Rick Gresh Goes Haute Casual

Chef Rick Gresh's "The Hangover Dog" (Photo: America's Dog) and Gresh. (right photo: David Burke's Primehouse)

David Burke's Primehouse's Executive Chef Rick Gresh may be a fine-dining culinary star, but he always seems to get more pleasure when he's putting his spin on comfort-food dishes.

In his latest collaboration with America's Dog, he's created a signature dog for the monthly program featuring high-profile local chefs.

Celeb Chefs & Charity Go Hand In Hand

GT Fish & Oyster is one of many top restaurants set to serve on the charity circuit this fall. (Photo: GT Fish & Oyster)

Just about every week, there's some type of chef-focused charity party going on, and while this week's no different, it's the biggest one of all.

Friday's the day for the annual Meals on Wheels' Celebrity Chef Ball—the city's longest event of its kind.

Chefs Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat), Chris Pandel (The Bristol) and Paul Virant (Perennial Virant) are the esteemed hosts, and 80 additional chefs are set to serve signature bites at the walk-around tasting (8pm-12:30am; $125 per person).

But one name jumped out at me because this chef is also participating in a couple of additional charitable events you should know about.

Fall Into These New Dining Spots

The colorful Patron's Hacienda is ideal for the couple that’s been together for awhile and looking to spice up their relationship. (Photo: Patron's Hacienda)

OK, people.

We've been spoiled for the past week with some amazing weather, and alas, that's about to come to an end.

But have no fear. It's about to get good. . .really good as crisp fall temperatures descend upon us.

From BLT American Brasserie to Patron's Hacienda to The Pump Room, a number of fall restaurant openings have you and your significant other in mind as you look for places where you can snuggle up.

Check them all out in the The GRUB GUIDE, in ChicagoDining.com.

Morning TV Anchor Sushi Battle!

Melissa Forman (left) and Jeanne Sparrow of WCIU-TV's "You & Me This Morning" with actors Shawn and Marlon Wayans. (Photo: WCIU-TV)

My girls Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman—anchors of WCIU-TV's You & Me This Morning—are always on a roll, but this time they're doing it for a great cause.

They're taking part in RA Sushi's first-ever Wake Up Little Sushi contest, where they're charged with creating a signature roll to raise money for their favorite charity.

Sprout Team Looking For Second Location

The Sprout kitchen team includes Executive Chef Dale Levitski (second from right) and sous chef Sara Nguyen. (Photo: Sprout)

Got a couple of scoops Wednesday from chefs working the Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat) book launch party for Girl In The Kitchen (Chronicle Books).

Sprout Executive Chef Dale Levitski revealed to 312DD that he's actively looking for a second location for his very successful Lincoln Park restaurant. From what I could understand, the team's thinking about looking in the West Loop, but I tried to convince him to consider looking in the West Town area as well.

Also, Socca Executive Chef Roger Herring had his biggest Monday night ever when he featured $5 gourmet burgers in 2010.

He's decided to up the ante by basically giving away Allen Bros. steaks. On Oct. 25, the Lakeview resto is selling $5 8 oz. prime sirloin steaks. Sides and cocktails will be at regular prices. What an effing deal because those steaks are usually $28!

Landan Twins' Wild, $130K+ Night Out!

Brothers Jon (left) and Andrew Landan with actress Heather Graham (right). (Photos: Facebook)

While you were likely having a chill Tuesday night, two local scenesters were whooping it up with celebrities at River North's late-night dance club Board Room.

Jon and Andrew Landan somehow got into the good graces of famed Hollywood actors Heather Graham and Zac Efron and racked up one of the most expensive bar tabs we've seen in awhile.

Don't believe me?! Here's the evidence below of the $135,060 splurge, including a $100,000 bottle of Armand Nabuchadnezzar (a.k.a. Ace of Spades) champagne:

Second-Annual 'Who Runs This Town' Poll

Billy Dec (left photo via topnews.com) and brothers Jerrod (left) and R.J. Melman (photo via PopSugar.com)

There are so many chef-oriented polls being thrown around that in 2010 I decided to invent the first-ever Who Runs This Town poll to find out which restaurateur has the most juice.

It was just a fun little experiment pitting Billy Dec (Rockit Bar & Grill/Sunda/Underground) and Graham Elliot (grahamwich/graham elliot) against one another because they're such big personalities outside of their businesses.

Well, Billy Dec won in a landslide, and since then, the competition has gotten more fierce than ever.

One Last Hurrah!

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

When we get a week of weather like we're having now, consider it a gift from the Gods (especially after the horrible weather week we experienced last week), put your summer clothes back on, and get outside!

By the weekend, temps are expected to hit 80 degrees, so why not hit up some of the newer spots you've been meaning to check out: