Perennial Virant Brunch Debuts This Weekend . . .

Perennial Virant Pastry Chef Kady Yon makes sticky buns for new brunch menu. (Photo: Kevin Boehm)

Kevin Boehm, co-owner of Boka Restaurant Group's Perennial Virant, went a little nuts on Twitter Wednesday, as he tweeted a bunch of photos of dishes to expect on the new brunch menu.

Some of the highlights we're looking forward to:

Put An End to 'Flash Mob Muggings' NOW

These so-called "flash mob muggings" that have happened in the Loop and Near North Side in recent days have everyone on edge because of their violent nature and sophisticated misuse of social media.

And with the attacks happening in prominent areas frequented by tourists, diners and clubgoers (most of whom are carrying/wearing valuables), any one of us can easily become a victim.

These cowards are descending upon their victims in groups of 15 or 20, beating and robbing them. And while I'm certain the Chicago Police Department is on the case, and is doing everything they can at the moment, we must also be proactive so that we do not also become victims.

Chef Chides Resto Over Bad Service

Ryan Poli of Tavernita.

What happens in this day and age when a chef has a bad experience at another restaurant?! He blogs about it, of course.

Such was especially the case when Tavernita's Ryan Poli (who's also set to compete this summer on Bravo's Rocco's Dinner Party) took to his tumblr to express his thoughts on a not-so positive experience at dinner Monday:

Lawry's New Evening Concept Goes Casual

Pastrami Panini with Horseradish Havarti & Sauerkraut (Photo: Lawry's The Prime Rib)

You know Lawry's best as that spot you go to for business dinners and family gatherings. It's had that rap for a long time (37 years to be exact), but now the iconic prime rib restaurant is working on loosening up its image.

They're hoping to do so with the launch of the Evening Ale & Sandwich Bar, which happens daily (Saturday at 4:30pm; Sunday at 3:30pm) with a casual menu of sandwiches, bar snacks, appetizers, charcuterie and local cheeses. They've also expanded the beverage menu to include cocktails, local beers and even the Lawry's Signature Brown Gown Ale on tap.

Lolla 'Chow Town' Headed By Graham Elliot Again

(Photo: Graham Elliot)

Eater Chicago got the scoop on restaurants serving up at Lollapalooza's Chow Town, and of course the list is tight.

Graham Elliot returns as the popular music fest's culinary ambassador, and he's bringing along even more of his culinary pals along for the ride.

Two Hot Chef Charity Events To Hit . . .

(Photo via San Francisco Examiner)

Think of it as Make-A-Wish for foodies.

Prominent Chicago chefs Rodelio Aglibot (formerly of Sunda and BLT Restaurant Group) and Todd Stein (Florentine) have gathered some of their chef friends to create In Chef's Hands.

People, Get Ready . . .

Moe's Cantina Showcases 'MasterChef' Season

Joe Bastianich (left), Gordon Ramsay and Chicago chef Graham Elliot are judges on FOX cooking competition show, "MasterChef." (Photo: FOX)

The hit FOX amateur chef reality competition MasterChef returns June 6 with Chicago's own Graham Elliot of the eponymous upscale River North eatery (as well as his namesake sandwich shop).

Apparently, there are some Chicago contestants on the second season, so Moe's Cantina in River North is getting in on the action with viewing parties every week through the end of the season.