Lookingglass Theatre, Frontera Grill and Silverguy Entertainment present Cascabel

Five week limited run from March 21 – April 22, 2012 at the Lookingglass Theater on Michigan at Pearson in Chicago. Tickets are on sale online, by phone, (312) 337-0665 or at the Lookingglass Theatre box office. Each ticket includes hors d’oeuvres, a three course dinner, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Cascabel Opening Night

Lookingglass Theater is offering a limited number of Opening Night packages for 2 which include an overnight stay at the Park Hyatt Chicago on Michigan Avenue, tickets to Cascabel for its official opening on March 24^th and the after party with Rick and the rest of the cast that evening back at the Park Hyatt. For reservations or more information contact Sarah Gehrki at 773-477-9257 ext. 116 or  
sgehrki@lookingglasstheatre.org

Food and Wine Magazine's "Chefs Make Change" Campaign Wraps up

This charitable campaign that benefits the Frontera Farmer Foundation will end on February 15^th, so this is our last pitch to encourage you to contribute. Just go to the Frontera Farmer Foundation donate page and give any amount that you feel comfortable with. No amount is too small. Type in the amount you want to donate in the "other" box and in the dedication box, type in "Chefs Make Change".

The deadline for applications is rapidly approaching. All applications must be in by Feb. 28^th. There’s still time to apply, here’s the link to the application.

It’s that time of year that farmers and avid gardeners alike start picking out the items that they will be planting this season. Since there’s always a lot of interest in what we’re growing both in Rick’s garden and the rooftop, I thought I would have a conversation with Bill Shore, our master gardener, about what his plans are for this season.

 

In other news, I’ve included information about Cascabel and the opening night package that’s being offered. Reminders about the Chefs Make Change program that benefits our Frontera Farmer Foundation and the FFF grant applications Feb. 28^th deadline. Information on restaurant week, Tortas Frontera's Grand Opening in the American Terminal, plus this month's gadget.

 

Finally, check out my Valentine’s menu to create your own romantic evening at home.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I created 4 recipes that you can use to make a fabulous dinner for 2.  I’ve started off this meal with a delicious appetizer, Goat Cheese and Mushroom Pinwheel Tarts. For the main course, a Roasted Lobster Tail with Meyer Lemon-Chipotle Aioli, paired with a Butter Lettuce, Blood Orange and Avocado Salad. The grand finale is a Chocolate Chile Mousse. These dishes, plus Jill’s wine recommendations, should equal a night to remember. 

Gadget Adventures

KitchenArt Pro 55210 Adjust-A-Cup 2-Cup Measuring Cup

The plunger is made from durable metal and the sleeve is made from polymer.  It can be used for both liquid and dry ingredients, but it’s especially useful for sticky ingredients like honey, peanut butter or mayonnaise to name just a few and it’s dishwasher safe, which makes it easy to clean. Just set the plunger for the amount you need and then push it up through the sleeve to release your ingredient. The sleeve is marked for pint, cups, ounces and millimeters. I found it on the Amazon site for under $10.

Giving Back

I first heard of this charity through my public library when they held a drive earlier this winter. The organization was founded 10 years ago with the mission of providing pajamas and books to youngsters in need, who are living in group homes and shelters. Since its inception, they have distributed over 1 million new pajamas and new books in the US and around the world. They have identified this time of year as the “Danger Season” when the need for warm pj's reaches a critical stage. Your donation not only provides for the physical needs of these children, but also fills a very real emotional void as well. For more information about this worthy cause, check out their web site.