Sola Stays Put; Plans For Relocation Scrapped

(Photo: sola)

Just got word that Carol Wallack, owner/chef of popular North Center's sola, has scrapped plans to relocate to downtown this spring.

Instead, she's going to stay in the original space, and plans will soon be underway for some remodeling. In addition, she'll make the menu of Hawaiian-inspired dishes more affordable and neighborhood friendly.

It will remain open during the changes.

The Biggest A-Hole In The World?!

A server at a popular Lakeview eatery Saturday didn't find the humor in the above photo of a customer's receipt.

Apparently, the brunch guest—who happened to be a financial analyst—thought it would be a good idea to leave his "two cents" in lieu of a tip because he felt the establishment "needed faster cooks." Oh, and to add insult to injury, he drew a picture of a smiley face emoticon.

She had some advice for him as well:

The Office Is Achatz's 'Secret' Bar . . .

Nick Kokonas (left) and Grant Achatz of Alinea are opening The Office on the lower level of The Aviary in April. (Photo: Alinea)

What a sneaky little article the Sun-Times' Janet Fuller wrote on The Aviary Friday.

Buried at the bottom of the story was a bit about a speakeasy that owners Nick Kokonas and Grant Achatz are apparently planning on the lower level of the Warehouse District bar when it debuts in April:

". . . know that in the basement of Aviary will be a tiny bar called the Office, behind a door marked 'Office,' with yet its own food and drink menu, and to which 'we either invite you, or you book it,' Kokonas says."

Oooof. And now there is a video walkthrough of The Aviary space!

Freebies . . . on Friday . . .

Artisan chocolate and cheese paired with wine at Eno. (Photo: Eno)

Betcha didn't know today was National Drink Wine Day.

And now that you do, it's time to do something about it. My recommendation is to head over to Eno after work and wind down with a glass or two. If you do, you'll get a complimentary piece of artisan chocolate.

To get the sweet treat, all you have to do is "check in" on Twitter, Foursquare or Facebook and show your phone to the sommelier. Available this Friday only.

Even more deals to indulge in all weekend:

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.