Plans Underway for Former De La Costa Space

It's too spectacular a space to waste, so I was pretty relieved to hear from an Ultimate Insider that there's currently construction going down at the former De La Costa venue at 465 E. Illinois St., in Streeterville.

Say 'Hello' To My Little Friend!

(Photo: Sprinkles Cupcakes)


Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Wanna know how to get free Sprinkles Cupcakes all summer long?!

Ohhhhh, What A Dish!

Proceeds from Phillip Foss's étouffée with soft-shell crawfish, Andouille-filled chicken and Absinthe bubbles will benefit those suffering from the Gulf oil spill. (Photo: Lockwood)


There's no excuse why we shouldn't be dining well every weekend, especially given all the amazing eats around town.

Lockwood's Phillip Foss is doing his part by offering a tasty New Orleans-inspired dish that also helps those affected by the Gulf oil spill.

Half of the proceeds from his étouffée made with soft-shell crawfish, Andouille-filled chicken and Absinthe bubbles will support Protect Our Coastline Foundation.

It's $16 and will be on the menu through Sept. 1.

More great eats . . . and also beats to last you all weekend . . .

Graham Elliot Bowles Responds . . .

(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

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'

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.

Food Fight! Chicago Mag vs. Graham Elliot Bowles

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 . . .

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.