Hot Doug's Is #1 . . .

Hot Doug's photo via Complex

This comes as no surprise.

Doug Sohn and his enticing encased meats at Hot Doug's nag the #1 spot in Complex's 25 Best Hot Dog Shops in America roundup:

"Hot Doug's sits on top as the best hot dog shop in America because they can do it both ways. That is to say, they have arguably one of the best Chicago dogs out there for a startling $1.75 (unless you're a stickler for the two tomatoes, two sports rule) and they run a special menu of gourmet sausages that sets the bar for extravagant and creative across the nation. The specials are food porn . ..."

Go, Ryan, Go!

Ryan Poli of Tavernita. (Photo: Ryan Poli)

Let's root on Chicago homeboy Ryan Poli, chef/partner at Tavernita, who's competing Wednesday on Bravo TV's Rocco's Dinner Party.

You might remember when I first told you about the show back in March. This is the fourth episode of the cooking contest in which competitors each week whip up dinner and a party atmosphere to impress Rocco DiSpirito and his celebrity guests. On Ryan's episode, which includes actor Chazz Palminteri and comic Jeffrey Ross, the challenge is to create a "flavorful, yet healthy feast fest."

If Chicago Was A Cake . . .

(Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Gold Coast)

TLC's Cake Boss Buddy Valastro was in town last week to help kick off a major grand-opening event at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Gold Coast (834 N. Rush St.).

More than 500 guests were in attendance, including media elite and Bears players (including legendary NFLer Otis Wilson). But the real star of the soirée was the magnificent cake Valastro created for the spectacular event.

Charles Joly Wins AGAIN!

If you were looking to check out The Drawing Room star mixologist Charles Joly for cocktails this week, he's been out of the loop for a very good reason.

Joly's been in Mexico City competing in the second-annual Olmeca Altos Global Margarita Contest with the Tahona Society. He was up against the best in the biz from all over the world, including London, South Africa, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and Mexico.

He beat them all Friday night to win a trip to London.

Congrats, Charles!

Star Spangled Sippers For Your Holiday Soirée

Kingford's Louisiana Sangria (Photo: John Lee)

Looking for something unique to serve your guests this holiday season? 312DD caught up with some of the city's most talented mixologists for cool cocktail recipes for your backyard bash.

And if you're a guest, you don't want to show up empty handed. Here are some recommendations for awesome boozy gifts for the host or hostess.

Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

Gene & Georgetti Anniversary Dinner Is $15.25!

The legendary steak resto Gene & Georgetti celebrates 70 years in July, and they're doing it up big.

Major.

They're marking the milestone with three nights of what they're calling "throwback" dinners, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Common Threads, Standing Tall and St. Vincent de Paul Center.

That's so cool of them, but what's even sweeter is that these throwback dinners are four-course, prix-fixe menus that will only cost you $15.25 per person. Woot?! And it gets better. Your meal includes two cocktails. We're talking classic sippers like Manhattans, Old Fashioneds and Rob Roys. Double Woot?!

Segal Celebrates Engagement With New Desserts

Hot Chocolate's Mindy Segal. (Photo: Mindy Segal)

Hot Chocolate Pastry Goddess Mindy Segal got engaged a couple of months ago.

How excited do you think she is?!

Well, she was so excited that she decided to share her jubilation with diners by adding a special dessert section to the menu:

July Is National Ice Cream Month!

June and its iffy weather was kinda meh, so we're very much looking forward to July, which is generally known as the best month of the year.

It also happens to be National Ice Cream Month, and boy are we gonna celebrate!

Café 676: The resto in the Gold Coast's Omni Hotel has totally revamped for the season, adding more local produce and ingredients. That's particularly awesome for ice cream lovers, as Executive Chef Daven Wardinski treks to his honey hive in La Fox, Ill., to collect raw honey from free-range bees. That's used to sweeten several menu items, including the signature 676 Honey Ice Cream.