Hot List: The Best Spots To Take Kids In Chicago

Photo via Delectably Chic.

Little kids can sometimes get out of control, but that's OK because that's what kids DO. But since not every establishment or diners relish in their growing pains (see story here), thank goodness for those that embrace the concept.

Brendan Sodikoff Drops 'Deli' Concept In Dillman's

Dillman's interior (Photo: Dillman's)

New River North eatery Dillman's has been open for less than two weeks and principle owner Brendan Sodikoff is already making changes. He admits that his vision for a contemporary deli concept has been lost on some customers, so he'll be "dropping the use of the word delicatessen in association with Dillman's," effective immediately.

He added, in a message to 312DD:

So Very, Very Hot Right Now.

Michael Carlson photo via the Chicago Tribune

I should have known something was up when Juno partner Jason Chan gushed out of the blue Wednesday that Schwa owner/chef Michael Carlson stopped by his restaurant to drop off lunch for his staff. That certainly isn't in character of the elusive chef, so of course I was right on the money.

A Bang Bang Pie Shop Backyard Benefit

Bang Bang Pie Shop's Lavender Coconut Cream Pie. (Photo: Bang Bang Pie Shop)

Logan Square's Bang Bang Pie Shop teams up with Growing Home for a fundraiser that sounds like a ton of fun on its backyard patio.

They've gotten together some of the best folks on the local cocktail and culinary scenes for a family-style dinner party 5-8pm Sept. 15. Here's what to expect for a $65 (or more!) donation:

Lite Bites: What Your Favorite Chefs & Mixologists Are Up To Around Town This Week

New food from The Aviary (Photo: The Aviary)

What is FAME?!

• New The Aviary chef Andrew Brochu is coming into his own at the award-winning culinary/cocktail lounge. One of his newest creations—egg en cocotte with truffles, truffle cream, brioche and Parmesan—sounds like a real winner. Something tells me it'll be there for awhile, but I'd still get on this one pronto.

Your Guide To Eating & Drinking Around The 'Chicago Air & Water Show'

The underrated rooftop at III Forks is a great place to take in the action from the air. (Photo: III Forks)

Brace yourself. This weekend marks another big one in Chicago with the annual Air & Water Show in town.

If you're planning to go, we highly advise grabbing brunch first, finding a spot where you can eat, drink and watch the show, or leaving early for a place for daytime drinking. Where to go?! See our extensive guide that's certain to be ideal, whether you've got kids or a crew in tow.

Chicago Shut Out Of 'Best Pizza City' List?!

(Photo: Giordano's Pizza)

When I travel to other cities the last thing I order is pizza. Why?! Because as far as I'm concerned Chicago does it best.

A new survey, however, conducted by TripAdvisor, states that when it comes to the doughy Italian pies, the best pizza in the country is found in San Diego. WTF?!!!

Lite Bites: What Your Favorite Chefs & Mixologists Are Up To Around Town This Week

One chef's presentation at a recent Taste of the Nation event in Chicago (Photo: Share Our Strength)

Fireworks, FTW!

• Share Our Strength’s annual Taste of the Nation event happens Wednesday, August 14 at the Navy Pier Ballroom and East Lakeside Plaza, which means guests will have a chance to see the weekly fireworks show up close. But the real action, of course, will be inside as the city's top chefs and mixologists serve up bites and booze for a night to remember. Here's the complete list of chefs and bartenders. It's 7-10pm. Tickets range $125-$300.

• In other news, Supreme Lobster's gearing up for the third-annual Supreme Mother Shucker Competition & Seven Seas Charity Feast at Frontier on August 25. Yeah, that's a mouthful, but the spirited event pits the city's fastest oyster shuckers against one another. That happens later in the day (4-7pm), and earlier guests will get to enjoy grub from the likes of Brian Jupiter (Frontier), Bill Kim (bellyQ) and Corey Morris (Mercat a la Planxa) from 1 to 4pm. A portion of the proceeds from the event benefits Meals on Wheels Chicago. It's $55 per person for the cocktail party and tickets may be purchased right here.

So Very, Very Hot Right Now.

Guest holding Three Dots and a Dash cocktail Bunny's Banana Daiquiri (Photo: Annemarie Sagoi)

After more than a year's delay, Three Dots and a Dash is finally open.

The Polynesian-inspired pub that's owned by master mixologoist Paul McGee as well as Melman siblings R.J., Jerrod and Molly debuted officially Wednesday with a bang-up list of boozy cocktails and a sweet soundtrack to complement.

Beats & Eats: Local Restaurateurs Reveal Successful Music Program Strategies

Tru partner/executive chef Anthony Martin (Photo: Tru)

From a Michelin-starred destination to the hippest hangs in town, a number of Chicago restaurants feature music in the forefront.

Owners behind Au Cheval, Tru and Violet Hour explain why their music programs are a key to their success.