Patch's Guide to La Grange Restaurant Week

It's finally here: La Grange's First Annual Restaurant Week in downtown La Grange. All your favorite restaurants are hosting special events, putting special items on their menus and making you—the customer—feel, well, generally special.

Restaurant Week kicks off today and runs through Feb. 26. Featuring 14 downtown restaurants, everyone is sure to find a local favorite they can choose from. With this many deals going on though, you can probably find something new to try as well.

Don't forget that all month long, if you dine at any of the participating restaurants, you can pick up a passport and get it stamped for each meal you get over $20. With four stamps you're eligible to win a trip for two to a culinary destination in the U.S. or overnight accommodation in Chicago (a world-renowned culinary destination). Get at least two stamps and you can win dining certificates to a favorite local restaurant in La Grange. See the La Grange Business Association website for more details and information. 

Below you'll find Patch's guide to every special and event going on all week long. Click on the name of the restaurant for more information, or to give it a review. The bolded listings are Patch's Picks for the best deals and events going on this week.

Take a look, and get hungry!

Restaurant Week Specials and Events:

Back Alley Burger:

Special features include a Red Velvet Cake Shake and the Breakfast Before Dinner Burger made with sausage, egg, cheese, grilled onions and mustard on a pretzel roll. But there's a lot to choose from at Back Alley Burger.

Bella Bacinos:

Every Saturday this month, Bella Bacinos is hosting a kids pizza-making class . Kids will be given chef’s hats and aprons, which they can take home and also, get to design their own cookie. On Tuesdays this month, adults can take part in a series of wine tastings from 5-10 p.m. Class includes a tasting flight and instruction on the wines from Bella Bacinos staff. Call for more information at 708-352-8882.

Blueberry Hill:

Breakfast and lunch specials abound at this classic cafe on items like crepes, pancakes, omelettes, skillets, sandwiches and salads.

El Picante Mexican Grill:

During Restaurant Week, El Picante offers a complimentary appetizer with a $30 purchase and daily drink specials. 

Francesca's Bellezza:

Francesca's Bellezza has a week packed with events and specials. On Friday, Feb. 17, enjoy live music from local student musicians. On Monday and Tuesday all bottles of wine are $10 off. On Wednesday a three-course menu with signature dishes is available for $25. On Thursday stop in for live jazz and $6 martinis!

Kama Indian Bistro:

This intimate restaurant is a Michelin pick and a local favorite. During Restaurant Week, enjoy a special $25 prix fixe menu available in addition to the regular menu. The prix fixe menu features Chicken Tikka Masala, Black Pepper Lamb or Chicken Achari. Kama is also doing an, "East Meets West Menu," pairing dishes with a chosen microbrew beer, such as Lamb Tacos with a Dragon's Milk from New Holland Brewing Company. A full list of Restaurant Week specials at be found on Kama's website. 

Marconi's Ristorante:

Marconi's too is offering a $25 prix fixe menu featuring four delicious courses! Entrees include Gnocchi con Funghi, Tortellini con Ricotta, Polo Saltimboca or Salmon.

Nicksons Eatery:

Readers love Nicksons and so does the Michelin Guide. This eclectic restaurant is featuring a "Taste of the Nation" culinary travel guide during Restaurant Week. You can also stop by for live jazz by the talented Bruce, Ulery, Spring Trio from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursday Feb. 23, and music from rhythm and blues group Deuce from 7:30-10:30 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 25. 

Palmer Place:

Palmer Place needs no introduction to La Grange residents. A staple of the community for over $25 years, it is consistently handed awards for its burgers. They also feature a huge beer selection to rival anyone in town. During Restaurant Week, Palmers features food and drink specials daily. On Monday Feb. 20, get a Guinness Gilroy 20 oz Collector's Glass. On Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. meet the Cicerone (beer guide) and taste Southern Tier 2XIPA, Unearthly Double IPA, Oat Stout, Java Stout, and Iniquity Black IPA (these are all fantastic beers by the way). On Friday from 4-7 p.m. talk with an expert home brewer and taste some really unique home brews for some inspiration to make your own.

Prasino:

One of the best restaurants in La Grange and the western suburbs, Prasino is offering a three course tasting menu from Executive Chef Scott Halverson for $25. Entree choices include Miso Glazed Tofu, Grilled Thai Curry Pork Loin, Grilled Amish Chicken Breast or Sesame Seared Salmon. 

Santiago's:

A long-time staple of the downtown restaurant scene, Santiago's has some fantastic events this week—and an extensive tequila menu to boast about! During Restaurant Week, stop by for the Cabo Wabo Afternoon Margarita Workshop. Need I say more? Well, you'll want the details, so here they are: the workshop includes a demonstration on the finer points of margarita making. Get a taste of a Fresh Mango Margarita or a Skinny Margarita with fresh lime juice and agave nectar made with top shelf tequila. You'll also learn how to make a wonderful Pico de Gallo to crunch on between sips. The workshop runs on Saturday Feb. 18 and Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. for $20 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 708-354-0700.

Thipi Thai:

Stop by for daily drink and food specials. During Restaurant Week get a 10 percent discount off the bill. 

Wild Monk:

La Grange's new gastropub (fancy for fancy beer and bar food) boasts a beer menu rivaled by few in La Grange. The menu of libations from mixologist Todd Ekis features spirits not seen in your average bar. During Restaurant Week stop in for daily specials on food, and if you order any Goose Island beer, you get a discount on either a Chipotle and Mozzarella Sausage or a Bratwurst.