Storefront Co. Finally Opens in Wicker Park

Chef Bryan Moscatello's Monkfish and Short Rib Fried Rice dish with tamago, scallion, coriander and a pomegranate glaze. (Photo: Storefront Co.)

The wait's over and we couldn't be more excited.

Storefront Co. finally debuts at 4pm March 9 after months of waiting.

We're excited for a number of reasons, mainly because it's brought to us by the folks from Debonair Social Club. That means it'll have elements of a cool, nightlife vibe.

They've also partnered with Chef Bryan Moscatello, an East Coaster who's garnered high accolades from the likes of Food & Wine, Bon Appetit and Esquire.

Your Alternative To Regular Brunch Scene

Wishbone's blackened crawfish cakes served with scrambled eggs, a corn muffin and home fries. (Photo via flickr.com)

It sucks when you miss out on brunch because last night's hangover overpowers your will to get out for scrumptious bites of homestyle biscuits, waffles and pancakes. So lucky for you, several of Chicago's top brunch spots deliver breakfast straight to your home.

If you're planning for 15 and up, give Wishbone a call for a Southern-style spread. Or, hit up Bleeding Heart Bakery & Cafe for late-afternoon bites if you're swingin' solo.

For the best bites on brunch delivery in town, check out DiningChicago.com.

Manor Team Grows Up With Upcoming Chef-Driven Project

Stout Barrel House & Galley's rendering of main lounge, which includes a fireplace. (Photo: Stout Barrel House & Galley)

The LGN Group made its mark on Chicago's nightlife with scene-y, celeb-focused spots like the now-shuttered Manor and RiNO. And while the collective's still behind summer sensation Cedar Hotel, it looks like their nightlife aspirations have grown up with their latest venture.

They've teamed up with Blue 13 Executive Chef Chris Curren for Stout Barrel House & Galley, set to open in the old Manor space in April.

Philly Cheesesteaks Take Over Lincoln Square

Monti's Philly Cheesesteak via Urban Daddy Chicago.

No one really talks about Philly cheesesteaks around here.

Why?! Because Chicago is an Al's Beef kind of town.

But former Rockit Bar & Grill chef and native Philadelphians James Gottwald and his wife Monti plan on changing that . . . at least in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.

They're set to transform the failed Cinners chili spot into a Philly cheesesteak wonderland, and it's opening early next week, according to Urban Daddy Chicago:

A Recipe For . . .

. . . GT Fish & Oyster's Stinging Nettle Raviolo.


I wish I could tell you how many times I've been to GT Fish & Oyster, but I've honestly lost count. I'm obsessed with pretty much everything on the menu, from the spiked lemonades to the luscious lobster roll.

Honestly, I thought Executive Chef Giuseppe Tentori couldn't possibly top himself until he rolled out a new menu item during a recent media luncheon. The star of the afternoon was the Stinging Nettle Raviolo, and Tentori was generous enough to give us the recipe so you can re-create it at home:

First-Ever 'Speed Rack' Comes To Chicago

Mea Leech (left) of The Drawing Room and Debbi Peek (Balena, The Bristol) are part of a national cocktail competition featuring only top female bartenders.

Well, this is a first.

The Drawing Room's Charles Joly will serve as the head barback for a pretty high-profile event happening soon at Bottom Lounge.

That's because Speed Rack is a national cocktail competition featuring only top female bartenders, who'll go head to head in timed challenges. It's the first competition to highlight the up-and-coming generation of women in the spirits industry.

This is Chicago's first year participating, and the list of contenders runs deep. It's certain to be one hell of a competition, and proceeds benefit breast cancer research and prevention. The Chicago winner gets $500 and the chance to compete in the New York finals on May 17.

The event takes place 3-7pm March 18, and the $25 ticket includes unlimited spiked punch and appetizers from Zapatista.

Here's the impressive list of participants:

Swing Into Spring’s Best 'Culinary' Cocktails

Nellcôte is one of several spots this spring embracing the "culinary" cocktail trend. (Photo: Nellcôte)

West Loop newcomer Nellcôte calls its creations "kitchen cocktails," while after-work favorite Fleming's recently introduced "couture cocktails" like the Mad Milagro Margarita to the menu.

Yeah, they're fancy and fabulous, and lucky for you, they don't all come with a high price tag.

To find out the latest in cocktail trends, see my latest story at DiningChicago.com.

The Pump Room Appoints New Exec Chef

The Pump Room's dining room. (Photo: The Pump Room)

There's been a little chef shuffling over at The Pump Room this week.

Apparently, Executive Sous Chef Moosah Reaume's replacing Bradford Phillips as executive chef. And, according to owner Ian Schrager in a press release just sent out, nothing will really change.

His statement indicates that no matter who "runs" the kitchen, The Pump Room's cuisine will always be Jean Georges Vongerichten-focused: