The Big Deals 02.10.12

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The poached salmon filet with orange beurre blanc served with green pepper polenta and epazote at Sabor Saveur.

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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.

Highly recommended

Sabor Saveur, 2013 W. Division. Chef Yanitzin Sanchez, of the 2012 Michelin committee-recommended restaurant, has created a new Mexican-French fusion three-course winter menu. Entrees are a choice of poached salmon filet with orange beurre blanc served with green pepper polenta and epazote; pork loin stuffed with tecojote and almond crust served with chipotle mashed potatoes, or baked chile poblano relleno stuffed with walnut and ricotta with a tomatillo sauce. The BYOB establishment encourages guests to bring wine or beer to compliment the meal. The dinner, $35, is available 5-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday only. Call (773) 235-7310; saborsaveur.com.

Valentine’s Day treat

Blue Star Bistro & Wine Bar, 1209 N. Noble. Chef Alan Wise discounts a four-course prix fixe dinner, regularly $65, to $49 in honor of Valentine’s Day, Feb. 10-14. Call (773) 278-2233; bluestarbistroandwinebar.com.

Class act

Shaw’s Crab House, Chicago and Schaumburg locations. Don’t miss this classy Valentine’s Day pairing of one dozen Island Creek oysters and two glasses of Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne, a $54 value, for $38, Feb. 11-14 (during dinner only). Call (312) 527-2722; (847) 517-2722; shawscrabhouse.com.

Sweetheart of a deal

The Grill on the Alley, 909 N. Michigan. The “Sweetheart Dinner” (for two) menu includes two grilled petite filet mignons, a one pound Canadian lobster tail (to be shared), choice of potatoes and vegetables, $120, includes two glasses of Champagne. Call (312) 255-9009; thegrill.com.

Pizza pizazz

Cucina Paradiso, 814 North, Oak Park. It’s party time. The pizzeria serves up 10-inch pizzas, including its popular pear variety (pear slices, caramelized red onions, mozzarella, gorgonzola and balsamic reduction) for $6 from 5-7 p.m. Fridays at the bar only. Call (708) 848-3434; cucinaoakpark.com.

Cupid’s couple

Bridge Bar, 315 N. LaSalle. The bar’s “His” (barrel aged Seelbach Manhattan served in a chilled flute with sparkling wine, long orange twist, Angostura & Peychaud’s bitters) and “Hers” (fresh sour, St. Germain, Hum liqueur, sparkling wine with a skewer of strawberries and blackberry), cocktails are a perfect pair for February drink of the month, $3 each, Tuesdays only. Call (312) 822-0100; bridgebarchicago.com.

Romance and magic

The Red Canary, 695 N. Milwaukee. Chef Daniel Tolentino’s Aphrodisiac menu for two, $90, includes Champagne toast with fresh raspberries. Shared starters include oysters Canary (broiled oysters with fresh spicy crab mayo). Entree choices are sauteed grouper with peach arugula salad, plantain puree and fried shallots; grilled lamb chops with roasted fingerling potatoes and cran-cherry coulis, or flat iron steak with housemade gnocchi, roasted tomato and basil sauce. A shared chocolate sampler platter completes the meal. The menu is available 5-11 p.m. Feb. 10-11; 5-10 p.m. Feb. 13-14. Call (312) 846-1475; theredcanarychicago.com.

Drink and dinner
of the week

C-House at the Affinia Chicago, 166 E. Superior. The dinner: Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s restaurant helps couples celebrate Valentine’s Day with a four-course tasting menu; $55 per person (available Feb. 10-12; and Feb. 14). Courses are sunchoke soup with crispy speck, baby artichokes and smoked almond; pan-seared Arctic char with red endive, polenta, citrus and pickled squash; grilled flat iron steak with escarole, salsify and red wine braised dates, and dark chocolate torte with salty pretzels, cherries and mascarpone ice cream. The drink: “Ain’t She Sweet” (Veev acai spirit, Prosecco, raspberries, simple syrup and mint leaf), $12, available in the C-View lounge Feb. 10-11 and Feb. 17-18. Call (312) 523-0923; chouserestaurant.com.