People, Get Ready . . .

Moe's Cantina Showcases 'MasterChef' Season

Joe Bastianich (left), Gordon Ramsay and Chicago chef Graham Elliot are judges on FOX cooking competition show, "MasterChef." (Photo: FOX)

The hit FOX amateur chef reality competition MasterChef returns June 6 with Chicago's own Graham Elliot of the eponymous upscale River North eatery (as well as his namesake sandwich shop).

Apparently, there are some Chicago contestants on the second season, so Moe's Cantina in River North is getting in on the action with viewing parties every week through the end of the season.

Pinkberry Is Coming To Chicago!

This just in from Eater Chicago:

"Making its foray into the Midwest, Pinkberry, one of the country's largest frozen yogurt operations, will open shop in Chicago this summer . ... Pinkberry will take over the former 1,200 square foot Berry Chill flagship location; it, however, will get a complete overhaul making everything unique to Pinkberry. ... Apparently the signage is going up this afternoon, so expect some drool to start appearing on the window this weekend."

Awesome!!!!

The Most Delicious Story of the Day!

I can barely contain my excitement over this new story from Time Out Chicago.

Apparently, they've created a bike tour where they scope out the best doughnuts in the city.

Of course, Dinkel's is on the list, but where is Doughnut Vault, which they recently reviewed and awarded five out of five stars?!

Oh well. You know where it is!

I Scream, You Scream . . .

The heat's on and you need to cool off.

If you're not down with the rolling street carts and old-school ice cream trucks, here are some gourmet options you will love:

Billy Dec Stiffs Sunda Servers of $1,000 Tip

Restaurateur and nightlife impresario Billy Dec (Rockit Ranch Productions)

I couldn't believe this story when I first heard it, but apparently it's managed to be kept under wraps for a couple of weeks.

An Ultimate Insider tells 312DD that nightlife/restaurant impresario Billy Dec (Rockit Bar & Grill, Sunda, Underground) stiffed two Sunda servers of a $1,000 tip the entire Blackhawks' team wanted to give them. The worst part of this story?! They are both single mothers.

'Top Chef' Host Hints of Next Season in Chicago!

Tom Colicchio of Top Chef fame was in Chicago over the weekend for the National Restaurant Association Show, and hinted to Yum Sugar that Season 9 might possibly take place in Chicago again.

That would be freaking fabulous, especially since you know there would be cameo appearances by Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat) and Dale Levitski (Sprout).

And if they need a guest judge, ahem, 312DD's available . . .

Firefighter's Winning Meatballs to be Featured on Rosebud's Menu

Meatball lovers united Sunday at Rosebud on Taylor to cheer on eight amateur chefs who made it to the finals of the annual Do You Have The Meatballs? contest.

But it was firefighter Bill Anaszewicz who blew the competition away with his baked meatballs of ground beef, pork and veal. He told 312DD that he used his fellow firefighters as guinea pigs for three weeks, testing out various recipes until he perfected a winning formula the night before the finale.

As the grand prize winner, Anaszewicz will be treated to a luxurious trip to Wine Country for two, plus his meatballs will appear on Rosebud on Rush's menu all next week.

Check out the Gold Coast institution next week, or you can also make them at home because we've got the recipe!