This week's top dish from Eater Chicago, Curbed's restaurant, bar, and nightlife blog...
RIVER NORTH—In a chat with uber-famous chef Mario Batali, the man revealed the opening date for the biggest opening of the year—Eataly. Save the date for December 2, and get ready to brave the mass hysteria.
GOLD COAST—The second biggest opening of the season, legendary restaurateur Paul Kahan's Nico Osteria, coincidentally will open on the same day in the Thompson Hotel. The Italian restaurant is already taking reservations.
CHICAGO—The 2013 Eater Awards came and went, and Curtis Duffy and his restaurant Grace were top dog. They won Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year, and Duffy even won Chef of the Year for the entire country.
CHICAGO—Beyond the Eater Awards, awards season continued with the Chicago-focused Jean Banchet nominees for culinary excellence. Curtis Duffy and Grace are threatening to sweep those awards as well—they're nominated for six.