Schwa Reso System Still Frustrates Diners

Exterior of Schwa photo via NBCChicago.com

In 2009, 312DD and NBCChicago.com teamed up to snag the first-ever look inside eccentric Wicker Park sensation Schwa.

Its focus was also on the difficult reservation system, which by now, should be better. Or that's what I thought until I got this email Tuesday from a reader:

Get Ready For Chili & Firefighters & Chefs!

When I served as one of the judges for the Muscular Dysphoria Association's annual Firefighter Chili Cook-Off last year, it was so hot outside that we were sweating like we were in the tropics.

But things are back to normal, and it's so effing cold that today's the perfect day to chow down on chili.

What's awesome about this year's competition—in addition to the fact that I'll be in a room full of fine-ass firemen—is that 10 of them have teamed up with chefs from some of the hottest restaurants in town.

Bravo, 'Top Chef' Take Over Girl & The Goat

(Photo: Bravo)

Scratch those plans if you wanted to stop by Stephanie Izard's Girl & The Goat Wednesday.

The "Top Chef" champ tweeted Tuesday that Bravo was taking over her red-hot West Loop resto for the show's finale party:

"More stressful is tomorrows bravo buyout... All bravo. 'All (Star) Top Chef' finale. Best part, Gail Simmons gonna be here!!"

How exciting. And where is MY invite?!

Tequila, Tex-Mex & Pinups in Ukrainian Village!

Photo via WayneWallace.com

Looks like Ukrainian Village's Jam is soon getting a cool new neighbor.

Sweet Tips, a Tex-Mex tequila bar and restaurant, plans to settle in just behind the popular brunch spot some time in June.