley."

Until the new movie hits theatres May 30, avid SATC fans like myself can only speculate whether Carrie and Big will actually tie the knot, or if Charlotte and Harry will finally have a child.

Did you miss the article? See what other Chicago spots were chosen here.
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Shochu is open daily for dinner starting at 5 p.m. And their 60-seat outdoor patio is now open! For reservations, call (773) 348-3313.

Hooked on Shochu!

I'm not a big drinker but I have to tell you that the shochu cocktails using the smooth Japan spirit being popularized at the new Shochu (3313 N. Clark, 773-348-3313) the fashionable American Shochu Lounge that serves Asian-inspired small plates, have me going back for more. Got to check it out! Take a look at the drink menu here. And visit their website here. I recommend trying the flights which come in three's and allow you to taste the differences between varieties. If you're with a group, have everyone order a different selection before you move on to the mixed cocktails.

Don't confuse Shochu with Sake! Shochu is a distilled beverage similar to vodka, but made from different ingredients such as rice, sweet potato, barley, and brown sugar. The best thing about shochu, they say, is that it’s actually healthy for you! It has 1/3 the calories of vodka and keeps your hangovers to a minimum. (We’ve had personal experience with this, and it’s true!!!) It also produces an enzyme called Urikanase, which allegedly breaks down blood clots and helps prevent heart attacks and strokes. (We hope that we don't have personal experience with this!)

I predict that you'll be seeing shochu popping up on cocktail menus all over the country, but you can find if first (well among the first and certainly with the most options, since Shochu offers nearly 20 different varities) in Chicago, at Shochu!

Buzz About Kurman Restaurants

Congratulations to Kurman restaurants featured in the May issue of Food Arts magazine. I couldn’t agree more with the title of Barbara Revsine’s piece, “Second To None,” because it seems like genius chefs constantly invade Chicago’s restaurant scene with their talents. And who can complain about that?!

Haven’t picked up the latest issue? Not to worry, I’ve posted the Kurman restaurants here:

Sample sophisticated fare at Powerhouse Restaurant & Bar (215 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-928-0800), “a stylish restaurant tucked into an historic building that originally housed the power plant for a local rail line. Diners can sample full flavored starters such as slow roasted chicken thigh paired with toasted faro before tucking into equally flavorful entrees such as grilled wild striped bass with chorizo sausage.”

At Aigre Doux (230 W. Kinzie St., Chicago; 312-329-9400), the “seasonally attuned menu… features dishes like glazed duck breast partnered with huckleberry compote, rack of lamb with truffled grits, and sticky toffee pudding.”

The mag also sent kudos to Shochu (3313 N. Clark St., Chicago; 773-348-3313), where “contemporary American cuisine with an Asian edge is featured... Named for Japan’s best-selling liquor, the restaurant focuses on small plates and features cocktails made with its signature spirits.”

Listed as noteable newcomers include suburban eateries Haussmann Brasserie (305 Happ Road, Northfield; 847-446-1133) and Maijean (30 S. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills; 630-794-8900).

Thinking about all the stellar food at those restaurants makes me hungry. Dinner date anyone?!

Woo-hoo! A Sneak Peek at Shochu

Stephanie, my Kurman Communications, Inc. partner in crime, and I got a sneak peek of Shochu (3313 N. Clark Street; 773-348-3313) yesterday. Shochu will be a unique, first of its kind small plate restaurant and lounge, named for shochu, the #1 Japanese distilled spirit typically made from rice, barley, sweet potatoes or black sugar. Shochu has taken Japan by storm! It has surpassed sake in sales, and has become the “in vogue” alcoholic beverage in New York and Los Angeles.

Yesterday, Chef Josh Hansen was nice enough to let us lucky girls in to take a look around. For months, I have been excited about this opening. This visit made me even more ecstatic. Josh and Owner Lynne Wallack have really done a fantastic job of designing the interior. Green banquets line the exposed brick walls. Lynne is a big fan of photography, and she plans on filling the walls with Japanese-themed photos.

Josh also led us to the back of Shochu so we could see the patio. It’s huge, yet intimate. It won’t open until mid-May, but when it does, I can envision myself spending quite a few summer nights there, nibbling on maki rolls and sipping one of Lynne’s fabulously named (after Japanese royalty) shochu cocktails. Not to mention the fact that Shochu is about a ten minute walk from my apartment… Yeah, this is going to be a great summer for Shochu. And for me.

P.S. I know I’m not the only one excited about Shochu. Media: If you want a sneak peek as well, give us at Kurman a call.

Congratulations to Kurman's "Best New Restaurants"

We at Kurman Communications, Inc. are proud to announce the May issue of Chicago Magazine has named several of our clients as the city's "2008 Best New Restaurants." In case you haven't snagged a copy yet, the magazine named 21 of their favorite new spots in the city:

Congratulations to Powerhouse Restaurant and Bar (215 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-928-0800), named by the mag as Best New American Restaurant, "Powerhouse is located in an imposing restored 1909 building that once housed railroad generators but now harnesses a different kind of power. Chef John Peters--an alumnus of Trio, Alinea and Naha--serves up surprisingly sophisticated seasonal fare emphasizing artisinal producers in a retro supper-club atmosphere." -Dennis Ray Wheaton

Kudos are also in order for Maijean (30 S. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills; 630-794-8900), who earned the title Best New French Restaurant. "Chef/owner Nadia Tilkian's comfortable art nouveau bistro is named after her grandmother, and it's obvious the lady would have approved. Maijean brings traditional French and slightly eclectic cooking to a lovely suburb, and locals have welcomed it with open arms and eager bellies." -D.R.W.

Kurman was also happy to see the new Uncommon Ground location earn props as Best New Contemporary Restaurant. The Edgewater restaurant opened last winter and boasts a commitment to sustainable and local ingredients.

And let's not forget Chicago Magazine's shoutout to Shochu (3313 N. Clark St., Chicago; 773-348-3313). Shochu's opening (in late April) has been highly anticipated. I know I'm ready...show me the shochu.