Blast Marketing & PR

Whole Foods Market® Celebrates National Sweet Potato Month

blastmarketing — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:21:25 +0000

With February being National Sweet Potato Month, Whole Foods Market would like to share reasons why sweet potatoes are worth celebrating all year long. Besides being delicious, easy to cook and versatile, sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and flavor.

Cooking with sweet potatoes is a fat-free way to stay full longer. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and packed with vitamins. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C and vitamin A (beta-carotene).

Whether home cooks are looking for something sweet or savory, sweet potatoes can satisfy. Sweet potato lovers are invited to give these Health Starts Here recipes from Whole Foods Market a try to see just how tasty these root vegetables can be:

     ·     Especially Good Sweet Potatoes
     ·     Pita Chips with Sweet Potato Mash and Smoked Almonds
     ·     Sweet Potatoes with Collards and Aduki Beans
     ·     Tempeh Curry with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans

Koi February Sushi Chef’s Table

blastmarketing — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:06:19 +0000

Koi in Evanston’s new sushi chef Kenny Tan’s passion for developing exciting sushi creations is demonstrated in this exclusive monthly dining experience. Guests at the Chef’s Table are seated at the intimate sushi bar with a full view of Tan’s work area and will experience the creative process first-hand as they are treated to 8-courses. They will watch as their menu samplings are handcrafted, paired with sake and explained by the talented sushi team. For added viewing, Tan’s deft knife skills and artistic talents will be shown via live camera feed on an HD screen above the sushi bar.

This month’s Chef’s Table event will feature delicacies like Filet Mignon with Scallions in Teriyaki Sauce, Chirashi Sashimi Trio, Apple Salmon Roll with Wasabi, and among other creations. Complete menu and sake pairings are below.

The first Tuesday of every month Chef Tan will showcase new recipes and creations for twelve lucky diners at the sushi bar. The unique eight-course tasting menu will feature the freshest sushi in artful presentations paired with featured wines and sake.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 7, 2012
7:00 PM

TICKETS: $45 per person, all-inclusive.
Tickets are required and available online:
http://koi-chens.ticketleap.com/koi-chefs-table/

NEXT: Next Chef’s Table Events:
Tuesday, March 6
Tuesday, April 3

MENU:
Mix green Salad with Ginger Dressing
Zipang, Sparkling Sake, Junmai
Slight sweetness with flavors of fruit and flowers, dry and clean on the finish.

Filet Mignon with Scallions in Teriyaki Sauce
Dewazakura Oka, Cherry Bouquet, Junmai Daiginjo
Highly aromatic with flavors of light fruit and flower petals and a long dry finish.

Samna Grilled Fish
Gekkeikan, Nigori, Unfiltered Junmai
An unfiltered sake with a full body, and sweet tropical fruit.

Snapper Sashimi with Tangerine flavored Sauce
Ty-Ku, Black, Junmai Ginjo
Soft and creamy with a long, spicy, crisp finish.

Chirashi Sashimi Trio
Masumi, Mirror of Truth, Junmai Ginjo
Aromas of flowers and herbs are followed by rich fruits and light minerals.

Crispy CaraGe Chicken
Gekkeikan, Black and Gold, Junmai Ginjo
This is an exceptionally smooth sake with hints of fresh melon and papaya flavors and a great finish accented with just a touch of toasted nut.

Apple Salmon Roll with Wasabi
Manbito, Kimoto, Junmai Ginjo
Mellow acids, dry with great richness.

Honey Glazed Banana
Gekkeikan Plum Wine
Gekkeikan Plum Wine is different from standard umeshu (plum liqueur) which is typically made by adding plum fruit to shochu or other white liquor. Gekkeikan Plum Wine is made by a unique recipe utilizing select fermented plums, which produce a refreshingly fruity fragrance and delicate taste.

WHERE: KOI
624 Davis Street, Evanston, 60201
847.866.6969
www.koievanston.com

The Rosebud February Culinary Class

blastmarketing — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:22:41 +0000

The Rosebud on Taylor invites guests to join Director of Culinary Operations Chef Michael Ponzio as he demonstrates several classic Italian dishes for the second installment of the Rosebud 2012 Culinary Class Series. Featured dishes for the February class include Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, Tuscan Onion Soup, Grandma’s Gravy and Tiramisu.

Classes are held monthly on select dates from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM and located on the 2nd floor of The Rosebud located at 1500 West Taylor Street. $10 valet parking will be available as well as street parking. The complete list of upcoming culinary class dates is available below.

WHEN: Monday, February 13
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

COST: $55 per person (includes food samples and wine pairings)

RESERVE: Limited space is available.
To sign up, call (773) 325-9700 x2006.

UPCOMING:
March 12, April 16, May 14, June 11, July 16, August 20, September 10, October 22, November 19, December 10

THE ROSEBUD
1500 W. Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 942-1117
www.rosebudrestaurants.com/rest1.php

Phil Stefani Restaurants Lent Specials

blastmarketing — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:37:25 +0000

Guests who dine at Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants during Lent beginning Wednesday, February 22 will enjoy an array of fresh fish specials at any of the five locations including Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush, RIVA Crab House on Navy Pier, Tuscany on Taylor, Tuscany in Oak Brook and Tuscany in Wheeling.

PHIL STEFANI’S 437 RUSH
437 N. Rush St. | Chicago, IL 60611 | 312.222.0101 | www.philstefanis437rush.com
437 Rush Pesce Special
Available every Friday ONLY; February 24 – April 6
$42
On Fridays, 437 Rush will feature Zuppa di Pesce, a combination of clams, black mussels, shrimp, fresh catch, and baby octopus in a spicy tomato sauce served with garlic toast points for $39. Guests can also indulge in a daily array of fresh fish specials from the regular menu including Atlantic Salmon ($27), Pacific Ahi Tuna ($32), Lake Superior Whitefish ($21) and Pacific Chilean Sea Bass ($33).

RIVA CRAB HOUSE ON NAVY PIER
700 E. Grand Ave. | Chicago, IL 60611 | 312.644.7482 | www.rivanavypier.com
Daily Fresh Fish Specials at RIVA
Wednesday, February 22 – Friday, April 6
In addition to numerous fish options on the regular menu, Chef Luigi’s ‘fresh sheet’ is updated daily and includes a wide variety of meatless options. The full menu is available upon request.

TUSCANY RESTAURANT on Taylor Street
1014 W. Taylor St. | Chicago, IL 60607 | 312.829.1990 | www.tuscanychicago.com
Tuscany Lent Specials
Wednesday, February 22 – Friday, April 6
$19 – $21
Available daily at Tuscany, guests will enjoy delicious seafood pasta dishes including Spaghettini (Calamari, octopus, mussels, clams, shrimp, marinara, toasted garlic and herbs; $21), Penne Brivido (Seared fresh Boston sea scallops, garlic, evoo, herbs, hot pepper, light tomato sauce; $19) and the classic Linguine Vongole (fresh Manilla clams, white wine garlic sauce, fresh herbs; $15). In addition, all locations offer fresh fish specials daily along with plentiful non-meat options.

TUSCANY RESTAURANT
1415 W. 22nd St. | Oak Brook, IL 60521 | 630.990.1993 | www.tuscanychicago.com/tuscany-oak-brook.html
550 S. Milwaukee Ave. | Wheeling, IL 60090 | 847.465.9988 www.tuscanychicago.com/tuscany-wheeling.html
Tuscany Lent Specials
Wednesday, February 22 – Friday, April 6
$19 – $21
Available daily at all Tuscany locations, guests will enjoy delicious seafood pasta dishes including Spaghettini (Calamari, octopus, mussels, clams, shrimp, marinara, toasted garlic and herbs; $21), Penne Brivido (Seared fresh Boston sea scallops, garlic, evoo, herbs, hot pepper, light tomato sauce; $19) and the classic Linguine Vongole (fresh Manilla clams, white wine garlic sauce, fresh herbs; $15). In addition, all locations offer fresh fish specials daily along with plentiful non-meat options.

Tavern on Rush $20.12 Prix-Fixe Menu

blastmarketing — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:55:52 +0000

To ring in the New Year right, Tavern on Rush offers a special menu for just $20.12 per couple at lunch and $20.12 per person at dinner. Classic winter favorites such as Traditional Yankee Pot Roast and Tomato Bisque are enhanced with modern, luxurious comfort dishes like the Homemade Chicken Pot Pie. Complete lunch and dinner menus are available below.

WHEN: Monday, January 9 through Thursday, February 9

COST: $20.12 per couple at lunch and $20.12 per person at dinner

RESERVE: (312) 664-9600

LUNCH MENU ($20.12 per couple or $10.06 per person)

Choice of First Course

Soup of the Day
Tomato Bisque
Caesar Salad
Organic Mixed Greens Salad with Candied Walnuts, Bleu Cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Choice of Entree

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie with a delicious mix of Chicken, Peas, Carrot and Onion topped with Flaky Pastry
Farm Raised Tilapia topped with Pico de Gallo and drizzled with an Avocado Lime Sauce
Italian Sausage and Roasted Sweet Bell Peppers over Homemade Rigatoni

DINNER MENU ($20.12 per person)

Choice of First Course

Soup of the Day
Tomato Bisque
Caesar Salad
Organic Mixed Greens Salad with Candied Walnuts, Bleu Cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Choice of Entree

Griddled Fresh Atlantic Salmon Cakes with Lemon-Dill Rice Pilaf and Remoulade Sauce for dipping
Yankee Pot Roast with Fork Tender Beef, Carrots, Onion, Celery and Mashed Potatoes with Savory Gravy served in a Sourdough Bread Bowl
Grilled Idaho Farms Baby Rainbow Trout and Hot Sesame Ginger Vegetable Slaw

TAVERN ON RUSH

1031 N. Rush Street

Chicago, IL 60611

www.tavernonrush.com

(312) 664-9600

The Pony Blackhawks Specials and Events

blastmarketing — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:08:45 +0000

During all Blackhawks away games this winter, The Pony will hold exclusive giveaways featuring signed pucks, a team stick and more (full schedule of giveaways is available below). Hockey fans can also enjoy specials like $15 Captain Morgan and Ketel One Oranje/Citroen pitchers, $5 Jack Daniels Honey shots, and $5 Jager shots.

During home games this season, fans who visit The Pony before or after the game and show their ticket stub will receive one complimentary Captain Morgan or Ketel One Flavor cocktail and 20% off all food. The games will be broadcast on overhead plasma TVs and at tables that feature individual flat-screen TVs for viewing.

Additionally, The Pony will host an exclusive bus trip on Thursday, February 23 for the Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars game. Registration for the bus begins at 5:30 PM and the bus will leave promptly at 6:30 PM. For $65 per person, guests will receive a bus ride to and from the United Center, a ticket to the hockey game and beer on the bus. Tickets can be purchased by visiting The Pony website at www.theponychicago.com/promos.

WHEN:                      Thursday, February 23
Registration:            5:30 PM
Bus Leaves:             6:30 PM

COST: $65 per person

RESERVE: Sign up at the bar or online at www.theponychicago.com/promos

BLACKHAWKS GIVEAWAY SCHEDULE AND PRIZES:
Thursday, January 5 @ Flyers:                       1 Signed Puck
Saturday, January 14 @ Red Wings: 5 Hats
Saturday, January 21 @ Predators:                1 Signed Puck
Tuesday, January 31 @ Canucks:                   Team Signed Stick
AND beginning Friday, February 3, there will be one Bobblehead giveaway for every away game in February.

THE PONY
1638 W Belmont
Chicago, IL 60657
Tel: 773.828.5055
www.theponychicago.com

Winestyr Launches in January

blastmarketing — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:01:26 +0000

Winestyr, a new Chicago-based company, will officially launch on Friday, January 13. With Winestyr, founders John and Bob Wilson, along with their father, Jack, and friend Scott Washburn, have conceived a means to facilitate a direct relationship between consumers and wineries nationwide.

Individuals will find the Winestyr experience simple and engaging. Upon signing up for a free Winestyr account, the subscriber will have the opportunity to discover and get acquainted with a different domestic winery each day and then have the chance to purchase an introductory discount voucher to a featured winery. The user will then be directed to the winery’s personal website to make their selection and redeem their voucher upon checkout. The wine will then be shipped directly to the consumer.

Winestyr will feature a different winery each day. Each presentation includes a description and photos of the winery and selections, giving users the opportunity to browse recent past wineries in addition to the featured winery of the day. Subscribers will also enjoy access to the monthly wine industry blog that focuses on a wide-range of topics related to the industry.

Winestyr is a new venture among the growing entrepreneurial landscape in Chicago that fills a unique space for consumers. Winestyr facilitates a unique relationship between wineries and consumers where consumers are able to purchase direct from the winery. Through Winestyr, consumers have the exclusive opportunity to experience the best from wineries of their choice, making this the ideal site for all degrees of wine enthusiasts. Users will enjoy exclusive access to creative wineries and carefully crafted wines.

Odyssey 6th Annual Engagement Gala

blastmarketing — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:19:24 +0000

The Odyssey, Chicago’s premier locale for weddings on the water, presents its sixth annual Engagement Gala on Saturday, January 21, 2012. The complimentary showcase offers guests champagne, entertainment and hors d’oeuvres while giving brides-to-be a chance to view floral arrangements, cakes, photography and more from a variety of the city’s premier wedding vendors.

The Engagement Gala will take place dockside aboard the Odyssey from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 21, 2012.

Reservations to this complimentary event are recommended by January 18, 2012 and can be made online at www.regonline.com/2012engagementgala or by emailing Chicago.Events@EntertainmentCruises.com. Odyssey offers weddings and cruises year-round from Navy Pier.

Chicago q 10% Off Carryout in January

blastmarketing — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:19:23 +0000

Chicago q, the city’s hottest spot for upscale barbecue, invites Chicagoans to bring a little q home this January with a special savings of 10% off all carryout orders.

Items available for carryout include House Bacon Cheddar Hush Puppies, Bbq Shrimp with Lemon-Infused Grits, and BBq Cobb Salad for starters. Chef/Partner Lee Ann Whippens award-winning barbecue options include Kobe Brisket and Baby Back Ribs among other savory options. Not to be served solo, available sides include Kobe Brisket Baked Beans, Bruléed Mac n Cheese and Braised Greens. Complete menu and pricing is available at www.chicagoqrestaurant.com.

Chicago q also offers delivery options available through DiningIn.com for a la carte and catering orders. With a minimum purchase requirement of only $15, Chicago q is the perfect delivery option for football games, Sunday dinners or lunch at the office. 10% off is not available for delivery orders.

WHEN: Month of January

WHERE: Chicago q
1160 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60610
312.642.1160

Table fifty-two Holiday To Go

blastmarketing — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:13:18 +0000

This holiday season, TABLE fifty-two invites Chicagoans to bring a little TABLE to their Holiday table with classic southern sides and homemade pies to go.

Some of Chef Art Smith’s savory sides include an indulgent Three-Cheese Mac, Sweet Potatoes, Braised Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Buttermilk and Goat Cheese Drop Biscuits.

And no Holiday meal is complete without homemade pies from TABLE fifty-two. Sweets include: a classic southern Pecan Pie, Pear Tart, and festive Peppermint Cake Truffles. Complete menu is below.

WHEN: All Orders Must Be Placed By 7:00 PM on Sunday, December 18. Reheating instructions will be available at pick-up.
Available Pick-Up Times:
Thursday, December 22: 9-11AM, 11AM-1PM, 1-3PM
Friday, December 23: 9-11AM, 11AM-1PM, 1-3PM

ORDER: Call 312-573-4000 to place order

MENU:

Price	Side Dishes
$9	Buttermilk & Goat Cheese Drop Biscuits (1/2 Dozen)
$20	Three-Cheese Mac (serves 4-6)
$10	Cornbread (serves 2)
$15	Sweet Potatoes (serves 4-6)
$15	Braised Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey (serves 4-6)

Price	Desserts
$40	Pecan Pie (serves 8-10)
$25	Pear Tart (serves 8-10)
$15	Assorted Cookies (1 Dozen)
$18	Peanut Brittle (1 LB)
$25	Peppermint Cake Truffles (1 Dozen)

WHERE: TABLE fifty-two
52 West Elm Street
Chicago, IL 60610
www.tablefifty-two.com