Kau, Kau wela Le'ale'a a' la sola! (Summer Fun at sola!)

There's an old joke about a Chicago man who recently shows up in Hell. The Devil is keen to irk this man, so he turns up the thermostat to 80 degrees. When the Devil checks on the man, he says, "Not a problem, it's just like Chicago in spring!" So the Devil knocks up the temperature to 110 degrees. The man sweats a bit, but says, "No worries, it's like Chicago in the summer!" Legitimately concerned, the Devil drops the temperature to -30 degrees, completely freezing over Hell. When he checks back on the man, he's elated, jumping up and down, screaming, "World Series over! Cubs win! Cubs win!"

We're privy to a wide range of seasons in Chicago, but it's that wonderful array of experiences that make up our indomitable spirit. Nowhere else in the country do folks so openly celebrate the fine weather and positive moods as they do in Chicago, and nowhere else in Chicago will you find that celebration better highlighted than at sola. Executive Chef Carol Wallack and Chef de Cuisine Alex Shalev put the summer sun in each and every one of their tantalizing dishes. Kick off your sandals and mosey over to sola - let us sweeten your dining experience with all the fresh produce this season has to offer.

Ingredient of the Month: Avocados

It's true that money doesn't grow on trees, but avocados do, which is all the more reason to adopt the avocado as our national currency. Imagine: your bag of groceries will cost you five avocados and two avocado pits, a large pepperoni pizza will set you back a bowl of guacamole, and sola's tempura avocado, found atop our infamous Tuna entrée, will be a highly prized commodity. A note to all avocado-currency advocacy groups out there: sola's got your back!

The Truth About Avocados

• Not just for guacamole
• Similar to the mysterious potato, an avocado is actually a fruit, not a vegetable
• The avocado is nicknamed the Alligator Pear because of its pear-like shape and green skin
• An avocado milkshake with chocolate syrup is a classic Indonesian treat
• Avocados have 60% more potassium than bananas - remember, think green!
• Carol is from California, where most avocados come from

Drink of the Month: Strawberry Rhubarb Fields Forever

This sweet cocktail captures summer in the perfect mix of Absolut Mandarin, ginger liqueur, Seedling Farms strawberry rhubarb syrup, lemon. It's nothing to get hung about - but that doesn't mean you shouldn't grab one on our relaxing patio.

What's Going On?

Father's Day - Sunday June 20

This year, help Dad work on his swing technique and enjoy a delicious meal all at once. All Fathers dining at sola this Father's Day will receive complementary sola golf tees. Join us for Brunch or Dinner for an appetizer and entrée that Papa won't forget, even by the end of the back nine.

Urban Luau Sundays

From the Big Island to the city of Broad Shoulders, guests can experience the fare that Hawaiians gather with family to enjoy. The menu, which changes weekly, is available every Sunday during dinner and is served family-style for everyone at the table to share.

Guests can choose two dishes along with a Hawaiian-inspired salad or soup, plus one of Chef Wallack's sweet and savory desserts. The Urban Luau Menu is $30 per person and children only pay their age - it's the perfect way to get a taste of paradise in our welcoming Northcenter neighborhood.

Triple Threat Thursdays

What could possibly be more dangerously delicious than the combination of Burgers, Bacon and Beer? Well... probably nothing - which is why we dare to go there every Thursday night.

Indulge yourself every Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. with sola's legendary Wagyu "Kobe" Burger, typically only available for lunch, which is sandwiched between a chewy pretzel roll with house-made bacon, caramelized onions, fresh arugula and melted cambazola cheese.

Follow that up with a local craft beer and special dessert featuring our unique and appetizing bacon and you'll be swimming in Triple Threat Heaven.

Previous specials include bacon buttermilk ice cream with a malasada, hot fudge, wild strawberry compote and hazelnut brittle and Two Brothers' Ebel Weiss beer, brewed here in Illinois. Join us once and you'll be dreaming the Triple Threat until Thursday rolls back around.

$30 Prix Fixe Menu - Avocado

Stop by sola Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and partake in the coveted $30 Prixe Fix Menu, which weaves our ingredient of the month throughout three appetizing courses. Make a reservation or just stop by for one of the best deals this side of Wrigley Field. Each generous course can be complemented with expertly selected wine pairings for an additional $15.

Puna Ka Manawa a la sola! (spring time at sola!)

A few mantras and anecdotes we hear every day turn out to be true. Roses are red, Violets are blue. April showers bring May flowers. Everything you crave about spring, Sola Restaurant has. That may not be an official mantra, but it's just as true as the other ones.

Flowers really are blooming across Chicago, so Executive Chef Carol Wallack and Chef de Cuisine Alex Shalev are showcasing an offbeat kind of flower: asparagus. But that shouldn't stop you from picking up a bouquet of beautiful roses for your mother on May 9th. Begin or finish your Mother's Day celebration with sola this Sunday and join us for brunch or dinner.

Ingredient of the Month: Asparagus

One piece of asparagus is known as a "spear," but not many know why. It turns out that during Greek times, when the armies on the front lines were short a couple swords and spears, they would bundle up asparagus into weapons. What they didn't count on were the impromptu dinner parties that broke out across the battlefields. Spartan and Athenian soldiers would lay down their arms in favor of bacon-wrapped asparagus tips and fresh bouillabaisse, proving that there is no greater weapon than an empty stomach.

The Truth About Asparagus

• Asparagus is part flower, technically derived from the Lily family
• Asparagus begins as a tiny black seed and takes two years before it is ready to harvest.
• It used to be considered a luxury to be able to eat asparagus in ancient Rome and Italy.

Drink of the Month: Wasabi Bloody Mary

Don't be fooled by the dolled-up wasabi rim: this bloody mary means business. There is no better cure to a long night on the town then a delicious sip of sola's Wasabi Bloody Mary, the ultimate brunch companion. Garnished with shrimp and pickled asparagus, served with a beer chaser; you'll find spicy nirvana to start your day.

Mother's Day with CO Begelow!

This Mother's Day, Sunday, May 9, 2010, give mom more than just flowers. During Brunch and Dinner, Chef Carol Wallack and sola, located at 3868 N. Lincoln, will be offering extra mouth-watering menu specials and beauty treats to keep mom looking her best on her special day.

The first 200 moms to dine at sola on Mother's Day will receive a deluxe gift bag from world-renowned beauty company, C.O. Bigelow. This one-of-a-kind bag will be filled to the brim with fantastic products for the face, hands and feet to help mom keep looking and feeling amazing. C.O. Bigelow is located on the 4th floor of Water Tower Place in downtown Chicago.

Moms and families can also dine on sola favorites, such as the Ham and Cheese French Toast, served with mustard honey and plum preserves for Brunch, or the ever-popular Braised Short Ribs, served with hoisin, lemongrass, soy, snow peas, shiitake, red peppers and carrots for Dinner.

Urban Luau: Every Sunday

From the Big Island to the city of Broad Shoulders, guests can experience the fare that Hawaiians gather with family to enjoy. The menu, which changes weekly, is available every Sunday during dinner and is served family-style for everyone at the table to share.

Guests can choose two dishes along with a Hawaiian-inspired salad or soup, plus one of Chef Wallack's sweet and savory desserts. The Urban Luau Menu is $30 per person and children only pay their age - it's the perfect way to get a taste of paradise in our welcoming Northcenter neighborhood.

Triple Threat Thursdays: Burgers, Bacon & Beer

What could possibly be more dangerously delicious than the combination of Burgers, Bacon and Beer? Well... probably nothing - which is why we break that barrier every Thursday night. Indulge yourself this Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. with sola's legendary Wagyu "Kobe" Burger, typically only available for lunch, which is sandwiched between a chewy pretzel roll with house-made bacon, caramelized onions, fresh arugula and melted cambazola cheese. Follow that up with a local craft beer and special dessert featuring our unique and appetizing bacon and you'll be swimming in Triple Threat Heaven. Previous specials include bacon buttermilk ice cream with a malasada, hot fudge, wild strawberry compote and hazelnut brittle and Two Brothers' Ebel Weiss beer, brewed here in Illinois. Join us once and you'll be dreaming the Triple Threat until Thursday rolls back around.

Love Sola Testimonials

We received so many positive testimonials it was hard to pick just one. We will continue to review them all and will announce a winner in a separate upcoming email. We'd like to thank all of you for continuing to be a part of sola. We continue to commit our excellence in offering you the ultimate dining experience.

Ku'u aku, ho'onanea, luana Me Pilialoha a la sola! (Relax with Friends at sola!)

It's happening, as it does every year. Every citizen in the city of Chicago takes in one deep breath and lets it out in a unified, relieving sigh. The weight of winter falls from our "big shoulders" and now we can get busy planning our tropical relaxation. It's as if our memories hibernated all winter long, but as the April sun reemerges, we all recall just how electric summer in the midwest can be.

sola is no stranger to this early spring anxiety. As the temperature picks up, so does the heat in our welcoming kitchen. Executive Chef Carol Wallack and Chef de Cuisine Alex Shalev are paving the road to a sublime springtime with a healthy batch of Almonds. To further ramp up the excitement, the Chefs are inviting you to win a $50 sola Gift Certificate, just by testifying about your midnight Kalua Potsticker cravings. Read on to learn more.

Ingredient of the Month: Almonds

A wise person once said that a peanut is neither a pea, nor a nut. Sure, that's great and all, but what are we supposed to believe about almonds? sola's talented team of hardly-certified linguists decided to dig deeper into the nutty mystery. Clearly, the name can be divided into two parts: "al" and "mond." "Al" is obviously a reference to everyone's favorite TV weatherman, Al Roker of the Today Show, who also wrote a book about Big Bad Barbeque. "Mond," on the other hand, is unquestionably an Americanized take on the French word "monde," which means "world." Thus, Al Roker's Barbeque is good for the world and thus perfect for sola's delicious spring menu.

While this logic may seem faulty, spending $30 on sola's Almond Prix Fixe Menu is quite the opposite. Stop by sola Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and partake in three sizeable and mouthwatering courses featuring the elusive almond. Each finely-tuned course can be complemented with expertly selected wine pairings for an additional $15. It's the most logical decision you'll make all week.

The Truth About Almonds

- Although almonds are a great source of protein, they are also high in fat and must be consumed in moderation.
- An almond is actually a stone fruit and is related to the peach and cherry, which explains their distinctive sweetness.
- According to superstition, if you eat almonds before imbibing a few drinks, you will reduce your chances of getting intoxicated and avoid having a ruthless hangover.

Drink of the Month: 2006 Syrah Napa Valley Phoenix Ranch Vineyard

This bold red wine is featured on the menu of sola's upcoming wine dinner with Whetstone Winery. It boasts complex flavors of blackberry, cassis, black pepper and red beets and finishes long with dark chocolate and tobacco leaf notes. It's the ultimate complement to sola's rich Wagyu Hangar Steak

Love sola?

Tell Us About It! And Win $50
We're not kidding. We would never kid you like that. Have we kidded you before? Maybe. But not this time.

This month, we're asking you to offer your sola testimonials to be placed on our website at www.sola-restaurant.com. Tell us about your favorite sola experience, a hilarious sola encounter, or some of the reasons you find sola to be the perfect neighborhood spot. Gush about our top-notch service or our killer cocktails. Pontificate on sola's peace-loving philosophy or just mention your favorite dish.

At the end of the month, we'll pick out our favorite testimonial and award that person a complimentary $50 sola Gift Certificate. All you need to do is send your testimonials to dine@sola-restaurant.com.

Real Simple Restaurant Week

sola is helping Real Simple Magazine celebrate their 10th Anniversary with a special menu available from April 5th - April 9th. Also, stop by Union Station on April 9th from noon to
2 p.m. while sola participates in the exciting event, Real Simple Invites Chicago to Lunch.

Every Sunday - Urban Luau Menu

From the Big Island to the city of Broad Shoulders, guests can experience the fare that Hawaiians gather with family to enjoy. The menu, which changes weekly, is available every Sunday during dinner and is served family-style for everyone at the table to share.

Guests can choose two dishes along with a Hawaiian-inspired salad or soup, plus one of Chef Wallack's sweet and savory desserts. The Urban Luau Menu is $30 per person and children only pay their age - it's the perfect way to get a taste of paradise in our welcoming Northcenter neighborhood.

Burgers, Bacon, Beer - Triple Threat Thursdays

What could possibly be more dangerously delicious than the combination of Burgers, Bacon and Beer? Well... probably nothing - which is why we break that barrier every Thursday night. Indulge yourself this Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. with sola's legendary Wagyu "Kobe" Burger, typically only available for lunch, which is sandwiched between a chewy pretzel roll with house-made bacon, caramelized onions, fresh arugula and melted cambazola cheese. Follow that up with a local craft beer and special dessert featuring our unique and appetizing bacon and you'll be swimming in Triple Threat Heaven. Previous specials include bacon buttermilk ice cream with a malasada, hot fudge, wild strawberry compote and hazelnut brittle and Two Brothers' Ebel Weiss beer, brewed here in Illinois. Join us once and you'll be dreaming the Triple Threat until Thursday rolls back around.

Ho l, ma, I loko, kake, ea, eaea, lewa a la sola! (Spring is in the Air at sola!)

Listen up, Old Man Winter - We get it, already. April showers eventually bring May flowers, but you've still got your icy hands all over March. Your timeless tricks are getting pretty old. Endless snow, freezing rain, blustery winds, gloomy skies; come on, this is Chicago! We've seen it all before and we're not impressed.

That's why we're taking a stand, Papa Freeze. We're not going to take your attitude anymore. We're heading to sola Restaurant, Chicago's last stand against the fading winter blues. Executive Chef Carol Wallack and Chef de Cuisine Alex Shalev have carefully pieced together a Hawaiian-infused menu guaranteed to put a spring back in your step before spring even arrives. Between the Urban Luau Menu, Triple Threat Thursdays, a Coconut-laden Prix Fixe, and mouthwatering daily specials, every day is a great day to warm yourself.

Join the rebellion against Old Man Winter. The resistance movement gathers at sola Restaurant, seven days a week, open at 5:30 PM.

Ingredient of the Month: Coconut

Ah, the palm tree. Elegant and relaxing, the palm tree symbolizes everything serene about island life. That's why Executive Chef Carol Wallack brings its succulent fruit, the coconut, to this month's Prix Fixe Menu. Stop by sola Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and partake in three courses of tropical heaven for just $30. Chef de Cuisine Alex Shalev weaves coconuts through three delicate yet generous courses in one of the best deals this side of Wrigley Field. Each finely-tuned course can be complemented with expertly selected wine pairings for an additional $15. Take advantage of this island luxury without the hassle of chartering a boat to the nearest archipelago.

The Truth About Coconuts

Across the globe, coconuts are utilized to treat a range of maladies from baldness to the common cold In Thailand, specially trained monkeys take care of business and actually harvest coconuts. A coconut can be classified as a fruit, a nut, or a seed. Still not clear on peanuts, though.

Drink of the Month: A Day at the Beach

Malibu Rum, Three Olives Mango Vodka, passionfruit and pineapple juice

Every Sunday - Urban Luau Menu

From the Big Island to the city of Broad Shoulders, guests can experience the fare that Hawaiians gather with family to enjoy. The menu, which changes weekly, is available every Sunday during dinner and is served family-style for everyone at the table to share.

Guests can choose two dishes along with a Hawaiian-inspired salad or soup, plus one of Chef Wallack's sweet and savory desserts. The Urban Luau Menu is $30 per person and children only pay their age - it's the perfect way to get a taste of paradise in our welcoming Northcenter neighborhood.

Chicago Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier

March 14th
Don't worry - TMZ has already been alerted. Chef de Cuisine Alex Shalev will have his skills on display for visitors of the Flower and Garden Show when he shows them how to make one of sola's exhilarating dishes. Tickets and more information for the Flower & Garden Show can be ordered online at chicagoflower.com.

sola Goes Greener

We've switched all of our take out packaging to recycled materials. Our new Bio-Plus Earth #1 packaging is endorsed by the green restaurant association and is made from 100% recycled paperboard.

Burgers, Bacon, Beer - Triple Threat Thursdays

What could possibly be more dangerously delicious than the combination of Burgers, Bacon and Beer? Well... probably nothing - which is why we break that barrier every Thursday night. Indulge yourself this Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. with sola's legendary Wagyu "Kobe" Burger, typically only available for lunch, which is sandwiched between a chewy pretzel roll with house-made bacon, caramelized onions, fresh arugula and melted cambazola cheese. Follow that up with a local craft beer and special dessert featuring our unique and appetizing bacon and you'll be swimming in Triple Threat Heaven. Previous specials include bacon buttermilk ice cream with a malasada, hot fudge, wild strawberry compote and hazelnut brittle and Two Brothers' Ebel Weiss beer, brewed here in Illinois. Join us once and you'll be dreaming the Triple Threat until Thursday rolls back around.

Hau`oli Lâ o Lono-i-ke-aweawe-aloha! (Happy Valentine's Day!)

Punxsutawney Phil might be waving his mysterious, shadowy wand this month to predict the end of these daunting winter weeks, but instead of dreading the onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder, brighten your spirits and bask in the warmth at sola Restaurant. We've hit the ground running following our four-year anniversary and show no signs of slowing down; we'll keep providing a tropical-Midwestern shield to save you from the chilly gusts of the Windy City.

Executive Chef Carol Wallack and Chef de Cuisine Alex Shalev have electrified the shortest month of the year with aphrodisiacs, tropical drinks, chocolate creations, and an Urban Luau on the North Side. Sola mainstays like the Thursday Triple Threat and our weekly Prix-Fixe Menu also return to tickle your tastebuds. Stay tuned - February will amp up the excitement at sola.

Ingredient of the Month: Chocolate

There are some folks out there who are self-described 'chocoholics.' To combat the overbearing cocoa-tastic urges of 'chocoholism,' one might think to participate in a few meetings of Chocoholics Anonymous, but such a person would be mistaken. Only Executive Chef Carol Wallack has the medicine for chocolaty night terrors, and it's an indulgent remedy. Try some Chocolate Pave with an almond crust, lychee-raspberry-rosewater gelee and candied rose petals, a highlight of sola's aphrodisiac-laden Valentine's Day menu.

Facts About Chocolate

* Eating chocolate makes you romantic - it contains phenylephylamine, the same hormone the brain triggers when you fall in love
* Chocolate also makes you happy, if not elated, and not just because it's delicious. Chocolate produces serotonin, which is known as the "happy chemical"
* Chocolate is considered an aphrodisiac because it contains substances that increase energy, stamina and feelings of well being.

$30 Prix Fixe Menu

Stop by sola Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and partake in the coveted $30 Prix Fixe Menu, which weaves our ingredient of the month throughout three appetizing courses. Make a reservation or just stop by for one of the best deals this side of Wrigley Field. Each generous course can be complemented with expertly selected wine pairings for an additional $15. February is the perfect time to take advantage of this inexpensive luxury.

Drink of the Month - Rum Relief for Haiti

In a time of disaster we must all do our part, however small, to be good to each other and lend a hand. That's why sola has mixed up the Rum Relief cocktail, a blend of Barcardi, Malibu, and Myer's Dark rums, pineapple juice, orange juice and guava puree over ice. The cocktail is $10 and $5 of it will go to the Haiti relief fund. Great drink. Great cause.

+ Vist the MercyCorps Website

Valentine's Day

Taste succulent specials like Lobster with Smoked Oysters, fingerling potatoes, baby romaine, lobster broth and caviar; Hamachi, Salmon, and Oysters with avocado seaweed and wasabi; Foie gras soup with Brioche, truffle, ginger, candied orange and radish; Seared Opaka Paka with parsnip-miso puree, grilled asparagus, confit leeks and jasmine rice; Grilled Wagyu New York Strip, wilted beet greens, sweet potato, trumpet mushrooms, crispy onions and truffle pesto.

But what night of romance is complete without something sweet? Finish off the night with a scrumptious Chocolate Pave with almond crust, lychee - raspberry - rosewater gelee and candied rose petals.

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival is one of the nation's premiere culinary and wine events. Taking place February 25th - 28th, the four-day event features the biggest stars in the food industry as well as the world's most renowned wine and spirits producers. This is Wallack's second consecutive year participating in the fest and she has big plans after a successful first round - in 2009, Wallack competed in Rachel Ray's Burger Bash and took home the prize for "Best Potatoes" for her parmesan truffle fries.

Chefs Wallack and Shalev will be serving Allen Brothers Wagyu New York Strip with Fingerling - Oxtail Hash with a Slow Cooked Quail Egg, Shallots, Swiss Chard, 5-Spice Jus and Truffle Pesto. Wallack will be one of 41 chefs from around the U.S. participating and just one of three from Chi-town.

The Best of the Best event is an indulgent affair, incorporating cutting-edge cuisine, reserve wines, local and national celebrity, and a palpable vibe that sweeps the crowd into a frenzy of excitement. Stay up to date - dine at sola and ask about our progress!

Urban Luau Sundays

From the Big Island to the city of Broad Shoulders, guests can experience the fare that Hawaiians gather with family to enjoy. The menu, which changes weekly, is available every Sunday during dinner and is served family-style for everyone at the table to share.

Guests can choose two dishes along with a Hawaiian-inspired salad or soup, plus one of Chef Wallack's sweet and savory desserts. The Urban Luau Menu is $30 per person and children only pay their age - it's the perfect way to get a taste of paradise in our welcoming Northcenter neighborhood.

Burger, Bacon, and Beer Thursdays - The Triple Threat

What could possibly be more dangerously delicious than the combination of Burgers, Bacon and Beer? Well... probably nothing - which is why we dare to go there every Thursday night. Indulge yourself every Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. with sola's legendary Wagyu "Kobe" Burger, typically only available for lunch, which is sandwiched between a chewy pretzel roll with house-made bacon, caramelized onions, fresh arugula and melted cambazola cheese. Follow that up with a local craft beer and special dessert featuring our unique and appetizing bacon and you'll be swimming in Triple Threat Heaven. Previous specials include bacon buttermilk ice cream with a malasada, hot fudge, wild strawberry compote and hazelnut brittle and Two Brothers' Ebel Weiss beer, brewed here in Illinois. Join us once and you'll be dreaming the Triple Threat until Thursday rolls back around.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou a la sola (Happy New Year at sola)

At midnight on January 1st a new decade began, bringing with it a bevy of questions, hopes, and resolutions. Likewise, as sola prepares to turn four years old, we have aspirations for making dining at sola an even more rewarding experience. When you opt to sit next to our fireplace on a cold winter night, you're selecting exquisite-yet-personal service and satisfying, seasonal dishes, delivered with the communal spirit that makes Hawaii so unique.

That's why we're opening our doors to a host of exciting new options. Experience our new Sunday Urban Luau Menu and bite into Chef Carol Wallack and Chef de Cuisine Alex Shalev's family-style meals, or stop by earlier in the week to get a sharp bite of citrus, January's ingredient of the month. 2010 may just be the beginning of a new decade, but here at sola our fourth year will be just as fresh as the first and just as promising as years to come.

sola Turns Four

January 26th marks sola's fourth anniversary and we're eager to share the celebration. Make your way to our cozy dining room that Tuesday and let your taste buds run wild with the festivities, including a number of savory specials and a drop in price on our glass-pour wines to $4 each. This is sola's way of thanking you for your continued patronage and we hope to continue serving you to the best of our abilities for the next four years and beyond.

Ingredient of the Month: Citrus

Citrus fruits aren't just delicious, juicy, or orange (usually), they're also a bona fide way of life. This January, sola's buying into "The Way of the Citrus," an ancient Buddhist philosophy that makes everything mouthwatering in the blink of an eye. By meditating on the mystical kumquat and the menacing key lime, sola finds nirvana to be extra zesty.

Facts About Citrus

• Citrus fruits are grown more than any other fruit on Earth
• Boiling the peels of an orange and grapefruit with mineral water makes for a great facial
• There is more fiber in an orange than in most other fruits and vegetables

$30 Prix Fixe Menu

Stop by sola Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and partake in the coveted $30 Prix Fixe Menu, which weaves our ingredient of the month throughout three appetizing courses. Make a reservation or just stop by for one of the best deals this side of Wrigley Field. Each generous course can be complemented with expertly selected wine pairings for an additional $15. January is the perfect time to take advantage of this inexpensive luxury.

Drink of the Month: Rising Sun Martini

Get a taste of the Far East right here in the Midwest with sola's Rising Sun Martini, the perfect companion to any of our delectable brunch items, including the Ham & Cheese French Toast, recently featured in the Chicago Tribune's "16 Choices for Fabulous French Toast." This martini features sake, mango vodka, blood orange and pomegranate juices - delicious in the morning but try it anytime.

New Every Sunday: Urban Luau Menu

Every Sunday evening, bring in the Ohana (family) for a shared Hawaiian tradition even the little ones will love. Chef Carol Wallack brings her love for traditional Hawaiian cuisine to chilly Chicago by creating a family-style menu filled with customary dishes and ingredients.

From the Big Island to the City of Broad Shoulders, guests can experience the cuisine Hawaiians gather with family to enjoy. The menu, which changes weekly, is available every Sunday beginning January 3rd during dinner and is served family-style for everyone at the table to share.

Guests can choose two dishes along with a Hawaiian-inspired salad or soup, plus one of Chef Wallack's sweet and savory desserts. The Urban Luau Menu is $30 per person and children only pay their age - it's the perfect way to get a taste of tropical paradise during the winter months.

Burger, Bacon, and Beer Thursdays: The Triple Threat

What could possibly be more deliciously dangerous than the combination of Burgers, Bacon and Beer? Well... probably nothing, which is why we dare to go there every Thursday night. Indulge yourself every Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. with sola's legendary Wagyu "Kobe" Burger, typically only available for lunch, which is sandwiched between a chewy pretzel roll with house-made bacon, caramelized onions, fresh arugula and melted cambazola cheese. Follow that up with a local craft beer and special dessert featuring our unique and appetizing bacon and you'll be swimming in Triple Threat Heaven. Previous specials include bacon buttermilk ice cream with a malasada, hot fudge, wild strawberry compote and hazelnut brittle and Two Brothers' Ebel Weiss beer, brewed here in Illinois. Join us once and you'll be dreaming the Triple Threat until Thursday rolls back around.