Freebies . . . on Friday . . .

The Aviator cocktail is free tonight only at Bernard's at the Elysian. (Photo via The Best American Poetry)

Low on cash, but got an appetite for the good life?! Every Friday, 312DD features the best bargain bets around town:

Bernard's: You'll get one free classic Aviator cocktail if you mention the names Levi or Erin at the Elysian's sexy mezzanine-level lounge. The deal is good for tonight only.

'Red Cooler Tamale Guy' is on Twitter!

(Photo via ifood tv)

There's a feeding frenzy with foodies following food trucks in town selling everything from meatball sandwiches to cupcakes to mac 'n' cheese.

But some of us are so lazy that we'd rather have the good eats come straight to us. Literally. Like that one late, late night last December when we were sitting around at Bar DeVille.

Chicago Gets Sneak Peek of David Burke's Kitchen!

David Burke (Photo: David Burke Townhouse)

So, this is very cool.

For once, Chicagoans get an edge over New Yorkers as celeb chef David Burke gives us a sneak preview of his latest project that's opening in SoHo on Feb. 1.

Those dining at David Burke's Primehouse on Jan. 21 get first tastes of some of the dishes set to appear on the menu at David Burke's Kitchen, located in the James New York hotel.

Whiskey Bar To Soon Serve Up Deejays?!

Whiskey Bar & Grill on Rush Street. (Photo: Whiskey Bar & Grill)

From one of my Gold Coast-based Ultimate Insiders:

"You have your fingers on the pulse of everything (Gosh, I absolutely adore this person!).

"I received a letter from Whiskey Bar, which is of course right across the street from our apt., asking for our support in their quest for a DJ permit/license. They said they would not charge a cover or install a dance floor and are going to respect the neighborhood.

"We haven't received the notice from (Ald.) Brendan Reilly to voice our opinions at a hearing, but the letter indicated that when the hearing does happen, they hope they have our support."

It'll be interesting to see what happens here, seeing how there are very few similar options in the immediate area . . .

The Best Tables in Town on Valentine's Day

Sepia's semi-private Table 70 is one of the city's most romantic spots in town. (Photo: Urban Daddy)

When it comes to Valentine's Day, you've done diamonds to death. Sent more roses to last your significant other a lifetime.

And, of course, you've hit damn near every romantic spot in the city, so how could you possibly outdo yourself on the most romantic night of the year?!

The Baker and the Bartender

Caroline Hamilton and Tony Galzin of MK (Photo courtesy of Caroline Hamilton)

Just wanted to toss out a warm congrats to MK's talented pastry chef Tony Galzin and bartender Caroline Hamilton, who got engaged on Christmas Eve at her home.

They met at the longtime contemporary American River North restaurant where he cranks out artistic sweets that actually pair well with her delicious, hand-crafted cocktails.

"It was a huge surprise, (and) neither one of our families knew, so it was super fun to surprise them when we went to his aunt's house to see everyone Christmas morning," says Hamilton. "He was going to do it Christmas morning, but said he got too excited (to wait)!"

So happy for them!

Special Zealous Menu Inspired By Spain

Zealous Owner/Executive Chef Michael Taus and wife Annette on their recent trip to Barcelona. (Photos: Michael Taus)

Ever since I saw Vicky Cristina Barcelona (starring Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson and Rebecca Hall), I've been obsessed with traveling to Spain.

The wine, the cuisine, the culture and the passion of those beautiful people are simply breathtaking and one day I'll get there.

In the meantime, I'll just live vicariously through Zealous owner/executive chef Michael Taus, who just returned to Chicago after an eight-day trip to Barcelona.

'Chicago Restaurant Week' On Its Way!

Prairie Fire's slow-braised Tallgrass beef barbecue brisket. (Photo: Ron Kaplan)

You can only dine at so many restaurants a year—mostly because you only have so many $$$ to dine out.

That's why you should thank your lucky stars for the annual Chicago Restaurant Week, which allows you to choose from at least 200 restaurants that may be out of your price range on the regular.

From Feb. 18-27, the 10-day event features special prix-fixe menus of $22 for lunch and $33-$44 for dinner. Here's a list of all participating restaurants, but you'll also find a handful of newcomers to the scene: