Chicago Restaurant Week

The Chicago Bulls are on a hot streak.

You can turn up the heat with Mexican specialties on prix fixe lunch and/or dinner menus at De Cero, Dos Diablos, Frontera Grill, La Cantina Grill, Mercadito Chicago, Mexique, Salpicon, Topolobampo, Zapatista, and Zapatista – Cuisines of Mexico during Chicago Restaurant Week, February 18-27.

Official Chicago Restaurant Week 2011 Google Map

You can segment restaurants by neighborhood, cuisine and more: http://www.click2map.com/v2/EatItUpChicago/ChicagoRestaurantWeek2011

Check out all of the new suburban restaurants participating in Chicago Restaurant Week, too.

Facebook $100 Winner for Jan. 31, 2011

Congratulations to Adrienne T. of Chicago, Illinois, today's winner of a $100 restaurant gift certificate in Chicago Restaurant Week's Facebook sweepstakes.

We're giving away one $100 restaurant gift certificate daily for 50 days, through February 28.  There's still time to enter at http://www.facebook.com/ChooseChicago - just click LIKE to access the entry form.  Then check the Chicago Restaurant Week blog at www.EatItUpChicago.com to see if  you're a winner.

Eat it up, Chicago!

Braised Short Ribs Recipe

4 – 12 oz cut rectangles of cleaned, boneless short ribs

1 Tbsp kosher salt

1 tsp fresh ground black pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 lb peeled carrots, sliced ½” thick

1 lb cubed onions, 1” square

12 oz sliced celery, ½” thick

¼ cup sliced garlic cloves, 1/8” thick

2 tsp minced, fresh rosemary

2 tsp minced, fresh thyme

2 bay leaves

2 cups red wine

1 cup balsamic vinegar

3 cups chicken stock

3 cups beef stock

1 cup diced tomatoes in juice

Make sure short ribs are cleaned of excess fat and silverskin. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Place large sauce pan on high heat on stove. Add olive oil and brown meat on both sides. Remove short ribs from pan and add vegetables. Caramelize vegetables, then add garlic and herbs and cook for 2 more minutes. Pour in red wine and balsamic vinegar and cook down until half the liquid has evaporated. Then add chicken and beef stocks and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Add short ribs back to pan. Place parchment paper over short ribs, then cover with aluminum foil or pan lid and place in a 350° convection oven. Cook in the oven for 2 hours. Remove pan from the oven and let sit for a half an hour. Remove short ribs from pan and cover with foil to keep warm. Strain sauce. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Add short rib pieces to sauce, and heat until hot. Serve with roasted root vegetables and mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Recipe courtesy of Wildfire Restaurants

Facebook $100 Winner for Jan. 30, 2011

Congratulations to Christine K. of Winnetka, Illinois, today's winner of a $100 restaurant gift certificate in Chicago Restaurant Week's Facebook sweepstakes.

We're giving away one $100 restaurant gift certificate daily for 50 days, through February 28.  There's still time to enter at http://www.facebook.com/ChooseChicago - just click LIKE to access the entry form.  Then check the Chicago Restaurant Week blog at www.EatItUpChicago.com to see if  you're a winner.

Eat it up, Chicago!

Facebook $100 Winner for Jan. 29, 2011

Congratulations to Mary P. of Chicago, Illinois, today's winner of a $100 restaurant gift certificate in Chicago Restaurant Week's Facebook sweepstakes.

We're giving away one $100 restaurant gift certificate daily for 50 days, through February 28.  There's still time to enter at http://www.facebook.com/ChooseChicago - just click LIKE to access the entry form.  Then check the Chicago Restaurant Week blog at www.EatItUpChicago.com to see if  you're a winner.

Eat it up, Chicago!

Eight Michelin Guide Chicago "Bib Gourmand" Designees Are On The Menu For Chicago Restaurant Week

Michelin Guide Chicago honors Bistro 110, The Bristol, De Cero, deca, Mexique, Perennial, Riccardo Trattoria, and Veerasway with its Bib Gourmand designation – which means they’re “inspector’s favorites for good value.” Celebrate these select eateries by savoring their special prix fixe lunch and/or dinner menus during Chicago Restaurant Week, February 18-27.

Facebook $100 Winner for Jan. 28, 2011

Congratulations to Sandra R. of Chicago, Illinois, today's winner of a $100 restaurant gift certificate in Chicago Restaurant Week's Facebook sweepstakes.

We're giving away one $100 restaurant gift certificate daily for 50 days, through February 28.  There's still time to enter at http://www.facebook.com/ChooseChicago - just click LIKE to access the entry form.  Then check the Chicago Restaurant Week blog at www.EatItUpChicago.com to see if  you're a winner.

Eat it up, Chicago!

Celebrate Presidents’ Day weekend by saving a few dead presidents!

Enjoy a 9.75% discount at more than 40 retailers during The 900 Shops’ Tax-Free Event February 19-21. Continue the celebration over dinner at critically-acclaimed Seasons Restaurant, which will offer a special prix fixe menu as part of Chicago Restaurant Week. Special parking rate: one Alexander Hamilton.

Facebook $100 Winner for Jan. 27, 2011

Congratulations to Amanda S. of Shorewood, Illinois, today's winner of a $100 restaurant gift certificate in Chicago Restaurant Week's Facebook sweepstakes.

We're giving away one $100 restaurant gift certificate daily for 50 days, through February 28.  There's still time to enter at http://www.facebook.com/ChooseChicago - just click LIKE to access the entry form.  Then check the Chicago Restaurant Week blog at www.EatItUpChicago.com to see if  you're a winner.

Eat it up, Chicago!