Martial Noguier is Bistronomic's New Chef

(Photo: via Time Out)

Former Cafe des Architectes Executive Chef Martial Noguier didn't travel far to snag his next gig.

In fact, it's literally half a block away from the Sofitel, where he oversaw the kitchen for a couple of years.

According to an Ultimate Insider, Eve—which served its last meal Jan. 2—has already been renamed Bistronomic with Noguier as its executive chef.

In With A Bang . . .

Chef James Toland of The Black Sheep. (Photo: Lorenzo Tassone)

In less than one year, we've seen the likes of The Purple Pig, Girl & The Goat and Longman & Eagle soar to great heights during a tumultuous time for dining out.

What all of these spots have in common—in addition to kick-ass chefs and restaurant names paying homage to animals—is that they're dedicated to local and sustainable ingredients. True, there's a lot of that going around in the city, but The Purple Pig's Jimmy Bannos Jr., GATG's Stephanie Izard and L&E's Jared Wentworth have taken their menus far beyond trends and onto every critic's hot list.

James Toland hopes to be added to the hot list when his West Town eatery, The Black Sheep, opens in March.

Yours At David Burke's For $15.50?!

If you've been pinching your pennies since the holidays ended, you'll appreciate the limited-time, ShakenSTEAK deal at David Burke's Primehouse.

For $15.50, you'll get an eight-ounce filet, side dish, and shaken vodka or gin martini. Ummmmm, yum. You'll also get free valet Mondays and Tuesdays during lunch and dinner.

The offer's available 11am-3pm Jan. 10-14 and 17-21. It's guaranteed to fill up quickly, so if you're a steak lover make a reso ASAP.

Aussie Chefs Gearing Up For 'Aussie Week'

Craig Hopson of NYC's Le Cirque (left) and Frank Brunacci of Sixteen. (Photos: Le Cirque, 312DD)

Let's just pretend for one fabulous moment that we're in Australia. It's summertime there right now, you know?!

And since we cannot get away anytime soon, thank God the folks at the Trump Hotel are bringing it straight to us with the third-annual Australia Week.

The six-day event—kicking off Jan. 21 and culminating on what is officially known as Australia Day (Jan. 26)—is spearheaded by Sixteen Executive Chef Frank Brunacci, who just happens to be a native of Melbourne.

What's new this year is that he's gotten Craig Hopson of the acclaimed NYC resto Le Cirque to participate in the multi-course, opening-night dinner. Hopson, who's originally from Perth, Australia, worked as Brunacci's sous chef at the now-shuttered Victor's in New Orleans.

Le Passage Closes After 12 Years

(Photo: via Planet 99)

So. We've got even more closings to report.

Perhaps the recent reunion for Le Passage happened because someone knew it was closing soon.

After 12 years, its current owners (who also own The Drawing Room, Cans, EvilOlive, Salud) have decided to transform it into Privét, which they're calling "a private, upscale nightclub inspired by old-world royalty."

There is no guest list or RSVP. Entry is based on the networks of staff and management. The Drawing Room, which is adjacent to the space, remains open and has not been affected by the changes.

Privét opens to the public Jan. 14.

Eve, Adobo Grill Wicker Park Now Closed

(Photo: via Yelp)

Well, this bites.

Adobo Grill in Wicker Park served its last meal Saturday, according to a staffer.

The landlord has decided to take over the space to open his own restaurant later this year, she said.

January is National Soup Month

Rustic Red Kale and White Bean Soup (Photo: via fatfreevegan.com)

I'm hoping the guys behind Imagine Festivals will be able to pull off the first-ever Chowdah Fest Chicago happening at the Columbia Yacht Club later this month.

The event culminates National Soup Month by showcasing some of Chicago's best chefs as they compete to determine who makes the best chowder. Thus far, Bassim Zafar (Drake Hotel), Jonathan Lane (Benny's Chop House) and Giuseppe Tentori (Boka, GT Fish & Oyster) have been confirmed, but in order to keep on top of who else is participating, follow the organizers here.

Attendees get to sample and vote on the best chowders, plus a nice selection of bisques will be available. The event happens 6:30-9pm Jan. 31 and the $35 tickets benefit the Sea Scouts youth sailing program. You can get them here.

More soup for you to celebrate National Soup Month:

Doughnut Vault Set To Open Soon . . .

Maple Bacon-infused donuts from Glazed. (Photo: Glazed Donuts Catering)

Glazed is officially gone for good, but there's no need to shed a tear if you're looking for hoity-toity sweet treats.

Just got word restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff (Gilt Bar/Maude's Liquor Bar) is set to open Doughnut Vault in River North by month's end.