Peninsula's Lobby Names New Chef, Riverwalk Bars Opening Imminently, More Intel

—The Peninsula Chicago has a new chef de cuisine at The Lobby. Moosah Reaume moves over from the West Loop where he worked as executive chef at Soho House Chicago. Before that, he was the executive sous chef for the opening team at Public Hotel & Pump Room before his promotion as executive chef in 2012.

—Another sign of the season has arrived, as the Chicago Riverwalk is iteration of City Winery is about ready to open, and could do so today, reports DNAinfo. The tiki-inspired bar Island Party Hut will also reopen on the Riverwalk, possibly as soon as Monday. There's still no word from the folks from the Hideout if the city will allow them to return for a second year.

—The ownership behind Untitled/Brass Monkey have applied for a liquor license for an address at 1000 W. Hubbard St. When reached, a spokeswoman said there aren't any immediate plans for the West Loop location, and that it's "a retail space attached to a larger development that we will put a restaurant in one day." Stay tuned.

—Goose Island Brewing Co. has teamed up with One Off Hospitality's Paul Kahan for a special beer just in time for Monday's James Beard Foundation Awards. It's a variation of one of their popular beers, and it's called Petite Matilda Belgian-style Session Ale. It's dry hopped, which makes it different from its siblings, using the new German Hüll Melon hop. It's about 4.5 percent ABV and 20 IBU. It debuts on Monday at a Beards afterparty, but will soon-after be available around town, including Big Star.

—A bizarre off-site fight between two Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli workers resulted in one biting the earlobe off the other, reported DNAinfo. The incident happened on April 18, and was allegedly the result of a prior altercation at the restaurant. Sergio Sanchez, 45, was charged with aggravated battery, as he allegedly attacked his 53-year-old coworker as he walked to work. Manny's owner Dan Raskin declined comment, saying only "we hope to give privacy to the families affected."

—Chef Art Smith is hosting a Saturday preview of Blue Door Kitchen & Garden, the replacement restaurant for Table Fifty-Two which closed in January. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the restaurant, 52 W. Elm St., Smith will be around signing books for the first 100 guests. They'll also have a smattered of food to try. The event's free. Still no exact opening date for Blue Door, as Smith said it will happen sometime in May.

—Toni Pâtisserie & Café has launched a new menu heavy on crepes. The Loop cafe will feature both sweet and savory styles including ham and cheese, banana Nutella, lemon curd with raspberry coulis, ratatouille with feta and chicken and bechamel.