From the Inbox: In the final stretch for "Culinary Clash" at Michael Jordan's Steakhouse

From the inbox this week...

MICHAEL JORDAN'S STEAK HOUSE AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL^® CHICAGO MAGNIFICENT MILE AND LE CORDON BLEU CHICAGO 

ANNOUNCE FINALISTS FOR "CULINARY CLASH"

First dinner featuring student chef finalists kicks off Sunday, March 9, 2014, 

benefitting the school's scholarship program

CHICAGO (March 6, 2014) - Michael Jordan's Steak House at the InterContinental® Chicago Magnificent Mile and Le Cordon Bleu Chicago announce the top three student finalists in the Culinary Clash competition. Numerous students submitted three-course menus with corresponding recipes for the opportunity to cook with Michael Jordan's Steak House Executive Sous Chef Craig Couper. Three student finalists with help from their sous chefs, also Le Cordon Bleu Chicago students, will showcase their menus, at Michael Jordan's Steak House on a designated Sunday evening starting on Sunday, March 9, 2014. Event judges include a panel of hotel executives, local personalities, and food writers, as well as guests of the restaurant that evening.

All participating students receive cash prizes for scholarships at their respective schools, and the winner of Michael Jordan's Steak House's Culinary Clash competes in the InterContinental^® Hotels & Resorts Ultimate Culinary Clash competition in San Francisco on May 20, 1014 with four other InterContinental Hotels' winners from North and South America. One property along with its executive chef and student chef will be named winner of the overall competition. The winning student receives scholarship money, and the winning student's culinary school receives a monetary donation from the InterContinental brand.

The three-course dinners are offered at $49 per person on the following dates, with one student featured each night: Sunday, March 9, 2014; Sunday, March 16, 2014; and Sunday, March 23, 2014. Wine pairing, tax and gratuity are not included. Seating begins at 6 p.m.

The Le Cordon Bleu Chicago finalists competing in Michael Jordan's Steak House's  Culinary Clash and the date their menu will be featured are as follows:

• Sunday, March 9: Jamie Habhab

• Sunday, March 16: Kennieth Hunter

• Sunday, March 23: Jaime Esparza

For more information on Michael Jordan's Steak House at the InterContinental^® Chicago Magnificent Mile (505 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 321-8823 ) and further details on the Culinary Clash, please visit www.icchicagohotel.com.

About Michael Jordan's Steak House

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's website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

About InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

Located at 505 N. Michigan Ave., InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is 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. Dining options in the hotel include Michael Jordan Steak House, an elegant, modern American steakhouse that reflects the basketball legend's preferred dining style,and ENO, an upscale yet approachable wine lounge that features cheese and chocolate pairings.