First Look at Cocktail Menu From Chuck's Manufacturing; Now Set To Open in Mid-September

The "Sway Bar" cocktail of Bombay Sapphire, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette and lemon. (Photo: Anthony Tahlier)

From the guys who brought us the rock-inspired Angels & Kings comes the more grown-up Chuck's Manufacturing, which is set to open in the old China Grill space in mid-September.

The venue, designed by 555 ((N9NE Group, Girl & the Goat, GT Fish & Oyster, Perennial Virant), pays homage to partner Carrie Becker's dad's successful auto industry career. The cocktails do as well—with a few also inspired by the Flavor Factory Vodka Bar.

Here's the first look at the cocktail menu:

Koren Grieveson Is Out At Avec

Koren Grieveson. (Photo: Jessica Tampas Photography)

Eater Chicago reports that avec's James Beard-award winning chef Koren Grieveson is out at the West Loop restaurant:

Time Out Chicago's 'Food Truck Social' Returns For Second Year in West Town

Conspicuously missing from this year's lineup is Matt Maroni, who was one of the pioneers of Chicago's food truck movement. (Photo via Time Out Chicago)

This weekend marks the second-annual Food Truck Social, which is put on by Time Out Chicago and the West Town Chamber of Commerce. But in all the excitement of more participants than ever and the expected crowds of more than 20,000, I couldn't help but wonder if it's a little bittersweet for one guy.

Matt Maroni shuttered Gaztro-Wagon in late 2011 to retool his "thought processes and move forward." Considered one of the pioneers of Chicago's food truck scene when he launched the Gaztro-Wagon in 2010, Maroni also helped organize the first year of the Food Truck Social. He even featured some of the more high-profile chefs like Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat), Bill Kim (Urban Belly) and Justin Large (Big Star) on his truck during the two-day event.

Believe it or not, he's not even a little sad that he's not involved in the food truck movement or this weekend's event.

Tableside Preparations That Make Dining Out A Wow-Worthy Event

David Burke's new "Caesarista" at work. (Photo: Freddy Love)

From Frontier's whole smoked alligators to David Burke Primehouse's newly hired Caesarista whipping up salads with crab cake croutons or foie gras, here are the most offbeat tableside preparations around town.

Blackbird's Lynn House Wins Grey Goose's 'Punch Wars'; Heads To Miami For Finals

There was some hardcore competition Monday night at Vertigo Sky Lounge for the first-ever Grey Goose Punch Wars, but in the end it was Blackbird's talented head mixologist Lynn House who took home first prize.

Her Diamonds and Pears punch, which included Grey Goose's La Poire pear flavored vodka, was a nod to Prince's sultry hit song, Diamonds & Pearls. The contest was done in the style of the popular Food Network show, Chopped, with a secret ingredient.

Michael Jordan's Steak House Fetes First Anniversary With Complimentary Item

The infamous 23-layer chocolate cake at Michael Jordan's Steak House. (Photo: Michael Jordan's Steak House)

I'm a little bummed at Michael Jordan's Steak House.

Thursday, August 23 marks the Mag Mile resto's first anniversary and to celebrate they're giving every table that dines between 6-8pm a complimentary order of the signature garlic bread.

While that garlic bread is pretty damn good, to me it would have made more sense had they given each table a slice of that 23-layer chocolate cake with a glass of bubbly for every diner over 21.

Benefit Set For Harvest Moon Farms at Metro

(Photo: Harvest Moon Farms)

Many farms have been affected by the summer's drought, and here's a way for you to pitch in and help.

Viroqua, Wis.-based Harvest Moon Farms has been credited by those in the local bartending community as being instrumental in the craft mixology scene. They've been hit pretty hard by the drought, so they've held a number of fundraisers, including one happening Thursday at Metro.

The Last Drought Benefit will feature live music from Mr. Blotto as well as other local bands, with the show starting at 8pm (doors open at 7). For those who'd like to help even more, there's a Farm to Bar cocktail reception featuring some of Chicago's bar stars (such as Adam Seger of Hum Liqueur) at Smart Bar from 6-8pm. Those who purchase those tickets also get VIP balcony seating for the show.

iNG Showcases Scorsese-Themed Menu in September

A Martin Scorsese-focused menu will be featured at iNG in September. (Photo: iNG Restaurant)

You've still got a few weeks left to experience iNG's "1980s Heavy Metal" menu, which pays homage to the likes of Blue Oyster Cult, Deep Purple and Def Leppard.

After that, according to chef/owner Homaro Canto, the flavor-tripping, West Loop restaurant will switch over to a menu based on films by famed director/producer Martin Scorsese.