Top Local Chefs Sound Off On What It Was Like To Work For Trotter In Tribune Feature

Charlie Trotter's last day is Friday, but before the iconic restaurant has its final dinner service, the Chicago Tribune's Mark Caro writes about the intensity in the kitchen in a three-part series.

Here are some of the best excerpts from Part 1:

"Charlie walks into the kitchen," (Homaro) Cantu recalls, "and he goes up to Graham Elliot, and he puts his hands around (Elliot's) neck, and he's like, 'Don't you know that I will (expletive) kill you right now?' And Elliot's just standing there, and tears (come) right out of his eyes."

Time To Make The 'Flavor Tripping' Doughnuts?!

iNG's Homaro Cantu is experimenting with the sugar-free miracle fruit again.

First, it was a "flavor tripping" cocktail menu featuring some of the classics. And on Monday, he announced on Facebook that he's working on even more "flavor tripping" treats: DOUGHNUTS.

I cannot wait to see how this turns out . . .

Shaw's 'Royster' Party Skyrockets To $25 This Fall

Revelers at the annual "Royster With The Oyster," happening right outside Shaw's Crab House under The Big White Tent. (Photo: Shaw's Crab House)

Why?!

Because apparently they've managed to secure a major music star to headline the festivities for the annual Royster with the Oyster.

Lee Brice, a South Carolina-based artist, reached No. 1 in April on Billboard's country music chart with "A Woman Like You." He's set to perform 7:30-9:30pm when the block party takes place on Oct. 12 at Shaw's Crab House.

Stump The Bartender At Double A During Offbeat Cocktail Challenge

Double A bartender Paul Sauter. (Photo: Paul Sauter)

Here's your chance to get in on the hot mixology scene at one of the top bars in town.

Double A's Paul Sauter has just launched the Double A-Z Challenge on Twitter in which he'll be tasked each week to create a cocktail with a signature ingredient from a different letter of the alphabet. Twitter followers are encouraged to share their suggestions for signature ingredients of the week's letter by using the hashtag #DoubleA-Z.

They Ate ALL The Sandwiches At Potbelly!

Potbelly sandwiches via Serious Eats Chicago.

National Sandwich Month is coming to a close, and to celebrate, the hungry guys over at Serious Eats Chicago decided to indulge with a Potbelly sandwich binge.

That's right. They ate every last offering on the menu, from my fave A Wreck to the gooey meatball sandwich.

Which ones are the best to order or avoid?! Here's what they discovered.

Gluten-Free Senza Now Open In Lakeview

Senza's gluten-free waffles are on the breakfast/brunch menu. (Photo: Senza)

Former Green Zebra chef Noah Sandoval breaks out on his own to run the kitchen at the just-opened Senza in Lakeview.

He's partnered with baker Susan McMillan for a gluten free-focused venue that's a coffeehouse by day and full-scale restaurant in the evening. The space is designed by 555 (Girl & the Goat, GT Fish & Oyster, etc.), offering diners a sleek, yet modern setting.

They're doing a la carte as well as three tasting menus (basic, vegetable, grand; $65-$105) that may be complemented with wine pairings (a cocktail menu is still in the works). Highlights include the Alaskan halibut with trumpet mushrooms and Tagliatelle pasta with shaved truffle and Parmesan.

Here are the current tasting menus:

Big Bourbon & Beer Dinner Set For Boka This Fall

Boka chefs John Kirchner (from left), Sarah Jordan, Carl Shelton and Giuseppe Tentori. (Photo: Boka)

I don't even want to think about fall right now, but this upcoming Boka event makes me want to fast forward to October ASAP.

That's because on Oct. 3 chef Giuseppe Tentori and head mixologist Benjamin Schiller team up with Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Three Floyds Brewing for a dinner that will sell out as soon as tickets go on sale at noon August 28.

During a special six-course menu, only 90 guests will have the privilege of meeting the people behind the legendary Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon: Julian III, grandson to the legendary "Pappy" Van Winkle, and his son Preston. Even better is that they're bringing with them some artisan whiskeys for guests to sample, such as the coveted Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve, 20 Year.

Here's what to expect that evening:

First Look at Cocktail Menu From Chuck's Manufacturing; Now Set To Open in Mid-September

The "Sway Bar" cocktail of Bombay Sapphire, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette and lemon. (Photo: Anthony Tahlier)

From the guys who brought us the rock-inspired Angels & Kings comes the more grown-up Chuck's Manufacturing, which is set to open in the old China Grill space in mid-September.

The venue, designed by 555 ((N9NE Group, Girl & the Goat, GT Fish & Oyster, Perennial Virant), pays homage to partner Carrie Becker's dad's successful auto industry career. The cocktails do as well—with a few also inspired by the Flavor Factory Vodka Bar.

Here's the first look at the cocktail menu: