'Top Chef' Star Hosts 'First Bites Bash'

(Photo: Stephanie Izard)

There's still hope that a Chicagoan will win this season's Top Chef, making him or her the second local chef to earn that honor.

But in the meantime, we've still got Stephanie Izard, who's not only the only Chicago winner, but also the only female winner of Bravo's competitive chef show. The star chef of Girl & the Goat is also known for her tireless efforts to help raise money for worthy organizations like Greater Chicago Food Depository, so it's no surprise that she signed on to host the first-ever First Bites Bash.

The kick-off event is for Chicago Restaurant Week, and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the organization.

Paul McGee Leaves The Whistler in February

Paul McGee photo via This Is A Cocktail Blog

Just got this email from Paul McGee, the master mixologist at The Whistler:

"After three and a half years at The Whistler, I am moving on to an exciting new project with RJ and Jerrod Melman. My partners at The Whistler, Robert Brenner and Billy Helmkamp, remain great friends, and the wonderful and extremely capable staff of The Whistler will continue the great work we’ve done together since the beginning. My time behind the bar there will end on February 1st, with the final installment of our Book Club Series.

"Thank you so much for your support over the years, and I am looking forward to keeping you updated with the details of my next adventure. While you may not be able to find me behind a bar for the next few months, I’ll be keeping my blog updated with my activities and whereabouts."

Sounds to me like he'll be in charge of the cocktail program at this upcoming Melman spot.

Chicago Restaurant Week(s) Return!

Brace yourself.

A slew of local restaurants are set to participate this winter in a number of events meant to celebrate Chicago's vibrant dining scene.

First up is West Town's first-ever Dining Around event, happening Jan. 15-mid-March. Popular Near West Side spots like Arami, Leopold and Ruxbin will add special dishes to their menus and diners get "passports" to track their eating adventures. They'll be able to use the passports for special dining deals in the future.

Get 'Interactive' During 'National Pizza Week'

Frasca's signature Margherita pizza. (Photo: Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar)

You've probably just started some sort of healthy eating plan for the New Year, yet next week is already encouraging you to fall off the wagon.

Who could resist National Pizza Week, running Jan. 9-12?! That also means restos will see more activity than ever, and we're certain they'll have plenty of specials in store.

Lakeview's Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar gets in on the action as well, offering complimentary t-shirts for the first 50 people who order pizzas on Jan. 9, a free Margherita pizza coupon with the purchase of one on Jan. 10, and buy one, get one free on any pizza on the menu Jan. 11.

But we're more excited about the National Pizza Week cooking class, which is an awesome activity for those who want to learn how to make those delicious savory pies at home.

Saturday Last Day For One Sixtyblue

No word on the fate of one sixtyblue Executive Chef Michael McDonald. (Photo: one sixtyblue)

We're not even a week into the New Year, and yet another prominent Chicago restaurant announced a closing.

Wednesday afternoon one sixtyblue dropped the bomb that its last day of service will be Saturday:

Chef Wants To Bring 'Quality' Dining To S.Side

Jennifer Gavin of Catered Excellence. (Photo: Jennifer Gavin)

Until now, we haven't heard much from Jennifer Gavin, the charismatic chef who appeared a few seasons back on FOX-TV's Hell's Kitchen and then went on to helm the kitchen at The Big Easy in Hyde Park.

That's namely because the Orland Park-based toque has been on the road catering for a number of high-profile bands and productions, including the likes of Usher, American Idol Live Tour, So You Think You Can Dance Tour and Nickelback.

But it appears that she's been itching to get back into a restaurant kitchen because she posted this status to her Facebook page Tuesday:

A Good Day For Some Fondue . . .

Aged Cheddar & Guinness Fondue photo via steamykitchen.com.

It's bone-chilling cold outside, so this story's right on time.

The Wall Street Journal just posted a roundup of the country's best fondue spots, and Geja's in Lincoln Park made the cut:

"Geja's serves just one, classic Gruyère fondue, available as a main meal or as a prelude to a hot oil fondue course featuring lobster, beef and a variety of other meats of your choosing."

Yum times 10 . . .

Rockit's Big Plan in the New Year?!

Rockit Ranch Productions partners Brad Young (from left), Billy Dec and Arturo Gomez. (Photo: Rockit Ranch Productions)

Last March I wrote about Rockit Ranch Productions' next project—an Asian-themed concept based on the team's New York dining adventures at 14 restaurants in 14 hours.

And now I have more information.