Weekday Planner: New Off Site Bar Dining, Forbidden Root Beer Dinner, Latin Dance at Prairie Grass Cafe, Lunch at Ani
Daily Dining at Off Site Bar
New happenings are afoot by Longman & Eagle's executive chef Matthew Kerney, who's implementing a new daily menu at adjoining Off Site Bar. Available starting at 5:00 p.m. nightly, the menu promises to change seasonally and conceptually, with the first iteration inspired by party snacks from the '70's. Dig into housemade beef jerky, smoked cocktail weenies with smoked cheddar-bourbon Mornay, deviled ham with cheese crackers, Swedish meatballs, oysters Rockefeller, and more.
Forbidden Root Beer Dinner
No better way to bolster your weekday than with a bevy of botanical beers. The boozy wares from Forbidden Root step into the spotlight at Belly Shack for a beer dinner on April 20. Brewed with ingredients like herbs, blossoms, stems, honey, flowers, and roots, Forbidden Root boasts a botanical slant with its unique beers, which should pair nicely with the zesty, eclectic cuisine at Belly Shack. Four beers will be sipped during the dinner, including Sublime Ginger Beer, Forbidden Root, Shady Character, and Divine Mud, along with dishes like BBQ beef brisket, smoked sausage, udon mac & cheese, baked beans with bacon, cheddar-jalapeno corn bread, cabbage slaw, and corn with curry mayo. The cost to attend is $65 per person and a portion of proceeds go towards Inspiration Kitchens Charity. Tickets can be purchased via Brown Paper Tickets.
Latin Dancing at Prairie Grass Cafe
When one dines at Prairie Grass Cafe, one typically doesn't bring their dancing shoes. But you'll want to be ready for some Latin dancing on April 24, when the Northbrook mainstay hosts a groovy benefit for Chicago Latin Fusion. Beginning at 10:00 p.m., the event features Cumbia and Bachata dance lessons by Itza Riedas and Jorge Licona, along with performances by Chicago Latin Fusion. Chef/partner Sarah Stegner promises to get in on the action as well, and the kitchen will supply Latin canapés, beer, and wine. The recommended donation for attendees is $50 and there will also be a cash bar. Reservations are required.
Lunch Special at Ani Sushi + Japanese Kitchen
Everyone loves a good lunch combo special, especially when sushi is involved. Ani is now offering a new lunch special Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., wherein guests get a miso soup, choice of salad, choice of maki roll, a side of pickles, and a soft drink all for $12. Sushi options are spicy tuna, spicy salmon, negi hamachi, and shrimp tempura.
- Matt Kirouac