Pastry chef cooks up healthy new tome for kids

Foodies know Gale Gand as the award-winning pastry chef behind Tru, and most recently as the consulting chef over at new Gold Coast cupcakery More.

But her most recent project is a far stretch from her sugary cookies, signature lollipops and fruity tarts. To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Wheat Foods Council, she's written Food for Thought from Parents to Children, a cookbook filled with fun, yet health-conscious, wheat-based recipes that families can prepare together. Just some of Gand's favorites, which she's made with her own kids, include Chocolate Hazelnut Cereal Haystacks, Wheat Berry Tuna Salad and Strawberry and Yogurt Wheat Crepes.

A portion of cookbook proceeds benefits Spoons Across America, a not-for-profit organization working to positively influence the eating habits of children through hands-on education. The cookbook is $3.50 and can be purchased here.

What's up next, yo . . .

The Stew takes a look at Freshii, the Loop's newest health-conscious option, but they didn't love it.

And Time Out Chicago gives the 411 on Logan Bar & Grill, the new watering hole from the guys behind Black Beetle and the Northside.

A shot at a good time tonight

Don't let the weather get you down, there's plenty going on inside so that you don't miss a step:

The Violet Hour opened last year around this time, and it continues to get props. This time Esquire—in its annual best bars issue—named it one of the country's hottest spots. Tonight, they're celebrating with a party hosted by Don Julio Tequila. 7-11pm. No cover.

The launch party for Chicago Is...Red Hot—the annual fall fashion show by The Apparel Industry Board, Inc.—happens at Chaise Lounge. Hosted by CS magazine, the event includes music by DJ White Shadow, comped cocktails by Ketel One Vodka, appetizers and the opportunity to hang out on one of the sexiest rooftops in the city. 6-9pm. No cover.

SHE Boutique (1024 W. Armitage Ave.) celebrates its first-year anniversary with an event hosted by LUCKY magazine. Explore the Sweet Side of Fashion offers complimentary Prosecco sparkling wine, treats from yummy Dylan's Candy Bar and 20 percent off all purchases. SHE carries a number of top-notch designers, including Roberto Cavalli Sun, Dream Society, Young fabolous and Broke, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, as well as bags by Zac Posen. 7-9pm. No cover, but RSVP to rsvp@skirtpr.com.

Three top Loop chefs join forces for Chefs on the Grill at Park Grill. Executive Chef Bernie Laskowski (Park Grill), Jose Garces (Mercat a la Planxa) and Doran Payne (Rhapsody) prepare their specialties; cocktails and wine included in price. Event benefits the Grant Park Conservancy. 6-8:30pm. $55.

It's the Battle of the Italian Wines as Tuscany takes on Veneto for the June installment of Quartino's monthly wine tasting party. Amarone della Valpolicella vs. Vino Nobile di Montelpulciano, with guests getting to taste their best vino, plus estate bottled olive oils. Also included in the ticket price are Neopolitan thin crust stone oven pizza, classic Italian Salumi, Quartino recipe cured meats and cicchetti (bar snacks) paired with the selections. 7-9pm. $35 (includes a take-home bottle of one of the featured wines).

Go to Manor . . . Stay for more . . .

Stay, Manor's upper-level, late-night lounge, offers a more cool-out vibe than its clubby downstairs sibling. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)


Got an exclusive, sneak preview this afternoon of three of the hottest spots to hit River North this summer:

Those guys behind RiNo and Manor are already sitting pretty with two of the biggest celebrity hangouts in the 'hood. Now comes their latest—Stay—which aims for a high-end clientele looking for low-key action. The top-level lounge to Manor has a separate entrance on Erie Street, its own deejay cranking out chilled-out beats and no bottle service requirements (!!!). And the best thing about it?! They're keeping the decor simple with understated, yet refined hard wood accents and a booming sound system that'll jack the party up when you need it to. 4am during the week; 5am Saturdays. Look for Stay to open later this summer.

Hub 51 has gotten mad media attention within the last few days, but nothing's been said about the lower-level bar called Sub 51. It's a simple room, looking like the perfect spot to throw a basement bash, with cushy leather sofas and dim lights so you can push up on a sig other. But co-owner R.J. Melman's fave seats—and ours too!—are tucked away behind the bar, and no one will ever know you're there unless you want them to. It's the perfect cove for a couple. Hub 51/Sub 51 officially opens on Friday.



Hub 51's subterranean lounge Sub 51 offers one of the sexiest hidden nooks in town. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)


And Donnie Kruse changed up his gastropub BB's for something completely different in Madame Tartine. If you were around when he owned Butterfield 8, then you've got the idea. But this time, he's stepped it up . . . way, way up . . . with a seductive French theme that's a nod to the 1960s. Check the vintage fixtures, wallpaper, artwork and music, but don't go expecting something fuddy duddy. That's all we're saying, for now. Madame Tartine opens in early July.

Slim down with a sexy salad

Looking for lighter, yet tasty dishes this summer?! Whether you're trying to slim down or maintain a fabulous figure, here are some salads meant for more than just munching:

Settle on the breezy outdoor patio at Blue Water Grill for the Seafood Salad. The tangy, well-proportioned plate includes Maryland lump crab, Gulf shrimp, preserved lemon, peppery mesclun greens and honey-roasted walnuts complemented by a tarragon-lime emulsion ($15).

Chaise Lounge's South Beach-inspired upper-level deck is ideal for chowing down on the Waldorf Salad. Their take on the classic dish has roaring '40s Bleu cheese, black walnuts and a yogurt dressing ($7).

Relax on the sceney sidewalk patio or the romantic terrace at Le Colonial for a number of salads. We're particularly fond of the French-Vietnamese restaurant's Goi Thom, a salad of mixed greens, sea beans, cherry tomatoes, water chestnuts and fresh pineapple that's served with light rice wine vinegar dressing ($11).

Neighborhood fave Moonshine offers a popular patio for the Wicker Park crowd. Diners can bask in the sun with the Moonshine Summer Salad, a fresh combination of pan-seared Ahi tuna served over assorted greens, juicy Mandarin oranges, strawberries, blueberries and Granny Smith apples, tossed with a tangy raspberry vinaigrette ($9; with chicken $11).

And our mouths are watering at the thought of the Grilled Beef Tenderloin Salad at VTK. That's a unique combo of Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, red onions and chilies, and finished with a cilantro-citrus dressing ($12.95).

(Suzy McMillen contributed to this post)

A 'first look' at Hub 51

I'm a little salty because I was told Hub 51 wasn't going to be open until another week or two, but here is The Stew with its first-impression review.

UPDATE: Hub 51 opens to the public on Friday.

Gourmet burgers and a benefit

What is there not to love about today's weather?! Not too chilly, not windy and no rain. Get out and enjoy yourself:

Sit Stay Read hosts a spa party for gals and gents. This third-annual event includes a spa treatment (deluxe mani, mini-facial, body glow, massage), shopping opportunities, and food and "mocktails" from Silver Cloud. Proceeds benefit Sit Stay Read, a unique nonprofit literacy group helping at-risk youth. 4-9pm at Spa Soak (1733 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-395-9000). $60.

Or get your grub on at Viand's Gourmet Burger Bar, happening every Monday. Executive chef Steve Chiappetti offers an exciting lineup of burgers, which guests may pair with a number of fine Wisconsin cheeses as toppings. $2 each!

And make room for hot nights with Havana Club, on Mondays at Juicy Wine Co. The Cuban-themed night includes $5 handcrafted mojitos and Cubano sandwiches (made with roasted pork, pickles and gooey cheese trapped in a roll and pressed thin). DJ Madrid spins Cuban-influenced music to set the mood in the bar or on the outdoor patio. 7pm-2am. Free admission.

Berry Generous

(Photo: Berry Chill)


Berry Chill owner and University of Iowa alumni Michael Farah does his part in helping victims of the recent flooding in Iowa. With more than 400 blocks of downtown evacuated, including a major hospital, emergency officials estimate the flooding of the Cedar River has forced at least 24,000 to evacuate from their homes. While the river begins to slowly recede, Cedar Rapids officials worry the city’s supply of drinkable water will run out.

He's reaching out to customers to stop in and drop off pre-packaged cases of water or clothing for those devastated by the disaster through June 29. Berry Chill is paying for all shipping costs. [Also look out for new locations at 132 N. LaSalle St. and 500 W. Madison St. (Ogilvie Train Station) this summer.)]


Designer/architect Suhail hosts another benefit to raise funds for the children who survived a massive earthquake that tore through a vast region of Kashmir in 2005. More than 80,000 people were killed and three million left homeless. Suhail and a team of volunteers are making another trip to the region to help, and this benefit will help get them there. Event includes live music, DJ Madrid spinning exotic beats, an open bar, raffle, and appetizers from Moto and Otom. 7-10pm Friday, June 27. LIGHTOLOGY (215 W. Chicago Ave., 312-733-9411). $100.


And in other restaurant-related news, the National Restaurant Association just donated an impressive 116,553 pounds of top quality food to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to provide meals for 87,633 hungry men, women and children in the Chicago area.