First, Lettuce Entertain You scions RJ and Jerrod Melman open Hub51, an inoffensive-if-not-great River North bar/restaurant. Then, they gut Brasserie Jo to open Paris Club, another inoffensive-if-not-great River North restaurant. Will the third time be the charm? more ›

When we were single, we hated this time of year. All those damn couples with their candy hearts, mushing up the place - gag. On the other hand, what better way to celebrate Valentine's day than to stop being single? There are a few events out there for the single man or woman looking for love, so buy your tickets now. more ›

After catching a movie at River East, we stopped in at Hub 51, the newest member of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant empire. Run by R.J. and Jerrod Melman, sons of LEYE kingpin Rich Melman, Hub 51 opened in July and was described by our server as dishing out “American fusion” fare. If you’re curious to know what that means, you’re in good company – we’re not sure the owners know, either. more ›

• Leading off today is this hiring video put together for Lettuce Entertain You property Hub 51 Restaurant and Lounge, an exaggerated parody of Tom Vu infomercials. (via)
• Fresh off his appearance on last night's episode of Top Chef Chicago, Rick Tramonto has a blog over at Restaurant & Institutions magazine website. There are only two posts right now, but Tramonto's an in-demand chef and businessman, so only expect him to update when he has the time and/or something to write about. (Again, via).
• The Tribune ran a wonderful piece yesterday on how some of Our Town's best chefs would reinvent that all-American staple, the hot dog. Check out Shawn McClain's tofu version with kimchi and sport peppers, Rick Bayless' Chi-Mex hot dog, or Charlie Trotter's Asian tuna dog.