Rockit Bar Repeal Day Dinner

Prohibition ending was a legal cause celebre join in the fun during Rockit Bar's, 22 W. Hubbard, Repeal Day Whiskey DInner beginning 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, $45. rockitbarandgrill/repeal

Grand Avenue Shop Hop

Shop-to-you-during West Town's Grand Avenue Design District Shop Hop 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 7-8 on Grand between Ashland and Western. Visitors will be feted to discounts, food samples and activities at various retailers. grandavedesigndistrict

The Original Mother's 45th Birthday Bash

The Original Mother's, 26 W. Division, celebrates with a birthday party kickicking off at 8 p.m. Nov. 27. An unveiling of the Division Street Wall of Fame takes place at 8:30 p.m. Entertainment by the Spazmatics starts at 9 p.m. originalmothers

The Grid Launches Brunch Menu

The Grid, 351 W. Hubbard, hosts a seasonal affair "Savor the Season" 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8. A brunch of entree and one cocktail; $15; brunch entree and unlimited cocktails; $25. Brunch will also feature build-your-own bloody mary and mimosa bars. Local designers and boutiques will show collections and items, perfect for gifting this holiday season, during the event. thegridchicago

The Local Mixes it Up With Cocktails Created by Area Mixologists for Charity

The Local Chicago's, 198 E. Delaware, new cocktail program features guest mixologists concoctions (for charity) alongside in-house creations. The menu is listed below or click here

Local Mixologists' Cocktails ($13)

The Highwayman [Paul Bastien, Drum Bar]

Apple Brandy, Averna Amaro, Lemon, Raspberry Simple Syrup, Creole Bitters and Peychaud Bitters

(Big Shoulders Chicago)

The Tickler [Justin Cochren, J. Parker]

Vodka, St. German and Aperol (Juvenile Cancer Research at Children's Memorial Hospital)

You Make Me Bomba [Paul Saultier, Mercadito]

Brudal Extra Dry Rum, Ginger Syrup, Lemon Juice, Cucumber Puree, Yucateca and Mint

(Un86'd)

The Del Mar Derby [Tony Potempa, American Junkie]

Bacardi Superior, House made Ginger Simple Syrup, Lime, Muddled Raspberries and mint

(Operation Homefront)

The Haberdasher [Garrett Sweet, Perennial Virant]

Old Tom Gin, Amaro Meletti, Cynar, Luxardo and Maraschino (Growing Home)

Eval Apple [Brenda Eval, Three Dots and a Dash]

Lemon Juice, Apple Butter, Apple Cider, Benedictine and Old Overholt Rye Whiskey

(Typhoon Haiyan Relief/Philippine Red Cross)

Whitzey Rose [Sergio Serna, Drawing Room]

Mount Gay Black Barrel, Cointreau, Grenadine, Lemon Juice, Angostura bitters (Speed-Rack for Breast Cancer Research)

Tuscan Night [Mea Leech, RM Champagne Salon]

Cinnamon Syrup, Lemon Juice, North Shore Aquavit topped with Sparkling Rosé CHARITY: American Red Cross

Nelly Bly [Carlvin Marty, LUXBAR]

Angels Envy Bourbon, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Aperol, Fresh Lemon Juice, John D taylor's Velvet Falernum, Regan's Orange Bitters #6 (826CHI)

Heartland Cafe Revamps Menu

Roger Park's iconic Heartland Cafe, 7000 N. Glenwood,which has put the spotlight on eating healthy for more than 35 years ago, upgrades its menu with more organic and local sustainable dishes including menu items with selections from Earth First Farms. The menu launches Dec. 2. Click here

Greens, beans and grains salad

Kinzie Hotel Pre-opening Celebration

The Kinzie Hotel, named for Chicago's first civilian settler John Kinzie, and opening Feb. 2014, kicks off a round of celebratory"Random Acts" about town in honor of Kinzie's 250th birthday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 3. A character, dressed as the tall lanky gentleman will make pop-up appearances throughout the day. Birthday giveaways at special locations throughout the day include Glazed and Infused [ State and Lake] where 100 patrons will receive free donuts; Garret's Popcorn [N. Michigan Ave] will hand out 200 bags of popcorn; Millennium Ice Skating Rink [Randolph at Michigan] where one person will win two tickets to a professional sports game and Rockit Bar and Grill, 22 W. Hubbard, where birthday surprises will be given to 50 patrons. The Kinzie Hotel will be located at 20 W. Kinzie. Click here 

Bravo for Moto Chef Richard Farina

Bravo television has partnered with Kitchit to offer one fan the in-home experience of a lifetime-- dinner party catered by Michelin-rated Moto's chef Richard Farina, one of Bravo's "Top Chef" alum. For details click here

Ideology Group Names Executive Chef

Justin Ferguson has been appointed executive chef of Ideology Entertainment Group, parent company of Chicago q and soon-to-open Blue Door Farm Stand and La Storia along with other properties scheduled to open in 2014.

LM Group and Chef Martial Noguier Form Partnership

Renown Chicago chef and owner of Bistronomic bistronomic Martial Noguier has partnered with LM Group owners Stefan Outrequin and Nicole Quaisser to serve as managing chef partner of LM Group lmrestaurant overseeing the culinary end of the business.

Chef Roby Builds Candy Cane Replica

Chef Alain Roby of All Chocolate Kitchen celebrates the one year anniversary of his record 51-foot long world record breaking candy cane with a 10-foot replica 7 p.m. Dec 7 at ACK, 33 S. Third Geneva. allchocolatekitchen

Riva's Winter Wonderfest Specials

Riva Crab House at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand, kicks off its Winter Wonderfest food and drink specials, which includes a $4.95 kids menu (listed below), Dec. 6. Special $8 seasonal drinks include the Poinsettia Champagne cocktail (chilled Cointreau, cranberry juice topped with Rotari Champagne). In addition, adults attending the Pier's Winter Wonderfest receive a 10 percent discount on lunch and dinner. Guests must show wristbands for specials. Deals available through Jan. 12, 2014. rivanavypier

WINTER WONDERFEST KIDS MENU:  

All items are $4.95 each.    

Hot Dog
Served with French fries

Chicken Strips
Served with French fries and ranch dressing

Mozzarella Sticks
Served with French fries and marinara sauce

Cheese Burger  

Served with French fries   

Jean Banchet 2013 Award Nominees

The nominees for the 2013 Jean Banchet Award for Culinary Excellence, the only Chicago-based awards presentation recognizing outstanding talent in the city's culinary community, were announced today. Awards will be presented during the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's 17th Annual Grand Chefs Gala Jan. 31, 2014  at the Fairmont Hotel and Resort. Nominees are listed below. grandchefsgala

The 2013 Jean Banchet nominees are as follows:

Chef of the Year: Curtis Duffy (Grace), Carrie Nahabedian (NAHA), Paul Virant (Vie/Perennial Virant), Andrew Zimmerman (Sepia)

Pastry Chef of the Year: Lisa Bonjour (mk), Craig Harzewski (NAHA), Elissa Narow (Vie/Perennial Virant), Leigh Omilinsky (Cafe des Architectes)

Best Chef-de-Cuisine:  Ali Ratcliffe-Bauer (Brindille), Andres Padilla (Topolobampo), Sean Pharr (NoMI Kitchen), Nicholas Romero (Grace)

Rising Chef of the Year: Thai Dang (Embeya), Nicole Pederson (Found), Tom Van Lente (TWO), Lee Wolen (formerly of Lobby Restaurant at the Peninsula Chicago)

Rising Pastry Chef of the Year: Dana Cree (Blackbird), Sarah Mispagel (Nightwood), Thomas Raquel (Acadia), Bobby Schaffer (Grace)

Best Sommelier:  Valerie Cao (Grace), Chad Ellegood (NoMI Kitchen), Richard Hanauer (The Langham), Arthur Hon (Sepia)

Best Mixologist: Charles Joly (The Aviary), Paul McGee (Three Dots and a Dash), Danielle Pizzutillo (Embeya), Sergio Serna (The Drawing Room)

Best Restaurant Design: Balena, Boarding House, Brindille, Embeya

Best Restaurant Service: Balena, Grace, Nightwood, Sixteen

Best New Restaurant: Fat Rice, Found, Gather, Travelle, TWO

Restaurant of the Year: Acadia, Brindille, Embeya, Grace

Taco Joint Holiday Party Package

Taco Joint Urban Taqueria and Cantina, 158 W. Ontario, is offering holiday help to party planners. The River North restaurant's will put together a party package of guacamole chips and salsa; bottomless margaritas and unlimited tacos for parties of 10-35 for $28 per guest. To arrange a party contact Julie Anderson at julie@tacojoint.com. The taco menu is listed below. tacojoint

Taco Menu

Barbacoa
Braised beef brisket garnished with cilantro, onion and roasted red jalapeno salsa

Cochinita
Yucatan style pulled pork garnished with pickled red onions and spicy habanero salsa

Al Pastor
Marinated grilled chicken breast garnished with serrano-pineapple pico and tangy tomatillo salsa

Carnitas

Crispy duck confit garnished with an ancho-peanut salsa and toasted pumpkin seeds

Rajas
Strips of poblano peppers and onions, sauteed with creamy tomatillo salsa, served over a black bean spread

Drop Kicks Its Karaoke Night Up A Notch

Drop, 1909 N. Lincoln , kicks it up a beat during costume karaoke 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesdays. If dressing as your favorite singer, or basically anything you like, doesn't sound inviting drop in for the fun and drink specials ($3 fireballs and Miller Lite drafts). dropchicago

Nia Mediterranean Restaurant's Sparkling Wine Tasting

And so it begins. Restaurants are shifting gears from seasonal and Thanksgiving events to Christmas and what better way to salute the holiday season than with a toast of the bubbly. If you're inking in events on your holiday calendar you don't want to miss Nia Mediterranean Restaurant's, 803 W. Randolph, Sparkling Wine Tasting 3-5 p.m. Dec. 14; $40. niarestaurant

Epic's After Work Cocktail Class

Epic, 112 W. Hubbard,  beverage director Michael Cristiani leads a seasonal cocktail class featuring pumpkin, blood orange and pomegranate martinis paired appetizers created by chef Matthew Pollock at 6 p.m. Nov. 21; $25. epicrestaurantchicago.com

November Cocktail Class at Epic 

Pumpkin Martini: Stoli Vanil vodka, pumpkin purée, splash of Baileys, cinnamon, nutmeg syrup

Blood Orange Martini: Ketel One Citroen vodka, Solerno blood orange liqueur, blood orange purée, splash of Aperol

Pomegranate Martini: Maestro Dobel tequila, Pama pomegranate liqueur, agave nectar, fresh jalapeño, splash of lime juice

Frontier November Events

Gumbo Cook-off

Frontier, 1072 N. Milwaukee, invites amateur chefs to suit up against some of Chicago's New Orlean-style chefs for a gumbo cook-off  2-6 p.m. Nov. 17. Professionals chefs joining host chef Brian Jupiter, Frontier includes Brian Keys, Hugo's Frog Bar and Fish House; Justin White, Small Bar; Troy Graves, Red Door; David Dworshak, Takito Kitchen; Lamar Moore, Tanta; John Gatsos, Tavern on Rush and Steve Danan, Trenchermen. frontierchicago.com

Black Wednesday Speakeasy Event: Mustache Competition
Calling all beards. Guys have until Nov. 24 to submit a picture of their beard at seo@pioneertaverngroup.com for the mane event featuring competitive heats that involve beer, pickles and a donut.

Paris Club Wine Series Events

Wine director Ryan Arnold's next installment of the Paris Club's, 59 W. Hubbard, wine series is "White Wonders of the World: California, Italy and France," 6 p.m. Nov. 13: $35. For reservations email parisclubparties@leye.com. The next class is "All That Sparkles: Prosecco, Cava and Champagne," 6 p.m. Dec. 11; followed by "Sea of Red: California, Italy and Spain," 6 p.m. Jan. 8, 2014. parisclubchicago.com

LM's November Prix Fixe Menu

Executive Chef Ben Reaves', LM Gastro Bistro, 111 W. Huron, November prix fixe menu ($39) is available with wine pairing for an additional $20. The menu includes oyster with apricot and chamomile mignonette fleur de sel and pepper; leek soup with housemade sauternes mustard and parsley; ribeye with triple-sear, roasted mushrooms and sauce bordelaise and canella pastries with molasses, vanilla ice cream and all spice. lmrestaurant

Luxbar's Fall Cocktails

Luxbar's, 18 E. Bellevue, seasonal cocktail list includes:

Monkshood

Old Forester bourbon, Seedling Farms (Michigan) apple juice, Nocello, molasses bitters 

Panacea No. 2

Chivas Regal 18 Year blended scotch, TRC organic Earl Grey tea, B&B, lemon, orange 

Grandma’s Gingerbread

Zaya Gran Reserva 12 Year rum, organic ginger snap liqueur, cream, Averna Amaro, fresh nutmeg

Fallen Leaves

Ford’s gin, Xante, organic pear nectar, lime, B.T. aromatic bitters

Red Azalea

Absolut Elyx vodka, LUX mulling spices, organic shiraz, rosemary, lemon

Cocktails are $12 each. luxbar.com 

The Pony's Comedy Showcase

Beginning Nov. 13 The Pony, 1638 W. Belmont, will showcase local comedians during its Wednesday night Blind Bet Comedy Show blindbetshow. Doors open at 8:15 p.m. $5 cover. Food and drink specials include 16-ounce Coors Lights ($3) and half-price wings ($8 regularly). theponychicago

Barbakoa's Exclusive Beverage Program

Top-notch mixologist Adam Seger (formerly of Nacional 27 and creator of the crafted  hum botanical liqueur) of Barbakoa, 1341 Butterfield, Downers Grove, is featuring a tequila selection made exclusively with 100 percent blue agave tequilas and mezcals partnered with his pineapple sangria. Selections include the house margarita (hand-squeezed lime juice, organic agave nectar and bourbon-barrel aged 100 percent blue agave Tequila D'Oro, $9. barbakoa.com

Chicago's Famed Chef Charlie Trotter Dead at Age 54

Like many food writers around the country I have a Chef Trotter story. My personal moment with Chef Trotter, who I had worked with via pr people for years, came when he called me personally to ask if I would write something on special dinner he was hosting. I felt like the Great Oz had come out from behind the curtain to grant my wish, only it wasn't a reporter's call that had initiated the request, Charlie Trotter reached out to me. That one small gesture from Chicago's first top-gun chef made him more human and from that day on I had a changed opinion of Chicago's Elliot "untouchable" Ness of  the kitchen. After that I found myself at several events where I met the chef in person, none more awe-inspiring than attending the reception when he was inducted into the Chicago Culinary Hall of Fame.

Charlie Trotter's intense determination to do the best job possible made the self-taught world-class chef a leader in Chicago's culinary scene. Chef Trotter, who opened his namesake restaurant in 1987, died today at age 54. The iconic chef was the first of many things in Chicago's culinary horizon.. He was the first Chicago chef to win a James Beard Award, the first to earn a Michelin rating and the first inducted into the Chicago Culinary Hall of Fame (2006), which I was honored to have attended the ceremony. Chef Trotter lead the way to Chicago transforming into a world-class culinary city, many of the city's current chefs having hone their talent in Trotter's kitchen.

Chef Trotter recognized the sign of greatness in young chefs and served as a mentor and friend to many. 

A perchance encounter with a stranger on the tonight led to a conversation with a young woman on the train, who when hearing my conversation with a friend about the chef's death, broke into the conversation saying it "hurt my heart to hear the news." It turns out the young lady (a 29 year-old from Chicago Heights) had served a 2-month internship under Trotter's soup and sauce sous chef. Recalling her interview with Chef Trotter she laughed. He asked her to prepare a dish that required a demi glace sauce. Knowing it was one of the most difficult to prepare the joke was on Chef Trotter, it was one of her best. She prepared the dish, he tried it and told her "it was good but could use some work."
She took offense, he argued the fact. She recalled Trotter asking "is this your best."
She didn't waiver, "yes," she said.
"It can't be made any better?" Chef Trotter asked.
"No," she said, thinking she had just blown the interview.
"I was shocked I got the position," she said.

In addition to his accolades in the kitchen Charlie Trotter has been honored for his philanthropic endeavors that include being honored by President Bush for his work through his Charlie Trotter Education Foundation. He was the 2005 recipient of the International Association of Culinary Professionals' Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Epic's Movember Dessert

Epic, 112 W. Hubbard, Pastry Chef Jessica Ellington's monthly charity dessert is tiramisu cake (mascarpone mousse, coffee cream, ladyfinger cake, coffee and cacao nib crisps and is topped with a chocolate-dipped "moustache" sugar cookie); $12. Proceeds benefit men's health awareness organization, Movember. Available through November 30. epicrestaurantchicago.com

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Bangers & Lace Hosts Birthday Party

Chef Adam Wendt of Bangers & Lace, 1670 W. Division, hosts a second anniversary dinner, paired with Tallgrass beers, 8 p.m. Nov. 12. In conjunction with the anniversary celebration the restaurant will also throw a party for the 2013 release of Old Forester's Birthday Bourbon, which created in 2002 to honor the distiller's founder. bangersandlacechicago.com

Moto's Spooky Tree

Halloween is over, but I couldn't resist posting this scary treet, uh treat from Moto's pastry chef. View at:  http://youtu.be/MyESv6ygb_I

Roti's New Schaumburg Location

Roti Mediterranean Grill opens it newest Schaumburg location, 829 N. Meacham, with a free-for-all event 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 2. That's right the restaurant is offering a free lunch and fountain beverage for guests during the grand opening. The Schaumburg HIgh School Drum Line will provide entertainment. http://www.roti.com

¡AY CHIWOWA! Holiday Cranberry Punch

¡AY CHIWOWA! 311 W. Chicago, is now offering a homemade Mexican punch, made in a traditional tub, for the holidays. The Holiday Cranberry Pinch (red wine, tequila, orange juice, cranberry juice, brown sugar, lime juice with muddled mango, strawberry and guava, made the traditional way in a tub; $10) is available now through December. http://www.aychiwowa.com