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

Frontier's Brian Jupiter (Photo: Frontier)

It's been an exhausting week for all.

Who isn't obsessed with New Orleans these days?! The Saints continue to kick ass in the NFL. Top Chef's current season completely embraces its culture as chefs continue to battle it out. And American Horror Story: Coven not only focuses on the Fourth Quarter's past and present, but it also features fierce witches taking on voodoo priestesses.

All that NOLA talk has got to make you hungry for some gumbo, and Frontier chef Brian Jupiter is just the man for the job.

The Bayou native hosts Chicago's first-ever gumbo cookoff, which pits professional chefs against home cooks. It's going to be quite interesting to see who comes out on top, seeing how Jupiter has recruited some of the best chefs in the biz, including Steve Danan (Trenchermen), David Dworshak (Takito Kitchen), John Gatsos (Tavern on Rush), Lamar Moore (Tanta) and Justin White (Small Bar).

Yours Truly emcees the festivities (Hey, I'm there for the gumbo!), which is free and takes place 2-6pm Nov. 17. There will also be food and drink specials. See you there!

Chicago Sun-Times 'Leaks' 2014 Michelin Star Recipients

Grace owner/chef Curtis Duffy (Photo: Michael Muser)

Whoops.

The Chicago Sun-Times posted a story at 3:30am Tuesday that apparently "leaked" some of the 2014 Chicago Michelin star-rated restaurants.

I knew something was off because the chefs are always given a courtesy call before official announcements are made. The original article was deleted, but we found it (312DD broke the first-ever Chicago Michelin star leak story in 2010).

The Haute and the Dog Shutters; Here's Why

(Photo: The Haute and the Dog)

Dion Antic, one of the partners of The Haute and the Dog, explains why the Wicker Park encased meats shop closed Sunday:

"The Haute and the Dog closed its doors to the public yesterday. But only partially. The Dog still will continue offering its unique dog creations as a strictly catering option. Owners want the freedom to do other projects and with catering they can still get the Haute product in front of a larger audience. Owners also state that there are licensing talks for retail stores of the brand in San Antonio and Oklahoma City."

An Old Fashioned Old Forester Party At Big Star

Old Fashioned photo via Liquor.com

Big Star's known for its daily $3 whiskey specials, but this is one certainly not to be missed.

They just acquired a 90-proof bottling of Old Forester—the first private selection in the state—and they're celebrating in grand style by hosting an Old Fashioned Old Forester Party.

That goes down 6-9pm Nov. 12 with specialty cocktails and $3 shots. Also look for bartenders to pour Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, which we hear is supposed to be pretty fantastic, too.

This Is What Happens When You Attempt To Steal An iPhone From Juno Restaurant In Lincoln Park

Juno's Jason Chan holding down suspect as he calls police (Photo: Eric Sawitoski/Facebook)

You might want to rethink your strategy if you plan on stealing iPhones. That's some especially sound advice if you plan on swiping phones in Lincoln Park, home to sushi hot spot Juno.

It's owned by longtime restaurateur Jason Chan—who also happens to be a personal trainer and trained martial artist. He's also now apparently a superhero as he stopped a suspect who attempted to steal a phone from one of his diners Thursday night.

Touching Trotter Tributes; More Culinary News

Colleagues, media and friends reflect on Charlie Trotter's incredible life and impact on the culinary world on Twitter.

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• Also, I talk to some of the country's top bar industry experts, including Mercadito's Tippling Bros., on secrets to increasing bar sales during the coldest months.

A Bongo Room Bigot Just Made Brunch Lines Shorter

(Photo: Bongo Room facebook)

Really, Mary?!

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

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.