Holidays, National & International, Restaurants, Seasonal
Celebrate Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday” is on Tuesday, March 1st, the last day of the carnival season, which falls on the day before Ash Wednesday.
Celebrate locally with a few restaurants in Chicago participating in Mardi Gras festivities, which include, Ina Mae Packaged Goods, Heaven on Seven (carryout only), and Chicago Firehouse Restaurant.
Another popular tradition on Fat Tuesday is to indulge in sweet treats such as King Cakes or Paczki. The King Cake, a New Orleans tradition, which is a ring of dough decorated with traditional Mardi Gras colors. Each cake as a tiny baby baked inside, the finder of the baby is crowned King or Queen of the evening and is tasked with hosting and/or bringing the King cake to next year’s celebration. The paczki is a fried Polish donut, which is stuffed with jelly, or cream and sprinkled with sugar and are to be enjoyed before the Lenten season starts.
“Laissez les bons temps rouler”
Restaurants, We Recommend
Bazaar Meat | Bar Mar Opening Soon
The newest restaurant of Jose Andres, well known chef, by the restaurant and world culinary community, opening soon, at 110 N. Wacker Drive. This combination representing the two-Michelin star Chef Andres and Gibson’s Restaurant Group creates an authentic culinary experience. Chef Jose Andres and his team are offering a unique Spanish influenced menu from cured, or raw meat to seafood, along with delicious small plates to enjoy and share. The decor and it’s ambiance is matching the unique styles of the culinary delights and will be one of the hot spots to visit. CUI will be there to assist with your reservations.
Restaurants, We Recommend
Welcome Back City Social Restaurant!
Cheers to a new menu, happy hour and patio! Contact your concierge for reservations today!
A great place to gather!!
Events, Restaurants, We Recommend
Lou Malnati’s Michigan Avenue Re-Opened!
Located in the Wrigley Building and offering dine-in, a full bar, carryout, delivery, and catering services. Welcome back and celebrate Lou Malnati’s 50th Anniversary with a slice or two of pie!
Restaurants, We Recommend
Lou Malnati’s Celebrates 50th Anniversary!
Time to celebrate specials with our CUI preferred partner!
March 17th- 21st: Order a large deep dish “Lou” or “Chicago Classic” pizza for $19.71.
March 22nd through April 15th: Receive 50% off select menu items Monday – Thursday (view the complete list here).
New Venues, Restaurants
Avec – River North, 141 W. Erie St.
Newly opened in February, Avec created a second location in River North creating new dishes and bringing old favorites from the original West Loop location. Chef Paul Kahan and Perry Hendrix will feature North African, Middle Eastern and Southwestern European flavors to the menu including, focaccia fresh out the oven. Avec is available for dine-in, carryout and delivery.
Contact your Concierge for a VIP reservation today.
Restaurants
Ever Restaurant, 1340 W. Fulton
Ever is the creative obsession of three-Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy.
Located in the West Loop, Ever features 8-10 course tasting menus that focus heavily on proteins from land and sea complemented with seasonal vegetables, mixed fruits, grains, and nuts. Currently available for pick-up and taking reservations for January.
Contact your CUI Concierge for reservation assistance.
Events, Restaurants
JoJo’s Pumpkin Patch, 23 W. Hubbard St. Oct. 1st – Nov. 1st
For ONE MONTH ONLY, JoJo’s will be converting it’s 5,000 sq foot outdoor patio into an over the top Pumpkin Patch right in the heart of River North. In addition to hand picking your own pumpkin, guests can enjoy their over-the-top milkshakes, biggie hot chocolates and all of their favor diner classics.
Pumpkin Patch specials include gourmet caramel apples, pumpkin and apple pies, spiked ciders and hot chocolates & their soon to be famous Pumpkin Patch Shake. It comes topped with a slice of Pumpkin Pie, Taffy Apple, Roasted Marshmallow and Reese’s Pretzel.
Tables of six or less are available and also their pumpkin shaped domes will be available at first come, first served basis. No tickets are necessary.
Events, Holidays, National & International, Restaurants
July 14th – Bastille Day
Over 231 years ago, on July 14th the French had finally seen a turning point in their revolution with the storming of Bastille. The fortress that once held prisoners freed soldiers ready to fight for an uprising. The fall of Bastille was celebrated in 1790 as the Fête de la Fédération and throughout the years continues to celebrate France’s constitutional monarchy and new unity.
To embrace this French affair, below we share our favorite spots within the Chicago and virtual festivities.
Bistronomic | 840 N. Wabash
Join Bistronomic all week long with dine in and take out specials from July 13th – July 18th. On July 17th, join Bistronomic’s patio for an evening of live music from Daniela Biserius Gipsy Jazz Group.
Marchesa | 535 N. Wells St.
Join Marchesa in a special 3 Course Menu plus an assortment of Cheese course addition and complimentary Amuse Bouche. From Tuesday, July 14th to Saturday, July 18th join the festivities with french music and cocktails such as a Lavendar French Cocktail.
Mon Ami Gabi | 2300 N. Lincoln Park West
Join Mon Ami Gabi this Friday, July 10th to Tuesday, July 14th for limited special menu, that includes gazpacho, frog legs, seafood bouillabisse, along with beautiful views of Lincoln Park.
Bastille Day Trifle with Chef Marc Siever
Get the ingredients Now!
Check out the blog to get a Marc Sievers easy and delicious Trifle recipe.
Alliance Française de Chicago Live Dance Party
Tuesday, July 14th at 6 pm join the Bastille Day party with a Dance Party Livestream. Featuring a French set curated by DJ Max of All-In Electro, streamed on Twitch.
Ars Lyrica presents Vive La France! Bastille Day Celebration Virtual Concert
Tuesday, July 14th at 6 pm Ars Lyrics presents its 16th season with a virtual opening concert broadcast for Bastille Day, Vive L France!
Embassy of France from US going LIVE!
Due to current situations on large gatherings and celebrations. The Embassy of France in the United States and its 10 Consulates General have decided celebrations should go digital. Check out France in the US for music, cultural, contests and such all day long. At 5 pm (Washington DC time) don’t miss ambassador Philippe Étienne!
FIAF’s 4 Day virtual Bastille Celebration
Celebrate Bastille day starting Saturday, July 11th – Tuesday, July 14th virtually with NYC French Institute Alliance Francoise 25th Annual Bastille Day available online with Live performances, film screening, tastings, cooking events, kid activities and so much more.
