Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Who Doesn't Love A Good Lobster Boil?!

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A New England-style lobster boil. (Photo via Carla's Tasty Treats)

As summer finally creeps its way back into our lives, there's one awesome occasion we can look forward to: the lobster boil.

You may be lucky enough to have generous friends who invite you over for such fabulous fetes, but in case you don't, we've got you covered.

Several places around town are going out of their way to make sure you don't miss out on the action like Tripoli Tap Tavern in Lincoln Park. This seventh-annual lobster boil (and clam bake!) goes down Memorial Day weekend 3pm-until May 29.

Oprah Lunches at Table Fifty-Two

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There's Oprah (in teal sweater) surrounded by adoring fans, as usual, Wednesday afternoon. (Photos: Amy Halik)

I sure do hope Oprah didn't expect to enjoy a quiet lunch Wednesday at Table Fifty-Two following her star-studded farewell show at the United Center and equally celeb-packed party at the Four Seasons Tuesday night.

Oprah's All-Star Wrap Party Was 'Top Secret'

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First, I was told RL (likely because of all the autograph seekers lingering around the area). Then it was the West Loop's Tasting Room, which actually made sense seeing as though it was only a few minutes away from the United Center. Someone also told me Paris Club was where Oprah was going to throw one last fabulous bash with her celebrity friends late Tuesday night.

But it was actually The Four Seasons, and, of course, the guest list did not disappoint.

My Ultimate Insider, who was at the party, said A-List sightings included the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Kelsey Grammer, Michael Jordan, Alicia Keys, Lisa Ling and Tom Hanks. And because celebrities on this level need an all-star lineup when it comes to who's actually making their cocktails, the Four Seasons pulled out all stops.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Why Did Bon V's Liquor License Get Revoked?!

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(Photo: Bon V)

Just a few weeks ago, hip-hop/movie star Common held a party here. And, as everyone knows, Casey Urlacher (brother of Bears star linebacker Brian Urlacher), is one of the owners.

So what exactly happened to Bon V for it to lose its liquor license Monday?!

Who Makes The Best Meatballs in Chicago?!

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Homemade meatballs from a friend's generations-old recipe. (Photo: Freddy Love)

You'll get the answer to that question, plus get your fill of meatballs all day at the second-annual Do You Have the Meatballs? event at the original Rosebud in Little Italy.

The festival is free and in addition to live music and tastings of Rosebud's signature Mama's Meatballs, you'll get to watch the judging of some of the city's top meatballs made by amateurs.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Is Dirty Betty's The Next Doughnut Vault?!

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Some of the yummy goodness expected at Dirty Betty's when it "pops up" in Lincoln Park. (Photo: Dirty Betty's)

Looks like Doughnut Vault is getting some competition as Lincoln Park's Cookie Bar jumps into the doughnut-making biz.

And what's awesome about this grand little operation—that'll be known as Dirty Betty's—is that they'll be making 10 daily flavors of artisan doughnuts. The "pop up" store is set to open Wednesday, and hours will be 7-10am Monday-Friday and 10am-10pm Saturdays.

What's Your Fave 'Hangover' Cure?!

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Your best "hangover cure" recipe could win you advance screening tickets to "The Hangover Part II" as well as food for two at Epic Burger. (Photo: Epic Burger)

We've all been there.

One too many the night before could easily put us out of commission for hours and hours. But who has time to lie around all day when you need to be productive?!

So 312DD is looking for your very best cure for a hangover. We're looking for your tried-and-true recipe (think comfort food!) that should get even the most overindulgent revelers back on their feet.

And what do you get in return?

33 Club Has Closed in Old Town

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(Photo: 33 Club)

Turns out that tip I received about 33 Club's eventual closing happened sooner than expected.