Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Charity Wine Auction


Join us for FREE appetizers in the bar and a silent auction of fine wines, donated from the cellars of local collectors. The money raised from each wine bottle will go directly to a local charity, chosen by the wine bottle donor.


Thursday, August 22
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Auction closes at 8:30 PM

CityGate Grille, located at 2020 Calamos Court, inside the Calamos Investments building at CityGate Centre in Naperville.

Wines in the Auction Include...



Anderson's Conn Valley Right Bank, 2004, 1.5 L
Wine Advocate Rating: 94
Retail Value: $100, Minimum Bid: $33
Benefits: Groundwire Colorado

Rudd Cross Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005, 750 ml
Wine Advocate Rating: 94
Retail Value: $65, Minimum Bid: $21
Benefits: Groundwire Colorado

Rudd Cross Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005, 750 ml
Wine Advocate Rating: 94
Retail Value: $65, Minimum Bid: $21
Benefits: Groundwire Colorado

Axios Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004, 750 ml
Wine Advocate Rating: 93
Retail Value: $120, Minimum Bid: $40
Benefits: Groundwire Colorado

Axios Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004, 750 ml
Wine Advocate Rating: 93
Retail Value: $120, Minimum Bid: $40
Benefits: Groundwire Colorado

Chalk Hill, 2009, 750 ml
Retail Value: $70, Minimum Bid: $23
Benefits: Naperville Cares

Dominus Estate Christian Moueix, 1998, 750 ml
Wine Advocate Rating: 88
Retail Value: $130, Minimum Bid: $43
Benefits: Little Friends, Inc.

J. Schram, 1992, 750 ml
Retail Value: $60, Minimum Bid: $20
Benefits: DuPage Pads

Groth Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009, 1.5L
Retail Value: $125, Minimum Bid: $41
Benefits: Little Friends, Inc.

Torre Muga, 2009, 750 ml
Wine Advocate Rating: 92
Retail Value: $80, Minimum Bid: $26
Benefits: Charity of buyer’s choice

Domaine Vacheron Sancerre, 2010, 1.5L
Wine Advocate Rating: 89
Retail Value: $188, Minimum Bid: $62
Benefits: Ronald McDonald House Charities

deLorimier Rose Merlot, 2012, 750ml
Mosaic Savignon Blanc, 2012, 750ml
Retail Value: $50, Minimum Bid: $17
Benefits: Naperville Cares

Les Pavots Estate Red, 2005 1.5L
Wine Advocate Rating: 95
Retail Value: $650, Minimum Bid: $100
Benefits: Lifespring Ministry

Larson Family Winery Pinot Noir, 2011 750ml
Retail Value: $60, Minimum Bid: $20
Benefits: Naperville Cares

Larson Family Winery Pinot Noir, 2011 750ml
Retail Value: $60, Minimum Bid: $20
Benefits: Naperville Cares

Kilikanoon Oracle, 2002 750ml
Wine Advocate Rating: 97
Retail Value: $75, Minimum Bid: $25
Benefits: Little Friends, Inc.

Kilikanoon Oracle, 2003 750ml
Wine Advocate Rating: 97
Retail Value: $75, Minimum Bid: $25
Benefits: Little Friends, Inc.

Pride Mountain Merlot, 2001 750ml
Wine Advocate Rating: 90
Retail Value: $60, Minimum Bid: $20
Benefits: TBD

Dunn Cabernet, Howell Mountain, 1993 750ml
Wine Advocate Rating: 95
Retail Value: $119, Minimum Bid: $39
Benefits: TBD

Altamura Cabernet, 2005 750ml
Wine Advocate Rating: 95
Retail Value: $70, Minimum Bid: $23
Benefits: TBD

Dancing Hares Cabernet, Mad Hatter, 2001 750ml
Retail Value: $60, Minimum Bid: $20
Benefits: TBD

Murrieta's Well "The Spur" Red Blend, 2008 3L
Retail Value: $150, Minimum Bid: $50
Benefits: Ronald McDonald House Charities 

Dominus Estate Christian Moueix, 2009 750ml
Wine Advocate: 97
Retail Value: $200, Minimum Bid: $66
Benefits: Pact, Inc. 

Dunn Vineyards, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 1.5L
Wine Advocate: 94
Retail Value: $200, Minimum Bid: $66
Benefits: Hesed House 

Mollydooker Enchanted Path, Shiraz Cabernet, 2007 750ml
Wine Advocate: 97
Retail Value: $100, Minimum Bid: $33
Benefits: Edward Foundation

Rebon Vineyard Bramare Vina Cobos Malbec, 2008 750ml
Wine Advocate: 92
Retail Value: $80, Minimum Bid: $26
Benefits: St. Patrick’s Residence 

Silver Oak Napa, 2002 750ml
Retail Value: $80, Minimum Bid: $26
Benefits: 360 Youth Services

Silver Oak Alexander Valley, 2002 750ml
Retail Value: $80, Minimum Bid: $26
Benefits: 360 Youth Services

Chateau Charmail Haut - Medoc, 2004 750ml
Charles Krug Merlot, 2006 750ml
Combined Retail Value: $50, Minimum Bid: $17
Benefits: Naperville Cares

All week long, CityGate Grille will be celebrating Wine Week in anticipation of the Naperville Wine Festival - Friday, Aug 23 & Saturday, Aug 24 at CityGate Centre. Join us for $20 Wine Flights - pick any three wines by the glass, paired with a Charcuterie plate for $20. PLUS - 1/2 priced bottles of wine all summer long.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Easter at Home



With Easter right around the corner, we asked our Chef to share with us a delicious, easy to prepare recipe to prepare at home.

His recommendation?
Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb with Natural Jus.

Although you get optimal flavor by roasting the lamb with the bone still intact, purchasing a boneless, pre-tied leg is easier to prepare and gives you more time to sit down with your guests and enjoy the holiday.

When visiting your favorite butcher, request a boned rolled and tied (BRT) leg of lamb - and account for approximately one pound per person. Remember that leftover lamb makes for an excellent sandwich the next day, so do not worry about over purchasing.

You will also need the following items:

  • A few sprigs of rosemary
  • One large or two small cloves of garlic
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper


Now, let’s get started!

First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mince the garlic and roughly chop the rosemary. Place the fresh lamb in a roasting rack and pierce randomly between the string, approximately 2 inches deep. Evenly massage the garlic, rosemary, kosher salt, pepper and a little olive oil on all sides of the lamb. Be sure to press the seasoning mix into the punctured holes you created earlier.

Next, roast the lamb at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, turn the oven temperature down to 325 degrees and finish roasting the lamb to your desired temperature. Using a meat thermometer, check the lamb meat.

Medium Rare: 130-140 degrees
Medium: 140-150 degrees
Medium Well: 150-165 degrees

Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes, but keep in mind it will continue to cook while resting. Carefully remove netting from the lamb leg and then place on a sturdy cutting board. Pour the remaining liquid from the pan into a container and remove the fat. Add a splash of wine to the pan to deglaze. Any wine you have on hand will work just fine. Return the remaining liquid to the pan and adjust seasonings of the lamb au jus to your guests liking. Carve and enjoy!

Be sure to take a picture of your Easter lamb and show us on Facebook or Twitter!



Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Dinner for Two, Date Night


Happy Valentine’s Day! This holiday, known for romantic dinners and delectable dishes got us thinking about, well – food. So we asked our Chef what he thought were the best dishes for enjoying a romantic evening with your valentine – today or any day you feel like a romantic dinner for two. Take a look at what he said…

Fresh Shucked Oysters paired with Roederer Estate Brut; Anderson Valley California
Served raw on the half shell with cocktail sauce and lemon or charbroiled in a garlic-tarragon butter, this seafood appetizer pairs well with the Roederer Estate Brut from Anderson Valley California. The wine pairing provides a crisp elegant flavor composed of complex pear, spice and hazelnut flavors. The fresh and lightly fruity selection adds great finesse and depth of flavor to this appetizer dish.



Sesame Crusted Grouper with 2010 Ferrari Carano Chardonnay; Napa Valley California
This seafood specialty is served in a lemon-grass broth and is accompanied with soba noodles, carrot, cilantro and shiitake mushrooms. The Chef recommends the 2010 Ferrari Carano Chardonnay from Napa Valley California paired with this dish. With upfront apple, pear, honey, butter cream, and honeysuckle floral notes, this wine is perfectly balanced with fruit and creamy caramel, marshmallow and a lingering, toasted oak finish creating a delicious flavor combination to complement this seafood selection.




Braised Lamb Shank with 2010 Flor de Campo Pinot Noir; Santa Barbara California
Served with carmelized onion, rosemary and cabernet demi glace with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and braised red cabbage, this favorite fairs well with the 2010 Flor de Campo Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara California. This medium bodied wine provides a taste of bright berries with some earthiness creating an elegant finish completing this CityGate Grille favorite.

Whether you are dining out for Valentine’s Day or celebrating an evening together for a delicious dinner, these dishes with wine pairings are sure to make your next dinner memorable. We look forward to sharing date night with you and your Valentine!


To plan your next meal with us, please view our Dinner Menu and Wine List

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Healthy Eating in the New Year

Ringing in New Year usually brings with it a list of New Year’s resolutions, and one that is commonly found at the top of the list is eating healthy foods. Many people think dining out at restaurants makes it impossible to maintain a healthy diet. However, CityGate Grille offers a variety of healthy food options for individuals committed to eating healthy in 2013. Below are the chef’s picks for eating healthy at CityGate Grille and the dietary benefits of each dish.

 Grilled Lamb Loin Sliders Lamb is an excellent source of both high-quality protein and iron. An average portion of lamb can provide 20% of the recommended daily iron intake for men and 12% for women. Garnished with crisp arugula and a low fat tzatziki sauce, our Chef recommends this dish if you are looking for an added burst of Mediterranean flavor at your next meal.

Grilled Lamb Loin Sliders featuring grilled 
sliced lamb loin on pita with housemade Greek
tzatziki dipping sauce.

One thing you can find plenty of on our menu is fish. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been known to raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids also help to prevent the buildup of plaque within arteries, ultimately reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. The body does not produce omega-3 fatty acids, so it must come from a food source. Two of our favorites are Sesame Crusted Red Grouper and Pan-Seared Moroccan Tuna.

 Sesame Crusted Red Grouper Grouper is low in saturated fat and a good source of vitamin B-6, B-12, phosphorus, potassium, protein and selenium. Additionally, the sesame seeds in this entree are a good source of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, and folate. Sesame seeds also improve your ability to retain and utilize the antioxidant vitamin E.


Sesame Crusted Red Grouper featuring soba noodles, carrot, cilantro & shittake mushrooms in a giner-lemongrass broth. 

Pan-Seared Moroccan Tuna Tuna is also rich in supply of niacin, which may help prevent the onset of certain degenerative neurological disorders, as well as promote eye health, reduce arthritis and improve liver functions. Tuna is also low in saturated fat. This entrée is high in dried fruits, olive oil and crisp vegetables; an ideal choice for diners looking for a well-balanced meal.

                                                                                                             

Healthy eating in the New Year and dining out at CityGate Grille is still possible in 2013. Our menu is packed with a variety of delicious Mediterranean dishes, so stop in and explore. Also, be sure to try our Chef recommended items; Grilled Lamb Loin Sliders, Sesame Crusted Red Grouper and Pan-Seared Moroccan Tuna. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Please click on the following link to access our menu.
http://tinyurl.com/b4rbgkz

Moroccan Grilled Tuna featuring sushi grade tuna grilled rare, dried fruit, toasted almond-coucous, baby green beans & date-port wine reduction.