So, Grant Achatz, what’s life like after Gourmet magazine names your Alinea (1723 N. Halsted St.) as the No. 1 restaurant in America? “It’s crazier than it ever was,” the chef/owner says. “Everything is amplified. And it’s like to the power of 2 because, three days after the announcement, we were on `The Today Show’ with Ruth Reichl, and between their ratings and Gourmet’s circulation we must have reached 4 to 5 million people.” Achatz says people calling now will be lucky to find an open table four weeks from now. “Those Wednesday night 9:30 p.m. reservations that people don’t want because they’re working the next day, Achatz says, “now they’re getting snatched up.” 312-867-0110.
“OK, it was the foie gras,” jokes Todd Stein, by way of explaining why he’s no longer executive chef at mk (868 N. Franklin St.). “I figured if I left town, then foie gras might come back.” He’s kidding. He and mk owner Michael Kornick had what Stein calls an amicable parting. “After three years, we both wanted to go in different directions,” Stein says. “We have a 12-year friendship and that’s very much intact. It’s just time for me to do other things.” Kornick has named Eric Simmons, formerly at Bradley Ogden in Las Vegas, as Stein’s replacement. And Stein says he’s looking forward to kicking back (“I haven’t relaxed in seven years,” he says) then returning to Chicago with a new project.
Things are going squash at Brasserie Jo (59 W. Hubbard St.), where, through mid-November, there’s a passel of pumpkin specials on the menu, among them pumpkin-seed-crusted chicken breast and a pumpkin version of chef Jean Joho’s tarte flambee. And guess the weight of the huge pumpkin in front of the restaurant and you might win dinner for four . 312-595-0800.
Time flies: Carlos’ (429 Temple Ave., Highland Park) and Tallgrass (1006 S. State St., Lockport) are hosting a joint 25th anniversary party at 6 p.m. Nov. 5 and 6 at Maxim’s of Chicago (24 E. Goethe St.). There will be an hors d’oeuvres and champagne followed by a five-course meal with wines. Cost is $175, including tax and tip; black tie optional. Reserve at 847-432-0770 (Carlos’) or 815-838-5566 (Tallgrass).
Chef’s Nite Wine Dinners have been expanded into November at Polo Cafe (3322 S. Morgan St.). Each Wednesday there’s a featured entree, with glass of wine, plus salad and dessert for $33.22. The special deal is available in the Old Eagle Room. Reservations strongly suggested: 773-927-7656.
A dozen Napa Valley wines, including Silver Oak Cabernet, will be available to taste 5-7 p.m. Friday at Pete Miller’s Seafood & Prime Steak (1557 Sherman Ave., Evanston). Cost is $30; hors d’oeuvres will be served. 847-328-0399.
On Saturday, visit any of the six Chicago-area locations of Morton’s the Steakhouse, order the Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake ($10) and proceeds go directly to Children’s Memorial Hospital. Login to www.mortons.com for locations.
Pine Ridge Winery will be the focus of a wine dinner at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday at Chicago Firehouse Restaurant (1401 S. Michigan Ave.). Cost for the four-course, four-wine dinner is $65. 312-786-1401.
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pvettel@tribune.com
