The Staff Meal of All Staff Meals: The Grace Team Gets A Special Delivery From Their Friends At Next

Curtis Duffy and his team at Grace enjoying their meal. (Photo: Michael Muser)

The hard-working team at the newly opened Grace were treated to a well-deserved meal from the chefs over at Next/The Aviary Wednesday afternoon.

What did they get to eat?! No doubt the ramen was an iteration from the current Kyoto menu. No word on whether The Aviary chipped in with cocktails, but something tells me that definitely didn't happen considering this meal was right before service!

Scott Walton is Leaving Markethouse

(Photo: DoubleTree Hotel Chicago Magnificent Mile)

Markethouse Executive Chef Scott Walton posted this to his Facebook last night:

"Many of you know Markethouse has been my home, my life for the past 4 years. And it was a great 4 years. I'm grateful to everyone I met along the way; peers and wonderful patrons. I'm happy to announce that I am moving on to bigger and better things, a new challenge. A great challenge. New opening early spring. Details to follow! I hope to see everyone at my new place, ready to enjoy great food and good times."

Good luck to him, and we're looking forward to his next project!

Get Ready For A Second Kuma's In Chicago. . .

One of Kuma's signature burgers via The New York Times.

This is major news!

Dish reports that a second Kuma's is on its way in early 2013:

Five Top Bars Spreading The Holiday Cheer

Coq d'Or interior via Popsugar.

No holiday season is complete without at least one visit to Coq d'Or—that legendary Drake hotel bar that opened the day after the repeal of Prohibition.

We go for the well-crafted cocktails (from the Mai Tai to the Manhattan) made by old schoolers, but another appeal is this option: the twice as nice portions of the "executive" size.

Lite Bites: What Your Favorite Chefs & Mixologists Are Up To Around Town This Week

Dana Cree and her winning bûche de noël at Cafe Des Architectes Monday. (Photo: Sofitel Chicago)

So sweet and bittersweet . . .

• Blackbird Executive Pastry Chef Dana Cree was the big-time winner at the second-annual bûche de noël contest Monday at Cafe Des Architectes. Her winning cake—which she said was based off an Austrian dessert she once made to impress Wolfgang Puck—was a hit with the official judges (including 312DD!) as well as the people's choice. It tasted like a combo of a "burnt" crème brûlée and the most decadent caramel brownie I've ever had. She beat out the likes of Balena's Amanda Rockman and Meg Gaulus of NoMI.

• Speaking of red-hot pastry chefs, Trenchermen is hosting an all-star event with Dana Cree, plus chefs from the likes of Momofuku Milk Bar and Noma. It's $100 per person, happens on Jan. 3 and also includes wine pairings from Alpana Singh (The Boarding House) and cocktails from Jenny Kessler of Masa Azul.

Who Dat?!

(Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

This talented, award-winning pastry chef sported some mighty funky-looking socks Monday at the Cafe Des Architectes' benefit for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Can you guess who she is?!

We're Digging On This Delightful Holiday Treat From West Town Tavern

West Town Tavern's holiday ice cream sandwich is a work of art. (Photo: West Town Tavern)

I'm a sucker for a great ice cream sandwich, so I couldn't resist this latest offering from West Town Tavern.

They've combined two festive favorites of the season—Christmas cookies and candy cane ice cream—to create this delight that should please young and old. To make it, they've folded crushed peppermint candy into their rich vanilla bean ice cream and put between sugar cookies with a hint of lemon zest. It's then drizzled with berry and chocolate sauces.

Fitness Experts' Sound Advice on Dining & Drinking During the Holidays

Shred415 instructor Mark Beier. (Photo: Shred415)

You're pretty disciplined with diet and exercise most of the time, which may tempt you to slack off during the holiday season. But a few fitness experts around town advise that while it's okay to treat yourself occasionally, don't allow the indulgence to completely throw you off your plan.

Further, recommends Flywheel Chicago instructor Antonia DeSantis, eating healthier on your own when you're not at holiday gatherings is more important than ever.

"Make sure you are eating extra clean when you aren't celebrating," DeSantis says. "Your daily food intake should remain healthy to offset the heavier foods at the parties."

That's some pretty solid advice! Here are some additional tips from DeSantis as well as other fitness experts on what to eat and where they enjoy wining and dining in Chicago.