Where Too White Crew's Frontman Chows Down

C-Note of Too White Crew (Photo: Too White Crew)

He's a life-long Chicagoan who's performed at the Playboy Mansion as well as a number of college campuses around the country.

Yet, when it comes to good eating, Too White Crew frontman C-Note says there's no place better than home.

His talented band (and dancers better known as the Fly Girls) specializes in old-school hip hop, and they're certain to work up quite an appetite after those energetic shows. So I recently caught up with C-Note to see where he likes to get down and chow down when he's not working.

GQ Honors Aviary, Ignores Other Chicago Bars

Aviary Old Fashioned photo via slowcocktails.squarespace.com.

It's cool that Grant Achatz's The Aviary has garnered props left and right since opening earlier this year.

So, I'm not shocked at all that GQ included the molecular-minded, mixology-focused lounge in its Guide to the Next Wave of Cocktails in the January issue:

Your Xmas Dinner Is Right Here . . .

Not everyone cooks on Christmas, and just in case you're one of those folks, I have got you covered.

From the annual Feast of the Seven Fishes at Osteria via Stato to Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club's Jingle Bell Brunch featuring a sexy Santa and Hypnotiq martinis, I rap with The U's You & Me This Morning host Jeanne Sparrow about my favorite Xmas Eve and Xmas dining picks around town.

Check it out, then make your reso.

Happy Holidays!

An Awesome Alternative To NYE

For those so over the hectic pace of New Year's Eve, there's always Eve of the Eve, the infamous black-tie charity event happening the night before NYE at Union Station.

It's a bit pricy at $125 a ticket, so for those trying to save $$$ in the New Year, I've stumbled across the perfect party.

McGee's Tavern is known for throwing the party brunch in Lincoln Park, where guests stick around for hours after they've dined. And on New Year's Day, which falls on a Sunday this time around, it is expected to be completely off the hook.

Zagat Chicago Blog Hop: My Best Night Out

My best night out in Chicago included Dough Boys in Little Italy. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

In honor of the 2012 Chicago Restaurants and Nightlife Survey, Zagat reached out to me to write a post about a special night out in Chicago.

I'm excited to be part of the first-ever Zagat Chicago Blog Hop, where a number of like-minded writers are getting in on the action.

My contribution to this project is pretty easy, even though I'm on the dining-and-drinking scene more often than many around this town. Earlier this year, I gathered 10 awesome friends for what I called One Big Night in Little Italy. We checked out about eight old-school and newcomer restaurants and bars in the Near West Side 'hood.

Exclusive Sneak Preview: Acadia's Cocktail Menu

Acadia's Amnesiac cocktail of yellow chartreuse, Amaro, orange bitters, osmanthus tea soda and house-made Absinthe ice cubes. (Photo: Michael Simon)

Acadia, the long-awaited project from acclaimed chef Ryan McCaskey, opens Dec. 21 in the South Loop.

During Wednesday's sneak preview of his whimsical, yet sophisticated take on items like lobster rolls, house-made salt-and-vinegar potato chips, and miniature S'mores, I also got a comprehensive sampling of bar director Michael Simon's cocktails. The drinks are equally whimsical, taking a cue from classic cocktails not typically found in most restaurants.

Simon's even gone so far as to add his own offbeat elements to these cocktails, from absinthe-infused and coconut-and-dill ice cubes to house-made tomatilla agave syrup and edible violets.

Here is Simon's opening menu:

Something to Look Forward to in January

Chris Curren (left) of Blue 13 and The Bedford's Mark Steuer.

Blue 13's Executive Chef Chris Curren's hosting what he's calling a Working Chefs Dinner, in which he's showcasing toques "(who) may not always draw the headlines, (but) the consistent quality they display night after night keeps guests not only satisfied, but coming back for more."

He's gathered for the event, happening 6-9pm Jan. 9, five respected chefs and one amazing bartender who will create 10 courses in their signature styles.

Dec. 20 is National Sangria Day . . .

I've always thought of sangria as a summer sipper, but it's so damn good I don't mind drinking it 365 days a year. And since Dec. 20 is National Sangria Day, here's an excuse to drink even more at these local spots serving some of the best in the city:

At Coobah in Lakeview, you'll find a recipe that originated in the Dominican Republic. Pitchers are regularly $18, but lucky for you every Tuesday they're marked down to $6. There's also live Latin music.

Water Tower Place newcomer FOODEase serves several wines on tap, including a very special concoction of white or red sangria. They throw in a bunch of fruit, of course, so if you're shopping along the Mag Mile, stop in for a glass or two.