Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Anthony Bourdain does Chicago . . . with Mancow Muller?!

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The Stew caught up with Chef-lebrity Anthony Bourdain as he made a stop at Hot Doug's, Ramova Grill and Silver Palm for an upcoming episode of his popular "No Reservations" series on the Travel Channel.

But that's not the strangest part. Can someone please tell me why former Chicago radio "personality" Mancow Muller was with him?!

I mean, really, Mr. Bourdain?!

You've got to be doing this just to piss us off!

Big names in dining rock the Ritz-Carlton this fall

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Le Bernadin's Eric Ripert is the special celebrity star during a fall dinner at the Ritz-Carlton.


The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton is playing host to some heavyweights in the dining world this fall with some special events:

On Oct. 17, it's the Author Tea with Bon Appétit Editor-In-Chief Barbara Fairchild. She'll be on hand to sign copies of Bon Appétit: Fast Easy Fresh, a new collection of more than 1,200 recipes written for quick, easy cooking at home. Ritz-Carlton Executive Pastry Chef Mark Payne will complement with some tea-focused dishes inspired by recipes from Fast Easy Fresh. 3-4:30pm. $40.

And Nov. 13, get ready for the Author Dinner with acclaimed chef Eric Ripert from Le Bernardin in New York. He'll be signing copies of On The Line: The Stations, the Heat, the Cooks, the Costs, the Chaos, and the Triumphs, a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fine dining through the eyes of one of its champions. Ritz-Carlton Executive Chef Mark Payne and Ripert will create a four-course dinner, which will take cues from On The Line. That happens at 6pm, and includes a reception, wines and author discussion. $95.

Call 312-573-5231 for tickets because they will go fast!

Toast to Tuesdays . . .

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The U.S. Olympics Team is still winning mad medals left and right, so cheers to that!

Didja know every Tuesday you can sample a different Goose Island beer for free at the Lincoln Park location?! The Pub Beer Showcase happens at 6pm, with the brewer on hand to answer questions.

Lumen's weekly industry night continues to be cool, this time featuring Grammy Award-winning mixmaster Maurice Joshua behind the 'tables. As always, you'll get to indulge in $5 shots of Jameson and Patron. Oh, and they'll also be giving away free samples of Lucid Absinthe from 10pm-midnight. 9pm-2am. No cover.

Return of the Cocktail Party is one of the summer's sleepers at Martini Park. The after-work set offers guests comped appetizers and half-priced drinks from 5-8pm, but the best part of the night is the swing band and semi-professional dancers taking over the floor. Free.

And if you're sick of the usual Gold Coast scene, head to Morton's for Tuesday Tastings, where they're giving out free wine and cheese. 6-7pm.

What is really going on, Daily Candy Chicago?!

I've kept quiet too long about the sudden downspiral of Daily Candy Chicago, but after today's raunchy newsletter on A.Vision Chicago—which leads with "the politico called out Hillary’s name every time he climaxed"—I can keep quiet no longer.

I don't know if they're trying to be edgier in an attempt to compete with the more male-focused Urban Daddy and Thrillist, but seriously, Daily Candy needs to get back to its roots when it was really clever and truly sexy without going below the belt.