Sweet Specials Set For Tinley Park's Inaugural Chocolate Fest

TINLEY PARK, IL — Some sweet specials are lined up for Tinley Park's inaugural Chocolate Fest, set for Feb. 3–9.

Aimed at shining a spotlight on local businesses, the debut Chocolate Fest will feature chocolate-y dishes and cocktails at participating local restaurants and businesses.

The chocolate-centric event will also include a Wonka-esque Golden Ticket handed over to anyone who indulges in the sweet treats. The ticket then enters the customer into a raffle for prizes, which will include giftcards to the featured restaurants. Specials will be available at the participating restaurants the entire week, said the Village of Tinley Park's Marketing Department.

Participating restaurants include:

• Ed and Joe's Restaurant & Pizzeria, 17332 Oak Park Ave.
  • Special: Ghirardelli fudge brownie
• Siam Marina: 16846 Oak Park Ave.
  • Special: Chocolate martini, chocolate eggrolls, chocolate cake
• Frankie's Est. 1988: 9501 W 171st St
  • Special: Nutella Pizza
• Vinny's Clam Bar: 18201 S Harlem Ave.
  • Special: Chocolate Budino
• Hillgrove Tap: 9501 W 171st St Suite R
  • Special: Chocolate lava cake
• Primal Cut: 17344 Oak Park Ave.
  • Special: Chocolate raspberry martini and chocolate torte
• Sip Wine Bar and Restaurant: 17424 Oak Park Ave.
  • Special: Sweetheart corks, assorted truffles and chocolates, chocolate Old-Fashioned, chocolate and cherry Rye Manhattan, chocolate port

"With all of the things we have going on in Tinley Park, our calendar is a little lighter in the January and February timeframe," said Marketing Director Donna Framke. "This presented an opportunity to bring people in, at a time when people are looking for something to do.

"People will get an opportunity to try our great, independently owned restaurants."

The event was also planned to fall close to Valentine's Day, an occasion known for chocolates and other sweets.

"I'm a big chocolate fan," Framke said, "so I'm excited about this."

Raffle ticket submissions must be entered by February 13, and the raffle will take place on February 14.