Dining out: Summer is salad season, fireworks fun and a totally ’80s dining experience
Salad season
When the weather turns hot, salads are a cool choice. California Pizza Kitchen has refreshed its salad lineup, including adding one that’s only available for a limited time.
Three new additions to the menu include the Charcuterie Salad, a salad-meets-snack-board combo with smoked ham, salami, Brie, Parmesan, green apple and candied walnuts over greens, finished with Dijon balsamic vinaigrette and sesame crackers; the Crispy Chinese Dumpling Salad with crispy dumplings over Napa cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, scallions and cilantro, tossed in honey-miso dressing and finished with a drizzle of chili crisp; and the Steakhouse Salad with filet mignon, crispy smashed potatoes, roasted tomatoes, red onions and Gorgonzola over arugula and lettuce, with Dijon balsamic vinaigrette.
For a limited time, diners can try the Burrata Panzanella Salad, featuring burrata with heirloom tomatoes, garlic croutons, cucumbers, chickpeas and basil in a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
CPK has suburban locations in Deer Park, Geneva, Northbrook, Oak Brook and Schaumburg.
Dinner with a view
Camp chairs and picnics are great for Fourth of July fireworks, but if you’re looking to elevate your game a little, a couple of local spots have some options.
The Graceful Ordinary in St. Charles is taking reservations for its Fourth of July South Terrace event, which includes exclusive access to its south terrace viewing area from 7:30 p.m. to close. The restaurant will be serving patriotic specials such as lobster rolls, Nashville hot chicken sliders and Martina’s festive desserts, as well as giving out swag bags and a complimentary themed drink.
Standing-room tickets are $35 and include access to the south terrace for the fireworks show, a themed cocktail or mocktail and assorted snacks such as Georgian pecan caramel corn. Four-top tables are $140 per ticket. Reservations can be made at Resy.
On July 3, the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook is celebrating with a special experience for those looking to enjoy the Taste of Oak Brook Fireworks Show on the patio at Hearth Lounge.
Enjoy live music and a buffet with salads, sides, desserts and entrées including burgers, sliders, barbecue and more from 6-8 p.m. before the fireworks show.
Tickets are $55 and available on Tock.
Totally ’80s
Three Embers Restaurant in Lincolnshire has transformed into a totally rad homage to the 1980s to coincide with Marriott Theatre’s production of the ’80s-themed musical “Always Something There.”
The Back to the Grill experience runs through Aug. 9 and is the third of five themed pop-ups the restaurant is hosting to celebrate the theater’s 50th season.
The $49 three-course prix fixe menu includes ’80s song title-inspired dishes, including the Loco-Motion Taco Salad or Shattered Onion Soup to start, entrees such as We Got the Bleu, Always Something Braised, Whip It (Into Casserole) or Dreamloaf, and the Sweet Emotion Forest dessert (chocolate cake, cherries, white chocolate mousse).
Back to the Grill is open from 4-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday during the run of the show. Visit threeembersrestaurant.com for reservations.
• Send dining events to rwest@dailyherald.com.