Someone Bought The $225 Patty Melt!

(Photo: David Burke's Primehouse)

Two diners, at separate tables, actually splurged over the weekend on Primehouse's brand-new, budget-busting burger.

Executive Chef Rick Gresh put the $225 Patty Melt on the menu Friday (and it's sold ONLY on Fridays), and at least one of the customers ordered it as an appetizer, according to a Primehouse staffer.

"He even ordered a steak as an entree," she said.

Wow. That must've been one hell of a tip!

Blackbird's Lynn House a 'Tales' Finalist

Blackbird's star mixologist Lynn House in action. (Photo: Lynn House)

Blackbird's tireless head mixologist Lynn House continues to collect accolades on a very high level.

This time the mega props come from Tales of the Cocktail, which announced Friday the 10 finalists for the event's annual Official Cocktail Competition.

Ryan Poli On Way To Super Stardom?!

He's got A-Lister looks, a bad-boy personality and gorgeous media celebrity girlfriend.

So it was only a matter of time until Ryan Poli hit the big time.

The talented toque—who just recently left his post at Perennial and will oversee the upcoming Tavernita in Chicago and Miami—will be one of four chefs competing on Bravo's newest reality show, Rocco's Dinner Party, that's set to air this summer.

Freebies . . . on Friday . . .

The $9.95 "Just Bring Me Lunch!" deal is new at Pizzeria Via Stato. (Photo: Pizzeria Via Stato)

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

Wild Card Deals are back and bigger than ever every Sunday at Cafe Selmarie through the winter. That means you draw a card from your server for different discounts, including half price on beer or wine; free desserts or half off on a second entree.

The Bedford, Southern Mac Truck Team Up

(Photo: Mark Steuer)

As we continue to wait for chef Mark Steuer to open The Bedford in the Wicker Park 'hood, here's something to keep us occupied in the meantime.

Apparently, he's teamed up with The Southern's mac 'n' cheese truck to give us a preview of what to expect when his resto opens in April.

Feast Your Eyes . . .

. . . on the world's most expensive patty melt!

Just when I had thought I'd seen it all, David Burke's Primehouse Executive Chef Rick Gresh has created the most luxurious sandwich sold in Chicago.

Chicago's Got Burger Fever!

(Photo: Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises)

Holy Moly Hamburgers!

This is the scene outside the Streeterville location for M Burger right NOW as folks wait outside patiently for the deal of the day.

Thursday is the venue's first-year anniversary and they're celebrating by offering every guest a free burger—of any size or price—with a purchase.

There's still time to get down there. It goes on until 7pm . . .

Everyone's Italian This St. Paddy's Day . . .

While the Irish will be bedazzled in green come March 17, the Italians will also be feting a very important milestone on that day: the 150th anniversary of Italy.

As part of the local festivities, 18 local restos will get the Ospitalità Italiana Seal – Italian Retaurants in the World—an honor recognizing their authenticity and culinary contributions to Italian culture—during a special dinner at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (1431 W. Taylor St.).

It's not an easy task to get the honor. To qualify, each restaurant must employ at least one staff member who can speak to guests in Italian; the menus must be written in proper Italian; at least 20 percent of wines offered must be DOP-certified (Denominazione di Origine Protetta, or "Protected Denomination of Origin"); and the head chef must meet requirements of experience and proficiency in Italian cooking.