So A Vegetarian Walks Into A Butcher Shop . . .

(Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

The Butcher & Larder chef/owner Rob Levitt muses in a Facebook status on what's apparently an annual custom . . .

This happened the same day Publican Quality Meats posted a smackdown response to PETA's anti-meat billboard located across the street from the shop.

'BabyGate' Happened At Alinea Saturday & Twitterverse Explodes In Response

The Grant Achatz tweet that set the Internet ablaze Saturday night (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

After what happened this weekend it looks like I need to drag out this article again regarding small children and social graces in restaurants.

When I originally wrote it in 2013, I had restaurants like Blackbird, Naha and Perennial Virant in mind. No freaking way did I ever think someone would think to take a child—let alone an infant—to the likes of the three star Michelin rated Alinea (Check out this list of the best child-friendly restaurants in Chicago).

As soon as Alinea chef/partner Grant Achatz posted that already-infamous tweet around 7pm Saturday, the Internet exploded in response. I was pretty shocked with how many people were in defense of the parents—who allegedly had a last-minute babysitter cancellation.

Here are the Top 21 twitter responses of the night:

Grace: My First Great Dining Experience of 2014

Fourth course: duck with sunflower, cranberry and marjoram (Photo: William Boulware)

On the same day Grace's Curtis Duffy was named Chef of the Year by the Chicago Tribune, I had a reservation.

That just set the bar even higher for my first great dining experience of 2014. Honey, I was not disappointed.

I'm good friends with the staff, so I've had the pleasure of hanging out in Grace's front room lounge for drinks as well as attending a summer BBQ where all the chefs grilled their favorite meats. This occasion, however, was my first time officially dining at the restaurant.

Hyde Park Yusho Delayed Until Summer; Owner Matthias Merges Not Backing Down Despite Dispute

Interior of Matthias Merges' A10 restaurant, which opened in Hyde Park in 2013. (Photo: A10)

The thing about living on the South Side is that many residents tend to be stuck in their ways. And stubborn. And don't like change. That's why I moved as soon as I could to the rapidly changing Near West Side more than 10 years ago.

So it's pretty admirable that Matthias Merges (Billy Sunday, Yusho) pushed forward with A10, a restaurant and cocktail lounge that's quite revolutionary in this part of town. In fact, he's done pretty well with a full house almost every night of the week.

Merges was set to open a second Yusho location in Hyde Park in February, however, there have been some roadblocks, according to DNA Info:

Now Is The Time To Book Reservations For 'Chicago Restaurant Week'

Beatrix's casual, yet modern setting in River North (Photo: Beatrix)

Get out of deep-freeze mode for a few minutes to think about where you’re going to dine during Chicago Restaurant Week. What’s super cool is that it’s been extended an extra week, so you’ll get more chances to check out even more restaurants.

Book ‘em now—especially those red-hot newcomers like Beatrix, Cicchetti, CH Distillery and Tanta. Peruse the list, which also includes details on the second-annual First Bites Bash, hosted by award-winning chef Paul Kahan.

Chicago Restaurant Week goes down Jan. 24-Feb. 6.

Hunker Down In One Of Chicago's Top 50 'Fireplace-Equipped Drinking Spots'

Cozy up to Drumbar's elegant fireplace. (Photo: Drumbar)

Not that I'm lazy or anything, but since Thrillist Chicago already did the legwork, I'm gonna give them props.

They've smartly compiled 50 Fireplace-Equipped Drinking Spots in the city. And for once, the list truly spans Chicago, from the upscale environs of Streeterville's Drumbar to the low-key digs of Patrick's on the Southwest Side.

'Next Steak' Off To A Rocky Start?!

(Photo: Next Restaurant)

Perhaps it's because Chicago already boasts a gazillion steakhouses—or maybe this foul weather's to blame—but whatever the case, Crain's reports that ticket sales are lagging for Next's steakhouse concept:

"While prime-time spots are gone for the four-month steak theme—reservations between 7 and 8:45 p.m.—there are seatings for earlier and later dining. As of this afternoon, availability for the first official night of Next: Steak on Jan. 8 included a table for two at 9:30 p.m. and tables for four at 5:30, 5:45, 6, 6:15, 6:30, 9, 9:15, 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. Those cost $160 per person, including tax and tip but not beverages."

312DD's Top 5 Most Anticipated Openings For 2014

Lee Wolen, during his days at The Lobby (Photo: Peninsula Chicago)

Out with the old and in with the new restaurants for 2014.

And it's already looking like quite the year as a host of notable restaurants are set to debut . . .

Berrista Coffee. Homaro Canto's been talking about those "miracle berries" for a few years now, so I'm thrilled that I'll get them on the regular when his revolutionary bakery opens in Old Irving Park in the spring. Berrista is not only a great concept with its sugar-free and gluten-free goodies, but those with diabetes and other health-related issues will finally be able to gorge with abandon.