Martial Noguier's Q&A On Bistronomic

(Photo: via Time Out)

Chicago mag's Dish snagged an interview with Martial Noguier and his new gig at Bistronomic—the new casual focused French eatery 312DD told you about Wednesday night.

The highlights:

Keep Your Fingers Crossed For This Bar Star

Roscoe Tavern bartender Shawn Hazen (right) is the Illinois winner for the Woodford Reserve/Esquire Manhattan Experience Finals. (Photo: Woodford Reserve)

Manhattans have made a triumphant comeback and no one's more excited than Woodford Reserve bourbon and Esquire.

That's why they teamed up last fall to conduct the second-annual Manhattan Experience contest nationwide to search for the ultimate cocktail.

Martial Noguier is Bistronomic's New Chef

(Photo: via Time Out)

Former Cafe des Architectes Executive Chef Martial Noguier didn't travel far to snag his next gig.

In fact, it's literally half a block away from the Sofitel, where he oversaw the kitchen for a couple of years.

According to an Ultimate Insider, Eve—which served its last meal Jan. 2—has already been renamed Bistronomic with Noguier as its executive chef.

In With A Bang . . .

Chef James Toland of The Black Sheep. (Photo: Lorenzo Tassone)

In less than one year, we've seen the likes of The Purple Pig, Girl & The Goat and Longman & Eagle soar to great heights during a tumultuous time for dining out.

What all of these spots have in common—in addition to kick-ass chefs and restaurant names paying homage to animals—is that they're dedicated to local and sustainable ingredients. True, there's a lot of that going around in the city, but The Purple Pig's Jimmy Bannos Jr., GATG's Stephanie Izard and L&E's Jared Wentworth have taken their menus far beyond trends and onto every critic's hot list.

James Toland hopes to be added to the hot list when his West Town eatery, The Black Sheep, opens in March.

Yours At David Burke's For $15.50?!

If you've been pinching your pennies since the holidays ended, you'll appreciate the limited-time, ShakenSTEAK deal at David Burke's Primehouse.

For $15.50, you'll get an eight-ounce filet, side dish, and shaken vodka or gin martini. Ummmmm, yum. You'll also get free valet Mondays and Tuesdays during lunch and dinner.

The offer's available 11am-3pm Jan. 10-14 and 17-21. It's guaranteed to fill up quickly, so if you're a steak lover make a reso ASAP.

Aussie Chefs Gearing Up For 'Aussie Week'

Craig Hopson of NYC's Le Cirque (left) and Frank Brunacci of Sixteen. (Photos: Le Cirque, 312DD)

Let's just pretend for one fabulous moment that we're in Australia. It's summertime there right now, you know?!

And since we cannot get away anytime soon, thank God the folks at the Trump Hotel are bringing it straight to us with the third-annual Australia Week.

The six-day event—kicking off Jan. 21 and culminating on what is officially known as Australia Day (Jan. 26)—is spearheaded by Sixteen Executive Chef Frank Brunacci, who just happens to be a native of Melbourne.

What's new this year is that he's gotten Craig Hopson of the acclaimed NYC resto Le Cirque to participate in the multi-course, opening-night dinner. Hopson, who's originally from Perth, Australia, worked as Brunacci's sous chef at the now-shuttered Victor's in New Orleans.

Le Passage Closes After 12 Years

(Photo: via Planet 99)

So. We've got even more closings to report.

Perhaps the recent reunion for Le Passage happened because someone knew it was closing soon.

After 12 years, its current owners (who also own The Drawing Room, Cans, EvilOlive, Salud) have decided to transform it into Privét, which they're calling "a private, upscale nightclub inspired by old-world royalty."

There is no guest list or RSVP. Entry is based on the networks of staff and management. The Drawing Room, which is adjacent to the space, remains open and has not been affected by the changes.

Privét opens to the public Jan. 14.

Eve, Adobo Grill Wicker Park Now Closed

(Photo: via Yelp)

Well, this bites.

Adobo Grill in Wicker Park served its last meal Saturday, according to a staffer.

The landlord has decided to take over the space to open his own restaurant later this year, she said.