Four Courses Paired with FEW Spirits 

Wednesday, February 29
6:30 p.m.

$75 per person

Quince will hold an extra special dinner on this year’s extra day, Leap Day. On Wednesday, February 29, the Evanston restaurant will welcome FEW Spirits, the neighboring, small-batch distillery for a four course dinner. Executive Chef Andy Motto’s cuisine will be paired with FEW’s hand-crafted whiskey, gin, rye and bourbon (menu outlined below).

Originally founded as a dry community, Evanston was home to many influential advocates for Prohibition who effectively kept the city free of alcohol for more than one hundred years. Though the city legalized drinking in the late Nineties, it took the perseverance of FEW’s Master Distiller, Paul Hletko, to reverse the antiquated liquor laws. With roots going back to some of Europe’s fabled brewing families, Paul and FEW Spirits have marked the end of Evanston’s Prohibition and given the city its very own craft distillery, the first licensed distillery in town.

The event takes place at 6:30 p.m. and the fee to attend the dinner is $75, tax and gratuity excluded. Please call Quince at 847-570-8400 for reservations.

FEW Spirits Distillery Dinner Menu

First Course
Grilled Baby Octopus – citrus, quinoa, frisee
Paired with FEW White Whiskey Sunrise

Second Course
Parsnip Tortellini – carrot, beet
Paired with FEW Parsnip Gin Fizz

Third Course
Pork Belly – rye, honey, onion, cabbage
Paired with FEW Rye on 2 Rocks

Fourth Course
Pecan – maple, bourbon
Paired with FEW Buttery Bourbon

Quince
1625 Hinman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
847.570.8400
QuinceRestaurant.net

Bottomless Bubbly with Egg & Brunch Entrees

Saturdays and Sundays
11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

$26 per person

BLT American Brasserie will now offer a new, free-flowing bubbly option to their weekend brunch service.  Every Saturday and Sunday, brunch guests may choose one of the “Eggs & Brunch” entrees (outlined below) paired with one hour of unlimited flutes of champagne for $26 per person.

BLT American Brasserie
500 West Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312-948-8744
BLTAmericanBrasserie.com 

Rio-style Celebration with Brazilian Beats and Cachaca Drinks   

Tuesday, February 21
5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Free to Attend

Can’t make it to Rio de Janeiro this year?  Nacional 27 in River North will offer the next best thing at their “Carnival 2012″ cocktail party on Fat Tuesday, February 21. The Nuevo Latino restaurant and lounge, inspired by the flavors and ingredients from the 27 countries comprising Central and South America, will feature live Brazilian music by the Bossa Tres Trio from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and custom cocktails made with Brazilian-based ingredients.

In-house mixologist and general manager Liz Samples will offer three different types of Caipirinhas, a classic Brazilian drink made with cachaca (a Brazilian liquor made from distilled and fermented sugarcane juice).  Guests may select the Classic Caipirinha, the Smooth & Spicy Caipirinha made with coconut, mango, ginger and lime or the Lux Caipirinha, made with yuzu sour juice ($8 each).  The restaurant will also feature a Veev Acai Berry-blended Mojito for $10.  Acai is a “superfood” berry found in the Brazilian Amazon.

Executive Chef Francisco Vilchez’s full tapas and dinner menus will be available.

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

An All Day Affair Featuring Hurricanes and Cajun Fare

Saturday, February 18
10 a.m. – 3 a.m.

Free Hosted Bar 9 p.m. – 10 p.m.
$25 Party Package 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Tune up the tuba and break out the beads – Mardi Gras is coming to The Red Canary. On Saturday, February 18, the River West restaurant and lounge will offer a number of ways to celebrate the raucous and gluttonous holiday.

The day will begin with brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and continue through with dinner (3 p.m. to Midnight) and lounge service until 3 a.m. Chef Tolentino’s featured fare will be Cajun Gumbo ($8) and Cajun Chicken Pasta ($10) and drink specials include $4 “big ass” beers, $8 hurricanes and $8 hand grenades.  To kick off the late-night fete, The Red Canary will offer a complimentary hosted bar from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by a three hour drink package option from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. ($25 per person).

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

Fourth Annual Ultimate Girls Night Out Event

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.

Dinner and lounge service is available Monday-Saturday, from 5-10 p.m. Reservations may be made by calling 630-671-5013 or by visiting shirazonthewater.com. Shiraz on the Water is located at 250 West Schick Road in Bloomingdale, Illinois.

Shiraz on the Water’s New Winter Menu

STARTERS

Tempura Shrimp Cocktail
Jumbo shrimp lightly coated with gluten free rice flour batter, avocado puree and chipotle tomato sauce 11.75

Short Rib Wonton
Tender short rib meat and smoke gouda cheese are filled into wontons, pan fried, served with a sweet chili mustard sauce 9.5

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
Stone ground mustard aioli 12

Spinach, Artichoke and Asiago Fondue
Wood grilled ciabatta and flatbread crackers 10.5

Calamari Roma
Fried calamari, tossed with bruschetta tomatoes and served with lemon basil aioli 10.5

Tuna Tatakki
Seared sesame crusted tuna, wasabi cream, sweet hoisen and wontons 11.5

Grilled Mediterranean Flatbread
Pesto sauce, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, spinach and sprinkled with oregano 11.5

Cheese Plate
An array of local cheese, fig jam, dried fruits and nuts, served with flatbread crackers and bread 12.5

SOUPS

Three Onion Soup Gratinee
Toasted garlic crouton, melted gruyere cheese 5.5

Gerry’s Seafood Bisque
Seafood folded into a rich stock and finished with cream Cup 4.5, Bowl 6

Soup of the Day 5

SALADS

Roasted Beet Salad
Duo of red and yellow beets, sliced thin with orange segments, crumbled goat cheese, over mixed greens, candied pistachio nuts, orange basil vinaigrette, balsamic syrup drizzle  7.5

Caesar Salad
Tender romaine hearts tossed in our creamy dressing, served with shaved parmesan and garlic croutons 6
add grilled chicken 12, grilled shrimp 16, grilled salmon 19

Wedge Salad
A wedge of crisp iceberg lettuce is topped with diced tomato, apple wood smoked bacon, scallions, diced cucumber and chunky bleu cheese dressing 7

Caprese Salad
Sliced beef steak tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, chiffonade of basil, balsamic reduction and olive oil 7.5

Winter Salad
Spinach salad tossed with bleu cheese, roasted butternut squash, granny smith apples, candied pecans, tossed in a warm cherry white balsamic vinaigrette 7.5

House Salad
Mixed greens, shaved carrot, tomato, cucumber, red julienne onion, with choice of dressing 5

STEAKS
all steaks are served with choice of sweet potatoes mashed, chive mashed, or multi-grain rice pilaf and Chef’s choice of seasonal vegetable
6oz Filet 34
8oz Filet 37
14 oz Rib Eye 38
12oz New York Strip Steak 35

Crusts & Sauces
Blackened, Horseradish, Bleu Cheese, Béarnaise or Cabernet Demi 2.5
Forestiere Style 4.5
Oscar Style 10
Shrimp Scampi side 8.5

ENTREES

Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Blackberry demi, fresh peach relish, sweet potato, bacon and corn bread pudding 26.5

Wild Mushroom Braised Short Ribs
Slow cooked and braised, served with natural jus and roasted mushrooms over Wisconsin sharp cheddar polenta 25 

Crab Stuffed Alaskan Salmon
Salmon filet, filled with our lump crabmeat stuffing, topped with mango-avocado relish 27.5

Chicken Saltimbocca
Semi-boneless breast of chicken stuffed with prosciutto, gruyere and sage served with marsala glaze and crispy polenta 24

Surf and Turf
Two three ounce Black Angus filets topped with two lump crab cakes, cabernet demi and beurre blanc 32 

Maine Lobster Ravioli
Tender pillows of pasta are filled with chunks of Maine lobster, cognac and brown butter, served with a sherry cream sauce and chunks of lobster meat 27.5 

Sesame Crusted Asian Ahi Tuna
Served rare, sweet hoisen sauce and wasabi cream with sushi rice 29

Seared Duck Breast
Dark cherry balsamic port, sweet potato, bacon and corn bread pudding 28

Shrimp and Scallop Scampi
Seared jumbo scallops and shrimp over angel hair pasta, blistered tomatoes, capers, asparagus tips, baby spinach and shallots, tossed in a creamy lemon-chardonnay beurre blanc 24.5

Roasted Artichoke Ravioli
Tossed in a pistachio pesto, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, asparagus tips, shallots and a touch of cream 19.5

Seared Scallops Over Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamed corn and bacon emulsion 28.5

DESSERT

Passionfruit Crème Brulee
Our house specialty 6.50

Death By chocolate
Chocolate lover’s delight! Rich, smooth flourless cake is served with raspberry sauce 8 

Tiramisu
Layers of kahlua soaked lady fingers, whipped mascarpone cheese and cocoa 8 

Bananas foster cheesecake
A creamy banana cheesecake swirled with ribbons of caramel on a crunchy cookie crust, topped with white chocolate mousse and swirled with caramel 7.50

Vanilla Salted Caramel Crunch Cake
Light buttery vanilla flecked cake holds waves of rich caramel cake, and an additional layer of salted caramel cake with creamy custard, topped with caramel 8

Rustic Apple Gallette
Layers of buttery, flaky French puff pastry layered with fresh ripe apples, baked to a golden brown, topped with a vanilla bean gelato 8

Gelato 6
Cappuccino Hazelnut
White Chocolate Raspberry
Pistachio

Sorbet 6
Mango
Black Raspberry Pomegranate

Ice Cream 6
Vanilla Bean
Chocolate

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

February’s Sip and Swirl Event Features Terlato

Free to Attend

III Forks Prime Steakhouse will hold their next monthly wine tasting event on Monday, February 6. From 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., guests are invited to sip, swirl and sample three of Terlato Wines International’s varietals. The tasting, led by Proprietor Danny Payne and Wine Director Lance Gresak, will feature Terlato Family Vineyards’ Pinot Grigio, Chimney Rock’s Elevage and Flor de Campo’s Pinot Noir. Executive Chef Tommy Nevill will pair the pours with hand-passed hors d’oeuvres.

Following the event, participating guests are then welcome to enjoy a glass or bottle of wine at half-price.

The tastings will continue to take place the first Monday of every month (March 5, April 2) from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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

Five Area Restaurants and Bars Offer Magnificent Margs

Wednesday, February 22
Times and prices vary

Salt, or no salt?  That will be the question of the day on Wednesday, February 22, also known as “National Margarita Day.”  The margarita ranks as one of America’s most popular drinks, and National Margarita Day is the perfect time to kick back, relax and enjoy the tequila and lime libation (as if you need a reason). Whether you prefer them on the rocks, straight up, frozen or fruity, these five local restaurants and bars offer mouthwatering margaritas:

ZOCALO Restaurant and Tequila Bar

ZOCALO Margarita – Gran Centenario Plata Tequila, triple sec and fresh lime juice; served up, on the rocks or frozen with a salt rim $8

Tropical Margarita – Gran Centenario Plata Tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice with choice of pomegranate, prickly pear, passion-mango or guava; served up, on the rocks or frozen with a salt rim $9

Partida Organic Margarita – Partida Reposado Tequila, fresh lime juice and 100% organic agave nectar; served up or on the rocks $12

LeBlon Guava Margarita – LeBlon Cachaca, fresh lime juice and guava nectar; served up or on the rocks $10

Nacional 27

N27 Margarita – El Jimador Reposado, Bacardi Anejo, Grand Marnier and lime $11

Cantina Laredo

Casa Rita – Signature margarita, premier blend of Giro Silver Tequila by Sauza, Cointreau Orange Liqueur and fresh-squeezed lemon and lime juices $9

Cabo Margarita - Cabo Wabo Reposado blends seamlessly with Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur $12.50

Pomegranate Margarita – Add an extra splash of Sauza Blanco and pomegranate puree to the Casa Rita $10

Herradura Margarita – Herradura Reposado and Cointreau Orange Liqueur $11.50

Perfect Patron Margarita – Patron Silver and Patron Citronge Orange Liqueur $12

Cinco Rita – Giro Silver Tequila by Sauza, Hornitos, Herradura and Cazadores Silver Tequilas with Cointreau Orange Liqueur, lime juice and agave nectar $11.50

Mango Margarita – Frozen Casa Rita with fresh mango puree and an extra splash of Sauza Blanco $10

Milagro Blackberry Smash – Milagro Silver, lime and mint, muddled with blackberries and agave nectar $11.50

Cactus Bar & Grill

12 oz. Margarita $7; 16 oz. Margarita $9; 20 oz. “Man vs. Margarita” $11

The Cactus Classic – Cactus’ world famous classic recipe; frozen or on the rocks

Guiltless Margarita – A slimmed down version of Cactus’ classic, made with silver tequila, fresh lime and orange juices, agave syrup and club soda; served on the rocks

Frosty Fruit – Made with real fruit purees and served frozen; available in strawberry and mango

NOTE: Add a floater of Patron silver tequila to any margarita for $3

Taco Joint

ZOCALO Margarita – Lunazul Blanco Tequila, triple sec and fresh lime juice; served up on the rocks or frozen with a salt rim $8

Tropical Margarita – Lunazul Blanco Tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice with choice of: prickly pear, passion-mango, blood orange or guava; served up on the rocks or frozen with a salt rim $9

Herradura Organic Margarita – Herradura Reposado Tequila, fresh lime juice and 100% organic agave nectar; served up or on the rocks $10

Black & Green Margarita – Negra Modelo beer over frozen ZOCALO Margarita $8

Grapefruit Margarita – Gran Centenario Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, citrus-chile infused agave
nectar, fresh ruby red grapefruit & lemon juice, dash of bitters; served on the rocks with a chile piquin rim $9

ZOCALO Restaurant and Tequila Bar
358 W. Ontario
Chicago, IL 60610
312.302.9977
ZocaloChicago.com

Nacional 27
325 W. Huron
Chicago, IL 60654
312-664-2727
n27chicago.com

Cantina Laredo
508 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312.955.0014
CantinaLaredo.com

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

Taco Joint
1969 N. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 951-2457
TacoJoint.com

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