The Publican Gets Props From Forbes!

(Photo: Bob Briskey Photography)


Forbes just came out with its annual list of America's Best New Restaurants, and The Publican was the only Chicago spot to make it:

"The Publican, which was opened by the team behind Blackbird and Avec (the bacon-wrapped, chorizo-stuffed dates at Avec are not to be skipped on any visit to Chicago, period), is modeled after a European beer hall. Appropriately there are dozens of brews to choose from, all to be paired with hearty meat dishes that are simple, elegant and filling.

"It's all about pork in all of its guises and artisan beer to wash it all down," says master sommelier Richard Betts, cofounder of the Betts & Scholl wines and Sombra Mezcal. "[It's a] really fun, beer-hall type of addition to Chicago's already young and fun scene."

Indeed!

Stage Bites: The Weekly Dining & Drinking Guide

Legendary punk rocker Patti Smith performs at the Park West Saturday.


Every Monday look for the week's top performances paired with the best deals before and after the show:


Abigail's Party at A Red Orchid Theatre. If you think those Bravo "Housewives" series are hysterical, you're certain to love this satirical look at a suburban housewife's party gone wrong. 8pm Thursdays-Saturdays; 3pm Sundays (through March 28). Get tickets here.

33 Club: Chops and steaks and seafood take centerstage at this opulent two-level steakhouse harking back to the "olden" days. Or, you can hang out in the bustling bar area for lighter bites like the truffle mac and cheese, bacon popcorn and crispy tilapia tacos.

Eivissa: Get tix to Friday's performance of Abigail's Party, which includes an after-party at this clubby spot for a discussion of the play with ensemble members, sangria and tapas. Get $50 tickets here.

Perennial: The stylish resto helmed by chef Ryan Poli is part of the third-annual Chicago Restaurant Week (Feb. 19-28). For din-din, you'll get three courses for $32, which includes choices like red wine-braised short rib, black truffle gnocchi and a crispy hazelnut bar (milk chocolate, crème fraiche, chocolate caramel) to feed that sweet tooth.


The main dining room at 33 Club. (Photo: 33 Club)


Hopefest featuring Patti Smith at Park West. The legendary punk rockin' queen headlines a benefit for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. Troubled Identity also performs. 8pm Saturday. SOLD OUT.

Gemini Bistro: This Lincoln Park newcomer is also part of Chicago Restaurant Week. The three-course, $32 menu includes some of their favorite dishes, including a creamless tomato soup, short rib ravioli, steak frites, and Amish chicken with mashed potatoes.

Stanley's: Before the show, fill up on good country cooking from this down home-style corner spot. Hell, just make it an all-fried night, from the Kentucky Fried Tomatoes to the Southern Style Fried Chicken to Chicken Fried Steak. All items under $13.


The Exchange cocktail lounge in Wicker Park. (Photo: The Exchange)


Whack! The Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan Story, A Karaoke Musical at Gorilla Tango Theatre. Since we're all in the spirit of Winter Olympics, why not reminisce on the days when Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding were in the news?! The creators of the Tabloid Musical Series are back with this delightful drama on ice. 9:30pm Thursdays (through Feb. 25). Get tickets here.

The Exchange: Go somewhere else if you want wine, beer or simple mixed drinks. But if you're in the mood for inventive cocktails created by master mixologist Peter Vestinos, head here after the show for The Firefly (made with New Holland Knickerbocker Gin, Alpine liqueur, chartreuse, lime, egg white, bitters) and The Challenge (Tanqueray gin, Antica vermouth, cynar).

Sabor Saveur: This BYOB serves sumptuous, French-Mex cuisine, but the real deal is its nightly prix-fixe menu where you get five courses for $40. Must-haves: veal medallions marinated in tamarind mango sauce and beet salad served with avocado, mango, papaya and ricotta. Special menu served 5-7pm.

Usagi Ya: Located right next door to the theater, the somewhat hidden sushi spot offers an enviable list of specialties, including grilled oysters on the half shell, lemongrass boneless chicken and Ton Katsu (pan-fried pork tenderloin with Panko bread crumbs).

Shrimp and Grits Throwdown Hits Town!

Just in time for Lenten season, three local chefs plan to face off in an epic Shrimp and Grits throwdown to find out who makes this Southern dish best.

A challenge came about on Twitter in January, and Supreme Lobster's Carl Galvan helped get Paul Fehribach (Big Jones), David Carrier (Kith and Kin) and Cary Taylor (The Southern) on board.

"All these guys do really good shrimp and grits, but in their own way," says Galvan. "And you know that when these chefs get together it's going to be all about bourbon, beer and people getting hammered."

Galvan says the event is in the beginning stages right now, but hopes it will take place some time in March or early April. It will also be open to the public.

Taylor, from The Southern, says he has a great chance of winning the challenge because he's using all sustainable and organic ingredients.

"I use really good grits from Three Sisters Farms in Kankakee, plus you've got a Southern boy cooking it," he says. "I've been cooking like this all my life."

But he's got some stiff competition coming as Kith and Kin's Carrier promises to bring it.

"I definitely belong in the fight," Carrier says about his signature dish that includes grits from Anson Mills and a housemade shrimp broth. "I'm going to make what we're already serving at the restaurant and we're not going to add any additional ingredients."

Just tell me where I need to be with a plate, knife and fork!

Sweet Treats and Inexpensive Eats . . .

If you've been together for a long time—or just getting into a new relationship—the last thing you want to do is go overboard on Valentine's Day.

I'm not gonna get all preachy, but as long as you're enjoying each other's company it really shouldn't matter what you're doing.

For example, a great interactive event this weekend happens at Delilah’s, in Lincoln Park. They're hosting the annual Vintage Beer Festival where you'll sample more than 100 craft beers from the likes of Thomas Hardy’s Ale, Harvey’s Elizabethan and Skull Splitter, plus regional faves Three Floyds, Goose Island, Two Brothers and Bell’s & Lakefront Brewing. Reps will be on hand to discuss the brews.

If you didn't know anything about craft beers, you will by the time you leave. Noon-5pm Saturday. $20 per person.

So much more going on this weekend where you won't have to spend a lot of $$$:

THURSDAY

TOAST on The Magnificent Mile, an annual celebration featuring the area's top spots and sponsored by Moët & Chandon, continues throughout the month. When it comes to timeless romance, you can never go wrong in the exotic upstairs lounge at Le Colonial, which is doing a $15 special on Moët Bellinis (lychee, mango, guava) and Moët & Chandon Imperial by the glass.

If you can manage to snag one of those sweet sofas in the front of the bar at Tavern on Rush, we suggest going for their Sweet and Savory special for the month. They're pairing Moët with raspberry crème brûlée, shortbread almond cookies, strawberry cheesecake, and a selection of artisan cheeses, fresh fruit and French bread. Available for $16.95 through the month except Valentine's Day.

Speaking of French, you're certain to sweep her off her feet at cozy Bistro 110 as they're also in on the Moët special. Share a trio of hand-crafted Moët & Chandon Impérial champagne cocktails paired with three petite dessert creations for $16.95.

FRIDAY

Even more budget bites with bubbly can be had at Lawry’s The Prime Rib, which is doing a three-tier "sweet display" served tableside for two. Each person gets a glass of Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial, plus chocolate-dipped strawberries, fresh fruit kabobs with Grand Marnier topping and additional chocolate desserts. Available Fridays, Saturdays in February. $45 per couple.

Upscale Greek resto Taxim's featuring dishes made with aphrodisiac ingredients on Friday and Saturday. Special menu items include Nistísimo tahinópsomo me amygdalógalo (toasted tahini bread, Kalamáta figs, almond milk ice; $6); Kremidákia kai xirinó me méli (smoked pork belly, caramelized pearl and cipollini onions, Attikí honey; $8); and Païdákia me pligoúri (wood-grilled rack of lamb, olive and bulgur wheat pilaf, toasted almonds, fresh oregano and pine nut skordaliá; $28).

Take a date to Stone Lotus for the second-annual Love at First Bite event, which is raising money for the American Red Cross in its efforts to help rebuild Haiti. Your $20 ticket includes sweets from local artisans, plus comped cocktails. 11pm-4am.

SATURDAY

You typically won't get "movie and dinner" recs from me, but I'll make an exception when it comes to ShowPlace Icon Theatre in the South Loop. This weekend they're showing a number of romantic movies, including "Avatar 3D," "Dear John" and "Valentine's Day." After the movie, head to the adjacent Lobby Bar and sit in the window for one of the best skyline views in the city. Full bar, flatbread pizzas, appetizers in a jazzy space.

One of Roscoe Village's best date night spots, Volo is doing a special three-course, prix-fixe menu Saturday and Sunday for $41 per person. This is a pretty intimate wine bar too, so if you just want to gaze in each other's eyes over glasses of vino, there's always room at the bar.

SUNDAY

We're getting really good feedback about brunch at The Southern, which just opened last week. Highlights include the spicy cheese grits, morning tacos (fresh avocado, black bean puree, toasted cumin, scrambled eggs, chipotle salsa) and the chicken and biscuits—buttermilk-soaked half chicken, Tasso ham and rosemary gravy. All items are under $14. 11am-5pm.

And is there anything sexier than Samba?! Brazilian brunch spot Sinha still has reservations available 2, 3:30 and 5:30pm, where you'll get authentic South American cuisine in this cozy, two-level BYOB venue. After dinner, get ready to dance it all off on the dance floor! $30 per person.

Glazed Donuts Goes Underground . . .

Maple Bacon-infused donuts from Glazed. Now I need a donut fix! (Photo: Glazed Donuts Catering)


There's been a lot of uproar since Monica Eng's story on how the city's health department destroyed thousands of dollars of local fruit that a number of niche caterers, small-batch food artisans, specialty pastry chefs and supperclubs relied on for their businesses.

Also affected was Glazed Donuts, independent donut artisans who we first discovered back in 2008.

Until recently, you could buy the specialty sweets every Friday at Bite Cafe, Swim Cafe and Green Grocer, but owners Kristen Anderson and Betsy Yagunic sent out an email late last night to alert their fans that they've "gone underground for now."

On their site, it says "Donuts are available by pre-order and subscription only, with the exception of special events."

So, if you're hankering for a honey lavender-, lemon pistachio- or chocolate basil-infused donut, you might want to make a move over to one of the weekly Green City Market events . . .

Food Network Hottie Headlines World Festival

Nigella Lawson of "Food Network" fame.


Art Smith's annual World Festival hits the holy grail with its celebrity lineup this year.

As the signature event of his nonprofit organization Common Threads, it features some of the country's most celebrated chefs, who will serve their versions of global cuisine for more than 500 guests during a walk-around tasting at Soldier Field on March 1.

Among the celeb chefs: Food Network stars Ingrid Hoffmann, Nigella Lawson and Ming Tsai as well as "Top Chef" season 4 winner Stephanie Izard (Girl & the Goat).

A number of local, high-profile chefs will also be in attendance, including Curtis Duffy, Avenues at the Peninsula; Graham Elliot Bowles, graham elliot; Koren Grieveson, avec; Kevin Hickey, Seasons, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago; Giuseppe Tentori, BOKA; and Matthias Merges and Della Gossett, Charlie Trotter’s.

World Festival happens 6-9pm March 1; $250 general admission, $500 for VIP (for those who want to mingle with the chefs at an after-party at the James Hotel).

Sound Opinions on Where To Wine & Dine

"Sound Opinions" co-hosts Jim DeRogatis (left) and Greg Kot. (Photo: Sound Opinions)


312DD got Chicago's ultimate rock critics—Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot of national syndicated Sound Opinions—to open up about their favorite dining spots around town.

Their comfort zone, of course, is reviewing concerts, but DeRogatis says, "We do know where to catch a great quick bite in close proximity to many of the venues we have to frequent while reviewing shows."

So when Kot hits up a major show at United Center, the classic Italian cuisine of La Luce is calling his name.

"They do a great Bolognese sauce, have a nice selection of red wines, and have ample street parking out front," says Kot. "Plus, you can avoid the over-priced options at the United Center, and have a romantic, civilized time before experiencing what is likely over-the-top arena rock spectacle."

When DeRogatis catches one of the many hot rock, pop or jazz bands playing at Aragon, Riviera or Green Mill, his go-to dining spot in the area is Silver Seafood for authentic Chinese food.

"This is an old-school joint, with garish décor, horrendous bright neon lighting and lobsters swimming in a big cloudy fish tank, a few reasons you know it’s the real deal," he says. "But the best evidence of its excellence is the fact that whenever you go, you’re invariably surrounded by loud, large families speaking rapid-fire Chinese. There are about a thousand things on the menu—not just seafood by any means—and I’ve sampled about 250 of them and loved every dish."

Though Music Box Theatre is no live-music venue, it's where the Sound Opinions duo hosts movie nights, including a special showing of "Saturday Night Fever" at 7:30pm Feb. 16.

DeRogatis recommends hitting up Argentine steak house Tango Sur before the movie: "I love meat, especially the mixed platters of grilled steak, sausage, pork and chicken. There are other fine dishes, too—gotta love the empanadas—but meat is usually involved with those, too. Viva los carnivores!"


Pub grub at The Gage. (Photo: Elizabeth Lynch)


Read on for even more delicious picks from the dynamic duo:

Agami: "Conveniently located in Uptown for shows at the Riviera, Aragon and Green Mill. Sushi connoisseurs (and I count myself among them) will appreciate this place with its premium on freshness, but the menu also includes dishes to please those who aren't sashimi lovers. And for those who aren't reviewing a show later in the evening, they serve excellent saki."—GK

The Gage: "Excellent dinner stop for those attending shows at the nearby Auditorium Theatre or Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, across the street. Good selection of draught beer, including a nice, slow-pour Guinness, and pub-food that is a bit pricey but of high quality: burgers, fish and chips, roast chicken, mussels, steaks. It’s (also) the perfect place to unwind after a full day of sun or showers at Lollapalooza."—GK

Kroll’s South Loop: "There’s a really good restaurant attached to one of my favorite new punk clubs, Reggie’s. The menu is classic American with a twist (meatloaf and pulled-pork sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, that sort of thing), and the food is served on cool metal TV dinner trays—but my favorite spot in the burgeoning South Loop dining scene is Kroll's, a bit of Wisconsin in Chicago, with an old-school wood-paneled supper club vibe and absolutely unforgettable fried cheese curds, butter burgers (that would be a big slab of prime chopped meat adorned with a slab of butter, of course) and shakes so thick you might initially mistake them for a glass of spackle, until you finally take a sip. Mmmm!"—JD

Uncommon Ground: "Although it’s just north of one of my favorite clubs (Metro), I was reluctant at first to do dinner here. I’m down with its emphasis on organic and locally farmed produce, but as a hardcore meatatarian, I’m always wary of menus heavy on the veggies. But with choice selections such as bacon-wrapped meatloaf and black pepper seared pork loin, as well as the veggie burgers and killer gourmet mac and cheese, Uncommon Ground is uber-tasty first and healthy second, as every restaurant should be."—JD

Reggie Bush Does Everything 'Epic' . . .

. . . so we have a good idea that the newly crowned Super Bowl champ and his famous girlfriend would likely wind up at Epic—River North's newest hot spot—if they were in Chicago on Valentine's Day.

Where would other glamorous celeb couples like Naomi Campbell/Vladislav Doronin, Bradley Cooper/Renee Zellweger, Beyonce/Jay-Z and Russell Brand/Katy Perry end up if they were in town?!

Take a look at NBCChicago.com's newest slideshow Celebs Supping in the Second City to find out . . .