Photos and recipes courtesy of Campo Viejo.

The Perfect Wine for the Winter Cold Months.

The only reason to praise winter is for the comfort found in moments we stayed at our home and share a meal we cooked for our loved one and our friends. There is nothing better than opening a bottle of wine with loved ones and sharing a homemade meal that highlights the flavors that are so indicative of winter.  What with left with are great memories of laughter with irreplaceable company and unforgettable flavors from the meal we had during these wonderful cold nights.

As a result of a survey conducted by Campo Viejo, Rioja’s largest wine producers, the wine makers were inspired the by the results and produce a three-course tasting menu, designed to be enjoyed with the Campo Viejo 2010 Tempranillo. Cheeses, meats and pies, were the most popular winter food  that kept many food and wine lovers in their kitchen during the cold months of December through March. and they paired beautifully with the deep cherry hues and intense red fruit notes of the Tempranillo. At $9.99 this young wine is a winner, and it is incredibly approachable, yet complexed with nice hints of vanilla, cocoa and spice. The Campo Viejo 2010 Tempranillo is the perfect choice for any day of the year and not only for the cold winter months.

First Course: Truffle Mac and Cheese

The truffles reflect the earthy undertones in the Tempranillo, and the richness of the cheese is balanced by the wine’s modest acidity.

Ingredients

1 16-ounce box elbow macaroni  • ½ teaspoon salt • Olive oil

1 quart whole milk • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped • 2 tablespoons white truffle oil, divided

12 ounces Comté cheese, grated • 8 ounces white cheddar cheese, grated

¾ cup panko bread crumbs • Salt and pepper • Shaved truffles for garnish, optional

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 400° F. Grease a 10×13 baking pan.

• Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add salt and a drizzle of olive oil to boiling water. Add pasta and cook al dente (slightly underdone is better than overdone). Drain, rinse briefly under cold water and set aside.

• While the pasta is cooking, heat the milk over low heat until hot, but not boiling.

• Meanwhile, heat 4 tablespoons butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until melted. Reduce heat and add the flour, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste, about 2 minutes. Add in rosemary, continuing to mix.

• Gradually whisk in the hot milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and add 1 tablespoon of the truffle oil, then mix the Comté and cheddar until melted. Season with salt and pepper (to taste).

• Add the pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat, and pour into baking pan.

• Top with the panko bread crumbs and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the crumbs are golden brown.

• Before serving, drizzle with remaining truffle oil and shaved truffles (if desired). Serve hot.

Second Course: Moroccan Lamb Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Tempranillo and lamb are a classic pairing, and the spices found here share the spotlight with those of the Tempranillo.

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds ground lamb • 1 egg, lightly beaten • small onion, diced • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ cup raisins, soaked in hot water and drained (optional) • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika, divided • Salt • Olive oil • 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes • 2 garlic cloves, minced • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

• Preheat oven to 200° F.

• Sauté onion in a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet until soft. Set aside.

• In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground lamb, egg, onion, raisins (if using), cumin, cinnamon, ½ teaspoon paprika and ½ teaspoon salt. Form mixture into one ounce balls, about the size of ping pong balls.

• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs (in several batches if necessary) and sauté for about 8 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a baking sheet and place in oven to keep warm.

• In the meantime, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic, cayenne and remaining paprika and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn. Add crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7

minutes, until slightly thickened. Season with salt to taste.

• Remove meatballs from oven and add to sauce. Cook for another five minutes until meatballs are cooked through. Serve with couscous or rice.

Third Course: Apple Turnovers with Maple-Mascarpone Glaze

Maple and cinnamon inspire homeward bound thinking, while the apple embraces the Tempranillo’s fruit-forward notes.

Ingredients  for Pastry and filling:

4 cups Granny Smith apples (about 4 medium apples), peeled, cored and chopped

2 tablespoons lemon juice • ½ cup sugar • 2 tablespoons butter • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon water • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 17.3-ounce package frozen puff pastry sheets – thawed • 1-2 egg whites, lightly beaten

Glaze:

1/2 cup mascarpone, at room temperature  •  2 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions

• Preheat oven to 400° F.

• Place apples in a bowl and drizzle lemon juice over them, tossing gently to coat.

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add apples to skillet and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes. Add sugar and cinnamon and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes.

• Mix together cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water in a bowl. Pour into the skillet and mix well. Cook for another minute or until sauce thickens. Remove from heat to cool.

• Unfold puff pastry sheets and trim each sheet into a square. Cut each one into 4 smaller squares. Spread apples onto the middle of each square, then fold each square in half to form a triangle. Press ends together to seal. Place the triangles 1-2 inches apart, on

a slightly greased baking sheet, lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush the top of each turnover with beaten egg whites.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until turnovers are puffed and lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool completely.

• To make the glaze, mix together the mascarpone and maple syrup in a small bowl. Drizzle glaze over the cooled turnovers and sprinkle with cinnamon to taste.

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by David Cohen

There are many ways you can experience ZED451 the new addition to the steak houses downtown Chicago.  Enjoy a cocktail at the lavish contemporary lounge, have an amazing dinner at the stylish dining room, or come in  for the incredible “all you can eat” fixed price brunch, served every week on Saturday and Sunday.

Located downtown in the heart of Chicago’s River North neighborhood at 739 N. Clark Street, ZED451 promises to be an engaging with a new innovating approach to fine dining, an experience that you will never forget!

With natural colors and elements used to create the stylish interiors at ZED451 exudes a warm and relaxed atmosphere, luring pedestrians into the two-story building of glass, wood and stone.

The ultimate fixed price dinner offer the guests a great beginning at the seasonally Harvest Tables or as we refer to it The Salad Bar located at the center of the dinning room. With an extensive array of fresh home made soups, artisan cheeses to include some of the best cheeses found in the USA, hearty breads, charcuterie, unique salads and many side dishes, the salad bar can be a great meal by itself, a meal which will satisfy any hungry soul.

Under the direction of Executive Chef Patrick Quakenbush, the chefs at ZED451 are encouraged to present their very own amuse-bouche to their guests, allowing them to showcase the seasonal ingredients and preparations. This interactive approach might be a new way for fine dining experience where guests have the opportunity to ask as many questions as they want, and perhaps learn something new about food and nutrition.

As you might expect from any authentic Brazilan restaurant, the entrées are served tableside, and include the best cuts of Steaks such as the Grilled Rib eye or the Buttermilk Sirloin. Ribs, poultry and seafood, are the other choices for the main course, all simply seasoned and cooked to perfection. Everything here is cooked in ways to preserve the basic flavor and taste of the meat you select to be sampling.  You can eat as much protein as you can digest, but most guests eat way above what any person can consume in one sitting.

You should try the Orchard Sangria, a white wine infused with brandy, with peaches, plums, apple juice and a splash of soda is the perfect fresh drink to balance your heavy meal.

For deserts, the decadent Home Made Ice Cream in seasonal flavors, and Butterscotch Bread Pudding, a buttery brioche soaked in rich butterscotch custard, topped with house made marshmallow, both deserts will be a delicious choices to end your dining experience at ZED451 and make your experience a dining delight.

ZED451 • 739 N. Clark Street • 312-266-6691. For more information visit www.zed451.com.

photos by David Cohen

Please Note: This $10 coupon is good for dining in ONLY !

GET 10% OFF WHEN YOU ORDER ONLINE!

Click here to see menu

by David Cohen

Ay Ay Picante Peruvian Seafood & Steak

4569 North Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL •  (773) 427-4239  ayaypicante.com

Few weeks ago I invited my massage therapist Scott Hawkins to join me for lunch at Ay Ay Picante. There is only one word that can described my experience at this Peruvian restaurant–OUTSTANDING!

The food and service at Ay Ay Picante is terrific. Every dish was cooked to perfection. It also had a perfect balance of flavors and spices. During lunch, owner Jaime Bardales and his manager Edith, shared some of the secrets of Peruvian home cooking with us.

The Ceviche served on a plate instead of in a martini glass, was the best I have ever tested anywhere.  I was very impressed. The Anticuchos, a marinated beef hearts served on skewers, is a family recipe dish. Passed from generation to generation the Anticuchos is one of the best dishes on the menu. The Parihuela, a fisherman’s stew is the peruvian version to the Bouillibaise. Cooked in a Inca corn beer, this dish made with fish, calamari, mussels and octopus  is by far my favorite. I just couldn’t stop eating it. I will always go back to Ay Ay Picante for this delectable delight.

Overall,  there is only one word to describe my experience, DELICIOUS! Honestly, I don’t remember the last time I had such a great meal. I’m sure, the food will always taste good, and a visit to Ay Ay Picante will be well worth it!  Ay Ay Picante is my new “Jewel.”

Don’t forget to bring the $10 off coupon, available here on our site. As always, you tell them, you seen them in PINK!

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Please Note:  $1 Taco TUESDAY

and HALF Off  2nd entrée Monday-Wednesday !

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by David Cohen

Chicago’s Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant offers an astonishingly large menu of Mexican delicacies prepared in the traditional fashion. With two locations on the north side of Chicago. The original location is on Lincoln Ave Just a few doors down from the Victory Gardens theater. This is a great after-theater stop, a good place for dinner and drinks.  The luncheon specials are reasonably priced, and they serve you quickly to ensure you have plenty of time to make it back to the office.

You must try the Empanadas, they are out of this world.  The chips are great and the salsa is spicy. Overall, everything else is good and delicious. When it comes to Margaritas, you must try it on the rocks! The Fiesta Mexicana restaurants offer reasonably priced menu and friendly service. If you thinking about having a “party,” then the sunny indoor patio room is available for corporate and social events with great banquet packages.

These restaurants pride ourselves on their fresh food and good service, They will be looking forward to making you a repeat customer!

Don’t forget to bring the coupon (PINKCoupon), available here on our site. As always, you tell them, you seen them in PINK!

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Please Note: This $10 coupon is good for dining in ONLY !

GET 10% OFF WHEN YOU ORDER ONLINE! click here

La Fonda Latino Grill 

5350 North Broadway • 773-271-3935 • www.lafondalatinogrill.com

Located in Andersonville, La Fonda Latino Grill offers traditional Colombian specialties with a touch of Latin American influence. Having a drink at La Fonda is something you want to do with couple of your friends, or with your loved one. The wine selection is good, and if you choose to order their exotic cocktails you better be with  good company where you can relax and enjoy. The food overall is very good, and catering service is available. You can have your Civil Union or special occasion here with up to 75 guests.

Don’t forget to bring the $10 off coupon, available here on our site. As always, you tell them, you seen them in PINK!

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For over 40 years owners Harry and Guenter Kempf welcomed their guests with a good cheer. Located at Lincoln Square The Chicago Brauhaus Restaurant has always been the anchor of this neighborhood.

With a relaxed atmosphere, friends and family can always enjoy a good meal, good glass of cold beer, and even dance a little to the sounds of the world famous The Brauhaus Trio.

A trip to this famous establishment is highly recommended , so you can grab a little piece of this wonderful Bavarian tradition. As owners Harry and Guenter always said to us at our last visit “Every day  is Oktoberfest at the Chicago Brauhaus!”

photos by David Cohen publisher/owner of PINK Magazine and Pink Pages.

Last night PINK hosted Dining Out for Life at Andies’ Andersonville location. Much thanks to all the people who came in, and helped raise money for the fight against AIDS/HIV. There patronage and generous spritis made last night one night to remember. Thanks.

At the personal request of the Publisher and the Editor in Chief, you, your friends, family, colleagues, co-workers and acquaintances are asked to join PINK Magazine, Thursday April 28, at the Andersonville location of Andies Restaurant, in honor and support of North America’s largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser Dining Out for Life (DOFL).

This year, PINK is taking its sponsoring role as the official 2011 DOFL Chicago Andies Ambassador to its own uniquely festive, fun-filled level, presenting its/Andies’ guests an evening that’s both deliciously engaging and entertaining. Per PINK’s plans, this novel night will be unlike those taking place at any of the 18th annual event’s other 75 participating Chicagoland restaurants.

Thursday the 28th, in-house diners enjoying Andies’s cocktails and refined Mediterranean family fare will also be treated to a PINK-sponsored showcase of exotic entertainment and interactions with local talents as a well a number of huge contests and giveaways. The gifts and prizes of which will include specialty cosmetics, toiletries, books, CDs–like the hard-covered first edition of The L Life: Extraordinary Lesbians Making a Difference, new music downloads from Carsten Andersson, original art by PINK Publisher David Cohen, sexually sophisticated condom kits from OOO Boutique–and more, all in effort to get people to “dine out for life” at Andies and raise operational funding for Edge Alliance via the restaurant’s pledge to donate a portion of the evening’s proceeds to Edge’s HIV/AIDS service initiatives.

Details will be posted here as they develop, and announced via PINK’s weekly eblast, The PINK Spot. In the meantime, mark your calendars to dine out for life at Andies in Andersonville, 5253 N. Clark St., Thursday April 28, as PINK serves up the most deliciously rewarding dish of 2011.

Please call 773.784.8616 to make reservations and attend this evening which PINK promises to be full of outrageous fun, great food, and exciting surprises.

Chicago, IL–The way to Chicago’s heart is through its stomach. And with such a big heart, this city has a big stomach to fill. On April 28, all of Chicagoland is invited to celebrate Dining Out for Life, when the largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser in the nation turns 18 years young.

Presented by EdgeAlliance (formerly AIDSCare), 80 restaurants in 30 neighborhoods will donate a heaping portion of their proceeds of the night to help provide affordable housing and support services for those living with HIV/AIDS. For the past 18 years, Dining Out for Life has been pulling its weight as a fun and exciting component in the fight against HIV/AIDS, capturing the vitality and style that only Chicago can muster. By dining out at a participating restaurant on April 28, diners will have the opportunity to be a part of an actual solution to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. And, with the event boasting popular restaurants such as Halsted’s Bar & Grill, Wilde Bar & Restaurant, South Water Kitchen and Broadway Cellars, the solution has never sounded so delectable.

Jim Flosi, Founder and CEO of EdgeAlliance, wants everyone to join the party. “It’s a lot of fun,” Flosi says. “You go to any of our restaurants on that day and you will have parties all over the place. People look forward to that every year because you’re bringing family, friends, a large group of people to a restaurant, and those are really good nights.”

With great company gathered around delicious food all for a fabulous cause, Dining Out for Life adds more incentive to dine-in with The best raffle this side of Boystown. A donation of $10 or more entrants eligible to win six grand prizes, including a sexy photo shoot as Dining Out for Life’s Next Top Model, flights to the Caribbean, and a spa day to recuperate from all the festivities. Plus, special menus on the date of the event added with festive décor particular to each restaurant will add to making this night memorable.

As an integral part of the fight against HIV/AIDS in Chicago (through affordable house, care and supportive services) since its inception in 1992, EdgeAlliance could not continue to meet its charitable goals without the benefits of Dining Out for Life. Flosi first brought the event to Chicago from Philadelphia in 1994 with great success. With the proceeds from the first Dining Out for Life, EdgeAlliance was able to open its first affordable housing campus in 1995 which assisted over 250 residents living with HIV/AIDS in its first 10 years.

“I think it’s been getting better and better,” Flosi says. “It’s been getting more professional, it’s becoming more known, and with that knowledge, I see it as continuing to grow.” Already present in Canada, Dining Out for Life has expanded to Nairobi, East Africa opening the doors for further international advancement.

Visit www.diningoutforlife.com for a list of currently participating restaurants.

www.EdgeAlliance.org