Chef David Dworshak posted on Facebook over the weekend that he is looking for a new pastry chef at Carnivale, the near West side’s well-known Latin restaurant. more ›

Carnivale University - the fantastic mash-up of a name the Chicago restaurant has given its occasional classes in mixology, Latin cooking and entertaining - met again on Wednesday evening for a basic introduction to the Mojito. Led by head bartender and house mixologist Daryl Freeman, Mojitos 101 gave the crowd of 50 or so students the tools and know-how to whip up this classic, fresh, fair-weather rum cocktail at home. more ›

Easter is fast approaching and you don't have reservations yet. Admit it, you forgot - its nothing to be ashamed of! Well, don't worry. Here's a round-up of some great Easter spots, all of which still have availability as of right now. As always, call to confirm. more ›

Cityscape Bar is located on the 15th floor of the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, 350 W. Mart Center Drive. more ›

Carnivale's husband and wife team, Chef Mark Mendez and Wine Director, Elizabeth Mendez, are teaming up with Slow Food Chicago for a Kick-Off Party for the 2010 Farm to Table Season. We went to a Slow Food event at Carnivale last year and it was fantastic. Unbelievably fresh food and fantastic company. At $30, it's a steal. more ›

• Carnivale's guacamole is one of the best deals in the city Tuesdays throughout the winter. A small order of guacamole will cos in pennies what the high temperature of the day is recorded. So, if Accuweather's forecast holds true, that's 22 cents. (702 W. Fulton, 312-850-5005).
• Throughout the month of January, Custom House is bringing back their $5 burger during lunch service. (500 S. Dearborn, 312-523-0200)

We dined last night at Carnivale for its Slow Food and Goose Island Brewery dinner. The meal featured produce from local farmers prepared by Chef Mendez and paired with a Goose Island brew. Once seated at communal tables, the evening began with a warm welcome from Chef Mendez and a beer graciously poured by his wife, making us feel like they'd welcomed us into their home for a dinner party with friends. more ›

There are chefs who are instantly recognized by name and chefs that make amazing food who fly under the radar. One of our favorites who fall in the latter category is Mark Mendez of Carnivale. The Fulton Market restaurant, like most Jerry Kleiner properties, has an interior that is reminiscent of Lewis Carroll on mushrooms and it takes a very skilled chef to write and execute a menu that compliments and rises above the décor. more ›

If you're on one of the millions of people who suffer from food related allergies, you know how difficult eating out can be. Carnivale's Executive Chef Mark Mendez has paired up with Lisa Williams (check out her website which features allergen free recipes) to create a dinner at which you can dine worry-free. more ›

Fran Drescher (most memorably from The Nanny) will be honored at Carnivale on Tuesday, May 5 and all proceeds from the evening will benefit Cancern Schmancer, Drescher's foundation dedicated to ensuring early diagnosis in women with cancer. Drescher battled cancer and continues the fight through her Foundation. If you are unable to attend this event for any reason but would like to donate, please click here. At the event will be lots of food and drink and, if you take out the big guns, dinner with Fran, herself. Tickets available here. more ›

Hello, cornholios. Where've you been all my life? Hmm...how many insults have food words incorporated into them? Perhaps that's another post for another day. This week: Free coffee, Mardi Gras fun, Academy Award parties...What could go wrong? more ›

October events include a lot of country-focused events. Oh, and a theatrical S&M and Burlesque Show combined with Dr. Seuss characters. We don't make this stuff up, folks. Check it: more ›

Got some fun burby-blurbs for you this week along with our usual round-up of goings-on in the cit-tay. more ›

Lots of upcoming events in September. Get out those calendars and start making your reservations for some good food and drink. more ›

• Mercat a la Planxa's Jose Garces flays Bobby Flay on Iron Chef [Philly City Paper]
• Applebee's "owns riblets." Wonderful; another reason not to go. [NYT]
• Joanna MIller delves into a vegetarian nicoise salad. [My Vegetable Blog]

Within the last year or so, Brussels sprouts seem to be popping up as a side dish on every restaurant menu we lay eyes on. As we happen to love this oft-reviled vegetable, we consider this true progress, but we know a lot of people are skeptical. If mistreated, the Brussels sprout is a uniquely disgusting vegetable, but in the right hands, it can be so scrumptious that you forget you’re eating something healthy. Below are a few good spots to order them, and a fool-proof recipe to convert even the staunchest hater. more ›