Kicking off a Health-FULL 2011 with #FNIchat

How's your pantry? Ours still holds remnants of preparing too many batches of holiday cookies, so many snacks for those last-minute drop-in guests, and enough fixings to make a few amazingly over-the-top GoodFood Gatherings...

We're shifting gears now that the new year is in swing.  We're looking at getting back to a more healthy regime in our kitchen and our pantry.

Where to begin?

March is GREAT time to visit Chicago (Why?...Housewares!)

We're not crazy to suggest March is a fantastic time to visit Chicago.

Would you like a clue as to why?

It has ALOT to do with housewares...and our interests in identifying and sourcing the top essentials for a savvy host's entertaining needs.

Take a peek at this event update from The Savvy Host...Sweet Homestyle Chicago...and see if you don't agree!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Come on, 

baby don't you want to go...

Back to that same old place...

Sweet home Chicago.

- The Blues Brothers, lyrics by Robert Johnson

Highlight of 2010? Small acts of kindness...

The smallest act of kindness is worth more 
than the grandest intention.

Oscar Wilde

2010 was full of new friends, interesting encounters, creative collaborations, stimulating challenges, and ... a few hard bumps in the road!

Leaving the most meaningful impression throughout the excitement and chaos?  The kindness and hospitality we've experienced along the way...so many little moments of delight and pleasant surprise.  How lucky we have been...and we are!

Tomorrow we will share a list of top-tier savvy hosts we plan to rely for our entertaining lifestyle in 2011.  These will be special personalities and brands adding value to your savvy hosting for the many good food gatherings and celebrations to come in the next year.

For tonight, perhaps there's still enough time to add a few additional small acts of kindness to the history that will be 2010 by tomorrow morning.

Who knows? Maybe the ripple effect of a little action this evening on each of our parts will go a long way to securing a very happy new year for us all...

Thank you for your kindness in 2010 - and very warm wishes for a wondrous 2011!  

Happy New Year!!

"Sterling Cooper and You” How to Throw a 1960s Mad Men Inspired Party

We have the great pleasure of introducing a very special guest contributor.  Embodying the perfect mix of class, savvy & sass, Auntie Carrie's Speakeasy offers a spot-on perspective about entertaining.  Read on to enjoy her take on the quintessential 1960s "Mad Men" themed party.

Unless you are like Auntie and I, who run our own Speak Easy, (no address given. So please don’t ask), the theme of 1920s is so done. But what’s sexy right now? An equally inebriating decade: the 1960s. Throwing a 1960s Mad Men themed party will make you the talk of the town. This is how Auntie Carrie’s Speak Easy would do it: Of course, our simple “How to a Throw Party” rules apply.

1. The Classic Cocktail: Familiarize yourself with the drinks of the times. Unless you have a head for bartending, just learn how to make three Classics (proportions courtesy of Drinks Mixer. We would suggest a Martini, Tom Collins and a Manhattan. The Mad Men Site has a wonderful collection of drinks from the period. However, I take issue with their listing vodka as the primary ingredient in the Martini. Do have vodka as an option but do be prepared to make a classic Martini. Also, make sure to have a healthy supply of scotch, champagne, garnishes (cherries, lemons, straws, umbrellas, plastic monkeys) and a top notch looking bar.

Martini

75ml (or approx 2+ 1/2 oz) Gin

15ml (or approx 1/4 oz) Dry Vermouth

1 green olive OR a twist of lemon peel

Tom Collins

2 oz gin

1 oz lemon juice

1 tsp superfine sugar

3 oz club soda

1 maraschino cherry

1 slice orange

Manhattan

3/4 oz sweet vermouth

2 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey

1 dash Angostura® bitters

1 maraschino cherry

1 twist orange peel

2. Party Punch.We believe every party should have a signature drink. Sometimes your friends have no idea what they want. Why waste time deciding when they should be drinking? We suggest a Brandy Punch:

Behind the bar at Foodies' Night In (8/9)

At a local haunt, there's a tradition of ringing an old bell promptly each day at 5p.  The context for the tradition is that when the neighborhood was an old meat-packing district, the locals would listen for the bell to know it was time to join together to raise a glass with good friends and colleagues to toast and give thanks to the completion of another day's work. 

We like the tradition of a cocktail hour - and highlighted it in 10 Trends in Savvy Entertaining.  as a chance to transition from the hectic work day into a more personal mode and lifestyle.  Whether your libation is beer, wine, or mixed cocktail, we think that it's a valuable time of day to take a breath, and to enjoy exchanging a few ideas, swap a few stories and sharing some laughs.

Perfect topic for our friends - old & new - joining Foodies' Night In - It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere - on Monday, 9 August.

This week's Sponsor happens to fit well into our cocktail hour gameplan - Crispin Cider.  We're big fans of cider - and have had the pleasure of enjoying almost all of the Crispin products this summer!  A little about Crispin -

Classically refined, but not styled as a traditional "sweet beer" beer alternative, Crispin ciders are crisp and clean, not sweet and sticky and never sacrifice superior quality refreshment satisfaction for overbearing complexity.  Always true to the apple, Crispin Hard Ciders are naturally fermented using apple juice, never from apple juice concentrate, from a premium blend of US West Coast apples, with no added malt, grape wine or spirit alcohol. Crispin’s unique flavors are smoothed with pure apple juice or from natural sugar sources like oragnic honey or organic maple syrup, and contain no added colorants, sorbate or benzoate preservatives and are filtered cold for crisp refreshment. Crispin ciders are all Gluten Free for the wheat-intolerant person.

We're looking forward to learning more from them about how they enjoy happy hour - and what interesting signature cocktails can be made with cider.

Eco-Entertaining: How Green is Your Coffee?

Introducing a very special guest contributor in the Savvy Experts in Entertaining series - Christopher Burke of Morning Glory Coffee & Tea Inc.  A savvy host or hostess understands the important role that coffee or tea plays in capping off an exceptional gathering.  


The Savvy Host is a big fan of the coffee and tea traditions supported by Morning Glory Coffee & Tea and proud to share this interesting perspective.

Specialty, gourmet, single origin, organic, shade friendly, fair-trade, the list seems to be endless, but where do the coffees we love, actually come from.


A new shipment of green (unroasted) coffee arrived at our location in West Yellowstone, Montana yesterday. Receiving a shipment always seems tantamount to a miracle considering the distance and intensive labor it takes to grow, process, cup, grade and ship coffee. Almost every day and especially days when we receive a shipment of coffee, I will be asked the same simple (with a complicated answer) question. “Where do you get your coffee?” I am sure that every coffee roasting company in the world will at some point be asked this question. 

Initially, I will smile and say “from around the world” hoping that this will suffice and the questioner will enjoy a cup or purchase a bag and move on. Unfortunately this is not the answer that most people are seeking and I then must do my best to shrink the entire coffee industry from tree to cup into a few sentences that will most certainly not do it justice and at the same time confuse and confound my customer. So having said that, I will now try and explain where we get our coffee without getting into too much trouble.

Don't miss Foodie's Night In - We're Fine Cooking at Home!!

Today is going to be such a DELICIOUS day...and could be a very LUCKY one for you!!

We've got a full roster of Fine Cooking editorial expertise lined up to join us for today's Foodies Night In (#fni)!  If you missed Editor Laurie Buckle on What's Hot Radio hosted by Cooking with Caitlin, here's a second chance to get to know a creative force behind Fine Cooking.  What a huge treat!

Here's the full line-up of experts ready to help all savvy hosts and fellow foodies with our fine cooking at home interests, issues and questions:

~ @finecooking and @FC_Laurie - the epicurean editorial team of Fine Cooking including @FC_Laurie @FC_Lisa @FC_Juli @evanbarbour and others!
~ @DorieGreenspan - author of Around My French Table
~ @AbbyDodge - author of Desserts 4 Today
~ @MaitreFromager - Max McCalman, author of Mastering Cheese: Lessons for Conoisseurship from a Maitre Fromager
~ @midwestculinary - The Midwest Culinary Institute
~ @foodandstyle - culinary creative Viviane Bauquet Farre of Food & Style

AND, if that's not enough to get your mouth watering, Kitchen Aid is joining the party with a fantastic PRIZE for the giveaway...keep reading!!

A Toast To The Hosts: Organize a Drink-Themed Progressive Dinner!

Photo credit: Sebastian Pothe

Introducing our next guest contributor in the Savvy Experts in Entertaining series, author Felicia Coley of The Well-Heeled Society. Sign us up for this dinner party idea!

It may take a village to raise a child, but it only takes a few swanky neighbors to raise a toast to a drink-themed progressive dinner party! 

Photo credit: Gözde Otman 

In keeping with the state of the economy, a progressive dinner is the poshly frugal answer to group entertaining.  Done in the radius of a neighborhood block, condo highrise or apartment building, each host has a minimal monetary obligation.  This list of recipes for five hosts will serve at least eight people, providing the fact that the hosts may involve singles and couples (adjust accordingly for your event).

Once a date and time is confirmed by all neighbors involved, it's a matter of deciding which hosts serves what.  Cheers! 

7 Gift Ideas for the Foodie Host

Secret Stash Salt Chorizo

Heading to a dinner party or other occasion where the host is a gourmet or fellow foodie?  Practicing the art of being a gracious guest, and looking for an appropriate host gift? (See prior post, The Art of Being a Gracious Guest as needed.)

Not interested in offering them the "same old same old"?

Here's a quick list of hot hostess/host gift ideas (around $25 and some conveniently available ONLINE) sure to please their palate!  We added a few of our favorite examples...but don't hesitate to share a few of your own!

Relaxing into the Spa Kitchen: Foodies Night In (7/19)

Join us for a Foodies' Night In focused on the ultimate spa kitchen along with dynamic & vibrant Cooking with Caitlin gals, Girlfriendology, Cozi Family and this week's special host, Art of the Spa. 

A little about this special perspective from the founder, Candy - 

We’re taking spa out of the  bathroom and bedroom & spreading it around your entire home.   Take a tour on our website of each of our rooms to find design & living tips for every place in your abode .  

Or take your own Spa Around the World trip by exploring “In-spa-rational Spas”.  For an instant break check out Virtual Escapes.  Enjoy & stop by often.  

So, this Monday's FNI will focus on how to turn your house into the haven it should be beginning with the heart of your home - the kitchen.

Which experts will be joining the fun this week?
~ @cupboards - Home-grown Southern Kitchen & Bathroom Design/Consultation- Musings and activities from our day.
~ @NoirBlancDesign - creatively obsessed Social Media Evangelist. Luxury, Style, Beach, Historical Pres.,cause. Creator #IntDesignerChat. 
~ @Susanserrackd - Certified Kitchen Designer, Cert. Aging in Place Specialist.
~ @countertoplady - an interior designer/sales manager for the largest countertop fabricator (all types of solid suface, granite and quartz) in the southeast.

~ @sieguzi - registered interior designer, certified kitchen designer, writer,public speaker,mom, karaoke queen.

Value Wine Quest - Pinot Noir for Entertaining

For sipping and sharing with guests, we like Pinot Noir - but often DON'T like the price.


We've also stumbled across more than a few bottles that have a great price, but we might as well have been drinking water (expensive water at that!).  And in keeping with 10 Trends in Savvy Entertaining for 2010, we're drinking "only wines we love".

What's so special about Pinot Noir (grapes pictured left)?  Our go-to savvy resource for all things wine, wine.com, offers the following description -

Just as Merlot was pooh-poohed by Miles in Sideways, Pinot Noir was worshiped in its glorious difficulty. Pinot Noir is a finicky grape. It only grows in the right climate, with the right soils and the right care. Perhaps because it is so difficult is why it is so loved. Pinot Noir's home and the classic wines from the grape hail from Burgundy...Other than Burgundy, Pinot has been successful in areas like Oregon, California and lately, New Zealand - the Central Otago region to be exact. 

• Pinot Noir from France gives flavors and aromas of red fruit, summer pudding and baking spices. As the wine matures - and great Burgundies are able to do so for years - the flavors become more like the earth the wine comes from- mushrooms, truffles - and the wine gains tremendous complexity. 
• Pinot Noir from the new world like Oregon and California typically exude stronger fruit intensity, some wine able to reach a high level of complexity, structure and age. Others are wonderful for drinking now with a myriad of foods. 

Many may wax poetic about this grape, the reason being that Pinot Noir produces an amazing contradiction in wine - something so delicate and subtle, yet powerful and mesmerizing. 

Serving Pinot Noir is easier than you think.  Even though its red, you shouldn't hesitate to consider it a perfect match to grilled fish or a fish-based dish such as Pasta alla Pescatore or Paella.  When we prepare Bruscetta with roasted wild mushrooms, pork tenderloin wrapped in pancetta or beef brisket, we often reach for one of our favorite Pinot Noirs to enjoy.  And it's not just for mediterranean cuisine!  Pinot Noir also pairs well with many Indian, Thai and Malaysian recipes.

Here are a few Pinot Noirs we find delicious in taste, and deliciously affordable (under $20) for entertaining.  Tasting notes from the winery or winemaker are included.

Taking Your Coffee in Style

We love our morning latte.  Okay, we also love our afternoon macchiato and our evening doppio...even the mid-meeting French press is enjoyable.

It's not (just) the caffeine jolt that is addictive.  It's the ceremony of the coffee.  The ritual we associate with the serving and the sipping of the bean.

One of most social experiences is to share a coffee and a chat - whether at Starbucks, in the corporate break room, at the corner coffee shop, or al bar in Roma.  How diverse can a "coffee break" be? Take a look at 5 Unique Coffee Traditions from Around the Globe - not sure we can check the experience box next to more than two of these traditions.

We also find the offering of coffee to be a significant part of any gathering - whether during brunch or after a luncheon or with cognac following dinner.  There's a trend to get back to basics in our lives - and this means making the time to enjoy the simple things, including each other.

Moral to the story?  Don't underestimate the significance of offering - and taking - your coffee in style.   Add this facet to your plan for organized entertaining.

How you serve and take your coffee is an opportunity to communicate style - do you like oversized ceramic mugs?  Is there a corporate brand on your cup?  Stylish espresso cups & saucers?  Demitasse spoons?  Turkish style in copper pots?  Fine china?  French press?  Carafe?

Celebrating Spring with Second City Soiree...

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"  ~Robin Williams

Over at Second City Soiree (a blog we love!) we've been considering creative ideas for dining decor that celebrate all that is wonderful about spring.  

Today's post, Dining Decor to Celebrate Spring, offers some of the ways we're setting the table for springtime entertaining.

Greenery ~ market produce ~ renewal ~ flowers ~ refresh ~ bright colors ~ rain showers ~ fresh flavors ~ textures ~ (and a little dirt under our fingernails ;-) 

Take a minute to hop over to grab some fresh spring ideas...and to share any you might have!

Cocktail Trend ~ 3 Tequilas to Sip & Savor

A lesson in tequila courtesy of Joe Jack's Fish Shack in (Viejo) Puerto Vallarta ~ don't miss the opportunity to enjoy some of the freshest seafood in town while there...

Tequila, it turns out, can be as sophisticated as single-malt Scotch or the finest boutique Bourbon.  Too many of us only experience tequila in margaritas (though not a bad introduction) or one-too-many single shots (when the brand or quality only matters for the 1st round..).  Thanks to the well-informed team at Joe Jack's Fish Shack, we learned to appreciate the trend to honor Tequila as a more complex and worldly libation.

Need some further details & context for Tequila?  Los Cabos Magazine's Tequila - A Bit of History is a worthwhile read...

Back to our tasting lesson results, here are three new "amigos" that we sipped and savored ~ each one is 100% agave but differ greatly in taste and style.  As you read our notes, consider whether tequila might play a key role in the bar basics for your next gathering.

Guest Etiquette Tip: Don't Forget a Gift for the Host!

Following up on an entertaining etiquette post earlier this year, we thought we'd offer some ideas to help gracious guests with what to bring the host or hostess.  Here's a short list of items ~ all around $40 or less ~ shared by other Savvy Hosts as hostess gifts they greatly enjoyed receiving (or giving!).

1. Flowers or potted plant ~ fresh cut flowers are always appropriate, but if you are feeling a little creative, consider a seasonal green plant or potted herbs (see Photo from www.proflowers.com).  Note: if you are incredibly organized, you can arrange for these to be delivered directly to the host on the day of the event ~ we use ProFlowers for easy online ordering and delivery (flowers arrive in a long box!).

2. Wine or champagne ~ this can be a challenge if your host is a sommelier (or similar), but don't stress too much on the points and ratings.  Either bring a bottle of something you know and enjoy ~ or simply ask at the wine store for an "interesting" recommendation within your price range.  For a celebration, a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne is a guaranteed winner ~ and even authentic French Champagne can be found around $30-$35.

3. Chocolates or candy ~ even local grocery stores now stock gourmet chocolate truffles and sea-salt caramels.  It's easier than ever to find a lovely gift box of something sweet to offer your host. The Savvy Host is crazy for Vosges ~ conveniently available online, at Whole Foods, and in the airport!!

4. Nuts or specialty snack ~ prefer salty rather than sweet?  There are many options to choose from - but try to find items that are well-packaged for a gift.  We like the 1lb assorted tins from Garrett's Popcorn (a Chicago classic starting at $28) or Dean & Deluca's Asian Snack Mix ($14) or Harvest Nut Mini Bar ($22) both available online.

5. Specialty Candle or Soap ~ we're not referring to tapers or a box of Irish Spring of course ;-)  Our favorite candles are 100% soy Colette's Candles, packaged in an elegant mini-hatbox in such delicious scents as French Fig, Mod Lavendar, Southern Pear and California Chai ranging from $18-$26 (available from SavvyHostMarket!).  Gift sets of hostess soaps are also a good idea - Mistral offers a beautiful wooden gift box set of 9 bars for $19!.

6. Serving Piece or Utensil - there are many unique and distinctive serving utensils or pieces that could make a perfect gift for the host, especially if their event or gathering is more elaborate.  We like Wild Eye Design's High-Heel Cake Server ($20), our Bauhaus Bread/Fruit Basket in Red, Black or Silver ($26.95 - see photo below) or the Island Bamboo Salad & Pasta Servers ($24.99) from Amazon.

7. Hors d'Oeuvres accessory - especially around a holiday occasion, we find that sets of accessories to use with the cocktail nibble or hors d'oeuvres are appreciated.  Cheese knives or spreaders are very popular hostess gifts.  Even a special demitasse spoon set for the host who loves their cappuccino or tea works well. 

8. Napkin Rings - One of the easiest ways for a hostess to update table decor is with a unique set of napkin rings. And, with so many hosts and hostesses focusing on "green" entertaining and eco-friendly households, there is renewed interest in using cloth napkins which beg for napkin rings.  Stockholm Enamel Napkin Rings in Black & White (set of 4, $19.95) pictured to the right with the Bauhaus Bread/Fruit Basket.

9. Wine or Bar accessories - another creative area of host gifts revolves around the bar and around wine.  Hosts and hostesses will enjoy accessories that add pizzazz to their wining & cocktail-ing including wine stoppers, wine drip collar, or wine grips, specialty olive & garnish picks, and humorous cocktail napkins.

10. Themed item to match the occasion - if the gathering has a theme - a "Mexican Fiesta" or an "afternoon BBQ" or an "Italian Pasta Night" consider bringing a hostess gift to complement the theme ~ a CD of Louis Prima music, or a Molcajete (pictured above from Crate & Barrel, at $32.95) for making guacamole, or Grill Charms (pictured below at $19.95) for the BBQ enthusiast who has every possible grilling accessory.

The moral of the story ~ a gracious guest doesn't forget a host/hostess gift!  Any of these gift ideas ~ and so many more creative options within a reasonable budget ~ will keep you on any Savvy Host's "A" list.

10 Trends in Savvy Entertaining (for 2010)

(French Cheese&Wine arrangement 

from www.williamssonoma.com)

Already in January, we see a shift in the focus, style and flair of entertaining for this year.  People are looking to enjoy time together and to appreciate what's good in our lives.

We've been giving this some thought ~ here's what's top of mind for The Savvy Host's entertaining in 2010.
  
(1) Revisiting the Cocktail Hour - it's the bewitching hour that transitions you from hectic worklife to relaxed socializing.  We see it taking back it's place as a significant part of entertaining.  Key players in the cocktail hour will be some refreshing twists on old traditions ~ White Cosmopolitan, Rose Royale ~ availability of nonalcoholic options ~ and even greater diversity of microbrews and craft beers.  21 Must Try Classic Cocktail Recipes at The Intoxicologist is a good place to start. 

(Photo credit: Antonis Achilleos, Elle Decor)

(2) Fresh means seasonal - more and more we see fresh and natural ingredients for menu and for decor shifting with what is seasonally available.  Taking advantage of what's best in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter requires a little creativity, but is worth it in terms of taste and diversity.
  

(Artichoke arrangement www.crateandbarrel.com)

(3) Only Wines We Love - a $10 bottle of wine is still a waste of $10 if you don't like the taste.  We see savvy hosts and guests opting for value ~ and willing to savor what they truly enjoy rather than swigging carafes of something less than desirable.  This doesn't rule out consideration of inexpensive wines.  We love our Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon (~$15) and our Chateau St. Michelle Chardonnay (~$12).   The point is to find what you enjoy - and to savor it!

(4) Eclectic Gatherings - getting together will take on a variety of formats in 2010 as savvy hosts optimize what they have in the way of time and budget for entertaining.  Dessert bars, tea time, cheese & wine events, games & pizza nights, and lazy afternoon BBQs will flourish - along with many other creative ideas.


(5) Back to Basics with Traditional Recipes - comfort foods give the feeling of being warm, safe and loved.  Many times, these traditional recipes involve inexpensive ingredients as well - think Pot Roast (epicurious.com), Meatballs (Bon Appetit), Cincinnati Chili (Saveur), Southern Fried Chicken (Fine Cooking).  We see these basics continuing to play a key role in entertaining this year.

(6) Plate Geometry ~ Veggies Taking Over the Neighborhood - for 2010, we will embrace Ellie Krieger's "The New Geometry of the Plate" (Fine Cooking) and share the majority of "plate real estate" with the vegetables for a healthier serving style.

(7) Mix & Match Guests - entertaining offers the opportunity to reconnect ~ we see this in terms of mixing and matching friends & business colleagues at gatherings.  Don't be surprised at the diversity of connections and interests at the next dinner or cocktail party you attend.  And don't be afraid to mix it up at your next gathering!  All we know is that good business grows from great relationships...why not use a little entertaining to support economic renewal?

(Photo credit White House Flickr.com)

(8) Decor - Strong, Natural & Impressive - there is renewed interest in strong, basic elements for dining decor, tabletop and home ambiance.  From the simplicity of potted green grass or herbs ~ or a centerpiece of artichokes ~ to the whimsy of crocodile salt & pepper shakers intricately playing on the table ~ to the beauty of cascading lemons brightening the entryway.  Functional and sometimes whimsical shapes and forms will take priority - along with an emphasis on natural materials and elements.  This seems to be an intentional move away from opulence and over-the-top extravagance as we refocus on the beauty of basics and essentials...

(9) Where to invest? Quality Kitchen Tools! - the best way to play up the amazing ingredients you are preparing is with the right kitchen and cooking tools.  Invest in the slow-cooker ~ mandoline ~ zester ~ chicken roaster or other cookware needed to make menu preparation fun and to get the most out of your kitchen efforts!

(10) Restaurants are a Cultural Center - from wine demos to baconfest (The Publican), from specialty menus celebrating "Truffles (Vie Restaurant)" to chef's tables, we see our favorite restaurants becoming a favorite cultural center for gourmet interests.  We take cooking classes, guest bar-tend and join CSAs through our favorite dining out locations.  We see this trend continuing to support "foodie" interests by offering a combination of cultural entertainment with exceptional cuisine.

(Crocodile salt & pepper shakers available from www.TableArtOnline.com)

Overall, we see 2010 as a time of renewal ~ giving every savvy host an opportunity to refocus their entertaining on what matters most - bringing people together in enjoyable surroundings ~ offering good food & drink ~ sharing stories, ideas, laughter, .. life.

What do you see as your entertaining priorities and interests in 2010?

tips for entertaining out

Sharing a no-fail "entertaining out" option with our savvy host friends...

Consider taking friends or business colleagues to one of the numerous wine-dinners at local restaurants.  These organized evenings typically include four (often more) courses of the restaurant's specialities, paired with the featured winemaker's selections.  With the meal and the wine selected, more attention can be paid to good conversation and sharing life.

We've noted these events at restaurants in our area to be priced as low as  $60/person including the food and wine.  Certainly, the more exclusive the restaurant, the more expensive the wine, the more expensive the price per person.  

We recently participated in a Sonoma Cutrer wine dinner at The Clubhouse in Oakbrook, Illinois ~ the fantastic meal is detailed in the menu card, along with the amazing wines from our beloved Sonoma Cutrer.  NOTE:  we are on a quest to find a case (or 2!) of their Pinot Noir...unforgettable introduction... This dinner was $80/person (but hey, did you see they were serving Les Pierres??).  A similar 4-course dinner coming up in September is $70/person.

As restaurants continue to create delicious reasons to visit them again (& again), you might be surprised to find such a wine event at your favorite dining out location.   Consider it a great reason for scheduling an evening out with friends (and if there is Sonoma Cutrer Pinot Noir involved, we'll likely see you there...)