Honky Tonk theme for new Paul Kahan project

Paul Kahan (Photo: Battman Studios)


312DD got the scoop earlier this summer on the new taco-focused spot going into the old Pontiac Cafe.

And now, Something Glorious just gathered even more scoop on the upcoming Paul Kahan-led project:

"Something Glorious just discovered that this new space, which is on target to open in late October barring any issues, will primarily be a bar with a walk-up taqueria (no exterior door, just a window) and will feature about 10 items on the menu, according to Executive Chef Paul Kahan.

"Kahan, who embarks on a SoCal 'research and development' trip this week, said that he was inspired when he 'ate something and loved it.' The food will focus on al pastor tacos, much in the vein of Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Super Rica Taqueria, of which Kahan is a big fan and says has the best tacos he's ever eaten.

"While Kahan will pull inspiration from his time working alongside Rick Bayless at Frontera Grill, he wants to experiment with 'fun food that tastes good,' like eventually having fried chicken and mole—which is something I can definitely get down with."

The Best of the West Hits Town

Deejay/producer Miguel Migs stops through Griffin Lounge for his "Get Salted Tour" Thursday.


He's known for his brooding good looks and ethereal signature sound that works best when laid down over aggressive house music. So it wasn't a surprise when San Fran native Miguel Migs became the poster boy for the Naked Music label at its height of popularity in the late 1990s/early 2000s.

You've likely heard one of Migs' deep soul-influenced remixes thumping in the club, from Britney Spears, Macy Gray and Lionel Richie, produced under Naked Music as well as his current venture, Salted Music.

You'll get a chance to see what all the fuss is about when Migs headlines the Get Salted Tour at Griffin Lounge 9pm-2am Thursday. Just Joey, John Curley and Funky Couture also spin. $5 until midnight; $10 after.

And the beat goes on . . . all weekend long:

THURSDAY

Summer's not over, damnit! So get out your frilliest frocks and slickest slacks for the first-ever Common Threads World Cookout at Fulton's On The River. The event raises money for after-school cooking programs for disadvantaged children, and will include a walk-around tasting from chefs Stephanie Izard (Top Chef Season 4; The Drunken Goat), Paul Virant (Vie), Bill Kim (Urban Belly), Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Rodelio Abilgot (Sunda), Radhika Desai (Top Chef Season 5), Gale Gand (TRU), James Gottwald Rockit Bar & Grill, Giuseppe Tentori (Boka), Toni Roberts (C-House), Jonathan Fox (La Madia), Mark Mendez (Carnivale), Dominique Tougne (Bistro 110), Greg Biggers (Fulton’s on the River), Sarah Grueneberg (Cafe Spiaggia), Robert Andrea (Jake Melnick’s), Rick Gresh (David Burke’s Primehouse), and Suzanne Imaz and Martial Noguier (Café de Architectes). Oh yeah, there's an open bar. 6:30-9:30pm. $75.

The Art of Martini sounds like a fun, interactive party that should get people talking to one another again. Guests will learn how to make five signature martinis as they socialize. It's also a fundraiser for one guy's entrance into the Chicago Marathon, so that's all good too. 6-9pm at Three Peas Art Lounge. $35.

Bar Novo—a slick lounge with an "interactive chef’s station"—quietly opens today at the Renaissance Hotel. We're looking forward to the hand-crafted cocktails, signature local beers and extensive wine list.

Indulge in an evening of "Greek Chic" at A Night in the Kouzina, happening at River East Art Center. The chef-driven event includes tastings from George Bumbaris (Prairie Grass Cafe), Carrie Nahabedian (NAHA), David Schneider (Taxim) and Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven). Benefits the National Hellenic Museum. 6-9pm. $85.



House-made push-ups created by Sofitel Executive Pastry Chef Suzanne Imaz will be one of the treats at the "Common Threads World Cookout." (Photo: Sofitel Chicago)


FRIDAY

The 24th annual Berghoff Oktoberfest culminates with a performance by Modern Day Romeos. The event occurs at Federal Plaza at Dearborn and Adams, which is right down the street from Berghoff itself. 5-9pm. Free.

SATURDAY

Yet another Chicago Gourmet Dine Around participant is Japonais, which is offering an awesome prix-fixe, three-course menu that comes with one glass of wine. $50. After your meal, head down to the sexy lower-level lounge where a deejay spins eclectic beats until 1:30am.

SUNDAY

Gemini Bistro starts brunch service today, and we cannot wait to get our hands on the Stuffed Vanilla Brioche French Toast (drizzled with mascarpone cheese and sweet cherry jam), Cap Cod Lobster Roll, and Brunch Punch, with fresh orange, fresh pineapple, grenadine and a dark rum floater.

Samba Hour happens 4-7pm every Sunday through Thursday at Sushi Samba rio. You'll get small tasty $2, $3 and $4 bites like soy glazed edamame, spicy crunchy tuna roll, Japanese chicken wings and crispy yellowtail taquitos.

MONDAY

And get ready for the first-ever Flat Top Grill to serve breakfast. Located in the downtown Sullivan Center, it'll feature the same concept of filling a bowl with ingredients that the grill cooks prepare. Omelettes, egg scrambles, pancakes and French toast are offered as a base for the main breakfast dish, with fresh food line offerings fruit, chocolate chips, and an assortment of vegetables, cheeses and meats.

The O effect on Local Dining

We all know Oprah's got the golden touch when it comes to making other people big $$$.

Just look at the countless authors, talk show hosts and musicians who've benefited from an endorsement from the Big O.

The same goes for restaurateurs/chefs, such as the Mag Mile's RL, whose GM Rich Varnes tells Crain's Chicago Business the resto sees more business when she's in town taping.

For example, this week alone, RL had the pleasure of serving Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson not once, but twice. And Chris Rock, also in town to tape her show, hit up MK for dinner.

Oprah's also been instrumental, of course, in putting Art Smith of Table Fifty-Two fame on top when it comes to high-profile celebrity dining. A-Listers like Sarah Jessica Parker, Padma Lakshmi and of course President Obama and The First Lady have all been here.

Who'll be next to get the "O" treatment?! Chefs all over town had better start sending food by the truckload to the Harpo production staff stat!

Everyone Loves Chris!

Wonder what famed comic Chris Rock did to get major props from San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich, who bought his dinner at MK when he stopped in on Tuesday.

Executive Chef Erick Williams said Rock, who was in town for an Oprah taping to promote his new Good Hair documentary, dined on a number of seasonal dishes, including an eggless Caesar salad; petite market salad of Hillside Orchard peaches, Black Mission figs and toasted sunflower seeds; Block Island swordfish; and grilled halibut steak with summer corn and squash.

Sounds like one helluva meal, so it must be an interesting story behind why Popovich—who was just randomly hanging out at the bar—ponied up the $$$ for Rock's entire meal.

After dinner, Rock and entourage took the party over to The Pen, where they hung out for late-night cocktails and more. Patrons and staffs at both spots had nothing but good things to say about the comedian . . .

How sweet this is . . .

Through Oct. 15, Heavenly Gelato & Ice Cream in Logan Square celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with the Olympic Special—a glorious five-scoop delight of gourmet gelatos and sorbet.

Each scoop reps one Olympic ring (mixed berry, Mexican Chipotle chocolate, mango, pistachio, raspberry), and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Olympic training and travel fund of Heavenly’s owner, Larry Langowski Mendoza, a 2008 Mexican Olympian and 2012 hopeful. You'll get those five scoops for $6.75.

Also going down today (and every second Tuesday of the month thereafter), MK hosts a beer-focused event, featuring a microbrew paired with four small plates. Tonight, you'll get suds from hometown brewery Goose Island paired with their twist on frog legs and seared pork belly. 6-9pm. $25 (lounge only).



Bristol's Chris Pandel is one of three chefs serving up melon-infused goodies at Green City Market Wednesday. (Photo: The Bristol)


If you're feeling more of a wine night this evening, head to Juicy Wine Co. for a tasting featuring eight Napa Valley winemakers. Ten bucks gets you the tasting, plus small bites. 6-8pm.

If you're really hungry, make a move to Follia for contempo Italian cuisine. Each Tuesday and Wednesday, this hip West Loop eatery offers a $28 four-course, prix-fixe menu with a choice of appetizer, soup or salad, pasta, entree and dessert.

And Wednesday's Green City Market is all about Melon Fest! Tell the office you'll be late because you don't want to miss signature tastings by chefs Mark Mendez (Carnivale), Cary Taylor (Chaise Lounge) and Chris Pandel (The Bristol). You'll also indulge in drinks from mixologists Adam Seger (Nacional 27), Alison Fisher (312 Chicago) and Josh Pearson (Sepia). Starts at 9am. Free.

Dine Around deals you don't want to miss

Lockwood Executive Chef Phillip Foss (Photo: Lockwood)


The second-annual Chicago Gourmet is just around the corner, but your $$$ are a little short for the full-price ticket of $150 per day.

This year, the event's producers are giving us somewhat of a break with the chance to get a free one-day pass by participating in the Dine Around program.

All you have to do to gain access is to dine in at least five of the more than 30 restaurants participating in the program through Sept. 27 (Chicago Gourmet happens Sept. 26-27).

Yeah, we know, that sounds pretty daunting, but 312DD's picked out the Top 5 best deals so you know where to go:

Chef Kevin Hickey's menu at Seasons Restaurant at the Four Seasons is likely the best deal of the bunch, a four-course, prix-fixe feast that comes with wine pairings if you desire. The menu's seasonal and priced at $50 ($65 with the wine pairings).

If you're looking for a seafood-only menu, they've got you covered over at Hugo's Frog Bar. Three courses at $29.50 is also a helluva deal, plus you get your choice of New England clam chowder, spicy basil-crusted Norwegian salmon, sauteed frog legs and jumbo lump crab cakes.

At the Palmer House's glam Lockwood, chef Phillip Foss holds it down with stylish, seasonal fare. His special Dine Around menu includes local produce in the Kendall Farm's crème fraîche mushroom soup, Blue Hill Bay mussels, free-range chicken with summer veggies, and the spaghetti with eggplant "bolognese." Menu's $38.

West Town neighborhood gem Mexique gets props for its casual, yet upscale fare, including braised short ribs (with hibiscus flower glaze) and truffle pomme frites and a pan-seared Alaskan halibut with black bean puree gordita. If you think that's great, they top it off with a moist tres leches chocolate cake. It's $50, and also includes a glass of white or red wine.

And wow. For $50, you'll get four seasonal courses at TRU, including a selection from the signature Chef's Collection, house aperitif and dessert.

Devin Hester Scores Us Free Berry Chill!

We're still a little salty at new Bears quarterback Jay Cutler for losing last night's big game against the Packers (and now word comes down that Brian Urlacher is out for the season!), but this should make the pain go away:

Bears wide receiver Devin Hester loves Berry Chill, and because he scored a touchdown last night, they're giving away The Hester—a 5 oz. original yogurt topped with his mango, pineapple and Gummi Bears.

Available at all locations today only.

No Blogging for the Birthday Girl!

312DD deserves a few days off, right?! ;)