Samuelsson's 'BBQ Bootcamp' Certain to Sell Out!

"Top Chef Master" Marcus Samuelsson (Photo: C-House)


Now that he's been crowned "Top Chef Master," Marcus Samuelsson is gonna be one red-hot commodity.

He's a New Yorker, but Chicago's also claiming him seeing as his C-House restaurant in the Affinia hotel is one of the hottest seafood spots to open in years.

The BBQ Bootcamp was a huge success last year, but look for it to be even more hyped this summer.

Mark Mendez to Step Down at Carnivale

Chef Mark Mendez (Photo: Carnivale)


Some shocking news, folks, on the chef front.

Mark Mendez is stepping down as executive chef of hot Latin resto Carnivale.

From his blog:

Six Sweet Scenes This Weekend . . .

Zoë Kravitz headlines a show with her rock band, Elevator Fight, at Debonair Social Club on Sunday.


When your dad's a legendary rock star and you're a gorgeous girl, you basically have two choices: become a model or launch your own singing career.

Zoë Kravitz, a breathtaking beauty who happens to be the spawn of rocker Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, chose both.

We'll see if she has the chops when she performs at a benefit for Autism Speaks with Philly-based band Elevator Fight at Debonair Social Club Sunday.

Former Graham Elliot Mixologist Lands at Blackbird

Lynn House, award-winning mixologist (Photo: graham elliot)


Lynn House is having one hell of a month.

The award-winning mixologist, who was formerly at Graham Elliot and The Drawing Room, was featured in the June issue of Ebony.

And now she's got a hot new gig, according to an Ultimate Insider.

Rap Stars Serenade Kanye West on His B-Day

Lupe Fiasco (left) and Common at Buca di Beppo Tuesday. (Photo: Barry Brecheisen-WireImage/Getty)


The Rush Street location for Buca di Beppo played host Tuesday to not one, not two, but three major hip-hop stars as Kayne West celebrated his 33rd birthday.

The mega star was serenaded by Lupe Fiasco and Common, who led students from the Kanye West Foundation in singing "Happy Birthday."

First-Ever Hotel Thrillist Takes Over Miami

Red The Steakhouse chef/partner Peter Vauthy (left) and Gotham's John Suley before Hotel Thrillist's first-ever BBQ Showdown. (Photo: Justin Namon)


Once again it's a crappy, cold and rainy day in Chicago, so I took the opportunity to reminiscence over a fabulous trip to Miami last weekend.

The two-night party hosted by Thrillist took over the spectacular Fontainebleau, transforming it into the first-ever Hotel Thrillist.

More than 150 social influencers, media types, VIPs and lucky sweepstakes winners from across the country indulged in a number of cool events, ranging from mixology and deejaying lessons to beach yoga and an afternoon cocktail pool party.

Dine Out for Gulf Coast!

The Publican is one of four Chicago restaurants participating in "Dine Out for Gulf Coast." (Photo: Bob Briskey Photography)


It's really a horrible situation down on the Gulf Coast after the massive BP oil spill, and many families are suffering.

A number of high-profile chefs and restaurants across the country have joined forces for Dine Out for Gulf Coast, which will benefit the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund.

Following are the Chicago restaurants participating June 10-12:

Let The (Festival) Games Begin!

Do Division Street Fest revelers at SmallBar. (Photo: REP3)


When it comes to the neighborhood street festival, no city beats Chicago. Each event offers its own distinct personality of the neighborhood's residents and businesses, particularly the restaurants and bars.

Take, for example, Do Division Street Fest, which goes down this weekend on 10 solid blocks in Wicker Park.