—Upscale BBQ restaurant Chicago q, 1160 N. Dearborn St., has started a weekend brunch. The menu includes Kobe brisket hash served with two eggs of choice and a cheddar-chive biscuit; mascarpone-stuffed French toast topped with house-made walnut butter and served with home fries; and smoked salmon with housemade artisanal bagel and chive cream cheese.
—Tribute, 800 S. Michigan Ave., has closed. In a statement, owner Phil Fernandez and general manager/partner Simon Lamb stated, "We have succumbed to the poor economic environment that has not helped our new restaurant to grow roots. We have tried to weather these crucial beginning months for any operation but we have not been able to sustain. We are currently exploring options for the space, including a potential sale to another operator, but Tribute as it stands now will not continue."
—Chicago master sommelier Alpana Singh is departing Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. Singh joined Lettuce Entertain You in 2000 after moving to Chicago to join the team at Everest as its sommelier under Chef J. Joho. After five years on the floor, Singh took a position in the corporate office in 2005 as the director of wine and spirits. She continues to serve as host of the WTTW Emmy Award-winning restaurant-review show, Check, Please!
—The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group (SWRG) is selling special holiday ornaments. The restaurant group is selling ornaments between Thanksgiving and New Year's at its restaurants and on its website, with proceeds giong to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. SWRG will also host appreciation dinners for support staff, families and friends impacted by autism at all nine company locations; everyone is invited to nominate a deserving supporter after the new year. See www.smithandwollensky.com .
—Table Fifty-two, 52 W. Maple St., is extended its "Saturday Sweets" program through December. On Saturdays, 8-11 a.m., the restaurant is selling doughnuts for $3, hummingbird cupcakes for $4 and coffee for $1. The stand accepts cash only. See www.tablefity-two.com .
—Tavern on Rush, 1031 N. Rush St., is hosting breakfast with Santa Sunday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Photos with Santa will be complimentary and guests can enjoy breakfast items such as crab cake Benedict, stuffed French toast or breakfast pizza. See www.tavernonrush.com .
—French gastro bistro LM Restaurant, 4539 N. Lincoln Ave., has announced its Christmas Eve menu. On Saturday, Dec. 24, from 5-10 p.m., Executive Chef Justin Perdue will present a $45 four-course menu with such items as braised shortrib, grilled shrimp, sunchoke soup, apple tart and more. See www.LMRestaurant.com .
—Water Tower Place's Foodlife has opened a sausage kiosk. Located on the mezzanine level, choices include homemade vegetarian sausage with white beans, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, garlic and fennel; Kobe beef hot dogs; and fries cooked in trans fat-free oil, among other selections. Items cost $2.49-$6.99; see http://www.foodlifechicago.com/kitchens/sausages.
—Chicagoans are invited to view the episode of the search for Quay's executive chef, Dan Marquis, on Chef Hunter airing, Thursday, Dec. 8, at 9 p.m. The Food Network broadcast will be presented live on the plasma TVs in restaurant's front bar and lounge. Quay is at 465 E. Illinois; see www.QuayChicago.com .
Send items to Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup.com .
