Carnival 2012 at Nacional 27

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

“Meet the Winemakers” Tasting Event at ZED451

Enjoy Complimentary Wine, Paired Cheeses and Live Music

Wednesday, February 1
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Free to Attend

ZED451 will hold a complimentary “meet the winemakers” tasting event in the gorgeous glass wine room on Wednesday, February 1. From 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., winemakers Greg Gauthier, proprietor of Gauthier Select Vineyards, and Michael Richmond, general manager of Bouchaine Vineyards, will meet and mingle with guests. The featured wines for the evening will be Gauthier’s Sauvignon Blanc and Bouchaine’s Pinot Noir. Paired cheeses will also be presented with each pour. The sounds of acoustic songs by Chris Buehrle will fill the air in the adjacent Fireside Lounge from 7-9 p.m.

Reservations are not required. For more information, please call ZED451 at 312.266.6691 or visit ZED451.com.

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

“Salsa Sundays” at Cantina Laredo

Complimentary Dance Lessons and Live Music in the Lounge

Starts Sunday, January 22
Salsa Sundays takes place weekly
6-10 p.m. in the second floor lounge

Free to Attend

Shake and shimmy every Sunday night at Cantina Laredo. The stunning, River North hotspot for modern Mexican cuisine will start “Salsa Sundays” on Sunday, January 22. This free-to-attend, fun event will take place from 6-10 p.m. in the second floor lounge. Instructor Miguel Mendez from Chicago’s Dance Academy of Salsa will instruct participating guests on the sultry moves of salsa dance, while live music is provided by the Salsa Chicago Mambo All Stars.

Cantina Laredo offers unique specialty cocktails prepared with hand-squeezed ingredients, including Margaritas (Casa Rita, Cinco Rita, Cabo Margarita, Mango, Pomegranate, Herradura, Perfect Patron, Milagro Blackberry Smash) and Mojitos (classic, strawberry, mango, superfruit). An extensive tequila list, Mexican beers by the bottle and draft (Victoria, Modelo Especial, Dos Equis) and worldly wines pair well with Cantina Laredo’s lounge menu (listed below). Items include mini, crispy ahi tuna tacos, crab cakes with poblano buerre blanc, flatbreads, chicken empanadas and tropical ceviche. The “Taqueria” section includes five different taco trios and ”Postres” may also be enjoyed upstairs.

Non-dancing guests are welcome to attend and enjoy the sexy sounds of salsa music.
Cantina Laredo
508 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312.955.0014
CantinaLaredo.com
Lounge Menu

Platillos

TOP SHELF GUACAMOLE made fresh at your table, serves two to four 10
QUESADILLAS AL CARBON Chicken fajita or beef fajita 10
QUESO FUNDIDO Oaxaca cheese melted with roasted peppers and chorizo 9
CEVICHE VERACRUZANO Shrimp, scallops and fish marinated in lime juice 10
CEVICHE TROPICAL Ahi tuna with mango, jicama and watermelon 10
TACOS DE AHI TUNA Mini-crispy tacos with ahi tuna, chipotle aioli, jicama slaw and guacamole 9
CRAB CAKES Y POBLANO Three lump crab cakes with poblano buerre blanc sauce 11
SOPES DE CHORIZO Masa cakes topped with chorizo, queso fresco and black beans with tomatillo salsa 9
EMPANADAS DE POLLO Empanadas filled with chicken, roasted poblano peppers and Oaxaca cheese 10TOSTADITAS DE AGUACATE topped with black beans, avocado, queso fresco, tomatoes and lettuce 8
FLATBREAD DE CAMARONES CHIPOTLE Sautéed shrimp with goat cheese, pineapple, roasted peppers and chipotle sauce 11

Taqueria

BARBACOA Slow-roasted brisket with marinated onions, Monterey Jack cheese and cilantro 13
CARNITAS Slow-roasted pork with chipotle wine sauce 11
POLLO CASCABEL Spicy chicken with marinated onions and queso fresco 11
PESCADO Mahi Mahi with marinated vegetables, queso fresco and chipotle aioli 13
CAMARONES Shrimp with marinated vegetables, queso fresco and guajillo aioli 13
Postres

FLAN Mexican custard with caramel sauce and a hint of Cointreau 6
CHURROS with chocolate raspberry sauce and Grand Mariner cajeta to dip 7
MANGO TRES LECHES Creamy vanilla cake with mango cream sauce 7

ZED451 Adds Live Music Line-Up

Acoustic Sounds Every Wednesday in the Fireside Lounge

Starts Wednesday, January 11
Live music featured every Wednesday evening
7-9 p.m.

Free to Attend

Starting Wednesday, January 11, the sounds of acoustic songs will fill the Fireside Lounge at ZED451. Each week, on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m., the cozy, ski lodge-like setting will welcome a variety of live, local acts to the River North restaurant’s bar area. The performances (schedule below) are free to attend.

ZED451′s Fireside Lounge offers a large variety of creative, liquid market cocktails, craft brews and hand-selected wines, in addition to a full a la carte “Cravings” menu (pad Thai tacos, char-grilled sirloin salad, calamari fries, house-cured duck pastrami Reuben sliders, maple Cajun BLT, spiced chicken samosas, Aegean flatbread and more) from 4:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Wednesdays.

Fireside Lounge, Live Acoustic Line-Up
Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m.

January
1/11 Scottie Long
1/18 Marlon Longid
1/25 Seth Bradley

February
2/1 Chris Buehrle
2/8 Scottie Long
2/15 Danny May
2/22 Marlon Longid
2/29 Seth Bradley

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

Frank Sinatra-Themed New Year’s Eve at Benjamin Restaurant

Ring-a-ding-ding in 2012 with a Four-Course Prix Fixe

Saturday, December 31
Seatings between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

$99 per person (inclusive of tax and gratuity)

Ring-a-ding-ding in the new year at Benjamin’s inaugural Frank Sinatra-themed, retro New Year’s Eve dinner party. For an all-inclusive fee of $99 per person, dinner guests will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling champagne upon arrival and Chef Benjamin Brittsan’s throwback menu that includes classic items such as shrimp scampi, housemade meatballs, lobster bisque, Waldorf salad, prime rib, baked sole and chocolate cake. Each guest will select an appetizer, salad/soup, entree and dessert.

For a more intimate New Year’s Eve experience, guests can request Benjamin’s private love seat table (seats two) or the private booth, complete with curtains and chandelier (seats four). The fee for this VIP seating is $125 per person (all inclusive) and includes welcome champagne toast, four-course prix fixe dinner and bottomless flutes of sparkling champagne.

Live entertainment will be provided by pianist Robert “Baabe” Irving III. He will play Frank Sinatra and 50s jazz music from the grand piano located on mezzanine.

Benjamin will be accepting reservations between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. To reserve a table, please call 847.748.8737.

Benjamin New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe Menu

First Course
Choice of

Tuna Tartare
Grilled Shrimp Scampi
Housemade Meatballs
Baked Goat Cheese

Second Course
Choice of

Grilled Caesar Salad
Waldorf Salad
Lobster Bisque
Potato Leek

Third Course
Choice of

Prime Rib with Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes and Jus
Pan Roasted Salmon with Wild Rice Pilaf, Spinach & Citrus Buerre Blanc
Baked Sole En Papilotte with Fennel, Wild Mushrooms and Herbs
Meat Lasagna Al Forno with Housemade Ricotta and Tomato Basil Sauce

Fourth Course
Choice of 

Double Chocolate Toffee Mousse Torte
Crème Brulee Cheesecake
Apple Galette
Classic Chocolate Cake 

Benjamin Restaurant

1849 Second Street
Highland Park, IL 60035
847.748.8737
BenjaminRestaurant.com

 

New Year’s Eve Party at Michael Diversey’s Tavern

Celebration Package or Pay-As-You-Go Option 

Saturday, December 31
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

$10 admission, cash bar
$75 admission, open bar

Michael Diversey’s New Year’s Eve party will make for a fun and festive way to ring in 2012 – especially for craft beer fans. The neighborhood tavern, located in Lakeview, will offer celebrants two options for the evening: pay-as-you-go, cash bar service ($10 admission fee, starts at 9 p.m.) or the Celebration Package, which includes hors d’oeuvres, Red Bull cocktails, all draft craft beers, premium wine, bottled beer and mixed drinks from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. ($75 per person).

All revelers ringing in the new year will enjoy party favors, DJ-spun party hits and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

To purchase tickets, please call (773) 327-7040 or visit www.MDTavern.com.

Michael Diversey’s Tavern
670 W. Diversey Parkway
Chicago, IL 60657
773.327.7040
MDTavern.com

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

Don Julio Tequila Events at Zocalo

Tequila Dinner and Tequila Tasting

Don Julio Tequila Dinner
Monday, December 12
6:30 p.m. cocktail reception, 7 p.m. dinner
$45 (plus tax and gratuity)

Don Julio Tequila Tasting
Tuesday, December 13
6:30 p.m.
$25 per person (all inclusive)

This December, Zocalo Restaurant and Tequila Bar is holding back-to-back Don Julio tequila events.

On Monday, December 12, Zocalo will host a three-course, Don Julio-themed tequila dinner (menu listed below) featuring authentic Mexican cuisine and tequila pairings. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the dinner at 7:00 p.m. The event, led by a representative from Don Julio, includes an open bar of Zocalo margaritas, beer and wine. The fee to attend is $45 per guest, plus tax and gratuity. Limited seating is available. Please call Zocalo to reserve a place in the Don Julio dinner.

The following day, Tuesday, December 13, Zocalo will host its monthly tequila tasting from 6:30-8 p.m.  Led by Zocalo’s resident tequila ambassador, Victor Baheza, the Don Julio tasting will feature two specialty cocktails, passed appetizers, and a sampling of blanco, reposado and anejo tequila – all set to live Latin music. A raffle will be held for participants to win Zocalo gift cards and bottles of Don Julio tequila, complete with tequila locker service. The all-inclusive fee is $25 per person. Please call Zocalo to reserve a spot in the tequila tasting.

Don Julio Tequila Dinner
Monday, December 12

First Course: Sopa de Flor de Calabaza
Creamy zucchini blossom soup served with oaxacan cheese-herb crostini
Paired with Don Julio Blanco

Second Course: Grilled Porkchop
A tender, grilled porkchop finished in a chipotle-citrus salsa and accompanied by a white sweet potato puree as well as a seasonal watercress-beat salad sprinkled with candied pecans
Paired with Don Julio Reposado

Third Course: Chayote Cheesecake
A velvety chayote cheesecake drizzled with a guava sauce and topped with berry compote
Paired with Don Julio Añejo

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

 

Feliz Año Nuevo at ZOCALO Restaurant and Tequila Bar

Multi-Course Dinner with Drinks, Live Music and Midnight Tequila Toast

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Table reservations at 7:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.
A la carte dinner menu offered

Table reservations at 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m.
Three course dinner and drinks package
$65 per guest

9:00 p.m. to Midnight
Drinks only package
$30 per guest

Feliz Ano Nuevo! On Saturday, December 31, ZOCALO Restaurant and Tequila Bar will host a festive fete that includes three celebratory dining and beverage choices: traditional a la carte dinner service, a dinner and drinks package (with three courses, specialty cocktails, live music, DJ, dancing and Midnight tequila toast) and a three-hour, bar only package.

Dinner Service
Table reservations are offered at 7:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Zocalo’s complete dinner menu (and specials) will be available.

Dinner and Drinks Package
With seatings offered at both 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., the create-your-own, three course dinner will include any appetizer, entree and dessert from Zocalo’s special New Year’s Eve dinner menu. This dinner package also includes beer, house wine and margaritas (traditional, passion-mango, blood orange, prickly pear or hibiscus flower). The price is $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Three Hour Drink Package
For those looking to simply enjoy cocktails, a three-hour bar package will be offered from 9:00 p.m. – Midnight. The libations include beer, house wine and margaritas (traditional, passion-mango, blood orange, prickly pear or hibiscus flower). This option is priced at $30 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Entertainment
The Latin band “Jugo de Mango” will perform live, starting at 9 p.m., followed by a DJ spinning Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms until 2 a.m. As the clock strikes midnight, a Don Julio tequila toast and party favors will be enjoyed by all. Zocalo will offer a cash bar until 2 a.m. and Don Julio drink specials will be featured all night.

Reservations for New Year’s Eve are recommended. Please call Zocalo to make arrangements to celebrate.

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

Eat, Drink, Dance at Nacional 27

Heat Up Your Week with New Winter Happenings

Nacional 27 has a new, weekly line-up for the Fall-Winter season. Each evening, the River North restaurant brings a variety of hot happenings, cool cocktails and culinary delights to diners, dancers and lounge guests. The event schedule is outlined below, by day. Nacional 27 is open Monday-Wednesday 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Thursday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Monday – Friday
“5 to 7 at N27″
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. weekly
Half Priced Tapas and Ceviche Menus
Appetizers include papas bravas; boniato and sweet plantain croqueta; pumpkin and goat cheese croqueta; steak arepa quesadilla; crispy steak nacho; skewers; empanadas; tiny tacos; ceviche; combination platters and more priced at $2.50 to $5.50 (regularly $4.95 to $10.95)

Tuesdays
“Dinner and a Show”
Live Latin bands perform in the lounge every other Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Wednesdays
“Wino Wednesdays”
5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. weekly
Select wines for $5 per glass.

Thursdays
“Salsa Lessons”
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. weekly
Complimentary salsa lessons.

Fridays
“Miami Nights”
11 p.m. – 2 a.m. weekly
The sexiness of South Beach, right here in Chicago. Turn up the heat with energetic Latin beats by DJ Konsept.
Ladies: no cover charge; gentlemen: $10.

Saturdays
“Vida 27!”
11 p.m. – 3 a.m. weekly
Sultry salsa sounds and Latin beats by DJ X and guest deejays. Show off your sexiest salsa, meanest merengue and baddest bachata!
$10 cover charge for ladies and gentlemen.

N27 bottle service accommodations are available by request, simply call Nacional 27 to arrange. Dinner and table reservations are available by phone and through Open Table.

Nacional27
325 W. Huron
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 664-2727
N27Chicago.com