Archive for the ‘Deals’ Category
Part of what I love about this job is…well, everything. I get to hang out with cool people, eat great food and drink fabulous cocktails. Last week, I was asked to come in for a margarita tasting. Um, YES. And I like them on the rocks with salt, please. Could I be any more accommodating?
I zipped down to May St. Cafe in the trendy Pilson neighborhood to hang with the chef for lunch. Trying to appear professional for the tasting, I popped open my laptop to take notes. Yeah, OK…slide the Mac to the end of the bar and replace it with some tumblers. I drink tequila but how much do I really know about it? Not much other than I like to consume it…on the rocks as some type of “rita”, most any will do. I’m not a picky margarita drinker.
Before getting to the drinks, I learned a little background info on distilled vs. aged. Most importantly, by Mexican law, tequila must be at least 51% agave to be labeled TEQUILA. The stuff we were drinking was 100% agave from 3 Garcias, distilled and aged. The distilled tequila is clear. The longer it ages, the more expensive tequila is and you will taste notes of honey from the oak barrels. Then, Chef Mario Santiago pulled out his new list he concocted for the month of May specials in honor of their 9 year anniversary. Not only are the drinks good, really good, but for the entire month of May, the margaritas are only $5! These are the real thing. NO mixes. Each margarita is made with 3G tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice and simple syrup along with some special flavors:
Pineapple and Mango, a blend of fresh pineapple and mango purée mix
Guava Rita, pureed guava and mint
Coco Rita, coconut milk and coconut salted rim and flakes
Besame Mucho "Rita", a blend of cranberry and raspberry garnished witha cherry and lime
Jalapeno and Cilantro Margo, muddled fresh jalapeno and garden fresh cilantro
Cucumber, muddled cucumber
I am just putting this out there, Beauty and Her Feast strongly endorses the Coco Rita! Just saying. And as soon as our crazy Chicago weather decides to give us a break, Chef Santiago is opening his patio for some new small plates and cocktails. While the entire menu will be available, May St. Cafe has decided to offer some smaller dishes for tasting. So, for all those summer fairs and hot days you need a place to hang with your friends, May St. Cafe has a great patio in Pilsen away from the crowds.
May St. Cafe is located at
1146 W. Cermak, Chicago
312.421.4442
It's a full week with St. Patrick's day, Chicago Chef Week and UNICEF. Here's where to be…
Prairie Fire and Prairie Grass Cafe
Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris are cooking up a traditional corned beef dinner. For a smaller taste of the Irish classic, they'll also go the contemporary route with corned beef spring rolls filled with corned beef swiss cheese and a housemade Thousand Island dipping sauce. The bar mixes up the Celtic Fizz made with Baileys Irish Cream, Jameson, heavy cream and a splash of soda.
Prairie Fire
215 N. Clinton Street, Chicago
312.382.8300
Prairie Grass Cafe
601 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook
847.205.4433
Chicago Q
Join the pit-masters for St. Patty’s day when they will be serving an in-house made Kobe corned beef with Napa cabbage and fingerling potatoes
1160 N. Dearborn, Chicago
312.642.1161
UNICEF Tap Project
March 20 - 26 is World Water Week bringing awareness to the world water crisis through UNICEF’s efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world. The week is based on a simple concept: participating restaurants ask patrons to donate $1 or more for tap water they usually enjoy for free. Since 2007, UNICEF Tap Project has raised almost 2.5 million in the U.S. Now in it’s fifth year, the program is the first of it’s kind and runs this week. For participating restaurants, click here.
Chicago Chef Week
Also this week, March 20 - 26, Chicago will be hosting Chicago Chef Week with roughly 50 restaurants participating. Prix fixe lunch is $22 and dinner is $33 not including beverage, tax and gratuity. It's another opportunity to take advantage of some great restaurants. For more information, click here.
Beauty and Her Feast is excited to offer it's first discount to readers. Beauty has done so well and finished everything on her plate in the first two weeks that MK Restaurant is offering 25% off meals Sunday - Thursday to friends, subscribers and fans of Beauty and Her Feast! The deal starts now and goes to May 1st, 2011.
Simply dine in at MK Restaurant loacted at 868 N. Franklin Street and mention
Beauty and Her Feast and receive 25% off your meal.
Remember: offer good Sunday through Thursday until May 1st! After, please send Beauty a note and tell me about your meal!