Wednesday, October 30, 2013

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

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Paul Kahan in one of the kitchens of his many restaurants (Photo: Facebook)

Halloween is coming.

I've never quite looked forward to December as much until I found out the opening date for Nico Osteria, which opens Dec. 2, according to chef/partner Paul Kahan. That's the Italian-seafood concept by One Off Hospitality (avec, Blackbird, Big Star, Publican, Publican Quality Meats, The Violet Hour) on the lobby level of new luxury property Thompson Chicago. Former avec and Publican chef Erling Wu-Bower is at the helm.

Kahan also tells 312DD that plans are underway to expand the popular, taco-oriented Big Star. By next spring, there will be more outdoor patio seating in the parking lot adjacent to its property as well as more space for cooking, eating and drinking in a 1,500-square-foot storefront next door.

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Moto Chef de Cuisine Richie Farina (Photo: Moto)

National Sandwich Day falls on Nov. 3 and Burke's Bacon Bar is ready with an updated menu. Chefs David Burke and Rick Gresh just added three new mini sandwiches: a bacon burger (bacon and beef patty, jalapeno jack cheese, peppered bacon on a King's Hawaiian bun), CBLT (pork belly-style bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheddar, bacon mayo on a King's Hawaiian bun) and Bacon & Eggs (egg salad, bacon, romaine, on a baguette). They're $4 each or three for $11.

• Former Top Chef: Texas contestant Richie Farina just released the fall/winter menu over at Moto. One of the highlights is Campfire Boar Course. Peep the crazy video. The chef de cuisine also partners with iNG chef Tim Havidic to cook at CHILL, an international wine and culinary event happening 6-8:30pm Nov. 14 at Merchandise Mart. They'll be in great company with more than 40 outstanding local chefs. It's $95 (through Nov. 1) and $175 for the VIP wine tasting reception, with tickets benefiting the Respiratory Health Association. Get the tickets right here.

Barrelhouse Flat throws a Sundae Sunday launch party for its first Sunday service on Nov. 10. Expect this one to be boozy, of course, with chef Erik Chizeck and the bar staff whipping up decadent gelatos and sauces such as salted vanilla bourbon, Chartreuse mint chocolate chip, coffee Averna, chocolate rum, Fernet whipped cream and cherry Kirsch. That happens 6pm-2am and look forward to Sundae Sunday happening every week thereafter.

• And Mercadito Counter still has no opening date, but partners The Tippling Bros. (Paul Tanguay and Tad Carducci) have released a list of some of the beverage offerings to expect. Look for a number of draft cocktails, including Pepino El Pyu (garnished with a cumin salt rim) as well as the Big Nose Gets Misty (with tropical flavors of hibiscus, orange and ginger). Additional offerings include the Mercadito Margarita, Bloody Mary and sangria.

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