Deadline nears to take advantage of tax credits for high-efficiency HVAC systems

Chicago based woman-owned HVAC firm Premium Mechanical empathizes with budget-conscious homeowners; urges them to take advantage of substantial cost savings

“Home owners who have been waiting to replace their furnaces and central air conditioning systems with new high efficiency products now have a good financial incentive to take the plunge,” according to Betty Pendley, owner of Premium Mechanical, Inc., one of only a few Chicago based woman-owned full service heating and air conditioning firms. The American Recovery and Revitalization Act of 2009, which was passed into law on February 17, gives homeowners significant incentives to install high efficiency units.

It’s a great time to go green with your heating system,” said Pendley, whose 8-year old company has earned a zero-complaint status from the Better Business Bureau. “Not only are there substantial tax credits from the new federal stimulus bill, but at least two local gas companies, People’s Gas and North Shore Gas, are adding to the deal by offering their own rebates on gas furnaces.”

The new federal law enables home owners who purchase qualifying heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) for their primary residence to receive a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the cost of qualifying equipment, including installation—with a maximum of $1,500 per tax credit.

“The new legislation covers purchases through December 31, 2010, but right now there is an even greater incentive for people to upgrade or replace their system sooner rather than later,” says Pendley. “North Shore Utility and Peoples Gas are offering rebates to customers who purchase these qualifying systems by April 30.” Energy star rated water heaters can earn from $75 to $400 in rebates, depending on their efficiency; boilers, from $350 to $600 depending on efficiency; furnaces,from $350 to $450 depending on efficiency.

“We are an authorized dealer of many different types of qualifying systems,” said Pendley,“and installation usually takes only one day.” Premium Mechanical receives many calls from homeowners because, increasingly, they are concerned about their utility costs. “We are working with a wide range of homeowners throughout the Chicago metro area and at all price points. People are astute about the cost of energy and want to find ways to cut back on their utility bills,” observes Pendley. “What many of them don’t realize, until they call us, is that new HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy usage, even if the current systems are not really that old. They also don’t often recognize that, in most cases, installation is straight forward and quick.

The new tax legislation covers a number of different HVAC systems. Split system air conditioning systems must achieve both a 16 seasonal energy efficiency rating (seer) and a 13 energy efficiency rating (eer). Split system heat pumps must reach 15 seer, 12.5 eer and a heating seasonal performance factor rating (HSPF) of at least 8.5. Gas furnaces qualify if theyattain an annual fuel utilization efficiency rating (AFUE) of 95%. Packaged air conditioning, heat pump or dual fuel systems must reach ratings of 14 seer, 12eer and 8 HSPF.

“We are an authorized dealer of systems from several major manufacturers and so we can recommend the right system at the right price,” says Pendley. “In addition to factory warranties on all products, we offer five years of free warranty labor.We want to help Chicagoans go green and save money—and there is truly no better time than now. But we do recommend that homeowners check with their tax advisors to get expert advice on how to get the most from these new tax benefits.”

Pendley also advises homeowners who aren’t ready for a new system to be sure and have their system checked and cleaned annually. They can save money on their utility bills while preventing costly repairs.

Premium Mechanical, Inc. is located at 5550 N. Kimball in Chicago. The company’s highly regarded installation,maintenance and repair team has more than 100 combined years of experience and has earned an impeccable reputation for quality and service. Premium Mechanical’s friendly team of professional consultants are happy to review homeowners’ HVAC systems, recommend the optimal solution and answer questionsabout how they can improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Betty Pendley has been in the HVAC business for nearly 20 years. She and her company have been featured on WIND-AM radio for providing free installation services for Habitat for Humanity. For more information, please contact Premium Mechanical at (773) 267-4477, or send an email to premiumheatair@aol.com. Visit the website at www.premiummechanicalinc.com.

Sweet Baby Ray's Introduces New Regional and International BBQ Specials

Lunch or dinner at Sweet Baby Ray’s is a celebration of barbecue. With the introduction of its new American regional and international barbecue menus, that is true now more than ever. Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Restaurant (249 E. Irving Park Rd., Wood Dale; 630-238-8261) is already well known for authentic barbecue, and high quality food at affordable prices.

Sunday: International BBQ
Sweet Baby Ray’s spectacular International Barbecue Sundays feature a different style of barbecue every week, 52 different styles throughout 2009. Sweet Baby Ray’s also offers this unique international menu during lunch every Wednesday. Customers have already enjoyed entrées such as the Moroccan Barbecue Chicken, grilled chicken spiced with lemon, garlic and paprika, served with toasted pita hummus and carrot salad.

On March 8, Korean style barbecue will be offered with Bul Kogi, barbecue beef grilled and flavored with garlic and ginger, served with rice and vegetables. The Chimichurri Chicken Sandwich, an Argentinean specialty, will be available March 15. The sandwich is a grilled chicken breast topped with chimichurri sauce served on a toasted roll with Argentinean potato salad.

Patrons can look forward to March 22 when the Thai inspired special is Chicken Satay with peanut sauce, sheared chicken marinated in soy, ginger and garlic served with Sweet Baby Ray’s sweet and savory peanut sauce. Sweet Baby Ray’s will also offer a Polish barbecue meal, Maple Kielbasa Skewers, skewered kielbasa grilled and glazed with maple syrup reduction and served with sauerkraut on March 29.

Monday: Carolina BBQ
Inspired by the way Eastern North Carolina uses the whole hog for its barbecue, Sweet Baby Ray’s offers the Chopped Pork Sandwich. The chopped pork sandwich is made from a whole smoked pig, including flavors of the shoulder, butt, tenderloin, ham, ribs, belly and hocks, served on a bun with a side of Carolina coleslaw, hush puppies and Eastern Carolina’s unique vinegar based barbecue sauce (no tomato or sugar) on the side ($7.49). Rib lovers can add a one-third slab of ribs for just $4.

Tuesday: Memphis BBQ
Memphis is known for serving ribs either “wet or dry,” basted with sauce, or hand rubbed with Sweet Baby Ray’s own spice blend served “dry,” without sauce. Sweet Baby Ray’s offers the Mini Duce Sandwich, a unique signature sandwich with pulled pork, grilled beef bologna and coleslaw, with one-third slab of Memphis ribs (wet or dry) served with barbecue beans and collard greens ($8.49). The Tuesday special also offers a half slab of Memphis style St. Louis ribs smoked over hickory wood and charcoal, wet or dry, served with cornbread, barbecue beans and collard greens flavored with hocks, onions and ham. ($12.99/half slab, $18.99/full slab).

Wednesday: International BBQ and All-You-Can-Eat Ribs
Every Wednesday, the restaurant features an a la carte lunch special, full slab Baby Back Ribs ($12.99). For All-You-Can-Eat Baby Back Ribs ($16.99/person), come after 4 p.m. to enjoy Sweet Baby Ray’s award winning ribs. In 2008, Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Restaurant was awarded first place for Best Ribs and the second place award for Best Sauce at the Naperville Ribfest. Additionally on Wednesday, lunch patrons can savor the International BBQ that’s featured every Sunday.

Thursday: Kansas City BBQ
Since Kansas City is thought by many to be the ‘barbecue capital of America,’ the Sweet Baby Ray’s team is excited to add the city’s barbecue style to its all-star lineup. The restaurant’s rendition of Kansas City style barbecue is the Quarter Smoked Chicken with Burnt Ends, kind of like a brisket reduction, served with the Original Sweet Baby Ray’s Stovetop Recipe BBQ Sauce; a side of Kansas City style barbecue beans; Kansas City coleslaw; and white bread ($8.49). Guests can add 1/3 slab of Baby Back or St. Louis ribs for only $4.

Friday: Texas BBQ
Sweet Baby Ray’s introduces its version of Texas Brisket offered lean or “with flavor,” served with the rich flavors from the fatty part, or deckle, of the brisket. The special Texas menu includes a trio of Texas flavors with smoked brisket, smoked sausage (imported from Southside Market in Elgin, Texas) and pork spareribs, all served Texas style with Sweet Baby Ray’s own Texas barbecue sauce, barbecue beans and potato salad, complimented with all-you-care-to-eat pickles, onions, jalapeño peppers, saltines and white bread ($9.49).

Saturday: Chicago BBQ
Over the years, the Sweet Baby Ray’s team has learned the barbecue preferences of the Windy City patrons. North Side Chicagoans love baby back ribs while South and West Siders have a penchant for rib tips, the bottom of the spare rib that is separated from the rib when creating the St. Louis style rib cut; and Hot Links, a smoked sausage with a flavor and texture similar to the combined flavors of Italian sausage and breakfast sausage, with a spicy profile. The high quality of the baby back ribs is something for which Sweet Baby Ray’s prides itself, and is one of the restaurant’s most popular items.

Come in on Saturdays for the comfort of Chicago style barbecue. Customers can treat themselves to their favorite Rib Tips and Hot Links topped with fries, Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue sauce, served with white bread and coleslaw ($7.99). True Chicago barbecue fans will enjoy adding a one-third slab of Baby Back Ribs for an additional $4.

For chicken lovers, Sweet Baby Ray’s offers a Chicago-style value meal, 1/3 Slab Baby Back Ribs & ¼ Chicken (fried, jerk or barbecue; white or dark), with fries and coleslaw ($12.99).

Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Restaurant is located at 249 E. Irving Park Rd., Wood Dale, Ill., (630) 238-8261. The restaurant is open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sweet Baby Ray’s also features promotions, an e-BBQ e-mail club, weekly specials and offers extensive off-premise catering services and event planning services. To learn more about Sweet Baby Ray’s, call (630) 238-8261, or visit online on Facebook, at http://www.sbrbbq.com/, http://www.sbrcatering.com/, or visit their blog at http://goodfromthewood.com/.

Glen Prairie in Glen Ellyn - Weekend Specials

We just got wind of specials being offered at the new Glen Prairie restaurant (1250 Roosevelt Rd., 630-613-1250) in Glen Ellyn this weekend, March 6, 7 and 8. If you've had the chance to visit Glen Prairie since its opening a few months ago, you'll know that Chef Daniel Ovanin works hard at showcasing local flavors, featuring artisan foods from area farms and suppliers. Glen Prairie is pleased to announce that joining Chef Ovanin in the kitchen is sous chef Byron Kuhn, formerly of Nomi! You can also see Chef Ovanin at the Garden Gourmet Stage at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show at Navy Pier, Tuesday, March 10 at 11:30 a.m.

Glen Prairie's is busy working on their upcoming Spring menu. In the meantime, this weekend specials include:

Thyme and Meyer Lemon Roasted Wisconsin Trout, Garlic Wilted Organic Spinach, Confit Fingerling Potatoes - $18.00

Pan Roasted Northern Lake Sturgeon, Wild Mushrooms, Dried Apricots and Hazelnuts - $22.00

Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, White Bean Cassoulet, Organic Sage, Maple Gastrique - $20.00

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day, Passover and Easter at Kurman Restaurant Clients

Birch River Grill – An American Kitchen
75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill.
(847) 427-4242
http://www.birchrivergrill.com/

St. Patrick’s Day Specials at Birch River Grill
You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy celebrating St. Patrick’s day at Birch River Grill. In addition to its regular menu, specials include the seasonal favorite Old Fashioned Corned Beef and Cabbage, with boiled red skinned potatoes, carrots and Irish soda bread ($12.95) and Galway Bay Fish & Chips, Guinness battered Cod filets with seasoned crispy potatoes, tartar sauce and tangy cabbage slaw ($12.95). For dessert, try the Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake ($5.95).

Whether dining or enjoying Birch River Grill’s vibrant lounge and bar scene, the special drink menu offers something for everyone including Irish Coffee, Bushmills and coffee, garnished with whipped cream and green crème de menthe ($4); Dublin Handshake, Bailey’s, Jameson and Sloe Gin in a martini glass ($6); Irish Kiss, Bushmills, Peach Schnapps, orange juice and ginger ale ($6) and Nutty Irishman, Bailey’s and Frangelico ($6).

Birch River Grill Easter Brunch Buffet – April 12
Join your family and friends in celebrating Easter in the warm, rustic setting of Birch River Grill and enjoy their hearty Easter Brunch Buffet. The brunch features a Seafood Station with whole smoked king salmon, whole smoked trout, fresh shucked oysters, cocktail shrimp and green lip mussels; a Salad Station with mixed field greens, baby hearts of Romaine and orzo primavera salad; a Continental Breakfast with bakery fresh breads and fresh fruit; Eggs, Omelets and Waffles; a Carving Station with herb roasted prime rib of beef and maple roasted turkey breast; a Hot Buffet with roasted rainbow trout, pan seared chicken breast, three cheese au gratin potatoes, fusilli pasta and spring vegetable mélange; and Desserts like assorted mini French pastries, mini fruit tarts, tortes, cakes and Birch River Grill’s signature carrot cake. The Easter brunch is offered 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12, and is $32.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids 12 and under, and children under four are complimentary.

Birch River Grill – An American Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. The lounge stays open one hour later daily. All major credit cards are accepted. Complimentary parking is available. For reservations or more information, please contact Birch River Grill – An American Kitchen at (847) 427-4242 or visit them on the web at http://www.birchrivergrill.com/.

Dine
733 W. Madison St., Chicago
(312) 602-2100
http://www.dinerestaurant.com/

Dine and All That Jazz
Retro-chic West Loop eatery Dine introduces live music, encompassing sounds from the 1950’s through today, starting 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, February 27. Music will be offered on a regular basis. “We have a perfect setting for music,” says Khal Mohamad, manager and music director. It’s a natural progression for us to add music to our vibrant bar scene. We have a lot of comfortable lounge chairs, banquette seating and a dining room that’s perfect for an evening of good food and entertainment. We encourage people to come and stay; make an evening of it. Being situated in an area that’s one of Chicago fastest growing neighborhoods and offering complimentary parking is a big plus,” he says. Dine features $6 House Martinis every Friday and a popularly priced menu.

Dine Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day All Month
Join the month long celebration at Dine with St. Patrick’s specials offered from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily March 1 through March 31. Enjoy Guinness Corned Beef, corned beef brisket with brown sugar drizzle, Guinness marinade, baby carrots, baked parsnips and Irish style soda bread served with butter and jam ($18). For soup, try the Irish Stew, a bowl of traditional Irish Stew, soda bread served with butter and jam ($9). Enjoy the Irish Reuben, corned beef and cabbage, toasted Rye bread, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing served with potato salad or fries ($9). For an appetizer or meal option, have the Irish Nachos with French fries, melted cheese, bacon, scallions and sour cream ($8.75).

Dine also offers special St. Patrick’s cocktails including Irish Whisky Flights ($10-$15), or Irish Beers including Guinness, Green Beer on Draft, Sam Adams Irish Red and many more ($4-$7). For a refreshing treat, indulge in the Lemon Whisky Slush, blended Irish Whisky, sugar, fresh lemon juice and ice ($7). Warm up with Dine’s Irish coffee drinks ($7-$9).

Easter Brunch at Dine
Celebrate Easter at Dine with the restaurant’s special Easter Brunch menu offered 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 12. The buffet features Chef Carved Honey Ham and baron of beef, Made to order omelets, a Ceviche Bar with shrimp, tuna and vegetarian offerings, Traditional Breakfast Fare, Fresh Fruit and Berries and a Handmade Dessert Table that includes Red Velvet cupcakes, petite pastries and gourmet cookies, brownies and tortes.

Refresh with Mimosas and Sparkling Cider ($5). Dine’s Easter Brunch menu is served Sunday, April 12, 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Dine Easter Brunch is $39 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under and children ages five and under are complimentary.

Dine is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Breakfast is served from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Lunch and dinner are served from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Martini Bar and Lounge is open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight Friday and Saturday. Dining is available at the bar. Valet parking is complimentary. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Dine at (312) 602-2100 or visit http://www.dinerestaurant.com/.

Glen Prairie Local Flavor Fine Food & Drink
1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn, Ill.
(630) 613-1250
http://www.glenprairie.com/

St. Patrick’s Day Specials at Glen Prairie March 17
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with authentic Irish specials at Glen Prairie Local Flavor Fine Food & Drink. Enjoy Irish Stout Corned Beef Brisket, Irish whiskey and mustard glaze, bacon braised cabbage and buttery parsley potatoes ($20). For dessert, try the Guinness and Chocolate Cheesecake ($6). Irish specials are served with Irish Soda Bread and sweet butter. The St. Patrick’s Day specials are served alongside the restaurant’s regular menu.

Indulge in Glen Prairie’s St. Patrick’s Day drink specials like the Frozen Shamrock, blended honeydew melon, Midori Melon liqueur, Absolut vodka, cream and ice ($9); Irish Spring Coffee, Lavazza Vanilla latté and Bailey’s Irish Cream ($7); and Green Miller Lite Draft Pints ($2.50).

Glen Prairie’s Easter Brunch
Glen Prairie will be celebrating its first Easter Brunch menu on 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a variety of farm fresh foods, including a Salad Station with asparagus salad, prairie salad and fruit salad; a Bakery Station, with various house baked breakfast pastries, a bagel bar and assorted artisan rolls; Omelets Made to Order; a Farm Fresh Buffet with eggs benedict, rustic skillet potatoes, scrambled eggs with chives and aged cheddar, Applewood smoked bacon and maple sausage; a Chefs Station with maple glazed Duroc ham and herb roasted Iowa farmed prime rib; a Fishery Station with smoked Coho salmon and smoked trout spread; and for younger family members, the Kid’s Corner, with silver dollar pancakes, Amish chicken nuggets, mac ‘n cheese, French bread pizzas and fruit cups. The cost of the Easter brunch is $27 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under and children four and under are complimentary.

Glen Prairie Local Flavor Fine Food & Drink is located at 1250 Roosevelt Rd. in Glen Ellyn, Ill. In Chicago’s western suburbs. Glen Prairie is open 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday. The lounge remains open one hour later than the restaurant each day. For more details, contact the restaurant at (630) 613-1250 or visit http://www.glenprairie.com/.

Karma Asian Food & Fine Wine
510 E. Route 83, Mundelein, Ill.
(847) 970-6900
http://www.karmachicago.com/

Easter Brunch Buffet at Karma April 12
Enjoy Easter brunch with family and friends at the chic pan-Asian restaurant Karma, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, April 12. There’s plenty to choose from including a Salad Station, with a variety of mixed greens and pasta salads; Seafood Station, with citrus poached King Salmon, shrimp with a plum tomato and horseradish sauce and Creole Bay scallop salad; Omelet Station; Hot Food, including scrambled egg with chives, pepper cured bacon, country sausage links, breakfast potatoes, buttermilk pancakes, cheese blintzes, Grecian style roast chicken, seared salmon and grilled pork loin; Carving Station, with herb and garlic crusted prime rib and oven roasted turkey breast; and Dessert Station, with assorted mini French pastries, fresh tortes and pies. Karma’s Easter Brunch Buffet is $26.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids and kids under five eat free.

Reservations are recommended. Karma is open seven days a week 6:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. for breakfast; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday for dinner, and 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday for dinner. The lounge is open 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 5 p.m. - midnight Friday and Saturday. Karma is located adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Chicago North Shore at 510 E. Route 83, Mundelein, Ill. For reservations or more information, call Karma at (847) 970-6900 or visit http://www.karmachicago.com/.

Maxwell’s At the Club
500 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago
(312) 527-5800 Ext. 301
http://www.eastbankclub.com/

Passover Buffet at Maxwell’s at the Club
The East Bank Club’s newly opened restaurant, Maxwell’s At the Club, is offering a special Passover Seder Buffet 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 8 . Maxwell’s head chef Rich Hall, along with East Bank Club’s executive chef, Mike Lodes have teamed up to prepare a lavish buffet complete with appetizers, entrees and desserts including Passover favorites like Matzo Ball Soup, Gefitle Fish with beet horseradish and Braised Brisket of Beef. “Many of our Passover dishes are prepared from family recipes. Passover dinner has been an East Bank Club tradition for years. Now that we are open to the public, we are thrilled to invite all of Chicago to enjoy this tradition,” says Mike Romano, director of food and beverage.

Other items on the buffet include Chopped Chicken Livers with matzo, Roasted Asparagus and Beet Salad with goat cheese, Roast Rack of Lamb with mint demi and jelly, Salmon with artichoke sauce, Lamb Meatballs with roasted eggplant sauce and Grilled Spiced Tuna. Dessert selections from the buffet include Charoset, Chocolate Dipped Matzo and Flourless Chocolate Cake.

Kosher wine also is included with the buffet, and each table will receive a traditional Haggadah so guests may participate in the Passover tradition of reading of the story of the Exodus. The Passover buffet is $45 for adults and $15 for children under 10. Reservations are recommended. Large groups are welcome.

Easter Sunday Brunch at Maxwell’s at the Club
This Easter, leave the cooking up to someone else and join Maxwell’s At the Club for an Easter Brunch, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12. This large buffet is filled with a variety of choices for every taste including Shrimp Cocktail, Chilled Roasted and Poached Salmon with mustard sauce, Lox and cream cheese, Curried Chicken Salad with apples, Applewood Smoked Bacon and Sausage, Toasted Cinnamon Brioche with peaches, Lemon Herb Chicken Breast, Roasted Potatoes and Vegetables, Three-Cheese Tortellini with spicy tomato sauce, plus a seasonal array of fruits and berries along with assorted pastries, breads and desserts. An Omelet and Waffle bar will also be available in addition to a Carving Station with Roast Prime Rib, Roast Rack of Lamb and Honey Glazed Spiral Ham. Children will enjoy a special visit from the Easter Bunny after 11 a.m. The cost of the buffet is $45 for adults and $15 for children under 10.

Maxwell’s At the Club is located in Chicago’s East Bank Club (500 N. Kingsbury St., 312-527-5800, Ext. 301). Maxwell’s is open weekdays 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. for dinner. The bar and lounge is open 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sunday brunch is served every week, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations for special holiday menus and events are strongly recommended. For more information visit online at http://www.eastbankclub.com/.