'Food Lovers' Guide To Chicago' Debuts

(Photo: Globe Pequot Press)

Here's yet another dining guide for those of you who cannot get enough of what's going on with Chicago's ever-expanding scene.

Penned by seasoned journalist Jennifer Olvera, Food Lovers' Guide to Chicago checks into more than 800 restaurants, farmers' markets, food festivals, specialty food stores, watering holes and more, giving you an insider's view.

Quay Opens in Former De La Costa Space

Quay Restaurant & Bar is set to open in the space formerly occupied by De La Costa in mid-July. (Photo: De La Costa)

Last summer, I got word from an Ultimate Insider about a new project going into the old De La Costa space.

Now it's finally happening as Quay Restaurant & Bar is set to open in the long-abandoned venue in July.

Blind Item Guessing Game!

So this is pretty shocking news . . .

An Ultimate Insider tells 312DD that a popular Asian-inspired restaurant in the West Loop will close in about a month.

Apparently it has nothing to do with finances—because the spot is packed daily—but some legal issues have come to a head. But you know what?! Every project eventually runs its course anyway, and the partners are already working on the next chapter, which is supposed to be hot.

Stay tuned . . .

Paella on Parade . . .

This sounds like one hell of a yummy time!

Chicagoist has the scoop on El Coto de Rioja's Paella Parade, as a number of local restos go head to head in a friendly competition to determine who makes the Spanish dish best. Latin- and Spanish-inspired spots like Carnivale, Emilio's Tapas, Province and Socca are set to compete, so you know this will be a good time.

Checking Out Mixologist's 'Bar Aid Project'

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

In early May, 312DD introduced you to Logan Lavachek's Bar Aid Project, a cocktail-focused blog tracking her progress recreating 80 classic alcoholic beverages.

And this week, on WCIU-TV's You & Me This Morning, we caught up with Duchamp's ace mixologist to actually make some of the spirited sippers.

Here's the video!

Secret Raphael Saadiq Show at The Gage!

Raphael Saadiq performed a secret supper club show at The Gage Wednesday. (Photo: Columbia)

Man, when I found out R&B/soul singer Raphael Saadiq was going to perform at The Gage Wednesday night, I tried everything I could to get in.

Alas, my contacts didn't come through, but the event sounded absolutely fabulous.

Shhhh. . .Gage's New Monday Party Is 'Semi-Secret'

The Gage's downstairs private dining area. (Photo: The Gage)

Well, now that I let the big ol' cat out of the bag, I might as well give you the rest of the details.

Every last Monday of the month, beginning June 27, The Gage and next-door sister restaurant Henri will throw one helluva party in The Gage's basement private dining room.

Saturday is International Sushi Day!

If you follow me on Twitter @Audarshia, then you know how obsessed I am with @Foodimentary's useful "food of the day" tweets.

I typically keep my postings about the "food of the day" on Twitter only, but this particular day deserves a shoutout on 312DD!

It's International Sushi Day on Saturday, and to celebrate, RA Sushi's giving away its signature Tootsy Maki from 11am to 7pm. It comes with Kani kama crab mix, shrimp and cucumber rolled and topped with crunchy tempura bits and drizzled with sweet eel sauce. To get it, you must "like" RA Sushi on Facebook and print the offer from its page.

That's the only freebie I could find for International Sushi Day, but the occasion also gives me the opportunity to gleefully list some of my fave sushi spots in the city: