Former San Fran Chef New Rising Star at The Bristol

The Bristol's newly crowned chef de cuisine Tony Quartaro. (Photo: Twitter)

Since rock star chef Chris Pandel has been so busy working his magic over at Italian hot spot Balena, it made perfect sense to get a replacement at The Bristol.

That replacement comes in the form of Tony Quartaro, a young chef who left his post two months ago at New York's Fedora to work alongside the award-winning culinary artist. Previously, he worked at New York's Pulino's as well as San Francisco's Nopa and A16.

Get Ready For Firefighter Friday!

(Photo: Sauza Tequila)

Clear your calendar on June 29 because on this day only you'll get to meet the Sauza Tequila firefighters.

That's because Sauza's "Regional Rescue Tour" makes a stop in our fair city at River North hot spots Public House and Cantina Laredo.

Now, for some of y'all, hanging out with these certified hotties is enough, but there is more:

It's a Wrap for Sarah's Pastries & Candies

Pastry Chef Sarah Levy (Photo via Heebmagazine.com)

Here is some very sad and shocking news I just received in my inbox:

"Thank you to all of our loyal customers, it has been a great seven years. We are so honored to have been a part of so many of your celebrations - from making your birthday and weddings cakes to sending out your holiday gift baskets and pouring your morning coffee. We feel fortunate to have been a part of your lives.

What's Hotter Than July?!

Sepia celebrates five years in July with complimentary cocktails when diners purchase an entree such as the signature flat-iron steak with Bearnaise. (Photo: Sepia)

June is pretty much over, so let's take a look to see what July has to offer:

• You can finally check out your fave celeb chefs on the cheap at City Porch. Each month, a different high-profile toque headlines the menu at the brand-new Navy Pier pop-up concept. In July, look for Italian eats from Tony Mantuano (Bar Toma, Spiaggia).

• All day-dining spot Hash House A Go Go is set to open by the end of July. The concept is "twisted farm food" with dishes like Andy's Sage Fried Chicken Benedict and HH Famous Roasted Chicken Pot Pie. The address, at 1212 N. State Pkwy., has been sort of a deadweight in the area, so here's hoping they have more success.

Major Shakeup at Urban Union: Owner Steps Down

(Photo: Jason Chan)

Jason Chan, the principal partner behind Urban Union, exclusively tells 312DD that he's stepping down as operator of the popular Little Italy restaurant to pursue another dining project.

"I'm still the founder and owner, but I'm no longer the operator on a day-to-day basis," Chan said. "It's extremely important to me that all the customers who came to support me know that I am no longer there. I wish Urban Union all the luck in the world."

Your New Plans on 'Funday Sunday'

If you don't mind being a little sluggish on Monday mornings, you should make plans to head out to these best new Sunday soirees on the scene:

Beauty Bar. For those who like to get down, A Sunday Love Affair happens every last Sunday of the month. Deejays Jaytoo and Seano spin extreme deep house, funk, global grooves and soul for a mature, sophisticated crowd. Drink specials include $3 Old Style, $6 Sophia sparkling wine, $3 tequila shots, and $10 martini and manicures. It's 5-10pm, so my recommendation is to have a late brunch nearby at Branch 27, Butterfly Sushi or Flo and then head over. No cover.

Big Night For Peter Vestinos, City Tavern

Mixologist and cocktail consultant Peter Vestinos. (Photo: Peter Vestinos)

City Tavern was supposed to open Sunday, according to Eater Chicago reports, but after a few technical difficulties it has finally debuted.

The restaurant, helmed by Kendal Duque (Chicago Firehouse, Sepia), offers an old-timey tavern atmosphere . . . right down to the cocktails.

And that's where the acclaimed mixologist Peter Vestinos comes in. The San-Francisco-based bartender previously worked with Duque at Sepia, so it made sense to bring him in on this South Loop project.

His opening cocktail menu highlights his take on some extraordinary classic cocktails, from The Fish House Punch of cognac, black tea-infused Bermuda rum, peach brandy and lemon that was created in 1732 in Philadelphia to the always flavorful Sherry Cobbler that's topped off with champagne and seasonal fruit.

'The Soiree Series' Underground Party Returns

The Chicago Cabaret Project's "The Soiree Series" is an underground live performance/party taking place in fabulous Chicago homes. (Photo: Chicago Cabaret Project)

My favorite party people last year were the mad talented performers from the Chicago Cabaret Project. Their The Soiree Series targets those no longer into the bump 'n' grind bars, but still enjoy having a good time out.

What sets their parties apart from the usual performance-art as well as nightlife-oriented events is that they're held inside some spectacular-looking Chicago homes. To date, guests have been whisked inside a massive Lincoln Park mansion with a Miami-like pool and patio as well as an elaborate 1894 home in the historic Prairie District. The intrigue is that guests don't know the location until day of the event.

Plus, the soirees include all the elements for a glamorous night out: cocktail party, a room full of dazzling people you want to get to know, and live entertainment.

Thus far, they've done quirky, original numbers as well as some of the most memorable scenes from the Broadway hit, "Cabaret." But it's the third soiree, taking place at 8pm June 29, that promises to take this series to the next level.