College students, faculty get Big Bowl bargain

Big treat at Big Bowl

Thursdays are now special days for college students and faculty dining at Big Bowl restaurants. College students and faculty, with a valid college or university ID, can receive complimentary steamed dumplings or pot stickers with their meal during lunch or dinner at the Chinese and Thai restaurant. Guests can choose from vegetable or chicken dumplings with a spicy mustard, soy ginger or hot sauce. The offer is valid at all Big Bowl locations every Thursday through May of 2010.

Info: Big Bowl, 215 Parkway Drive in Lincolnshire (847) 808-8880, and at 1950 E. Higgins Road in Schaumburg (847) 517-8881. Visit bigbowl.com.

Music and a meal

As part of its Concert Between Courses series, Niche Restaurant of Geneva is offering an evening of dinner and fine music for its patrons. Guests can dine on a three-course meal with seasonal entrees by executive chef Jeremy Lycan. Between courses, pianist Larry Dieffenbach and soprano Michelle Areyzaga will present their soprano/piano duo.

Info: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Niche Restaurant, 14 South Third St., Geneva. Admission is $50 per person (excluding beverages and gratuity). Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited. (630) 262-1000. Visit nichegeneva.com.

Capital-izing on fall

The Capital Grille Rosemont is offering a three-course prix fixe meal to celebrate the fall season. Menu fare includes specialties such as butternut squash bisque with shiitake mushrooms and prosciutto-wrapped lions paw scallops. For dessert, dig into pumpkin cheesecake with a caramel sauce or some warm apple crisp with cold cinnamon ice cream. Reservations are required.

Info: Special fall menu runs through Sunday, Nov. 1, at The Capital Grille Rosemont at 5340 N. River Road, Rosemont. The cost is $39 per person. Reservations are required. Call (847) 671-8125 or visit thecapitalgrille.com.