This "House" Packs "Power' and Elizabeth Taylor History

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

eliza
Longevity in any industry is rare nowadays, but especially within the restaurant industry. A combination of great food, service, location and price is what every restaurant owner desires, in order to make their venue last. Chicago restaurant veteran Jimmy Alexander has been doing it for years, and now has another winner with his new restaurant Powerhouse.

Built in a historic landmark in Chicago's Fulton River District, Powerhouse gets its name from the Western Railway power plant. The main dining room vibe reminds me where powerful business meetings take place, but the separate bar area is much more casual and contemporary. The menu, by Executive Chef Jeff Mauro, is packed with an array of traditional American dishes with a powerful twist. One of my favorites was the Tartare of Hawaiian Ono, an appetizer item. The Lemon Risotto and Wild Boar Rack and Loin were also very tasty and enjoyable. One of the highlights of the menu was the famous Alexander salad dressing on their Romaine Hearts salad. Mr. Alexander explained that the salad dressing has been on the menu at all of his restaurants since the 1950's. In-fact, Conrad "Nicky" Hilton enjoyed the dressing so much, that he had it shipped to his 1950 wedding with Elizabeth Taylor, for their dinner reception. Now that’s a history lesson for you. The desserts are plentiful with a selection of cheescake, cake and sorbet, but the winner hands down were the Sweet Potato Doughnuts! Being a doughnut connoisseur, I have to say that these were the best doughnuts that I've ever had. Period! Gotta try the doughnuts folks.

Powerhouse is located at 215 Clinton Street between Randolph and Fulton. It's open for lunch and dinner and their casual bar is a great place to watch the game. You can check out their web site at www.powerhouserestaurant.com or call (312) 928-0800 for reservations. As always, check out Fete Select TV for an inside look at the newest and best restaurants in the city.

Labels: chicago dining, conrad nicky hilton, D.C. Crenshaw, dinner, elizabeth taylor, fete, fete chicago, fete select, jimmy alexander, powerhouse restaurant

Mama's Meatballs by Maddie

Thursday, September 4, 2008

For the past couple of years, my family and I have been making the worthwhile trek out to Palatine for a meal in an unassuming freestanding building on Rand Rd. Until last Friday, Ristorante Barella, (now located at 100 Hale Street in Wheaton and currently operating under the name Ristorante Caponata) stood across from a used car lot and kiddie corner from a strip club all the while serving some delectable and incredibly authentic Italian food.

The moment you walk in the door you are greeted by the genuine warmth of Chef and owner "Mama" (Nancy Longbardi) and her children. This good heartedness continues to ooze out of every bite of food and every drop of wine served at this family owned and operated establishment.

Now, anyone who knows my parents know that it takes more than just great food to get them out of their North Shore comfort zone, let alone making it west of 294 for dinner. They do have other motives and I can sum it up in two words: Mama's Meatballs - that and the fact we are all in love with Mama's daughter Rosie Migliaccio who is always our server and just about the most adorable person you'll ever meet.

Back to Mama's Meatballs. These traditional Napoli style veal meatballs have a tender and delicate consistency that is almost creamy. Each one is studded with bright green peas and wrapped in paper-thin slices of eggplant. The meatballs are simmered in a perfectly balanced and seemingly simple Pomodoro sauce and served on their own - no pasta necessary.

In a state of panic when I found out my beloved Barella was moving even further away I decided to pay homage to Mama and her meatballs by creating my own version of this light and satisfying dish. Below you will find the recipe for "Maddie's Meatballs". Should you make it to Ristorante Caponata (the name will change back to Barella eventually) there are a few other must have dishes. Our family favorites include the Pasta Foccacia, grilled calamari, Veal Francais and whatever special dishes Mama is offering up that night!

Maddie's Meatballs

2 lbs ground veal
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
1 cup diced pancetta
1 clove garlic
¼ cup minced shallots
¼ fresh breadcrumbs - panko does not work in this recipe
¼ chive cottage cheese (fresh ricotta if you can get it)
¼ freshly grated pecorino romano
Kosher salt
3 cups chicken stock
3 cups water


In a large bowl mix veal, eggs, pancetta, shallots, garlic, breadcrumbs, cheese (both kinds) and 2 teaspoons of salt. This is best done with your hands. Shape the mixture into about 15 fist size meatballs. In a large saucepan bring water and chicken stock to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer (low heat) and add half of the meatballs. Cook for about ten minutes - or until they are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked meatballs to a baking sheet and repeat process.

*****I like to serve these on top of a simple salad of roasted vegetables and romaine lettuce, however, they are great on top of spaghetti as well*****

Labels: dc crenshaw, fete, fete blog, fete select, madeleine yastrow, mama's meatballs

Open Mic Night at Plan B

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

So you think that you have musical skillz? Then showcase them at Plan B on Wednesday nights for "open mic" night.

Located in Bucktown at 1635 N. Milwaukee Ave., Plan B also has weekly specials every Wednesday and Thursday. Their wings are slammin'!

Wednesday
$1 bud lt drafts
1/2 off apps and wine
open mic hosted by Chris Grant of Trippin Billies

Thursday
$1 bud products
$2 house shot
$3 house vodka
$.30 wings
DJ

For more information about open mic night at Plan B log onto www.planb-chicago.com

Labels: bars, bucktown, chicago, clubs. lounges, dc crenshaw, dj, fete, fete chicago, fete select, fete select tv, food, music, open mic, plan b chicago, restaurants, wings

Food Network Star Provides "Cravings" at W Hotels in Chicago

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Celebrity chef, author and Food Network star Dave Lieberman has partnered with W Hotels to create exclusive dishes for both IN ROOM DINING and their newly designed LIVING ROOM lounge menus. “Cravings by Dave Lieberman” features globally-inspired foods with a twist. Each Chicago hotel will choose four dishes created by Dave to feature through April 09. Each new menu item takes inspiration from one of the W's upcoming global destinations; from Atlanta to Austin, Milan to Marrakech, Santiago to Spain and everywhere in between. Menu's will change seasonally.

I had the pleasure of tasting four of the menu items at the W City Center last week and they were pretty darn tasty. The “Truffled Taleggio Grilled Cheese” was different from any grilled cheese that I’ve ever had. But not to be out done was the “Meatball Hoagie” with red paper tomato sauce and provolone. The “Chicken Kebabs” on the menu were inspired by the upcoming W Marrakech. All of the menu items feature foods with unexpected flavors and ingredients that add a personal twist. Also be sure to order their specialty cocktails in the LIVING ROOM or WHISKEY BLUE. The best of the cocktails are the “Strawaberry Basil Lemonade” and the “Forbidden Fruit Punch” (made for two). Check out “Cravings” at the W City Center or the W Lakeshore.

Labels: chicago, cravings, dave lieberman, dc crenshaw, fete, fete chicago, fete select, fete select tv, nbc 5 street team, w city center, w hotels, w lakeshore, wave

Four New Hot Spots To Dine!

Friday, August 1, 2008

I’m always looking forward to trying hot new restaurants in the city and Chicago always has a lot to choose from, especially this summer. Therefore over the past week I set out to try four new hot spots that have been generating a lot of buzz since opening. My criteria for deciding whether a restaurant is worthy of a repeat visit boils down to the cuisine, service, vibe, cocktails, cost, and location. For the most part the four dining venues hit the mark on food, but service was a bit sketchy for at least one of them.

My first stop during my week long dining crusade was Ajasteak. Located at 660 N. State St. (in the new Dana Hotel and Spa), they boast on offering the artful precision of Asian cuisine coupled with the robust flavors of a modern steak house. Basically they serve sushi and a very high grade of beef (Kobe). My wife and I had lunch there and were surprised to see the dining room nearly empty. The lunch menu however, provided an interesting choice of sandwiches, although a little pricey. I ordered the Pulled Pork Sandwich, which our server touted as his favorite, and the steak fries deemed the best ever. My wife chose the Seared Tuna Sandwich and a side of their heaping Onion Rings. We both shared a Maki roll to compare to our favorite sushi joints. The sandwiches were tasty; the service not so much. The steak fries were not even close to being the best ever. The sushi was decent, but nothing better than our more affordable BYOB sushi spot in Lakeview. Be prepared to open your wallet for an expensive and tasty meal, but the service may not coincide with the price.

My second stop was at OTOM, the sister restaurant to futuristic cuisine MOTO. OTOM Executive Chef Daryl Nash prepares post modern cuisine without being futuristic. They pride themselves on having stress free and fun food and I have to say that we had a lot of fun trying his creations. Cuisine such as Carbonated Watermelon to cleanse the palate and Butter-poached Shrimp appetizer were big hits. I’m not a huge fan of tofu, but their tofu poached in olive oil, corn puree and topped with freeze dried corn was savory. The Chicken ala King with oyster mushrooms and the Fried Short Rib Ravioli entrees were spectacular. After the Coconut-Pineapple Paradise dessert we were sold. The cocktails and service were great and the ambiance was low key. This is a great place to relax and chill with a significant other or a group of friends. OTOM is located at 951 W. Fulton Market St.

C-House was recently opened by acclaimed Chef Marcus Sammuelson. Sammuelson, out of New York City, is the youngest chef to receive two 3 star reviews from the NY Times. C-House is an American Seafood and Chop House restaurant. I taped a segment of Fête Select TV there recently and had a chance to enjoy some of Executive Chef Seth Siegel-Gardner’s specialty dishes, including Chili Crusted Fluke, Yellow Tail Fish Tacos, and Chorizo Mac & Cheese. C-Bar, their raw bar, offers standard seafood favorites and allows guests to sit and view the preparation of their meal. Executive Pastry Chef Toni Roberts created The Candy Bar- variety of bite size chocolates, confections and cookies. C-View is their upscale lounge located on the 29th floor and I became a fan of their Honeysuckle specialty cocktail. C-House is few blocks off Michigan Ave in the new Affinia Hotel (166 E. Superior St.)

The final destination on my parade route of restaurants was Hub 51. Owners R.J. and Jerrod Melman, sons of Richard Melman (Lettuce Entertain You), recently opened this 10,000 square foot space with a 20 ft bar. Hub 51 has definitely attracted a big crowd early and appears to be the new place to see and to be seen. The food is American cuisine with different influences from California, Mexico, Australia and Asia that includes homemade tacos, seafood, signature sandwiches and sushi. We had a Sweet Potato Roll, Chicken Nachos, Halibut Tacos, and the Sea Bass. The dishes were all very good, but the winner was the Sea Bass flavored with horseradish broth. My very pregnant wife couldn’t enjoy the Hub Punch, which is their specialty cocktail concoction of Grey Goose le Citron, tequila, Lcor 43, and pomegranate. The kicker for the evening was Martha’s Carrot Cake; RJ & Jerrod’s mother’s own carrot cake recipe. I’ll be back just for the carrot cake alone. Hub 51 is not a quiet place to have a romantic dinner, however it does offer a lively atmosphere with a bar scene that revs up as the evening grows. Check it out at 51 W. Hubbard St. (Corner of Dearborn and Hubbard)

Now that you have four new spots to try, drop me a line and let me know what you think at dc@efete.net.

Labels: ajasteak, C-House, chicago dining, cocktails, dc crenshaw, fete, fete chicago, fete select, fete select tv, Hub 51, new restaurants, Otom, seafood, steak house

DC & Johnny B on 97.9 The Loop Friday Morning

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Tune in to 97.9 The Loop during the 7:00 am hour Friday morning, as D.C. guest appears with morning radio personality Johnny B.

D.C. will provide his review of four new restaurants in Chicago, which include OTOM, C-House, Hub 51 and Ajasteak. Drop us a line after the show and let us know if you agree with his take on these new hot spots in the Windy City!

If you miss the morning show, check out DC's blog on eFete.net tomorrow for his take on Chicago's new restaurants.

Labels: 97.9 The Loop, ajasteak, C-House, chicago, dc crenshaw, dinner, fete, fete select, fete select tv, fine dining, Hub 51, Johnny B, Otom, restaurants, WLUP

BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) at WineStyles

Thursday, July 24, 2008

I'm a huge fan of BYOB's in the city, and Chicago has a lot of them that I've discovered over the past few years. They usually have great food, a nice atmosphere and the price is definitely right. But recently I discovered a place that is BYOF (Bring Your Own Food), which I thought was a creative idea in allowing me to still enjoy a unique and intimate evening out without breaking the bank.
Trayce D opened a WineStyles franchise in the South Loop recently and hasn't looked back. Located at 1240 S. Michigan Ave, her goal for WineStyles is to be the neighborhood wine boutique store that carries exceptional wines from all over the world. Wine Styles wines are for drinking, not worshipping and are priced at $25 and under. They take the guesswork out of buying wine by categorizing wines by taste styles rather than grape or varietals. They make learning about wine easy and enjoyable. And, they have an excellent selection of gift items including gift baskets and wine accessories.

The South Loop WineStyles offers the following:
* Wine Club Membership

* Complimentary tastings on Thursdays, 6-8pm

* Online shopping option

* Fine Cigars

* Private parties and events

* Live music on select nights

* B.Y.O.F (Bring Your Own Food) as they serve wine by the glass, or you can open a bottle.

* Wine classes and special order most wines by the bottle or case within 24 hours

Besides being a neighborhood boutique wine store, WineStyles provides a comfort and cozy setting for friends to meet up and partake in libations together. Sara Kay, their on staff Sommelier, can help you select a nice bottle of wine for your special occasion. I particularly like the fact that I can bring my own food, buy a great bottle of wine and still have a few dollars left over for dessert!
Check out Trayce D and her South Loop WineStyles location at 1240 S. Michigan Ave or log onto www.winestyles.net.

Labels: bring your own food, byob, byof, dc crenshaw, fete, fete chicago, fete select, fete select tv, fine dining, wine store, wine styles

City Provisions Farm Dinner

City Provisions Farm Dinner
July 26th - Reserve Now!


SPACE IS LIMITED, CALL TODAY
Featuring Two Brothers Brewery, Dupage County and Faith'sFarm, Bonfield, Illinois

Saturday July 26, 2008
The day will begin at noon by meeting at City Provisions, where you will board a chartered bus, furnished with "educational props," as you learn about the Two Brothers' brewing process. They will also discuss their Process, Mission, and transition into their belief in supporting local farms.

Upon arrival at Faith's Farm, Kim Snyder will give a history of the farm, along with a tour of her sustainable wonderland. They will end the day with an educational dinner and beer pairings.

Dinner will feature Two Brothers beers - with history and descriptions by Jim Ebel - while the menu will celebrate different regions of BBQ throughout our country, utilizing the provisions from Faith's Farm - a pork-heavy tasting, mind you.

Artist, Melissa Monore, will be making plates and serving platters specifically for the event. You will have the option of purchasing her work at the end of the dinner.

This is an extremely casual event. In fact, you will be walking around on a farm, so prepare accordingly. You may want to bring bug spray, a hoodie, and a camera - along with a tremendous appetite.

The Farm Dinner includes round trip transportation from City Provisions to Faith's Farm, the farm tour, dinner with beer pairings, and other bonuses. Cost is $125 per person. Reservations are required as they are limited to the amount of seats on the bus. Cancellations within 72 hours of the event will be charged in full.

Beer will be donated by Two Brothers Brewery.

Reservations are being accepted today at 773.235.CITY (2489) or email at info(at) www.cityprovisions.com.

Join us for Chicago's Greatest Supper Club

Labels: catering, chicago, city provisions, dc crenshaw, farm food, fete, fete select, fete select tv, fine dining, fresh, organic

Chicago Chocolate Tours

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Check out Chicago native Valerie Beck's creation of Chicago Chocolate Tours. Choose one of our four routes in different neighborhoods - the Magnificent Mile, Gold Coast, Downtown Loop, or Andersonville - and experience six wonderful chocolate shops or bakeries on each route. Depending on the route, you'll experience chocolate shops from famous favorites to hidden treasures, and from big brands to small often women-owned chocolate boutiques.

You'll be escorted by a lively and knowledgeable tourguide on a fun and fascinating walking tour to a variety of chocolate shops, where you'll sample the specialties of the house and meet the chocolatier, owner, or manager, for a behind-the-scenes talk about what makes the chocolate unique.

You'll sample more chocolate than you can finish. From truffles to tortes to tasty cocoa beverages, experience it all!

The tour is $40 person and when you take a Chicago Chocolate Tour, you will help save the world. In addition Chicago Chocolate Tours donates a portion of proceeds to CARE ( www.care.org ), an international humanitarian organization that helps women around the world exit poverty through entrepreneurship.

Sign up at www.chicagochocolatetours.com

Labels: chicago, chicago chocolate tours, chicago events, chocolate, D.C. Crenshaw, fete, fete chicago, fete select, fete select tv, food, mag mile, michigan ave, nbc 5 chicago, nbc 5 street team, truffles

Bastille Festival 2008..."Viva la France"

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Join us on Monday July 14th, 2008 6 pm - 9pm, as we celebrate Bastille Day and the summer menu of Brasserie Ruhlmann, a French Steak House.

Champagne and cocktails on their cafe and beautiful outdoor bar.

Passed Hors D'oeuvres
Gourmet Food Stations
Raw Bar
Dessert and Cheese Tastings
Champagne and Wine Tastings
Beer and Specialty Cocktails
Tickets $40 in advance
$50 at the door

To purchase tickets call 312.494.1900
or visit Brasserie Ruhlmann at 500 W. Superior Street
www.brasserieruhlmannch.com

Labels: bastille day, bastille festival 2008, brasserie ruhlmann chicago, chicago, fete, fete chicago, fete select, fete select tv

Richard Roeper's New Book DEBUNKED!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

I attended a book release party last week at Otom for Chicago Sun-Times Columunist and co-host of "At the Movies",Richard Roeper. His new book DEBUNKED! Conspiracy Theories, Urban Legends, And Evil Plots of the 21st Century is a breezy but fact-filled dissection of more than two dozen of the most popular urban legends and conspiracy theories of the 21st century. How many people do we know that always has some sort of out of whack and illogical theory about the most recent events that have happened, whether tragic or triumphant. To some folks, there is always a cover up or secret being with held from the public that makes the event questionable and unbelievable. From conspiracy theories such as the melt down of the WTC during 9/11 to man landing on the moon, and Barack Obama's Muslim secret, Roeper "Debunks!" illogical suggestions and sets the record straight.

It's also very easy for such conspiracy theories to make it's way around cyberspace and plant a seed of doubt based on unproven facts. If you're on a million email lists like I am, then you've received countless videos and articles about such things; Mostly from that one friend who is the lead conspiracy theorists. Most of the time they're very entertaining and interesting to watch and read, but for those that more easily influenced they're real. Check out what Richard has to say about "The Secret", Princess Di, grilled cheese, and American Idol, and compare your theories with those that are out there.

Labels: book release, book signing, conspiracy theories, D.C. Crenshaw, Debunked, efete.net, fete, Otom, Richard Roeper

Jerry Kleiner & Marc Brooks Park 52 on Fete Select TV

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Hyde Park was in need of an upscale restaurant, therefore Jerry Kleiner and Marc Brooks delivered. Park 52 is their creation of an upscale American bistro within the heart of Harper Ct. on the south side of Chicago. Check out our review of Park 52 on Fete Select TV and get an inside look at the cuisine, cocktails and vibe.

Fete Select TV

Labels: cocktails, cuisine, fete, fete select tv, hyde park, jerry kleiner, marc brooks, park 52, restaurants

CSI NY's Hill Harper Launches New Book in Chicago

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Meet and greet CSI NY's co-star Hill Harper as he launches his new book, Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny. Just released on June 3rd in bookstores, the book is a motivational tool for young women and is all about the issues surrounding our young women in today's society.


Some of the well known women that contributed to Hill's book include Michelle Obama, Ruby Dee, Nikki Giovanni, Gabrielle Union, Ciara, and Angela Bassett.

Check out Hill's book signing event on Friday June 20th at 7:00 pm.

Borders (Hyde Park) 1539 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, IL 60615.

Click here to pre-order Letters to a Young Sister on Amazon.com

Labels: book release, book signing, chicago, fete, hill harper, hyde park

ZED 451... Just Another Upscale Brazilian Steakhouse?

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Do we have enough of these all-you-can eat Brazilian steakhouses in the city or is ZED 451 different? I had a chance to attend their pre-grand opening a couple of weeks a go and had a great time. I revisited this past Sunday and enjoyed cocktails on their rooftop deck. However, I'm not sure if the dining experience at ZED 451, located at 739 N. Clark St. downtown Chicago, will be any different than the others that populate the city.

I think the main difference of this steakhouse is their layout of the space, which is enormous and unique. The rooftop deck may be a hot popular hang out this summer to enjoy cocktails and appetizers. I'll soon return to officially partake in their dining experience.

Labels: blog, brazilian steakhouse, chicago, clark st., D.C. Crenshaw, downtown, efete.net, fete, fete select, fete select tv, fine dining, restaurants, ZED 451