Lights Out: Prasino Celebrates Earth Hour on Saturday

The lights are going out at for an evening of candlelight dinners and special menu options this Saturday. But don't worry, the power's not out—Prasino is turning the lights off in observance of Earth Hour on Saturday.

Earth Hour is an international event held on the last Saturday in March where people and businesses all over the world shut off their lights for an hour to raise awareness about energy conservation and to send a message about climate change.

For the third year, Prasino will be shutting off their lights from 8:30-9:30 p.m. and will feature special menu items with an emphasis on local and environmentally sustainable foods.

"It brings awareness to something we feel really strongly about," said Michelle Phelps, marketing manager at Prasino. "People get really excited about it."

Prasino's menu this Saturday features Smoked Salmon Cakes made with wild, line-caught Alaskan salmon, smoked in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, garnished with arugula pesto and served with frisee (sometimes called chicory). A second menu option features seared and roasted Cobia served with organic cauliflower and locally sourced glazed carrots.

"Kids always have a great time at this event and it also makes a really nice date," Phelps said of the candlelit atmosphere. "It's a good chance to try some new menu items as well."

Prasino focuses on a menu that doesn't sacrifice taste or presentation, Phelps said, but makes it a point to feature menu items that are eco-friendly and locally sourced. Participating in Earth Hour goes along with that approach, Phelps said.

"In any industry, and in the restaurant industry, there's the potential to have a lot of waste," Phelps said of the restaurant's approach to dining. "These are issues that will have an impact on future generations."

On April 17, Prasino will also be hosting a special Midwest Farmer's Dinner in honor of Earth Week. The special five-course menu option will feature only items sourced from farms in the Midwest for $65 a plate. The restaurant is also looking to pair the meal with organic wines and Goose Island's environmentally sustainable Green Line Ale.

"For us, it's about supporting what's locally available and about building a community," Phelps said.

Reservations for Prasino's Saturday Earth Hour event can be made online while tables last here: Prasino reservations. For more information on Prasino's Midwest Farmer's Dinner, .