Benefit Set For Harvest Moon Farms at Metro

(Photo: Harvest Moon Farms)

Many farms have been affected by the summer's drought, and here's a way for you to pitch in and help.

Viroqua, Wis.-based Harvest Moon Farms has been credited by those in the local bartending community as being instrumental in the craft mixology scene. They've been hit pretty hard by the drought, so they've held a number of fundraisers, including one happening Thursday at Metro.

The Last Drought Benefit will feature live music from Mr. Blotto as well as other local bands, with the show starting at 8pm (doors open at 7). For those who'd like to help even more, there's a Farm to Bar cocktail reception featuring some of Chicago's bar stars (such as Adam Seger of Hum Liqueur) at Smart Bar from 6-8pm. Those who purchase those tickets also get VIP balcony seating for the show.

iNG Showcases Scorsese-Themed Menu in September

A Martin Scorsese-focused menu will be featured at iNG in September. (Photo: iNG Restaurant)

You've still got a few weeks left to experience iNG's "1980s Heavy Metal" menu, which pays homage to the likes of Blue Oyster Cult, Deep Purple and Def Leppard.

After that, according to chef/owner Homaro Canto, the flavor-tripping, West Loop restaurant will switch over to a menu based on films by famed director/producer Martin Scorsese.

Longman & Eagle Cited For Health Violations

(Photo: Longman & Eagle)

The Michelin-starred Longman & Eagle apparently failed a number of major food and health violations when inspectors last visited on August 9. The violations were listed as Risk 1, which is considered high.

Here's exactly what they found at the Logan Square eatery:

Green Tie Ball Is Almost Here!

Get those tickets right here. It's almost sold out!

Would You Give Up Your Cell Phone For Discount On Dinner?!

Los-Angeles based Eva Restaurant gives five percent off dinner to those who turn in their cell phones to staff before sitting down.

Would you do it?!

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.