July Chicago Dining and Entertainment News from Kurman Communications

ACT ONE CAFÉ
1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago, Ill.
(773) 381-4550
www.actonecafe.com

MAYNE STAGE
1328 W. Morse Ave., Chicago, Ill
(773) 381-4554
www.maynestage.com

The Grand Opening Celebrations for Mayne Stage and Act One Café continue with more special events

Listen to Chicago Favorite, Ron Hawking
Fall in love again with the timeless classics and interpreted by Chicago's entertainer Ron Hawking. Enjoy standards made famous by such artists as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and more with shows at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) Thursday, July 8, Friday, July 9 and Saturday, July 10. Hawking interprets the songs "his way" but with the same vocal charm and charisma that made the original artists so beloved. Tickets are $30 for main floor, $35 for mezzanine and $45 for VIP seating.

For more information on Ron Hawking, visit www.ronhawking.com. To purchase tickets, visit www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

Enjoy a night of sketch comedy with TJ and Dave
Laugh the night away with an improv show created on the spot by T. J. Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi, Second City-seasoned masters of long-form improv. At 8 p.m. Friday, July 16, TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi perform a 45-minute showcase of characters whose relationships reveal the quirks of human nature. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15.

For ticket information visit, www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554. For more information on TJ and Dave, visit www.tjanddave.com.

Cabaret duo Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael rewind time to the 60's
After Dark's 2007 Outstanding Cabaret Artists of the Year, Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael sing their way through the music that defined a generation - in "That 60's Show". At 8 p.m. Friday, July 23, relive the decade that changed the world as one of Cabaret Scenes Magazine "Top Ten Cabaret Acts," Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael perform "That 60's Show" at Mayne Stage. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.

For more information on Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael, visit www.beckiemenzie.com. For ticket information visit, www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

Journey back to the 60's and 70's with comedian Mike Toomey
Take a trip back in time as Mike Toomey presents his "TV & Me," a look back at growing up with now-classic television shows and cartoons. Joining Mike is special guest, Ana Belaval from WGN Morning News. The show is at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) Saturday, July 24 at Mayne Stage. Tickets are $20. For ticket information visit, www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

Enjoy party tunes with The Stephanie Rogers Band and Blues and more with Nicholas Barron Band
Enjoy a night of live entertainment. Friday, August 6 at 8 p.m., listen to The Stephanie Rogers Band with Nicholas Barron Band performing at Mayne Stage. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets range $15-$20.

The Stephanie Rogers Band is a high-energy group who make party music fun again. They play a variety of music for people of all ages.

Nicholas Barron is an American artist. He's a songwriter, guitarist, singer and painter. The band plays blues with a combination acoustic guitar playing with bass and solo performances.

For more information on The Stephanie Rogers Band, visit www.hipchick.com. For more information on Nicholas Barron visit www.myspace.com/nicholasbarron. To purchase tickets, visit www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

About Mayne Stage
Mayne Stage is located at 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. The new Mayne Stage showcases the hottest local and national musical acts, theatrical performances, comedy troupes and more. It is the ideal location for a variety of private events. It shares the space with Act One Café, the perfect place for pre-show dining or an after-show cocktail or dessert. Valet parking is available for $5. The venue is conveniently located ½ block east of the Morse stop on the CTA Red Line. For more information, to see a list of upcoming shows or for tickets, please call (773) 381-4554 or visit www.maynestage.com.

Cheers to drink specialsat Act One Café
Enjoy discounted drinks with friends at Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550). The following drinks are offered daily:

Sunday: Enjoy a Bloody Mary or Mimosa for $5

Tuesday: Drink up with $4 draft pints

Wednesday: Cheers to half-priced bottles of wine

Thursday: Sip on Mayne-Hattens and Elder Statesman for $5

Don't forget about Act One Café's all-you-can-eat buffet

Satisfy hunger with an all-you-can-eat buffet at Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550). From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, enjoy all that Act One Café has to offer. Adults are $12.99 and children are $6.99.

Don't forget! Act One Café's patio is now open. For more information, call (773) 381-4550 or visit www.actonecafe.com.

About Act One Café
Act One Café is located at 1330 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. It is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The bar is open until 10 p.m. weekdays and until Midnight Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (773) 381-4550 or visit www.actonecafe.com.

Birch River Grill
75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill.
(847) 427-4242
www.birchrivergrill.com
@birchrivergrill

Cool down with summer drink specials at Birch River Grill in Arlington Heights
Kick back, relax and have a cocktail. Every Thursday and Friday in July sip on one of the many drinks served at Birch River Grill's lounge (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights; 847- 427-4242).

Drinks include Cuervo Margaritas, Bacardi Mojitos, Sangria and Spiked Arnold Palmers all for $6.00 each.

About Birch River Grill
Birch River Grill serves rustic American gourmet comfort food. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. - 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch is served 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday, with only the lounge menu available from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Dinner hours are 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Sunday, and 5 p.m. - 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.

CHICAGO FRENCH MARKET
131 N. Clinton St., Chicago, Ill.
(312) 575-0306
www.frenchmarketchicago.com
@chifrenchmarket

Bastille Day at Chicago French Market July 14
For France's Independence, Bastille Day, join Chicago French Market Wednesday, July 14, with a French wine and cheese tasting from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., sponsored by Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, Fine Vines and Louis Glunz Wines. Pastoral also offers grab-and-go cheese plates for Chicago French Market visitors.

Listen to a rush hour performance by cabaret singer Greta Pope from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., and enter for a chance to win a French themed gift basket. Additionally, Canady Le Chocolatier's Michael Canady hosts a chocolate tasting from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., and offers grab-and-go boxes for pickup. Frietkoten, the traditional Belgian fry shack, also serves Belgian beer during Chicago French Market's Bastille Day celebration, perfect for an after-work drink.

"Chicago French Market is thrilled to celebrate two great national holidays in the month of July and share the festivities with the people of Chicago," said Sebastien Bensidoun of the Bensidoun family, owners and operators of Chicago French Market and other farmers' and French markets throughout the Chicago suburbs and Paris metro area.

Greta Pope is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed vocalist that sings French songs and favorites from the American Songbook. Greta has been touted as one of the great voices of our time and has performed in front of audiences throughout Europe, the Far East, South America and the Caribbean, as well as the United States and Canada. Greta is scheduled to perform a fabulous Bastille Day "Rush Hour" concert from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Chicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese and wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, flowers and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market's 27 vendors stay open year-round, six days per week, and is located within the new MetraMarket development at 131 N. Clinton St. (between Washington and Randolph Streets). For more information, visit www.chicagofrenchmarket.com.

About Chicago French Market
Chicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese and wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, flowers and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market's vendors stay open year-round, six days per week, and is located within the new MetraMarket development at 131 N. Clinton St. (between Washington and Randolph Streets). For more information, visit www.chicagofrenchmarket.com.

Glen Prairie
1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn, Ill.
(630) 613-1250
www.glenprairie.com
@glenprairie

Try flavors created by chef, Daniel Ovanin at Bloomingdale's Home & Furniture Store's Chef Demo
Learn about food favorites from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 10, learn about food favorites crafted by executive chef Daniel Ovanin of Glen Prairie at Bloomingdale's Home & Furniture Store's Chef Demo (4 Oak Brook Center, Oak Brook; 630-974-4280).

The demo features plasma TV screens to watch each chef in action, recipes and mini menus. There is a Question and Answer session following the demo.

Affordable July Prix Fixe Menu at Glen Prairie in Glen Ellyn
Save money on a complete dinner after 5 p.m. throughout July, with a three course prix fixe meal featuring an appetizer, entrée and dessert for $20 at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Prairie; 630-613-1250).

Begin with a Farmer's Salad with baby greens, green onions, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, radish and champagne-cider vinaigrette. Try the Grilled Becker Lane Organic Pork Tenderloin with Minnesota wild rice, caramelized fig and Port sauce and baby vegetables. Conclude the meal with a Choice of the Daily Sorbet. No other offers, discounts or coupons may be used in conjunction with this special menu.

National Blueberry Muffin Day
On Sunday, July 11, indulge in a half-priced blueberry muffin for breakfast at Glen Prairie, in celebration of National Blueberry Muffin Day.

National French Fry Day
Tuesday, July 13 is National French Fry Day, and Glen Prairie offers a $2 side of French fries.

National Ice Cream Day
Cool off on Wednesday, July 21, Glen Prairie's $1 scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream in honor of National Ice Cream Day.

National Crème Brulèe Day
Celebrate Creme Brulèe at Glen Prairie Tuesday, July 27, with a half-priced full size crème brulèe.

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.

GUANAJUATO
73 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe, Ill. 60022
(847) 242-0909
www.myguanajuato.com

New July specials at Guanajuato Contemporary Mexican and Tequila Bar
Guanajuato, a new contemporary Mexican restaurant and tequila bar, opened June 23 in Chicago's North Shore under the helm of executive chef Margarita Challenger who named the restaurant after the state in Mexico in which she was raised. Guanajuato boasts an expansive menu with traditional Mexican dishes and family recipes, along with some modern twists, plus Margarita's homemade ice cream in unique sweet and savory flavors. The restaurant also features an impressive spirits menu with more than 40 different tequila varieties.

Throughout the month of July, Guanajuato is offering a discount on its signature Michoacan Grilled Avocado and Shrimp, a dish from Uruapan, home of Mexico's avocados orchards: a light grilled avocado filled with fresh shrimp cocktail, mixing the flavors of land and sea, served with vegetables and Mexican rice, now $14.95. Guanajuato also features its Blue Agave Margarita for $8 this month.

About Guanajuato
Guanajuato is a contemporary Mexican restaurant located at 73 Green Bay Rd. in Glencoe, Ill. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days per week. The bar is open Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, Noon to Midnight; and Sunday, Noon to 10 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Guanajuato at (847) 242-0909 or online at www.myguanajuato.com

KARMA
510 E. Route 83, Mundelein, Ill.
(847) 970-6900
www.karmachicago.com
@KarmaMundelein

Three Course Prix Fixe Menu During July at Karma
Enjoy a dining deal in Mundelein with Karma's three course prix fixe menu, just $20 per person, offered throughout the month of July. Start with Miso Soup, tofu and roasted nori, Karma House Salad, crisp lettuce, napa cabbage, cucumber, daikon and carrot ginger dressing. For the main course, try Jumbo Thai Vegetarian Spring Roll, carrots, napa cabbage, marinated tofu and sweet chili sauce; Honey Tamari Chicken, sautéed spinach and wok tossed julienne vegetables on a glass noodle nest; or Thai Chili Beef, stir fried beef tenderloin with Chinese noodles and baby bok choy, in mirin-miso beef brother (may be substituted for shrimp or chicken). Indulge in Trio of Sorbet or Ice Cream for dessert.

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 Doubletree Libertyville Mundelein at 510 East Route 83, Mundelein, Ill. 60060. For reservations, call Karma at (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com.

MAY STREET MARKET

1132 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, Ill.

(312) 421-5547

www.maystreetmarket.com

Summer Menu Starters from May Street Market

Enjoy fresh, new summer menu selections from chef Alex Cheswick at May Street Market. Try Grilled Watermelon Salad, yellow watermelon shooter, mixed baby greens, avocado jalapeño Key Lime vinaigrette, candied cashews and local aged cheddar ($6/$12); Pork Belly, Caramel Corn, 12-hour braised pork belly, corn polenta, caramel popcorn and cherry cola reduction ($8); and Stuffed Dates and Chorizo, wrapped in Applewood smoked bacon, smoked onion purée and roasted marinated peppers ($5/$10).

New summer entrées include May Street Market's signature Duck Burger, local cheddar cheese, smoked bacon, port wine figs, truffle aioli and French fries or salad ($14; $19 with foie gras); Barbecue Smoked Pork Shoulder, 12-hour bourbon braised, ginger, coconut milk, Korean barbecue, artichoke heart purée and purple sticky rice ($16); Grilled Tilapia, Blue Corn Calamari, braised hearts of Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, artichoke purée and olive spread ($16); Sous Vide Hanger Steak, 45-minute poached at 141 degrees F, with summer carrot salad, French fries and chipotle sauce ($19/$11); and Vegan Organic Silken Tofu, Eggplant Jacket, purple sticky rice, organic white miso hearts of palm purée, cilantro, salad, wasabi peas and tamarind candy glaze ($15).

Cool off with sweet summer desserts from May Street Market, including Dragon's Milk Ale Ice Cream, New Holland Brewery and crumbled Terry's Toffee ($5); Flight of Cupcakes, chocolate five spice with peanut icing, carrot with orange ginger icing and lavender with Earl Grey icing ($6); or Local Berry Short Cake, sweet English biscuit, strawberry salad, Chantilly cream, poached rhubarb and balsamic ice cream ($7).

Seedling Farms and May Street Market's Very Berry Dinner in July

Peter Klein of Seedling Farms and May Street Market chef/owner Alex Cheswick host a Very Berry Dinner, a four-course prix fixe meal for just $29 per person, offered 6 p.m. Thursday, July 22, with an encore menu 6 p.m. Thursday, July 29.

The evening begins with a Cocktail Reception, sparkling wine with wild strawberry purée. For the first course, enjoy Glazed Seared Scallops, with smoked raspberry chipotle brown butter, water chestnut purée and wasabi pea. The next course is Summer Salad with Blackberry Ice Popsicle, Greek yogurt balsamic dressing, blackberry preserve and Grape Nut granola. Entrée choices include Sous Vide Hanger Steak, with risotto from blueberries and Tellagio cheese and berry basil pesto, or Grilled Tilapia with Black Olive Crust, gooseberry emulsion, braised summer squash and pistachio polenta. For dessert, enjoy Berry Gazpacho with rhubarb sorbet, organic steel oats crumble and wild honey ice cream.

Three Course Prix Fixe Menu at May Street Market Six Nights Each Week

Enjoy May Street Market's affordable three-course, $25 prix fixe menu, offered Monday through Saturday evening, and with BYOB Monday through Wednesday. Chef/owner Alex Cheswick hand selects each ingredient for the meal.

For appetizer, choose between Summer Salad, mixed baby greens, local mesclun, avocado jalapeño lime vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes and candied cashews; Local Vegetable Gazpacho; Pork Belly, Caramel Corn, 12-hour braised pork belly, corn polenta, caramel pop corn, cherry cola reduction and pickled cabbage; or Blue Corn Calamari, cilantro vinaigrette and banana chipotle aioli.

Main course choices include Barbecue, Smoked Pork Shoulder, 12-hour bourbon braised, ginger, coconut milk, Korean barbecue, artichoke heart purée, purple sticky rice, scallion and cilantro salad; Grilled Tilapia, braised romaine lettuce, tomatoes, artichoke purée and olive spread; Grilled Half Chicken with Moroccan spices, cilantro buttered corn on the cob and couscous salad; or Vegan Organic Silken Tofu, Eggplant Jacket, purple sticky rice, red curry hearts of palm purée, carrot and chili salad.

End the meal with a choice of dessert, including Dragon's Milk Ale Ice Cream, New Holland Brewery and crumbled Terry's Toffee; Flight of Cupcakes, chocolate five spice with peanut icing, carrot with orange ginger icing and lavender with Earl Grey icing; or Strawberry Short Cake, sweet English biscuit, Strawberry Salad, Chantilly cream, poached rhubarb and balsamic ice cream.

Thursday Deals

Every Thursday evening, join May Street Market to kick-off the weekend early with Half Price Bottles on its complete wine list.

About May Street Market

May Street Market is a contemporary American restaurant, located at 1132 W. Grand Ave. in Chicago. Chef Alex Cheswick delivers fresh food, hand-selected from local farmers and markets in Chicago to serve in May Street Market's warm and friendly atmosphere at affordable prices. The restaurant is open for dinner 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and closed Sunday. May Street Market welcomes parties and banquets, and also offers its complete menu for carry out. For more information or to make a reservation, contact general manager Hamid Benna at (312) 421-5547 or visit www.maystreetmarket.com.

PAMELA'S PARKSIDE GRILL
27 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights, Ill. 60005
(847) 394-2728
www.pamelasparkside.com

Pamela's Parkside Grill Announces $24 Prix Fixe Menu, Weekly Specials and July Artist Showcase and Worldwide Photo Walk

$24 Prix Fixe Menu, Tuesday - Thursday
n the heart of downtown Arlington Heights is Pamela's Parkside Grill, a quaint restaurant with an eclectic New American menu owned by executive chef Howard Maybloom and partner Pamela Olin. Pamela's Parkside Grill offers a great dinner value every Tuesday through Thursday with its four-course prix fixe menu for just $24.

Guests select an appetizer, including choices like Hummus with Pita, or Asian Glazed Chicken Wings. The next course is a selection of a House Salad, or Soup of the Day. Entrée dishes highlight Pamela's eclectic menu with options like Half Roast Chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables, Fettuccine Alfredo with grilled shrimp, Wild Mushroom Risotto and Pasta with Stir Fried Vegetables and Grilled Salmon. Save room for dessert with selections like Crème Brulee,Ice Cream or Sorbet and Fresh Fruit. Prix fixe menu selections change weekly.

Weekly Specials
In addition to its rotating prix fixe menu options, Pamela's Parkside Grill features a number of weekly specials that executive chef Howard Maybloom hand picks each week. Specials may include the Baked Goat Cheese appetizer with fresh herbs, garlic and tomato sauce ($8); Maple-Cajun Glazed Pork Chops with baked sweet potato and grilled pineapple ($26); Southern Comfort Chicken, a boneless chicken breast with peaches in Southern Comfort sauce with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables ($18); Blackened Great Lakes Whitefish with red beans and rice ($22); and Salmon Vesuvio ($19).

Pamela's also features its signature flambé desserts like Bananas Foster and Crepes L'Orange ($10/$14). Other dessert specials include Pecan Pie ($8), and Cheesecake ($7).

Local Artists Featured in July
Owner Pamela Olin is a nationally recognized artist and welder and shares this passion with local artists by displaying the work of four artists each month. These unique pieces, a combination of sculptures, still life oil paintings, abstract acrylic work and photography, punctuate the eclectic feel of Pamela's Parkside Grill. Artists whose work is featured at Pamela's in July include:

• Sandie Bacon, classically trained artist, painter and muralist from Lake Bluff, Ill.
• Gary Swiontek, talented photographer from Arlington Heights, Ill.
• Sandra Fink May, energetic artist and advocate of the arts from McHenry, Ill.
• Pamela Olin, steel welder, painter and designer from Arlington Heights, Ill.

Monthly Gallery Dinners at Pamela's
As it launches its new artist showcases, Pamela's offers a Gallery Dinner on the first Tuesday of each month. For $25, guests dine on four courses with the four featured artists of that month. The artists change tables after each course so that everyone gets a chance to dine with each artist. Space for the gallery dinners is very limited. Reservations can be made by contacted Pamela's Parkside Grill at (847) 394-2728.

Join Pamela's for the Worldwide Photo Walk, July 24
On Saturday, July 24, Pamela Olin of Pamela's Parkside Grill participates in the WorldWide Photo Walk with "A Dog's Eye View of Arlington Heights." The annual global walk features more than 900 walks across the globe with more than 19,000 participants worldwide. Guests for the Arlington Heights, Ill. walk are asked to bring their pups and cameras, and document the tour from the frame of a dog's viewpoint.

The August artist showcase will feature submitted framed photos (8" x 10") that fit the theme of "A Dog's Eye View of Arlington Heights." The submitted photos will be sold for $25 each during the August Gallery Dinner on Tuesday, August 3. All proceeds are donated to Arlington Heights charity, Buddy Foundation which provides safety and care for stray, abandoned and abused animals and seeks to re-home them with foster families and eventually "forever" homes. Visit http://thebuddyfoundation.sc102.info/ for more information.

There is no fee to participate on the photo walk. Contact Pamela at Pamela's Parkside Grill at (847) 394-2728 to participate.

About Pamela's Parkside Grill
Pamela's Parkside Grill is located at 27 W. Campbell in downtown Arlington Heights, Ill. Pamela's features New American cuisine including sautéed fresh seafood and grilled steaks. With its upscale atmosphere and inviting décor, Pamela's is the perfect place for business meals, romantic dates and everything in between. Enjoy live entertainment each week at Pamela's. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Pamela's Parkside Grill at (847) 394-2728 or www.pamelasparkside.com.