Don Draper Would Definitely Approve . . .

Don Draper of "Mad Men" fame would have been a big fan of the Aviary's version of his favorite cocktail. (Photo: AMC)


I'm so excited about this latest offering from Aviary that I can barely contain myself.

Tuscan Foodie On Chicago Food Scene

The Tuscan Foodie doing what he does best. (Photo: Tuscan Foodie)


It's always fun to read how others view what we think is an incredible food scene here in Chicago, so you can only imagine my delight discovering A Tuscan Foodie in America, which details an Italian guy's eating experiences in the United States.

He enthusiastically focuses on Chicago's most popular and underrated restos, as he explained in this post for Tuscany's tourism bureau:

NY Times Highlights Chicago's Best

Gilt Bar, Girl & The Goat, Big Chicks, Longman & Eagle and Xoco got some major props in the New York Times' travel section.

In 36 hours, writer Fred A. Bernstein checked out these hot spots as well as a number of iconic venues.

We weren't surprised one bit that he headed to Girl & The Goat, which likely had its busiest night Saturday with the dining room and bar filled with Chicago Gourmet goers as well as "Jersey Shore" castmate Vinny Guadagnino (who showed up with two big-ass bodyguards in tow).

'Top Chef Master' Cooks For Charity

"Top Chef Master" Marcus Samuelsson (left) and Spiaggia Executive Chef Tony Mantuano.


They competed against one another on last season's "Top Chef Masters," with one taking home the title.

Now, Marcus Samuelsson—reigning "Top Chef Master"—teams up with Spiaggia's brilliant executive chef Tony Mantuano for a sit-down, homestyle dinner inspired by their respective cookbooks, New American Table and Wine Bar Food.

Foodie Fun Beyond 'Chicago Gourmet'

No tickets to "Chicago Gourmet?" Moonshine's annual "Rib-a-Que" is a great foodie alternative this weekend. (Photo: Moonshine)


Chicago Gourmet's completely sold out (unless you still plan to do the Dine Around deal), but no worries because there's so many more fabulous, foodie-type events happening this weekend:

Our Very Own 'Top Chef All Star!'

Bravo TV just announced the lineup for the first-ever "Top Chef All Stars" competition, which pits past top contestants against one another.

Among the cheftestants is Chicago's own Dale Levitski, who made it to the finals in season three of the show in 2007.

No Big Surprises Here . . .

Mixologist Paul McGee (center) with staff celebrating something at The Whistler. (Photo: The Whistler)


GQ gives major props to The Whistler and Violet Hour, naming them to its annual The 25 Best Cocktail Bars in America list in the October issue.

On Violet Hour:

Encase Yourself in This Shirt

(Photo: Hot Doug's)


This new tee may not help you skip to the front of the hour-long line at Hot Doug's, but at least you'll look good standing in it.

Owner Doug Sohn has just debuted a new online store, featuring four custom t-shirts only available on the site. Look for even more designs and apparel (hello, hoodies?!) to be available some time this fall.