GT Fish & Oyster Launches Lunch & More Openings

Gnocchi with Black Squid Ink, Carrot Lobster Broth, Prawns and Fava Beans at GT Fish & Oyster (Photo via Krebs' Foodspotting page)

This is exciting news for those who work in the River North area.

GT Fish & Oyster's lunch program starts Monday. Now you don't have to wait until 4pm to dig into the luscious lobster roll, various seafood pasta dishes and mussels.

Unfortunately for the first week or so, the entire food menu won't be available, but if you're going for a liquid lunch, you'll be able to order all the cocktails.

Sip 'n' Shop with Adam Seger Drinks at Whole Foods

(Photos: Adam Seger)

Well, this makes perfect sense.

Top mixologist Adam Seger's hella obsessed with using fresh and local ingredients in his cocktails, so he must be like a kid in a candy store at Lincoln Park's biggest Whole Foods Market, where he's in charge of designing their new alcoholic beverage program.

In addition to having access to all the produce in the store, he'll also use spirits from local distilleries like North Shore Gin No. 6, Koval Rye Chicago, hum Botanical Spirit, Koval Chrysanthemum-Honey Liqueur, Death's Door Organic Vodka and Templeton Rye.

The new menu launches this weekend, so if you're there shopping, you should check it out. There's nothing like stumbling through the grocery store with a cart in one hand and cocktail in the other.

Here's the list created by Seger and hum Ambassador and Advanced Mixologist Jenny Kessler:

Sola Goes All Out To Help Employee in Need

Sola's Carol Wallack with Jason Skorup. (Photo: sola)

Jason Skorup—a friendly, yet towering presence known for charming guests at sola—has fallen on hard times due to an illness that's left him with mounting medical bills.

And while he's moved back to his native San Diego, his colleagues at the delightful North Center restaurant have not forgotten about him. Owner/chef Carol Wallack has come up with two ways to help him by creating a cocktail in Skorup's honor as well as a fundraiser.

Perennial Virant Brunch Debuts This Weekend . . .

Perennial Virant Pastry Chef Kady Yon makes sticky buns for new brunch menu. (Photo: Kevin Boehm)

Kevin Boehm, co-owner of Boka Restaurant Group's Perennial Virant, went a little nuts on Twitter Wednesday, as he tweeted a bunch of photos of dishes to expect on the new brunch menu.

Some of the highlights we're looking forward to:

Put An End to 'Flash Mob Muggings' NOW

These so-called "flash mob muggings" that have happened in the Loop and Near North Side in recent days have everyone on edge because of their violent nature and sophisticated misuse of social media.

And with the attacks happening in prominent areas frequented by tourists, diners and clubgoers (most of whom are carrying/wearing valuables), any one of us can easily become a victim.

These cowards are descending upon their victims in groups of 15 or 20, beating and robbing them. And while I'm certain the Chicago Police Department is on the case, and is doing everything they can at the moment, we must also be proactive so that we do not also become victims.

Chef Chides Resto Over Bad Service

Ryan Poli of Tavernita.

What happens in this day and age when a chef has a bad experience at another restaurant?! He blogs about it, of course.

Such was especially the case when Tavernita's Ryan Poli (who's also set to compete this summer on Bravo's Rocco's Dinner Party) took to his tumblr to express his thoughts on a not-so positive experience at dinner Monday:

Lawry's New Evening Concept Goes Casual

Pastrami Panini with Horseradish Havarti & Sauerkraut (Photo: Lawry's The Prime Rib)

You know Lawry's best as that spot you go to for business dinners and family gatherings. It's had that rap for a long time (37 years to be exact), but now the iconic prime rib restaurant is working on loosening up its image.

They're hoping to do so with the launch of the Evening Ale & Sandwich Bar, which happens daily (Saturday at 4:30pm; Sunday at 3:30pm) with a casual menu of sandwiches, bar snacks, appetizers, charcuterie and local cheeses. They've also expanded the beverage menu to include cocktails, local beers and even the Lawry's Signature Brown Gown Ale on tap.

Lolla 'Chow Town' Headed By Graham Elliot Again

(Photo: Graham Elliot)

Eater Chicago got the scoop on restaurants serving up at Lollapalooza's Chow Town, and of course the list is tight.

Graham Elliot returns as the popular music fest's culinary ambassador, and he's bringing along even more of his culinary pals along for the ride.