Mindy Segal Was A Punk/Goth Girl

Hot Chocolate's Mindy Segal grew up on Chicago's North Shore. (Photo: Mindy Segal)

As a local hometown girl, it always makes me especially proud to see other locally grown folks make it to the big time.

So I was pretty happy to check out Time Out's latest story featuring Chicago's own R.J. & Jerrod Melman (Hub 51/Paris Club), Doug Sohn (Hot Doug's) and Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate).

Join in on the Wedding Festivities . . .

. . . at a number of local spots hosting viewing parties, fashion shows, traditional/contemporary tea and more in honor of Will & Kate:

Blokes & Birds: They had me at Pimm's Cups, which the Lakeview lounge will be offering for $6 during a post-wedding viewing party if you don't get up at the crack of dawn to turn on the tube. Televisions will be tuned in all over the bar, and you'll also get comped cucumber sandwiches, half-pints of Wells Bombardier for $3, and all-you-can-eat fish & chips for $10. 5pm-2am Friday.

Chalkboard: You can stay in the spirit all weekend long at the North Center resto's brand new afternoon tea service. It includes a personal pot of tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones with Devonshire cream and organic fruit spread. $19 (add $8 for sparkling wine; $15 for Champagne). Saturdays, Sundays 2-4pm.

Wanna Skip The Line At Doughnut Vault?!

Doughnut Vault's chocolate glazed. (Photo: Doughnut Vault)

If you're like me and waited on a cold and blustery day for an hour and still left empty handed at Doughnut Vault, definitely keep reading:

Introducing The 'SkinnyTattooedBoy Margarita'

Mixologist Daniel de Oliveira (Photo: Daniel de Oliveira)

You know, I was a big, big fan of Bethenny Frankel's lo-cal SkinnyGirl Margarita until I recently found a local, underground version that's made of all fresh ingredients.

Chicago mixologist Daniel de Oliveira came up with his SkinnyTattooedBoy Margarita that's a bit more badass than the original concoction.

Urban Belly Alum Needs Your Help!

Midnight Moxie members Sarah Chang (from left), Meg O'Reilly and Nia O'Reilly Amandes (Photo: Midnight Moxie)

Former Urban Belly/Belly Shack Chef Sarah Chang and fellow members of contempo doo-wop group Midnight Moxie are only about $1,500 short of seeing their dream realized.

You see, they need exactly $3,500 to finish their first album, Don't Stop, and their "customer service employee/teacher/self-employed chef paychecks" are not getting them there. So if 13-year-old Rebecca Black could manage to get support for that ridiculous Friday song, there's no reason why these girls shouldn't get their wish fulfilled. And they're actually talented.

Dinner Pays Tribute To 'Women of Rock'

Blue 13 includes Chicago's own Liz Phair during "Women of Rock" dinner.

Peek your head inside any restaurant kitchen around town, and you'll be surprised to discover that what they're listening to is far more interesting than what we're hearing out in the dining room.

That's what inspired Blue 13 executive chef/owner Chris Curren to launch the Rock 'n' Roll Dinner Series in 2009. The five-course dinners are inspired by a band or theme, and each dish takes its cue from a designated song from the playlist.

April Showers Bring On Perennial’s Powers

Paul Virant photo via Chicago Sun-Times.

Perennial Virant—with chef Paul Virant at the helm—is set to open in mid-May.

Eater's got a sneak preview of what to expect as far as the interior, and we've got the opening menu for you to peruse.

You'll love the fact that there's a $35 seasonal, three-course prix-fixe menu, plus 15 shareable plates ranging $8-$27.

It Totally Pays To Be A Firefighter!

The staff over at Grant Achatz's glorious new Next have likely heard just about every story imaginable from the more than 21,000 people trying to get reservations at the West Loop hot spot.

But we're betting they had no idea they'd get this one: