Amanda Rockman Resigns As Executive Pastry Chef Of Bristol, Balena

Amanda Rockman of The Bristol. (Photo: Stronghold Photography)

Here's the deal on this afternoon shocker, which just dropped into my mailbox:

"Effective Saturday, February 23, Amanda Rockman will leave her position as executive pastry chef of The Bristol and Balena.

"'After an incredible three years with The Bristol and most recently the BOKA group, I have made the decision to pursue other culinary opportunities. I will miss the amazing individuals I had the opportunity to work with on a daily basis," Rockman said.

The 23-Layer Chocolate Cake Or 5-Course Terlato Wine Dinner?! How You Can Celebrate Michael Jordan Turning The Big 5-0 . . .

His Airness chilling via USA Today.

Michael Jordan turns 50 on Feb. 17.

Now, while there's no word on where His Airness will be spending his special day, we've got the 411 on how all the Michael Jordan's Steak Houses will be celebrating, including the Chicago outpost on the Mag Mile.

They're each hosting a five-course Terlato wine dinner that pays homage to the basketball legend's life and career with dishes such as shrimp cocktail with 23-spice cocktail sauce, "Maxwell Street"-style Duroc pork tenderloin and a 50-day dry-aged Wagyu ribeye steak. That's $125 per person.

Chicago Restaurant Week Extended—For Several Spots Around Town

Chicago q chef/partner Lee Ann Whippen (Photo: Chicago q)

If you thought Chicago Restaurant Week ended Feb. 10, think again. As with each year, it's so successful at so many spots that they've decided to extend an extra few days.

The deal, of course, is prix-fixe; $22 for lunch or $33/$44 for dinner.

Here's who is participating thus far:

And The Winners Are . . . Jean Banchet Awardees Revealed!

Acadia chef/owner Ryan McCaskey at the annual Banchet awards. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

The Jean Banchet awards—the highlight of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's annual Grand Chefs Gala—happened Friday. That's the most glorious time of the year for Chicago's culinary community as they honor the best in the biz.

Here are the winners (indicated by asterisk):

Blackbird's Donnie Madia Sounds Off On His Favorite Things In GQ's '10 Essentials'

Donnie Madia via GQ.

The dapper Donnie Madia—one of the principals at One Off Hospitality (avec, Big Star, Blackbird, Publican, Publican Quality Meats, Violet Hour)—gets a bit of shine in GQ's 10 Essentials feature.

His favorite spots for "date night" with his wife, Estelle: Saigon Sisters, Riccardo Trattoria and the late Great Lake pizza.

Spice Up Your Valentine's Day With These Fab Dining & Drinking Recs Around Town

There's no need to feel pressure about where to go on Valentine's Day. I've gathered some great choices, from a number of chocolatey goodness from the Frontera Grill restaurants to Hearty's dual celebration of Fat Tuesday and Valentine's Day.

Enjoy it!

Get A Sneak Preview of Kuma's Too

One of Kuma's signature burgers via The New York Times.

Here is how you can get a free taste before the Lincoln Park outpost officially opens on Feb. 13.

Good luck!

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

Rick Gresh of David Burke's Primehouse (Photo: David Burke's Primehouse)

Let's get rollin' . . .

• The Chicago Auto Show's First Look For Charity happens Feb. 8, and for the second year in a row Rick Gresh (David Burke's Primehouse) is one of the headlining chefs for the black-tie event. Also serving up bites will be Jeff Shapiro (Real Urban Barbecue) and Chef Chao (Union Sushi). Get ready for spicy BBQ duck breast, braised boneless short ribs, Garrett popcorn and "red neck" tacos.

• Former BIN 36 chef John Caputo has settled into his new role as executive chef at City Tavern, and he's finally released a new menu. Of note are the split pea and smoked ham hock chowder; wild boar and short rib meatloaf that comes with macaroni and cheese gratin; and beer-battered skate "fingers" served with a tabasco-lime aioli and onion rings.