Celebrate National Filet Mignon Day at Glen Prairie Friday, August 13

Friday, August 13 is National Filet Mignon Day and to celebrate, chef Daniel Ovanin at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250) has crafted a menu of weekend specials using ingredients sourced from local farmers to honor the day of the 'cute filet.' Enjoy these specials, offered after 5 p.m. Friday, August 13 and Saturday, August 14.

Start with Heirloom Tomato Flatbread, fresh Mozzarella, garlic, basil and extra virgin olive oil ($7). For the entree, try Stuffed Filet Mignon, Mindoro Blue Cheese-stuffed filet mignon, truffle whipped potatoes and pan roasted carrots ($30).

This weekend's specials use fresh produce from area farms, including heirloom tomatoes from Nichol's Farm in Marengo, Ill., and basil and carrots from Green Acres Farm in North Judson, Ind.

Don't forget to catch chef Daniel Ovanin's cooking demonstration this Saturday, August 14 at the Chicago Botanic Garden's Garden Chef Series. There are two opportunities to watch him prepare (and taste his samples!) of the Heirloom Tomato Flatbread: 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Don't miss it!

For more information on Glen Prairie or to make a reservation, call (630) 613-1250 or visit http://www.glenprairie.com/. Find Glen Prairie on Facebook and Follow Glen Prairie on Twitter.

Timely Events at Chicago French Market - March 8 edition

Head to the Fulton River District for exciting events and dining deals at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton; 312-575-0306). Check out upcoming events below, and remember to follow Chicago French Market on Twitter and become a Fan on Facebook.

Celebrate International Women's Day Today with Les Fleurs

Monday, March 8 from 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

To honor the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future, Les Fleurs will give a free flower to every woman in the market. Visit Les Fleurs at the southwest corner of the market. Call (312) 463-1111 for more information.

Tuesday Tastings with Buen Apetito's Louie Roman
Tuesday, March 9th at 5:30 p.m.
Stop by and watch Louie make his famous Pico de Gallo and Shrimp Ceviche. The demo takes place starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Chicago French Market's public dining area to the rear of the market.
*Photo credit: Centerstage, David-Anthony Gonzalez

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine Tastings

Save these dates!

Wednesday, March 10 - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Lombardy Chamber of Commerce and Isola, a local vendor of Italian products, join Pastoral in this tasting of Italian cheeses featuring Gorgonzola Dolce, Taleggio and Mascarpone.
Thursday, March 11 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Try a vast array of voluptuous white wines.
Friday, March 12 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. The Lombardy Chamber of Commerce and Isola, a local vendor of Italian products, join Pastoral in this tasting of Italian cheeses featuring Gorgonzola Dolce, Taleggio and Mascarpone.
Tuesday, March 16 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a tasting of beers from Chicago's own Goose Island Brewery!
Thursday, March 18 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sample a collection of robust red wines
Thursday, March 25 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Taste a wide variety of Italian and American red wines.

Chocolate Tasting Tour
Friday, March 12 5:30 p.m. $25 per person
Join Chicago Chocolate Tours for a delicious tasting at the Market! Sweet stops include Canady Le chocolatier, Vanille Patisserie, Pop This, Sweet Miss Giving's and Delightful Pastries. A champagne toast at N9NE/ghostbar will follow immediately after the tour and all guests will recieve a special goody bag! Advance registration is required. For more information, visit http://www.chicagochocolatetours.com/events or email info@chicagochocolatetours.com.

FREE Market Tour & Tastings
Every Saturday in March: 10:30 a.m. (lasts 45 minutes)

Join local food blogger Dana Joy Altman of Real Food Rehab at 10:30 a.m. every Saturday throughout the month of March for a free 45 minute tour of Chicago French Market. Samples are included! Meet her in the public dining area to the rear of the market.

Dinner & a Movie with the Gene Siskel Film Center

Now through April 1

Eat at one of Chicago French Market's paticipating food vendors now through April 1 and bring your receipt to the Gene Siskel Film Center for a 20% discount on your movie ticket! Or, purchase a movie ticket at the Gene Siskel Film Center and bring your ticket stud to one of the participating vendors for 20% off your total meal (ticket stubs are good for one use only). Participating Vendors: Chicago Organics, Chundy's Bistro, City Fresh Market, FLiP Crepes, Frietkoten Belgian Fries and Beer, RAW., and Saigon Sisters. More information on the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Enjoy a Free Coffee...with the purchase of any tasty breakfast crepe from FliP Crepes! Now thru April 30, 2010. Only valid with coupon.
Stay tuned for more upcoming events from Chicago French Market!

Weekly Drink Specials at Karma in Mundelein

Chic pan-Asian restaurant Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900) offers daily drinks deals and chef demonstrations throughout the month of October.

Monday: $7 Grey Goose la Poire Cosmos and ½ price bottles of wine.
Tuesday: $3 drafts and Wine & Cheese Reception 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in the lobby.
Wednesday: $5 Bacardi Rum cocktails and Chef Demonstration 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in the lobby.
Thursday: $3 domestic bottles and ½ price bottles of wine.
Friday: $6 Absolut martinis and 75 cent wings in the lounge.
Saturday: $9 burger and draft beer in the lounge.
Sunday: $3 Bloody Mary and $4 Mimosa.
Every day: $1 off appetizers during Happy Hour from 5 – 6p.m. and $1 off appetizers during Reverse Happy Hour 9 – 10 p.m.

Karma is located adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Chicago North Shore at 510 East Route 83, Mundelein, Ill. 60060. For reservations, call Karma at (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com.

Good Karma on WGN-TV

WGN-TV studios were filled with good karma yesterday when Robert Packer, executive chef of the chic pan-Asian restaurant Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900), prepared Vegetable Okonomiyaki during WGN Noon News' live "Lunchbreak" segment. Chef Robert, with the help of WGN anchor Micah Materre, wowed the studio with the dish's tantalizing aroma.

The dish is perfect for summer, featuring rice and fresh, seasonal steamed vegetables served in a warm Asian pancake. You can also put your own twist on the pancake, such as adding scallions like Chef Robert did.

In case you missed the segment, you can watch it here.

Karma is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For reservations or for more information, please call the restaurant at (847) 970-6900 or visit http://www.karmachicago.com/.

Photo credit: Lauren Perri, Kurman Communications, Inc.

Dine on WGN-TV

Dine’s executive chef, Chris Turano, made his live television debut yesterday on WGN-TV’s Noon News. Chef Chris prepared fresh Grilled Copper River Salmon, served with fresh corn, ramps, and fingerling potatoes.

Copper River Salmon is unique from other salmon in that it has a large amount of fat in the meat, and because of that, it self lubricates during cooking and is much easier to handle on the grill than other fish. The fish has about 7% higher fat content than farmed salmon and contains high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, which help lower amounts of bad cholesterol.

In case you missed the segment, click here to see it for yourself.

Interested in dining at Dine? The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and is running a special of the Copper River Salmon this weekend. For reservations, call (312) 602-2100 or visit http://www.dinerestaurant.com/.

Photo credit: Catherine Patterson