Random Jimmy Kimmel Sighting . . .

From a tipster:

"Jimmy Kimmel dined at Magnolia Cafe Saturday night and West Loop restaurant [redacted] last night, and also is singing 7th inning stretch at Cubbie game tonight."

Would've loved to disclose that West Loop resto . . .

Chicago Gourmet Introduces 'Hamburger Hop'

If you're still not convinced to buy a ticket for the annual Chicago Gourmet festival, this may give you mad motivation.

They've just announced the first-ever Hamburger Hop, where 15 area chefs will compete against one another with their versions of the American classic. Of course, you'll get to sample each burger, paired with beer from MillerCoors' Blue Moon.

Secret's Out: The Best 'Hidden' Dishes

We're not surprised one bit that Rockit owner Billy Dec has a "secret" dish named in his honor at the River North resto. (Photos: Rockit Ranch Productions)


Admit it, you love it when you know something the table next to you doesn't.

You're so (*&^%$#@#$%*!* cool because you know that sometimes the best items at the restaurant are the ones not on the menu.

Take, for example, Steak & Eggs On Acid, Blue 13's tasty signature dish that's gained chef Chris Curren legions of fans. Made with sliced beef tenderloin and quail egg with spicy wasabi sauce and potato-onion pierogi, the dish is no longer on the menu, but diners in-the-know can order it through the end of the month.

BICE Returns; Introducing MEDI . . .

The newly renovated BICE plans to resemble its San Diego sibling, pictured here. (Photo: The Bice Restaurant Group)


Looks like matters are finally coming together in the old BICE space in Streeterville, where MEDI is set to open in mid-September.

Sources tell 312DD exclusively that the upscale Italian eatery will flip its script for a more casual venue offering seasonal, Mediterranean Coast cuisine with entrees ranging $6-$10. Apparently it took them a while to figure out what was going to happen in this space because it's been shuttered since last winter.

Summer Sippers to Wind Down Season

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

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 . . .

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.

Bobby Brown Still Has Fans

Just great. Now I won't be able to get "Don't Be Cruel" out of my head for the rest of the day.

He was the Usher and Chris Brown of his day when he ruled the pop and R&B charts back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and apparently troubled entertainer Bobby Brown still has fans.

That was at least the case late Sunday night at the West Loop's Market when he showed up on the sports bar's rooftop with a small entourage.