Oceanique in Evanston to Host Marimar Estate Wine Dinner, January 31

Oceanique restaurant in Evanston, Ill. (505 Main Street; telephone 847-864-3435; website: www.oceanique.com) will host a special six-course Wine Dinner Friday, January 31, 2014, featuring the award winning wines of Marimar Estate in Sonoma County. The special guest for the evening is Marimar Torres from Marimar Estate. The price is $120 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. For the Marimar Estate Wine Dinner, Oceanique's Chef de Cuisine and owner, Mark Grosz, has prepared an exceptional six course menu. The first course features Lightly Smoked Salmon with Horseradish Crème Fraîche Cucumber Mint Tarragon. The first course is paired with 2012 "Acereo" Chardonnay, from Marimar's Don Miguel Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The second course presents Manila Clams Pork Belly with Piquillo Peppers and Spanish Onion, paired with 2010 "La Masia" Chardonnay from Don Miguel Vineyard. The third course is Oeufs Meurette, paired with 2009 "La Masia" Pinot Noir from Don Miguel Vineyard. For the fourth course, Chef Grosz will prepare Roasted Squab with Foie Gras Renee's Cabbage, paired with 2008 "Cristina" Pinot Noir, from Don Miguel Vineyard. The fifth course is a cheese course of Burgundy Cheeses with Fig Compote and Plum Mostarda, paired with a 2009 "Mas Cavalls" Pinot Noir from Marimar's Doña Margarita Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. The final course is the dessert finale, Litchi & Apple Sorbet with Cape Gooseberries and Dragon Fruit, paired with a 2012 "Acero" Kir. About Mirimar Torres Marimar Torres has been involved in the wine business all her life. Born in 1945 in Barcelona, Spain, she is fluent in six languages and holds a degree in Business and Economics from the University of Barcelona. She is also a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program, and studied Enology and Viticulture for a year at the University of California in Davis. At Marimar Estate, she directs the activities at the winery and its two vineyards: Don Miguel, named for her late father, in Sonoma County's Russian River/Green Valley; and Doña Margarita, after her mother, in the Sonoma Coast Appellation. For more information about Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery, please visit their website atwww.marimarestate.com. About Oceanique Oceanique, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014, is one of the Chicago area's finest and most acclaimed restaurants, serving contemporary French-American cuisine in a beautiful, new dining room.  Oceanique's Pastry Chef is Abel Garcia and the Wine Director is Philippe André. The bar area has been expanded and features a new small plates menu to accompany the fine selection of wines, craft beers and artisan cocktails. Guests are encouraged to enjoy a casual meal in the bar area or enjoy the full à la carte and dégustation menus in the dining room. The bar even includes a communal table to encourage single dining or groups. The restaurant is owned by Chef Mark Grosz and his wife, Renée André. Chef Grosz worked under the tutelage of renowned chef Jean Banchet from the acclaimed Le Français in Wheeling, Illinois. He further refined his skills in France and Hong Kong.  Oceanique serves dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday and from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. Valet parking is available and all major cards are accepted. A private room is available for group events. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Oceanique at 847-864-3435 or visit the website atwww.oceanique.com. # # #

Hall Wine Dinner at Francesca's Fortunato

May 17, 6:30 p.m. – Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas Street, Frankfort, IL 60423, 815-464-1890)

Craig and Kathryn Hall unveiled a state-of-the-art winery in 2003 that is tucked high in the hills of Rutherford, CA. It is dedicated to making single vineyard and limited-production wines; merging history and innovation.  As winegrowers, the Halls have a strong respect for the environment and a commitment to cutting-edge vineyard technology to yield the highest quality wines.

Come and enjoy the splendor of the Hall vineyards with this 4-course wine dinner exclusively at Francesca’s Fortunato.  $52 per person, tax and gratuity additional.  Reservations are required.

The evening begins with Seared Scallop, caramelized fennel and goat cheese puree, shaved fennel, shaved raw asparagus, ruby grapefruit. This is paired with Hall Sauvignon Blanc. Following this is Peppered Ahi Tuna, tomato compote and rosemary, paired with Hall “Darwin” Proprietary Red. The next course features Roasted Duck Breast, black pepper gnocchi, braised duck leg, forest mushrooms and ramps. The Hall Merlot wine pairs perfectly with this course. The dinner ends with Grilled Filet, fonduta potato, caramelized Brussels sprout, garlic & sage. Cabernet Sauvignon is paired with this course.

Revana Vineyard Wine Dinner with Owner Dr. Madaiah Revana at Fleming's, Jan. 29

Join Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., 312-329-9463) at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29 for a one-night celebration of top wines from critically acclaimed Revana Family Vineyard in Napa Valley, including their superb 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, ranked #4 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 List for 2010. The cost to attend is $125 per person, including the wines.

This event also features selections from Revana’s sister winery Alexana in Willamette Valley, Ore., all paired with a special five-course menu created by Fleming’s Chef Partner Jerl Griffin. As a special treat, guests will be joined by Dr. Madaiah Revana, the winery owner, who will personally introduce these extraordinary wines.

The evening begins with Bacon Wrapped New Bedford Scallops with Citrus Chutney, paired with ALEXANA, Riesling Willamette Valley Oregon, 2008; followed by a Caesar Salad with Alaskan King Crab and ALEXANA, Pinot Gris Willamette Valley Oregon, 2007. The next course is a Creamy Polenta with Duck topped with Cherry Reduction and paired with ALEXANA, Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Oregon Revana Vineyard, 2007. (91 points, Wine Spectator; 92 points, Wine Advocate). The entrée is a Peppercorn Filet served with Gorgonzola Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Spinach, paired with REVANA, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2005 (92 points, Wine Advocate); and REVANA, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2007 (97 points, Wine Spectator). The evening concludes with a dessert of Chocolate Mousse Cake with Almond Brittle and Crème Anglaise, served with coffee and tea.

Contact the Chicago location of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar to attend this event at (312) 329-9463.

The nationally acclaimed Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers the best 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 is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Wine Enthusiast’s annual Awards of Distinction and Wine Spectator’s annual Awards of Excellence. Visit www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com for more information.

Women and Wine Dinner at Fleming's, October 22

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar continues to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a special “Women and Wine” dinner Friday, October 22 at 6:30 p.m. The dinner is $95 per person and offered at both Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Chicago locations: 25 E. Ohio St., Chicago; and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire.

In a field once dominated by men, female vintners are turning out some of the very best wines on the market today. Fleming’s is proud to showcase the work of three leading women winemakers with this exclusive four-course dinner during their ongoing celebration of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This unique wine dinner features a trio of handcrafted premium wines, each personally selected by Fleming’s Director of Wine Marian Jansen op de Haar, paired with an exceptional four-course menu created by Fleming’s Executive Chef Russell Skall.

Passed Hors d’oeuvres include Swiss Cheese Puffs, House Cured Salmon, Citrus Crème Fraiche and Crispy Wonton paired with CORISON, Cabarnet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2000 (Winemaker: Cathy Corison). The appetizer is a Butternut Squash Bisque with Danish Blue Cheese Fondue and Bacon Herb Bruschetta, paired with HONIG, Carbernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2006/2007 (Winemaker: Kristin Belair). The entrée course includes Rosemary-scented Lamb Chops, Parmesan Risotto, Maple Roasted Parsnips and a Red-Wine Demi Glace, paired with FRANCISCAN, Magificat Napa Valley, 2005/2006 (Winemaker: Janet Myers). Dessert is Caramel Pudding with English Toffee and Shortbread Cookies served with coffee and tea.

Reservations may be made by calling Fleming’s directly. The Chicago location may be reached at 312/329-9463, and Lincolnshire at 847/793-0333.

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. For more information about Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar please visit www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com.