Lights out! This weekend, restaurants around Chicago will participate in Earth Hour, a World Wildlife Fund global initiative, taking place 8–9 PM on Saturday, March 29th.
Cyrano's Bistrot & Wine Bar extends the time slot and turns off the lights all evening tonight, Friday and Saturday. They will serve slow-cooked á la carte specials like braised boeuf Bourguignon, traditional cassoulet, whole roasted goose, Bergerac coq au vin, rabbit fricassee, and lamb navarin (stew) with braised parsnips ($19.95–$24.95; 312-467-0546).
At the Allerton Hotel's brand new M Avenue Restaurant & Lounge (so new they may refer to it as the former Teps on Two when you call – don't worry, you're calling the right place), dine by the light of candles and glow sticks as you sip a cucumber mojito ($11) or Champagne-Midori cocktail ($10) and order from a special Green Hour Menu prepared with no electricity or heat. The menu features an avocado stuffed with shrimp and calamari ceviche ($9) and cured salmon over spinach salad ($16). Additionally, the hotel's management company will donote what's saved in electric bills to the World Wildlife Fund (6–10 PM; 701 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-440-1500).
Other Earth Hour action on Saturday night includes newcomer Rockstar Dogs illuminating with red glow sticks (312-421-2364); Seasons serving by candlelight from 8–11 PM (312-649-2349); bluprint turning out the lights and pouring $5 "Mother Earth" cocktails made with Square One Certified Organic Vodka, organic wildflower honey, lemongrass water, lemon and mint leaves (312-410-9800); Deleece going dark from 8–9 PM, offering the regular menu by candlelight (773-325-1710); and Between Boutique Cafe & Lounge serving by candlelight and celebrating Earth Hour by giving a complimentary glass of prosecco to guests from 8–9 PM (773-292-0585).