Some Mighty, Mighty Bites . . .

Executive Chef William Alexander working the line at new Little Italy eatery, One. Six One. (Photo: One. Six One)


Hey, guys, there are a ton of things going on beyond Lolla this weekend, especially when it comes to delicious dishes.

For example, we checked out One. Six One a few weeks ago during its grand-opening weekend. The contemporary Little Italy resto's menu was all over the globe, but we were particularly pleased with the Smoked Wild Duck Gumbo.

Executive Chef William Alexander—who hails from Alabama—puts his own spin on the New Orleans staple with the gamier duck that he uses to make the roux, confit and stock. Shredded duck is added with fried okra and dirty rice to give it an even more flavorful taste. It's $8 and on the appetizer menu.

More mighty, mighty bites to sink your teeth into:


Phillip Foss's "Foss Hog." (Photo: Franks 'n' Dawgs)


Franks 'n' Dawgs: Our friends over at GrubStreet uncover the next contender to take on Lockwood chef Phillip Foss, whose fantastic Foss Dog has dominated the menu at this Lincoln Park gourmet hot dog shop since earlier this year. Cibo Matto's Todd Stein debuts Frank 'n' Stein for your eating pleasure this month. It comes with foie gras and beef short rib sausage topped with caramelized onion, crispy shallot, and a mustard aioli.

Fred's at Barneys New York: What's popping at the city's snazziest resto for the fashionable feasters?! Executive Chef Jean Tippenhauer's doing a summery dish of baby lake perch with mashed potatoes, local Michigan green beans, and tomato and white wine caperberry sauce for $26. There's also a special dessert of baked peach with Amoretti, caramel sauce and cinnamon gelato for $10.

Northalsted Market Days: It's the wildest street festival of the season, and absolutely anything goes. The music, the fashion, the crazy antics of everyone you encounter. If you need a break along the strip on Halsted between Belmont and Addison, just head to Yoshi's Cafe for champagne cocktails and signature bites from the globally influenced menu. Another favorite is Jack's on Halsted, which offers a casual menu of contemporary American dishes.

MK: More heartier fare's on the table at this River North mainstay where exec chef Erick Williams will hook you up with grilled Alaskan halibut steaks. They come gloriously with Nichols Farm corn, summer squash, grape tomatoes and tarragon. It's $35 and those who mention 312DD get a nice glass of vino with your entree.

Clandestino: And finally . . . all right. We've got one Lolla gig for ya. One of our favorite underground dining groups is doing an "old style" Lolla after-party complete with—you guessed—Old Style beer. They'll also planning to serve late-night street food inspired by their favorite Lolla artists. Starts at 10:30pm Friday and Saturday. RSVP here.