Happy Birthday, Dr. King!

Dr. King would have been 82 today. He would have also been proud to see us getting along and taking care of one other.

Here's a chance to give back to those less fortunate, with the great civil rights leader in mind:

Feeding America: Provides food for more than 37 million U.S. citizens a year.

Heifer International: Help others get the livestock and other sustainable products they need in order to survive.

Meals on Wheels: Provides home-delivered meals to the disabled and seniors.

Share Our Strength: Proceeds from its Taste of the Nation benefits—last year featuring 3,000 chefs in 50 cities—go to local organizations that serve the 12 million American children who need food pantries and other forms of assistance to obtain the nutrition they require.

Vital Bridges: For more than 20 years, the organization has helped men, women and children impacted by HIV and AIDS.

The BYOBandits Are Pretty Damn Funny

(Photo: BYOBandits)

Sam and Owen, the masked bloggers behind BYOBandits, have my vote when it comes to originality on reviewing Chicago's restaurants.

Their take on the city's burgeoning BYOB dining scene is a refreshing escape from some of the stuffy, self-important reviewers you'll find on other sites.

Just a few of their best bits:

Freebies . . . on Friday . . .

The Aviator cocktail is free tonight only at Bernard's at the Elysian. (Photo via The Best American Poetry)

Low on cash, but got an appetite for the good life?! Every Friday, 312DD features the best bargain bets around town:

Bernard's: You'll get one free classic Aviator cocktail if you mention the names Levi or Erin at the Elysian's sexy mezzanine-level lounge. The deal is good for tonight only.

'Red Cooler Tamale Guy' is on Twitter!

(Photo via ifood tv)

There's a feeding frenzy with foodies following food trucks in town selling everything from meatball sandwiches to cupcakes to mac 'n' cheese.

But some of us are so lazy that we'd rather have the good eats come straight to us. Literally. Like that one late, late night last December when we were sitting around at Bar DeVille.

Chicago Gets Sneak Peek of David Burke's Kitchen!

David Burke (Photo: David Burke Townhouse)

So, this is very cool.

For once, Chicagoans get an edge over New Yorkers as celeb chef David Burke gives us a sneak preview of his latest project that's opening in SoHo on Feb. 1.

Those dining at David Burke's Primehouse on Jan. 21 get first tastes of some of the dishes set to appear on the menu at David Burke's Kitchen, located in the James New York hotel.

Whiskey Bar To Soon Serve Up Deejays?!

Whiskey Bar & Grill on Rush Street. (Photo: Whiskey Bar & Grill)

From one of my Gold Coast-based Ultimate Insiders:

"You have your fingers on the pulse of everything (Gosh, I absolutely adore this person!).

"I received a letter from Whiskey Bar, which is of course right across the street from our apt., asking for our support in their quest for a DJ permit/license. They said they would not charge a cover or install a dance floor and are going to respect the neighborhood.

"We haven't received the notice from (Ald.) Brendan Reilly to voice our opinions at a hearing, but the letter indicated that when the hearing does happen, they hope they have our support."

It'll be interesting to see what happens here, seeing how there are very few similar options in the immediate area . . .

The Best Tables in Town on Valentine's Day

Sepia's semi-private Table 70 is one of the city's most romantic spots in town. (Photo: Urban Daddy)

When it comes to Valentine's Day, you've done diamonds to death. Sent more roses to last your significant other a lifetime.

And, of course, you've hit damn near every romantic spot in the city, so how could you possibly outdo yourself on the most romantic night of the year?!

The Baker and the Bartender

Caroline Hamilton and Tony Galzin of MK (Photo courtesy of Caroline Hamilton)

Just wanted to toss out a warm congrats to MK's talented pastry chef Tony Galzin and bartender Caroline Hamilton, who got engaged on Christmas Eve at her home.

They met at the longtime contemporary American River North restaurant where he cranks out artistic sweets that actually pair well with her delicious, hand-crafted cocktails.

"It was a huge surprise, (and) neither one of our families knew, so it was super fun to surprise them when we went to his aunt's house to see everyone Christmas morning," says Hamilton. "He was going to do it Christmas morning, but said he got too excited (to wait)!"

So happy for them!