What You Want: PQM Burgers & More

A juicy look at the Publican Quality Meats' signature burger. (Photo: Publican Quality Meats)

Watch out for the mega commotion outside Milk & Honey Cafe between 6-10pm Monday. That's when Publican Quality Meats conducts a "test run" of its new Burgers, Bourbon & Beer program that's slated for Tuesdays at the West Loop spot beginning June 5.

In the meantime, Monday's event features chefs Justin Large (Big Star) and John Manion (La Sirena Clandestina) slinging burgers. Here's the menu of what to expect during the preview event:

BURGERS

Publican Quality Meats Signature Burger: Spicy dill relish, PQM special sauce, caramelized red onion, Bongard’s Creamery American sharp cheese ($10)

Milk and Honey Café Burger: Hand-crafted with slow-roasted plum tomato, bacon and Salemville Gorgonzola spread ($10)

(All burgers are cooked medium and served on a potato bun with little gem lettuce and house-cut french fries with garlic butter and parsley)

SIDES

Smoky Macaroni and Cheese ($4)

Apple, carrot and cabbage slaw with creamy cider dressing ($3)

DESSERT

Ice Cream Sandwich with lemon sugar cookie and house-made strawberry ice cream ($3.50)

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Over in River North, Pizzeria Via Stato's taking advantage of its prime turf at the corner of Ontario and State streets. Those who settle on the patio 3-5pm Monday through Friday can take advantage of the half-off pizza deal. They'll get to choose from a number of favorites, including Margherita, aged balsamic and arugula.

Table Fifty-Two Pastry Chef Geo Salas brings back the "sweet stand" pop-up shop for early Saturday risers. From 8-10:30am, she'll offer a different selection of doughnuts each week. Previous choices have included blueberry/raspberry and lavender-glazed. Of course, Art Smith's infamous Hummingbird cupcakes will be in the mix.

And now that the weather's awesome, it's time to head over to Estate for brunch. The new-ish waterside resto offers champagne bottle service for mimosas, as well as Nutella French toast and the Estate omelet of cold water lobster and organic eggs. Brunch is 11:30am-3pm Saturday and Sunday.