StyleChicago’s “South Beach Style” at Nacional 27

Fourth Annual Ultimate Girls Night Out Event

Thursday, March 1
6-9 p.m.VIP Tickets $45 (includes goodie bag) General Admission $35

Nacional 27 will hold the fourth annual StyleChicago “South Beach Style” girls night out event on Thursday, March 1 from 6-9 p.m. This fun, very girly party with a Latin twist includes: creative cocktails; Hey Mambo wine; Peroni beer; a variety of passed tapas, ceviche and small plates; Salsa dancing instruction; Zumba lessons; fabulous fashions; and spa and beauty services. All ticket holders will have a chance to win designer prizes and giveaways.

VIP tickets are $45 and include early admission (5:30 p.m.) and the highly sought-after, signature StyleChicago goodie bag with over 30 fabulous items (general admission tickets are $35). This event is for those 21 and over. Tickets may be purchased at StyleChicago.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006.

Nacional 27
325 West Huron
Chicago, IL 60610
312.664.2727
n27chicago.com

Crawfish Eating Contest for Charity at Cactus

Second Annual Fat Tuesday Event in the Financial District

Fat Tuesday, February 21
6 p.m.

Contestants: $25 entrance fee (will be donated to Habit for Humanity)

Cheer Them On: event is free to attend

Cactus Bar and Grill will hold their second annual crawfish eating contest for charity on Tuesday, February 21. This Fat Tuesday event, taking place in the Financial District, will encourage competitors to consume three pounds of crawfish in the fastest amount of time possible. All proceeds, including the $25 entrance fee, will benefit Habitat for Humanity of New Orleans.

Contestants will be divided into four heats, and the winner of each heat will compete in a final round. All competitors will receive a Cactus t-shirt. First place will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to Cactus Bar and Grill, second place a table top grill, and third place a Corona metal beer cooler. Plenty of Mardi Gras accessories, such as beads and masks, will be delved out to the crowd.

Cactus will offer a variety of specials throughout Fat Tuesday week (February 20, 21 22, 23, 24):

$5 pints of Louisiana’s local beer, Abita Purple Haze – $1 from each Purple Haze sold will be donated to Habitat for Humanity NOLA;

$5 Hurricanes;

$5 SoCo Lime shots;

$4 cup, $6 bowl Shrimp and Crawfish Gumbo;

$10 Shrimp Po Boy with side;

$12 Crawfish Boil Platter.

To reserve a spot in the crawfish competition, please visit DontDrinkAndTrade.com. For more information, call Cactus’ event line at 312.922.8025.

Since its inception in 1983, NOAHH has been working in partnership with hard working, low-income families in New Orleans to build and finance new, safe, affordable homes. The program makes homeownership possible for families who are unable to qualify for traditional home loans but have a stable job, good or no credit, and the willingness to contribute 350 hours of sweat equity to the building of Habitat homes.New Orleans continues to rebuild housing that was destroyed by the devastating flooding of Hurricane Katrina. NOAHH has become a beacon of hope in this rebuilding process by recruiting and deploying tens of thousands of volunteers to construct new homes in damaged, blighted neighborhoods. With the support of our volunteers, donors, and partners across the country and even the world, NOAHH’s homebuilding capacity has increased annually since 2005. New Orleans is a city with historically low rates of homeownership and high levels of poverty, yet it is a place of resiliency, hope, and cultural vibrancy.With a spirit of renewal, NOAHH is rising to the challenges presented by a substandard housing stock and is helping many to realize their dream of homeownership. http://habitat-nola.org

Cactus Bar and Grill
404 S. Wells
Chicago, IL
312-922-3830
DontDrinkAndTrade.com

Academy Awards Viewing Party at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club

Purple Carpet, Live Oscar Statues, Celebrity Photo Shoot and Swag Bags

Sunday, February 26
5:30 p.m. red carpet arrivals
7:00 p.m. the 84th Academy Awards

No fee to attend

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club will hold their annual, over-the-top Academy Awards viewing party on Sunday, February 26. Upon arrival, party guests will walk Hpnotiq Harmonie’s ”purple carpet” and will be escorted into the lounge by purple and gold painted, Oscar statue models.

Starting at 5:30 p.m., seven large screens will air the E! network’s red carpet arrivals, while a feel-like-a-star celebrity photo shoot takes place at Kit Kat’s “step and repeat” wall featuring Madonna, Cher, Meryl Streep and more. Guests will be encouraged to take complimentary photos as a fun Oscar party souvenir. The 84th Academy Awards will be shown live, with sound, at 7:00 p.m.

While admiring the gorgeous gowns and “oh no she didn’t” dresses, enjoy complimentary cocktail samplings from Hpnotiq Harmonie, along with half-price martinis and champagne cocktails. Diva Sunny DeeLite will fly in from New York City for the event, and she will perform as various Hollywood hotties in red carpet-worthy attire. At the end of the evening, Kit Kat will hand out complimentary Hpnotiq swag bags (feathered boa, t-shirt, glow sticks, mints, glow pens, glow rings and more).

Table reservations are available by calling Kit Kat.

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657
773.525.1111
www.kitkatchicago.com

Academy Awards Viewing Party

ZED451 Rolls Out the Red Carpet

Sunday, February 26
6 p.m.  Red Carpet Coverage
7 p.m. The 84th Academy Awards

Free to attend

Now that the nominations have been announced, the anticipation begins. Find out who will be awarded with an Oscar during ZED451′s Academy Awards viewing party on Sunday, February 26. Guests are invited to walk the red carpet into Zed451′s urban-chic lounge, where both the celebrity red carpet arrivals and awards ceremony will be shown on the 10-foot projection screen. A ballot contest will be held to predict the evening’s winners, and the party guest with the most correct guesses will win a $150 gift certificate to the restaurant.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the awards festivities and fashion statements while sipping one of the special, Oscar-themed cocktails (menu outlined below). Additional Sunday drink specials include $3 mimosas and $3 pints of craft beer (Goose Island Green Line, Goose Island Matilda, New Belgium Fat Tire, Victoria Vienna Lager, Metropolitan Krankshaft, Bell’s Best Brown, Dark Horse Amber Ale, Finch’s Threadless, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Left Hand Milk Stout and Stella Artois).

ZED451′s “Big Screen” Burger will be offered for $5 (8-ounce Angus burger on homemade pretzel bun with butter pickles and pickled shallots, or with maple Cajun bacon and choice of cheese) and the full “Cravings” lounge menu will also be available.

Table reservations are welcome, please call ZED451 at 312.266.6691 or visit ZED451.com.

Academy Award Winning Cocktails

Hollywood Stars Sangria 10 glass, 38 pitcher
Red apple sangria

The Artist 12
Rock Sake, Canton ginger liqueur, rosemary-infused simple syrup, lemon juice

Moneyball Muddle 10
Muddled cucumber and sage, grapefruit juice, Hendrick’s gin, Chartreuse liqueur

…And The Envelope, Please 10
Rosemary, El Tesoro tequila, agave nectar, splash of soda, rosemary sprig garnish

Midnight in Paris 11
St. Germaine liqueur, Vita coconut water, floating orchid                                                 

The Red Carpet 12
Muddled strawberries, blackberries and lime, Pyrat rum, splash of Sprite

War Horse Woodford Reserve 11
Woodford Reserve Distiller Select infused with green apple syrup, caramel, green apple garnish

Hugo 11
Muddled blueberries and mint, house made simple syrup, Hendrick’s gin, lime juice, splash of soda

The Tree of Life 12
Pear-infused Svedka vodka, pumpkin puree, cointreau, nutmeg, cinnamon

ZED451
739 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611
312.266.6691
ZED451.com

“Open That Bottle Night”

Five Restaurants Participate in Annual Uncork-It Celebration

Saturday, February 25

Stop saving that bottle for a special occasion! Since the year 2000, on the last Saturday night in February, friends, couples and groups get together to enjoy particular bottles of wine and champagne. The bottle selected is traditionally one that you have been saving for a special event that, so far, hasn’t happened.

“Open That Bottle Night” was created by Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher of the Wall Street Journal as a great way to feel entitled to uncork that cherished bottle. It doesn’t matter if the wine is expensive or reasonable, red, white or bubbly – what matters are the memories.

Five local restaurants are inviting guests to bring in their special bottle without being charged a corkage fee. If you don’t have a bottle on hand, two of the participating restaurants will offer nice discount on select bottles of wines from their house list.

Participating Restaurants

Quince
no corkage fee, one bottle per table

BLT American Brasserie
no corkage fee, one bottle per table

Elate
no corkage fee, one bottle per table

Due Lire
no corkage fee, one bottle per table
20-percent discount on select bottles of wine

Park Grill
no corkage fee, one bottle per table
50-percent discount on select bottles of wine
Quince at The Homestead, 1625 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201, 847.570.8400, QuinceRestaurant.net

BLT American Brasserie, 599 West Superior, Chicago, IL 60654, 312.948.8744, BLTAmericanBrasserie.com

Elate, 111 West Huron, Chicago, IL 60654, 312.202.9900, ElateChicago.com

Due Lire Vino & Cucina, 4520 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625, 773.275-7878, Due-Lire.com 

Park Grill, 11 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60602, 312.521.7275, ParkGrillChicago.com

“Be My Valentine” at Nacional 27

Four Course Menu with Creative Cocktail Pairings 

February 10, 11, 13, 14

$49 four course menu
$35 cocktail pairings

Heat up your winter holiday at Nacional 27, where drinks, dining and dancing make for a great date night. This Valentine’s Day weekend (February 10, 11, 13, 14), the River North restaurant and lounge will offer a special “Be My Valentine” menu.  Chef Chico Vilchez’s four courses include a selection of tapas, choice of soup or salad, entree and dessert for $49 per guest. Nacional 27′s mixologist, Liz Samples, has created four cocktails that may be paired with dinner for an additional $35.

After dinner, linger in the lounge or dash to the dance floor to experience a complete evening on the town, all under one roof.  Reservations are recommended, please call Nacional 27 at 312-664-2727 or visit N27Chicago.com.

“Be My Valentine” Menu

TAPAS

Shrimp Adobado Skewer; Agave BBQ’d Lamb Taco; Crab Cake with chipotle tartar; Pepper Jack Cheese, Boniato and Plantain Empanada

Cocktail Pairing: POW! Punch
Myers rum, rhum creole clement, ginger-habenero, pomegranate, orange juice, passion fruit, sparkling wine

SOPA OR ENSALADA

(select one)

Shrimp Chowder, red & yellow peppers, red bliss potatoes, jalapeno, ginger

Hearts of Palm Salad, salsa cruda, avocado, papaya, olives

Cocktail Pairing: N27 Mojito
Bacardi rum, lime, mint, sugar, soda water

ENTREE

(select one)

Surf & Turf, 5-oz filet with malbec reduction and Langostinos with citrus butter, served with herb roasted potatoes, leeks and red peppers

Seared Ahi Tuna, Latin spiced, served with a jicama, grapefruit & pomegranate salad

Cocktail Pairing: Martini #27
Bacardi anejo, housemade falernum, guava puree, soda water, fresh herbs

POSTRE

Cinnamon Churros, dulce de leche; Chocolate Sponge Cake, strawberry crema

Cocktail Pairing: Good ol’ glass of bubbly 

Nacional 27
325 West Huron
Chicago, Illinois 60654
312-664-2727
n27chicago.com

Valentine’s Day Dining at III Forks

Special Menu, Sweetheart Selection and Sparkling Wine

Special Menu Offered February 14
Sweetheart Selection Offered February 10-14

III Forks Prime Steakhouse will welcome Valentine’s Day dining guests with a special menu on Tuesday, February 14. Chef Tommy Nevill will feature starters, USDA Prime beef, seafood and sides (menu outlined below). Nevill’s “Sweetheart Selection,” filet mignon with cold water lobster tail, will be available throughout the weekend (February 10-14). III Forks will also feature four sparkling wine selections, chosen for the romantic holiday.

Reservations are encouraged. Please call III Forks or visit OpenTable.

Valentine’s Day Menu 

Beginnings
Seafood Medley 17.95
Shrimp Cocktail 15.95
Ahi Tuna 14.95
III Forks Salad 9.95
Wedge Salad 9.95
Lobster Bisque 11.95

Sweetheart Selection 
USDA Prime Filet Mignon with Cold Water Lobster Tail 69.95

Beef Market
USDA Prime Filet Mignon 8oz 34.95
USDA Prime Filet Mignon 12oz 42.95
USDA Prime New York Strip 16oz 44.95
USDA Prime Bone In Ribeye 18oz 42.95
USDA Prime Porterhouse 24oz 59.95
Prime Rib 16oz 34.95
Rack of Lamb 42.95

Fish Market
Atlantic Salmon 29.95
Chilean Seabass 35.95
Cold Water Lobster Tail Market

Sides
Off-the-Cob Cream Corn 8.50
Fresh Asparagus 9.95
Sauteed Spinach 9.50
Sauteed Mushrooms 9.50
Mashed Potatoes 6.95
Baked Potato 8.50
Six Cheese Potatoes 9.50
Sweet Potato Hash 8.50

Featured Sparkling Wine Selections
Mumm, Napa, NV 187ml 12.00
Chandon Brut Classic, California, NV 187ml 15.00
Domaine Chandon “Etoile” Napa, NV 750ml 81.00
Veuve Clicquot “Yellow Label” Reims, NV 750ml 126.00

III Forks Prime Steakhouse
333 East Benton Place
Chicago, Illinois 60601
312.938.4303
www.3Forks.com

Valentine’s Day at Due Lire

Italian Fare Set in an Intimate Atmosphere

Tuesday, February 14
5-10 p.m.

$45 four course menu

Due Lire Vino & Cucina has the perfect atmosphere, ambiance and cuisine that diners’ seek out on Valentine’s Day. This cozy, Lincoln Square contemporary Italian restaurant will offer a special four course, prix fixe menu on Tuesday, February 14. From 5-10 p.m., guests may enjoy Chef Kevin Abshire’s multi-course meal for $45. The Valentine’s Day menu includes an appetizer, pasta, entree and dessert, with such selections as sunchoke and toasted hazelnut puree soup; creamy gorgonzola polenta with wild boar ragu and shaved horseradish; homemade celery root-filled pasta with caramelized wild mushroom and truffle butter; roasted pork loin with roasted potatoes and brussels sprout in a red wine demi; and homemade pear tart with hazelnut gelato and shaved dark chocolate.

Due Lire’s regular dinner menu will also be available in addition to the prix fixe. Proprietor Massimo Di Vuolo is happy to pair each course with wine, upon request. Reservations are recommended, please call the restaurant at 773-275-7878.

Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Menu

First Course
choice of:

Zuppa di Rape
sunchoke and toasted hazelnut puree soup

Polenta al Cinghiale
creamy gorgonzola polenta with wild boar ragu and shaved horseradish

Second Course
choice of:

Gnocchi di Barbabietole
homemade beet gnocchi with watercress pesto and ricotta salata

Caramelle ai Funghi di Bosco
homemade celery root-filled pasta with caramelized wild mushroom and truffle butter

Third Course
choice of:

Razza con Asparagi e Finocchio
pan roasted skate with grilled asparagus and fennel in a balsamic brown butter

Maialino con Cavoletti e Patate
roasted pork loin with roasted potatoes and brussels sprout in a red wine demi

Fourth Course
choice of:

Crostata di Pere
homemade pear tart with hazelnut gelato and shaved dark chocolate

Croccantino di Pistacchio
caramelized pistachios mousse with a shot of hot espresso

Due Lire Vino & Cucina
4520 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60625
(773) 275-7878
www.Due-Lire.com 

Valentine’s Day at The Red Canary

Aphrodisiac Menu for Two

February 10, 11, 13, 14

$90 per couple

The Red Canary, located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, is a perfectly sexy spot for Valentine’s Day dining. The decadent parlor room features a vaulted ceiling, stunning chandeliers, exposed brick and damask fabrics. Named after legendary female jazz vocalists from the Harlem Jazz Movement, the restaurant and lounge offers “Real. American. Comfort.” fare, along with an impressive selection of classic cocktails, wine and craft beer.

Chef Daniel Tolentino has crafted a special menu for two that incorporates appropriately themed, aphrodisiac-inspired dishes. The menu, offered during dinner service February 10, 11, 13 and 14, is priced at $90 per couple and includes a champagne toast, starter course, shared bite, soup or salad, entree and dessert. The selections are outlined below.

Reservations are encouraged (tip: request one of the red velvet booths). Tax and gratuity is not included in the dinner. The Valentine’s weekend menu for two will be offered Friday 2/10 and Saturday 2/11 from  5-11 p.m. and Monday 2/13 and Tuesday 2/14 from 5-10 p.m.

Valentine’s Day Menu

Shared Starter

Artisan Cheese Platter – assorted cheeses – fruits – compotes – house crackers

Shared Bite

Oysters Canary – broiled oysters – fresh spicy crab mayo

Valentine’s Toast

Champagne – fresh raspberries

Intro (select one)

Asparagus Salad – prosciutto wrapped asparagus – fennel – toasted almonds – shaved asiago – vanilla vinaigrette

Soup – wild mushrooms – white asparagus dumpling consommé

Main (select one)    

Sauteed Grouper – peach arugula salad – plantain puree – fried shallots

Grilled Lamp Chops – roasted fingerling potatoes – cran-cherry coulis

Steak Gnocchi – flat iron steak – housemade gnocchi – roasted tomato and basil sauce

Shared Sweet

Chef’s Chocolate Sampler Platter

The Red Canary
695 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60642
312.846.1475
TheRedCanaryChicago.com

Valentine’s Day Weekend at Park Grill

Sweetheart Specials, Cocktail Duo and Half-Price Wines

Friday, February 10 – Tuesday, February 14

Capture the heart of your sweetie in the heart of the city this Valentine’s Day. Park Grill in picturesque Millennium Park will celebrate the weekend of love with sweetheart specials, themed cocktails (Sweetheart Martini, Bourbon Bubbly) and half-price select bottles of wine from Friday, February 10 to Tuesday, February 14.

As an added bonus, each day a pair of theater tickets will be raffled off to various performances at The Harris Theater and Chicago Opera Theater. On February 14, one lucky couple will take home a romantic Chicago “getaway package” that includes a one night stay at Hotel Burnham and dinner for two at Park Grill. Also on February 14, all ladies dining at the restaurant will receive complimentary chocolate covered strawberries.

Reservations are recommended, and may be made by calling 312-521-PARK (7275). The dinner hours at Park Grill are Friday and Saturday 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday through Tuesday 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Sweetheart Specials 

Cocktails
Sweetheart Martini – amarula, ketel one citreon, lychee syrup, fresh grapefruit juice, grenadine, garnished with a chocolate covered strawberry 11
Bourbon Bubbly – makers mark, crème de casis, champagne, raspberry garnish 11

Starters
East Coast Oysters – mignonette, ginger 12
Half Lobster – butter poached, parsnip, green beans, blood orange 16 

Entrees
Grilled Beef Tenderloin – pearls onions, asparagus, chanterelles, foie butter, bordelaise 35
Pan Seared Big Eye Tuna – black rice, shitake mushrooms, baby cabbage, champagne beurre blanc 29
King Crab – house made parpadelle, green beans, chives, ginger, crab broth 27

Desserts
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Trifle – chocolate chiffon layered with strawberry mousse, topped with champagne gelee 8

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