A December to Remember

Kurman Communications, Inc.

(312) 651-9000

Catherine Patterson / Stephanie DeMeester

Catherine@kurman.com / stephanie@kurman.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

A December to Remember
Kurman Communications Clients Share Their Holiday Plans

Birch River Grill

75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill.

(847) 427-4242

www.birchrivergrill.com

New Winter Selections

Birch River Grill announces new winter menu selections, available now through March 2010.

Appetizers include Deep Fried Cornmeal Dusted Pickle Chips, with buttermilk ranch dipping sauce ($5), and Poached Pear and Brie, cranberry vinaigrette, toasted walnuts, brie cheese, mixed greens and poached pear ($10). New sandwiches include Blackened and Grilled Mahi Mahi, cilantro lime mayo, shredded leaf lettuce, tomato and avocado ($10); or the Grilled Skirt Steak Sandwich, grilled red onion, horseradish sauce, beefsteak tomato and shredded lettuce ($12). The new entrees feature Smoked Turkey Pot Pie, peas, corn, thyme cream and smoked turkey breast chunks ($12); Linguine and Meatballs, marina la rustica, linguine pasta and Nonna Valenti's meatballs ($12); Porcini Sachettis, crispy shiitake mushrooms, brown butter cream, chives and shaved grana padano ($13);and Seared Parmesan Crusted Wahoo, garlic butter glazed green beans and macaroni and cheese ($18).

Sweet selections include White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cheesecake, cranberry orange coulis, orange zest and white chocolate shavings ($6), or Spiced Thai Chai Custard, with whipped cream, spiced candied pecans and cinnamon dust ($6).

December Prix Fixe Menu

Throughout the entire month of December, Birch River Grill offers a three-course prix fixe deal for just $20 per person, featuring seasonal, contemporary American fare, served in the restaurant's rustic setting. Begin with a choice of appetizer, either BRG Salad, baby greens, shredded Michigan carrots, beefsteak tomato wedges and seedless cucumber slices; Granny Apple Onion Soup, paprika Parmesan croutons, Wisconsin Swiss and provolone cheese; or the Soup of the Day. Entrée selections include Grilled Ribeye Filet, cheddar cheese grits, Kentucky whiskey sauce and Broccolini; Herb Rubbed Salmon, mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, sautéed green beans and lemon caper vinaigrette; or Tricolor Cheese Tortellini, Alfredo sauce and shredded Parmesan. For dessert, satisfy the sweet tooth with Berry Sorbet, served with fresh berries.

Brunch with Santa Sunday, Dec. 13

Birch River Grill proudly partners with Metropolis Performing Arts Centre (111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights; 847-577-2121) to offer "Brunch with Santa" and a showing of Metropolis's retelling of the Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol," one of the most popular and enduring stories of the holiday season. This special one-day-only package begins with brunch at Birch River Grill from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. The menu includes a Full Breakfast Buffet, Asian Breakfast Buffet and an Omelet Station and features a Kid's Buffet, with Mac & Cheese, Chicken Tenders, Pizza, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Fruit Cups, Chocolate Chip Pancakes and Yogurt. The ticket price, including brunch, is $40 for adults, $17 for kids 15 and under, and $10 for children four and under. Brunch without tickets is $21.95 for adults; $6.95 for kids 12 and under; and complimentary for children four and under.

Christmas Day Menu

Celebrate Christmas Day with a family-friendly feast at Birch River Grill, noon until 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 25, and enjoy a three-course menu for just $29.95 per person. Start with Yukon Gold Potato and Charred Leek Chowder with peppered bacon garnish. For the main course, choose one of three dishes including Creole Mustard Glazed Salmon, broccolini, roasted red bell pepper and fennel ragout, and white cheddar cheese grits; Roast Turkey with chestnut brioche, stuffing, sweet potato crush and green beans with cranberry relish; or 12 oz. Roast Prime Rib of Beef, horseradish cream, golden potato rosti and lemon broccoli crown. Dessert is a sweet treat with Triple Chocolate Mousse, milk chocolate, white chocolate and dark chocolate, with mango and cherry drizzle.

Younger family members can enjoy the Kid's Menu, a three-course meal of Tricolor Tortilla Chips with cheese sauce dip; Sliced Turkey Breast with mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans; and One Scoop Ice Cream Sundae. The kids menu is $12.95 for children ages 5-12, and complimentary for children under five.

New Year's Eve

Ring in 2010 at Birch River Grill, which features a special three-course menu for the celebration, offered from noon until 10 p.m. Dec. 31 and just $38.95. Begin with the appetizer, Lobster Bisque, crème fraiche and cilantro oil. Indulge in the Surf & Turf entrée, Filet Mignon, horseradish butter, sweet potato crush and roasted walnut butter Brussels sprouts; and Jumbo Shrimp, roasted fennel ragout, blood orange cream and micro greens with citrus. For dessert, enjoy Triple Chocolate Mousse, a sinfully sweet mix of milk chocolate, white chocolate and dark chocolate, topped with a mango and cherry drizzle. Raise your glass to toast the New Year with a complimentary glass of Champagne with the meal.

Holiday Parties
The holidays are quickly approaching, and it's time to find a venue for an upcoming holiday party. Birch River Grill's private seating, with space for 40-50 seats, serves as an intimate setting for any family or company gathering. Contact catering manager Barb Balas for more information about private parties at (847) 427-4220.

About Birch River Grill

Birch River Grill serves rustic American gourmet comfort food. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch is served 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday, with only the lounge menu available from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Dinner hours are 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Sunday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with the lounge open one hour later daily. All major credit cards are accepted. Complimentary parking is available. For reservations or more information, please contact Birch River Grill at (847) 427-4242 or visit www.birchrivergrill.com.

Dine

733 W. Madison St., Chicago, Ill.

(312) 602-2100

www.dinerestaurant.com

Christmas Menu

Celebrate Christmas dinner at Dine with a special $46 three-course prix fixe menu offered 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Dec. 25. Start with a Roasted Butternut Bisque with brioche crostini. Then choose between Arugula and Roasted Beets with pecorino Romano, hearts of palm and lemon vinaigrette, or Wild Mushroom and Watercress, puff shell and Malbec reduction vinaigrette. Enjoy the main of Herb Roasted Turkey, corn bread stuffing, sage pan sauce and choice of whipped potatoes or ginger sweet potatoes, or Pan Seared New York Strip, Cherve sorrel potato croquettes and raspberry demi. Enjoy Bread Pudding and banana brulee for dessert.

New Year's Eve Menu

Spend New Year's Eve at Dine with a four-course prix fixe menu for $56 offered 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Dec. 31. Start with either Caprese Salad, fresh mozzarella, balsamic reduction and basil oil, or Mixed Greens and Roasted Pears, with orange supremes and mustard tarragon vinaigrette. The appetizer is Fennel and Lamb Lollipops, with julienne apples, celery root and Malbec vinaigrette. Entrees choices include Pan Seared Scallops and Short Ribs with roasted poblano noodles, chanterelle mushrooms and fingerling potatoes, or Filet Mignon with mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and veal demi. Dessert is Crème Caramel, served with fresh mixed berries.

Winter Warmers

Keep warm this winter with Dine's winter drink specials, Winter Warmers, available beginning November 14, liqueur and coffee combinations using Intelligentsia Coffee. Sip Irish Coffee, Jameson Irish Whiskey, sugar cubes, flavored whipped cream and green crème de menthe ($7); Keoke Coffee, Christian Brothers Brandy, Kahlua and dark crème de cacao ($7.25); Mint Lily, Peppermint Schnapps and Baileys Irish Cream ($7); Black Forest, Chambord, white crème de cacao, vodka and steam half n half with chocolate syrup ($7); Flavored Cappuccinos, Dine's cappuccinos flavored with either raspberry (Chambord) or almond (Amaretto), topped with flavored heavy crème ($7.25); or Gaelic Coffee, Dewars Whisky with coffee, topped with flavored heavy crème ($6.50).

Holiday Parties

Host the next holiday party or company event in Dine's contemporary semi-private or private event space. Dine's chef and manager will create a menu for your next event or gathering. For more information or to set up a private party, contact manager Khal Mohamed at (312) 602-2100.

About Dine

Dine, the west loop's 1940's inspired retro supper club and martini bar, serves American classics revived with a contemporary flair. Dine is open Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The martini lounge hours are noon to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and noon to midnight Friday and Saturday. For more information, call (312) 602-2100 or visit www.dinerestaurant.com.

Glen Prairie

1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn, Ill.

(630) 613-1250

www.glenprairie.com

December Prix Fixe Menu

Throughout the month of December, Glen Prairie offers a three course prix fixe meal available after 5 p.m. for just $20 per person. For the appetizer, try the Baby Wedge, applewood smoked bacon, fresh tomatoes, red onion and crumbled bleu cheese dressing. Entrée selections include a choice of either Simply Grilled Atlantic Salmon, shoestring potatoes, whole grain mustard, fennel and blood orange salad; or Maple Leaf Farms Duck Leg Confit, white bean cassoulet, smoked sausage and maple gastrique. Indulge in a choice of Daily Sorbet for dessert.

Christmas at Glen Prairie

Celebrate Christmas at Glen Prairie, which offers a special three-course prix fixe Christmas menu in addition to the restaurant's regular menu, noon until 9 p.m. Dec. 24 and 25. The menu features Roasted Winter Squash and Chestnut Soup, Iowa Farmed Prime Rib of BeefAu Jus, baked potato and roasted carrots, and classic Red Velvet Cake. The Christmas meal is $30 for adults, and $14 for children 12 and under. Reservations are recommended.

New Year's Eve

Ring in 2010 at Glen Prairie and enjoy the special New Year's Eve menu 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Dec. 31. The three-course prix fixe meal is $36 and reservations are recommended.

Enjoy the appetizer, Baby Greens Salad, blood orange supremes, toasted hazelnuts, Mindoro bleu cheese and Champagne vinaigrette, Surf and Turf, seared sea scallops, braised Iowa farmed short ribs, confit fingerling potatoes, sautéed wild mushrooms and baby carrots, served with a glass of Champagne, and Chocolate and Hazelnut Cake, with chocolate ganache. The regular menu is also available.

Add an overnight stay at the adjacent Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn-Lombard for a New Years Eve getaway for $69.00 plus tax. Call (630) 629-6000 to make a reservation.

Private Events

Host a holiday party or private event in the warm ambience of Glen Prairie's intimate event space, with seating for up to 40 guests for an intimate gathering. Glen Prairie's private dining event menu highlights locally sourced, seasonal fare, served banquet style for events. Contact restaurant manager Mark Imburgia (630) 613-1250 to set up a private event.

About Glen Prairie

Glen Prairie serves contemporary American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge remains open one hour later than the restaurant each day. For more details, contact the restaurant at (630) 613-1250 or visit www.glenprairie.com.

Karma

510 E. Route 83, Mundelein, Ill.

(847) 970-6900

www.karmachicago.com

Winter Warmers

Indulge in Karma's signature Winter Warmers, hot liquor drinks, offered starting Dec. 1 for just $8.25 each. Try Karma Hot Cocoa, Godiva Milk Chocolate Liqueur, Peppermint Schnapps and hot chocolate; the Nutty Irishman, Frangelico Liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream and coffee; and Cream De Mint, white crème de menthe, Baileys Irish Cream and coffee.

December Prix Fixe Menu

Enjoy Karma's $20 three-course prix fixe menus, offered after 5 p.m. daily for the month of December. Begin with a choice of two starters including Miso Soup, tofu and roasted nori; or Karma House Salad, crisp lettuce, Napa cabbage, cucumber, daikon and carrot ginger dressing. The entrée choices include Chinese Chopped Chicken Salad, mixed greens, Asian pear, daikon, cucumber, candied cashews, crispy wonton and yuzu and tamari vinaigrette; Asian BBQ Salmon, forbidden rice, sweet potato crisps, wok tossed spinach, Napa cabbage and shiitake mushrooms; or Jumbo Thai Vegetarian Spring Roll, carrots, Napa cabbage, marinated tofu and sweet chili sauce. For dessert, enjoy a Trio of Sorbet or Ice Cream with fresh berries.

Christmas at Karma

Karma features special Christmas dishes Dec. 24 and 25, offered during the restaurant's regular hours. The appetizer special is Black Dragon Soup, shrimp shu mai with shiitake mushrooms, chives and roasted red peppers ($7). Enjoy the salad special, a Fresh Crab and Avocado Salad with curry vinaigrette ($11). Entrée features include Hoisin and Plum Glazed Rack of Lamb, crispy asparagus and an edamame cake ($28); Emperor's Meal, wok seared scallops, shrimp, salmon and striped bass, presented with Forbidden rice and rainbow straw vegetables ($26); or Wok Seared Chili Crusted Tilapia over gingered purple potatoes and baby vegetables ($22). The regular menu is also available.

NewYear's Eve

Celebrate the New Year with Karma's special three-course menu, offered 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Dec; 31. For starters, enjoy Carrot Ginger Dressed Field Greens, followed by an intermezzo of Tangerine Sorbet. For the price of one of the following entrees, enjoy all three courses: Grilled Marinated Lamb Chops, purple plum chutney, anise sweet potatoes and wilted Swiss chard ($36); 24 oz. Porterhouse, Thai basil wasabi mashed potatoes, wok tossed Brussels sprouts and Shanghai sauce ($40); Fried Whole Fish with chilies and garlic, with sweet potato straws, over steamed baby bok choy, shiitake mushrooms and Napa cabbage ($32); or Five Spice Chicken, Jasmine rice, baby vegetables and crispy onions ($28). Karma's regular menu is also available.

Holiday Events

The holidays are approaching, and it's time to schedule the company holiday party and other family events. Karma's chic, tranquil setting is the perfect place for unique gatherings, so contact Deborah Gramm at (847) 970-6904 to coordinate a memorable event.

About Karma

Karma is a sophisticated restaurant with a zen-laced atmosphere that serves Pan-Asian cuisine. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. daily. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge stays open one extra hour each night. Karma is located adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Chicago North Shore at 510 East Route 83, Mundelein, Ill. 60060. For reservations, call Karma at (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com.

Restaurant Michael

64 Green Bay Rd. Winnetka, Ill.

(847) 441-3100

www.restaurantmichael.com

Celebrate Christmas Eve at Restaurant Michael

Restaurant Michael features holiday favorites with a Christmas Eve Four-Course Prix Fixe Dinner featuring "greatest hits" selections from past years' menus. Guests have a choice of four dishes for each course plus Michael's signature Gougeres cheese puffs to start the meal and ending on a sweet note with Michael's handmade Grand Marnier Chocolate Truffles. The prix fixe Christmas Eve menu is $49 per person and children 10 and under are half-price with half size portions. The special menu runs 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24. Complimentary valet service is also available on Christmas Eve.

Restaurant Michael is closed Christmas Day, but open regular business hours for the remainder of the Christmas week. Restaurant Michael is also open regular business hours during the weeks of both Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

New Year's Eve at Restaurant Michael

Ring in the New Year at Restaurant Michael with four and five course menus. Early seatings are every 30 minutes between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 when guests enjoy a luxurious Four-Course Menu complete with an appetizer, fish, entrée and dessert course. Early seatings are $69 per guest and include a complimentary glass of Tattinger Champagne with dessert.

Later seatings are every 30 minutes after 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. and these guests enjoy a Five-Course Menu with an appetizer, fish, entrée and dessert course, plus a special truffle course. This five-course menu is $79 per guest and also includes a complimentary glass of Tattinger Champagne with dessert, plus party favors for the midnight celebration.

Dance 2009 away with Live Music at Restaurant Michael, featuring a two-piece combo from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Complimentary valet service is also available.

Welcome 2010 New Year's Day at Restaurant Michael

For the first time ever, celebrate New Year's Day with Restaurant Michael, featuring a Three-Course Prix Fixe menu with a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert, plus a special course of Potato Truffle Soup to kick off the meal. Reservations are accepted beginning at 3 p.m. for an early dinner and continue every half hour until 7 p.m. The Jan. 1 menu is $49 per person. Children 10 and under are half-price with half size portions.

Having a Holiday at Home?

For guests choosing to celebrate the holidays at home, be sure to contact Restaurant Michael to prepare readymade items especially for those holiday gatherings without putting in the effort. Although guests may select any menu item, Chef Michael Lachowicz suggests the Whole, Brown Sugar Brined, Organic Ready-to-Roast Turkey ($3/lb.); Michael's Fully Cooked, Prime Beef Short Ribs ($14/lb.); Ready-to-Roast Marinated Prime Chateaubriand of Beef Tenderloin with Sauce ($17/lb.); House Cured and Smoked Wild Alaskan King Salmon ($14/lb.); Country Style Pate or Duck Liver Mousse with garnishes ($9/lb.); Potato and Black Truffle Soup ($18/quart); Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash Soup ($12/quart); Creamy Mashed Potatoes ($3/serving); Restaurant Michael's Siganture Gougeres, warm cheese puffs ($12/dozen); or Grand Marnier Valrhona Chocolate Truffles ($1.25/piece).

All orders can be made by contacting Michael Lachowicz directly at (847) 404-6916 or via e-mail at chefdeuxgros@gmail.com. All items are available the same day as ordered.

About Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael, located at 64 Green Bay Rd in Winnetka, Ill. 60093, serves classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French country flair. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.; and Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. The restaurant is open for lunch Fridays 11a.m. -2 p.m. Complimentary parking is available. All major cards are accepted. For more information or to make a reservation, call (847) 441-3100 or visit www.restaurantmichael.com.

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