Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Did Rockit Partner Really Neglect To Tell Partners He 'Bought Another Bar'?!

Untitled

Rockit partner Billy Dec apparently purchased a new venue in River North, but his business partner Arturo Gomez claims on Twitter he had no clue.

Could this be a hoax?! I just don't believe this would happen.

Andrew Brochu is OUT at Graham Elliot

Photobucket
Andrew Brochu (Photo via StarChefs.com)

312DD broke the story Monday that something was going down over at Graham Elliot.

Now, Eater Chicago details the full story, including a statement from owner/chef Graham Elliot himself.

This is too bad because only in late January—Elliot announced excitedly this about Brochu coming aboard on Feb. 1:

INVITE: Swanky Cointreau Cocktails & A Party You Don't Want To Miss

Untitled

What are you doing this Sunday?!

I've got five pairs of tickets to a swanky little soiree at Untitled that I'm dying to give away.

Hosted by Michigan Avenue magazine, The Audition Event will send one lucky local mixologist to the Cannes Film Festival in 2013 where he/she will compete for the title of Cointreau Ambassador of Libations.

Now, here's where you come in:

Monday, September 17, 2012

What Is Going On Over At Graham Elliot's?!

Untitled

Just last month, Phil Vettel awarded Graham Elliot three stars in a Chicago Tribune review, so what's up with the turmoil behind the scenes?!

An Ultimate Insider tells 312DD that on Sunday afternoon some pretty intense disagreements between front of house and back of house had a few staffers walking out before service. They were so heated, in fact, that top management was called in to get matters back under control.

Charlie Trotter's, NoMI Alum Brings a Taste of Cameroon to the South Loop

Untitled
Chef Alain Njike of Alain's Restaurant in the South Loop. (Photos: 312 Dining Diva)

So, 2012 is turning out to be quite a stellar one for Charlie Trotter's alums.

Former Trotter's Executive Chef Matthias Merges opened Yusho in the winter. Bill Kim debuted his third restaurant, belly Q, in late August. Graham Elliot opened G.E.B. also in the summer, and Curtis Duffy is set to open Grace later this fall.

Also tossing his hat into the ring of rock star spots is Alain Njike, who opened Alain's Restaurant in the South Loop in early August. But what sets Njike apart from the others is that he's bringing a cuisine to Chicago that's never been done before—particularly on an upscale level. His contemporary American menu is highly influenced by flavors from his homeland on Africa's West Coast.

Moto's Homaro Cantu Offers a Solution to the Chicago Teachers' Strike

Untitled

Homaro Cantu (iNG/Moto) expressed his frustrations of the latest news on Chicago's striking teachers on Facebook Sunday.

But unlike most critics, the award-winning chef didn't just complain, he offered a number of viable solutions that he wants to put into action immediately.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

The Full Schedule For Chicago Gourmet Now Online

Untitled
ABC-7's Steve Dolinsky and celebrity chef Rick Bayless at "Chicago Gourmet" in 2011. (Photo: Illinois Restaurant Association)

Check out all the details, including live demonstrations, seminars, tastings, booksignings, etc. for Bon Appetit's annual Chicago Gourmet right here. It occurs Sept. 28-30.

Some highlights of what's new this year:

For Sure, THIS is the Best Tweet of the Week!

Untitled

Ha ha!

This is hilarious.