—The Daily Meal released a new list of the "50 Best Casual Restaurants in America"—and three Chicago restaurants made the cut, according to NBC Chicago. The highest ranking city restaurant was Hot Doug's, which made the list's top five. Kuma's Corner came in at #34, while Stephanie Izard's Little Goat on Randolph Street made the list at #43.
—DryHop Brewers, 3155 N. Broadway, has announced a new executive chef: its former sous chef, Joel Pillar. He's been working closely with owner Greg Shuff and brewmaster Brant Dubovick on spring menu changes, which will officially launch Thursday, April 3. See dryhopchicago.com .
—Japonais by Morimoto, 600 W. Chicago Ave., is now open for lunch. Lunch is served Monday—Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. There are soups/salads, sandwiches, lunch sets, hot and cold plates, maki rolls, and sushi/sashimi. See www.japonaismorimoto.com .
—April 9 is Chinese Almond Cookie Day, and Bartlett restaurant TL's Four Seasons Chinese & Japanese Restaurant, 110 W. Bartlett Ave., has teamed with Chicago's Chiu Quon Bakery. Guests dining at TL's on the food holiday will receive complimentary almond cookies all day from the bakery. See www.tlsfourseasons.com .
—Wicker Park restaurant Nando Milano Trattoria, 2114 W. Division St., will launch its first series of cooking classes in April. Led by Executive Chef Alessio Vullo, Nando's cooking classes will focus on "fare de mangiare per la famiglia" or family-style meals. Classes ( limited to 10 people ) will be held on Sundays, 12-1:30 p.m. The cost is $80 per person. Call 773-486-2636.
—Compass Bar, 433 W. Diversey Pkwy., is now offering a weekend brunch ( 11 a.m.-3 p.m. ) as well as Thursday and Friday lunch service. Brunch items include crab cake Benedict, steak and eggs, cinnamon ginger French toast and breakfast pizza. See www.compassbarchicago.com .
—Businessman, humanitarian and basketball Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson will deliver the keynote presentation at the National Restaurant Association's ( NRA ) annual trade show May 18 at McCormick Place. Since retiring from basketball, Johnson has committed himself to bringing jobs and brand-named businesses to underserved communities. The trade show will be held May 17-20, and the 2014 International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event, held in conjunction with NRA Show, will take place May 18-19.
—Geneva, Ill., eatery Niche Restaurant ( nichegeneva.com ) announced that it would temporarily close March 23. The award-winning establishment will reopen Tuesday, April 1, with a new look, feel and menu that new executive chef Chris Ayukawa creates.
—ACME Hotel Company, 15 E. Ohio St., is kicking off Baconmedia April 1. Among the events are a Baconfest Bacon Month Kick-off Cocktail Party ( April 1 ), Makin' Bacon Cocktails with Benjamin Schiller ( April 8 ) and Kevin Bacon Movie Night ( Thursdays in April ), among others. See www.acmehotelcompany.com .
—In celebration of its 25th anniversary at the flagship Rush Street location, Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse will kick off "25 Days of Gibsons" on March 27—in which more than $25,000 worth of exclusive prizes will be awarded to lucky patrons. Gibsons will organize a raffle drawing, in which the winners will receive two tickets to the 2014 Chicago Gourmet with one-night hotel accommodations along with a $250 gift card to Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse. People can enter at www.GibsonsSteakhouse.com through April 21. Also, all Gibsons locations are offering all of its steaks ( including its $99 Gibsons 42 chop ) for $25 on April 21.
—The suburb of Long Grove will host the annual Long Grove Chocolate Fest Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults are $5; kids 12 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased in advance for a discounted rate at www.visitlonggrove.com .
—Flaco's Wrigley, 3530 N. Clark St., is gearing for the Chicago Cubs' season with a "Boys in Blue" hot-dog taco—a Vienna all-beef hot dog wrapped in a blue corn tortilla, topped with fresh pico de gallo and served in a basket of fries ( $6.95 ). There will also be a "Boys in Blue" margarita ( $6.95 for a glass, and $18.95 for an individual pitcher ).
—The newest Mariano's grocery store in Chicago will be the growing chain's first location to sell wild game meats such as bison, boar, pheasant and rabbit, according to The Chicago Tribune. The store at 2021 W. Chicago Ave. is the fourth converted Dominick's location that Mariano's is opening.
—Devon Seafood Grill, 39 E. Chicago Ave., will start its new Sunday Brunch Buffet on April 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and with Easter Sunday Brunch ( April 20 ) 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Traditional items such as scrambled eggs and petite Belgian waffles will be augmented with the Premier Station ( prime rib, crab legs ), the chilled seafood display and the sweets table. Costs are $45 for adults and $16 for children 4-12, plus tax and gratuity. Call 312-440-8660 or visit www.DevonSeafood.com .
—Burger Boss ( 3208 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago; 7512 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park ) is ringing in his third birthday with deals such as the The $3 Third Birthday Burger March 31-April 6. The $3 Third Birthday Burger is packed with a single 100-percent Angus beef patty topped with all the fixings—lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayo—all resting between two perfectly toasted Brioche buns. Visit www.theburgerboss.com .
—To commemorate National Grilled Cheese Month ( April ), Sedgwick's Bar and Grill, 1935 N. Sedgwick St., is offering the "Wiki-cheese-ia." The special grilled cheese starts with layers of American, Swiss and Gouda cheeses, topped with a grilled tomato and packed with smoked crispy pancetta and avocado all in between a soft pretzel bun. The $10 sandwich will be available April 1-30.
—DMK Restaurants co-founders David Morton and Michael Kornick have announced the opening of two new concepts at 14 W. Hubbard St. in Chicago's River North area. The restaurant group ( behind such eateries as DMK Burger Bar, County Barbeque and Fish Bar ) will redevelop an 8,000 square-foot, two-story space, converting it into two concepts.
—Bistronomic, 840 N. Wabash Ave., is offering seasonal menus for Passover and Easter. The $35 three-course Passover menu ( available April 14-22 at 5 p.m. nightly; price does not include tax or tip ) incorporates Chef Martial's French technique and style into the traditional Jewish holiday cuisine. The three-course Easter Brunch Menu will be available on April 20, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m; the price is $29 for adults and $15 for children. See www.bistronomic.net .
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