Chicago's Best Dining, Drinking, Cuisine & Cocktails | 312 Dining Diva

Lite Bites: What Your Favorite Chefs & Mixologists Are Up To Around Town This Week

2013-05-23T06:30:00.000-05:00

Giuseppe Tentori, partner/executive chef at BOKA. (Photo: BOKA)

The wind will blow you away!

• Boka executive chef Giuseppe Tentori (also of GT Fish & Oyster fame) has teamed up with chefs Rick Gresh (David Burke’s Primehouse) and Cleetus Friedman (Fountainhead) for the second-annual CigarBQue. The event takes place at 6:30pm June 21 and it's exactly what you think: people chowing down on chef-driven BBQ dishes and smoking cigars. The trio's invited a bunch of colleagues to help them whip up vittles, including the likes of Matt Troost (Three Aces), Jimmy Bannos Sr. (Heaven on Seven), Mike and Patrick Sheerin (Trenchermen), Rey Villalobos (Table Fifty-Two), David Blonsky (Bull & Bear/Public House), Heather Terhune (Sable Kitchen & Bar), Chris Macchia (Coco Pazzo) and Willie Wagner (Honky Tonk BBQ). Mixologists Thaddeus Dynakowski (Northside Bar and Grill), Ben Schiller (Berkshire Room) and Mike Ryan (Sable Kitchen & Bar) will be serving up cocktails, which are included in the $150 ticket price. A portion of the evening's proceeds will be donated to the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation. Get those tickets right here.

Acadia's Ryan McCaskey is getting ready for his annual Memorial Day pig roast. (Photo: Acadia)

• Shawn McClain's team over at Green Zebra is doing the ideal alternative for those not into BBQ this weekend: morel madness. For $30, diners get a three-course tasting menu with the seasonal mushroom as the star. They're poached, crispy and creamed, with the latter accompanied by sweet pea and garlic ravioli, Fiddlehead ferns and thyme jus. You can indulge in the menu May 24-26.

• For those looking for meat madness on Memorial Day, Acadia's Ryan McCaskey is doing his annual pig roast BBQ. The party's free (a $5 donation is suggested), and includes live music, whiskey punch, suckling pig roast, jerk chicken thighs, smoked shrimp, elote and more. Festivities start at 1pm.

• Endgrain, which is scheduled to open in early June by former Nightwood chef Enoch Simpson, gave GrubStreet Chicago a sneak preview of its menu, including the "unholy good biscuits" of buttermilk with crispy pork belly and Walleye fish on marbled rye. RIP, by the way, to GrubStreet Chicago, which is no longer. New York magazine decided to pull the plug on all its local food and drink sites—except the one in NYC.

May 25 Is 'National Wine Day'; Where To Drink & Be Merry in the City

2013-05-21T13:29:00.000-05:00

Photo via Uptown Magazine

All my favorite winos should be very happy with this news.

May 25 falls on a Saturday this year and that also happens to be National Wine Day. And because this weekend's all about celebrating Memorial Day, there will certainly be a lot of wine pouring going down.

If you're out and about, these spots rule, in my book:

Bar Pastoral. An extension of Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, Bar Pastoral is a great choice for those seeking smaller, boutique wines. Diners may choose their selections from the retail shop and consume in the restaurant.

City Winery. The city's only winery released its first wine (a rose!) in early spring that will be perfect for sipping during dinner or while taking in a show in the music hall. The Cathy Richardson Band performs at 8pm Saturday, by the way.

Eno. The InterContinental Chicago's intimate wine lounge has expanded its menu to include small plates from Michael Jordan's Steak House. You'll also find smaller-format wines to complement cheese, chocolate and small plate selections.

Lush Wine & Spirits. The Roscoe Village and West Town locations have designated areas where you can settle in and enjoy your wine on premise. Bites include artisan cheeses, cured meats and seasonal sandwiches. Also, if there's a wine you'd like to try, a staffer will happily open that bottle.

Telegraph. Logan Square's hopping wine-focused restaurant and bar specializes in offbeat and large-format vino that you won't see in most mainstream bars. What's great is that you can order pretty much anything by the glass.

Webster's Wine Bar. The oldie but goodie remains a fan favorite and great date spot. Too bad it'll be too chilly to settle on the outdoor patio Saturday, but the front-room bar is great for cozying up to a significant other. Pizzas and small plates complement this fine wine menu.

Scott Harris Expands His Empire To River North With Outposts of Davanti Enoteca, Glazed & Infused

2013-05-21T06:30:00.000-05:00

Scott Harris photo via Schumannco.com

Centro. J. Rocco Italian Table & Bar. Osteria Via Stato. RPM Italian. Siena Tavern.

And now that Davanti Enoteca enters the fray in River North it's like the area's suddenly Little Italy 2.0!

According to Crain's, the outpost of the popular Italian Taylor Street restaurant is set to open in late July/early August.

There will also be a Glazed & Infused doughnut shop within the venue.

Other than the inclusion of Glazed & Infused, expect the same food and drink menu at Davanti Enoteca.

'Tales of the Cocktail' Announces Finalists for 'Spirited Awards'; Chicago Represents

2013-05-20T08:19:00.000-05:00

Charles Joly of the Aviary (Photo: Charles Joly)

Chicago strikes it big at Tales of the Cocktail, which announced Friday finalists for the seventh-annual Spirited Awards. It recognizes the year's best bars, bartenders, writers, experts and more at what's considered the largest gathering of bartenders in the world.

Tales takes place July 17-21 and we couldn't be prouder of the Windy City representation! Making the finals are the Aviary's Charles Joly ("American Bartender of the Year"), Barrelhouse Flat ("Best American Cocktail Bar"), Bridget Albert ("Best Bar Mentor") and Sable Kitchen and Bar ("Best High Volume Cocktail Bar" and "World’s Best Hotel Bar").

Here's the complete list of finalists.

Winners will be announced at the Spirited Awards, taking place Saturday, July 20, as part of the Tales of the Cocktail 11th anniversary celebration in New Orleans.

So Very, Very Hot Right Now.

2013-05-16T10:46:00.000-05:00

Embeya's boozy new snow cone (Photo: Danielle Pizzutillo/Embeya)

Since the next several days are certain to be scorchers, I'm tripling up on the boozy coverage for the weekend. All the patios will be open and there's plenty of fun to be had.

I'm especially excited about Embeya's latest offering: hand-crafted, boozy snow cones. Created by beverage director Danielle Pizzutillo, flavors include bourbon with falernum and citrus; gin with ginger and lime; and rum with cherry.

Embeya's delightful new patio is ideal for indulging in some adult beverages. (Photo: Embeya)

The snow cones debut Friday, May 17 at Embeya during the same time the new patio opens. It accommodates up to 50 guests and that includes the 15-seat lounge area. Lunch, dinner and light bites may be ordered to complement the cocktails . . . and snow cones.

Fountainhead showcases local craft beers. (Photo: Fountainhead)

Chicago Craft Beer Week is now underway and happens through May 26. You're certain to dig my top picks, which include Fountainhead's Local Cask Day and Half Acre's anniversary party at Ravenswood Billboard Factory.

Big Star opens daily at 11am, and I swear the lines start forming at 9:45am for the massive outdoor patio. It's so freaking busy that owners Donnie Madia, Paul Kahan and Terry Alexander have decided to serve margaritas on tap. SMART GUYS. Look for them to debut on Monday, May 20. In the meantime, if you head there over the weekend, you're just going to have to be patient.

Lillie's Q Set To Re-Open in Mid-June

2013-05-16T09:11:00.001-05:00

Charlie McKenna's succulent baby back ribs. (Photo: Lillie's Q)

What a sigh of relief!

I just got word that Lillie's Q, which shuttered in March due to a fire, is reopening in its original Bucktown location in mid-June.

"It's been a long road trying to get Lillie's Q in Bucktown back open, but we’re getting close," McKenna said Thursday in a release. "The outpouring of support from other chefs and restaurant owners, loyal customers and friends of Lillie’s Q has been absolutely incredible... . We can’t wait to open our doors again and feed everyone."

We're looking forward to it, too. Good luck to McKenna and his team!

Lite Bites: What Your Favorite Chefs & Mixologists Are Up To Around Town This Week

2013-05-15T17:28:00.002-05:00

Andrew Brochu (Photo via StarChefs.com)

Put on those sexy sunglasses.

• No big shocker here. Andrew Brochu has left the sports-oriented Monarch to return to his fine-dining roots with the Alinea restaurant group. He's joined Aviary's culinary team, as noted on its facebook page Wednesday afternoon.

• More great news, but this time from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE). Paul McGee's long-awaited tiki lounge, Three Dots and a Dash, is set to open in early June, according to partner R.J. Melman.

Endgrain owners chef Enoch Simpson (left) and brother Caleb Simpson (Photo: Endgrain)

• Apparently LEYE is taking over River North because a block away from Three Dots is Restaurant Beatrix, which is set to open early summer. No word yet on concept or menu, but chefs Susan Weaver, John Chiakulas and Rita Dever are behind the project.

• Former Nightwood chef Enoch Simpson finally has an opening date for Endgrain, located in Roscoe Village. Look for its debut the first week of June.

• And Sepia has locked in a new bartender to replace award-winning mixologist Josh Pearson. Griffin Elliott previously worked at Scofflaw and is considered a protege of former Boka head bartender Benjamin Schiller. Man, does he have some big shoes to fill!

Indulge In National BBQ Month at a Number of Lip-Smacking Spots Around Town

2013-05-15T07:16:00.000-05:00

BBQ at Smoke Daddy (Photo: Smoke Daddy)

When popular Bucktown BBQ restaurant Lillie’s Q suddenly shuttered indefinitely in early 2013 due to a fire, we poured out a little BBQ sauce in its honor.

Though it attracted a trendy crowd, the spot took the art of barbecuing quite serious and also developed a loyal following for its extensive bourbon selection. Thankfully owner Charlie McKenna continues to operate a satellite store for Lillie’s Q in the Chicago French Market, but it’s just not the same energy.

The food is still great if you want a quick bite for lunch, but for a fulfilling experience where you’ll also get to soak in the atmosphere, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite local BBQ places in Chicago.

Tippling Tuesdays: Exploring Chicago's 'Bourbon Trail'

2013-05-14T07:06:00.000-05:00

A number of popular watering holes have gotten together to host the city's first-ever Chicago's Bourbon Trail.

During each trolley stop, guests will indulge in a bourbon and barrel-aged beer. Fountainhead is one of the eager participants, and expect 10 bourbon flights, including Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project and a special bourbon barrel-aged beer tapping.

Map Room and Long Room are also taking part in the event. Who's conspicuously missing is Delilah's—which has long been considered the gold standard in regards to bourbon-focused bars.

The event kicks off at 1pm on May 19 at Fizz in Lakeview. Get more information and the $25 tickets here (the price does not include the cost of the alcohol).

A Gatsby-Themed Pub Crawl To Remember

2013-05-13T11:48:00.001-05:00

Party people at Billy Sunday (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

The fourth remake of "The Great Gatsby," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan, pulled in more than $50 million on opening weekend. That's a sure sign that people are still fascinated with the glamorous world created by famed author F. Scott Fitzgerald.

A big part of that appeal was the flamboyant styles and excessive partying on the part of Fitzgerald's complicated characters. And in the spirit of one of his greatest works, I decided to gather some friends for a Gatsby-themed cocktail pub crawl to some of Chicago's most popular haunts.

For the occasion, I encouraged revelers to dress in period clothing (think flapper dresses, long beads, Fedoras) so that we could really get into the theme. From sipping Old Fashioneds at Logan Square newcomer Billy Sunday to indulging in Manhattans at the Prohibition-era Coq d'Or, Fitzgerald would have been proud!

So Very, Very Hot Right Now.

2013-05-09T12:15:00.000-05:00

Image of doughnuts in martini glass via gracessweetlife.com

Doughnut Vault continues to be red hot, and when it first opened, I was invited to an event where Moet paired its various bubblies with a variety of the sweet bites. I tried to talk DV owner Brendan Sodikoff into doing it again, but he said it just wasn't something he could do considering that the shop shared kitchen space with the very busy Gilt Bar.

So imagine how excited I was when I found out that Kitsch'n on Roscoe was doing a midnight pop-up featuring doughnuts paired with cocktails.

The event happens Saturday at the long-time Roscoe Village favorite, and owner Jon Young tells 312DD that diners should expect suggested cocktail and wine pairings with each artisan-style, booze-infused doughnut. "Think Margaritas and Manhattans" he said, adding that a signature, yeast-raised "beer glazed" doughnut will be paired with Stella Artois. Sounds fantastic to me! The event takes place 8pm-midnight May 11.

Rick Gresh of David Burke's Primehouse (Photo: David Burke's Primehouse)

The new Primehouse Bar opens inside David Burke's Primehouse May 10. It will boast an updated look with a new menu created by Executive Chef Rick Gresh. Just some of the highlights we're looking forward to include great American cheeses paired with the local Koval Distillery whiskey; pairings of signature Primehouse caviar creations and vodka; and nibbles like sticky boneless beef ribs, grilled pretzel monkey bread, and eggs and bacon sliders with togarashi bacon fries.

bellyQ's Fist of Fury brunch cocktail (Photo: bellyQ)

bellyQ bartender Peter Vestinos unleashes a number of brunch cocktails that are in your face and potent like a mofo. At the top of the list are Shochu-rita (Sudachi Shochu, curacao, lime, agave and spiked citrus salt), "Restorative" Punch (rum, magnolia blossom oolong tea, lime, spiced simple syrup, angostura, quinine) and the bellyMary (house blend of tomato juice, Belly Fire, Seoul sauce, fresh horseradish, ginger roots, Szechwan peppercorns, celery) that comes with a choice of vodka, gin, tequila, shochu or scotch. Vestinos also gave us the recipe for his Fist of Fury brunch cocktail. Brunch is 10am-2pm Sundays.

UPDATED: Socca Partner/Chef Roger Herring Opts Out Of Lakeview Restaurant

2013-05-08T16:37:00.000-05:00

The interior of Socca (Photos: Socca)

Roger Herring, partner/chef of Socca, announced Wednesday that he was leaving the popular Wrigleyville restaurant.

"I made the 86 board at Socca. Next chapter...different book!" he wrote on Facebook. "...it was time to go. Sign a lease or go! I didn't sign."

Here's a statement from Socca's management team on the future of the restaurant:

Socca's massive, one-pound meatball serves two to four people.

"Socca's current lease expires on June 30 (which may be extended), and we plan on serving the same great food that you have been enjoying for the past decade. We also plan on bringing back Socca favorites such as the monster meatball.

"The team at Socca wishes its chef and fearless leader, Roger Herring, the best in all of his future endeavors. Rest assured, the culinary team of Joel, Ricky and Pelone, who have been leading the charge in the kitchen for the past couple of years, will continue to create the dishes that our guests (have come to love)."

Lite Bites: What Your Favorite Chefs & Mixologists Are Up To Around Town This Week

2013-05-08T10:52:00.000-05:00

Paul Kahan at the James Beard Foundation awards ceremony Monday. (Photo: Kent Miller/James Beard Foundation)

The sun is shining bright like a diamond.

• James Beard's newly minted Most Outstanding Chef Paul Kahan has an event coming up that you don't want to miss if you're a pork fiend. The Blackbird executive chef has teamed up with Mercat a la Planxa's Jose Garces and Cory Morris for a five-course Iberico pork dinner. Expect different preparations, including olive oil-poached pork loin, roasted pork collar and bacon-fat ganache paired with maple-sherry ice cream. It's $125 and reservations are required by calling Mercat a la Planxa. The event takes place 7pm May 18, beginning with a sangria reception.

• Jason Vincent (Nightwood), Ryan Poli (Little Market Brasserie), Chris Pandel (Balena) and brothers Michael and Patrick Sheerin (Trenchermen) are helping to raise funds for the Special Olympics Chicago during an after-work charity event. Sip & Savor is hosted by the associate board of Special Olympics Chicago and will feature food from these fine gentlemen. The event takes place 6-9pm May 9 at 1420 S. Michigan Ave. It's $55 in advance; $65 at the door. Get the tickets right here.

Thomas Mooneyham's "Walking Dead" cocktail. (Photo: The Gage)

• Paul Fehribach, of the Southern-focused Big Jones, demos at Green City Market at 10:30am May 11. Perhaps he'll give some great tips if you're planning to cook on Mother's Day.

• I've pretty much given up on Three Dots and a Dash—the much-heralded tiki-inspired cocktail lounge by Paul McGee—opening anytime soon. It's still apparently recovering from that fire that happened way back in January. In the meantime, I will continue to obsess over Thomas Mooneyham's Walking Dead cocktail that pays homage to the gory AMC series as well as the classic Zombie drink. It's only available at The Gage

• Here's a GrubStreet slideshow of chefs whipping up weird ingredients at the recent Reader Key Ingredient Cook-Off. Three Aces' Matt Troost apparently had one of the most fascinating dishes of the night: Malort Face, combining the infamous cult spirit with a Girl & The Goat-style pig face testa. I wonder if he'll put that on the menu . . .

Tippling Tuesdays: Cereal Milk Cocktail Trend, Vertigo's New Bartender Booth

2013-05-07T06:30:00.000-05:00

PDT's Milk Punch whiskey cocktail via Serious Eats

Tippling Tuesdays differs from Thirsty Thursdays in that it goes deeper into the spirits and cocktail culture.

Admit it. You've sipped some cereal milk in your lifetime. Whether it was after a tasty bowlful of Kellogg's Fruit Loops or Post's Honey Bunches of Oats, you just wanted to savor that goodness all the way down to the last drop. And leave it to bartenders to make one of our guilty childhood pleasures into an adult beverage.

The Savoy's head bartender Deidre Darling got the idea from NYC hot spots PDT and Momofuku Milk Bar, which have been doing them for a few months.

The seafood-focused restaurant and lounge in Wicker Park only offers the booze-infused delights during brunch, and we're getting giddy just thinking about them. Darling's created three: Pebbles Loves Bam Bam (Cocoa Pebbles, Plantation rum, mole bitters), Magically Delicious (Lucky Charms, Powers Irish Whiskey) and This Morning's Milk (cereal box surprise). Make a note that Savoy is open for brunch 10am-2pm Friday-Sunday.

The retro-themed arcade lounge Headquarters Beercade also features a cereal milk cocktail on its menu. Cereal Killer is made with house-infused Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Old Overholt Rye Whiskey and walnut bitters.

The view from behind Vertigo's Bartender Booth; the signature Champagne Cocktail (Photos: 312 Dining Diva)

Vertigo Sky Lounge has taken the chef's table concept behind the bar and we were the first to experience it a couple of weeks ago.

The tiny Bartender Booth's perched in a sweet spot directly behind the bar, so the lucky four or so guests get the best VIP treatment in the entire room.

This is NOT for bottle service or for those whose idea of going out drinking is swilling on vodka and sodas. The Bartender Booth is for those willing to put their trust in Head Mixologist Raul Jaimes to work his magic.

Jaimes clocked in several months at Aviary, where he learned some sweet techniques such as whipping up bacon tinctures for his version of the Manhattan. The potions are progressive, starting with a sparkling wine cocktail and ending on a high note with a coffee concoction.

"All the ingredients are made in-house such as the syrups," Jaimes tells 312DD. "We're making everything from a seasonal and fresh approach."

When you're seated in the Bartender Booth, you've not only got the best seats in the space, but you'll also get the best aerial views of the neighborhood. One of the challenges, however, with such an ambitious program at a high-volume bar like Vertigo is that the craft cocktails take longer and not everyone wants to wait.

That's why Jaimes will likely only offer these particular cocktails on the earlier end of the evening to insure everybody gets the service they desire. Plus, Jaimes doesn't want to compromise the integrity of the new program by rushing to get those drinks out.

"We are balancing the integrity of trying to make good craft cocktails and service the environment in which we are in," he says.

In the meantime, if you do get a chance to experience the new cocktail program, I highly recommend the Champagne Cocktail. It's made with hibiscus syrup, Fortaleza Reposado tequila and compressed kumquat.

Additional highlights from the menu are the Lavender Sour (lavender syrup, fresh lemon juice, egg white and Leatherbee gin topped with a lemon twist and drop of Peychard’s anise bitters) and Man-Hattan (bourbon, Antica Carpano, Luxardo cherry, splash of Fees chocolate bitters and bacon tincture). It's $60 for a flight for five cocktails; a la carte cocktails are $12-$14.

How do you get reservations?! GET TO KNOW RAUL.

West Loopers Win Big At James Beard Awards

2013-05-06T22:17:00.000-05:00

The Aviary team includes owner Grant Achatz (center) and beverage director Charles Joly (second to left). (Photos: Kent Miller/James Beard Foundation)

Monday night at the James Beard Foundation Awards solidified that the West Loop is Chicago's hottest dining and drinking neighborhood.

Grant Achatz and his team at Aviary beat Chicago's venerable Violet Hour as well as two prominent New York cocktail lounges to win Outstanding Bar Program.

We've been calling Stephanie Izard a "Top Chef" winner for years. We can finally add "James Beard winner" to her title now that she's Best Chef: Great Lakes for Girl & The Goat. She was up against fellow West Loopers Dave Beran (Next) and Andrew Zimmerman (Sepia).

Paul Kahan, by far, had the night's most dramatic moment. In the foundation's 26-year history, there has only been a tie for Outstanding Chef three times. For 2013, Kahan (of avec, Blackbird, Publican, etc.) shared the honor with NYC restaurant kingpin David Chang. This was Kahan's fifth time nominated in the category.

Here's the complete list of winners.

Here's Your Exclusive, First Look At The City's Hottest New Outdoor Lounge: The Dec

2013-05-06T11:14:00.001-05:00

(Photos: Ritz-Carlton Chicago)

Let's just get this out of the way: dec Rooftop Lounge + Bar has nothing to do with local restaurateur Billy Dec (Rockit Bar & Grill, Sunda).

It's instead the sleek new outdoor component to deca Restaurant + Bar in the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. The lounge is located on the 12th floor, seats 57, and accommodates 100 guests for light bites, craft cocktails and draught beers from a number of craft breweries.

Here are a few more highlights you'll need to know before dec opens in mid-May:

• An opaque, color-changing LED waved wall and polished stainless steel circular sculpture, "The Lenz," by artist David Sorenson, are certain to catch your eye.

• The food menu's still under construction, but look for light bites beginning at lunchtime. It'll be designed to pair with the libations.

• Get excited about an old-fashioned ice cream cart rolling through with sundae selections.

Dec's B-"Arack" cocktail

• Look for a number of kegged drinks such as Cucumber Collins (cucumber gin, St. Germain, house-made cucumber thyme soda); a batch bourbon cocktail with pineapple juice and a syrup of lemongrass, Thai chilies and maple syrup; and a second-day, barrel-aged rum drink with Pimms #1, Fernet, peach bitters and rose water.

El Diablo's Mule

• The craft cocktails will take a little longer to whip up, and most contain locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include the B-"Arack" (with Chicago-based Few Whiskey flavored with anise, beet juice from Nichols Farm and Bee Love honey) and El Diablo's Mule (tequila, ginger beer, Casis and lime juice).

So Very, Very Hot Right Now.

2013-05-02T06:30:00.000-05:00

Glazed and Infused teams up with Taco Joint for Margarita doughnuts (Photo: Taco Joint)

Whether bourbon or tequila is your spirit of choice, this weekend is your weekend.

A number of restaurants and drinking spots celebrate the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo with drink and food specials, but we're completely obsessed with Glazed and Infused and Taco Joint's collaboration.

The hot pastry shop and Mexican street food-style spot team up for mini margarita doughnuts (three for $6; six for $10) that feature tequila, fresh lime zest and sea salt. They'll be sold at only Taco Joint's Lincoln Park location May 3-5.

Allium's seasonal Pomelo Margarita (Photo: Allium)

For those looking to really get their drink on, we've spotlighted a number of tasty tequila- and bourbon-focused cocktails for your imbibing pleasure this weekend. You really cannot go wrong either way!

Love mixing it up with cocktails and cabaret?! Some of the city's finest performers are part of the Cabaret Project, and they're doing a one night only show at Back Room. The show starts at 7pm Friday, and you're certain to be entertained as they perform classic and original songs. It's $20, plus you can order from a list of classic cocktails from the adjacent The Drawing Room.

Avec is set to open early, from 11am-3pm every Sunday, beginning May 5. They're bringing on a few egg dishes, plus favorites such as chorizo-stuffed medjool dates and anise-marinated hanger steak will be on the menu. The deluxe focaccia will be enhanced with the addition of cured salmon. Adapted classics like the harissa preserved Bloody Mary and a Mediterranean-inspired mimosa will complement the bar program. Note that this is NOT brunch; they're just opening earlier so that you can take advantage of those hours.

Grant Achatz Named 'Chef's Choice' in the World; Meanwhile Alinea Drops Down To #15

2013-04-30T07:58:00.000-05:00

The World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards happened Monday night in London, and one of Chicago's own served it up pretty large.

Though Alinea fell to #15 in the world (last year it was #7), its super chef, Grant Achatz, received major honors.

His peers honored him with the Chef's Choice award, calling his style "landmark cooking" and "an amazing achievement for an inspirational chef."

No other Chicago chef or restaurant was honored.

Hot Chicago Chefs, Bartenders Raise Charity $$$ For Two Different Events In One Evening

2013-04-28T20:10:00.001-05:00

Chefs Paul Kahan (left), Matthias Merges

Two hot events occur Monday, April 29, but the good thing is that they're happening only minutes away from each other. That means you can attend both.

Tavernita's Ryan Poli continues his monthly pintxo party where he invites his colleagues to create and serve their take on the popular Spanish appetizer.

This time around he's gathered Paul Kahan (Blackbird) and Matthias Merges of (Yusho), who will not only create signature snacks but help with the night's playlist as well.

For $25, guests get all the pintxos they can eat as well as a chance to mingle with the three chefs. A portion of the sales from this year's series benefits Pilot Light. The event happens 8-10pm.

Perennial Virant's Jacyara De Oliveira, one of the bartenders at this year's "Speed Rack" competition. (Photo: Speed Rack)

Not too far away at the River North location for Taco Joint is a bartenders' benefit for Boston.

Two reps from Boston's bartenders' guild will be pouring drinks as well as a number of local favorites. Participants from this year's local Speed Rack competition will also help out (8-10pm).

The event is $20 per person and that includes unlimited drinks and bites. Proceeds benefit One Fund Boston. It's 8pm-2am, and if you were at the Hurricane Sandy benefit last fall, you know this is one not to miss!

So Very, Very Hot Right Now.

2013-04-25T10:37:00.002-05:00

(Photo: Pastoral Artisan Cheese)

It's year three for Pastoral’s Artisan Producer Festival, and this time around they've gathered more than 90 vendors to showcase the best in artisanal cheese, confections, beer, wine and spirits in the West Loop.

The best part about this fest?! It's absolutely free, so if you sample something you particularly love, you can use that extra cash to spend on the goodies.

(Photo: Pastoral Artisan Cheese)

Hosted by Pastoral Artisan Cheese, the festival occurs at the shop's Chicago French Market location. Many of the participating vendors have their products at the Pastoral shops, but this is an opportunity for you to get some facetime. Award-winning cheesemakers like Cypress Grove Chevre (California), Capriole Goat Cheeses (Indiana) and Dutch Girl Creamery (Nebraska) will be onsite. The festival takes place 11am-3pm Saturday, April 27.

I betcha didn't know that April 28 is World Malbec Day. To fete the occasion, City Winery's throwing a massive tasting party where you'll get to sample 60 wines from 20 Argentinean wineries. Argentinean dishes will be passed around to complement the vino. It's $40 per person and tickets may be purchased by contacting the restaurant. Noon-4pm Sunday, April 28.

(Photo: La Sirena Clandestina)

Here's something that we're really looking forward to from La Sirena Clandestina: cachorro quente. Think of it as a Portuguese version of the hot dog. It's only available late night, but it's also an "off the menu" item.

Lite Bites: What Your Favorite Chefs & Mixologists Are Up To Around Town This Week

2013-04-24T09:30:00.000-05:00

Chef David Burke

It's Hump Day.

David Burke's garnered much success with his namesake River North steakhouse that's situated in the James Hotel. But since it's been there for almost 10 years it could use a facelift. We were pretty excited to hear about its current renovations a few months ago, but apparently there is more news, according to Chicago Real Estate Daily. In addition to a new lobby, bar and wine cellar for Primehouse, expect the debut of upscale sandwich shop Burke's Bacon Bar in the summer. That certainly makes me want to squeal, but Burke is apparently working on yet another project near Millennium Park, according to the story. He's planning a farm-to-table restaurant in a 101-year-old building at 168 N. Michigan Ave. that is set to open as a Hotel Indigo next spring. Dishes and ingredients will be locally sourced.

• Happening elsewhere, Michelin-starred chef Shin Thompson has just opened Kabocha in the West Loop. It serves small, medium and large plates with offerings such as duck confit & fennel pot stickers, asari-steamed clams and Japanese sweet potato croquettes. What's certain to be the pièce de résistance is the shellfish "aquarium." Yeah, you read that correctly. Generous portions of seafood such as lobster, oysters, scallops, prawns and king crab arrive to your table in an actual aquarium for $85. Something tells me that will be a BIG hit.

Kabocha "aquarium" photo via Thrillist Chicago.

• Michael Taus—whose consulting contract with Da Lobsta is winding down—has signed on to the new Just Grapes project.

• And look out for the inaugural Chefs' Playground at Terzo Piano on May 16. Chef Tony Mantuano has gathered some of his local and national colleagues to help raise $$$ for the Academy for Global Citizenship, an innovative public charter school on the Southwest Side. The likes of Paul Kahan, Rick Bayless, Bill Kim, Jimmy Bannos Jr., Sarah Grueneberg and Jeff Mauro will participate. For $225 per person, guests will get food from the chefs, wine and spirits, plus an opportunity to participate in the live and silent auctions. Get the tickets right here.

A Lil' Something For My Scotch-Lovin' Fans

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City Winery switches it up from the usual vino happenings to a scotch-focused event that's certain to bring out the fans.

They've teamed up with Glenfiddich for a night of single-malt scotch whisky tasting where guests will indulge in 12-, 15- and 18-year spirits. Award-winning pianist Greg Spero should complement this evening of sheer sophistication with live musical selections. He'll debut three new compositions, each a musical description of a different Glenfiddich expression.

The free event starts at 7pm May 1, but you must RSVP to attend. I'd get on that right now!

'Racist Bartender' Pops Up Again. . .This Time At River North's Castle Nightclub

2013-04-23T10:21:00.002-05:00

(Photo: Facebook)

It's been awhile since we checked in on our "favorite" Chicago bartender, Jessica Harr—who infamously spewed racist rants on Facebook that were heard around the world.

Well, apparently she's scored a cushy little job at late-night River North nightclub Castle. I wonder if they were even aware of her reputation?!

For one thing, she's changed her hair color from that harsh, trashy blond mess to a more appealing darker shade. And these days she's going by Jeska Liz. An eagle-eyed 312DD fan spotted her working behind the bar over the weekend.

We see you, girl! I hope she's learned her lesson, but it will be interesting to find out what happens once the Castle people find out exactly who they hired to serve the bar's diverse clientele.

Award-Winning Mixologist Josh Pearson Leaves Sepia For Hot New River North Project

2013-04-22T11:44:00.000-05:00

Josh Pearson (Photo courtesy of Josh Pearson)

Josh Pearson is one of Chicago's most celebrated bartenders, and after more than four years behind the stick at Sepia, he's ready to move on. This is his last week at the upscale West Loop eatery.

"(It was a) totally amicable split," he told 312DD exclusively over the weekend. "I'm going to a new bar in River North."

In his new role, which officially starts May 1, he'll serve as co-beverage director and head bartender. He wouldn't disclose any additional information, but with a little digging I found out that he'll be working for this planned tri-level lounge that was once home to Swirl Wine Bar.

That Eater Chicago article from 2011 stated that the team behind Bangers & Lace also owns that project. This is apparently not true, according to partner Matt Eisler. The people who own the River North spot are completely different.

When I reached out to Eisler he insisted that "a project on Randolph is the only thing that's for sure, and that one's still subject to licensing, permits, etc. Things have been moving very slowly. We haven't even started construction yet."

So it will be interesting to hear exactly what Pearson has to say about his part in the River North project when he makes an announcement on May 1.

Stay tuned . . .

So Very, Very Hot Right Now.

2013-04-18T11:53:00.004-05:00

The Lobby at the Peninsula adds ramps to its signature whole roast chicken. (Photo: Peninsula Chicago)

This incredibly gloomy weather needs some brightening up, which is why we're completely obsessed with the arrival of ramps on menus all over town.

At the Lobby at the Peninsula Chicago, for example, Chef de Cuisine Lee Wolen incorporates the seasonal, onion-like ingredient into his signature roast chicken dish that's been a hit on the menu since it debuted last fall. It also comes with juicy morels and marbled potatoes.

Siena Tavern's wild grilled ramp risotto is available for a limited time. (Photo: Siena Tavern)

You'll also find ramps for a limited time at the smokin' hot Italian eatery Siena Tavern. Executive Chef David Blonsky's hooking up his creamy risotto with wild, grilled ramps. Check out how other chefs are using ramps on their menus.

(Photo: Union Sushi+Barbeque Bar)

Through Saturday, Union Sushi+Barbeque Bar's featuring an Asian-inspired Surf+Turf Burger that's made with Wagyu beef and fried oyster. It's on the menu for this week only, but perhaps they'll keep it on longer if it sells well.

Smoke Daddy's iron skillet blueberry cornbread (Photo: Smoke Daddy)

And this is a big weekend for Smoke Daddy, which unveils its new expansion. The owners have doubled the size of the venue to accommodate more people. And that'll be a good thing when brunch launches Saturday. I'm certain folks will flood in like crazy for new dishes like the iron skillet blueberry cornbread served with hot maple butter; smoked brisket hash topped with poached eggs; and the house-smoked, pulled pork Benedict with bacon-chipotle Hollandaise over poached eggs and English muffins.