Another Pastry Chef Hits The Airwaves!

Pastry Chef Sarah Levy (Photo via Heebmagazine.com)

We were excited to hear about The Bristol's dynamite executive pastry chef Amanda Rockman competing on Bravo's second season of Top Chef Just Desserts, premiering August 24.

But another big name in all things sweet may just steal a little of her thunder. Sarah Levy of Sarah's Pastries and Candies is appearing on the mega-competitive Food Network Challenge a few days before on August 21.

Justin White: 'Food To Rival Anyone's'

The Drawing Room's Executive Chef Nick Lacasse (left) with SmallBar's Executive Chef Justin White. (Photo: Julie Szmyd)

That's quite a declaration coming from Nick Lacasse on the chef he believes is the one to watch next.

Lacasse's the executive chef at The Drawing Room, and he recently issued an ingredient challenge to SmallBar Wicker Park's Justin White to do something creative with an ostrich egg.

The challenge is part of an ongoing video series by the Chicago Reader in which a prominent chef gets another chef to create an entree with a rarely used ingredient.

What Everyone's Talking About in July

Roka Akor's signature sushi platter. (Photo: Roka Akor)

The weather may have cooled off just a wee bit, but that's not stopping the red-hot openings in July.

In ChicagoDining.com's monthly GRUB GUIDE To What's Hot . . ., we highlighted some of the spots everyone's been buzzing about, including the modern Indian-focused Bombay Spice, Pilsen's chef-driven EL, and steak and sushi sensation Roka Akor.

There's never a dull moment!

Even More Props For The Bristol!

Debbi Peek is the head mixologist at The Bristol. (Photo: The Bristol)

So The Bristol's been on fire lately.

Last week we found out that Executive Pastry Chef Amanda Rockman is set to compete on the second season of Top Chef Desserts.

And over the weekend down at the annual Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, head mixologist Debbi Peek racked up a new honor of her own.

One Big Week For Local Pastry Chefs!

The Bristol's Pastry Chef Amanda Rockman. (Photo: Amanda Rockman)

It's great to see pastry chefs finally getting a sweet taste of success in the city.

First, The Bristol's Amanda Rockman is set to be on the second season of Top Chef: Just Desserts. It premieres August 24 on Bravo, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Also, Eater Chicago reports that Stephanie Prida's leaving the two-starred ria for three-starred L20.

We're #1 When It Comes To Hot Dog Stands

Hot Doug's photo via Complex

It's good to know that if you're craving pizza, hot dogs, burgers or tacos, there's no shortage of spots around town.

TheDailyMeal.com broke down the stats on how Chicago ranks with other major cities in a recent survey. By the way, we're #1 when it comes to hot dog stands!

Paella Chef Showdown at Mercat a la Planxa!

Mercat's Chef de Cuisine Cory Morris and Blackstone Hotel Executive Chef Eric Liebtag. (Photos: Mercat a la Planxa)

I don't think I can contain myself.

First we found out about the Quick Fire Competition Series with star chefs from Perennial Virant (Paul Virant) and The Bristol (Chris Pandel) going head to head with barbecue.

And today comes word that two more local chefs are going at it. This time it's with paella, and it's going down at 6pm August 25 at Mercat a la Planxa.

Cheers! Today Is National Daiquiri Day . . .

A picture perfect Daiquiri via BeingLatino.wordpress.com.

It's been rumored that the Daiquiri originated in the small town of Daiquiri on the east coast of Cuba.

Oak Park native Ernest Hemingway brought the cocktail to infamy during his travels there in the 1930s, and on some classic menus you'll even find the Hemingway Daiquiri. It's made of White Rum, Lime, Grapefruit, Maraschino Liqueur and Cane Syrup.

Most spots around town serve the frozen variety, but there are a few establishments serving the Daiquiri in the classic tradition. And as July 19 is observed as National Daiquiri Day, here's where to go to celebrate: