Chicago Food Snob

The past two weeks for work – in the real world – have been very busy and tough on a few fronts. Earlier this week I announced and posted I’d be doing a triathlon for charity. The response from those in the triathlon community and the supporters of Share Our Strength has made the week a little easier to bear. My motivation for training comes from helping others but on the days where I might not want to swim or my back is a bit sore…I'm reminded many kids aren’t getting a full belly and others are also cheering me on.

The support and well wishes through email and twitter is humbling. Thank you!

Lots of fun food events and more added to the Valentine's section!

Coco Pazzo is turning 20

Coco Pazzo’s 20th year in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. Did you know that they were the first Chicago restaurant to focus on “Tuscan” Italian? There are a number of events scheduled to celebrate their big 20th anniversary. And here are just a few:

• Coco Pazzo’s 20th Anniversary Gala Benefit February 2nd. This will be a special celebratory evening at Coco Pazzo. Guests will be entertained by the Lyric Opera of Chicago's Ryan Opera Center while they enjoy an array of Tuscan dishes prepared by Jean Banchet award nominees, Chef Partner Chris Macchia and desserts by Pastry Chef Stephanie Mazzone. And of course, there will be a lot of Italian wine flowing. Tickets are $125 per person and Owner, Weiss will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Ryan Opera Center, a not-for profit developmental artists program for the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Next month, The Gage (24 S. Michigan Ave.) invites Chicagoans and whiskey-lovers alike to encounter the country's only Blind Tiger, an illicit evening of entertainment designed by Spirits Director Clint Rogers in partnership with Templeton Rye Head Brand Ambassador Michael Kilmer. From 7 p.m. to midnight on Monday, February 20, revelers who pay an admittance fee of five cents will be ushered to the restaurant's underground private dining room, where they will witness the rare spectacle and captivating entertainment.

RSVPs are encouraged and must be made through the Blind Tiger Facebook page, but admittance is on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited. Should the event reach capacity, the special Blind Tiger elixir will also be available to those on the wait list in small batches ($5 per cocktail) upstairs at The Gage bar. For more information, call (312) 372-4243.

Gaslight introduces 3 new Mac n Cheeses with wine and beer pairings. Mac & Cheese Flight with Wine pairings - $17, Beer pairings - $13 or Both wine and beer pairings - $22. Gaslight is located at 2426 N Racine in Chicago (one block north of Fullerton).

• Gaslight Smoked Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese - Rich and creamy Wisconsin Smoked Cheddar cheese with spicy smoked andouille sausage and organic scallions. Pairings - Wine: Running with the Bull Tempranillo or Beer: Shmaltz HE’BREW.
• Harvest Macaroni and Cheese - Grannysmith apples pan roasted with caramelized onions, baked in a slightly sweet and creamy Brie Cheese sauce. Topped with a black peppercorn crumb topping. Pairings - Wine: A to Z Pinot Gris or Beer: Centennial IPA
• Black Forest Macaroni and Cheese - Thick cut Black Forrest Ham tossed in Gruyere Cheese, finished with oven roasted Rye Bread crumbs. Pairings - Wine: Charles Smith Boom Boom Syrah or Beer: Flying Dog In Heat Wheat

Lunch at the Art Institute

In honor of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Free Winter Weekdays, Terzo Piano is offering a two-course prix-fixe lunch for $18 (the same price of museum admission) on weekdays through Feb. 10. Diners can select an appetizer and entrée or entrée and dessert. Terzo Piano is also offering a special group discount available to parties two or more now through March 31, 2012. Guests may print out the group coupon from the restaurant’s homepage (http://terzopianochicago.com) to redeem the following:

• Groups of two to four receive $50 worth of food and beverages for $35 • Groups of five to eight receive $100 worth of food and beverages for $75 • Groups of eight or more receive $200 worth of food and beverages for $150 • Value cannot be applied to tax and gratuity. Must have coupon available and only one per party may be used.

Butcher Classes Anyone?

Chef Allen Sternweiler encourages Chicagoans to embrace their inner chef and fulfill their New Year's resolution to "learn something new" by announcing Butcher & the Burger's first butchery classes of 2012. Butcher & the Burger'searly 2012 class schedule, with each event beginning at 7:30 p.m., is as follows: Throughout the month of February, Butcher & the Burger will offer a series of Surf & Turf classes, which include: On February 6, as a pre-Valentine's Day "how to" guide, Chef Al will showcase techniques for buying, preparing and cooking the ultimate beef tenderloin and lobster pairing dinner. ($125 per person

• As a special exception to the Monday night class schedule, the restaurant will welcome couples to attend a Valentine's Day class on Tuesday, February 14, when they will get hands-on with cuts of tenderloin and live Maine lobster inside Chef Al's prep kitchen, following his expert instructions. This class will begin with complimentary Champagne and chocolates and end with a romantic meal showcasing the evening's work inside the Butcher & the Burger dining room. ($225 per couple)
• Celebrity Chef Govind Armstrong will join Chef Al for the final installment of the restaurant's Surf & Turf series on February 20, presenting an innovative approach to pairing unique seafoods with rare animal proteins. The duo will educate and demonstrate methods of matching proteins and serve attendees a three-course meal illustrating their teachings. All guests who attend this class will depart with a vintage Butcher & the Burger cooler, packed with ingredients showcased throughout the evening so they can test their newfound skills at home. ($225 per person)
• As a continuation of the spirited holiday, Chef Al will lead a Mardi Gras Fish Monger Class on March 5, designed to help students learn how to select, prepare and cook various preparations of fish confidently in their kitchens, understand sustainable fishing practices, and identify which fish is the best nutritional fit for their families. Chef Al will teach the group how to make his blackened catfish and invite them to taste several fish preparations at the end of the evening. ($100 per student)
• Advanced registration is required and can be made by calling General Manager Preston Owen directly at (773) 697-3735. Space is limited. All classes are BYOB, and confirmed attendees will receive pairing suggestions in advance. For more information or to view the complete schedule online, visit www.butcherandtheburger.com. Details on future classes are forthcoming, and all new class offerings will be posted to the restaurant's website at least two months in advance. Private (two-person maximum) and semi-private (six-person maximum) classes are also available upon request, based on availability.

Wine Dinner at MJs

On Tuesday, January 31st, ENO, the vibrant wine bar located inside the InterContinental Chicago, and Michael Jordan Steak House, which recently opened to critical acclaim inside the historic property, will host a special wine pairing dinner. Guests will enjoy an array of exceptionally prepared dishes; each featuring hand selected Acorn Wine to perfectly complement their meal. Acorn Winery, located in Sonoma County, is an artisanal winery specializing in producing sustainably-farmed, field-blend wines. Winemakers and winery owners Bill and Betsy Nachbauer will also be present throughout the night to speak on the various wines and pairings. The dinner will begin at 7:30 p.m. with appetizers at ENO and will continue with a 3 course tasting at Michael Jordan Steak House, concluding with dessert back at ENO. The intimate dinner is limited to 20 guests and is priced at $125/per attendee. For more information about the dinner, please contact Vina Moore at 312-321-8846 or vina.moore@ihg.com.

Markethouse Heartland Cooking Series

Chef Scott Walton of Markethouse Restaurant and Bar (611 N Fairbanks) will launch a new Heartland 101 Chef Series in the new year. Offered twice a month on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., guests will enjoy an informative evening with demonstrations of five themed courses by Chef Scott. Held in the restaurant, each class is $45 per person and limited to 40 guests. Reservations, along with a credit card to reserve the seat, are required and may be made by calling 312.224.2200. Following is the Heartland 101 Chef Series schedule:

• Wednesday, February 8: Savory Chocolate. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, experience chocolate like never before! Chef Scott will demo five-courses of chocolate as a component in savory dishes
• Wednesday, February 22: Pork. Take this basic dinner staple to the next level as Chef Scott demos five pig-focused courses, along with specific cooking techniques
• Wednesday, March 14: St. Patrick’s Day. Get in the Irish spirit with Chef Scott’s unique variation on corned beef and potatoes. Green cocktails included.
• Wednesday, March 28: Spring Lamb. Impress your Easter brunch guests with Chef Walton’s take on lamb. Master cooking techniques and Easter sides using local ingredients

50% Off All Wines at mk The Restaurant in January!

It's time to step out of the cold and into mk The Restaurant this January because all wines are 50% off! Whether it's a world class Cabernet or aged Bordeaux, mk has a tasty wine for you! Let mk's sommelier Robby Nagelberg guide you through the hundreds of choices guaranteed to satisfy everyone's taste. mk opens after the holidays Thursday, January 5th. This offer is available Sunday- Thursday and is not valid with other promotional offers or gift certificates. A limited selection of cellar treasures will likely go quickly!

Architecture and Food Combine

Next month, Roka Akor, in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Foundation, invites steak, sushi and architecture enthusiasts alike to an exclusive lunch experience celebrating the venue's masterfully designed construction. On Sunday, February 26 at 1 p.m., guests will be welcomed into Roka Akor's contemporary dining room, which was designed with careful consideration of the aesthetic flavors of the restaurant. Once diners are seated, Dwayne MacEwen, president and creative director of DMAC Architecture and Roka Akor's Executive Chef Ce Bian, will lead an engaging discussion about the collaborative effort that went into creating Roka Akor's dining room as well as the Sake and Shochu Lounge. After their presentation, the hosts will join the group for a prix fixe lunch menu. Lunch will be served with soda, tea and a signature non-alcoholic beverage.

Immediately following lunch, guests will be taken on a tour of the restaurant, during which MacEwen will point out the custom crafted details that define Roka Akor's unique setting. The "Appetite for Design" lunch costs $55 for CAF members and $65 for non-members, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Space is limited to 50 attendees and advance reservations are required by visiting http://www.architecture.org/page.aspx?pid=2919.

Super Bowl Grub

Is there a more perfect combination than football and grilled meat? Texas de Brazil allows sports fans to enjoy both, without having to miss any of the action tending to a grill. This year for Super Bowl Sunday, Chicago’s premier Brazilian steakhouse will offer take-out of its tasty, open flame-grilled meats and Brazilian fare, available by the pound to satisfy the most ravenous of fans. Special catering packages for larger parties are also available. For a full listing take-out items please click here and to place an order, call 312.670.1006.

Score a touchdown with your friends and family during the Big Game on Sunday, February 5 with free bowling at Pinstripes! Each bowling lane has flat screen tvs perfect for rooting on your favorite teams. Guests can feast on specialties from the Bistro. Plus, kids 12 and under eat for free from the kid’s menu during the Big Game and can choose from Mini Burgers, Cheese Panini, Pizza and more!

Pinstripes Northbrook - 1150 Willow Road, Northbrook, IL 60062 - 847-480-2323

Pinstripes South Barrington - 100 West Higgins Road, South Barrington, IL 60010 - 847-844-9300

Bowling is free (valued at $7 per person). Rental shoes are $4 per person.

Chipotle is offering 50% off in participating locations on Burrito Boxes (6 or more). Give a call ahead and enjoy a lunch the size of a football – kids football.

Chicago’s Big Onion Tavern Group has planned the ultimate Super Bowl Sunday for guests who want to kick back, relax, and enjoy the game.  Beginning at Brunch, 644 N. Orleans, Sunday, February 5 at 6 a.m., until the final whistle blows at Jack’s Bar & Grill, 2856 N. Southport Avenue, and Derby, 1224 W. Webster, guests will enjoy food and drink packages and specials for the ultimate in Super Bowl Sunday relaxation. Chicago’s Big Onion Tavern Group has planned the ultimate Super Bowl Sunday for guests who want to kick back, relax, and enjoy the game.  Beginning at Brunch, 644 N. Orleans, Sunday, February 5 at 6 a.m., until the final whistle blows at Jack’s Bar & Grill, 2856 N. Southport Avenue, and Derby, 1224 W. Webster, guests will enjoy food and drink packages and specials for the ultimate in Super Bowl Sunday relaxation.

Valentine’s Day Thoughts

Love is literally in the air, thanks to the aerial wine artists at Texas de Brazil this Valentine’s Day. Chicago’s premier Brazilian steakhouse celebrates the day of love with dinner and a show. As a sweet treat, Texas de Brazil will partner with one lucky lover boy to make his date’s wishes come true. Prior to Valentine’s Day, Texas de Brazil will run a contest, calling all those who are love-struck to enter to win an over-the-top proposal. The winner will be assisted by the restaurant’s aerial wine artists in executing an over-the-top marriage proposal. E-mail entries will be accepted until February 7 atpublicrelations@texasdebrazil.comand should explain why the entrant deserves a high-flying proposal.

For all diners, the restaurant will offer its indulgent menu featuring a gourmet salad area containing more than 60 items, a fresh sushi bar, and full meat service cooked in the traditional Brazilian “Churrascaria” style ($46.99 per person). Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 312.670.1006.

Indulge in a romantic meal for Valentine’s Day at Sepia restaurant, recently honored for a second consecutive year with a star from the prestigious Michelin Guide. In the chic candlelight of Sepia’s stylish dining room, couples will enjoy Executive Chef Andrew Zimmerman’s tempting four-course prix-fixe menu, expertly paired with wines by Wine Director Arthur Hon. End the night with a sumptuous sweet treat created by Pastry Chef Cindy Schuman. The special Valentine’s Day menu will be available only on Tuesday, February 14, 2012. The cost per person is $80, plus $55 for optional wine pairings, exclusive of tax and gratuity. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call (312) 441-1920.

This year, Gaslight, a Four Corners tavern in Lincoln Park, is allowing couples to enjoy an exquisite prix fixe meal, complete with wine pairings, for well under $100 total. The ticket price is $40 per person, with tickets sold only in advance on www.gaslightbar.com. . Diners must email Charlie@fourcornerstaverns.com to reserve a time for dinner. Gaslight is located at 2426 N Racine in Chicago (one block north of Fullerton).

mk's friendly environment, knowledgeable staff and romantic ambiance make it a special place where many couples have met, married and celebrated anniversaries over the past 13 years. If there's an engaging question to be asked or a special anniversary to celebrate, let mk's staff know and they'll make sure love is in the air! $79 per person - For reservations, please call 312.482.9179. For media inquiries, please contact Allison Clark, 908.304.5213, aclark@mkchicago.com.

C-House Valentine’s Day special tasting menu is $55 per person, includes a glass of sparkling wine, and is available Feb. 10 – 12 and Feb. 14.  A vegetarian tasting-menu is also available.  After dinner, sweethearts are encouraged to get extra cozy at C-View, the indoor lounge on the hotel’s 29th floor, offering gorgeous views of the Windy City and specialty cocktails ($12 each) on Feb. 10 – 11, and 17 – 18. C-House is located at 166 East Superior Street, at the Affinia Chicago hotel.  For more information and to make reservations at C-House, call (312) 523-0923 or visit www.c-houserestaurant.com. 

Since everyone should spend Valentine's Day eating food they truly love, Custom House Tavern is encouraging diners to skip the standard prix fixe holiday menus and instead create their own Custom-Made Tasting Menu. For $55, guests can choose their own four-course tasting menu, selecting each course from house favorites and special seasonal offerings from Executive Chef Perry Hendrix and Chef de Cuisine Zach Millican's a la carte menu.

The Custom-Made Tasting Menu to celebrate Valentine's Day will be available from Saturday, February 11 through Tuesday, February 14. The regular a la carte menu will also be available (some a la carte menu items may not be available for the tasting menu). Reservations are highly recommended. Please call (312) 523-0200.

At Mercadito (108 W. Kinzie St) and Double A, the intimate lounge located below the River North hotspot, guests will be able to mix and mingle or spice up their love life this Valentine’s Day with the five-course sharing menu or the intimate cooking demonstration hosted by Chef Patricio Sandoval. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 312.329.9555.

• Single and Ready to Mingle:Those who’ve sworn off the holiday of love can still party with friends and enjoy the five-course sharing menu of guacamoles, botanas, ceviches and desserts on Tuesday, February 14 at both Mercadito and Double A. For the bachelors eyeing a group of single gals, just ask your server and Mercadito will send a special admirer note with a tray of shots to future Valentines from across the dining room.$55 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity.
• Spice up your Love Life:Couples can join the party on Valentine’s Day or celebrate a day early with Chef Patricio’s decadent four-course Valentine’s Day menu with paired cocktails. Learn how to prepare the following menu of his romance-inspired recipes. The Valentine’s Day Cooking Demo will take place on Monday, February 13 at 7 p.m.$75 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will celebrate the passion this year with three evenings of luxe specials and a unique Valentine gift for couples dining on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, February 12th through the 14th. To give guests another reason to celebrate, Fleming's is offering each couple dining February 12th through February 14th a complimentary $25 Fleming's Dining Card to use toward a future rendezvous with their sweetheart. Reservations advised and may be made by visiting www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com. The Valentine's menu is available at two Chicago-area Fleming's locations, 25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, 312/329-9463 and Lincolnshire, 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, 847/793-0333.

This Valentine's Day, The Florentine (151 W. Adams) invites hopeless romantics to savor flavorful fare while cozying up in a lush dining room for a gastronomical celebration of amore. From Saturday, February 11 through Tuesday, February 14, Executive Chef Todd Stein will present his seasonal a la carte menu - featuring favorites such as Bucatini Carbonara with pancetta, cracked pepper, pecorino and duck egg ($14 half order, $26 full order), Crispy Duck with Tuscan kale, roasted carrots, pistachios and cerignola olives ($32) and Chicken with romesco, grilled green onion, and crispy potato ($26). Reservations for Valentine's Day are highly recommended and can be made by calling (312) 660-8866 or by visiting the restaurant's website.

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower(20 E. Chestnut St.) and its restaurant Café des Architectes invite guests to partake in a romantic excursion that caters to all of the senses.

• Magnifique Romance - In this room package, guests will enjoy luxurious overnight accommodations with a romantic gift of chocolate or flowers upon arrival. Guests will also receive a bottle of champagne delivered to their room at any time they choose. Daily in-room breakfast and a late checkout time until 4:00 p.m. allows couples to relax at their leisure. Rates for the package start at $245 a night for double occupancy. For more information or to book the Magnifique Romancepackage, please call (312) 324-4000.
• Magnifique Degustation - For gourmands, Chef Greg Biggers and Pastry Chef Patrick Fahy have created a Magnifique Degustation menu at Café des Architectes. This four-course prix fixe is $79 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity) and is available Tuesday, February 14 in addition to the regular dinner menu. For those looking to celebrate February 11-13, a number of à la carte Valentine’s specials will be available in addition to the regular dinner menu. For more information or to make a reservation at Café des Architectes, please call (312) 324-4063.

Rebar - Trump From Thursday, February 9 through Tuesday, February 14, couples looking to spice up their romance can enjoy a uniquely themed sushi and cocktail package at Rebar, Trump Hotel’s chic mezzanine-level lounge that offers intimate seating and picture-perfect views of the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue. In addition to its signature menu, the lounge will also present a "Two of Hearts" special Valentine's Day weekend package that offers unique ingredients for a sweet celebration with a touch of aphrodisiac-fueled heat. Guests who purchase the package will receive one Two Hearts Tartare roll. The roll will be served alongside a special Sweetie Spice cocktail. The "Two of Hearts" package costs $45 per couple inclusive of tax (includes one Two Hearts Tartare roll and one Sweetie Spice cocktail). The special Valentine's Day themed offerings can also be purchased a la carte, with offerings priced at $30 for the Two Hearts Tartare roll and $17 for the Sweetie Spice cocktail. Rebar is open on Valentine's Day from 4 p.m. to midnight. For more information or to make reservations, please call (312) 588-8034.

Logan Square Kitchen presents its 3rd Annual Valentine’s Day Pastry Market—a delicious event that gives attendees a taste of some the best sustainable, small-batch, pastry, cake, ice cream, handmade confections and culinary gift items available in Chicago. Logan Square Kitchen is committed to showcasing the best and newest local, small-batch food artisans in the area—and this unique event is no different! Many of the artisans found here are not widely available outside the LSK and local Markets. Admission is $1 for adults, kids are free. Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Logan Square Kitchen, 2333 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647, 773-342-2333

Joe Campagna is the Chicago Food Snob. A former restaurant General Manager, Server and Chef you can find him on twitter @chifoodsnob. You can reach him through email at chicagofoodsnob@hotmail.com. Joe also contributes to Eater.com Chicago.