First Bite – Macku Sushi by Rachel Gillman

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

I take my raw fish seriously. Mercury poisoning be damned, I eat sushi at least three or four times a week…the more often, the better. My affinity for Japanese food borders on obsession, which is why I was deeply disappointed to see Kaze close. One of the best sushi spots in Chicago, this Roscoe Village restaurant developed a reputation for culinary creativity, especially with their signature sashimi and nigiri. Fruit, spices and unexpected combinations made Kaze’s maki both distinctive and delicious.

Macku, the new incarnation of Kaze in Lincoln Park, reunites the original chefs and retains the same spirit. A small, intimate space with brick walls, dark wooden floors and moss green accents, it’s a Zen backdrop for intense eating. The white tablecloths signal serious dining and the chefs deliver. Tempura gets a gourmet makeover with basil-wrapped whitefish and black tiger shrimp, lightly battered and paired with Japanese mountain vegetables over a parlsey beurre – an electric green soup with sweet undertones. The spicy tuna wrapped in avocado was another successful twist on a traditional dish, served with flavorful spring rolls that deserve their own permanent spot on the menu.

While the makimono list features all the usual suspects – rainbow, dragon, spicy tuna and spider – they’re expertly prepared with premium fish. The spicy tuna, mango, shrimp and eel roll was one of the best, along with hamachi ebi tempura filled with yellowtail, crispy shrimp, cilantro, avocado and jalapeno for added kick. To really experience the talented chefs of Macku, focus on the signature sashimi and nigiri. Fresh basil, sweet arugula puree and fried shallots are just a few of the unusual ingredients that make Macku’s sushi shine.

The Madai with sea bream and toasted pine nuts is drizzled in a balsamic reduction and plated with a large leaf for added effect. I liked the Mebachi even better, a savory combination of big eye tuna, pickled onions, burdock root, chives, truffle oil and soy. This is sashimi on steroids with big, bold flavors and it looks almost as good as it tastes. One more recommendation is the Shiro Maguro nigiri, a thick piece of white tuna layered across rice and topped with a creamy banana wasabi puree. The nigiri selections are pricey by the piece, but it’s worth sampling at least one of the experimental combos.

Compared to the quality, Macku’s prices are fairly reasonable, although the sake list creeps upwards towards $60 for a small bottle. The most expensive roll is only $14 and the cooked entrees – including duck, venison and cod – are all $16 and under. While the Kani nigiri with crab and sea urchin is a splurge at $7 for a single piece, it’s still an affordable indulgence.

Kaze might be a fond dining memory, but Macku will create new ones. It’s a welcome addition to Chicago’s sushi scene and one of the best new spots in Lincoln Park.

www.mackusushi.com

Labels: 900 shop restaurants, chicago dining, fete select, lincoln park, Macku, Rachel Gillman, sushi

An "Epic" Review - By D.C. Crenshaw

Sunday, January 24, 2010

After a disappointing experience at the grand opening of the new restaurant Epic, in the downtown River North area of Chicago, I was a little hesitant to return for dinner. The event that evening was far too crowded and a little unorganized that left me pondering the concept of the new hot spot. I didn’t know whether they it was a club or a restaurant, so I decided to go back and check it out, after receiving a sincere message from their Maitre D'.

Upon arrival, I again had the same thoughts. Is Epic a club or a restaurant? But as soon as we were seated in the main dining area, the concept became very clear. The downstairs bar area provides more of a lounge atmosphere with hip music, couches and hi top bar seating. The upstairs space is where the feasting takes place. The entire place is massive complete with two levels, and a rooftop terrace. Epic’s design is simple and straightforward. The architecture has a loft like appearance with elements of exposed brick, steel and concrete. It didn’t wow me, but it got my attention.

Epic’s dinner menu is filled with beef, chicken, pork and fish entrées. Seafood items plaster most of the appetizer section and they have a nice selection of salads and side dishes to choose from. Since I’m a connoisseur of lamb shanks, I opted for the “Spiced Lamb Shank” entrée. Our waiter assured me that their lamb shank would be right up there with the best that I’ve had. Well, I wouldn’t necessarily give it those props, but it was definitely tender and succulent. The combination of spices complemented the shank and the lamb jus was pungently flavorful without sweetness. My dinner guests enjoyed the “Chilean Sea Bass” and “Salt Crusted Market Fish For Two” entrées. The presentations for both dishes were done well. The “Brussels Sprouts” side dish prepared with bacon, honey and chestnuts tempted my taste buds. The sweet and savory combination helped me forget that I was eating brussels sprouts for a moment, but sprouts are sprouts.

Dinner was capped with dessert. The “Chocolate” and “Pumpkin & White Chocolate” desserts were sampled. The former consisted of flourless cake, mousse and hot fudge, and the latter was made with toasted white chocolate cake, roasted pumpkin ice cream and chestnut caramel. Both desserts were solid, but didn’t have me licking the plate. The service started off a little slow, but picked up as the dinner progressed. The atmosphere was festive, which helped the cocktails to flow more readily, although, I wouldn’t recommend Epic for a quiet evening at dinner. Expect to drop $50 per person on dinner before getting your keys back from the valet and be prepared to hang out for after dinner cocktails in the downstairs bar area. Overall Epic’s cuisine was solid with a good atmosphere and decent service. Below are my Tru ratings.

My rating system is named after my son Tru. Tru means “loyal” and “honest” which my ratings reflect. The six “Tru” rating categories are denoted by a full upper case “T”. They are rated on a scale of 1 to 4 “T’s” with 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest.

1.) Palate – Cuisine quality.

2.) Assist Me – Refers to the level of service at the restaurant.

3.) Buzz Factor – Relates to drinks and the cocktail menu.

4.) Pretty People – Determines the ambiance and vibe of the restaurant.

5.) Pocket Change, Checking or Savings – Indicates the cost of an average dinner. Pocket Change ($10 - $15 per entrée) Checking ($15 - $25 per entrée) Savings ($25 - $35 per entrée)

6.) I’ll Be Back – Our overall dining experience at the restaurant


Epic Restaurant
Palate – TT
Assist Me – TT
Buzz Factor – TTt
Pretty People – TTT
Pocket Change, Checking or Savings - SAVINGS
I’ll Be Back – TTt

Epic Restaurant is located at 112 W. Hubbard St. downtown Chicago. www.epicrestaurantchicago.com.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, epic restaurant, fete select tv, fine dining, river north chicago, tru ratings

"The Balcony" Opens in Hinsdale

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Some business people have the ingredients for success. They find something that works and try to duplicate it. Restaurateur Jerry Kleiner is a perfect example of opening several restaurants very similar in style and experiencing a level of success. His restaurants include Red Light, Carnival, Giocco, Marche and most recently 33 Club. Those venues are located in the city, but Kleiner has ventured out to Hinsdale to open Il Poggiolo and is making his mark in the burbs.

Il Poggiolo is located on the site of Hinsdale's first silent movie theater and means "The Balcony". The interior is typcial "Kleineresque", rich in colors including vibrant red upholstery. The atmosphere is warm, classy, casual and elegant. Big picture windows allow for a nice view of the outside. Like a lot Kleiner restaurants the food is solid. Nothing will really blow you away here, but dishes are nice, savory, and satisfying. Favorites to consider are the Arancini (rice balls filled with mushrooms and taleggio) and the Pesce Spada con Caponata (sword fish, vegetables, raisins, pine nuts, capers). The Lamb Shank special was good, but could have been a little more tender and their Risotto del Giorno with corn, leaks and mushrooms met, but didn't exceed expectations. The Pan Roasted Halibut and Pan Roasted Seabass rounded out other solid dishes. The Fig Tart dessert was something special and comes highly recommended by yours truly.

Il Poggiolo is a nice addition to downtown Hinsdale and should continue to provide Kleiner with a string of successful hot spots. The vibe and location could make it a fan favorite for the locals. Il Poggiolo is located at 8 East First Street in the historic Harold R Zook building. Log onto www.ilpoggiolohinsdale.com for more information. Check out Fete Select TV for more reviews on the newest and best restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, efete.net, fete select tv, hinsdale, il poggiolo, italian cuisine, jerry kleiner, suburbs

DC's Jamaican Sunday Brunch at Ja'Grill

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Yeah Mon! We're brunchin' this Sunday 11 am - 3 pm in Lincoln Park. Join DC at Ja' Grill for the only Jamaican brunch in the city. Ja' Grill was featured on Fete Select TV as one of the best new restaurants in 2008. The menu is fabulous plus Ja' Grill is serving complimentary Blue Mountain Coffee during brunch hours.

This is a special treat for coffee lovers, because Jamaica Blue Mountain is the rarest and most sought after coffee in the world!

Located at the eastern ends of the island of Jamaica runs a majestic range of hills known as the Blue Mountains. At elevations of up to 5,000 feet the terrain, soil, rainfall, and the thick Blue Mountain mist combine to create the perfect conditions for the cultivation of the World's famous, most distinguished and most delicious Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee.

Ja' Brunch menu is $18 and includes any 4 different menu items in any category, a Ja' Bloody Mary or Ja' Mimosa, and unlimited Blue Mountain Coffee.

Ja' Brunch
Sunday 11am-3pm

Featuring
Jerk Chicken and Waffles with Butter Rum Syrup

Breakfast Options
Akee and Cod Fish
Scrambled Eggs with Mixed Peppers
Waffles with Butter Rum Syrup
Fruit Selection
Festival
Bacon

Platters
Jerk Chicken
Jerk Pork
Curry Chicken
Curry Goat
Stew Chicken

Veggies
Ital Stew
Callaloo
Cabbage & Carrots
Rice and Peas

Spirits
Ja' Bloody Mary
Ja' Mimosa

Call (773) 929-JERK (5375) for reservations
www.jagrill.com

Labels: blue mountain coffee, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, ja grill, jamaican cuisine, jerk chicken, lincoln park, sunday brunch, waffles

"Wish" Upon A Sushi Star

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The song “When You Wish Upon A Star” was made famous in the Walt Disney movie Pinocchio and includes the lyrics “Anything that your heart desires will come to you”. The song has some other inspirational lyrics such as, “If your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme. When you wish upon a star as dreamers do”. Well the folks at Nozumi Japanese Cuisine must have sang that song a few times, because their “wish” has come true. Nozumi is the newest Japanese restaurant to open in the North Western suburbs, but the 45 minute drive out to South Barrington is well worth the trip.

The literal translation of Nozumi is “wish”. Their wish is to take you on a journey of the five senses while exploring their Japanese cuisine. Nozumi’s culinary team consists of world travelers that give their own interpretation of the menu items, therefore they soar above the traditional approach to sushi. Nozumi is all about sharing and Executive Chef Andy Park created the menu with that in mind. Even the Nozumi Menu Box – a collection of five books, or menus, are meant to be shared. This new approach is distinctly separated into a beverage menu, plates menu, sushi menu, sweets and treats menu, and a chefs daily special menu. I had numerous favorites out the fourteen dishes that were shared, but the following were at the top of the list.

Scallop Ebisu – seared scallops, saffron cream couscous, asparagus, tomato confit, soy balsamic reduction.

Shinju Crab Cake – Shiso remoulade, scallop puree, sawgani, haricort vert, shitake vinaigrette.

Chef’s Special Signature Roll – Roasted pepper seasoned spicy tuna, cucumber wrapped in nori topped with Japanese sea bream in ponzu sauce.

Nozumi doesn’t only serve sushi, but meat and pasta dishes. Don’t leave the table without trying their tender Taiyou Short Ribs. The Kobe Steak melts in your mouth and the Togarashi Mauro Penne Pasta has a sun-dried tomato cream sauce and big eye tuna combination that will have you biting your fork. Dessert is a must with the Shokura Dream chocolate layered cake and the Natsuki Apple Brulee.

Nozumi is simple yet stylish. The sushi bar area is upbeat and vibrant, but a separate dining area appears to be more relaxed and chilled. The bar area is roomy enough to enjoy a cocktail and an entree without being too crowded. Owner Fred Hong was certain to hire a staff that was knowledgeable about their cuisine and serious about their service.

Yes, Nozumi appears to have had their wish fulfilled, but the true test will come from the wish of their customers. Nozumi is located at 100 W. Higgins Road in South Barrington. For more information log onto www.nozumirestaurant.com. Also check out Fete Select TV for an inside look at the newest and hottest restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: andy park, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, fred hong, kobe beef, nozumi japanese cuisine, south barrington illinois, sushi

"About Last Night..." Gia catches some of that Wildfire

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Nothing makes for a greater night out than combining a game of competitive pool with a little Wildfire.  Except in my case, the pool consists of dancing around the table and shaking the pool stick around like a ninja...entertaining but not quite competitive.  

Needless to say, I brought my appetite by the time we hit Wildfire on W. Erie.  While I realize this place is neither new, nor is their a doubt in anyone's mind as to whether or not this would make for a great meal.  But you know me by now...it's not just about the meal...it's the whole experience.

This place smells delicious, as you might imagine.  It has a regal and classy feel.  I must have sipped the Stormy Night drink down too fast because I really don't recall the musical selections for this fine establishment.  For the record, that is one puckery drink, I'm certain I had that ear to ear grin like the Joker plastered all over my face.  

The appetizers chosen were classic, yet delicious.  Oven baked goat cheese, spinach artichoke fondue and calamari - all excellent choices.  The main course however was, as shown in the picture above, an item that was not actually written on the menu but a must have item...the Macadamia nut crusted Halibut.  WOW...buttery, rich, and amazing over the white flaky fish.   Another tasty choice was the Fillet medallions with signature crusts...my personal favorite was the mushroom, but you can pick three and try a variety such as Parmesan and blue cheese crusts.  AS IF that wasn't enough food, we were over served with the Au Gratin potatoes, wild rice and steamed broccoli.  I recommend it all, but please make sure you ask for the Halibut, it's like a great little secret.   

Three Stormy Nights later, still smiling like the Joker, I politely declined desert...stood up and curtsied in gratitude for a lovely evening.

In this photo: Gia Claire, Professional Bloggess (pretending to know how to play pool)

Wildfire is located on 159 W. Erie, Chicago, IL 312.787.9000

Labels: Chicago dating and dining, chicago dining, fine chicago dining

Max Out in Glencoe

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Finding the time to play golf is a challenge on many different levels, especially while living in the city. The first challenge is making the tee time early enough to avoid being on the course the entire day. Secondly, the location must not be too far from the city and should have easy access away from major traffic. Thirdly, the golf course itself must be void of a lot of water, trees and brush that will limit the number of balls that I lose. Lastly, but most importantly is the club house food, which should be good enough to make up for bad shots and a high score. The Glencoe Golf Club seems to have at least the latter locked down with their newly renovated restaurant Max’s on the Green.

Larry Estes, President and founder of Catering by Max’s, opened Max’s on the Green with the intentions of making it more than a food venue for golfers. His hopes are to attract locals to dine at Max’s on the Green throughout the week, regardless of golfing. The menu consists of breakfast and lunch, but the dinner menu deserves the most attention. Atypical of most club house options dinner entrees include dishes such as the Salmon Filet, Lobster Ravioli, Pork Chop and Skirt Steak. The Greg Norman Kobe Burger was delicious and consists of an 8 oz beef burger grilled to your liking and served on a pretzel bun. Be sure to complement the burger with cheese fries or onion strings. Although Max’s is known for their Italian Beef the Grilled Chicken sandwich topped with your choice of BBQ sauce or honey mustard is the way to go. They still have the traditional golf course grub, including sandwiches, salads and wraps and a few dessert menu items. All meals can be enjoyed inside the restaurant or on the outside deck overlooking the ninth hole. Max’s transforms into a traditional restaurant setting with waiters and servers only during dinner hours.

The Glencoe Golf Club is located on the North Shore at 621 Westly Rd and is not too far from the city. The public golf course is gorgeous and scenic. For more information about Max’s on the Green and the Glencoe Golf Club log onto www.cateringbymaxs.com or www.glencoegolfclub.com. Check out Fete Select TV for a review of the newest and best restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: catering, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, glencoe, glencoe golf club. max's on the green, italian beef, kobe beef, larry estes, north shore

The "Fat Kid" Knows Protein

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Most great ideas are inspired by personal experiences or passions. In the restaurant/food industry, many concepts emerge from the love of a particular ethnic food, a visit to another part of the world, or a need that has yet to be addressed. Bottom line is that we create based on our own motivations, successes or challenges. Being known as the “fat kid” growing up was challenge for Matt Matros, but helped to motivate him to shed 60 pounds eight years a go. His vision after dropping the poundage was to help people everywhere live the healthy lifestyle that they want to live. His brainchild? “Protein Bar”, a new food venue downtown Chicago where folks can quickly get a meal with essential proteins needed to live a healthy active lifestyle.

“Protein Bar” has signature protein drinks, signature whole grain bowls and a plethora of boosts too choose from along with fresh made wraps, soups and salads. There is also an option to build your own drink or bowl if you’re not feeling any of the signature options, but a must try signature protein drink is the “Wrigley Peeled”, consisting of chocolate protein, a choice of milk, all natural peanut butter and banana. “Protein Bar” uses either whey, soy, or egg as a protein and has four different types of milk. Some of their boosts include an “Anti-Oxidant Blend”, “Fat Burner Blend”, “Hangover Blend”, and “Libido Blend”. Gotta try the “Libido Blend”! Their whole grain bowl options are steel-cut oatmeal, quinoa, power granola, or Kashi Go-Lean Crunch. Try the “Crackberry” bowl if you like Acai berries mixed with vanilla protein, yogurt, power granola and a fresh banana. All items are high in protein and fiber and low in sugar. The “Chipotle Roast Beef with Guacamole” highlights their wrap selections.

“Protein Bar” provides nutritional facts about all of their menu items, which is very helpful for the health conscious individual. The menu explains the differences between proteins and compares the nutritional differences between their signature items and similar selections found at Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Duncan Donuts and Chipotle. Overall, “Protein Bar” is a new favorite of yours truly, another former “fat kid”, and will be a frequent stop on my protein tour.

“Protein Bar” is located at 235 South Franklin Street. For more information log onto www.proteinbarchicago.com. Check out Fete Select TV for more restaurant reviews and an inside look at Chicago’s newest restaurants.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, eating well, fast food, fete select tv, healthy eating, matt matros, protein bar, protein shakes

Food For All..."Dietbytes" by Sandy

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Why is eating right so hard for everyone? There are a million possible answers to this question, but instead of agonizing over the right one, I try to make healthy eating SIMPLE. I work to empower those with diabetes to make easy, healthy, and delicious meals. People with diabetes already have a lot to think about and preparing complicated meals should not be one of them. One tactic as a dietitian that I have always had while counseling people, is to focus on adding better foods to their diet instead of focusing on the "bad" foods to eliminate (I hate being considered the "food police!"). The comforting news is that there are some "super foods" that those with diabetes and the rest of us should be eating on a regular basis.

Beans
Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
Citrus fruits
Sweet Potatoes
Berries
Tomatoes
Fish with Omega-3s
Whole grains
Nuts
Fat-free milk and yogurt

Notice that these aren't exotic or even expensive foods. But, they are proven to boost health and help manage diabetes. So, keep it simple when planning meals and focus on the super foods to maximize nutrition. For further assistance, check out the 4-Ingredient Diabetes Cookbook by Nancy S. Hughes (published by the American Diabetes Association, 2007) for effortless snacks, meals, and desserts. It includes quick and easy recipes with nutritional information and diabetic exchanges for every recipe. Healthy cooking couldn't be more painless!

Healthy Eating!

Labels: berries, chicago dining, diabetic cooking, dining out, efete recipes, efete.net, healthy eating, sandy sfikas

Gastrogasmic Dining at State & Lake With Kellye

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

I made the foolish mistake of checking out The Wit, on opening weekend.
It was energizing, exciting and best of all pleasing to my taste buds. Although I was only able to try two of the restaurants, The Roof and State and Lake, the latter was my favorite.

As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not start that day off with something unexpected. Sure pancakes and eggs over easy would be fine but they wouldn’t be gastrogasmic!

State and Lake is billed as a gastro pub. Their breakfast menu is disproportionately meat friendly but that’s never a problem with this carnivore! The restaurant offers omelettes and frittatas, pancakes and waffles, fruits and veggies all laden with that gastro pub/comfort food feel.

I grazed through items like Steak and Bennies, Braised Pork Shoulder with Biscuits and smoked garlic and the Short Rib omelette and thought to myself, will I need a nap or a cardiologist after this meal? I opted for the short rib omelette. Four eggs wrapped around 16 hour braised short ribs, Wisconsin cheddar, mushrooms and caramelized onions. As if it needed anything else, breakfast potatoes and a stack of pancakes tagged along too. It was love at first bite. The beef was incredibly tender and melted away with the firmness of the mushrooms, and bite of the cheddar. Who would ever think that this flavor combination would work? How could eggs compliment beef like this? I continuted eating and eating. I did sample the pancake, too doughy and raw. The potatoes were a nice touch but didn’t hold a candle to the omelette. To be honest they were really just wasting space on the plate, begging to be included in the omelette fiesta!

I rarely flash around my membership card to the Clean Plate Club but that morning was something other worldly. In a word, gastrogasmic. State and Lake offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Though the service is spotty it’s worth it to get a nibble at what’s been created here.

There are different 16 beers on tap and thankfully you won’t find Budweiser here!! All offerings are premium boutique beers ranging from Abita, Dogfish IPA to Allagash and Two Brothers! The wine list is obscure but familiar. All in all, this place is worth waking up early on a Saturday for.

The Wit Hotel
State and Lake Restaurant
201 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312)467-0200

Labels: breakfast, brunch, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, efete.net, gastro pub, kellye washington, state and lake, the wit hotel

Yes...The Burbs Have Skills Too!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Many city dwellers perceive Chicago's suburbs as being foreign, out of touch and not very cosmopolitan. The thought of driving 20 to 30 minutes to enjoy an evening out with friends or just a fabulous dinner is not the norm, since the city has so much of that kind of stuff to offer. Of course suburbanites beg the differ and their dining options continue to increase to include fabulous local restaurants with big city appeal. Glen Ellyn's Glen Prairie restaurant is one of those new upscale places that has both city folks and suburbanites raving.

Glen Prairie offers casual sophistication in a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The menu is contemporary American cuisine and their ingredients come from local contemporary American farmers. Starter dishes like "Grilled Sweet Corn and Tomato Bruschetta" and "Buttermilk Fried, Herb Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms" are straightforward and very tasty. The "Wisconsin Pike" and "Bison Ribeye" are entrees that were well prepared and very memorable. Other signature must haves are the "Miller Farms Seared Chicken" and the "Parpadelle Carbonara" served with "Caw Caw Creek proscuitto, slow roasted tomatoes and fresh herbs. Their side dishes are the perfect complement to any meal, but the "Mac N Local Farmed Cheese" is what foodies dream about. A variety of desserts plaster the menu, but their "mini" order option satisfies the sweet tooth with smaller tastings of at least six of their offerings, including the "Bing Cherry, Brioche Bread Pudding", "Strawberry, Peaches & Cream Trifle", and "Heavenly Brownie Sundae". The cocktail menu boasts a plethora of signature martinis and their wine list is solid and affordable. In-fact, expect to enjoy a very pleasant dinner in an upscale environment without breaking the bank.

Glen Prairie is connected to the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 1250 Roosevelt Rd, but this restaurant could just as well be connected to a Four Seasons. The service was great and the surroundings were elegant. It's about a 30-40 minute drive from the city, but the trip was well worth the trip. Glen Prairie serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a gluten free menu. Click here for more information www.cpglenellyn.com.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, crowne plaza hotel, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, fine dining, glen ellyn, glen prairie, local farmers, suburbs, upscale cuisine

3,400,000 Margaritas and Still Going Strong!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Everyone has a Mama, but not everyone has a "Mama" like Fernando's Tequila Bar and Restaurant. That's because Executive Chef Carmen Gonzalez is the matriarch of the twenty-five year old Mexican joint and has been in the industry for forty-five years. Carmen, affectionately known as "Mama" by the regulars and her kitchen staff, is married to husband Fernando and together have made their restaurant a mainstay for authentic Mexican regional cuisine.

Like most Mexican restaurants, Fernando's menu consists of traditional items such as burritos, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas and fajitas. Two dishes that are special to Fernando's are the Chicken Oaxaca (a boneless chicken breast cooked in a paper bag) and Grilled Rainbow Trout (topped with garlic and cucumber). The ceviche ixtapa appetizer stood out, but the queso fundido needs some work. What really makes Fernando's hop are their signature hand-blended margaritas specially prepared by Fernando himself. Fresh fruits and their secret family recipe may have contributed to Fernando's selling more than 3,400,000 margaritas over the past twenty-five years. The atmosphere definitely feels like a friendly neighborhood spot and is great for families.

Fernando's, located at 3450 N. Lincoln Ave in the Lakeview area, will celebrate 25 years on July 22nd. Food samplings, a mariachi band, and tequlia samplings will highlight some of the festivities. For more information call (773) 477-6930. Also check out www.efete.net for more dining options and watch Fete Select TV to get an inside look at the newest and hottes restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: authentic cuisine, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, Fernando's, fete select tv, lakeview, mexican cuisine, tequila bar

"About Last Night..." Gia enjoys the "Bride of the Fox"

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Otherwise known as Kanbara Sake, which means "The Bride of the Fox" it was THE perfect way to start this amazing meal.  Though I do recommend a good looking man in tow, the chilled, crisp, yet warming flavor of this sake is so delicious once it hits your lips you'll forget who you came with and where you're going later.  But if you find yourself in need of some Japanese "home cooking" you must journey to Takashi, as in Chef Takashi's beautiful, romantic establishment on Damen.  

I recommend sitting on the second floor where you literally feel like you're in the Chef's home and he's cooking a meal just for you.  The decor is modern yet electric and the cozy padded seating in the corners make the perfect night for romance, which by the way was at every corner (including mine).  The jazz is soft and sexy and the wait staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable of the menu.  The occasion feels special and the menu is methodic with a recommended pattern of ordering and devouring.  Cold Plates, Hot Plates, and Main Plates.  Yes, Yes, Yes.

Almost impossible to articulate is the palette of flavors that are present in every dish.  The Spring Rolls were crisp with a slightly tangy vinaigrette, and the Sashimi plate boasted scallops and Big Eye Tuna which were each marinated in their own delicious sauce.  Next came the Beef Short Ribs sitting on a beautifully textured combination of brown rice, Chinese sausage and Shitake mushrooms, and though we should have stopped at one hot plate, we could not refuse the Caramel Pork Belly eaten as an open faced sandwich with buns that literally felt like clouds. But...here is where I would pull the Meg Ryan scene from "When Harry Met Sally"...you know the scene I'm talking about.  Three words... Soft Shell Crab.  I could have eaten it all night...every night and never been more satisfied.  Understand? it was that good.  

And yet...the Chicken in Clay Pot was mouthwatering, as I discovered a new favorite mushroom...the Shimeji, my new little friend.  I seem to have distant memories of desert, but the Yuzu Pudding Cake was light and tropical...with that lingering feeling of coconut on your lips.

As the sun set beautifully across the flickering candles I was reflecting on the joy of food...the blessing of great company...and...another glass of sake.

In this photo:  Chef Takashi, Gia Clair

Takashi is located at 1952 N Damen 773.772.6170

Labels: chicago dining, dining and dating, japanese dining

Katz and Boehm Makes Perennial Sizzle In Lincoln Park

They say that three is a charm, but that’s not necessarily true for Chicago restaurateurs Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm. That’s because the dynamic duo have already been successful opening two of the best and hottest restaurants in Lincoln Park, BOKA and Landmark Bar & Grill. Both restaurants have received critical acclaim from local and national publications and continue to be considered two of the more popular spots for great cuisine, cocktails and atmosphere. However, Katz and Boehm just weren’t satisfied with their two gems and decided to open a third restaurant about a year a go. Perennial, has lived up to its name and Executive Chef Ryan Poli was added to bring a new casual dining experience to Chicago.


Perennial’s menu boasts a plethora of approachable dishes such as the Soft Shell Crab” and the “Brown Butter Gnocchi” appetizers. Both starters are prepared with flavors that are succulent and a presentation that differs from similar type dishes. The entrees are a perfect mix of seafood, meat and pasta selections, which makes it a difficult task to choose. However the “Grilled Salmon”, “Alaskan Halibut”, “Compart Duroc Porkbelly” and “Sea Scallops” are all popular dishes that won’t disappoint. The “Perennial Mac and Cheese” side dish holds it own when compared to other mac and cheese dishes in the city. An attractive array of desserts and cheeses complements the menu, but the standout is the warm chocolate brownie served with coffee ice cream.

Their specialty cocktail menu is also seasonal and the wine list is manageable. The service was attentive, but not overbearing and the waiter was knowledgeable about the cuisine, cocktails and wine. The vibe and crowd is casual elegance and atmosphere is loud enough to enjoy a dinner conversation. As the summer weather heats up Chicago expect Perennial to be even hotter during the months to come.

Perennial is located at 1800 N. Lincoln Ave in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. For more information log onto www.perennialchicago.com. Check out more reviews and to get an inside look at the newest hottest restaurants on Fete Select TV.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, fine dining, kevin boehm, lincoln park, new restaurants, perennial chicago, rob katz, ryan poli

Sushi Mon Wizard Is "Pressed" in Chicago

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Head to any neighborhood in Chicagoland and you’re bound to run into at least one or two sushi spots. Eating sushi has become as common as grabbing a turkey burger or cobb salad. It’s tasty, healthy and in most cases affordable. However, not all sushi is made the same. In-fact, Sushi Mon’s “pressed sushi” is the only sushi of its kind in Chicago. Created by Bat, a certified sushi wizard, Sushi Mon has become a popular new hot spot known for great sushi, crazy combinations and an intimate atmosphere.

Bat honed his sushi skills in LA and brought his creativity to Chicago three years ago. His pressed sushi consists of compressed rice and ingredients topped off with avocado, slices of succulent fish and tasty sauces. To experience the true flavors of the pressed sushi, Bat suggests that you try his creations without soy sauce. Pressed sushi favorites include “Salmon Bliss” made with salmon, seaweed, masago, avocado, and sesame seeds, the “Chicago” consisting of crab, unagi, avocado, masago and spicy mayo, and the “Crazy” created with salmon, tuna, ebi, wasabi mayo, wasabi tobiko, avocado and seaweed. The menu also allows sushi lovers to create their own pressed sushi. Sushi Mon still has the usual Sushi Nigiri and Sashimi selections along with a number of appetizers and salads. Expect to discover fresh sushi at an affordable price. Average cost for pressed sushi rolls are $12, but other rolls range between $3.50 – $6.95 per roll. If you’re in the mood for cocktails, be sure to bring your favorite bottle of sake or wine, because Sushi Mon is BYOB.

Sushi Mon is located near Lincoln Park at 2441 N. Clark Street. Guests can dine-in, carry-out or have their favorite sushi delivered. For more information log onto www.sushimonchicago.com. Check out Fete Select TV on www.efete.net for an inside look into the newest and best Chicago restaurants.

Labels: bat, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, lincoln park, pressed sushi, sushi mon

West Loop's Market Bar Finally Has Full Line Up

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Three weeks a go the buzz was humming about Market, the new West Loop sports bar that was opening on Randolph Street. Chicago White Sox GM Kenny Williams is supposedly part owner of the new venue along with two other Chicago restaurateurs. Unfortunately, on opening night the restaurant was serving food, but not beer, wine or cocktails, due to the lack of a liquor license. However, last week Market received the green light from the city and is making up for time lost by serving great cocktails to complement their terrific food.

Market is a multi-faceted restaurant and sports bar that offers guests traditional American classics with an aesthetic flair by Chef Joe Rosetti. The menu boasts a variety of appetizers, salads, specialty sandwiches, pizza, burgers and main dishes. Chef Rosetti’s cuisine is definitely above average compared to other recently opened luxury sports bar in the city. The “Mac and Cheese Muffins” and “Popcorn Shrimp” are must have starters. Their braised beef and BBQ pulled pork “Sliders” are not only very tasty, but plentiful. Sanwedges to try are “The Body Builder”, piled high with oven roasted turkey and “The Strip Club”, consisting of Chile rubbed chicken and peppered bacon. If you like turkey burgers, then try “The Herky”, served with avocado and thick cut turkey bacon and truffled fries. Folks are raving about the “Mustard and Maple Glazed Salmon” main dish and the giant chocolate chip dessert served warm a la mode style. There really isn’t a dish that is not worth trying at Market and you will forget that it’s supposed to be bar food.

Market’s main dining room is sports bar chic and has a casual vibe. The first floor features 20 42′ inch flat screen televisions and one 92′ inch projection screen. They have three outdoor places to eat and drink, including the Beer Garden, Rooftop Lounge and Sidewalk Cafe. The summer months should make this a great place to hang and enjoy great weather and food.

Market is located at 1113 W. Randolph in the West Loop. The restaurant opens for lunch at 11 am. Log onto www.marketbarchicago.com for more information. Watch Fete Select TV on www.efete.net for an inside look into the newest and hottest restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: chicago bars, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, joe rosetti, kenny williams, market bar chicago, west loop restaurants, white sox

Gastrogasmic Dining at Table 52 With Kellye

It was supposed to be better the second time. Everyone said give it another shot. A girlfriend said that it’s always awkward the first time and I needed to give it time to get better. My only thought was, “it’s a restaurant not the birds and the bees.” So I did. I waited over six months to take a trip back to Art Smith’s Table 52. The little greystone was jammed. People waiting to be seated? Maybe it would be better this time! The reviews had certainly improved so what did I have to lose? After taking a long look at the fancified Southern favorites I was pleased. The menu had evolved and read like a Low Country cookbook. Chef Smith had brought favorites like pork chops, greens, grits and jambalaya to the menu and dressed them up with a price fitting this Gold Coast restaurant.

We began with the Low-Country shrimp and stone ground grits. When they arrived I was pleased. The grits were topped off with four large shrimp sautéed beautifully and then topped with a smattering of roasted red peppers that brought my taste buds to attention. The grits were creamy and buttery, dense without being chewy. The shrimp popped when I bit into it and made me hungrier for what awaited. Little did I know I should’ve had another order of grits and called it a night. Next came the quail. Two adorable little birds, arrived with grill marks (I love these) and a generous serving of carrots, braised legumes and onions. I thought it would be impossible for a chef of such high caliber to destroy something as simple as vegetables. Even my mother, who would rather make reservations than a home cooked meal, has mastered braising and sautéing vegetables. The quail while tender and generous in proportion was flavor free. Art Smith, meet Salt and his wife Pepper. The ancho-chile crusted pork chop with butter beans and brussel sprout leaves looked quite appealing on the menu so I was quite anxious to taste it. It arrived in perfect time. Prepared medium rare just as it should but completely overdone with the heavy ancho-chile crust. I tasted the smokiness of the chile and lots of salt. It only took two bites before I needed to be reassured that my name wasn’t Bullwinkle and that we had indeed ordered a pork chop. Not a salt lick. How could the appetizer have been so good and the mains making me wish I’d stayed home with leftover Chinese and a Law and Order marathon?

Thankfully dessert saved me from my hunger. I dove into Chef Smith’s Hummingbird cake. The symphony of pineapple cake with banana icing repeated over several layers was the life boat of this dinner. It was Gastrogasmic. Sweet chunks of pineapple fell out of the cake and begged to wrapped in the homemade vanilla ice cream. Hummingbird cake is the new crack.

While the wine list is studded with obscure international picks and the stateside selections are what you’d expect. Well priced bottles and glass pours were a welcome surprise considering the dining menu.

Table 52
52 West Elm
Chicago, IL 60610
312-573-4000

Labels: art smith, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, fete select tv, fine dining, gold coast, kellye washington, oprah's chef, soul food, table 52

Gastrogasmic Dining at Eve With Kellye

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

I recently had a serious craving for a good, juicy burger. It was imperative that I got a great burger before the week was out. Of course we’ve all seen the ads and read the press about “amazing hamburgers” in posh restaurants. Chefs will top, insulate, infuse and marinate their designer burgers with everything. Caviar, 20 year old French cheeses, Trappist monk beer, lobster, Asian pears, carrots and sauerkraut have all found their way between the beef and a bun.

Like any other reasonable carnivore I love my beef. It’s a staple of my diet and I don’t need a lot of hoopla to go with a classic meal. I’m easy when it comes to the hamburger. Swiss cheese and crispy bacon. So the question remained, where? Where could I go to find nirvana on a plate? What restaurant wouldn’t charge me $27 for Wisconsin beef and their idea of fancy mushrooms? More importantly, where would the service be good too?

Generic chain restaurants were out. I needed something that would make me take pause. A burger so good that I might just eat the whole thing.
It came in a flash, Eve. It was two blocks from my house and I’ve never had a bad meal there.

Much to my surprise, Executive Chef Troy Graves has added classic Korean spice to an American favorite. The Bulgogi Burger. In Korea bulgogi consists of strips of sirloin marinated in sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar and garlic, grilled to temperature then laid on a bed of noodles and vegetables. At Eve, Chef Graves has added green onions and shallots into his sirloin patty and for extra an kick, laid the burger on bed of Kimchee, and topped it all off with a hard fried egg.

The order was in. I would have classic Korea and American on a plate. Rome wasn’t built in a day so be patient. Each burger is made to order. This includes onion and shallot dicing, patty forming and then grilling.

In the past I’ve struggled with the bun to burger and toppings ratio. I’ve found that there is always too much bun. So I’ve started making a “nest” for my burgers. If the kitchen won’t do it I will. I just scoop out the excess bread in the top of the bun, and then I’m left with a little dome for which my beefy treat can rest in easily. The bun for the Bulgogi was perfect, it allowed the flavors of the egg, beef and kimchee to take center stage and refuses to be masked by unnecessary starch. It was, gastrogasmic. After my first bite all of my senses where ignited. Literally. The fiery kimchee made my tongue spark and only added to the intensity of the onion and shallot laced beef. The meat was cooked to perfection (medium rare) and the juices of the meat ran down my hand. It was exactly what I was looking for. I’m not one of those people who make noise when the food is good. I just enjoy the experience but this was other worldly. I was speechless. At one point my server asked me how it was and all I could do was nod my head and make some noise that resembled the satisfaction I feel in other adult situations!


Eve
840 N. Wabash Ave. (btw Pearson and Chestnut)
Chicago, IL 60611
312.266-3383
Evechicago.com

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dining out, efete.net, eve chicago, gastrogasmic dining, gourmet burgers, kellye washington

"About Last Night.." Small Bar meets Goose Girl...by Gia Claire

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

I recently became aware of a significant menu change at “Small Bar” on Division. With burgers named "Lawnboy, Bacon B' Looza, and Hellfire". I was in. While I do love to fancy up to a dirty martini in a sexy LBD, the test of true love, or at least a good date can occur in a place like this.

So I'm walkin into Small Bar, enjoying the comfort of my True Religion jeans, and flip flops feeling just the right amount of bass to drown out the game on the plasma, sorry guys. I'm admiring the wait staff adorned in tattoos, and piercings, and they all appear to be having fun...I like this.

I'm starting to think that if the date goes South, I could stay, show my tattoo for entry into the "fun club" and finish out the night.

Most impressive about "Small Bar" is the GINORMOUS amount of micro brews. With complete lack of knowledge or interest in hops, I make selections based on names...much like I might choose a team based on colors. "Flying Dog Doggie Style"…"Skull Splitter"...and "Brewdog Punk", and the most dangerous burger on the menu..."Hellfire". Bring it on.

This burger boasted hot pepper cheese, pickled jalapenos, fried onion rings and a spicy sauce. Alas my brews…and while the server explained the ingredients, and YES they all tasted different, I must say, not for me. I was sporting a slight warmness from the beer when the Hellfire arrived. Delicious. Hot.

I realized that the tingle of the beer combined with the spice of the Hellfire made for neither a fancy date nor a meaningful conversation due to the fire on my lips and the vast amounts of water I was gulping down. I cleaned the plate. No apologies. But next time…no skinny jeans.

Small Bar is located at 2049 W. Division, Chicago, IL 60622 773.772.2727

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dating, microbrews, small bar, west division

"Dine With D.C." Week 4 Menu

Monday, May 11, 2009

The fourth and final "Dine With D.C." series is this Wednesday May 13th. Guests have been been floored by the culinary creations of Chef Jordan Sprtiz of Jordan's Food of Distinction. Please join us at the JFOFD for an intimate private dinner in Jordan's kitchen studio (1551 W. Thomas St). Only 20 guests allowed for the $65 per person dinner. The menu is below and includes unlimited cocktails and wine. Please RSVP to dc@efete.net to reserve a seat at the table. Please inform us if you have any food or allergy restrictions at the time of your RSVP.

Amuse
Butter Milk Poached White Asparagus with Aged Bresola and
Warm Organic B.B Santé Extra Virgin Olive Oil


1st Course
Creamy Velvet Heirloom Tomato – Fennel Bisque with
Marinated Grilled Romaine Hearts and Chive Scented Humboldt Fog Goats Cheese

2nd
Organic “Farmer Joe” Baby Watercress with Shallot Scented Roasted Garlic Cream and Slow Braised Easter Egg Radish – Soy Bean Sprout Salad

3rd
Shallow White Peach Cider Poahed European Turbot with
s & s Caramelized Bartle Pear Puree and Asiago “ Consommé”

4th
Handmade Hon ji Minji Ravioli with
Truffle Scented Wild Blue Trumpet - Oyster Mushroom Ragout and
Organic Caper – Citrus Raisin – Brown Butter Emulsion

5th
Assorted Tropical Fruit Gelato with
Organic Citrus - Blackberry Glee and Sweet Basil “Cappuccino”

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dine with d.c., dinner parties, jordan spritz, jordan's food of distinction, pam spritz, private dining, upscale cuisine

Week 3 Menu for "Dine With D.C."

Monday, May 4, 2009

The first two "Dine With D.C." private dinners have been amazing. Please join us for the third of four private dining series featuring Executive Chef Jordan Spritz of Jordan's Food of Distinction. The "Dine With D.C." dinner is hosted at the JFOFD intimate private kitchen studio (1551 W. Thomas St.) and only allows up to 20 guests. At $65 per person, the menu is below and includes unlimited cocktails and wine. Please RSVP to dc@efete.net to reserve a seat at the table. Please inform us if you have any food or allergy restrictions.

Amuse-
Fresh Ginger Scented Honeydew Melon Soup with Spicy Candied Pineapple and Creamy Hawaiian Farms Goats Milk Feta Cream

1st
Hand Made Miniature Marinated Rock Lobster Tortellini with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Poached Baby Organic Leeks and Saffron Scented White Wine - Shellfish Broth

2nd
Spring Tribute
3rd

Crispy Pancetta Crusted British Isles Monk Fish Tail with Caramelized Parsnip Fondue and Lemon Citrus Scented Edaname

4th
A Study in Caramel
Warm Milk Caramel Custard Tartlet with Mediterranean Sea Salted Burnt Caramel Ice Cream and Miniature Crispy Fried Cactus Honey Caramel Tortellini

Labels: celebrity chefs, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, fine dining, jordan spritz, jordan's food of distinction, private dining, west division

"Dine With D.C." Menu for Wednesday April 29th, 2009

Monday, April 27, 2009

Please join us for the second of four private dining series featuring Executive Chef Jordan Spritz of Jordan's Food of Distinction. The "Dine With D.C." dinner is hosted at the JFOFD intimate private kitchen studio (1551 W. Thomas St.) and only allows up to 20 guests. At $65 per person, the menu is below and includes unlimited cocktails and wine. Please RSVP to dc@efete.net to reserve a seat at the table. Please inform us if you have any food or allergy restrictions.

Amuse
Norwegian Langoustine Cream Cappuccino with Herb Foam and
Crispy Apple Wood Smoked Bacon

1st
Japanese Hamachi Yellow Fin Tuna with Toasted Coriander Scented Pickled Red
Onion Emulsion and Spring Pea Shoot Oil

2nd
Deep Water Tropical Skate Ray with Slow Braised Stinging Nettle Puree and
Organic Baby Candy Cane Beet Terrine

3rd
Confit of Niman Ranch Prime Beef Strip Loin with Olive Oil Poached Shallots
Murray River Sea Salt and Black Turnip – Yukon Gold Asiago Pave

4th
A Study in Rare Spices
Withered Frankincense Tear Frozen Ice Cream
Toasted Black Cardamom Frozen Ice Cream
Vietnamese Cassia Cinnamon Frozen Ice Cream
Chilled Spicy Pasilla de Oaxaca Broth

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, fete select tv, jordan spritz, jordan's food of distinction, private dining, washington dc, west division, wicker park

It's All About la Famiglia at Rosal's

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

There are three things that can make a restaurant shine. Great food, excellent service and a good vibe. Although many restaurants may have those characteristics, there are very few that truly exhibit an instant homey feel. The neighborhood spot Rosal's is all about food and family. Walking into this family owned restaurant instantly makes customers want to stay for a while.

Rosal's, located in Chicago's "Little Italy" neighborhood is named after the dream of Roseanne and Salvatore Perry, hence Rosal's. The 19 year old Italian restaurant is about wonderful Sicilian food served in abundant portions. The menu is extensive and is sectioned by Antipasti, Pasta & House Favorites, Vitello, Pesce, Pollo, and Carne dishes. All of the dishes that came out of the kitchen looked absolutely scrumptious, but there are few favorites that may help to narrow the selection process. The "Grilled Calamari" is a must start with dish. The "Eggplant Parmigiano" and "Shrimp Alla Anival" are pasta entrees that are very popular among regulars. Meat dishes such as the "Veal Steppanjohnno", "Chicken Scallopini with Prosciutto" and "Grilled Pork Chops" will satisfy any hearty appetite. The bread on the table is warm when you sit down and the olive oil sprinkled with parmesan dipping sauce is perfecto! The waitstaff will encourage substituting sauces or adding meatballs that will help make the perfect meal. Don't expect a prententious environment, but an intimate, cozy and family atmosphere that saw many tables chatting with one another.

The desserts are tradtional with "Tiramasu" and "Cannoli" on the menu, but the "Peanut Butter Pie" could do the trick as well. The prices are very reasonable and bottles of wine are very affordable. Rosal's is located at 1154 W. Taylor Street. For more information log onto www.rosals.com. For more dining options and an inside look into Chicago's newest and hottest restaurants watch Fete Select TV on www.efete.net.

Labels: cheap dining, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, italian food, italian wine, little italy, neighborhood restaurants, rosal's italian cucina

Dine With D.C. at JFOD

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Fete Features A Private Dining Experience With Executive Chef Jordan Spritz of "Jordan's Food of Distinction".

Starting on Wednesday April 22nd, D.C. cordially invites 20 guests to enjoy an incredible dining experience in a private and intimate setting. Jordan Spritz, founder and Executive Chef of Jordan's Food of Distinction, is allowing us to invade his studio kitchen for a guaranteed memorable evening.

Jordan works to craft the perfect menu to satisfy his customers palate. From cozy comfort food to the most refined degustation, Jordan has wowed celebrities, executives and yours truly in his kitchen. The loft-like space, encrusted in exposed brick, provides a unique canvas for diners to enjoy a perfect meal.

D.C. will host a private dinner for 20 guests every Wednesday evening starting at 7:00 pm from April 22nd - May 13th.

RSVP to dc@efete.net to reserve your seat at the table with me. RSVP's are on a first come first served basis.

Dine With D.C menu for April 22nd, 2009

Amuse
Organic Black Cherry - Current - Watermelon Soup with
Creamy Stilton and Toasted Fennel Oil

1st
Tropical Guava and Lime Citrus Marinated Blue Fin Tuna Poke with
Organic White Soy - Sake - Cilantro Reduction

2nd
Tree Ripened California Apricot Crusted Diver Caught Scallops with
Dark Grapefruit Caramel and Spring Chive Oil

3rd
A Study in Water Depth
500 ft and Below:
Steamed Loup de Mer with
Lemon Scented Arugula Emulsion and Organic Baby Purple Carrots

100 ft and Above:
Pan Roasted Barramundi with
Organic Yellow Cauliflower Fondue and Marinated Baby Breakfast Radish

40 ft and Above:
Olive Oil Poached Chilliwack River Fat Belly Salmon with
Whole Roasted Japanese Matsutake Mushrooms and Organic Baby Mint Peas
4th

Aromatic Tahitian Vanilla Bean and Hawaiian Farms Buttermilk Panna Cotta with
Dried Yellow Raisin Consommé and Sweet Pickled Rhubarb Salad

$65 per person includes unlimited wine and cocktails. JFOD accepts credit cards and checks.

Check out Jordan's Food of Distinction at www.jfod.com

RSVP to dc@efete.net

Labels: caterers, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, fine dining, jordan spritz, jordan's food of distinction, private dining, west loop restaurants

South Loop's Taste of Spain

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Chicago's South Loop has had a gradual makeover within the past 10 years. South Wabash has its own restaurant row with hot spots galore lining either side of the street. A new restaurant, Tapas Valencia on South State Street once housed a big sports bar, but the venue recently changed hands and is hoping to attract local customers to taste their version of Spanish cuisine.

Like most tapas places Tapas Valencia boasts a full menu of hot and cold dishes, including soups and salads. However, the satisfaction factor is hit or miss. The small plates that were considered hits or pretty good flavorful dishes were the "Pimiento con Pollo", imported sweet peppers stuffed with chicken salad; the"Pato con Setas", a grilled duck breast on sauteed wild mushrooms and the"Cazuelita de Pollo", featuring a chicken breast casserole with vegetables and cream of pimiento. Tapas that were very average and not that impressive were the "Zarzuela de Mariscos", a casserole of shrimp, clams and scallops and the "Tostadas de Salmon Ahumado", which was a basic smoked salmon and caviar plate. Their version of lobster bisque also missed the mark. The dessert menu has about ten different selections and the standout was the "Tarta de Pera", a pound cake with pear served with caramel sauce and ice cream.

Tapas Valencia is housed in a pretty big space and had an industrial feel that wasn't very inviting. The service was a little shaky, but picked up throughout the evening. Their wine list is extensive and highlights wine from various regions in Spain. Wine flights are available to try along with specialty martinis and red or white sangria. The restaurant may not be a target destination for north siders, but is a good spot for the neighborhood and adds another dining option to the South Loop.

Tapas Valencia is located at 1530 S. State Street in the South Loop. Log onto www.tapasvalencia.com for more information. Watch Fete Select TV on www.efete.net to get and inside look at the newest and best restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, nbc chicago street team, sangria, south loop, south state street, spanish cuisine, spanish wines, tapas valencia

Good Eats For Cheap

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Finding a good place to watch the big game can sometimes be a challenge. The challenge is finding a place that has a good crowd, plenty of televisions, but most importantly great food and drinks. Chicago has a lot of those places to choose from, but if you just head a little north of downtown, O'Donovan's Pub & Restaurant is the place to be.

O'Donovan's, located in the North Center neighborhood, can attract a large crowd. However, the venue is spacious enough for everyone to get a table or a seat. The food tastes much better than the average pub in town and the cocktail specials are just what you're looking for in this economy. Their menu consists of burgers, sandwiches, paninis, wraps, soups, salads and a variety of appetizers. But they also have hearty entrees such as "Prime Rib", "BBQ Baby Back Ribs", "Brick Chicken" and "Chicken Marsala". The mashed, baked and au gratin potato side dishes alone will have you salivating. O'Donovan's has weekly drink specials. Depending on the day, you can enjoy five dollar martinis, five dollar champagne cocktails, or half off a bottle of wine. There is also a thirty cent wing and two dollar burger and fries night. Their Sunday brunch features an all you can eat buffet for $13.95 that includes an omelette and waffle station. O'Donovan's Easter brunch will increase to $15.95 per adult and $7.95 per kid.

A nice touch that also adds a little entertainment to O'Donovan's is Al James the magician. Al provides 'table-side" magic for guests that includes card, coin and rope tricks. He creates images with balloons for kids, which makes the restaurant family friendly. O'Donovan's outside cafe and beer garden makes it the perfect hangout place during the summer months, which keeps north-siders coming back again and again.

O"Donovan's is located at 2100 W. Irving Park Road. For more information or to make brunch reservations call (773) 478-2100 or log onto www.odonovansbar.com. For more restuarant reviews and to get an inside look at the newest and best Chicago restaurants, watch Fete Select TV on www.efete.net.

Labels: cheap dining, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, cocktails, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, irving park road, o'donovan's pub, sports bars

To Dine For By Maddie: Pros and Cons for Province

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

I contemplated writing about this restaurant for weeks because I would have to stray from my strictly stay positive policy. After a not-so-great dinner during Restaurant Week, I decided that before writing it off forever I would follow in the footsteps of Phil Vettel and try it a few times to be fair. This proved to be a smart move because the following week my mother and I had an excellent lunch at Province (161 N. Jefferson).

Province is a fun spot with an inventive menu influenced from Central and South America and Spain. The decor is bold with bright pink walls and the actual building possesses the extremely rare gold-level LEED certification (U.S. Green Building Council's rating system for existing buildings by measuring performance to maximize operational efficiency while minimizing costs and environmental impacts). Additionally, Province prides itself on using local organic ingredients in a "farm to table" dining experience. Executive Chef Randy Zweiban of Nacional 27 takes a fairly new approach to modernizing Latin cuisine and succeeds with many dishes.

The best thing that my friend Allie and I ate during our dinner at Province was the Green Acres Farms Winter Squash Taquito off the "bites" section of the menu. We ordered everything in that category and enjoyed the Cuban Pork Bocadillo, but wished we had another taquito instead of the Peeky Toe Crab toast. The Fluke Ceviche with Red Grapefruit was one of the bigger disappointments of the night as it was flavorless and stringy in texture - not the "mouth feel" you hope for in a Ceviche dish. Luckily, we quickly forgot about the ceviche when the Tortilla Soup was served! This fun spin on a classic is awesome for a light lunch or a first course at dinner. The bottom of the bowl was filled with guacamole and roasted chicken and a spicy chicken broth was poured over the top for a little bit of a wow factor.

As it was restaurant week, two of the items we ordered are not mainstays on the menu. The Sherry and Mushroom Bisque was forgettable but the Braised Beef Short Rib with pancetta hash was certainly not! The Hawaiian Seared Tuna was really disappointing as it was flavorless, and missing the promised honey roasted root vegetables and caper vinaigrette! I blame our server who was not at the top of his game for sure. We capped off the meal with a sure thing: "Chocolate Three Ways" which was composed of a Chocolate Flan, Cocoa Sorbet, Chocolate Gooey Muffin and Dulce de Leche.

Lunch was much more of a turn on. Although we only shared two dishes, they were both fantastic. The Chicken and Apple salad delivered visually as well as in texture and flavor. Perfectly uniform matchsticks of tart apples tossed with roasted chicken, toasted almonds and candied olives. Additionally, we had (drum roll please!) the Pork Belly and Avocado Sandwich. Notwithstanding my glutton for pork belly, I am pretty sure my mother was fulfilled after eating this tummy-pleaser. Rich pork belly goodness is served with avocado on grilled country rosemary bread along side of a puckery red cabbage slaw which cut the fattiness of the sandwich perfectly.

My personal theme for 2009 is to keep my learning curve turned up and "reviewing" this restaurant was a great lesson. I understand what a bad write up can do to the heart and soul of a restaurant and the people working there (I have seen it first hand) and I will never allow myself to become a hater. However, a little bit of constructive criticism is what makes us better, isn't it?

Labels: chicago dining, chicago nightlife, madeleine yastrow, organic food, To Dine For By Maddie

Ben Fatto! Trattoria Gianni

Lately it seems like I've been on an Italian culinary tour around Chicago. From a fabulous dinner at Prosecco to an intimate meal in the 200 East Supper Club, I've tasted a few different pasta dishes and consumed more than a couple of glasses of wine. Last week I ventured into the Lincoln Park neighborhood to take on yet another Italian establishment. Let's just say that my dining experience at Trattoria Gianni was not only enjoyable, but was a perfect night cap to my birthday celebration.

Intimate, homey, authentic and friendly is Trattoria Gianni. Their ambiance was the most comparable to the dinner settings that I experienced while honeymooning in Rome. The cuisine was not too far behind either. Starting with the "Antipasti" dishes, the fried calamari and grilled octopus stood out. Moving to the "Primi Piatti" side of the menu, the "Gnocchi della Nonna", hand-made and stuffed with ricotta, and the "Conchiglie del Mercante", pasta crumbled with Italian sausage, mushrooms and fresh tomato sauce, were savory and plentiful. The veal scaloppine, grilled duck breast, grilled chicken breast, and grilled Norwegian salmon filet were also favorites. However, the "Costolette d' Agnello alla Griglia", their grilled lamb chops marinated with olive oil, garlic and fresh mint, was a noted specialty dish and the highlight of the evening. The most enjoyable side dish were the roasted potatoes in olive oil garlic rosemary.

Trattoria Gianni has homemade desserts worth the indulgence. The "Panna Cotta" and "Tiramisu" led the way. Their sorbet and cannoli are good alternatives and the not-quite-frozen hazelnut mouse, topped with chocolate sauce received accolades. The service met expectations and the wine recommendations paired nicely with our many courses. A live vocalist added a special ambiance throughout dinner, which set off an energetic vibe amongst diners.

Trattoria Gianni will celebrate their 21st anniversary this year with a $21.00 priced fixed dinner every Tuesday night starting March 24th - June 30th. Trattoria Gianni is located at 1711 N. Halsted St. Log onto www.trattoriagianni.com for more information or call (312) 266-1976 for reservations.

To find more dining options and to get an inside look at the newest and best restaurants in Chicago watch Fete Select TV on www.efete.net.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, dining out, fete select tv, italian food, italy, lincoln park, nbc chicago street team, north halsted, trattoria gianni

Old World Italian Inspires Gold Coast Supper Club

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

The word "authentic" is sometimes over used in restaurants when referencing cuisine. If you have ever traveled to Europe, more specifically Italy, then you probably have a good idea of what "authentic" food is about. Chefs that didn't grow up in Italy sometimes draw on their childhood family experiences in the kitchen that help to inspire their menu. Executive Chef Tony Navarro was no different when he opened 200 East Supper Club.

Located in the Gold Cost on the main level of the historic Seneca Hotel, the 200 East Supper club is a moderately priced, business-casual spot that features live entertainment Tuesday - Saturday. The ambiance feels somewhat old school with a little bit of elegance sprinkled throughout the main dining room. The menu is plastered with eclectic, contemporary Italian dishes complemented by recipes handed down from the Navarro family. My meal started out with a couple of appetizers, including the "Melrose Peppers" stuffed with Italian sausage and the "Spinach and Artichoke Dip". However my favorite starter for the evening was their "New England Clam Chowder", which happened to be the soup of the day. They should make that a mainstay on the menu by the way. One of their signature dishes, "The Brickhouse Chicken" boasted flavors that were better than most chicken dishes I've experienced and the "Rigatoni ala Bruno" was another signature dish nicely done that featured fresh spinach, ricotta cheese and fresh homemade Italian sausage. I could definitely tell that all of their dishes are homemade, including the salad dressings and desserts. Be sure to bring your appetite, because the food is not only tasty, but the portions are plentiful.

One of the stars at 200 East Supper Club is bartender George Cozzi. A familar face at Gibson's Steak House for about 13 years, George is one of 12 bartenders inducted into the Bartender's Hall of Fame in Las Vegas. George made me a killer Manhattan and has a passion for concocting other specialty martinis. His Patini martini is named after Pat Brickhouse, wife of famed Chicago sports broadcaster Jack Brickhouse. The Patini is made with vodka, pnieapple juice and topped off with champagne. George has a following of his own that keeps customers returning to the supper club.

200 East Supper Club has a $21.95 prix fixe menu special on Sunday's, Monday's and Tuesday's. Enjoy an appetizer, salad, entree and dessert for the aforementioned price. Their nightly live entertainment and upbeat music encourages customers to dance, which is a nice way to cap off a good meal.

200 East Supper Club is located at 200 East Chestnut St. For more information visit www.200eastchestnut.com. To get an inside look at the newest and best restaurants in Chicago watch Fete Select TV on www.efete.net

Labels: 200 east supper club, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, cocktails, dancing, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, gold coast, italian food, jack brickhouse, nbc chicago street team, tony navarro

A Culinary Voyage at Indian Garden

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Mild, medium or hot? That was the question posed by our server about the spice level we wanted to try at The Indian Garden Restaurant last week. We chose medium, which turned out to be the correct choice. In-fact, Indian Garden is the right choice if you're looking for good Indian cuisine and an experience that will take you on a culinary voyage.

Indian Garden prides itself on the exotic tastes and textures of India. Upon entering the restaurant, I smelled the spices and aromas that are meant to help you explore India's rich culture. Since I'm not a novice to this type of ethnic food, I wanted to see how their traditional dishes compared to some of my other favorite Indian hot spots. I sampled some of my favorites which included "Samosas" and "Paneer", but also inhaled a few of their chicken and lamb dishes. The spices hit the mark and the flavors rivaled some of my favorite Chicago mainstays. Naan at any Indian restaurant is my gauge for whether or not the place will receive a return visit from me. Their traditional and "Garlic Naan" held it's own in that category and the server helped us select a great bottle of red wine that was a perfect complement to our meal.

What differentiates Indian Garden from most restaurants in the city is their service. The place was packed throughout the evening, but it appeared that every table was being treated special. Indian Garden attempts to foster a family environment with their service, which was evident by the treatment my guests and I received upon arrival. The wait staff was friendly and informative and made our dining experience enjoyable. But make sure to clarify the spice level that you want to try before ordering, or you may end up sweating your way through the meal.

The Indian Garden is located at 247 E. Ontario St. 2nd floor downtown Chicago. For more information visit www.indiangardenchicago.com. For other dining options watch Fete Select TV to get an inside look at the newest and best restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, downtown chicago, fete select tv, indian cuisine, indian garden, spicy food

Chef Wallack & Sola's "Wagyu Beef Burger" Heading To Miami's South Beach

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

A burger is a burger right? Wrong; Well, at least not to foodies and culinary experts. In-fact, I bet that most folks around Chicago can probably tell you where to find their favorite burger, even if they aren't foodies. I recently tried a burger that is vying for the "best burger" title at the "Amstel Light Burger Bash" and I liked it. I really, really liked it.

Carol Wallack, is the Executive Chef at Sola restaurant and one of two Chicago chefs (Rick Bayless) invited to participate in the "Amstel Ligh Burger Bash" competition. Hosted by Rachel Ray, the event takes place in Miami on Thursday February 19th and is part of the 2009 Food Network South Beach Food & Wine Festival. The South Beach Festival is one of the premiere culinary and wine events in the country and features some of the biggest culinary stars in the industry.

Chef Wallack is competing against some top notch chefs, but I think that her "Wagyu Beef Burger" may have a chance. The signature "Wagyu Burger", which has taken Chef Wallack over 20 years to perfect, is Allen Brother's Wagyu Beef, cambazola cheese, house-made bacon, carmelized onions and arugula all squeezed between a soft pretzel roll. The Chef likes to serve the burger medium, which I normally don't do, but her suggestion went over very well. Of course, you can't have a burger without their truffle fries, which were the perfect complement to the beef.

In celebration of the "Burger Bash", Sola is serving the delectable burger all weekend long (February 19th - 22nd). The burger is normally only served during lunch and dinner on Thursdays and only during lunch on Fridays.

Sola is located at 3868 N. Lincoln Ave. (773) 327-3868. For more information log onto www.sola-restaurant.com.

Labels: carol wallack, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, D.C. Crenshaw, fete select tv, food and wine festival, food network, sola restaurant, south beach miami, wagyu beef burger

The Real Deal on the New River North Sports Bar Bull & Bear

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Upscale tends to be the trend in sports bars these days. Or at least the hope is to attract a more sophisticated and trendy crowd that would typically choose a hipper environment to spend their Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights. The new River North sports bar, Bull and Bear, not only lures the hipsters, but attracts businessmen and women during the lunch hour.

The name Bull and Bear obviously recognizes two of Chicago's major sports teams, but also refers to the financial world and appeals to the CBOT crowd. The restaurant has a nice layout and designs, but can get a little too close for comfort when crowded. After talking with a few friends about the menu, I wanted to see if their food matched the upscale vibe. Well, let's just say that it didn't measure up.

The Bull and Bear menu has a ton of starters, salads, main courses, sides and short order options. There are a plethera of burgers and sandwiches to choose from as well as a few non bar food entrees. The "Onion Tower" and "Sweet Potato Fries" were typical. Nothing great, but nothing bad about either dish. The “Lobster Bisque” was deemed to be a signature item and would have been if it wasn't served luke warm. The "Double Cut Grilled Pork Chop" was a little dry and didn't live up to the waitresses billing, but my dining guest really enjoyed his "Pulled Hammy" pork sliders. We were graciously served with a sampling of all of their desserts, which consisted of a chocolate chip cookie draped in vanilla ice cream, cinnamon doughnut holes with three different dipping sauces, peanut butter bread pudding, and a "Thrilla in Vanilla" shake with Filandia Vodka and Godiva Dark Vanilla Royale. They were all savory, but I wouldn't necessarily have paired peanut butter and bread pudding together. The service started off sketchy, due to a mishap with my reservation, but the owner and waitress attempted to make up for it. Don't expect upscale service during crowded nights though, because it is still, however, a sports bar.

A unique feature to Bull and Bear are their 5 premiere booths with Personal Table Taps. Each booth has two taps (1 domestic, 1 import) that dispenses beer, which is recorded on a meter at the table. The goal is to allow guests to pay-as-they-pour and enjoy a no-wait standard of service. This feature should be a big hit for beer lovers.

Bull and Bear has only been open for about 3 weeks, so they may still be working out the kinks. Although they didn't meet my dining experience expectations for what they deem as an "exclusive luxury sports bar", I may give them another shot once the madd rush dies down.

Bull and Bear is located 431 N. Wells St. For more information log onto www.bullbearbar.com

Labels: beer table taps, bull and bear chicago, chicago bars, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, luxury, nbc chicago, river north chicago, sports bars

Another Option to "Dine" in the West Loop

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

There are so many choices to enjoy a great meal in the city that a lot of restaurants simply get looked over or don't make the cut. Some places that are decent, but won't blow your socks off, still have a place for foodies. Dine, located in the West Loop, is such a place that could be added to your dining options.

Executive Chef Chris Turano uses unpretentious ingredients and escalates them. His menu consists of American cuisine that has a lot of options. Some of the more memorable items were from the starter side of the menu, which included "Braised Veal Cheek, Caramelized Cauliflower Puree, and Mustard Seed Consomme". The "Cast Iron Seared Wild Alaskan Scallops, Soft Porcini Polenta, Parmesan, and Baby Arugula" also received high marks. Although I sampled their "Bone in Ribeye" and "Braised Domestic Lamb Shank" entrees, I preferred the "Block Island Monkfish, Wild Mushroom Broth, Beluga Lentils and Shellfish Mushrooms". The best dish of the evening came via the "Finishing Touches" dessert menu. I indulged in the "Red Velvet Cake" that had me licking the cream cheese frosting from my fingers.

Dine is a 1940's - style eatery and design essentials include vintage elements such as antiqued glass, terrazzo flooring, and over-sized printed art. It doesn't have that contemporary feel of other popular West Loop restaurants, but could be a good alternative to the contrary.

Dine is located at 733 W. Madison St. and is connected to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. For more information check out www.dinerestaurant.com.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, crowne plaza hotel, dc crenshaw, dine restaurant, fete chicago, fete select tv, food, west loop restaurants

Oak Tree's New Look in the 900 Shops

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Shopping at the 900 Shops on Michigan Ave. can work up quite an appetite. Although I'm not a big shopper, I am a frequent guest there mainly because of my better half. Even though my window shopping is limited, I tend to venture to the 6th floor to check out Oak Tree, my favorite restaurant in the building.

After closing down for several weeks to renovate, Oak Tree reopened with a new look and new menu items. The layout remains very similar but the colors are more inviting and modern. Mosaic tiles along with soothing colors accent the room. The food continues to be tasty, but folks are raving about their Epicurean Toasted Cheese items. Some of the new sandwiches featured include:

"Roquefort & Pear, Candied Pecans, Mozzarella, Spinach and Fig Preserves"

"Ham & Gruyere, Arugula, Mozzarella and Grilled Onions"

"Cheddar & Asparagus, Fontina, Spinach and Ham"

"Turkey & Cranberry, Roquefort, Spinach and Mozzarella"

"Cheddar & Fig Preserves, Watercress, Grilled Onion and Roquefort"

A few new "900 Coolers" were added as well, such as the "Cucumber-Lime Cooler", "Raspberry-Mint Agua Fresca", and "Citrus or White Grape Spritzer". These drinks are very refreshing and a welcomed break from the normal colas. Don't forget to ask about their new desserts. The cookie tray is nicely done with a variety of scones, brownies and cookies. The prices have increased a bit, so if you're a frequent guest don't be too surprised.

Oak Tree is located on the 6th floor in the 9oo north building and is open for breakfast, lunch and a very late lunch. Log onto www.shop900.com for more information.

Labels: 900 shop restaurants, bloomingdales chicago, chicago dining, chicago food, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, michigan ave, oak tree, the shops at 900

Michael Jordan's One Sixty Blue is Back on the Radar

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

When I first moved to Chicago ten years a go, the hot spot to have cocktails and dinner was One Sixty Blue. It had decent food, a nice crowd and of course it was owned by Michael Jordan. Just the mention of MJ's association with the restaurant had folks pulling up to valet park their rides. However over time, like many other restaurants in the city, One Sixty Blue lost its luster. Most guests didn't perceive the concept as a once or twice a week place to dine, but as a special occasion place to have an expensive meal. Well fast forward a decade later, as the new Executive Chef Michael McDonald is attempting to change their image.

McDonald, a former Charlie Trotter restaurant Executive Chef, created a new menu that will allow his guests to think of One Sixty Blue often. Very often. In-fact, Michael the basketball player sampled Michael the chef's cuisine and gave the ultimate approval. No doubt that MJ's high regards of McDonald's creations made him feel like a champion also. He is attempting to blend vibrant seasonal flavors with modern traditions.

Signature dishes include Potato Leek Soup, Blue Crab Ravioli, Wagyu Short Rib, and Creamy White Grits. The menu has many "starter plates", "side plates" and "main plates" options, but the daily five-course tasting menu is a must. Appropriately titled "Dinner with Michael", Chef McDonald prepares an exceptional array of courses to suit your palate complete with wine pairings. He also prints and presents a copy of the five courses that were selected for you. A nice touch for guests, especially for those who often try to relay their dining experiences to friends.

Main plates are priced between $19 and $35, making it more affordable to dine versus previous years. One Sixty Blue has a nice wine selection and a specialty cocktail list that borders on traditional twists. Although they're located at the end of restaurant row in in the West Loop, their new menu could help diners remember that MJ's joint is still a gem.

One Sixty Blue is located at 1400 West Randoph St. Chicago, IL. (312) 850-0303. www.onesixtyblue.com

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, cuisine, dc crenshaw, executive chef michael mcdonald, fete select tv, michael jordan, one sixty blue, restaurant reviews, restaurant row, west randolph st

The Real Mole Deal in Logan Square

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Let's face it, there are a lot of restaurants in Chicago that feature Mexican cuisine, but there are only a handful that really, really stand out.

You can place the new Logan Square eatery Real Tenochtitlan (2451 N. Milwaukee Ave.) in the standout category. Let's say it together: Re-AHL-teh-NOCH-tee-tlahn.

Executive Chef Geno Bahena's specialty is mole sauce. Mole literally means "concoction" and describes a whole genre of sauces. Mole is complex to make and also represents the tradition of Mexican cooking. There are seven classic moles from a southern Mexico region called Oaxaca by which all moles are categorized.

Bahena features a different mole each night of the week, and they include, Amarillo, Manchamanteles, Verde, Chichilo, Rojo Coloradito, and Negro.

The menu is filled with a combination of traditional and specialty dishes that will make your meal memorable. Real Tenochtitlan credits the quality and authenticity of their dishes to the use of harvested fresh local organic ingredients.

Appetizers such as the Sopes Surtidos -- corn masa boats with a sampler of fillings like chicken, plantains, and black beans with chorizo, are a great way to get your meal started.

Memorable specialty entrees include a Natural Black Angus trater steak, a Chilean sea bass dish and a Sugar River Farm baby rack of lamb. I had the Negro specialty mole, which is considered the king of moles. Spicy and sweet the Negro mole contains over 28 ingredients that gives it a nice thickness and an intense flavor.

Skipping dessert here is not an option. The 10 desserts range from Mexican bread pudding and key lime pie, to buttered crepes and a warm individual pumpkin cake.

The restaurant is BYOB, which is another great reason to enjoy this restaurant during this challenging economy. The environment compliments the more upscale Mexican cuisine, and they have a separate dining room for private parties.

Take my word for it: Real Tenochtitlan is the real deal.

Labels: byob, chef geno bahena, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete chicago, fete select tv, logan square, mexican cuisine, mole sauce, real tenochtitlan

"Miami Nights" at Nacional 27

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Nacional 27 and nationally-noted master mixologist, Adam Seger, hosts the Friday evening addition of "Miami Nights," a South Beach-inspired weekly event.

Nacional 27 transforms into a sexy South Beach nightclub through sultry signature cocktails, Miami fashion week footage and dynamic beats performed by special guest DJs and live percussionists.

Nosh on delicious tapas, ceviches and small plates, while enjoying a complete night out of dining and dancing.

Miami Nights, Fridays :

Miami Chill, 5:00pm-6:30pm
Complimentary South Beach-inspired Tapas and Ceviches

Live Percussion, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Master Drummer, Geraldo D'Olivera

Latin House Music, 9:30pm-11:00pm
Hot, South Beach Lounge Vibes
$10 cover charge includes complimentary Passion-Ginger sangria for ladies

Nacional 27 is located at 325 W. Huron St. downtown Chicago.

Labels: adam seger, chicago dining, chicago nightlife, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, miami nights, mixologists, nacional 27, nightclubs, south beach miami

Fleming's is the New Downtown Chicago Steakhouse Destination

Monday, December 1, 2008

Downtown Chicago is loaded with great steakhouses, such as Gibson's, David Burke's Primehouse, Capital Grill, Keefer's and Kinzie Chop House. Now we can add another restaurant to list that is located in the heart of the Windy City. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar made its debut a few months a go and is certainly a destination that folks are flocking to. Although Fleming's is nationally renowned for its Prime beef and steakhouse fare, their seafood selections, such as Tuna Mignon, Seared Scallops and Barbecue Scottish Salmon Filet are also very popular. Their dining room ambiance is elegant, but not pretentious. Their premise is to be sophisticated and comfortable without being overpriced.

Fleming's is critically acclaimed for its simple fare. They serve tantalizing side dishes family-style and have five different potato preparations. Their appetizers and salads complement the menu and the calamari is a must try. Scrumptious desserts such as Chocolate Lava Cake, Baked Peach Cobbler, and Creme Brulee are made from scratch daily.

The Fleming's 100 is their award-winning wine program that features 100 wines-by-the-glass. The wine list features boutique wines and other well known labels from around the world. Special 2-ounce wine tasting pours allows diners to select the perfect wine with their meal. The Reserve List offers more that 80 limited-availability wines by the bottle from internationally renowned wineries.

Fleming's is located at 25 East Ohio St. just two blocks from the Magnificent Mile. They are open seven days a week and are currently offering a special prix fixe menu. Their four private rooms are reserved for meetings or private dining. For more information visit www.flemingssteakhouse.com.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, chicago seafood restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, fleming's prime steakhouse and wine bar, nbc 5 chicago, nbc chicago street team, wines by the glass

Restaurants, Concerts, and Games at the Horseshoe Casino

Sunday, November 30, 2008

If you're looking for something different to do this holiday season and want a break from Chicago's hustle and bustle, then you might want to travel to Northwest Indiana. I recently visited Horseshoe Casino, in Hammond Indiana, and was pleasantly surprised to see a first class venue. I dined at their steak and seafood restaurant, Jack Binions, which offers select cuts of prime rib, steaks, veal and seafood. My Kobe beef steak was tantalizing along with a few appetizers and a couple of desserts. The restaurant overlooks Lake Michigan and attracts a lot of casino goers from Indiana and Chicago. The casino also has a few other dining options, including the Village Square Buffet, housing Italian, Mexican, American, Asian and Seafood cuisine.

Horseshoe Casino has 350,000 square-feet of gaming space and 97 tables with games such as Black Jack, Poker, Craps, Roulette, Mini-Baccarat and many more. The casino features approximately 3200 slot machines including the High-Limit Slot Room. There are a few exclusive private lounges for special guests and high rollers. The Horseshoe's gaming room rivals any casino on the Las Vegas strip.

The Venue, the casino's 90,000 square foot entertainment facility, hosts events and concerts. Famous musicians and comedians are showcased weekly. Past performers have included Seal, Liza Minelli, and Bette Midler. Upcoming events will feature Gladys Knight, Jeff Foxworthy and Cedric the Entertainer. The Venue also hosted the World Series of Poker this past October.

The Hammond Horseshoe Casino is about 30-minutes from downtown Chicago via I-90/94 and the Chicago Skyway. For more information log onto www.hammondhorseshoe.com or call 866-711-SHOE (7463).

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, concerts, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, gambling, horseshoe casino. hammond indiana, jack binions steak house, northwest indiana, the venue

20 Regions of Italy in River North's Ristorante Prosecco

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

A trip to Italy may not be on your travel agenda in the near future, especially with the state of the economy. However, thanks to a new River North Italian hot spot, you can experience Venice, Italy right here in Chicago. Ristorante Prosecco is a chic yet unpretentious white table cloth restaurant in the heart of the River North gallery district. Prosecco offers sophisticated, regional comfort foods from Italy's 20 regions, as well as the largest selection of Italian sparkling wine in Chicago. The interior of the restaurant was designed based on the beauty of Venice and the and the soft color of a glass of Proseco.

Executive Chef Mark Sparacino created Prosecco's menu to be seasonal and offer the finest foods from Italy. Their appetizer, salad and entree selections are plentiful and done very well. An appetizer menu favorite is the Capesanto con Brasato, a diver scallop stuffed with braised short rib of beef served on a bed of saffron risotto, shitake mushrooms and carrots. Their house made pasta and risotto are remarkably savory and popular. A couple of their notable pasta dishes are the Orecchiette Tartufate, served with wild mushroom, artichoke heart, sun-dried tomato, and black truffle cream and their Roasted Duck and Goat Cheese-Filled Ravioli. Proseco's meat and fish dishes such as the Full Rack of Lamb and Pistachio Crusted Halibut keep customers returning for more. The Tiramasu and Torta di Mele, a baked apple layered pastry tart, are two of at least six house made desserts that Prosecco offers.

Prosecco's extensive wine list is divided into two categories, sparkling and still. They offer some of the best and finest Italian wines in the country. They are Chicago's first proseccheria, a wine bar devoted to the enjoyment of Italian sparkling wine. Prosecco is planning to host several Italian sparkling wine dinners to showcase their flavor and versatility.

Ristorante Prosecco is located at 710 N. Wells St. in the River North gallery district. They are open for lunch and dinner. Check out Ristorante Prosecco at www.ristoranteprosecco.com. As always, watch Fete Select TV to check out the newest and best restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago gallery district, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete chicago, fete select tv, italian food, new restaurants, ristorante proseco, river north chicago