New Underground Party Delivers On Fun

The Chicago Cabaret Project's "The Soiree Series" is an underground live performance/party taking place in fabulous Chicago homes. (Photos: Chicago Cabaret Project)

It's no secret that I've been complaining about the lack of creativity on Chicago's nightlife scene for awhile. Same old, same old, give us something new!

So I was pretty excited when I got an invitation to attend The Chicago Cabaret Project's first-ever The Soiree Series on Thursday.

They had me at cabaret, but what truly intrigued me to make an appearance was the underground aspect of the event. The group's founder/artistic director Kyle Hustedt's vision of The Soiree Series is to bring an authentic cabaret experience to some of the most fabulous homes in Chicago.

'Green City Market Chef's BBQ' Cocktails Revealed!

All the specialty cocktails that will be served at the annual "Green City Market Chef's BBQ." (Photo: Wirtz Beverage Illinois)

The restaurant lineup for the annual Green City Market Chef's BBQ is stellar as always, so I'm a bit surprised that it hasn't sold out yet.

It happens 5:30-8pm July 21, and to get you salivating, they've added a new site detailing all the cocktails you'll be drinking. This collection of eco-friendly sippers includes local produce and spirits that were created by some of the city's top bar stars.

Ox Diner Opening Delayed

Photo via Flickr

Brendan Sodikoff, who's behind Gilt Bar and Maude's Liquor Bar, is putting plans on hold to open Ox Diner this summer.

The "gastro" diner was set to open in an industrial warehouse in the West Loop, but Sodikoff tells 312DD exclusively that he's "had some schedule changes due to lease issues, etc."

He adds that he's working on opening Bavette's Bar & Boeuf now before the diner. No word on where it'll be yet.

UPDATE: Here's more info about the new spot.

Moto Chefs Rumored To Be On 'Top Chef'

This curious message appeared in the 312DD inbox Wednesday from an Ultimate Insider:

"I live behind Moto... the 2 sous chefs are nowhere to be found. Both tried out for Top Chef. Not back."

The show is currently filming in Texas, according to Eater National. It'll be interesting to see if this turns out to be true . . .

Curtis Duffy To Leave Avenues For New Venture

Curtis Duffy, chef de cuisine at Avenues at the Peninsula. (Photo: Peninsula Chicago)

Avenues' award-winning chef Curtis Duffy officially announced through the Chicago Tribune his departure Wednesday from the restaurant that made him a star, but this was a move he had been planning for several months.

According to the story, Duffy's leaving the Peninsula's two-star Michelin restaurant in September to open his own restaurant in the West Loop. He's aiming to open the unnamed venture in winter 2012. What he didn't tell them is that he's also planning to take the majority of his kitchen staff with him—which comes as no surprise to those in the industry.

"It's fairly common for a kitchen team to go with or move after the chef leaves at a restaurant of this caliber," says Joe Campagna, a former general manager at graham elliot.


The West Loop buildout of Duffy's new space. (Photo: Curtis Duffy)

Though he hasn't disclosed the West Loop location yet, Duffy sent 312DD photos of the buildout a few weeks ago. As you can see from the photo above, the space is extremely raw, but he's planning to build a multi-level restaurant featuring a swanky lounge, spacious dining room and private dining area. He's also thinking about adding parking underneath, but admits that might be challenging.

We'll be watching this project as it evolves . . .

'Meet The Market' At The Bristol

The Bristol's culinary/cocktail stars Amanda Rockman (left) and Debbi Peek (Photos: The Bristol)

The girls rule this one!

Green City Market Junior Board's monthly Meet The Market cocktail party happens at The Bristol this time around, and guests will be treated to the delights of pastry chef Amanda Rockman and mixologist Debbi Peek.

For the reception happening on the upper level 6-8pm Thursday, they've crafted food and drink menus using Hillside Orchards fruits and Death's Door spirits. By the way, Hillside's farmer Paul Thelen will be there to meet attendees.

Desserts are comped, but drinks are $11 and benefit Green City Market. Here's what to expect:

Great News For Bar DeVille Bartender!

(Photo of Brad Bolt courtesy of his Facebook page)

Big props go out to Brad Bolt of Bar DeVille for making it to the finals of the annual GQ Magazine Bombay Sapphire Most Inspired Bartender contest.

He placed first in a Chicago contest Monday at Benchmark, and now he'll go on to compete against a number of worthy national contenders in Las Vegas in September.

Wine-Focused Events You Don't Wanna Miss!

This is like the summer of the best dining deals ever.

Of course, absolutely no one can beat that unbelievable 70th anniversary special at Gene & Georgetti.

But Capital Grille comes pretty damn close with its first-ever Generous Pour Wine Event, running today through Sept. 4.

Here's the deal: The national chain's Master Sommelier George Miliotes tasted 100 global wines a week to narrow down the selection to nine perfect picks. And beginning today, guests can drink as much of these generous pours as they like for $25. The vinos come from Australia, California, France, Italy and Spain, with tasty varietals of sparkling wine, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir and port.