Dion Antic (of Iggy's, Harry's Velvet Room fame) finally gets an opening date for his long-awaited Rock Star Dogs (801 N. Ashland Ave.): March 6.
Also, that new Fleming's steakhouse is opening in River North at 25 W. Ohio St. next month.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Wild Brunch
Bin Wine Café's Mimosa Flight: pineapple (from left), pomegranate, Bellini and Madras (Photo: Bin Wine Café)
Extend your Valentine’s Day festivities through the weekend this year. Have dinner on Thursday, party on Friday and Saturday, and chill out with brunch on Sunday.
Feeling particularly romantic? Share luscious bites with your sig other at some of my favorite spots for amore:
Bin Wine Café (1559 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-486-2233). Share a few items like the Brunch Pizza (with poached egg, Applewood smoked bacon, spinach, frisee), Croque Monsieur (speck ham, roasted chicken, blue cheese, with fries) or the cheese flight, in which you get six awesome selections specially picked out by the staff. And speaking of flights, be sure to order the Mimosa Flight, 3 oz. tasting portions of champagne-infused cocktails, with fresh pineapple, pomegranate, peach nectar (Bellini) as well as orange juice with a splash of cranberry (Madras).
La Creperie (2845 N. Clark St., 773-528-9050). The cozy, family-run bistro serves up sweet and savory crepes that are legendary. My favorites include poulet & fromage de chevre (chicken breast with roasted tomatoes and goat cheese), poulet au champignons (chicken in an herb cream sauce with sautéed button mushrooms) and Banana Sara (bananas in a brown sugar caramel sauce topped with rum and vanilla ice cream). And yes, they're big enough to share!
North Pond (2610 N. Cannon Dr., 773-477-5845). Or go all out for your loved one with one of the city's most popular brunches, which overlooks Lincoln Park's pond. Your focus, of course, will be on each other as you nosh on Bruce Sherman's seasonal offerings. Right now, he's serving items like stone ground oatmeal with whipped cream, caramelized pears, almonds and cinnamon; a spice-rubbed Hangar steak; a pan-browned Rainbow trout; and dark chocolate sorbet accompanied by mint ice cream, cocoa cookie ganache and a salted butter cracker. $32 per person.
And the nominees go to . . .
Who cares about the Grammys or Oscars when the ballot for the 2008 James Beard Foundation nominees has been released to Beard judges (each category will be whittled down to five nominees in April, when the official list is released):
Here are the Chicago stars getting props:
BEST RESTAURATEUR:
Richard Melman (Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises)
BEST NEW RESTAURANT:
Sepia
BEST CHEF (GREAT LAKES REGION):
Martial Noguier(one sixtyblue)
Graham Elliott Bowles (Avenues)
Suzy Crofton (Crofton on Wells)
Kendal Duque (Sepia)
Carrie Nahabedian (Naha)
Bruce Sherman (North Pond)
Giuseppe Tentori (Boka)
Paul Virant (Vie)
Michael Maddux (Le Titi de Paris)
OUTSTANDING PASTRY CHEF
Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate)
OUTSTANDING CHEF
Grant Achatz (Alinea)
Jean Joho (Everest)
OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT
Arun's
Spiaggia
OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Spiaggia
OUTSTANDING WINE SERVICE
BIN 36
The 2008 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala will take place in NYC on Sunday, June 8.
Related: Hosted by Spring Executive Chef Shawn McClain, the Friends of James Beard Dinner will be held on Wednesday, March 19 at Spring (2039 W. North Ave., 773-395-7100). Along with McClain, this mega-chef event will feature the Midwest’s most renowned – and James Beard Award-winning – chefs: Takashi Yagihashi (Takashi); Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia) and Paul Kahan (Blackbird). Together, these culinary all-stars will present a five-course menu that exhibits the most current thinking and knowledge of the American dining scene from a Midwestern perspective. Cost for the event is $175 for members of the James Beard Foundation and $200 for non-members. Advance ticket purchase is required. Space is limited.
Here are the Chicago stars getting props:
BEST RESTAURATEUR:
Richard Melman (Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises)
BEST NEW RESTAURANT:
Sepia
BEST CHEF (GREAT LAKES REGION):
Martial Noguier(one sixtyblue)
Graham Elliott Bowles (Avenues)
Suzy Crofton (Crofton on Wells)
Kendal Duque (Sepia)
Carrie Nahabedian (Naha)
Bruce Sherman (North Pond)
Giuseppe Tentori (Boka)
Paul Virant (Vie)
Michael Maddux (Le Titi de Paris)
OUTSTANDING PASTRY CHEF
Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate)
OUTSTANDING CHEF
Grant Achatz (Alinea)
Jean Joho (Everest)
OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT
Arun's
Spiaggia
OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Spiaggia
OUTSTANDING WINE SERVICE
BIN 36
The 2008 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala will take place in NYC on Sunday, June 8.
Related: Hosted by Spring Executive Chef Shawn McClain, the Friends of James Beard Dinner will be held on Wednesday, March 19 at Spring (2039 W. North Ave., 773-395-7100). Along with McClain, this mega-chef event will feature the Midwest’s most renowned – and James Beard Award-winning – chefs: Takashi Yagihashi (Takashi); Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia) and Paul Kahan (Blackbird). Together, these culinary all-stars will present a five-course menu that exhibits the most current thinking and knowledge of the American dining scene from a Midwestern perspective. Cost for the event is $175 for members of the James Beard Foundation and $200 for non-members. Advance ticket purchase is required. Space is limited.
Oh, no! Not another 'reality' dating show!
So last weekend, this thing happened.
And now Bravo is holding a casting call for the "Dating Project" on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 9:30pm.
The email that just dropped in my inbox states that "one rising starlet seeks her very own romantic inspiration. On a boulevard of dreams this stunning celebrity awaits her leading man."
O-K. So if you're a "sexy, successful and eligible" bachelor between 25-35, they want you to come in for an interview at Chaise Lounge (1840 W. North Ave., 773-342-1840). But here's the real treat: They're looking for a certain type of dude, so only apply if you're:
Professional athletes
Music execs
Stock brokers
Real estate guys
Investment bankers
Software moguls
Tennis players
Executive chefs
Art dealers
Doctors
Lawyers
Shallow much?!
The only good thing about this is that all the single ladies now know where to go on Saturday!
And now Bravo is holding a casting call for the "Dating Project" on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 9:30pm.
The email that just dropped in my inbox states that "one rising starlet seeks her very own romantic inspiration. On a boulevard of dreams this stunning celebrity awaits her leading man."
O-K. So if you're a "sexy, successful and eligible" bachelor between 25-35, they want you to come in for an interview at Chaise Lounge (1840 W. North Ave., 773-342-1840). But here's the real treat: They're looking for a certain type of dude, so only apply if you're:
Professional athletes
Music execs
Stock brokers
Real estate guys
Investment bankers
Software moguls
Tennis players
Executive chefs
Art dealers
Doctors
Lawyers
Shallow much?!
The only good thing about this is that all the single ladies now know where to go on Saturday!
All good things must come to an end
Word comes down that there's no more Boom Boom Room, the city's longest-running party that started more than 15 years ago at legendary house club Reg Dog. Hundreds of top local and international deejays performed at Boom Boom Room.
After Red Dog, Boom Boom Room was acquired by nightlife promoters Music 101, who took the party over to Green Dolphin Street (2200 N. Ashland Ave., 773-395-0066), where it remained a Monday night staple until this week. So, that's it, folks. If it returns, I'll be sure to let you know!
After Red Dog, Boom Boom Room was acquired by nightlife promoters Music 101, who took the party over to Green Dolphin Street (2200 N. Ashland Ave., 773-395-0066), where it remained a Monday night staple until this week. So, that's it, folks. If it returns, I'll be sure to let you know!
How could they not open this week?!
First there was Eno (505 N. Michigan Ave., 312-944-4100), and now comes Chocolate Grape (2113 W. Division St., 773-772-3990), a Wicker Park cafe specializing in wine and chocolate.
Owners Pat Karpowski and Rehanna Leigh Grady met at the "For the Love of Chocolate" benefit in 2007, and decided to make their love for chocolate a reality. Chocolate Grape expects to open in late March, and in addition to handmade chocolates and boutique wines, look for pastries, coffee, salads and soups, as well as exotic cheese and sausage flights.
There will also be a private event room, The Truffle Box, which should be an interesting addition to the local nightlife options.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Some time off
Hey, Fabulous Foodies!
312 Dining Diva is taking some personal time off, and will be back to regular postings on Wednesday, Feb. 13. In the meantime, have a fabulous time feasting out!
Before I go, just one more scoop to leave with you: La Bahia (4111 N. Lincoln Ave.) opens Sunday, Feb. 10 in the Irving Park 'hood. It specializes in fine Mexican cuisine. Hope someone gets a chance to check it out!
Oh, and now that sweet Sixteen (401 N. Wabash Ave., 312-588-8000) is open in the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, next up will be their super-sleek Rebar lounge, set to debut by the end of the month. As far as Sixteen, I'm looking forward to the Champagne High tea service, which starts on March 8. Served on Saturdays from 11am-3pm, menu highlights include an open-faced lobster club, King crab salad in a cucumber cup as well as sweet bites like chocolate Madelaines and a pecan tart with honey glaze. It's seriously fancy, with prices ranging from $32-$75 (with Champagne high), but sometimes you just need to treat yourself, honey.
And finally, Wicker Park's offbeat sensation Schwa (1466 N. Ashland Ave., 773-252-1466) reopens on Feb. 13, but don't even think about getting in there for Valentine's Day. You might have better luck snagging a table in this tiny BYO during the earlier part of the week because they're pretty much booked solid for the next few weekends.
312 Dining Diva is taking some personal time off, and will be back to regular postings on Wednesday, Feb. 13. In the meantime, have a fabulous time feasting out!
Before I go, just one more scoop to leave with you: La Bahia (4111 N. Lincoln Ave.) opens Sunday, Feb. 10 in the Irving Park 'hood. It specializes in fine Mexican cuisine. Hope someone gets a chance to check it out!
Oh, and now that sweet Sixteen (401 N. Wabash Ave., 312-588-8000) is open in the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, next up will be their super-sleek Rebar lounge, set to debut by the end of the month. As far as Sixteen, I'm looking forward to the Champagne High tea service, which starts on March 8. Served on Saturdays from 11am-3pm, menu highlights include an open-faced lobster club, King crab salad in a cucumber cup as well as sweet bites like chocolate Madelaines and a pecan tart with honey glaze. It's seriously fancy, with prices ranging from $32-$75 (with Champagne high), but sometimes you just need to treat yourself, honey.
And finally, Wicker Park's offbeat sensation Schwa (1466 N. Ashland Ave., 773-252-1466) reopens on Feb. 13, but don't even think about getting in there for Valentine's Day. You might have better luck snagging a table in this tiny BYO during the earlier part of the week because they're pretty much booked solid for the next few weekends.
What the critics are saying . . .
. . . about:
A Mano (335 N. Dearborn St., 312-629-3500). "Housemade gelato and sorbetto are creamy and intense; they are the best bets for dessert (three scoops for $7). Among the gelato, I like chocolate chip, Amaretto and chocolate-hazelnut. As for the sorbetto, I recommend the orange prosecco."—Laura Bianchi (Crain's Chicago Business) Read it all here.
Elephant & Castle (185 N. Wabash Ave., 312-345-1710). "The fish is very good here, enveloped in a properly crunchy batter made with Bass Ale, wrapped in paper (which looks like newspaper but isn't) and served with soft, skin-on steak fries. What makes this place particularly noteworthy is that you get your choice of fish; Elephant & Castle offers cod fish and chips ($11) and halibut fish and chips ($14). Halibut is a fine choice; the fish is noticeably firmer than the cod but has better flavor and flakes beautifully."—Phil Vettel (Chicago Tribune) Read it all here.
Lao Shanghai (2163 S China Pl., 312-808-0830). "The meat, poultry and seafood menu tantalizes with sweet and savory flavors that finish with subtlety. Shanghai dumplings reveal chubby pouches of pork, but lack enough broth to fully enjoy the slurping. Signature smoked tea duck, marinated in five spices, boasts a crispy skin with tender meat right down to the bones. Pan-fried flat noodles tossed with bits of chicken, beef, pork and shrimp arrive without the excess grease. Juicy beef sauced with black beans, garlic and red and black peppers is surprisingly light."—Valerie Moloney (Chicago CitySearch) Read it all here
Marie’s Pizzeria and Liquors (4129 W. Lawrence, 773-725-1812). "Distressed copper tables, red vinyl booths, chandeliers cut like Superman’s ice fortress, and a colossal mirror painted with the Chicago skyline all contribute to the sense that the place ought to be swamped with mooks wearing pinkie rings. Instead the tables at Marie’s Pizzeria and Liquors are filled with old folks and families, and what brings them in is the superb crispy thin-crust Chicago-style pizza, which has a near perfect grease-to-cheese ratio and is sauced with a sharp gravy. The adjoining space is a well-stocked liquor store with more than 800 wines; you can uncork one at your table for a $2 fee."—Mike Sula (Chicago Reader) Read it all here.
A Mano (335 N. Dearborn St., 312-629-3500). "Housemade gelato and sorbetto are creamy and intense; they are the best bets for dessert (three scoops for $7). Among the gelato, I like chocolate chip, Amaretto and chocolate-hazelnut. As for the sorbetto, I recommend the orange prosecco."—Laura Bianchi (Crain's Chicago Business) Read it all here.
Elephant & Castle (185 N. Wabash Ave., 312-345-1710). "The fish is very good here, enveloped in a properly crunchy batter made with Bass Ale, wrapped in paper (which looks like newspaper but isn't) and served with soft, skin-on steak fries. What makes this place particularly noteworthy is that you get your choice of fish; Elephant & Castle offers cod fish and chips ($11) and halibut fish and chips ($14). Halibut is a fine choice; the fish is noticeably firmer than the cod but has better flavor and flakes beautifully."—Phil Vettel (Chicago Tribune) Read it all here.
Lao Shanghai (2163 S China Pl., 312-808-0830). "The meat, poultry and seafood menu tantalizes with sweet and savory flavors that finish with subtlety. Shanghai dumplings reveal chubby pouches of pork, but lack enough broth to fully enjoy the slurping. Signature smoked tea duck, marinated in five spices, boasts a crispy skin with tender meat right down to the bones. Pan-fried flat noodles tossed with bits of chicken, beef, pork and shrimp arrive without the excess grease. Juicy beef sauced with black beans, garlic and red and black peppers is surprisingly light."—Valerie Moloney (Chicago CitySearch) Read it all here
Marie’s Pizzeria and Liquors (4129 W. Lawrence, 773-725-1812). "Distressed copper tables, red vinyl booths, chandeliers cut like Superman’s ice fortress, and a colossal mirror painted with the Chicago skyline all contribute to the sense that the place ought to be swamped with mooks wearing pinkie rings. Instead the tables at Marie’s Pizzeria and Liquors are filled with old folks and families, and what brings them in is the superb crispy thin-crust Chicago-style pizza, which has a near perfect grease-to-cheese ratio and is sauced with a sharp gravy. The adjoining space is a well-stocked liquor store with more than 800 wines; you can uncork one at your table for a $2 fee."—Mike Sula (Chicago Reader) Read it all here.
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