TWO, TWO, TWO STEAKS FOR ONE! 

My friend Allan actually told me about this great deal at the Drake, but now it’s time to “out” it..so to speak.

Drake Bros.’ steakhouse is offering diners a second of its Prime steaks on Tuesdays for a penny. Drake Bros’, Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton St., 312-932-4626.

 KEVIN

CLOSING:  KEVIN

Kevin plans to close up shop at the end of February, citing slow business. Siblings Kevin and Alan Shikami will instead focus on their months-old venture, Shikago, 190 S. LaSalle., 312-781-7300. Leading up to the closing, the restaurant will feature specials. Kevin, 9 W. Hubbard St., 312-595-0055.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE A HOTTIE?

Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap-an already energetic neighborhood hang-is turning up the heat during March Madness season with its “Seriously Ridiculously Over-the-Top Hot Wings,” made from Red Savina, the Guinness record-holding pepper. And get this: anyone who tries them legally is required to sign a waiver due to issues like palate burning, eye damage and extreme discomfort. But fear not: each order comes with a bell; give Melnick’s staff a jingle, and they’ll come running with extinguishers that include sour cream, milk, ice cream, oranges, sugar and white bread. Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap, 41 E. Superior St., Chicago, 312-266-0400.

EXPANSION: FOX & OBEL

Fox & Obel is expected to seal a deal with Vulpes, LLC. Although the concept and main players will stay the same, the move will mean the gourmet grocer can make good on its dreams of expansion. Fox & Obel, 401 E. Illinois St., 312-410-7301, http://www.fox-obel.com/index.asp.

Courtesy: www.gayot.com

 

In my foodie research, I found Tyler Colman (a.k.a. Dr. Vino).  Tyler’s an expert on all things wine.  He has compiled a list (and map) of all the BYOB restuarants in Chicago.  So, for all you BYOB fans, give Dr. Vino a visit if you have a hankering to bring your favorite wine along to sip on your culinary journey:

http://www.drvino.com/chicagobyob.php

 Joe, Conrad and Megan

My waiter ”best server in the world” affair with Conrad began the first time he waited on me.  If ever there were a recipe for the best way to manage the entire dining customer experience, Conrad posses all of it!  Let’s break it down:

-He knows and remembers everything you like

-You trust him with the entire dining experience

-He loves your mother (and remembers how she likes her mussels and martini even though she does not come in often)

-He is a little flirty and funny (just RIGHT!). Tip to Conrad (like he doesn’t already know this)…any woman over 40 likes that.  And, of course, she likes feeling like a princess and rose colored lighting.

-He is gracious, observant and never hangs out at the wrong time (reference Soprano’s).

-You really don’t have to ask him for “whatever” – he already knows

-He also tells your fellow diners about you (“please order your own dessert, she wants this one to herself”) – and he is right!

Bobby, the owner of Cafe Lucci in Glenview, I am certain, know’s how important Conrad is for his business.  Every single time I come in, I request Conrad (hey, I am not alone here).  I am not always successful.

Honest – I am not a “raver” about much on this blog (nor am I a complainer).  But Conrad – he’s worth raving about.  Hmmm, I wonder if his wife and children know how rave worthy he is.

Please, don’t go to Cafe Lucci (www.cafelucci.com) on any night when I might be there and ask for Conrad. I think I’m becomming a little possessive.

 

The Campagnola crew created Evanston’s hip Union Pizzeria serving rustic Tuscan pies, salads, pasta and Eclectic small plates along with 25 beers (bottled and tap, including Belgian and craft brews) and 50 wines under $50; a former Peugeot dealership, the open loft space features full front windows, wood-beam-and-ductwork ceilings and cement floors; N.B. a live-music venue in the back will open soon.1245 Chicago Ave.; 847-475-2400. Courtesy: www.zagat.com

 

Keep in mind, these are the “potential” Chicago nominees for the James Beard Awards.  As soon as the final list is announced, we will post the nominees actually selected from Chicago. 

Outstanding Restaurateur:
Richard Melman, “Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, including Everest, TRU, Shaw’s Crab House, and Brasserie Jo, Chicago, IL. Eiffel Tower, Las Vegas, NV.”

Best Chef – Great Lakes:
Martila Noguier, one sixtyblue

Graham Elliot Bowles, Avenues (for the time being, anyway!)

Suzy Crofton, Crofton on Wells

Kendal Duque, Sepia

Carrie Nahabedian, Naha

Bruce Sherman, North Pond

Guiseppe Tentori, Boka

(for good measure, Paul Virant of Vie and Michael Maddux of Le Titi De Paris are also on the list)

Outstanding Pastry Chef:

Mindy Segal, Hot Chocolate

Outstanding Chef:
Grant Achatz, Alinea

Jean Joho, Everest

**candidates in this category “must have been working as a chef for the past five years.”

Outstanding Restaurant:
Arun’s

Spiaggia

**restaurants in this category “must have been in operation 10 or more consecutive years.”

Outstanding Service:
Spiaggia

Outstanding Wine Service:
Bin 36

Best New Restaurant :
Sepia

Congratulations to everyone who’s been nominated to be nominated!

(posted on www.blogs.menupages.com)