Lite Bites: What Your Favorite Chefs & Mixologists Are Up To Around Town This Week

Incoming Blackbird Chief Mixologist Kyle Davidson (Photo: Blackbird)

Dads are awesome.

• Lynn House's last day as chief mixologist at Blackbird is June 15. We'll really miss her behind the stick, but we're looking forward to what Kyle Davidson's bringing to the table when he replaces her on June 18. Davidson's well acquainted with the One Off Hospitality group, which owns Blackbird as well as Violet Hour and Publican, where he's worked behind the bar. Most recently he was the purchaser at Publican Quality Meats. Good luck to them both!


A look at Publican Quality Meats' juicy signature burger. (Photo: Publican Quality Meats)

• Speaking of PQM, get ready for Burger, Bourbon & Beer Night, which happens every Tuesday for the next several weeks. The series features two dueling burgers: the PQM burger ($10) which stays on the menu from week to week, and a rotating special burger from a guest chef or industry expert ($11). Upcoming events include Sieger Bayer, sous chef of Nellcote (June 18); Dana Cree, pastry chef of Blackbird (June 25); Ben Fasman, spirits director of Big Star (July 2) and Craig Svozil, chef de cuisine of Big Star (July 9).

• The Chicago Blackhawks are in the finals. Yeah! To celebrate, the Rosebud restaurant group is doing a special cocktail that will be on the menu at all locations. Rosebud mixologist Trudy Thomas concocted the Blackhawks Berry Mojito with fresh blackberries and raspberries. it's $10 and will available throughout the series.

• To whet your appetite for Bon Appetit Presents Chicago Gourmet, a number of culinary events will take place over the summer. Dinners, ranging in price from $65 to $95, take place at Green Zebra (June 18), Prasino (June 25), Lockwood (August 8), Deca (August 14) and Hearty (August 28). Call each restaurant for details.

• Tre Soldi is now set to open June 20. Owned by the team behind Coco Pazzo, the culinary team is lead by Brandon Wolff (formerly of the Signature Room, one sixtyblue and La Madia).

• And chefs from David Burke's Primehouse, Fountainhead, G.E.B., Paris Club, Publican Quality Meats and other spots compete against one another in Brewery Ommegang's first-ever Hop Chef Chicago. Chefs are challenged to create the perfect beer and food pairing, and you'll get to sample. They'll be judged by a panel of local and national food critics. The event takes place 7-10pm July 1 at Paris Club. Tickets are $60 (get them here) and a portion of the proceeds benefits Common Threads.