New addition: Firewood BBQ, 1856 W. North Ave., has launched its newest weekend brunch item—the brisket pierogi Benedict.
For a limited time only, Chef Art Wnorowski and wife/business partner Gosia Pieniazek are presenting this Benedict that reflects their Polish roots. The dish consists of two poached eggs, pierogis (traditional Polish dumplings) and slow-cooked brisket topped with housemade smoked paprika hollandaise, fennel and green onions, all on an English muffin. A mound of breakfast potatoes round out the plate.
See www.firewoodbbqchicago.com .
Going to the dogs: Chicagoans can get in the holiday spirit this December, as canine-friendly Cody's Public House—at 1658 W. Barry Ave., in East Lake View—teams with Second City Canine Rescue (SCCR) to find loving homes for 12 dogs.
Cody's will be decked out in dog-themed Christmas decor including giant inflatable holiday dogs, dog-shaped ornaments and dog-themed stockings. There will be a photo station featuring Snoopy's iconic red dog house, plus photos and bios of the adoptable dogs posted throughout the bar. If all 12 dogs get adopted, Cody's will donate an additional $100 per dog.
On Dec. 1, adoptable dogs will be available at www.sccrescue.org/adopt/adoptable-dogs/ .
Fine and Dandy: The second annual "A Very Dandy Holiday" will pop up at The Dandy Crown, 694 N. Milwaukee Ave., throughout December, starting at 3 p.m. daily.
The Dandy Crown's outgoing beverage director and award-winning bartender Sarah Syman, in collaboration with head bartender/manager Ricky Cordt, will offer some indulgent cocktails. They include the Choquito (Bacardi Ocho, Fernet Branca Menta, Mr. Black Coffee, chocolate and coconut), the Sleigh Ride (white rum, spiced orange, angostura cocoa and lime) and the Ghost of Christmas Past (Real del Valle Reposado, Bianco, Genepy, chocolate and lemon), among others.
There will also be several festive (and FREE) events, such as Professional Photos with Santa Claus (Mon., Dec. 4; see SantaFrank.com), "Ugly Sweater Night & The Dandy Crown's 4th Birthday" (Tuesday, Dec. 12); holiday trivia (Tuesday, Dec. 19); and "A Very Dandy New Year's Eve Party with DJ Gloria."
See TheDandyCrown.com and DandyHoliday.com .
Helping out: Prairie Grass Cafe Chef Sarah Stegner, also a co-founder of Chicago Chefs Cook, is helping to organize additional contributions to the refrigerator and pantry outside the Soul & Smoke, 1601 Payne St., Evanston.
Some of the other chefs who are participating by preparing meals include Tigist Read (Demera Ethiopian Restaurant), Arshiya Farheen (Verzenay), Debbie Gold (Le Tour), Darnell Reed (Luella's Southern Kitchen), Alex DeSalvo (DeSalvo's Pizza) and Mary Aregoni (Saigon Sisters).
Read more about the community fridges program here: tinyurl.com/2ty2xuf8 .
Ho, ho, ho!: Santa will be setting up shop in Santa's Southern Workshop at Chef Art Smith's Reunion, located at Navy Pier, and greeting families there through Saturday, Dec. 23.
Prix fixe lunch and dinner experiences in Santa's Southern Workshop are available through Reunion's Open Table page. Families are welcome to visit with Santa whether or not they eat at the restaurant. Professional photo packages are available. Reservations are recommended and can be booked online. In addition, letters to Santa can be written in the Family Pavilion in front of the restaurant.
Vandalism: Unfortunately, some sad news regarding a local restaurant has invaded the holidays. EJ's Pizzeria, a Skokie eatery, was vandalized with a "disturbing symbol," according to ABC 7 Chicago. Owner Moises Wajchman, who is Jewish, believes this was a targeted attack—and the incident, which took place on Thanksgiving, is being investigated as a hate crime. However, Waichman is resilient, saying, "It's trying to make us feel unsafe and scared to be open, but we won't. We will be open, and we'll continue stronger."
Return recommendation: Please be sure to check out Provo's Bakery. (Think holiday dinners and business catering events.)
The Thanksgiving menu includes items such as pumpkin bread, various pies (pumpkin, apple and cherry), butter cookies, kolachky cookies and poppyseed rolls. Christmas butter cookies, yule-log cakes, pecan horns/crescents, apple strudel, German rye bread, pies and kolachky cookies make up the full winter menu.
What may make Provo's even more attractive are the reasonable prices for items (including $30 for a gift basket). In addition, there's FREE delivery (and make sure you mention me to ensure that). Visit www.provosbakery.com/, email ProvosBakery@yahoo.com or call/text 708-256-5009.
—Andrew Davis
