Izard, Elliot, Kahan On 'Chicago LIVE!'

Chefs Stephanie Izard (from left), Graham Elliot and Paul Kahan (Kahan Photo: Michael Stryder)


Now that we're going full speed ahead right into the holiday season, we need to save every $ we can.

So this is a pretty good deal, right?! The Chicago Tribune's weekly radio show "Chicago LIVE!" makes a point of putting newsmakers on, so it should come as no surprise that they'd get around to a show featuring some of our city's finest chefs.

They Made Crain's '40 Under 40' List

From left: Rob Katz, Giuseppe Tentori, Stephanie Izard, Ryan Poli, Kevin Boehm (Photo: Boka Restaurant Group)

Two big-name restaurant-industry folks made Crain's prestigious 40 Under 40 list this year. They also happen to be from the same restaurant group.

Boka Restaurant Group co-owner Kevin Boehm and Girl & The Goat Executive Chef/co-ownerStephanie Izard repped, and they repped well.

Here's why they made the cut:

Let's Avoid Another Tragedy This Season

Every local news outlet has reported on the tragic death of Megan Duskey, a 23-year-old Crete woman who was a Chicago public schools special education teacher.

She fell to her death Saturday during Surreal Entertainment/Global Adrenaline's Haunted Hotel Ball at the Palmer House Hilton when she attempted to slide down one of the banisters on the mezzanine level.

Reports also say that even though the incident took place at 10:30pm, the party continued until 12:30am when someone was allegedly stabbed and four revelers were sent to the hospital following alcohol poisoning.

This leads me to wonder: Has the partying gotten out of control?! Many events like the "Haunted Hotel Ball" feature open-bar deals—an incentive to get people to attend. They also last anywhere from two hours to six hours, and not everyone can handle their liquor.

Bayless Tweets Obama Dinner

(Photo: Topolobampo)


The Prez was in town Saturday campaigning and made a stop to Rick Bayless's sensational Topolobampo to the delight of diners.

Bayless tweeted the visit after Obama left, and even included a few photos of some of the dishes he served, including scallops and lobster with roasted tomatillos, corn sauce and sweet corn tamales.

Apparently he was bombarded with more than a few people complaining that someone was likely "bumped" in order to accommodate the party because he sent out this missive to detractors:

Leave It To Graham Elliot . . .

(Photo: Graham Elliot)


. . . to change out of his chef whites and into a "Big Situation" costume.

He showed up at Landmark's hard-rockin' party immediately after his shift at his eponymous restaurant in River North.

Happy Halloween!

Cupcakes From a Bonified Cutie!

I cannot wait to see this tall drink of water behind the counter at Sprinkles.

The 6'9" Chicago Bulls Forward Carlos Boozer (#5) will be taking customers' orders 4:30-6pm Nov. 3 at the Gold Coast cupcakery. He'll also sign autographs and take photos with guests along with Benny The Bull.

This Has Got To Be . . .

. . . the yummiest tat ever.

This guy really loves his Chicago-style hot dogs! It was created by the Tattoo Factory in Uptown and it is making me hungry.

'We Are Just Getting Warmed Up . . .'

Matt Maroni holding down the Gaztro-Wagon. (Photo: Michael Boyd)


That's the response from Matt Maroni, the guy behind Gaztro-Wagon, on Gawker's declaration that food trucks are over.

"Chicago will set a new standard," Maroni added, referring to the likes of high-quality munchie mobiles recently springing up such as more's new cupcake truck and chef Philip Foss's Meatyballs Mobile.