The O effect on Local Dining

We all know Oprah's got the golden touch when it comes to making other people big $$$.

Just look at the countless authors, talk show hosts and musicians who've benefited from an endorsement from the Big O.

The same goes for restaurateurs/chefs, such as the Mag Mile's RL, whose GM Rich Varnes tells Crain's Chicago Business the resto sees more business when she's in town taping.

For example, this week alone, RL had the pleasure of serving Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson not once, but twice. And Chris Rock, also in town to tape her show, hit up MK for dinner.

Oprah's also been instrumental, of course, in putting Art Smith of Table Fifty-Two fame on top when it comes to high-profile celebrity dining. A-Listers like Sarah Jessica Parker, Padma Lakshmi and of course President Obama and The First Lady have all been here.

Who'll be next to get the "O" treatment?! Chefs all over town had better start sending food by the truckload to the Harpo production staff stat!

Everyone Loves Chris!

Wonder what famed comic Chris Rock did to get major props from San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich, who bought his dinner at MK when he stopped in on Tuesday.

Executive Chef Erick Williams said Rock, who was in town for an Oprah taping to promote his new Good Hair documentary, dined on a number of seasonal dishes, including an eggless Caesar salad; petite market salad of Hillside Orchard peaches, Black Mission figs and toasted sunflower seeds; Block Island swordfish; and grilled halibut steak with summer corn and squash.

Sounds like one helluva meal, so it must be an interesting story behind why Popovich—who was just randomly hanging out at the bar—ponied up the $$$ for Rock's entire meal.

After dinner, Rock and entourage took the party over to The Pen, where they hung out for late-night cocktails and more. Patrons and staffs at both spots had nothing but good things to say about the comedian . . .

How sweet this is . . .

Through Oct. 15, Heavenly Gelato & Ice Cream in Logan Square celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with the Olympic Special—a glorious five-scoop delight of gourmet gelatos and sorbet.

Each scoop reps one Olympic ring (mixed berry, Mexican Chipotle chocolate, mango, pistachio, raspberry), and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Olympic training and travel fund of Heavenly’s owner, Larry Langowski Mendoza, a 2008 Mexican Olympian and 2012 hopeful. You'll get those five scoops for $6.75.

Also going down today (and every second Tuesday of the month thereafter), MK hosts a beer-focused event, featuring a microbrew paired with four small plates. Tonight, you'll get suds from hometown brewery Goose Island paired with their twist on frog legs and seared pork belly. 6-9pm. $25 (lounge only).



Bristol's Chris Pandel is one of three chefs serving up melon-infused goodies at Green City Market Wednesday. (Photo: The Bristol)


If you're feeling more of a wine night this evening, head to Juicy Wine Co. for a tasting featuring eight Napa Valley winemakers. Ten bucks gets you the tasting, plus small bites. 6-8pm.

If you're really hungry, make a move to Follia for contempo Italian cuisine. Each Tuesday and Wednesday, this hip West Loop eatery offers a $28 four-course, prix-fixe menu with a choice of appetizer, soup or salad, pasta, entree and dessert.

And Wednesday's Green City Market is all about Melon Fest! Tell the office you'll be late because you don't want to miss signature tastings by chefs Mark Mendez (Carnivale), Cary Taylor (Chaise Lounge) and Chris Pandel (The Bristol). You'll also indulge in drinks from mixologists Adam Seger (Nacional 27), Alison Fisher (312 Chicago) and Josh Pearson (Sepia). Starts at 9am. Free.

Dine Around deals you don't want to miss

Lockwood Executive Chef Phillip Foss (Photo: Lockwood)


The second-annual Chicago Gourmet is just around the corner, but your $$$ are a little short for the full-price ticket of $150 per day.

This year, the event's producers are giving us somewhat of a break with the chance to get a free one-day pass by participating in the Dine Around program.

All you have to do to gain access is to dine in at least five of the more than 30 restaurants participating in the program through Sept. 27 (Chicago Gourmet happens Sept. 26-27).

Yeah, we know, that sounds pretty daunting, but 312DD's picked out the Top 5 best deals so you know where to go:

Chef Kevin Hickey's menu at Seasons Restaurant at the Four Seasons is likely the best deal of the bunch, a four-course, prix-fixe feast that comes with wine pairings if you desire. The menu's seasonal and priced at $50 ($65 with the wine pairings).

If you're looking for a seafood-only menu, they've got you covered over at Hugo's Frog Bar. Three courses at $29.50 is also a helluva deal, plus you get your choice of New England clam chowder, spicy basil-crusted Norwegian salmon, sauteed frog legs and jumbo lump crab cakes.

At the Palmer House's glam Lockwood, chef Phillip Foss holds it down with stylish, seasonal fare. His special Dine Around menu includes local produce in the Kendall Farm's crème fraîche mushroom soup, Blue Hill Bay mussels, free-range chicken with summer veggies, and the spaghetti with eggplant "bolognese." Menu's $38.

West Town neighborhood gem Mexique gets props for its casual, yet upscale fare, including braised short ribs (with hibiscus flower glaze) and truffle pomme frites and a pan-seared Alaskan halibut with black bean puree gordita. If you think that's great, they top it off with a moist tres leches chocolate cake. It's $50, and also includes a glass of white or red wine.

And wow. For $50, you'll get four seasonal courses at TRU, including a selection from the signature Chef's Collection, house aperitif and dessert.

Devin Hester Scores Us Free Berry Chill!

We're still a little salty at new Bears quarterback Jay Cutler for losing last night's big game against the Packers (and now word comes down that Brian Urlacher is out for the season!), but this should make the pain go away:

Bears wide receiver Devin Hester loves Berry Chill, and because he scored a touchdown last night, they're giving away The Hester—a 5 oz. original yogurt topped with his mango, pineapple and Gummi Bears.

Available at all locations today only.

No Blogging for the Birthday Girl!

312DD deserves a few days off, right?! ;)

High Fashion that's Edible!

Local milliner-extraordinaire Eia Radosavljevic created edible headpieces—made from veggies and snacks!—which will be unveiled during Clandestine's monthly dinner party Friday. (Photo: Anke Loh)


It may be Fashion Week in the NYC, but here in the 312 773 it's all about the first-ever Feast and Fashion fete.

That's the deal, and thrill, for the monthly Clandestine affair, you know, those secret underground dinner parties where guests don't find out the location until the day before the event.

What we can tell you is that it's taking place in a Lincoln Park supermarket, where local designer Anke Loh should intrigue diners with her clothing paired with offbeat headpieces by milliner-extraordinaire Eia Radosavljevic that are made from veggies and snacks. Models will strut their stuff down the supermarket aisles and food-ish jewelry will adorn guests who want them.

Since it's going down in a supermarket, diners will get their grub at four different kiosks, including an heirloom tomato salad in the produce department; wild salmon tartare at the fish counter; mixed grill of local quail and artisanal sausage at the deli; and a sampling of Clandestine's award-winning, house-made frozen custards in the freezer aisle.

Additional entertainment includes DJ Moppy spinning and Yuri Lane "beatboxing" on a harmonica.

8-11pm Sept. 11. $50; BYOB (get booze on premises) and get your ticket here.

THURSDAY

Get an early start on your Oktoberfest reveling with Clybar's new German-style Das Boot that's meant for drinking 72 ounces of suds. For $36, you'll get to fill it up with one of the seasonal beers or your fave, but it's only available daily by reservation.

In the market for new wheels?! Kia rolls into fat event space En-vent (344 N. Odgen Ave.) through Sunday for the Soul Collective party. RSVP here for tonight's event, which includes free booze, test drives and music by Moneypenny and Neon Indian. Through Sunday, the all-day parties include performances by Plain White T's, Times New Viking and The Walkmen. Follow on Twitter here to find out how to get in. Free.



These boots were meant for . . . drinking out of. (Photo: Clybar)


FRIDAY

Raise your hand if you love freebies. The new dealio over at Nacional 27 isn't exactly free, but how can you be disappointed when they're doling out paella and tapas for $2.27?! The after-work gig happens in the lounge, where you can chow down on as much as you like from 5-7pm Fridays. And if you're not too full, hang around for Miami Nights, the sizzling South Beach party with DJ Cairo. 9:30pm-2am. No cover.

Today marks the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in NYC, and Le Passage's throwing a fundraiser with proceeds going to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. One person will win a trip to New York! 10pm-4am. $10 donation.

SATURDAY

It's the last day of National Waffle Week, so don't miss out. We suggest heading over to The Pony for their signature Saturday brunch dish: Southern fried chicken and home-style waffles, with strawberry whipped butter and Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup. $7.

Get an early start on celebrating Mexican Independence Day (Sept. 16) with Salud's sixth-annual Tequila Festival. In addition to giveaways, they're doing $4 Modelo Especial and Negra Modelo drafts, plus you'll get to dance to a 10-piece salsa band. 8pm-3am. No cover.

Old Town Wine Crush happens Saturday and Sunday, with a Grape Stomping Competition as well as live music by Gin Blossoms, 16 Candles and soul-infused local band Jambon. $30 ($45 for premium tastings).

SUNDAY

You can go loco over the new brunch menu at Angels & Mariachis, approps named Sombrero Sundays. Come in wearing a big-ass sombrero (you can also buy one at the bar for $20) for 50 percent off your beverage tab. Also, with a purchase of an entree, you'll get a bottomless Mimosa for $20 (Does that mean it's only ten bones with a sombrero?!). Signature dishes include the Chilaquiles (crispy corn tortillas topped with cheese, onions, sour cream and two eggs) and Huevos rancheros (tortillas with two scrambled eggs, ham, tomatoes, cheese and house-made red ranchero salsa). 11am-3pm.

MONDAY

And River North mainstay Zocalo celebrates its third-year anniversary and Mexican Independence Day through Sept. 17. For $30 per couple, you'll get three courses, including guacamole and chips, grilled flank steak in a pasilla broth, and a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with ground pork and beef.

¡Qué Viva La Fiesta!

Mexican Independence Day goes down on Sept. 16, and of course Chicago's getting in on the action.

Look for the biggest celebration to happen in Pilsen as more than 25 eateries whip up their best signature bites for the second-annual Buen Provecho!

Guests will get to nosh on food from traditional Mexican spots Mundial Cocina Mestiza and Ristorante al Teatro as well as the American-fare focused Honky Tonk BBQ and Nightwood (peep the entire list of participants and get tickets here).

Buen Provecho! takes place 5:30-9:30pm Sept. 16. $25 in advance; $30 at door.