E’SCOOZI….WHAT’S THAT SMELL?

CHICAGO (June 2005)- “Scoozi, pardon me, mmmmm, what is that smell?!” Must be the new menu items at Lettuce Entertain You’s SCOOZI! restaurant, 410 N. Huron, which is pleased to introduce 15 new items in time for summer!

An Italian Renaissance Trattoria, SCOOZI! focuses on high-quality seasonal ingredients pulled from the many regions of Italy. Marked by rich, mahogany wood and leather banquettes, the airy loft setting offers both snug nooks for intimate dining and large tables for group entertaining, offering accommodations for parties of two to 350. Large Italian windows separate cozy dining sections from the 310-seat dining room.

Among the new menu items introduced this month at SCOOZI! are such Antipasti as Crispy Polenta with parmesan, spicy tomato sauce($4.95); Roman Artichoke with garlic-toasted breadcrumbs and lemon butter ($$5.95); SCOOZI! Fried Calamari with red chiles and lemon ($6.95) and Shrimp Fagoli with green and white beans and cherry tomatoes ($6.95). Pastas include Campanelle & Asparagus with shaved parmesan and a lemon-rosemary cream sauce ($12.95);, Fettuccine Alfredo with Roasted Chicken in asiago cream sauce ($13.50) and Prosciutto & Onion Ravioli with sweet peas, crispy prosciutto and cream sauce ($12.95). Under the signature Pizza Blanca menu heading is a new Quattro Stagioni with artichoke, mushroom, olive and proscuitto ($8.95).

Also introduced are 3 Gnocchi dishes including Tomato & Cream fonduta and fresh tomato sauce ($12.50); Prima Verde with garden vegetables and parmesan broth ($12.95)and Spinach & Ricotta Dumplings in Bolognese meat sauce ($13.50). As for entrees, SCOOZI! created five delicious items: Roasted Chicken & White Beans pan seared chicken breast with oven roasted tomatoes ($14.95); Boneless Pork Chops vesuvio style with creamy polenta ($17.95); Lemon Crusted Whitefish with tomato relish and sautéed spinach ($18.95); Grilled Salmon with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and grilled zucchini ($20.95)and Steak Florentine, a 9 ounce prime sirloin with lemon, oregano and olive oil ($23.95).

Overseen by wine sommelier David Kline, SCOOZI!’s 950-bottle wall of wine greets guests at the door, featuring countless selections for both novices and connoisseurs alike. While the extensive menu often offers pairing selections for each dish, SCOOZI!’s staff is always available for questions and recommendations.

Of particular note is SCOOZI!’s newly-renovated party room, which can be completely closed off for private affairs or opened up to allow viewing of the entire restaurant, while still retaining an element of privacy. Retaining the same look and feel of the restaurant with their sophisticated design and warm tones, this space now seats up to 85 guests for elegant sit-down dinners.

SCOOZI!, is open for dinner seven nights a week. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Private catering services are available for special events. Valet parking is available nightly. Reservations are preferred and may be made via phone at 312.943.5900 or on SCOOZI!’s website at www.leye.com.

SCOOZI! is a Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Inc.® (LEYE) restaurant. Based in Chicago, LEYE is one of the nation’s leading independent restaurant groups, owning, managing or licensing more than 50 establishments in Illinois, Arizona, Minnesota, Maryland and Nevada. The establishments range from the casual style and cuisine of the original restaurant, R.J. Grunts, to the formal elegance of Ambria, Everest and Tru.