Join A Silver Lining Foundation for a Red Carpet Moment at A. Marek Fine Jewelry

See glamorous, previously-worn Hollywood jewels (like the tiara Madonna wore in her wedding to Guy Ritchie, pictured) at "Red Carpet Moments," an event hosted by A Silver Lining Foundation from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. February 18 at A. Marek Fine Jewelry (3021 Butterfield Rd., Oak Brook; 630-954-2662).

Walk the red carpet, enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and peruse and even purchase the jewels once worn by Hollywood celebrities such as Clark Gable and Madonna.

The jewels will be on display at A. Marek Fine Jewelry through February 22. Jewels for Charity is a program founded by Beverly Hills, Calif. jewelry company Kazanjian Bros., Inc., and the Jewels for Charity Hollywood Collection features prized jewelry formerly owned by Hollywood’s A-list celebrities, including Bing Crosby, Clark Gable and Eva Gabor.

Thirty percent of any sales made February 16 through 22 at A. Marek Fine Jewelry, from both A. Marek’s own collection as well as from Jewels for Charity, will be donated to ASLF when specified.

Mark your calendar for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gaze at these fine jewels and show your support for A Silver Lining Foundation!

For more information on A. Marek Fine Jewelry, 3021 Butterfield Rd., Oak Brook, Ill., visit www.amarekfinejewelry.com or call (630) 954-2662. For more information on Jewels for Charity, visit www.kazanjianbros.com.

Photo credit: The Kazanjian Foundation

Celebrate Valentine's Day this Friday at Maxwell's At the Club

Haven't made plans to celebrate V-day yet? The East Bank Club's recently opened restaurant, Maxwell's At the Club (500 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago) is offering an affordable option this Friday, Feb. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This four-course meal prepared by head chef Rick Hall, is just $45 per person.

First course options include Spicy Salmon Roll with wasabi, ginger and soy sauce; Grilled Chipotle Shrimp Skewer or Grilled Vegetable Tian. For the second course, choose from a Caesar Salad, Caprese Salad or Crab and Asapargus Bisque.

Entree selections include Petite Filet and Lobster Tail with roasted cauliflower; Veal Chop Milanese with creamy polenta; Grilled Kona Kampachi with lemon-ginger risotto; Noisettes of Lamb Loin with ratatouille and Rotisserie Organic Chicken with roasted root vegetables.

And for the finishing touch, dessert options include Chocolate Raspberry Decadent Cake; Mixed Berries with Zabaglione and Cookies; and Chocolate Fondue.

For reservations, contact Maxwell's at the Club at (312) 527-5800 ext. 301. Valet parking is available. For more information about the restaurant, please visit www.eastbankclub.com.

Dine's Red Velvet Cake on WLS-TV

Over the weekend, Dine's chef Eric Tran appeared on WLS-TV's morning news broadcast to show how to make Dine's signature red velvet cake--in a heart shape, just for Valentine's Day. With the help of anchor Stacy Baca, Eric described red velvet cake's unique taste and appeal, as he demonstrated how to make the dessert.

In the photo, Eric slices strawberries as a garnish during his segment "tease" during the broadcast.

To make Dine's Red Velvet Cake for your sweetie on Valentine's Day, press here for the recipe, featured on ABC's Web site.

Dine features the Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Cake as part of its special Valentine's Day menu, offered February 13 and 14 alongside the restaurant's regular menu. Make reservations today! Call (312) 602-2100 or visit http://www.dinerestaurant.com/.

Enjoy a unique five-day Mardi Gras celebration at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

The fun and festivity of the French Quarter comes alive this Mardi Gras for an extended celebration, February 20-24, at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, 798 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights (847- 228-9551).

Pappadeaux will be transformed in to a street festival featuring the sights, sounds and revelry that you’d experience if you were visiting Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The four day festival features live New Orleans music, face painters, beads and doubloons as well as fabulous food specials.

You need not travel too far to celebrate. Known for the freshest seafood and Louisiana-style favorites like Blackened Opelousas Fillet, Crawfish and Shrimp Fondeaux, and Seafood Gumbo, Pappadeaux will be offering Mardi Gras specials in addition to its regular menu. Specials include: a dozen Oysters ($3.95) or a pound of Broiled Crawfish ($5.95/lb), Stone Crab ($9.95/half pound), Lobster Tail ($21.95) and Surf ‘n Turf featuring Filet Mignon and Lobster ($29.95). The Pappadeaux bar menu starts at $1.95 and is available 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays.

Pappadeaux’s carefully designed specialty drink menu showcases their signature cocktail, the Swampthing ($8.95), including a Keepsake Glass. A must try for those not faint of heart, the Swampthing is a multi-layered frozen drink starting off with a layer of raspberry liqueur, then a layer of Frozen Hurricane, followed by a layer of Frozen Margarita, and topped off with a layer of melon liqueur.

Equally delicious are the more traditional cocktails, including all Grey Goose cocktails and martinis ($5.50), and Goose Island drafts (3.25).

The party never stops. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. and run until closing at 11 p.m.

For information and reservations, call Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen at 847-228-9551. Large parties and private dining are available.