Dining out: Kyuramen opens in Naperville, beers with Santa, Hanukkah dining and more
Kyuramen comes to Naperville
Popular ramen chain Kyuramen, which touts modern Japanese flavors and approachable pricing, has opened a new eatery at 1727 Freedom Drive #121 in Naperville. Its signature honeycomb seating has become a recognizable hallmark of the brand on social media.
The restaurant’s most popular dishes include Tokyo Tonkotsu Shouyu Ramen and the Yin-Yang Bowl, which offers two ramen flavors in one. Guests can also try Kyuramen’s TikTok-famous Omurice, a fluffy Japanese omelet over savory fried rice.
The chain’s second outpost in Illinois is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Beers with Santa
Santa seems like a cool guy, someone with whom you’d want to sit down and have a beer. Well, now you’ve got your shot — he’ll be at Tapville Social in Naperville Friday, Dec. 12.
You can snap a selfie with the jolly old elf at 216 S. Washington St. from 7-9 p.m. Reservations on OpenTable are recommended, so book a spot and raise a glass to staying on the nice list.
Tapville also will host a kids’ brunch with Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. The big guy will visit each table to spread holiday cheer and pose for photos. Reservations are encouraged.
Gifts that give back
Lazy Dog restaurants are offering DIY holiday gingerbread house kits, with 100% of the net proceeds of kits sold going to Habitat for Humanity. The $7.50 kits are available until Dec. 31 at all Lazy Dog locations, or can be purchased on the website in bundles of four for $30, plus shipping. They have suburban restaurants in Buffalo Grove, Naperville, Northbrook, Oak Brook and Vernon Hills.
Lazy Dog is also bringing back its “Everything But The Turkey” takeout package to take some of the pressure off for holiday dinners. The $39.95 package serves six and includes family-sized sides of cheesy creamed corn, mac and cheese, red-skinned mashed potatoes, Parmesan-herb sweet corn stuffing and house-made country gravy. A huckleberry apple cobbler or a bottle of select red or white wine can be added on for $10. Preorders are available through Dec. 20 for pickup Dec. 22-24.
Hanukkah dining
Suburban restaurants are ready to celebrate the start of Hanukkah, which begins Sunday, Dec. 14.
Di Pescara in Northbrook is offering Hanukkah specials to-go from Sunday, Dec. 14, through Monday, Dec. 22. Holiday menu items include matzo ball soup (serves four, $26 per quart), braised beef brisket with caramelized onions and au jus (2.5-pound half pan serving five to six is $149 or the 5-pound full pan serving nine to 12 is $289), potato pancakes with apple sauce (half pan of 20 latkes serving six for $25, full pan for $45). Orders must be placed by calling (847) 498-4321 by noon Thursday, Dec. 11.
Ema in Glenview is offering specials throughout Hanukkah including potato, Parmesan and Brussels sprout latkes with scallion crema, available for dine-in, carryout and delivery, in addition to the regular lunch and dinner menus.
L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge in Lincolnwood has Hanukkah specials including matzo ball soup and potato pancakes, in addition to supper club-inspired favorites and more. Specials will be available for dine-in, carryout and delivery from Sunday, Dec. 14, through Monday, Dec. 22.
Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook will offer its regular menu as well as a Hanukkah special beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday. To make a reservation, call (847) 205-4433 or visit PrairieGrassCafe.com. The restaurant also offers a takeout package for two ($144) that includes slow-braised brisket with smashed roasted cauliflower, two potato latkes, a mixed green salad and flourless chocolate cake. They also have a full menu of holiday a la carte items to go; orders must be placed by Wednesday, Dec. 10.
• Email dining events to rwest@dailyherald.com.