New Year’s Eve Dining at Park Grill

A Celebratory Evening Under the Bean

Saturday, December 31
6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Park Grill’s New Year’s Eve dinner parties, taking place in the heart of Millennium Park under the “bean” and adjacent to the picturesque outdoor ice rink, will consist of two custom packages.

The first dinner, the Wine and Dine package, is a family-friendly affair. Seatings, taking place between 6-9 p.m, will include a children’s menu ($5.95) complete with kid’s mocktails and gourmet hot chocolate ($4 each) for the little celebrants. Adult guests may partake in the three-course tasting menu ($50) with optional wine pairings ($35). As an added bonus for early New Year’s Eve guests, select bottles of wine will be available at a 50-percent discount. Entertainment will be provided by the Lizz & Rex Jazz Trio. The ice arena will be open for skating under the stars. The menus are listed below.

The second dinner party option is Park Grill’s Countdown Package. Taking place after 9 p.m., a five-course tasting menu ($80) will be offered with optional wine pairings ($45). These seatings include live jazz entertainment provided by the Lizz & Rex Trio, champagne toast at midnight, party favors and complimentary trolley rides home (within a two mile radius). The menu is listed below.

To secure your reservations, please call 312.521.PARK (7275).

Park Grill
11 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60602
312.521.7275
www.parkgrillchicago.com

MENUS

WINE AND DINE MENU
served 6-9 p.m.
tasting menu $50, wine pairings $35

FIRST COURSE 
guest to select
CHILLED OYSTERS ON A HALF SHELL mignonette, pickled ginger
HAMACHI cucumber, radish greens, meyer lemon vinaigrette, tobico
PRAIRIE FRUIT FARM GOAT CHEESE petite spicy greens, baby beets, local mustard jam
to be paired with 2010 Alamos Torrentes, Salta, Argentina

SECOND COURSE 
guest to select
SURF AND TURF American venison and blue prawn, pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, coco nibs
COLUMBIA RIVER STURGEON lobster hash, buttered cabbage, demi
GRILLED FILET OF BEEF foie gras butter, cauliflower, sweet potato, bordelaise
to be paired with 2008 Cosentino “The Zin” Zinfandel, Lodi, California

THIRD COURSE 
guest to select
PECAN PIE bourbon caramel, sour apple ice cream
PRALINE MOUSSE CAKE chocolate pretzel cookie, Thai basil, praline tuille
SORBET FLIGHT seasonal flavors
to be paired with Mionetto Prosecco

CHILDREN’S MENU
ages 12 and under
$5.95, mocktails and hot chocolate $4

NIBBLES
Cup of Chicken Soup, Veggie Sticks or Romaine Salad

BIG BITES
Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Crispy Chicken Fingers, Macaroni and Cheese, Spaghetti, Cheeseburger, Hot Dog

SOMETHING SWEET
Homemade Ice Cream, Sorbet, Jumbo Cookies

COUNTDOWN MENU
served after 9 p.m.
tasting menu $80, wine pairings $45

FIRST COURSE 
guest to select
CHILLED OYSTERS ON A HALF SHELL mignonette, pickled ginger
HAMACHI cucumber, radish greens, meyer lemon vinaigrette, tobico
PRAIRIE FRUIT FARM GOAT CHEESE petite spicy greens, baby beets, local mustard jam
to be paired with 2010 Alamos Torrentes, Salta, Argentina

SECOND COURSE
guest to select
SEARED SCALLOP squash, oxtail, Swiss chard, five spice
CONFIT LEG OF MULARD DUCK crispy polenta, spinach, duck jus
CELERY ROOT DUMPLINGS matsutake mushrooms, leeks, mushroom broth, truffle
to be paired with 2010 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

THIRD COURSE
guest to select
SURF AND TURF American venison and blue prawn, pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, coco nibs
COLUMBIA RIVER STURGEON lobster hash, buttered cabbage, demi
GRILLED FILET OF BEEF foie gras butter, cauliflower, sweet potato, bordelaise
to be paired with 2008 Cosentino “The Zin” Zinfandel, Lodi, California

FOURTH COURSE
guest to select
CREAMY SEXY BLUE strawberry preserve, aged balsamic, brioche
AGED CHEDDAR house made cracker, local honey, apple
to be paired with Blandy’s Rainwater Madiera

FIFTH COURSE 
guest to select
PECAN PIE bourbon caramel, sour apple ice cream
PRALINE MOUSSE CAKE chocolate pretzel cookie, Thai basil, praline tuille
SORBET FLIGHT seasonal flavors
to be paired with Mionetto Prosecco

Park Grill’s Pastry Chef Offers Haute Hot Chocolate

Warm Up with Decadent Drinks, House-made Marshmallows and Seasonal Spices

Park Grill welcomes winter dining guests with a toasty-warm spot for pre- and post-skating sessions. This season, Pastry Chef Claire Hewson has created a variety of hot chocolate drinks that are as decadent as they are delicious. From liquor-infused marshmallows to classic kids’ cocoa, each winter warmer is a hand-made creation.

New, gourmet hot chocolate drinks will be introduced throughout the season.  The special drink menu may be ordered in the dining room, or in the cozy bar/lounge area (they may not be taken to-go).

Park Grill’s “Haute” Hot Chocolate Menu

Spiced Hot Chocolate
Valrhona dark chocolate; marshmallows infused with Jack Daniels honey whiskey, cinnamon and vanilla; cinnamon; nutmeg; all spice; ginger; clove; chocolate-dipped, hazelnut biscotti $6

Kids’ Hot Chocolate
milk chocolate; vanilla marshmallow; mini chocolate chip cookie $4

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
spiked with Peppermint Schnapps; triple vanilla marshmallow; chocolate chip biscotti $6

Park Grill
11 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60602
312.521.7275
www.parkgrillchicago.com

Family Fun Package for Thanksgiving Week

Trot Your Tribe to Indian Lakes Resort for a Local Getaway

Sunday, November 20 – Sunday, November 27
$99/night (for up to 4 guests)

While school’s on break, parents can use a break. As a last minute getaway (at an affordable rate), gather your group for the Indian Lakes Resort “Family Fun” package. For only $99 per night, families of four that stay between November 20 and November 27 will receive:

An overnight stay for up to four guests;
25 food voucher for any dining outlet at the resort;
Dive-in movies at the indoor pool;
Complimentary round of mini-golf for four (one round, per person);
Discount VIP Admission Coupons to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center in Schaumburg;
Movie tickets for four to Hollywood Blvd. in Woodridge;
Family four pack of passes to Lazer X and Brunswick Zone;
Goodie bag for children at check-in.

For those staying over the actual holiday, there will be an elaborate Thanksgiving Day buffet service in the Grand Ballroom from 11 :00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The fee is
$36.95 for adults, $15.95 for children ages 5-12 and free for children 4 and under.

This “Family Fun” package offer is valid for Thanksgiving week. Please call the Resort (630) 529-0200 or book online at indianlakesresort.com.

Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort
250 W. Schick Road
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
630-529-0200
http://www.IndianLakesResort.com

Gingerbread House Building Event at Park Grill

Sweet, Family-Friendly Afternoon Activity in Millennium Park

Sunday, December 4
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

$40 fee per house

Park Grill will hold a truly sweet, family-friendly event on Sunday, December 4. From 1-3 p.m., Pastry Chef Claire Hewson will lead participants through a gingerbread house making event. From construction to candies, Hewson will give tips on how to best craft a decorative and edible centerpiece for the holidays.

Families may order from the lunch menu throughout the event and Park Grill’s new, gourmet hot chocolate menu (adult and kids’ versions with homemade marshmallows) will also be available for seasonal sipping. Make a day of it by adding in ice skating on the Plaza at Park Grill’s outdoor rink.

The $40 fee covers two people per house and Park Grill will provide all materials. Reservations may be made by calling Park Grill directly.

Park Grill
11 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60602
312.521.7275
http://www.parkgrillchicago.com

“Brunch with Santa” at Shiraz on the Water

A Festive Family Day with a Lavish Brunch Buffet

Sunday, December 4
Sunday, December 11
Sunday, December 18

10:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m.

$27.95 adults, $13.95 children 5-12, Free for children 4 and under

Shiraz on the Water, located at the Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort, will welcome families for holiday festivities at their annual “Brunch with Santa” event, which takes place on three consecutive Sundays in December (4, 11 and 18).

From 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., families will enjoy a lavish brunch buffet created by Executive Chef Carol Buckantz, complete with traditional breakfast items, omelet and waffle station, lunch specials, carving station, side dishes, desserts (including a chocolate fountain) and a knee-high kids’ buffet (entire menu is outlined below).

Children will have the opportunity to meet the joyous Old St. Nick in person, while the seasonal sounds of holiday music fill the air. Be sure to bring your camera to capture a photo with Santa Claus!

The fee to attend is $27.95 for adults, $13.95 for children 5-12 years of age, and free for children 4 and under.

Skip the long lines to see Santa at the mall and make plans for a memorable afternoon. Reservations may be made by calling Shiraz on the Water at 630-671-5013. For more information, please visit http://www.shirazonthewater.com

Brunch with Santa Menu

Traditional Breakfast Items
Assortment of breakfast pastries, including croissants, danish, muffins, cinnamon rolls
Assorted bagels with whipped cream cheese and butter
Sliced seasonal fruits and berries
Smoked salmon with condiments
Scrambled eggs
Apple wood smoked bacon and sausage links
Breakfast potatoes with peppers and onions
Cinnamon swirl french toast

Belgium Waffles & Omelet Station
Diced ham, bacon, spinach, tomatoes, onion, peppers, mushrooms cheddar and Swiss cheeses
Whipped cream & berry compote

Lunch Specials
Caesar salad
Mixed green salad with dressings
Caprese salad
Almond crusted tilapia with citrus beurre blanc
Chicken marsala

Side Dishes
Cocktail shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon
International and domestic cheeses
Au gratin potatoes
Vegetable medley

Carving Station
Inside round of beef, au jus and horseradish chive
Honey baked ham

Dessert
Assorted cakes, tortes, cookies and cupcakes
Chocolate fountain with strawberries, rice crispy treats, pound cake, marshmallows, pretzel rods, brownie squares

Kids’ Buffet
Chicken fingers
Curley fries
Macaroni and cheese
Silver dollar pancakes
Served with Cranberry, Tomato, Apple and Orange Juice

Shiraz on the Water
Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort
250 W. Schick Road
Bloomingdale, IL60108
630-671-5013
http://www.shirazonthewater.com

Twilight Breaking Dawn VIP Package at Hilton Indian Lakes Resort

Exclusive Meet and Greet with Twilight Castmate Daniel Cudmore, Midnight Movie Premiere and Much More

Thursday, November 17
$149 per night per two guests

Calling all Twihards! The Hilton Indian Lakes Resort is offering a one-night-only, Twilight VIP experience on Thursday, November 17 (the night before Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 releases to the public). Forget Team Edward and Team Jacob, this evening is all about Team Felix, as Daniel Cudmore arrives at the Resort for a special meet and greet autograph session at 7 p.m. before a Midnight screening of the film at nearby Hollywood Boulevard theater.

This very special package includes:

Overnight accommodations for two;
Vitaminwater amenity at check-in;
Private meet & greet with Daniel Cudmore (Felix);
Complimentary autograph from Daniel Cudmore (free for Resort guests/$20 fee at Hollywood Boulevard);
Two movie tickets to the midnight premiere of Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 at Hollywood Boulevard;
Access to the Hilton VIP line at the theater;
Preferred seating at the theater;
15-percent discount at Shiraz on the Water restaurant;
Buy one breakfast buffet, receive a 50-percent discount on a second breakfast buffet at Master’s Clubhouse;
Opportunity to purchase Twilight souvenirs from Hot Topic’s on-site shop (3-10p.m.).

Limited packages available. For reservations, please call (630) 529-0200 and mention booking codeP4.

Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort
250 W. Schick Road
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
630-529-0200 extension 6460
http://www.IndianLakesResort.com

Cactus Bar & Grill Collects Toys for Tots

Provide for Those In Need This Holiday Season, Receive a Complimentary Appetizer

Toy Drive Kick-Off on Black Wednesday, November 23
Toy Drive Runs Through December 16

Cactus Bar and Grill will kick off the holiday season with a toy drive! Beginning on “Black Wednesday” (Thanksgiving Eve, November 23), the Loop eatery will add a large “Toys for Tots” drop box to the bar area. The spirit of giving will pass on, as patrons who donate a new, unwrapped toy will receive a complimentary appetizer (valid November 23 through December 16). The selection of “Toys for Tots” appetizers include cheeseburger sliders, artichoke jalapeno dip with chips, Death Valley wings, salsa and chips and cheese quesadillas – menu below.

On Black Wednesday, Cactus Bar and Grill will offer $5 Patron Silver Shots and $3 pints of Half Acre Daisy Cutter.

Collection hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to Midnight; Friday 11 .m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to close. Those dropping off toys throughout the week may enjoy $4 craft and import bottles and $1 sliders on Mondays; $2 call cocktails on Tuesdays; $2 domestic drafts and $3 craft and import drafts on Wednesdays; $6 12-ounce margaritas, $20 Mexican beer buckets and $5 Cabo Wabo shots on Thursdays; $5 Patron Silver shots, $18 Miller Lite buckets and $11 20-ounce “lush cup” margaritas on Fridays; $5 20-ounce drafts, $16 Coors Light buckets and $5 half-pound burgers on Saturdays and $5 20-ounce drafts, $16 Miller Lite buckets and $5 bloody marys on Sundays. Everyday: select appetizers $5 after 5 p.m.

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

Appetizer Menu
Free with a Toy Donation

Salsa & Chips
Hot or mild, tortilla chips

Artichoke Jalapeno Dip
Tortilla chips

Cheese Quesadilla
Monterey jack and cheddar cheeses, pico de gallo and salsa

Cheeseburger Sliders
Order of three with lettuce, tomato and American cheese

Death Valley Wings
Your choice of bbq, spicy bbq, sweet thai chili, garlic honey mustard, chipotle lime garlic, mild, hot, or insane sauces with ranch or blue cheese dressing

Cactus Bar and Grill
404 South Wells
Chicago, Illinois 60607
312-922-3830
DontDrinkAndTrade.com

Champagne Brunch is Back at Shiraz on the Water

New Bloody Mary Bar Added to Sunday’s Sweet and Savory Spread

Every Sunday
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

$22.95 per adult, $9.95 children 6-12, free for children 5 and under

Shiraz on the Water has brought back brunch service every Sunday. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Chef Carol Buckantz and her culinary team will present an over-the-top selection of breakfast dishes, lunch entrees, carving stations and sweets tables (made-to-order bananas foster, new cherries jubilee station, sundae bar and pastries). Each adult guest will start the meal with a sparkling glass of champagne.

Also new to the fall menu is a bloody mary bar, complete with dozens of toppings and ingredients. The fee is $8 ($9.50 Absolut Peppar).

The complete menu is outlined below. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Tables may be reserved by calling 630-671-5013 or be made online through http://www.ShirazOnTheWater.com or OpenTable.com.

Menu: Champagne Sunday Brunch

Flute of Champagne
brunch includes a sparkling flute of bubbly for each adult guest

Bloody Mary Bar
create your very own Bloody Mary cocktails
$8.00 each, $9.50 Absolut Peppar

Traditional Breakfast Items

Assorted Breakfast Pastries: croissants, cinnamon rolls, Danish, muffins
Bagels with cream cheese
Scrambled Eggs with Chives
Applewood Smoked Bacon and Sausage
Redskin Breakfast Potatoes with Peppers and Onions
Silver Dollar Pancakes
Cinnamon French Toast
Eggs Benedict
Breakfast Entree, changes weekly (Huevos Rancheros, Blintzes)

Breakfast Stations

Waffle Station: berry compote, whipped cream and warm maple syrup
Made-to-Order Omelet Station: tomatoes, spinach, onions, mushrooms, ham, bacon, sausage, salsa and cheddar cheese

Cold Display

Cheese Selections
Seasonal Sliced Fresh Fruit
Vegetable Medley
Peel-and-Eat Shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon
Caesar Salad
Mixed Green Salad, served with two dressings

Entrees

Chef-Carved Inside Round of Beef, au jus and horseradish sauce
Carving Station, changes weekly (ham, pork loin, lamb) served with appropriate sauces
Two Chef’s Choice Entrées, changes weekly – served with rice or Potato
Chef’s Pasta Special of the Day

Dessert Stations

Made-to-Order Bananas Foster
Cherries Jubilee
Ice Cream Bar with variety of toppings

Dessert Table: torts, mousse, dessert bars, miniature pastries

Shiraz on theWater
Hilton Indian Lakes Resort
250 W. Schick Road
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
630-671-5013
ShirazOnTheWater.com

Park Cafe’s “Picnic in the Park” Packages Perfect for Air & Water Show

Chicago’s 2011 Air & Water Show

August 20-21
10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Chicago Air & Water Show takes place each summer for one weekend in August. Over 2 million people flock to the shores of Lake Michigan for the event, the oldest and largest free show of its kind in the United States. Park Café, located adjacent to Park Grill in the heart of beautiful Millennium Park, offers a variety of picnic meal options for any size party. Pre-select your picnic package (full menu is listed below) and schedule a pick-up on one of the days of the Air & Water show. Lawn chair rentals are also available for $7 each.

For those walking through the Millennium Park grounds, Park Café now offers over 15 flavors of ice cream to choose from, along with soft-serve, sundaes and shakes. On a hot summer day, cool off with a root beer float, chocolate malt or banana split. The ice cream menu is listed below.

To place orders, call (312) 521-7276 x 200, email parkcafeorders@parkgrillchicago.com or fill out the order form located at http://www.parkgrillchicago.com. All orders must be placed by 9 a.m. the day before pickup. Orders can be picked up between 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at Park Cafe.

PICNIC MEALS

Park and Play (ages 2-10) $8.75
PB & Jelly Uncrustable, Bag of Chips, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Juice Box or Fountain Drink

The Bean $12.50
Sandwich or Salad (select one)
Smoked turkey on a country baguette; Fresh mozzarella and roma tomato with pesto spread on herb focaccia; Carved ham & gruyere on a pretzel roll; Curry chicken salad sandwich (poached chicken breast, raisin pecan toast, bibb lettuce); Park Grill chopped salad; Chicken Caesar salad.
Kettle Chips, Chocolate Chip Cookie, or Whole Fruit
Dasani Bottled Water or Large Fountain Drink

Millennium Meal $15
Sandwich or Salad (select one)
Smoked turkey on a country baguette; Fresh mozzarella and roma tomato with pesto spread on herb focaccia; Carved ham & gruyere on a pretzel roll; Curry chicken salad sandwich (poached chicken breast, raisin pecan toast, bibb lettuce); Park Grill chopped salad; Chicken Caesar salad.
Kettle Chips or Whole Fruit
Dessert (select one)
Triple vanilla cheesecake; Seasonal cupcake; Chocolate chip cookie
Dasani Bottled Water or Large Fountain Drink

Picnic for Two $38 (one order serves two people)
Cheese Board imported & local artisan cheeses, dried fruits, candied walnuts, and fresh berries
Hummus & Olive Dip served with pita chips
Market Vegetables with Spinach & Artichoke Dip served with pita chips
Sandwich or Salad (select one)
Smoked turkey on a country baguette; Fresh mozzarella and roma tomato with pesto spread on herb focaccia; Carved ham & gruyere on a pretzel roll; Curry chicken salad sandwich (poached chicken breast, raisin pecan toast, bibb lettuce); Park Grill chopped salad; Chicken Caesar salad.
Dasani Bottled Water (2)

Party Packs (convenient packaging for easy pick up and picnicking, serves 12)
Gourmet Sandwiches (1 dozen) $84
Selections include Smoked turkey on a country baguette; Fresh mozzarella and roma tomato with pesto spread on herb focaccia; Carved ham & gruyere on a pretzel roll
Sides (serves 12) $60
Couscous toasted israeli couscous, seasonal vegetables with lemon dressing
Basil pesto pasta salad cavatappi pasta, pine nut basil pesto, shaved grana parmesan
Seasonal Fruit or Grapes (serves 12) $60
Hummus & Olive Dip served with pita chips $60
Market Vegetables with Spinach & Artichoke Dip served with pita chips (serves 12) $70
Seasonal Cupcakes (1 dozen) $30
Chocolate Chip Cookies (1 dozen) $24
Triple Vanilla Cheesecake ( 12 pieces) $36

ICE CREAM MENU

Ice Cream Flavors
Vanilla; Chocolate; Chocolate Chip; Cookies & Cream; Orange Sherbet; Strawberry; Pistachio; Palmer House; Butter Pecan; Chocolate Peanut Butter; Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough; Banana; Rocky Road; Mint Chocolate Chip; Coffee; Coconut; Berry Sorbet

Soft Serve Ice Cream
Vanilla Soft Serve; Chocolate Soft Serve; Swirl Soft Serve

Ice Cream Cones
Cake Cone/Cup One Scoop $3.75
Two Scoops $4.25
Soft Serve Small $3.25
Large $3.75
Sugar Cone add .75
Waffle Cone add $1.25

Ice Cream Sundaes
One Scoop $4.75
Two Scoops $5.75
Includes Chocolate, Caramel or Hot Fudge topping; Whipped Cream, Nuts & Cherry

Cookie and Ice Cream Sandwich $5

Banana Split $6.25

Extra toppings $1
Hot Fudge, chocolate, caramel, nuts, Oreo cookie crumbles, whipped cream

Shakes
Small (12 oz.) $4.75
Large (16 oz.) $5.50
Chocolate, Vanilla or Strawberry
Fresh Banana & Malts add $1

Root Beer Floats $4.75 (16 oz.)

Hand Packed Pints $5.25

Park Cafe
The Plaza at Park Grill
11 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60602
312-521-7276 extension 200
ParkGrillChicago.com