CAFE 36 HOSTS VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER

Hearts melt over Café 36
Valentine’s Day Dinner

Classic oysters Rockefeller,
Coconut shrimp trio with
tangy chipotle mayonnaise
and mango salsa ...
'And that's just the appetizer'

Jorge Flores
executive chef

By Deanna C. White

Looking for a truly, swoon-worthy dining experience this Valentine’s Day?

The newly revitalized Café 36 in downtown La Grange will offer a feast to tantalize all senses Saturday, February 14, when it pairs a menu of rich culinary delights made famous by internationally-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay with the lush, jazz tones of legendary saxophonist David Schumacher.

“Valentine’s Day is a day when people truly want to go out and celebrate,” said Café 36 owner Terry Gilmer. “So we picked a menu featuring some classic dishes like oysters and surf-and- turf, and will serve them in an intimate atmosphere with candlelight and soft jazz music.”

The contemporary American bistro has been packing in huge crowds since it made its national television debut this January when multi-Star Michelin Chef Ramsay transformed the restaurant, and the menu, on his culinary makeover show “Kitchen Nightmares.”

New Executive Chef Jorge Flores will present dishes designed by Ramsay for the special Valentine’s Day menu.

Appetizers include the classic oysters Rockefeller, and a coconut shrimp trio with tangy chipotle mayonnaise and mango salsa.

Some of the amour- inspiring entrees include twin lobster tails, slow-roasted prime rib of beef, shrimp linguini and filet mignon, while the luxurious dessert menu showcases chocolate mousse, chocolate covered strawberries, New York style cheesecake, and a tribute to old-school romance: a sundae built for two.

“I guarantee every customer will leave with a smile on their face and a song in their heart,” Flores said.

An acclaimed jazz saxophonist, Schumacher will provide the perfect accompaniment to Flores’ dishes.

A Chicago native who has been active in the New York music scene for more than 25 years, Schumacher is an original member of the Harry Connick Jr. orchestra.

He has also recorded with such jazz greats as Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme, Scott Whitfield and Ben Wolfe.

Schumacher will perform from 6 to 9 p.m.

Reservations for the Café 36 Valentine’s Day dinner are still available, and strongly recommended. To make a reservation call 708.354.5722.

For more information, and a complete menu listing, visit http://www.cafe36.com/ or log on to Facebook under Café 36.

Upcoming special events at Café 36 include a Fat Tuesday celebration on Tuesday, February 24, and a St. Patrick’s Day party Saturday, March 14, with live music and a traditional Irish menu featuring corned beef and cabbage, stew and salmon.

Café 36 is located in downtown La Grange (just south of Ogden Avenue and just west of La Grange Road/Route 45) at 22 Calendar Avenue.

The bistro features, steaks, chops, pastas and fresh fish and is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.