Monday, June 28, 2010

Worth Honking About . . .

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(Photo: Goose Island)


The field for local microbreweries is jam packed, so it made sense for the pioneering Goose Island Brewery to take its craft to the next level.

They're doing mega collaborations with some very high-profile chefs in town by offering custom-designed beer on tap at each restaurant.

C-House, on the first level of the Affinia Hotel, is the latest to jump on board with its own brew, and they're celebrating its debut with a launch event on July 8.

Randolph Wine Cellars Shutters; Makes Way For New Concept

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Just got word Randolph Wine Cellars is shutting down July 31 to make way for a new concept this fall.

No clues on what that concept will be yet, but owner Brenda Fotopoulos calls it "a concept the likes of which Chicago has never seen before."

Thursday, June 24, 2010

What's Hot: The King of Pop, Pride Weekend . . .

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Last year's "Back Lot Bash" drew more than 2,500 post-Pride revelers.


The celebration of the GLBT community has been going on all month, but it culminates in Chicago Sunday with the annual Pride Parade, taking place in Lakeview.

Now, you can't have Pride without the parties, so thankfully events are happening all over town, including the seventh-annual Back Lot Bash that occurs Saturday and Sunday in Andersonville.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Finally! A Good Reason to Stand in Line!

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M Burger's signature double-stack burger. (Photo: M Burger)


This delicious bite just dropped in my inbox:

"Apple is providing M Burgers, fries, shakes and lemonades to the folks standing in line for the iPhone release tomorrow (June 24)."

Will someone save my place in line right NOW?!!!!

Chicago Restos To Help Gulf Coast

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Two major events coming up soon to help those affected by the Gulf Coast oil spill . . .

Donate a minimum of $50 to Greater New Orleans Foundation's Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund or The Barataria Estuary Foundation by July 25 (goal is to get 250 donations of $50 or more) to get an invite to a reception hosted by some of the hottest restaurants in Chicago.

Chicago Q Takes Over Old Tsunami Space

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312DD broke the news in February that Art Smith's partner in Table Fifty-Two was planning something big in the old Tsunami space in the Gold Coast.

And now, Chicago Magazine's Dish has more news on what's to come:

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Some Things I'm Obsessed With This Week . . .

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Ryan Poli, executive chef at Perennial. (Photo: Perennial)


A number of local star chefs showcased signature bites made from sustainable seafood during Supreme Lobster's first-ever Summer Solstice Soiree Monday aboard the Columbia Yacht Club.

And while most dishes were outstanding (I don't even want to talk about how many times I went back for seconds!), it was Ryan Poli's ingenious seafood taco that totally blew me away.

Monday, June 21, 2010

STAGE BITES: The Weekly Dining & Drinking Guide

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Public Enemy performs their greatest hits at Congress Theater Saturday.


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

Public Enemy at Congress Theater. Look for this radical, pioneering hip-hop group to diss "Arizona," "Fight The Power" and "Shut Em Down." 8pm show Saturday. Get tickets here.

90 Miles Cuban Cafe: All dinner items are under $10 at this lively Cuban corner spot in Logan Square. You get a heaving plate of meat (chicken, shredded beef or roasted pork) accompanied by rice, black beans and sweet plantains. Bring a bottle of rum to pour in the yummy tropical shakes. Flavorful flavors include mango, strawberry, papaya and the signature Guanabana. Patio and BYOB. No corkage fee! Proximity to show: Five minutes by cab/car.