Urban Belly Alum Needs Your Help!

Midnight Moxie members Sarah Chang (from left), Meg O'Reilly and Nia O'Reilly Amandes (Photo: Midnight Moxie)

Former Urban Belly/Belly Shack Chef Sarah Chang and fellow members of contempo doo-wop group Midnight Moxie are only about $1,500 short of seeing their dream realized.

You see, they need exactly $3,500 to finish their first album, Don't Stop, and their "customer service employee/teacher/self-employed chef paychecks" are not getting them there. So if 13-year-old Rebecca Black could manage to get support for that ridiculous Friday song, there's no reason why these girls shouldn't get their wish fulfilled. And they're actually talented.

Dinner Pays Tribute To 'Women of Rock'

Blue 13 includes Chicago's own Liz Phair during "Women of Rock" dinner.

Peek your head inside any restaurant kitchen around town, and you'll be surprised to discover that what they're listening to is far more interesting than what we're hearing out in the dining room.

That's what inspired Blue 13 executive chef/owner Chris Curren to launch the Rock 'n' Roll Dinner Series in 2009. The five-course dinners are inspired by a band or theme, and each dish takes its cue from a designated song from the playlist.

April Showers Bring On Perennial’s Powers

Paul Virant photo via Chicago Sun-Times.

Perennial Virant—with chef Paul Virant at the helm—is set to open in mid-May.

Eater's got a sneak preview of what to expect as far as the interior, and we've got the opening menu for you to peruse.

You'll love the fact that there's a $35 seasonal, three-course prix-fixe menu, plus 15 shareable plates ranging $8-$27.

It Totally Pays To Be A Firefighter!

The staff over at Grant Achatz's glorious new Next have likely heard just about every story imaginable from the more than 21,000 people trying to get reservations at the West Loop hot spot.

But we're betting they had no idea they'd get this one:

Spring Into Best Chef-Driven Brunches

Sprout's Dale Levitski has his own version of the Croque Madame on the brunch menu. (Photo: Sprout)

Still trying to decide on brunch plans for Easter or Mother's Day?!

These chef-driven brunches from the likes of Sable Kitchen & Bar's Heather Terhune, Table Fifty-Two's Art Smith and Sprout's Dale Levitski should certainly satisfy.

See the rest of my favorite picks on WCIU-TV's You & Me This Morning, and make your reservations before they sell out!

Green Zebra's Anniversary Deals . . .

(Photo: Green Zebra)

We're pretty excited about this one because West Town's veggie sensation, Green Zebra, can be on the expensive side.

But until the end of the month (Sunday through Thursday only)—to celebrate its seventh anniversary—the upscale restaurant is doing a bunch of $7 food and drink specials.

Here's what you will get:

Who's Your Favorite Bartender?!

Head Bartender Mike Ryan of Kimpton's Sable Kitchen & Bar. (Photo: Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants)

Not certain where you'll be drinking this weekend?!

I conducted an informal Twitter poll, asking folks who they prefer to visit behind the bar when they're in the mood for a Manhattan or shot of Maker's.

Here's what I got:

On Being 'The Hottest Game In Town'

Kevin Boehm of the Boka Restaurant Group. (Photo: taken from Boehm's Facebook page)

In 2011 alone, Kevin Boehm (one half of the fabulous Boka Restaurant Group boys with Rob Katz) has gotten accolade upon accolade for his various culinary projects.

From Stephanie Izard's Beard nom for Girl & The Goat to snagging the Rising Star Restaurateur Award from StarChefs, the praises just keep on coming.

And with Perennial Virant set to open in May and Little Goat arriving in the autumn, we don't see this train stopping any time soon.

But Boehm says, despite the success, he won't let it go to his head: