From Farm to Fab Feasts . . .

The outdoor Green City Market continues through October in Lincoln Park, but you've only got one day to take advantage of the Farmers Market in the Sky on the Terrace at Trump Hotel.

Happening 7-11am Thursday, the event is orchestrated by Sixteen Executive Chef Frank Brunacci, who will showcase a number of products sourced from local farms and purveyors.

Get Ready for a Sizzling September!

The interior of Noble Square newcomer Ruxbin Kitchen. (Photo: Ruxbin Kitchen)


My monthly obsession returns: Chicago magazine's Hot List, letting us know the 10 restaurants getting the most buzz around town in September.

No surprise at all to find Girl & The Goat ("This is the slam-dunk success of the summer"), Gilt Bar ("Darker than a Lynch film, louder than a chain saw. . .") and The Portage ("Jeff Brantley's playful menu is irresistible") on the list, but there were quite a few surprises.

'Entourage' Star Hits Up Elate, Enclave

Kevin Dillon with fans at Enclave Saturday. (Photo: Matt Reeves/darkroomdemons.com)


Word is "Entourage" star Kevin Dillon hung pretty tight Saturday at Elate with owner Anthony Fiore.

The only details I could get was that they "drank lots of wine" during dinner, then headed over to Enclave for some late-night partying.

Not sure why Dillon was in town, but sounds like he at least had a great time.

Finally On Its Way?!

Grahamwich—the snazzy sandwich spot that was supposed to debut earlier this summer—may finally be opening soon.

Owner Graham Elliot released this tweetphoto Monday of a rendering of the space. We'll be thrilled when we get some shots of food as well.

Speaking of mega chefs onto their next big projects, word is that Grant Achatz has pushed back the opening date for Aviary and NEXT.

Random Jimmy Kimmel Sighting . . .

From a tipster:

"Jimmy Kimmel dined at Magnolia Cafe Saturday night and West Loop restaurant [redacted] last night, and also is singing 7th inning stretch at Cubbie game tonight."

Would've loved to disclose that West Loop resto . . .

Chicago Gourmet Introduces 'Hamburger Hop'

If you're still not convinced to buy a ticket for the annual Chicago Gourmet festival, this may give you mad motivation.

They've just announced the first-ever Hamburger Hop, where 15 area chefs will compete against one another with their versions of the American classic. Of course, you'll get to sample each burger, paired with beer from MillerCoors' Blue Moon.

Secret's Out: The Best 'Hidden' Dishes

We're not surprised one bit that Rockit owner Billy Dec has a "secret" dish named in his honor at the River North resto. (Photos: Rockit Ranch Productions)


Admit it, you love it when you know something the table next to you doesn't.

You're so (*&^%$#@#$%*!* cool because you know that sometimes the best items at the restaurant are the ones not on the menu.

Take, for example, Steak & Eggs On Acid, Blue 13's tasty signature dish that's gained chef Chris Curren legions of fans. Made with sliced beef tenderloin and quail egg with spicy wasabi sauce and potato-onion pierogi, the dish is no longer on the menu, but diners in-the-know can order it through the end of the month.

BICE Returns; Introducing MEDI . . .

The newly renovated BICE plans to resemble its San Diego sibling, pictured here. (Photo: The Bice Restaurant Group)


Looks like matters are finally coming together in the old BICE space in Streeterville, where MEDI is set to open in mid-September.

Sources tell 312DD exclusively that the upscale Italian eatery will flip its script for a more casual venue offering seasonal, Mediterranean Coast cuisine with entrees ranging $6-$10. Apparently it took them a while to figure out what was going to happen in this space because it's been shuttered since last winter.