The honors for the 2017 Michelin Guide Chicago were announced, The Chicago Sun-Times noted. Grace in the West Loop and Alinea in Lincoln Park, each retained its rating of three stars. ( Only 14 restaurants in the country have that rating. ) Also, Chicago's culinary world claims five two-star Michelin winners, as newcomer Oriole and perennial Chicago favorite Tru joined Acadia, 42 Grams and Sixteen. Nineteen establishments have one-star ratings; among them are Boka, Blackbird, Sepia, North Pond, Everest, Goosefoot and Spiaggia.
Spanish restaurant Mercat a la Planxa ( from Iron Chef Jose Garces ), 638 S. Michigan Ave., and Sage Restaurant Group will close its doors Jan. 2 to make way for renovations. Mercat will reopen in the spring, unveiling a fresh new look with updated interiors. Executive Chef Aaron McKay will continue cooking throughout renovation process, prepping new dishes to be revealed upon Mercat's reopening in the spring.
Health-driven True Food Kitchen has opened at 1 W. Erie St. Co-founded by integrative medicine specialist Dr. Andrew Weil and eight-time James Beard Award nominee for Restaurateur of the Year Sam Fox, the restaurant's progressive flavor-forward menu is rooted in the principles of Dr. Weil's anti-inflammatory food pyramid. The opening of True Food Kitchen Chicago marks the brand's 16th restaurant in the United States, with additional locations in California, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Georgia and Virginia. See TrueFoodKitchenChicago.com .
Nonnina, 340 N. Clark St., is now offering a new Piatto Del Giorno ( "Dish of the Day" ) menu. Executive Chef/Partner Chris Macchia is offering dishes such as lasagna bolognese ( Monday ), branzino al forno ( Tuesday ), osso buco Milanese ( Wednesday ), bistecca alla Fiorentina ( Thursday, and it's for two ), Dover sole piccata ( Friday ), double lamb chops ( Saturday ) and linguine vongole ( Sunday ). See NonninaChicago.com .
The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort ( 3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook ) is hosting the western suburbs' biggest breakfast with Santa events on two consecutive Sundays, Dec. 11 and 18. Admission is $35 for adults, and $14 for kids 5-12, and the event can be combined with a special Hilton for the holidays overnight offer, where families can enjoy the event and a discounted guestroom for the evening starting at $99. Visit OakBrookHillsResort.com or call 630-850-5555.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken, 3361 N. Elston Ave., is returning Fried Chicken Fried Rice Takeout Night on Monday, Dec. 12, 5-9 p.m. Guests can enjoy an order of fried chicken-fried rice with country ham, pickled scallions and peanuts; a cream cheese and greens egg roll with spicy pepper "jelly" dipping sauce; and a house-made fortune cookie for $15.95. See HoneyButter.com .
West Town Bakery & Diner, 1916 W. Chicago Ave., invites aspiring bakers and sugar enthusiasts for a holiday-themed cookie-decorating class on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 5:30-7 p.m. Assistant Pastry Chef and cookie expert Samantha Turner will lead eight guests through the steps of the baking process. RSVP by calling 773-904-1149 before Friday, Dec. 9. (NOTE: This has been cancelled.)
Weihnachtsmarkt, the traditional German holiday market, will take place at Dovetail Brewery's market, 1800 W. Belle Plaine Ave., on Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Craft artisans and food producers will be present, and Dovetail will feature its own collection of merchandise. Call 773-683-1414.
Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, will host "Brunch with Santa" on Sunday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Brunch with Santa Kids Specials include chicken fingers, grilled-cheese sandwiches and brioche French toast, among other items, and there will be specialty brunch cocktails for the adults. Reservations are required; call 312-850-5005.
On Sunday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m., Floriole Cafe & Bakery, 1220 W. Webster Ave., will offer a two-course crepe menu ( for $25 ) inspired by Executive Chef/co-owner Sandra Holl's latest trip to Paris. There will be a house milled buckwheat galette filled with caramelized onions, raclette cheese and smoking goose ham; and a sweet crepe filled with quince butter, honey ice cream and almonds. See Floriole.com .
The December River Roast Neighborhood Chef Series dinner featuring Tony Mantuano ( chef-partner at Spiaggia ) will take place Monday, Dec. 19, 6-8:30 p.m. at River Roast. Chefs John Hogan and Tony Mantuano will offer a five-course menu and wine pairings; highlights include gnocchi with white truffles, a fish course, chicken carved table side, tarta di cioccolato and more. Admission is $125 each; visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neighborhood-chef-series-tickets-28169033337.
Mercadito Chicago, 108 W. Kinzie St., is celebrating the holiday season with a special Holiday Party Experiential Dinner on Monday, Dec. 19, 6-9 p.m. The evening is hosted by Monica Dim of Casamigos Tequila and Executive Chef Patricio Sandoval of Mercadito. The Holiday Party Experiential Dinner is $75 per guest, plus tax and gratuity; call 312-329-9555 to RSVP.
South Water Kitchen is GREAT-certified, which means Executive Chef Roger Waysok will offer dinner, dessert and cocktail options that accommodate guests with a gluten allergy as well as a regular dinner menu with New Year's Eve special additions. Located in the Loop and adjacent to Kimpton's Hotel Monaco, South Water Kitchen will be open 5-10 p.m. See SouthWaterKitchen.com .
Chef Luca Corazzina, who presides at 312 Chicago, will offer "Menu di Capo D'Anno" at the Italian mainstay, located at 136 N. LaSalle St. This four-course Italian prix fixe Menu will be $75 per person + $35 with an optional wine pairing per course. Each course features a vegetable, fish or meat selection, with options like the Soufflé di Spinaci e Taleggio ( Spinach Soufflé, Taleggio Cheese Fondue ), the Ravioli di Granchio ( Jumbo Lump Crab Meat Ravioli, Saffron Cream Sauce, Fresno Peppers, Chives ) or the Costolette di Agnello ( Roasted Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Creamy Polenta, Tuscan Kale, Red Wine Lamb Reduction ). See 312chicago.com .
Acadia, 1639 S. Wabash Ave., celebrates five years this New Year's Eve. For those looking for a meal before a night of parties and fireworks, diners during the 5:30 p.m. seating enjoy canapes and a six-course tasting menu for $175 per person, and $125 with additional wine pairings. A second seating at 9 p.m. has an eight-course tasting menu with luxe additions for $275 per person, and $165 additional with wine pairings. Tickets are available for Acadia's New Year's Eve dining and after-party festivities by calling 312-360-9500 or visiting acadiachicago.tocktix.com .
French restaurant Bistronomic, 840 N. Wabash Ave., will offer two seatings for New Year's Eve dinner and will also welcome guests to continue to ring in 2017 for New Year's Day brunch. To celebrate New Year's Eve, Bistronomic will offer a four-course chef's tasting menu for $65 ( or $95 with wine pairings ) during the first seating at 5-7:30 p.m. and a five-course chef's gala menu for $85 ( or $115 with wine pairings ) during the second seating at 7:45-11 p.m. The brunch menu will consist of two courses composed of an appetizer and an entree for $25; for $35, the brunch will be served with a mimosa. See Bistronomic.net .
Devon Seafood Grill, 39 E. Chicago Ave., is offering a New Year's Eve Special and complimentary champagne toast at midnight. The New Year's Eve Special will feature either a one-pound lobster tail, or surf & turf that includes a six-ounce filet and eight-ounce lobster tail. The special includes two seasonal sides like cauliflower mash; Brussels sprouts with prosciutto; parmesan-herb roasted potatoes; and wild mushroom risotto. The New Year's Eve special is $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity. ( The regular menu will also be available. ) Call 312-440-8660 to RSVP.
Sister restaurants Kinfork ( Schaumburg ) and Rack House ( Arlington Heights ) will host New Year's Day BBQ Pajamas Brunches. Among the items to be offered at Kinfolk are brisket Benedict ( $15 ), French toast with apple moonshine chutney and bourbon maple-syrup reduction ( $10 ), while Rack House will have chilaquiles ( $11 ) and the chef's "hangover cure" sandwich ( $12 ). See KinforkRestaurant.com and RackHouseTavern.com .
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has announced the 20th anniversary of the Grand Chef's Gala, the organization's annual black-tie event. Presented by the Greater Illinois Chapter of The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the event will take place Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, 6 p.m.-12 a.m., at Navy Pier's Grand Ball Room. Emceed by The Food Network's, Jeff Mauro, 50 elite chefs and mixologists will provide guests with signature dishes, desserts and cocktails. Richard Melman, founder and chairman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, will be honored with the "Chicago Classic Award." See GrandChefsGala.com .
Schaumburg's Shaw's Crab House, 1900 E. Higgins Rd., is offering a variety of sides and sweets currently available for order through New Year's Day. Some of the items include creamed and sauteed spinach, mashed sweet potatoes, lobster mac 'n' cheese, mini-crab cakes, lobster bisque and chocolate cake. Call 847-517-2722.
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