Top Chef Alum Takes Over Bonsoiree On August 22

Next week's a big one for Beverly Kim (aria), the spunky Top Chef contestant from Season 9.

Kim and husband Johnny Clark (C-House) officially take over the reigns at Shin Thompson's Michelin-starred Bonsoiree on August 22.

According to Eater Chicago, at that point they'll introduce a 12-course "tasting menu and the restaurant's new beverage program" with "ingredients like geoduck, Wisconsin crayfish, foie gras and bat ping soo."

Here's a look at the opening menu.

Exotic stuff!

Top Chef's Paul Qui Headlines ‘A Magnificent Taste’

Paul Qui, the newest "Top Chef" champ, headlines "A Magnificent Taste" in late August.

On August 28, there will be not two, but three Top Chef winners in Chicago. That's because Season 9 winner Paul Qui will headline the first-ever A Magnificent Taste, a culinary event kicking off MasterCard's Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival.

The event takes place at Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Ave.) with the Austin-based chef hooking up guests with signature, seasonal bites. Joining him will be Anthony Martin (Tru), Arnie Tellez (Shaw's Crab House), Doug Psaltis (RPM Italian), Lee Wolen (The Peninsula Chicago), Patricio Sandoval (Mercadito), Rick Gresh (David Burke's Primehouse), Nathan Huntington (Argent Restaurant & Raw Bar), Ryan Poli (Tavernita), Joseph Rosetti (Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse), Federico Comacchio (Phil Stefani's 437 Rush) and Paul Katz (Sweetwater Tavern and Grille).

Crazy Blind Item About Michelin-Starred Chef!

This dropped in my inbox last night:

"(Redacted) put in the back of a squad car for shooting fireworks off on (Redacted) Avenue for the second night this week at 10:30 at night on a Wednesday. And we are talking about huge fireworks, not little ones."

This is one of the biggest chefs in the city, by the way. In fact, this particular culinary star has a Michelin star . . .

UPDATE: Whoops. Eater Chicago let the cat out the bag.

Where-Are-They-Now Look At Former Trotter Staffers

Illustration via John Ueland/Crain's Chicago Business

If you cannot see the names, go here.

The coolest tribute I've seen thus far . . .

What Your Favorite Chefs Are Up To . . .

Former Japonais chef Gene Kato is moonlighting at Red Violet. (Photo via Time Out Chicago)

A recent dinner at one of my all-time favorites in the city brought an unexpected joy: the Red Curry Biscuit at Blackbird.

Chef David Posey pairs it with roasted lobster, but on this particular evening, we were only interested in that biscuit. You know how spots like Balena and Vera are now charging $3-$7 for bread service?! Yeah, it was that good.

The biscuit was infused with just enough curry to give it kick, but still maintained that familiar buttermilk flavor.

Here are some other cool things chefs are doing around town:

Food Trucks Serving Up Sweet Treats

We all scream for Chi-Scream's ice cream sandwiches. (Photo: Chi-Scream)

You know what?!

Those sweet rides rolling around town (Chi-Scream, More Cupcakes, Star Fruit, for example) can serve as the perfect pickup when you're feeling sluggish mid-afternoon.

Don't sleep on it!

Pick Your Perch To View Chicago Air & Water Show

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will rock the 54th annual "Chicago Air & Water Show" this weekend.

If you're not lucky enough to have friends with a rooftop or a boat this weekend, there are several places happy to take you in if you're looking for sweet seats to view the Chicago Air & Water Show.

Of course it's gonna cost you . . .

At Castaways Bar & Grill, right off North Avenue Beach, they're doing limited seating Friday through Sunday. If you want to take advantage of Friday's practice runs during lunchtime, it'll cost you $100 for food and an open bar. That's 9am-3pm. Saturday and Sunday's festivities cost $160 per person for food, open bar and an extra hour (until 4pm). Email afrankos@stefanigroup.com for resos.

Dion Antic Returns To Division Street With Canto

Dion Antic (Photo: Dion Antic)

Long-time dining and nightlife impresario Dion Antic has been very busy as of late.

His Melt Sandwich Shoppe in Bucktown continues to flourish, he's set to star on History Channel's Picked Off on Wednesday, and is also opening an antiques store called Roadtrip on same day.

But he's most excited about his latest collaboration with the Bob San owners on a new Japanese-style tapas bar named Canto. It's set to open August 23.

"Chicago doesn't have a really cool sake and karaoke bar," Antic tells 312DD in an exclusive interview. "I'm bringing something to this part of Wicker Park that's grown up with no PBR, no Jameson and a state-of-the-art karaoke system."