Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Summer Sippers to Wind Down Season

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Mike Ryan is chief mixologist at Sable Kitchen & Bar. (Photo: Kimpton Restaurants)


I just totally scolded a chef for talking about his plans for fall dishes. Dude, summer is not over yet!

But sadly, he's not alone. A lot of chefs and mixologists are in the throes of menu planning for autumn dishes and drinks while we're still enjoying the best summer has to offer.

While Sable Kitchen & Bar's head mixologist Mike Ryan is probably also forging ahead with next season's sippers, he's just unveiled several market-fresh delights to wind down the summer.

Our faves by far:

The Cook & The Corkscrew Debuts Today

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The dynamic dining duo of Elizabeth and Mark Mendez recently left Carnivale to strike out on their own this fall with a new restaurant venture.

He was executive chef and she acted as wine director at the progressive Latin restaurant in the West Loop.

Back in Business . . .

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West Loop mainstay one sixtyblue reopens following a brief hiatus to undergo renovations and a few upgrades.

Just some of the changes include an all-new sidewalk patio along Randolph Street with seating for 54. Also, a new server station houses a new water filtration system and equipment for new French press coffee and loose-leaf tea programs.