Michelin's 'Bib Gourmand' Released Soon

(Photo: Michelin Guides)

For some reason, 312DD was included on the media distribution list for the Michelin Guide New York City 2012 Bib Gourmand announcement. Odd. It was released Wednesday, by the way.

I took that opportunity—of course—to ask them when they were going to make an announcement about the Michelin Guide Chicago 2012 Bib Gourmand recipients. They said Wednesday, Nov. 9.

To refresh your memories, Bib Gourmand selections are restaurants serving two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included). According to Michelin, "While the Michelin stars remain the most celebrated designation in the Michelin Guide, Bib Gourmand is a highly desired distinction among restaurateurs. "

Dine & Drink For Pink

Do your part to help support Breast Cancer Awareness Month by participating in the Lynn Sage Foundation's annual In Good Taste campaign.

You can choose from a list of more than 100 of Chicagoland's most-buzzed about restaurants, and donate at least $1 on your check. The promotion happens throughout October and you can see the entire list of participants here.

Here's what is also going down in October in support of breast cancer awareness:

Hot Restaurateur's 'Gastro' Diner Location Revealed

Brendan Sodikoff

When I was first given the scoop on Brendan Sodikoff's hot upcoming "gastro" diner concept, I was told it was going to be named Ox Diner.

But now that's all changed, according to an Ultimate Insider, who was also the reliable source who gave me the exclusives on Sodikoff's Gilt Bar, Maude's Liquor Bar and Doughnut Vault.

Competition Finally For Doughnut Vault

Table Fifty-Two's new pop-up Sweets Stand opens this weekend with doughnuts and more. (Photos: Table Fifty-Two)

River North's runaway sugar-high hit Doughnut Vault has had a few copycats since opening earlier this year as a daily morning pop-up next to Gilt Bar, but no one has come even close to its deliciousness.

But Table Fifty-Two pastry chef Celeste "CeCe" Campise may finally give them some competition with her very own pastry pop-up just outside of Art Smith's superb Southern-focused eatery.

Sept. 29 Is 'Chef Priscila Satkoff Day'

Priscila Satkoff of Salpicon! in Old Town. (Photo: Salpicon!)

She's set to be inducted into the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chef's Hall of Fame on Nov. 16, and now Priscila Satkoff has been given her very own special day.

The chef/owner of Old Town's iconic Salpicon! has been granted Chef Priscila Satkoff Day by Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Sept. 29.

Love Over Mac 'n' Cheese?!

Signature Mac 'n' Cheese dishes from Southern. (Photo: Southern Mac & Cheese Store)

Maybe, just maybe, we'll be able to help two mac 'n' cheese lovin' folks get a love connection going on.

A female diner visited the just-opened Southern Mac & Cheese Store last week, saw a guy she wanted to get to know better and posted an ad in the Missed Connections section of Craig's List:

More Pop-Ups & Fall Previews . . .

Some tasty fall happenings to keep you warm this season:

The brand-new menu at CHICAGO q will change your mind if you think of it as only a summertime spot. Executive Chef Lee Ann Whippen has added to dinner BBQ shrimp with lemon-infused grits, a smoked salmon salad with roasted beets and candied walnuts, and linguine with smoked seasonal veggies, olive oil and fresh herbs. There's also a happy hour menu 3-6pm Monday through Friday where you'll get dishes for half-price ($3.25-$3.75), including bacon cheddar hush puppies, fried green tomatoes and smoked dry-rubbed wings.

Bluebird Crew Starts New Tradition

Brand new Bluebird Executive Chef Jack Stankovic has found a new way for the kitchen crew to bond.

He tells 312DD:

"As of last week, a couple of us guys at The Bird get Harold's Chicken, like a big ass bucket for lunch. Last week we destroyed the thing, this week it left us sad and angry. 36 is the number that Harold's is on Milwaukee, you dig. At the end, we wash it down with bubbles and start service."

Bubbles & yardbird?! What is there to be sad and angry about?