?uestlove Loves Chicago . . .

I've been wondering when I'd have the chance to jet off to Philly for ?uestlove's famous fried chicken.

But now I don't have to. According to Eater Chicago, the famed drummer for The Roots and the Jimmy Fallon Show has teamed up with our very own Graham Elliot to launch "?uest Loves Food" POWERED BY Chef Graham Elliot in May:

A Recipe For . . .

(Photo: Dan Dry)

. . . Skillet-Seared Mussels with Bay, Roasted Garlic and Chilies at West Town Tavern.

When it comes to comfort fare, this Near West Side restaurant is exceptional. You won't find kitschy cuisine on the seasonal and ingredient-driven menu engineered by chef Susan Goss, who runs the well-respected spot with husband, Drew.

After almost 10 years (they celebrate in May), they've maintained a steady crowd beyond neighborhood folks coming for the popular Fried Chicken Night (Mondays), Wagyu Beef Burger Night (Tuesdays) and Taco Thursdays.

The Gosses celebrate the restaurant's first 10 years with Champagne & Fried Chicken every Monday through May 28. The heaping of yardbird is $16.95, but for an extra $10, you'll get a glass of the Grande Cuvée from Compte Audoin de Dampierre, which originates from a small house based in the village of Chenay.

Or if you really want to do it up, tickets are still available for the annual Girl Food Dinner on April 22. Joining Susan Goss in creating a signature dish paired with wine are Nicole Pederson (C-House), Priscila Satkoff (¡Salpicón! Restaurant), Jackie Shen (Argent) and Jesse Oloroso (Black Dog Gelato).

While you're there, pick up a copy of the couple's cookbook, West Town Tavern: Contemporary Comfort Food, which contains more than 100 original recipes.

Here's one to get you started: Skillet-Seared Mussels with Bay, Roasted Garlic and Chilies:

Pops For Champagne On The First 30 Years

Nightlife vet Tom Verhey talks about the first 30 years of Pops For Champagne with Eater Chicago:

"... we've never really altered from our original concept of being a Champagne bar. Effervescence and excellence has always been our main focus. We've been tempted to get into more food and into other elements, but overall it's been a single bullet aimed at the Champagne respect and interest that we have. I think it carries over to the public also when you have a single direction and people can wrap themselves around the concept easier. It seems over the years people have respected us for doing that and it's paid off."

Frankie's Debuts Signature Prosecco

Here's a good reason for a toast:

Frankie's Scaloppine introduces Frankie's Take the Fizz, a new prosecco that's only available at the Mag Mile resto or in Padua, Italy. The light, sparkling wine originates from the Veneto region and is aged in stainless steel barrels, creating an ideal aging environment for young grapes.

Want a taste?!

Get Ready For The 'WTF' Dinner

Diners from a recent Clandestino event. (Photo: Clandestino)

A dinner that starts with coffee and ends with soup?!

That's what's up with WTF?, the latest pop-up dining experience from Clandestino, which is collaborating with Moto's Ben Roche and iNG's Thomas Bowman for a six-course "backwards" extravaganza.

Here's the menu:

Freebie Alert: Big Bricks!

Baby back ribs photo via bringingithome.com

Cubs fans get all the perks!

This time it's at Big Bricks, which will be giving away a free appetizer to those with same-day ticket stubs from the game.

Big Star, Mercadito Collaborate . . . Finally!

Mercadito's signature fish tacos. (Photo: Mercadito)

Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat), Michael Kornick (Ada Street/DMK Burger Bar/MK) and Giuseppe Tentori (Boka/GT Fish & Oyster) each created a signature taco for Mercadito's monthly program for Share Our Strength, and now it's time to get ready for another hot chef.

Big Star's Justin Large is up next, for the entire month of May, with Taco de Ostiones, fried oyster tacos with spicy radish slaw. As executive chef of Bucktown's most popular spot for tacos and whiskey, Large is certain not to disappoint.

Hot Chocolate To Close For Renovations

(Photo: Hot Chocolate)

Mindy Segal of Hot Chocolate fame sent her fans into a frenzy Monday when she posted the above photo of a ladder leading up to the restaurant's rooftop.

"No, rooftop seating isn't going in up there," she told 312DD. "I'm just installing a new air conditioner. I wish it was that exciting!"

The air-conditioning system was the first of many changes to come to the iconic Bucktown bakery and eatery, which has been open for more than 10 years. Hot Chocolate will close April 22, and Segal plans to reopen around May 8—right before Mother's Day weekend.

We're looking forward to the new look!