Feeling Island-Ready at Cheeseburger in Paradise

Winter’s only just begun, and already you’re looking for a tropical getaway? For those long Chicago winters, it’s always good to know a place that makes you feel warm inside. With three Chicagoland locations, Cheeseburger in Paradise is a restaurant chain that specializes in escapism (its concept is to make the Jimmy Buffett song of the same name come to life). I’ve enjoyed a couple of girls nights at the Downers Grove location—complete with live music, a  tropical feel, a varied casual menu and creative margaritas—so I was happy to attend a tasting event of the restaurant chain’s Jamaica-inspired menu items in support of a holiday promotion that will award one lucky winner a trip for two to Jamaica.

Cheeseburger in Paradise is famous for (what else) cheeseburgers, so I started with the restaurant’s popular mini-cheeseburgers. While a good starter for burger fans, these are not nearly as exciting (in my opinion) as the Killer Crab Burgers, which are topped with red pepper aioli and shredded lettuce. The jerk-rubbed Kingston Salmon, accompanied by a pineapple salsa, was another one of my favorites from the limited-time Winter Retreats menu. It was flavorful and relatively healthful. The Jerk Chicken Wrap, on the other hand, felt a little more indulgent, with fried jerk chicken strips, red pepper aioli sauce, red onions, lettuce, shredded cheddar and jack cheeses, and chopped bacon. No wonder I couldn’t stop “tasting” it! The Lil Elf peppermint shake was a nice holiday indulgence as well.

On to the cocktails: The new, limited-time Disgruntled Elf Margarita is the inspiration for a new promotion that just could get you to paradise for real. This festive creation contains Cabo Wabo Tequila, Midori Melon liqueur, kiwi and all-natural lime, orange and lemon juices. How to enter: Through January 3, 2010, visit the Cheeseburger in Paradise website to enter to win a trip for two to Jamaica. Submit your best “disgruntled” face in a photo and write a short essay about why CIP “ungruntles” you. Find all the details at http://cheeseburgerinparadise.com/disgruntled-elf-contest.asp

Speaking of Jamaica, I need to mention this local treasure: The Jamaican One-Man Band, Ainswoth Rose, who was on hand to singlehandedly lend a tropical feel to the tasting event. Check him out for parties or any event where you need to say “yah mon.”

http://www.jamaicanonemanband.com/

Cheeseburger in Paradise has three locations in Downers Grove, Algonquin and DesPlaines.