Where Bartenders Drink When They're Off The Clock

Alex Bachman behind the stick at Yusho. (Photo: Serious Eats)

Sepia head mixologist Josh Pearson was pretty frank when he exclaimed, "(Here's a) list of places to call first if I ever go missing!"

He was, of course, referring to the latest awesome guide from Serious Eats Chicago. This time around the editors tracked down some of the city's top 'tenders to find out where they go drinking when they're off the clock.

Lula Cafe Dresses Up For Halloween Again ...

Photo via Eater Chicago.

You might not know what you're going to be for Halloween, but at least one restaurant has donned another identity for the dark occasion.

Lula Cafe transforms into The Violent Hour, giving props to popular Wicker Park cocktail lounge The Violet Hour.

Boka's Pappy Van Winkle Dinner Was Apparently A Big Success

Boka executive chef/partner Giuseppe Tentori celebrates with staff. (Photos: Eric Kleinberg/Boka)

Remember that highly anticipated Pappy Van Winkle/Three Floyds Brewing dinner at Boka that sold out in less that 40 minutes?!

Well, it happened last week. But just in case you missed it, I stumbled across some photos that are certain to make you go mad with envy . . .

Sable's Serving Up BACON JAM This Season . . .

Bacon jam and toasted baguettes from Sable Kitchen & Bar. (Photo: Sable Kitchen & Bar)

Excuse me as I wipe the drool off my computer screen, but I became totally distracted when I received an email about the newest offering from Sable Kitchen & Bar's Heather Terhune.

Apparently the former "Top Chef" contestant has created something she's calling bacon jam, and she's doing it by packing bacon, onions, garlic, brown sugar, vinegar, maple syrup and brewed coffee together and serving it with a side of creamy brie and toasted baguettes.

Damn, that looks GOOD.

BellyQ's 'Chef Karaoke Throwdown' Debuts Monday With Some Very Big Names On Local Dining Scene

BellyQ's Bill Kim as his alter ego. (Photos: bellyQ)

Don't you just love it when you get to see your favorite chefs doing cool stuff outside of the kitchen?!

Bill Kim is utilizing his very sleek and contemporary karaoke lounge at bellyQ to host the first-ever Chef Karaoke Throwdown, which debuts at 7pm Oct. 8.

He's doing it in particular to showcase a collection of stylized photographs of local chefs portrayed as their alter egos. Participating chefs were Brian Houston (Publican), John Manion (La Sirena Clandestina), Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate), Mark Steuer (The Bedford, Carriage House), Stephanie Izard (Girl and the Goat) and Jared Van Camp (Nellcote, Old Town Social).

Where to Fuel Up for the Chicago Marathon

Loop newcomer Tesori offers a great deal for Chicago Marathon runners. (Photo via Eater Chicago)

Our pals at Eater Chicago have created a useful guide for those who need to fuel up for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. Included on the list is Loop newcomer Tesori, which will offer runners 10 percent off bills—as well as for family and friends joining them.

From Barrelhouse Flat To Carriage House, Get Ready For Henri's 'Spirited Dinner Series' This Fall

Chef Dirk Flanigan and mixologist Clint Rogers of Henri. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

Henri mixologist Clint Rogers has gathered some of the city's most talented barmen for a series of spirited dinners you don't want to miss.

This sounds pretty cool—even though no female 'tenders are in the lineup—because each event takes on a different spirit that's paired with Executive Chef Dirk Flanigan's food.

For example, the first dinner takes place at 6pm Oct. 10 with Stephen Cole and his team from Barrelhouse Flat. They're charged with coming up with five whiskey craft cocktails using Buffalo Trace, Elmer T. Lee and Weller bourbons. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception featuring whiskey-based punches from Rogers and Thomas Mooneyham, the head mixlogist from Henri's sister restaurant The Gage. Then the guest bartenders will create cocktails to complement a five-course feast.

Here's the lineup for additional spirited dinners this fall:

My Obsession With Waffles Continues With Sushi Samba Rio's New Quinoa Waffles

Sushi Samba rio's quinoa waffles with kuromitsu and vanilla cinnamon butter. (Photo: Sushi Samba rio)

First there was Bel 50 with its sweet and savory waffle sandwiches stuffed with slow-roasted BBQ pulled pork or braised short rib.

Then Square One teamed up with Waffles in the South Loop to offer an all-you-can-eat waffle brunch.

Now comes Sushi Samba rio with its brunch offering for fall: quinoa waffles with kuromitsu (a Japanese sugar syrup) and vanilla cinnamon butter.