Would You Spend $120 on an entree?!

Sprout's Satko Ibrahimovic (Photo: Chicago Tribune)


That's what Sprout executive chef/owner Satko Ibrahimovic's counting on when he opens his super high-end, all-organic resto on Oct. 3.

Blogs The Stew:

"Even in this shaky economy, the Bosnian war refugee is betting that Chicago will support a 100 percent organic, super high-end restaurant with an all-organic wine list. And he says he's willing to source every ingredient while maintaining a 20-entree, intensely complicated menu, 'with six seasonal specials a night.'"

When asked if he thought this venture was "a little ambitious," he gave an affirmative yes, adding, "'All of this food will be good for your health. No chemicals. And you would pay $300 or $400 for dinner at Alinea...Try cooking this with all organic ingredients at home. It would cost you twice as much.'"

Mmmmmm, gimme a slice!

Here's a sure sign fall is here:

The annual Bucktown Apple Pie Contest is back!

That means all you amateur pastry chefs need to dust off those old recipes handed down to you by your mom or granny. It's $15 to enter the contest, and local restaurateurs/chefs like Michael Taus (Duchamp, Zealous) will be on the judging panel.

The event happens 2-5pm Oct. 18 at Holstein Park (2200 N. Oakley), with all proceeds from the contest benefiting the Friends of Holstein Park.

You'll also be entertained by bluegrass favorite Tangleweed, plus you'll get to sample each pie for only a few bucks.

It's her day!

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 tonight at the Union League Club of Chicago (65 W. Jackson Blvd.).

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.

Mayor Daley has also proclaimed today Carrie Nahabedian Day in Chicago.

The event kicks off at 5:30 tonight, and the $175 ticket benefits the Chicago Culinary Museum.

Mad about Mad Men . . .

The main cast of "Mad Men." (Photo: AMC)


312DD's still on Cloud 9 after Mad Men won an Emmy for "Best Dramatic Show" for the second year in a row.

And while we couldn't find any viewing parties around town for the hit 1960s-themed show (WTF is up with that?!), we did scout out some cool spots where you can get a taste of the best of the era:

A bartender at hipster Ukrainian Village hang Bar DeVille once told me he "couldn't do anything interesting with vodka." Vodka's loss is your gain when it comes to the more interesting grains of gin, whiskey and scotch. Head to the rear speakeasy section—which is decked out massively in postmodern decor—and indulge in a Manhattan or two. There's a deejay spinning classics, but not so retro that you'll bust out in the Charleston ala Pete Campbell.

Roger Laguardia didn't open his eponymous Cuban eatery until the early 1970s, one year after he came to the United States from Cuba. But it was named in honor of Los Cubanitos ("the little Cubans"), his favorite restaurant that was founded in 1950 back in Havana. Traditional Cuban sandwiches, paella and tamales are all made to order, plus the setting is discreet enough for a secret rendezvous.

Cheese fondue was all the rage back in the early 1960s and still is at Lincoln Park's romantic Geja's Cafe. For more than 44 years, it's been known for flamenco performances, dining by candlelight and dunking meats, breads and fruit in delicious melted cheese and chocolates. Now, can't you just imagine Don Draper taking Betty here to make her forget about his latest shenanigan?!



312DD getting a drink with Don Draper. (Photo: AMC)


Speaking of randy ad men, can't you just picture the boys of Sterling Cooper wooing clients over Dover sole and Caesar salad served tableside at Nick's Fishmarket?! And let's not forget the number of Side Cars and gin martinis guaranteed to go down.

The contemporary setting of new Renaissance Hotel lounge Bar Novo is ideal for an executive on the come-up like the bright-eyed Peggy Olsen. New twists on classic cocktails such as the Cucumber Pepper Margarita, Botanical Mule and Basil Tangerine Gimlet will certainly hit the spot and give you the courage to go in and demand a raise.

And when the family's away you're kicked out of the house (Harry Crane, Don Draper!), there's no place like home like Silver Cloud, in Bucktown. The specialists in comfort fare whip up favorites like chicken pot pie, meatloaf, beef Stroganoff and pot roast to make you forget all your troubles.

Honky Tonk theme for new Paul Kahan project

Paul Kahan (Photo: Battman Studios)


312DD got the scoop earlier this summer on the new taco-focused spot going into the old Pontiac Cafe.

And now, Something Glorious just gathered even more scoop on the upcoming Paul Kahan-led project:

"Something Glorious just discovered that this new space, which is on target to open in late October barring any issues, will primarily be a bar with a walk-up taqueria (no exterior door, just a window) and will feature about 10 items on the menu, according to Executive Chef Paul Kahan.

"Kahan, who embarks on a SoCal 'research and development' trip this week, said that he was inspired when he 'ate something and loved it.' The food will focus on al pastor tacos, much in the vein of Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Super Rica Taqueria, of which Kahan is a big fan and says has the best tacos he's ever eaten.

"While Kahan will pull inspiration from his time working alongside Rick Bayless at Frontera Grill, he wants to experiment with 'fun food that tastes good,' like eventually having fried chicken and mole—which is something I can definitely get down with."

The Best of the West Hits Town

Deejay/producer Miguel Migs stops through Griffin Lounge for his "Get Salted Tour" Thursday.


He's known for his brooding good looks and ethereal signature sound that works best when laid down over aggressive house music. So it wasn't a surprise when San Fran native Miguel Migs became the poster boy for the Naked Music label at its height of popularity in the late 1990s/early 2000s.

You've likely heard one of Migs' deep soul-influenced remixes thumping in the club, from Britney Spears, Macy Gray and Lionel Richie, produced under Naked Music as well as his current venture, Salted Music.

You'll get a chance to see what all the fuss is about when Migs headlines the Get Salted Tour at Griffin Lounge 9pm-2am Thursday. Just Joey, John Curley and Funky Couture also spin. $5 until midnight; $10 after.

And the beat goes on . . . all weekend long:

THURSDAY

Summer's not over, damnit! So get out your frilliest frocks and slickest slacks for the first-ever Common Threads World Cookout at Fulton's On The River. The event raises money for after-school cooking programs for disadvantaged children, and will include a walk-around tasting from chefs Stephanie Izard (Top Chef Season 4; The Drunken Goat), Paul Virant (Vie), Bill Kim (Urban Belly), Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Rodelio Abilgot (Sunda), Radhika Desai (Top Chef Season 5), Gale Gand (TRU), James Gottwald Rockit Bar & Grill, Giuseppe Tentori (Boka), Toni Roberts (C-House), Jonathan Fox (La Madia), Mark Mendez (Carnivale), Dominique Tougne (Bistro 110), Greg Biggers (Fulton’s on the River), Sarah Grueneberg (Cafe Spiaggia), Robert Andrea (Jake Melnick’s), Rick Gresh (David Burke’s Primehouse), and Suzanne Imaz and Martial Noguier (Café de Architectes). Oh yeah, there's an open bar. 6:30-9:30pm. $75.

The Art of Martini sounds like a fun, interactive party that should get people talking to one another again. Guests will learn how to make five signature martinis as they socialize. It's also a fundraiser for one guy's entrance into the Chicago Marathon, so that's all good too. 6-9pm at Three Peas Art Lounge. $35.

Bar Novo—a slick lounge with an "interactive chef’s station"—quietly opens today at the Renaissance Hotel. We're looking forward to the hand-crafted cocktails, signature local beers and extensive wine list.

Indulge in an evening of "Greek Chic" at A Night in the Kouzina, happening at River East Art Center. The chef-driven event includes tastings from George Bumbaris (Prairie Grass Cafe), Carrie Nahabedian (NAHA), David Schneider (Taxim) and Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven). Benefits the National Hellenic Museum. 6-9pm. $85.



House-made push-ups created by Sofitel Executive Pastry Chef Suzanne Imaz will be one of the treats at the "Common Threads World Cookout." (Photo: Sofitel Chicago)


FRIDAY

The 24th annual Berghoff Oktoberfest culminates with a performance by Modern Day Romeos. The event occurs at Federal Plaza at Dearborn and Adams, which is right down the street from Berghoff itself. 5-9pm. Free.

SATURDAY

Yet another Chicago Gourmet Dine Around participant is Japonais, which is offering an awesome prix-fixe, three-course menu that comes with one glass of wine. $50. After your meal, head down to the sexy lower-level lounge where a deejay spins eclectic beats until 1:30am.

SUNDAY

Gemini Bistro starts brunch service today, and we cannot wait to get our hands on the Stuffed Vanilla Brioche French Toast (drizzled with mascarpone cheese and sweet cherry jam), Cap Cod Lobster Roll, and Brunch Punch, with fresh orange, fresh pineapple, grenadine and a dark rum floater.

Samba Hour happens 4-7pm every Sunday through Thursday at Sushi Samba rio. You'll get small tasty $2, $3 and $4 bites like soy glazed edamame, spicy crunchy tuna roll, Japanese chicken wings and crispy yellowtail taquitos.

MONDAY

And get ready for the first-ever Flat Top Grill to serve breakfast. Located in the downtown Sullivan Center, it'll feature the same concept of filling a bowl with ingredients that the grill cooks prepare. Omelettes, egg scrambles, pancakes and French toast are offered as a base for the main breakfast dish, with fresh food line offerings fruit, chocolate chips, and an assortment of vegetables, cheeses and meats.

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 . . .