Roses are great – until you find out she’s allergic to pollen. Chocolates are classic – until you remember she’s vegan (there goes $30). Lingerie is romantic – until you accidentally buy one size to small and she spends the rest of the night in tears. Why stick with the same old Valentines Day routine when you know it’s bound to fail? This February 14th, take a hint from our list of unconventional date ideas for a night you won’t soon forget.

Looking for Dinner with a Kick?
If you’re sick of the overpriced (and boring) candle-lit dinner for two, give hibachi a try! At Shinto Japanese Steakhouse in Naperville, you and yours can enjoy unique cocktails and freshly flown-in sushi in addition to their signature hibachi. Shinto also features a variety of delicious bubbly. A bonus? Their environmentally-friendly, smokeless Hibachi grills allow you to enjoy the experience and leave without smelling like your dinner. Visit www.shintoexperience.com for more information.

Looking for a Laugh?
If you and your mate love nothing more than a good laugh, give musical sketch comedy a try this Valentines Day with Chicago’s own Cupid Players. Take your date to see the acclaimed show, “Cupid Has a Heart On: A Musical Guide to Relationships,” a 75-minute review of comedy sketches and song. The Cupid Players perform at the IO Theatre (formerly ImprovOlympic), located at 3541 N. Clark Street. Tickets can be purchased by calling (773) 880.0199. More information available at www.cupidplayers.com.

Looking for Something Morbid?
For lovebirds with an interest in the macabre side of 2/14, head over to Tommy Guns Garage 1920’s themed dinner theater for an authentic reenactment of the St. Valentines Day Massacre. A word of warning- there’s nothing romantic about this bloody Valentines homage. Tommy Guns Garage is located at 2114 South Wabash. Tickets range from $65-75 (the price includes dinner) and can be purchased at www.tommygunsgarage.com.

Looking for a Weekend Away?
If some time away is all you need, try a weekend getaway at the couples-focused Sybaris Pool Suites. With various locations in the Chicagoland area, the whirlpool and swimming pool suites at Sybaris allow you and your partner to enjoy a relaxing, romantic night away- no suit required. Visit www.sybaris.com for rates and booking information.

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Photo by: Kim Bohstedt

Toast to the Red, White…Pink and Bubbly this Labor Day

Labor Day is a weekend to kick back and relax and enjoy one of the last celebrations of summer. Whether its steaks, burgers or brats, we all have our favorite BBQ fare to celebrate the long weekend, but some party-throwers get stuck when it comes to what to serve with all the BBQ favorites.

Efrain Madrigal, Wine Director of Sam’s Wines and Spirits, explains, “Many people serve what they know and are comfortable with– which is usually just beer. But barbeques can be the perfect opportunity to try some new wines as well that pair perfectly with our grilled favorites.” Here are Efrain’s picks for the upcoming holiday weekend for under $20.

White: Ferraton Cotes du Rhone Blanc ‘Samorens’ Blanc 2007 ($11.99) If there was a BBQ capital on Europe, France’s Provence might just be it. It’s from this beautiful, Mediterranean region that this gorgeous white hails from, and it is a great partner to a multitude of grilled dishes. Try this luscious, fruit-driven white with spicy chicken sausages, cedar-planked salmon or vegetable kabobs.

Rosé: Charles Smith Charles and Charles Rose 2008 ($11.99) Rosés are practically made for the barbeque season, and this version from Washington is one of the best. A perfect summertime companion, this wine has an unreal depth and richness of fruit with a big dry finish. This would be great with “Beer Can Chicken” or other grilled chicken dishes.

Red: Arbor Highlands Zinfandel Lodi 2006 ($15.99) Red Zin is the quintessential BBQ wine. This one is a beauty, dark, intense fruit flavors, with a fat, long finish. This dynamic red would be great with burgers, steaks or spit-roasted pork.

Sparkling: Riondo “Sheraz” Sparkling Red ($11.99) Sparkling wines are not only made white or pink, but increasingly sparkling reds are hitting the market. One of my favorites is from Italy, and it is a natural with barbequed beef brisket or pork. It’s rich enough for the smoky meat, and zesty enough to handle any kind of barbeque sauce- from sweet Kansas Cityto vinegar-based Carolina.

Sam’s Wines and Spirits: Founded in 1946, Sam’s Wines and Spirits has grown to be the nation’s leading independent wine and spirits retailer. The company’s success is due to its focus on customer service, selection, price, and knowledgeable staff. The company has been honored by both Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator magazines as Retailer of the Year and has also earned Forbes’ Best of the Web award. Sam’s Wines and Spirits has three Chicago-area locations in Lincoln Park, Downers Grove and Highland Park. Sam’s Wines and Spirits, Wine Director, Efrain Madrigal, has exceptional knowledge of wine and spirits and is bilingual in both Spanish and English. To learn more about what Sam’s Wines and Spirits has to offer visit www.samswine.com.

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Grilling the Perfect Italian Steak is an easy and great way to enhance your Labor Day Holiday. Chef Abraham Aguirre, from Grotto Italian Steakhouse in Oak Brook has tips on how to prepare this succulent dish.

Chef Abraham suggests preparing a Porterhouse Steak which lets you enjoy the filet and the strip at the same time, however an individual ribeye, filet, or sirloin would be just as delicious. Also, the freshest ingredients you use the better the flavor.

Combine The Following Spices:

• Salt and Pepper (Sea Salt) is recommended for a lighter and sweater salt.
• Chives
• Basil
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Italian Leaf Parsley
• Fresh Garlic

*To add more of a spicy flair add a few flakes of crushed red pepper to your marinade*

• Mix the spices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil to form a pesto like substance.
• Spread the sauce over the steak and let it marinade for a few hours.
• Make sure that the grill is anywhere from 600-800°F and keep it at that temperature for 30-45 minutes before starting to grill. High direct heat when grilling steaks is almost as important as the meat itself.
• Grill over medium heat for five to eight minutes, and top it off over two to three minutes over high heat.

*When grilling steaks, one should always use tongs or a spatula to turn a steak over*

Serve with a side of vegetables such as grilled asparagus, or a baked potato, and of course a glass of red wine will make you feel as though you are in Florence indulging in the Perfect Italian Steak.

About Grotto Oakbrook: The Crededio Family has been in the restaurant business since 1978 and throughout this time they have established three restaurants, Cicero, Grotto on State, and now Grotto Oakbrook. Grotto Oak Brook opened in March 2008. The restaurant boasts 3 private banquet halls, a large dining room, an intimate private dining room equipped with plasma televisions and power point capabilities for corporate meetings, a separate luxurious bar, and a heated patio that seats well over 180 guests with a dynamic view of the lake. Grotto is infamous for their signature Chicken Vesuvio and their succulent wet aged prime steaks.

Grotto is located at 3011 Butterfield Road in Oak Brook, Illinois. For more information, please visit www.grottooakbrook.com

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The Reagle Beagle treats mothers and kids on May 10th!

Chicago’s very own Reagle Beagle bar on 160 E. Grand is offering a special treat to Moms and their kids on Mother’s Day, May 10th! Every Mother that comes in will receive a free order of the delectable chocolate fondue and their kids (ages 15 and under) will receive their own S’Mores!

We don’t care if you trade or share your desserts- just come on in and get them!  The decadent chocolate fondue comes in milk chocolate with white drizzled in with an assortment of fruits, marshmallows and other dippable delights!  The S’Mores are a double treat because not only are they made out of original Hershey’s bars but you get to make them yourself right at the table!

An authentic 70’s and 80’s themed bar, this place is fully equipped with TVs showing clips of all your favorite shows like Dukes of Hazzard, Different Strokes, Eight is Enough and, of course, Three’s Company.  Kick back with one of their Not Yet Famous burgers or a themed cocktail that will take you back while listening to the best tunes of yesteryear!

General Manager of The Reagle Beagle Charlie McKenna is available to demonstrate the Chocolate Fondue, the Make Your Own S’Mores or any other tasty treat from your new favorite neighborhood spot!

Also be sure to check out their awesome burgers!!!

ABOUT THE REAGLE BEAGLE CHICAGO:
The Reagle Beagle (160 E. Grand) is your perfect neighborhood spot.  Just like Jack, Chrissy and Janet, people go to the Reagle Beagle to enjoy the company of friends with some great food and a relaxing cocktail.   The 70’s and 80’s music, along with plenty of pictures of old TV sitcoms, reminds you of a more simple time.  However, the lounge furniture, fireplace and accent lighting provide a more modern feel.  You may not find the likes of Larry and Lana trolling the crowd, but you will find a great place to hang out with old friends and meet some great new ones.  For more information, please visit www.ReagleBeagleChicago.com.

Reagle Beagle
http://www.reaglebeaglechicago.com
160 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 755-9645

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This Mother’s Day, May 10th, Wave’s Executive Chef Kristine Subido will be serving up a two-course meal along with a dessert bar. For only $35 per person, such indulgent treats as ricotta gnocchi with seasonal mushrooms and sage brown butter and Brioche French toast with seasonal berries and whipped mascarpone and cinnamon-sugar will be served.

The full Mother’s Day Brunch at Wave consists of:

1st course
Spring pea soup w/ crème fraiche, grilled croutons and crispy pancetta
Ricotta gnocchi w/ seasonal mushrooms, sage-brown butter
Fattoush salad of romaine hearts, roasted tomatoes, kalamata olives, crispy pita and sumac vinaigrette
Roasted artichoke croquettes w/ parmesan and lemon aioli

2nd course
Grilled chicken scallopine w/ baby greens salad, roasted tomatoes, shaved parmesan
Brioche French toast w/ seasonal berries and whipped mascarpone and cinnamon-sugar
Basted eggs w/ parmesan potatoes, fresh mozzarella, red peppers, shaved serrano ham
Grilled flank steak with crispy truffle fries and tarragon butter

Dessert Bar
Belgian waffle bar
Mini rhubarb-vanilla panna cotta
Fresh fruit tarts tart and cupcakes
Assortment of cookies
Mimosa cocktails $10

Mimosa Cocktails $10 each

About Wave Restaurant: WAVE is a feast for the senses. Pulsating music blends into the background while guests to ebb and flow between WAVE’s sensuous red-accented dining area and sleek bar-lounge.  Chef Kristine Subido has created a playful yet exotic Mediterranean inspired menu that is perfect for sharing. Wave is located in the W Hotel Chicago’s Lakeshore locale. For more information please visit http://www.waverestaurant.com/

Wave

644 N Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 255-4460

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INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

2 pounds lean beef stew meat
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 large onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 cups Irish stout beer (e.g., Guinness)
2 cups chopped carrot
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

For DIRECTIONS Visit http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Beef-and-Irish-Stout-Stew

Picture by Nefarious Kitty

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