ALL IN THE (MELMAN) FAMILY

The Melmans were born to be restaurateurs – it’s in their DNA.  Bullfrog & Baum is expanding its relationship with Chicago-based hospitality group Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE), representing restaurateur siblings R.J., Jerrod and Molly Melman on a national scale. This next generation of Melmans are Managing Partners of: modern American restaurant HUB 51 and club SUB 51; French bistro Paris Club and its club Studio Paris; modern... Read More

OPENING: g.e.b.

Chef Graham Elliot will open his third and highly anticipated restaurant g.e.b., located on Chicago’s fabled Randolph Street in early June 2012. Similar to his other two restaurants, (Grahamwich, graham elliot), g.e.b. is another venture for Graham that incorporates his passion for food and music.  Created and executed by Executive Chef Jacob Saben, the accessible menu will feature straightforward and seasonally rustic dishes that are made up... Read More

5 Things You Never Knew About Doug Psaltis

Doug Psaltis is the executive chef of RPM and is essential to Lettuce Entertain You, a Chicago-based restaurant group. Psaltis has earned three stars from The New York Times as well as a Michelin star, making him one of the most accomplished rising star chefs in America today. He started off working for his grandfather’s diner when he was 10, and has been working in kitchens his entire life. He has worked with David Bouley at Bouley Bakery,... Read More

5 Things You Never Knew About Anthony Martin

Accumulating four-stars and being named Chef of the Year (2010) by Chicago Tribune marked Anthony Martin’s first year as executive chef/partner at renowned Progressive French restaurant Tru. His presentations, described by Phil Vettel as “so visually stunning that it seems crude to disturb their perfection for something so prosaic as eating,” have caught Chicago’s attention, with flavor combinations further described by Vettel as “maddeningly... Read More

5 Things You Never Knew About Matthew Kirkley

Commanding the kitchen of L2O, the modern seafood restaurant located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Executive Chef Matthew Kirkley offers some of the most pristine fish and shellfish available from around the world, in inventive presentations served with a warm hospitality. Kirkley, a Baltimore native, started his career at the Striped Bass in Philadelphia after graduating from culinary school, before moving on to hone his talents in some... Read More

bluestem Cookbook Dinner at Graham Elliot

If you walk into the kitchen of Chef Graham Elliot’s Chicago restaurant on the evening of February 19th, you won’t find Elliot’s cooking anywhere. Instead, you’ll find Kansas City Chefs Megan and Colby Garrelts performing their culinary magic to showcase the release of bluestem, the cookbook. Elliot will still be contributing to the event by being in charge of making the cocktails and canapes for the reception. The main event will feature... Read More

5 Things You Never Knew About Pitmaster Lee Ann Whippen

With nearly 20 years of experience behind the smoker, Lee Ann Whippen brings a competitive edge to her newest venture, Chicago q, an upscale, urban BBQ restaurant.  Chicago q has provided a platform for Whippen to bring BBQ to a new level.  Not only does Whippen do BBQ at her restaurant, she continues to BBQ competitively out of her enclosed 24-foot trailer in Virginia. Learn 5 things you never knew about Pitmaster Lee Ann: Lee Ann’s father... Read More

JBF Master of Modern Cooking with Homaro Cantu

When it comes to inspiring culinary success stories, one needs to look no further then that of entrepreneur Homaro Cantu. The once homeless chef is currently regarded as one of the most innovative minds in the field of postmodern cuisine. Pushing boundaries when it comes to taste, texture and technique, Chef Cantu offers guests a unique experience at his Chicago restaurant, Moto, and currently has over 30 pending patents that are sure to revolutionize... Read More

iNG’s Waffles

Name: Randee Braham Title: Senior Account Director of Hospitality What you love: Breakfast for dinner at iNG The team at iNG has created an entire dessert menu moduled after breakfast food including hash browns that is actually shredded coconut with a sweet egg, chocolate shortbread cookie shaped to resemble slabs of bacon and a frozen dried waffle topped with balsamic glaze. After a savory dinner the play on a plate of desserts shaped to resemble... Read More

Grahamwich’s Cinnamon Stick

Name: Cameron Levkoff Title: Director of Brand Management I absolutely love the Cinnamon Stick at Grahamwich in Chicago- Chef Graham Elliot‘s sandwich shop also serves the best soft serve ever! The Cinnamon Stick is served with roasted apple, salted caramel and pie crust and is simply out of this world. I’d brave the elements and O’hare Airport for just a bite.  Read More