*&^%$# Madonna, She HATES Chicago . . .

That's right, Her Madgesty had the nerve to diss our city, but apparently she expressed these views in 1991 when she was filming "A League of Our Own."

Huffington Post has uncovered a letter that the pop star wrote to a friend complaining about "the lack of hot guys" in Chicago: ". . . when God decided where the beautiful men were going to live in the world, he did not choose Chicago."

Our Very Own Hip-Hop Chef . . .

(Photo: Connie Lovely Jackson)


. . . goes by the name of "Lovely," and bump what's going on with Bravo and its upcoming reality-style show featuring this so-called hip-hop chef, this girl's got some serious skills on the mic and in the kitchen.

If Lovely (real name Connie Jackson) looks familiar to you, then you probably remember her as one of the cheftestants on Gordon Ramsay's "Hell's Kitchen" a couple seasons back. She gave no indication on the show of being such a talented rhyme master who I can best liken to the earlier days of Lil' Kim or Foxy Brown (Ramsay would have probably backed down if she did!).

Suds & Sausage On The Way To Wicker Park

(Photo: Goody)


Looks like Matt Eisler's next venture is opening in two weeks, according to Eater Chicago, who filed a report Wednesday on Bangers & Lace.

They got a sneak peek of his Wicker Park project, which is situated in the old Mas space and not too far from his other night spots, Bar DeVille and Empire Liquors. Here are some of the highlights we have to look forward to:

Something To Think About . . .

A seemingly happy crowd at Roof at theWit. (Photo: Meredith Gregory)


This curious email dropped in my inbox late Tuesday night:

"What are the main factors for you to like a nightclub/lounge? Like, what about the whole process stands out to you as being important? Music, decor, theme, staff, location, name, etc.? Basically just wondering what makes you enjoy a spot & obviously want to return, bring friends, tell people & ultimately deem worth spending $$?"

Hmmmmmmmmm. What do you guys think?! I'd be interested in hearing your answers—as well as I'm certain bar and club owners would be equally curious . . .

STAGE BITES: The Weekly Dining & Drinking Guide

Drake performs Wednesday and Thursday at the Chicago Theater.


Every Tuesday look for the week's top performances paired with the best deals before and/or after the show:

Drake at Chicago Theater. It looks like this R&B star/actor's career has taken off like lightening, and he may have Chris Brown's downfall to thank for that. 2010 has definitely been one hell of a year for Drake, who released his debut studio album ("Thank Me Later") and collaborated with hip-hop royalty: Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Kanye West, Eminem and Jay-Z on a number of songs. This is one of the most highly anticipated shows of the year. Opening act is Tyga. 8pm Wednesday, Thursday. Get tickets here. The official after-party goes down at The Shrine, and Drake is confirmed to attend.

Here's Your First Look . . .

. . . at the new logo for GT Fish & Oyster, the seafood-focused resto taking over the old Tizi Melloul space in River North.

Named after its executive chef and partner Guiseppe Tentori, the restaurant is part of the incredibly sucessful Boka Restaurant Group, which is also behind Boka, (where Tentori is also executive chef and partner), Landmark, Perennial and Girl & The Goat.

Boka Group partner Kevin Boehm tells 312DD exclusively that GT Fish & Oyster is expected to open in the winter, sometime in February 2011.

Is This 'Two-Hour Dining Limit' Fair?!

River West's La Scarola is one of my favorite go-to spots for cozy neighborhood Italian fare, so I was pretty disappointed to read a diner's review of a recent experience on GrubStreet:

Our First Rahmbo Sighting . . .

. . . comes from Kith & Kin Executive Chef Andrew Brochu, who spotted the flamboyant mayoral candidate in his restaurant Sunday night.

Nice that he's already up on one of the hottest restaurants in town . . .