Saturday, January 2, 2010

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.