Some Mighty, Mighty Bites . . .

Executive Chef William Alexander working the line at new Little Italy eatery, One. Six One. (Photo: One. Six One)


Hey, guys, there are a ton of things going on beyond Lolla this weekend, especially when it comes to delicious dishes.

For example, we checked out One. Six One a few weeks ago during its grand-opening weekend. The contemporary Little Italy resto's menu was all over the globe, but we were particularly pleased with the Smoked Wild Duck Gumbo.

Where He Dined—And With Whom—On His B-Day. . .

. . . Wednesday night was none other than Graham Elliot, the quirky River North spot that's gotten more attention than any other restaurant in the city recently because of neverending buzz.

New Tru Chef Joins 'Taste of the Nation' Lineup

Tru Executive Chef/partner Anthony Martin (Photos: Tru)


The new executive chef/partner at fancy four-star Tru loves Lil’ Wayne, rides a hog to work every day and once waited four-and-a-half hours at Kuma's Corner for a Black Sabbath Burger (topped with blackening spice, chili, pepper Jack and red onion).

So it is no surprise that the 29-year-old Anthony Martin—who turns 30 on Sept. 23—is adding a bit of spice to the menus once ruled over by former executive chef Rick Tramanto.

Make no mistake. Dude's got some pretty big shoes to fill, as Tramanto helped put Tru on the culinary map with former executive pastry chef Gale Gand. But as a fearless former visual artist whose fascination with architecture creeps ever so often into his creations, we have no doubt he'll succeed.

Mercadito Mixologist Moves On; Introducing Watershed

Mixologist Daniel de Oliveira (Photo: Daniel de Oliveira)

One of the hardest-working men in local mixology has just added even more notches to his resume.

No more Mercadito for Daniel de Oliveira, who's been there since it opened last fall.

Instead, the talented bartender has taken a full-time position with the Pernod brand to launch Olmeca Altos tequila, from the highlands of Mexico, in the Chicago market (RSVP for the launch party happening 6:30-8:30pm Monday, Aug. 9 at East Bank Club, 500 N. Kingsbury St. at RSVP@Handcraftedpr.com).

Local Chefs Go Crazy Over Wild Arctic Char

Arctic Char with Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Pesto. (Stock photo)


"The two-week summer fishery was an absolute delight that had the city's most talented chefs humbled to have such a majestic species in their kitchens," gushed Carl Galvan, one of the hardest-working fishmongers for Surpreme Lobster, about Cambridge Bay Wild Arctic Char.

Such a statement makes me seriously pay attention, and it turns out that by mid-August, these fish will return to their natural habitat under the ice caps of the Arctic Circle.

To celebrate their "final 2010 runs," Galvan's gathered what he says are some of the best chefs in the city to whip up signature dishes during two special events you don't want to miss.

STAGE BITES: The Weekly Dining & Drinking Guide

Raphael Saadiq performs at "Lollapalooza" Friday.


Every Monday look for the week's top performances paired with the best deals before and after the show:

Lollapalooza at Grant Park. An all-star lineup of musical acts are set to perform at this annual, three-day festival. Highlights on the main stages include Raphael Saadiq (2-3pm Friday), Lady Gaga (8-10pm Friday), Green Day (7:45-10pm Saturday), Erykah Badu (5-6pm Sunday) and Soundgarden (8-10pm Sunday). August 6-8. Get tickets here.

Chef 'Driven' Concepts at Atwood Cafe, Inovasi

Atwood Cafe Executive Chef Derek Simcik (Photo: Atwood Cafe)


Two Chicago-area chefs give new meaning to the buzzword "chef driven" with some exciting new promotions at their restaurants.

Over at Atwood Café, in the Loop, new Executive Chef Derek Simcik's doing a couple of cool promos to attract those diners who hate driving downtown.

Get Ready for the First-Ever Cupcake Cruise

(Photo: Flirty Cupcakes)


There's so much competition now with all these cupcake shops and cupcake trucks, so Flirty Cupcakes decided to step up its game by taking their treats to the shore.

That's right. They're doing the city's first-ever Cupcake Cruise, which should be quite a blast.

Here are the details: