Thursday, April 19, 2012

Notes From . . .

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(Photos: Onasis Odelmo for Storefront Company)

... The Exhibition A Series launch party hosted by fashion designer Cynthia Rowley at Storefront Company.

• Founded by the Barrington-born Rowley and her husband, Bill Powers, Exhibition A is a members-only website that sells exclusive editions of artwork by top contemporary artists. They work with artists whose work is exhibited at well-respected galleries and sought after by serious collectors to create editions of their work at affordable prices.

• Chicago artist Gary Weidner was chosen by Exhibition A to feature a limited run of his "Flowers" series, which includes the 30-foot mural at Storefront.

Bobby Flay Hits Up Girl & The Goat

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Photo via Esquire.com.

Stephanie Izard's Girl & The Goat got a major player in the culinary world Wednesday with a visit from celebrity chef Bobby Flay. He tweeted, of course, about his awesome experience:

"Had an amazing dinner last night at Girl and the Goat in ChiTown. Gorgeous place, amazing food. Pork shank was off the chain."

It really is that good!

Where To Celebrate 'Earth Day'

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Magnolia Bakery's special "Earth Day" cupcakes. (Photo: Magnolia Bakery)

We can help preserve our great planet by doing the smallest things, from using eco-friendly lights and grocery bags to riding bikes and observing Meatless Monday.

But April 22 is Earth Day, and a few spots around town plan to do it up big:

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Last Call for the West Loop's Sushi Wabi

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While the West Loop's Randolph Street strip is gearing up for a busy summer with the arrivals of Belly Q, G.E.B., RM Champagne Salon and a couple other restaurants, there will be one spot sorely missed: Sushi Wabi.

312DD just got a tip that the stylish sushi spot will have its final service on April 21.

?uestlove Loves Chicago . . .

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I've been wondering when I'd have the chance to jet off to Philly for ?uestlove's famous fried chicken.

But now I don't have to. According to Eater Chicago, the famed drummer for The Roots and the Jimmy Fallon Show has teamed up with our very own Graham Elliot to launch "?uest Loves Food" POWERED BY Chef Graham Elliot in May:

A Recipe For . . .

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(Photo: Dan Dry)

. . . Skillet-Seared Mussels with Bay, Roasted Garlic and Chilies at West Town Tavern.

When it comes to comfort fare, this Near West Side restaurant is exceptional. You won't find kitschy cuisine on the seasonal and ingredient-driven menu engineered by chef Susan Goss, who runs the well-respected spot with husband, Drew.

After almost 10 years (they celebrate in May), they've maintained a steady crowd beyond neighborhood folks coming for the popular Fried Chicken Night (Mondays), Wagyu Beef Burger Night (Tuesdays) and Taco Thursdays.

The Gosses celebrate the restaurant's first 10 years with Champagne & Fried Chicken every Monday through May 28. The heaping of yardbird is $16.95, but for an extra $10, you'll get a glass of the Grande Cuvée from Compte Audoin de Dampierre, which originates from a small house based in the village of Chenay.

Or if you really want to do it up, tickets are still available for the annual Girl Food Dinner on April 22. Joining Susan Goss in creating a signature dish paired with wine are Nicole Pederson (C-House), Priscila Satkoff (¡Salpicón! Restaurant), Jackie Shen (Argent) and Jesse Oloroso (Black Dog Gelato).

While you're there, pick up a copy of the couple's cookbook, West Town Tavern: Contemporary Comfort Food, which contains more than 100 original recipes.

Here's one to get you started: Skillet-Seared Mussels with Bay, Roasted Garlic and Chilies:

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Pops For Champagne On The First 30 Years

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Nightlife vet Tom Verhey talks about the first 30 years of Pops For Champagne with Eater Chicago:

"... we've never really altered from our original concept of being a Champagne bar. Effervescence and excellence has always been our main focus. We've been tempted to get into more food and into other elements, but overall it's been a single bullet aimed at the Champagne respect and interest that we have. I think it carries over to the public also when you have a single direction and people can wrap themselves around the concept easier. It seems over the years people have respected us for doing that and it's paid off."

Frankie's Debuts Signature Prosecco

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Here's a good reason for a toast:

Frankie's Scaloppine introduces Frankie's Take the Fizz, a new prosecco that's only available at the Mag Mile resto or in Padua, Italy. The light, sparkling wine originates from the Veneto region and is aged in stainless steel barrels, creating an ideal aging environment for young grapes.

Want a taste?!