Blackbird Chef Hosts 'Shift Drinks'

Donnie Madia, David Posey and Paul Kahan of Blackbird. (Photo: Blackbird)

David Posey, the chef de cuisine at Blackbird, guest bartends May 2 at industry fave Shift Drinks at Watershed.

This is the first time the talented toque's taking part in the monthly affair and we're excited about his concoction. He's apparently cold smoking North Shore #11 Gin over Applewood for his Smoked Negroni. Woot?!

Brunch Service Launches at Davanti Enoteca

Truffle Egg Toast with fontina and asparagus is on Davanti Enoteca's new brunch menu. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

Oh Lordy.

If you thought it was hard before to get in at Davanti Enoteca, just wait until brunch starts this weekend.

Don't Be Surprised If You Run Into . . .

. . . Lady Gaga this weekend.

The mega pop star checked into a luxe Gold Coast hotel Thursday, and according to my Ultimate Insider, "She is occupying a full floor with her team and she has two suites (one for her and one for her clothes)." She's in town to tape the Oprah show Friday.

Dinner's On Us For Two at Perennial Virant!

Paul Virant photo via Chicago Reader

Hey there.

I'm feeling pretty generous today.

So guess what?!

I've got dinner for two at one of the preview dinners at Perennial Virant, which opens in mid May.

Mindy Segal Was A Punk/Goth Girl

Hot Chocolate's Mindy Segal grew up on Chicago's North Shore. (Photo: Mindy Segal)

As a local hometown girl, it always makes me especially proud to see other locally grown folks make it to the big time.

So I was pretty happy to check out Time Out's latest story featuring Chicago's own R.J. & Jerrod Melman (Hub 51/Paris Club), Doug Sohn (Hot Doug's) and Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate).

Join in on the Wedding Festivities . . .

. . . at a number of local spots hosting viewing parties, fashion shows, traditional/contemporary tea and more in honor of Will & Kate:

Blokes & Birds: They had me at Pimm's Cups, which the Lakeview lounge will be offering for $6 during a post-wedding viewing party if you don't get up at the crack of dawn to turn on the tube. Televisions will be tuned in all over the bar, and you'll also get comped cucumber sandwiches, half-pints of Wells Bombardier for $3, and all-you-can-eat fish & chips for $10. 5pm-2am Friday.

Chalkboard: You can stay in the spirit all weekend long at the North Center resto's brand new afternoon tea service. It includes a personal pot of tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones with Devonshire cream and organic fruit spread. $19 (add $8 for sparkling wine; $15 for Champagne). Saturdays, Sundays 2-4pm.

Wanna Skip The Line At Doughnut Vault?!

Doughnut Vault's chocolate glazed. (Photo: Doughnut Vault)

If you're like me and waited on a cold and blustery day for an hour and still left empty handed at Doughnut Vault, definitely keep reading:

Introducing The 'SkinnyTattooedBoy Margarita'

Mixologist Daniel de Oliveira (Photo: Daniel de Oliveira)

You know, I was a big, big fan of Bethenny Frankel's lo-cal SkinnyGirl Margarita until I recently found a local, underground version that's made of all fresh ingredients.

Chicago mixologist Daniel de Oliveira came up with his SkinnyTattooedBoy Margarita that's a bit more badass than the original concoction.