Mercadito February Charity Taco

Food & Wine's 2013 Best New Chef Jamie Malone of Sea Change in Minneapolis creates Mercadito's, 108 W. Kinzie, February "Taco for Strength." Chef Malone's creation is fried cod taco with fermented black bean mayo, citrus, jalapeno and cilantro, available Feb. 1-28. Proceeds benefit Share Our Strength. mercaditorestaurants

Taxim Hosts Wine Dinner

Taxim, 1558 N. Milwaukee, hosts a Acropolis Now a three-courses dinner centered around Charles Blackstone's novel Vintage Attraction at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10; $65 includes copy of Blackstone's book and dinner with wine pairings. taxim

Newport Taco Eating Contest

Newport Bar & Grill, 1344 W. Newport, is challenging guests to a taco-eating contest now through Feb. 20. Visitors wanting to participate have 30 minutes to eat as many $1 Cajun tacos they can manage, supervised and timed by a manager. The top six contestants at the end of the time period moves on to the finals taking place 8 p.m. Feb. 27. The top prize is $200 and a Taco Championship Belt. The cheer-leading section during the finals will be feted to $1 Cajun tacos; $1 PBR, Rolling Rock and Busch Light cans and $4 SOCO lime shots. newport

Bow & Stern Launches Brunch

If you think Bow & Stern Oyster Bar's, 1371 W. Chicago, new brunch, launching Feb. 9 is going to be just another brunch with the same old, same old-- think again. Unexpected delights include Oreo pancakes (with strawberry and Grand Marnier sauce and Chartreuse ligueur whip cream); stuffed challah French toast and with cranberry-orange cream sauce and candied pecans and pastrami cured salmon with pickled red onion, hydro watercress, caviar, bagel and tomato cream sauce. bow&stern

Photo: Jody Grimaldi

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Troquet's New Menu

Chef partner Martial Noguier has created a new menu for LM Restaurant Group's Troquet, 111 W. Huron. Highlights from the menu, available for lunch and dinner, are below. troquet

SOUPS

-       Lobster Bisque with Saffron Garlic Cream and Cognac, $8

-       Butternut Squash Cream with Croutons and Cilantro, $6

SALADS

-       Warm Potato Salad with Artic Char marinated in mustard seed, $9

-       Horseradish Celery Remoulade with Green Applie Julienne and toasted bread, $7

LE PETITS PLATS

-       Deviled Eggs Mimosa with Arugula, homemade mayonnaise and Bayonne ham, $8

-       Homemade Salmon Rillettes with toasted baguette and fine herbs, $9

-       Mussels in Papillote with fresh thyme, olive oil and lemon, $9

CHARCUTERIE & FROMAGE

-       Choice of three, $12 or Choice of five, $20 served with baguette croutons, cornichons, butter and Dijon

-       Charcuterie includes Rosette de Lyon, Saucisson, Proscuitto, Bayonne Ham

-       Fromage includes Camembert, Maytag Blue Cheese, French Gruyere, Petit Basic

LES PLATS

-       Roasted Pork Belly with homemade whole grain mustard pomme puree and arugula, $16

-       Roasted Quail with quail egg, savoy cabbage and fingerling potato fricassee, $19

-       Poisson du Jour 'a la plancha' with fennel, carrot puree and anise beurre, $19

-       Beef Tenderloin with fingerling potato fricassee and classic French pepper sauce, $26

LES SANDWICHES

-       Classic Croque Monsieur with black forest ham, béchamel sauce and gruyere cheese, $12

-       Croque Madame with black forest ham, béchamel sauce, gruyere cheese and an egg, $14

-       French Jambon Beurre with baguette and mixed greens, $12

LES GOURMANDISES

-       Baba au Rhum with Chantilly cream, raisins and pineapple syrup, $7

-       Rice Pudding with whipped cream, vanilla and salted caramel custard, $7

-       Paris Brest with hazelnut custard and butter cream, $7

"Hallelujah" Dance Concert

King College Prep Dance Department presents "Hallelujah," a gospel dance concert at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 in the auditorium of King College Prep, 4445 S. Drexel. Tickets are $10; $5 for children. kingcollege

Pour Wine & Chocolate Event

Pour hosts a chocolate and wine event 9 p.m. Jan. 30 at Kilwin's Chocolates & Fudge, 5226 S. Harper; $20; $25 on site. The event, hosted by Chrishon Lampley of Love Cork Screw, benefits ShoeHeels.

Fresh Market "Big Game" Taste Fest

Participating Fresh Market locations hosts the "Big Game Taste Fest" Sampling Blitz, featuring game-day and entertaining snack options: spicy Southwest cheese dip with French rounds; spinach artichoke dip with French rounds; chicken enchilada dip, crazy Cajun snack mix; flavored pistachios, house-brand thin crust pizzas and zevia soda, 1-6 p.m. Jan. 31-Feb. 1. On Feb. 1 only Coppola wines (where available) will be available for tasting. thefreshmarket

Fountainhead and Burns

Fountainhead, 1970 W. Montrose, salutes Scotland's George Burns on what would have been his 255th birthday (Jan. 25) with a celebration Jan. 23-26 that includes three-pour Scotch whiskey flights ($11-$20) and Scotch whiskey-based cocktails ($10-$14). Chef Cleetus Friedman salutes the bard with Scottish specialties that include ham and dried currant scones; Scotch egg with horseradish mustard and cream sauce and Haggis patties with whipped sweet potato, braised greens and pan gravy. fountainhead

The Gage Hosts Beer Event

Beer has come a long way from old-school taps like Miller, Budweiser, Schlitz and Pabst so much so that local microbrew and crafted varieties are now the "king" of beers. The Gage, 24 S. Michigan, hosts a screening of the beer documentary "Beer Hunter," about beer and whiskey journalist Michael Jackson 6-10 p.m. January 27. A panel of experts will be on hand to discuss the evolution of beer and the samples that will be available for tasting. Admission is $40, includes  a 5-oz souvenir glass. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the National Parkinson's Foundation. thegage

17th Annual Grand Chefs Gala

The Jean Banchet Awards For Culinary Excellence will be handed out during the 17th Annual Grand Chefs "Saint-Tropez" gala 6 p.m. to midnight Jan. 31 at the Fairmont, 200 N. Columbus. The Hotel transforms its ballrooms to the sunny, fun-loving town of Saint-Tropez, located on the French Riviera, for the occasion. Tickets start at $100.  Proceeds benefits Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The list of nominees are below. grandchefs

Curtis Duffy, Grace

Chef of the Year: Curtis Duffy (Grace); Carrie Nahabedian (NAHA); Paul Virant (Vie/Perennial Virant);
Andrew Zimmerman (Sepia)

Pastry Chef of the Year: Lisa Bonjour (mk); Craig Harzewski (NAHA); Elissa Narow (Vie/Perennial Virant); Leigh Omlinsky (Cafe des Architectes)

Best Chef de Cuisine: Ali Ratcliffe-Bauer (Brindille); Andres Padilla (Topolobampo); Sean Pharr (NoMi Kitchen); Nicholas Romero (Grace)

Rising Chef of the Year: Thai Dang (Embeya); Nicole Pederson (Found); Tom Van Lente (TWO); Lee Wolen (formerly of the Lobby at the Peninsula Hotel)

Rising Pastry Chef of the Year: Dana Cree (Blackbird); Sarah Mispagel (Nightwood); Thomas Raquel (Acadia); Bobby Schaffer (Grace)

Best Sommlier: Valerie Cao (Grace); Chad Ellegood (NoMi Kitchen); Richard Hanauer (The Langham); Arthur Hon (Sepia)

Best Mixologist: Charkles Joly (Aviary); Paul McGee (Three Dots and a Dash); Danielle Pizzutillo (Embeya); Sergio Serna (The Drawing Room)

Best Restaurant Design: Balena; Boarding House; Brindille; Embeya

Best Restaurant Service: Balena; Grace; Nightwood; Sixteen

Best New Restaurant: Fat Rice; Found; Gather; Travelle; TWO

Restaurant of the Year: Acadia; Brindille; Embeya; Grace

Sunda Helps Usher in the Year of the Horse

The Chinese New Year begins Jan. 31 and Sunda, 110 W. Illinois, helps usher in "The Year of the Horse," with a menu of classic Chinese dishes that includes sesame chicken (pictured) Mu Shu duck (roast duck, mushrooms, onions, scallions, hoisin, frisee and cabbage, whole red snapper with bok choi and shaoxing soy sauce, steamed flounder filet in a black bean sesame sauce. Available Jan. 27-31. sundachicago

Source: Rockit Ranch Productions

Kit Kat's Grammy Party

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted, hosts a Grammy Awards party 7 to 10:30 p.m. Jan. 26. The cocktails of the evening: The Gramophone martini (Pinnacle vodka, fresh mint, splash of lime and Champagne topper). All martinis will be priced $6.75. Diva Sunny Dee-Lite fetes guest with songs by Katy Perry, Pink, Lorde and Lady Gaga. kitkat

Amy O'Gara Devore Hosts a Yoga And Vino Session

Yoga instructor Amy O'Gara Devore holds a vinyasa yoga class followed by cocktails and noshes provided by Nick's Neighborhood Bar & Grill 1168 Wilmette click, beginning 4:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at Pilate Central, 1222 Washington Court, Wilmette. pilatescentral

Siena Tavern Participates in Restaurant Week

Siena Tavern, 51 W. Kinzie, part-owned by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, joins in Chicago Restaurant Week offering lunch and dinner specials, ranging from $22-$44, Jan. 24-Feb.6. See Menus below. siena

LUNCH OFFERING, OPTION 1 ($22, excluding tax and gratuity) 1st Course: -choice of- Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad parmesan, toasted marcona almonds Hearts of Palm Salad butter lettuce, avocado, breakfast radish, grapefruit, toasted macron amends, citrus vinaigrette Zuppa of the Day 2nd Course: -choice of- Charred Chicken Sandwich oven-dried tomato, fontina cheese, wilted spinach, caramelized onion, herb mayo, brioche bun Meatball Sandwich Bellwether ricotta, basil, sauce pomodoro, toasted garlic hoagie roll Farro Risotto celery root puree, wild boar ragu, horseradish Burnt Pepperoni Pizza spicy tomato sauce, red chilies, mozzarella 3rd Course: Choice of Gelato Flavor  salted caramel, chocolate malt, tiramisu, maple mascarpone, hazelnut, pumpkin, espresso, pistachio, vanilla LUNCH OFFERING, OPTION 2  ($33, excluding tax & gratuity) 1st Course: -choice of- Coccoli  crispy dough, stracchino cheese, prosciutto di parma, truffle honey Tuscan Kale Caesar oven-dried tomato, parmesan, rosemary focaccia croutons, lemon caesar dressing Wagyu Beef Meatball roasted tomato sauce, bellwether ricotta, shaved basil 2nd Course: -choice of- Gnocchi truffle cream, fried sage, crispy pancetta Brick Chicken sticky parmesan potatoes, balsamic roasted garlic, grilled lemon Truffle Mushroom Pizza roasted wild mushrooms, garlic cream, mozzarella, white truffle oil Burnt Pepperoni Pizza spicy tomato sauce, red chilies, mozzarella Prosciutto Pear Pizza roasted garlic cream, taleggio, mozzarella, baby arugula 3rd Course: -choice of- Tiramisu roasted white chocolate, espresso meringue Bomboloni whisky-caramel, chocolate hazelnut, raspberry chianti, pumpkin-spice cream  Gelato Flavor (8 choices) salted caramel , chocolate malt , tiramisu, maple mascarpone , hazelnut, pumpkin, espresso, pistachio , vanilla DINNER OFFERING ($44, excluding tax & gratuity) 1st Course: -choice of- Tuscan Kale oven-dried tomato, parmesan, rosemary focaccia croutons, lemon caesar dressing Coccoli crispy dough, stracchino cheese, prosciutto di parma, truffle honey Wagyu Beef Meatball roasted tomato sauce, bellwether ricotta, shaved basil 2nd Course: -choice of- Short Rib Ravioli roasted porcini mushrooms, taleggio Gnocchi truffle cream, fried sage, crispy pancetta Brick Chicken sticky parmesan potatoes, balsamic roasted garlic, grilled lemon Seared Scallop roasted corn and garlic risotto, chiodini mushroom 3rd Course: -choice of- Tiramisu roasted white chocolate, espresso meringue Bomboloni whisky-caramel, chocolate hazelnut, raspberry chianti, pumpkin-spice cream  Gelato Flavor (8 choices) salted caramel , chocolate malt , tiramisu, maple mascarpone , hazelnut, pumpkin, espresso, pistachio , vanilla

Trump's New Pastry Chef

Trump Chicago, 401 N. Wabash, has been appointed Aya Fukai Executive Pastry Chef. Fukai will oversee Sixteen's dessert program as well as the hotel's banquet and in-room dining services. sixteenchicago

Stout's Goose Island Keg Tapping

Stout Barrel House and Galley, 642 N. Clark, host a keg-tapping party 6-8 p.m. Jan. 23. During the event Goose Island will debut its new Crimson Rye IPA. Nick Barron of Goose Island and Adam Harth, winner of the "Be a Brewmaster" contest collaborated on the recipe for the brewer's newest release. stout

Jeffrey Mauro Joins Berrista Team

Jeffrey Mauro chef/owner of JAM Restaurant has come on board with Homaro Cantu's Berrista, 4219 W. Irving Park. Mauro takes on the role of chef/partner at the coffee/pastry venue slated to open spring 2014.

Author Jo Piazza Hosts a Love Rehab Session

Jo Piazza, journalist and author of Love Rehab: A Novel in Twelve Steps and relationship expert has created a series of classes #SweatOutYourBreakup to help women get through a failed relationship. Piazza, who refers to her classes as a "healthy alternative" for getting over that guy, holds a rehab session and book signing 4-5:30 p.m. at The Dailey Method Lincoln Park, 2301 N. Clark. Admission is $25. thedaileymethodchicago

Little Market Brasserie's $1 Check Deal

In celebration of its one-year anniversary Little Market Brasserie, 10 E. delaware, will gift guests with a treat. Through Jan. 19 the restaurant will replace one table's (per day) original bill for a $1 check. littlemarket

ShowPlace ICON Theatre Salutes Popcorn

What's a movie without popcorn? ShowPlace ICON Theatre, 150 W. Roosevelt, salutes National Popcorn Day (Jan. 19) with special offerings now through Jan. 19. Lobby Lounge offerings includes the bacon cheddar popcorn for half-priced to all Extra members. Guest can sign up for free membership upon arrival. Leading up to an "extra" special treat-- the Extras Combo (extra size popcorn and small drink) normally available to 5:55 p.m. only will be available all day. showplaceicon

CSO Performs Music to Hitchcock's "Vertigo"

Conductor Richard Kaufman and the CSO takes on the haunting themes from Alfred Hitchcock thriller "Vertigo" during "CSO at the Movies, 8 p.m. Jan. 24 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan. The drama, which starred Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak, is one of the master of suspense's finest. cso

Chicago Restaurant Week

Paul Kahan of Blackbird kicks off Chicago Restaurant Week with First Bites Bash 5:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at Great Hall, Union Station, 500 W. Jackson; $125. Proceeds benefit Gilda's Club Chicago and Pilot House. Look for great deals at some of the city's finest eateries during Chicago Restaurant Week Jan. 24-Feb. 6. Prix fixe meals are priced from $22-$44. choosechicago

Rack House Sport's Giveaway

Guest visiting Rack House Kitchen & Tavern, 222 E. Algonquin, Arlington Heights, wearing Blackhawk's attire during January will have the opportunity to win a signed Jonathan Toews' jersey and catering for a Super Bowl party for up to 15 people. Guests sporting Hawks gear at Rack while a Hawks game is on receives one complimentary raffle ticket. Another reason to drop in-- the bar features 22 drafts on tap and 45 bottles. rackhouse

Barbakoa's New Brunch Menu

Dudley Nieto of newly-opened modern Latin restaurant Barbakoa, 1341 Butterfield, Downers Grove, is offering a brunch program 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through 2014. Dishes are inspired by South American countries: Argentina, Peru and Mexico as well as authentic Spanish cuisine. Celebrity mixologist Adam Seger formerly of Nacional 27 and creator of Hum liqueur, whips up creative cocktails. barbakoa

Nando Milano Trattoria Dinner Series

Chef Alessio Vullo of Nando Milano Trattoria, 2114 W. Division, has created the Regioni d'Italia dinner series. The menu, which started Jan.8, will spotlight a dish paired with wine from a different Italian region every Wednesday through March 26. Regions listed below. nandomilanotrattoria

The regional schedule is as follows:

January 8: Tuscany

January 15: Piedmont

January 22: Sicily

January 29: Liguria

February 5: Campania

February 12: Sardinia 

February 19: Lombardy

February 26: Emilia-Romagna

March 5: Lazio

March 12: Umbria

March 19: Veneto

March 26: Valle d'Aosta 

DMK Burger Bar

Chef Kornick and and David Morton of DMK, 2954 N. Sheffield and 2370 Fountain Square, Lombard, launch their 2014 lineup. See below. dmkburgers

Aged cheddar, smoked bacon, charred balsamic red onions, 

Rufus Teague's BBQ Sauce

Chili rubbed onion strings, Amish Blue spicy chipotle ketchup

NY pastrami, French Gruyere, sauerkraut, Leroy's remoulade

 Roasted hatch green chile, fried farm egg, Sonoma Jack, smoked bacon

 Bison burger - fresh goat cheese, pickled red onions, blueberry BBQ Sauce

Chorizo, guacamole, Sonoma Jack, chipotle aioli, cilantro, onions

 The Big DMK - triple decker, special sauce

Iceberg lettuce, tomato, raw onion, bread & butter pickles, mayo,choice of cheese

The Patty melt - smoked bacon, burnt onions, Leroy's remoulade, smoked Swiss, grilled rye

Turkey, smoked Swiss, tomato, arugula, Dijonnaise

Grass-fed lamb, sheep's milk feta, olive tapenade, Greek salad, tzatziki

House veggie & grain, aged cheddar,eggplant ,tomato, pesto mayo

Crispy portobello, fontina cheese, arugula, marinated tomatoes, horseradish sauce

 Fresh salmon, ginger & scallion, Asian slaw, red Thai curry sauce

And, new rotating monthly specials 

Jake Melnick's January Specials

Hot and hearty is the call for January dishes and Jake Melnick's Corner Tap, 41 E. Superior, delivers with a round of January specials that include the patty melt of the month (9-oz hand-packed Angus patty with Swiss and American cheese, grilled onions, mushrooms, bacons with Russian Dressing, $12.95); mac and cheese of the month: super hot nacho mac and cheese selection for the month (creamy cheese sauce mixed with super hot wing sauce, topped with crumbled chorizo sausage, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions and tortilla chips with sour cream; $8.95) and wings of the month bacon and cheddar (crispy wings topped with Carr Valley applewood smoked cheddar, chopped bacon served with Ranch dressing; $12.95). Wash those hefty dishes down with the beer of the month: Saugatuck Brewing Company's Singapore IPA. jakemelnicks

Mercadito Guests Chef Tacos for SOS

Mercadito, 108 W. Kinzie, kicks off a year of month-long charity tacos benefiting Share Our Strength with the January black bean-braised oxtail (with bourbon jalapenos, chopped kim-chi, fish sauce mayo and crunchy ramen), selection from Chef Eddie Lee of 610 Magnolia, Louisville, KY. Tacos are three for $12.50 during lunch or as a dinner for $16.95. mercadito

Elvis is Back in the House

The Original Mother's, 26 W. Division, hosts its 14th Annual Elvis Fest 7-11 p.m. January 8, on what would be the rock 'n roll idol's 79th birthday. The bash includes a look-alike contest (winner gets a trip to Vegas), Happy Birthday sing-a-long, cake with legendary DJ Dick Biondi lighting the candles and plenty of "Elvis" songs. A $5 donation benefits the Chicago Red Cross. originalmothers

Mercadito Counter to Open Soon

Here's a sneak peek at Mercadito Hospitality's Mercadito Counter, a Mexican deli slated to open soon at 738 N. Clark. New York-based Celano Design Studio created the blended contemporary Mexican and traditional deli look. mercadito

Oceanique's 25th Anniversary Dinner

Oceanique, 505 N. Main, Evanston, in conjunction with the Shedd Aquarium's Right Bite Program, hosts a sustainable seafood wine dinner in celebration of its 25th anniversary Jan. 16; $85. See menu below. oceanique

Right Bite Sustainable Seafood & 25th Anniversary Dinner

Tarte Flambé

Japanese Breakfast
Lightly Smoked Organic Arctic Char

2011 Dourthe "La Grande Cuvée" Sauvignon Blanc - Bordeaux, France

Roasted Maine Pemaquid Oysters
Mutsu Apple Sorbet
 Spinach Pernod Parmesan

2007 Brooks Winery Riesling - Willamette Valley, Oregon

Wild Florida Cobia

Turnip Chanterelles Port-Pinot Noir Sauce

2011 Domaine Benoit Raclet - Moulin-Á-Vent - Beaujolais, France


 Warm Raspberry-Blackberry Tarte

 Canela Ice Cream

2009 Château les Rouques - Loupiac - Bordeaux, France

Bakersfield Cooking Series

Chef Patrick Cassata of Bakersfield, 350 E. Ogden, Westmont, kicks off a 2014 cooking series 2 p.m. Jan. 11 with “Gluten Free Comfort Foods,” gluten free Teff pancakes with cinnamon and pecan syrup with banana –strawberry smoothie; southern fried knife and fork chicken, habanero grilled yellow pepper sauce with cheddar cornbread and chipotle honey butters paired with Champagne and gluten free carrot cake with a cinnamonbun cocktail. bakersfield

Vanille Patisserie Opens a New Location

Vanille Patisserie has a new location, 2108 N. Clark, which is the largest of the three current spots. Josh Johnson, 2011 National Pastry Chef winner and Pastry Chef Instructor at The French Pastry School  has been appointed executive chef. The other locations are 2229 N Clybourn and at the Chicago French Market, 131 N. Clinton. vanillepatisserie