Rumor: End of an era: the Ritz-Carlton
It would appear that as of the end of the year, the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago will be closing. While I never got around to writing up my opinion of the new executive chef there, Mark Payne (who was promoted after Kevin Hickey went to take over and shore up Seasons at the Four Seasons last year), it was actually some of his sous-chefs that ran the show for brunch. Moreover, there was a new sous-chef who had apparently done a remarkable job "de-Kevining" the dinner menu, which regrettably we never got to try (and I doubt the opportunity will arise in the next four weeks).
The best brunch in the city of Chicago will be ending, and it's a sad thing indeed. If you have the money, time, and interest, you may want to go for their last holiday blowout, the 2006 Christmas brunch. Seatings are at 11:30, 2:30, and 5:30 and they are taking reservations.