The Big Deals 01.13.12

• Reprints

The house-smoked mackerel spread served with diced hard boiled egg, red onions, cornichons and toasted brioche at Autre Monde Cafe.

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.

Shop and save

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, 2105 S. Spring, Oak Brook. Guests dining at the restaurant will receive a $20 credit toward lunch with a same-day sales receipt from any retailer in Oak Brook Center. The offer is available 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday only through March. Limit one offer per table; cannot be applied to tax or gratuity. Call (630) 954-0000; gibsonssteakhouse.com .

Lucky 7

Dunlay’s on the Square, 3137 W. Logan. Jan. 16, for one day only, the restaurant is pricing every food item at $7 in honor of its seventh anniversary. Call (773) 227-2400; dunlaysonthesquare.com .

Year of the Dragon

PL8, 736 W. Northwest Hwy., Barrington. Celebrate the “Year of the Dragon” during the restaurant’s Chinese New Year lucky tasting event Jan. 19-22. The celebration kicks off with the unveiling of the “Eight Treasure Food & Wine Tasting” menu Jan. 19; $30. On Jan. 22 guests born in the “Year of the Dragon,” which comes around every 12 years (2012, 2000, 1988, 1976 . . . ), will receive $8 off their bill. Call (847) 382-1988. pl8simplyasian.com .

‘New’ on tap

Franklin Tap, 325 S. Franklin. New Belgium Brewing Co. commands the bar during the “Mini Tap Takeover” 5-7 p.m. Jan. 18. The event features $5 NB brews. Call (312) 212-3262; franklintap.com .

Day-to-day

Klay Oven, 414 N. Orleans; 734 Lake, Oak Park. The restaurant’s New Year’s resolution is to save customers money with daily specials that include a three-course menu, $20 (Tuesday); complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entree (Wednesday); and 25 per cent off carry-out entrees placed between 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Saturday). Visit klayovenrestaurant.com.

Egg beat

Autre Monde Cafe, 6727 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn, launches its weekend brunch service at 10 a.m. Jan. 14. The service, available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, features egg dishes such as poached egg in San Marzano tomatoes, sausage, peppers and polenta, $11; house-smoked mackerel spread served with diced hard boiled egg, red onions, cornichons and toasted brioche, $10; cold plates and weekly specials. Call (708) 775-8122; autremondecafe.net .

Winter proof

Glenview House, 1843 Glenview, Glenview. Chef Grant Slauterbeck’s “Nip and Pint” four-course dinner, made with hearty winter fare, is paired with both a nip of whiskey and glass of crafted beer at 6 p.m. Jan. 18, $60. Pairings include Amish chicken wings marinated in Coca-Cola, battered and fried and served with New Holland Cabin Fever beer and Templeton rye. Call (847) 724-0692; theglenviewhouse.com .

Global affair

Gioco, 1312 S. Wabash. “International Day of Italian Cuisine” is Jan. 17 and the restaurant participates with a menu of osso buco in gremolata alla Milanese, $31. Call (312) 939-3870; giocorestaurant.com .

Drink of the week

ShowPlace Icon Theatre, 150 W. Roosevelt. Golden Globe Awards drink specials, available through Jan. 22, are the Evening Gown (Voli Lyte, sour, triple sec and sprite) and Black Tie (Hennessey cognac, Canton ginger liqueur and ginger ale). Drinks are $12 each. Call (312) 447-6304; showplaceicon.com .

Deal of the week

Little Bucharest, 3661 N. Elston. The neighborhood restaurant, under the kitchen leadership of Chef Andre Christopher (formerly of Japonais and Pops for Champagne), offers a multi-course, family-style dinner at 6 p.m. Jan. 16; $59; $49, for ChicaGourmets! members. Entrees include chicken schnitzel, pan-seared whitefish and vegetarian goulash. Call (708) 383-7543; chicagourmets.org.