Brunch Bunch

It seems as if more and more eateries are adding Saturday brunch to their schedules. Rosebud on Rush now serves every brunch Saturday and Sunday. Soon to open Crosby's Kitchen, 3455 N. Southport, planned on Saturday brunch from the beginning. Carmine's, 1043 N. Rush, a nighttime hoot spot has added brunch service on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Speaking of brunch, you do know that Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club offers Saturday brunch now, don't you. Well if you didn't, you'd better make your reservations right now for the "Summer Lovin'" and "Xanadu" brunch parties on Saturday, Aug. 11 and Sunday, Aug. 12. The brunches are a tribute to Olivia Newton-John, who will be performing live at Market Days. On Saturday the lounge will host a "Summer Lovin' Brunch" with Diva Madam X (pictured) performing hits from the acclaimed musical "Grease". The film will play on Kit Kat's seven jumbo screens and giveaways will include CDs and head shots signed by Olivia Newton-John, along with copies of her new cookbook "Livwise: Easy Recipes for a Healthy, Happy Life". Guests are encouraged to dress as Sandy, Zuko, Rizzo and other favorite Rydell High students. Then on Sunday, the party will continue with a "Xanadu Brunch," complete with performances by Madam X, autographed giveaways and sing-a-longs. The musical Xanadu will play on Kit Kat's seven screens and guests will enjoy half-priced martinis.

Happy anniversary to Crew Bar & Grill celebrating eight years in business. They'll be screening will air all of the Olympic games through the closing ceremonies on Sunday, August 12 on the bar's 20 HDTV screens.

Enter the Garden of Eve on Friday, Sept. 14, for Howard Brown Health Center's principal fundraising event of the year. The festive evening will feature 15 local renowned chefs and restaurants showcasing a variety of the city's top cuisine, a VIP chef demonstration, live music, and dancing. Ted Allen, food and wine specialist and host of the Food Network's Chopped, will host the VIP chef demonstration. The event will be held at the River East Art Center. The honorary co-chairs include Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Senator Heather Steans and State Representatives Kelly Cassidy, Sara Feigenholtz and Deb Mell.

Bensidoun USA, has opened its second installation of the outdoor market in Chicago. Their first Chicago open-air market is located at the Nettelhorst School campus in Lakeview. The second market has made its way to the Shops at Prudential Center, 130 E. Randolph. The European style market is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until September 26 - offering a unique opportunity to shop from local produce, artisan crafts and provincial goods.

Chef Michael Kornick has teamed up with the folks behind the art and design fair, Expo/Chicago, to curate the inaugural Chefs' Café during the fair (Sept. 20 – 23) at Navy Pier. Chefs Café will allow guests to taste a variety of signature dishes. by an eclectic blend of chefs including Graham Elliot, Ryan Poli, Patricio Sandoval and Randy Zweiban. For each day of the fair, one chef will be highlighted at the Chefs Café and all four chefs kick off the inaugural fair at "Vernissage", the opening night celebration of the exposition in conjunction with the MCA. For more information go to expochicago.com.

Kitsch'n, in Roscoe Village is hosting a "one night only" "Tiki Lounge Pop-Up" restaurant, for one night only, on Thursday Aug. 2. The $25 per person three-course prix fixe dinner will feature Polynesian-themed food and cocktail while the restaurant is transformed into a classic Tiki lounge". The event is the first of a series the restaurant has planned. Call (773) 248-7372 or go to kitschn.com for more information.