This Saturday night, 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.
Between Boutique Cafe & Lounge
Head over to this Wicker Park international spot for Chef Radhika Desai's Earth Hour special, a dish created without the use of any energy or electricity. From 8:30-9:30 p.m. the restaurant will also go dark, serving only by candlelight.
Markethouse
Also forgoing the use of electricity and heat is the brand-new Markethouse, which will offer a "Green Hour" menu from 6-10 p.m. Diners can sip martinis made from Rain Organic vodka while enjoying a menu of non-cooked items, including seared tuna with balsamic-glazed treviso salad, the Markethouse chop salad with tarragon-mustard dressing, chilled poached shrimp, tomato gazpacho, beef carpaccio and more. Cocktails will be served from 4-11 p.m. An acoustic set from guitarist Joe Tortorici and vocalist Victoria Kubina will take place from 7-9:30. Markethouse will donate 10 percent of its sales to the World Wildlife Fund.
Nacional 27
River North's Nacional 27 is showing its love for Earth with a candlelit lounge and dining room, a minimally-lit kitchen and even a limited use of water. Instead of washing bar glasses in the usual commercial dishwasher, the staff is opting for the three-compartment sink. The restaurant will also be putting its entertainment to the green test, showcasing trumpet player Victor Garcia on only a single amplifier rather than in full surround sound.
Red Kiva
On Saturday evening you'll find this West Loop lounge serving up the GoGreenTini, a drink concocted of Absolut vanilla vodka, sour apple pucker and a splash of sweet and sour, served with a cherry. Guests can enjoy the $12 cocktail by candlelight.
Zocalo
Make Earth Hour the ultimate date night by sharing a cocktail made for two at this River North restaurant and tequila bar. Mixologists will be stirring up the Earth Hour Cazuela, a drink of Cuervo citrus tequila, aguardiente, white wine with citrus juices and a splash of Squirt citrus soda. Served in a large traditional terra cotta bowl with two straws, this may be the perfect way to profess your love...for Mother Earth.
Cityscape Bar
Head over to River North's Holiday Inn for the best view of Chicago's dimming skyline. Located on the 15th floor, Cityscape Bar will offer organic drinks all day long. Specials include all Tru organic vodka and Tru organic vanilla vodka drinks for $5, Peak organic amber ale for $4 a bottle and Clos Du Bois chardonnay or organic sauvignon blanc for $5 a glass.
Subscribe in your favorite reader using the links below. To learn more about feeds and RSS, click here.
