312DD's Top 5 Picks at Taste!

This little festival-goer takes on Manny's infamous BBQ turkey leg at Taste of Chicago. (Photo via Chicago Sun-Times)

Going to the Taste?!

Before heading over there to navigate the 59 booths serving up more than 350 dishes, make sure you check out 312DD's Top 5 picks on The U's You & Me This Morning.

From the best "oldie but goodie" to best "food on a stick," I've got you covered.

Good Luck and Happy Eatin'!

Another Way To Check Out McCartney!

If you miss out on getting concert tickets to see Sir Paul McCartney at Wrigley Field July 31-August 1, we found an alternative.

The Lakeview Baseball Club, across from the Field, is throwing a rooftop bash that's almost as good as the real deal. You won't, however, be able to see the show, but you'll definitely hear it.

Free Pinkberry For Ev'rybody!

(Photo: Pinkberry)

Here's a freebie alert, so I'm giving you one full week in advance so you can plan accordingly:

Pinkberry's officially opening July 8, but they're doing a preview event 5-9pm July 7 so you can get free froyo.

This'll be the company's first store in Illinois, and by the response I get from folks every time I mention it, people are very excited!

Don't be surprised if that line starts forming around noon next week . . .

Hidden Whistler Backyard Bar is a Hit . . .

The Backyard Bar at The Whistler (Photo: The Whistler)

So, my boy over at Urban Daddy Chicago gave us the scoop on The Whistler's brand-new "backyard bar," which opened over the weekend.

It should come as no surprise that it was a hit. UD calls it "a new tiki-tinged garden of alfresco mixology," and head bartender Paul McGee's hooking guests up with three summertime swizzles, including made-to-order Martiniques (rhum agricole, lime juice, cane sugar, absinthe, bitters, magnificent quantities of mint) for $8. König Pilsener and Bells Oberon ($5 each) are also served.

Tippling Bros. Bring 'Kegged' Cocktails To Tavernita

Tad Carducci and Paul Tanguay of the Tippling Bros. (Photo: Mercadito Hospitality)

Tavernita was supposed to open this summer, but now the innovative, Spanish- and Latin-focused restaurant project from the Mercadito team is set to open in September.

We were already excited about this latest dining option in River North, but now that we have more info on the bar program, we're counting down the days until it opens.

The award-winning beverage consultants Tad Carducci and Paul Tanguay of the Tippling Bros. are behind everything booze, which means that it's certain to be over the top.

312DD Gets 'Honorable Mention' in Chicago Reader 'Best Food Blog' Poll!

This came as a total surprise!

312DD snagged an honorable mention in the Chicago Reader Best Food Blog poll.

We lost to Eater Chicago, which is cool, because under editor Ari Bendersky's leadership, they've been doing a damn fine job. Congrats, Eater and Ari!

Props also go out to our pals at LTHForum.com (even though some of those cats on their message boards cannot stand 312DD, but I don't give a *$(*&^%$#@#$%^!!!) as well as Sky Full of Bacon, who also got honorable mentions!

Bubbly's on Eater Chicago this weekend, y'all!

Chicago Mag's Beer Release at Map Room

Keg photo via americantomdotcom.blogspot.com

Whoa.

It looks like every industry insider in the city's going to The Gage Monday for the first-ever, pop-up, underground party.

And since the guest list is full, I took the initiative to scout out yet another bangin' bash for you to check out if you miss out.

Boogie Down Brunches Include Bottle Service

Mercadito's "Disco Brunch" includes your very own Bloody Mary bottle service. (Photo: Mercadito Chicago)

Every now and then you need a jolt to the regular routine—and we're not talking about an extra cup of coffee.

We're talking about brunch. Some folks get a thrill out of waiting in line for an hour or two at the latest brunch joint. Others drool over the prospect of pancakes stacked high and drowned in sauces and syrup. But right now, especially during the warm months, we're all about the "disco brunch" concept, which is pretty popular in Miami and New York.

They're lively, with party atmospheres, so if you've got a rowdy group of friends or family who'd get the stink eye at more civilized brunches at the Four Seasons or even Wishbone, these might be your best bet.

Mercadito, in fact, encourages loud, rowdy groups because they're easily drowned out by the deejay spinning contemporary and old-school tunes.