The Big Deals 05.11.12
By DENISE I. O’NEAL doneal@suntimes.com May 9, 2012 5:12PM
Cityscape’s “The Proposal” cocktail celebrates the premiere of the new season of “The Bachelorette.”
Updated: June 12, 2012 8:07AM
From upscale to low-cal, the Sun-Times’ “Big Deals” column brings readers the dish on food and drink specials that will not break the bank.
Birthday present
Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar, 3358 N. Paulina. The eatery celebrates its 6th birthday May 15 by offering $6 glasses of wine and $6 Margherita pizzas during business hours. Call (773) 248-5222; frascapizzeria.com .
Art deal
Tuscany Cafe, 77 W. Wacker. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres (for the first hour) along with $4 glasses of house wine and select $5 cocktails during the restaurant’s “An Evening of Art” 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 11. Call (312) 252-0863; tuscanychicago.com/tuscany-cafe-wacker.html .
A great catch
Gemini Bistro, 2075 N. Lincoln; Rustic House, 1967 N. Halsted. Jason Paskewitz, chef/partner at both restaurants, takes advantage of the brief wild Alaskan halibut run with seasonal dishes such as pan-seared halibut with pea shoots, roasted baby carrots, caramelized onions and a lemon beurre blanc, $32 (Gemini); and pan-seared Atlantic halibut with corn puree, sauteed asparagus and shimeji mushrooms, $28 (Rustic House). Call (773) 525-2522; geminibistrochicago.com ; (312) 929-3227; rustichousechicago.com .
Creative bites
Fifty/50, 2047 W. Division. Seasonal dishes with a gourmet twist include a foie gras and bone marrow slider (Hudson Valley foie gras topped with slow-roasted bone marrow, whipped brie, parsley persillade, drizzled with a balsamic port wine demi-glace, served on thick-cut toasted brioche), $7; and the four-courser pork shoulder sandwich (smoked over applewood for 13 hours, hand pulled and tossed in gouda bechamel, topped with fried jalapenos, BBQ sweet potato chips, mac ‘n’ cheese waffle, drizzled with barbecue sauce, on a pretzel bun) with fries, $10. Call 773 489-5050; thefifty50.com .
Mom, eat your words
Sunda New Asian, 110 W. Illinois. Chef Jesse de Guzman’s Mother’s Day a la carte menu, available May 13, includes the “You’re Grounded” (Kobe sirloin, shishito mashed potatoes, yuzo demi; $32); “Finish your vegetables” (tempura sweet potato, avocado, asparagus, sweet chili sauce, soy paper, $16)”; and “Don’t swim after eating” (Florida red snapper, shoxing rice wine sauce, bok choy, chilis, $30). Call (312) 644-0500; sundachicago.com .
Local goods
La Madia, 59 W. Grand. Chef Jonathan Fox’ new “After Hours” menu, available 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday-Sunday, includes a prix-fixe menu for two: choose one anitpasti or salad and one pizza, $19. Call (312) 329-0400; dinelamadia.com .
Drink of the week
Cityscape in the Holiday Inn, 350 W. Mart Center. “The Bachelorette” drinks including “The Proposal” (Absolut Rasperri, razzmatazz, cranberry juice, Sprite, garnished with a candied lemon, $8), debut for the show’s season premiere at 7 p.m. May 14. Call (312) 836-5000; cityscapebar.com .
Deal of the week
Nana, 3267 S. Halsted. Chef Miekle’s Mother’s Day Sunday Supper, available 5 to 9 p.m. May 13, features deviled eggs with maple-glazed bacon, Gunthorp Farms fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, jalapeno slaw, seasonal vegetable, creamy mac and cheese and choice of dessert, $22. Call (312) 929-2486; nanaorganic.com .
