A Crosstown Classic . . . With Cupcakes?!

Magnolia Bakery's first-ever Crosstown Classic cupcakes represent the White Sox and Cubs. (Photo: Magnolia Bakery)

The biggest debate this time of year is whether the Cubs or White Sox represent Chicago best.

And this time around, New York transplant Magnolia Bakery wants to put it to rest by holding the first-ever Crosstown Classic—with cupcake flavors representing both teams.

Give Dad What He Really Wants . . .

McGee's "Classic Car Brunch." (Photo: Freddy Love)

How come Dad always gets the short end of the stick when it comes to his big day?!

Wack-ass ties. Cologne that smells more like shoe polish. And frou-frou brunches fit for a queen, not a king.

Not this year. Instead, give him what he really wants and take him to an event like the annual Classic Car Brunch at McGee's Tavern.

In its seventh year, CCB occurs on Father's Day and showcases the retro rides of his wildest dreams. Look for classic cars to line Webster Avenue at Sheffield all afternoon. There's a bonus if you've got a muscle car to flex yourself: Park it and you'll get brunch for free. 10am-3pm Sunday.

Leave the corny Father's Day stuff to Mr. Brady. Poppa won't preach if you treat him to even more cool happenings at ChicagoShopping.com.

Cheers: It's Global Negroni Week!

Barrel-aged Negroni photo via starchefs.com.

I was doubled over with excitement because of National Lobster Day until I found out that it is also Global Negroni Week.

This is serious business if you're like me and have a secret love affair with both gin and Campari.

A few sweet places where you should consider checking out the classic Italian aperitif:

Craig Schoettler is OUT at The Aviary

Alinea chefs Dave Beran (from left), Craig Schoettler and Grant Achatz discuss The Aviary build out. (Photo: The Aviary)

The award-winning, yet controversial Executive Chef Craig Schoettler is apparently no longer working at The Aviary—according to his latest tweet:

"Good luck The Aviary."

Under Schoettler's leadership, the molecular-focused cocktail lounge has garnered a number of awards and accolades, including being named a Tales of the Cocktail finalist for World's Best New Cocktail Bar (The winner will be announced when the annual cocktail and spirits conference takes place in New Orleans July 25-29). Schoettler did this final interview about The Aviary's innovative cocktail techniques with the Daily Meal Video Network last week.

Schoettler's girlfriend, Jennifer Contraveos, who tends bar at Barcito, tweeted this curious message Monday afternoon:

"Can you post all your genius recipes now? :) Good luck is right."

This looks like there's an interesting story behind those tweets. We'll keep you updated with more details . . .

UPDATE: Looks like he was fired.

We reached out to The Aviary partner Nick Kokonas, and he had this to say:

Let's Scream For SPIKED Iced Cream

Spiked milkshakes from 25 Degrees: Salty Caramel (from left), Turkish Latte, Guinness Milkshake, Drunkin’ Berries. (Photo: Potluck Creative)

It's hot as ##$%^&)#^&(!@*! outside, so it's time to check out these tasty frozen treats from the likes of 25 Degrees, Paramount Room and Bucktown newcomer Red Door.

Stay Cool!

Friday Is National Lobster Day!

Shaw's Crab House celebrates the decadent crustacean in June with "Lobster Festival." (Photo: Shaw's Crab House)

You could be having the absolute worst week of your life, but this news should most certainly pep you up: June 15 is National Lobster Day.

Here's where you should go to celebrate:

Head to South Loop hot spot Acadia for a special deal on chef Ryan McCaskey's pretty legit lobster roll. You'll get it with house-made salt & vinegar chips and an Allagash White beer for $18. Here's a tidbit that should get your mouth watering: McCaskey's so hardcore about his lobster roll that he gets the buns FedExed in from a small market in Maine.

Over at Fishbar, in Lakeview, chef Michael Kornick's pretty obsessed about his signature lobster roll as well. You'll find his stuffed to the gills with fresh lobster and the buttery rolls made in-house.

Bryce Caron Now at Graham Elliot

Award-winning pastry chef Bryce Caron via starchefs.com

This is fantastic news to end the week:

Bryce Caron, the talented, award-winning pastry chef who was recently let go at Blackbird, has a new gig as graham elliot's first-ever pastry chef.

"I couldn't be more excited to have chef Caron join chef (Andrew) Brochu and the talented culinary team at graham elliot,” Graham Elliot said Friday in a release. "We're confident his artistic creations will play an integral part in our restaurant's quest for culinary excellence."

Black Bull Charges Into Wicker Park Thursday

Black Bull's tapas. (Photo: Black Bull Tapas)

And a busy week for restaurant openings continues:

Black Bull, the next chapter for the guys behind Hubbard Inn, debuts Thursday in the former home of Angels & Mariachis.

Their latest venue is a throwback of sorts to their beginnings when they first opened the stylish sports bar and tapas lounge Barcelona in the early 2000s. Hubbard Inn chef Bob Zrenner will helm the kitchen.

And since we're talking about openings, look for Drumbar to finally open on the rooftop of the Raffaello Hotel Friday.

Our friends at Urban Daddy Chicago offer a cool account of what to expect: