Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Oceanique Celebrates Julia Child’s 101th Birthday with a Lobster Dish that Julia Would Have Been Proud to Serve

Oceanique Restaurant in Evanston, Illinois (505 Main Street, Evanston, IL; 847-864-3435) will be participating in the 2013 Julia Child Bash sponsored by Chicago Originals ( www.chicagooriginals.com), from August 15-31, celebrating the 101th birthday of the famed French cookbook author and television icon. During this celebration, Oceanique is honoring the memory of Julia Child with their Wild Maine Lobster entrée (with tropea onion, basil potatoes, and yuzu-saffron), priced at $24.
"Julia Child was very fond of lobsters," says Chef Mark Grosz. "On her TV show, The French Chef , she described them as 'unique and beautiful, with a marvelous taste and really just like nothing else.' She also said that lobster was a 'special gastronomic experience.' We consider Julia to be marvelous and like no one else, a person who made French gastronomy a special experience for millions of Americans. That's why lobster is the cornerstone of our Julia Child 101th birthday celebration. We call our lobster entrée, simply, 'Wild Maine Lobster.' The dish includes tropea onion, basil potatoes and yuzu-saffron, and is priced at $24. We think Julia would have been very pleased with our lobster rendition."  

With roots in classic French culinary technique, Oceanique has evolved into a Contemporary Global restaurant. "It's an evolution of which we believe Julia, as a food adventurer, would have heartily approved," said Grosz. "We continue to use the freshest, locally available ingredients, clearly in the French tradition, and we use classic French techniques to bring out the wonderful flavor of the ingredients. What has changed at Oceanique, over the years, is our introduction of lighter ingredients into the menu and our greater use of fresh herbs, both of which reflect today's contemporary preferences. We've also been inspired by our global culinary travels and so you'll find ingredients from around the world."  

The highly acclaimed Oceanique has been voted the best seafood restaurant in the Chicago area by the Zagat Guide since 1993 and has earned the prestigious "Best Of" Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator every year since 1994. Wine Spectator has declared Oceanique as having one of the top 750 wine lists in the world.  

Oceanique recently celebrated its 25th anniversary by undergoing a complete re-design. The new, contemporary look is light, airy and comfortable, with new lighting that brings out the beauty of Chef Grosz's superb cuisine. Oceanique's ambiance remains relaxed and hospitable, making it the perfect setting for food and wine lovers. Additional changes include a new bar and lounge menu featuring shareable small plates.  

Oceanique, located at 505 Main Street in Evanston, Illinois, 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. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Oceanique at 847-864-3435 or visit the website at www.oceanique.com.  

Monday, August 12, 2013

Chicago French Market - Wednesday, August 14 Lunch Hour Music - Maverick and T


Wednesday, August 14 Lunch Hour Music - Maverick and T
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary
 
Don’t miss well known Chicago-native singing duo, Maverick & T this month. This duo, who both sing and play the guitar, offers a diverse array of songs. Enjoy classic rock and soul favorites in addition to some new, original compositions.  Come enjoy their lunch hour concert at The Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661; 312-575-0306), it’s the perfect musical escape for any hectic workday.   

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Chicago French Market - Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine Picnic Boxes

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine Picnic Boxes



Picnics shouldn't be work. They should be, well, a picnic!
Pastoral has taken all the work out of picnic planning with its portable, themed picnic boxes. Pastoral Picnics are perfect for a concert at Ravinia, a date in the park, or a relaxing evening in your back yard.  They’ve paired cheese, charcuterie and other accoutrements so delicious you'll be looking for reasons to picnic all year long.


Picnic basket selections include: the vegetarian Sweet & Savory; the Locavore; The French Countryside; Tapas for Two; or The Continental Picnic. Orders are available in store at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661) or by phone with up to six hours notice, or online the day before pick up. Pastoral will have the picnic, a full baguette, and even a wine pairing ready for you to go!
Online Ordering Link: http://shop.pastoralartisan.com/index.php/picnics.html
 
For more information call 312-454-2200

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Chicago French Market - Klay Oven Kitchen Beef Rogan Josh ($8.50)





Klay Oven Kitchen

Klay Oven at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661) has added a health conscious take on Beef Rogan Josh ($8.50) to its menu. While this Northern Indian curry dish is traditionally made with lamb, Klay Oven’s healthy version is made with lean-beef, which reduces fat while boosting flavor. Beef Rogan Josh is available throughout August with a rice bowl or in a wrap. 

For more infomation visit http://www.frenchmarketchicago.com/vendor/klay_oven_kitchen