The Big Deals 02.15.13
By DENISE I. O’NEAL doneal@suntimes.com February 13, 2013 4:46PM
The Wells Street Jewel (Bulleitcq 10 bourbon, lemonade and pomegranate juice) cocktail at Cactus Bar and Grill.
Updated: March 16, 2013 6:13AM
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.
Happy days
Quay, 465 E. Illinois. New year, new daily specials includes a $5 happy hour menu, available 4-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, features cotechino sausage pizza, crispy goat cheese fritters, four cheese pizza, duck sausage, roasted eggplant and spinach dip and prime beef sliders. Call (312) 981-8400; www.quaychicago.com .
Anniversary specials
Socca, 3301 N. Clark. Chef/owner Roger Herring, celebrating eight years in Lake View, offers two of his most popular items— risotto alla cacciatore (with braised rabbit, red chilies, slow-roasted tomatoes, forest mushrooms, Asiago cheese); and the Cranberry Crush (bourbon, cranberry reduction, fresh lime juice and ginger beer)— for $8 each through February. Visit www.soccachicago.com .
Six-suds salute
Mac’s American Pub, 1801 W. Division. Six brews replace a portion of the regular beers on tap during Bell’s Brewery tap takeover, 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 15. Beers, priced $4-$6, include the annual limited-quantity Double India Pale Ale, the new seasonal Golden Rye Ale and the potential soon-to-be retired Captain Spontaneous. Bell’s representative Rob England will be on hand to answer questions. (773) 782-4400.
Sweet on red
Zed451, 739 N. Clark. A portion of the proceeds from Executive Pastry Chef Kate Milashus’ “Confections from the Heart” menu, featuring a dark chocolate truffle duo ($4); and red wine and chocolate pairing ($12), will benefit Go Red for Women/Chicago’s AHA Chapter. Available through Feb. 28. Visit www.zed451.com .
Fridays in February
Riva, 700 E. Grand. February’s Friday prix fixe menu of soup or salad, choice of entree paired with a wine selection (prime sirloin/Five Rivers Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, Atlantic swordfish/Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio, Trentino or butternut squash agnolotti/Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, Columbia Valley), and flourless chocolate cake or white chocolate creme brulee, $55. Visit www.rivanavypier.com .
For an extended period
Branch 27, 1371 W. Chicago. The Restaurant Week menu ($33), with optional beer pairing for $12, has been extended through Feb. 17. Visit www.branch27.com .
Drink of the week
Cactus Bar and Grill, 404 S. Wells. The Wells Street Jewel (Bulleit 10 bourbon, lemonade and pomegranate juice) cocktail, created with the new bourbon inspired from the small-batch techniques used by Augustus Bulleit more than 150 years ago, will be available for $5 from 5-7 Feb. 21. Visit www.dontdrinkandtrade.com .
Deal of the week
tesori, 65 E. Adams. One ingredient — blood orange — one special dinner. Chef Andrew Deuel’s dinner party menu, using blood orange in each course, includes Berkshire pork tenderloin with a blood orange-rosemary marmalade and roasted sweet potato puree, $65. Wine pairings available for an additional $20. Available Feb. 15 through March 30. Call (312) 786-9911; www.tesorichicago.com.
