News Mon May 05 2008

Mmm, Early Quick Links

• A lengthy, fascinating profile of Grant Achatz appears in the current New Yorker. NYTimes' Diner's Journal has some further thoughts.

• Speaking of Alinea, if you pre-bought the Alinea book, you'd have access to the members-only section of the book site today.

• Wondering where to get a sweet treat for Mothers Day? Centerstage has some tips.

• Or you could send mom some Mexican food.

• The Trib explains just how much of your tip actually goes to your server, and Mike Nagrant elucidates the tension between front of house and back of house over tips.

• Want to hunt morel mushrooms? Omnivorous profiles the author of How to Find Morels; Food Chain offers up a recipe for fresh morel paté.

• Dish learns more about Province, the new West Loop spot from ex-Nacional 27 executive chef Randy Zweiban, and interviews Kurt Serpin, chef/partner at Café Orchid.

• Interested in becoming a competitive eater -- or just watching them? EatFeats has a list of local events for you.

• Several Chicago spots on All About Beer's list of the 125 places to have a beer before you die, including Hopleaf, Map Room, Goose Island -- and John Barleycorn?

• The beer guys at Chicagoist had a busy weekend, not enjoying DarkLord Day at Three Floyd's and discovering Oberon (sort of) has returned to the city.

• There's a local cook's recipe in Rachel Ray's latest cookbook.

- Andrew Huff