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.
