My Friend's 'Downfall' at Big Star

Big Star's newest addition: the Sonoran Hot Dog. (Photo: Freddy Love)


Brand spanking new to the menu at Big Star is the Sonoran Hot Dog ($6), a bacon-wrapped, all-beef sensation stuffed into a toasted Mexican bolillo roll and topped with chile mayo, yellow mustard, jalapeño sauce, pinto beans, onions and tomatoes.

Of course, one of my friends was bold enough to finish the whole damn thing by himself, and he almost didn't make it. I was 10 minutes late to the Labor Day gathering, so I missed out on the action . . .

Get Ready For MeatyBalls!

Chef Phillip Foss and his Meatyballs Mobile truck. (Photo: The Pickled Tongue)


It's finally here.

GrubStreet introduces us to the Meatyballs Mobile, a new foodtruck concept by former Lockwood Executive Chef Phillip Foss.

The truck, which travels to the Loop, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park and other parts of the North Side where it's certain to be a big hit, specializes in kosher meatballs. Foss's wife, Kenni, describes them as "four balls big enough to be part of a freak show" on a bun for $8.

Here's the current menu:

Rockin' Taco Closed Due to Robbery

(Photo: Rockin' Taco)


Some soulless person robbed Lakeview's awesome-est taco joint, Rockin' Taco, early this morning.

The owner posted this to his Facebook page:

Congrats are in Order . . .

A first look at the cover of Grant Achatz's biography, "Life, on the Line: A Chef's Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We Eat."


Alinea super chef/owner Grant Achatz has completed his bio, Life, on the Line: A Chef's Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We Eat.

It's not out until March 3, 2011, but you can pre-order it here.

Congrats!

Does 'Minority Nightlife' Get a Bad Rap?

Veteran club deejay Vince Adams (a.k.a. DJ VA) writes an open letter to defend Chicago's minority nightlife scene. (Photo: Vince Adams)


Vince Adams (a.k.a. DJ VA) has worked Chicago's night spots as well as a number of clubs around the country since the mid-1990s.

If you've ever frequented the likes of Green Dolphin Street, The Shrine, Funky Buddha Lounge or Bon V, you've likely seen him behind the 'tables.

While he's that guy who usually has a big smile on his face, these days he's none too pleased with how minority nightlife is getting a bad rap.

He writes, in an open letter, on his blog:

One Last Hurrah!

Face it. There wasn't that much to complain about when it came to the weather this summer.

Most days were filled with sunshine and spectacular warmth, allowing us to indulge in alfresco drinking and dining anytime we wanted.

And though it's a bit gloomy as we go into the homestretch of Labor Day Weekend—the unofficial end of summer—it's promising to clear up for the next several days.

'Yelpers' Review Yet-Opened Grahamwich

Just a couple of days ago, we were giddy because chef Graham Elliot finally unveiled a rendering of his highly anticipated Grahamwich, which is set to open in River North.

No actual opening date has been disclosed yet, but mysteriously the restaurant somehow has two "reviews" already on the Yelp site:

From Farm to Fab Feasts . . .

The outdoor Green City Market continues through October in Lincoln Park, but you've only got one day to take advantage of the Farmers Market in the Sky on the Terrace at Trump Hotel.

Happening 7-11am Thursday, the event is orchestrated by Sixteen Executive Chef Frank Brunacci, who will showcase a number of products sourced from local farms and purveyors.