Waterleaf's Wine Program Offers Excellence at Moderate Price Points

Waterleaf restaurant's excellent wine service, coupled with globally-influenced contemporary American cuisine, is rapidly cementing the fine dining restaurant's reputation as a top DuPage County dining destination.    

Recipient of Wine Spectator magazine's prestigious Award of Excellence in both 2012 and 2013, Waterleaf's wine program features extensive offerings that express the restaurant's philosophy and cuisine. "Our wine selections offer a wide variety of choices, both domestic and international, that are excellent accompaniments to our food and offer real value for our guests," said Jean-Pierre Leroux, Waterleaf's general manager.    

Updated regularly, Waterleaf's wine list features exceptional, yet reasonably priced wines from around the globe. International offerings include: Varichon & Clerc Brut NV, Rhone Valley, France; Prendo (Pino Grigio) from Vigneti Delle Dolomiti, Italy; 2010 Steenberg, South Africa and 2009 F. Weins-Prum (Reisling), Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett, Mosel Valley, Germany.    

Domestic favorites include: 2009 Darioush, Russian River Valley, California; 2009 Chappellet, Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley, California; 2007 Miner Family Winery, The Oracle, Napa Valley, California; and the 2009 Sequoia Grove Winery, Napa Valley, California.    

The collection also includes a global collection of after dinner dessert wines and Portos. While the collection will certainly grow over time, Leroux stressed that the emphasis remains on moderate pricing. "So far, we have succeeded in keeping wine prices down, but the wine quality very high," he said. "We want ensure an excellent wine can be enjoyed by everyone who desires the Waterleaf experience."  

Chicago French Market Presents Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Tastings this week

Thursday, November 21

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine
Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Tasting  - 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.  
Complimentary

 

The annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau is truly an international event. Celebrate this year's arrival with Pastoral during a complimentary tasting from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 21.  Be sure to ask your Pastoral cheese monger to recommend some cheese and salami to accompany this year's unique batch!

 

 

 

 

Saturday, November 23
Beaujolais Nouveau - 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Complimentary

 

It's time to celebrate the Beaujolais Nouveau at The Chicago French Market!  This French tradition begins at midnight on the third Thursday in November. You are invited to taste this young wine from the fields in France:  Beaujolais Nouveau.  The grapes used for this wine were on the vine in August, picked in September, in the barrel in October and in the bottle in November. While you taste this young wine, stroll through the market and experience 32 unique vendors specialties.

Pastoral Artisan Cheese Bread & Wine has expanded its Chicago French Market wine selection

The newly expanded selection includes classic expressions of the world's major wine regions and intriguing bottles from exotic locales, both popular varietals and exciting blends. From Bordeaux to Mendoza, and Merlot to Bonarda, Pastoral believes that exploring wine should be as fun, delicious and enlightening as choosing cheese. Shoppers are invited to stop by to check out the wine wall; the wines are arranged by body, from lightest to fullest, to mirror the cheeses in the display case, from the freshest to the most aged, with which they will pair well. Their knowledgeable staff is always eager to help.

Oceanique's Legendary Wine Program is about Greatness at Any Price Point

 

Throughout its 25-year history, Oceanique has built such a great wine program that the restaurant has become a magnet for people who are knowledgeable about wine and want to try some of the best in the world. "Our wine cellar is so extensive that we have a wine for anyone, no matter what dishes they are enjoying, what style of wine they prefer, or what their desired price point," says Oceanique's Wine Director, Philippe André.  

André has been leading the wine program at Oceanique for several years and his passion for wines and his commitment to the wine and spirits enjoyment of his guests, continues to grow. "We have invested heavily in our wine collection so it is a true joy to share our bounty with our guests," he says. "I love educating our guests and helping them to choose the most enjoyable and appropriate wines to suit their food and their mood."  

Oceanique's collection, which includes more than 700 labels and between 8,000 and 9,000 bottles, has earned national recognition from Wine Spectator, the most prestigious wine publication. As the winner of Wine Spectator's "Best of Award of Excellence" every year since 1994, Oceanique's wine list is considered among the 750 best in the world. 

"We believe that great wine and great food together create a perfect marriage, and so we devote as much time and attention to our wine program as we do to our culinary program," says owner and chef Mark Grosz. "Our approach is to offer our guests many options, all of which lead to a memorable wine experience. We have many great wines by the glass and half bottles, several levels of wine pairings and a comprehensive selection of wines by the bottle, all from all around the globe."  

The success of the wine program can be measured in several ways, but one measuring stick they are particulary proud is the long list of wine aficionados who have been coming to Oceanique for many years. "Our clientele is discerning and knowledgeable about wines," says André. "Our mission is to present them with wines that, in addition to being great at any price point, are a perfect fit for their stylistic preferences and their food. If we accomplish that, we have succeeded. We also enjoy raising the bar even higher by introducing them to lesser known wines that are of surprisingly great quality and are a great value. We are thrilled to share our great finds with our customers."  

On any given evening, one will find André in the dining room or at the bar area, talking passionately and uncondescendingly to his guests about his suggestions for wine pairings. "I love being a wine educator, talking wine with both experts and novices alike," he explains. "It gives me great satisfaction to see the look of joy on our guests' faces when they sample a new wine that is the perfect match for their meal." 

The multi-faceted nature of Oceanique's wine program makes it easy for guests to enjoy a personalized wine experience. Oceanique offers three levels of wine pairings (wine flights) which begin with a glass of champagne and then a glass of wine with each course. Guests who wish to enjoy more than one wine can order wine by the half glass, full glass or half bottle (375 ml). The list of wines by the bottle is extraordinarily varied and well organized. Wines can be enjoyed for modest prices or, for those who want to splurge, there are numerous great and rare wines that are high-priced but worth every penny.  "Our objective is to offer great wines at any price point, and we think we've been very successful in doing this," says André. "Every guest deserves a great wine experience and we won't offer anything less."  

Wine Pairings
The breadth and depth of Oceanique's wine list can be daunting to wine lovers who are less knowledgeable. But André is more than pleased to offer guests a very enjoyable wine pairing, with selections chosen to complement each course of the meal. All wines are explained in detail and the presentation is casual and relaxed.  

There are three levels of wine pairings. The Introductory Wine Pairing ($65) features a glass of Champagne to start, followed by a special wine with each course. The Premier Cru Wine Pairing ($99 per person) is even more precise and elegant, featuring only wines with the Premier Cru designation. For guests who would like a true oenological adventure, André will serve a Grand Cru Wine Pairing ($199 per person) featuring exceptional wines from Oceanique's wine cellar.  

The Chef's Reserve List
Topping Oceanique's outstanding wine collection is the Chef's Reserve List, featuring rare, extraordinary wines that are also exceptional values. Bordeaux wines on the Reserve List include a 1990 Chateau Latour ($1,776), a 1990 Chateau Lafite Rothschild ($1,675) and a 1966 Chateau Mouton Rothschild ($900).  

Other Reserve List selections of note are the 1970 Château Magdelaine Saint Émilion ($450), a 1989 Château Margaux ($595) and several Bordeaux wines from great years, including the 1961 Château Montrose ($950) from the Saint Estéphe region and a 1961 Château Lynch-Bages ($850) from the Pauillac region; the 1982 Chateau Giscours ($385) from Margaux and the 1982 Chateau Poujeaux ($350) from the Moulis-en-Medoc region.  

Champagnes
Champagnes by the half bottle range from $50 to $75 and include Pierre Peters Brut Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru; Duval-Leroy Brut Rosé, Vertus; and Chartogne-Taillet Brut "Cuvée Saint-Anne. Champagnes by the bottle are organized into serveral collections, from exclusive rare vintages to Champagnes that are reasonably priced and great values.  

The "Vintage" Champagne collections by the bottle range in price from $144 for the 2000 Henri Mandois Blanc de Blancs, Premier Cru to $900 for the rare 1982 Dom Pérignon Brut. Other excellent vintage Champagnes by the bottle include the 1999 Dom Perignon Brut ($255), 1996 Henriot "Cuvée des Enchanteleurs" Brut ($320), 1998 Perrier-Jouet Fleur de Champagne "Cuvée Bell Epoque" Brut ($205), 1999 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut "Gold Label" ($165), Nicolas Feuillatte "Cuvée Spécial Milliésmé" Brut ($175), and 1999 Louis Roederer Brut "Cristal" ($425).  

Oceanique's Grower Champagne collection features estate grown and bottled selections ranging in price from $115 for the Serveaux et Fils Brut "Carte Noire" to $175 for the Varnier-Fanniere Brut Rose, Grand Cru. Other choices include Franoicse Bedel Brut "Entre Ciel et Terre" (100% Pinot Meunier; $160) and the Jean Milan Brut Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru ($140).  

Multi-vintage and non-vintage Champagnes range in price from $88 for the Raymond Henriot Brut to $305 for the Krug "Grande Cuvée" Brut, Multi-Vintage. Other excellent choices include the Henriot "Blanc de Blanc Souverain" Brut ($140), Nicolas Feuillatte Brut "Extrem" ($110), and the Alfred Gratien Brut "Classique" ($104).  

Rosé Champagnes
Vintage Rosé Champagnes on the list are headed by the rare 1997 Laurent-Perrier Brut Rosé "Grand Siecle Alexandra ($495) and the 1985 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut Rosé Reserve "Rare Vintage" ($215). Multi-vintage and non-vintage Rosé Champagnes include the Krug "Grande Cuvée" Brut Rosé, Multi-Vintage, the Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé ($195) and Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé ($175).  

Sparkling Wines
The Sparkling Wine collection includes selections from Germany, Austria, Alsace and California. European sparkling wines include a 2000 Max Richter Riesling Brut "Mulheimer Sonnenlay" ($82) from Germany's Mosel region, Szigeti Welschriesling Sekt Brut "Methode Traditionalle" ($55) from Burgenland, Austria, Pierre Sparr Brut Blanc de Blancs "Marquis de Perlade" ($50) from the Alsace region, and Llopart Cava Rosé Brut Reserve ($66) from Penedes, Spain.  

Domestic sparkling wines include a 2007 Schramsberg Vineyards Brut "Blanc de Noirs" ($70) from California's North Coast, Domaine Chandon "Étoile" Brut ($80) from Napa/Sonoma, and Roederer Estate Brut Rosé from Anderson Valley, California ($79).  

White Wines
Another well represented collection at Oceanique is the White Burgundy/"Old World" Chardonnay collection. Chardonnay and White Burgundy wines by the half bottle range from $35 to $84. Excellent choices include the 2008 Michele & Patrice Rion Nuits-St.-Georges "Les Terres Blance", 2010 Kistler "Vine Hill Vineyard from the Russian River Valley, and 2006 Testarossa "Castello" from California's Central Coast.  

Topping the list of vintage white burgundy wines is the 1992 Domaine Sauzet Montrachet Grand Cru ($900).  One also will find excellent choices in the 2005 Francois Mikulski Meursault "Genevieres" Premier Cru ($175), 2009 Paul Peronot Bienvenue Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru ($365), 2006 Maison Champy Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru ($195), 2005 Sequinot-Bordet Chablis "Vaudesir" Grand Cru ($175), and the 2006 Michel & Joanna Ecard Savigny-Les Beaune "Lès Goudelettes" ($135).  

Domestic Chardonnay wines are also plentiful at Oceanique. There are several Williams Selyem wines to choose from, such as the 2010 "Drake Estate Vineyard" from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma ($175), the 2008 Hartford Court "Stone Coate Vineyard from the Sonoma Coast ($140), the 2009 ZD Estate "Reserve" from Napa Valley ($160), and the 2004 Hamacher "Cuvee Forets Diverses" from Williamette Valley ($96).  

Rhône wine lovers will enjoy the 2009 Tardieu-Laurent Hermitage Viognier ($150) or the 2009 Davis Family Vineyards "Cuvee Luke" from the Sierra Foothills in California ($64), a blend of 48% Roussanne, 35% Marsanne, and 17% Viognier.  

The Sauvignon Blanc wine collection includes both European and domestic wines. Leading the pack is the 2005 Didier Dagueneau Blanc Fume de Pouilly "Silex" ($290) from the Loire Valley in France. Italy is represented by the 2005 Angelo Gaja "Alteni di Brasica" from Langhe, Italy ($190). Value wines in this group include the 2010 Clos Pegase Estate "Mitsuko's Vineyard" from Napa Valley ($64) and the 2012 Terranoble from Central Valley in Chile ($48).  Notable Chenin Blancs include the 2004 Nicolas Joly Savennières "Clos de la Coulée de Serrant" ($195) and the 2008 Domaine des Baumard Savennières "Clos du Papillon" ($115).  

Another well-represented group at Oceanique is the Riesling wines. French Rieslings include the 1996 Rolly Gassmann "Kapelweg de Rorschwihr" ($160) and the 2000 Domaine Marcel Deiss "Saint-Hippolyte" ($117), both from the Alsace region. German Rieslings include the 1990 Max Ferd. Richter "Veldenzer Elisenberg" from Spätlese-Mosel and the 2001 Markus Molitor "Zeltinger Sonnenuhr" from the Auslese-Mosel.   Aficionados of Gewürztraminer wines can select a 2003 Albert Seltz "Zotzenberg" Grand Cru ($128) and the 2003 Rolly Gassmann ($92), both from Alsace. A very nice Grüner Veltliner, the 2007 Prager Smaragd "Zwerithaler" from Wachau, Austria ($96), also makes the list.  

Oceanique's international white wine collection is rounded off by some excellent Italian wines, such as the 2006 Bibi Graetz "Bugia", from Toscana made from Ansonica grapes ($125) and the 2010 La Bellanotte from Fuiuli Isonzo, Italy ($64), made from Pinot Bianco grapes. Austria is represented by the 2008 Sighard Donabaum "S. Dona Smaragd Auleithen" ($90), the 2010 Raventos I Blanc "Silencis" is from Spain ($64), and the 2007 Royal Tokaji Wine Co. "Dry Furmint" is from Hungary ($60).  

Red Wine Collection
Over the years, Oceanique has procured a majestic French Red Burgundy collection; the wines are also known as "Old World" Pinot Noirs. Topping the collection is the jaw-dropping 1996 DRC Fomanee-Conti Grand Cru Monopole (priced at $14,000). A bit more modestly priced are the 2002 DRC La Tache Grand Cru Monopole ($2,250), the 2002 DRC Richebourg Grand Cru ($1,800), the 2001 DRC Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru ($1,425), and the 1999 DRC Grands Échézeaux Grand Cru ($1,250), and the 2002 DRC Vosne Romanée "Cuvee Duvault-Blochet" Premier Cru ($755).   

Among the value wines in the Red Burgundy collection are the 1984 Leroy Nuits-Saint-Georges "Les Pruliers" Premier Cru ($345), the 2009 Domaine Dujac Vosne-Romanee "Aux Malconsorts" Premier Cru ($395), and the 2005 Robert Chevillion Nuits-Saint-Georges "Les Boursellots" Premier Cru ($220). On the more affordable Red Burgundy side are wines including the 2004 Maison Champy Gevrey-Chambertin "Vielees Vignes" ($99) and the 2005 Domaine Clos Solomon Givry "Clos Solomon" Premier Cru Monopole ($82).  

Oceanique's red wine collection also features a more than ample selection of domestic Pinot Noirs, many of which are excellent and quite affordable. Notable California wines in this group include the 2005 Williams Selyem "Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard ($225) and the 2004 Adrian Fog "Two Sisters Vineyard" ($245), both from the Russian River Valley. Value-priced wines in this group include the 2006 Pali "Cargasacchi Jalama Vineyard" ($90) from Santa Barbara County, the 2005 Amplos "Ampelos Vineyards" ($105) from Santa Rita Hills and the 2008 Davis Family Vineyards ($80) from the Russian River Valley.  

Oregon produces some of America's finest Pinot Noirs, and many are represented on the wine list, such as the 2007 Dusky Goose "Rambouillet Vineyard ($245) and the 2006 Bergström "Bergström Vineyard ($205), both from Dundee Hills.  

Domestic Cabernet Sauvignon wines are also numerous. Top Napa Valley wines include the 1997 Caymus "Sepcial Selection" ($445), the 1990 Dunn Vineyards "Howell Mountain" ($385), and the 1998 Diamond Creek "Red Rock Terrace" ($330). Value priced Cabs from Napa include the 2007 Davis Family Vineyards "10th Anniversary Vintage" ($105) and the 2007 Clos Pegase Estate ($88). Featured Washington State Cabernet Sauvignons include the 2003 Carriage House "DuBrul Vineyard" ($165) from Yakima Valley and the 2004 Andrew Will "Champoux Vineyard" ($147) from Vashon. Oceanique also features some South American Cabernet Sauvignons, such as the 2008 Concha y Toro "Don Melchor" ($127) from Puenta Alto, Chile. 

French Red Bordeaux wines on the list predominately come from Left Bank regions such as Pauillac, Saint Estephe and Margaux, and Right Bank regions such as Saint Émilion and Pomeral. Top selections include a 1990 Château Latour ($1,776), the 1990 Château Lafite Rothschild ($1,675), a 1966 Château Mouton Rothschild ($900), the 1961 Château Montrose ($950), 1961 Château Cos D'Estournel ($850), 1970 Château Magdelaine ($450) and 1995 Château La Dominque ($350).  

Domestic Merlot aficionados will enjoy top choices such as the 2004 Vérité "Le Desir" ($245) from Sonoma County, the 2001 Leonetti ($195) from Columbia Valley, Washington, and the 2006 HdV "Belle Cousine" from Carneros ($145). 

Italian Wines
Oceanique's Italian wine collection is not as large, but the selections are exceptional. Top wines in this group are several Angelo Gaja wines from Piemonte: a 1978 Barbaresco ($680), a 1996 "Sori San Lorenzo" ($545) and a 1996 "Costa Russi" ($545). Top Tuscan choices include a 1996 Marchesi Rocchettr Sassicaia ($320) and a 2006 Bibi Graetz "Testmatta" ($275).  

Rhône Wines
The Rhône wine collection includes some excellent choices from the North such as the 1999 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave ($505) and the 2000 Pierre Gaillard Cote-Rotie ($225). Southern Rhône standouts include the 2003 Château La Nerthe "Cuvee des Cadettes" ($197) and the 2003 Domaine Berthet-Rayne ($164), both from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region.  

Other Red Wines
Lovers of Shiraz, Syrah and Zinfandel wines will not be disappointed at Oceanique. Heading the list of Australian Shiraz wines is the 2001 Penfolds Grange ($595) and the 2004 S.C. Pannell ($156), a blend made from 20% Grenache grapes. Other "New World" wines in this group include a 2004 Piedrasassi ($168) from California and a 2001 Schubert ($145) from New Zealand. Other excellent choices are the 2001 La Jota Vineyard Co. Estate "Howell Mountain" Petite Syrah ($160) from Napa Valley, and the 2002 Renard "Unit Vineyards" Grenache ($125) from Dry Creek, California.  

Excellent California Zinfandels also are well represented. Among them are the 2005 Turley "Dogtown Vineyard" ($195) from Lodi, the 2000 Chase "Hayne Vineyard"($170) from Napa Valley, and the 2006 Williams Selyem "Forchini Vineyard" ($148) from the Russian River Valley.  

Spanish reds on the list include the very special 1998 Vega Sicilia "Unico" ($800) from the Ribera del Duero region, the 2002 Remirez de Ganuza ($235) and the 1996 Contino Gran Reserva ($175), both from Rioja.   Dessert Wines Oceanique also has procured a generous selection of dessert wines from Europe and the United States. French Champagnes that excel as accompaniments to dessert include Moet & Chandon Rose "Nectar Imperial" ($110) and the Mumm "Joyesse" Demi-Sec ($99), both are non-vintage. 

The French Dordogne wine group is headed by a 1982 Cos Fontindoule-Monbazillac ($165) and a 1990 Domaine de L'Ancienne Cure-Monbazillac "Cuvée Abbaye" ($145).  Several outstanding French Sauterne wines are in the collection, including some rare Château D'Yquem wines such as the 1986 vintage ($900) and the 1990 vintage ($505 for 350 ml). Another great find is the 1962 Château Rieussec ($585).  

Among the ample selection of international dessert wines is the 1999 Elderton Golden Semillion ($105 for 350 ml) from southeast Australia, the 2001 Kracher Muskat Ottonel Trockenbeeren Auslese "Number 2" ($150 for 350 ml) from Austria,  the 2000 Royal Tokaji Wine Col. "Birsalmàs" 5 Puttonyos ($135 for 500ml) from Hungary. Porto wines are stunning, including the 1977 Smith Woodhouse Porto ($365) and the 1970 Dow's Porto ($395).  

Wines by the Glass Selections
Guests who prefer a smaller serving of wine will be pleased that Oceanique has built a list of five white wines and five red wines that are exceptional values and can be purchased by the half glass, full glass or by the bottle. Featured white wines include a 2007 Compte Lafon Macon-Chardonnay "Clos de la Crochette" from France ($10 half glass; $18 full glass; $72 bottle) a 2010 Clos Pegase "Mitsuko's Vineyard" Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley ($9/$16/$64) and a 2009 Bibi Graetz "Cicala Del Giglio" from Italy ($9/$16/$64). Red wines on this special list include a 2006 Saint Martin Fixin "Hervelets" Premier Cru Pinot Noir from France ($14/$25/$100), a 2009 Cypher Winery "Anarchy", a Syrah-Zinfandel-Mouvedre blend from Paso Robles, California ($10/$18/$72) and a 2006 Heredad Soliterra Carignon-Grenache-Syrah blend from Spain ($9/$16/$64). 

Half Bottle Selections
Paul Hobbs ($125), both from Napa Valley. A delicious red wine blend is the 2006 Elyse "Nero Misto" from California, a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Primitivo, Carignan and Syrah ($50). Zinfandel lovers will enjoy the 2006 Elyse Morisoli Vineyard from Napa Valley ($60).

Chicago French Market - Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine's Grab n' Go Sandwiches and Baguettes

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

With summer in full swing, there's nothing nicer on a hot Chicago day than an ice cold beer. Pastoral is featuring an expanded rotating selection of craft beers this July. 

Hungry but in a hurry for your evening commute?  Stop by Pastoral and pick up a freshly made Grab n' Go sandwich. These are perfect for the Metra ride home. Running Late? Plan ahead. You can pre-order your made-to-order pastoral sandwiches by calling or ordering on-line.

Pastoral is known for its fabulous selection of imported cheese. Why not pick up a variety, enjoy a fresh baguette, and a great bottle of wine – the perfect addition to any meal.

The Easter Bunny, Easter Dinner Specials and More at Benny's Chop House March 31st

This Easter, Benny’s Chop House (444 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-626-2444) will host a festive celebration for adults and children alike. From noon until 9 p.m., Benny’s will offer a special menu full of traditional dishes with a signature twist.

Easter Sunday Dinner Specials
Benny’s Easter specials include a tender Herb Crusted Leg of Lamb accompanied by English peas, favas, baby carrots, spring onions and a rich mint infused lamb jus ($29.99). Another festive and delicious holiday dish is the locally sourced, farm raised Hickory Smoked Ham. The dish is complete with a sweet potato hash and a savory pancetta jus ($29.99). To finish off your Easter dinner, Pastry Chef Aaron Lindgren has planned a perfectly sweet ending featuring: Coconut Cake with Rhubarb Confit and Coconut Sorbet ($8.99). Benny’s Easter Sunday specials will be offered along with Benny’s popular a la carte menu, which includes their 100% USDA Prime natural, dry-aged and wet-aged steaks.

For our
“Tot Gourmands,”
Fun and Exciting Cookie Decorating and a Visit with the Easter Bunny

Also on Easter Sunday, Benny’s “Tot Gourmands” will enjoy our children’s menu plus cookie decorating with the Easter Bunny, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Easter at Benny’s is sure to be a memorable occasion for all members of the family. Don’t forget your camera as the festivities will be picture worthy.

Prairie Grass Cafe hosts the Prairie State Winery Dinner presented by Evanston Cellars and the Midwest Wine Press

Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062; 847-205-4433) will be hosting the Prairie State Winery Dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4. The gourmet dinner, presented by Evanston Cellars and the Midwest Wine Press, features local winemaker Rick Mamoser, owner and winemaker of the Prairie State Winery. The cost is $85 per person, all inclusive. Reservations are required; please call Evanston Cellars at (847) 864-0199 to make reservations. Reservations can also be made online at EventBrite.

Prairie Grass Cafe chef and co-owner, Sarah Stegner attributes much of her success to her philosophy of using fine dining cooking techniques to produce approachable, casual food. Quality ingredients are most important as evident in her efforts in co-founding Green City Market and supporting local sustainable farms. Sarah brings that philosophy to Prairie Grass Cafe and along with chef and co-owner, George Bumbaris, has prepared a four course dinner menu presented with pairings from Prairie State Winery based in Genoa, IL.

The appetizer course will be served family-style and offer guests assorted appetizers including Mushroom flatbread, squash tempura, and Brussel Sprouts with bacon and parmesan. This first course will be paired with a 2010 white sparkling wine made in a semi-dry Riesling style with grapes grown in Illinois.

The second course will consist of Lake Superior Whitefish prepared with delicate squash puré, River Valley Ranch Portobello mushroom and petite greens paired with a 2011 Rose made from the Frontenac grape, a mainstay of the Midwest wine industry known for its light body and crisp acidity.

For the main course, diners will be served homemade lamb sausage with local beans and braised lamb, served with sautéed Nichols farm potatoes, parsnips, crisp shallots and rainbow chard. The main course will be paired with a barrel-aged 2010 Cabernet Franc made from grapes sourced from the Two Oaks Vineyard in southern Illinois.

The dessert course will offer Capriole Farm Fresh Goat Cheese drizzled with honey and apple jam paired with a 2009 Port made from the Marechal Foch grape and which combines both the ruby and tawny styles. Coffee and tea also will be served.

About Prairie Grass Cafe
Prairie Grass Cafe supports Chicago's Green City Market and local sustainable farms, selecting the freshest ingredients to reflect the season. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (847) 205-4433 or visit prairiegrasscafe.com.

About Prairie State Winery
Founded in 1999 and located in Genoa, Illinois, the Prairie State Winery produces award-winning wines made exclusively from Illinois grown grapes. With the first vintage of only 500 gallons to the most recent vintages of nearly 13,000 gallons, owners Rick and Maria Mamoser continue to promote the philosophy of "Think Globally, Drink Locally" by growing and sourcing the finest grapes in the state and crafting their wines with a meticulous palate for detail. For more information on Prairie State Winery call (815) 784-4540 or visit prairiestatewinery.com.

About Evanston Cellars
Evanston Cellars is a wine and food lifestyle company based in Evanston, Illinois. The company hosts guided tours of wine trails around Chicago, produces wine and food dinners with restaurants committed to sourcing local ingredients, and is a wholesale distributor of wine with a focus on small, artisanal domestic wineries. For more information on Evanston Cellars, call (847) 864-0199 or visit evanstoncellars.com.

About the Midwest Wine Press
Midwest Wine Press (MWP) is the first business publication dedicated entirely to the art and business of winemaking in the Midwestern United States. The goal of Midwest Wine Press is to help winery owners, grape growers and cellar masters be more effective and profitable. For more information on the Midwest Wine Press, visit midwestwinepress.com.

Prairie Grass Cafe and Evolution Wine and Spirits present Yalumba Winemaker's Dinner

Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062; 847-205-4433) and Evolution Wine andSpirits (1704 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647; 773-772-9463 and 2766 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062; 847-272-2200) are presenting a wine dinner featuring the Australian wines of Yalumba Winery with a special appearance by Yalumba’s Ambassador of Wine Jane Ferrari.

Prairie Grass chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris have worked with representatives of Yalumba to present the perfect food and wine pairings. The evening will begin with a reception featuring a Mini Crab Cake on a spoon with basil remoulade and bacon tempura with Ranch dressing and NV Jansz Sparkling Rose. Following the reception, the dinner menu will begin with Mushroom Soup with a petite Capriole Farm Goat Cheese “cake” served with 2010 Yalumba ‘The Strapper’ GSM. The second course will feature Sauteed Loup De Mar (Bronzini) with avocado, grapefruit and cucumber salad. This makes the ideal pair for 2010 Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier. Following this, the menu will continue with Slow Braised Short Ribs over potato puree and root vegetables. This course pairs excellently with 2006 Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Shiraz and 2009 Yalumba The Cigar Cabernet. An Artisanal Cheese Course will follow, paired with the library bottling of Yalumba Octavius Shiraz. Coffee will be served to end the meal.

The Yalumba Winemaker’s Dinner at Prairie Grass Cafe is Thursday, March 8, and will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m. with dinner following at 7 p.m. Tickets for this event are $92, all inclusive. Seating is limited.

To make reservations for the Yalumba Winemaker’s Dinner at Prairie Grass Cafe, contact Evolution Wine and Spirits at 847-272-2200 for the Northbrook location or 773-772-9463 for the Chicago location. Reservations can also be made by emailing info@evolutionwines.com. 

About Jane Ferrari

Jane Ferrari is not simply a Yalumba employee, she’s a company crusader. Born in Adelaide, brought up in Alice Springs and an inveterate traveler, she’s been around enough to know that the blend of elements that makes up Yalumba and the Barossa is rare indeed, and worth taking the time and trouble to explain to people, whether industry insiders or consumers. She’s a trained winemaker, a born story-teller, a canny judge of character (people or horses), an olive oil producer and custodian of a treasured gum-studded block of Barossa land.

About Yalumba Winery

Yalumba was founded in 1849 by Samuel Smith, British migrant and English brewer, who had brought his family to Angaston seeking a new life. After purchasing a 30-acre parcel of land just beyond the southern-eastern boundary of Angaston, Smith and his son began planting the first vines by moonlight. Samuel named his patch "Yalumba" – aboriginal for "all the land around." Five generations and 160 years later Yalumba, Australia's oldest family owned winery, has grown in size and stature, embodying all that has made the Australian wine success story the envy of winemakers the world over. For more information, visit http://www.yalumba.com.

About Prairie Grass Cafe

Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; Northbrook, IL.; 847-205-4433) supports Chicago’s Green City Market and local sustainable farms, selecting the freshest ingredients to reflect the season. Prairie Grass Cafe currently serves lunch Monday - Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and dinner Monday - Sunday; Tuesday - Thursday 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Monday and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Prairie Grass Cafe also serves breakfast Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays 9:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Light fare is available in the bar Monday through Friday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (847) 205-4433 or visit www.prairiegrasscafe.com.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Presents Silver Oak Wine Dinner with Thomas Arvid

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 06011; 312-329-9463) will host a Silver Oak Wine Dinner with special guest, artist Thomas Arvid 6:30 p.m. February 10. Arvid will unveil three new paintings at the dinner, which features wines from Silver Oak Vineyards. Tom Johnson, from Silver Oak also will be at the event to speak about the wines.

All images ©2012 Thomas Arvid. All rights reserved.

The meal will begin with Fleming’s Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Caramelized Lemon and Cocktail Sauce paired with Twomey Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2010. This is followed by Poppyseed and Black Pepper Encrusted Ahi Tuna Skewers with Tomato Vinaigrette accompanied by Twomey Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2008. The third course will be a delicious Fleming’s Salad with Candied Walnuts, Dried Cranberries, Tomatoes, Onions, Croutons and a Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette. A Petite Filet au Poivre with Broccolini and Lemon Essence and Lobster Mashed Potatoes will follow. This is perfectly paired with Silver Oak Cabernet, Napa Valley, 2006. Dessert is a decadent Belgium Cheesecake with Raspberry Port Reduction and Chantilly Crème paired with Silver Oak Cabernet, Alexander Valley, 2007.

The Silver Oak Wine Dinner with Thomas Arvid is $150 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, for five courses and four wine pairings. Reservations for the Silver Oak Wine Dinner with Thomas Arvid at Fleming’s are required and may be made by calling 312-329-9463.

About Thomas Arvid

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar exclusively features Thomas Arvid’s work in all Fleming’s throughout the country. Fleming’s annual 46 Diamonds release label also features artwork by Thomas. He is releasing three new pieces at the Chicago event. All artwork will be available for sale at the event.

A self-taught artist, Thomas Arvid is famous for his wine paintings, which tell the story of enjoying the good life. Arvid was inspired to paint wine because of his connection to the color red. When people started buying his paintings before they were completed, he knew he had tapped into something unique. He is known for saying, “Life without art is like dinner without wine. Why bother?” His paintings are featured in over 50 galleries and collected internationally because of the way they translate the craftsmanship of wine. 

All images ©2012 Thomas Arvid. All rights reserved

About Silver Oak

Silver Oak has been producing high quality Cabernets for 40 years from their Napa Valley and Alexander Valley vineyards. Run by the Duncan family, Silver Oak strives to age their food-friendly Cabernets so they are drinkable upon release. The family is also involved with Twomey Cellars, founded in 1999, which specializes in Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Twomey follows the same philosophy as Silver Oak and strives to have their wines drinkable upon release. For more information about Silver Oak, visit http://www.silveroak.com.

Wine Dinner at Prairie Grass Cafe with Fritz Underground Winery Oct. 13

Clay Fritz is the mild-mannered son of the founder of Fritz Underground Winery, but his passion for all things Sonoma shows every time we meet up.

"Fritz is unlike any place you've ever visited. A visionary wonder built ahead of its time by namesake Jay Arthur Fritz [Clay's father] in the late 1970's, this monumental Gaudi style masterpiece represents a viticultural passion for sustainability, quality, and tradition."

- Sonoma County Vintners.

"[Prairie Grass chefs] Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris - formerly from The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago - bring a whole lot of restaurant experience to the table, and it shows. The contemporaryAmerican menu skews toward comfort food, blended with a sense of adventure." - Gayot 

"Two-time James Beard award-winning chef and co-owner, Sarah Stegner, turns out inventive, high-quality food. Chef Stegner supports Green City Market and local sustainable farms. She selects the freshest seasonal ingredients to create homemade products. At Prairie Grass Café, the concept is to use fine dining cooking techniques to produce approachable, casual food. Quality ingredients are front-and-center for Chef Stegner." - Online review.

Don't miss this fabulous dinner, Thursday, October 13, 6:30 p.m.  at Prairie Grass Cafe. 

Appetizers:

Family-style appetizers: Crab cakes, baked feta, Vegetables served with Fritz Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Salad:

Mixed Greens – Seasonal Vegetables served with Fritz Chardonnay 2009                           

Main Course:

Crispy Half Boneless Chicken or Ancho-Marinated Skit Steak or Parmesan-encrusted Tilapia served with your choice of Fritz Pinot Noir 2009, Fritz Zinfandel 2007 or Fritz Cabernet 2007

Dessert:

Double Chocolate Cake served with Fritz Late Harvest Zinfandel 2009

$80 per person, tax and tip included, with a special menu. Six wines, four courses. Call Schaefer's at 847-677-9463 to reserve seating. The restaurant's address is 601 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook. Visit http://www.prairiegrasscafe.com/ for more information.

D’Vine Affair Catholic Charities Wine Tasting

Come to Chicago's premier charitable wine tasting event, the annual d’Vine Affair Catholic Charities Wine Tasting event 2 – 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31 at the Union League Club of Chicago (65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago). More than 250 wines from 50 vintners all around the world are available for you to taste.

All proceeds from this event benefit the Catholic Charities Self-Sufficiency Programs, which help low-income and disadvantages individuals get back on their feet. Tickets are available at www.catholiccharities.net/dvine.

Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar offers seasonal specials

Now through April 20, Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar (3358 N. Paulina St., Chicago) is offering a unique artichoke themed special in honor of Italy's annual April artichoke festival. The menu includes:

Trio of Bruscette ($5):
-Artichoke and Ricotta
-Artichoke, Roasted Red Peppers, Pancetta and Goat Cheese
-Artichokes with White Beans, Oven Dried Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Insalata alla Carciofi e Crescione ($6):
-Artichoke salad with Watercress, Oranges and Shaved Onion

Risotto con Carciofi e Gamberi ($13):
-Creamy Italian Rice with Roasted Artichokes and Shrimp

Rigatoni con Salsa di Carciofi ($12):
-Rigatoni pasta with Roasted Vegetables, and a Light Artichoke Sauce

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Monday, April 21 marks the birthday of Rome (753 BC). Lakeview's own Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar will feature a special Roman-inspired menu in honor of this holiday:

Fritto Misto di Mare ($7):
-Fried Calamari, Shrimp and Mahi Mahi with Lemon and Caper Dipping Sauce

Gnocchi alla Romana ($10):
-Classic Roman Semolina Gnocchi baked in the oven with Parmigiano-Regiano Cheese

Pollo Saltimbocca Alla Romana ($13):
-Chicken Breast with Sage and Proscuitto, Wilted Spinach and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Pesce alla Romana ($18):
-Skatewing with Fresh Scallions, Peas and Mint on a bed of Escarole and Artichokes

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Originating from the Friuli region of Italy, a frasca (wreath of tree branches) hanging over a farmhouse door signifies the sale of food and wine within. As a result, a frasca has come to symbolize a pleasant gathering place for family and friends. Chicago’s own Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar has embraced this tradition inside its contemporary, Italian influenced restaurant and wine bar. Frasca offers a vast array of traditional and contemporary Italian dishes, artisan pizza and an extensive wine list from Italy, France and North America.

Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar is located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood at 3358 N. Paulina St. at Roscoe, Paulina and Lincoln. For more information about Frasca, please call (773) 248-5222 or visit http://www.frascapizzeria.com/.

Wine Events at D.O.C. Wine Bar in Lincoln Park

Each month, D.O.C. Wine Bar (2602 N. Clark St., Chicago) hosts a bi-weekly wine tasting series of 12 wines from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.:

On Monday, April 21, guests can enjoy wines from Spain and Portugal. From Albarino to Verdejo, D.O.C. has selected six whites and six reds spanning the world's oldest appellation system in the Douro Valley to the Port and Sherry houses of Spain.

On Monday, April 28, D.O.C. is offering a selection of spring wines, crisper and lighter-bodied to welcome the new warm season. Selections come from Washington, Oregon, New Zealand, France and beyond.

The cost to attend these special wine tastings is $35 per person. Seating is limited so reservations are required, and must be made with a credit card. Call D.O.C. Wine Bar at (773) 883-5101 to make a reservation.

Every Friday, D.O.C. Wine Bar offers special "Millionaire Flights" featuring wines that are normally only sold by the bottle. On Friday, April 25, patrons can select a Millionaire Flight featuring French Red wines: 2002 Domaine Clusel-Roch Cote-Rotie, 2005 Daniel Rion & Fils 'La Lavieres' Nuits-St.-Georges and 2003 Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The bottles in the Millionaire Flights range from $75-$150, but the flights are sold for $25-45 each.

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Established in 1963 and implemented in 1966, the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) ("Controlled Denomination of Origin") is Italy's equivalent to France's APPELLATION D'ORIGINE CONTRÔLÉE. DOC's are defined by the geographic area of production for each wine, the varieties that can be used, the minimum alcohol content, the maximum yield, and the specifications for aging.

D.O.C. Wine Bar is located at 2602 N. Clark St. in Lincoln Park at Clark and Wrightwood. For more information, call (773) 883-5101 or visit http://www.docwinebarchicago.com/.