Chicago Restaurant Week(s) Return!

Brace yourself.

A slew of local restaurants are set to participate this winter in a number of events meant to celebrate Chicago's vibrant dining scene.

First up is West Town's first-ever Dining Around event, happening Jan. 15-mid-March. Popular Near West Side spots like Arami, Leopold and Ruxbin will add special dishes to their menus and diners get "passports" to track their eating adventures. They'll be able to use the passports for special dining deals in the future.

Get 'Interactive' During 'National Pizza Week'

Frasca's signature Margherita pizza. (Photo: Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar)

You've probably just started some sort of healthy eating plan for the New Year, yet next week is already encouraging you to fall off the wagon.

Who could resist National Pizza Week, running Jan. 9-12?! That also means restos will see more activity than ever, and we're certain they'll have plenty of specials in store.

Lakeview's Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar gets in on the action as well, offering complimentary t-shirts for the first 50 people who order pizzas on Jan. 9, a free Margherita pizza coupon with the purchase of one on Jan. 10, and buy one, get one free on any pizza on the menu Jan. 11.

But we're more excited about the National Pizza Week cooking class, which is an awesome activity for those who want to learn how to make those delicious savory pies at home.

Saturday Last Day For One Sixtyblue

No word on the fate of one sixtyblue Executive Chef Michael McDonald. (Photo: one sixtyblue)

We're not even a week into the New Year, and yet another prominent Chicago restaurant announced a closing.

Wednesday afternoon one sixtyblue dropped the bomb that its last day of service will be Saturday:

Chef Wants To Bring 'Quality' Dining To S.Side

Jennifer Gavin of Catered Excellence. (Photo: Jennifer Gavin)

Until now, we haven't heard much from Jennifer Gavin, the charismatic chef who appeared a few seasons back on FOX-TV's Hell's Kitchen and then went on to helm the kitchen at The Big Easy in Hyde Park.

That's namely because the Orland Park-based toque has been on the road catering for a number of high-profile bands and productions, including the likes of Usher, American Idol Live Tour, So You Think You Can Dance Tour and Nickelback.

But it appears that she's been itching to get back into a restaurant kitchen because she posted this status to her Facebook page Tuesday:

A Good Day For Some Fondue . . .

Aged Cheddar & Guinness Fondue photo via steamykitchen.com.

It's bone-chilling cold outside, so this story's right on time.

The Wall Street Journal just posted a roundup of the country's best fondue spots, and Geja's in Lincoln Park made the cut:

"Geja's serves just one, classic Gruyère fondue, available as a main meal or as a prelude to a hot oil fondue course featuring lobster, beef and a variety of other meats of your choosing."

Yum times 10 . . .

Rockit's Big Plan in the New Year?!

Rockit Ranch Productions partners Brad Young (from left), Billy Dec and Arturo Gomez. (Photo: Rockit Ranch Productions)

Last March I wrote about Rockit Ranch Productions' next project—an Asian-themed concept based on the team's New York dining adventures at 14 restaurants in 14 hours.

And now I have more information.

Pop the Cork for a NYE to Remember

It really isn't too late to get on those New Year's Eve plans.

And to get you moving in the right direction, I stopped by The U's You & Me This Morning Tuesday to offer my Top 5 Dining Picks for NYE.

Also, if you're one of those ambitious types who gathers the folks for New Year's Day brunch, Eater Chicago's got you covered with their picks on a nifty map that'll come in handy.

Happy New Year!

Top 10 Communal-Table Dining Spots

Diners enjoying a meal at a communal table at Telegraph. Photo via michiganavemag.com.

If you're looking to close out the year with good friends or family, check out Michigan Avenue's Top 10 list of Best Communal-Table Dining Spots in the city.

It includes the usual suspects, plus 2011 newcomers Grange Hall Burger Bar in the West Loop and hot Logan Square wine bar Telegraph.