Christmas is around the corner and it’s about that time to start thinking about the perfect holiday gift for relatives, co-workers, and clients. This year, Tassos will be offering a new selection of Gift Baskets for sale that are perfect for the novice, gourmet cook or Martini lover in your circle of friends and family.

In light of the holiday season, Tassos will be giving you the chance to win a Tassos Holiday Gift Basket by simply shopping at your local retailer in the Chicagoland area! With more than 50 participating retailers, your chances of winning have never been better. Simply stop by your local retailer, fill out a sweepstakes ticket and pace it within the ballot box at the store.

A name will be randomly drawn from each participating store will, and will be awarded the prize for pickup at our corporate headquarters in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. No purchase is necessary to win. Rules and regulations are as follows:

1. PROMOTION – The “Tassos Holiday Gift Basket” Sweepstakes begins at 12:00:01 a.m. Central Standard Time (“CST”) on November 1, 2011 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time (“CST”) on December 19, 2011 (the “Promotion Period”). On or about December 20, 2012 there will be a random drawing from all eligible entries received during the Promotion Period. Entry in the Sweepstakes does not constitute entry into any other promotion, contest or Sweepstakes. By participating in the Sweepstakes, each participant unconditionally accepts and agrees to comply with and abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of Tassos LLC, (“the Sponsor”), which shall be final and binding in all respects.

Tassos Dirty Martini Gift Basket

2. ENTRY – To enter fill out the sweepstake card with your first and last name, telephone number including area code and e-mail address and place the card in the sweepstake basket at your local vendor. To be included in the Drawing, entries must be within the respective sweepstake boxes by December 19, 2011. Limit one entry per person. All Entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, incomplete, illegible or damaged mail or e-mail that results from any source – technical, hardware or software malfunctions, lost or unavailable network connections, or failed, incorrect, inaccurate, garbled or delayed entries or other communications or other technical problems related to the Sweepstakes or Sweepstakes entries. Entries will be disqualified if Sponsor determines, at its sole discretion, that entrants have attempted to or have tampered with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes, or who otherwise violates these rules.

3. ELIGIBILITY – Open only to legal U.S. residents who reside in the state of Illinois who are 21 years old or older as of date of entry. All winners will need to provide state identification as proof of age. Tassos LLC (“Sponsor”) and its parent companies, affiliates, advertising and promotional agencies and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents (“Sponsor and its agents”) and members of their immediate families and people living in the same household of each are not eligible. The Sweepstakes is void in states outside of Illinois, U.S. military installations in foreign countries, and where prohibited by law. All federal, state laws and regulations apply.

4. DRAWINGS – The potential winners will be determined by random drawing from all eligible entries on or about December 20, 2012 and will be notified by Sponsor or its representative by phone or e-mail, using the contact information provided at the time of entry. The drawing will be conducted at Tassos LLC, Two Mid America Plaza, Suite 520, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 by Sponsor or its designee, the judge of the Sweepstakes, whose decisions are final and binding. Sponsor shall have no liability for any potential winner notification that is not received by any potential winner for any reason. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Sponsor is not responsible if a potential prize winner does not receive his/her winner notification, redemption instructions or corresponding prize because a fraudulent or bogus e-mail address was provided at the time of registration or because the e-mail notification is misdirected or bounces back or is intercepted by SPAM or other e-mail filters. If a potential winner does not respond within three (3) days of the date of the prize notification, fails to comply with the instructions contained in the prize notification within that time period, is ineligible for the prize, or refuses to accept the prize, Sponsor reserves the right to randomly choose an alternate potential winner from the pool of remaining eligible entries. Return of any prize notification as undeliverable will result in disqualification and selection of an alternate potential winner. Sponsor or its representative will successively attempt to contact up to two (2) alternate potential winners for each prize in accordance with the above procedure, and if there is still no confirmed winner after such attempts have been made, the applicable prize will not be awarded. Winner will be required to show proof of identity (using a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.) and may be required to execute an Affidavit of Eligibility and a Liability Release and, except where prohibited, a Publicity Release within fourteen days (14) of attempted notification in order to claim prize. If the winner is aged 21 or over as required by the rules, but a minor in his or her state of residence, the prize will be awarded in the name of the minor’s parent or legal guardian, who will also be responsible for signing any necessary releases, consents and affidavits. An entrant is not a winner unless and until the entrant’s eligibility and has been verified and entrant has complied with all Sweepstakes requirements. Pickup of prizes will be required. Pickup location will be at the participating store where the sweepstakes submission took place.

5. PRIZES – Sponsor will award one (1) winner a basket filled with $125 worth of product per participating location. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Limit one prize per household. All prizes will be awarded. Prizes are non-transferable. No prize substitutions or cash equivalent, except at the sole discretion of the Sponsor if an advertised prize becomes unavailable. Winners are responsible for all taxes, including applicable federal, state and local. If any winner is 21 or older, as required, but a minor in his or her state of residence, winner’s parent or legal guardian must sign all required documents. All winners will need to provide state identification as proof of age. Prizes may take up to ninety (90) days from drawing date to distribute.

Tassos Delicatessen Gift Basket

6. GENERAL – Sponsor has the right to cancel, terminate or modify this Sweepstakes if it cannot be completed as planned due to computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, technical failures, or other conditions beyond Sponsor’s control, and to select winners from eligible entries received on or before the termination date. Sponsor is not responsible for any failure to contact entrants, whether due to technical or human error. By entering, entrants agree: (1) to release the Sponsor, and their respective employees, directors, officers, affiliates and agents from all liability, injuries, loss and/or damage of any kind arising from their participation in the Sweepstakes or the acceptance, receipt, possession, shipping, handling, loss, use or misuse of, or travel to or from, any prize or prize-related activity; (2) to be bound by the Official Rules and the decisions of the judge; and (3) to be contacted by Sponsor by telephone and/or e-mail regarding the Sweepstakes. By accepting a prize, each winner consents to the use of his/her name, photograph, and likeness for advertising, trade, and promotional purposes without additional compensation in all media worldwide except where prohibited by law. Entrants and winners assume sole liability for injuries, including personal injuries and/or damage to person or property, caused or claimed to be caused by participating in this Sweepstakes or the acceptance, receipt, possession, shipping, handling, loss, use or misuse of, or travels to or from any prize or prize-related activity. Sweepstakes is governed by the laws of Illinois, with venue in Cook County, Illinois. All claims must be resolved in the state or federal courts in Cook County, Illinois. Sponsor reserves the right to suspend or terminate the 2011 “Tassos Holiday Gift Basket” Sweepstakes or modify the Sweepstakes rules at any time. All prizes claimed in accordance with these official rules will be awarded.

7. WINNER’S LIST – To receive a list of the winners, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to address below to be received by no later than December 19, 2011: Tassos, 2011 “Tassos Holiday Gift Basket” Sweepstakes Attn: Winner List, Two Mid America Plaza, Suite 520, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181.

8. SPONSOR – Tassos LLC, Two Mid America Plaza, Suite 520, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. ©2011 Tassos LLC. All rights reserved.

Please be sure to join us Tuesday, 9/27/11 at Treasure Island on Clybourn Street in Chicago for a cooking class that will feature a four course meal of Tassos Products.

Treasure Island Cooking School is focused on collaborating with local and international chefs who understand the importance of creating authentic dishes using the freshest and finest ingredients offered in Chicago.C lasses are intimate and delicious and some are even hand’s on, though each class creates an exclusive environment for the participants to either ask questions of the chef or assist the chef with creating one of the masterpieces being served that evening.

The menu is as follows:

Menu:

Tassos® Mediterranean Salad
Tassos® Kalamata Olive, Artichoke heart and Sundried Tomato Pizza
Tassos®Pan Seared Scallops with Red Pepper Cream Sauce and Penne Pasta
Tassos® Honey Sticks

Tassos® LLC wishes to congratulate The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on its announcement that it raised over $300,000 for vital CF research at its Casino Night.

Celebrity Poker Player, Annie Duke

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis. It has more than 80 chapters and branch offices nationwide and funds and accredits 115 CF care centers across the country, including 94 adult care programs, which provide patients and families with vital treatment and other CF resources. In addition, 54 affiliate programs provide multi-disciplinary care for CF with Foundation support.

On Saturday, April 30^th at Windy City Fieldhouse, guests enjoyed Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and a Texas Hold ‘Em Poker – with the Grand Prize winner awarded an entry in the World Series of Poker (valued at $10,000), hotel stay for two and airfare for two!

Tassos Gourmet Gift Basket Silent Auction

Second place prize was a Main Event Seat at a WSOP Satellite Event at Horseshoe Casino Hammond. All final table winners received baskets of prizes courtesy of Horseshoe Casino Hammond and Tassos® LLC!

The evening, also featured cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live piano by The Redhead Piano Bar, and a live and silent auction that included four beautiful Tassos® Gourmet Gift Baskets.

Chet Coppock was the Celebrity MC and this year’s Celebrity Poker Player was Annie Duke!

Tassos® again wishes to congratulate The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and looks forward to again working with the fine organization at the Grand Chef’s Gala later this year.

By the time we arrived at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Friday June 17, 2011, the summer’s sun and humidity left no doubt Chicago’s hottest party of the summer was going to live up to its reputation in more ways than one.

Having endured the oppressive heat, we gathered our offerings and made our way into the beautiful museum to begin the task of setting up our table, preparing plates and waiting to catch an up-close glimpse of Chicago’s hottest and most fashionable singles.

DJ Megan Taylor poured energy into the room with her lively beats as the beautiful people flooded in. Nearly every person entering into the show stood in front of us and asked, “What is it?”

Almost without exception, as people bit into the wrap, their eyes opened wide and with enthusiasm they turned to their peers and said, “You’ve got to try this!” Few people ate just one.

As the evening’s sun set over the majestic Chicago skyline, the heat dissipated and people began to make their way out onto the terrace. Music and laughter filled the air as Chicago’s hottest singles danced under a moonlit sky. Throughout the evening, we took turns making our way through the event, talking to the staff and sampling the kettle one vodka which – of course – included our Tassos® Garlic Stuffed Olives.

Tassos® gave away $25 gift certificates to Tassos.com and $20 Gift Certificates to Gaetano’s Restaurant in Forest Park. Tassos® also offered a Gourmet Gift Basket for use at the silent auction.

Many thanks go to the Northwestrn Memorial Auxiliary Board, Chicago Magazine, Gaetano’s Restaurant in Forest Park and of course the attendees. It was a spectacular event for an excellent cause and we look forward to participating again!

Tassos and Chef Gaetano Di Benedetto have teamed up to produce a dish that will be served to guests of Chicago Magazine and Northwestern Memorial Hospital‘s charitable event, Summer Lovin’ on Friday, June 17, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, IL.

The name of the dish, MARE NOSTRUM – or ‘Our Sea’, was coined by Chef Gaetano and Tassos in reference to the cultural and culinary significance that the Mediterranean Sea has played in both Italian and Greek cuisines.

MARE NOSTRUM - Dish created by Chef Gaetano Di Benedetto using Tassos Ingredients

In creating MARE NOSTRUM, Chef Gaetano masterfully assembled a variety of Tassos’ fine products to create a majestic, Greco-Italian infusion dish, combining grape leaves stuffed with a Tassos Kalamata Olive and goat cheese mousse on top Tassos Sun Dried Tomatoes – lovingly kissed by the Mediterranean Sun. The dish is topped with a delicious, fresh Salmon tartar and dressed with a Tassos Greek Honey with Thyme and yogurt sauce.

Both Tassos and Chef Gaetano are sponsors of the 10th annual Summer Lovin’ event featuring Chicago Magazine’s 20 most eligible singles. Over 1,000 guests are expected to enjoy an evening complete with tasty hors d’oeuvres from more than dozen of the city’s hottest restaurants, an array of signature cocktails, a silent auction, dancing, and much more.

Proceeds from this event will support research and therapies for stroke patients at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Tickets are $85 in advance (if purchased by June 16) and $95 at the door. For an additional $20, become a Summer Lovin’ VIP

Must be 21 to purchase tickets. Must have proper ID to enter the event.

With an enthusiastic wave of his hand that resonated from the core of his body, Maestro John Nelson began the beautiful three hour tale of St. Matthew Passion at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Lincoln Park on Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

Maestro Nelson called upon a wealth of talent to put on what Lawrence A. Johnson, of the Chicago Classical Review, called a “soaring, majestic performance”

The performance included world-class soloists, a double choir comprised of 32 singers, and a double orchestra comprised of 16 violins, 4 violas, 4 cellos, 2 basses, 1 viola da gamba, 4 flutes, 4 oboes doubling on oboe d’amore and oboe da caccia, 2 bassoons, and 2 organs.

Critical review of the event was overwhelmingly positive and served as but a reflection of what was felt by members of the audience.

“I was thoroughly moved by the performance,” said audience member Antony Caldaroni. “Since my childhood, listening to St. Matthew Passion has been a Good Friday tradition in my family. Having had the opportunity to experience it first hand was a truly moving experience that will be with me for quite some time.”

Performers too were moved by the performance that they helped create and expressed great satisfaction having been a part of an event that is already being hailed as a must see, Chicago Easter tradition.

“From seemingly out of nowhere the Chicago Bach Project hit the ground running, bringing forth the St. Matthew Passion with the urgency and relevance that we didn’t realize was missing,” said Paul Vanderwerf, Orchestra Manager and violinist.

In its inaugural year, The Chicago Bach Project couldn’t have picked a more appropriate location.  The orange light of a spring dusk poured into the church through the eloquent stain glass windows and slowly faded as the evening’s performance progressed.   The gravity of the event’s content, along with the moving and beautiful setting of St. Vincent de Paul Parish elevated the performance to what John von Rhein, of the Chicago Tribune, described in his review as, “the great devotional experience the composer intended.”

In an open dinner for members of the audience and performers alike, Chandler Branch, CEO of Chicago Bach Project’s choral commissioning organization Soli Deo Gloria, thanked Maestro Nelson, the musicians involved in the event and sponsor Tassos LLC.

“Without your generous contributions and tremendous help we could not have done it,” Said Branch. “We look forward to your generosity and continued help next year.”

TASSOS®, LLC is very pleased to have supported the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Chicago with its sponsorship of the Grand Chef’s Gala in January, 2011.

The Grand Chef’s Gala is renowned as one of the most anticipated events in Chicago’s social calendar, affording Chicago’s most noted chefs, caterers and mixologists the opportunity to provide attendees a truly unique dining experience. Grand Chefs Gala/Jean Banchet Award for Culinary Excellence is given to the premier Chicagoland chef that has demonstrated excellence in their field and is voted upon by all participating and nominated chefs by way of secret ballot.

As a sponsor of the event TASSOS was happy to help champion the cause of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Chicago.  Proceeds from the event’s raffle, auction, and sponsorship go toward the development of new treatments and medication for people living with cystic fibrosis.

“Thank you from the Bottom of our hearts,” said Amy Peterson, Sr. Staff member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “[Your support] helped fund vital research and care programs.”

TASSOS® LLC is proud to announce that it is sponsoring the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Casino night on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 6 p.m.  TASSOS is committed to supporting the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis. It has more than 80 chapters and branch offices nationwide and funds and accredits 115 CF care centers across the country, including 94 adult care programs, which provide patients and families with vital treatment and other CF resources. In addition, 54 affiliate programs provide multi-disciplinary care for CF with Foundation support.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been hailed as one of the most efficient organizations of its kind. Nearly 95% of every dollar of revenue raised was available for investment in CF research, care and education programs. The National Institutes of Health and many prominent publications, including Forbes and USAToday, have heralded our innovative business model, which fuels drug discovery and development programs.

As the largest Charity Poker Tournament in the Midwest, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Casino Chicago sponsored by TASSOS will feature Craps, Roulette, Blackjack and the seventh annual Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament. The Grand Prize winner of the Texas Hold’em Tournament will be awarded an entry into the World Series of Poker (valued at $10,000), hotel and airfare for two courtesy of American Airlines!

For tickets and more information please see the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Greater Illinois Chapter website.

TASSOS®, LLC is proud to announce that it is sponsoring the Chicago Bach Project’s St. Matthew’s Passion conducted by Grammy award winning Maestro John Nelson on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.  For more than a decade, TASSOS has worked to sponsor and encourage the arts in Chicago including sponsorship in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  As a dedicated steward of the community, TASSOS is committed to fostering the development of the arts in Chicago.

“We believe, particularly during these difficult economic times, that TASSOS has a role to play in the community,” said Michael Chronopoulos, CFO and COO, TASSOS LLC.  “We have long been advocates for the arts and are excited about the opportunity to help organizations like Chicago Bach Project bring their beautiful music to the community.”

The St. Matthew Passion performance will be a red-letter night on the cultural scene in Chicago, with world-class soloists; a double choir comprised of 32 singers personally auditioned by Maestro John Nelson and Donald Nally (Chorus Master of Chicago’s Lyric Opera); and a double orchestra comprised of 16 violins, 4 violas, 4 cellos, 2 basses, 1 viola da gamba, 4 flutes, 4 oboes doubling on oboe d’amore and oboe da caccia, 2 bassoons, and 2 organs.  (Paul Vanderwerf is orchestra manager). Many of the orchestra and chorus members are associated with Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Grant Park Festival and Music of the Baroque.

With its sponsorship TASSOS encourages all of its customers and fellow lovers of the arts to attend what is sure to be a performance of a lifetime. For tickets please visit Brown Paper Tickets.

“I assure you, it will be well worth your trip,” said Maestro Nelson. “I can tell you from many years of conducting this work, if you can come to this performance, you will not leave the same as you entered.”

A table of Beet Wraps

It was a blustery and rainy Friday night in Chicago when we pulled into the loading docks of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Delivery Trucks, vans, cars and people stacked up along the streets and sidewalks as we tried to protect our offerings for the evening from what could appropriately be called Noah’s biblical reprise.

The friendly staff for the event moved gracefully, but with authority to marshal the goods and people in and out of the narrow loading area and after only a few minutes we were standing in the museum. We set the table, prepared our plates, and waited to see if, under the weather conditions, Chicagoans would brave the wind and rain. And they did. And they did in high fashion.

The music pumped energy into the room. The beautiful people mingled. Several at a time stood in front of us, staring at the strange concoction before them and asked, “what do we have here!” After biting into our beet wrap, the most common expression was “Wow! This is amazing!” We gave away $25 gift certificates to Tassos.com, and a complimentary drink or desert at Gaetano’s restaurant.

A Beautiful Person

We prepared over 300 plates for attendees and quite frankly, had a difficult time keeping up with the demand of over 1,000 patrons. The event ran from 6pm to about 11pm but by 9:30 we had exhausted all our supplies and joined the other guests on the second floor gallery, where a silent auction was being held. When last I looked, our Tassos gift basket was going for $120.00.

Out on the terrace, we discovered the weather had cleared, music and laughter was in the air and the place was packed with smiling people. So, we stopped to take a few photos, talk to the staff and sample the kettle one vodka which of course included our Tassos garlic and jalapeno double stuffed olives.  Our thanks go to the Northwestern Memorial Auxiliary Board, Chicago Magazine, Gaetano’s Restaurant and of course the attendees. It was a spectacular event for an excellent cause and we look forward to participating again!