The Big Deals 10.19.12
By DENISE I. O’NEAL doneal@suntimes.com October 17, 2012 4:28PM
The "Pink" steak kebabs platter at I Dream of Falafel.
Updated: November 20, 2012 10:39AM
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.
Orange line cocktail
The Gage, 24 S. Michigan. Thomas Mooneyham’s new fall drinks include the Orange Line (Bacardi Oakheart rum, Clement Creole Shrubb Liqueur d’Orange and St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram liqueur; $12). Call (312) 372-4243; thegagechicago.com .
Dollar days
Burger Joint, 675 N. Franklin. Mini sliders, mini gyros, and fries are $1 each during the one-year anniversary celebration, 2-7 p.m. Oct. 22-29. Call (312) 440-8600; burgerjointchicago.com .
Italian wine dinner
Carlucci Restaurant, 1801 Butterfield, Downers Grove. Grilled baby octopus, roasted fingerling potatoes and paprika aioli served with Cecchi Bonizio Sangiovese is among the five-courses during a wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23; $60. Call (630) 512-0990; carluccirestaurant.com .
Pink ribbon
Magnolia Bakery, 108 N. State. A $1 from every Pink Ribbon cupcake (vanilla or chocolate cake, vanilla buttercream and edible pink ribbon; $3.75) sold in October benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Visit magnoliabakery.com .
Food and wine smackdown
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, 2024 N. Halsted. It’s Spain vs. France during a wine tasting and food sampling at 6 p.m. Oct. 23; $25. Call (773) 935-5000; cafebabareeba.com .
Birthday burger
Butcher & the Burger, 1021 W. Armitage. Chef Al Sternweiler’s one-day, one-of-a-kind, one-year anniversary burger, available Oct. 25, is the foie gras stuffed venison burger with house-made steakhouse seasoning, topped with griddled onions, Dijon mustard and cheddar cheese; $30. Call (773) 697-3735; burgerandthebutcher.com .
Center of attraction
I Dream of Falafel, participating locations. The “pink” protein steak kebab wrap ($7.90) and platter ($9), with perfect “pink” center, is available through October with $1 from each sold benefiting Bright Pink. Visit idreamoffalafel.com .
Personally, yours
Pizza Persona, 614 W. Diversey. Receive a complimentary dessert pizza with the purchase of two regular personal pizzas ($6-$9 each) on Sweetest Day (Oct. 20). Visit pizzapersona.com .
Drink of the week
Il Poggiolo, 8 E. First, Hinsdale. A $5 donation from each “The Cure” (Grey Goose Cherry Noir vodka, fresh white grapefruit juice, strawberries and basil simple syrup; $10) sold in October benefits the Lynn Sage Foundation. Call (630) 734-9400; ilpoggiolohinsdale.com .
Deal of the week
EPIC, 112 W. Hubbard. The pumpkin menu, available through Oct. 30, features poached lobster tail with fennel, grapefruit, pumpkin oil, black salt, wasabi greens; Pink Lady apples with frisee, blue cheese, pumpkin seed brittle, Rosemary vinaigrette; seared scallops with pumpkin risotto with brown butter; and pumpkin flan; $48. Call (312) 222-4940; epicrestaurantchicago.com .
