You know the name Freixenet (pronounced fresh-a-net). Its black-bottled Cordon Negro Brut namesake has been one of the world’s leading sparkling wines for decades. It was the first non-French sparkling many baby boomers tried back in the 70s. And oh, how we liked it.
Calçots with Romesco sauce for dipping (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When sparkling wine is made in Spain via methode champenoise, it’s known as cava. Freixenet makes cavas and other types of wine, and it also owns a brand known as Segura Viudas, makers of several value-for-dollar cavas. Dry. Sparkly. Delicious with food.
When you visit that lovely winery outside Barcelona in the spring, they’ll set up a red-hot barbeque on the patio and roast some calçots for you to peel and eat by hand. Calçots are a special variety of spring onion grown in Spain and served with a fabulous romesco sauce made of ground nuts, red peppers and spices. Naturally, you’ll be invited to wash them down with one of Segura Viudas‘s excellent bubblies. Watch out! It’s all so good you may have trouble stopping…
The patio at Segura Viudas winery outside Barcelona – fabulous grilled calcots!
1913 Chicago Cubs, baseball card portrait (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Going to the Cubs home opener? Planning to imbibe a bit to celebrate and wanna get home safely? Thanks to Captain Morgan Rum partnering with Uber, you can score 15 bucks towards a ride on UberX – if you’re one of the first 3500 users to apply a special promo code on your account for a ride home that evening.
$15 vouchers good for:
WHAT: Rides on uberX from Wrigleyville
WHEN: 6 p.m. CST on Monday, April 11 and 2 am CST on Tuesday, April 12
WHAT TO DO: Starting on Monday at 2 pm CST, enter promo code ‘HOMECAPTAIN’ in the Uber app. Download the Uber app if you haven’t; signup is free.
HOW IT WORKS: The $15 voucher will be automatically applied to your account when you take a qualifying ride.
The partnership will provide up to $50,000 worth of ride vouchers for baseball fans 21 and over. Good going, Captain Morgan and Uber. Rum ‘n’ cola, anyone?
Heresy or genius? About four years ago, at a dinner with copious quantities of wine passing ’round, an idea crept into the minds of the winemakers at Jacob’s Creek wines, home of Barossa Shiraz and Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. What if, they said, we took our fine finished wines and did something radical with them? What if, they said, after we’ve finished them with American or French oak, we let them rest another spell in whisky casks? What will that do to our fine finished wines?
You and I are the winners, because the answer is unequivocally: good things. After many months of experimentation with time frames and different types of barrels, JC winemakers have perfected a process that dramatically changes and ultimately elevates their final products into another realm.
Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon * * * *
Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Shiraz * * * * *
The normal finished Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon is elegant with notes of cassis, red fruit, black currants and toasty oak and vanilla. It’s fresh and bright with lots of tannins and a long finish.
The normal Jacob’s Creek finished Barossa Shiraz comes out of the bottle soft and velvety, with notes of plum, cloves, blackberry and chocolate. It’s a lovely Australian example of what most countries know as syrah.
Double Barrel Cab – opens aromas to darker fruits, leaf, richer. “Depth of concentration, softer, fleshier.” Beautiful.
Double Barrel Shiraz – notes of olive, darker blackfruit, oak char, intense fruit. Gorgeous.
Tasting notes – before and after whisky barrel aging
They knew that extra aging couldn’t be for too long; you don’t want your lovely Cab or Shiraz tasting like whisky. Thank goodness, Jacob’s Creek’s Ben Bryant explained, they took their time figuring it out.
In a couple of mini-tastings I conducted among friends, the consensus was that the change was not only dramatic, but also transformingly positive. The wines were lovely to start with—even confirmed Cab drinkers admired that first-finished Shiraz—having been made with grapes harvested under ideal conditions. Then, the Double Barrel treatment brought out hidden mystically mysterious gems in the wine.
Wow, people. Go get some Double Barrel and see what you think.
Beautiful, chic, Asian-inspired decor that coordinates with the top-drawer steak and sushi-inspired menu. That’s Roka Akor, 456 N. Clark St. Ended up going here for an event that didn’t take place and decided to sit down at the bar and take in the ambiance anyway. Loved the sexy, bluesy-jazz music emanating at just the right volume form a clearly quality sound system. Loved the rich texture of the checkerboard of shaved and shiny wooden shingles on the wall and the airy asymmetrical pattern of sturdy beams in the Asian-latticed ceilings. Lots of light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Subtle interior lighting that enhances the trendy-but-comfortable atmosphere.
Roka Akor red-ice-cube cocktail
Pat(rick) Henaghan, who’s not only manager but a master bartender himself, offered to make a sample of one of the cocktails he’d designed for the event that was postponed. Surprising, certainly, to see him putting deep-orangey-red ice cubes in a tall glass. Whoever heard of deep-red ice cubes? Well, Pat explained, these are made from a combination of strawberry and yuzu (Asian fruit) puree that freezes beautifully into a slow-melting ice-pop texture (Popsicle is the brand we adored when we were kids) and gives an amazing shot of color to the vodka/Seville sour orange cocktail he created. This one will be on the regular menu soon – a perfect drink for enjoying in the sun on Roka Akor’s patio.
Roka Akor tempura
On Pat’s recommendation, tried the vegetable tempura – a generous portion of lightly battered-and-fried slices of carrot, sweet potato, broccoli, zucchini and eggplant served with two amply filled dishes of sauces – one sweeter, one slightly more acidic – both low-sodium and both delicious with the perfectly cooked vegetables. Five- and six-dollar Happy Hour specials are available 5 to 6 pm on the patio and in the lounge; the rest of the Roka Akor menu cries out for further experimentation.
Judging by a short conversation with Dean, who was passing by on his way to a demonstration of menu items for staff members, this seems like a good place to work. Pat even invites staff members to submit drink recipes for the menu – unquestionably a nice way to make people feel recognized and appreciated.
From this limited experience, have to say you’ll likely enjoy your visit and feel much appreciated as a customer, too. Visit them at www.RokaAkor.com.
Picture yourself sitting at a small table by a window overlooking a sun-splashed patio crowded with bright spring flowers. A light breeze caresses your face while the sun warms it. Your crisp white napkin is folded in your lap, and your wine glass is sparkling in the light, while you and a friend share a story and laugh about the long-gone threat of winter.
Now, imagine what’s in your glass:
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Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut sparkling cava (~$12 for 750ml and $3 for the mini) – Winemaker’s notes: Crisp, creamy, clean and well-balanced sparkling wine. The fresh palate combines apple, ripe pear and bright citrus with a long finish and a touch of ginger. Comes in that sexy black bottle we all recognize – a big seller in the U.S. for decades – and goes well with almost any food. Statistics show this as the #1 imported sparkling wine in the world.
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Baron Philippe de Rothschild Mouton Cadet Rosé 2015 (~$11) – Winemaker’s notes: The very fresh nose opens on red currant, raspberry and pink grapefruit aromas, followed by cherry and garrigue (an herb mix of the juniper, thyme, rosemary and lavender plants that grow low to the ground in limestone)notes that make the wine aromatically complex. Then when it hits your palate you get freshness, too, along with citrus touches, and a nice lingering finish.
Whatever you choose to drink, even if you choose to lose the booze with a lovely DRY Sparkling vanilla bean, make sure you’re ready to celebrate spring flowers and sun and life. The time is near.
The folks at 312 Chicago know how to cook, for sure, but they also have a sense of humor. They’ve just spent the month of March celebrating their 18th birthday with a special “Get Smoked” 3-course prix fixe dinner for $18.
312 Chicago turns 18
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When I asked our server why the “get smoked” thing, he said, “Well, Chicago used to have a law that you couldn’t smoke until you were 18. So we decided since we were turning 18 we’d get smoked! Alas, Chicago changed the law just a couple of weeks ago to say that you can’t smoke now in Chicago until you’re 21.” We all agreed, then, that customers can likely expect another fun opportunity like this again three years from now…
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The wines on their list lean towards the Northern Italian, as does the food, so we asked our server to recommend for us. We were pleased with the suggested Cannonau di Sardegna D.O.C. Riserva. Hearty enough to go with the appetizer and the pasta courses, but not so strong as to overwhelm. According to one wine writer in “The World’s Best Wine under $25,” it “emphasizes ethereal, perfumed aromatics rather than an overt expression of fruit.” Well, okay!
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They did a fabulous job with their “get smoked” menu. Starting with a dish of hot, melty soft, creamy, smoked house-made mozzarella served atop two lightly cooked, peeled slices of delicious fresh-tasting tomato and accompanied by ribbons of fresh, fragrant basil.
House-made smoked mozzarella app
House-made fettucine with delicately spicy Ameritriciana sauce
Torched chocolate cake with lemon gelato
Next up was a dish of their house-made fettuccine – tender, delicate and delicious wide noodles – coated with just the right amount of tomato-y Ameritriciana sauce and studded with bits of fried pancetta, and seasoned with a touch of red pepper flakes. Perfect spice. Perfect pasta. Perfect combination. The serving was generous, and the leftovers were delicious again a couple of days later served with sautéed scallops and steamed greens. Mm-mm.
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We were pleasantly surprised when we cut into the third course dessert, “torched chocolate cake with lemon gelato,” a light yet rich-tasting layered confection topped with browned (smoked) meringue that hit just the right note after the meal. The gelato was especially tasty and the caramel sauce was just icing under the cake.
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And then came, compliments of the house, little après-dinner glasses of their house-made Limoncello. Thick and lemony and sweet and a lovely ending to a fresh and pleasant meal. Although the restaurant no longer does regular wine dinners, they are introducing a new feature this year. They will have a bartender serving drinks out on the patio (weather permitting, of course) all summer. The restaurant, attached to the Hotel Allegro, is situated at the corner of LaSalle and Randolph, across from the Townsend Center, so if you’re going to be that area, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy their food and drink in a comfortable yet elegant atmosphere.
Did you know Chicago just celebrated its 179th birthday? Some companies have been with the city for more than half that time – like Fannie May chocolates. From the opening of its first store on LaSalle Street back in 1920, Fannie May has been calling Chicago home for more than 95 years. And now they want to celebrate all that makes life sweet in the Windy City with an exclusive collection of Chicago-themed chocolates. This is the chocolate you and your parents grew up with. It’s still that good.
From caramel-filled milk chocolate pieces to Sea Salt Dark Chocolate bars, and from Milk Chocolate bar with Almonds to Mint Meltaways and Mini Pixies, you’ll find these packaged in handsome boxes and tins that feature cool drawings or photographs of Chicago landmarks. Available online, in stores and at select Hudson News stores in O’Hare and Midway Airports.
If you lean in, will men just look down your blouse?
And while you’re enjoying your chocolate (or if you’re into mindfulness, after you’ve savored that single piece), enjoy some on-point funny-but-serious commentary on life for “loud, smart women in turbulent times” with a book of collected essays called “If You Lean In, Will Men Just Look Down Your Blouse?” by Gina Barreca. She’s written many books and appeared on many television shows. From “Spring Cleaning for the Soul” to “Growing Old Gaudily,” and from the trauma of divorce to the tribulations of marrying an Italian, she writes with humor and verve about the ways women deal with life’s challenges. It’s a book to keep on the shelf (maybe in the bathroom) for reading whenever you’re feeling a little down or just want to smile about some aspect of life.
That time of year has come and gone again. They showed up to rock the marketplace with hordes of new gadgets, appliances, devices and other must-have items on display at the International Housewares Show 2016, held at McCormick Place last week and scheduled for March 18 through 21st, 2017 (mark your calendars). Click to watch the video of 2016 highlights here.
It’s fun to learn that many of the company execs who attend the show regularly here have developed their own favorite food places and activities in Chi-town. We asked a few of them where they like to eat and what they like to do:
Skyscraper in Chicago, N. Michigan Avenue (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Only 1000 restaurants around the world have been selected as official participants in the 2016 Gout de France (Good France) celebration of French food artistry – and 5 of them are in Chicago. The Consulate General of France in Chicago has designated the following restaurants, and you’re invited to indulge in their French delights on March 21.
Chef Martial Noguier welcomes you toBistronomic, 840 N Wabash Ave., to try his specially designed menu featuring Lobster Thai Soup and hand-cut squid ink gnocchi with mussels and more. Call (312) 944-8400 to reserve your seats.
Le Bouchon of Chicago, 1958 N Damen. Chefs Jean-Claude and Oliver Poilevey have created this menu featuring a duck egg/black truffle appetizer and blanquette de veau among others. Call (773) 862-6600 for more info and reservations.
At Chez Simo Bistro, 1968 W. Lawrence Ave.,Chef José Luis Espino invites you to try the deeply cheesy French onion soup and other French delights on the menu. Call (773) 865-7466 to learn more or make a reservation.
Chez Moi, 2100 N. Halsted St. Chef Dominique Tougne features brie en croute with strawberry marmalade and a spring asparagus and goat cheese salad in his Good France menu. Call (773) 871-2100.
So take your choice, call for reservations, then go out and drink a glass of wine while you appreciate the joys of authentic French cuisine in Chicago.
It’s never a dull day in Chicago for lovers of food and drink. Here are a few tidbits to keep you excited no matter whether spring is really near or not.
The music and the libations are just right at The Lodge Tavern
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Lodge Tavern, 21 W. Division St., just celebrated 59 years (that’s five-nine, folks) of serving up good drinks in a warm and friendly atmosphere with a great jukebox playing the hits of whatever decade is your favorite (typically people tend to love the music that was popular when they were teenagers – Town Without Pity, anyone?). Customers in a mixed bag of ages make the place feel homier – think: pubs in England and Ireland – than many a hangout for a single age group. And speaking of drinks, besides the full assortment of beers and liquors they serve up chilled mini black bottles ofFreixenetCordon Negro, one of the world’s most popular cavas (that’s Spanish for champagne/sparkling wine).
ONLY 16 places at the table at Osteria la Madia Chef’s dinner
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Get upfront and personal with Osteria La Madia‘s Chef/Owner Jonathan Fox and Sous Chef Matt Reidy. Experience a selection of their new Spring dishes in a very intimate setting, 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 15. The Chef’s Table is limited to only 16 guests. The 5-course prix-fixe dinner with wine pairings is $65 plus tax and gratuity. Osteria La Madia is located at 59 W. Grand Ave., Chicago. Get your tickets at Eventbrite or by calling 312-329-0400.
Even if you already have a favorite ramen spot, keep an open mind and try something new this March. Miku Sushi, 4514 N. Lincoln Ave. in Lincoln Square, has two top-flight ramen dishes at only $8 all month (usually $13 and $14). And/or get half-off any of their Lincoln Square Classic Maki and Traditional Maki all month long between 11 am and 6 pm.
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From March 12 to 20, build your own Irish Coffee at THE BAR at Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 N. Columbus Dr. Choose a hot beverage (espresso, coffee, hot chocolate or tea) and an adult libation (everything from Jameson to Peppermint Schnapps), then either a cool or steamed mixer of milk or flavored syrup and toppings like whipped cream, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce and cinnamon. All for $14.
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Get Smoked with smoky food and drink at 312 Chicago
312 Chicago is celebrating its 18th birthday March 21-31, and Chef Luca Corazzina invites you to Get Smoked with a 3-course pre-fixe dinner menu ($18 pp). Optional 2.5 oz smoky cocktail pairing is +$7 per course. Start with warm Smoked Caprese Salad (smoked mozzarella, tomato + basil). Next enjoy Spruce-Smoked Pasta (house-made pasta smoked with spruce branches) served with amatriciana sauce + toasted bread crumbs. And finally Smoked Italia torched chocolate sponge cake, meringue + lemon gelato. Head Bartender Jenn Knott surprises with smoky cocktails like Negroni Smoke (Ardbeg 10 Year, Campari, Punt a Mes and an Orange Peel).
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Crispy-tender red snapper (one side) at Oyster Bah
Had a lovely birthday dinner recently at Oyster Bah, 1962 N. Halsted. Cousin to Shaw’s Crab House, it calls itself an East Coast oyster Mecca in Lincoln Park. Surprise: past the oyster bar and through the dining room there is a an entire wall dedicated to hot sauces – made to complement (almost) everything, from oysters and stuffies to calamari and chowder.
The crab bites were delicious – and they only give you the pieces with straight shells so all you have to do is push, and presto! your big chunk of juicy crabmeat comes right out. The One-Sided Red Snapper was delicious, crispy fried flour coating and super-tender, sweet flesh. I forgot how good red snapper can be! And do not fail to order the only dessert available – the chef’s own coconut cake, served with chocolate sauce. Num. Thanks for the candle, guys.
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The BEST creamed spinach anywhere at Shaw’s
Speaking of Shaw’s Crab House, 21 E. Hubbard, they do a really bang-up job on Mardi Gras. And please note: all the delicious dishes they serve on Fat Tuesday (except for the crawfish boil) are already on the regular menu, so you can order ’em any time. And the only desserts I’ve tasted at Shaw’s have been the mini versions served at the weekend brunch (available on Saturdays, too, now in addition to Sundays). On Fat Tuesday we took a chance and ordered the full version of a few desserts. Verdict: scrumptious. We decided we’ll have to save room for dessert now every time we go to Shaw’s.
