Freebie Alert: Mercadito!

Party all night at Mercadito, then return for brunch the next day, and they'll treat you special.

Through April, the trendy Mexican restaurant's offering complimentary chilaquiles (strips of fried corn tortillas simmered in salsa, and served with cheese, eggs, or beans) for those who bring a receipt from the night before.

Trust us when we tell you that it's the perfect hangover cure . . .

5 New Brunches That Rock!

The Four Seasons' Allium restaurant features this sinful display of desserts during brunch. (Photo: Allium)

If you ask me, brunch should be an all-day occasion instead of a few hours.

And while we all have our favorite go-to spots, it's always good to see what else is out there. To give you an idea of what's hot and new, I stopped by You & Me This Morning to chat with host Jeanne Sparrow about my favorite new brunch destinations in Chicagoland.

Yes! That means we even featured the 'burbs, this time highlighting acclaimed chef Dan Pancake's Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits in Berwyn.

Also getting props were the Four Seasons' Allium, Storefront Company in Bucktown, Logan Square's Jam, and BLT American Brasserie in River North.

Happy eatin'!

A Recipe For . . .

. . . Linguini with Black Pepper, Fava Beans and Bacon Cream.


Instead of cracking open a can of chicken noodle soup to celebrate these last days of National Noodle Month, you should do it up in high style.

We tracked down NoMI Kitchen chef Sean Pharr for his ridiculously decadent recipe for Linguini with Black Pepper, Fava Beans and Bacon Cream:

Brasserie by LM Opens Wednesday

Brasserie by LM interior via Urban Daddy Chicago

Acadia paved the way for the type of cuisine and cocktails South Loop foodies were looking for in their neck of the woods.

And now the team behind LM Le Restaurant hopes to ride that wave with Brasserie by LM, opening Wednesday in the Essex Inn.

Helmed by chef Brad Phillips (most recently of The Pump Room), the brasserie will highlight casual French- and American-inspired dishes ranging $12-$16, as well as a $25 three-course prix-fixe deal. Here's the entire menu.

Bang Bang Pie Shop Opens Thursday

Bang Bang Pie Shop's Lavender Coconut Cream Pie. (Photo via instagr.am.)

This news should put a smile on your face.

Bang Bang Pie Shop, a gourmet sweets spot co-owned by former Tru pastry chef Michael Ciapciak, opens Thursday in Logan Square.

Feast your eyes on some of the menu items below. Damn, is all I gotta say . . .

Freebie Alert: GT Fish & Oyster!

To celebrate its first anniversary, GT Fish & Oyster is giving away free oysters.

Yes, you read that right. FREE.

G.E.B. Finally Follows on Twitter

"I turned a new leaf!" Graham Elliot exclaimed Sunday after he started randomly following the more than 17,000 people who follow him on Twitter @grahamelliot. (Right now, he's up to about 217.)

It's been three years since the popular chef of graham elliot, grahamwich and the forthcoming G.E.B. joined Twitter, and he's been vehemently against following anyone. He told those who inquired that at some point he'd start following people, but for some charity cause.

Not sure what he's got up his sleeve, but welcome to the real Twitter experience, G.E.B.!

Your Alternative to 'BaconFest' . . .

(Photo via The Bacon Games)

Missed out on getting tix to the sold-out Baconfest, happening April 12 at the UIC Forum?!

Park Grill, one of the participants in that all-day, offbeat swine scene, plans its own BACONfest as soon as the main event is over. From April 15-20, new Executive Chef Alex Shalev will rock 11 bacon-centric specials on his menu, including a cocktail, appetizers, entrees and dessert.

Check below for a menu certain to make you squeal, including the dish he'll serve at Baconfest:

Brunch Is Coming to Belly Shack!

Belly Shack exterior via Danbites.com.

But don't get too excited now, because they're only doing it on a few scattered dates.

You've got this weekend (March 25) to head over to Belly Shack, plus Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day for dishes like show-roasted pork loin with chilaquiles and red Thai curry sauce; crispy French toast with mango and creme anglaise; and a vegetarian breakfast burrito stuffed with bok choy and Chinese black beans.

The hours?! 10am-2pm or until the food is gone . . .

Sprout's Short Rib Eggs Benedict

Sprout's Short Rib Eggs Benedict via Serious Eats Chicago.

As Sprout owner Dale Levitsky readies for Frog N Snail's debut next week, Serious Eats Chicago gushes over one of Sprout's signature brunch items.

At $18, the Short Rib Eggs Benedict is quite pricy, but the reviewer still highly recommends it:

Notes From: The Southern's HOT Fried Chicken Eating Contest

Brad Boman (top, left) won The Southern's first-ever HOT Fried Chicken Eating Contest. (Photos: 312 Dining Diva/The Southern)

• The Southern hosted a HOT Fried Chicken Eating Contest to kick off its Thursday Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Night, which includes the spicy glazed chicken and Jack Daniels cocktail specials.

• Nine contestants signed up for the contest. Their task was to see who could eat the most of the 10 pieces of HOT fried chicken boneless breasts within five minutes. No one was even close, so we gave them a few more minutes to compete.

• Brad Boman won, eating all his chicken in seven minutes, leaving nothing but the skin behind. He won $50 in cash, a $50 gift certificate to The Southern, and a backpack filled with Jack Daniels' goodies. All the other contestants won a $25 gift card to The Southern.

Why The West Loop Will Be On Fire This Summer

Musician Frank Orrall (left) and Yvonne Cadiz Kim and Bill Kim.

Here's evidence that the West Loop just got even cooler:

Poi Dog Pondering frontman Frank Orrall and mixology vet Peter Vestinos have signed on to some very important projects in the area.

The guys were dining separately at Nellcôte Wednesday with high-profile chefs working on two of the West Loop's hottest spots.

Freebie Alert: The Publican!

(Photo: Bob Briskey Photography)

Through March 24, The Publican's hooking you up with a chance to get gratis draft beer.

All you have to do is bring non-perishable items to benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository between these hours: 3:30-10:30pm through Thursday; 3:30-11:30pm Friday; and 10am-11:30pm Saturday.

All guests who donate will get a ticket for a complimentary draft beer that they may redeem immediately or save for a future date . . .

Another Rooftop Planned For West Loop ... Or Not?!

Market Bar rooftop photo via allrooftops.com.

When it comes to chilling on a rooftop lounge in the West Loop, right now you've got two choices: Bottom Lounge and Market Bar.

The problem, however, is that when it comes to chowing down, Bottom Lounge offers super casual fare, and Market's menu, well, isn't all that good.

So, when Eater Chicago recently reported that one of Brendan Sodikoff's upcoming projects was a pizza-focused eatery in a massive space off Green and Randolph streets, we decided to investigate more. Turns out that Sodikoff—who also shares a courtyard with the soon-to-open RM Champagne Salon as well as Graham Elliot's new spot, G.E.B.—is the only one with the green light to utilize the rooftop space.

We were pretty thrilled about the idea of a West Loop rooftop with some good food, but when we reached out to Sodikoff, he had this to say:

A Recipe For . . .

. . . Cocoa Old Fashioned.


Don Draper, Roger Sterling, Joan Holloway and the rest of Mad Men's motley crew return for the fifth season in a two-hour premiere on March 25.

This is big and you'll need to celebrate with a very special cocktail.

Sepia's incredibly talented mixologist Josh Pearson puts his spin on the classic Old Fashioned—which also happens to be Don Draper's signature sipper—and of course I've got that recipe for you:

Charles Joly Is On His Way To China

Here's a sign that you're officially an international sensation: when you get the call that you're going to showcase your talents for a global audience.

That's what happened to The Drawing Room's Charles Joly, who got tapped by spirits giant Pernod Ricard to travel to Beijing and Shanghai to participate in a program called Legendary Nights.

The bar star, in fact, got his visa Tuesday for the trip and even though he's never been to the Far East, he's extremely excited.

"I have no idea how to speak the languages there, but I don't care. I know I'm going to have a great time," he told 312DD.

Fried Chicken Takes to the Streets

Roost's fried chicken and biscuit photo via Thrillist Chicago.

This is nothing to complain about. It's actually very, very good.

Roost, a fried chicken-mac 'n' cheese-cobbler-biscuits truck, just hit the streets. It's owned by a Carolina native, who's introducing us to family recipes handed down for generations.

Here's a peek at the menu, and you can follow them on Twitter @TheRoostTruck.

Nothing But Sweet Stuff, Baby!

Black Dog Gelato photo via UrbanSpoon.com.

Stephanie Izard's favorite sweets shop, Black Dog Gelato, is set to open a Roscoe Village location later this spring.

Those residents have no idea just how lucky they are. Owner Jessica Oloros (who was Izard's former pastry chef at Scylla) gets super creative in flavors of her treats, with offerings in goat cheese cashew caramel, Mexican hot chocolate, roasted red pepper, and the whiskey gelato bar that's served on a stick and rolled in bacon.

If you cannot wait that long to get your sweet tooth on, FED UP's first-ever Desserts for Deserts happens in Logan Square next week.

James Beard Finalists Announced!

Next's dining room. (Photo: Next)

Last year, the actual James Beard award ceremonies were pretty dismal for Chicago, so here's hoping we'll fare better in 2012. New this year is a category for Outstanding Bar Program, in which two Chicago spots were tapped; no Chicagoan included in the Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional category.

Charlie Trotter (Charlie Trotter's) is named Humanitarian of the Year and Grant Achatz (Alinea, The Aviary, Next) is one of the 2012 Who's Who Inductees.

Here are the Chicago finalists; the Restaurant and Chef Award winners will be announced in New York on May 7:

Perennial Virant's Bar Star Moving On . . .

It hasn't even been a year yet since Perennial Virant's been open, but its highly lauded mixologist, Matty Eggleston, is moving on, according to several Ultimate Insiders.

Look for Eggleston to make his move soon over to Tenzing Wine & Spirits in a very high-level position for its spirits operation.

No word yet on who'll take over his gig over at Perennial Virant, but that is certainly going to be one difficult role to fill . . .

Settle In at the Kitchen Counter Table

The Purple Pig's six sweet seats overlooking the kitchen action are highly coveted. (Photo: The Purple Pig)

In the 1990s and early 2000s, it was all about getting a chef's table in the
kitchens of Trotter's and Tru to watch all the action going down.

Now, the most coveted seats in the house are at the counter tables situated right off the kitchen at hot spots like Ada Street, Balena and Storefront Company.

I offer the pros and cons of dining this style, as well as my top picks of kitchen counter tables at DiningChicago.com.

Freebie Alert: M Burger!

M Burger's signature double-stack burger. (Photo: M Burger)

This is the kind of news we LOVE.

To celebrate its second birthday, all M Burger locations (Loop, River North, Streeterville, Water Tower Place Mall) will generously give you a special gift.

The Perfect Party For Singles This Summer!

Culinary kings and cigar connoisseurs Rick Gresh (David Burke's Primehouse), Giuseppe Tentori (GT Fish & Oyster, Boka) and Cleetus Friedman (City Provisions) have teamed up to host the first-ever CigarBQue this summer.

Freebie Alert: Sprinkles Cupcakes!

(Photo: Sprinkles)

Just in case you're looking for a sweet bite, Sprinkles is feting its new extended hours with a giveaway.

The stylish cupcakery's now open until 9pm every day (except Sunday until 8pm), so they're giving away a free cupcake to each person who stops by 8-9pm March 15-16.

That's right. You get a cupcake. And you get a cupcake. And you . . . and you . . .

This Should Come As No Surprise . . .

Mixologist Paul McGee doing what he does best at RPM Italian. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

As director of cocktail development for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Paul McGee has already skillfully created a number of cocktails to complement the cuisine at RPM Italian. I'm especially loving—of course—his rendition of the Negroni, which is topped off with Prosecco.

As he's working on getting Bub City open this summer, LEYE partner R.J. Melman tells 312DD that McGee's next task is to re-design the cocktail programs at Hub 51 and Paris Club.

A Recipe For . . .

. . . The Green Mile Burger.

Everyone's idea of celebrating St. Patrick's Day doesn't entail slamming down mug after mug of green-hued beer. That's especially true over at Lockdown Bar & Grill in Ukrainian Village, where Executive Chef Jason Slimak has found new uses for Guinness and corned beef.

His Green Mile Burger is now on the menu, but if you'd like to hook it up at home, here's the recipe:

March 14 is National Pi Day!

Bang Bang Pie Company's Lavender Coconut Cream Pie. The bakery shop is set to open in Logan Square this spring. (Photo via instagr.am.)

Mensa members and math lovers celebrate National Pi Day on March 14 (3/14) because Pi is 3.14 (3.14159265358979323846).

But foodies will be celebrating in their own way with . . .

Whoopie pies. Mince meat pies. Pizza pies. Cobblers. Chicken pot pies. And good ol' American apple pies.

Some recs on where to go to chow down in style:

More Gourmet Sammies Coming Downtown

We hope Clandestino Supper Club's gourmet sammies look as good as the ones at New York's Taco Mix. (Photo via Grubstreet)

Out of the blue Monday, Clandestino Supper Club's chef/owner Efrain Cuevas posted on Facebook that he's opening a gourmet sandwich shop soon in the Loop.

Cuevas, who cut his teeth in Frontera Grill's kitchen, had been doing offbeat, underground dinners under Clandestino during his off hours for a few years, but they did so well that he decided to make them a full-time gig. His parties have ranged from a Halloween-themed event featuring recipes from Vincent Price's cookbook to the highly popular Dinnerpalooza Summer Jams.

Right now, there are no details about the location, menu and opening date, but we'll get that to you soon . . .

Attack of the Mac . . . & Cheese

The Southern Mac & Cheese Store's signature dish. (Photo: Southern Mac & Cheese Store)

Relish in these next few days as we experience record highs outside, but since I'm not a weather-girl, I'm going to stick to what I really know.

March just happens to be National Noodle Month, and there's a whole lotta celebrating going on.

And The Doughnut Trend Continues . . .

West Town Tavern's sugar-dusted maple potato doughnuts. (Photo: West Town Tavern)

Doughnut Vault and Do-Rite Donuts have been slaying our sweet tooths with their goodies, and now West Town Tavern is getting in on the action with a new special on the menu.

They just introduced the sweet-and-savory sugar-dusted maple potato doughnuts that come with a bourbon-custard dipping sauce. And, according to them, these are from an old Amish recipe that uses left-over rice or mashed potatoes as a base.

These won't be on the menu for long, so you'd better get on it . . .

Looks Like We Were On To Something . . .

Paul McGee photo via This Is A Cocktail Blog

Remember back in early January when I wrote that it was high time for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises to look for new opportunities in Logan Square?!

According to Eater Chicago, the solid restaurant company's looking to the West Side for an upcoming venture, but just slightly east of the hip neighborhood:

Henri's Magnificent 'Mystery' Dinner . . .

Do you trust these guys enough to drink and eat "blindly" whatever they put in front of you?!

Henri/The Gage Executive Chef Dirk Flanigan teams up with his mixologist Clint Rogers and Wirtz Beverage's Eric Hay for what they're calling Le Mysterieux Festin (mystery dinner) in April.

For $100, guests get five courses paired with craft cocktails. The exciting part of the event is that these guys will have no idea what ingredients they'll have to use until it's time to for them to get to work.

Will Le Cirque's Pop-Up Sell Out?!

Le Cirque's signature creme brulee. (Photo: Le Cirque)

New York's iconic Le Cirque's been around since 1974, but this is still exciting news even if you've had a chance to dine there.

They've decided to do a pop-up, national tour of the French-focused resto, with a stop, of course, headed to Chicago. Apparently, organizers are transforming the Mid-America Club into a replica, featuring Le Cirque china, decor and signature dishes. The executive chef, unfortunately, won't be there.

Notes From: 'Mad Men Cocktail Class'

Femme du Coupe's Revae Schneider. (Photos: 312 Dining Diva)

• In late 2011, former Union Sushi bartender Revae Schneider set up shop upstairs at Fleur De Lis Florist as Femme du Coupe—a DIY bar-styling company.

• The company hosts regular themed events at Fleur De Lis Florist as well as off premises.

• Schneider designed a series of Mad Men-themed classes to coincide with the fifth season premiere on March 25. Participants learned how to make classic cocktails from that era, and each class represents cocktails that one of the characters would likely drink.

Storefront Co. Finally Opens in Wicker Park

Chef Bryan Moscatello's Monkfish and Short Rib Fried Rice dish with tamago, scallion, coriander and a pomegranate glaze. (Photo: Storefront Co.)

The wait's over and we couldn't be more excited.

Storefront Co. finally debuts at 4pm March 9 after months of waiting.

We're excited for a number of reasons, mainly because it's brought to us by the folks from Debonair Social Club. That means it'll have elements of a cool, nightlife vibe.

They've also partnered with Chef Bryan Moscatello, an East Coaster who's garnered high accolades from the likes of Food & Wine, Bon Appetit and Esquire.

Your Alternative To Regular Brunch Scene

Wishbone's blackened crawfish cakes served with scrambled eggs, a corn muffin and home fries. (Photo via flickr.com)

It sucks when you miss out on brunch because last night's hangover overpowers your will to get out for scrumptious bites of homestyle biscuits, waffles and pancakes. So lucky for you, several of Chicago's top brunch spots deliver breakfast straight to your home.

If you're planning for 15 and up, give Wishbone a call for a Southern-style spread. Or, hit up Bleeding Heart Bakery & Cafe for late-afternoon bites if you're swingin' solo.

For the best bites on brunch delivery in town, check out DiningChicago.com.

Manor Team Grows Up With Upcoming Chef-Driven Project

Stout Barrel House & Galley's rendering of main lounge, which includes a fireplace. (Photo: Stout Barrel House & Galley)

The LGN Group made its mark on Chicago's nightlife with scene-y, celeb-focused spots like the now-shuttered Manor and RiNO. And while the collective's still behind summer sensation Cedar Hotel, it looks like their nightlife aspirations have grown up with their latest venture.

They've teamed up with Blue 13 Executive Chef Chris Curren for Stout Barrel House & Galley, set to open in the old Manor space in April.

Philly Cheesesteaks Take Over Lincoln Square

Monti's Philly Cheesesteak via Urban Daddy Chicago.

No one really talks about Philly cheesesteaks around here.

Why?! Because Chicago is an Al's Beef kind of town.

But former Rockit Bar & Grill chef and native Philadelphians James Gottwald and his wife Monti plan on changing that . . . at least in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.

They're set to transform the failed Cinners chili spot into a Philly cheesesteak wonderland, and it's opening early next week, according to Urban Daddy Chicago:

A Recipe For . . .

. . . GT Fish & Oyster's Stinging Nettle Raviolo.


I wish I could tell you how many times I've been to GT Fish & Oyster, but I've honestly lost count. I'm obsessed with pretty much everything on the menu, from the spiked lemonades to the luscious lobster roll.

Honestly, I thought Executive Chef Giuseppe Tentori couldn't possibly top himself until he rolled out a new menu item during a recent media luncheon. The star of the afternoon was the Stinging Nettle Raviolo, and Tentori was generous enough to give us the recipe so you can re-create it at home:

First-Ever 'Speed Rack' Comes To Chicago

Mea Leech (left) of The Drawing Room and Debbi Peek (Balena, The Bristol) are part of a national cocktail competition featuring only top female bartenders.

Well, this is a first.

The Drawing Room's Charles Joly will serve as the head barback for a pretty high-profile event happening soon at Bottom Lounge.

That's because Speed Rack is a national cocktail competition featuring only top female bartenders, who'll go head to head in timed challenges. It's the first competition to highlight the up-and-coming generation of women in the spirits industry.

This is Chicago's first year participating, and the list of contenders runs deep. It's certain to be one hell of a competition, and proceeds benefit breast cancer research and prevention. The Chicago winner gets $500 and the chance to compete in the New York finals on May 17.

The event takes place 3-7pm March 18, and the $25 ticket includes unlimited spiked punch and appetizers from Zapatista.

Here's the impressive list of participants:

Swing Into Spring’s Best 'Culinary' Cocktails

Nellcôte is one of several spots this spring embracing the "culinary" cocktail trend. (Photo: Nellcôte)

West Loop newcomer Nellcôte calls its creations "kitchen cocktails," while after-work favorite Fleming's recently introduced "couture cocktails" like the Mad Milagro Margarita to the menu.

Yeah, they're fancy and fabulous, and lucky for you, they don't all come with a high price tag.

To find out the latest in cocktail trends, see my latest story at DiningChicago.com.

The Pump Room Appoints New Exec Chef

The Pump Room's dining room. (Photo: The Pump Room)

There's been a little chef shuffling over at The Pump Room this week.

Apparently, Executive Sous Chef Moosah Reaume's replacing Bradford Phillips as executive chef. And, according to owner Ian Schrager in a press release just sent out, nothing will really change.

His statement indicates that no matter who "runs" the kitchen, The Pump Room's cuisine will always be Jean Georges Vongerichten-focused:

Russell Kook Lands at Chicago Cut Steakhouse

Hell's Kitchen runner-up and former Florentine chef Russell Kook is on to his next big adventure.

312DD just found out that he just landed at Chicago Cut Steakhouse, where he'll serve as executive chef.

Going Gaga Over Bayless . . .

Lady Gaga and Chef Rick Bayless (Photo via Rick Bayless)

Pop star Lady Gaga dropped by Frontera Grill over the weekend, and apparently knows her stuff when it comes to food.

Rick Bayless tweeted:

Notes From: 'Keepin' It Classy' Crawl

Lucky participants, who came out for Google Chicago/312 Dining Diva's first-ever 'Keepin' It Classy Crawl,' chilling out in Tru's gorgeous cocktail lounge. (Photos: 312 Dining Diva)

• Google Places teamed up with 312 Dining Diva and Uber car service for the first-ever Keepin' It Classy Crawl on Saturday.

• Through a contest, 12 guests won seats on the "underground" drinking-and-dining tour, which took them to three upscale hot spots in the city. They had no idea where they were going until they arrived at each destination.

The DEFINITIVE Lenten Fried Fish Survival Guide

Honey 1 BBQ's fried perch. (Photo via Serious Eats Chicago)

We can always count on Serious Eats Chicago.

This time those guys came up with the definitive Lenten Fried Fish Survival Guide, so before you indulge, make sure you check them out for "the rules" on the fish fry, plus tips on making the absolute best tartar sauce and their top picks for restaurants to chow down.

Honey 1 BBQ, BIG & little's and Calumet Fisheries made the cut.

All I have to say is Bravo!

Lillie's Q Signature Wrap on Falafill's Menu

Lillie's Q chef/owner Charlie McKenna created this signature wrap for Falafill that's available during March. (Photo: Jamco Creative)

March Falafill roared in like a lion with the ferocious new signature wrap by guest chef Charlie McKenna of Lillie's Q.

His bad-ass offering consists of a Southern-focused, black-eyed pea falafel filled with fried collard greens, coleslaw tossed in the Lillie's Q Ivory Sauce, sautéed onions and tomatos. As with each chef participating in Falafill's monthly program, a portion of the proceeds from each wrap sold benefits McKenna's favorite charity.