Now This Looks Really Fun . . .

This should hold us off as we continue to wait with bated breath for that still unnamed Melman tiki-lounge concept in River North.

Kitsch'n On Roscoe is doing a tiki-themed, pop-up event—for one night only—6-11pm August 2. This is part of a new series of events they're doing to promo the new private menu options.

For the occasion, they're going all out with a $25 three-course, prix-fixe menu, Polynesian-themed cocktails, exotica-type music and a decor blown out in full tiki theme. Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited.

Here's what to expect on the menu:

Get A Sneak Preview of BellyQ Saturday!

Yvonne Cadiz Kim and Bill Kim of BellyQ.

Chef Bill Kim and his wife, Yvonne Cadiz Kim, are one step closer to opening the West Loop's next sensation, Belly Q, in the old onesixty blue space.

To generate a little buzz, they're doing a complimentary tasting noon-2pm Saturday at FoodEase, in Water Tower Place. Guests will get a taste of what's to come: Asian barbecue and seasonal, locally farmed ingredients.

Celebrate Summer with a Significant Other

Alfresco diners on a perfect night on the town.

Sometimes you want to hang out with the girls or the guys at a rowdy outdoor café, and other times you just want to chill with a sig other—on a quiet patio far away from the action.

For those rare occasions, we’ve lined up the ideal situations where you can drink and dine in relative peace, from sipping sparkling Italian vino at Prosecco to a cozy Sunday morning brunch with Bloodys at Southport & Irving.

'Top Chef' Stars To Bartend At Hotel Thrillist

Chefs Grayson Schmitz (left) and Dale Levitski

Just about every notable local bartender will be away this weekend for the annual Tales of the Cocktail down in New Orleans.

Of course you'll still be able to get a well-made cocktail around town (or maybe stick to drinking beer or wine!), but their absence leaves room for some other stars to shine behind the bar.

Specifically it's a couple of chefs you may have heard about: Top Chef alums Grayson Schmitz and Dale Levitski, who will serve as special celebrity bartenders at the Hotel Thrillist.

Important Fundraiser For MANA Line Cook

Ashley Pruneau (Photo: Facebook)

MANA Food Bar line cook Ashley Pruneau was brutally attacked with a hammer in her home earlier this month by an unknown assailant. The guy beat her around the head so badly that she required emergency surgery, but she's going to require another one. Add to that the mounting hospital bills, and she's in dire need of some assistance.

According to Eater Chicago, MANA's already set up a recovery fund, and now one of her former employers, Letizia's Fiore, is also pitching in.

How To Be A VIP at GT Fish & Oyster . . .

GT Fish & Oyster partners Kevin Boehm (left) and Giuseppe Tentori possibly discussing their next VIP customer. (Photo: GT Fish & Oyster)

If you're like me, you've seen those coveted, bronzed nameplates at GT Fish & Oyster's bar and seriously wanted to be down.

Now the secret's out in this new video on how to get one with your name brandished across it. It's not an easy task at all, but I think a 312 Dining Diva nameplate would look awesome right in front of that oyster bar!

Patrick Fahy Now At Trump's Sixteen

Pastry Chef Patrick Fahy during his days at Blackbird. (Photo: Blackbird)

This bombshell just dropped in my inbox:

Sarah Kosikowski quietly left her position as executive pastry chef at Sixteen and Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago at the end of June to work for Valrhona Chocolate.

Taking her place on July 30 will be Patrick Fahy, who was most recently at Cafe Des Architectes. He also garnered rave reviews for his work at avec, Blackbird and Publican (where he received a James Beard Foundation Award nomination in the Outstanding Pastry Chef category).

Who else is coming aboard?!

Do This: Four Fab Foodie Fetes

(Photo via San Francisco Examiner)

Here are a few heavy-hitter chef events coming up. The best part is that there's something for every budget—from $25 to $250—and you'll go home feeling satisfied:

BBQ Beasts & Blues. Three Aces' Matt Troost has gathered some of his culinary cohorts for an event to support MEMA-Music, a nonprofit organization motivating youth through music.

Who's Involved: Each chef [Troost, Mark Steuer (The Bedford), Chris Curren (Stout Barrel House & Galley), John Manion (La Sirena Clandestina)] will prepare a whole animal (think whole pig, lamb, fowl and/or goat) with accompanying side dishes. Bonus: Live music from Chicago blues artists Mississippi Gabe Carter, Matt Hendrix and Dave Herrero.

When & Where: 4-10pm Sunday, July 22 at Three Aces.

$: $25 at the door only