Warm Weather Is Finally Here . . .

. . . so why not celebrate with a nice refreshing cocktail?!

I've rounded up some delicious drinks on Dining Chicago you can enjoy alfresco on your deck or at some wonderful places around town, including Hubbard Inn, Lula Cafe and Market.

Get out and about!

Chicago Gets Smacked Down at Beard!

"Thanks to the James Beard Foundation for recognizing mac 'n cheese and fried chicken," said Alex Young, the chef/owner of Zingerman's Roadhouse in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Young seemed as shocked as everyone else when his name was called at the annual awards in culinary excellence Monday in New York, especially seeing as he was up against an entire Chicagoland contingent in his category of Best Chef: Great Lakes.

You likely won't find "mac 'n' cheese and fried chicken" on the menus at Avenues, where Curtis Duffy helms the kitchen; Paul Virant's Vie, Michael Carlson's Schwa or at Bruce Sherman's North Pond, but I guess Beard wasn't looking for anything innovative this year. Oh, and did I mention that three of these restaurants received one or two Michelin stars?!

Another Reason To Lust Over Lillie's Q

Photo of Lillie's Q chef/owner Charlie McKenna via the Chicago Tribune.

This weekend marks the seventh year in a row that Charlie McKenna, owner/chef of Bucktown gem Lillie's Q, has competed in the May World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest in Memphis.

He placed first in 2007 in the "whole pork shoulder" category, and he's looking to do it again with his signature smoked swine at the restaurant he opened in 2010. The Southern-style spot was also just named Food & Wine's No. 1 of the Best New Barbecue Restaurants in the country.

Bartender Takes On Project of a Lifetime

Logan Lavachek of Duchamp Chicago. (Photo: Logan Lavachek)

It was by fate Logan Lavachek stumbled upon her grandmother's long-forgotten "bar aid," a vintage cocktail accessory popular in the 1950s and 1960s.

The perky mixologist at Double A, Duchamp and Sepia—which all feature solid cocktail programs by the way—found 80 cocktail recipes from the Adonis to the "Zazerac" in the bar aid, and a lightbulb went off in her head. Why not re-create all these drinks in their original form?!

Make Friday The 13th A 'Thirsty' One

Thirsty Girl founder Leslie Sbrocco hosts a wine-focused event at Sushi Samba rio. (Photo: Thirsty Girl)

Now, she looks like fun!

Thirsty Girl founder Leslie Sbrocco is coming to Sushi Samba Rio Friday, May 13, bringing delight to a day most folks dread.

The 16-town tour wouldn't be complete without stopping in our fair city, and this highly recognized wine and lifestyle expert aims to spread her knowledge to those who attend this lively after-work event.

Old Town Social Chef Kicks Off 'Meet The Market'

Old Town Social Executive Chef Jared Van Camp (Photo: Old Town Social)

So, this is pretty sweet.

Old Town Social's super star chef Jared Van Camp is on Green City Market's brand new junior board and he's kicking off the season (which begins today, by the way) with an awesome event series.

This Photo Is Making Me Thirsty!

Raise your hand if you're drinking Margaritas on Cinco de Mayo!

With Mother's Day celebrations happening all over town this weekend, you can't be getting all jacked up before you take her out.

But man is it tempting with all the Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Derby events going down.

Here are some you don't want to miss because it's so hard to turn down a good Margarita or Mint Julep:

He's Cooking For One Lucky Reader!

Paul Virant photo via Chicago Reader

Thanks to all who entered the contest to win dinner for two at Perennial Virant, which opens in Lincoln Park in mid-May.

But there was only one winner, and Harold Smith's heartfelt email about how he wanted to take his foodie momma out for a nice dinner pulled on my heartstrings: