Solstice Communications

Valentine’s Day might be geared toward couples—but they aren’t the only ones who should enjoy the month of February! Katherine Anne Confections, Logan Square Kitchen and Vinejoy are making sure everyone—singles and couples of every description—have a fun-filled February with great food, chocolate, beer and wine events.

February is definitely the month of love, so fall in love with everything from mouth-watering truffles to unique, hand-crafted wines at the tasty events listed below!

12 Perfect Pairs at Katherine Anne Confections

Friday, February 10

5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista of Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier, is excited to host the unique tasting event, “12 Perfect Pairs”! Enjoy an evening of perfect pairings featuring six different Vinejoy wines, cheese-focused savory bites by FIG Catering, three awesome brews by Half Acre Beer and brand new truffles, caramels and marshmallows from Katherine Anne herself. There will be 12 carefully paired combinations for attendees to try…and try some more! All products will be available for purchase, so those delicious, flavorful experiences can be recreated at home.

Check the event Facebook page for a list of the mouth-watering creations: https://www.facebook.com/events/293950260653139/?notif_t=event_invite

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Buy your ticket online at http://www.katherine-anne.com/parties.

Katherine Anne Confections

2745 W. Armitage Ave.

Chicago, IL 60647

Valentine’s Day Pastry Market at Logan Square Kitchen

Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12

10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Logan Square Kitchen presents its 3^rd Annual Valentine’s Day Pastry Market—a delicious event that gives attendees a taste of some the best sustainable, small-batch, pastry, cake, ice cream, handmade confections and culinary gift items available in Chicago. Many of the artisans found here are not widely available outside the LSK and local Markets.

Attendees at this delectable event will discover amazing handmade pastries, candy, chocolate and more. This is the perfect chance to shop for your Valentine or linger around the kitchen and enjoy your own savory creation over a great coffee, warm cider or hand-crafted cocktail.

Among the artisans, you will see emerging talent next to the familiar faces that make Chicago a great food town. Vendors make unique creations for each Market.

For an up-to-date list of vendors, visit http://www.logansquarekitchen.com/events/lsk-presents

Tickets are $1 for adults and kids are free.

Logan Square Kitchen

2333 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Chicago, IL 60647

Valentine’s Day Truffle Making Party at Katherine Anne Confections

Sunday, February 12

2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista of Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier, will be hosting a February Truffle Making Party—just in time for Valentine’s Day! Katherine opens her kitchen and recipe book to the public as she demystifies the art of making truffles. Instead of buying your Valentine another box of chocolates, make this year something special by creating your own unique, delicious truffles!

Tickets are $50 and include wine, light appetizers and truffles! Reservations are required and space is limited, so sign up today! http://www.katherine-anne.com/parties.php

Katherine Anne Confections

2745 W. Armitage

Chicago, IL 60647

Already have a special someone? Celebrate at a unique wedding event presented by the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance. Details are below.

Wedding Event Presented by Chicago Green Wedding Alliance

 Sunday, February 26, 2012

12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Want to create a zero waste event? Committed but don’t fit into conventional molds? Looking for the fairy tale wedding with a twist? Don’t want to wear a dress? You both want to wear a dress? Want an amazing dress? LGBT? Straight? We have you covered…

The Chicago Green Wedding Alliance is excited to host Committed, an avant-garde, green wedding show housed at the newest eco-venue in Chicago, Greenhouse Loft. This isn’t your typical wedding show, as it will be geared towards committed couples—couples of any description—men + women, women + women, men + men. This wedding show will be dedicated to couples who are committed to each other, committed to the environment and committed to throwing the best party Chicago has ever seen.

The show consists exclusively of members of the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance, a thoughtful group of local Chicago vendors that make “being green” an important part of their business models. The Committed show will feature sustainable and organic food tastings, local beer, wine and cocktail demonstrations, wedding dress and tux models, DJs and bands, photographers, venues, invitation makers, salon nail and make-up demonstrations, sustainable and organic confections and cake samplings and much more.

For more information and a list of vendors, visit http://www.committedlovechicago.com/

Tickets for the show are $10 for singles and $15 for couples. To buy your tickets, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/217073

Greenhouse Loft

2545 W. Diversey

Chicago, IL

The holiday season is coming to a close, but great food and beer events are not! Whether you are craving a beer brunch or an evening of farm-to-table food, it is all right here!

Events this month feature SmallBar and City Provisions. Be sure to check back for more January events!

Beer Brunch at SmallBar

SmallBar Fullerton

Sunday, January 8^th

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

SmallBar Division

Saturday, January 21^st

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

SmallBar will offer a special menu designed by Chef Justin White to pair with unique brews from 3Floyds.

January’s pairings (available only January 8 SmallBar Fullerton and January 21 at SmallBar Division) are listed below:

Shepherd’s pie, Swan Creek lamb, rutabega, pearl onions and table carrots in black sun gravy baked under Yukon puree.

Suggested paring: Black Sun Stout

Spicy buttermilk fried frog legs with over easy egg sauce and shoestring potatoes.

Suggested pairing: Zombie Dust

Soft scotched egg over baked polenta, hand-made beef sausage, roman gnocchi and Welsh rarebit.

Suggested pairing: Robert the Bruce

Spicy curried goat sausage on a bun, with pulled spaghetti squash slaw, and garlic confit potatoes.

Suggested pairing: Jinx Proof

The prices for each entrée range from $9-13 and the beers are available ala carte. The full brunch menu will also be available during this special event. The pairings are merely suggestions, so diners can order off the regular brunch menu and create their own pairings, as well. The event is a mix and match, take it or leave it, fun beer and brunch event!

Due to the popularity, reservations are strongly recommended. Contact SmallBar at smallbar.chicago@gmail.com to save your seat today!

SmallBar Fullerton

1415 W. Fullerton

Chicago, IL

SmallBar Division

2049 W. Division

Chicago, IL

Mr. Hyde Release Party at SmallBar

Thursday, January 12^th

5:00 p.m.

Join SmallBar Division as they celebrate the debut of Mr. Hyde, their collaboration with Greenbush Brewing from Sawyer, MI. Get one of the first tastes and take a walk on the dark side with Mr. Hyde, a delicious and roasty sumatran coffee milk stout. In addition, there will also be VERY limited quantities of the Barrel Aged Mr. Hyde—it probably will not last through the evening.

There is no cover charge for the event and the beer is available for purchase and consumption at SmallBar.

SmallBar Division

2049 West Division

Chicago, IL

January Supper Club with City Provisions

Monday, January 23^rd

6:00 p.m.

City Provisions announces the January Supper Club with Chef Rick Gresh of David Burke’s Primehouse with cocktail parings by Death’s Door Spirits. Join Chef Cleetus Friedman of City Provisions for a unique cocktail party with Death’s Door Spirits from Madison, Wisconsin. This menu will also be featuring David Burke’s Primehouse dry aged meats (these meats are aged in the U.S. patented Himalayan salt room).

Tickets are $75 and include an onslaught of booze, food and fun.

Reservations are required!

Please contact City Provisions today at:

supperclub@cityprovisions.com

773.293.2489

The goal of our Supper Clubs is to enlighten, educate and entertain our guests. From our process to connecting our clients with the origin of our food sources, the City Provisions Supper Club is a monthly event focusing on seasonality, celebrating the fruits of every season.

City Provisions

1818 W. Wilson

Chicago, IL 60640

(773) 293-2489

Cask Night at SmallBar Fullerton

Friday, January 27^th

7:00 p.m.

SmallBar Fullerton, in collaboration with Beermapping and Hopcast, will host a cask night with custom made cask ales from a variety of breweries. These will be available for only one night, so don’t miss it!

SmallBar Fullerton

1415 W. Fullerton

Chicago, IL

It’s that time of year again…holiday lights, snow on the ground…oh, and don’t forget great food and beer events! It’s a busy season, but there are a few things you definitely won’t want to miss!

Here are a few December events with SmallBar, City Provisions and Katherine Anne Confections that are sure to get anyone (even the Grinch!) into the holiday spirit:

Truffle Making Party at Katherine Anne Confections
Thursday, December 15th
6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Due to popular demand, Katherine Anne Confections has added another pre-holiday Truffle Making Party! This gives you another chance to learn how to make some delicious goodies for the holidays as Katherine Duncan, founder and confectionista, opens her kitchen and recipe book to the public as she demystifies the art of making truffles. This is the perfect opportunity to learn how to make delicious truffles in time for the holidays—your friends and family won’t believe their taste buds!

The admission is $50, includes wine, light appetizers and truffles!

Reservations are required and space is limited, so sign up today! http://www.katherine-anne.com/parties.php

Katherine Anne Confections
2745 W. Armitage
Chicago, IL 60647

Holiday Tap Event at SmallBar
Friday, December16th
7:00 p.m.

SmallBar toasts the season with a Holiday Tap Event! Join SmallBar as they get into the holiday spirit and tap some of their favorite holiday beers! This is a great opportunity to taste some delicious holiday beers, try a craft cocktail off the recently launched winter cocktail menu and fill up on stellar dishes off the food menu (like the highly talked about fish sandwich!).

Join SmallBar at either location for a great selection of beers:

Fullerton Tap List:
The Bruery 4 Calling Birds
Great Divide Hibernation
N’Ice Chouffe
Great Lakes XMas
St Feuillien Cuvee de Noel
St Feuillien Christmas
Anderson Valley Winter Solstice

SmallBar Fullerton
1415 W. Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL

Division Tap List:
Avery Old Jubilation
Great Lakes XMas
3 Floyds Alpha Klaus
Ska Euphoria
Tyranena Sheep Shagger
Delirium Noel
Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti

SmallBar Division
2049 West Division
Chicago, IL

There is no cover charge for this event and the beer is available for purchase and consumption at SmallBar.

Tasting Event at City Provisions
Saturday, December 17th
3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

City Provisions is hosting a taste event with Distinctive Imports Wine and Sunny Lane Farms Jams.

City Provisions
1818 West Wilson
Chicago, IL
773.293.2489

There is no cover charge for this event.

Holiday Pop-Up with Katherine Anne Confections
Sunday, December 18th
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Katherine Duncan of Katherine Anne Confections, a locally-focused chocolatier, will host her first-ever Holiday Artisan Pop-Up Food Market, “Season’s Eatings.” Get into the holiday spirit with local artisans from Scrumptious Pantry, Fig Catering, Ingram’s Jam & Bread and SenTeaMental Moods for a day of delicious holiday treats. These edible creations are not widely available—in fact, most of these delectable treats are made underground and only sold in select locations around the city!

With winter festivities in full swing, everyone has cookies, caramels, truffles, pies or hot chocolate on the brain (or all of the above!)—so, satisfy these cravings all at once at “Season’s Eatings.”

There will be samples available, as well as products to take away as gifts. The gifts you will find here will delight any foodie on your Christmas list! This is also a great opportunity to taste the brand new and highly anticipated marshmallow line from Katherine Anne Confections—which will be serving mini truffle hot chocolate shots paired with the new marshmallows.

Indulge in sweet and savory treats, sample new offerings from Chicago area artisans and finish your holiday shopping with gifts all created with local ingredients.

This is a free event. Also, be sure to check out the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=301389866545761

Katherine Anne Confections
2745 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647

Tasting Event with City Provisions
Tuesday, December 20th
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

City Provisions is hosting a taste event with Half Acre where you will have the chance to taste Big Hugs, an imperial stout.

City Provisions
1818 West Wilson
Chicago, IL
773.293.2489

There is no cover charge for this event.

Fresh Eggnog at City Provisions
Saturday, December 24th
City Provisions will close at noon, but is available for all your Christmas needs.

Some fresh eggnog made by Chef Cleetus Friedman himself is the perfect way to start your Christmas Eve!

New Year’s Eve Party at SmallBar
Saturday, December 31st

What better way celebrate the beginning of 2012 than with SmallBar? Enjoy delicious craft beer and housemade cocktails from the new winter cocktail menu, as you ring in the New Year at Lincoln Park and Division Street’s easiest NYE celebration! Enjoy food, beer & beats featuring great Chicago house music with a champagne toast at midnight!

21+. No Cover. No Reservations. First Come. First Served.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at either Smallbar location:

SmallBar Division
2049 W. Division
Chicago, IL

SmallBar Fullerton
1415 W. Fullerton
Chicago, IL

New Year’s Day Brunch at SmallBar
Sunday, January 1st
12:00 p.m.

After a crazy night welcoming the year 2012, cure your hangover with SmallBar on New Year’s Day with a delicious brunch! SmallBar will be open at noon with their full brunch menu, bloody marys and mimosas to help you get back on your feet for 2012.

There is no cover charge for this event.

Cure what ails you at either SmallBar location:

SmallBar Division
2049 W. Division
Chicago, IL

SmallBar Fullerton
1415 W. Fullerton
Chicago, IL

Logan Square Kitchen is presenting a Valentine’s Day Pastry Market—a delicious one-day-only event (February 13th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) that will give Chicagoans a taste of the underground, small batch, sustainable pastry, cake, ice cream and handmade confections scene.

All the local food artisans showcased at this unique event are dedicated to delicious pastry and confection creations. Attendees can purchase treats to take home for their Valentines or simply devour these amazing sweet and savory creations on the spot!

WLS-TV’s Steve Dolinsky offered viewers a sneak peek of this delicious event and talked about it on his WBEZ/Vocalo blog

Janet Fuller at the Chicago Sun-Times also gave the Pastry Market a mention

Jacky Runice thought it was worth the trip for her suburban readers

Hope to see you there!

Allison Havens of the Greenheart Shop, Chicago’s only nonprofit eco friendly, fair trade store, along with Eleanor Reily of Eleanor Reily Handmade Soaps made an appearance on WGN-TV to discuss how household food items can be used to create an in-home Green Spa.

Greenheart Shop on WGN-TV

Chicago’s eco-focused monthly, “Mindful Metropolis” recently featured an article about Emanuel Kuntzelman, the founder and visiosnary behind the Center for Cultural Interchange and the Greenheart Shop. The article is written by Shannan Bunting.

“Shift Happens,” Mindful Metropolis

Cleetus Friedman, owner and chef of City Provisions, talks about the importance of local food and his participation in the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction. Cleetus prepares Two Potato Latkes with Ginger Applesauce. Yum!

WGN-TV Segment

“The perfect storm…”

Those words can mean different things to different people. To our client, Cleetus Friedman, owner of City Provisions Catering & Events, it is a perfect storm of steady media mentions, articles and praise raining down on his business and the waves of new business that are following in its wake.

For Solstice Communications, it is the combination of a fantastic client with an amazing “product” and a media mentality that is tuned to our station. Buzz begets buzz…but it is the substance underneath it all that keeps the storm rolling.

Have a look at some of the highlights…

Mindful Metropolis

Chicago Tribune

Edible Chicago

Daily Candy

North Shore Magazine

Chicagoist

GapersBlock

CafePress the biggest online destination for self-expression through user-designed products, and SIGG, manufacturer of premium Swiss-engineered reusable beverage bottles, have teamed up to satisfy consumer appetite for customization by offering easy and instant personalized SIGG bottles. The cool new design tool allows you to get your eco-chic freak on and make it all your own.  There are several rolling around our offices.

But that’s not all that CafePress has going on…they are offering a select line of patriotic, 4th of July designs that are fun and fashion-forward but also give a little back to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day–Our Troops. A portion of the proceeds from each sale goes to Operation Gratitude, an organization dedicated to showing our appreciation for those who serve. So you can show your true colors and help bring a little happy to a soldier this Independence Day.

Earth Day is a big holiday around our office. We approach it as sort of a New Year’s Day (minus the hangover). For us it is a time to resolve to do better; resolve to take an extra step or two if will help save a few precious resources. 

This year Earth Day also brings with it a cause for celebration: Our client, City Provisions, is a finalist in the Sustain Illinois competition in the Innovative Sustainable High Growth Product/Service Category. City Provisions will compete with five other fiinalists for a $10,000 cash prize to be used to further increase their sustainability and to reinforce their pledge to keep their footprint small. Good luck, City Provisions!

If you are looking for ways to mark this holiday in Chicago with your own celebration (and get to know some of our clients a little better…), City Provisions Earth Day Supper Club is tonight–featuring dishes inspired by music. This Saturday (April 25th) the Center for Cultural Interchange is looking for volunteers to help them “adopt” Ohio Street Beach for a Beach Clean-Up at 10 a.m., or if you would like to sample some organic beer, wine and chocolate while learning to be an eco-responsible urbanite, check out Greenheart’s all-day extravaganza: Living La Vida Verde.

Whatever you do to celebrate our favorite holiday, just rememeber small changes can really add up to much, much more!