The Place To Be Is The D.O.C.

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC Chicago Street Team

When you hear D.O.C. Wine Bar you obviously and accurately would think that it serves wine. You might not also think that it serves great food beyond the requisite cheese and antipasti selection, but oh boy does it ever.

This month’s Chef’s Table was at this intimate spot in Lincoln Square. General Manager Adam Moore greeted guests by taking their coats and then offering them a glass of Graham Beck Brut Rose, a delightfully smooth sparkling wine. Then they were invited to have a seat in the cozy private room, complete with a warming fire.

Chef’s Table events are designed to allow conversation and Q&A with Chicago chefs and restaurateurs, and D.O.C. shone. Owner Doug Dunlay introduced each of the 5 courses (yes, 5 courses), and Chef Andrew Jenrich also spoke to the group. As a surprise bonus, when everyone left they received a split of Piper Heidsick champagne with a gift card good at any of Dunlay’s restaurants (Dunlays on Clark, Dunlays on the Square, Smoke Daddy, Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar, D.O.C. Lombard). Since I co-hosted the event I can’t be too objective, but we surveyed the guests and 100% said they’d recommend D.O.C. That’s quite a statement!

January’s Chef’s Table is at Nacional 27. Be sure to register ASAP since the last one sold out in one day! To get a feel for the experience, check out fellow street team-er JenChicago‘s video:

more about “Chef’s Table: DOC Wine Bar on Vimeo“, posted with vodpod

For more pictures visit www.chefstablechicago.com.

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Back Home Again In…Chicago – Events 11/21 – 23

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC Chicago Street Team

Chicago may be the third largest city in the United States, and it may be the focus of the world after the Presidential election, but it is still a Midwestern city. This weekend get in touch with what makes Chicago feel like a home town instead of just a big metropolis.

Step outside the suburbs and you’re surrounded by farmland. Or, step into the Cultural Center this weekend for the FamilyFarmed Expo. Meet local farmers, learn from cooking demos & seminars, and shop for local food and gifts. You can also shop local at the D.I.Y. Trunk Show. Chicago artisans display their works at the Pulaski Park Field House. And don’t worry: no geese with aprons allowed. Then head up Milwaukee Avenue and enjoy the first festival to celebrate two of America’s great music genres. We’ve been building up to it for weeks now, and the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival is finally here.

Chicago does have that small town feel at times, but it is still a big city. See the bright lights at the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. There’s a parade, live music, and fireworks. This festival heralds the holidays, as does the Goodman Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol. If you go tomorrow, make reservations for a 3-course dinner for $35 with any of the participating restaurants in the Appetite Stimulus Plan.

With Jimmy Alexander, owner of Powerhouse

I’d like to offer a special thanks to Powerhouse for hosting the very first Chef’s Table last night on their one-year anniversary, and thanks to every one who joined us. Some pictures have been posted already on Flickr (thanks to Mike Tipler for taking them!), and I’ll be posting some video from the event tomorrow. Our next Chef’s Table is December 17 at D.O.C. Wine Bar. Be sure to register ASAP since the last one sold out so quickly!

Have a great weekend!

Theresa

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