December 21, 2012

Greetings, Ladies and Gentlemen! We are almost there. The end of 2012 is within our grasp and so much excitement and positive energy is flowing; not only at the Port but also in all aspects of our daily lives. As we prepare to welcome our families, friends, and other special people into our homes over the holidays, we are all feeling the joy of embracing a time for celebration and the welcoming of a new year! Without further ado, here are some of the great newsworthy events happening at the Port.

SEASON OF GIVING

As many of you know, Port Edward has always had a special relationship with the communities we serve and call home. Our guests are also our neighbors. As our location is the gateway to the Fox River Valley, we are able to enrich their lives and share resources and pull people together. It is the same spirit of community and caring that drives our annual Season of Giving and this year we focused on local food banks and animal shelters. We also invite our guests to participate. As you leave your home to dine at Port Edward, please check your pantry or cupboards and donate canned or non-perishable foods and put them in Santa's sleigh in our

lobby. It will be so appreciated. EARLY BIRD SPECIALS AND NEW YEARS EVE We will be closed on Christmas Day to allow our great staff to celebrate and rejoice with their families at home. However, we will be open the following day for lunch and dinner, as well as the remainder of the week and weekend as usual. As a special treat, we will be opening on Monday, December 31st, New Year’s Eve. Chef Randy has created a special “Early Bird” Menu for those who want to enjoy an early evening out before the party starts later in the night. From 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, we will offer great specials, most of which will be under $20. We’ll feature an 8 oz. Lobster Tail, 12 oz. New York Steak, Mediterranean Salmon, Tilapia (Sautéed or Blackened), London Broil and Pork Chops; all of which include Soup or Salad. Full descriptions can be found on our web or Facebook sites, listed at the end of the newsletter. Of course our full menu will also be available all evening in conjunction with the Early Bird Specials. Don’t forget, we’ll also have a complimentary Champagne Toast at 12:00 Midnight, on the dot. Be sure to arrive early because the Salmon Lounge will be jamming with the music stylings of the Hudson McCoy Band and of course your favorite bartenders, Lola and Jorge.

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR WITH FAMILY AND LOVED ONES

We know your first stop will be to get one of our delicious Bloody Mary’s before enjoying the wide selection of fresh seafood. Just in case you are wondering, Champagne will also be included, so for those of you who are brave enough to keep the celebration alive, you’ll be all set. All of your favorite selections will be hot and ready, from Crab Legs to Paella to Made-to-Order Omelets, to London Broil, plus all of your other favorites. Let us take care of the cooking while you kick back, relax, and enjoy the company of loved ones.

UPCOMING SURVEY DRAWING Remember, to take our online survey after you dine with us and get your submission in before the 1st of the year. We will be selecting our winner for the $100 Gift Card on January 1st and everyone who dines is eligible. Just follow the web address at the top of your receipt. Best of luck to everyone! We’ll announce the winner via our social media sites, as well as in our next newsletter.

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY HELMET RAFFLE

As a special treat for Super Bowl Sunday on February 3rd, we’ll be featuring an authentic Bears Helmet signed by none other than Chicago Bears Player, #26, Tim Jennings! Our Director of Social Media, CJ, was kind enough to travel to a fundraiser in Vernon Hills benefiting a local organization, Operation Click, which participates with many local high schools and AAA Motor Club. The mission of Operation Click is to “reduce teen fatalities and injuries from motor vehicle crashes by developing safe driving habits through education and positive

reinforcement”. We will be raffling off the helmet on Super Bowl Sunday and will be selling raffle tickets from now until just before the drawing. Be sure to get yours. This is a great collectors item, sure not to be missed!

WINTER HOURS

While we’re sad to say it, it’s that time of year again when we will soon be transitioning to our Winter Hours. Starting Sunday, January 6th, we will be closing for Sunday Dinner and on Tuesdays. We will still offer our amazing Champagne Brunches but will close around 3:00 pm on Sundays. Remember, this is only temporary and we will resume our normal hours in April. Time will fly and before you know it, we’ll be welcoming spring.

Welcome Home, Ed!

Edward is has recently returned from Puerto Vallarta's Festival Gourmet International. The feature programs and traditions are for resident chefs at each participating restaurant to host an international invited master chef to share secrets, recipes and experiences as well as to educate. Also included are foods and wine pairing along with a cheese expo. And of course there is the R & R and time out to interact with and swim with Puerto Vallarta's Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins. Ed reiterated: "It was love at first sight. Dolphins are the ocean's friendliest creatures and it was amazing to feel the warmth and intelligence and curiosity of these most inspiring mammals. Amazing and certainly adding to my personal nautical experience." HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

On December 26th, we’d like to wish a very Happy Birthday to our General Manager, Karen Brim. Karen has been with Port Edward for over twenty-four years and has seen the Port through changing times. Her savvy business skills have proved to be an ideal match for Ed’s vision and she has mastered the art of accommodating his ideas. The result has been an innovative restaurant with fresh ideas, an appreciation of the past, and a solid foothold on the future. From all the staff and our many friends: Happy Birthday, Karen! Enjoy your day!

Did You Know?

• Germany made the first artificial Christmas trees. They were made of goose feathers and

dyed green.

• Rudolph" was actually created by Montgomery Ward in the late 1930's for a holiday promotion. The rest is history.

From Our Family to Yours…Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday! Warm Wishes from…Ed, Karen, Lee Ann, CJ, and All of your Port Edward Crew

Port Edward Restaurant 20 W. Algonquin Road Algonquin, IL 60102

(847) 658-5441 www.portedward.com

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