Grub Chicago Says ‘Hats Off’ To 14 Local Veterans In Special Valentine’s Evening Event

CHICAGO - Feb. 11, 2015 - PRLog -- Grub Chicago, and its event co-sponsor A Safe Haven, will thank local veterans for their service and dedication to our country in a very special way this Valentine’s Day.  Grub’s “Valentine A Veteran,” will be held at the restaurant on Saturday, February 14, 2015 and is designed to salute former servicemen and servicewomen with a special dinner and “Meet & Greet” celebration created just for them. The evening will be capped off with the magnificent sounds of Margaret Murphy and her Trio, one of Chicago’s finest jazz groups.

Beginning at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14 at Grub Chicago (1230 W. Taylor St.), 14 select servicemen and servicewomen from the A Safe Haven Foundation and Jesse Brown V.A. Hospital, will be welcomed to Grub Chicago (1230 West Taylor Street), where they will be feted to a sumptuous dinner and live music. The Valentine 14 is being co-sponsored by area individuals and businesses – some who are themselves former military personnel – within Little Italy and the Chicago Medical District. It is their way – as well as Grub Chicago’s – of honoring and saying “Thanks” to these loyal Americans for their selfless service and sacrifice to our country and community.

Following the delectable dining experience – created from the culinary genius of Chef Emanuel Washington – the group as well as other diners will be wowed by the sublime sounds of Margaret Murphy (a.k.a. The Jazz Cop), who is herself a 21-year veteran Chicago policewoman.  In discussing her joy at being the event’s musical artist, Ms. Murphy commented, “I am honored to be able to share this national day of love with heroes who risked everything for the love of country and family.” The award-winning Murphy – who has showcased her talent in the Chicago area and internationally for more than 30 years – has performed for two U.S. Presidents, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. She developed her unique vocal style and showmanship under the tutelage of world-renowned tenor saxophonist, the late-Von Freeman with whom she shared the stage at The Taste of Chicago, The Jazz Showcase, The Chicago Jazz Fest, Andy’s, The Green Mill and many other popular Chicago venues.


Grub Chicago is one of Chicago’s finest – and newest – dining establishments on the city’s burgeoning restaurant scene. Open since October 2014, it is upscale and fashionable with a culinary concept designed by Chef Emanuel Washington, a 25-year veteran of food creation and preparation. Grub Chicago’s “contemporary soul food” cuisine is healthy American fare that is beautifully prepared and presented, with an ambitious nod to many worldwide tastes.  The menu is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle game plan, and is hand selected by Chef Washington and prepared fresh and from scratch—only.  Grub Chicago is open Tuesday-Saturday, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., with dinner from 5-10 p.m. Additionally Grub Chicago features a Soul Brunch on Sundays – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Situated just west of Racine Ave., the restaurant is a new addition to the bank of award-winning eateries along West Taylor Street in the UIC/Little Italy corridor.

The A Safe Haven Foundation helps people aspire, transform, and sustain their lives from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose.  Since 1994, the organization’s Veterans Program has provided housing, employment and support services (including education, treatment, job training, legal aid and job placement) for former military personnel.  Housing programs provided are fully or partially funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and/or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; other services and programs are funded by various public/private partnerships including the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, Federal Agencies and/or charitable corporate or family foundations and private donors. Further information may be obtained by calling 773.434.8300 or logging onto www.asafehaven.org.

“Valentine A Veteran,” at Grub Chicago is open to the public.  Reservations, while not required, are strongly advised.  Seating begins at 7 p.m., with two Margaret Murphy and Trio performances: at 7:30 and 9 p.m.  Grub Chicago patrons will also have an opportunity to take part in the “Meet and Greet” with the Valentine 14 veterans.  The restaurant and the event are BYOB.  For further information on the event or to become a sponsor of the Valentine 14, please contact Fran Allen-Leake at 312.405.4335 (ljetpro@aol.com), or by emailing Grub Chicago at info@grubchicago.com.