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Dining news: Whippen's honor; Lillie Q's reopening
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Chicago q chef/partner Lee Ann Whippen has been named a 2013 Kraft Foods Pitmaster. The Kraft Foods Pitmaster team consists of four nationally recognized barbecue chefs who use the company's authentic barbecue sauces as a base in their recipes. This year's pitmasters include Whippen, Jack Waiboer, Jim Johnson and Rob Gray. —Lillie's Q, 1856 W. North Ave., may reopen as ...
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Nat'l Restaurant Show unveils trends, speakers
- Food service professionals (including restauranteurs, caterers and others) descended upon McCormick Place May 18-21 for the NRA (National Restaurant Association) Show 2013. There were many events to keep attendees occupied. There was the International Wine, Spirits & Beer (IWSB) event, the World Culinary Showcase, a hydroponic garden, award presentations for innovations. Starbucks Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz delivered the keynote presentation, ...
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Sugar & Spice: Mas alla del Sol
- I have a major thing for Los Nopales, a hidden gem on Western Ave. in Lincoln Square that I believe serves up some of the best authentic Mexican comfort food in this whole town. So, I was thrilled when I discovered that the folks behind Los Nopales opened a new restaurant in Edgewater — not only so I could check ...
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Dining news: Weather Mark's '80s party; interactive cheese cafe
- —Weather Mark Tavern, 1503 S. Michigan Ave., is co-hosting its '80s party with The Burnham Group Prudential Rubloff Saturday, May 18, at 8 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best '80s attire and compete to win prizes for "Best Group Costume," "Best Big Hair" and "Best Overall Costume." (Costumes are not required.) See www.weathermarktavern.com. —The Cheeses of France ...
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Chef Art Smith promotes latest book, 'Healthy Comfort'
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - At his Chicago restaurant, Table Fifty-Two, chef Art Smith signed copies of his fourth book, Art Smith's Healthy Comfort, on May 11. The book contains some of the recipes Smith created on his journey to health and made for his celebrity clients. Just a few of the items in his book are unfried chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts; vegetable shepherd's ...
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Savor: Municipal Bar + Dining Co.
- No restaurant embraces Chicago quite like Municipal Bar + Dining Co. (216 W. Ohio St.; www.municipalbar.com). From the furniture (including tables with I-beam supports) to the subway-themed facades, the place—which co-owner Sam Fakhouri described to me as an "upscale sports bar"—screams Chicago. This, of course, includes the menu, which has drinks such as the very tasty River North and Gold ...
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Sugar & Spice: Brunch at Brasserie 54, cocktails at L'Etage
- I have dined at two of the restaurants operated by husband-and-wife team Nicole and Stephan Outrequin Quaisser. I enjoyed my meals at both the now-closed LM and at LM Bistro. So, I was pleased when I found out the couple was opening a new restaurant right in Andersonville, where I live. I presumed Brasserie 54 would offer the same kind ...
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Dining news: Takito To Go; Dining Out for Life
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Takito Kitchen, 2013 W. Division St., announces its new Takito To Go menu, available Tuesday through Sunday for dinner beginning at 5 p.m. Created by Executive Chef/Partner David Dworshak, the menu features salsas, tacos (with items like crispy redfish and pork belly), shared plates, sides and sweets (such as Mexican chocolate ganache). See www.TakitoKitchen.com. —Dining Out for Life will take ...
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TheWit and State and Lake showcase offerings
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Windy City Times recently was part of "Taste of theWit," an event showcasing State and Lake Chicago Tavern (http://stateandlakechicago.com/) as well as parts of the adjoining theWit hotel. The design of the tavern is thoroughly modern, with a touch of the whimsical (such as a decoupage antelope head on a wall). According to General Manager Mark Shouger, the intent of ...
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El's Kitchen & Bar hits the spot
- DISH: SAVOR Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Upon walking in El's Kitchen & Bar (1450 W. Webster Ave.; www.elskitch.com and 773-248-5210) for a Saturday brunch, bartender/server Ellen Haran welcomed me, adding that the restaurant specializes "in rock 'n' roll barbecue." Well, she certainly didn't lie about the music or the cuisine. Regarding the former, El's walls are plastered with posters and album covers of musical acts ranging ...
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Thousands attend Baconfest
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Tickets for the fifth annual Baconfest Chicago sold out in 41 minutes, confirming that many people would indulge in pork products—and there would be miles of smiles. The event took place April 20 at the UIC Forum, and approximately 3,000 people attended the lunch and dinner sessions (general admission and VIP). Among the dozens of restaurants present this year were ...
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Sugar & Spice: Turkish Cuisine
- I can't recall how many times I've walked by the bluntly named Turkish Cuisine in Andersonville and thought to myself, "I have got to try that place." Peering in from the outside, it has always struck me as exactly the kind of oddball restaurant that I could fall in love with—the kind of joint where bizarre signage and outdated décor ...
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DINING American Junkie
- DISH Weekly dining guide from Windy City Times - Yes, another restaurant has opened in the River North area—but this one has a different vibe, down to its name. The name of American Junkie (15 W. Illinois St.; www.americanjunkiechi.com) is meant to convey a laid-back vibe mixed with all-American values, according to Rona, our incredibly helpful server. I'm not sure about how laid-back it is, as Junkie (part of ...
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Dining news: Frontier's mystery dinner; Caribou closings
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Frontier, 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., will host the fifth installment of the "So You Think You're a Foodie" chef's table on Wed., April 24, at 8 p.m. For $65 per person, guests are invited to indulge in a mystery five-course tasting menu (with a rabbit focus) that Pioneer Tavern Group Corporate Executive Chef Brian Jupiter will prepare. See www.thefrontierlive.com. —Caribou ...
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Sugar & Spice: Marigold
- I never made it to Marigold during the six years the much-loved Indian restaurant operated in Uptown. Historically, I haven't been a huge fan of Indian food, but my visit last summer to Raj Darbar (http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Sugar-Spice-Raj-Darbar/38563.html) changed the way I view the cuisine, and I've been enjoying it a lot more ever since then. So, when the owners of Marigold ...
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Benny's lobster grilled cheese; Bordeaux wine event
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Benny's Chop House, 444 N. Wabash Ave., is marking National Grilled Cheese Month with a lobster grilled cheese made with provolone cheese and housemade citrus mayonnaise on brioche ($10.99). Visit www.bennyschophouse.com. —"A Goldmine of Planet Bordeaux Wines" will take place Friday, April 19, 5-8 p.m., at the 99th Floor at Skydeck in Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Dr. More than ...
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DISH: Viaggio at the Park
- I'll admit it: I had high expectations when I went to Viaggio at the Park (401 W. Fullerton Pkwy.; www.viaggiochicago.com). Fortunately, those expectations were met. Two words that spring to mind regarding Viaggio are "warm" and "inviting." Manager Dave Flanzbaum makes everyone feel welcome in a restaurant that accommodates families and romantic couples. There's definitely an old-school Italian vibe, as ...
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Maison is closing; Easter offerings
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - \—Maison Brasserie, 333 E. Benton Pl., will close its doors March 30, after opening last May, according to the Chicago Tribune. During its last week, only the restaurant's house favorites—among them the roasted chicken—will be featured. The 140-seat brasserie features classic, everyday French fare. —Grass Fed, 1721 N. Damen Ave., is featuring a three-course Easter lunch on Sunday, March 31, ...
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Hash House A Go Go
- DISH: SAVOR Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Hash House A Go Go (1212 N. State Pkwy.; www.hashhouseagogo.com) has to be experienced to be believed. Special Events Coordinator Melissa Poirier described the concept of the restaurant (which is actually a chain, including several eateries in Las Vegas) as "twisted farm food." Some might see it as a "diner on steroids" as well. The decor definitely reinforces the farmhouse ...
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Boarding House
- After spending nearly a decade dishing about Chicago eateries as the host of Check, Please!, Alpana Singh is checking out life on the other side of a restaurant review. Singh opened her first restaurant, Boarding House, in a sophisticated three-level space in River North at the end of 2012. Singh may be most popular for her role on Check, Please!, ...
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Dining news: Mary's goes international; Big Jones dinner
- —Hamburger Mary's (which has a restaurant in Andersonville) is going international. The burger franchise system known for bringing together gourmet half-pound burgers and drag queens just announced its 13th location will be in Berlin, Germany, according to a press release. Hamburger Mary's Berlin will be on the ground floor of AXEL Hotel Berlin, right in the heart of Berlin's Schoneberg ...
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Hamburger Mary's to open international location in Berlin, Germany
- From a press release - Its official…Hamburger Mary's is going international! The burger franchise system known for bringing together two of America's greatest traditions (gourmet half-pound burgers and drag queens), just announced it's thirteenth location will be in Berlin, Germany. Hamburger Mary's Berlin will be on the ground floor of AXEL Hotel Berlin, right in the heart of Berlin's Schöneberg neighborhood. The area has been ...
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DINING: Doing the WAVE
- There was a time when the thought of eating food in a hotel prompted most people to eat in a "real" restaurant. Well, those days are long gone. Hotels have hired top-notch chefs to create dishes that are on par with highly praised standalone venues. One sublime example of those newer hotel restaurants is at the W Hotel at 644 ...
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American Junkie to open; Chicago Chef Week
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —American Junkie, 15 W. Illinois St., is opening Wed., March 20. The 17,000-square-foot building, developed by Chicago-based LG Development Group, will feature a two-story restaurant, bar and entertainment venue. Chef Kendal Duque's menu includes baby beets with blood orange, mache lettuce and fennel vinaigrette; and wild boar chili with ancho peppers, cornbread croutons and Meyer lemon cream. See http://americanjunkiechi.com. —Celebrate ...
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Sugar&Spice: Brunch at Crosby's Kitchen
- I like the notion of beginning brunch with an appetizer, a little nibble to tide you over while you sip some coffee or a Bloody Mary and figure out what you'll order for the main event. So, Crosby's Kitchen had me at lobster deviled eggs. A few months ago, Crosby's Kitchen took over the Southport Ave. spot where the shuttered ...
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New chefs; gay wine group
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile has a new executive chef: Randy Reed. A long-standing employee of the InterContinental Hotels Group, Chef Reed will direct the culinary creations featured in the hotel's restaurant, The Continental, as well as the menus for in-room dining and event catering. Most recently, Reed served as executive sous chef at The Willard InterContinental in Washington D.C. —Henri, ...
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Chocolate-themed gala is sweet
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - The French Pastry School of Kennedy-King College held its annual fundraiser, "For the Love of Chocolate Gala 2013," Feb. 23, this time moving the location to the Union League Club of Chicago (from the Merchandise Mart the previous year). Floors were filled with sweets and liquor stops—the latter including chocolate peppermint martinis. The Cocoa Coutures Fashion Show had edible outfits ...
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Brasserie 54
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - I really detest chain restaurants. In fact, I'd rather die of hunger than ever be caught in whatever horrific splendor of the suburbs you might want to name. You could say that when restaurateurs begin opening multiple locations all over the city I become highly skeptical of the food. However, Stephan and Nicole Outrequin Quaisser, who have opened two other ...
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Mondo Guerra's creation; Chicago Chef Week
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Mondo Guerra, winner of Lifetime's Project Runway All-Stars, is the newest spokesperson for Dining Out for Life hosted by Subaru, an annual fundraiser for AIDS service organizations throughout North America. Guerra has created a limited-edition T-shirt to benefit Dining Out for Life that debuted at a Valentine's Day event in Philadelphia. Dining Out for Life will take place April 25 ...
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Foo Noodle Bar
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - Needless to say, Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind., brings in the people. After all, it's the second most profitable venue in the Caesar's gambling empire. Until last week, I had never been to this particular site, which is 20 minutes outside of Chicago. However—having been to Vegas (several times) and Atlantic City, N.J.—I knew what to expect. Still, the sights ...
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Baconfest details; Troquet's anniversary
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Baconfest Chicago will take place at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd., on Saturday, April 20. The lunch session will be 12:30-3 p.m., and the dinner session will be 6:30-9 p.m., with a one-hour VIP event happening before each. A panel of judges bestows the Golden Rasher Awards on chefs and guests for achievement in the bacon arts. Tickets ...
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New Pie Hole eatery; LGBT Chinese New Year dinner
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —A new Pie Hole Pizza Joint is slated to serve its first slice in Uptown at 5001 N. Clark St. on April Fools' Day, according to DNAInfo.com. "We're shooting for April 1," owner Doug Brandt said in a text message. "If we miss, we can always claim 'April Fools'!'" Pie Hole is currently in Lakeview at 3477 N. Broadway. —The ...
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The Tortoise Club
- I dined at a country club recently. Well, The Tortoise Club (350 N. State St.; http://tortoiseclub.com) isn't really a country club—but it exudes that feel, down to the photos of the horses, equestrians and hounds on the walls. However, what's more alluring is that the atmosphere is there without the attitude. Owner Keene Addington (the founder and former CEO of ...
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Dining news: Leona's changes; Valentine's Day offerings
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Leona's plans to close restaurants in Orland Park, Des Plaines and Calumet City, and is moving its Rogers Park outlet to 7545 N. Clark St., according to ChicagoBusiness.com. The Texas Corral Grill & Saloon steak chain has signed a lease for Leona's Oak Lawn space at 6616 W. 95th St., Mr. Toia said. Emerson's Ale House also is close to ...
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Untitled hosts bourbon-themed dinner
- Despite the bitter chill outside, dozens of people attended a five-course dinner Jan. 22 at Untitled, 111 W. Kinzie St., that featured Angel's Envy bourbon. The courses included Hooks 10-year cheddar, sherry caramel, black walnut bread, arugula; Skuna Bay Salmon Jar, whipped creme fraiche, smoked salmon roe; pork belly confit, sweet potato biscuits, cherry mostarda, kohlrabi slaw; smoked Slagel Farms ...
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Singh leaving 'Check Please!'; Koi's Chinese New Year celebration
- More Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Alpana Singh is stepping down as host of the WTTW show Check, Please! after 10 seasons to concentrate on running her new River North wine bar/restaurant The Boarding House, according to the Chicago Tribune. Singh was a sommelier at Everest when she took over hosting duties in 2004, and she has taped more than 130 episodes. —Evanston restaurant Koi, 624 ...
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Dining news: Fiorenza; J&L Catering
- Fiorenza to carry 'Egalite' wine Forest Park eatery Fiorenza Ristorante will be the first restaurant in the world to carry Egalite, a sparkling wine dedicated to the spirit of LGBT equality. The sparkling wine was created by New York winery Biagio Cru, which has been a supporter of LBGTQ equality issues and previously donated $1,000 each to The Trevor Project, ...
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mk
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - In the modern restaurant world, mk (868 N. Franklin St.; mkchicago.com) is practically Methuselah, marking its 15th anniversary this year. To this diner, the accomplishment is even more remarkable because this restaurant is not in the most conspicuous space, even though it's in the trendy River North area. However, word of mouth accounts for a lot—and this restaurant deserves all ...
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Dining news: New Chicago q items; Valentine's Day offerings
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Chicago q, 1160 N. Dearborn St., has announced new menu items. Among them are the "BBq" manicotti ($16.75) and the Yukon Gold potato salad ($7.25). Call 312-642-1160. —Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is offering a Valentine Celebration Dinner Feb. 14-17 for $69.95 per person. Among the items patrons can choose from are citrus-marinated salmon tartar and roasted lobster tail. ...
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Balsan; Fogo de Chao
- As far as hotels go, Waldorf Astoria has a reputation that's second to none. While this is good news for those who stay news, it understandably puts pressure on those who are responsible for maintaining that reputation—which includes everyone from the front desk to the staff at the men's atelier to the restaurant. Balsan (11 E. Walton St.; http://waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com/explore-hotel/dining/balsan-restaurant) has ...
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Roka Akor; Bistro Voltaire
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - Located at 456 N. Clark St. is the JNK concept restaurant Roka Akor. Roka has been voted one of the top 10 sushi spots in the United States, and was given an Award of Excellence by Wine Spectacular. Contemporary Robatayaki Japanese cuisine (in which items of food on skewers are slow-grilled over hot charcoal) and the modern design of the ...
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Dining news: Frontier's chef table; bourbon-themed dinner
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - \—Frontier, 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., will host the second installment of the "So You Think You're a Foodie" chef's table Wed., Jan. 30, at 8 p.m. For $60 per person, guests are invited to indulge in a mystery five-course tasting menu. Space is extremely limited; see www.thefrontierlive.com. —Angel's Envy bourbon will be featured at a Jan. 22 (7 p.m.) dinner ...
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Sugar&Spice: City Winery
- When I first heard about City Winery—a West Loop spot that is at once a working winery, 300-seat concert venue and full restaurant—I was a bit skeptical. I'm generally a believer that you can't be all things to all people, and so I figured City Winery would excel at one of its goals, but be lackluster in the other departments. ...
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Donna's temporarily closed; Gibsons chef's honor
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Donna's Cafe, 1255 S. State St., is currently closed until further notice. On the restaurant's Facebook page, owner Donna Adams answered someone who was saddened at the prospect of the eatery leaving the South Loop: "[W]e aren't leaving ... just reinventing ourselves! Takes a lot to beat me down, I am a fighter!" —Gibsons Restaurant Group Chef Randy Waidner will ...
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Dining news: Ciao Amore's music; chocolate-themed gala
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Ciao Amore, 1134 W. 18th St., now features live jazz on Fridays 7-10 p.m. The restaurant, which features house-made pastas, is BYOB and there's no corkage fee. There is free parking at St. Procopius Church, on 18th and Allport. See www.ciaoamoreristorante.com. (A Windy City Times profile is at www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Gay-chef-talks-about-Pilsen-eatery/32080.html.) —The Union League of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., will host ...
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Club Lucky
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - Club Lucky (1824 W. Wabansia Ave.; www.clubluckychicago.com) has been around for more than two decades because it's steeped in tradition. The eatery itself is the business equivalent of comfort food. It's a family-friendly establishment that serves traditional Italian fare and features exceptionally friendly staff. There's even a jukebox that plays everything from traditional holiday songs to Marvin Gaye tunes. Recent ...
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Sugar & Spice: The 10 best things I ate in 2012
- It's been a good year for Chicago restaurants. We've had dozens of hot new restaurants open with smashing success. Celebrity chefs are cooking up dazzling dishes all over the city. And our old Chicago favorites continue to churn out classics that keep us coming back for more. I ate many, many mouth-wateringly delicious things in 2012, all in the name ...
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Club Lucky on NYE; Zealous is closing
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Traditional Italian restaurant Club Lucky, 1824 W. Wabansia Ave., is hosting its 22nd Annual New Year's Eve. Final seating will include live music by The Downtown Charlie Brown Blues Band; hats, noisemakers and streamers for each guest; and one bottle of champagne per couple. Paying the $30 beforehand guarantees seating; call 773-227-2300 or visit www.ClubLuckyChicago.com. —Zealous, 419 W. Superior St., ...
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Hearty Boys hope new book raises the 'Bar'
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - The Hearty Boys (Steve McDonagh and Dan Smith) have been known as entrepreneurs and culinary masters for many years, but their popularity really exploded when they won the first season of Food Network Star. Since then, they have done everything from catering events for President Obama to opening the Lakeview restaurant Hearty. They are now out with a new book, ...
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So much more to do at Out NYC
- TRAVEL/DINING Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - The Out NYC Hotel is still brand new to New York's Hell Kitchen. At less than a year old, the hotel is gaining ground at craving out a distinct personality among the crowded New York City hotel scene. Since its grand debut in March, the city's first straight-friendly urban resort is offering new amenities to complete your LGBT getaway to ...
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Cru Cafe & Wine Bar; Weather Mark Tavern
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - This column deals with two restaurants that may play on readers' (or eaters') assumptions—but with results that benefit people. Cru Cafe & Wine Bar (25 E. Delaware Pl.; www.cruwinebar.com), possibly because of its Gold Coast location and elegant atmosphere, has some people thinking of patrons dining while clothed in tuxedoes and flowing dresses. However, the place couldn't be more relaxed ...
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Benny's 'Snow Mountain'; Baconfest; Alpana Singh's new spot
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —The pastry team at Benny's Chop House, 444 N. Wabash Ave., has created a five-foot-tall, 500-pound "Magical Snow Mountain" for the holiday season. Chef Aaron Lindgren led the creation of the item. Benny's director of operations, Mitchell Schmieding, said in a statement, "We wanted to be playful with the display and create something more contemporary that goes beyond the traditional ...
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Sugar & Spice: NYE 2013 dinner packages worth trying
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - The next year is around the corner, and now is the time to figure out where you'll celebrate. Whether you're looking for VIP treatment and haute cuisine or a cozy spot to throw back a few beers with a messy sandwich, New Year's Eve dinner options are endless in Chicago. But reservations go fast, so now is the time to ...
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Dining news:
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Bottleneck Management—which oversees the operation of eateries such as The Boundary (1932 W. Division St.), Old Town Pour House (1419 N. Wells St.), South Branch (100 S. Wacker Dr.), Sweetwater Tavern and Grille (225 N. Michigan Ave.) and Trace (3714 N. Clark St.)—provided a peek inside a chef's tasting at Old Town Pour House. Each week, chefs critique each others' ...
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Dining news
- —The new Bucktown restaurant Grass Fed, 1721 N. Damen Ave., has just launched a new fixed-price dinner menu with the addition of a chicken and seafood option. The current selections are the cast-iron boneless half chicken and Porter mussels. For more information, call 773-342-6000 or visit www.grassfedbucktown.com. —The Rosebud on Taylor invites guests to join Director of Culinary Operations Chef ...
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Chuck's Manufacturing: Less gimmick, better food
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - If you were to read a Yelp review on Chuck's Manufacturing, you might find less-than-savory reviews about the place that noted that Chuck's "wasn't the Girl and the Goat." No kidding. It's easy to say, "Well it's just no Girl and the Goat." But then again, Chuck's is not in the West Loop. Chuck's has to contend with a much ...
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Sugar & Spice: Marie's Pizza and Liquors
- There are countless places to get a good slice of pizza in Chicago. But there are very few that will transport you instantly back to the 1940s—a simpler time when pizza always included gluten and before figs were considered a legitimate topping. Welcome to Marie's Pizza and Liquors, a true gem on the Northwest side. Marie's is perfectly preserved in ...
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Cookie fries; baking series holding tryouts
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —The Cookie Joint, which advertises itself as the "home of the cookie fries," has launched. The treats come in five varieties: original, chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, cinnamon spice and chocolate toffee crunch. Dipping sauce flavors include tangy raspberry, lemon, salted caramel, hazelnut, chocolate, marshmallow and peanut butter. However, cookies are in traditional form as well. Orders can be placed ...
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Troy Mediterranean Grill; Burger Joint
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - I recently had dinner at the most charming place. It's almost easy to overlook Troy Mediterranean Grill (2908 N. Broadway; www.troygrill.com), as it's situated in a stretch of Lincoln Park/Lakeview that has some construction (including that overhaul at the Clark/Broadway/Diversey intersection) and more high-profile eateries such as Frog N Snail. However, it'd be a mistake to look past this restaurant. ...
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Hearty Boys celebrate launch of newest book
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - The Chicago-based restaurant and catering duo The Hearty Boys—Steve McDonagh and Dan Smith—celebrated the launch of their latest book, The New Old Bar: Classic Cocktails and Salty Snacks from The Hearty Boys, Nov. 14 at their restaurant, Hearty. In this book, McDonagh and Smith tell readers about the proper tools needed for hosting successful cocktail parties in addition to having ...
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Sugar & Spice: Jaiyen
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - I love checking out new restaurants, and our city has plenty of those to offer. Rare is the weekend in Chicago when there is not at least one new restaurant opening. As exciting as it is to dine at the soon-to-be hot spots and scope out the latest offerings from up-and-coming chefs, you've got to have your old stand-bys as ...
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Fogo's $750K renovation: 437 Rush gets new chef
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Fogo de Chao, 661 N. LaSalle St., has marked its 10th anniversary with a $750,000 renovation and expansion, adding private dining rooms, a restyled bar/lounge and a more elaborate gourmet salad bar. New menu items include grill mozzarella cheese on skewers and lamb T-bone. See www.fogo.com. —Phil Stefani's 437 Rush, 437 N. Rush St., has announced Christian Fantoni (formerly of ...
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Dining news: Kit Kat's "Gaga" event; Gold Coast deli closes
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - —CheekyChicago.com will hold a free "Gaga" event Thursday, Nov. 15, 7-9 p.m., at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted St., to celebrate the venue's 12th anniversary. Various "CheekyTinis" (made with Hpnotiq) will include the Paparazzi, Alejandro, Born This Way and Dirty Rich, among others. In addition, Kathryn Cole will star as "Lady Gaga." Call 773-525-1111 for more ...
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Rosebud Prime; Chalkboard
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - There are 3,700 Rosebud restaurants in Chicagoland. OK: There are "only" 11 (at least), including Carmine's and Bar Umbriago, in the Rosebud family—a testament to the chain's popularity. That popularity was understood, thanks to a recent visit to Rosebud Prime (1 S. Dearborn St.; http://rosebudrestaurants.com/rest10.php). It was interesting even figuring out how to dress there—but then I realized it's a ...
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United Way event; Cooking Up Change; top 50 sandwiches
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —United Way of Metropolitan Chicago (UWMC) and Bank of America hosted a "Taste of United Way" event Oct. 26 to launch the 2012 Annual Giving Campaign in support of UWMC's community-impact plan, LIVE UNITED 2020. The event was held at the Harris Theatre rooftop in Millennium Park; Ryan Chiaverini, co-host of ABC7's WINDY CITY LIVE, emceed. —Student chefs, celebrity judges ...
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Sugar & Spice: Carriage House
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - If there's one cuisine we could use some more of in Chicago, it's Southern food. Who wants to venture into a red state just to sink his or her teeth into buttermilk biscuits and cornbread, or enjoy some authentic shrimp and grits and chicken fried only the way a Southerner can fry it? I crave the cozy comfort of good ...
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DIFFA/Chicago presents Table Hop & Taste to fight HIV/AIDS
- From a news release - Chicago, IL (October 25, 2012) DIFFA: Design Industries Fighting AIDS will celebrate the return of DIFFA's Dining by Design to Chicago on November 1st-3rd, bringing together some of the most talented individuals in the world of fashion, interior design, art, and architecture. Each table is meant to engage the viewer, allowing them to glimpse the intimate, unknown or unexpected through ...
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Zealous; Q-BBQ
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - It's interesting that more restaurants don't employ this idea. If a dining establishment is around long enough, it discontinues certain items—sometimes seasonally, sometimes permanently. However, if the dishes are popular enough, it'd be nice to have a "greatest hits" menu, if you will. This is something Zealous (419 W. Superior St.; http://zealousrestaurant.com) did recently with its "Best of the Best" ...
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Sugar & Spice: Jerry's Sandwiches
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - If Chicago had to lose its one and only lesbian bar, at least we lost it to a place that serves a grilled cheese made not only with smoky Gouda, but with actual mac and cheese. And applewood smoked bacon. On challah bread. Yeah, it's pretty amazing. The folks behind Jerry's Sandwiches, of Wicker Park fame, opened their newest location ...
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Toronto brings the goods; exotic cotton candy
- Dining news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Tourism Toronto recently held an event at City Winery that demonstrated that the Canadian city is not only about diversity, but good food and drink as well. Representatives touted not only but the wine country, but also the distinctive neighborhoods and their dishes. For example, the kimchi caprese married Toronto's Koreatown and Little Italy neighborhoods. Also, champion oyster shucker Parick ...
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Dining news: Cupcake competition; Check Please!; free stone crabs
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - —Pastry Chicago's Haunted Cupcake Competition will take place Saturday, Oct. 27, 1:30-4 p.m., at the Harborside International Golf Center, 1101 S. Doty Ave. East. Review the rules (such as no baking or decorating done on the premises) and register for the competition at http://pastrychicago.org/calendar/documents/12PC-HauntedCupcakeCompetitionRegistrationForm.pdf. —WTTW-11, the Chicago area's public television station, announced that its most popular local series, the award-winning ...
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Wood
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - When Firefly closed along Halsted Street in the heart of Boystown and the "For rent" sign was posted, Franco Gianni and partner Gary Zickel jumped at the prime location. They wanted to open a new restaurant—one they hoped would offer the classy, high-dollar taste and feel of a downtown restaurant, but with a neighborhood approach. They delivered. It's called Wood, ...
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'Dining Out for Equality' Oct. 11 in Chicago
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Equality Illinois' Dining Out for Equality will take place Thursday, Oct. 11. That date also marks National Coming Out Day and the inauguration day for the Legacy Walk outdoor LGBT museum in Boystown. "With The Legacy Walk dedication and National Coming Out Day, we will have much to celebrate by Dining Out for Equality," said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality ...
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SAVOR Square One: South Loop bar has the goods
- DISH Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times - If a place echoes "chill-out neighborhood bar," it's Square One (1400 S. Michigan Ave.; www.squareonechicago.com). As soon as my friend and I stepped inside, it felt homey. Among the interesting decor-related items are high ceilings, chalkboard walls around the bar, stools of different heights—and even a bathroom floor made of pennies. (The floor is covered so patrons don't get any ...
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Dining Out for Equality celebrates Legacy Walk, Coming Out Day
- From a news release - CHICAGO — Equality Illinois' Dining Out for Equality is Thursday, October 11 this year, a date that takes on added significance as it falls on the inauguration day for the Chicago Legacy Walk and also National Coming Out Day. Participants of Dining Out for Equality will dine and/or drink at LGBT-supportive restaurants throughout the North Side, and a significant portion ...
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