Your Friday Food Buffet
By Chuck Sudo in Food on Apr 20, 2007 4:38PM
Your theme this week, in honor of Earth Day/Week/Month: "Being Green." This is the song that Kermit the Frog made famous, but Ray Charles did a knockout version of it, and our favorite take on the song has to be Van Morrison's version from 1973's Hard Nose the Highway. It's so good, we insist on this song being played while our casket's being lowered to the ground. Let's dive in, shall we?
Moo Moo, I Love You: Saloon Steakhouse on Michigan Avenue has become more eco-friendly, using biodegradable takeout containers and bags, and switching to recycled plastics. They've also launched a new lunch menu that places an emphasis on using sustainable, organic, locally grown products. You can check out the lunch menu here.
Blue Tooth: In conjunction with Eckhart Park Earth week a "Blueberry Madness" pie contest and tart sale is being held next Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. All proceeds go to the park's garden club to purchase seeds and plants. Among the judges will be the Reader's Mike Sula, Time Out Chicago food and drink critics Heather Shouse and David Tamarkin, pastry chef Christine McCabe (of the late, lamented Sugar), and Kendall College chief instructor Chris Quirk. The contest is co-sponsored by chef Susan Goss and West Town Tavern. Those of you who think you have what it takes to win this contest can download an entry form here or pick up one at the Eckhart Park Field House, 1851 W. Chicago Ave.
Required Reading: Author Jean Iversen will be signing copies of the latest edition of her book BYOB Chicago from 3-5 p.m. at Barnes & Noble's Webster Place store.
Tiny Bubbles: Now that they're fully settled into their new digs in Tree Studios, Pops for Champagne is getting down to the business of celebrating their golden anniversary. Chef Andre Christopher has put together a $25 tasting menu of some of his more popular menu items, they'll be pouring some rare champagnes for the same price, and they'll be giving away gift certificates every fifteen minutes (or quarter-hour) between 4 p.m. and midnight. Attendees can listen to Willie Pickens in the jazz club, and Pops will be giving away a methusela of champagne, equal to eight bottles. Seating is first come, first served; Pops is not accepting reservations for this event.
I'm Eating the Ribbon. He's Eating the Ribbon.: The annual Dining Out for Life event brings together over 80 restaurants who donate their receipts for the evening to HIV/AIDS research. The success of the event is determined by getting the word out and dining at one of the participating restaurants on that day. An up-to-date list of participating establishments can be found here.
Silly Rooster: Bernard LeCoq is celebrating the 34th anniversary of his Lincoln Park bistro Café Bernard next Monday and Tuesday with a $34 two-course dinner for two.