June Chicago Dining and Entertainment News from Kurman Communications

Kurman Communications, Inc.
(312) 651-9000
Catherine Patterson / Stephanie DeMeester
Catherine@kurman.com / stephanie@kurman.com

June Chicago Dining and Entertainment News from Kurman Communications
A round up of June and July food events in Chicagoland

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

Weekend Brunch Buffet at Newly-Opened Act One Café in Rogers Park
Act One Café now serves an elaborate brunch buffet each Saturday and Sunday. The Rogers Park dining establishment, which opened May 21, adds brunch to its menu of dining options.

The brunch buffet reflects Executive Chef Jimmy Madla's commitment to seasonal and regionally sourced items in their weekly selection of comfort foods and innovative dishes at the 110-seat Act One Café. Weekly items include Thick Cut Bacon, Pork-Maple Sausage and House Made Turkey Sausage, "Triple-threat" Country Gravy and Buttermilk Biscuits and Scrambled Eggs. In addition to these staples, Madla plans to mix it up each week with a variety of other dishes including French Toast, Buttermilk Pancakes, Belgian Waffles, Chili Lime Pork Loin with Corn Salsa, Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder, Seasonal Vegetables, Salads, Smoked Salmon Lox with mini bagels and a variety of pastries, baked goods and fresh fruit.

Madla has been a prominent figure on Chicago's culinary scene for nearly two decades, working in various kitchens before opening his own highly successful restaurant, Coobah, in 2002. Act One Café provides a second outlet for his creative cooking skills.

The hearty buffet is the perfect complement to the casual, welcoming atmosphere created by the management and service team at Act One Café.

Brunch is served from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The cost for adults is $12.99 and for children $6.99.

Guests can make it a more festive occasion with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa for $5 during brunch.

"Act One Café is the perfect place to meet friends for a relaxing weekend brunch before launching into weekend errands or just enjoying a leisurely day," says Madla. "We look forward to being the place our neighbors and friends think of when they're in the mood for a great weekend brunch.

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. - 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. - 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (773) 381-4550 or visit www.actonecafe.com.

BELLA BACINOS
36 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange, Ill.
(708) 352-8882
www.bacinos.com

Bella Bacinos in La Grange Celebrates Father's Day June 20
Spend Father's Day with authentic Napoletana wood-fired pizza and homemade ravioli at Bella Bacinos, which offers a special Father's Day menu 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, June 20.

The special menu features Zuppe, Tuscan Vegetarian Minestrone ($3.95/$5.50) or Passate di Ceci, puree of chickpeas, cauliflower, onions, faro and a touch of San Marzano tomatoes ($4.25/$5.75). For Insalata, try Poached Chicken with dried apricots, cherries, toasted almonds, extra virgin olive oil and port vinaigrette ($9.50), or Warm Nut Crusted Goat Cheese with organic field greens and lingonberry vinaigrette ($8.95). Antipasti options include Semiperlato Farro with shrimp, kalamata olives, green onions, white wine vinaigrette and toast points ($8.95), or A Garden's Delight, local, sustainable grilled vegetables ($8.95).

Try Wood-Fired Pizza, thinly-sliced Bresaola with San Marzano tomatoes and housemade fresh mozzarella topped with frisee ($13.95). Other options include Primi Piatti, Handmade Ricotta Ravioli with San Marzano tomatoes and local fresh vegetables ($15.25) or Rigatoni with Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, San Marzano tomatoes and a touch of roasted garlic ($16.50). Seafood lovers can try Pesce, Pan-Seared Red Snapper with savory mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, zucchini and cipollini onions ($23.50). Meat lovers can enjoy Carne, 8 oz. Veal Chop with saffron risotto, organic spinach and roasted beets ($25.95). For dessert, indulge in Chocolate Cake Extravaganza with vanilla gelato and fresh berries ($7).

Bella Bacinos serves authentic Napolitana wood-fired pizza, homemade ravioli and other Italian specialties, and is located in the heart of downtown La Grange at 36 S. La Grange Rd. Bella Bacinos is open 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, and is closed Monday for private events. For information on hosting a private event at Bella Bacinos or to make a reservation, call (708) 352-8882 or visit www.bacinos.com.

BIRCH RIVER GRILL
75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill.
(847) 427-4242
www.birchrivergrill.com
@birchrivergrill

Graduation Events at Birch River Grill in Arlington Heights
Say congratulations to a 2010 graduate with a private part at Birch River Grill and celebrate that graduate's hard work. Birch River Grill welcomes all groups to dine for this special occasion. Parties under eight can order any of the items from Birch River Grill's regular menu. Parties more than eight have two menus to choose from:

Tier one consists of an appetizer choice of BRG Salad with baby greens, shredded Michigan carrots, beefsteak tomato wedges and seedless cucumber slices; Granny Apple Onion Soup with paprika Parmesan croutons and Wisconsin Swiss and provolone cheese; or the Soup of the Day. Guests can choose two of the four entrées: Pan Roasted Chicken Breast with kiln dried cranberry vegetable medley; Meatloaf Tower, with ground beef, veal, pork, crispy haystack onions, Yukon gold mash and roasted tomato glaze; Linguine and Meatballs with marinara a la rustica, linguine pasta and Nonna Valenti's meatballs; or Chervil Crusted Wisconsin Northern Pike with mac' n locally farmed cheese and sautéed green beans. Dessert includes Berry Sorbet served with fresh berries. This meal is $21 per person.

Tier two features a choice of BRG Salad with baby greens, shredded Michigan carrots, beefsteak tomato wedges and seedless cucumber slices; Granny Apple Onion Soup with paprika Parmesan croutons and Wisconsin Swiss and provolone cheese; or the Soup of the Day. Guests can choose two of the four entrées: Bourbon Glazed Organic Pork Tenderloin with Wisconsin white cheddar cheese grits, grilled asparagus and bourbon demi; Cedar Planked Maple Salmon with maple rosemary garlic glaze, smoked pepper bacon wild rice pilaf, steamed broccoli and baby carrots; Yankee Pot Roast with braised carrots, celery, onions, Yukon gold potatoes and red wine sauce; or Grilled Top Sirloin with smashed sweet potatoes, yellow carrot vegetable medley and tomato Creole peppercorn sauce. Dessert features Berry Sorbet with fresh berries. This menu is $25 per person.

Father's Day at Birch River Grill in Arlington Heights
During regular business hours on Father's Day, Sunday, June 20, Birch River Grill offers All-You-Can-Eat Baby Back Ribs, served with sweet potato fries and corn on the cob. Bring the whole family to celebrate Dad and enjoy this dining deal, just $16 per person.

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

Summer Cookout Ingredients from Farmers at Chicago French Market
Summer's here, which means lots of graduation parties, Father's Day events, 4^th of July cookouts and everyday grilling. Pick up fresh, seasonal ingredients from farmer vendors at Chicago French Market, including Tallgrass Beef, fresh fish and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Shop for locally-produced gifts for grads and dads at Chicago French Market booths.

Save the Date: 4^th of July and Bastille Day at Chicago French Market
Save the date for exciting holiday events at Chicago French Market on the 4^th of July and on Bastille Day, Wednesday, July 14. In honor of the 4^th of July, Chicago French Market hosts patriotic music, decorations and a special drawing of Chicago French Market's local products for one lucky French Market customer. For Bastille Day, Chicago French Market features a special cabaret event, wine and cheese specials, and a giveaway of French products. Stay tuned for more details.

This summer, Chicago French Market serves as the perfect place for suburban residents to pick up ingredients for a picnic, afternoon treats and any other snacks upon arrival in Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center.

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.

DINE
733 W. Madison St., Chicago, Ill.
(312) 602-2100
www.dinerestaurant.com

Treat that special dad to cocktails and dinner at Dine restaurant in Chicago this Father's Day, Sunday, June 20.
Make dad feel like a King this Father's Day! Take the family to indulge in drink and entrée specials on Sunday, June 20 at Dine (733 W. Madison, St., Chicago; 312-602-2100). Dads get 15 percent off the breakfast buffet or 15 percent off any entrée all day.

Enjoy a Beermosa, Goose Island Summertime beer mixed with Orange Juice ($4), Glenlivet Rusty Nail with a blend of the vintage 12-year Scotch smoothed over with Drambuie ($7), Long Island Iced Teas ($7), Mimosas ($5), Bloody Mary's ($5) or Mimosa Carafes ($25).

Chow down on a Half Roasted Chicken with steak fries, cole slaw and corn on the cob ($19), BBQ Back Pork Ribs with steak fries, cole slaw and corn on the cob ($22) or 12 oz. NY Strip with smashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and Burgundy reduction ($24). These specials are in addition to the regular menu.

About Dine

Located in the heart of Chicago, Dine restaurant offers an eclectic cuisine to fit every palate; served in a charming retro diner atmosphere with an upbeat, contemporary style. Dine is open seven days a week. Dine serves American classics revived with a contemporary flair. Dine is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The martini lounge hours are noon to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and Noon to Midnight Friday and Saturday.

For more information, please call (312) 602-2100 or visit www.dinerestaurant.com.

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

Three Courses for $20 at Glen Prairie in Glen Ellyn
Save money on a three-course prix fixe meal throughout the month of June, offered after 5 p.m. daily at Glen Prairie.

For starters, enjoy a Farmers Salad with baby greens, green onions, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, radish and champagne-cider vinaigrette. For an entrée, dig into Miller Farms BBQ Grilled Chicken with house made BBQ sauce, mac "n" locally-farmed cheese and cassoulet of summer beans. For dessert, try the Choice of Daily Sorbet. The price of the Prix Fixe meal is $20 per person. The Prix Fixe menu is offered in addition to the regular menu and will not be offered on Sunday, June 20.

Half Priced Tea During National Iced Tea Month

In celebration of National Iced Tea Month, Glen Prairie offers half-priced iced teas during the entire month of June.

Complimentary Dessert During National Strawberry Shortcake Day

Enjoy a sweet treat on National Strawberry Shortcake Day, Monday, June 14, when Glen Prairie gives away a complimentary Strawberry Shortcake dessert with the purchase of any entrée throughout the entire day.

Special Dessert During National Peaches and Cream Day

On National Peaches and Cream Day, Monday, June 21, Glen Prairie offers a special Peaches and Cream dessert for just $4.

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 Road, Glencoe, Ill.
(847) 242-0909
www.myguanajuato.com

Guanajuato, the newly opened Mexican restaurant and tequila bar in Glencoe welcomes Dads on Father's Day
Does Dad like to be the first at trying everything? If so, give him a Father's Day to remember and treat him to a meal he deserves at Guanajuato, the new Mexican restaurant and Tequila Bar that is not even open yet, but will be by Father's Day! Guanajuato opens to the public on Wednesday, June 16 in Glencoe. Look forward to a tasty authentic lunch and dinner menu with specialty tequila drinks and unique ice cream flavors, typical of cuisine in its namesake Mexican state. Take the family to Guanajuato on Father's Day, June 20, when the restaurant is open from Noon - 9 p.m. A special menu is being offered for the whole family to enjoy in honor of Dad.

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. - 10 p.m. seven days per week. The bar is open Monday-Wednesday, 4 p.m. - 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 visit www.myguanajuato.com.

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

Three Courses for $20 at Karma
Throughout the month of June, enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu offered after 5 p.m. daily at Karma for just $20. For starters, try Miso Soup, tofu and roasted nori, or Karma House Salad, crisp lettuce, napa cabbage, cucumber, daikon and carrot ginger dressing. Entree choices include 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 spiced beef tenderloin with Chinese noodles and baby bok choy, in mirin-miso beef broth (may be substituted for shrimp or chicken). Finally, enjoy a 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 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.

LITTLE BUCHAREST BISTRO
3661 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, Ill.
(773) 604-8500
www.littlebucharestbistro.com

Eclectic Weekly Music Performances at Little Bucharest Bistro
Patrons of Little Bucharest Bistro are in for a treat as they dine on authentic Romanian cuisine with a contemporary twist and enjoy complimentary musical entertainment every week. There is no minimum fee or cover charge for the music, although a $10 suggested donation for the artists is appreciated. The live music line-up for June includes:

FRIDAY'S 'CABARET NIGHT'
Friday, June 11
The second Friday every month, enjoy the Singer's Showcase with Carla Gordon and Friends. With local artist, Beckie Menzie at the keyboard from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., listen to singing members of Chicago Cabaret Professionals. Visit http://www.carlagordon.com/ for more information.

A bonus after-hours special performance, 9:30 p.m. to midnight, features noted Detroit, Mich. singer Mark Randisi, on a rare visit to Chicago performing Sinatra jazz and beyond. The popular Italian singer is joined by jazz keyboardist Bill Meyer's trio. For more information, visit http://www.markrandisi.com/ or http://www.billmeyermusic.com/.

Friday, June 18
Vocalist extraordinaire Daphine, (formerly known as Holly McGuire) with Paul Mutzbaugh on keyboard: "It's been a long time and we just need to hang together." Find out why 300,000 attending Poland's "Woodstock" gave her seven ovations and wouldn't let her go.

Friday, June 25
Enjoy Latinisé, featuring the talented Andrea Else providing Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian musical entertainment with guitarist James Cornolo and special guests from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.andreaelse.com/.

SATURDAY'S 'INTERNATIONAL NIGHT'

Saturday, June 19

Listen to Brazilian violin music from the SolAranja Trio from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. SolAranja is a Chicago based trio comprised of violin, Elisabeth Johnson, accordion, Robert Cruz and bass, Joey Spilberg. A deep love of world music brought this group together, as they join forces to infuse their gypsy, Arabic and Latin styles into the seductive rhythms of traditional Brazilian choro, samba, and tango. Learn more about SolAranja Trio at http://www.continentalmusic.org/.

Saturday, June 12 and 26, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Poignant singer/songwriter/guitarist Diana Mosquera, from the band Vagando, takes the early evening stage for solo performances of tunes that reflect many global musical influences. Learn more about her at http://www.myspace.com/dianamosquera .

Every Saturday, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Enjoy rumba, Latin pop, Middle Eastern music and other musical styles from Chicago's hottest International style dance band, Vagando, performing every Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Little Bucharest Bistro. To learn more, visit www.myspace.com/vagandoband.

SUNDAY'S 'SMOOTH JAZZ'

Sunday, June 13 and 27, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

New to the line-up is contemporary jazz guitarist, Lee Alec Barrie and his Virtual Band Project. Barrie brings his fluent classical, electric and guitar synthesizer solo talents to life with fully orchestrated recorded accompaniments he produces in his studio. Relax with his varied program of original compositions, smooth jazz radio favorites, instrumental R&B and pop and Bossa Nova every other Sunday evening in June. To learn more about Lee Alec Barrie, visit http://www.leealecbarrie.wordpress.com/.

ABOUT LITTLE BUCHAREST BISTRO

Complimentary Limo Service

Parties of five or more who spend a minimum of $200 can take advantage of Little Bucharest Bistro's complimentary limo service to and from the restaurant. To make reservation for this unique experience, contact Little Bucharest Bistro at (773) 604-8500.

Little Bucharest Bistro

Little Bucharest Bistro is open seven days a week for dinner: Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, Noon to 3 a.m.; and Sunday, Noon to 3 a.m. Little Bucharest Bistro accepts all major credit cards. Street parking is available. For additional information, please call (773) 604-8500 or visit http://www.littlebucharestbistro.com/.

A SILVER LINING FOUNDATION
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1218, Chicago, Ill.
(312) 345-1322
www.asilverliningfoundation.org
@ASLF2002

Generosity never tasted so good. Donate to A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF) which ensures access to cancer resource information, treatment options, and no cost mammograms to underserved people affected by cancer, during regular business hours on Monday, June 21 at one of four California Pizza Kitchen locations:

• East Ohio Street (2 East Ohio St., Chicago; 312-787-6075; Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday ).
• Westfield Old Orchard (4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie; 847-673-1144; Hours: 11 a. m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday).
• North Avenue Collection (939 W. North Ave., Chicago; 312-337-1281; Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday).
• Warrenville(28258 Diehl Rd., Warrenville; 630-393-0852; Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday).

Print and present this flyer (http://www.asilverliningfoundation.org/cpk/cpk-flier.pdf) to California Pizza Kitchen and 20 percent of the check will be donated to ASLF.

About A Silver Lining Foundation
ASLF has provided more than 2,500 women with information about and access to no cost screening mammograms. The foundation strives to provide opportunities for medically underserved people affected by cancer. ASLF's administrative offices are located at 134 N. LaSalle, Ste. 1218, Chicago, 60602. The organization runs three cancer related programs: Buy A Mom A Mammogram, the Chicagoland Cancer Information Coalition (CCIC) and The Evelyn Goldberg Center at the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago. For more information on A Silver Lining Foundation, please call (312) 345-1322 or visit www.asilverliningfoundation.org.

About California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen is a leader in authentic California-style cuisine with a recognized consumer brand and an established, loyal customer base. There are currently more than 250 California Pizza Kitchens in 32 states and nine foreign countries. For more information visit www.cpk.com.

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