September Restaurant Specials and Events from Kurman Communications, Inc. Clients

921 Pasquinelli Dr. Westmont, Ill.

(630) 455-9846

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

(847) 228-9551

www.pappadeaux.com

Now is the time to experience Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen's delicious, fresh seafood at a reasonable price. Pappadeaux offers seven lunch menu items for less than $10.

Try the Louisiana Gumbo & Garden Salad, a choice of a steaming bowl of gumbo or crawfish bisque and fresh garden salad ($7.95); PappadeauxSteak Sandwich; grilled steak served on French bread bun with horseradish mayonnaise, grilled onions, tomato and arugula, served with hand cut French fries ($9.95); Louisiana Gumbo & PoBoy, choice of half blackened catfish, fried shrimp or fried oyster poboy and a cup of gumbo or crawfish bisque ($8.95); PoBoys, choice of catfish, oyster, shrimp or shrimp and oyster on a freshly baked hoagie bun with coleslaw in a creamy rémoulade dressing, served with French fries ($9.95); Fried Shrimp, served with French fries ($9.95); Pan Grilled Tilapia, topped with toasted hazelnuts and brown butter, served with green beans and potatoes ($9.95); or Chicken Linguine Picayune; grilled chicken breast, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, garlic and extra virgin olive oil served over a bed of linguine ($9.95).

After-work specials at Pappadeaux feature more than 10 appetizers for less than $5 with a $2.50 minimum beverage purchase per person in the bar area. From 3-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, snack on Green Bean Frit, with lemon aioli ($1.95); Beer Battered Pickles, with ranch dressing ($1.95); Catfish Beignets, with shoestring potatoes ($2.95); Crispy Orange Shrimp, tempura fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy sauce ($2.95); Blackened Boudin, with grilled toast points ($2.95); Petite PoBoy, choice of blackened catfish, fried shrimp or oyster ($3.95); King Crab Maki Roll, Alaskan king crab with cilantro, lime juice and a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce ($4.95); Tandoori Seared Salmon Sticks, with a pineapple glaze ($4.95); Mini Fondeaux, with blackened shrimp and crawfish with garlic bread ($4.95); and the Chef Selection Oysters, on the half shell-half dozen ($5.95/dozen; $3.95/half-dozen).

About Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is located in Chicago's western suburbs (921 Pasquinelli Dr., Westmont, Ill.; 630-455-9846) and northwest suburbs (798 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill.; 847-228-9551). Pappadeaux's Arlington Heights location is open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For dinner, Pappadeaux is open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Pappadeaux in Arlington Heights serves brunch from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. every Sunday. Pappadeaux's Westmont location is open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For dinner, Pappadeaux is open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information or to join Pappadeaux's e-mail club, visit www.pappadeaux.com.

BARQUE
(312) 266-6683

www.barque.biz

Join BARQUE, the hot new Chicago-based canine couture collection creating high fashion styles that will make pooches bark for more, for "Puttin' on The Dog," a trunk show featuring an array of doggy designs noon until 5 p.m. Saturday, September 26 at Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago; 312-642-5900). The event will showcase stylish coats and raincoats, as well as the one-of-a-kind, hand-knit BARQUE sweaters and puppy blankets, just in time for the cooler fall temperatures. RSVP for the event by e-mailing gay@barque.biz or by calling (312) 266-6683. Attendees are encouraged to bring their pups, and can enter a drawing to win a free BARQUE fashion.

Birch River Grill

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

(847) 427-4242

www.birchrivergrill.com

National Waffle Week

Kick off National Waffle Week with Birch River Grill's special, the award-winning Wild Game Chili served over a cornmeal Belgium Waffle ($9), offered September 6 - 12 at the rustic American kitchen.

National Chicken Month

Celebrate National Chicken Month during the month of September, when Birch River Grill offers its Fried Chicken on a Sweet Potato Waffle ($13). Don't forget about Birch River Grill's recently-launched BRG Bites, eight sandwiches packed with gourmet ingredients. Choose one sandwich for $3, two sandwiches for $6 or three sandwiches for $9. Chicken-focused selections include: Mediterranean Chicken, feta cheese, spinach, kalamata olive tapenade, basil pesto mayo; Cordon Bleu, sliced ham, chicken breast, Swiss cheese; and Buffalo Chicken, bleu cheese, crispy chicken and buffalo sauce. All Bites are served with French fries or sweet potato fries.

Tomato Harvest

Join Birch River Grill for farm-fresh specials crafted by executive chef John Ayaleanos, celebrating the ripe, fresh local tomatoes from Harvest Moon Organic Farms on the south fork of the Bad Axe River in Viroqua, Wisc. These tomato specials are offered in addition to the restaurant's regular menu September 1 - 7.

For appetizer, try Fried Green Tomatoes, organic arugula, green pepper, cucumber relish, chipotle remoulade and fresh salsa for dipping ($8). The salad includes Heirloom Tomato Stack, west central Wisconsin Mindoro bleu cheese, red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil ($10). The main course features Grilled White Marble Farm Pork Chop, Wisconsin white cheddar cheese grits, black brandy wine pico de gallo and green zebra tomato salsa ($24).

Tomato Harvest continues the following week, with new tomato specials offered in addition to the regular menu September 8 - 14. For the soup, savor the Chilled Yellow Gazpacho Soup with cilantro oil ($6). Next, try the appetizer, Stuffed Heriloom Tomato, stuffed with vegetable cous cous and heirloom tomato coulis ($8). The main course is Grilled Certified Angus Beef Filet of Ribeye, roasted Yukon Gold potatoes, heirloom bullet tomatoes, arugula slaw and tamarind scented balsamic glaze ($24).

About Birch River Grill

Birch River Grill serves rustic American gourmet comfort food. Hours for the restaurant are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. The lounge stays open one hour later. 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

New Autumn Specials

Try Dine's new and exciting menu selections, available throughout the month of September, with chef William Delby's new signature dishes, including Thai Beef Salad, a tantalizing mix of fresh green, baby corn, red peppers, snow peas, sprouts and carrots, tossed in a refreshing lemon grass dressing ($9) and The Metro, hearty rye bread smother with creamy chopped liver, crisp lettuce and zesty Russian dressing.

For dinner, try the Midwestern Pan Seared Walleye, fresh walleye fillets seared with a Vermouth butter sauce, partnered with parsnip puree and wilted Swiss chard ($19); Jamaican Rum Pork Tenderloin, seasoned with Jamaican rum rub, signature red beans and rice, and crispy fried plantains ($17); and Shrimp Diablo, mouth watering rock shrimp sautéed with olive oil, fresh garlic, plum tomatoes, fresh basil and spicy red pepper flakes served over a bed of angel hair pasta ($18).

The fall specials also include the delectable dessert, Burkes' Signature Lost Bread, brioche dipped in custard, fresh berry compote, vanilla crème and banana brulee ($7).

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

Weekend Dining Deals Sept. 11 - 12

Kick off the weekend by heading to Glen Prairie for farm-fresh weekend specials available after 5 p.m. Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12, in addition to the restaurant's regular menu. Chef Daniel Ovanin's specials will feature fresh produce from The Farm in Westmont, Ill., and Wolf Farms in Eau Claire, Mich.

Begin with the appetizer, Cucumber Salad, heirloom tomatoes, Mattawan Artisan Creamery Feta Cheese, red onion, fresh dill toasted pine nuts, and balsamic truffle vinaigrette ($7).

Entree selections include a choice of either: Miller Farms Seared Chicken, a butternut squash waffle, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and Michigan maple gastrique ($19); or Baked Ziti, spaghetti squash, roasted tomatoes, Pepato cheese, toasted pine nuts, and garlic prosciutto toast ($16).

September Prix Fixe Menu

For the month of September, Glen Prairie celebrates local, organic food with its September prix fixe menu, a three course meal for just $20 available after 5 p.m. daily for the entire month.

The meal begins with the appetizer, Farmers Salad, baby greens, grilled sweet corn, green onions, fresh tomatoes, cucumber and Champagne-cider vinaigrette. Enjoy one of two entrée options, either the Signature Meatloaf, whipped potatoes, carrots, green beans and mushroom gravy, or Spiced Grilled Missouri Catfish, sweet peas, roasted fingerling potatoes and sauce remoulade. For dessert, refresh with a Choice of Daily Sorbets.

About Glen Prairie

Glen Prairie serves contemporary American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products. Glen Prairie is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday,

6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. The lounge remains open one hour later than the restaurant each day. For more details, contact the restaurant at (630) 613-1250 or www.glenprairie.com.

Karma

510 E. Route 83, Mundelein, Ill.

(847) 970-6900

www.karmachicago.com

Weekend Dining Deals Sept. 11-12

Enjoy Asian-influenced dining after 5 p.m. this weekend, September 10-13, at Karma where Pan-Asian culinary specials have been chosen by Executive Chef Robert Packer. These specials are offered in addition to the restaurant's regular menu, which showcases different dishes and styles from Asia.

Start with a Roasted Asian PearSalad on mesclun greens, dressed in balsamic soy vinaigrette, topped with candied walnuts ($10). For the entree, indulge in Tempura Jumbo Prawns with a chipotle crème, jasmine rice and baby bok choy ($22).

Treat the sweet tooth with dessert, Pomegranate Panna Cotta with macerated berries ($7).

Daily Specials

Throughout the month of September, enjoy daily drink and dining deals, along with chef demonstrations.

Monday: $7 Grey Goose la Poire Cosmos and ½ price bottles of wine.

Tuesday: $3 drafts and Wine & Cheese Reception 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. in the lobby.

Wednesday: $5 Bacardi Rum cocktails and Chef Demonstration 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. in the lobby.

Thursday: $3 domestic bottles and ½ price bottles of wine.

Friday: $6 Absolut martinis and 75 cent wings in the lounge.

Saturday: $9 burger and draft beer in the lounge.

Sunday: $3 Bloody Mary and $4 Mimosa.

Every day: $1 off appetizers during Happy Hour from 5 - 6p.m. and $1 off appetizers during Reverse Happy Hour 9 - 10 p.m.

About Karma

Karma is a sophisticated restaurant with a zen-laced atmosphere that serves Pan-Asian cuisine. Dinner hours for Karma are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 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. 60093
(847) 441-3100

www.restaurantmichael.com

Chef Michael Lachowicz's North Shore standout, Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., 847-441-3100) announces a new three-course "Café Favorites" menu, as well as a partnership with the Writers' Theatre (376 Park Ave., Glencoe; 847-242-6000) for its 2009-2010 season.

Three-Course Café Favorites Menu

The new "Café Favorites" menu, which launched Tuesday, August 17, is a three-course café bistro style menu offering patrons a choice from three appetizer selections, three entrée selections and two dessert selections for $34 per person. For an additional $14, guests can add wine paired with the appetizer and entrée courses. The items available on the Café Favorites menu will change every Tuesday.

Sample dishes from the Café Favorites menu include Summer Corn and Tarragon Blinis with shaved fennel, sautéed shrimp and chervil salad; Exotic Mushroom Tart over baby mixed field greens dressed with Roquefort cream and toasted hazelnuts; Classic Steak Frîtes with baby French green beans; Roast Filet of Wild Alaskan Salmon "Marchand de Vin" with red chard and potato gratin; Baked Breast of Free Range Chicken "Dijon" with roast potatoes and carrots; and Peach Filled Crepes with cinnamon whipped cream and toasted chopped pecans.

Dinner Discount with Writers' Theatre Ticket

For the 2009-2010 season at Writers' Theatre in Glencoe, patrons can bring their ticket stub to Restaurant Michael to receive a 10 percent discount on their check for a pre-theatre or post-theatre dinner. The discount is valid only on the day of the performance on purchases of $75 or more and cannot be combined with any other special offers or promotions. Alcohol, tax and gratuity are not included.

Performances at Writers' Theatre are shown at 325 Tudor Ct. (847) 242-9730 or 664 Vernon Ave. (847) 242-9418. For more information about this season's performances, call the box office at (847) 242-6000 or visit www.writerstheatre.org.

About Restaurant Michael

Restaurant Michael, located at 64 Green Bay Rd. in Winnetka, Ill. 60093, serves classic and modern French 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, 11 a.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.

Trattoria Isabella
217 N. Jefferson Chicago, Ill. 60661

(312) 207-1900

www.trattoriaisabellachicago.com

Keep an eye out for Trattoria Isabella's authentic, 12-inch homemade pizzas for lunch and dinner, baked in a brick-oven that comes straight from Italy. These pizzas are currently on the menu, but will be baked in the new oven come the end of August. Taste the difference and try the Margharita, mozzarella, tomato sauce and basil ($10.95); Isabella, bufala mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, arugula ($11.95); Pizza alla Paolo, prosciutto di Parma, fresh arugula ($12.95); Pizza Siciliana, cozze, shrimp, calamari, tomato sauce ($13.95 lunch/$14.95 dinner); Quattro Formaggi, Gorgonzola, mozzarella, parmigiano, Bel Paese ($12.95); Pizza Vegetable, zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms and asparagus ($11.95); Pizza Genovese, anchovies, mozzarella, tomato sauce and oregano ($12.95); and Pizza alla Mamma, Italian sausage, peppers and capricola ($11.95 lunch/$12.95 dinner).

About Trattoria Isabella

Trattoria Isabellais open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; for dinner from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Complimentary Parking is available in the lot at Fulton and Jefferson after 5 p.m. weekdays and all day on weekends. For reservations at Trattoria Isabella or for more information, please call (312) 207-1900 or visit www.trattoriaisabellachicago.com.

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