Chicago’s North Shore Convention & Visitor’s Bureau is celebrating their 10th year of North Shore Restaurant Month. Every year, participating restaurants in the North Shore offer special dining deals for the whole month of February, except Valentine’s Day. Offers include 15% off guest check, FREE appetizer or dessert with a purchase of an entrée, and special prix fixe menus. It’s a wonderful way to try a new restaurant in the area or go back to your favorites.
I grabbed a few of my Instagram friends and headed over to some of the restaurants that are participating in #NSRM18 to check out the fabulous deals. Here’s where we went and what we ate…
NaKorn
We kicked off North Shore Restaurant Month at NaKorn, an upscale Thai restaurant, in the heart of Evanston with Diana (@foodgeekchicago), Jessica (@bunnyandbrandy), Margaret (@marzlet), Natty (@nattyspantry), Rosie (@eat.around.the.rosie), and Starr (@chicagofoodiegirl). The menu is the perfect marriage of traditional Thai dishes and flavors with modern presentation and style.
Sam Rattanopas and Mina Sudsaard, Managing Partners/Owners, have been best friends since the third grade. They immigrated to the United States together in 1996 from Bangkok, Thailand. Longing for the flavors of their beloved city, they opened NaKorn (meaning “metropolitan” in Thai), to bring a little bit of home back to the States. Everything is made with love at the restaurant. From the carefully crafted dishes to the handmade dining tables, the owners put their hearts and souls into every detail.
For North Shore Restaurant Month, they are offering a special three-course prix fixe menu, Lunch ($20) and Dinner ($30).
But first… a cocktail.
The crowd favorite was the Banana Boat with Blaum Bros Lead Mine Moonshine, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Giffard Banane du Brésil, marshmallow syrup, and toasted marshmallow. What? Toasted marshmallow on a drink? We were immediately sold.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // Banana Boat Cocktail at NaKorn // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
For the first course, you can choose between several bites & greens… Charred Eggplant & Tomato, Frisée Fried Tofu, Pandan Tapioca Pearl Crackers, Vegetarian Scallop, and Chicken Meatballs. Of course, we had to try it all.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // Charred Eggplant & Tomato, Frisée Fried Tofu, Pandan Tapioca Pearl Crackers, Vegetarian Scallop, and Chicken Meatballs at NaKorn // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
The presentation was so stunning, we immediately started taking pics. I mean, can you blame us?
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // @chicagofoodiegirl at NaKorn // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
There are some really good vegetarian options as well like the Vegetarian Scallops. Medallions of eryngii king mushrooms are topped with frisée and a chili jam giving it a little bit sweet and a little bit of spice.
For the second course, you can choose a noodle or rice dish. I went with the Slow Cooked Top Round with Banh Mi Noodles. It was a cold, frigid night so the chili coconut curry broth felt like the right choice. The broth was bold and flavorful and the meat tender. What a perfect noodle pull moment.
The Grilled Amish Chicken is a great option if you don’t want all the carbs. It’s served with a side of coconut rice and papaya salad plated in a Thai “binto” set, traditionally used to bring food as an offering to the monks.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // Grilled Amish Chicken at NaKorn // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
For dessert, you had a choice between Black Sticky Rice Pudding or Chocolate Mousse. We all unanimously voted for the rice pudding but devoured it before taking pics. Sam came to the rescue with this Thai Tea Crème Brûlée, which is not offered on the restaurant month menu but was on special for Valentine’s Day.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // Thai Tea Crème Brûlée at NaKorn // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
{Restaurant Month Offer/Deal}
Three-Course Lunch Prix Fixe Menu: $20
Three-Course Dinner Prix Fixe Menu: $30
{Location}
NaKorn
Evanston || 1622 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL || P: (847) 733-8424
Nando’s Peri-Peri
For our second stop, we headed to Nando’s Peri-Peri in Skokie, inside Westfield Old Orchard Mall. Our friends, Amy (@amycookschicago), Briana & Chamere (@pantrygrubs), Justine (@chicagofoodaffair), Vi (@vieatswell), and Zeke (@iamzeked) came to join in on the fun.
Nando’s is a casual, chain restaurant originating from South Africa and specializes in Portuguese flame-grilled chicken with different PERi-PERi sauces, ranging in various spice levels. There are several locations in the city as well as a couple of locations in the suburbs. FUN FACT: We learned every restaurant has a slightly different décor. Who knew?
The special deal for North Shore Restaurant Month is a three-course prix fixe for $20. FYI, this is offered at the Skokie location only. You get a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert.
We started off with some wings. Trust me when I say this, but the hot is HOT. This is coming from someone who loves to eat jalapeños as a snack. Although… I did see Chamere drink the extra hot sauce like it was water while I was chasing down my water with water. It’s a good kind of hot, though. The kind that gets your heart pumping and the endorphins activated.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // Peri-Peri Wings at Nando’s Peri Peri // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
The Hummus is great for sharing but I’ll warn you, the pita is addictive. You can’t just have one. It comes with the cutest little PERi-PERi drizzle, perfect to put in your purse or pocket, in case of emergencies.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // Hummus at Nando’s Peri-Peri // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
They have an array of options including the Chicken Skewers, 1/2 Chicken, Boneless Chicken Breasts, Salads, Chicken Sandwich, and Veggie Wrap on the special menu. Don’t forget to try the sides! The Macho Peas and Portuguese Rice are my favorites.
Save room for dessert. The Carrot Cake and Raspberry Cheesecake are divine.
{Restaurant Month Offer/Deal}
Three-Course Prix Fixe Menu: $20
{Location}
Nando’s Peri-Peri
Skokie || 4999 Old Orchard Ctr, Skokie, IL || P: (847) 972-6833
Mesa Urbana
#TacoTuesday is best spent with cocktails, tacos, and girlfriends. Am I right? We did just that with April (@thetipsyhousewife), Christina (@weeatchicago), Jen (@jeneatschi), and Sapna (@vegtourist) at Mesa Urbana.
Mesa Urbana is a hidden gem in Northbrook that shouldn’t be missed. You may drive right by it since it is in a strip mall but it’s a special place that is unique to the suburbs. The menu features authentic Mexican food with a focus on shared plates, fresh cocktails, and fantastic wines.
The thirst-quenching cocktails are made with fresh, house-made juices and truly as delicious as they look.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // Strawberry Watermelon Margarita at Mesa Urbana // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
We started off with a few apps… Guacamole (served with cucumbers, celery, watermelon radishes, and yellow beets), Ceviche Trio (octopus, shrimp, Hawaiian ahi tuna), and the Empanada (vegetarian friendly). Sapna had the brilliant idea of asking for the guacamole with a little heat. You know us, turning it up on a Tuesday.
The deal for North Shore Restaurant Month is a FREE appetizer with a purchase of two entrées. More entrées = more appetizers. Just sayin’.
Taco Tuesday wouldn’t be Taco Tuesday without tacos, would it? April ordered the Short Rib Tacos, which were the envy of the table. Look at these beauties…
Jen, ordered the Seafood Pasta. I don’t think she liked it very much, though. <sarcasm> It was literally gone in 60 seconds. LOL.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // Pasta de Mariscos at Mesa Urbana // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
I tried the Salmon Al Carbon, which I was told was a customer favorite. I can see why. The caramelized mango, green papaya, and avocado tangy puree took me away to a tropical vacation. Any dish that makes me feel like that is a winner in my book.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // Salmon Al Carbon at Mesa Urbana // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
Although we talked about “sharing” one dessert, let’s be real, you just can’t have one dessert… so we had three. Calories don’t count when you’re having fun. Can I make that a thing?
{Restaurant Month Offer/Deal}
FREE appetizer with a purchase of two entrées
{Location}
Mesa Urbana
Northbrook || 3566 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL || P: (847) 383-0700
The Barn
The Barn is a modern meat-centric restaurant located in a somewhat hidden location along an alleyway in Evanston. The charming bi-level restaurant has a rustic but contemporary feel with high ceilings and large hanging lights. Amanda (@amandatopper), Chelsia (@chelsias), Gary (@thetopspots), Mina (@chicagofoodgirl), Shea (@thefoodiest), and the Fab Food Chicago team were treated like V.I.P. as we had the private space upstairs overlooking the main dining area.
We started with a few appetizers and Gary had the right idea, steak before your steak dinner. The Steak Tartare was superb with cornichon, pickled garlic, watercress, and sweet potato chips.
We also indulged on some Caviar Sandwiches because why not? The combination of American Bowfin caviar, farm egg, and crème fraîche will leave you feeling like the rich and famous.
For the main course, most of us got steak because you kinda have to at a meaterie especially when the menu involves intensive research and tastings by the owner, Amy Morton. Everyone enjoyed each mouthwatering bite.
I went with the Roasted Branzino and it was fantastic. The lemon-shallot beurre blanc sauce just makes everything butter.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // Roasted Branzino, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Mac & Cheese, and Roasted Mushrooms at The Barn // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
Another noteworthy dish was Shea’s Bison Bolognese and Mac and Cheese pictured here. Check out her epic noodle pull.
If you’re not full after reading all of this, you will be now. I’ll leave these desserts right here…
{Restaurant Month Offer/Deal}
15% off guest check
{Location}
The Barn
Evanston || 1016 Church St, Evanston, IL || P: (847) 868-8041
Grateful Bites Pizza Shoppe
Ain’t no party like a pizza party! Alex (@bestfoodalex), Alyssa (@303eatschi), Andrea (@andreasculinarypassport), Chanel (@chanelogy), Matt (@mattchavez_tv), and Tina (@tineatschicago) all met up at Grateful Bites Pizza Shoppe in Winnetka for the ultimate pizza party. It’s pretty epic when the owner (Matt Halack) let’s you have the whole restaurant for the night and makes you all the specialty pizzas on the menu. His daughter was even there to help. Too cute!
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // Margherita, Elote, Pepperoni, and Feed Your Head Pizza at Grateful Bites // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
Grateful Bites Pizza Shoppe is a fast-casual restaurant, a spin-off of Matt & Sarah Halack’s catering business, which they started in 2012. They purchased a mobile wood-fire oven and grew a following from doing weddings, family parties, and special events. Due to their popularity the pizza shop was born.
They are very mindful about the ingredients they use and where they source it from. Everything is made from scratch using locally-sourced, quality ingredients. This Burrata starter just says it all.
Menu features both red (bianco/dinapoli organic tomatoes) and white (olive oil based) pizzas as well as traditional and unique toppings. If you love Neapolitan-style, thin crust pizzas, this is your spot.
Our favorite was the Elotes Pizza. Seriously, it’s incredible. I almost don’t want to tell you about it so I can have it all to myself but sharing is caring.
We were so excited to take a pic of it. Look at Matt’s smile.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // @303eatschi, @chanelogy, and @mattchavez_tv at Grateful Bites // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
Another favorite of ours was the Pepperoni with hot honey, mozzarella, parmesan, and chives. I usually leave the crust but I ate every bite of the chewy, wood-fired crust.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // Pepperoni Pizza at Grateful Bites // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
They also have a delicious shrimp pizza called “The Good Friday” available on Fridays during lent.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // The Good Friday Pizza at Grateful Bites // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
We ended our meal and celebrated Matt’s birthday with several Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookies. You would have thought it was my birthday because I sat right down next to these and didn’t move until it was time to leave.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2018 // Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookie at Grateful Bites // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
{Restaurant Month Offer/Deal}
15% off guest check
{Location}
Grateful Bites Pizza Shoppe
Winnetka || 899 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka, IL || P: (847) 386-9141
You have exactly a week to check out #NSRM18. Check out all the deals here.
Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo
Thank you, NaKorn, Nando’s Peri-Peri (Skokie), Mesa Urbana, The Barn, and Grateful Bites Pizza Shoppe for hosting us! Thanks to everyone who joined us for #NSRM18. See you next year!
Note: This post was sponsored by Chicago’s North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
