Michael Carlson's first TV interview!

Marcus Riley of NBC-Chicago's entertainment showcase 24/7 snags an interview with the elusive Schwa chef/owner Michael Carlson on why it's so damn hard to get a reservation.

Peep the video here, with a cameo by 312 Dining Diva, who scored her first reservation here after a year-long wait.

Booze, Brunch and The Bombshell

After Josephine Baker and long before J.Lo, there was Iris Chacon—an exotic beauty known for her provocative performances, flamboyant style and curvaceous figure.

The Puerto Rican provocateur's the subject of the MCA's latest UBS 12 x 12: New Artists/New Work exhibition you can check out at this month's First Fridays after-work event. Created by Chicago artist Edra Soto, The Chacon-Soto Show explores her impact on U.S. feminist issues. It's on display through June 28.

Your First Fridays ticket include museum admission, live entertainment, complimentary Wolfgang Puck hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. 6-10pm. $16 ($8 for MCA members). 220 E. Chicago Ave.

Other exciting events you don't want to miss:

THURSDAY

Everyone's talking about the new Whole Foods store in Lincoln Park, so if you haven't been, there's still room for the Chef's Table Supper Club tonight. The series occurs every other Thursday with a three-course meal and a glass of wine. The chef's selection is created with the freshest, seasonal ingredients the store has available. Registration required. 6:30pm. $42/person; $75/couple. 1550 N. Kingsbury St., 312-587-0648.

For something less formal, but just as tasty, grab a seat at one sixtyblue's bar for Burgers, Beer and Beats. Every Thursday, the West Loop eatery offers a rotating lineup of $4 craft brews paired with juicy $4 burgers. 6-10pm.

First Thursday Tastings happens at Fion Wine Bar with Unibroue beers (Ephremere, La Fin Du Monde, Maudite, Don De Dieu, Chambly Noire) and gourmet cheese pairings. 7-9pm. Free.

Grab dinner at North Center faves Brownstone or sola, then indulge in the third-annual Bubbles & Berries happening at the nearby Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro. Champagne, sparkling wine and moscatos will be paired with seasonal berries and a chocolate fountain. 7-9pm. $15 in advance; $20 at the door.

At The Bar returns to The Drawing Room, with executive chef Nick Lacasse and chief mixologist Charles Joly whipping up a fabulous three-course meal paired with market-fresh cocktails for only eight lucky diners. 6:30pm. $45 (reservations required).

You might have better luck getting in Chiquiteo: A Tapas Tour, a dining crawl happening at Lincoln Square's hottest spots. On-site registration starts at 6pm at Fiddlehead Cafe, then you can make your way to the other participants (Provenance Food and Wine, The Book Cellar, Café Selmarie, Bistro Campagne) for tapas and Spanish wine. 6:30-9:30pm. $35. Reservation required.

FRIDAY

The Museum of Science and Industry launches its first-ever Smart Home farmers market with a special cooking presentation at 11:30am by chefs Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh (HBTV) of The Hearty Boys fame. They'll be cooking up a delicious brunch-time dish of Orange Blossom pancakes with mascarpone and fresh berries. For the kick off, guests will also enjoy music, food vendors and treats cooked in a solar oven. The farmers market happens on the first and third Fridays of the month through Oct. 16. 7am-2pm.

If you're over the usual hip-hop and pop in the clubs, make your way to Sonotheque for Free Da Funk, a night of amazing throwback tracks. Deejay Joe Bryl will be digging in his crates for the best in soul, funk, R&B and disco accompanied by rare Blaxplotation films. 9pm-2am. No cover. $5 drink specials.

SATURDAY

If you ever wanted to get into the Guinness Book of World Records, this may be your chance: The World’s Biggest Bar Crawl happens in Lincoln Park and it's looking to beat NYC's record of 3,163 crawlers in March. Oh, we can easily beat that! Just show up and make it out to at least eight of the bars on the crawl, including Soiree, Glascott's, Toasted Ox and Grand Central. Participants get drink and food specials at each location, plus a portion of the proceeds benefits Children's Heart Foundation. $15.

If you're looking for a laid-back afternoon diversion, head to Lockwood inside the Palmer House Hilton. They're hosting a free wine-tasting event, and all those sampled will be available by the bottle at a reduced price for the evening. 3-5pm. Free.

SUNDAY

You know how they say don't go grocery shopping if you're hungry?! Grab brunch first at the South Loop Whole Foods Market, then go get your goodies. Choose from a rotating menu of French toast, veggie-friendly dishes, eggs and pancakes for $5, plus you can order a Mimosa for an extra $5. Noon-2pm. 1101 S. Canal St.

Fashion-forward folks looking for next season's styles should head to Bar DeVille to check out Chicago-based clothing line Imaginary People. You'll get to check out the entire line—in all sizes—and if they don't have an item or color, you can also order. Free booze always makes shopping fun! Noon-6pm.

MONDAY

And, Monday-night obsession Rehab moves from Evil Olive to Debonair Social Club. Expect good energy level at this industry-dominated party that includes free drinks (9-10pm), drink specials and guest deejays. 9pm-2am. Free.

She Wang Dang Doodled into our Hearts!

NBC Chicago's footage of a recent interview and performance with legendary blues queen Koko Taylor, who passed away today . . .

Super Chef is #$%^&*&^%$!?#@!

Dennis Ongkiko, composer of "Super Chef." (Photo: Kevin Boehm)


I hope she can take a joke.

Of course I'm referring to celebrity chef Rachael Ray, who's lampooned ''Weird Al'' Yankovic-style in the song Super Chef, which is featured in mockumentary The Golden Spoon.

The film, which will be featured in the upcoming June 12 Gold Coast Film Fest, is about a fictional "James Beard-like" awards ceremony and was shot by local hot shot restaurateur Kevin Boehm (BOKA, Landmark, Perennial).

Dennis Ongkiko (brother of Old Oak Tap owner Chris Ongkiko) wrote the song and stars in the movie.

Check the lyrics:

"My stock is on the rise. I've got the critics on their knees with open mouths between my thighs . . . . better make your reservation, summer menu's on fiyah!

"I'm doing my best 'cause I'm a Super Chef, Food Network called, they're gonna give me a show. My rave reviews are harder than habachi . . . "

Listen to Super Chef here as he really gets down 'n' dirty, and yes, he gets in a dig on Rachael Ray!

Crazy!

Kids' Restaurant Week returns

312DD typically isn't a kid-friendly site, but we've gotten many requests from those with little ones about special deals.

MenuPages writes that the second-annual Kids' Restaurant Week happens June 20-28 "with prix-fixe menus (pay your age if you're under 11; $29 for kids and adults 12 and older) and family-friendly dining times of 5-7pm."

Just some of the participants include 312 Chicago, Coco Pazzo Cafe, Duchamp, Osteria Via Stato, Landmark and Aigre Doux.

I spy a trend. Next year it'll be Doggy Dining Week . . .

Speidi snubbed at Alinea?!

Spencer and Heidi Pratt of "reality fame."


Speidi—the terrible twosome newlywed "reality stars" known as Spencer and Heidi Pratt—think they're famous and run with the A-List crowd, but not in our town.

An Ultimate Insider writes to 312DD that the last time they were here, one place they couldn't pull any of their bullsh*t was none other than Alinea:

"Believe what you see. They really are douchebags. Came in to the restaurant once without a reservation (you know....that fancy place in Lincoln Park that starts with an 'A'), and were promptly turned away in hilarious fashion (considering no one there had any idea who they were) and when they finally came back (having made a reso like everyone else that time) they lived up to every concievable horror one might dream them to embody. Hilarious, and certainly a low point for that establishment's clientele."

Tickets are going fast!

"Top Chef" stars Stephanie Izard and Dale Levitski at last year's Green City Market Summer BBQ Festival. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)


This year's Green City Market Summer BBQ Festival is bigger than ever with more than 50 of Chicago's chefs participating (that means more food!) in Lincoln Park.

Just found out they've sold more than half the tickets, so if you plan on going, you need to act now here because you won't be able to buy them at the door.

The grand outdoor chowdown happens 6-8pm July 16 (rain or shine), with the likes of John Caputo (A Mano), Paul Kahan (Blackbird, avec, Publican), Stephanie Izard (The Drunken Goat), Carrie Nahabedian (NAHA), Christophe David (NoMi) and others whipping up signature BBQ bites. You'll also get Goose Island beer, cocktails and wine. Tickets are $60.

Word on the return of fave alfresco spots . . .

Cedar Hotel opens this summer by the team behind RiNO and Manor. (Photo: flickr.com/jnicholl81)


It's June 2, and it's COLD.

Here's something to warm you up—even though these spots won't be opening until later in the summer:

On the Gold Coast, Cedar Hotel takes over the entire outdoor chilling space once known as Melvin B's and Cactus. It's now under the ownership of the guys behind RiNO and Manor, and anticipates opening by the end of the month.

312DD got a little more information about the venue once known as Pontiac Cafe (1531 N. Damen Ave.), now owned by the team behind award-winning ventures Blackbird, avec, Publican, Danny's and The Violet Hour. The still unnamed bar, which is incidentally directly across the street from The Violet Hour, will keep its massive outdoor patio that made it the most popular summer hangout in the Wicker Park 'hood. An Ultimate Insider tells us to expect it to be a cross between Danny's (homey, hipster vibe) and The Violet Hour (post-modern mixology program) with tacos on the menu. Opening unknown, but they're shooting for this summer.

And Life's Too Short, which shuttered its nautical-themed dive in 2004 at Elston and Division streets, is looking to make a comeback under the same name and new ownership. No word on whether they'll return to their original concept of live reggae under the stars, but that would certainly be a winner. We're hearing it might open later this summer.