Weekly Planner: Arami Omakase, Mr. Brown's Lounge, National Margarita Day
Please join us on Twitter at @SteakHousePrime
Omakase at Arami
One of the best sushi restaurants in Chicago just got even better, with the addition of two new omakase experiences at Arami. The menus, which are tastings that change on a daily basis based on what’s freshest and what the chefs deem best, provide a unique, dynamic approach to the “chef’s choice” template. The first option is a nine-course meal for walk-in diners comprised of dishes from sushi chef Nelson Vinansaca and chef Joseph Fontelera from the hot kitchen. Ideal for first-timers and last-minute guests looking for something immersive and exploratory, the ever-changing menu features some of Arami’s staple highlights and some off-menu selections. The other omakase experience focuses more on sashimi and sushi — nine courses worth. Sake, wine and/or beer pairings are available with both tasting menus. Both options are available until 8:00 p.m., with prices starting at $110 per person.
February Specials at Mr. Brown’s Lounge
In case you haven’t yet paid a visit to West Town’s wonderful Jamaican oasis, Mr. Brown’s Lounge, February is an apt time to get hooked. All month long, the restaurant and bar is running a slew of specials for Black History Month, through the eyes of Jamaicans. This includes $4 Red Stripe all day, all month long, plus weekday happy hour from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with $3.50 Red Stripe and $6 Island Rum Punch. Food-wise, the Wing ’n Ting special features two grilled jerk wings with a scoop if island mac & cheese and Ting, a Jamaican grapefruit soda. The $10 special is available daily until 9:00 p.m. Wednesdays are all about the wine, with 50% off all bottles, while the Bob Marley Party Package contains 50 fried wings, island mac & cheese, plantains, carrots, celery, pita, ranch and a bottle of Mista Brown’s Original Jerk Sauce for $95.
Old World vs. New World Wines at ENO Wine Room
Oenophiles, take heed. There’s a fun little event taking place at ENO Wine Room at the InterContinental Chicago Hotel that you won’t want to miss. It’s a veritable smackdown between Old World and New World wines, as part of ENO’s ongoing ENOversity series. Taking place February 18 at 6:00 p.m., the educational, interactive event features bottles and pours from different regions of both Old World and New World wine regions. This means wines from France, Italy and Spain (Old World) will be poured alongside those from places like California, Oregon and Argentina. In addition to the vino, guests will get to snack on cheeses, chocolates and charcuterie. Tickets are required and cost $55 per person. Snag yours on ENO’s website.
National Margarita Day at Tuco & Blondie
Now here’s a food holiday we can get on board with. National Margarita Day takes place February 22, and in honor of the sacred occasion, Tuco & Blondie is celebrating with a special margarita flight. The flight contains three 4-oz. margaritas including the smoky Mezcal Margarita, the Black Cherry Margarita, and the Classic Margarita. Available during lunch and dinner, the flight costs $10.