THE BIG DEALS
From upscale to low-cal, the Sun-Times’ “Big Deals” column brings readers the dish on food and drink specials that will not break the bank.
Small change
French Quarter New Orleans Kitchen, 44 Yorktown Center, Lombard. Halfpriced select small plates, available 4-7 p.m. daily in the bar area only, include the Nawlins’-style signature barbecue shrimp (head-on shrimp sauteed in an emulsion of Worcestshire, butter and Rosemary spiked with Abita beer, regularly $12) and flash-fried Louisiana alligator tossed with Crystal hot sauce butter and Cajun slaw, regularly $15. Visit www.fqrestaurant.com.
Game day deal
Reggie’s Rock Club, 2105 S. State. A round-trip outing departing at noon April 1 from O’Donovan’s, 2100 W. Irving, to Reggie’s and then to the Sox season opener, includes bus shuttle, game tickets and an all-you-caneat tailgate buffet, $40. Advance registration and payment required. Call (312) 949-0120; (773) 478-2100.
Wonderful menu
iNG Restaurant, 951 W. Fulton. Chef Homaro Cantu’s “Wonder Years” menu, available through June 1, features nostalgic dishes with a healthy twist such as the Almond Joy dessert (almond and broccoli ice cream, chocolate syrup and coconut macaroons. Available as a three-course ($50), six-course ($85) or 10-course ($105) option with drink pairings. Visit www.ingrestaurant.com.
Sox appeal
Weather Mark Tavern, 1503 S. Michigan. Sox home opener specials April 1 include a burger and beer combo, $7. Complimentary bus service to the game is available. Call (312) 5880230; www.weathermarktavern.com.
Hashing it out
Hash Chicago, 1357 N. Western. The new retrochic Wicker/Humboldt Park eatery turns out an interesting variety of hash dishes that include Humboldt Hash (fried plantain, black beans, hominy, cilantro, Chihuahua cheese with choice of chorizo or soyrizo sausage with salsa verde) and Chia Pet (spicy chick peas, arugula, feta, pickled beets and chia seeds.) Hash dishes are $5.25; $6.75, large order. Visit
www.hashchicago.com.
Win, win
Allium in the Four Seasons, 120 E. Delaware. Chef Kevin Hickey celebrates a Cubs or White Sox victory (April 1 only) with a half-priced special on his homemade hot dog and fries combo (regularly $14). Throw in a complimentary beer, with hotdog purchase only, for a double victory. Visit www.alliumchicago.com.
Drink of the week
High Noon Saloon, 1560 N. Milwaukee. Crafted drinks at the new watering hole include the acai margarita (Jimador Blanco, Cedilla acai liqueur, lemon and simple syrup, $7. Visit www.highnoonchicago.com.
Deal of the week
Mon Ami Gabi, 260 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook. Chef Bruce Williams’ spring dinner built around fresh seasonal fare and selections from Dreyfus Ashby winery is at 6 p.m. April 2, $65. Courses include potatoes and beef cheeks in a red wine sauce with wild mushrooms paired with Chateau de Tradition Red. Call (630) 472-1900; www.monamigabi.com.