February 2010

Hello Gardens' Family!

We hope this e-mail finds you happy and in good health.

Quote of the Month

"Why, what's the matter, That you have such a February face, So full of frost, of storm and cloudiness?"

-- Don Pedro, in Much Ado About Nothing

Halfway through Winter

Dear Friends,

On these relentless cold, snowy, windy, sleety, slushy days and nights, one can easily develop a "February Face". But we consider it our mission at AWG to welcome you into our comfortable and friendly environment and help you to be happy and enjoy some relaxing drinks and a nice meal. We're halfway through Winter, so hang in there and warmer days are just ahead.

This coming Sunday is of course the Great American Holiday where one of our favorite passtimes takes center stage and most all other activity ceases to be. Therefore, we will NOT be open for dinner on Sunday evening February 7th. However, we will be open from 2:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon for the pick-up of carry-out orders placed no later than the day before. Please see the bottom of this email for some examples of food items that may help you entertain or just relax and enjoy the game.

Valentine's Weekend!

It's not just a day this year, it's a whole weekend. Friday the 12th, Saturday the 13th, and Sunday the 14th. So depending on how many sweethearts you have in your life, we can help you with up to three of them. (And we promise not to "give you up" the second or third night by mentioning your previous visit.) But seriously, for as an example, one could bring their Mom in on Friday, their Daughter on Saturday, and their Significant Other in for the 14th on Sunday. Oh the possibilities......... Reservations are strongly suggested for all three of these evenings as we wouldn't want your sweety to be disappointed.

Cabaret Night Monday, February 22 6:30 PM

Featuring professional and accomplished amateur performers from the area performing popular Broadway show tunes and cabaret favorites(and maybe a little classical or opera thrown in too). Tickets are $65.00 and include a five course meal, house wine, beer, coffee, tea, tax, gratuity and show. Tickets must be purchased in advance and a choice of entree must be made 24 hours in advance. Entree choices are: Chicken Marsala, Whitefish Florentine, or Eggplant Parmesan

Diners not making an entree choice will be served chicken. Sorry, no coupons, discounts or gift certificates can be applied to this event.

Sincerely and with best regards,

Jim, and the wonderful hardworking staff

Specials

Featured Dishes this Month

Rigatoni All'Amatriciana -- one of Italy's most famous and popular pasta dishes with pancetta, the flavorful Italian bacon braised in a little olive oil and garlic, then sauteed with tomato, marinara, cannelini beans, fresh spinach and a touch of red pepper flake, and some asiago cheese sprinkled on top

Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi -- I had this dish almost 30 years ago on a trip to Maui at a nice little Italian restaurant in Lahaina and have loved it ever since.

Salmon Oreganato Broiled with tomato, garlic, oregano, white wine and capers.

Pollo Basilico Tender breasts of chicken with sun dried cranberries in a basil cream sauce

Hay and Straw Spinach and Egg pastas tossed with prosciutto and fresh mushrooms in our Alfredo sauce

Cajun Martini Whitefish Sauteed in a zesty blend of dry vermouth, shallots, cajun spices and lemon( one of Jim's personal favorites these days so if you don't like it we will get you something else and he will eat the rest of yours

We also want to tell you how much we all appreciate your support during these "interesting" economic times. We are committed to keeping the Gardens as a comfortable place where you can enjoy a great meal, a satisfying drink, and relax with loved ones, family and friends.

The Gardens is always available for carry-out, so if you feel like eating at home, but aren't in the mood for the hassle of cooking, give us a call at (847)432-0309.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

The Keeper of the Flame and the rest of the wonderful hardworking staff at Alex's Washington Gardens