Saturday, May 30, 2020

Koi designs specialty beverage for a charitable cause


Koi, 624 Davis St., Evanston, has introduced the Hecky Powell Super Juice. 

The drink, named for Evanston philanthropist and owner of Evanston's Hecky's Barbecue, who recently died from complications due to COVID-19 virus, is a blend of pineapple, cranberry and orange juices with fresh-squeezed lemon and a splash of Club Soda: $12, a 32-oz. carafe.

All proceeds will be donated to the Forrest E. Powell Foundation and the Evanston WE Program. Call: 847-866-6969.

Connect on Facebook

Friday, May 29, 2020

Mora Bolingbrook and Plainfield locations open for alfresco dining today


Mora Restaurant Group is opening al fresco dining at the Pan-Asian restaurant's in Bolingbrook, 627 E. Boughton Rd. and Plainfield, 24108 W. Lockport St., locations for patio and street dining beginning today.

In addition will introduce a new pop up outdoor dining experience in Aurora's Water Street Courtyard, 43 E. Galena St., on June 6. The operation will open a full-service restaurant at the location later this year.
Connect on Facebook

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Monteverde offering curbside service

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames


Monteverde, 1020 W. Madison, is open Thursday through Sunday for curbside service and pick up. The restaurant is offering limited takeout menu of bake at home and market goods. Place orders via Toast Takeout app. Shop here.  


Connect on Facebook

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The Chicago Reader launches cookbook



The Chicago Reader has released its first cookbook, Reader Recipes: Chicago Cooks and Drinks at Home, with recipes from more than 90 of the city’s best chefs and bartenders.

The book is available as a PDF download ($30) and in a print edition plus PDF that is spiral bound with laminated cover and glossy pages ($55, includes US shipping & handling). Fifteen percent of the proceeds benefit CompTab Relief Fund in support of the food and hospitality industries.

Reader Recipes, which features 80 recipes, was  edited by long-time Reader food critic and senior writer Mike Sula and Reader coeditor-in-chief Karen HawkinsBooks are available for purchase at: chicagoreader.com/recipebook


Connect on Facebook
















The Chicago Reader has released its first cookbook, Reader Recipes: Chicago Cooks and Drinks at Home, with recipes from more than 90 of the city’s best chefs and bartenders.

The book is available as a PDF download for $30 and as a print edition + PDF download for $55 (includes US shipping & handling). The print edition with laminated cover is spiral-bound and includes glossy pages for easy cleaning by cooks at home. Books are available for purchase atchicagoreader.com/recipebook

Reader Recipes features 80 recipes edited by longtime Reader food critic and senior writer Mike Sula andReader coeditor-in-chief Karen Hawkins.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Sepia offering limited menu for pick-up service


Sepia, 123 N. Jefferson, is now offering pick-up service 2-7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. 

Current menu offer includes: roasted garlic focaccia; tomato salad with olives and pepperoncini; lasagne Bolognese or lasagne with roasted mushrooms and goat cheese; roasted broccoli with creamy anchovy dressing and tiramisu. Wine list of wines complimenting the meal will be offered.

Availability is limited so order early.

Connect on Facebook

Monday, May 25, 2020

Prairie Grass Cafe hosts virtual Italian wine dinner


Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Chef Sarah of Prairie Grass Cafe and Countess Ginevra Venerosi-Pesciolini, of Tenuta di Ghizzano Winery in Tuscany take online guests through a virtual Chicago/Italy culinary journey 2 p.m. May 29.

The event, via Zoom, features Stegner demonstrating a Prairie Grass Cafe meal kit, available for purchase, designed specifically for the event (chicken; spring salad; chocolate pudding and bottle of Tenuta di Ghizzano, Veneroso, Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon; $78) View recipes here.


Kits must be ordered by May 27 at: 847-205-4433 by May 27. Pick up dates are May 28 and May 29 (ask for time when placing order).

Ginevra will be discussing the winery and and the wines selected for the pairing with chef Stegner's meal. Guests can join in the culinary adventure here.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

A different kind of salute this Memorial Day for veterans and active military members


Veterans and active military members may not be able to dine in at restaurant who typically celebrate their service, but they can still be honored this Memorial Day.

Here's a few places saluting veterans and active military members with proper credentials of valid proof of service during these difficult times. Please note these specials might not be available at all locations. Some might only apply to carry out. Call ahead to check.

Bonefish Grill: Beginning May 25 a ten percent military discount.
Chili's: Featuring a half order of baby back ribs on its 3 for $10 menu. Meal includes a starter and non alcoholic beverage. May 25 only.
Fogo de Chao: Twenty percent discount on a to-go meal May 25.
Fresh Market: Today and May 25 ten percent discount. Spouse with military ID for their partners service are eligible for the discount as well.
Golden Coral: Golden Corral receive a ten percent discount off bill. The restaurant is also having a military appreciation night, November 11, 2020.
Hooters: Twenty percent discount off takeout order.
Outback: Receive a ten percent discount off order (some restaurants only open for take out).
Subway: Buy one footlong, get one free. Orders can be placed via the Subway app or at subway.com.

Connect on Facebook

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Mercadito is now open for curbside service


Mercadito, 108 W. Kinzie is back! The restaurant is now open for curbside and delivery takeouts. 

The takeout menu includes tacos, salsas, sides, dessert and pre-mixed cocktails. Orders can be placed online for delivery service via Uber Eats or Gubhub. Place curbside orders here. Or call, 312-329-9555.

Connect on Facebook

Friday, May 22, 2020

Memorial Day meal kits from Prairie Grass Cafe


Prairie Grass Cafe , 601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, has put together Memorial Day meal kits for curbside service. 

Kits include a sausage; salmon and skirt teak variety. Pick up day is May 24. Orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance. View meal kits here. To place an order call: 847-205-4433.

Connect on Facebook

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Mole de May Festival goes virtual

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames


Rather than cancel the Mole de Mayo festival organizers of the event decided to go virtual May 22-24.

For the occasion, taking place in Chicago, New York, California, Mexico and Peru, local  restaurants will feature special mole takeout dishes.

Local participating restaurants include: La Esperanza, 1864 S. Blues Island Ave; Yolinas Tamales, 814 W. 18th St.; Mole Village Restaurant, 2302 S. Blue Island Ave and Don Churro, 1626 S. Blue Island Ave. View complete list here.

The event also includes live music. View Chicago daily lineups here.

Events are already going on in other cities. View shows stream live now here. The festival is slated to return in real time May 28-30, 2021. More details here.

Connect on Facebook

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Jimmy Bannos' gumbo is now available for curbside pickup


Just in time for Memorial Day Jimmy Bannos of Heaven on Seven is currently accepting pre-orders for May 21-23 curbside service. Pick up is noon to 5 p.m. at the Purple Pig, 444 N. Michigan. 

The only items currently available are Jimmy's fan favorite chicken and andouille gumbo; $50 (gallon). Smaller batches aren't available but the gumbo can be frozen for future use. Jimmy's Angel Dust seasoning; $10, is also available. 

Submit payment through Venmo prior to pickup. Orders can be placed via Facebook or Instagram.

Want to lend a help hand? Support the landmark restaurant and its staff through GoFundMe.

Connect on Facebook








Monday, May 18, 2020

David Hassan takes of over chef duty at McNally's Traditional Irish Pub

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

David Hassan take over chef duty at McNally's Traditional Irish Pub, 109 W. Main, St. Charles. Hassan bringing more than 30 years in the industry to the table will launch a new menu for eatery upon the restaurant's reopening.

Connect on Facebook

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Let's get it on, the grill that is with a little help


Grilling season is here and what better way to get it starter than steaks on the grill. 

Prime and Provisions' Provisional Butcher Shop, 222 N. LaSalle Dr., has a variety of offerings perfect for grilling that include: the Butcher 3-pack dry-aged steaks (16-oz NY strip; 10-oz filet and 22-oz ribeye, comes with signature steak rub); 7-oz petite cut filet; 18-oz Kansas City strip and dry-aged burger patties. Meats are ready to throw on the grill when you get them home. Sides and desserts also available a la carte.

Delivery and curbside pickup available beginning 4 p.m. Shop here. All orders placed for curbside pick-ups when placed by calling 312-726-7777, include a bottle of house wine

Connect on Facebook

Friday, May 15, 2020

Moretti's National Pizza Day free offer


Moretti's, 871 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg, is offering a free 12-inch thin crust cheese purchase with the purchase of an 18-inch pizza with one topping for National Pizza Day. The deal is available today only. 

Call in and mention coupon MA106. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call: 847-397-4200 (pickup) or, 847-397-0123 (delivery). Or, order online here. Some restrictions may apply.

Connect on Facebook

Aurelio's special National Pizza Day celebration


Aurelio's Pizza, in celebration of National Pizza Day, is hosting a virtual pizza party variety show to celebrate to benefit Chicago's healthcare community, 7 p.m. May 15.

The show will feature many Chicago personalities from multiple arenas including: actress Jane Lynch; sports greats Brian Urlacher, Jeremy Roenick, Ozzie Guillen, Ron Kittle, and Ron Coomer along with local comedians including Pat McGann, Ana Beleval, Pete McMurray.

Media personalities include: Andy Masur from WGN; Marley Kayden from Chicago's Best; Brotha' Fred from iHeart Radio. More talent to be announced. Register here. Donation accepted through May 22. Contribute here.

Connect on Facebook

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Cocktails for a Cause Contest goes virtual

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Cocktails for a Cause contest is hosting a virtual event is 5:30-10:s0 p.m. May 14.

The cocktail contest, in support of three Michigan-based charities, features cocktail recipes supporting each cause.

Voting is open May 14-17. View details and make donations here.

Connect on Facebook

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Le Sud opens May 13 for curbside and delivery service


Le Sud, 2301 W. Roscoe, reopens May 13 for curbside carryout and delivery service, available 5-9 p.m. 

The French-Mediterranean eatery will offer a rotating menu. In a addition a 50 per cent off wine list will be available.

Orders may be placed online or, call 773-857-1985. Family-style meals may be ordered in advance or the same day after 3 p.m. 

Current menu:

Salad
House Salad (mixed greens, pickled fennel, fried shallot, honey-dijon vinaigrette); $9

Appetizer
Lamb Meatballs with romesco, gremolata, marcona almond; $13

A la Carte
served with baguette and house butter, green bean almondine and wild rice pilaf
Half Roasted Chicken Chasseur with lardon, cippolini, mushroom, tomato, herbs; $22
8oz Wood Grilled Denver Steak with roasted fingerling potatoes and sauce persillade; $24

Sides
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes; $5
Green Bean Almondine; $7
Wild Rice Pilaf ;$4

Family-Style Dinner for Four
served with baguette and house butter, green bean almondine and wild rice pilaf
Roasted Chicken Chasseur with lardon, cippolini, mushroom, tomato, herbs; $50
Wood Grilled Bavette Steak with roasted fingerling potatoes and sauce persillade ;$60

Dessert
Creme Brulee vanilla, turbinado; $4
Blueberry Clafoutis chantilly, hazelnuts; $7



Connect on Facebook

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Khepri Cafe's Mother's Day donuts still available

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Khepri Cafe, 4650 N. Kedzie, is offering Mother's Day inspired vegan vanilla donuts with edible flowers, 4-pack $27. Pickup service available Saturday and Sunday. Delivery service is available with restrictions. Text order to 312-388-0190 or email info@khepricafe.com

Connect on Facebook

Friday, May 8, 2020

Last call for Dine Amic Hospitality Mother's Day offerings

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

There's still time to order Mother's Day from Dine Amic Hospitality. Orders must be placed by 4 p.m. today.

Orders for Prime Provisions, 222 N. Lasalle Dr.,  menu. Grilling options from Provision's butcher shop also available.

Orders for Sienna Tavern, 51 W. Kinzie St., accepted here

Connect on Facebook