It Totally Pays To Be A Firefighter!

The staff over at Grant Achatz's glorious new Next have likely heard just about every story imaginable from the more than 21,000 people trying to get reservations at the West Loop hot spot.

But we're betting they had no idea they'd get this one:

Spring Into Best Chef-Driven Brunches

Sprout's Dale Levitski has his own version of the Croque Madame on the brunch menu. (Photo: Sprout)

Still trying to decide on brunch plans for Easter or Mother's Day?!

These chef-driven brunches from the likes of Sable Kitchen & Bar's Heather Terhune, Table Fifty-Two's Art Smith and Sprout's Dale Levitski should certainly satisfy.

See the rest of my favorite picks on WCIU-TV's You & Me This Morning, and make your reservations before they sell out!

Green Zebra's Anniversary Deals . . .

(Photo: Green Zebra)

We're pretty excited about this one because West Town's veggie sensation, Green Zebra, can be on the expensive side.

But until the end of the month (Sunday through Thursday only)—to celebrate its seventh anniversary—the upscale restaurant is doing a bunch of $7 food and drink specials.

Here's what you will get:

Who's Your Favorite Bartender?!

Head Bartender Mike Ryan of Kimpton's Sable Kitchen & Bar. (Photo: Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants)

Not certain where you'll be drinking this weekend?!

I conducted an informal Twitter poll, asking folks who they prefer to visit behind the bar when they're in the mood for a Manhattan or shot of Maker's.

Here's what I got:

On Being 'The Hottest Game In Town'

Kevin Boehm of the Boka Restaurant Group. (Photo: taken from Boehm's Facebook page)

In 2011 alone, Kevin Boehm (one half of the fabulous Boka Restaurant Group boys with Rob Katz) has gotten accolade upon accolade for his various culinary projects.

From Stephanie Izard's Beard nom for Girl & The Goat to snagging the Rising Star Restaurateur Award from StarChefs, the praises just keep on coming.

And with Perennial Virant set to open in May and Little Goat arriving in the autumn, we don't see this train stopping any time soon.

But Boehm says, despite the success, he won't let it go to his head:

Chef Wants Recognition Beyond 'Burbs

Inovasi chef/owner John des Rosiers (Photo: Inovasi)

It doesn't matter that he's a culinary star in the suburbs, Inovasi chef/owner John des Rosiers wants also props from Chicago and national food media.

His Lake Bluff resto, which celebrates two years in June, packs in a well-heeled, food-loving crowd several nights a week, but he's hungry for recognition from city folk.

His blog, The Thought, is usually pretty controversial, taking on such issues as molecular gastronomy and the antics of fellow colleagues such as Graham Elliot.

But this time, des Rosiers chose to take a more subtle approach as he basically wrote an open letter to media:

Obama Will Dine At MK Thursday

Just got the official word that Prez Obama will be dining at MK Thursday when he's in town.

To prepare for his feast, chef/owner Michael Kornick and exec chef Erick Williams have created a menu that's certain to be memorable:

Michael Carlson Broke His Leg

Photo via the Chicago Tribune

I got a tip Monday that Schwa was shuttered over the weekend.

When we asked the publicist, no real response was given for why it was closed, but late Tuesday night it was discovered that eccentric executive chef/owner Michael Carlson had broken his leg.

We wish him a speedy recovery!

UPDATE: The guys over at AV Club Chicago tell 312DD: "Got a call from Schwa confirming reservations for tomorrow, so they seem to be open while Carlson recovers."

Awesome news!