Food Fight Erupts Over Twitter, Jake Gyllenhaal

Park Grill executive chef Bernie Laskowski excitedly tweeted that movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Michelle Monaghan dined at his restaurant Friday:

Chef Showdown on 'Top Chef Masters!'

Chefs Marcus Samuelsson and David Burke (Photo: XA, The Experiential Agency)


New York super chef Marcus Samuelsson, who owns sensational seafood spot C-House in Chicago, is set to host a series of "Top Chef Masters" parties at the Streeterville resto beginning April 14.

But now comes word that David Burke—who will go head to head with Samuelsson on the show next week—will also be doing something special at Primehouse in honor of his appearance.

King James Back on Chicago Scene

District owner Eric Tucker with LeBron James in The District's VIP room. (Photo: The District)


LeBron James—who made quite the splash when he hit up The Shrine in March—was back on the party scene in Chicago Wednesday.

Be a Jet Setter This Spring!

Guests enjoying Steppenwolf Auxiliary Council's "Red or White Ball" at Salvage One in 2009. (Photo: Kyle Flubacker)


Chicago's always been known as a party kind of town, but when spring hits it's on a completely different level.

That's when it's prime-time benefit season, as most young professional groups hold their annual charity events.

The Steppenwolf Theatre's annual Red or White Ball, happening at 8pm Friday, typically attracts a sophisticated, arts-loving crowd, but this is definitely not a stuffy collection of folks.

It's put on by the Steppenwolf's auxiliary board, and guests get to mingle in Warehouse District art gallery Salvage One. A premium open bar and deejay spinning danceable hits also contribute to getting this crowd in a festive mood.

Get tickets here. $150 (general admission); $250 (for 7pm VIP reception). An after-party happens at Underground.

More charity parties to keep you busy all season:

Are You the Star of the Bar?! You Can Win $5K

Towne Bidez of Rockit Bar & Grill. (Photo: Rockit Bar & Grill)


I've had my chance to shake up a drink or two in front of large crowds, but I'm in no way ready to take on the challenge of the first-ever Star of the Bar competition.

Professional mixologists and those who love to create cocktails as a hobby are encouraged to enter the National Restaurant Association's contest for the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event.

Watch 'Top Chef Masters' with Marcus Samuelsson

The second season of Bravo's "Top Chef Masters" debuts 10pm Wednesday, featuring a number of culinary kings repping Chicago.

There's certain to be plenty of competition between Spiaggia's Tony Mantuano, Graham Elliot's Graham Elliot Bowles, Primehouse's David Burke, Tru's Rick Tramanto and C-House's Marcus Samuelsson, so it would be nice to hang out at a cool place to cheer them on.

Dion Antic's The Shady Lady Debuts April 16

Crain's Chicago did a pretty intense story on restaurateur Dion Antic, who's opening The Shady Lady to the public on April 16.

I Want To See a Local Version of This!

The new KFC "Double Down" Sandwich debuts April 12. (Photo: KFC)


Two pieces of bacon. Two melted slices of Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack cheese. And a secret sauce. Pile that between two fried, boneless white meat chicken fillets and you've got the latest artery-clogging concept from KFC—the Double Down Sandwich.

Yet somehow we think it could be done better.