Summer Harvest Menu

Summer really is in full swing and I love it!    But apparently not everyone feels the same.  I read an article last week that said August was one of the least favorite months for Chicagoans!?

I don’t get it.  I love August.  The month starts off with a bang; August 1st is my daughter’s birthday.  Happy Birthday, Allie!  Gardens are bursting with produce.  The tomatoes, beans, and corn are at their best and melons will start by the middle of the month.  Early summer apples as well as peaches, nectarines and plums are all at their peak. 

August 5 starts the Summer Harvest Menu at all Big Bowl locations.  During the spring and summer we have featured local farmers and their produce throughout our menu, on our specials, and our stir fry bars.  The Summer Harvest Menu features some of the most frequently requested Big Bowl favorites using locally grown fruits and vegetables. 

Thai Corn and Crab Soup, made with local sweet corn and lump crab, is a great summer starter to share.  Shrimp and coconut milk are simmered with lemongrass, Thai herbs, and shallots to make a light and delicious broth with a nice kick from fresh chili peppers.  We have so many requests to add this soup to our regular menu but if we can’t get good corn it’s just not the same.  Enjoy it throughout August while the corn is at its best.

Thai Summer Corn and Chicken Stir Fry is another dish wildly popular with our guests and staff alike.  As soon as local corn appears at the restaurants, everyone starts asking for this dish.  Wok tossed all natural chicken breast, corn, sweet onions, Thai chilies and summer herbs are topped with a tangy fresh lemon sauce.  We add Sun Gold Cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.   Sun Gold is one of the premier varieties of cherry tomatoes and ripens to a golden orange, with a bright sweet flavor. 

Fans of Sichuan Eggplant can enjoy this popular Big Bowl dish as an appetizer or side dish with their meal.  Chinese eggplant and Sun Gold tomatoes are tossed with fiery Sichuan sauce, bamboo, and ginger and finished with a few leaves of cool cilantro.  I encourage all eggplant skeptics to try this dish – it’s great.  Our technique for frying eggplant produces light, golden eggplant.  This is a must try dish! 

Regardless of how you feel about August, visit your neighborhood Big Bowl and you're sure to leave feeling better.