Jason Paskewitz’s New Job, Man Claims He Ate Rat at Chinese Restaurant, More Intel

—Beard Award semifinalist Jason Paskewitz has landed on his feet. After earning acclaim at The Blanchard in Lincoln Park, he departed—there was a lawsuit that’s since been settled — and worked for two months at Ocean Cut in River North. Now, he’s a partner at Pearl Tavern in The Loop, as the Tribune reported that he’ll rebrand the place with a French touch as Pearl Brasserie. Steve Carrow, who had his own brief stint—as the bar man at The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet in the West Loop—will join Paskewitz as Pearl’s general manager and beverage director. Carrow has also worked at Naha.

—Speaking of the Randolph Street wine bar, The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet starts weekend brunch service on Saturday, according to a Facebook post. Ownership calls it a “Bubble Brunch” and will have sparkling specials featuring Veuve.

—A Chicago man has hired an attorney after he alleges that a Kenwood restaurant served him a rat. The man claims he bit into a tail from a baby rat that was allegedly served in his egg fu yung from Fung’s Chop Suey, 1400 E. 47th St., reported DNAinfo. The man alleges the episode sent him to the hospital with food poisoning. While he hasn’t filed a lawsuit, his attorney is positioning to settle out of court. The incident happened on June 5, and the health department found no evidence of rodents on a June 12 inspection.

—A “for lease” sign is up at Ponzu Sushi, 2407 N. Clark St. The Lincoln Park sushi spot had been around since 2007. The spot was known for affordable and quality Japanese food.

—Pockets is no more in North Center at 4301 N. Lincoln Ave. The reason given is bizarre: DNAinfo reported that it’s over an argument with the health department over the need for a hand sink in the dishwashing area. The owner would rather close than conform to the city’s mandate.

—Eataly continues to reconfigure its second floor food court. The River North attraction is now adding a cannoli bar for the summer. Counter staff will stuff cannoli with fillings including candied orange, pistachio, and tiramisù. They’ve also consulted with three big-name local chefs: it’ll sell cannolis from Dana Cree (Publican restaurants) and Sandra Holl (Floriole) in July. Mindy Segal (HotChocolate) and Peter Rios (Alliance Bakery) will take over in August. Another unnamed pair will provide offerings in September.