Yard House Offers a Savory Holiday Menu and Celebration Cocktails from Now Through the New Year

    CHICAGO, IL, November 03, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The ingredients are classic--apple cider, brown butter, butternut squash--but the preparation and presentation of Yard House's Holiday Menu are unlike anything that mom ever made. Paired with a trio of celebration cocktails, the holiday menu is available November 2 through January 3 at all Yard House locations.

Yard House, the award-winning restaurant known for its creative cuisine, vast selection of draft beer and innovative crafted cocktails, has enhanced its regular menu for the holidays with a selection of special offerings created by Executive Chef Carlito Jocson, including...

Maui Pineapple Chicken
This updated version of Huli Huli Chicken features fresh chicken marinated for two days in a bath of soy sauce, garlic, ginger and brown sugar then grilled with fresh pineapple and served with a seven vegetable, stir-fried brown rice and a side of pineapple sauce.

Lobster Mac N Cheese
Offered only once as part of a special Valentine's menu, the Lobster Mac N Cheese returns at the request of Yard House guests. Made with sundried tomatoes, asparagus, and fried wild mushrooms, it's tossed with campanelle pasta and melted cheddar and parmesan cheese then drizzled with white truffle oil.

Apple Cider Brined Pork Chop
Inspired by a very memorable episode of the Brady Bunch where Peter channels his inner Humphry Bogart, this savory dish includes a 12-ounce pork chop grilled with red apple honey sauce, caramelized Brussels sprouts and roasted butternut squash simmered in brown butter.

Za'atar Crusted Salmon
After returning from a trip to Israel, Chef Jocson experimented with some of his favorite flavors from abroad to create a dish that is rich with superfoods. Seasoned with za'atar spices, a seasoning that blends sumac, oregano, thyme, savory and sesame seeds, and served on a bed of red quinoa with cauliflower, kale, golden raisins and pine nuts with a side of spicy lemon tahini sauce.

Banana Berry Rum Macadamia Nut Crumble
Reminiscent from his time spent on the Hawaiian islands, Chef Jocson introduces this holiday-inspired dessert with fresh banana and strawberries mixed with rum, brown sugar and cinnamon then baked with a macadamia nut crisp topping. The dessert is crowned with toasted coconut ice cream and a mint sprig garnish then lightly dusted with powdered sugar.

"Our holiday menu is as much about familiar flavors as it is about expanding the palate," said Chef Jocson. "Apple cider and cinnamon are quintessential ingredients for the holidays, but add some tahini sauce or quinoa to the mix and a traditional dish suddenly takes on a more global influence."

Gregory Howard, beverage manager for Yard House, took classic drinks and infused them with autumn and winter flavors.

"Classic cocktails can suddenly feel very seasonal simply by adding a single ingredient," said Howard. "Our holiday offerings speak to the time of year with flavors and garnishes that have the ability to transform a drink."

The holiday trio includes...

Brown Sugar Old Fashioned
This twist on the classic cocktail is made with Bulleit Rye Whiskey, a dash of aromatic and orange bitters then finished with house-made brown sugar syrup. A fresh orange peel and black cherry skewer add the final touch to its classic snifter presentation.

Ruby Sparkler
A new take on the traditional sparkling cocktail, this celebratory drink is made with Zardetto Prosseco, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and a splash of Framboise poured into a fluted glass and garnished with a pair of fresh raspberries.

Rum Pumpkin Mule
This innovative cocktail is like drinking pumpkin pie from a chilled copper mug with mix of Zaya 12-year Estate Rum, Monin Pumpkin Pie Syrup, a dash of aromatic bitters and refreshing house-made ginger beer.

Yard House is also a festive destination to host an informal holiday gathering for small to large groups with private and semi-private dining areas dependent on the location. Special multi-course, prix-fixe menus are available and details can be found online at yardhouse.com/dining-options

Yard House's holiday menu and cocktail offerings will be available for a limited time at all locations from November 2-January 3. Yard House is open daily for lunch, dinner and late-night dining and offers one of the largest selections of beers. For more information, visit yardhouse.com or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/yardhouse or on Twitter @yardhouse

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