Posted on June, 4 2020.

We haven’t said a lot these past few days. We stand unequivocally with Black Americans and the tens of thousands of people of conscience demanding that we live up to our values as a nation. But it is the voices of those who have suffered the injuries of systemic racism that must be heard right now. We are listening intently. As we face the indisputable truth that we can do better, we reflect on how we can best drive meaningful change within our own organization and communities.

We are starting with a thorough review of our corporate giving strategies to ensure that we are focused on efforts to eliminate social injustice and improve lives in Black communities and communities of People of Color. We are making an immediate contribution to the NAACP LDF. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans.

We know that actions speak louder than words and that we have a lot of work to do. It's a start. We pledge to move with deliberate speed and look forward to reporting back to you on our efforts.

R.J. Melman
President

At Lettuce Entertain You, the health and safety of our guests and employees has always been at the core of everything we do. Since our beginning in 1971, Rich Melman understood the importance of a safe and welcoming environment and the role it played in the success of a restaurant. Throughout the years, Lettuce has built a solid foundation of health and safety practices. Because of this foundation, our guests are able to relax and experience great food in a comfortable environment, and our employees can come to work and feel supported and secure.

Many would see this new world as a challenge. We, at Lettuce, look at it as an opportunity to bring our employees together, stronger than ever in their commitment to the health and safety standards in our restaurants. We also see a stronger relationship with our guests; those who are new to our restaurants, and those have grown up with Lettuce Entertain You. Our employees and our guests have come to trust Lettuce Entertain You restaurants for our commitment to excellence.

We are not starting over. We have always been here, ready to provide our guests with a dining experience they can trust, and our employees with a workplace they can be proud of. We are ready to welcome our guests with the same level of service, food quality and atmosphere that they have always enjoyed.

As we put into place our new health and safety guidelines, we realize that we are living in a time of great change. Our ability to accept change will move us forward. We are closely monitoring Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Model Food Code, government mandates, government policy changes, and public health advancements. We will continue to make changes as necessary or appropriate to our procedures and protocols.

As we look ahead, we are excited about moving forward, together.

The Holiday Bonus cards expired as of April 15 and cannot be used at this time. However, we will be issuing a 30 day extension period from August 15 to September 15, 2020. During that time, you will have four weeks to use the cards for dine in or carryout. Please note the following restrictions for using your Holiday Bonus from 8/15 - 9/15:
Valid for one time use
Not valid on Saturdays after 3 pm
Not valid with any promotional certificates or other offers
Not valid towards Frequent Diner Rewards, certificates or points
Not valid at Maggiano’s Little Italy locations outside Illinois
Not valid towards gratuity or redeemable for cash
Not valid towards private parties, events or delivery orders

Please keep in mind that the Holiday Bonus cards can be used any year between January 2nd - April 15th. The Holiday Bonus cards can also be used for carryout up to April 15th at participating restaurants during the government mandated shutdowns.

In The Restaurants

Escape the Winter Doldrums at These 5 Spots

Jan 24, 2020

Winter can be a real drag, especially when your eyebrows freeze from the negative windchill and your mittens make using your cellphone impossible. While it’s easy to be miserable when the sun sets at 4:00 PM, know that we’re in the business of making you happy.

So if you didn’t already have plans to snowbird away this winter, join us at these locations that’ll whisk you away to a tropical vacation without ever leaving home.

The Bamboo Room Drinks

Three Dots and a Dash & The Bamboo Room – Chicago

Hidden beneath the bustling streets of the River North in Chicago lies cold weather retreats Three Dots and a Dash and its cozy, hidden gem The Bamboo Room. Adorned from top to bottom with island and tiki design, there’s no better place in the city to sip on some of Chicago’s most refreshing tiki cocktails. The expansive rum-forward menu, cornucopia of cold-pressed juices, fine island spirits, and exotic spices served in a variety of mugs invoke a feeling of relaxing on the beach.

Three Dots mugs are available for purchase and make a great gift.

If you’re seeking a more intimate setting, The Bamboo Room is perfect for rum aficionados of all levels. This reservation-only room offers different tiki cocktails than Three Dots – as well as interactive guided rum tastings, so sip, savor, and learn from some of the city’s savviest spirit connoisseurs.

Make a reservation at Three Dots and a Dash

Make a reservation at The Bamboo Room for a guided rum tasting experience

Summer House Santa Monica Interior

Summer House Santa Monica – Chicago & North Bethesda

Summer is more than just a season; it’s a mindset! That’s what you’ll find when you dine at the California-inspired Summer House Santa Monica, located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood and North Bethesda in Maryland. Brimming with natural light, the interior of Summer House feels like a beach house. Enjoy a variety of dishes from Chef Ben Goodnick chock full of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying something hot off the wood-fired grill or a cookie from the bakery, Summer House brings the pace (and warm weather vibes) of the West Coast right to you.

Make a reservation at Summer House – Chicago | Make a reservation at Summer House – North Bethesda

Aba Interior

Aba – Chicago

Aba is a restaurant and rooftop patio designed to evoke summer in the Mediterranean. Here, greenery takes center stage and the sun-soaked dining room makes for an ideal setting to indulge in Chef CJ Jacobson’s Instagram-worthy plates incorporating influences from the Mediterranean.

Make a reservation at Aba

burrata diavalo stand

Pizzeria Portofino – Chicago

Pizzeria Portofino brings the feeling of the Italian Riviera to the banks of the Chicago River. Even when the weather drops below freezing, the restaurant’s bright colors, copious amount of natural light, and light Italian fare will warm you right up. The menu features signature hand-stretched pizzas, charcoal-grilled seafood and Focaccia di Stefano – thin, crispy sheets of Ligurian focaccia stuffed with stracchino cheese. By the time your meal ends, you may just be ready to invest in a boat and start planning your next summer on the water.

Make a reservation at Pizzeria Portofino

Mon Ami Gabi Dinner restaurant horoscope food astrology

Mon Ami Gabi – Chicago, Oak Brook, Las Vegas, Reston, Bethesda

Most of us would like to take an elaborate French vacation this winter, but sometimes the hassle of travel just isn’t worth the effort. Enter Mon Ami Gabi, a classic French bistro that oozes the romance and “ooo-la-la” of Paris. Mon Ami’s intimately lit dining room makes you feel right at home while the garlicky, buttery aromas are indescribable. Start off your meal with a fresh, crusty baguette and let your worries float away like steam off of the Onion Soup Au Gratin. Wash it down with a beautiful St. Emilion Grand Cru from the signature wine cart, and boom, European vacation-mode achieved!

Find the Mon Ami Gabi location nearest you and make a reservation.

So don’t let the winter get you down this year. We strive to put you in that vacation mindset whenever you dine out at one of these five places!