A visit to Kinzie Chophouse on Valentines weekend delivers each couple a personal champagne toast and complimentary box of chocolates.  Couples can choose the custom-tailored Valentine’s Day Menu available with wine pairings ($119.95 per couple) or without ($99.95 per couple).

An authentic Chicago neighborhood restaurant, Kinzie Chophouse  with its warm classic interior,  is the perfect backdrop for  a romantic dinner.

Other promotions, include special $20 Winter Delights,  a 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner Menu and  the “Under the Spring Tuscan Sun” Wine Dinner.

Champagne & chocolate valid only with an advanced reservation.  Mention the promotion when making your reservation.  Available Friday, February 13th-Sunday, February 15th.

Kinzie Chophouse
400 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312.822.0191

I can’t think of a better place to celebrate Valentines Day than Cafe Lucci. Chef Augie is creating a romantic and decadent menu!

Appetizer

Calamari Diavolo
Calamari sautéed in a spicy tomato sauce
served over polenta

Entrée Selection

Linguini Nero con Aragosta

Black linguini tossed in a lobster tarragon reduction with baby lobster tails;
Agnello Pistachio
Center cut prime rack of lamb served in a pistachio crust with a blood orange balsamic vinaigrette
Grouper Reggiano
Fresh filet of grouper wrapped in a Parmigiano crust.

DOLCE

Decadent warm flourless chocolate à la mode.

Cafe Lucci’s regular à la carte menu of Italian specialties also will be available for selection.
(www.cafelucci.com)

609 Milwaukee Avenue
Glenview, Illinois 60025
847.729.2268
www.cafelucci.com

On our blogwatch for today we have found a review of “Chicago hot dog” offerings in the big easy. Ian McNulty of www.blogofneworleans.com gives us a review of where to find the best Chicago dog in New Orleans. LH

For all the high-profile attention ladled on the iconic Lucky Dog vendors, thanks to their wienie-shaped carts and close association with “A Confederacy of Dunces,” New Orleans really isn’t much of a hot dog town.

That’s why it was interesting to see that Gott Gourmet, reviewed in this week’s issue, serves the distinctly Chicago-style hot dog. And it was also interesting to learn from owner and Chicago native Dave Gotter that it is among his most popular menu items. Not only do they sell consistently, he says, but so far most people seem content to order them with the works.

For a while, Shaggy’s Seafood and Sandwiches made Chicago-style dogs and other variations its specialty, but things didn’t work out and that Mid-City restaurant closed last year.

Cooter Brown’s Tavern & Oyster Bar serves a Chicago-style dog, but it’s never seemed up to snuff. The last time I had one there, for instance, it was topped with sliced jalapenos instead of pugnacious little sport peppers, no pickle spear at all and olive-drab relish of the most conventional condiment aisle sort instead of that preternaturally green stuff of the Chicago classic.

Eating a hot dog on a stylish plate in Gott Gourmet’s airy dining room isn’t exactly the same as wolfing them down at a walk-up vendor’s window, but Chicagoans with a jones for a taste of home at least have a new place to try out.

PARK 52

5201 South Harper Avenue
Hyde Park, Chicago

773.241.5200

www.Park52Chicago.com

FIG’s Lemon Meringue Pie

I’m always trying to keep my sniffer to the ground in search of trends – even if they might be underground or just simmering.
I am not sure that the topic fits “trend” yet, but it is definitely an interesting alternative to consider if you are getting married and in the middle of the wedding planning process.
Molly Schemper is the owner of FIG Catering. FIG really means “For Intimate Gatherings” and that is how her company is positioned.  FIG supplies catering services for small to medium size events, including weddings.
As today is National Pie Day, it’s the perfect time to let you know how FIG is innovating the wedding scene. They are offering a unique alternative to a traditional cake…a pie buffet.  Why is a pie buffet generating interest?  “Because so many people have fond memories of their grandma’s pies and weddings are such a family affair.” Schemper said.
Typically the bride can choose two or three different pies to be included in the buffet.  It allows attendees to have a variety of choices. Apple is the most popular request.  They also can create a special pie – one bride asked for peach ginger, for example
Throw caution to the wind…….consider a pie buffet.
FIG Catering
773-793-1035
1850 S. Blue Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
www.figcatering.com