2017 Chefs Hall of Fame Inductees

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Chicago chefs: Charlie Mok; Jim Kallas; Pierre Pollin; Sebastien Canonne (French Pastry School) and Fabio Viviani (pictured)will be inducted in the Chicago Culinary Museum Chefs Hall of Fame. The ceremony, open to the public, takes place 5-9:30 p.m. March 8, The Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand. 

Previous winners include: Charlie Trotter (2006), Jimmy Bannos (2007), Chef Rick Bayless (2008), Carrie Nahabedian (2009), Art Smith (2010), Priscilla Satkoff  (2011), Graham Elliot with Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer (2012), Paul Kahan, Alain Roby, Richard Melman, Hans Aeschbacher, the late Chef Jean Banchet, and the late Chef Louis Szathmary (2013), Stephanie Izard, Gale Gand, Chef Michael Kornick, Phil Stefani and Larry Levy (2014), and Tony Mantuano, Judy Contino, J. Joho, Georges “Kiki” Cuisance, Steve Lombardo and Hugo Ralli (2015). 

 Tickets are $60, includes open bar and food samples from area chefs. A portion of the sales benefit the CCM, as well as raise funds for scholarship for student chefs. Purchase here.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Hakka Bakka Gears Up for March Madness

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Hakka Bakka, 1251 W. Fullerton, brings back it's popular March Madness dish: Chicken Tikka Wings coated in a spicy tikka sauce, available March 12-April 3. The wings, dine-in or delivery, will be priced $8 for eight pieces, includes choice of a tikka ranch or cilantro aioli dipping sauce (extra sauce is available for $0.75-cents each).

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Mardi Gras on Division Street

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

It's not be the Big Easy, but you can register for a chance to win a trip to New Orleans' French Quarter during Mardi Gras on Division, taking place February 26 at six participating bars in the Division Street Entertainment District: The Lodge; Mother's; Mother's Too; She-nannigans; Hangge-Uppe  and Coconutz.

To be eligible to win the trip participants must collect Mardi Gras beads from each location. The drawing for the winner takes place midnight at Coconutz. Must be present during drawing to win prize.
The trip, via Amtrak includes train fare and a two night stay in the French Quarter's Hotel Monteleone located in the heart of the historic district at 214 Royal Street. 

In addition to the drawing each bar will host it own Mardi Gras festivity including a limbo dance at Hangge-Uppe.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Chief O'Neill's Irish Wedding Giveaway

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Siobhan and Brendan McKinney of Chief O'Neill's Restaurant will foot the bill for an authentic Irish wedding for one lucky couple. The complimentary wedding ceremony will include that will include judge, flowers, music and a complete dinner for 10 (additional friends and family can be included for a per person fee. The evening wedding service will be held March 7 beginning with cocktails at 6 p.m. The ceremony starts at 7 p.m. followed by dinner.

Interested parties must describe in 500 words or less why an Irish wedding is their dream come true in essay or video form. Entries must be received by February 26. Only one entry per couple permitted, which must include the names of both the bride and groom and contact information. Submit entries at www.chiefoneillspub.com. The winner will be notified February 28. 

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Celeste Adds More Class to its Stylish Bar

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Celeste, 111 W. Hubbard, named "River North's Sexiest 5 A.M. Bar "by Chicago Magazine, opened its renovated bar that features Louis Sullivan tiles, Victorian-style seats, an urban garden and ivy covered walls and is now enclosed and functional year round.  

The four-floor story American-style bar, which is reminiscent of turn-of-the century Chicago bar, is known for its innovative cocktail programs using fresh ingredients and small batch spirits, which includes large format cocktails served in unique copper vessels in the shape of gnomes, owls and double punch bowls) current selections are: Neon Mule (Absolut Elyx, Leblon Cachaca, Kaffir lime, ginger, citrus); Troubled Times (Belvedere, Diplomatico Blanco, cinnamon, passionfruit, vanilla, citrus, Angostura); Lunch Break (Absolut Elyx, grapefruit, mint, Thai basil, black pepper, citrus) and Disco Jungle (Dark Rum, Absolut, pineapple, Cocchi Rosa, black walnut, citrus, mint). 

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Kit Kat Club's Academy Awards Events

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted,  hosts an Academy Awards party kicking off at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature 'The Academy" cocktail (Stoli vodka, Le Fleur liqueur and a splash of white grape juice, $7) along with a round of award nominee-inspired Cast Your Vote shot specials that include: La La Land (Stoli Blueberi, lime juice, simple syrup, sugar rim); Arrival (Stoli Vanil, tropical pineapple liqueur, grenadine); Lion (Stoli Citros, hazelnut liqueur, sugar rim, lemon); Hell or High Water (Coffee liqueur, Bailey's, whipped cream); Hidden Figures (whiskey, peach liqueur, cranberry, sugar-free Red Bull); Moonlight (Jim Beam Apple, Apple Pucker, cranberry) and Hacksaw Ridge (Jagermeister, peach schnapps, cranberry) and Manchester by the Sea (Stoli Razberi, lime, triple sec, simple syrup Fences - Stoli Ohranj, Grape Pucker, sugar rim). All selections are $4 each.


Chef JoAnn Witherell will offer a Steak Oscar special (6 ounce filet, crab cake, grilled asparagus and bearnaise, $28), and other theatrical themed food specialties.

Guest can catch the red carpet runway action along with awards ceremony on the club's seven HD projection screens. Diva Dulce Andrews performs live during commercial breaks.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Mike Sheerin Takes Over as Executive Chef at Rockit

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Mike Sheerin is the new executive chef at Rockit Bar & Grill, 22 W. Hubbard. Sheerin, has launched a new menu featuring items that include: crunchy as fried chicken with pickle juice hot sauce, available in five piece mix of white and dark meat ($18); 10-piece ($32); smoked salmon salad and puffed quinoa with baby greens, radicchio, Green Goddess dressing ($14) and grilled beef and bacon meatloaf with caramelized ketchup and curry cauliflower. View complete menu. 

Also, Rockit launched a new rewards program earlier in the month, sign up by February 28 to earn $15. See complete details.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Kzuki Ramen & Izakaya Anime Movie Night

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Kzuki Ramen & Izakaya, 1482 N. Milwaukee, introduces anime movie Tuesday Movie Night, starting with "My Neighbor Totoro 7 p.m. February 21. Classic anime movies will be shown on 120-inch projector screen and include: Kiki's Delivery Service (February 28)," "Castle in the Sky (March 7)," Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (March 14)," "Howl's Moving Castle (March 21)," and "Spirited Away (March 28)."

During the event guests will be feted to complimentary order of edame with purchase of $1 Kirin Ichiban drafts along with a selection of small plates for $3, including: Takoyaki Octopus Dumplings (octopus dumplings with aonori, okonomi sauce, mayo and bonito flakes), Chicken Wings (house made crispy marinated chicken wings topped with a citrusy garlic glaze), Toasted Onigiri (traditional Japanese rice ball), Geso Karaage (traditional deep-fried squid tentacles with Japanese citrus and chili pepper), available 5 p.m. to closing.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

The Lodge Tavern's $6,000 Drink

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

The Lodge Tavern, 21 W. Division, kicks off its 60th anniversary celebration with a party and, a very special drink, beginning 9 p.m. February 27. 

The Woodford Reserve "On The Rock" (Woodford Reserve Distillery's award winning Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, poured over diamond-shaped ice, served with a diamond "stand-in" on the side (along with a certificate for the actual gem from the Chicago Diamond Center in Chicago's Jewelers Row District). 

The drink, which will be available throughout The Lodge Tavern's 60th anniversary year, sells for $6,000. Proceeds from the sale of the drink benefits Misericordia Heart Of Mercy, a community of care that maximizes potential for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities. Those who purchase the drink will receive a letter of acknowledgement and thanks from Misericordia.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

O'Toole's Salutes National Margarita Day

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Timothy O'Toole's Pub, 622 N. Fairbanks, salutes National Margarita Day (February 22), by offering its signature O'Toole's Margarita for $5. In addition, representatives from Casa Noble Tequila will be on hand 7-9 p.m. offering drink samples and swag. 

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Heaven on Seven's Fat Tuesday Celebration

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

When it come to Fat Tuesday Jimmy Bannos of Heaven on Seven, 111 N. Wabash, does it up in a big way. This year's celebration is 5:30-10 p.m. February 28, featuring live music and a special menu to be announced on Facebook next week. Limited space make reservations, 312-263-6443.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Baconfest 2017 Looking for a Few Good Judges

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Baconfest 2017, March 31-April 1, UIC Pavilion, 725 W. Roosevelt, is featuring a new element, offering guests the opportunity to serve alongside the professionals to be judges responsible for awarding Baconfest chefs The Golden Rasher Awards covering categories that include Most Creative Use of Bacon and Best Front of House Decoration. 

Candidates should post pictures of themselves eating bacon on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #FutureBaconfestJudge @Baconfestchi through February 22. Three judges will be selected (one for each award segment). Winners will also receive a VIP ticket for a guest to attend. Tickets and more contests details available here.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Coco Pazzo Cafe and Tres Soldi Concept Merger Complete

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Coco Pazzo Café is now open in its new location at 212 E. Ohio. The popular eatery merged operations with sister restaurant Tre Soldi Trattoria, opening in its spot with a revamped look and joint concept featuring a merged menu of the most popular dishes from both the Tuscan-inspired cafe and Roman-influenced trattoria. Jack Weiss opened the original cafe in 1996.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

aliveOne Bell's Brewery Tapping and New Comedy Night

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

aliveOne, 2683 N. Halsted, hosts a Bell's Brewery Hopslam Ale tapping beginning at 5 p.m. February 22. Hopslam beers will be available throughout the evening for $7. In addition guests can enjoy the venue's half-price everything happy hour from 5-7 p.m.

Also, beginning February 19, the bar introduces Living Room Sessions, an open mic comedy platform 6-9 p.m. on Sundays.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

For the Love of Chocolate Annual Fundraiser

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

For the Love of Chocolate Foundation's annual scholarship fundraiser, "Floc Noir: An Evening of Mystery and Mayhem," takes place 7:30 p.m. February 25, Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson; $150. 

The menu  includes: char sui bbq pork belly; charcuterie, local artisan cheeses and country plate with assorted breads and fruits; cold smoked salmon tartare; Nicoise salad; winter harvest blend of cooked baby vegetables; mini cassoulae; mini million dollar trice baked potato with truffle creme fraiche, caviar and chive; coq au vin and gourmet frites. Also, in partnership with Connie's Pizza the menu will also feature: gluten free pasta and fresh hand made rigatoni  with marinara vodka sauce; Italian beef flatbread and petite cheese calzones. 

Purchase tickets.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Bunny Slope Opens

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

If you can't get to a ski resort hop on over to Bunny Slope, 15 E. Ohio, a new cocktail bar designed like a tradition ski lodge that includes,log cabin timber walls adorned with vintage skis. If you really miss the small there's snowflake tile floors. If you do't feel comfy cozy enough you can always slip into a fuzzy robe to sip your libation.

Christian Hetter, behind the programs of The Berkshire Room and Bodega, has created a list of ski lodge theme drinks that include: Chalet Frappe (cognac, Amer, lemon); Snow-wein (German red wine with mulling spices); Freeze-ling (frozen Alsatian Reisling) and  Apres Ski (blonde rum, Creme de cocoa, averna and dairy)

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Park Grill's Valentine's Day Menu

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Park Gill, 11 N. Michigan in Millennium Park, has designed a special five-course Valentine's Day menu ($45 per person), featuring a main course choice of roasted Amish chicken, whipped Yukon Golds, chicken au jus and woodland mushrooms; petite filet mignon, butter poached asparagus and Hasselback Yukon Gold potato or Hiddenfjord salmon miso glazed, baby bok choy and ponzu.

In addition, all wine bottles under $100 will be offered for half price. 

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Geja's Cafe Valentine's Festival

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Geja's Cafe, 34o W. Armitage, renowned as one of the most romantic restaurant's in the country, extends it's Valentine's Day special February 10-20, offering guests 11 days of romance. Couples can enjoy the restaurant's exquisite fondue along with sipping sparkling rose wines and Champagne. 

Entertainment includes live flamenco dancing and a classical guitarists. 

The Valentine’s festival concludes with the Celebration of Marriage Night, where couples receive an added discount based on the years they have been married. Reservations for the Valentine's Dinner Packages are available now. Photo keepsakes will be available. For more information or to book a reservation, call (773) 281-9101. Valentine's Day (February 14) seatings are currently sold out, waitlist available.  

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Mercadito's Amor Por Favor Dinner

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Mercadito Chicago, 108 W. Kinzie, holds a special Valentine’s Day event. "Amor Por Favor Experiential Dinner," 6-9 p.m. February 13. 

Corporate chef Aldo Ayala's dinner begins the romantic evening with tostada de pulpo enamorado (slow-braised with love and spiced octopus, heart-shaped tostada, tomatillo pico de gallo, roasted garlic aioli, habanero, Serrano chile and micro cilantroaa). Courses to follow are: vientre de puerco (herb-marinated dry roasted pork belly, roasted sweet potato, honey, cinnamon, chile guajillo, piloncillo glaze and micro greens); callo de hacha ( pan-seared diver scallops, stir-fried “fideo” noodles, short rib ragu, garlic mojito and crispy red onions) and carne y ostras (pan seared rib eye steak for two, chile rubbed oyster mushrooms, leek fondue, Seranno osyter scream sauce and crispy oysters. Dinner concludes with Fundido de chocolate (Mexican chocolate fondue, mini churros, homemade marshmallows, strawberries and cinnamon passion fruit whipped cream. 

Dishes will be paired with Jose Cuervo cocktails. Special guest Dustin Miller of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits will be on hand. The cost is $75 per guest. Reservations required.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Links Taproom's 3 Sheeps Tap Takeover

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Links Taproom, 1559 N. Milwaukee, hosts a 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. tap takeover during its "Baa-lentine's Day" celebration, beginning 6 p.m. February 14. 

Featured beer selections from the Sheboygan-based brewer are: Veneration (13.0% ABV Belgian-style quad with figs and molasses that's aged in rye whiskey barrels); First Kiss (8.2% ABV imperial IPA with honey); Baaad Boy (5.5% ABV black wheat ale) and NitraBerry (3.2% ABV tart blackberry wheat ale on nitro). Beers are priced. $6-$9.

In addition select food and beers will be offered at 20 per cent off. The evening also included a Valentine's Day themed trivia event, prizes and giveaways.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Forbidden One Year Anniversary Event

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

Join in Forbidden Root's, 1746 W. Chicago, first anniversary celebration 5 p.m. to midnight February 17. 

Beer and food specials will be featured throughout the evening. 

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve

Chicago Firehouse Restaurant Reopens Feb. 3

Follow all Panache blogs: #books; #entertainment; #grilling; #nationalentertainment; #romance; #videogames

The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, 1401 S. Michigan, reopens, under the kitchen direction of John Caputo, for dinner service 5 p.m. February 3. The restaurant closed after a fire in December 2014. A former south loop firehouse, the historic building was erected in 1905, housing Engine Company 104. The firehouse was turned into a restaurant in 2000. The building was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2003.

Connect on Facebook

Follow @panachepubverve