Bad news first: tickets to the Chicago edition of Malt Advocate magazine's annual WhiskyFest, which takes place tomorrow at the Hyatt Regency, are sold out. Now to the good news: whisk(e)y lovers of all stripes, including those who didn't get around to buying their WhiskyFest tickets, have numerous opportunities over the coming days to get in on the interesting tastings, pairing dinners, product launches and previews, and general brown-booze-colored revelry that make up the ancillary festivities known as WhiskyWeek. more ›

We mentioned last week that a few restaurants had extended their restaurant week deals past the initial deadline. All weekend long, we got email after email announcing more, and we simply couldn't keep up. Luckily, the folks at The Stew have more stamina than we do, and have compiled a list of all 60 restaurants that have extended the deal. Though this does call into question the name "Restaurant Week" (maybe we should just call it "that slow time in February and March when we need to get people in the door"), it's a great opportunity for you to grab some more discounts. Extenders include The Bristol, N9ne Steakhouse, Branch 27, one sixtyblue, Sable and (inexplicably) the American Girl Cafe. Check the list, and be sure to call the restaurants to confirm. This promotion is now in the hands of the individual establishments, so do your research. more ›

We love it when we can eat great food and do a little bit of good at the same time. Branch 27 has teamed up with Open Books, an organization that promotes reading and literacy, to offer some special meals. On Thursday nights, Chef John Manion will prepare a special "Open-Branch" menu. If patrons choose to try this three-course fixed price meal, a portion of the proceeds will go to Open Books. There is also an Open-Branch wine flight available, and part of the cost of that will also be donated. more ›

In a few short months, John Manion has transformed the menu at Branch 27 to better match their beer list, making the West Town restaurant one of the better relaunches of the winter, even as the chefs begin to question the ongoing embrace of all things pork. Tonight at 7:30 p.m. Manion has crafted a four-course menu featuring pork from Slagel Family Farm and beer pairings from Chimay to kick off Branch 27's monthly beer dinner series. more ›

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 ›