But of course we are “popping up” again. We couldn’t fit everyone in on the first one, so we present Part 2 – destination Paris! On August 26th, is the second incarnation of Chef Julius Russell’s Pop Up Restaurant Experience. We are so happy about the demand for what we are doing. Our location is the same, Westminster HD, located at 1045 West Madison. The guys Mike and Jake are great and have been fully supportive in making sure this event series continues.

The scene at the 1st Pop Up on July 29th. Full gallery below.

So here is how it works. We choose a theme and menu. We decide on how many courses and then add a few more, infusing all our passion on to every plate. There are plenty of wine choices and we also serve non-alcoholic beverages. We work to keep the food coming out on a tight schedule but in reality, some dishes take longer than others but we’re streamlining the process.

The Theme – “Summer In Paris”

The Vibe – we keep a little jazzy playlist in the background and the volume is low enough  that you don’t have to yell over it. You are also surrounded by abstract impressionist, Chef Julius makes a few appearances to discuss the menu, and we have an expert on hand to tell you all about the wine.

The Tickets – Since we have limited seating, there are only 50 spaces available per event. There are two levels of pricing $80 (VIP) and $65 (Dinner). All tickets MUST be purchased in advance, via the website. Tickets sales have already started for this event, so don’t delay in reserving your spot.

There are a minimum of 10 courses but the chef creates more for the VIP tickets holders.

Here is a menu sneak peek:

Heirloom Carrot Bisque – Crab & Saffron Crouton
Potato Croquettes – Duck Fat, Heirloom Pepper Aioli, Shaved Pecorino
Confit – Chicken vs. Duck, Crostini, Triple Cream Brie
Lamb – Braised, Late Summer Root Vegetables, Fennel Pancakes
Dessert – Tiki’s Flourless Chocolate Cake w/Grand Marnier Sauce

Sunday, August 26th
6:00pm | Dinner Service
Westminster HD
1045 W. Madison Avenue
(between Aberdeen St. & Carpenter St.)

August 26th Ticket Details (tax and tip included):

$80 – VIP Ticket (Chef goodie bag, dinner plus additional courses)
$65 – Dinner Ticket

Purchase Tickets for Aug 26th

VIP Package$80.00 USD Dinner$65.00 USD

Photo Credit: Jeff Schear Photography & Daris Jasper

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Something very special is happening on July 29th. I, Chef Julius, and my team from A Tale of Two Chefs will open our first pop-up restaurant at 1045 West Madison Ave, in Chicago IL. Currently the space houses Westminster HD, which is one of the best handmade sausage emporiums in the city. The owners of Westminster are incredibly excited to be the chosen location for this event. We are excited to be able to offer our specialty cuisine to the public.

There is so much going into the event. Here are a few of the event highlights:

1. 10-12 courses (maybe more) of globally focused, yet locally sourced cuisine by Chef Julius Russell. There will be a vegetarian alternative for every course.
2. New wines from Chile provided by the Concha Y Toro family of wines.
3. Award winning wines from the Eastern Mediterranean that will soon be staples in your cellar.
4. Natural handmade sodas from the Tale of Two Chefs team.
5. Additional beverages from Bruton Italian Craft Beer (Tuscany).
6. Art from one of Chicago’s newest bright stars CJeffrey Da Artist.

And so much more….
We invite you to really experience the meaning of having your culinary passport stamped. This is sure to be one of the most unique pop-up concepts to hit the city in a long time.

Take a sneak peek at the menu:
Blackened Chilean Sea Bass w/ Squash & Sweet Corn Succotash & Heirloom Pepper Puree
Stuffed Lamb Lollipops w/ Preserved Lemon & Feta
Merquen Seared Scallops w/ Charred Pineapple & Bourbon Sauce
Cinnamon Basil Crème Brulee w/ Nawlins Praline Dust

Sunday, July 29th
5:30pm | VIP Reception
6:30pm | Dinner
Westminster HD
1045 W. Madison Avenue
(between Aberdeen St. & Carpenter St.)

July 29th Ticket Details:

$80 – All-Inclusive VIP Package (1hr pre-dinner reception and chef goodie bag)
$65 – Dinner & Drinks (wine, tax and tip included)
$50 – Dinner Only (non-alcoholic beverages, tax and tip included)

SOLD OUT!!! PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE NEXT POP UP ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 26TH.

Five Grills and Nine Dishes was just the beginning. Last Saturday from 10am – 2pm, our grill team had the pleasure of providing char-grilled treats for the good people of Oak Lawn, IL. Our tools – the Weber Genesis gas grill (The Star of the Show) and a stellar line up from the Weber family. The menu: Memphis Rubbed Ribs, Chicken Cubano Tacos with Mango Salsa, Handmade sausages from Westminster Hot Dogs (Southside Italian & Bacon Jalapeno), St. Lucia Cedar Smoked Salmon, Mango Jerk Chicken, Pinot Braised Beef Sandwich, Roasted Corn with Ramp Butter, and Chef Tiki’s Hot Dogs & Cajun Burger w/Bacon Relish. Because we love Chilean wine with our BBQ, we provided wine pairing suggestions for each dish from the Concha Y Toro and Cantaluna houses. Special thanks to Local Folks Foods, Nature Isle, Slather Brand Slathering Sauce, Savory Choice, Annie Chun’s, Bogaris Olive Oil, Sabor Rojo, Jewel-Osco, Epicurean Butter and Chicago Game & Gourmet.

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JOIN US!!!!

Good Morning,

We had an amazing time at the 2nd Annual Chowdah Fest last night! As promised here is the recipe for my Chilean Seafood Chowder, along with a notations on creating a vegetarian version of the dish.

We are very pleased to announce that our chowder won FAN FAVORITE!!

We are honored to be a part of the elite winner’s circle along with Giuseppe Tentori from GT Fish & Oyster and Sarah Grueneberg of Spiaggia.

Chef Julius’ Chilean Seafood Chowder with Merken

4-6 cups of Mushroom Stock

1 can of Nurture Foods Garbanzo Beans (drained)

4 medium shallots (diced)

1 leek (thinly sliced- white and light green part only)

3 oz sun-dried tomatoes (thinly sliced)

¼ cup roasted garlic more…

It’s that time again! And we are so looking forward to participating (and competing) in the fest this year. Meet us at the Columbia Yacht Club for an all you can eat & drink Chowdah extravaganza. The event takes place on a really cool ship and it’s a wonderful way to experience the lake in the winter. Parking is available less than a block away.

THE FEATURED DISH: CHILEAN SEAFOOD CHOWDER WITH BLACK TRUFFLE CROUTONS

And check us out on WCIU’s “You & Me This Morning” – This Monday, March 5th at 6:30am (if recording tape the 6am hour). We are doing a live demo of the winning chowder. Yes, we are claiming it!

Tickets are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/222918
Space is very limited, as the ship can comfortably hold 250 people.
Check here for updates: http://www.facebook.com/groups/chowdahfest/

This event benefits the Sea Scouts youth sailing program.

Yes…Yes…YES!!!! It is that time again and we ALL love it! The Superbowl is right around the corner. And whether you are the host or guest, we have the best tasting food to make your party complete. You don’t have a say on if the game will be good, but you can make sure the food is GREAT! Choose your dish and if you want delivery Saturday (complete with re-heat instructions) or Sunday, in time for the big game. Enjoy the menu and we’ll be looking forward to your call!

2012 Superbowl Menu Options

Shrimp Po' Boy

Angus or Kobe Beef Short Ribs (5 ways)

Basque Beef with Root Vegetables

Po’ Boy with Creole Remoulade (5 ways)

Chicken Wings (Mango Jerk, Pineapple Chipotle, Fried, Herb Roasted, Cajun Buffalo)

Rum Braised Chicken or Herb Roasted Chicken

Calvados Chicken BLT Sandwich

Turkey or Spinach Lasagna with Truffle

Turkey Chili

Spicy Corn Sauté more…

(Cost Per Person)

Standing Bone-In Pork Rib Roast with Thyme and Caramelized Apples (serves 8-10) ($12)

Rosemary & Peppercorn Roasted Boneless Pork Loin (serves 8-10) ($11)

Jerk Pork Tenderloin with Mango Chutney ($8)

Memphis Rubbed Ribs ($14)

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Pomegranate & Chipotle Beef Short Ribs with Pomegranate Demi-Glace ($10)

Cajun Kobe Beef Chuck Roast w/ Nawlins’ Au Jus ($28)

Braised Oxtail Ragu with Parpadelle Pasta ($17)

Osso Busco with Rosemary & Sun-dried Tomato ($14)

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Whole Roasted Salmon Side (4-5lbs) – 12 varieties ($55 for the entire side)

Blackened Salmon ($12) more…

Chef Julius on the WGN News set with Pat Tomasulo and Erin McElroy

We love this time of year!! Holiday cooking holds a special place in all of our hearts, yet it causes so much anxiety for hosts. Each year we work tirelessly to help reduce the stress that comes along with the season. This season we started with a fun cooking demos highlighting new recipes (see below) with unforgettable flavor. We featured a round of side dishes that will allow you to “Stamp Your Culinary Passport” this Thanksgiving - Moroccan Cranberry Stuffing, Caribbean Spiced Broccoli Casserole, Asian Haricot Vert, New Orleans Style Mac & Cheese. We can’t get enough of blending cultures at the table and we think you will love this menu that infuses flavors and spices from around the globe.

And tune in again this Saturday for People to People on WGN as we prepare a special turkey recipe – Saturday, Nov. 19th | 5:30am

Moroccan Cranberry Orange Stuffing Demo on WGN | http://www.wgntv.com/videogallery/66126844/News/Chef-Julius-makes-a-Thanksgiving-dish

RECIPES

Moroccan Cranberry Orange Stuffing (serves 6-8)

1 bag Marcy’s Gourmet Cranberry Orange Stuffing

½ cup dried cranberries

2 medium shallots (diced)

¼ cup roasted garlic

1 ½ cups turkey stock (warmed)

2Tb Chilean extra virgin olive oil more…

There is no shame in getting a little help with holiday cooking.  What better way to eliminate the stress of cooking, than to have your own private chef deliver it to you.  All the dishes come with detailed heating instructions. And you can dispose of any evidence that someone else cooked…because deliveries are done on Wednesday.  It will be our little secret.

Menu and Pricing (per person)

Andouille Stuffed Breast of Capon $13.95

Balsamic Glazed Turkey Legs $10.95

Maple Glazed Turkey Breast $11.95

Braised Beef Roast w/baby carrots $12.95

Vanilla Kissed Sweet Potatoes $7.95

Duckfat Roasted Potatoes w/Tarragon $8.95

Chestnut & Chicken Andouille Stuffing $8.95

Roasted Root Vegetables w/Fresh Herbs $7.95

Haricot Vert (French Green Beans) w/Lemon Zest & Truffle Oil $8.95

Goat Cheese Corn Bread Muffins $1.50 ea

Cranberry Sauce $4.00 pt