Mavens of mixology

The Wall Street Journal chronicles the history of women behind the bar:

"One of the great legends of how the cocktail came to be credits a colonial barmaid, one Elizabeth 'Betty' Flanagan. James Fenimore Cooper's 1821 novel 'The Spy' tells of how Betty, having been brought up on liquor, 'was peculiarly well qualified by education' to create the first cocktail. With such a worthy accomplishment attributed to a woman bartender, one would think that female mixers would have proliferated."

Weekend Tweet Beat

Rick Bayless is chef of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo.


What were Chicago's top chefs up to this weekend?! 312DD checks out their Twitter accounts:

Grant Achatz (Alinea): "We've cooked for Ferrán Adrià, Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. But Alice (Waters) comes tomorrow and has me the most uptight of all. I really want her to like it."

Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven): "Going to a farm in Holland, Mich., to learn how to make cheese."

Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill): We're finalizing the logo for XOCO—new place opening in July next to Frontera/Topolo."

Efrain Cuevas (Clandestino Supper Club): "Gonna go enjoy some BBQ with the Honky Tonk BBQ peeps."

Rick Gresh (David Burke's Primehouse): "What a tough life us chefs have. Just tasted 3 killer caviars, now we have 10 beers to taste to pick 3, home made kimchi and pickled ramps."

Koren Grieveson (avec): "Love Spinach! (from the set of Iron Chef against Cat Cora)."

Ryan Poli (Perennial): "Going crazy trying to change the dinner menu and open the patio at Perennial today."

Cary Taylor (Chaise Lounge): "Thanks to David Paiser of the Elysian for introducing me to Chef Alice Waters at The Publican last night. She's amazing!"

The party's over . . .

Ben Walanka, executive sous chef at Rhapsody (Photo: FOX)


Our hometown hero Ben Walanka (Rhapsody's colorful exec sous chef)—who we've been following on Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen since season five of the chef competition began—got the boot off the show Thursday. Of course, he represented us well and went out with grace.

From his Facebook page:

"Well, what a ride!!!! I really want to thank all of you that supported my efforts in Hells Kitchen and for all of your inspiring messages and comments along the way. That was easily the most trying experience of my life, but I come away from it knowing that I gave 100% and have no regrets........other than acting like the most arrogant person that ever chopped an onion. :-) Thanks again to all of you!!!!"

If you need to get caught up on episodes, check here. Hell's Kitchen airs at 8pm CST Thursdays on FOX.

Why David Burke Rules

The Wall Street Journal examines how super chef David Burke is so successful in a down economy:

"His promotions have included $20.09 three-course meals with items such as oysters and lobster at many of his upscale restaurants, including two in Manhattan (where, without discounts, entrees run $29 to $44), and $5 burgers and milkshakes at his Chicago steakhouse (where a 14-ounce sirloin is $48 on the regular menu). On one menu, he crossed out prices of wine and listed new prices with the term 'sale'—a rarely seen word in fancy restaurants."

Tony Romo spotted around town . . .

Romo’s Eastern Illinois University teammate Paul Massat (from left), Romo, Fifty/50 co-owner Scott Weiner, Fifty/50 manager Eddie Mahoney (Photo: Fifty/50)


Stella's Column had the scoop:

"The NFL's Tony Romo and the Rockies' Glendon Rusch were spotted at the Fifty/50 . . ."

But 312DD has the pics to prove he was there hanging last weekend with about five college and high school buddies.

While he was in town, Romo also attended a Blackhawks game Saturday with girlfriend Jessica Simpson.

Who knows who'll hit the Fifty/50 this weekend!

It's a Heatwave!

There's just no excuse not to be walking around with a smile on your face this weekend. We've got 80 degrees coming our way, so get out and enjoy!

THURSDAY

If you're female and swingin' single, make an excuse to be in the Gold Coast this evening. Producers from ABC's The Bachelor will be holding an open call at the Talbott Hotel. Grab after-work cocktails or cuisine at the hotel's Italian-focused eatery, BICE Bistro, or make your way across the street for vino and comfort fare at Feast Gold Coast. Some of the most eligible men in town are certain to be milling around. 5-9pm.

The Tour de France wine-tasting series at Bistro 110 kicks off with vino from the Provence region of Southeastern France. Highlights include a number of fine wines paired with pissaladière (Provençal pizza), ratatouille (roasted chicken with honey lavender lemon glaze) and sardines a l’escabeche. 6-8:30pm. $25. Reservations recommended for this open house-style event.

Your perfect date night happens at Broadway Cellars, in Edgewater. The romantic, wine-charged restaurant offers three courses every Thursday for $23, plus for an additional $7 you'll get three-ounce wine pairings.

At Matisse Tavern & Grill, they're doing an Uncork Spring soiree featuring wines from around the world. Get ready for bubbly from Champagne, rosé from California, Malbec from Argentina . . . you get the idea. Party happens on the patio and includes appetizers. You'll also be able to order featured wines by the glass for $5. 7-9pm. Free.

Chicago's roving scotch ambassador makes his way to Sullivan's Steakhouse tonight. It won't cost you a thing to sample cocktails by Chivas 18. Just look for the well-dressed dude—or better yet, he'll find you! 6-8pm.

FRIDAY

The Cheeseburger Show's already collected a rabid fan following, so tonight they're hosting The Cheeseburger Show Tweetup, at Sheffield's. Get there early for a seat, so you can stuff as many cheeseburger sliders in two hours as you'd like. 8-10pm. No cover.

Yoga enthusiasts, get ready for beer and heavy breathing. Start at Logan Square's Stellaria Natural Health (2519 N. California, 2nd floor) for a 90-minute class, then head across the street to Provenance Food & Wine. In honor of Earth Day, they've picked some pretty good local and organic beers for sampling. 7:30-9:30pm. $30.



"The Cheeseburger Show" checks out the best burgers in town every week. We're hoping they make it to The Bristol for this burger and fries combo one day.


SATURDAY

Trailblazing chef-tress Alice Waters makes an appearance at Green City Market to sign copies of The Edible Schoolyard. This is one not to be missed as Waters' influence on the organic movement gets props for turning chefs as well as children onto healthier cuisine. That event is free and happens 10:30-11:30am in the eco-parking lot at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Dr.).

Hard-cord beer enthusiasts don't play when it comes to Dark Lord Day—the event hosted by Indiana-based Three Floyds Brewery. So in order for participants to fully enjoy themselves, the folks behind Lush Wine and Spirits have charted a big bus for a boozy field trip to the annual event. Guests will get brunch from Twisted Spoke on the bus. Meet at Lush at 11am, and the bus leaves Munster, Ind., at 7pm. $30; reserve your seat at erin@lushwineandspirits.com. We likey.

This sounds like an ideal afternoon: The Fries & Champagne Party. Over at The Wine Consortium (110 E. 23rd St., 773-575-5410), you'll get bubbly paired with fries with an international focus, including the Netherlands (fries with tartar sauce), New Zealand (fries with tomato sauce), Philippines (fries with barbecue sauce) and France (fries with Bearnaise). A portion of the proceeds go to PAWS Chicago. 4-6pm. $25.

Sultry soul superstar Robin Thicke hosts an after-party at Rednofive, immediately following his show at the Arie Crown Theater. 10pm-5am. $20.

SUNDAY

Le Lan's delightful Asian brunch is turning out to be one of the hottest a la carte deals this spring. That's because you cannot go wrong with choices like buttermilk pancakes with Malaysian-style bananas, Asian Five Spice Brioche French Toast with Thai basil, or the signature omelet with house lemongrass sausage, jumbo crab and curry potatoes. Also: Get a Blood Orange Mimosa on the house when you mention you read about 'em here. 10am-2pm. All items under $15.

And, if you're still at a loss of what to wear this season, you might want to check out Akira's Casablanca-inspired show happening at a New York-styled warehouse at 114 S. Racine St. Romance, intrigue and danger are the theme of the show, where guests will enjoy cocktails and passed appetizers. After party: Victor Hotel. 5:30pm-midnight. Mandatory RSVP to events@akirachicago.com for this free event.

We've got the Whole World . . .

. . . in our hands, so let's take the next 24 hours and give props to Mother Earth, on Earth Day:

Local rockers Maggie Speaks kick off their Listen Green Tour with a special performance at Hard Rock Cafe. Not that they'll be preaching to the audience, but their mission is to raise money for the environmental charity Keep Chicago Beautiful, which has been around since 1987. And the best part about this event?! 100 percent of the $10 tix goes to the charity. Doors open at 8pm; show starts at 9.

If you're looking to get into something right after work, head to West Loop wine shop Just Grapes for a comp tasting. They'll be sampling selections of biodynamic and organic wines, plus you'll get 50 percent off 50 wines. 4-6pm.

Lumen celebrates Earth Day with Earth Dance, with deejay Avi Sic behind the 'tables. Joining her is Hey Champ, a three-piece band that just returned from touring with hip-hop star Lupe Fiasco. 10pm-2am. For reduced cover, email info@lumen-chicago.com.

North Shore Distillery teams up with eco-friendly Province for a cocktail party, featuring new spring drinks and dishes. 6-8pm. $25 (reservations highly recommended).

And the North Center's sola also hooks up a special dinner for Earth Day. The $30 prix-fixe dinner includes a salad of spicy greens, bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin, and Hawaiian sweet potatoes paired with house-made miso crème fraîche and beet vanilla syrup.

Big props for Carrie!

NAHA executive chef/owner Carrie Nahabedian's the first woman to be inducted in the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame. The esteemed chef will be formally honored during an event this fall.

As the newest and fourth inductee, she'll be rolling with local rock star chefs Charlie Trotter (Charlie Trotter's), Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven) and Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill/Topolobampo), who've been honored in previous years.

With almost 25 years experience as a skilled and critically acclaimed chef, Nahabedian's culinary style combines her Armenian roots and California lifestyle she enjoyed during her years as the executive chef for the Four Seasons. And at NAHA, her menus are built on local foods and rely on fresh produce, meats and cheeses from the Green City Market. Last year she was awarded Best Chef Great Lakes by the James Beard Foundation.

Congrats, Carrie!