Oh, you dirty dog!

Juicy Wine Co.'s new Wednesday night affair is their best by far, featuring the Pornographic Chili Dogs:

"They're the biggest, meatiest, sexiest chili dogs you've ever fantasized about. It all starts with mouthwatering, smoked hot links from Austin, Texas. We drape those squealin'-hot Texas 'dogs in heavenly beef brisket chili straight from everyone's favorite BBQ, Smoque. We top that with mounds of aged Wisconsin cheddar. Add Juicy's own tangy, apple cider vinegar slaw and truffle lavender* honey mustard sauce and you've got yourself a freaking awesome Pornographic Chili Dog. And we'll be servin' 'em up every Wednesday, 6pm to midnight."

Oh, and this too:

"We'll be tapping a fresh kegger of Three Floyds on the back porch, every week. Quench your thirst and sooth your strained vocal chords with $4-dolla-no-holla pints of Three Floyds brew, all night long.

Seeing as we're a wine bar and all, we'll also be pouring $5 glasses of delicious reds and refreshing whites, hand-picked by (owner) Roland Alexander, his bad self."

'Hell's Kitchen' hopeful is a local

It's like Gordon Ramsay's "Hell's Kitchen" is the unfortunate-looking stepchild when compared with "Top Chef."

Both are reality chef-driven shows, but "Top Chef" always gets props from the critics for putting on up-and-coming culinary stars, while "Hell's Kitchen" is generally mocked because of its foul-mouthed host in Ramsay.

But in its current fifth season, the show is stepping it up with some serious competition, including our very own Ben Walanka, a sous chef at Rhapsody and the Chicago Symphony Center.



Ben Walanka's signature dish on Hell's Kitchen: Peking Duck Breast and Golden Beets with Baby Bok Choy, Tri-Colored Baby Carrots and Fig Molasses. (Photo: Ben Walanka)


During the premiere episode a few weeks back, Walanka sweated with the other 15 contestants as Ramsay tasted their "signature dishes" to see who really had the chops to win the position as executive chef of the Borgata Resort in Atlantic City as well as a $250,000 cash prize. His perfectly executed Pan-Seared Peking Duck Breast impressed Ramsay, who admitted that Walanka's creation was "by far the best dish on the men's team."

Thursday marks the third episode, and we found at least one viewing party if you'd like to cheer Walanka on—with him.

In fact, it comes directly from his Facebook status:

Ben Walanka: "Wants to know who's coming to Kirkwood on Thursday to watch 'Hell's Kitchen' with me!"

Get your $$$ in advance . . .

NYC's Guest of a Guest blogs about bar ATMs ripping off vulnerable clugoers with fees upwards of $6.95.

We've seen that phenom lately in many a Chicago spot as some people are trying to make money any way they can. Also, mandatory coat checks ($3-$5) and washroom attendants giving you the sideeye if you tip less than $2.

Seriously, WTF?!

Welcome Home, First Couple!

The Obamas are in the best place in the world to celebrate Valentine's Day—Sweet Home, Chicago!

So, of course, everyone's speculated where they'd end up on the most romantic night of the year. Turns out they're spending the entire weekend at their Hyde Park home, but if they had decided to venture out (UPDATE: They hit up Art Smith's Table Fifty-Two!), where would they go?!

Spiaggia, their favorite standby?! If they headed to this superb Italian eatery, they would've certainly nabbed seats overlooking the Mag Mile and Lake Michigan.

Or perhaps Le Colonial, whose romantic terrace perched over bustling Rush Street is the place to be when you're in amour.

Let's not forget Vivo, the West Loop hot spot with a private room elevator shaft that's seen the likes of Michael Jordan and Oprah.

Newcomer Eve is pretty much a long shot, but it would have been nice to see this progressive American restaurant in the Gold Coast get the spotlight.

Bucktown's Cafe Matou doesn't have a private dining room, but its delectable mod French cuisine and vino would have certainly made them feel as though they were the only couple in the place.

And no list would be complete without The Signature Room—offering the most spectacular view in the city from the 95th floor of the Hancock Building.

Someone's Having a Birthday!

February may be known as the month for flowers and chocolate but don't forget the birthday boy!

Giancarlo Turano II (Feb. 9) of Turano Baking Co. gets his own birthday shout-out this week as one of the very few February babies (where are the rest of you hiding?!). His family has been feeding our beloved carb cravings for nearly half a century with their artisan-style breads and pastries. You'll find their products at most grocery stores as well as a number of local restaurants and bars.


Have a February birthday? This Valentine's Day, Richard's Bar makes sure that all you February birthday babies get the love you deserve.

After all, this month isn't just about the chocolate and romance, it's about celebrating you. And this is a birthday event so forget the hearts and flowers and start thinking more along the lines of cake balls. 8pm-3am. No cover.
--Suzy M.

Your shot at the big time?!

This just dropped in the inbox:

"The National Restaurant Association is working with a national food channel production team to develop a short-list of casting prospects of first-time restaurant owners.

Are you opening your very first restaurant but you lack any real restaurant experience? Would you welcome the advice of a professional restaurant consultant? If this is you, we want you to star in an episode of a exciting new TV series for a major food network. In every episode of this captivating and very real one-hour series, the restaurant coach host provides first-time restaurant owners with the tools to open and run a successful business. We are looking for compelling characters with good personal stories and high stakes. Restaurant must be opening in November 2008-September 2009.

First-time owner casting prospects can be new to the restaurant world or a person who's been in the restaurant industry for years but never owned a restaurant. E-mail the individual(s) name, contact details and a brief bio to DHull@restaurant.org by 3pm CST, Friday, Feb. 13."

What they're saying on Facebook . . .

The Drawing Room's award-winning mixologist Charles Joly is shaking up something special for Valentine's Day.


Kevin Boehm (Partner Boka/Landmark/Perennial): "Excited about Chicago Chef Week."

Charles Joly (Mixologist/The Drawing Room: "Making lots and lots of marshmallows today . . . (for) Valentine's Day: Corzo Reposado & Grand Marnier infused marshmallows ...nothing's more romantic than gelatin and tequila."

Madrid Perry (Deejay): "Preparing for C'est Dommage (at Sushi Samba)!"

Azimio Rashad a.k.a. "Z" (Mixologist/Manor): Akira Lingerie Fashion Show at Manor tonight."

Debra Sharpe (Restaurateur): "Opening the new Feast in the Gold Coast with a fundraiser next Tuesday for the victims of the Victorian bushfires."

A Weekend with Edge

We've got you covered for Valentine's Day singles bashes, but there's so much more heating up the city in the next few days:

THURSDAY

We need more parties like this! Burlesque phenom Angela Eve headlines the The Elysian Ball with multi-disciplinary artist and designer Christophe Gauspohl. They've transformed massive art space Xchange West (344 N. Ogden Ave.) into a modern speakeasy concept, showcasing a variety of erotic-based performances, interactive installations, fashion exhibits, video art and more. Guests are encouraged to dress in black tie or creative gear. Ticket price includes complimentary cocktails, but you can also BYOB. 8pm-1:30am. And if you're still standing at the end of the night, get to the after party at the Flat Iron Building (1565 N. Milwaukee Ave.), where you'll get to meet the performers. That's 2-4am. $35; $60 VIP.

One-half of the award-winning Masters at Work team Little Louie Vega spins a rare set at Crescendo. We love him best for his ground-breaking Nuyorican Soul style, which cranked out hit after hit in the mid- to late-1990s. But look for the hard-working Vega, who hails from Spanish Harlem, to spin classic sounds as well as new flavor. 9pm-2am. $20.

It's time for Spark Ventures' annual wine tasting bash, so hopefully tix are still left. The walkaround event happens at Hafele (154 W. Hubbard St.), with more than 15 wines to sample and paired with light appetizers. The nonprofit Chicago-based Spark Ventures helps vulnerable children around the world. 5:30-8:30pm. $85.

FRIDAY

You cannot get any sexier than this: Underground unveils The St. Germain Cocktail tonight. So instead of doing the typical bottle service, indulge in this experience that includes the decadent liqueur by the carafe for $75 (serves six). Do it on the rocks, and for an additional $50, they'll throw in a bottle of bubbly. 10pm-4am.

Valentine's Day weekend wouldn't be the same without a party from HotHouse. They're transforming the upper level of Fizz into HotLoft, featuring global music by deejays Seth Hitsky and Vanessa Beck. The first 50 guests get a free glass of bubbly and handmade candles. 8pm-3am. $5.



Underground unveils The St. Germain Cocktail this weekend. (Photo: Underground)


SATURDAY

Yet another sultry set happens at Sinha Elegant Cuisine, with authentic, all-you-can-eat Brazilian cuisine and live Latin music. It's BYOB, so bring your best bottle of bubbly. Stick around for the dance party led by one of the top Brazilian dancers in the city. 6:30pm. $30.

If you're looking for a new friend instead of a new love, head to Bon V for the casting party for season two of Paris Hilton's "MY New BFF." Even though the ditzy heiress will likely not be there, she'll have her scouts from MTV looking for the best candidates. Oh, and fellas, a ton of single women have already RSVPed, so it's something to think about if you're rolling solo. 9pm-3am. $20.

SUNDAY

Servers in skimpy Catholic school uniforms. Bottomless Bloody Marys. And pancakes twice the size of your head. That's the theme for the indulgent new Sunday School brunch service at ajasteak on the first floor of the dana hotel. Now that's the perfect way to start off the week! 10am-3pm. Everything's a la carte.

MONDAY

Do some good in the Wicker Park 'hood by helping Between Boutique Café & Lounge pick out its new spring wine list. Hosted by Heritage Wine, the event includes a number of promising vino paired with sweet and savory bites by Executive Chef Radhika Desai, who was also a contestant on the current season of "Top Chef." 6-8pm. Free.