iPhone App Hooks You Up with Local Dining Deals

Soooo, what if you could have Chicago Restaurant Week all year long?! You know, daily deals on meals, cocktail specials and the 411 on the hottest restos sent directly to your phone?

You can now get the serious hookup with the new foodie iPhone application, which gets you significant discounts on more than 35 local restaurants and bars. The app launched quietly last week, offering exclusive deals on some pretty sweet, chef-driven spots such as Bluebird, Boka, MK, Province and Spring.

Created by food journo Ari Bendersky and digital strategist Matt Marcus, foodie costs $.99 per reservation and integrates Twitter and Facebook to encourage users to post about their experiences.

How perfect was the timing to launch this thing right in the heat of the holiday dining season!

Stage Bites: The Weekly Dining & Drinking Guide

"Death of a Salesman" is at Raven Theater through Jan. 16. (Photo: Raven Theater)


Every Monday look for the week's top performances paired with the best deals before and after the show:


Bear Down! at Fizz. Still salty about the latest Bears' loss?! Lick your wounds at this comedy featuring "Ghosts of Bears Quarterbacks Past," who'll give their thoughts on the disaster that is season 09-10. 8pm Wednesdays through Dec. 16. Get tickets here.

Frasca Pizza and Wine Bar: Wood-roasted pizzas and pastas made in a brick oven, with several seasonal delights. But we're still all about the signature Rustica pizza, topped with diced prosciutto, oven-dried tomatoes, basil pesto and smoked provolone.

Waterhouse: You're certain to be in a rowdy mood after the show, so head here for half-price wine (by bottle and glass), $4 beer selections and team trivia.

Wishbone: Pan-fried chicken and Southern-style vegetarian dishes are on tap every Wednesday, plus $3 pints of selected beers.


One of the signature pizzas at Frasca Pizza and Wine Bar. (Photo: Frasca Pizza and Wine Bar)


Death of a Salesman at Raven Theater. A highly regarded adaptation of Arthur Miller's depiction of traveling salesman Willy Loman, who's in desperate pursuit of the American Dream for his family. 8pm Dec. 5-6; 8pm Fridays, Saturdays and 3pm Sundays Dec. 11-Jan. 16. Get tickets here.

Big Jones: Load up on delicious, down-home delights with the Southern Table Dinner, which changes daily for $29. Plus, there's no other place in the area where you can chow down on fried-green tomatoes, fried frog legs and a fried chicken salad.

M. Henry: With so many yummy brunch options in Andersonville, it can be hard to choose from, but we'll go ahead and put this one in the number one slot. M. Henry gets it right when it comes to hotcakes, french toast and other breakfast favorites. What sounds good to us right now are the Mango & Sour Cherry Bliss Cakes, Cinnamon Raisin French Toast and Blackberry Bliss Cakes. Served till 3pm.

Uncommon Ground: The Honky Tonk Happy Hour's every Friday 6-8pm, and features live beats (this week it's The Dog Patch Ramblers), plus specials on Goose Island and shots of Templeton Rye whiskey.


Star Wars: In Concert at United Center. "Star Wars" fanatics should have the time of their lives at this event that includes a full orchestra and choir performing music from all six John Williams' scores, footage of films, plus an exclusive exhibit of "Star Wars" costumes, props, behind-the-scenes videos and more. 1pm, 6pm Sunday. Get tickets here.

Beer Bistro: They're doing 25 cent wings every Sunday, but if you hit them up before you head over to the early show order from the brunch menu. We're totally intrigued by the Biscuit Club—stuffed with eggs, bacon and avocado. There's also a breakfast pizza topped with sausage, bacon, cheese and three eggs sunny side up.

WestEnd Bar & Grill: Instead of getting caught up in crazy traffic at United Center parking lots, park here and take their trolley over to the show (they'll take you back to the bar too!). Tasty pre-show bites include Reuben rolls, Buffalo chicken rolls, and mini sandwiches of fish, burgers and pulled pork (three for $7; six for $11).

Ristorante We Due for Name Change?!

(Photo: Ristorante We)


Look for big changes to happen over at the W Chicago - City Center in early 2010 as ristorante we undergoes a major overhaul.

An Ultimate Insider tells 312DD that under its new executive chef (who started in November), the menu, decor and name will all evolve.

Right now they're cranking out pricey, Italian fare targeting mostly a corporate-card carrying crowd, but look for the menu to dramatically change to more approachable, economy-conscious courses soon.

As far as the name, that'll all be revealed next year . .

Secret's Out: Kith and Kin to Open in Lincoln Park

David Carrier opens Kith and Kin in the old La Canasta in Lincoln Park in December. (Photo: David Carrier)


Lincoln Park Mexican joint La Canasta quietly closed a few weeks ago and in its place will be Kith and Kin, helmed by David Carrier, a chef who's worked at The French Laundry, Trio and most recently his own spot, Avenue Sea Restaurant in Apalachicola, Fla.

As exclusively reported by 312DD, Carrier's restaurant plans to open the first week in December, but it's looking more like the second, according to the chef.

They've been working on getting the space ready for about four weeks under the radar, transforming it from a vibrant Latin setting to a more downscaled, neighborhood spot. Carrier says the name Kith and Kin, which means friends and family, is based off a famous line from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation ("The most enduring traditions of the season are best enjoyed in the warm embrace of kith and kin. Thith tree is a thymbol of the the thspirit of the Griswold family Chrithmath.")

Carrier says the menu will aptly complement the dining room, adding that it'll be "simple country food, no pretension, laid back and relatively inexpensive price points. Everything’s from scratch and we’ll shop locally when we can."

In the kitchen, he's assembled a merry crew of cooks, including Derek Crumpton, Matt Lair and Sam “Shotgun” Engleheart from his old Florida restaurant, plus former Pops for Champagne chef Andrew Brochu, who will lead the staff.

Carrier's also in talks with a number of local mixologists for consultation projects, but thus far the program is eight to nine beers on tap, 15 or so by bottle, and a number of affordable wines.

What Did Marcus Samuelsson Serve at the White House State Dinner?!

C-House executive chef Marcus Samuelsson had the honor Tuesday of cooking the Obamas' first-ever state dinner at the White House.

The esteemed guest list included the likes of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and First Lady Gursharan Kaur of India; CBS news anchor Katie Couric; ABC news anchor Robin Roberts; NBC news anchor Brian Williams; and Hollywood elite Steven Spielberg, David Geffen, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Steven Spielberg, Alfre Woodard and Blair Underwood.

Samuelsson's menu, in honor of the Indian prime minister and first lady, fused Indian and American favorites, including curried prawns and smoked collard greens, chick peas and okra, basmati rice and red lentil soup, and a pumpkin pie tart to finish.

See the entire menu here.

Hot Floridian Chef Makes a Move to Chicago

It totally sucks that VTK's closing at the end of the year, but an Ultimate Insider dropped a dime in the inbox that should put a smile on folks' faces:

"Chef David Carrier who (owned) Avenue Sea Restaurant in Apalachicola, Fla., and who was Grant Achatz's sous (chef) at Trio and also an alum of French Laundry, is opening a spot in Lincoln Park next week. One of Chicago's finest will be helping him in da kitchen too. Juicy."

Begged my source to get me more deets, but no go. So, in the meantime, the questions that remain about this mysterious resto:

The name?!

The location?!

And the chef who's helping him in the kitchen?!

My guess for incoming chef would be former Pops for Champagne chef Andrew Brochu, who left in October and is also an alum of Achatz's famed Alinea restaurant.

We'll see what happens next week!

Lava Lounge is Closing!

Lava Lounge serves its last cocktail on Dec. 18, making way for a new concept in January. (Photo: Lava Lounge)


After only a few short years in its new location in Wicker Park, Lava Lounge is on the move again.

But this time the direction is its look, not location.

Owners Phil McFarland and Ty Fujimura (also behind SmallBar) have decided to shut it down on Dec. 18 to give it a complete overhaul—including a new name and concept.


Mixologist Peter Vestinos will be an integral part of the new post-Lava Lounge concept. (Photo: Peter Vestinos)


Also expect signature hand-crafted cocktails from master mixologist Peter Vestinos (who's consulted for the likes of Naha, C-View, Roof, In Fine Spirits), as well as exceptional wine, bubbly and craft brew lists.

Look for the new bar to open in January.

Turkeys, Tastings, Tina Turner!

It's one of the biggest party nights of the year, y'all.

Before you chow down on Turkey Day, 312DD's serving up the absolute best Black Wednesday bashes in town (plus a few extras for the weekend!):

WEDNESDAY

Since most folks get off early, the line starts forming around 3pm at Butch McGuire's, the legendary Division Street bar known for its retro Christmas decorations and flirtatious crowd. This is the only night of the year they're charging at the door too, so you know it's good! Pros: Fun, professional crowd. Cons: No drink specials. 3pm-4am. $10.

Methinks they're starting a new tradition at HUB 51, which has come to be known as a great spot to gather for after-work shenanigans. Deejays Alex Rage spins in HUB, while Will Galvan works the 'tables in the lower-level SUB 51. Pros: Better food than Butch McGuire's. Cons: Guest list enforced in SUB 51. 4pm-2am. No cover.

House music icon Frankie Knuckles spins his annual Thanksgiving party at Green Dolphin Street. Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, get ready to dance your ass off. Pros: The best dancers in the city come out to this party. Cons: If you cannot dance, get out of the way. 10pm-4am. $10; $20 after midnight.

Deejay Mark Fullaflava hosts and spins at this lively affair targeting an upscale urban crowd. It's held in the second-floor ballroom of the James Hotel, which also houses David Burke's Primehouse. Pros: The music will be amazing, with the latest in hip-hop, house and R&B. Cons: They can get mad shady at the door with the cover price. 9pm-2am.

Longtime sexy River North resto Kiki's Bistro hosts a complimentary tasting of Twisted Oak Winery's *%&@!" (Potty Mouth) red and Rueben's Blend white. They will also be doing by-the-bottle and glass options that'll go well with a number of small plates, including frog legs, lamb stew, smoked salmon and pommes frites. Pros: Ideal if you're looking for a low-key night with friends or a sig other. Cons: Seats at the bar typically fill up quickly. 5-9pm.

Bar owner Matt "Bird" Lindner—known for his massive afro—celebrates his birthday and 30 years in the biz tonight. It's going down at his after-hours dance club Le Passage, and the first 100 guests get an afro wig. Deejay White Shadow spins. Pros: C'mon now, the free 'fros! Cons: If you've been hangin' at the bars since early afternoon you might not last too long, this one goes late. 10pm-4am. Cover varies.

Jesse De La Pena's Backtrack party celebrates 10 years at Double Door. They're doing it up big with live performances, plus deejays de la Pena, 33 1/3 and Pumpin Pete spinning hits from the 1980s and 1990s. Pros: Jesse knows how to bring on the dance party, which is sorely needed in this town. Cons: We need to dance until 4am! 8pm-2am. $15.

The brothers behind McGee's, Duffy's, Durkin's, Redmond's, Wrightwood Tap and Maeve host their annual Turkey Trolley Trot. You'll get domestic drafts, punch, a food buffet and trolley service to all their bars. Pros: A great deal. Cons: Drunk, stumbling folks all over Lincoln Park. 8-11pm. $20.

FRIDAY

Tina Turner turns 70 and she's still working those amazing legs! To celebrate her fabulosity, Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club throws its annual bash in her honor with half-price cocktails, 20 percent off entrees and a three-course special menu for $30. Also, female impersonator Traci Ross performs as Ms. Turner. Pros: Drink specials! Cons: Never enough performances.

SATURDAY

The return of Red Dog debuts this weekend at Ohm, as it transforms into the legendary nightclub. This will happen every Saturday, featuring deep-house deejays such as Dennis Ferrer and Gene Farris. Pros: Multiple levels for gitting down. Cons: Only happens once a week. 10pm-4am. $10.