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August Specials from Kurman Clients

kurmanstaff — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:39:00 +0000

As the summer begins to wind down, Kurman clients are still going strong as they offer great deals throughout the month of August. Take a look at what they are featuring:

Max’s on the Green
621 Westley Rd., Glencoe, Ill.
(847) 835-3686
www.cateringbymaxs.com

As of June 15, Max’s on the Green opened at Glencoe Golf Club providing tasty food for both golfers and non-golfers alike. What used to be a typical golf course food concession has now transformed into a casual full-service restaurant for dinner, with fresh, prepared-to-order counter-side service for breakfast and lunch.

For dinner, Max’s on the Green offers a more expansive menu including appetizers and entrées. Appetizer selections include Shrimp in red pepper sauce ($5.50); Crab Cakes ($7.50); Chicken & vegetable pot stickers ($4.95); or Flat Bread Pizza ($5.95).

Max’s on the Green has delicious burgers like the Greg Norman Kobe Burger, the Greg “Shark” Norman’s 8-ounce beef burger grilled to perfection and served on a pretzel bun with lettuce and tomato, complimented with a choice of tobacco onion strings or crispy fries ($13.95). Add cheddar, American, bleu or Swiss cheese for an additional charge.

Entrées include Salmon Filet, pan seared with Chef’s special spice rub ($15.95); Tilapia, dredged in corn flour and lightly fried to golden brown ($13.95); 8-ounce Skirt Steak, seasoned and grilled, finished with compound butter ($16.95); or Ravioli, delicate pasta squares filled with spinach served with marinara sauce, ($12.95), or filled with lobster and served with a brown butter sauce ($16.95). All entrées are served with a starch and vegetables that change daily based on market fresh availability and Chef Ed’s preference. Entrées can be served with a choice of garden or Caesar salad for an additional charge.

Max’s on the Green will only remain open through October 31, so act quickly before the golfing season comes to an end.

About Max’s on the Green
Max’s on the Green is located 621 Westley Rd., Glencoe, Ill. and open for spring and summer, seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. through October 31. Reservations are not required, but are recommended for large parties and can be made at (847) 835-3686. For more information, please visit www.cateringbymaxs.com.

Pappadeaux
921 Pasquinelli Dr. Westmont, Ill.
(630) 455-9846
798 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill.
(847) 228-9551
www.pappadeaux.com

Now is the time to experience Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen’s delicious seafood at a bargain price. Pappadeaux offers seven lunch menu items for less than $10.

Try the Louisiana Gumbo & Garden Salad, a choice of a steaming bowl of gumbo or crawfish bisque and fresh garden salad ($7.95); Pappadeaux Steak Sandwich; grilled steak served on French bread bun with horseradish, mayonnaise, grilled onions, tomato and arugula, served with hand cut French fries ($9.95); Louisiana Gumbo & PoBoy, choice of half blackened catfish, fried shrimp or fried oyster poboy and a cup of gumbo or crawfish bisque ($8.95); PoBoys, choice of catfish, oyster, shrimp or shrimp and oyster on a freshly baked hoagie bun with coleslaw in a creamy rémoulade dressing, served with French fries ($9.95); Fried Shrimp, served with French fries ($9.95); Pan Grilled Tilapia, topped with toasted hazelnuts and brown butter, served with green beans and potatoes ($9.95); or Chicken Linguine Picayune; grilled chicken breast, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, garlic and extra virgin olive oil ($9.95).

Happy hour at Pappadeaux features more than 10 appetizers for less than $5 with a $2.50 minimum beverage purchase per person in the bar area. From 3-7 p.m. Monday through Friday snack on Green Bean Frit, with lemon aioli ($1.95); Beer Battered Pickles, with ranch dressing ($1.95); Catfish Beignets, with shoestring potatoes ($2.95); Crispy Orange Shrimp, tempura fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy sauce ($2.95); Blackened Boudin, with grilled toast points ($2.95); Petite PoBoy, choice of blackened catfish, fried shrimp or oyster ($3.95); King Crab Maki Roll, Alaskan king crab with cilantro, lime juice and a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce ($4.95); Tandoori Seared Salmon Sticks, with a pineapple glaze ($4.95); Mini Fondeaux, with blackened shrimp and crawfish with garlic bread ($4.95); and the Chef Selection Oysters, on the half shell-half dozen.

About Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is located in Chicago’s western suburbs (921 Pasquinelli Dr., Westmont, Ill.; 630-455-9846) and northwest suburbs (798 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill.; 847-228-9551). Pappadeaux’s Arlington Heights location is open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. For dinner, Pappadeaux is open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Pappadeaux in Arlington Heights serves brunch from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. every Sunday. Pappadeaux’s Westmont location is open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For dinner, Pappadeaux is open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information or to join Pappadeaux’s e-mail club, visit www.pappadeaux.com.

Sweet Baby Ray’s
800 E. Higgins Rd., Elk Grove Village, Ill.
(847) 437-9555
www.sbrbbq.com

August: Texas BBQ
During the hot month of August, Sweet Baby Ray’s introduces its version of Texas Brisket slow smoked and carved to order, offered lean or “with flavor,” served with the rich flavors from the deckle of the brisket. The special menu includes a trio of Texas flavors with smoked brisket, smoked sausage (imported from Southside Market in Elgin, Texas) and pork spareribs, all served Texas style with Sweet Baby Ray’s own Texas barbecue sauce, barbecue beans and potato salad, complimented with all-you-care-to-eat pickles, onions, jalapeño peppers, saltines and white bread ($11.49). Come in and experience a taste of Texas.

All-You-Can-Eat Pig Roast and End of Summer Barbecue Spectacular (August 23)
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. August 23 come in to Sweet Baby Ray’s and enjoy an all-you-can-eat pig roast. For just $19.99 for adults and $8.99 for children, feast on freshly made Bratwurst, Hot Dogs, Jalapeño Dogs, and Cheddar Brats hand crafted at Elburn Meat Market. The pig roast and end of summer barbecue are in addition to Sweet Baby Ray’s house specialties, Baby Back Ribs, Smoked Chicken, Beef Brisket and Roasted Corn on the Cob.

Taste Sweet Baby Ray’s homemade sides including deviled eggs, Cajun style potato salad, grilled vegetables, jalapeños, onions and fruit, along with fresh cornbread and more.

For the kids, check out the IBC root beer floats and Sweet Baby Ray’s novelty ice cream station.

Drinks are just $3.50 and include ice cold Shiner Bock beer, Shiner Black lager and Shiner Smokehaus.

Summer Take-Out Specials
On the go? Sweet Baby Ray’s offers take-out specials Monday through Friday, including its Full Slab Dinner, with two sides and cornbread for only $15 (only available until August 31). Monday special includes Sweet Baby Ray’s best selling Pork Sandwich, served with fries and a drink ($5.99); and on Tuesday, take home Jambalaya, served with a cup of gumbo and a drink ($8.99). Wednesday features ¼ Chicken, one side, cornbread and a drink ($6.99), along with All-You-Can-Eat Ribs for $16.99, which includes au gratin potatoes, coleslaw and cornbread; Thursday, enjoy a Boneless Rib Sandwich, with fries and a drink ($5.99); and celebrate Friday and taste Sweet Baby Ray’s Rib Tips Plate, served with fries, cornbread and a drink ($7.99).

Chicago BBQ Everyday
For years, Sweet Baby Ray’s has exceeded the expectations of its Chicago customers. Each Windy City patron has their favorite dish, from baby back ribs, to rib tips and hot links, but the high quality of food is what Sweet Baby Ray’s prides itself.

In addition to the specials during these summer months, customers can order the signature dishes from the original menu. A restaurant favorite and a top selling item is the Pulled Pork Sandwich, seasoned with Sweet Baby Ray’s special rub, smoked low and slow for up to 12 hours, hand pulled with love, and infused with The Boss for $8.99. True Sweet Baby Ray’s fans can enjoy A Full Slab of Baby Back Ribs for $19.99

Labor Day
Don’t forget Sweet Baby Ray’s is open for Labor Day. Pick up a special catering package that starts at $99.99, or stop in the restaurant to enjoy our Monday Buffet for just $10.99 that includes Rib Tips, Pulled Pork and Jerk Chicken.

About Sweet Baby Ray’s
Summer is coming to an end, so don’t forget to take advantage of the outdoor patio while it is still open. Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Restaurant is located at 800 E. Higgins Rd., Elk Grove Village, Ill. (847) 437-9555. The restaurant is open Monday and Tuesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday Noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 9 p.m. Sweet Baby Ray’s also offers a private room for special occasions. To learn more about Sweet Baby Ray’s, call (847) 437-9555 or visit online at www.sbrbbq.com.

Trattoria Isabella
217 N. Jefferson St., Chicago, Ill.
(312) 207-1900
www.trattoriaisabellachicago.com

Keep an eye out for Trattoria Isabella’s authentic, 12-inch homemade pizzas for lunch and dinner, baked in a brick-oven that comes straight from Italy. These pizzas are currently on the menu, but will be baked in the new oven come the end of August. Taste the difference and try the Margharita, mozzarella, tomato sauce and basil ($10.95); Isabella, bufala mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, arugula ($11.95); Pizza alla Paolo, prosciutto di Parma, fresh arugula ($12.95); Pizza Siciliana, cozze, shrimp, calamari, tomato sauce ($13.95 lunch/$14.95 dinner); Quattro Formaggi, Gorgonzola, mozzarella, parmigiano, Bel Paese ($12.95); Pizza Vegetable, zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms and asparagus ($11.95); Pizza Genovese, anchovies, mozzarella, tomato sauce and oregano ($12.95); and Pizza alla Mamma, Italian sausage, peppers and capricola ($11.95 lunch/$12.95 dinner).

About Trattoria Isabella
Trattoria Isabella is open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; for dinner from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Complimentary Parking is available in the lot at Fulton and Jefferson after 5 p.m. weekdays and all day on weekends. For reservations at Trattoria Isabella or for more information, please call (312) 207-1900 or visit www.trattoriaisabellachicago.com.

Trattoria Isabella brings fine Italian dining to Chicago's Fulton River District

kurmanstaff — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Chicagoans don’t have to venture far for an authentic Italian experience. Instead, head to the city’s Fulton River District and enjoy Trattoria Isabella (217 N. Jefferson St., 312-207-1900) offering fine Italian dining in a warm, contemporary setting.

Trattoria Isabella, which opened in March 2008, features an extensive menu of generous portions catering to many tastes. Executive chef, Michael Serratore, returned to his Italian roots to create the restaurant’s menu. After coming to the United States from Italy 25 years ago, Serratore honed his culinary skills in restaurants and hotels throughout the Chicago area before taking the helm at Trattoria Isabella.

“In Italy, it’s about bringing the pleasures of food to your table and making everyone feel like family,” says Serratore. “I was able to be able utilize several family recipes that have been handed down through multiple generations at Trattoria Isabella. I am happy to serve our customers as if they were my own family.”

General manager Paolo Capobianco, a veteran of the restaurant industry, understands that serving the customer is the key to a successful restaurant. “At Trattoria Isabella, the way we treat our customers defines who we are,” says Capobianco. “We provide our guests with high-quality, homemade ingredients in a welcoming setting to ensure their experience at Trattoria Isabella is superior.”

Trattoria Isabella’s menu consists of a number of classic Italian appetizers, salads and entrées. Appetizer selections include Calamari Fritti , deep fried calamari served with a spicy tomato sauce ($9.95); Bruschetta Italiana, fresh tomatoes, basil and capers on toasted bread ($5); and Carpaccio di Manzo, thin sliced, marinated raw beef topped with artichoke, hearts of palm and shaved Parmesan, served with olive oil and lemon dressing ($9.95).

Some of the salad options include Asparagus Salad, wrapped in prosciutto, topped with roasted red peppers, blue cheese and olives ($9.95); Caprese , traditional Italian salad with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella di bufala ($8.95); Spinach and Salmon, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, artichoke, grilled shrimp and walnuts served with a balsamic dressing ($12.95).

Trattoria Isabella offers a number of hearty pasta entrées including Penne Arrabiata, served with a fresh tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella ($12.95); Linguini Frutti di Mare, fresh calamari, clams, shrimp, scallops and mussels in a light red sauce ($23.95); Ravioli Quattro Formagi, the chef’s house-made four-cheese ravioli in a pine nut and sage butter sauce ($14.95); and Farfalle al Pollo, bow-tie pasta served with chicken, peas and porcini mushrooms in a pink tomato sauce ($14.95).

Other entrée selections include risotto, chicken, veal, fish and steak options like Risotto al Salmone, a classic risotto preparation with fresh salmon and an infusion of red sauce ($15.95); Involtini di Pollo, boneless chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese, fresh spinach and sun-dried tomato with a vodka sauce, served with roast potatoes and vegetables of the day ($16.95); Vitello Piccata, tender veal sautéed in olive oil with lemon and capers served with vegetables of the day ($19.95); Pesce alla Veneziana, sautéed white fish with garlic and capers in a white wine sauce ($16.95); and 16-ounce Filet Mignon served with vegetables of the day ($38.95).

Trattoria Isabella also offers burgers and panini sandwiches like the Neopolitan Burger, a half-pound chef’s specialty ground salmon burger ($9.95); Panino Modo Mio, the classic meatball sandwich on Italian bread ($7.95); Sausage and Pepper Sandwich ($7.95); and Panino Italiano, prosciutto and Genoa salami (or mortadella) ($7.95).

Trattoria Isabella’s new pizza oven, imported from Italy, is the key to the restaurant’s delicious,authentic pizza. Choices include Margharita, Mozzarella, tomato sauce and basil ($10.95); Isabella , Buffalo Mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and arugula ($11.95); Pizza alla Paolo, Prosciutto di Parma and fresh arugula ($12.95); Pizza Siciliana, cozze, shrimp, calamari and tomato sauce ($13.95); Quattro Formaggi, Gorgonzola, mozzarella, Parmigiano and Bel Paese ($12.95); Pizza Vegetable, zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms and asparagus ($11.95); Pizza Genovese, anchovies, mozzarella, tomato sauce and oregano ($12.95); and Pizza alla Mamma, Italian sausage, peppers and capricolo ($11.95).

Side items include steamed broccoli, sausage, homemade meat balls, spinach sauté and French fries ($3-$4.95).

Dessert options include a daily selection of homemade specialties, plus Gelato, Tiramisu and Cannoli which are available every day, ranging in price from $5 – $7.50.

The expansive wine list includes several wines by the glass in addition to a collection of more than 80 wines by the bottle imported from across the globe.

Trattoria Isabella has an 80-seat dining room with a fireplace, in addition to an expansive 30-seat bar and 100-seat outdoor patio with its own full bar. Private dining and special catering menus are also available for parties of up to 100 guests. Catch sporting events and other entertainment on one of the restaurant’s four 52″ flat-screen televisions. Trattoria Isabella’s free parking makes it convenient for neighborhood residents as well as business diners, with free parking offered after 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday.

Trattoria Isabella is located at 217 N. Jefferson St. in Chicago’s Fulton River District. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday until 11 p.m. Dinner is served Saturday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Trattoria Isabella offers free parking at Fulton and Jefferson after 4 p.m. weekdays and all day during the weekend. Reservations are recommended. For more information, visit www.trattoriaisabellachicago.com.

First Look: Trattoria Isabella*

noolives — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:51:04 +0000

Trattoria Isabella is a welcome addition to a mostly residential West Loop neighborhood in Chicago. Floor to ceiling windows allow natural light to flood this spacious, traditional Italian restaurant. With fresh fish flown in daily, homemade pasta and a moderately priced but extensive wine list, Isabella may just turn into a neighborhood hot spot.

Owner/co-chef Michael Serratore and other dapper Italian gentlemen make the rounds during service; the friendly wait staff promote huge portions of Calimari Fritti ($8.95), house made Gnocchi ($12.95), and Risotto Ai Funghi, prepared with a selection of locally grown mushrooms ($14.95). Involvtini Di Pollo, boneless chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese, fresh spinach and sun dried tomato with vodka sauce ($15.95) is a heavy hitter, while lighter options like Pesce Alla Veneziana, sauteed white fish with garlic and capers in a white wine sauce ($14.95) still satisfy.

Gnocci Alla Casa

Calamari Fritti

Risotto Ai Funghi

Trattoria Isabella offers free parking to its patrons and is slated to open an outdoor dining area with a full bar this summer. Lucky West Loopers can enjoy their espresso and Trattoria Isabella’s decadent tiramisu al fresco, just like Mama did back in the Old Country.

Trattoria Isabella

217 N. Jefferson St. at Lake St.

Chicago, IL

(312) 207-1900

*Originally Published in Centerstage Chicago.

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