The Big Deals 01.04.13
By DENISE I. O’NEAL doneal@suntimes.com January 2, 2013 5:20PM
The vindaloo lamb shank at Marigold.
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.
‘Elvis’ treat
Little Goat, 820 W. Randolph. Stephanie Izard’s newest establishment features a specialty item Elvis fans can appreciate: “Fat Elvis Waffles” with banana, peanut butter-flavored butter with bacon maple syrup. Visit littlegoatchicago.com .
Latin course
Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron. The restaurant’s “$20.13” three-course, prix-fixe menu, available 5-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday through Jan. 31, includes an entree choice of West Coast mahi mahi tacos with cabbage chipotle, rice and beans; chicken enchiladas suizas with piquillo salsa, cheese, rice and beans; or Latin skirt steak with crispy Costa Rican potatoes and salsa criolla. Call (312) 664-2727; n27chicago.com .
‘Gather’ together
Gather, 4539 N. Lincoln. The Lincoln Square restaurant launches a family-style dinner, where adults can choose three menu items for $26; kids under 10 eat free. Items include roasted chicken with Brussels sprouts, fresh-made spaghetti with house-made meatballs, mixed green salad, glazed carrots, sticky bun bites and cheesy risotto. Call (773) 506-9300.
Chef’s choice
Koi, 624 Davis, Evanston. The first Chef’s Table 8-course tasting of 2013 is at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8, $45. Courses, paired with sake, include crispy eel spring rolls, oba with fresh uni, chili salmon nigiri, super white tuna with spicy mayo, mango and red and black tobikoco. Call (847) 866-6969; koievanston.com .
A new home
Marigold, 5413 N. Clark. The recent relocation to Andersonville brought about new changes in portion sizes (for sharing) to old favorites like the lamb shank vindaloo (slow-braised shank in chile, tamarind and ginger sauce), $15.95. Call (773) 989-4300; marigoldrestaurant.com .
Thin is in
Benihana, participating locations. Low-cal drinks include the Skinny Mango martini (Malibu mango rum, Iichiko sochu, mango puree, pineapple juice and fresh lemon, $9.50); Skinny Strawberry mojito (Don Q mojito rum, fresh muddled strawberries, strawberry puree and soda water, $8.75); and the Tea Blossom (Absolut wild tea vodka, St. Germain, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup and Club Soda, $8.75). Visit benihana.com .
Drink of the week
Double A, 108 W. Kinzie. Crafted cocktails include the Eval Apple (Old Overholt rye whiskey, Benedictine, apple cider, apple butter), $11. Visit doubleachicago.com .
Deal of the week
David Burke’s Primehouse, 616 N. Rush. Chef David Burke teams with Ariane Daguin of D’Artagnan for the Duck and French Soul Food Demonstration and Dinner with wine pairings at 6 p.m. Jan. 10, $95. The menu includes Rohan duck prepared two ways: rare breast with press juices and hachis parmentier with braised duck leg. Call (312) 660-6000; davidburkesprimehouse.com/Events.aspx .
