Drop Kick 'Bucket' for Fried Chicken with Flash

one sixtyblue's new "Fried Chicken & Champagne" deal happens every Wednesday. (Photo: one sixtyblue)


Who needs KFC when some fabulous top local chefs are putting their own unique spin on the classic Southern staple:

The Bristol's Chris Pandel visited Charleston, S.C., earlier this year and he couldn't wait to get back in the kitchen to hook up some of the dishes he sampled while there. Right now, he's doing a country-fried quail he's dubbed "Southern finger food." First, he marinates the bird in a molasses-maple brine before rolling it around in cornmeal and deep frying it. Then he gives the side dish of okra the same cornmeal treatment. Complemented with a house-made buttermilk ranch dressing, this down-home dish is certain to satisfy. $14.

one sixtyblue just introduced a new Wednesday night deal in the Blue Bar. Get ready for Fried Chicken & Champagne, chef Michael McDonald's mouthwatering meal that's certain to become a favorite in these parts of the Randolph Street Restaurant Row. For $8, you'll get two pieces of Amish-raised chicken that's been flavored with espresso grinds and gumbo file, then fried until golden. The bird's served with hand-sliced potato wedges, Asian pear coleslaw and buttermilk drop biscuits slathered with homemade honey butter. The bubbly, however, is extra: Dom Pérignon ($25 a glass) or Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial ($8 a glass). If you're not doing champagne, they also feature a nice selection of craft beers for $4.

And Art Smith's glamorous, celebrity haven, Table Fifty-Two, has been 312DD's favorite Sunday night delight since it opened a few years ago. That's the only night they serve ginormous portions of Art's signature buttermilk fried chicken paired with mashed roasted garlic Yukon Gold potatoes for $18. That's more than enough food, trust us, but you'll definitely want to get a side or two. We recommend the three-cheese mac; braised collard greens with smoked turkey; or hand-cut fries with Manchego cheese and smoked paprika.

Fall's Best Ball Showcases Rising Star Chefs

John des Rosiers, executive chef/owner of Inovasi in Lake Bluff, is one of many rising stars set to cook at the annual "Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball." (Photo: Inovasi)


It seems like there's some chef-focused fête going on every week, where the city's anointed culinary kings and queens gather for a good cause while doling out signature bites of sweet and savory stuff.

But the Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball, now in its 21st year, is the one that started them all. In its early days, the event was a modest Sunday brunch in a court yard, but now it's a grand affair, boasting the A-Listers (Stephanie Izard, The Drunken Goat; Jimmy Bannos, Heaven on Seven; Paul Kahan, Blackbird) as well as those on the come up (John des Rosiers, Inovasi; Michael Fiorello, Mercat a la Planxa; Nick Lacasse The Drawing Room).

What we love about this event is that it caters to both the foodie and the fashionista with two parties in one: The high rollers come early for The Chef's Table ($250), a VIP, seated dining experience that's very intimate with the chefs. Immediately following is the Chef Tasting Party ($100), a walk-around cocktail event that's high energy with apps from the star chefs, deejay, open bar, casino gaming, an interactive photo booth and live music.

The Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball occurs Oct. 16 at Macy's (111 N. State St.). The Chef's Table (which includes the Chef Tasting Party) starts at 6pm; Chef Tasting Party goes down 8pm-12:30am.

Check here for tickets and the full celebrity chef lineup.

Now there's a video too!

He did it again!

Last week, the staff at Table Fifty-Two was treated to this, and now Tuesday's column from Bill Zwecker gives us yet another gem:

"Mikhail Baryshnikov, here for his Harris Theater gigs, slipped into Hub 51 in River North for some short ribs."

Too bad he's definitely gone now!

One Tweet Tells It All . . .

Koren Grieveson, chef de cuisine at avec. (Photo: Jessica Tampas Photography)


Did avec chef Koren Grieveson just let the cat out of the bag on Twitter on when Paul Kahan's new spot is opening?!

"October 18th. james beard dinner @ the publican! avec, publican, and blackbird 5 course dinner. after party @ the new restaurant!"

UPDATE: More info from publicist: "All guests attending (James Beard) event will be offered a complimentary invitation to the chef's after party at the (former) Pontiac space, offering a preview of the bar and takeout taqueria project, slated to open the end of October. The party begins at 11:30pm."

If this thing hasn't sold out yet, it will certainly now! Get more info on event here.

Who will get the bid?!

A lot of Chicagoans are waiting anxiously for Friday's announcement on which city will get the bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

It happens at noon CST, and the city's official celebratory rally's going down at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St.). If you're not feeling standing around with a bunch of random folks, here's where else you can go to watch:

Cans: Doors open at 10:30am at the rowdy Bucktown bar, where you can watch the results as well as catch the Blackhawks' season opener in Finland against the Florida Panthers. Get the famous wings, chicken sandwiches or mini burgers.

Hard Rock Cafe: Nab a seat early when the doors open at 10am, and catch all the voting rounds. Also, get $5 off any bill $25 or more when you mention "2016."

Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse: The Olympic Committee Lunch Menu includes a number of items the actual Olympic committee enjoyed during their final meal in Chicago. The $20.16, three-course deal features wedge salad, Harry’s signature bone-in chicken Vesuvio and flourless chocolate truffle cake. They're also doing a signature cocktail: The Chicago Gold (Bacardi, Grand Marnier, creme de banana, orange juice) for $10. All proceeds from that cocktail go to Chicago 2016.

Lizzie McNeill's: You'll get an "all-American" lunch special, including $1 hot dogs, burgers and beef sandwiches. Also, $2 Bud Lights.

Park 52: If you're around the Hyde Park area—a stone's throw from the site of the proposed arena—a lunch viewing party kicks off at 11am with special noshes like the Ancient Greek Games Burger, a Greek turkey burger with hand-cut fries or salad; Red White and Bleu Burger, with bacon and bleu cheese; and Windy City BBQ, a half-slab of house-smoked baby back ribs and signature Park 52 sauce.

Tavern at the Park: And they're doing a number of drink and lunch deals here as well, with a portion of the proceeds from the 2016tini cocktail benefiting Chicago 2016.

Go, Chicago!

Get That Sweet Tooth Ready: Andersonville Dessert Crawl Returns

Cherry cheesecake. The flakiest baklava. And, oh yeah, chewy brownies with nuts.

That's what you have to look forward to at the annual Andersonville Dessert Crawl, where you'll get to sample sweets from more than 30 spots in the area.

What's really cool about this is event is that you can do it three ways: Go the Spice Route with deals from the likes of Big Jones, M. Henry and Charlie's Ale House. How about hitting up the Sugar Route for delish bites from George's Ice Cream and Sweets, Hamburger Mary's and La Cocina de Frida. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can buy a ticket for them both.

Each route is $25 ($30 at door); $40 for both ($55 at door).

Andersonville Dessert Crawl happens 2-5pm Oct. 11. Get tickets
here.

Hester Scores Us Free Berry Chill Again!

The Bears just scored big against the Seattle Seahawks (25-19), so you know what that means:

Wide receiver Devin Hester loves Berry Chill, and because he scored a touchdown again, they're giving away The Hester—a 5 oz. original yogurt topped with his fave flavors: mango, pineapple and Gummi Bears (In fact, every time Hester nabs a touchdown this season, you'll get his signature Berry Chill dessert the day after).

Available at all locations Monday only.

Get Ready for Belly Shack . . .

Bill Kim in the kitchen of Urban Belly.


We've been licking our chops, waiting for Belly Shack to open for months now.

But the wait is almost over, now that the sensational Bill Kim, of Urban Belly fame, is set to debut his second installation of the offbeat noodle bar some time in October.

In the meantime, we came across this video, which offers a sneak preview of what to expect of its interior. He's contracted local purveyors of retro style, Urban Remains, which has reclaimed turn-of-the-century lighting fixtures to give it an edge.

We also came across another video that gives you an idea of the sound track you'll experience when you walk in the door. The L.A.-based Italian music composer Giorgio Piovan is in charge of setting the mood, which will vary from hip-hop beats during peak hours to something a little more chilled out and globally focused at other times.

We cannot wait to see the end result!