Celebrate Mexican Independence Day With Latin Dishes & More at Annual 'Buen Provecho! Pilsen'

Crave-worthy mussels with chipotle truffle tomato broth from May Street Cafe, which is participating in the annual "Buen Provecho! Pilsen." (Photo: May Street Cafe)

If you haven't checked out Pilsen's vibrant dining scene lately, here's your chance to get a bountiful taste . . . in one day.

The Historic Pilsen Community hosts its annual Buen Provecho! Pilsen 2-7pm Sept. 16 to commemorate Mexican Independence Day. They'll showcase more than 26 of the area's restaurants, and participants will get to sample signature dishes and desserts from the restaurants, cafes and bakeries along the 18th Street strip.

Critical Observation: Reviewers Should 'Avoid Woman-Shaming In Restaurants'

Chicagoist food editor Anthony Todd makes this interesting observation about restaurant critics attempting to inject humor in their reviews at women's expense:

"Just once, I'd like to see a major restaurant critic entirely avoid woman-shaming in restaurants. Prostitution references seem to be an unavoidable fallback. From today's NYT, on Nougatine: 'There are women whose dresses and heels make you wonder exactly how long ago they met their dates.'"

Local Dining Community, Foodies Come Out Strong For Battered MANA Food Bar Line Cook

Ashley Pruneau (Photo: Facebook)

Here's an update on Ashley Pruneau, the MANA Food Bar line cook who was brutally attacked in her home by a stranger in early July.

If you recall, the assailant beat her around the head so badly with a hammer that she required emergency surgery. She is set to have another one on Sept. 13. Add to that the mounting hospital bills, and she's in dire need of some assistance.

Elizabeth's Wine Director Scott Noorman An Unsung Hero in the Restaurant Business

People like Scott Noorman send goosebumps down my back.

He's one of those guys who's in the restaurant business for the sheer love of it all. Not for the lights or the cameras. Not for the awards. And most certainly not for the $$$.

As wine director at the farm-to-table-focused Elizabeth, Noorman lights up as he describes the exciting beverage program he'll unveil when the Lincoln Square-based restaurant opens Sept. 19. During an exclusive sneak preview, he gleefully rolls out an impressive vintage champagne cart, which he and owner/chef Iliana Regan affectionately call the "drunk trunk."

"This will fit into what we're doing over here," he says, as he proudly points to the interior of the empty cart. "It'll mostly carry select wines and sparkling wines, but I will also leave room so I can focus on a few locally sourced spirits to make classic cocktails."

Noorman continues, going on and on about the possibility of using offbeat bitters and tinctures, seeking out stemwear, and the endless choices of vino. He then talks about how he can go to a tasting of more than 300 wines and effortlessly remember what he liked without taking notes.

His knowledge of spirits and wine is vast and impressive, so it's hard to imagine that he learned absolutely everything through experience and no formal training. Yet, after getting to know him, it's not hard to see why Alinea's Grant Achatz "to this day still calls me one of his generals; he mentions me in his book, Life on the Line."

Sun-Times Food Critic, Next Restaurant Owner Take Jabs At Rockit Owner Billy Dec on Twitter

This is ruthless and funny.

Oh, yeah. Here's Billy's dessert.

Chicago Gourmet's 'Dine Around' Program Returns With Opportunity To Earn Free Ticket To Event

Chow down on some of Tavernita's small-plate dishes during "Dine Around." (Photo: Tavernita)

Here's your chance to earn a free ticket to Bon Appétit's Chicago Gourmet, happening Sept. 29-30 in Millennium Park.

All you have to do to get one is chow down at some of the 70-plus participating Dine Around restaurants Sept. 1-30. They're encouraging diners to visit up to five spots, and spend a minimum of $35 at each. Keep those receipts (!!), and redeem them at Chicago Gourmet's registration table for a general admission ticket for one day.

Remember Boka's Upcoming Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon/Three Floyds Brewing Dinner?!

It sold out in less than 40 minutes when tickets went on sale Tuesday.

Wow.

Moto Chef Wants To Grow $1,000 Truffles In-House

French Perigord Truffle.

This is kind of sweet and decadent, and if Moto can pull this off, it will take the West Loop restaurant to a different level.

From chef/owner Homaro Cantu: