Thursday, June 13, 2013

So Very, Very Hot Right Now.

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(Photo: Magnolia Bakery)

Blackhawks, whoo whoooo!

Three OTs in the first game of the finals against the Boston Bruins certainly deserves something sweet. Thank goodness Magnolia Bakery brought back the limited-edition ode to our favorite hockey team.

The tasty treat's available in chocolate or vanilla with vanilla or chocolate buttercream, plus it's topped with a Blackhawks' ring. It's only available on game days for $3.25.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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

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Incoming Blackbird Chief Mixologist Kyle Davidson (Photo: Blackbird)

Dads are awesome.

Lynn House's last day as chief mixologist at Blackbird is June 15. We'll really miss her behind the stick, but we're looking forward to what Kyle Davidson's bringing to the table when he replaces her on June 18. Davidson's well acquainted with the One Off Hospitality group, which owns Blackbird as well as Violet Hour and Publican, where he's worked behind the bar. Most recently he was the purchaser at Publican Quality Meats. Good luck to them both!

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

N9NE Steakhouse Shutters After 13 Years

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(Photo: N9NE Steakhouse)

Wow, it's the end of an era. N9NE Steakhouse closed Monday night. Here is the staff for one final photo.

An 11-year employee told Eater Chicago that "it's been a great 13 years, but time ran out."

Good luck to them all!

It’s Dad’s Day. Let Him Do What He Really Wants

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The highlight of McGee's annual Father's Day brunch is ogling classic cars. (Photo: McGee's Tavern)

Here's the Ultimate Father's Day Guide for all you last-minute folks.

From an annual classic car brunch to tickets to a number of high-profile culinary events, this is the list you should check out before you spend any $$$.

Happy Father's Day!

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Rant: Do People Forget Basic Social Graces At Restaurants When They Have Small Children?!

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Photo via Delectably Chic.

I reserve Sundays for completely chilling out to get ready for a hectic week ahead. So when I venture out for dinner, it's typically at some low-key spot in a quiet neighborhood.

This past Sunday was no different as we headed to a family-run Asian eatery in Uptown. With a bountiful BYO selection in tow, we were pretty satisfied when we were the first people in the dining room. We picked a pretty good table off to the side because we knew the room would soon fill up...and we wanted to take advantage of the short-lived silence.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

'Ride For AIDS,' 'West Town Pup Crawl' & Other Fun Charity Events To Support In June

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June is National Pride Month, which celebrates the LGBT community, and there are plenty of events happening all month long.

To kick off the festivities, Ride for AIDS happens at 7:30pm Friday, June 7 at Flywheel Chicago. It's a chance to get your workout in with an intense, 45-minute spin class while socializing with those who believe in the cause. Madly popular Flywheel instructor Candy Morales teaches.

The event also includes a post-class reception that's generously sponsored by Halsted's, Hydrate and Replay Beer & Bourbon. It's $25 per person (or $10 if you're only attending the reception). Sign up for the class right here.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Dale Levitski Goes 'Glamping,' No More Dover Sole At Brindille Until Fall & Foie Gras Gate At Next?!

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Chef Dale Levitski (Photo: Sprout)

Don't expect to see Dale Levitski around these parts for a few months. The executive chef/partner of Frog N Snail and Sprout tells 312DD exclusively that he's going "glamping" (glamour camping) all summer at The Resort At Paws Up in Montana.

Now, what exactly does that mean?!

Friday, May 31, 2013

So Very, Very Hot Right Now.

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Benjamin Schiller's "Ghost Sign" of tequila, Pimm's, kumquat and lemon (Photo: Homestead)

Homestead is back!

West Town's only rooftop restaurant returns May 31 with the exciting team of chef Chris Curren (Blue 13, Stout Barrel House & Galley) and beverage director Benjamin Schiller (Boka, Girl & The Goat, GT Fish & Oyster). What's even more exciting is that we've got the first-ever look at the drinks menu.