Enjoy Half-Off Neapolitan Pizzas 4-7 pm Monday through Thursday at Big Chef Burgers Dine-In Only (Schaumburg,IL)

Enjoy Half-Off Neapolitan Pizzas 4-7 pm Monday through Thursday at Big Chef Burgers Dine-In Only If you haven't tried Big Chef Burgers that just opened in early January at 1602 E. Algonquin Rd. in Schaumburg, now's the perfect time. The robust 6 ft. 6 inch "Big Chef" Owner Cristiano Bassani is offering an introductory special every Monday through Thursday, featuring the restaurants homemade wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas at half off. The deal is good through February 28.   Big Chef features a number of pizzas to suit all tastes including: Pizza Con Buffalo with Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Arugula and cherry tomatoes; Pizza Con Pancetta E Grana with tomato sauce, Pancetta and shaved Parmesan; Pizza Con Prosciutto Cotta E Funghi with tomato sauce, sautéed mushroom, Italian ham, and Mozzarella; Pizza Margarita with tomato sauce, Mozzarella and basil; Pizza Salsiccia E Cipolla with tomato sauce, homemade mild Italian sausage, onion and Mozzarella; Quattro Formaggi with Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Brie, and Fontinella cheeses; Quattro Stagioni with tomato sauce, Italian ham, artichokes, sautéed mushrooms, and black olives,. And Pizza Vegetariana with tomato sauce, Mozzarella, roasted pepper, grilled eggplant, zucchini, and sautéed spinach. All pizzas are $8 each; $4 Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. dine in only.     In addition to pizza, the new eatery offers gourmet burgers, homemade gelato milkshakes, artisan salads, desserts and full bar service. For more information, please call Big Chef Burgers at (847) 221-8539 or visit the website at www.bigchefburgers.com.  Share:

Ryan Chiaverini Faces Off Against Blackhawks Alumni Feb. 7 in Celebrity Hockey Game (Rosemont,IL)

ABC 7’S RYAN CHIAVERINI & FRIENDS AND CHICAGO BLACKHAWK ALUMNI KICK OFF WINTER FROST FACE OFF WITH CLASSIC PUCK OFF FRIDAY, FEB. 7     Post-Game Charity Meet & Greet Hosted by Five Roses Irish Pub

MB Financial Park at Rosemont and hockey program leader 200 x 85 LLC are thrilled to kick off the first outdoor Winter Frost Face Off Friday, Feb. 7 at 4:30 p.m. with the exhilarating Classic Puck Off featuring a roster of notable Chicagoans such as ABC 7’s Windy City LIVE co-host Ryan Chiaverini and Chicago Blackhawks alumni including Eric Daze and Adrian Aucoin. Classic Puck Off captain Chiaverini has recruited some of his closest friends to participate in the game such as ABC 7 Weekend News anchor Ravi Baichwal, ESPN 1000 radio hosts Carmen DeFalco  and U.S. representative Mike Quigley, as well as Steve Demitro, Mike Goldberg, Ronald Kalish, Kevin Magnuson and Roger Wroblewski.  In addition to Daze and Aucoin, participating Chicago Blackhawk alumni include Murray Bannerman, Dave Mackey, Brian Noonan, Reid Simpson and Gene Ubriaco.  Former Green Bay Packer and current ESPN 1000 personality John Jurkovic will play, as will other former professional hockey players Gino Cavallini, Jose Charbonneau, Mark Kurzawski, Steve Maltais, Steve Martins and Bob Nardella.  Bleachers will surround the ice rink providing ample seating for hockey fans. Admission is free. After the game, guests can head to Five Roses Pub for a meet and greet opportunity with Classic Puck Off players in exchange for a $10 donation. Proceeds will benefit the Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association. The event will include free food and a viewing party for the Chicago Blackhawks vs. Phoenix Coyotes at 8 p.m. Drinks are not included. Parking is free with validation. About The Village of Rosemont, Illinois: Rosemont, Illinois, Chicagoland’s business and entertainment suburb, is conveniently located five minutes from O’Hare Airport and twenty minutes from Chicago’s downtown. Rosemont is home to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, a wide variety of hotel and dining options, Allstate Arena, Rosemont Theatre and a host of entertainment and retail venues. Rosemont continues to grow and evolve based on the new vision of Mayor Bradley A. Stephens. MB Financial Park at Rosemont features an array of great dining and entertainment options. For more information, visit www.Rosemont.com. About The MB Financial Park at Rosemont: MB Financial Park at Rosemont is a 200,000 square-foot entertainment and dining complex whose 10 venues offer upscale international cuisine, live music and comedy, state-of-the-art film, bowling and more. Conveniently located near O’Hare International Airport, MB Financial Park at Rosemont is easily accessible from Chicago as well as the suburbs. The address is 5501 Park Place, a new looping street situated west of River Road between Bryn Mawr and Balmoral Avenues.  A 20-minute drive from Chicago’s Loop, MB Financial Park at Rosemont is walking distance from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the CTA Blue Line Rosemont station and Rosemont Theatre. Convenient parking is available. For more information, visit www.mbparkatrosemont.com. About 200 x 85 LLC: For twenty years, 200x85 has been an innovator and leader in the creation of hockey programs, tournaments, camps, clinics and entertainment. 200x85 provides a profound understanding of how to harness the power of hockey to effectively produce results for an amazing hockey experience.  With all programs and events housed within one organization, these disciplines merge to offer a powerful, diverse and integrated on ice experience. www.200x85.com.

Lake Geneva, WI Helps Couples Find Romance!

 

Lake Geneva Helps Couples Find Romance

Recognizing that romance is a year round affair, Lake Geneva

 helps couples celebrate togetherness with its seasonal natural beauty, array of lodging options, and year-round events, outdoor activities, shopping, dining and entertainment. Whether newly dating, wedding planning or celebrating, honeymooning, celebrating anniversaries, or simply rekindling old flames, Lake Geneva makes a perfect destination for a romantic getaway.

Easily accessible from Chicago and Milwaukee, couples of all ages enjoy quality time to revel in one another's company. “Lake Geneva

 accommodations fit the tastes and budgets of all couples with luxury resorts and hotels, boutique hotels, and cozy bed & breakfasts,” Darien Schaefer, President, Lake Geneva Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce.

From hand-in-hand walks about the Geneva Lake Shore Path, which offers couples views of some of the most beautiful homes and landscaping in the Midwest, to horse-drawn carriage rides, scenic boat tours and signature cruises; antiquing and shopping the quaint downtown filled with one of a kind shops to wine tasting; and pampering with wellness and spa treatments to candlelit dinners with beautiful views, dinner theater and live music; couples show how much they love and care for one another with ease. The area also offers plenty of options for couples seeking more activity and adventure with ice skating and skiing, 3-season golfing, parasailing and jet skiing, zip lining, and hot air balloon rides.

Many couples plan their romantic getaways around events taking place throughout the year. Winter, spring, summer and fall, Lake Geneva’s

 calendar of events includes Winterfest, an outdoor Summer Concert Series, the Annual Lake Geneva Venetian Festival, Annual Oktoberfest, and much more in between. Consider these tips from the Lake Geneva Area Convention & Visitors Bureau when planning your next romantic getaway.

1.     Plan ahead. Consider the best timing for you and your significant other and don’t risk disappointment by going without reservations.

2.     Review romance packages. Once you’ve decided which resort, hotel or B&B to stay at, review its romance package. Most offer at least one. Perhaps a bottle of chilled champagne is waiting for you upon arrival to your room, a private dinner for two, or a couple’s massage.

3.     Try something new. Perhaps a horseback riding lesson or hot air balloon ride to create a new memory.

4.     Plan a surprise. A love note or small gift to show how much this special time together means are thoughtful.

5.     Awaken all your senses. Let your romantic getaway be a celebration of all the senses. Take in the pleasures of different sights and sounds, new foods, and counterbalance all your activities and events with relaxation.

About Lake Geneva

Nestled on the northeastern shores of Geneva Lake in southeast Wisconsin, Lake Geneva has been a resort community since just after the Civil War when wealthy Chicago families discovered the site and began building summer homes there. Today, the elegant, often historic estates still ring the lake and can be viewed from the water or by foot via the 21-mile walking path that circles the lake. 

Lake Geneva boasts a wealth of dining options and lodging choices with the latter ranging from luxury spa resorts to rustic inns to lovely B&B’s. The area also offers pristine nature areas and a wealth of attractions. For information on Lake Geneva, honored as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations, visit www.lakegenevawi.com

 or call (800) 345-1020.

 

 

 

WHAT A CATCH: MERCADITO HOOKS FISH TACOS FROM CHEF JAMIE MALONE FOR FEBRUARY “TACOS FOR STRENGTH” (Chicago,IL)

 

___________________________________________________________________________ WHAT A CATCH: MERCADITO HOOKS FISH TACOS FROM CHEF JAMIE MALONE FOR FEBRUARY “TACOS FOR STRENGTH” The 2013 Food & Wine Best New Chef shares a few of her favorite things with Crispy Cod Taco with fermented black bean mayo, citrus, jalapeño, and cilantro The February Taco for Strength from Mercadito (108 W. Kinzie St.) gives classic fish tacos a makeover with one of Food & Wine’s 2013 “Best New Chefs,” Jamie Malone of Sea Change in Minneapolis, MN. Each month, Mercadito’s Chef Patricio Sandoval invites a distinguished chef to support Share Our Strength and its mission of ending childhood hunger. Malone’s Crispy Cod Taco will be available at all Mercadito restaurants from February 1 to 28. To pay tribute to her favorite type of taco, Malone dresses up crispy, tempura-battered cod with fermented black bean mayo with a hint of lemon. Orange cucumber salsa provides a fresh, cooling element to balance the taco but also comes with a kick from several types of chiles. The taco comes topped with cilantro, lettuce, and a sprinkling of chopped fermented black beans. “I knew I wanted to do a play on the fish taco, as it’s my favorite, but I wanted to add a little something extra to make it my own,” says Malone. “I really love fermented black beans. They have a very unique flavor but are actually quite versatile, and that goes perfectly with citrus and fish but doesn’t overwhelm them.” In 2013, Mercadito sold a grand total of 2,595 Tacos for Strength in its Chicago, New York, and Miami locations, raising nearly $2,000 to benefit Share Our Strength. This is the first year that Mercadito has engaged accomplished chefs outside of the restaurants’ markets to create a signature taco. Five percent of the sales from Malone’s taco will be donated to Share Our Strength. The tacos will be available for dinner for (four per order) for $16.50 or for lunch (three per order) for $12.50. Reservations for Mercadito are recommended and can be made by calling 312.329.9555. About Mercadito Hospitality Mercadito Hospitality has grown from its first New York City restaurant location in 2004 to become a renowned restaurant group. The popularity of the group’s restaurants can be attributed to Partners Alfredo and Felipe Sandoval, innovative culinary interpretations created by Chef/Partners Patricio Sandoval and Guillermo Tellez, and its joint venture with renowned consultants Paul Tanguay and Tad Carducci – the Tippling Bros – who bring inimitable flavor profiles to the group’s beverage programs. Based in Chicago, the group owns and operates restaurants and bars across the U.S. including the flagship concept, Mercadito in Miami, Chicago, and New York City; Double A, a cocktail lounge located beneath Mercadito Chicago; Tavernita and Barcito in Chicago’s River North neighborhood; and Little Market Brasserie at Chicago’s Talbott Hotel. MH Catering was launched in 2013 and the group’s newest concepts, Tippling Hall (Chicago), Mercadito Counter (Chicago) and Mercadito Wheels (San Diego) will open in 2014. Additional projects in Las Vegas, Philadelphia are slated to open in 2014. For more information, please visit www.mercaditohospitality.com , www.mercaditorestaurants.com, www.doubleachicago.com, www.tavernita.com, www.barcitochicago.com, www.littlemarketbrasserie.com, www.mh-catering.com, www.tipplinghall.com, www.mercaditocounter.com, and www.mercaditowheels.com.

SideDoor American Gastropub Opening in Chicago

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SIDEDOOR TO UNLOCK IN CHICAGO, FEBRUARY 2014 American gastropub featuring hand-carved roasted meats opens in River North SideDoor, a relaxed, sophisticated American gastropub from Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc., celebrates its Grand Opening February 18, 2014 in River North. Enter SideDoor on the Rush Street side of the historic McCormick Mansion to find a formal turn-of the-century dining space and bar transformed into a casual, one-of-a-kind gastropub — a unique, welcoming gathering spot and neighborhood retreat with a personality all its own. “SideDoor has a ‘come as you are’ vibe, the perfect place to savor craft cocktails and sample small bites.” said General Manager Max Maxwell.  “We’re turning out delicious, shareable plates and sandwiches with a focus on premium roasted meats such as Lawry’s Prime Rib that appeals to a new generation of beef lovers.” SideDoor Comestibles: By combining quarter pound portions of perfectly cooked Lawry’s Prime Rib ($15), Slow Roasted & Glazed Short Rib ($15), Prime Angus Sirloin ($14) and Herb Roasted Turkey ($9) along with mustards, horseradishes, pickles and freshly baked breads, guests can create a signature Roasted Meat Board. Pairing this dish with selections from the extensive drink menu and sharing it family-style captures the essence of the SideDoor culinary experience. Executive Chef Vic Newgren oversees a seasonally changing menu. The seven-ounce Angus beef SideDoor Cheeseburger grilled under a beautiful copper hood and topped with Wisconsin Cheddar and Vic sauce ($11), a hand-carved Lawry’s Prime Rib Sandwich with au jus and horseradish ($16) and a House Smoked Pastrami with giardiniera and cheese rarebit on a pretzel roll ($13) are among the Hot ‘n Tasty Sandwiches offered. Diners can choose from bites like Prime Rib Chili Cheese Fries ($9), Spicy Glazed Chicken Wings ($11) and IPA Beer Pretzels ($6) or match a Shaved Veggie Salad ($9) or Crisp Kale Caesar ($10) with Prime Rib Chili ($9), Beer Braised Mussels ($12) or Colorado Lamb Shank Pie ($23). They can also enjoy a selection of artisanal cow, sheep or goat cheeses and charcuterie from the Midwest and beyond on a Chef’s Plate ($17) or SideDoor Sampler ($25). SideDoor Libations: The SideDoor beverage program, led by Andrew Macker, showcases regional flavors with a distinctive list of craft beers and cocktails. Locally brewed beers include Two Brothers Cane & Ebel ($8), Three Floyds Pride & Joy ($7), Tyranea Rocky’s Revenge ($7) and Founder’s Breakfast Stout ($9) among many others. The Michigan Mustang with North Shore Vodka, house-made Fernet, cherry compote and ginger ($12) and Smoked Negroni with Aperol, FEW barrel aged gin, Punt e Mes and smoked ice cubes ($13) are examples of a changing cocktail menu that promises new, sometimes surprising but always satisfying tastes. An expertly curated selection of international wines is designed to pair perfectly with any SideDoor dish. SideDoor Design and Feel: Aria Group Architects and members of the Frank family, owners of SideDoor, worked together closely during construction to transform a formal turn-of-the-century dining room and bar into a unique space informed by a genuinely eclectic and original design aesthetic. Modern touches highlight and complement existing vintage features. Rich woods, marble mosaic flooring, comfortable lounge seating, subdued lighting and the sounds of classic American jazz, blues and rock create a warm, intimate ambience ideal for lingering over drinks while sharing great food and conversation. About SideDoor: SideDoor, located on the corner of Ontario and Rush Streets in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, is open for dinners from 5pm-11pm. Reservations are not taken. For more information call 312.787.6768, visit SideDoorChicago.com or follow SideDoor on Twitter and Facebook for flash updates and news. Click to Tweet: “Experience River North's newest gastropub @SideDoorCH! Craft cocktails, hand-carved roasted meats & more! http://tiny.cc/qnr79w.”

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Navy Pier - Feb 1 Chinese New Year Fireworks and Fun February Events (Chicago,IL)

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	Chicago Chinese New Year Celebration Saturday, February 1 featuring 7:30 p.m. fireworks Join in on the citywide celebration of the Chinese New Year this Saturday, February 1 in Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom. Witness performances by Chinese cultural artists, masked performers, interactive creation stations and the spectacle of the Redmoon Theatre from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as they celebrate 2014 the Year of the Horse. At 7:30 p.m., enjoy a special fireworks show in bright red bursts of color in honor of the New Year.
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Snow Days Chicago 2014 See snow in a new way at this free event, February 8-9. Teams of talented international professional snow sculptors create masterpieces out of 10-foot blocks of man-made snow.  With fun activities for kids, the Shedd Aquarium’s Magellanic penguins and a snow sculpting competition, this is the best snow day ever! Find exclusive room rates at The InterContinental Chicago for stays Feb 7-9.		Cider Summit Chicago On February 8, come sample over 90 ciders from throughout the US, England, Scotland, France, Spain and New Zealand at this second annual tasting event. Cidermakers and owners will be on-hand to guide you and offer suggestions. Admission includes a souvenir glass and eight tasting tickets. Must be 21 and up to attend.		Neighborhoods of the World Travel the world without ever leaving your backyard at this fourth annual cultural celebration presented by ComEd. Over the course of eight weeks on select Sundays in the Crystal Gardens, celebrate the cultures of our world-class city through live music, dance, cuisine and folk art. The series begins February 16 and focuses on the Chinese culture from noon to 3 p.m.
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Navy Pier Cornhole Classic Bring your friends on February 22 to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall A and see if you have what it takes to out-toss the competition. There are two divisions of registration open now for the experienced and the novice in both singles and doubles. Get two rounds of play and an event T-shirt, plus prizes if you’re in the top three of your division.		Mardi Gras Bar Crawl The World’s Largest Indoor Bar Crawl is back just in time for Mardi Gras on Saturday, March 1 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Never step outside and carry your drink with you from bar to bar. Your ticket includes two drink tickets, drink specials, entertainment, prizes and more. Tickets are still just $10 and set to increase soon! Must be 21 and older to attend. Bars and entertainment subject to change.		Chicago Flower & Garden Show Winter won’t last forever and the annual Chicago Flower & Garden Show on March 15-23 is a great way to welcome spring. Be inspired by beautiful landscaped gardens and find realistic tips that every shade of green thumb can learn from and use, as well as cooking demos, marketplace and activities for kids. Tickets available for purchase now.
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Learn about special and upcoming events in every Navy Pier newsletter and receive exclusive offers. If you received this e-newsletter from a friend and would like to subscribe to our email newsletter, click the link.   MORE INFORMATION

NEW INFOGRAPHIC: 1,968 Online Shoppers Reveal Their Ideal Body Size - And That Of The Opposite Sex

We found that the current size of men lines up with what they believe to be ideal, whereas a majority of women are a size 16, but wish they were a size 8. It’s not all bad news though: We polled genders about ideals for the opposite sex and the results were heart-warming. Men think that a curvy, medium height woman is ideal (tall and thin garnered 0% of the vote), while women found guys of a medium height and an average build to be most attractive.

In the latest study from Tada.com on body happiness (http://www.tada.com/blog/infographic-1968-respondents-reveal-ideal-body-size-opposite-sex

 we made some interesting discoveries: Men don’t actually believe that models have the ideal body shape, while women don’t seem to like overly muscular men.

The survey also found that 57% of online buyers are somewhat satisfied with what they see in the mirror, with small percentages being totally satisfied or totally unsatisfied with their physical appearance. Not surprisingly, 33% of these shoppers are also hoping to lose more than 20 pounds to be at their ideal weight, lining up with the weight loss necessary to bring the average size 16 woman down to a size 8. So while women have loftier goals in terms of the perfect body size, they also know how much it would take to get there.

SOME INTERESTING STATS TO TWEET/SHARE:

• Men don’t actually want women to look like models; their ideal is women of medium height and curvy. Tweet This

• Over 50% of American men wear size L or XL; their ideal size would be an M or L. Tweet This
• Women from study claim they don’t like super muscular men: They like their guys of medium height and average build. Tweet This
• 57% of people are satisfied with what they see in the mirror, 21% are not satisfied at all. Tweet This
• 32% of people weigh 20 pounds or more than they did ten years ago; 33% of people would like to lose more than 20 pounds. Tweet This
• Only 15% of women in study wear a size 6 or smaller. Tweet This
• While 45% of the women in study wear a size 14 or larger, 30% believe an ideal woman is size 8-10. Tweet This LINK TO STUDY AND INFOGRAPHIC: http://www.tada.com/blog/infographic-1968-respondents-reveal-ideal-body-size-opposite-sex