Dining out: New spicy sub at Jersey Mike’s, themed dinners, shiitake mushroom tacos and more
Some like it hot
If you want to add a little spice to your sandwich life, you’re in luck. Chicago is one of four test markets, along with Minneapolis, San Diego and Salt Lake City, for Jersey Mike’s Subs new “Mike’s Hot Italian” sub.
The limited-time-only sub is loaded with grilled chopped ham, salami and pepperoni and covered in melted provolone, then topped with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and their signature hot chopped pepper relish.
A regular Mike’s Hot Italian sub is available for $8.95 in-store, online or through the Jersey Mike’s app for a limited time.
Wine dinner
Inspired by a trip to the winery in Arezzo, Italy, in 2023, Mockingbird Bar + Garden owner Kathleen Bucci Bergeron and wine maker Denis Zeni will host a six-course Leuta Winery dinner Sunday, Dec. 7, at the East Dundee restaurant.
Dishes will include wood-fired broccolini, Atlantic salmon tartar with quail egg, prosciutto pizza, house-made stuffed brioche (akin to a cheeseburger), spiced braised leg of lamb, and frisée salad with apple and pistachios. Each course will be paired with a wine chosen by Zeni.
Dinner is $130 and reservations can be made online at OpenTable.
Truth in advertising
Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights probably didn’t know just how right they were when they planned their “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” themed dinner for Tuesday, Dec. 9.
The early-1960s-inspired holiday dinner party will feature a six-course menu with curated drink pairings and festively themed vibes and music. Dishes will include eggnog foie gras, lobster tartlet, confit pork belly, brisket ravioli and a festive Alexander dessert cocktail.
Tickets are $125 per person and are available at heynonny.com.
They’ll also be collecting nonperishables and clothing donations to benefit Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church’s PADS program.
New menu item
Guzman y Gomez has an intriguing new option for their tacos, burritos and bowls: pulled shiitake mushrooms. The new plant-based option is seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic and onion, slow-cooked and pulled barbecue-style.
To celebrate the launch, GYG will offer bonus Gomex points for every pulled shiitake mushroom taco purchased through the GYG App or website, encouraging guests to try the newest addition while earning rewards.
GYG has suburban locations in Buffalo Grove, Crystal Lake, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Naperville and Schaumburg.
National Chicken Teriyaki Day
There’s a day for everything, and chicken teriyaki gets Thursday, Dec. 11. Teriyaki Madness locations are offering rewards members a BOGO deal to celebrate.
Mad Rewards members who purchase any regular or large bowl will get a junior or regular chicken teriyaki bowl for free. Plus, rewards members who order on Dec. 11 will automatically be entered to win free bowls for a year.
Teriyaki Madness has suburban locations in Gurnee, Lombard, Rolling Meadows, St. Charles and Vernon Hills.
National Comfort Food Day
See, I told you there’s a day for everything. Comfort food gets Friday, Dec. 5. Need a couple of recommendations?
Il Mio in Clarendon Hills suggests its cacio e pepe, chicken Parmesan and/or meatball polenta. And as a comfy bonus, they deliver.
Or you can head to City Works Eatery and Pour House in Schaumburg and Vernon Hills or sister concept Old Town Pour House in Naperville and Oak Brook for the smoked fried chicken or Southern mac ’n’ cheese. Can’t get much more comfortable than that.
• Email dining events to rwest@dailyherald.com.