The Bedford, Southern Mac Truck Team Up

(Photo: Mark Steuer)

As we continue to wait for chef Mark Steuer to open The Bedford in the Wicker Park 'hood, here's something to keep us occupied in the meantime.

Apparently, he's teamed up with The Southern's mac 'n' cheese truck to give us a preview of what to expect when his resto opens in April.

Feast Your Eyes . . .

. . . on the world's most expensive patty melt!

Just when I had thought I'd seen it all, David Burke's Primehouse Executive Chef Rick Gresh has created the most luxurious sandwich sold in Chicago.

Chicago's Got Burger Fever!

(Photo: Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises)

Holy Moly Hamburgers!

This is the scene outside the Streeterville location for M Burger right NOW as folks wait outside patiently for the deal of the day.

Thursday is the venue's first-year anniversary and they're celebrating by offering every guest a free burger—of any size or price—with a purchase.

There's still time to get down there. It goes on until 7pm . . .

Everyone's Italian This St. Paddy's Day . . .

While the Irish will be bedazzled in green come March 17, the Italians will also be feting a very important milestone on that day: the 150th anniversary of Italy.

As part of the local festivities, 18 local restos will get the Ospitalità Italiana Seal – Italian Retaurants in the World—an honor recognizing their authenticity and culinary contributions to Italian culture—during a special dinner at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (1431 W. Taylor St.).

It's not an easy task to get the honor. To qualify, each restaurant must employ at least one staff member who can speak to guests in Italian; the menus must be written in proper Italian; at least 20 percent of wines offered must be DOP-certified (Denominazione di Origine Protetta, or "Protected Denomination of Origin"); and the head chef must meet requirements of experience and proficiency in Italian cooking.