Something to Look Forward to in January

Chris Curren (left) of Blue 13 and The Bedford's Mark Steuer.

Blue 13's Executive Chef Chris Curren's hosting what he's calling a Working Chefs Dinner, in which he's showcasing toques "(who) may not always draw the headlines, (but) the consistent quality they display night after night keeps guests not only satisfied, but coming back for more."

He's gathered for the event, happening 6-9pm Jan. 9, five respected chefs and one amazing bartender who will create 10 courses in their signature styles.

Dec. 20 is National Sangria Day . . .

I've always thought of sangria as a summer sipper, but it's so damn good I don't mind drinking it 365 days a year. And since Dec. 20 is National Sangria Day, here's an excuse to drink even more at these local spots serving some of the best in the city:

At Coobah in Lakeview, you'll find a recipe that originated in the Dominican Republic. Pitchers are regularly $18, but lucky for you every Tuesday they're marked down to $6. There's also live Latin music.

Water Tower Place newcomer FOODEase serves several wines on tap, including a very special concoction of white or red sangria. They throw in a bunch of fruit, of course, so if you're shopping along the Mag Mile, stop in for a glass or two.

Get Your NYE Party On . . . For FREE

Just because that movie New Year's Eve was a bust doesn't mean yours has to be.

Over at River North sensation Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar, they're assuring you'll have an over-the-top time at their first-ever Tokyo-themed bash that you may be able to attend for free.

NoMi Unveils Park Chocolate Bar

In early November, Eater Chicago introduced us to Forever Yogurt's hot chocolate bar, and while that sounds super cool, it was missing one thing for boozehounds like us.

It needed a spiked element, which is why we're pretty excited about NoMi Kitchen's brand-new Park Chocolate Bar.

Top 14 Fried Chicken Spots in the City?!

Big Jones' fried chicken via Serious Eats Chicago.

I just want to send out a heartfelt THANK YOU to my pals over at Serious Eats Chicago. They just saved me from gaining 10 pounds because I had in my plans to seek out the best fried chicken spots in the city.

They selected 14 of what they believe to be the tastiest yardbird around, and I'm in absolute agreement with most of their choices (especially since I haven't even heard of a few of the places!).

It's Never Too Cold For Something Frosty!

Black Dog Gelato photo via UrbanSpoon.com.

Like most summer-focused spots, Black Dog Gelato is observing winter hours. For the next few months, it's only open noon-9pm Friday-Sunday.

But in the meantime, owner Jessica Oloroso has come up with a couple of creative ways to get her addictive, hand-crafted frosty treats to her fans on the regular.

Restaurants Giving Back During Holidays

Love it or hate it, this is the time of year when folks feel the most generous. And since all that brotherly love is in the air, you can't blame restaurants and bars for getting in on the action.

If you're looking to give back or lend a helping hand to those in need, the roving underground supper club Clandestino is requesting guests to bring an unwrapped toy or winter coat for the last Eating Vincent Price dinner of the year. As always, the location is unknown until the day of the event, but it will be held in the South Loop. The BYOB event is $55 and inspired by Price's travels to Old Mexico. 6:30pm Dec. 19. You can RSVP here. Donations will benefit Family Focus.

Through Dec. 25, Custom House Tavern is holding a canned-food drive to benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Those who bring non-perishables will receive a complimentary "thank you" lunch or dinner course during their meal.

Fishbar gets into the holiday spirit by supporting Toys for Tots through Dec. 22. The Lakeview seafood restaurant will give a side of tater tots to those who donate an unwrapped toy in its original packaging. No stuffed animals accepted.

Duffy Reveals Name For West Loop Resto

(Photo: Curtis Duffy)

Way back in July, Curtis Duffy made a shocking announcement that he was leaving his post as chef de cuisine at the now-shuttered Avenues at the Peninsula Chicago to open his own restaurant.

At that time, and the months following, he only disclosed a few details about his new project, including that it would open next spring in the West Loop. He also told the Chicago Tribune he's aiming for "food that will be more refined. We're going to pull back just a bit and push forward at the same time. We want to have a bit more control with the food, and push forward in terms of flavor combination."

He's had us waiting on pins and needles for all these months without even giving a hint of the name or exact location.

But now that's about to change.