Heaven chef inducted into Hall of Fame
Heaven on Seven Chef Jimmy Bannos recently became the second inductee into the Chicago Chefs of Cuisine Hall of Fame and Culinary Museum. Last year's inaugural inductee, Charlie Trotter, presented the award to Bannos on August 8, during a ceremony attended by Bannos' mentor in Cajun cuisine, Paul Prudhomme. The Chefs Hall of Fame and Culinary Museum is not yet built, but will eventually appear in a downtown location.
New restaurant
OTOM opened last month at 951 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, two doors west of its sister restaurant, moto. Whereas moto's sci-fi cuisine caters to high-end gastronomes, OTOM focuses on more moderately priced comfort food, albeit with a creative streak. The restaurant is open 5 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, 5 to 11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Reservations are recommended for parties larger than 5. (312) 491-5804 or www.otomrestaurant.com.
This week only
Zocalo, 358 W. Ontario St., Chicago, presents a tasting of Don Julio Tequila from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. The $15 fee includes passed appetizers, a Don Julio Margarita and a sampling of Don Julio's Blanco, Reposado and Añejo varieties. Make reservations at (312) 302-9977 or www.zocalochicago.com.
Swirl Wine Bar, 111 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, offers "Flavours of the Mediterranean" at its monthly wine dinner. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, enjoy a four-course dinner representing the cuisines of Greece, Italy, Spain and Morocco paired with some of the Mediterranean's finest wines. It costs $55. Make reservations at (312) 828-9000 or www.swirlwinebarchicago.com.
Peppercorns Restaurant, 877 Geneva Road, Carol Stream, features a five-course dinner created by Chef Paul Barthel, accompanied by a selection of wines including a couple of the new Mike Ditka Selections. It begins at 6 p.m. Thursday and costs $24.95. Make reservations at (630) 871-7636 or www.peppercornsrestaurant.org.
Park Street Restaurant, 14 E. Park St., Mundelein, says "thank you" to loyal customers with Chef Nic Lindsey's sixth annual Customer Appreciation Night from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday. This year, it carries a luau theme, with a Caribbean buffet available for $7 and drink specials galore. Customers are encouraged to wear loud shirts and grass skirts. (847) 949-1900 or www.parkstreetdining.com.