Monthly Archives: October 2018
Fogo de Chao brings VIK from Chile
There is nothing better than a fantastic glass of wine with dinner!
We recently visited the Fogo de Chao (pronounced fogo-dee-shown) in River North for their announcement of a new partnership with award-winning Chilean VIK Winery. These VIK wines are only available at Fogo!
The VIK vineyard is affectionately called the “Place of Gold”, offering a variety of unequaled terroir, small microclimates, coastal breezes; giving their wines the complexity sought after to create the best wine in South America.
If you get to Chile, they have an unbelievable hotel and grounds! You can visit the vineyards, the wine spa, hotel and spectacular grounds. (photo to left).
Fogo has partnered with VIK, which is a holistic Chilean vineyard creating world class wines, to offer its award-winning and best in category wines at Fogo de Chão locations nationwide.
These 3 wines join the Wine List:
La Piu Belle, Red Blend, Cachapoal, Chile, 2011
Intense and well-balanced with notes of berries, wildflowers, spices and a touch of oak. Flavor of cranberries, the palate is incredibly fresh, silky smooth, with body and structure.
Milla Cala, Red Blend, Cachapoal, Chile, 2013
Incredibly vibrant red fruit aromas, elegant tannins and incredibly smooth mouth feel. Fresh spices, perfume and berry aromas accented with hints of toast and maple. In the mouth, black cherry and plum are underscored by a hint of black licorice.
VIK, Red Blend, Cachapoal, Chile, 2012
Elegant and balanced wine, dynamic with high precision of tannins and great structure that deliver an exquisite mouth feel. A mixture of aromas, including strawberry, raspberry and vanilla. Spicy and savory dark berry fruit on the tongue, tempered by an elegant structure.
The founders of Fogo de Chão grew up on a traditional Southern Brazilian farm in the Serra Gaucha. It is here that they learned to cook in the churrasco grilling tradition that would become the backbone of their story.
The founding brothers left the quaint, mountainous countryside of Rio Grande do Sul to Rio and São Paulo for formal churrasqueiro training, all while developing the Fogo concept. They had several resturants in brazil before coming to the US. premiere.
At the requests of loyal American guests, the Fogo concept was exported to the U.S. with a stateside debut in Dallas, Texas, in 1997. Between 1997 and 2013, this pioneering churrascaria continued its expansion in Brazil and the U.S. opening 29 new restaurants.
The culinary team has continued the tradition of developing new menu creations rooted in the Brazilian tradition that push forward the Brazilian churrasco experience. In 2013, new seafood dishes were introduced. Later that year, the Bar Fogo concept emerged within Fogo restaurants, introducing guests to new Brazilian-inspired small plates, award-winning wines and cocktails. The culinary team is always testing and tasting new items for possible inclusion.
With the holidays just around the corner, consider Fogo de Chao for a group dining experience!
An elegant Brazilian dining experience presented by their helpful and knowledgeable staff will make Fogo de Chão the perfect location for your group or private dining event. Holiday parties, Corporate events, Lunch and Learn, any celebration!
661 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654. (312) 932-9330
(see the website for suburban locations)
About Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão is a leading Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, which has specialized for more than 37 years in fire-roasting high-quality meats utilizing the centuries-old Southern Brazilian cooking technique of churrasco. Fogo offers guests a wide variety of simply seasoned meats that are carefully fire-roasted to expose their natural flavors. The company was founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and expanded into the U.S. in 1997. There are currently 47 locations throughout Brazil, the United States, and Mexico, including locations in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Mexico City.
Additionally, Fogo offers a gourmet Market Table & Feijoada Bar, which includes seasonal salads, soup, fresh vegetables, feijoada (traditional black bean stew with rice, fresh orange and yuca flour), and much more. Southern Brazilian side dishes such as pão de queijo (warm cheese bread), crispy hot polenta, and caramelized bananas are served family-style. To further complement the dining experience, the restaurant offers an award-winning wine list, tempting dessert menu, and creative and classic cocktails. Guests can also choose between lighter seafood selections, or enjoy the gourmet Market Table only option. For more information, visit Fogo.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
For a visual representation of the story of Fogo de Chão, watch “The Gaucho Way,” a documentary-style video shot through the eyes of real Fogo de Chão Brazilian gauchos and explores the restaurant’s deep cultural roots in Southern Brazil.
EVIL DEAD – The Musical! Nov 2-11
Moraine Valley hosts
‘Evil Dead: The Musical’
“Camp” isn’t what it seems to be in “Evil Dead: The Musical,” playing in the Dorothy Menker Theater at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Nov 2 to 11.
The musical is an Academic Theater production performed by Moraine Valley students, alumni and returning cast members. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday performances are at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors and $10 for students with ID Please note this production is for mature audiences.
Follow five college students who travel to a cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force. Described as more of a comedy and farce than horror, the musical includes hilariously campy songs and depicts how “camp” takes on a whole new meaning.
Directed by Tommy Hensel, Fine and Performing Arts managing director, cast members include Moraine Valley students Ashlyn Wiebe, of Orland Park, as Cheryl; Samm Hilger, of Burbank, as Shelly; Joe Kata, of Crestwood, as Ed; John Kladis, of Palos Hills, as Scott; and Rose Stovicek, of LaGrange, as Fake Shemp.
Moraine Valley alumni performers include R.J. Cecott, of Hickory Hills, as Ash; and Sarah Triolo, of Minooka, as Linda. Cast members who performed in the same show at Moraine Valley nine years ago are Nikki Soriano, of Chicago, as Annie; and Jim LaPietra, of Berwyn, as Jake.
The performance is based on the book and lyrics by George Reinblatt, music by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt, music supervision by Cipolla, additional lyrics by Christopher Bond and additional music by Rob Daleman.
$15 General Public
$12 Seniors, Staff
$10 Students (with ID) and Children unless otherwise noted
Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 3 p.m.
BUY TICKETS
For more information and tickets, call the Box Office at (708) 974-5500 or visit morainevalley.edu/fpac.
Andersonville Dessert Crawl Oct 28th
On Sunday, October 28, from 2-5 p.m., Andersonville will welcome guests to enjoy a sweet stroll through this delightful neighborhood as they participate in the Annual Dessert Crawl.
It’s a gourmet experience with delectable desserts at every turn. Participating restaurants are sure to “wow” visitors with delicious and decadent gourmet desserts.
Get to know the sweeter side of Andersonville at 20 different locations.
Chef Chris Tong of My Private Chef, an upscale private chef and gourmet dining service, will be serving a delicious Cranberry Mousse with Apple Cranberry Sauce with Gingersnap.
Look for him on the Veruca Salt Route at one of his favorite wine shops,
In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark.
You can choose between TWO great routes. Tickets for one route are $20.00
Participants will pick up their Dessert Crawl “passport” at the Swedish American Museum – Andersonville, 5211 N. Clark Street and then proceed to the participating restaurants and stores for tasting-sized portions at each location.
For more information about the Dessert Crawl and to purchase tickets, visit
http://www.andersonville.org/events/dessert-crawl/
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Want to attend for FREE? Sign-up to VOLUNTEER at check-in. Click here for more information.
CHER Dancing Queen!
SEE THAT GIRL…
WATCH THAT GIRL…
SHE’S THE DANCING QUEEN!
She’s back! At 72 and going strong!
The one and only Cher will released Dancing Queen last week, a new album of all Abba hits by Warner Bros. Records.
The Oscar, Emmy and Grammy Award winning icon was inspired to record the album following her stunning performance in the recently-released mega-hit film, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
Commented Cher: “I’ve always liked Abba and saw the original Mamma Mia musical on Broadway three times. After filming Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, I was reminded again of what great and timeless songs they wrote and started thinking ‘why not do an album of their music?’ The songs were harder to sing than I imagined but I’m so happy with how the music came out. I’m really excited for people to hear it. It’s a perfect time.”
Dancing Queen was recorded and produced in London and Los Angeles with Cher‘s longtime collaborator Mark Taylor, who previously produced Cher‘s global smash “Believe” which was number one in over 50 countries. And it does not disappoint! I truly love the last song on CD I think the best, “One of Us”.
Cher is scheduled to be awarded a Kennedy Center Honor on December 2nd in Washington DC.
She is a co-producer of the The Cher Show, the upcoming Broadway musical opening on December 3rd ( we saw it in Chicago and LOVED IT!)
She is currently performing a residency at MGM Resorts. Get tickets HERE!
Cher will be in Chicago with the HERE WE GO AGAIN tour February 8th. Get Tickets NOW
Halloween Boystown Chicago Events
PUP CRAWL!
Join us Saturday Oct 20, 10am-12pm for the Lakeview Halloween Pup Crawl hosted by Miss Foozie presented by A Dog’s Best Friend and Northalsted – a fun pre-Halloween dog party and neighborhood walk with prize raffle, gift bag, treats and After Party at Lark featuring Alaskan Brewing Co. Oktoberfest sampling. Dog costumes optional but encouraged!
$5 registration per dog includes raffle entry and goodie bag/treats.
Participating locations: The Leigh Gallery – FFC Boystown – Chicago Male Salon – Double Trip Press – Trickery Chicago – Men’s Room Chicago – Universal Wellness Source – Ricci Kapricci – Sapphire Nail Salon – Little Jim’s on Halsted St
Thanks to vendor participants: Countryside Bank – TheK9PT – Canine Rehabilitation & Wellness – Children’s Learning Place – Drew’s on Halsted – Live Like Roo Foundation
Get to work on your costume! The 22nd Annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade & Costume Contest returns Wednesday October 31, 7:30pm bigger and scarier than ever! Brought to you MB Financial Bank.
The Parade will be led by a lit AF glowing party bus with a 10,000 watt sound system! Followed by the always spectacular Chicago Thriller dancers, Lakeside Pride Marching Band, and more.
The Costume Contest has total of $4,000 in cash & prizes in four categories: Theme, Group, Drag & Scary. Featuring a panel of drag queen judges and spectator Instagram hashtag voting! Winners Ceremony presented by Circuit Mom. More details at HauntedHalsted.com
Cooking with Chef Tong Bloomingdales Oct 20
Always a favorite, Chef Tong of the private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef returns to the Bloomingdale’s for a cooking demonstration.
Chef Chris will prepare a mouthwatering menu and give tips about ingredients and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite recipes:
• Fattoush Salad with Lemon Pomegranate Dressing
• Duroc Pork Chop, Apple Calvados Sauce
• Chocolate Risotto
Mark your calendar for October 20, 2-4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago. Culinary Kitchen on 1.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact Gerardo Valadez, 312.324.7678.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
My Private Chef, Inc
312.914.5225
www.myprivatechef.net
Become a Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/
Elite Traveler Magazine – Global Black Book – Chicago’s Most Accomplished Luxury Private Chef
Chicago Magazine, “63 Ways to Pamper Yourself” – Luxury Private Chef Service
North Shore Magazine “Cooking Your Heart Out” – Luxury Private Chef for Romantic Dining
