Dining news:
—President Bill Clinton will address attendees at the 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show May 6 at Chicago's McCormick Place. Clinton will share insights into his presidency and his current work with the William J. Clinton Foundation. The annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show is the largest single gathering of restaurant, foodservice and lodging professionals.
—Mark S. Mednansky, CEO of Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, has announced that the company plans to open one of the largest steakhouses in Chicago in the former site of the famed Esquire Theater on Oak Street in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Sullivan's Steakhouse in Chicago, plans to open the newest Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House in December.
—Frontier, 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., will celebrate its one-year anniversary Feb. 24 with an all-day bash featuring live entertainment from DJ Boy Wonder followed by DJ Ryan Pullano at 7 p.m. in the Game Room (Frontier's upstairs lounge). Available specials will include $1 Oysters, $1 Game Tacos, $4 Green Line Drafts and Frontier's signature "Tumbleweed" Cocktail (bourbon, fresh lemon juice and ginger beer), available for $5 each.
—Joseph Tomaska, the great-grandson of Chicago restauranteur Papa Milano, has opened Mama Milano Pizza Bar at 1419 N. Wells St. The family-friendly space has an oak bar, comfortable seating and large plasma TVs. Mama Milano's initially features individual-sized pizzas cooked in a brick-style oven, fresh salads, home-style sandwiches (prepared with imported Italian meats and cheeses) and Italian desserts. Pizza prices start at $8 and increase according to the number of toppings. See www.mamamilano.com .
—The Horseshoe Casino, in Hammond, Ind., is offering a special promotion this February with Thursday Lobster Nights. Every Thursday after 5 p.m. at Village Square Buffet, guests can enjoy dishes normally offered at the buffet—plus everyone will have two 6-oz. lobster tails with the meal, for $29.99 per person. See www.chicagohorseshoe.com .
—Phil Stefani's 437 Rush, 437 N. Rush St., will host an exclusive wine dinner featuring Ruffino wines. Patrons will enjoy a five-course dinner paired with Ruffino wines. Giuseppe (Pepi) D'Andrea from Ruffino will be on hand to discuss the wines. Menu highlights include stewed spiced baby octopus, braised short rib, aged Tuscan Pecorino fondue and more. The cost is $78 per person; call 312-222-0101 to RSVP.
—Fulton's On the River, 315 N. LaSalle St., is holding "Meet Your Meat." Guests will gain insight into the flavor profiles of a selected flight of three 4-oz. tastings, each designed to showcase the diverse preparation and cut. The meat connoisseur steak-tasting flight is $55 and accompanied with complementary mashed potatoes. See www.fultonsontheriver.com .
—Shaw's Crab House will celebrate Mardi Gras Feb. 17-21. Specials will include the crawfish po'boy ($16.99), blackened or sauteed redfish with crawfish sauce ($23.99), and crawfish pot pie ($18.99), among other highlights. Visit www.shawscrabhouse.com .
—Celebrate National Chocolate Month at VIVO, 838 W. Randolph St., with $5 Café VIVO and Chocotini cocktails (reg. $12) every Friday and Saturday in February. Indulge in the Café VIVO, a blend of white chocolate gelato and an exclusive concoction of liqueurs; or VIVO's Chocotini, made with vanilla vodka, white chocolate and chocolate Godiva liqueurs, and a touch of cream. See www.vivo-chicago.com .
—Artizone is an online ordering service that offers the comfort and beauty of top artisan products in one easy-to-navigate package. Instead of driving or walking in search of the freshest specialty foods, Chicagoans can order foods from a variety of local artisan shops and have them delivered directly to their homes or offices. (There's also a branch in Dallas.) See www.artizone.com/Chicago.
Send items to Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup.com .
