L20's New Burger Hits R.J. Grunts' Menu

Chef Matthew Kirkley's "Star Burger" is now on the menu at R.J. Grunts. (Photo: LEYE)

This is so wild because I was just discussing the idea of high-profile Lettuce chefs coming up with gourmet burgers just the other day!

Apparently, L20 hot shot Matthew Kirkley has collaborated with sister restaurant—and iconic burger joint—R.J. Grunts for a new gourmet burger.

Tru's Levitating Dish, Monkey Business & More

This amuse of house-made potato crisp, crème fraîche and reserve Kaluga caviar from Tru really is levitating. (Photos: Tru)

When Tru Executive Chef Anthony Martin first told me about a so-called "levitating" caviar dish he recently created for the restaurant's latest menu, I gave him some serious side eye. It just didn't seem possible.

So I had to go see for myself. That dish, an amuse of house-made potato crisp, crème fraîche and reserve Kaluga caviar, miraculously and momentarily floated in the air and set the pace for the next 14 plates to come.

"It's kind of an out-of-this-world (experience)," said Martin to his astonished staff in this amazing video (set to the music of rap star Lil' Wayne) of the dish in action. Alas, he'll only divulge this little tidbit about the magic: magnets, polarity and temperature. I actually don't blame him!


The "naturally inspired" collection of "Array of River Salmon."

Martin came to Tru almost four years ago to work as a sous chef and was groomed to take over as executive chef/partner in late 2009. Previously, he worked at the three-starred Michelin rated Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas.

This is a chef who is quickly coming into his own, and he credits much of that influence to the time he clocked at Robuchon. "I learned many techniques that have helped shaped my menus today," he said.

In his current and upcoming menus, Martin showcases a little gimmicky flavor as with Levitation, but his biggest goal is to wow his customers with dishes that actually taste good.

Now This Looks Really Fun . . .

This should hold us off as we continue to wait with bated breath for that still unnamed Melman tiki-lounge concept in River North.

Kitsch'n On Roscoe is doing a tiki-themed, pop-up event—for one night only—6-11pm August 2. This is part of a new series of events they're doing to promo the new private menu options.

For the occasion, they're going all out with a $25 three-course, prix-fixe menu, Polynesian-themed cocktails, exotica-type music and a decor blown out in full tiki theme. Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited.

Here's what to expect on the menu:

Get A Sneak Preview of BellyQ Saturday!

Yvonne Cadiz Kim and Bill Kim of BellyQ.

Chef Bill Kim and his wife, Yvonne Cadiz Kim, are one step closer to opening the West Loop's next sensation, Belly Q, in the old onesixty blue space.

To generate a little buzz, they're doing a complimentary tasting noon-2pm Saturday at FoodEase, in Water Tower Place. Guests will get a taste of what's to come: Asian barbecue and seasonal, locally farmed ingredients.

Celebrate Summer with a Significant Other

Alfresco diners on a perfect night on the town.

Sometimes you want to hang out with the girls or the guys at a rowdy outdoor café, and other times you just want to chill with a sig other—on a quiet patio far away from the action.

For those rare occasions, we’ve lined up the ideal situations where you can drink and dine in relative peace, from sipping sparkling Italian vino at Prosecco to a cozy Sunday morning brunch with Bloodys at Southport & Irving.

'Top Chef' Stars To Bartend At Hotel Thrillist

Chefs Grayson Schmitz (left) and Dale Levitski

Just about every notable local bartender will be away this weekend for the annual Tales of the Cocktail down in New Orleans.

Of course you'll still be able to get a well-made cocktail around town (or maybe stick to drinking beer or wine!), but their absence leaves room for some other stars to shine behind the bar.

Specifically it's a couple of chefs you may have heard about: Top Chef alums Grayson Schmitz and Dale Levitski, who will serve as special celebrity bartenders at the Hotel Thrillist.

Important Fundraiser For MANA Line Cook

Ashley Pruneau (Photo: Facebook)

MANA Food Bar line cook Ashley Pruneau was brutally attacked with a hammer in her home earlier this month by an unknown assailant. The guy beat her around the head so badly that she required emergency surgery, but she's going to require another one. Add to that the mounting hospital bills, and she's in dire need of some assistance.

According to Eater Chicago, MANA's already set up a recovery fund, and now one of her former employers, Letizia's Fiore, is also pitching in.

How To Be A VIP at GT Fish & Oyster . . .

GT Fish & Oyster partners Kevin Boehm (left) and Giuseppe Tentori possibly discussing their next VIP customer. (Photo: GT Fish & Oyster)

If you're like me, you've seen those coveted, bronzed nameplates at GT Fish & Oyster's bar and seriously wanted to be down.

Now the secret's out in this new video on how to get one with your name brandished across it. It's not an easy task at all, but I think a 312 Dining Diva nameplate would look awesome right in front of that oyster bar!