You'll Have A New Level Of Respect For Moto's Homaro Cantu After Reading This

This is Moto/iNG chef/owner Homaro Cantu's candid account on Facebook of why he decided to cook for a living:

"Did I ever tell you why I went to culinary school?

"In 1996, I was living in my car. A 1985 Ford Capri 5.0 that I bought from my Uncle Robert for 400 bucks. It had been about 2 weeks since I slept in a bed. This was not a situation I was unfamiliar with. It would be the second and last fucking time I would allow this to happen to me. I mean, it really wasn't my fault I was in this situation. Sometimes life tells you to fuck off and you either fuck off or you figure it out.

What Happens When Ian Schrager Turns The Pump Room Into Studio 54 For One Night Only

The action on the dance floor in The Pump Room. (Photos: Jeff Schear/WireImage)

So, Ian Schrager had a little party Tuesday night at The Pump Room.

He had most of the dining room tables removed, threw in vibrant party favors, acquired the deejay talents of legendary producer Jellybean Benitez, and created a diverse guest list of some of the most colorful personalities in town, and suddenly it was the soiree of the season.

The celebration was for the first anniversary of Public Hotel and The Pump Room, and in classic Schrager style, the former Studio 54 owner transformed the space into the place that put him on the map. He even had Mark Benecke—one of the original Studio 54 doormen—working the velvet rope (Hopefully he wasn't too hard on folks!).

Also in attendance were former Bulls star BJ Armstrong, actor Billy Zane, the controversial cast from Chicagolicious as well as a host of drag queens, media types and more.

Here are some additional pics from the party:

Where Bartenders Drink When They're Off The Clock

Alex Bachman behind the stick at Yusho. (Photo: Serious Eats)

Sepia head mixologist Josh Pearson was pretty frank when he exclaimed, "(Here's a) list of places to call first if I ever go missing!"

He was, of course, referring to the latest awesome guide from Serious Eats Chicago. This time around the editors tracked down some of the city's top 'tenders to find out where they go drinking when they're off the clock.

Lula Cafe Dresses Up For Halloween Again ...

Photo via Eater Chicago.

You might not know what you're going to be for Halloween, but at least one restaurant has donned another identity for the dark occasion.

Lula Cafe transforms into The Violent Hour, giving props to popular Wicker Park cocktail lounge The Violet Hour.

Boka's Pappy Van Winkle Dinner Was Apparently A Big Success

Boka executive chef/partner Giuseppe Tentori celebrates with staff. (Photos: Eric Kleinberg/Boka)

Remember that highly anticipated Pappy Van Winkle/Three Floyds Brewing dinner at Boka that sold out in less that 40 minutes?!

Well, it happened last week. But just in case you missed it, I stumbled across some photos that are certain to make you go mad with envy . . .

Sable's Serving Up BACON JAM This Season . . .

Bacon jam and toasted baguettes from Sable Kitchen & Bar. (Photo: Sable Kitchen & Bar)

Excuse me as I wipe the drool off my computer screen, but I became totally distracted when I received an email about the newest offering from Sable Kitchen & Bar's Heather Terhune.

Apparently the former "Top Chef" contestant has created something she's calling bacon jam, and she's doing it by packing bacon, onions, garlic, brown sugar, vinegar, maple syrup and brewed coffee together and serving it with a side of creamy brie and toasted baguettes.

Damn, that looks GOOD.

BellyQ's 'Chef Karaoke Throwdown' Debuts Monday With Some Very Big Names On Local Dining Scene

BellyQ's Bill Kim as his alter ego. (Photos: bellyQ)

Don't you just love it when you get to see your favorite chefs doing cool stuff outside of the kitchen?!

Bill Kim is utilizing his very sleek and contemporary karaoke lounge at bellyQ to host the first-ever Chef Karaoke Throwdown, which debuts at 7pm Oct. 8.

He's doing it in particular to showcase a collection of stylized photographs of local chefs portrayed as their alter egos. Participating chefs were Brian Houston (Publican), John Manion (La Sirena Clandestina), Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate), Mark Steuer (The Bedford, Carriage House), Stephanie Izard (Girl and the Goat) and Jared Van Camp (Nellcote, Old Town Social).

Where to Fuel Up for the Chicago Marathon

Loop newcomer Tesori offers a great deal for Chicago Marathon runners. (Photo via Eater Chicago)

Our pals at Eater Chicago have created a useful guide for those who need to fuel up for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. Included on the list is Loop newcomer Tesori, which will offer runners 10 percent off bills—as well as for family and friends joining them.