Grace, Bub City, and Little Goat Bread All Debut

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[Bub City by Barr Brecheisen]

LINCOLN PARK— On Wednesday, Charlie Trotter's recently shuttered namesake attempted to auction off an impressive 1,500 lots; including items such as art, stemwear, tables, and more. However, the auction shut down early and Trotter was acting more than a bit erratic during the whole thing, kicking out members of the press and even shoving the auctioneer.

WEST LOOP— This week chef Curtis Duffy unveiled Grace one of the biggest restaurant openings of the year. The space is elegant with neutral colors of beige and white throughout. The dining room displays a glass window looking into the kitchen. There is also a private room off the main dining room that seats ten.Grace will serve two, eight to twelve course chef tasting menus, with one that highlights vegetables, but won't be entirely vegetarian. Wine pairings and non-alcoholic pairings are available, as well as a full wine list.

RIVER NORTH— Bub City the hotly anticipated new country western restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You made its debut yesterday. Chef and partner Doug Psaltis (RPM) has created a menu focused on authentic barbeque with everything from slow-smoked bone-in short ribs to a whole pork picnic featuring slow-smoked pork shoulder and a bevvy of sides that can be eaten at any of the walnut tables, high tops or oversized booths. There is also a fresh shellfish bar with blue crab claws, naked cowboy oysters and a mess o' shrimp with a few bar stools to sit right up against the ice filled seafood display window.

WEST LOOP— Another big opening this week: Little Goat Bread. It's the new coffee shop/cafe/retail operation/bakery from chef Stephanie Izard and it's the first part of the three part unveiling of her retro diner Little Goat.