Mexican-Themed Deli Opens Soon With Arrival Of Mercadito Counter

Mercadito Counter's lobster dog (Photo: Mercadito Counter)

Mercadito Chicago just celebrated its fourth anniversary and the team behind the successful Mexican-themed restaurant is already set to open yet another spot.

Look for them to open Mercadito Counter—a Mexican-focused deli—some time this fall. That's another cool and contemporary deli to add to the list; we already love what Dillman's and Little Goat have brought to the table.

So Very, Very Hot Right Now.

Nouveau Tavern's intimate interior (Photo: Nouveau Tavern)

The sweet tastes of Southern-inspired cuisine come to the western edge of River North with the arrival of Nouveau Tavern this weekend. African American-owned with a black chef at the helm in former Pierrot Gourmet toque Norman Hargrove, it promises to bring to the downtown area something that is noticeably missing.

Lite Bites: What Your Favorite Chefs & Mixologists Are Up To Around Town This Week

Big Star's Blue Line Swinger (Photo: One Off Hospitality Group)

It's nice and crisp outside. Enjoy.

• October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and One Off Hospitality Group contributes to the cause by donating a portion of proceeds from its food & drink programs to the Lynn Sage Foundation.

Each of its restaurants will donate $1 from the sale of the following items: select rose by the glass (avec); On Pointe cocktail (Blackbird); The Blue Line Swinger—a new take on the classic Manhattan (Big Star); Veal Breast Hash, available during Saturday and Sunday brunch (Publican); veal breast sandwich (Publican Quality Meats) and Old Fashioned cocktail (The Violet Hour).

DMK Burger Bar Donates Generous Tip To Ailing Barrelhouse Flat Employee

(Photo: Barrelhouse Flat)

I just happened to stumble across this photo on Barrelhouse Flat's Facebook page.

This awesomely generous tip was left by an anonymous staffer from DMK Burger Bar, which demonstrates that service people really look out for each other. Why was the tip so large?!

Rockit Snags Another Four Seasons Chef

Michael McDonald via Time Out Chicago

The news took everyone by surprise when Kevin Hickey announced last week that he was leaving the Four Seasons as well as Allium after 18 years to join Rockit Ranch.

That's effective beginning Oct. 1, but it looks like the Rockit team managed to scoop up another Four Seasons chef even before Hickey's arrival. Michael McDonald currently serves as a consultant for Rockit Bar & Grill.

So Very, Very Hot Right Now.

Art Smith and Jesus Salgueiro wedding photo via Politico

Table Fifty-Two's Art Smith participates in this weekend's Chicago Gourmet event, but he's also taking a stand against homophobia with an event of his own.

His response to the Barilla chairman's stance against gay marriage is Take the Hate Off the Plate, a brunch he's hosting at his house with his husband artist Jesus Salgueiro. The event takes place at 2pm Saturday in the garden of their Hyde Park residence. The first 50 people to email Art Smith will get an invite to the brunch to show their support.

Kevin Hickey Leaving Four Seasons Chicago To Pursue Dreams Of Own Restaurant

(Photo: Four Seasons Chicago)

I'm so bummed about this email I received Thursday morning:

"It is with mixed emotions today that we announce that Executive Chef Kevin Hickey is resigning effective Oct. 1 to pursue his dream of opening his own restaurant.

"'While we are truly happy and excited for Chef as he embarks on this new chapter in his outstanding culinary career, we will miss him as our Executive Chef and a long-time member of the Four Seasons family,' said Four Seasons General Manager Michele Grosso.

"'In Chef’s 18 years with this company, he truly has left his mark in every kitchen he worked–from Los Angeles to Dublin and London to Atlanta and right back here to his native Chicago where he led the team behind the former Seasons to Michelin Star and AAA Five Diamond status,' Grosso said. 'More recently he was the driving creative and culinary force behind the success of our new Allium restaurant.'

Lite Bites: What Your Favorite Chefs & Mixologists Are Up To Around Town This Week

Signature Room Executive Chef Rosalia Barron (Photo: Signature Room)

• It's been a big year for the Signature Room as it continues to celebrate 20 years in business. In mid-October, the restaurant's staff will make a second trip to New York's famed James Beard House when Executive Chef Rosalia Barron cooks a five-course meal paired with all-American wines (The first trip was in 2011 when Trenchermen's Patrick Sheerin was at the helm).

During a sneak preview of the dinner Sunday, we had the opportunity to sample the entire James Beard menu, which allowed Barron to truly show off her skills. Highlights included geoduck clam with Osetra caviar and fresh wasabi-lemon gelee; pan-seared scallops with white truffle whipped potatoes, bacon and Champagne vinaigrette and pink snapper with poached pears and parsnips with sea urchin. Barron also paid homage to her Latin heritage with spicy braised pork empanadas topped with avocado mousse and poblano-sherry sauce.

She's certain to wow them in New York!