Thursday, March 15, 2012

Freebie Alert: M Burger!

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M Burger's signature double-stack burger. (Photo: M Burger)

This is the kind of news we LOVE.

To celebrate its second birthday, all M Burger locations (Loop, River North, Streeterville, Water Tower Place Mall) will generously give you a special gift.

The Perfect Party For Singles This Summer!

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Culinary kings and cigar connoisseurs Rick Gresh (David Burke's Primehouse), Giuseppe Tentori (GT Fish & Oyster, Boka) and Cleetus Friedman (City Provisions) have teamed up to host the first-ever CigarBQue this summer.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Freebie Alert: Sprinkles Cupcakes!

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(Photo: Sprinkles)

Just in case you're looking for a sweet bite, Sprinkles is feting its new extended hours with a giveaway.

The stylish cupcakery's now open until 9pm every day (except Sunday until 8pm), so they're giving away a free cupcake to each person who stops by 8-9pm March 15-16.

That's right. You get a cupcake. And you get a cupcake. And you . . . and you . . .

This Should Come As No Surprise . . .

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Mixologist Paul McGee doing what he does best at RPM Italian. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

As director of cocktail development for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Paul McGee has already skillfully created a number of cocktails to complement the cuisine at RPM Italian. I'm especially loving—of course—his rendition of the Negroni, which is topped off with Prosecco.

As he's working on getting Bub City open this summer, LEYE partner R.J. Melman tells 312DD that McGee's next task is to re-design the cocktail programs at Hub 51 and Paris Club.

A Recipe For . . .

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. . . The Green Mile Burger.

Everyone's idea of celebrating St. Patrick's Day doesn't entail slamming down mug after mug of green-hued beer. That's especially true over at Lockdown Bar & Grill in Ukrainian Village, where Executive Chef Jason Slimak has found new uses for Guinness and corned beef.

His Green Mile Burger is now on the menu, but if you'd like to hook it up at home, here's the recipe:

March 14 is National Pi Day!

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Bang Bang Pie Company's Lavender Coconut Cream Pie. The bakery shop is set to open in Logan Square this spring. (Photo via instagr.am.)

Mensa members and math lovers celebrate National Pi Day on March 14 (3/14) because Pi is 3.14 (3.14159265358979323846).

But foodies will be celebrating in their own way with . . .

Whoopie pies. Mince meat pies. Pizza pies. Cobblers. Chicken pot pies. And good ol' American apple pies.

Some recs on where to go to chow down in style:

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

More Gourmet Sammies Coming Downtown

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We hope Clandestino Supper Club's gourmet sammies look as good as the ones at New York's Taco Mix. (Photo via Grubstreet)

Out of the blue Monday, Clandestino Supper Club's chef/owner Efrain Cuevas posted on Facebook that he's opening a gourmet sandwich shop soon in the Loop.

Cuevas, who cut his teeth in Frontera Grill's kitchen, had been doing offbeat, underground dinners under Clandestino during his off hours for a few years, but they did so well that he decided to make them a full-time gig. His parties have ranged from a Halloween-themed event featuring recipes from Vincent Price's cookbook to the highly popular Dinnerpalooza Summer Jams.

Right now, there are no details about the location, menu and opening date, but we'll get that to you soon . . .

Attack of the Mac . . . & Cheese

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The Southern Mac & Cheese Store's signature dish. (Photo: Southern Mac & Cheese Store)

Relish in these next few days as we experience record highs outside, but since I'm not a weather-girl, I'm going to stick to what I really know.

March just happens to be National Noodle Month, and there's a whole lotta celebrating going on.