Dining out: ‘Wicked’ doughnuts, Fat Rosie’s dirty sodas, new Yard House and more
In case you’ve dodged the barrage of marketing around it’s release, “Wicked: For Good” opens in theaters this week. There’s been no shortage of food and drink tie-ins so far, and now a pair of doughnut shops are joining in.
This week Duck Donuts debuted a two-pack “Enchanted Duo” that includes one Dubai Chocolate Donut (a rich chocolate iced doughnut topped with pistachio buttercream and crisp kataifi) and one Strawberry Sparkle Donut (a strawberry iced doughnut dusted in gold sanding sugar and crowned with a pink sugar rose).
Stan’s Donuts & Coffee is unveiling one-day-only “Wicked”-inspired creations Friday in celebration of the movie’s release. The doughnuts feature the chain’s signature strawberry glaze on one half in honor of Glinda and a pistachio-glazed half for Elphaba.
Down and dirty
If you’re a fan of any of the shows about Mormon wives, you’re probably in the know about dirty soda, the customized, nonalcoholic drinks often made with a base of soda mixed with flavored syrups and a splash of creamer or half-and-half.
Fat Rosie’s restaurants are getting in on the act, blending Jarritos’ Mexican sodas or Dr Pepper with creamy and tropical add-ins.
The nonalcoholic lineup includes flavors like Creamsicle, with Jarritos Mandarin, vanilla syrup and cream; Citrus Pop, with Jarritos Lime and guava purée; Fizzy Piña Colada, with Jarritos Pineapple and coconut syrup; and Mexican Float, with Dr Pepper and horchata.
The dirty sodas are $7 and are available at suburban locations in Frankfort, Lincolnshire, Lincolnwood, Naperville, Oak Brook, Rosemont and Schaumburg.
’Twas the night before Thanksgiving
Skeleton Key Brewery, 8102 Lemont Road #300 in Woodridge, is offering a more responsible “On Wednesdays, We Wear Black” party the day before Thanksgiving.
From 5-11 p.m., they’ll be serving up several specialty dark beers they’ve been saving for the occasion, and Echo & Ransom will be rocking out with originals and old favorites in the Den. Grumpy Gaucho will be on hand serving up empanadas and stuffed churros.
Guest chef
Since opening early this year, The Greggory in South Barrington has welcomed a number of well-regarded chefs for guest appearances in the kitchen. Next up is Chef Norman Fenton of Michelin-starred Cariño, named one of The New York Times’ “50 Best Restaurants in the U.S.” this year.
The Tuesday, Dec. 2, event will feature a five-course dinner with curated wine pairings that showcase Norman’s modern, soulful approach to Latin American cuisine in collaboration with The Greggory’s Chef Jose Sosa’s Mediterranean flair and Mexican roots.
Tickets are $250, with a portion of the proceeds from each ticket benefiting Latinos Progresando, a Chicago-based nonprofit with a mission of elevating the well-being of the Mexican community.
Reservations can be made at OpenTable.
Going once …
Support local community art programs while bidding on decadent desserts during Art of the Dessert, a St. Charles Arts Council fundraiser Monday, Nov. 24, at The Graceful Ordinary.
More than 40 desserts crafted by both professional and local bakers will be up for bid, with all proceeds from the event directly benefiting community art programs in St. Charles. Each ticket includes a complimentary glass of champagne and passed appetizers, courtesy of The Graceful Ordinary.
Tickets for the event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. are $60 and can be purchased on the arts council’s website.
Beer, anyone?
Yard House will bring what they say is the world’s largest selection of draft beer to Naperville when the new location opens in Block 59 Sunday, Nov. 23.
Known for having over 100 beers on tap, a classic rock vibe and a diverse food menu, the restaurant at 412 S. Route 59 will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and until 11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Not wanting to be closed during their first week, the restaurant will be open Thanksgiving Day with limited-time turkey plates featuring the choice of fried Nashville hot turkey or sliced turkey with gravy, complete with classic sides and dessert.
The new restaurant marks Yard House’s fourth suburban location, joining eateries in Glenview, Lombard and Vernon Hills.
• Email dining events to rwest@dailyherald.com.