This week's top dish from Eater Chicago, Curbed's restaurant, bar, and nightlife blog...
CHICAGO—The big reveal of the 2014 Chicago Michelin Guide was unleashed, the gold standard of awards for restaurants worldwide. 25 restaurants were awarded coveted Michelin stars, up from 19 last year, signaling the continuing progression of the Chicago dining scene. Grace, Sixteen, El Ideas, North Pond, Elizabeth, and Alinea were the big winners.
WICKER PARK/WEST LOOP—Superstar celeb chef Rick Bayless revealed details of two upcoming new restaurants, his first new full restaurants in town since 2009. His spot on Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park will be an expanded version of his casual concept Xoco, while his Randolph Row restaurant will be "a completely new concept that you've never seen before."
RIVER NORTH/LINCOLN PARK—Two other celeb chefs' restaurants are closing, or have closed already. TV guy Graham Elliot announced that he's shuttering his flagship restaurant, Graham Elliot, at the end of the year. Top Chef near-winner Dale Levitski's Sprout closed up after the chef left the restaurant. Graham Elliot will reopen at a new, smaller location sometime next year.
NEW YORK VS CHICAGO—Following New York's Freedom Tower replacing the Willis Tower as the tallest building in the country, The Daily Show host Jon Stewart unleashed an epic rant against deep dish pizza. Rahm and Giordano's responded with much less comedic value.