A Cocktail Lounge From Violet Hour Alum

Barrelhouse Flat interior shot. (Photo: Thrillist)

Stephen Cole made a name for himself at The Violet Hour, but now it's time for him to do his own thing.

So he's stepping out with a new project called Barrelhouse Flat, which is opening in Lincoln Park next Monday.

Our friends at Thrillist got an exclusive sneak preview and here's what they had to say about it:

Zombie Strippers & Food Trucks

I stayed up way too late one night watching some ridiculous movie called Zombie Strippers. Laughed the entire way through.

But never did I think someone would bring it to life, but then again it is Halloween season.

Well, the infamous Admiral Theatre (3940 W. Lawrence Ave.) plans to feature their own "undead" exotic dancers, but instead of eating brains and guts, they just might be eating some of the best tamales and naan-wiches in town.

That's because the club is jumping on the food-truck bandwagon by teaming up with Gaztro-wagon and Tamale Spaceship for a week-long event.

Your Tix To Hottest Halloween Bash in Town

Photo via thebestmasquerademasks.com.

Now's the time to start planning your Halloween costume because it's only a couple of weeks away. And if you don't already have parties to hit up that weekend, man do I have the event for you. . .

So I've got a pair of complimentary tickets for the Green City Market Junior Board's first-ever Masquerade del Mercado, taking place 4-8pm Oct. 30 at Carnivale.

Vivo Fetes 20th Anniversary By Giving Back

Vivo's gorgeous dining room has not changed in 20 years. (Photo: Vivo)

It's hard to believe that West Loop pioneer Vivo celebrates its twentieth birthday on Nov. 1.

To mark the special occasion, the still very trendy Italian restaurant is offering an incredible three-course deal for $20 from Nov. 1-15. But what's even better is that a percentage of proceeds from the celebration menu will be donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, in honor of owner Dan Krasny's mother, who was a Holocaust survivor.

Rick Gresh Goes Haute Casual

Chef Rick Gresh's "The Hangover Dog" (Photo: America's Dog) and Gresh. (right photo: David Burke's Primehouse)

David Burke's Primehouse's Executive Chef Rick Gresh may be a fine-dining culinary star, but he always seems to get more pleasure when he's putting his spin on comfort-food dishes.

In his latest collaboration with America's Dog, he's created a signature dog for the monthly program featuring high-profile local chefs.

Celeb Chefs & Charity Go Hand In Hand

GT Fish & Oyster is one of many top restaurants set to serve on the charity circuit this fall. (Photo: GT Fish & Oyster)

Just about every week, there's some type of chef-focused charity party going on, and while this week's no different, it's the biggest one of all.

Friday's the day for the annual Meals on Wheels' Celebrity Chef Ball—the city's longest event of its kind.

Chefs Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat), Chris Pandel (The Bristol) and Paul Virant (Perennial Virant) are the esteemed hosts, and 80 additional chefs are set to serve signature bites at the walk-around tasting (8pm-12:30am; $125 per person).

But one name jumped out at me because this chef is also participating in a couple of additional charitable events you should know about.

Fall Into These New Dining Spots

The colorful Patron's Hacienda is ideal for the couple that’s been together for awhile and looking to spice up their relationship. (Photo: Patron's Hacienda)

OK, people.

We've been spoiled for the past week with some amazing weather, and alas, that's about to come to an end.

But have no fear. It's about to get good. . .really good as crisp fall temperatures descend upon us.

From BLT American Brasserie to Patron's Hacienda to The Pump Room, a number of fall restaurant openings have you and your significant other in mind as you look for places where you can snuggle up.

Check them all out in the The GRUB GUIDE, in ChicagoDining.com.

Morning TV Anchor Sushi Battle!

Melissa Forman (left) and Jeanne Sparrow of WCIU-TV's "You & Me This Morning" with actors Shawn and Marlon Wayans. (Photo: WCIU-TV)

My girls Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman—anchors of WCIU-TV's You & Me This Morning—are always on a roll, but this time they're doing it for a great cause.

They're taking part in RA Sushi's first-ever Wake Up Little Sushi contest, where they're charged with creating a signature roll to raise money for their favorite charity.