Celebrated chef out at Old Town Brasserie

Old Town Brasserie chef Roland Liccioni (left). (Photo: Le Français)


Dish breaks the news that Old Town Brasserie chef Roland Liccioni is out at the end of the year:

"Today’s big news: Roland Liccioni, who put Le Français back on the map in the nineties, is apparently leaving Old Town Brasserie (1209 N. Wells St.; 312-943-3000) just before Christmas. 'I’m going to France to visit my mother, take some time off,' Liccioni says. After that, he has no plans, but would like to stay in Chicago. Bob Djahanguiri, OTB’s owner, sees it differently. 'I told him, "You go to France and when you come back we will sit down. And if you agree with my agreement, we will work together." . . . Roland is a great chef but the restaurant is not just the food. Honestly, he wants to stay.'"

He may or may not return, but in his absence, Andy Motto, a Charlie Trotter’s veteran who has worked with Liccioni for 12 years, is handling the kitchen.

Way to take advantage of a sticky situation

This wins for the most tasteless press release of the week:

"As Illinois politics is making front page news throughout the country, Chicagoans are up in arms that yet another governor has proven to be corrupt. One Chicago restaurant is voicing its disapproval in another way; by dedicating a drink to the situation.

Take a dirty martini, steal the olives but leave the pimentos and you have 'The Dirty Governor,' a drink currently being served at Wicker Park hotspot The Fifty/50.

What brand of vodka is used? Effen. Because Chicago’s (sic) are 'effen' mad."

Note to publicist:

Fail!

Rad's on fire!

The Stew continues its coverage of our girl Radhika Desai of Between on "Top Chef":

"At judges' table, Radhika's team is on top, but Ariane gets the victory for cooking 'the most flavorful component of the evening,' (guest judge Dana) Cowin reveals. Now wait. Didn't Radhika's marinade and yogurt sauce contribute more to the flavor than Ariane's cooking? All she had to do was know when to take the lamb out of the oven, and she needed help from her teammates to get that right. Radhika should have stood up more for her cooking. At least she shows strongly by placing with the winning team. Now she needs to stand out on her own."

Support.

This week's been effed up, y'all.

From The Guv to GM, it seems like everyone's in hot water. Two prominent restaurants shuttered (copperblue, Mantou Noodle Bar), and yet another is changing its concept before it heads into trouble.

Of course, everyone's strapped for $$$ these days, but let's try to get out and about this weekend and support our local businesses:

THURSDAY

If you're shopping on the Mag Mile or in River North, and it's arctic outside, warm up at mk. Every time the weather dips below 20 degrees, diners get free hot toddies.

Shoppers can also take refuge inside Bistro 110, which is doing Bistro & Bubbles until the end of the month in the lounge. They're offering two champagne pairings from Moët & Chandon: a glass of Moët White Star paired with truffle oil parmesan fries ($11) or a glass of Moët Rosé Impérial with smoked salmon pizza ($15). 5-7pm Sunday-Friday.

Green Zebra's new dinner deal benefits the World Bicycle Relief, a nonprofit organization supporting impoverished areas worldwide. A seasonal, four-course tasting menu is $44, with $4 from each order going to the organization. Through Dec. 30.

FRIDAY

They're doing Millionaire Flight Night every Friday at D.O.C. Wine Bar, but thankfully that's meant to be tongue in cheek. This one's only $25, with rare and specialty vino personally selected by wine director Adam Moore. This week, global pinots Domaine Leroy Burgundy, Julius Wasem Spatburgunder, Archer Summit "Cuvee Estate" are featured.

Funkshion (2121 W. Division St.) fetes its first-year anniversary with a party at the boutique from 7-11pm. Deejays spin, giveaways and a premium open bar. They're also requesting that guests bring gently used clothing to gift those less fortunate. The after-party happens at Right Loft (above Enclave) until 4am. No cover.

Hopefully the Bears beat the Saints so they hold their heads up high at the first-ever Bear Factor, happening at Rednofive. Guests get to mingle with past and present Bears players, and enjoy a fashion show featuring their wives and girlfriends. Appetizers and open bar included. 7-11pm. $75.



C-House chefs Seth Siegel-Gardner and Toni Roberts are the guest celebrity bartenders at Pops for Champagne on Monday. (Photo: C-House)


SATURDAY

It's suds galore at Delilah's, which hosts the 10th annual Christmas & Winter Beer Tasting. This is likely the largest beer tasting in the country with more than 100 beers on hand for your indulgence. Brands include Goose Island Christmas Ale, Three Floyds Alpha Claus Christmas Porter, Lakefront Holiday Spice Lager and Summit Winter Ale, plus reps will be on hand to answer questions. Noon-5pm. $20.

The sixth-annual Kandy Kane Ball at Joe's should bring out all the young professionals. Admission includes an open bar and appetizers (until midnight), live entertainment and some of the most interesting people you'll meet this holiday season. 9pm-2am. $40 (toy donation required; no batteries).

World-class tennis hottie Anna Kournikova's in town for another toy drive happening at Enclave. The party benefits the Union League Boys and Girls Club. 10pm-3am. $20 donation (or toys).

XBOX 360's I'm With the DJ Tour makes a stop at Bon V. You'll jam out to the sounds of Clinton Sparks, Rick Rude and White Shadow. 9pm-3am. $20.

MONDAY

Every Monday Pops for Champagne hosts an industry night event featuring local chefs behind the bar. It's time for C-House chefs Seth Siegel-Gardner and Toni Roberts to shine with their creations Pineapple Express (tequila, rosemary, sparkling wine), BOH (bourbon, maple, lime) and Motorboat (horchata, Kahlua, rootbeer). 9pm-2am. No cover.

OM Records superstar Miguel Migs makes a rare appearance at a Chicago nightclub. He's doing a special house set at Boom Boom Room, happening at Green Dolphin Street. NYC's SUPER PRODUCERS "1200 warriors" and local spin star DJ Uncle Milty also perform. Drink specials. 9pm-4am. $10.

EXCLUSIVE: Mantou closes

(Photo: Anthony Tahlier)


This shit is getting out of control:

312DD just learned that Mantou Noodle Bar has closed, just a week after The Stew posted a glowing, "first bite" review.

It opened on Oct. 30.

EXCLUSIVE: More changes for Room21

Here's an update on the changes coming soon to Room21:

In addition to the contemporary American South Loop spot going all-Ital, inside sources now tell 312DD that a chef shuffling's underway as well. When owner Jerry Kleiner unveils Room21's new look in late January or early February, Jim Kilberg will be heading up the kitchen.

Toast new West Town taverns

West Town is hot. There's no doubt about that with the recent successful openings of Old Oak Tap, Cat's Meow and Bar DeVille.

So, now comes the latest crop of poppers, promising to keep us entertained through the winter:

Thrillist gives us the dealio on Crocodile, which opens Wednesday. We're looking forward to one of the biggest bargains of the month: For every $5 you spend on alcohol, you get one mini pizza.

The Daddy introduces us to Theory, taking off on Thursday just in time for the big Bears vs. Saints game. You'll get food and drink specials, including $3 sliders and $3 John Daly Irish Whiskey.

And finally, Branch 27's not scheduled to open until sometime in January. A collaboration from noteworthy nightlife vets (Fat Cat, Rockit, Empire Liquors), it's located in a former library branch and will offer small, shareable plates, craft beers and an upscale, yet comfy bar setting.

What's free on NYE?!

That's the most frequently asked question these days around 312DD, as most revelers will not only be recycling dressy wear from seasons past, but clamping down on how much they'll spend to party on the big night.

You could easily head over to your corner bar 'cause likely that's free, but on New Year's Eve, doncha want to step up your game?!

So, we've gathered a bunch of events around town—some free, some not so pricey—and you won't find anything over $60:

Deals abound all over the Bucktown/Wicker Park area, especially at bin wine cafe, which is serving its regular dinner menu of seasonal small plates. For something special, order the Bubbles & Chocolate tasting, which comes with four, 2.5 oz pours of bubbly and sparkling wine, paired with chocolate-dipped strawberries, Marcona-almond chocolate bark, Pop Rock truffles and white chocolate truffles. $25 for one; $48 for two. 5pm-2am.

Since you'll be drinking champagne anyway, why not celebrate NYE like a Parisian?! Bistro 110 rings in the New Year at midnight—on Paris time. They're doing seatings between 5 and 8pm, and if you head here for the first seating, you'll get a complimentary glass of bubbly (5-6pm). The menu is a la carte, with specials such as grilled quails with braised savoy cabbage or roasted scallops. Also: free valet parking.

It'll cost you several hundred dollars to get to Brazil this time of year, but Cat's Meow's festive, Brazilian-themed bash will only cost you twenty bones. The night will feature samba dancers, $5 Caipirinhas, midnight bubbly, buffet and live entertainment from Planeta Azul Trio playing Samba, Funk, Forro and Brazilian pop. Deejays also spin. 9pm-2am. Free parking in adjacent lot.

At Cuatro, in the South Loop, the Latin-American menu is a la carte for dinner, but if you just want to party you'll only pay $10 if you get there by 10pm ($20 after). Deejays David Sabat and Craig Alexander spin deep house, classics and Latin grooves. Cash bar or $60 per person drink package from 10pm-1am. Specialty cocktails include mojitos, blood-orange margaritas, Caipirinhas and Cuatro's signature sipper, the Forbidden Fruit Sangria. 10pm-2am.

The James hotel and David Burke's Primehouse lobby bar transform into a relaxed and liberated party environment, with music by DJ Dani Deahl and a cocktail menu featuring new seasonal winter libations. Biggest bonus: complimentary passed appetizers and champagne for the midnight toast. No cover.

In Ukrainian Village's Enoteca Roma, guests may indulge in a five-course, regional Italian dinner paired with wine for $55. Two seatings: 7:30 and 9:30pm. Those who stay for the late seating (and midnight champagne toast) will be treated to fresh-baked muffins from the adjacent Letizia's Natural Bakery for their New Year's Day breakfast.

Order from the regular menu or chef specials at The Gage, and at midnight, guests get party favors and a complimentary Champagne toast. They're also featuring the Bubble Bliss champagne cart with selections starting at $10 a glass, from crisp blanc de blancs to rich and toasty vintage Champagnes. Those not having dinner can also hang out in the front-room lounge, which is no cover.

The Black & White Party. Think Truman Capote's infamous celebration in the late 1960s that brought out New York elite and celebrities. They're recreating the spectacular event for NYE at In Fine Spirits, with black and white themed appetizers and party favors. Guests, of course, are encouraged to dress in black tie and/or black or white. 4pm-2am. $20.09 in advance; $25 at door (drink specials for $9 all night).

Juicy Wine Co. offers a pretty good deal in River West. For $45, they're hooking you up with a four-hour premium open bar with spirits and wines picked out by owner Rodney Alex himself. Snacks include Harold's Fried Chicken, plus you'll get traditional party favors, midnight champagne toast and music by DJ Puff-e. 9pm-1am.

Deejays spin offbeat dance, '80s and hip-hop at People Lounge, the popular Wicker Park tapas bar. Here, you'll also get a premium open bar until midnight for $60. Also, midnight champagne toast. 9pm-2am.

With spectacular views of the Navy Pier fireworks and its glamorous setting, the Trump Hotel's Rebar will be one hot ticket come Dec. 31. And check this out: NO cover charge. . . . NO bottle service requirements . . . and NO reservations. We recommend you doing something a little different this year and ordering the Winter Magic Punch Bowl, which comes tableside in a heated crock filled with brandy, red wine, cinnamon sticks, cloves, oranges and cognac-marinated cherries. ($115 punch bowl serves four; $13 by the glass). 5pm-2am.

You never know what DJ Uncle Milty is going to do when he's behind the turntables and expect NYE to be no different. His throwdown's happening at the W Chicago-City Center with discounted bottle service and drinks. He's spinning deep house, hip-hop, rock and R&B. 9pm-2am. No cover.