Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Graham Elliot Bowles Responds . . .

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(Photo: Graham Elliot)


. . . to the brouhaha caused by the Chicago mag critique of the "Lollapalooza" dishes.

The celeb chef actually posted his remarks in the comments section in the original story on 312DD, but I felt the need to give it a post on its own:

It Ain't Over Yet: Another Chef on 'Lolla' Food Fight

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Inovasi chef/owner John des Rosiers (Photo: Inovasi)


As busy as his restaurant's been these last few months, we're shocked Inovasi owner/chef John des Rosiers has enough time to sleep let alone sit down and write.

Nevertheless, he took to his blog Wednesday to express his views on the "Lollapalooza" food fight between Chicago magazine and chef Graham Elliot Bowles:

What They're Cooking at 'Chefs and the City'

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Participants at last year's "Chefs and the City" event at the Peninsula. (Photos: Vital Bridges)


Fashion and great food.

Life cannot get any better than that.

Vital Bridges combines the two passions with Chefs and the City, its sixth-annual cocktail party and fashion show at the Peninsula 6-10pm Thursday.

Thirty of Chicago's most noted chefs are taking part in the event by whipping up unique signature bites for guests to enjoy during a walkaround tasting. We asked around to find out what some of them were making for the big, sold-out soiree, and wow!, guests are certainly in for a treat.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Food Fight! Chicago Mag vs. Graham Elliot Bowles

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Chefs, like artists, are sensitive as hell.

Ask Graham Elliot Bowles of the whimsical River North eatery that's made him a star at Lollapalooza as well as a colorful fixture on "Top Chef Masters."

Tuesday he went hard on Chicago Magazine because he didn't like its review of the cuisine that'll be served at the three-day music festival happening in August.

His words cut right through the bone in a Twitter message directed at the magazine:

Haters Gon' Be Haters . . .

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I hope this isn't some sort of trend.

In March, Sarah's Pastries & Candies was robbed, and thieves made off with several items, including $2,000 in cash, a laptop and printer.

Karyn's Fresh Corner had its window broken in May, with someone taking $1,000.

Now comes word that the favorite gelato spot of Girl & The Goat owner/chef Stephanie Izard has also fallen victim to hoodlums.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Urban Burger Bar, Sono Wood Fired Opening Soon

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Urban Burger Bar's "High Hog," a BBQ pork burger with Applewood smoked bacon, ham, Wisconsin white cheddar and apple-cabbage slaw. (Photo: Urban Burger Bar)


If you've been wondering what's going on at that construction site at North and Clybourn, 312DD's got the scoop for ya.

Look for Urban Burger Bar and its adjacent Sono Wood Fired to open in the Clybourn Corridor by the end of July.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Esquire Writer Weighs in on Chicago Michelin Guide

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The Mayor and Jean-Luc Naret, worldwide director of the Michelin guides, are all laughs with The Michelin Man at the announcement party at A New Leaf. (Photo: Rick Aguilar Studios)


Every local media outlet's been abuzz about the prestigious Michelin guide finally coming to Chicago, and there's been sooooo much speculation on how many stars certain restaurants will get.

Even Esquire's controversial go-to food guy, John Mariani, weighed in with his predictions on how many stars Alinea, Blackbird, L2O and Moto will get:

Summer Hours=The Three Martini Lunch

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Don Draper of AMC's "Mad Men." (Photo: AMC)


Looks like our main man from "Mad Men" knew what he was doing when he took those long-ass lunches back in the day.

On the hit 1960s-era series, Don Draper appears to be at the top of his game after a few cocktails. The question is: Can you do the same?!

River North's District Bar wants to test your skills with The Don Draper Treatment, debuting Friday.