Chicago Restaurant Week, which ends February 3rd, features over 350 participating restaurants offering unbeatable prix fixe menus for a set price of just $25 for brunch/lunch and $42 or $59 for dinner.
Additionally, there are dozens of acclaimed Michelin- and James Beard Award-winning spots on the list this year, an affordable way to experience more of Chicago’s creative, fine-dining scene: https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/dining/fine-dining-chicago-restaurant-week/Search the Participating Restaurants Guide to reserve your place; the website enables you to search via cuisine or neighborhood, indicate dietary preferences (gluten-free, vegetarian/vegan), and support women-owned and minority-owned businesses.
After, the companion cocktail lounge of Ever which is the stand-in for the Copenhagen restaurant where Chef Marcus perfects his dessert skills, is offering a 3-course dinner for $59 (*beverage tax and gratuity not included). Photo courtesy
Avec, where Chef Syd gets a pre-service sneak peek and gets advice from famed Chicago restaurateur Donnie Madia is offering a 2-course brunch at $25 per guest, 3-course lunch at $25 per guest or 4-course dinner at $59 per guest (*beverage tax and gratuity not included).
Publican Quality Meats, where Chef Syd gets a butcher lesson from PQM’s very own Rob Levitt, is serving up a dinner menu for $59 (*beverage tax and gratuity not included).
There are dozens of acclaimed Michelin- and James Beard Award-winning spots on the list this year, an affordable way to experience more of Chicago’s creative, fine-dining scene.
Though Mobile is a great place to visit any time of the year, this coastal Alabama city has rung in the new year with an impressive dedication to cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for Black History Month. Conde Nast Traveler took note and included Mobile on its “Best Places to Go in 2024” list, in part for the city’s strides in cultural development and dedication to celebrating its African American history.
Last July, the inspirational story of the 110 survivors of the last slave ship to enter the United States, the Clotilda, and the town they created just outside of Mobile in the late 1800s was shared with the world through the opening of “Clotilda: The Exhibition”at Africatown Heritage House. This was a pivotal moment in the city’s commitment to embracing its African American heritage. As of this month, Africatown Heritage House is offering group admission to schools, churches and other groups, helping to increase the number of people who can visit in person and learn more about this fascinating story.
Though the opening of Africatown Heritage House was certainly a big part of Mobile’s story of cultural development, there’s plenty more to experience in the city during Black History Month and beyond. Here’s a sampling of both what is new and what’s to come later in the year, for those planning ahead:
This past October, the new Historic Avenue Cultural Center debuted its first exhibit, entitled “Remembering the Avenue,” which tells the story of Mobile through the eyes of Black residents, both past and present. The exhibit will run through the end of this year. The center itself is of tremendous historical significance, as it was the city’s Black library before it became the National African American Archives & Museum and eventually the cultural center.
Mobile is also developing a Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District, which will be located along the Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Corridor. This area was an economic hub for the Black community during the era of segregation. Churches, schools, and other sites throughout the district will become permanent landmarks and the city is in the process of building a memorial park that will be a gateway to the district.
The Isom Clemon Civil Rights Memorial Park is set to open in early spring. The park is located on a site where leaders of the city’s Civil Rights Movement met, and a series of statues by local artists will commemorate their efforts and detail the movement in the city.
To round out a journey and to get full insight into Mobile’s Black history and the countless contributions of Black Mobilians throughout the years, take a tour of stops along the Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail(DFFAAHT). There are trail markers all over the city for a self-guided tour, but a two-hour guided bus tour offers a very personal and comprehensive way to experience the sites.
No trip to Mobile is complete without sampling the city’s unique food scene, especially since 2024 has been officially declared the Year of Food by the State of Alabama. Ginger & Spice and Kanary Bar are just a few of the Black-owned restaurants to try during a visit.
From historical sites to special exhibits to exciting new developments on the horizon, this city offers a unique opportunity to learn about and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans. To experience a destination that truly embraces its African American history and start planning a visit to Mobile, head to https://www.mobile.org/.
Fun heart-shaped opportunities and helicopter rides are all part of Grand Geneva Resort & Spa’s ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Love is in the air in Lake Geneva, WI. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, a Marcus® Hotels & Resorts property, sets the stage for engagements, anniversaries, and weddings year-round with its beautiful 1,300 acre Wisconsin countryside campus and luxe amenities. While the AAA Four Diamond resort always offers guests several opportunities to make romantic gestures, Grand Geneva offers an even grander experience in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has announced the return of and new addition to its annual whimsical Valentine’s Day offer. During the month of February, those looking for a big romantic gesture can once again book a private helicopter to fly over the resort’s famous heart-shaped pond. Taking this romantic offer to new heights this year, the resort’s special Valentine’s package now includes a dedicated 7-10 minute heart-shaped fireworks display.
These special over-the-top moments in the sky are available through the resort’s “The Sky’s the Limit: Fireworks and Flight Romance Experience at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.” The package includes two nights of luxury accommodations in the award-winning resort’s largest suite, a helicopter ride for two over Grand Geneva’s famous heart-shaped pond and around beautiful Lake Geneva, a private chef-prepared brunch for two inside one of the resort’s igloos with unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s and a $200 resort credit to be used towards relaxing WELL Spa + Salon treatments or cozy apparel from White River Gifts. New this year, a personally planned 7-10 minute fireworks display featuring an array of colorful shells, peonies, and hearts. You can’t put a price on love, but the cost of this special offer for sweethearts begins at $8,199.
To make Valentine’s Day weekend even more special, couples and foodie friends who enjoy fun culinary concepts can take advantage of the resort’s new Valentine’s weekend cooking class and dining experiences. On Saturday, February 10, Grand Geneva is hosting a full day of culinary experiences with its special Valentine’s Cooking Class and Dinner Experience at its acclaimed Ristoranté Brissago. Guests will engage in an afternoon Italian cooking class from 1pm-3pm CT with the resort’s Executive Chef Jonathan Gutierrez where they will learn how to prepare dishes such as Strawberry and Tomato Bruschetta, Pistachio Pesto Pappardelle, and Chocolate Tiramisu or a Tiramisu-inspired Cocktail, followed by a special private cocktail hour from 5pm-5:45pm. The evening continues with an exclusive 6-course dinner from 6-8pm featuring dishes such as Roasted Petite Filet and Shrimp, Stuffed Japanese Eggplant and Roasted Mushrooms, and Maca and Avocado Marshmallow. The price of this day-long romantic dining adventure is $250 per person and includes a complimentary couple’s gift bag.
Grand Geneva’s ChopHouse restaurant is also offering a special romantic dinner featuring limited-time dishes. Available February 13 through February 16, this 3-course dinner includes dishes such as Lobster Bisque, Cacao and Porcini Crusted Filet and Shrimp, Pan-seared Halibut and Oysters for $220 per couple.
Valentines who prefer a more low-key celebration can enjoy the resort’s “Love is Grand” package which includes sparkling wine and a $100 resort credit for a one night stay, and $200 resort credit with a two night stay – perfect for enjoying the spa and culinary offerings that Grand Geneva is known for.
For more information on packages, weddings, dining and more, visit grandgeneva.com
THE FLAVOR THESAURUS: More Flavors just received a great review from Booklist which said, “This follow-up to Segnit’s The Flavor Thesaurus will please all foodies who want to nerd out on the tiniest details of nature’s edible delights and their pairing potential. The prose hums with poetic cadence in descriptions such as caramel roasted, flower and meadow, creamy fruity, zesty woody, nutty milky, and animalic, making it a whimsical read for those who simply want to be delighted by a discussion of food … Clever, unusual, and overwhelmingly intriguing, part two of The Flavor Thesaurus adds pizzazz to cookbook collections with its offbeat, choose-your-own-adventure look at the possibility of flavor pairings today.”
Since its release in 2010, THE FLAVOR THESAURUS has become a favorite guide for culinary students, something of a “secret weapon” for chefs, including Yotam Ottelenghi, Samin Nosrat, Rukmini Iyer, Great British Bake Off finalists and winners John Waite, Frances Quinn, Ruby Tandoh, and more (see list below) and a handy tool for bartenders and serious home cooks for its hundreds of flavor combination pairings and inspired ingredients, as well as Segnit’s brilliant sense of humor and entertaining writing style.
Segnit returns with anew treasury of pairings – this time with plant-led ingredients. More Flavors explores the character and tasting notes of chickpea, fennel, pomegranate, kale, lentil, miso, mustard, rye, pine nut, pistachio, poppy seed, sesame, turmeric, and wild rice, as well as offering new takes on favorites like almond, avocado, garlic, lemon, and parsley from the original, then expertly teaches readers how to pair them with ingredients that complement. With her celebrated blend of science, history, expertise, anecdotes, pop culture, and signature humor, Niki Segnit’s More Flavors is a modern classic of food writing, and a useful, engaging reference book for every cook’s kitchen.
The book is divided into flavour themes including Meaty, Cheesy, Woodland and Floral Fruity. Within these sections it follows the form of Roget’s Thesaurus, listing 99 popular ingredients alphabetically, and for each one suggesting flavour matchings that range from the classic to the bizarre. You can expect to find traditional pairings such as pork & apple, lamb & apricot, and cucumber & dill; contemporary favourites like chocolate & chilli, and goat’s cheese & beetroot; and interesting but unlikely-sounding couples including black pudding & chocolate, lemon & beef, blueberry & mushroom, and watermelon & oyster.
There are nearly a thousand entries in all, with 200 recipes and suggestions embedded in the text. Beautifully packaged, The Flavour Thesaurus is a fascinating, highly useful, and covetable, reference book for cooking –
Segnit covers tried and true, yet creative pairings. A few sample combinations and excerpts that showcase the uniqueness of the book include:
White bean & garlic: Garlic is to the cannellini bean as Chanel No 5 was to Marilyn Monroe: it’s all it needs to wear.
Eggplant & Sesame: Eggplant bathes in sesame’s glory, whether in the form of oil, seeds or tahini. Paired with a milder tahini, cooked eggplant flesh can seem so sweet as to earn dessert status. It certainly exposes aubergine as a fruit.
Chive & Yogurt: A version of the sports-bar classic, sour cream and chive, for people who actually play sport. That said, for all its leaner, sharper taste, it still speaks loudly of the snack bowl, thanks to the mouth-filling combination of lactic tingle and sulphurous breath.
Mint & Date: Mint is never lovelier than on a date with a date.
Date & Coconut: Two palms meet in a round of applause. Mine would be for the glossy little coconut cakes, studded with date pieces, that my mother used to make. I liked them best before the batch cooled, when they were still sticky and tasted like coconut ice mashed with unset fudge.
Lemon & Fennel: As clean and uplifting as a piccolo duet.
Mustard & Turmeric: Turmeric is the wind beneath mustard’s wings. It’s responsible for the shade known as mustard yellow. How detectable the flavor of turmeric is in mustard depends on which seeds it is made with.
Lemon & Poppy seed: The flavor could have come from a newly discovered berry, the aromatic zing of citrus harmonized by the typically almond note in the poppy seed (apple, pear, apricot and cranberry all have seeds that taste almond-like). You might also consider poppy seed and lemon as a flavor combination for white chocolate, fresh pasta and pancakes.
Sweet Potato & Kidney Bean: A power couple in the world of desserts, unlikely as it sounds.
Praise for The Flavor Thesarus: More Flavors
‘The book will inspire a new generation of home cooks, chefs and writers alike’ RUKMINI IYER
‘Matching ingredients isn’t a trivial matter and Niki Segnit is definitely the reigning champion’ YOTAM OTTOLENGHI
About the Author:
Niki Segnit is the author of Lateral Cooking and The Flavor Thesaurus, which won the André Simon Award for best food book, the Guild of Food Writers Award for best first book and was shortlisted for the Galaxy National Book Awards. It has been translated into fifteen languages. Her columns, features, and reviews have appeared in the Guardian, the Observer, the Times, the Times Literary Supplement, and the Sunday Times. She lives in London with her husband and two children.
CASA DE RAKU BRINGS TRADITIONAL EUROPEAN TAPAS & WINE TO LAS VEGAS
Casa de Raku, a traditional European tapas and wine bar, is now open in Chinatown, Las Vegas. Created by Restaurateur Mistuo Endo, culinary mind behind Raku and Sweets Raku, Casa de Raku is inspired by the extraordinary flavors and variety Spanish cuisine offers.
Open for dinner and late-night, Casa de Raku showcases characteristically bold flavors, premium ingredients, and lively aesthetics punctuated by curated pieces directly from Spain. Completely renovating the space that was previously Sweets Raku, the team has created a dining experience designed to transport guests to an intimate tapas bar.
“We’re excited to welcome guests into Casa de Raku so they can immerse themselves in the tastes, smells, and sights you normally have to travel halfway around the globe to experience,” said Cameron Mackintosh-Stewart, General Manager of Casa de Raku. “We’ve worked tirelessly to execute a sophisticated tapas bar while also wanting guests to have fun and feel at home.”
A GLIMPSE INTO CASA DE RAKU’S MENU:
The menu was curated by Chef Mistuo Endo and his culinary team with recipes inspired by the group’s extensive travels throughout Madrid, San Sebastian, León, and Segovia, amongst others. From seafood, meats, pastries, and drinks, Casa de Raku is dedicated to bringing the heart and taste of European cooking to Las Vegas.
Drinks: Casa de Raku offers a curated wine program, three beer options on tap, and traditional wine cocktails. Whether guests are in search of a refreshing spritz or glass of wine to accompany a tapas dish, Casa de Raku’s selection of drinks are sure to please a range of palates and preferences.
Drink highlights include:
Tinto de Verano: A refreshing, wine-based drink popular in Spain. Comprised of Spanish red wine, Spanish sweet vermouth, and sweet soda, Tinto de Verano is served with lots of ice cubes and orange slice.
Black & Tan: Beer cocktail made by layering lager and Guinness.
Cava: Delicious Spanish sparkling wine made in Catalonia, located in Northeastern Spain. Casa de Raku offers two cava options by the glass or bottle.
Vino Blanco: Casa de Raku showcases a wide selection of European white wines available by the glass or bottle. A notable white wine variety available at Casa de Raku is Txakoli, a slightly sparkling, very dry white wine produced in the Spanish Basque County.
Vino Tinto: Casa de Raku offers a variety of red wines including Riojas, indigenous Spanish wine varietal, as well as limited edition Cabernets from Napa Valley.
Tapas: Casa de Raku offers a selection of pintxos, charcuteries, salads, seafood, and meat dishes.
Menu highlights include:
Jamón Iberico: One of the most celebrated Spanish food products, Casa de Raku serves 5-Year-Aged, 100% Bellota Jamon Iberico, sliced from the bone per-order.
Iberico Katsu: A unique twist on a classic Spanish ingredient, this dish showcases premium Iberico ham with a classic Japanese preparation.
Croquetas: A quintessential Spanish dish, Casa de Raku’s take on croquetas are made by combining potato puree, French cream, and premium imported sliced meats, all breaded in panko breadcrumbs and fried.
Pulpos: Flambeed octopus prepared with a white wine garlic sauce and fried brussel sprouts.
Desserts: Sweets are an important part of Spanish culture and cuisine. Paying homage to classic Spanish desserts, Casa de Raku’s desserts are the perfect end of meal treat, crafted to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Dessert highlights include:
Basque-Style Cheesecake: Inspired by San Sebastian’s burnt Basque cheesecake, this dessert is light and creamy with a strong cheese flavor paired with an almond and walnut crust and served with grated Manchego cheese and raspberry jam.
Churros: One of the most beloved Spanish pastries, Casa de Raku’s baked churros are dusted with sugar and served with freshly melted chocolate sauce.
Casa de Raku is open Tuesday – Saturday from 6 p.m. – 2 a.m., with last call at 1:30 a.m. Casa de Raku is located in Chinatown at 5040 W Spring Mountain Rd Suite #3, Las Vegas, NV 89146. For more information, view Casa de Raku on Instagram.
About Chef Mitsuo Endo:
Chef Mitsuo Endo, owner and founder of the Raku restaurant group, has garnered critical and popular acclaim for his commitment to traditional Kaiseki cuisine and integration of top-quality Japanese and Western ingredients.
Born and raised in Tokyo, Endo became an apprentice chef at 18, working at prestigious Kaiseki restaurants across the city. After 12 years working as a chef in Japan, Endo decided to move to the United States to chase his dream of becoming a restaurateur in America. Moving to Seattle in 2001, Endo became head chef and opened his first restaurant. Desiring to be continually challenged, Endo moved to New York the following year and met his mentor Koji Imani. The pair joined forces for the opening of MEGU Tribeca and Midtown, where Endo was the executive chef for five years. With nearly 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Endo moved to Las Vegas where he opened his own restaurant, Aburiya Raku. Since opening in 2008, Aburiya Raku has been nominated for awards such as James Beard Award Best New Restaurant (2009), James Beard Award Best Chef Southwest (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015), and more. For additional information, visit raku-grill.com or follow Aburiya Raku on Instagram.
Chef Mina’s most personal restaurant to date features timeless flavors, a convivial table experience and one of The Strip’s largest collections of wine
Renowned restaurateur and award-winning chef Michael Mina invites guests on a captivating gastronomic journey at Orla, now open at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Drawing inspiration from Mina’s upbringing, the authentic essence of the Mediterranean’s lively markets and bazaars is reflected in each intriguing dish.
“Orla is a culmination of my culinary evolution, a fusion of personal recipes that echo the flavors and aromas of my childhood in Egypt. It encapsulates the warmth, charm and vibrant hospitality of Mediterranean culture that has shaped my life and career,” said Chef Mina. “I can’t wait for guests to experience a taste of what has influenced my life’s work.”
Featuring a Greek-centric menu designed for shared exploration, Orla presents a tempting array of Hot and Cold Mezze, signature Grains & Pastas, and a wide selection of Fish Market delights such as the traditional Alexandria Fish Fry, Grilled Orange Swordfish and Salt-baked Sea Bream. Charcoal-Grilled Meats, including succulent Lamb Shank and Spice-Roasted Rohan Duck, offer authentic tastes of the region.
Interactive tableside experiences elevate the dynamic atmosphere, with Pickle and Bread Service welcoming guests and a Greek Frozen Yogurt sundae cart delivering a sweet finale highlighted by 24K golden thyme honey, toasted pistachios and a mountain of labneh frozen yogurt.
Complementing the cuisine is one of Las Vegas’ most extensive wine collections, curated by Mina Group’s Director of Wine Jeremy Shanker. With more than 1,600 labels, the list focuses on wineries from throughout the Mediterranean region including Lebanon, Santorini, Croatia,Sicily and Corsica, and features vintages dating back to as early as the 1940s. An inventive bar program that explores a variety of tantalizing flavor profiles, including citrus, herbs and spices, can be enjoyed with dinner or at the restaurant’s lively bar.
Chuck Bowling, Mandalay Bay’s President and COO, said, “Orla’s opening adds another exciting dimension to Mandalay Bay’s New Wave, in which we’re introducing a variety of new amenities and attractions for our guests. Chef Mina’s exceptional talent has given birth to a stunning restaurant and we’re proud to continue our successful relationship with the talented Mina team.”
A Taste of the Menu:
Za’atar Cured Wild King Salmon: The rich taste of salmon is heightened by Za’atar, a distinctive Middle Eastern Spice. The dish features warm pita, pickled red onion and lemon tzatziki.
Charcoal Grilled Octopus: Orla’s classic grilled octopus is served with ful medames, cardamon schug and poached egg.
Oven-Roasted Red Snapper: A savory dish crisped to perfection, the red snapper is beautifully presented with preserved tomato and stewed fennel.
Kebab Platter: A middle eastern favorite, Orla’s kebabs feature a variety of skewers, including Chicken ‘oyster,’ kofta and filet served with tangerine labneh and smoked eggplant dip.
Rio Spritz: Aperol, Elderflower, Passion Fruit, Prosecco and Fever Tree Soda
Niro’s Ghost: Tres Agave’s Reposado Tequila, Ruby Port, Lime, Pineapple and Pomegranate
Soul of Palermo: Mezcal, Lime, Cucumber, Prickly Pear and Sumac
The Backdrop:
Designed by New York-based firm Parts and Labor Design, Orla’s inviting, earthy ambiance is brought to life through intricate tile mosaics, a mix of white marble and dark wooden tables accented by stylish earth-tone chairs, and a spectacular tile floor sure to become a signature talking point of the space.
Upon entry, guests are greeted by a large statement bar featuring cracked tile and waxed three-dimensional plaster that weaves its way through the main dining space. The dining room, washed in neutrals of cream and white, is accented by hues of pink, blue, gold and orange—dynamic shades inspired by the myriad of colored spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns. Guest may dine under one of two large olive trees rising from the center of the dining room toward dramatic vaulted ceilings, while three massive woven chandeliers bring the ceiling down to human scale, creating a moody and intimate atmosphere.
Additionally, Orla boasts a semi-private dining room called The Odyssey, which can seat up to 22 guests and be configured several ways to accommodate a variety of groups or parties.
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is set on 120 lush acres featuring Mandalay Bay Beach, a tropical pool paradise with real sand. The Michelob ULTRA Arena, award-winning restaurants, exhilarating entertainment, unique shopping, Shark Reef Aquarium and the 2-million-square-foot convention center combine to make Mandalay Bay a captivating Las Vegas resort destination. The resort offers three distinct hotel experiences: Mandalay Bay with 3,211 luxurious rooms and suites reflecting a modern tropical ambiance; Four Seasons Hotel, a AAA Five Diamond hotel offering 424 rooms and suites; and the luxury all-suite Delano Las Vegas. Mandalay Bay is operated by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit mandalaybay.com, call toll free at (877) 632-7800, or find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Don’t miss your entry pass to the Valley’s most decadent foodie event
Tickets are now on sale to the general public for the 15th annual Devour Culinary Classic, the most anticipated tasting event of the year.
Local First Arizona, Desert Botanical Garden and Southern Arizona Arts and Culture Alliance join forces Feb. 24-25, 2024 to host a festival you won’t forget, featuring the most creative and indulgent chefs, sommeliers, cicerones and purveyors Arizona has to offer.
More than 70 food and beverage businesses will participate, including as many as 25 sought-after restaurateurs each day.
Tickets can be purchased at devourphoenix.com. Last year, tickets sold out in three weeks, so don’t wait. (Must be 21+ to purchase.)
Devour attendees will be treated by the following restaurants (with more favorites to be announced), in addition to 20+ artisan purveyors:
Devour Culinary Classic’s goal is to generate local and national awareness and support of Arizona’s diverse and exciting culinary scene. The event has been recognized as the Best Southwestern Culinary Festival by the New York Times and is regularly featured by AZCentral.com,PhoenixMagazine, Arizona Foothills Magazine and others.
“Arizona is abundant with incredible culinary talent and rich, unique flavors,” says Kimber Lanning, CEO and founder of Local First Arizona. “No other event shines a spotlight on so many of our state’s best chefs in a more gorgeous setting with art and live music than Devour Culinary Classic. This festival will delight your palate and captivate your senses.”
Enhance your event experience with 90 minutes of early access to all food and beverages. Includes:
90-minute early admission from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Access to the Maverick Wine Sales area, with an exclusive selection of wine and spirits available at discounted prices
Live music and arts throughout the Garden
Reusable commemorative wine glass and yoke
Priority Parking
Two tickets for a return visit to Desert Botanical Garden
General Admission Tickets – $150 per day:
Enjoy all food and beverages while strolling the Garden grounds. Includes:
General admission from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Access to the Maverick Wine Sales area, with an exclusive selection of wine and spirits available at discounted prices
Live music and arts throughout the Garden
Reusable commemorative wine glass and yoke
Did you know? Gov. Katie Hobbs just declared Nov. 4 Local First Arizona Day in recognition of our 20 years of service to the state! We’re honored and grateful to Devour participants and all supporters who love local.
About Local First Arizona
Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona is a community and economic development organization working to strengthen local economies. Local First’s areas of focus include developing entrepreneurship; rural, tribal and urban community development; racial equity; environmental action and food access. Local First is the largest local business coalition in the U.S. and advocates for independently owned businesses of all sizes by assisting local owners with technical assistance designed to help them compete and collaborate, which ultimately strengthens Arizona’s economy and builds hometown pride. Visit localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of locally-owned businesses.
About Desert Botanical Garden
Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden. An Arizona icon for 83 years in the Valley, the Garden is a compelling attraction and desert conservation pioneer, offering worldly plants, vibrant trails, world-class exhibitions, festive events, fascinating classes and so much more. Visit dbg.org for more information.
About Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation, and advancement of the Arts. SAACA strengthens the bonds between people, place, and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences. SAACA (formerly the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council) was created to develop cultivated programming that spotlights local creatives and celebrates unique culture, while providing direct opportunities for artists to make and sell their work. To date, SAACA has created over 200,000 arts-driven experiences, from innovative community festivals and cultural celebrations to creative sector development, and accessible arts enrichment programs. SAACA continues to grow in footprint and in impact while working to pursue the mission of strengthening the bonds between people, place, and purpose. Visit saaca.org for more.
Photo credit of last year’s Devour Culinary Classic: Darby Vance.
Photos of the Desert Botanical Garden: Jane Simon Ammeson
If you are a fan of the FX/Hulu series “The Bear“, you may be excited to hear that the show is currently up for 13 EMMY nominations including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Jeremy Allen White), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Sydney Adamu), Outstanding Directing, and more! (Tune in on January 15, 2024, for the live telecast on FOX or stream it the next day on HULU.)
Chicago is often a backdrop for hit TV shows but Season 2 of “The Bear” has brought greater awareness to Chicago’s dynamic food scene. Extending beyond the famous Mr. Beef in Season 1, the second season highlights a range of Chicago hot spots from Michelin-star restaurants to casual pizza joints. It’s become so popular in fact that it’s even inspired a local operator to create Yes, Chef! Chicago: A Bear-Inspired Food Tour.
Setting the scene for a month of culinary excellence, the EMMY buzz surrounding “The Bear” is the perfect kick-off to Chicago Restaurant Week (January 19 – February 4, 2024) which officially begins Thursday, January 18 (6:00 – 9:00 p.m.) with First Bites Bash, an all-inclusive tasting event at the iconic Field Museum where guests can enjoy gourmet bites from local restaurants, sip wine, beer and spirits from top brands and explore select Field Museum exhibits after hour.
Chicago Restaurant Week will feature over 350 participating restaurants offering unbeatable prix fixe menus for a set price of just $25 for brunch/lunch and $42 or $59 for dinner.
Fans of “The Bear” might recognize the below restaurants and be interested in taking advantage of the following specials:
After, the companion cocktail lounge of Ever which is the stand-in for the Copenhagen restaurant where Chef Marcus perfects his dessert skills, is offering a 3-course dinner for $59 (*beverage tax and gratuity not included).
Avec, where Chef Syd gets a pre-service sneak peek and gets advice from famed Chicago restaurateur Donnie Madia is offering a 2-course brunch at $25 per guest, 3-course lunch at $25 per guest or 4-course dinner at $59 per guest (*beverage tax and gratuity not included).
Publican Quality Meats, where Chef Syd gets a butcher lesson from PQM’s very own Rob Levitt, is serving up a dinner menu for $59 (*beverage tax and gratuity not included).
Chicago’s own Michelin ‘Green Star’ recipient Daisies is offering 4-course dinner menus starting at $59. The Green Star is designed to recognize environmental sustainability, and Daisies is one of only 28 restaurants in North America, and the only one in Chicago, that can boast this accolade.
Additionally, there are dozens of acclaimed Michelin- and James Beard Award-winning spots on the list this year, an affordable way to experience more of Chicago’s creative, fine-dining scene: https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/dining/fine-dining-chicago-restaurant-week/Search the Participating Restaurants Guide to reserve your place; the website enables you to search via cuisine or neighborhood, indicate dietary preferences (gluten-free, vegetarian/vegan), and support women-owned and minority-owned businesses.
