Happy Birthday Michael Jordan! Join the Steakhouse Celebration

While there are three Michael Jordan's Steak House locations, Chicago will always have claim to probably the most recognizable and talented man to every play the sport of basketball. MJ and Chicago go hand in hand and if you're fan of Jordan or the Bulls or just a great steak, this 50th birthday five-course wine dinner on February 17 sounds like an awesome experience. There's also an opportunity to bid on autographed wine bottles and an autographed basketball with proceeds of the Chicago auction going to Meals on Wheels Chicago. Read on for all the details:

 

 

To celebrate Michael Jordan's 50th birthday this February, Michael Jordan's Steak House is pulling out all the stops. With locations in New York on the balcony overlooking Grand Central Terminal, in Chicago on the Magnificent Mile and in Connecticut at the Mohegan Sun, each restaurant will offer a five-course Terlato wine dinner February 17 that will take guests on a journey of the basketball legend's life and career through the past five decades. Additionally, each restaurant will offer a celebratory slice of decadent chocolate cake to all tables that dine on Jordan's birthday, February 17. 

Finally, fans from coast to coast will have the rare opportunity to bid on 15 bottles of wine hand-selected and autographed by Michael Jordan, as well as 3 autographed 'Official NBA' basketballs, with all proceeds benefiting Citymeals-on-Wheels in New York City,Meals on Wheels in Chicago and Community Renewal Team in Hartford, Connecticut.

Details are as follows:

• Five-Course Wine Dinner to Celebrate 50 Years: For 20 Michael Jordan enthusiasts in each location -- Chicago, New York and Connecticut - guests will have the opportunity to dine and imbibe their way through Michael Jordan's career and life with a special menu created in collaboration with the culinary teams at all three steak houses. Featuring wines that are personal favorites from Jordan's wine cellar, for $125 (exclusive of tax and gratuity) diners will enjoy:

First Course: Shrimp Cocktail with 23-Spice Cocktail Sauce

Paired with Chimney Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Chef Cenobio Canalizo, Executive Chef Michael Jordan's The Steak House NYC

The fourth of five children, Michael Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York on February 17, 1963. His family lived in Brooklyn for just 18 months while James Jordan, Michael's father, went through mechanical training. After finishing his training, the family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, where Jordan eventually attended Emsley A. Laney High School and excelled in baseball, football, and basketball.

Second Course: Pan Roasted Sea Scallop

with Anson Mills Grits, Blue Crab & Hazelnuts

Paired with Sanford La Rinconada Chardonnay 2009

Chef James O'Donnell, Executive Chef Michael Jordan's Restaurants

In 1981, Jordan earned a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During his three seasons at North Carolina, he averaged nearly 18 points and 5 rebounds per game and was selected by consensus to the NCAA All-American First Team in both his sophomore and junior seasons. After winning numerous "College Player of the Year" awards his junior year, Jordan left North Carolina to enter the NBA Draft.

Third Course: 'Maxwell Street' Style Duroc Pork Tenderloin

Pickled Mustard Seeds, Cippolini Onion Jam, Lardo Fries

                                     Paired with Sanford and Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009

Chef Craig Couper, Chef de Cuisine Michael Jordan's Steak House Chicago

In 1984, the Chicago Bulls selected Jordan with the third overall pick. During his first season in the NBA, Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game on 51.5% shooting and quickly became a fan favorite, eventually winning Rookie of the Year. Jordan went on to lead the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles, and was voted the Finals MVP a record six times.

Fourth Course: 50-Day Dry Aged Wagyu Ribeye Steak

Creamed Spinach Gnudi & Saba

Paired with Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon Stag's Leap District 2008

Chef Todd Mark Miller, Executive Chef Michael Jordan's Steak House Mohegan Sun

Arguably the best basketball player to play the game, Michael Jordan's career accomplishments include five MVP awards, ten All-NBA First Team designations, nine All-Defensive First Team honors, fourteen NBA All-Star Game appearances, three All-Star Game MVP awards, ten scoring titles, three steals titles, six NBA Finals MVP awards, and the 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Fifth Course: Goat Cheese Custard

Spiced Cherries, Sea Salt Caramel, Cocoa Nib Crumble

Paired with Chimney Rock "Elevage" 2003

Chef Hillary Rikower, Pastry Chef Michael Jordan's Steak House Chicago

After his third retirement, Jordan kept busy playing golf, spending time with his family and supporting various charities. Jordan also delved into the restaurant business, opening his first steak house in New York in 1998, followed by steak houses in Mohegan Sun and Chicago. In 2006, Jordan bought a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats, eventually buying majority ownership making him the first former NBA player ever to become majority owner of a league franchise.

• Autographed Wine Bottles & NBA Basketballs for Charity: All three steak houses will auction five bottles of wine, hand-selected and autographed by Michael Jordan. This marks the first time Jordan has ever autographed a wine bottle, making it an exclusive item and priceless for fans and collectors. Each restaurant will also be auctioning an 'Official NBA' basketball, also signed by Jordan. So fans across the country have a chance to win these exclusive and rare autographed keepsakes, the auction for the following will be held online at www.charitybuzz.combeginning in February. Proceeds will entirely benefit Citymeals-on-Wheels in New York City, Meals on Wheels in Chicago and Community Renewal Team in Hartford, Connecticut.

• • 3 autographed bottles of 2011 Chimney Rock Fume Blanc
  • 3 autographed bottles of 2010 Sanford Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills
  • 3 autographed bottles of 2009 Sanford, "Sanford and Benedict Vineyards" Pinot Noir
  • 3 autographed bottles of 2008 Chimney Rock, Stags Leap District, Cabernet
  • 3 autographed bottles of 2008 Chimney Rock, "Elevage," Bordeaux Blend
  • 3 autographed 'Official NBA' basketballs

• Happy Birthday to... Everyone! For those who can't make the wine dinner, but still want in on celebrating Michael Jordan's 50th birthday, all three restaurants are offering a slice of celebratory chocolate cake to each table who dines on Jordan's birthday, Sunday, February 17.

Prices listed are exclusive of tax and gratuity. For reservations for the five-course wine dinners on February 17, please call:

• Chicago: (312) 321-8823
• New York City: (212) 655.2300
• Mohegan Sun: (860) 862-8600 

About Michael Jordan's Steak House Chicago

Set in the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile at 505 N. Michigan Ave., Michael Jordan's Steak House presents a signature twist on steak house favorites at the helm of Executive Chef James O'Donnell. Michael Jordan's Steak House is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The bar is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, please call (312) 321-8823 or visit Michael Jordan's Steak House'swebsite, Facebook and Twitter pages.

About Michael Jordan's The Steak House N.Y.C.

The eponymous restaurant named for legendary basketball star Michael Jordan, the steak house is owned by The Glazier Group, based in New York.  Opened in 1998, it is located in Grand Central Terminal on the north and west balconies. It pays homage to the lost culture of glamorous train travel, notably the 20^th Century Limited, and has a design and layout reminiscent of a dining car.  The steak house is known for both its selection of perfectly charred steaks and classic dishes, served alongside stunning views looking over the famous Beaux-Arts terminal. Located at 23 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017. http://www.michaeljordansnyc.com/

About Michael Jordan's The Steak House Mohegan Sun

When you're looking for a comfortable dining experience with class, you'll find that and more at Michael Jordan's Steak House at Mohegan Sun.  The perfect setting for a romantic dinner, a quick bite at the bar or a leisurely family night out, traditional steak house cuisine is served in a contemporary environment where the surroundings are as warm and inviting as the staff.  The dining room is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight.  The lounge is open daily from 4 p.m. to close.  For more information, call 802.860.8200, or visit www.michaeljordanssteakhouse.com.

About The Glazier Group

Commitment to excellence in food and service in a multitude of landmark venues has been The Glazier Group trademark since they opened in 1985.  Upscale operators of a family-run restaurant and catering company, Peter, Penny and Mathew Glazier's portfolio includes Michael Jordan's The Steak House N.Y.C., multiple Strip House locations, and premier special event locations Bridgewaters, The Reach Resort and the Westminster Hotel which offer a variety of options for full-service catering and events.  Committed to the local communities in all their markets, the Glaziers are active members of Citymeals-on-Wheels, City Harvest, The Children's Hearing Institute, NYC & Company and its Restaurant Committee.  www.theglaziergroup.com

About Cornerstone Restaurant Group

Cornerstone Restaurant Group and affiliate Jump Higher, L.L.C., led by restaurateurs Jonathan Albert and David Zadikoff, in partnership with Michael Jordan, oversee all Michael Jordan-brand restaurants, including Michael Jordan's Steak House (Chicago, Connecticut and New York), Michael Jordan's 23.sportcafe (Connecticut), and SolToro Tequila Grill (Connecticut). Cornerstone Restaurant Group also manages operations for WAVE at the W Chicago-Lakeshore, ENO Wine Room at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, ZYLO Tuscan Steak House at the W Hoboken and bellyQ in Chicago. For more information, visit www.cornerstonerestaurants.com.

About InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

Located at 505 N. Michigan Ave., InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mileis the only hotel with a front entrance on the prestigious Magnificent Mile - Chicago's most desirable address. Originally built in 1929 as the Medinah Athletic Club, an exclusive luxury men's club, the property is one of Chicago's most elegant landmarks. The hotel features 792 refurbished guest rooms, including 73 lavishly decorated suites. The hotel's historic, junior Olympic size pool is recognized as one of the best indoor pools in the U.S. and is included in Chicago's major architectural tours. For more information on the hotel, please visit www.icchicagohotel.com.

About Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) which owns and provides value-enhancing asset management of high-end hotels and resorts in the United States, Mexico and Europe. The company currently has ownership interests in 18 properties with an aggregate of 7,954 rooms. For a list of current properties and for further information, please visit the company's website at www.strategichotels.com.

About Citymeals-on-Wheels

Founded in 1981, Citymeals-on-Wheels is a not-for-profit organization that raises private funds to prepare and deliver weekend, holiday and emergency meals to the homebound elderly throughout the boroughs of New York City.  Last year, Citymeals underwrote the preparation and delivery of nearly 2 million meals to almost 17,000 aged New Yorkers.  One hundred percent of donations from the public to Citymeals goes toward the preparation and delivery of meals for homebound elderly.  For more information, visit http://www.citymeals.org.

About Meals on Wheels Chicago

Meals on Wheels Chicago envisions a community in which all basic needs are met and barriers to achieving independence are eliminated. Our mission is to therefore ensure that both homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities benefit from programs that improve quality of life and maximize independence. We achieve this by raising both awareness and private funds to support a meal delivery and home modification program. To learn more, please visitwww.mealsonwheelschicago.org

About Community Renewal Team's Elderly Nutrition Program

In 1973, Community Renewal Team started one of the first Elderly Nutrition Programs in the country, providing healthy meals at home or at senior centers under the federal Older Americans Act. Last year, CRT prepared and delivered 410,000 meals across a region of more than 1,500 square miles. Even with the support of several hundred volunteer drivers, CRT must cover steeply rising fuel and food costs. Donations from private fundraising efforts help to defray these costs, and replace aging vehicles in the fleet. For more information, visit www.crtct.org/seniorservices