NEW YORK CITY— As previously announced, Blue Hill at Stone Barns will soon offer an extended series of wastED pop-ups in New York City, and chef Dan Barber has unveiled the line-up of guest chefs who will be helping him cook epic meals using food waste. Eater NY reports Grant Achatz, Sean Brock, Dominique Crenn, and Noma co-founder Mads Refslund are among the already announced chefs, not counting promised "surprise guests." The reservation wire goes live March 6 for the dinner series, which starts March 13. More information here. [ENY]
LAS VEGAS— Chef Kerry Simon is closing two of his Las Vegas restaurants: Eater Vegas reports Simon, who is currently suffering from multiple system atrophy, will close KGB: Kerry's Gourmet Burgers (inside Harrah's Las Vegas) and Simon Restaurant & Lounge (inside Palms Place). The latter restaurant will officially close up shop May 22. [EVEG]
CHICAGO— Most interesting man in the world/chef Rick Bayless is auctioning off the pleasure of his company as part of a fundraiser for the Frontera Farmer Foundation. Eater Chicago reports Bayless is offering a "James Beard Award weekend," including two tickets to the 2015 awards ceremony, dinner at Frontera Grill, and apparently, a "once in a lifetime weekend with Rick Bayless." The prize package is worth an estimated $15,000, with the starting bid at $7,500. More information here. [ECHI]