Mavens of mixology

The Wall Street Journal chronicles the history of women behind the bar:

"One of the great legends of how the cocktail came to be credits a colonial barmaid, one Elizabeth 'Betty' Flanagan. James Fenimore Cooper's 1821 novel 'The Spy' tells of how Betty, having been brought up on liquor, 'was peculiarly well qualified by education' to create the first cocktail. With such a worthy accomplishment attributed to a woman bartender, one would think that female mixers would have proliferated."

Weekend Tweet Beat

Rick Bayless is chef of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo.


What were Chicago's top chefs up to this weekend?! 312DD checks out their Twitter accounts:

Grant Achatz (Alinea): "We've cooked for Ferrán Adrià, Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. But Alice (Waters) comes tomorrow and has me the most uptight of all. I really want her to like it."

Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven): "Going to a farm in Holland, Mich., to learn how to make cheese."

Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill): We're finalizing the logo for XOCO—new place opening in July next to Frontera/Topolo."

Efrain Cuevas (Clandestino Supper Club): "Gonna go enjoy some BBQ with the Honky Tonk BBQ peeps."

Rick Gresh (David Burke's Primehouse): "What a tough life us chefs have. Just tasted 3 killer caviars, now we have 10 beers to taste to pick 3, home made kimchi and pickled ramps."

Koren Grieveson (avec): "Love Spinach! (from the set of Iron Chef against Cat Cora)."

Ryan Poli (Perennial): "Going crazy trying to change the dinner menu and open the patio at Perennial today."

Cary Taylor (Chaise Lounge): "Thanks to David Paiser of the Elysian for introducing me to Chef Alice Waters at The Publican last night. She's amazing!"