Lakeview's Wood Restaurant Gets Big, Um, Honors From Popular Gay Hookup Site Grindr

The interior of Wood restaurant. (Photo: Wood)

Grindr describes itself as "discreet" and "a simple app that uses your mobile device's location-based services to show you the guys closest to you who are also on Grindr." That pretty much sums it up as a hookup tool.

It's been around since 2009, but this year they've decided to hold the first-ever Grindr's Best of 2012 Awards, and a few of Chicago's shining stars made the cut.

Lite Bites: What Your Favorite Chefs & Mixologists Are Up To Around Town This Week

Andrew Brochu (Photo via StarChefs.com)

Welcome back to the first full week of the New Year!

• The return of Andrew Brochu?! The former Graham Elliot, EL Ideas chef has a new project that is apparently starting this weekend in Wicker Park, according to Chicagoist. The Monarch takes over the space formerly occupied by Uberstein.

• Chicago Originals Week returns at the end of the month. Get ready for two- three- or four-course tastings that showcase chefs' menus at the likes of Kiki's Bistro, Mexique and Oceanique. It happens Jan. 24-Feb. 3 with special deals priced at $29.13.

• City Winery chef Andres Barrera finally revamps the menu that's been slammed by every critic in town.

Food & Wine 'Bestows' Top Honor, Then Takes It Away From Local Sommelier

Photo of Jason Wagner via Facebook.

According to Jason Wagner—who recently left RM Champagne Salon to take over the vacant somm position at The Gage/Henri—Food & Wine had named him one of the "Top Sommeliers of 2012." The announcement was set to happen in an upcoming edition.

The sudden job switch, however, likely created some confusion at the magazine, which probably was going to feature a glowing write-up about the Jason Wagner experience at RM Champagne Salon. The writer didn't have this experience at The Gage or Henri. I'm thinking that a fact-checker called up Wagner to verify some info and that's when he told him he left.

When Wagner was informed that the story was pulled, he griped about the situation on Facebook late Monday night:

Is Green Dolphin Street Returning To Bucktown?!

Green Dolphin Street's original interior via Chicago Wedding Venues.

Look for the former sprawling supper club to rise from the ashes when it reopens Jan. 18 as simply Dolphin.

This time, the 13,000-square-foot space will solely operate as a nightclub, featuring four distinct rooms with dramatic light-and-sound shows, top deejay talent and the return of the infamous Boom Boom Room dance parties (moved from Monday to Sunday). The main ballroom is offset by the front-room parlor, which serves as a cocktail lounge; outdoor garden lounge; and White Lounge, which will crank out contemporary pop music.

Avec Chef de Cuisine Erling Wu-Bower Kicks Off Pop-Up Dinner Series at Leopold

Erling Wu-Bower photo via Time Out Chicago.

Here's one hot ticket you certainly do not want to miss:

Avec's Erling Wu-Bower teams up with Leopold chef Michael Dean Reynolds for the first of what's certain to be a very popular guest chef pop-up dinner series.

EXCLUSIVE: Michael Simon is Out at Carriage House, The Bedford

The talented, yet controversial mixologist Michael Simon is no longer at Carriage House and Bedford, confirms chef/partner Mark Steuer.

"He resigned on Saturday," Steuer tells 312DD exclusively. "Call it creative differences. We appreciate everything he did for us pre- and post-opening and wish him nothing but the best wherever he lands next."

Popular Pizza Joint Great Lake is Closing at the End of the Month

Great Lake pizza via Food Republic.

Whoa.

Here's some news we didn't see coming.

Former Eater Chicago editor Ari Bendersky reports for Crain's that Andersonville pizza sensation Great Lake is closing at the end of January:

"The restaurant is set to close at the end of the month, according to Danny Yuen, who owns the building in Andersonvile that houses Great Lake.

"Mr. Yuen, who has owned the property for about 20 years, said Great Lake owners Nick Lessins and Lydia Esparza declined to renew their lease after about five years of business and told him they plan to move. Mr. Yuen in turn posted a 'For Rent' sign in the window of the intimate 14-seat spot.

Here Are Some Non-Boozy Alternatives When Drinking Around Town

A non-alcoholic Peach Melba Cooler via Chow.com.

I'm pretty burned out on booze after an especially lushy holiday season, so I am looking forward to taking it down a few notches in the coming weeks. I'm not a huge fan of sodas and there's only so much tea I can drink, so I sought out some tasty alternatives.

From a Caipirinha Bubbly “Champagne” at Chicago French Market to Storefront Company's delightfully refreshing Pomegranate Fizz, here are some of the best mocktails around town.