St. Joseph's Day Dinner

Don't forget St. Joseph, says Chef John Caputo of A Mano Trattoria in Chicago. Once the river has returned to its normal hue and you've recovered from that mean green-beer hangover, you can head to A Mano at 335 N. Dearborn St. to welcome spring the way Italians do. A Mano is hosting its first annual St. Joseph's Day Party on Wednesday, March 19 from 6 to 9 pm. Put on something red, enjoy authentic regional cuisine, master Italian games and drink plenty of vino at the party inspired by the centuries old Italian tradition of holding a feast in honor of St. Joseph. Wear something red and take home a free gift. Cost to attend is $45 per person (all-inclusive), and tickets may be purchased online at www.amanochicago.com.

Executive Chef John Caputo and Pastry Chef Matt Kelley will offer a bountiful spread of the special foods and sweet treats that Italians traditionally eat on St. Joseph's Day, while Wine Director Brian Duncan will showcase fabulous Italian wines to complement the cuisine. Guests will have the chance to sample the following dishes from food stations set up around the restaurant:

Imported Burrata Cheese with House Smoked Salmon
Arugula & Roasted Pepper Salad with Goat Cheese
Marinated Artichoke and Mint Salad
Fava Bean, Fennel and Blood Orange Salad
Octopus and Chickpea Salad
Baccala Fritters with Agro Dolce Sauce
Minestrone Soup
Fricco (crisp cheese cookies)
Fresh Wood-Fired Oven Pizzas
Spaghetti with Tomatoes and Sardines
Farfalle with Cauliflower and Toasted Breadcrumbs
Fritto Misto of Shrimp, Green Beans and Lemons
Wood Rotisserie Roasted Whole Striped Bass
Zeppole di San Giuseppe (sweet, cream-filled profiteroles)
Chocolate and Citrus-Filled Cannoli
Housemade Organic Gelati and Sorbetti
Assorted Italian Cookies

A Mano, a contemporary Italian trattoria from the team behind BIN 36, brings a genuine Italian dining experience to Chicago's River North neighborhood. Inspired by the multifaceted trattorias and ristorantes of Italy, A Mano strives to recreate that atmosphere in Chicago, embracing the best of Italian regional cuisines, and focusing on organic, high-quality ingredients, simply prepared. A Mano's authenticity goes beyond the menu, encompassing the general ambiance and spirit of the restaurant, from the contemporary-meets-rustic design to the bustling open kitchen and exciting Italian events. Guests can enjoy a meal in the sit-down dining room, at the 30-foot black granite bar or in the comfortably appointed lounge, or simply savor a scoop of homemade gelato or sorbetto from A Mano's daily-changing list of 12 flavors.

A Mano serves dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 12 midnight on Friday and Saturday. A Mano is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and also offers carry-out options. Valet parking is available in the evenings. For reservations, please call (312) 629-3500.