Popular Pizza Joint Great Lake is Closing at the End of the Month

Great Lake pizza via Food Republic.

Whoa.

Here's some news we didn't see coming.

Former Eater Chicago editor Ari Bendersky reports for Crain's that Andersonville pizza sensation Great Lake is closing at the end of January:

"The restaurant is set to close at the end of the month, according to Danny Yuen, who owns the building in Andersonvile that houses Great Lake.

"Mr. Yuen, who has owned the property for about 20 years, said Great Lake owners Nick Lessins and Lydia Esparza declined to renew their lease after about five years of business and told him they plan to move. Mr. Yuen in turn posted a 'For Rent' sign in the window of the intimate 14-seat spot.

Here Are Some Non-Boozy Alternatives When Drinking Around Town

A non-alcoholic Peach Melba Cooler via Chow.com.

I'm pretty burned out on booze after an especially lushy holiday season, so I am looking forward to taking it down a few notches in the coming weeks. I'm not a huge fan of sodas and there's only so much tea I can drink, so I sought out some tasty alternatives.

From a Caipirinha Bubbly “Champagne” at Chicago French Market to Storefront Company's delightfully refreshing Pomegranate Fizz, here are some of the best mocktails around town.

This Is The WORST Restaurant Tipper of 2012!

Restaurant receipt via The Bitchy Waiter.

You guys know how I love outing terrible tippers, and this guy right here has got to be the lowest of the low.

As you can see above, he actually subtracted his tip from the bill when his party dined at an Andersonville restaurant on Christmas.

Here's what went down, according to the server, as he explained to The Bitchy Waiter.

The Year 2012 Was An Incredibly Outrageous Time For Chicago's Restaurants & Bars

Left photo via Proof nightclub; right photo via Jessica Harr's Facebook page.

Wow.

This year has really gone by quickly. Part of the reason is because 2012 was one of the most outrageous years to date for the dining and drinking scene.

Here's what really stuck out in my mind:

9 Cure-All Cocktail Recipes For Your NYE Hangover

Adam Seger's Libertad Real. (Photo: Libertad)

No one wants to wake up with a massive hangover on New Year's Day, but it's inevitable.

So instead of suffering and shuffling through the day like a burnt-out zombie, whip up one of these cure-all cocktail recipes from some of Chicago's hottest culinary and bar stars.

Happy New Year!

Another Shutter Report: Park 52 Closes In Early 2013, Cites 'Personal Obligations'

(Photos: Park 52)

This just dropped into my inbox regarding the upcoming closing of Park 52 in Hyde Park:

The Staff Meal of All Staff Meals: The Grace Team Gets A Special Delivery From Their Friends At Next

Curtis Duffy and his team at Grace enjoying their meal. (Photo: Michael Muser)

The hard-working team at the newly opened Grace were treated to a well-deserved meal from the chefs over at Next/The Aviary Wednesday afternoon.

What did they get to eat?! No doubt the ramen was an iteration from the current Kyoto menu. No word on whether The Aviary chipped in with cocktails, but something tells me that definitely didn't happen considering this meal was right before service!

Scott Walton is Leaving Markethouse

(Photo: DoubleTree Hotel Chicago Magnificent Mile)

Markethouse Executive Chef Scott Walton posted this to his Facebook last night:

"Many of you know Markethouse has been my home, my life for the past 4 years. And it was a great 4 years. I'm grateful to everyone I met along the way; peers and wonderful patrons. I'm happy to announce that I am moving on to bigger and better things, a new challenge. A great challenge. New opening early spring. Details to follow! I hope to see everyone at my new place, ready to enjoy great food and good times."

Good luck to him, and we're looking forward to his next project!