A Brilliant 'Bond Brunch,' Plus More Festive Oscar-Themed Parties Set For Sunday

Les Misérables. Life of Pi. And 50 years of Bond.

With all the exciting movie themes set to play out at this year's Academy Awards ceremony, why is it that Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club is the only spot in town cashing in on the fun?!

For the occasion on Sunday, Feb. 24, the Lakeview restaurant plans to throw a brilliant Bond Brunch that's followed by the Life of Pi Oscar Party. These bashes sound like a blast with the brunch highlighting the iconic 007 series by showing many of the films on seven HD projection screens.

There will be live performances as Diva Madam X sings some of the series most notable theme songs, including "Die Another Day" and "Skyfall." Of course there will be cocktail specials (shaken, not stirred!) and staffers will be decked out in Bond Girl and villain costumes. A $10 drink package includes mimosas, sangria and a special Octopussy cocktail. The brunch is 11am-3pm and the regular menu will be served.

If you're still standing, hang tight for Kit Kat's annual Oscar party, which starts at 5:30pm. The restaurant and lounge will be transformed into a glowing island of meerkats, and the staff will dress as zoo animals. There will be more live performances, plus half-price cocktails. Guests are encouraged to dress in black-tie attire or Life of Pi-inspired costume.

Additional parties happening around town:

Chicago's Culinary Heavyhitters Share Thoughts & Recipes During Black History Month

Brian Duncan of BIN 36. (Photo: BIN 36)

"Black History Month is a brilliant opportunity for us to share the monumental accomplishments of so many past and present with our children," says Brian Duncan, partner/wine director at BIN 36.

He is one of several accomplished local African Americans in the culinary industry I spoke to recently on their thoughts about the significance of Black History Month.

Find out what others had to say, including chefs Erick Williams (MK) and Trevor Hoyte (IPO) as well as sommelier Wanda Cole (Dining Room at Kendall College).

They also share recipes, including one for Powdered Doughnut Beignets with Apple Rum Sauce from Frontier chef Brian Jupiter.

Yum!

Seafood With Sass . . . For Lenten Season

Ryan McCaskey brings back his famed lobster "pot pie" for winter at Acadia. (Photo: Acadia)

OK, so you've given up meat for Lent. Or you just need a break from all that heavy wild game and want to delve into something different.

Don't even think about consuming one of those super-dry fish sandwiches at the "golden arches." It's time to upgrade. And Acadia executive chef/partner Ryan McCaskey should certainly be able to make you happy with one of his most famous seafood dishes.

McCaskey's lobster "pot pie" first appeared on the now-shuttered Rushmore's menu when he was executive chef (now Vera). In its new life, it's more refined with locally sourced ingredients, which help the flavors pop. The Stonington lobster is surrounded by pommes Dauphine, arancini, black trumpet mushrooms and Thumbelina carrots in a rich bisque. The dish is crowned with a house-made sour cream pastry—which serves as the crust. It's $38.

If the price is a bit steep for you, McCaskey also uses the Stonington lobster in his lobster roll ($16). For ultra-freshness, the rolls are flown in daily from Maine. It comes with house-made salt/vinegar chips.

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

Teriyaki chicken-stuffed bao from Wow Bao. (Photo: Wow Bao)

Some shining stars on a sunny day . . .

• These guys are always on to the next thing. Wow Bao managing partner Geoff Alexander and chef/partner Marc Bernard (also exec chef at Big Bowl) have created new self-order kiosks that allow customers to custom design baos to satisfy dietary needs, including vegetarian, nut free, soy free, dairy free and gluten free. Sounds good to me, as long as they are never taste free.

• The latest on Baconfest highlights the day's entire schedule so that you can ensure you're there for the chefs you want to see. Be certain to get a swig of swine-infused sippers from Mike Ryan (Sable Kitchen & Bar) and Stephen Cole (Barrelhouse Flat). The event happens April 20.

• Speaking of swine, pork-obsessed chef Charlie McKenna (Lillie's Q) teams up with Cleetus Friedman (formerly of City Provisions Delicatessen) for a Dark Horse Brewing Co. beer launch at the restaurant. I'll Have More sounds like the perfect nightcap! It's a chocolate, caramel and toasted rice stout that's based off Nestle's 100 Grand candy bar. It debuts on draft for $7 during the launch party happening 6-8pm Feb. 20.

Pastry Chef Shuffles: Amanda Rockman Joins LEYE; NYC's Michael Laiskonis Heads To L2O

Amanda Rockman photo via Time Out Chicago; Michael Laiskonis' image via GrubStreet.com

Only one day after Amanda Rockman announced her departure from Balena/Bristol as executive pastry chef comes word of her next move.

312DD has learned exclusively that the former Top Chef Desserts contestant is going to serve as Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises' corporate pastry chef.

Also coming aboard LEYE is noted New York pastry chef Michael Laiskonis, formerly of Le Bernardin. Here's his bio on StarChefs.com. He boasts a 2007 James Beard Foundation Outstanding Pastry Chef award, and he was twice named one of the 10 Best Pastry Chefs in America by Pastry Art and Design magazine.

Amanda Rockman Resigns As Executive Pastry Chef Of Bristol, Balena

Amanda Rockman of The Bristol. (Photo: Stronghold Photography)

Here's the deal on this afternoon shocker, which just dropped into my mailbox:

"Effective Saturday, February 23, Amanda Rockman will leave her position as executive pastry chef of The Bristol and Balena.

"'After an incredible three years with The Bristol and most recently the BOKA group, I have made the decision to pursue other culinary opportunities. I will miss the amazing individuals I had the opportunity to work with on a daily basis," Rockman said.

The 23-Layer Chocolate Cake Or 5-Course Terlato Wine Dinner?! How You Can Celebrate Michael Jordan Turning The Big 5-0 . . .

His Airness chilling via USA Today.

Michael Jordan turns 50 on Feb. 17.

Now, while there's no word on where His Airness will be spending his special day, we've got the 411 on how all the Michael Jordan's Steak Houses will be celebrating, including the Chicago outpost on the Mag Mile.

They're each hosting a five-course Terlato wine dinner that pays homage to the basketball legend's life and career with dishes such as shrimp cocktail with 23-spice cocktail sauce, "Maxwell Street"-style Duroc pork tenderloin and a 50-day dry-aged Wagyu ribeye steak. That's $125 per person.

Chicago Restaurant Week Extended—For Several Spots Around Town

Chicago q chef/partner Lee Ann Whippen (Photo: Chicago q)

If you thought Chicago Restaurant Week ended Feb. 10, think again. As with each year, it's so successful at so many spots that they've decided to extend an extra few days.

The deal, of course, is prix-fixe; $22 for lunch or $33/$44 for dinner.

Here's who is participating thus far: