Bourdain Impresses Staff at El Ideas

The Layover host Anthony Bourdain may have canceled one appearance while he's in town, but he most certainly showed up for his reservation Tuesday at the innovative BYOB El Ideas in West Pilsen.

The ecstatic owner/chef, Phillip Foss, had this to write about the experience:

Who Made The Cut This Month?!

Trenchermen's main bar is ideal for eating, drinking and hooking up. (Photo: Trenchermen)

It's been a busy summer for new local drinking establishments, and there's no sign of a slowdown any time soon.

So now, I'm keeping track each month of what's going down for an international audience at World's Best Bars. See which fabulous watering holes made the cut in July right here.

Southern Mac 'n' Cheese Store Shutters

Signature Mac 'n' Cheese dishes from Southern. (Photo: Southern Mac & Cheese Store)

Over the weekend, the Southern Mac 'n' Cheese Store quietly closed.

Here's what general manager Evan Traub had to say about it:

Adam Seger 'Pops Up' at Lush Again!

Mixologist Adam Seger. (Photo: Tuan Bui)

Master mixologist Adam Seger's "pop-up gastropub" was so popular when he did it at Lush Wine & Spirits back in May that he's returned for an encore this weekend.

This time, he's teamed up with Tim Graham (former exec chef at Paris Club, according to GrubStreet Chicago) for an event in the West Town Lush location.

The Best-Ever Review of Alinea, The 'Steak House'

I thought this was a joke at first, but it's not.

A site called bestofchicago.us praises the Michelin-starred, gastronomy-focused Alinea as an "enormous place to loosen up" for some "grilled pork chops, ribs, fish, steaks and burgers."

Here's more of this fascinating read:

Shin Thompson's Swan Song at Bonsoiree

Chef Shin Thompson's photo via ElIdeas.

It's been a good run for Michelin-starred chef Shin Thompson, but soon it'll be time for him to take his final bow at Bonsoiree before chef Beverly Kim (Aria) and her husband take over.

Before Thompson takes off—sometime in mid-August—he'll do a final series of his infamous "underground" suppers on the following consecutive Saturdays: July 14, July 21, July 28, August 4 and August 11.

The six-course dinners are $105 per person; with wine pairings, an additional $65 (The restaurant is also BYOB).

Here's what to expect:

Freebie Alert: Pump Room!

This should be a welcome and refreshing sight to see at the beach!

Look for complimentary, handcrafted Pump Room popsicles at the lakefront every weekend beginning Saturday, July 14 and ending August 5.

Goodbye, Rhapsody. Hello, Tesori.

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