It's fun when chefs play musical chairs. The same day that word spread about Dale Levitski taking over at Sprout came news from Chicago mag that Bob Zrenner was leaving Branch 27, effective this Thursday. Zrenner will doing some consulting work. more ›

The Stew is reporting that River North restaurant Graze is closing after a mere six months of business. We are sad to say goodbye to Graze because we generally thought Chef Bob Zrenner was a likable person with an interesting vision of fine dining for what was essentially three blocks off the Mag Mile. When we interviewed him in January he told us, "Small plates bring that high level of cuisine to people on a... more ›

Another Friday, another edition of "Your Friday Food Buffet." This week, we'll try to avoid outright mentioning St. Patrick's Day. We will talk about corn (dogs) and green (as in sustainability). So let's cut the crap and hook up right now. "Eighty? You Don't Look a Day Over 72.": Italian Village turns 80 this year, and the Sun-Times ran an article Monday trying to uncover the secrets behind the Loop mainstay's longevity. It also suggests... more ›

Executive Chef Bob Zrenner, Graze more ›

With an upscale, small-plate menu designed by Executive Chef Bob Zrenner (North Pond, Tru) complimented with a wine list complied by sommelier Amy Lewis (MK, Zealous) and a lush decor designed by Jeremiah Johnson and Francois Frossard, X/O Chicago is a new restaurant neatly tucked into the strip of nightlife that makes up Halsted Avenue in the heart of Boystown. Upon arrival, X/O Chicago feels purposely part-restaurant, part -lounge. While the dining rooms take up... more ›