It is no mere play on words to say that something must be cooking up in Rogers Park. Every time we think we have wrapped our lips around the last tasty morsel this neighborhood could possibly offer up, something new catches our eye and our fancy. Recently, we have written about everything from Thai cuisine to comfort food to coffee. Who knew Rogers Park had so much to offer diners? With our recent discovery of Act One at the Mayne Stage, we can even say that they have a gastropub. Make that a good gastropub! more ›

- The former Pump Room may be getting a new name. The new owner of the Ambassador East, Ian Schrager, has announced that the public will get to decide on the new name. The Sun-Times reports that the name will either be "The Pump Room" or "Gold Coast Kitchen," possibly the least inspiring name ever. We vote for Pump Room - keep the icon alive - and you can too. Votes will be taken online until June 22, at which time the name will be chosen. more ›

Financial strangeness seems to have been the downfall of Lincoln Park restaurant (and early ampersand adopter) Kith & Kin, which announced yesterday on Facebook that it was closing. "We have to start by saying Thank You. We have had the most incredible fans during our run with Kith and Kin and closing the doors was not an easy thing to do. As of May 24th, 2011 we have officially closed Kith and Kin. We appreciate all of your loyal patronage and it truly was an amazing experience to serve you." The exact reason for the closure isn't entirely clear - there are conflicting reports from around town. more ›

Longman & Eagle, in collaboration with Goose Island Brewery, debuted "Pork Soda" last month, a Golden Belgian Double IPA that, according to Beer Advocate, has "a fruity aroma and hint of pine." The brew is "dry-hopped with Citra and Simcoe hops." If you're a beer nerd, you will understand these things. Non-beer nerds who love everything Longman & Eagle should know that last time, the special brew sold out in a matter of days. This Monday, it will be back on tap, though we doubt it will be there for long! more ›

Tonight at 4 PM, the newest addition to the 2011 Noble Square real estate explosion opens its doors. Frontier, a game-focused tavern with a grizzly bear standing behind the bar, has been under construction for months, and finally will let diners in this evening. We got a chance to sit down with the chef of Frontier a few weeks ago and talk about the new space. Plus, the official opening menu just arrived in our mailbox. Drool on, people! more ›

Are you and your sweetie more interested in gastropubs than fancy restaurants? Would you rather drink beer than champagne? Consider reserving a spot at the aphrodisiac dinner at Blokes and Birds this Valentine's day. Chef Greg Cannon has put together a three course dinner, with beer pairings, that will make your evening spectacular, during and after dinner. more ›

If you haven't gotten a chance to check out Lakeview gastropub newcomer Blokes and Birds, two new specials announced last week may convince you to stop in. Starting last week (and extending indefiniitely), Tuesdays and Wednesdays are now that best time to stop in, since some great dining deals will be warming away your winter chill. more ›

At Bangers & Lace, the new sausage-centric gastropub in Wicker Park, a white curtain dresses up the front door, but inside it’s strictly vintage man-cave accoutrements: wood, brick, dead animals, leather, more brick. So, uh, where’s the lace? In your beer, actually. The name is a riff on “Brussels lace,” the term for the foam that sticks to a glass in the wake of a fresh brew. more ›

If there was one spot in Chicago where we would chose to pair food with our weekly dose of bourbon, it would be The Gage. They have put together an awesome menu focused on the classic American spirit, including new appetizers, entrees, bourbon flights and cocktails. The special Bourbon Week menu will be available from the 14th - 22nd of November. more ›

Blokes and Birds, a new English gastropub in Lakeview, opens tomorrow after months and months of anticipation. The menu will focus on English and American comfort foods, with a lot of classics like Sheppard's Pie (with lamb shoulder braised in stout for 14 hours), Fish and Chips and Warm Marmalade Pudding. The bar will stock over 70 varieties of imported beer, and for all you music fans, will host a dedicated English Rock night every week. Entrees are well-priced in the $10-$18 range - we're excited to try the Bloke's Burger, with 4 year old cheddar, drambuie onions, malt vinegar aioli & lettuce. The craft cocktail list looks impressive, and none of the drinks top $12. more ›

It’s not often that we give a positive review to a restaurant that started flooding during our meal. Heck, it’s not often that we EXPERIENCE a flood during our meal - though the urge to pair up and make like Noah’s animals gave our date a certain sense of urgency. But Paramount Room is an exception. An upscale pub from the group behind the popular Roscoe Village spots Kitsch’n and Volo Restaurant Wine Bar, Paramount Room is a dark, atmospheric dive that, in another time, would’ve been filled with smoke and gangsters. more ›