At Analogue, 2523 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chef Alfredo Nogueira will partner with Pork Mafia's Phil Wingo to create a special five-course Cajun menu featuring various cuts of Mangalitsa pork on Wed., Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. Dishes will include beignets, gumbo with smoked pork, and glazed Ham with collard greens and cornbread. The cost will be $55/person; visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2487901 .
Sophie Evanoff, owner of the French-inspired artisanal patisserie Vanille, has announced that Vanille Lake View's ribbon-cutting will take place Thursday, Feb. 4, at 3243 N. Broadway, at 5:30 p.m. On Friday-Sunday, Feb. 5-7, customers will have the chance to help celebrate with some special offers including a free macaron for anyone who stops by. Also, the first 25 customers through the door each of those three mornings will receive a $25 Vanille gift card for their next visit, and everyone can enter to win a $500 Vanille gift card to be given to one lucky customer. See VanillePatisserie.com .
Bunny, the Micro Bakerycalled "perhaps the tiniest bakery in town" on its websitehas opened at 2928 N. Broadway. It offers dumplings, doughnuts, toast, jams, butters, old-school pastries, broths, natural sodas, breads, ice cream and cereals. See BunnyTheMicroBakery.com .
Current chef-in-residence Stephen Gillanders has joined Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises ( LEYE ) as Intro's new executive chef/partner. In this new permanent role, Gillanders will serve as a direct partner with all upcoming visiting chefs, as well as work on other LEYE projects. Intro is located at 2300 N. Lincoln Park West; see IntroChicago.com .
Benoit Violierthe celebrated chef whose restaurant in Switzerland was deemed the world's best eatery by French critics fewer than two months agowas found dead, TIME.com reported. Violier, who was 44, apparently took his own life. Violier and his wife Brigitte ran the Restaurant de l'Hotel de Ville outside of the city of Lausanne.
On Super Bowl Sunday ( Feb. 7 ), guests who host their Super Bowl parties at Frontier will enjoy more than half off Executive Chef Brian Jupiter's famous whole smoked animal pig parties ( $225; normally $500 ). Chicagoans can also cater their Super Bowl party at home with Frontier's specialty Super Bowl menu to go; available items will include pulled boar sliders, sausage platter, wings, mac 'n cheese and more.
Acre, 5308 N. Clark St., will have $1 oysters, $2 sliders, $4 select drafts and $10 wood-fired pizzas for Super Bowl Sunday. Reservations are recommended; call 773-334-7600.
Beginning on Super Bowl Sunday ( Feb. 7 ) at 12 p.m., football enthusiasts and others can head to Oyster Bah, 1962 N. Halsted St., for favorites like the Maine lobster roll and the crispy one-sided red snapper. Going forward, the restaurant will open every Saturday and Sunday at noon for lunch. See OysterBah.com .
On Super Bowl Sunday, Rockit Bar & Grill, 22 W. Hubbard St., will host a football and food-filled evening benefiting local Chicago non-profit organization Furever Rescue at 3:30-5 p.m. For $20 per person, guests experience a unique spin on Super Bowl Sunday festivities, enjoying communal drinking games, passed appetizers and two complimentary beers. For those staying for kickoff, Rockit offers four different Super Bowl packages during the game as well: The Annexation of Puerto Rico, The Statue of Liberty, Hook and Ladder, and Fumblerooski.
Roti Modern Mediterranean is offering catering optons for Super Bowl parties. The organic chickpea hummus, free-range chicken and salmon are among the items available. For larger parties, the Any Way You Want It Buffet feeds 15 and comes with two entrée options, two sides, and a salad for $180. See roti.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Chicago-Catering-Menu_6-2015.pdf .
Andersonville restaurant Ombra, 5310 N. Clark St., will welcome Giovanni Sicilia of Heritage Wines and its resident "buongustaio" ( man of good taste ) Paolo Bressan to celebrate Venetian Carnevale on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Admission is $55/person ( including tax and gratuity ), and reservations must be made; call 773-506-8600.
Frontier, 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., celebrates Fat Tuesday with an authentic Louisiana shrimp boil on Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. For $33 per person, guests will enjoy an all-you-can-eat shrimp boil, complete with potatoes and corn. Frontier will feature additional food and drink specials, including $10 red beans and rice, $13 shrimp po'boys, $5 Hurricanes, $6 Sazeracs and $4 Abitas. Seating is first-come, first-served; visit www.thefrontierchicago.com/events-tickets .
Division Street will become Bourbon Street in Chicago on Mardi Gras this Fat Tuesday, Feb. 9. Division Street will mimic the revelry of New Orleans at six of Chicago's celebratory spots on the strip: The Lodge Tavern, She-nannigans, the recently opened Coconutz Chicago, The Hangge-Uppe, Mother's Too and The Original Mother's from 8 p.m. to midnight, all free of charge for patrons 21 and over. For example, at Coconutz there will be a muted live trumpet, authentic handmade Sazerac, Vieux Carre and Hurricane cocktails for $5 plus complimentary passed appetizers at 7-11 p.m.
For Mardi Gras, Howells & Hood, 435 N. Michigan Ave., will celebrate Mardi Gras with a limited edition selection of Cajun dishes on Feb. 9-15. Items will include Louisianan Frire Melange ( $17 ), with crawfish, rock shrimp, oysters, Andouille sausage, okra, pickled Anaheim chilies and Tabasco aioli; Oyster Po Boy ( $16 ), with breaded Gulf oysters, dill pickle mayo, hoagie roll, shredded lettuce and sliced tomato; and gumbo ( $8 ), with chicken thigh, Andouille sausage, "The Trinity" and long-grain rice. Howells & Hood will also feature the Simon Sazerac's Purse cocktail ( $13 ), consisting of FEW Rye, Persimmon Sage simple syrup, Peychaud's Bitters, house fernet rinse and lemon peel garnish.
Both Beatrix locations ( 519 N. Clark St. and 671 N. St. Clair St. ) will offer a "Big Brunch" on Super Bowl Sunday. Options include fresh-squeezed juice, Bloody Marys, spicy chicken tinga, quinoa cakes with poached eggs, and shakshouka, among others. See RestaurantBeatrix.com .
On Super Bowl Sunday, guests who order two or more Pi Gallery Bar pizzas on Grubhub or Doordash will receive a complimentary order of Pi's Dipping Sticks ( sausage and mozzarella breadsticks ). As an added incentive to eat pizza, Pi's concept centers around its "A Pi for a Pi" program where for every pizza sold, one is donated to feed Chicago's homeless.
Mon Ami Gabi ( in Chicago and Oak Brook ) will have a "Big Game Pajama Brunch" on Sunday, Feb. 7. There will be mimosas, blueberry French toast, waffle bananas Foster, egg dishes, crepes and quiches. Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Chicago and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Oak Brook. See MonAmiGabi.com .
ROOF at theWit, 201 N. State St., will feature specials like a Chinese Cocktail ( $15; Cana Brava Rum, Grand Marnier, Grenadine, Maraschino, Angostura ) and a dim sum bamboo steamer ( $14; shrimp shu mai, sesame bean paste ball, mushroom egg roll, chicken pot sticker ). Call 312-239-9502.
In partnership with the Bear Necessities Pediatric Foundation, Atwood Restaurant, 1 W. Washington St., will host a kickoff event for "Bear Your Heart" Month on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation ( with all proceeds going to the Bear Hugs program ); admission includes one raffle ticket, passed appetizers, beer and wine. See BearNecessities.org and AtwoodRestaurant.com .
On Thursday, Feb. 11, Giordano's Andersonville will have its first Sam Adams Beer Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Five, carefully selected Sam Adams varieties will be sampled with food items such as Chicago Classic Stuffed Pizza, meatball sliders, and chocolate cake and ice cream. Admission is $25 ( all five tasting stations, plus a Sam Adams pint glass and a frozen Giordano's pizza to take home ).
Devon Seafood Grill, 39 E. Chicago Ave., is offering specials for Valentine's Day weekend. On Friday-Sunday, Feb. 12-14, there's a selection of special entrees such as one-pound lobster Tail, eight-ounce Filet Oscar or a six-ounce filet with an eight-ounce lobster yail with two seasonal sides for $55 per person. Guests are also invited to enjoy Valentine's Day dinner all weekend long at Devon Seafood Grill's more upscale downstairs dining room. See DevonSeafood.com/Chicago .
Magnolia Bakery, at Block 37 at 108 N. State St., is offering various treats for Valentine's Day, including chocolate bars ( $5.25 each ), red-velvet whoopie pies ( $4 each ), heart cookies ( $6/bag ) and cupcakes ( $3.75 each ).
ENO Wine Room, 505 N. Michigan Ave., is offering a flight of sparkling Rose wines from around the world with a choice of a paired chocolate flight ( $20 ) for Valentine's Day. Also, ENO is currently offering boxes of Sweet Margy's toffee with any purchase of sparkling wine.
At Shaw's Crab House in Chicago, there will be a four-course menu for Valentine's Day; options include chilled seafood platter for two, lobster bisque, mixed greens salad, salmon, filet mignon, king crab legs, ricotta cheesecake and triple-layer chocolate cake. The price for the dinner is $80 per person or $120 per person with an optional wine pairing ( excluding tax and gratuity ). Shaw's full a la carte menu will be offered in addition to the prix fixe. Call 312-527-2722.
Acadia, 1639 S. Wabash Ave., will feature a five-course Valentine's Day tasting menu for $115 per person, or $190 with wine pairings. Including two canapes and optional upgrades of white Alba truffles and A5 Miyazaki beef throughout the meal, there will be other options like hiramasa and lobster pie. ( The standard 10-course menu is also available all weekend long. ) See AcadiaChicago.com .
Earls Kitchen + Bar, 1538 N. Clybourn Ave., will feature a heart-shaped stenciled design on its Century Sour ( $10 ), a pisco-based cocktail, on Feb. 12-14. There will be the interestingly named Gold Digger Gelato, served with Italian vanilla and chocolate gelato, spiced candied pecans and tableside poured hot caramel toffee ( $8 ). Call 312-929-3952.
The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, will host HiBall Events' Valentine's 2016 dinner & show for the second year, on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the legendary Empire Room within the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St. Diners seated at intimate tables arranged for two or four people enjoy a romance inspired, three course meal and dancing to live entertainment performed by Sam Fazio with his jazz quartet. Couples' packages are $179-$250; see www.palmerhousehiltonhotel.com/promotions/valentines-day-2-Feb. or ValentinesInChicago.com .
GreenRiver ( 259 E. Erie St., 18th floor ) offers romance with a view for Valentine's Day weekend with a special five-course seasonal American tasting menu from Executive Chef Aaron Lirette on Feb. 12-14. Menu items include trout tartare with soy dashi and kumquat; cauliflower with black garlic, farro and leek; skate wing with mussels, curry, lentil and squash; duck with sunchoke, apple and swiss chard; and matcha eclairs with lychee and rose. The elegant Valentine's prix fixe menu is priced at $105 per person, with the option to add wine pairings for $55. See GreenRiverChi.com .
The Ritz Carlton Chicago's Deca restaurant, 160 E. Pearson St., is offering a special Valentine's Day menu. Deca's three-course prix fixe menu for two is $195, including a bottle of rose champagne for the table. Options include the kale caesar salad with egg mimosa and white anchovies; the aparagus & black truffle risotto; the roasted Maine lobster with melted leeks, tricolor potatoes and chimichurri sauce; s'mores; chocolate fondue; and a half-dozen tuxedo strawberries with white and dark chocolate. See DecaRestaurant.com .
At Sable Kitchen & Bar, 505 N. State St., Chef Lawrence Letrero has crafter a five-course Valentine's Day prix fixe for $55/person, with an optional cocktail pairing for $45. ( The regular menu will be offered a la carte as well. ) See SableChicago.com .
At 312 Chicago, 136 N. LaSalle St., Chef Luca Corazzina has created a romantic Italian prix fixe menu, "Menu di Valentino," with four courses for $60/person + optional wine pairing for $85/person; available Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 13-14. Each course will have three different options so guests can select dishes based on dietary preference. Visit www.312chicago.com .
Salero, 621 W. Randolph St., is offering Valentine's Day menu specials. They include Maine lobster, clam and calamari paella for two ( $60 ); and grill strip loin with rapini, salt-crusted potatoes and mojo sauce ( $42 ), among other dishes. See SaleroChicago.com .
Couples who dine Friday-Sunday, Feb. 12-14, at a Fogo de Chao location will receive a Valentine's Dining Card good for a complimentary lunch or dinner toward their next visit. All Fogo de Chao locationsincluding Chicago, Rosemont and Naperville restaurantswill be open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. Reservations are highly recommended; visit FOGO.com .
Rosemont's Estate at Gene & Georgetti, 9421 W. Higgins Rd., will transform into a supper club celebrating Valentine's Day with "A Fine Romance." The special evening includes a four-course dinner and live performances from Joan Curto, Tom Michael and Beckie Menzie on Sunday, Feb. 14. Seating for the show only begins at 7 p.m. and costs $25 per person plus tax and gratuity, with access to a cash bar. Reservations are required; call 847-653-3300.
Citewhich is on the 70th floor of Lake Point Tower, 505 N. Lake Shore Dr.is offering a Valentine's Day menu as culinary director Martial Noguier recently began consulting for the restaurant as part of its reintroduction. Cite's Valentine's Menu will be available for $150 per person. ( Beverages, tax and 20-percent service charge are additional. ) Some of the options include American sturgeon caviar, prime steak tartare, Belgium endive and radicchio salad, rack of lamb, creme brulee and homemade chocolate truffle. Also, pianist Dean Rolando will play Feb. 14. See 312-644-4050.
Beef & Barley Chicago & Gastropub, 3001 N. Ashland Ave., is doing a Walk of Shame brunch on Sunday, Feb. 14 ( Valentine's Day ). It's for all of those singles out there who were looking for love the night before. There will be some themed punch-bowl specials and a new brunch menu for guests enjoy, as well as an old-school photo booth with some Valentine's Day-themed props. There will also be a single's themed soundtrack during brunch service.
Chicago's Best WingFest will return for its 17th year on Feb. 21, 1-5 p.m., at Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington St. There will be wings from 25 area restaurants, competitive wing-eating and six categories of wing competition, among other things. See Wingfest.net .
The Northalsted Business Alliance will host the Frost Fest Craft Beer Festival on Feb. 27-28, 2016. Through Dec. 28, 2015, there's a pre-sale offer that includes two tickets for the Frost Fest Craft Beer Festival at $50and admission is normally regularly $35 apiece. Tickets are available exclusively on www.northalsted.com .
Snap Kitchena healthy takeaway concept that has recently opened seven locations in the Chicagoland areahas released its winter menu. Some winter items include maple-roasted banana oatmeal, beef stroganoff, ginger-glazed salmon and quinoa "fried rice." See SnapKitchen.com .
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