“National Margarita Day”

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

Espolon Tequila Events at ZOCALO

Four Course “Day of the Dead” Tequila Dinner and Festive Tequila Tasting

“Day of the Dead” Tequila Dinner
Wednesday, October 12
6:30 p.m. cocktail reception, 7 p.m. dinner
$65 (plus tax and gratuity)

Espolon Tequila Tasting
Thursday, October 13
7-9 p.m.
$25 per person (all inclusive)

This October, Zocalo will host back-to-back tequila events with Espolon tequila in the spotlight. On Wednesday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m., the restaurant and tequila bar will welcome guests for a “Day of the Dead” themed tequila dinner, complete with a welcome cocktail, tequila pairings and infusions, and an open bar of Zocalo margaritas, beer, and wine. The four course menu, listed below, features ingredients that are indigenous to the region of Oaxaca. A representative from Espolon tequila will be leading this tasting event. Limited seating is available. Please call Zocalo 312-302-9977 to reserve your spot.

The following day, Thursday, October 13, Zocalo will host its monthly tequila tasting from 7-9 p.m. The all-inclusive fee of $25 includes two creative cocktails by resident tequila ambassador Victor Baheza, a tasting of Espolon tequilas, “Day of the Dead” themed appetizers and live music. A raffle will be held for a chance to win Zocalo gift cards and bottles of Espolon tequila complete with tequila locker service at either Zocalo or Taco Joint.

“Day of the Dead” Tequila Dinner Menu and Pairings
Wednesday, October 12

First Course: Ceviche de Camaro
Poached shrimp tossed in a morita-blood orange dressing with cilantro, shallots, diced avocado and blood orange segments paired with Espolon Tequila Blanco

Second Course: Crema de Calabaza
Crème of butternut squash with a hint of vanilla and a cotija cheese crostini paired with morita & citrus infused Espolon Tequila Blanco

Third Course: Moles de Oaxaca
Braised beef short ribs in rich, flavorful black mole andpan seared halibut with green mole prepared in the traditional style of Oaxaca; served with caramelized sweet potato purée, sautéed baby carrots and grilled asparagus paired with Espolon Tequila Reposado

Fourth Course: Tres Leches de Chocolate
Vanilla sponge cake soaked in a Oaxacan chocolate spiked three-milk sauce with cajeta whipped topping and mixed berry compote paired with roasted cacao & cinnamon infused Espolon Tequila Reposado

*dinner also includes open bar of Zocalo margaritas, beer and wine

Handcrafted with 100% pure blue agave, Espolon premium tequila celebrates real Mexico and its storied culture through classic 19th century artistry and the iconic rooster, a symbol of national pride. This super premium 100% pure Blue Agave tequila is crafted at the acclaimed San Nicolas distillery located in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, and is recognized as the “Best Factory in Mexico.”

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

ZOCALO Celebrates Mexican Independence Day

Tequila Dinner, Special Prix Fixe Menu, Tequila Tasting Event and Festive Live Music

Wednesday, September 14 – Sunday, September 18
events, prices and times vary

PARTIDA TEQUILA DINNER
Wednesday, September 14
6:30 p.m. reception / 7 p.m. dinner
$65 plus tax and gratuity

Brand Ambassador Jacques Bezuidenhout will lead this exclusive tasting event featuring four courses paired with Partida tequila. The dinner includes a specialty cocktail as well as unlimited beer and margaritas. Limited seating is available. Please call ZOCALO for reservations.

Course One: Caldo Tlapeño, tender shredded chicken, spicy chipotle broth, diced avocado and Chihuahua cheese crouton.

Course Two: Chile en Nogada, roasted poblano pepper stuffed with ground pork and beef as well as pears, apple, peaches, pineapple, raisins and allspice; topped with a tequila-walnut sauce and garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds. Served with Partida Tequila Blanco.

Course Three: Mar y Tierra, beef tenderloin medallion with a chipotle hollandaise sauce, pan roasted prawns in cilantro pesto, sautéed rapini and purple mashed potatoes, served with Partida Tequila Reposado.

Course Four: Buñuelos, cinnamon & sugar fried-dough fritters drenched with añejo “spiked” mango-agave nectar and layered between sweetened goat cheese meringue; served with a “fried” ice cream lollipop, served with Partida Tequila Añejo.

LIVE MUSIC!
September 15, 16 and 17
Enjoy Mexican Folkloric Music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

PARTIDA TEQUILA TASTING EVENT
Thursday, September 15
$30 per person (all inclusive)
7- 9 p.m.

Zocalo will host an evening of tacos, tequila, music and more! Participants will enjoy a creative cocktail by resident tequila ambassador Victor Baheza, a tasting of Partida tequilas, a traditional taquiza and live music. The all-inclusive fee of $30 includes one specialty cocktail, the tequila tasting, a selection of featured tacos and a raffle ticket for a chance to win Zocalo gift cards, bottles of Partida tequila and more.

MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY MENU
Friday, September 16 – Sunday, September 18
Available at Lunch and Dinner Service
$30 Three Course Prix-Fixe (or enjoy as a la carte specials)

-choose one item from each course-

Antojitos / Appetizers

Guacamole Patria 8
Freshly diced avocado mixed with tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, serrano chiles, cotija cheese and pomegranate seeds; served with assorted chips

Huaraches Tri-Color 9
Two traditional masa boats topped with shredded chicken and garnished with sour cream and fresco cheese; served over a green tomatillo salsa and a red guajillo salsa

Platos Fuertes / Main Course

Chile en Nogada 17
Roasted poblano pepper stuffed with ground pork and beef as well as pears, apple, peaches, pineapple, raisins and allspice; topped with a brandy-walnut sauce and garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds

Carne en su Jugo 17
Grilled flank steak in a pasilla broth with whole black beans, applewood smoked bacon and homemade chorizo; garnished with cilantro & onion, diced radishes and arbol peppers

Postre / Dessert

Buñuelos 8
Cinnamon & sugar fried-dough fritters drenched with añejo “spiked” mango-agave nectar and layered between sweetened goat cheese meringue; served with a “fried” ice cream lollipop

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

Tequila Distillery Event at Zocalo Restaurant and Tequila Bar

Don Julio in the Spotlight at December’s Tequila Tasting

Thursday, December 16, 2010
6:30-9:00pm

$20 per person

Mexico’s national spirit will get the attention it deserves during Zocalo Restaurant and Tequila Bar’s monthly tequila distillery events. This spirited soiree will highlight different tequilas through informal tastings, specialty cocktails and Zocalo’s flavorful Mexican fare.

Don Julio Tequila will be in the spotlight on Thursday, December 16 from 6:30-9:00pm. Passed appetizers from Zocalo’s menu will keep tequila tasters in the game, while live Latin music will set an upbeat vibe. The cost to attend Zocalo’s Don Julio Tequila tasting is $20 per person, which includes two specialty cocktails, the tequila tasting (Anejo, Reposado, Silver), passed appetizers and a raffle ticket for a chance to win Zocalo gift cards, bottles of Don Julio Tequila and more.

Zocalo’s weekly “Dine at Nine” promotion will also be in effect, offering half-off all food items after 9:00pm (must make a reservation and mention offer). Glasses of Sangria and Citrus Cazuelas will be $5 and all appetizers will be half-price in the bar area from 5:00-7:00pm.

Please call Zocalo for tasting reservations (recommended, not required).

ZOCALO Restaurant and Tequila Bar
358 W. Ontario
Chicago, IL 60610
312.302.9977
http://www.zocalochicago.com

“Dia de Los Muertos” at Zocalo Restaurant and Tequila Bar

Day of the Dead Dining and Ilegal Mezcal Tasting

Special Dinner Menu Offered
Friday, October 29 through Tuesday, November 2

Day of the Dead Ilegal Mezcal Tasting
Tuesday, November 2
6:30pm, $20

Mexico’s Day of the Dead (“Dia de Los Muertos”) celebration is a popular and fascinating cultural holiday. People who have passed on are honored, remembered and prayed for by friends and relatives. The celebration, taking place November 1 and 2, is more festive than somber, as many believe that during these two days the souls of the deceased return to visit their living relatives to eat, drink and be merry – as if they were living. Traditionally, families gather around the “ofrenda” or altar dedicated to the deceased, which is decorated with sugar skulls, candles, and a display of their favorite foods and drinks. In some parts of Mexico, families gather outside the home at the grave sites of their loved ones.

This year, Zocalo Restaurant and Tequila Bar will offer two ways in which to take part in their River North version of “Dia de Los Muertos.” The first is through dining – a special a la carte dinner menu featuring Oaxacan cuisine will be offered from Friday, October 29 to Tuesday, November 2. The complete menu is below.

The second Day of the Dead event will be an Ilegal Mezcal tasting. On Tuesday, November 2, beginning at 6:30pm, participants will learn about and sip a variety of Mezcals from Ilegal. The $20 fee includes tastings (Joven, Reposado, Anejo), cocktails, passed appetizers and raffle prizes (Day of the Dead gift baskets, bottles of Ilegal Mezcal and more). Mezcal is a ritual of Oaxaca and Ilegal Mezcal is hand crafted, small batch and made with the following ingredients: Espadin Agave, Oaxaca sun, time.

“Dia de Los Muertos” Menu
Offered During Dinner Service
October 29 – November 2

Antojitos / Appetizers

Ceviche con Pasilla de Oaxaca $9
Seared scallops tossed in a citrus-pasilla dressing with orange segments, red onion and cilantro; served with malanga and plantain chips

Sopa de Habas $5
Cream of lima bean soup with epazote, crema and queso fresco

Platoes Fuertes / Main Course

Pescado en Mole Verde Oaxaqueño $20
Pan-seared halibut in green Oaxacan mole served with a garbanzo bean puree, sautéed baby carrots and asparagus

Quesadillas de Flor de Calabaza $17
Zucchini blossom quesadillas served with garlicky white rice and fresh cactus salad

Postre / Dessert

Flan de Calabaza $6
Pumpkin flan infused with autumn spices and garnished with cinnamon whipped topping and candied pumpkin seeds

Dinner is served Sunday-Tuesday from 5:00pm-10:00pm and Wednesday-Saturday from 5:00pm-11:00pm. Call Zocalo for table reservations or to sign up for the Mezcal Tasting.

ZOCALO Restaurant and Tequila Bar
358 W. Ontario
Chicago, IL 60610
312.302.9977
http://www.zocalochicago.com

Tequila Distillery Event at Zocalo Restaurant and Tequila Bar

Riazul in the Spotlight at October’s Tequila Tasting

Thursday, October 14, 2010
6:30-9:00pm

$20 per person

Mexico’s national spirit will get the attention it deserves during Zocalo Restaurant and Tequila Bar’s monthly tequila distillery events. Taking place on the second Thursday of every month, these spirited soirees will highlight different tequilas through informal tastings, specialty cocktails and Zocalo’s flavorful Mexican fare.

Riazul Tequila will be in the spotlight on Thursday, October 14 from 6:30-9:30pm. Passed appetizers from Zocalo’s menu will keep tequila tasters in the game, while live Latin music will set an upbeat vibe. The cost to attend Zocalo’s Riazul Tequila tasting is $20 per person, which includes two specialty cocktails, the tequila tasting (Anejo, Reposado, Silver), passed appetizers and a raffle ticket for a chance to win Zocalo gift cards, bottles of Riazul Tequila and more.

Zocalo’s weekly “Dine at Nine” promotion will also be in effect, offering half-off all food items after 9:00pm (must make a reservation and mention offer). Glasses of Sangria and Citrus Cazuelas will be $5 and all appetizers will be half-price in the bar area from 5:00-7:00pm.

Please call Zocalo for tasting reservations (recommended).

About Riazul Tequila
100% Blue Agave Premium

Two hundred years ago, the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico served as a key battlefront in the Mexican War of Independence. During that struggle, Maria Higinia Gomez served as a high counselor to the Mexican rebel leaders. For her service, she was granted 10,000 acres of land — most of which she gave away to revolutionaries who fought for Mexico’s freedom. The remaining 620 acres was handed down from generation to generation and virtually untouched until Riazul’s founder, Iñaki Orozco, inherited the land in the late 1990s.

Iñaki knew that the land was located within the exclusive area of Mexico where agave could be harvested into what is officially recognized as tequila. He approached the family elders and pitched his idea to initially plant a few agave plants, with plans for more a much larger agave field in the future. The elders were skeptical and challenged Iñaki’s vision as naive and nearly impossible to achieve. But the young idealist was persistent and won them over. Soon, Iñaki had his chance to prove himself. He planted 100 initial agave shoots and that early agave crop flourished. Iñaki worked day and night to plant more than 175,000 more shoots.

Early on, Iñaki simply planned to grow agave as raw product for other tequila companies. Later, he began thinking about launching a private label brand for restaurants and bars, but his dream kept getting bigger. When the elders heard that Iñaki planned to launch his own premium tequila brand, they thought he had lost his mind. Today, Riazul Premium tequilas are available in hundreds of restaurants, bars, and retail outlets throughout Texas and in parts of New York, Illinois, Florida, Arizona and Nevada.

The high elevation, cool climate, and red volcanic soils — or tierra roja — give rise to agave that matures for close to a decade before reaching harvesting quality. During that time, the agave soaks up unique aromas and flavors indigenous only to this region. Agaves harvested in the Jalisco highlands contain higher sugar content, resulting in more aromatic tequilas with sweeter tasting notes.

ZOCALO Restaurant and Tequila Bar
358 W. Ontario
Chicago, IL 60610
312.302.9977
http://www.zocalochicago. com

Say Ole to a Mid-Day Mexican Buffet

Zocalo Launches Lunch Promotion

Every Tuesday
11:30am-2:30pm

Zocalo Restaurant and Tequila Bar in River North has introduced an enticing lunch offer. Bucking the phrase “there’s no such thing as a free lunch,” the restaurant encourages you to bring a buddy any Tuesday for a complimentary multi-course lunch.

With the purchase of one lunch buffet, your friend will receive his/her lunch for free. Zocalo’s Mexican all-you-care-to-enjoy lunch includes such items as crispy taquitos, empanadas, tamales, enchiladas, slowly braised and grilled meats with house-made tortillas, Mexican rice, refried black beans, soup, salad and salsa bar plus dessert, for $10.95.

Reservations are welcome, not required. The ala carte lunch menu is also available.

Following Lunch service, the Tuesday dining deals will be offered beginning at 5:00pm:

Hora Feliz!
Happy Hour
Half-price appetizers in the bar area 5:00pm-7:00pm

Mas Tacos y Tequila, Por Favor!
All you care to enjoy tacos $12
(barbacoa, chicken tinga, Yucatan-style pulled pork, birria)
Half-off all tequila, including flights

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

“Taste of Mexico City” Prix Fixe

ZOCALO Restaurant and Tequila Bar will offer a special “Taste of Mexico City” three course couple’s dinner menu for $30, October 12 through  October 15. Reservations (not required) may be made by calling ZOCALO.

Taste of Mexico City Menu

Antojitos / Appetizers, select one to share

Guacamole del Dia- Freshly diced avocado mixed with tomatoes, red onion, basil, fresh Oaxaca cheese and an arbol chile-balsamic reduction; served with homemade crostinis

Huaraches con Carnitas- Two homemade sandal-shaped masa boats topped with refried black beans, pork carnitas and pork crackling; garnished with pico de gallo, fresco cheese and “molcajete” salsa

Sopa de Fideo- A very traditional soup made with vermicelli noodles and a delicious tomato broth; garnished with sour cream and cotija cheese

Platos Fuertes / Main Course, select two

Milanesa de Res- Pan fried breaded rib eye topped with a spicy serrano-avocado salsa; served with “charro” style beans, roasted potatoes and a fresh cucumber salad

Pechuga Azteca- Pan seared chicken breast stuffed with sautéed mushrooms and Chihuahua cheese; served over a creamy poblano sauce with Mexican rice

Flautas de Papa- Three crispy taquitos filled with garlic mashed potatoes and cotija cheese; garnished with pico de gallo, fresco cheese and tomatillo salsa.  Served with a side of refried black beans and white rice

Postres / Desserts, select one to share

Flan de Chocolate- Chocolate flan infused with Kahlua Coffee Liqueur and garnished with fresh raspberries, whipped topping and chocolate shavings

Sopapillas con Helado- Traditional fried-dough pastry snacks tossed in cinnamon & sugar and drizzled with an agave-guava nectar; served with vanilla ice cream

Sunday-Tuesday, Dinner 5pm-10pm
Wednesday-Saturday, Dinner 5pm-11pm
Lounge open ’til 2am

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