The Reality of the Beard Award Noms

Charles Joly (from left), Stephanie Izard and Dale Levitski were named semifinalists for the 2011 James Beard Awards.

Here's the entire list of the 2011 James Beard Foundation Awards Restaurant and Chef Award Semifinalists, which was released Thursday morning, and you'll be happy to know that Chicago represented.

Three of Chicago's nominees are pretty much celebrities in their own right:

Ryan Poli Leaving Perennial For Mercadito Start-Up

Chef Ryan Poli of Perennial. (Photo: Perennial)

The word's out and Eater busted the story wide open Wednesday afternoon.

Ryan Poli, Perennial's colorful executive chef, is apparently leaving his post to helm Mercadito's new venture in the old Martini Park space.

Words of the Week . . .

Blue 13's Dan Marunowski. (Photo: Blue 13)

"Has internet made people lose the ability to hold conversations over the phone? I'm taking reservations @Blue13Chicago and it's painful..."—Tweet from Blue 13 partner Dan Marunowski

Stanley's Kitchen & Tap Lands At O'Hare

Original Stanley's Kitchen & Tap in Lincoln Park. (Photo: Stanley's Kitchen & Tap)

One thing's for sure, you won't see any travelers belting out "Proud Mary" karaoke style when the O'Hare location for Stanley's Kitchen & Tap opens Feb. 26 in Terminal 2.

But they'll get to experience the down-home flavors for which the Lincoln Park institution has become known, including fried chicken, Southern-style brunch and more.

According to an Ultimate Insider, the owners have partnered with the Chicago Blackhawks for this venture, which means that it'll be pretty sports oriented as well.

'Chicago Restaurant Week' Starts Friday!

The Dover Sole at Benny's Chop House is one of the featured deals during the third-annual Chicago Restaurant Week. (Photo: Benny's Chop House)

It's time again for the third-annual Chicago Restaurant Week, happening Friday through Feb. 27.

The 10-day event features special prix-fixe menus of $22 for lunch and $33-$44 for dinner. Benny's Chop House, in River North, however, is the only spot featuring its special lunch menu all month long.

Make reservations now if you want to get the deals all over town because they will sell out!

One Big Year For Benjamin Schiller

Ben Schiller photo via Chicago Reader

As head mixologist for Boka Restaurant Group (Boka, Girl & The Goat, GT Fish & Oyster, Landmark, Perennial), Ben Schiller is one of the hardest-working guys in Chicago's ever-growing spirits scene. That's why it came as a bit of a shock when we found out he was taking on yet another major project.

The multitasking, multi-talented bar star also consults over at the just-opened River North lounge, Hubbard Inn, owned by the team from English and LaSalle Power Co.

End Your Evening With A Sexy Nightcap

Soooo, you've already picked out an outfit, bought a gift, and made those Valentine's Day dinner reservations, but something's missing.

How about a change of venue after dinner . . . something a bit sexier to set the mood for things to come?!

Check these recommendations around town of where to enjoy the perfect little nightcap:

Freebies . . . on Friday . . .

Find out how this sushi from Sunda can be yours for free! (Photo: Sunda)

Low on cash, but got an appetite for the good life?! Every Friday, 312DD features the best bargain bets around town:

District: You'll get 30 percent off your entire tab tonight only at this upscale sports lounge in River North.