The Big Deals 12.21.12
By DENISE I. O’NEAL doneal@suntimes.com December 20, 2012 10:36AM
The caramelized apple pie with cream cheese dough at Benny’s Chop House.
Article Extras
Updated: January 22, 2013 6:17AM
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.
That’s a wrap
Falafill, participating locations. The “December Chefs for Charity Wrap!,” is Heather Terhune of Sable Kitchen & Bar’s (Falafill’s curry falafel, julienned Granny Smith apples, celery, toasted cumin-lime aioli, golden raisins, roasted and salted cashews in a whole wheat wrap, $6.50). Visit eatfalafill.com .
Holiday hooch
Chicago q, 1160 N. Dearborn. New drinks include the Bear Hug (Templeton rye, cinnamon simple syrup, ginger beer, lemon juice, $11) and the Peppermint Julep (Maker’s Mark bourbon, peppermint schnapps, mint and sugar, $11). Call (312) 642-1160; chicagoqrestaurant.com .
Yuletide offering
Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap, 41 E. Superior. December specials include the cranberry and brie turkey burger with fresh-cut fries, $11.95. Call (312) 266-0400; jakemelnicks.com .
Charity service
Antique Taco, 1360 N. Milwaukee. December’s taco of the month is chef Charlie McKenna of Lillie’s Q’ (southern pork carnita with fried okra, smoked queso fresco, Lillie’s Q’s E.N.C. BBQ sauce) with a special salsa (pimiento, ghost pepper, onion, chive and orange bell pepper), $8, for two tacos. Call (773) 687-8697; antiquetaco.com .
Sweet apple pie
Benny’s Chop House, 444 N. Wabash. The seasonal caramelized apple pie with cream cheese dough served with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce is $9.99 per slice. Call (312) 626-2444; bennyschophouse.com .
Hubba, hubba
Hub 51, 51 W. Hubbard. Warm up to these cold-weather cocktails: the Chipotle Margarita (Hanger One chipotle vodka, agave nectar and lime, $9) and the Hot Hub Tea (Chinese Keemun black tea, Belvedere lemon tea vodka, St. Germain served in steaming mug, $9) and the winter mojito (Bacardi Superior rum, chambord, mint, lime and berries, $9). One dollar from each drink goes to the American Red Cross. Call (312) 828-0051; hub51chicago.com .
American classic
Burger Boss, 7512 W. North, Elmwood Park. The burger hut goes retro with its December specialty items: a fried bologna sandwich (beef bologna, melted American cheese, Dijonaise, grilled onions, topped with a cage-free fried egg on a soft brioche bun), $5.79; and eggnog shake, $3.50. (708) 452-7288; theburgerboss.com .
Pizza on the house
Division Ale House, 1942 W. Division. Free pizza, served on a first-come, first-serve basis, beginning at 8 p.m. Dec. 25 (while supplies last). Visit divisionalehouse.com .
Drink of the week
Fresco 21, 5300 River, Rosemont. Holiday drinks include the Pomegranate Poinsettia (pomegranate liquor, triple sec, orange juice and Champagne), $12. Call (847) 447-4275.
Deal of the week
Porkchop, 941 W. Randolph. The restaurant’s “12th day of Christmas” special on Dec. 24 is a “partridge in a pear tree” (roasted chicken with pear salad and a holiday beer), $19. Call (312) 733-9333; chicagoporkchop.com .
