Centerstage - Chicago's Original City Guide

Articles Sections >> Arts + Words Bars + Clubs Dating Festivals Fitness Food Lifestyle Music Theater Travel + Tourism Who's Who > View All Bar Tab Tales Nightlife Guides

Toast Mother Earth with eco-friendly food and drink in the dark.

Wednesday Mar 10, 2010.     By Centerstage Chicago Staff

Bars + Clubs Feed

On Saturday, March 27, cities across the world will go dark for one hour in honor of Earth Hour, an international event organized by the World Wildlife Fund. From 8:30-9:30 p.m., businesses and households will be encouraged to turn off all lights and electrical appliances in order to conserve energy and perhaps make the world a little greener. This year, a handful of local restaurants and bars are doing their part in raising awareness of global warming by offering eco-friendly environments, food and drink. So instead of sitting alone in your candlelit apartment, bike or walk to one of these spots to share in the green festivities.

Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen
Dine at Duke's during Earth Hour and you'll get a free raw appetizer with any beverage purchase (available only from 8:30-9:30 p.m.). Drinks are cheap, too, with $3 well vodka, gin and rum cocktails and $5 Red Bull vodka available all night. You can also get a free soup or salad with any regular menu entree purchase throughout the evening.

Bistro Bordeaux
Talk about mood lighting - during Earth Hour, guests at this Evanston French restaurant will dine solely by the light of flickering candles hung from the ceiling. Watch out for dripping wax!

Osteria Via Stato
Taking food to-go from this Italian favorite in River North? Bring along your own reusable bag and you'll get 20 percent off your bill between 5-11 p.m. If you're eating in, you'll enjoy a candlelit meal during Earth Hour.

Nacional 27
Try a "glow in the dark" dish or drink at this Latin restaurant. Options include a ceviche sampling platter, with four recipes on a bed of crushed ice illuminated by colored lights ($10.95/person) and three "27 Ounces of Fun" sharing cocktails (Tiki Punch, Passion Colada Daiquiri and Latin Long Island, $17-$21) with glowing discs in the bottom of each glass.

Red Kiva
The featured drink at this West Loop lounge will be the GoGreenTini, a mixture of Absolut Vanilla, Sour Apple Pucker and a splash of sweet and sour, topped with a cherry for $12. You can sip the concoction by candlelight.