Paul Virant Set To Open 'Restaurant Within A Restaurant' Concept in 2013: Radler & D.A.S.

Chef Virant photo via Time Out.

Following a successful year and a half with his second restaurant, Perennial Virant, famed chef Paul Virant is on the move again. This time he's partnering with Vie Chef de Cuisine Nathan Sears and Adam Herbert for an awesome "restaurant within a restaurant" concept.

Radler—which plans to open in late spring/early summer 2013 in either Lincoln Park or Logan Square—pays homage to Sears' rich German heritage and Herbert's extensive travels to Germany. Radler will offer a Bavarian beer hall with German pub fare, and the more exclusive D.A.S. will be tucked inside. D.A.S. will also have a fine-dining chef's table with seating for eight to 10 guests.

How did the names come into play?!

Alain's Reopens Monday, Oct. 1 Following Recent Eviction Notice

Chef Alain Njike of Alain's Restaurant in the South Loop. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

Looks like it's business as usual for the Cameroonian-focused Alain's, the South Loop restaurant that was recently served with an eviction notice by its landlord.

According to Chicago magazine's Dish on the restaurant that's co-owned by Bears star Israel Idonije and former Charlie Trotter's alum Alain Njike:

This City Winery Review Is Just Cold Blooded

City Winery interior via Time Out.

Nothing could possibly end well for this City Winery review when it begins like this:

"This is not a review; it's an intervention. City Winery: You have to get it together. You’ve been open a month—five weeks by the time this goes to press. From the safe distance of my computer, I've watched you struggle. ..."

Ouch, Time Out.

How About Some Humpday Hot Cakes Today?!

That's right, Sept. 26 is National Pancake Day, and to get you in the mood, I've rounded up a few of my favorites:

Bongo Room: The strawberry-banana hot cakes are topped with banana whipped cream and powdered sugar. There are two additional locations in Andersonville and the South Loop.

Eggy's: Lucky for you, you'll get to order these all day: Melissa's candy pancakes with crunch bar chocolate and M&Ms.

Raise The Curtain on These Pre- and Post-Theater Dining Options

Lincoln Park's Boka is a favorite when seeing a show at Steppenwolf or the Royal George Theater. (Photo: Boka)

It's that time of year when Chicago's theater scene is bursting at the seams. But where do you go to eat and drink before/after the theater?

From the creative, contemporary American fare at the newly renovated Boka to underrated hand-tossed pizzas at Anna Maria Pasteria, you'll find a number of top options right here.

And Now For Some Cocktail News . . .

Sable mixologist Alex Renshaw at Untitled on Sunday after his big Cointreau win. (Photos: Jeff Schear/Wire Image)

Remy Cointreau had its regional finals in Chicago Sunday to select one mixologist to go to New York to compete in the first-ever The Audition Event. The winner will serve as Cointreau Ambassador of Libations at Cannes Film Festival in 2013.

Held at speakeasy-style restaurant and lounge Untitled, the contest featured five Chicago-based bartenders and one from Michigan. The event was twofold: Earlier in the evening, guests and judges did a walk-around tasting of the contestants' Saint-Tropez-themed cocktails, followed by an "Iron Chef"-style competition where bartenders were challenged to create a cocktail using a secret ingredient.

So fitting was the secret ingredient "honey" as September just happens to be National Honey Month! Sable Kitchen & Bar 'tender Alex Renshaw was the judges' overall favorite, so he's on his way to the Big Apple. Ada Street's Joseph Haggard was named "fan favorite."

Official 'Purple After Jam' Set For Three Big Nights

Didn't get tickets for any of the three sold-out Prince residency shows next week at United Center?! You may get a few more chances to see The Purple One Monday night at an after-hours concert at the House of Blues.

UPDATE: Here is more information and tickets go on sale at NOON Friday, Sept. 21. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the doors open at 10pm and tix are $75 and $150 (for a seat in the Foundation Room).

There are also special late-night shows Sept. 25 and Sept. 26.

First-Ever 'Craft Spirits Week' Debuts in October

(Photo: Koval Distilleries)

This is insanely cool and finally an opportunity to showcase some of the best!

As the Independent Spirits Expo hits Chicago for the second year in a row in early October, the first-ever Chicago Craft Spirits Week will debut as well.

Spearheaded by local distillers FEW, Koval and North Shore, the week-long festivities will include a number of tasting events, seminars and dinners that will showcase craft distilleries in the Midwest, country and beyond. The week culminates with open houses at each of the distilleries.

Just a taste of what you'll get: