The Big Deals 07.06.12
By DENISE I. O’NEAL doneal@suntimes.com July 5, 2012 9:20AM
The duck bratwurst (homemade duck brat with ribolita cake sunnyside upsunnyside-up egg and duck crackling at Hubbard Inn.
Updated: August 7, 2012 6:15AM
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.
Just ducky
Hubbard Inn, 110 W. Hubbard. Summer grilling takes a twist with Chef Bob Zrenner’s duck bratwurst (homemade pork and duck brat) served with ribolita cake sunnyside-up egg and duck crackling); $15, dinner; $12, lunch. Call (312) 222-1331; hubbardinn.com .
Red, white and cool
312 Chicago, 136 N. La Salle. Chef Luca Corazzina salutes National Ice Cream Month with a vanilla bean gelato and fruit salad (kiwi, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries marinated with lemon juice and sugar, topped with whipped cream and cured cherries) available through July 31; $8. Call (312) 696-2420; 312chicago.com .
Mommy and me
Sprinkles, 50 E. Walton. Buy a cupcake and your child gets one free during the “Mommy Happy Hour,” 9-11 a.m. July 9-13. Visit sprinkles.com .
Summer fare
Hoyt’s in Hotel 71, 71 E. Wacker. The restaurant launches its “Summer State Fair” menu, July 6. Small plates and summer cocktails, such as fried chorizo stuffed bacon wrapped dates with a blue cheese aioli; $8 and Grandma’s whiskey float (Goose Island root beer; whiskey gelato; and a shot of Wild Turkey; $13), will be around til summer’s end. Call (312) 346-9870; hoytschicago.com .
French food revolution
Mon Ami Gabi, both locations. Food and drink specials for Bastille Day
festivities, July 12-18, include chilled pea soup
with radish and mint;
$6.95; peppery arugula salad with duck confit and grilled peach, $11.95; and bouillabaisse with fresh seafood and smoky rouille, $28.95. Call (773) 348-8886; (630) 472-1900; monamigabi.com .
Celebrate mojitos
Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron. National Mojito Day is July 11, and mixologist Liz Samples whips up cocktails using market-fresh ingredients for the occasion. Drinks, available July 9-12, include strawberry, blueberry-lime, and peach mojitos; $9 each. Half-priced tapas and ceviche will be available 5-7 p.m. in the bar, lounge or patio. Call (312) 664-2727; n27chicago.com .
Truffle affair
Chicago Cut Steakhouse, 300 N. La Salle. Chef Russell Kook gives a nod to truffle season with lobster risotto with arborio rice, lobster bisque, creme fraiche, chives, lobster meat and black Perigord truffles from Australia; $50. Call (312) 329-1800; chicagocut
steakhouse.com .
Drink of the Week
Crimson Lounge, 333 N. Dearborn. A top summer cocktail pick is the Caribbean Queen (Absolut Vanilla; Malibu coconut; Kahlua, condensed milk, Nescafe, garnished with coconut flakes); $12. Call (312) 923-2473; crimsonchicago.com .
Deal of the Week
Pier 37 Bar & Grill at Harborside International Golf Course, 11001 S. Doty. Chef Don Zajac’s five-course Goose Island craft beer dinner at 6 p.m. July 12, includes braised short rib with gorgonzola polenta and grilled broccoli rabe with Nut Brown Ale; $65. Call (312) 782-7837;
harborsidegolf.com .
