It’s been a while since I’ve been. Anyone been in the last year?
CARLOS’ RESTAURANT CELEBRATES 30 YEARS:END OF AN ERA, BEGINNING OF A NEW
Consistently topping Chicago-area rankings in the Zagat Survey with the #1 ranking, Carlos’ Restaurant in North Suburban Highland Park will celebrate its 30th anniversary—and the decades-strong loyalty of its customers—with month-long November and December events.
The festivities will commemorate Carlos and Debbie Nieto’s lauded restaurant—and the special occasion destination it became. Signaling the end of an era—and, soon, a new start— Carlos’ will close its hallowed doors on January 1, 2012. It’s time to make a change so stay tuned for details on what’s coming next…Nieto’s!
In the meantime, the Nietos, a hands-on, husband-and-wife team, will present a Champagne menu; International House of Wine and Cheese birthday bash for owner Tom Jiaras and Carlos Nieto; guest chef dinners; intricate degustation menus with standout mushroom, fish, shellfish and meat dishes from the last 30 years; and a cooking class with Chef Ramiro Velasquez.
Among the most longstanding—and storied—fine-dining options in the Chicago area, Carlos’ has been the backdrop for many a marriage proposal, anniversary and toast. Now, in honor of its landmark birthday the following upcoming anniversary events will occur:
November 1-30 – Special degustation menus revive greatest hits from the restaurant’s 30-year history.
November 1-30 (most nights) – Half-price specials on select bottles of wine throughout the month.
November 1-30 – Parties of six- to-eight, each of whom bring a special bottle of wine, can enjoy a custom-paired menu, designed by Chef Ramiro Velasquez; call ahead with your selections of wine for the perfect food pairing ($100 per person plus tax and gratuity)
November 4 – An International House of Wine and Cheese dinner celebrates the birthdays of their owners Tom Jiaras and Carlos Nieto featuring the wines of Caymus; for reservations, call The International House of Wine & Cheese and ask for Lori 815.678.2500; ($68 per person plus tax and gratuity)
November 7 – Tallgrass guest chefs Bob Burcenski and Tom Alves prepare a special, four-course meal ($65, plus beverages, tax and gratuity).
November 11 – 11.11.11- Eleven course meal with eleven desserts ($111.11 per person plus beverages, tax and gratuity)
November 12 – Gather for a toast-worthy Champagne dinner, the only menu of the night, to honor Carlos’ 30-year run.
November 17 –Silver Oak wine dinner with Tom Jiaras of the International House of Wine & Cheese; reservations are required and can be made through calling the International House of Wine & Cheese at 815.678.2500 and ask for Lori; ($68 plus tax and gratuity); wines will also be available for purchase at a special price
November 24 – Thanksgiving carryout will be offered for a minimum of four ($50 per person). The full-fledged, traditional, whole-turkey dinner comes with soup, cranberries, stuffing, salad, sweet potato gratin, pumpkin soufflé and fall harvest fruit tart. Order a complete dinner or just sides!
November 28 – Guest chef Didier Durand of Cyrano’s Bistro prepares a special, four-course meal ($65, plus beverages, tax and gratuity).
November 30 – The restaurant will host a cooking demonstration with Chef Ramiro Velasquez, followed by a three-course dinner. Guests leave with recipes to take home ($90, includes wines of your choice, plus tax and gratuity).
December 7 – Carlos’ Chef Collaborative Dinner; Carlos’ chefs Ramiro Velasquez, Nabor Vasquez of the Freehling Room at Ravinia Festival and Eduardo Medina of Café Central in Highland Park, IL. (4-course dinner, $65 per person, plus beverages, tax and gratuity).
December Date TBD – Guest chef Gabriel Viti of Gabriel’s Restaurant prepares a special, four-course meal ($65, plus beverages, tax and gratuity)As a way to further thank diners for their devotion over the years, the culinary team at Carlos’ will collect stories about guests’ most memorable restaurant celebrations. The Nietos will then select one winning story, offering a hands-on cooking class and dinner for six at the Nieto’s unique Antioch home.
Carlos’ will have special holiday hours from December 12-24, 2011; lunch service will be offered Monday through Friday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; the restaurant will be open every evening for dinner (including Tuesdays) beginning at 5:30 p.m. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve from 11:30 a.m. with the last reservation taken at 8:00 p.m. In addition, Carlos’ will continue taking reservations for holiday parties, and private rooms are available—come celebrate your holiday celebrations!
Your special occasions deserve Carlos! Carlos’ special occasions deserve you! After 30 years Carlos’ is closing its doors. We want to celebrate with you and say thank you for 30 wonderful years. Please join us for our final New Year’s Eve dinner as Carlos’ and stay tuned for what is coming next…Carlos’ “Last Hurrah” New Year’s Eve dinner (degustation menu with choices; excludes beverages, tax and gratuity). The first seating is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., $120 per person; upstairs seating is from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., $120 per person; final seating is from 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and includes a midnight champagne toast, $140 per person The evening will feature live entertainment and a festive atmosphere.
Carlos’, owned by Carlos and Debbie Nieto, opened 30 years ago in Highland Park. Since that time, the North Shore has grown around it and with it. Ranked as Chicago’s number-one restaurant in Zagat Survey in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, the contemporary French food and award-winning wine list has garnered accolades from diners and critics alike. The restaurant is open for dinner, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sunday through Saturday (closed Tuesday). Valet parking is available. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 847.432.0770.